German Measles 4 days after onset of rash

Red Measles 7 to 10 days after onset of rash

Mumps 9 days after glands swell

Hepatitis Clearance by Physician

Mononucleosis Clearance by Physician

Conjunctivitis (Pink eye) Until under proper treatment

Impetigo Until under proper treatment

Pediculosis (Lice) Until nits are gone

Ringworm Until under proper treatment

Scabies Until under proper treatment

NOTE: The principal may require a written note from the student's family doctor or public health department for a student returning to school after having a communicable or infectious disease.

ATTENDANCE, GRADES K-6

If a compulsory-school-age child has not been enrolled in a school within fifteen (15) calendar days after the first day of the school year of the school which such child is eligible to attend or if a compulsory-school-age child has accumulated five (5) absences during the school year, the principal or superintendent is required to report such absences to the Mississippi Office of Compulsory School Attendance and Enforcement.

Parents of a compulsory-school-age child who has not been enrolled in school within thirty (30) calendar days after the first day of the school year of the public school which such child is eligible to attend or parents of a compulsory-school-age child who has accumulated twenty (20) absences during the school year are subject to prosecution under the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law.

Parents are responsible for calling the school when a student is absent. Upon the student's return to school, a written statement should be presented to the teacher. After a student has been absent for more than five (5) school days per term or a cumulative total of ten (10) school days per semester, written verification from a physician regarding an illness or injury or a substantiating statement regarding a death or other required written verification must be presented. Additional verification may be required if it is deemed appropriate.

After a student has been absent from school for five (5) school days, the child may be dropped from the rolls unless the school has been notified by the parent or legal guardian as to the cause of absence.

A child who arrives after the scheduled beginning time for the morning or afternoon session will be counted tardy.

A student shall be subject to retention if he/she misses twenty (20) days or more during the school year.

When a child arrives after school begins, he/she must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or parent’s designee.

Failure to comply may result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Recognition for perfect attendance shall be determined by individual schools.

TARDIES

A cumulative total of five (5) tardies per term as recorded by the teacher and/or in the principal's office will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Excessive absences, tardies, and early check-outs will be reported to the school attendance officer.

HOMEBOUND PROGRAM -- PROCEDURES FOR PLACEMENT

The Homebound Program is an instructional program for students who because of severe disabilities or chronic illnesses are unable to attend school for extended, long-term periods or for other reasons as approved by the Board of Trustees for the education of students not in the normal academic program. Only the superintendent, his/her designee, or the Board of Trustees may determine the student's eligibility for homebound services. No principal or teacher or any other staff person shall have the authority to place a student in the Homebound Program. Applications for homebound services are in the principal’s office.

LATE ENTRANCE

A student residing in the Biloxi Public School District at the beginning of the school year who is not attending another school and who enrolls after the first day of the school year in the Biloxi Public Schools must make up all work missed because of late enrollment. If a student resides in the Biloxi Public School District and enrolls after the beginning date of the school year, days missed because of late enrollment will be counted as absences. All make-up work due to late enrollment must be completed by the end of the current term.

STUDENT CHECK-OUT POLICY

Grade Levels K-6

In order to provide for the best welfare of each student and the school, the following check-out policy has been adopted:

When a student becomes ill or an emergency arises during the regular school day which may warrant early dismissal, the student must report to the principal's office or the pupil accounting office. Before the student may be released from school, a parent, legal guardian, or person authorized by a parent must come to the school office and sign the student out.

A student will be released for a doctor's appointment, dental appointment, or other just reason when the parent, legal guardian or person authorized by the parent comes to the school and signs the student out.

For the safety of students, check-outs must be made 30 minutes prior to dismissal. Students will only be released to authorized persons listed on the locator card.

COMPLIANCE POLICIES

The Biloxi Public School District is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1962, including regulations to vocational education, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

District's policy assures that no one shall, on the grounds of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, or handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the school. The vocational department encourages males and females to enroll in nontraditional classes and to train for nontraditional jobs. Copies of the Title IX policy of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 are available in the principal's office in each school building upon request.

The name and address of the local Title IX Coordinator is Dr. Robert Bowles, P.O. Box 168, 160 St. Peters Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39533; telephone 374-1810.

It is the policy of the Biloxi Public School District not to discriminate against any otherwise qualified individual with disability, solely by reason of his/her disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, any program or activity sponsored by this school corporation.

Inquiries regarding compliance with this policy should be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator or to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.

The name and address of the Coordinator of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is Dr. Robert Bowles, P.O. Box 168, 160 St. Peters Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39533; telephone 374-1810.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

1. Parent(s) or eligible student may request, in writing to the principal, an appointment to inspect and review contents of the student's educational records. Appointment must be granted within forty-five (45) days of request.

2. Parent(s) or eligible student may request, in writing to the principal, that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school refuses to change the records, the parent(s) or eligible student may request, in writing to the principal, a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still refuses the correction, the parent(s) or eligible student has the right to put a note in the record explaining his or her concerns.

3. Parent(s) or eligible student may review the student's record on request. One copy of a student’s permanent record may be provided to a parent/guardian at no charge. All other materials in the student's cumulative folder may be copied for $3.00 per page.

4. Educational records may not be released to a third party without the written consent of parent(s) or the eligible student. The following exceptions are legal:

a. School employees

b. Other schools to which a student is transferring

c. State or federal officials for audit purposes or for reporting information required by state statute

d. Financial aid officials in connection with a student's application for aid

e. Educational agencies for developing, validating, and administering predictive tests or studies if such information will not permit identification of individual students

f. Appropriate persons who need information to protect health and safety of students

g. Parents of a student over eighteen (18) who is still a dependent

5. A record of individuals requesting access to the educational record of each student will be maintained in each school building. The record will contain the signature, the date, and the reasons for needing access and will be available for parents' review upon request.

6. Student records are at the following locations:

Type of Record Location Custodian

Cumulative School Elementary School School Principal

Records Principal's Office

Junior High School School Principal

Principal's Office

High School School Principal

Principal's Office

Psychological Records Michel Junior High Coordinator of

Special Education Special Education

Parent(s) or eligible student may request, in writing within thirty (30) days of the first official school day of the year, that identifiable information regarding the student be deleted from school publications.

Parent/Guardians: You have a right to receive free of charge one copy of your child’s permanent record. This right is yours whether you are the custodial parent or not. The District encourages all parents to take an active role in their children’s education, whether or not you are the custodial parent. In the event you are not the custodial parent and wish to receive report cards sent directly to you, please contact the principal in your child’s school. The principal may request that you provide a self-addressed envelope to ensure that the school has the correct address. Persons other than parents/guardians may not receive information regarding a

student except in limited circumstances. For a copy of the complete text of the Privacy Act please contact Dr. Robert Bowles, Deputy Superintendent, in the District administration offices. In addition to the rights set forth in the student handbook, you have a right to request in writing an amendment of your child’s records to ensure they are correct and do not violate the student’s right to privacy. In the event you have a question or concern about student records or the law, please contact the Deputy Superintendent’s office at 374-1810. The Privacy Act also provides a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education under Section 99.64 of the Privacy Act if the District has failed to comply with the requirements of the Act.

CUSTODIAL PARENTS

The custodial parent must provide the school office with a current copy of the court decree, order, or petition, signed by a judge, stating that the parent has legal custody of this child. The Biloxi Public Schools will be responsible for issuing report cards, progress reports, and other necessary reports only to the custodial parent (defined as the parent with whom the student resides during the school year). Copies of report cards will be given to non-custodial parents upon written request to the principal.

FREE SPEECH

The District recognizes a student’s right to free speech provided it is exercised in a manner which is not prohibited by law nor disrupts the educational process.

TRANSFERS, CHANGES OF ADDRESS

1. The principal may release Biloxi Public Schools education reports or records when an official written request is received from the school district to which the student is transferred.

2. A parent or legal guardian has the right to review his/her child's school records.

3. A student leaving the Biloxi system may obtain a record of the student's work to date for the current term. Reports may be held if the student has any indebtedness to the school (lunchroom, workbooks, library, textbooks, damages, etc.).

4. In-District: A student who moves from one school zone to another in the Biloxi Public School District may be permitted to continue attendance in his/her present school only until the end of the current nine-week term. Transportation must be provided by the student’s parent/guardian.

Out-of-District: All students enrolled in the Biloxi Public Schools after the beginning of the school session who move outside the district at any time during the school year must withdraw from the Biloxi Public Schools within five (5) school days or apply for tuition status, with prepayment of tuition fees. The request for tuition status must be approved by the Board of Trustees at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Any student who moves during the school year must record the change of address with the principal in the main office. Any change of telephone number must be corrected in the same manner. In order to be able to contact or locate parents/guardians in a timely manner, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to be sure that addresses and telephone numbers on student locator cards are accurate and up-to-date. (Also see page 11, "Contacting Parents.")

WITHDRAWALS

In grades K-6, if a student withdraws or moves out of the district, the student will receive grades in progress to be presented to his/her new school. The school to which the student is transferring will have the option of accepting the grades in progress as the student's final grade. School officials should be notified one school day prior to the withdrawal of any student.

CAFETERIA

Breakfasts and lunches are served each day in all Biloxi schools. Prices for breakfasts and lunches will be subject to change during the school year.

At a time designated by the principal, a snack will be provided for all kindergarten students. The snack will be provided free-of-charge.

Free and reduced price breakfasts and lunches are available for those who apply and qualify.

Milk may be purchased by any student in the cafeteria.

Students will not take food out of the designated areas. Students who bring their lunches to school may eat in the cafeteria. Students shall not bring glass containers to school.

In compliance with Federal (USDA) guidelines, commercially prepared competitive food and drink items will not be distributed or sold one hour prior to or during the lunch period and will not be taken into the cafeteria during lunch.

No credit will be extended for breakfasts or lunches by the Food Service Department; however, the principal may establish a charge fund in accordance with School Board Policy.

The system used in identifying student meal status will be the number system. The concept of the number system requires that all students be assigned a certain coded number for the school year enabling each student to eat breakfast and lunch in the school cafeteria.

Students may pay in advance for lunch at a place and at times designated by the principal for this purpose. Students may also pay in advance on a weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly basis.

Misconduct in the cafeteria will result in appropriate placement on the disciplinary ladder.

PURCHASES

A purchase order signed by the purchasing agent will be used whenever purchases for school purposes are made by any club, individual, class, or staff member. Purchases made without an approved purchase order will become the personal obligation of the purchaser.

Prior approval by means of a requisition approved by the principal and the appropriate administrator designated by the Superintendent is required before a purchase order is issued. Requisitions must be originated by authorized staff members.

SUPERVISION-TELEPHONE

At no time are students to be in halls without hall passes. Students will be called from class only in cases of emergency. School telephones are for school business only, and students will not be permitted to use school telephones except in cases of illness or emergency.

PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS

Close cooperation between home and school is fostered by the Parent-Teacher Associations which are active in every Biloxi school. Parents are encouraged to join the P.T.A. and to attend meetings.

FLORAL DELIVERIES/GIFTS, ETC.

If floral arrangements or other gifts are delivered to the school they will not be accepted.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

ACCREDITATION

All Biloxi schools hold advanced level 5.0 accreditation by the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation. The high school is a member in good standing of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional accrediting commission.

Biloxi High School holds membership in the National College Boards.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are supplied by the school at no cost to the student on a loan basis. Since these books remain the property of the school district, defacement or abuse of books will result in the assessment of a damage fee. If textbooks are not returned or paid for, grades will be withheld, and students may not be allowed to register for attendance during the coming school year.

In cases where books are lost or damaged to a degree that will prevent further use, the student will be charged as established under district policy.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be issued following the end of each nine-week term. Grades will be recorded for both academic work and school behavior. Grades will be awarded on the basis of student performance.

A. The Biloxi Public School District will accept transfer students and award credit for grades earned during the school year if the student is enrolled in the Biloxi schools for at least twenty (20) school days. A student enrolled in a Biloxi school for less than twenty (20) school days will receive an Incomplete grade, except for those students transferring into the Biloxi school system whose grades in progress at a previous school are sent to the principal's office. Grades in progress will be averaged with grades received while in attendance in the Biloxi Public Schools.

B. When course work is not completed due to absences, an incomplete grade will be recorded on the report card. Upon return to school, a student will have ten (10) school days to make up missed work. Work not completed within the specified time may be recorded as a zero (0).

C. A student withdrawing from school prior to the last day of the grading period will not receive a final grade, but will receive grades in progress for that term. (See "Withdrawals.")

D. Examinations will not be administered prior to the regularly scheduled time.

E. In order for students to receive term, semester, or yearly grades, all course or grade level requirements must be met.

F. Students will be required to take report cards home and to have parents or legal guardians sign the report cards, which must be returned to teachers on the following day.

G. A checklist will be used to record the progress of kindergarten students.

H. Parents are required to pick up report cards from their children's schools for Term II (see calendar on back of handbook).

GRADES 1-6

A 95-100

B 85-94

C 75-84

D 70-74

F Below 70

I Incomplete

(No grade higher than a "C" will be recorded for any student working below grade level in the subject areas assessed.)

PROGRESS REPORTS

At mid-term during each nine-week term, the teacher or team will inform the parents of the academic work of all students. This is done by way of a progress report. In addition, if a student is later identified as performing at an unsatisfactory or below standard level, the parent will be informed through a second progress report. Students in all schools will sign for the progress report and it will be their responsibility to discuss the report with their parents. Teachers in grades K-6, at their discretion, may require the progress reports to be signed by a parent and returned. Parents who wish to receive progress reports more frequently may contact the student's teacher or the principal; furthermore, parents may request in writing that progress reports be mailed.

ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL - 1-6

To qualify for term or semester honor roll, a student must have an "A" average and/or "4" in each major subject (reading, mathematics, English, social studies, science, and spelling).

CLASSIFICATION/PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY

GRADES 1-6

The student will be promoted except in those cases where students (1) refuse to exert the required effort to achieve grade level objectives or (2) in the teacher's judgment, become sufficiently behind in academic work to make it unlikely or impossible to succeed if promoted to the next level. Student performance on the course objectives must be used as the principal basis for determining whether a student fails or passes for each elementary school grade and each secondary school academic course.

HOMEWORK

The Board of Trustees recognizes the value of purposeful, well-planned, and properly motivated home assignments that are (1) appropriate to the grade level, age, and abilities of the student; (2) designed to stimulate initiative and independence or to reinforce and enrich classroom instruction; (3) in complete accord with the goals established for the development of the school curriculum; (4) carefully planned so that home assignments are not so lengthy as to be self-defeating nor so complicated as to require assistance or resource materials not available to the student; and (5) an extension of classwork that has already been introduced.

As in the assignment of in-school work, homework assignments must be left to the sound professional judgment of the teacher, who will be expected to interpret the needs and assess the abilities and interests of each student.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students in grades K-6 will be required to take physical education unless excused by a doctor's statement for the current year or as based on the instructional needs of students.

FIELD TRIPS

As a part of the educational service of the school, students may be taken on field trips. Such trips are made only with the permission of the parent. When such trips are being planned, permission slips will be sent home to be signed by the parent. All field trips must be approved by the district administration and must be supervised by classroom teachers. No field trip will be conducted for the weeks of term tests, and all field trips must be concluded five (5) days prior to the week of term examinations. No field trip will be conducted during the last twenty (20) school days of the school year. Parents who volunteer to chaperone are not permitted to bring other children on the field trip.

Field trip requests that require Board approval must be in the superintendent’s office at least ten (10) days prior to the regular Board meeting.

MEDIA CENTER/LIBRARY

1. All pupils in the school are entitled to use the media center

and check out books. Students with library deficiencies or

overdue books are not permitted to check out books.

2. Reference books, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, are

to be used only in the media center.

3. Books on reserve may be borrowed for one period or after

school, in which case they must be returned the next

morning before school starts.

4. Other books may be checked out for a period of one week. 5. The student must have the book with him/her when he/she

wishes to renew it.

6. Five cents per day is charged for each overdue book.

7. When a reserve book is not returned, the fine is ten cents

per half day.

8. Students will pay for lost books and will pay fines on books

that have been damaged.

9. No book may be taken from the media center unless it is

checked out to the borrower.

10. The media center is open each school day before and after

school at times set by the building principal. Students are

urged to use the media center regularly and to comply with

the above regulations.

11. Students in the media center are subject to book check.

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

The Biloxi Public School District provides access to the Internet for students, faculty and staff. Students must have permission from at least one of their parents and/or guardians to access the Internet at school.

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of those privileges and/or disciplinary actions by the District. A student or employee’s use of the Internet must be in support of education and research, and consistent with the educational objectives of the Biloxi Public School District. In addition, the student or employee accessing the Internet from a school site is responsible for all online activities which take place through the use of his or her account. Neither students nor employees have the right of privacy when accessing the Internet through the District.

The following actions are unacceptable uses of the Internet:

using impolite, abusive, or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private messages

placing unlawful information on the Internet

using the Internet illegally in ways that violate federal, state or local laws or statutes

using the Internet for non-school related activities

accessing and using "chat rooms" or "newsgroups"

sending messages that are likely to result in the loss of the recipient’s work or systems

sending chain letters or pyramid schemes to lists of names or individuals, and any other type of use which would cause congestion of the Internet or otherwise interfere with the work of others

using the Internet for commercial purposes

using the Internet for political lobbying

changing any computer file that does not belong to the user

sending or receiving copyrighted materials without permission

knowingly giving one’s password to others

using another person’s password

using the Internet access for sending or retrieving pornographic materials, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network

circumventing security measures on school or remote computers or networks

attempting to gain access to another’s resources, programs or data

vandalizing, which is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user on the Internet, and includes the uploading or creation of computer viruses

falsifying one’s identity to others while using the Internet

divulging personal information on the Internet about a student, employee, or any other individual, including yourself

providing information for mailing lists

using personal disks or software on the computer without permission from the school library/media center and/or supervising teacher

downloading large files or sending mass e-mails which would tie up the lines without permission of the school library/media center and/or supervising teacher

using annoying or harassing behavior on the Internet such as using the talk or write functions, sending unwanted mail, or making sexist or racist remarks

physically abusing the computer or the software, and failing to keep the computer area neat and clean

failing to notify the school library/media center and/or supervising teacher of a potential leak in the security system on the District computers

buying, selling or promoting any other commercial activity on the Internet

distributing trade secrets on the Internet

failing to be properly trained before using the Internet

failing to log-in properly before using the Internet

doing any other activity which is deemed by the District to be inappropriate or objectionable because of the unique nature of the Internet

All terms and conditions as stated above are applicable to all users of the Internet. Violations of this policy may result in revocation of access to the Internet, discipline action, including suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment, loss of credit for work performed on the Internet, and possible civil or criminal action.

The Biloxi Public School District shall not be responsible for loss of data due to malfunction, delays or interruptions. Use of the Internet and the information obtained therefrom are all at the user’s risk.

Prior to obtaining an account number, all students must receive a copy of this policy and sign a student contract of use of the Internet.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Special Education for Children with Disabilities - A variety of programs in special education may be offered based on identified and approved student needs. Classes are provided for children with disabilities who have been evaluated and determined eligible for placement in a program. Students moving into the district should contact the Program Developer for Special Education for school assignment. These classes are provided in the Biloxi Public Schools under the direction of trained and certified teachers of exceptional children. Telephone 435-4600 for further information.

Educationally Disabled Programs - These programs are for the educable mentally retarded, specific learning disabilities, and developmentally delayed.

Hearing Impaired Programs- Special classes for students who have been determined to be Hearing Impaired by the appropriate screening team.

Gifted Education - Classes are provided for gifted students who meet eligibility requirements for placement in Gifted/Talented program in grades 2-8.

Language/Speech Disabled - Students screened eligible for Language/Speech therapy are provided therapy by qualified therapists.

Visually Impaired Classes - Special education for students with a verified visual disability is provided.

Physically Disabled Program - Students who manifest physical disabilities severe enough to require special programming to participate in regular school activities are served in this program.

Emotionally Disabled - Students who have been determined to be seriously emotionally disabled are served in this program.

Child Find Program - An ongoing project to locate, identify, evaluate, and appropriately place children with disabilities. Contact the Program Developer for Special Education for additional information.

Special Education Testing - Educational evaluations are provided for students at no expense to the parent(s), to determine the student's eligibility for placement in special education in the Biloxi Public School District. Referrals must be made through certified school personnel.

Guidance Services – Provided as part of the Biloxi Public Schools testing, counseling, and placement program.

GED Program - Enrollment is permitted in accordance with General Educational Development guidelines as administered by the state and with administrative approval. Call 436-5126 for additional information.

GED Testing - Persons interested in taking the GED test must complete application, have application notarized, and register at the GED office. Call 436-5126 for additional information.

HOSTS - A Title I program for students eligible under Title I guidelines in designated schools; literature-centered program.

School Nurses - Assigned to all schools on a less than full-time basis, offering health information and special health services for students who need them.

Homebound Program - For students who are required because of illness or accident to miss school for extended, long-term periods, as approved by the homebound coordinator, or for other reasons as approved by the Board of Trustees for the education of students not in the normal academic program.

English As A Second Language (ESL) Program - Ongoing program offered in grades K-12, to locate, identify, and assist eligible students.

Vocational Programs - Offered in Biloxi High School in the vocational complex on the high school campus; on-the-job training programs; vocational programs, special vocational counseling and testing programs.

Summer School Program - Offered if funds are available and teachers can be secured.

Student Assistance Program - A school-based process designed to identify and assist students who are having difficulties that interfere with learning.

Accelerated Program - A program for academically promising students in grades 9-12.

Advanced Placement - Courses offering advanced placement for grades 11-12 are identified in the Program of Studies, with enrollment permitted only after individual counseling. Students are encouraged to take AP exam if they enroll in the class. AP English is a two-year course and substitutes for English III and English IV.

Partners in Education - Businesses and schools join to form a partnership for support and excellence.

Saturday Scholars - For students choosing to participate in enrichment activities offered by the district in cooperation with community businesses or resource persons.

Project Read - Project Read/Language Circle is a mainstream language arts program that includes reading decoding, reading comprehension, and written expression.

LANGUAGE! - is a structured sequential reading, writing, spelling and comprehension program for grades 2-12.

Elementary Peer Counselors (The Victor Team) - For students in grades 11-12 who qualify for class selection and enrollment. The counselors pledge to be "drug free" and present monthly drug prevention lessons to students in grades K-3.

Drug Prevention Education Program - A prevention program for students in grades K-12, funded by a grant through the Drug Free Schools Act of 1986 and supervised by the State Department of Education.

Mentoring Program - Volunteers are matched with designated students in grades K-12 to serve as mentors.

Accelerated Reader - K-9 - A task-based learning information system designed to increase students’ interest and achievement in reading. This computerized reading management system measures the quality, quantity, and level of reading and gives information back to students, teachers, and parents.

Crisis Intervention - Counseling and consultative services provided to a school or classroom in times of extreme emotional stress.

Teacher Assistance Teams - Committee of teachers working cooperatively to construct interventions for students experiencing significant academic or behavioral problems.

SCHOOL INSURANCE

School insurance is available at the beginning of each school year at a nominal cost to the student. Several plans are available at the option of the parent and student. All students participating in athletics are required to have proof of insurance. The school district does not assume any responsibility for costs in connection with student accident or injury. Parents are encouraged to have or to purchase student insurance.

FIRST AID

The school attempts to provide an environment in which the child will be safe from accidents. If an accident occurs, first aid will be administered.

Home telephone numbers, business telephone numbers, and emergency telephone numbers must be furnished to the school. If the parent cannot be reached, school officials will act prudently to safeguard the student's welfare.

Trained faculty and staff are available in each school.

MEDICATION

No student will be allowed to bring medicine to school.

The preference of the Biloxi Schools is never to administer a prescription medication to a student; but we understand that at times there are needs that justify dispensing prescription drugs.

Medication prescribed by a licensed doctor/nurse practitioner can be administered to students at school if necessary. No over-the-counter or narcotic medication will be administered at school. If a student is ill and taking over-the-counter medication, he/she should remain at home, or the parent may come to the school to give the medication.

When a doctor prescribes a medication, the parent must arrange with a doctor for the child to receive the medication at times other than during school hours. If the doctor feels it is necessary for the medication to be given at school, the parent must adhere to the following procedure:

1. No student will be allowed to bring any medicine to school and take it without school office personnel supervision; all medication must be brought to the school by the parent/guardian.

2. In the event a medication is brought to the school by a student, the medicine will be immediately confiscated and the student may be referred to the building administrator for disciplinary action.

3. The parent must bring the medication to the school in the original prescription bottle, which must be labeled as prescribed by law. Only prescription medication will be dispensed at school.

4. The written consent form must be signed by the parent and returned to the school before any medication will be dispensed to the child.

5. It is the parent's responsibility to transport medication to the in-school suspension location should his/her child be assigned to in-school suspension as a result of a disciplinary infraction.

Notes:

1. All medication dispensed must be done by approved school office personnel.

2. It is the responsibility of the student taking medication to keep up with his/her medication time.

3. A school nurse must give approval for medication before it can be dispensed.

EMERGENCY ACTION BY SCHOOL STAFF

School staff members faced with an emergency affecting the health and welfare of a student will exercise their best judgments as to procedures for handling the emergency, following established policy and procedural guidelines in every case in so far as possible. In the event that the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the school officials will act to safeguard the student in every reasonable way.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

Because there are a number of school districts in Harrison County, parents and students need to be aware that announcements related to the dismissal or closing of the Biloxi Public Schools should not be confused with announcements related to the Harrison County Schools, which are in a separate district. Parents should listen to the local radio or television stations for announcements from the superintendent's office.

Schools are sometimes faced with emergencies which require the total cooperation of staff members and students. The Biloxi schools have made detailed plans for operating the schools under such emergency conditions as fire, tornado, flood, severe weather, explosions, and other disasters.

Fire drills and other disaster preparedness measures are a regular part of each school's program. Students are expected to learn the procedures to be followed under emergency conditions and to cooperate fully with the supervising teacher.

Detailed instructions for emergency operations will be outlined to all students at their respective schools.

BACK PACKS/BOOK BAGS - K-6

Only clear or mesh back packs and book bags are permitted.

LOST AND FOUND

Each of the schools has a system for handling articles lost or found. All valuable articles lost or found should be reported or taken to the office of the principal. (Special Note: All articles of clothing, books, clear or mesh school bags, lunches, etc., should be marked clearly with the child's name and grade.)

STUDENT CONDUCT

Although student conduct in the Biloxi Public School District is considered in most cases to be exemplary and situations have not arisen to cause undue concern for student welfare and safety, the Biloxi Public Schools are required to establish policies and procedures that detail expectations of students and outline consequences of student misbehavior. The publication of these policies and procedures in student handbooks will help to assure that there is a clear understanding among students and parents concerning matters covered in the handbooks under Student Conduct and Student Activities.

The Board wishes to establish an educational climate in which student behavior is at all times exemplary and in which the important processes of education can best be carried out. Recognizing the need to support the professional personnel of the Biloxi Public Schools in their instructional and supervisory duties, the Board encourages the development of harmonious and cooperative relationships between students and faculty members based on mutual respect and understanding.

Significant interruptions of the educational process resulting from overt disrespect shown by students to faculty members, unruly student behavior, and vulgar or otherwise discourteous actions will not be permitted.

A student must obey any and all instructions of the faculty and administrators, in the absence of parental instructions to the contrary. If a student refuses to obey instructions because of contrary parental instructions, he/she may be placed in parent care and/or suspended from school until a conference between the principal of the school and the student's parents can be arranged. In cases of emergency, the principal or, in his/her absence, the official then in charge of the school may so inform the student and require his/her immediate cooperation.

Disciplinary action which may result in parent care, suspension or expulsion will be taken as a result of the following student misbehavior: (1) refusal to follow instructions from faculty members; (2) profane language; (3) failing to identify oneself when asked to do so by a member of the faculty; (4) insolent, contemptuous, or belligerent behavior or remarks; (5) other just cause.

No student attending school at any attendance center in the Biloxi Public School District shall be permitted to use or to carry upon his or her person or in any other manner or to have in his or her possession in any way any knife, razor, razor blade, ice pick, brass or metallic knuckles, pistol, or other weapon, whether the same be manufactured or homemade, BB gun, cap pistol, plastic or toy gun, laser items or ammunition or any dynamite, firecrackers, caps, or other fireworks of any nature, kind, or description, or other instrument or paraphernalia which could cause fear, bodily harm, injury, or death to any person. Students who are in violation of this policy regarding firearms will be subject to immediate arrest and transportation to the detention center, as required by the Youth Court.

No student enrolled in the Biloxi Public Schools shall be permitted to use or to carry upon his or her person or in any other manner or to consume and/or be under the influence of or to have in his or her possession in any way alcoholic beverages, morphine, marijuana, cocaine in any form or any other "leisure" or recreational drug, opium, heroin, or their derivatives or compounds, drugs commonly called LSD, "pep" pills, tranquilizers, or any other narcotic drug, barbiturate, substance, ingredient, or compound which, when taken orally, intravenously, inhaled or in any other manner, may cause the person to be under the influence of any of the same on any property in this school district or at any school activity. The provisions of this policy shall not apply to any student who is under the care of a licensed physician and who is taking medication as prescribed which is under the supervision and direction of such physician.

The provisions of these policies shall apply to all students during all of the period of time that they are under and subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Education of this school district as defined by the laws of the state of Mississippi, and/or while participating in or going to or from any school activity sponsored by this school district and/or while under the supervision and direction of any teacher, principal, or other authority of this school district.

Any student violating any of the provisions of these policies of the Board of Education, in the sole and absolute discretion of the principal of the attendance center wherein such offense is committed, and the Superintendent of Education of the Biloxi Public School District, or in his absence, any Assistant Superintendent of the Biloxi Public School District, shall be suspended for a period to be determined by the school administrator and may be expelled in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board of Education of this school district. Appropriate referrals will be made to juvenile authorities as required under state law.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT/ASSAULT

The Board of Trustees will not tolerate sexual harassment or assault of or by students. Students who are guilty of threatening or sexually harassing or assaulting other students shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action as specified. Parents of all students involved must meet with the school administration. The accused student(s) may be removed until investigation is complete. If a student is guilty of sexual harassment/assault and is assigned to sexual harassment classes, the student must successfully complete the classes in the time designated in order to continue enrollment in the Biloxi schools.

FIGHTING

Students who are involved in assaults, who engage in fighting or who are responsible in any way for fighting while under the jurisdiction of the school will be subject to arrest, removal and/or expulsion from school in accordance with state statutes and/or district policy. This includes fighting while on a bus, at bus stops, or at any activity/event sponsored by the Biloxi Public Schools.

GANG ACTIVITY OR ASSOCIATION

Gangs which initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment are harmful to the educational process. The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group, presents a clear and present danger and is prohibited. This is contrary to the school environment and educational objectives and creates an atmosphere where unlawful acts or violations of school regulations may occur.

Incidents involving initiations, hazings, intimidations, and/or related activities of such group affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to students are prohibited.

The School District shall enforce the above rule and attempt to ensure that any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang paraphernalia or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, in accordance with the disciplinary ladder.

OTHER PROHIBITED ORGANIZATIONS

No student shall actively participate or wear clothing or other indications of membership in an organization which advocates violence or hatred toward any group of students and other individuals, or an organization which either intends to or does disrupt the educational process through its purpose or actions.

SORORITIES, FRATERNITIES, AND SECRET ORGANIZATIONS

State laws specifically prohibit the existence of any sorority, fraternity, or secret society as a part of any high school in Mississippi. The Biloxi Public School District expressly prohibits use of Biloxi school names as a part of the name of any of these groups, raising funds in the name of Biloxi schools, conducting any part of their initiation at Biloxi schools (including wearing of unusual dress, signs, and directions or instructions given to initiates by members), and the use of any school facility - grounds or buildings - for the purpose of meeting or holding any type of program or exhibition.

The above regulations are not inclusive; other conduct in connection with these groups is forbidden at or in the schools. Students who violate the position of the Biloxi Public School District in this matter will be subject to suspension, with a parental conference required before student reinstatement.

VANDALISM

The school district will not tolerate students' writing on or otherwise defacing school buildings, furniture, or other school property. Students guilty of this offense will be placed on the disciplinary ladder according to school policy, and restitution will be required from the students and/or their parents/guardians.

DISCIPLINE - GENERAL INFORMATION

The basic objectives of discipline within the school may be described as three-fold:

1. To establish conditions under which no student will be permitted to prevent any teacher from teaching or any student from learning.

2. To establish and maintain study conditions that are conducive to learning.

3. To develop, on the part of each student, the habits and skills that make him/her self-directive and to help him/her realize that he/she is responsible for his/her own behavior.

Conferences, reprimands, detention, parent care, in-school or out-of-school suspension or expulsion may follow student failure to conform to accepted standards of behavior in the school. Repeated patterns of misbehavior may require counseling and parental involvement and assistance to the extent that the parent may be requested to come to school and attend classes with the student in order to identify and help to correct such behavioral patterns.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT is an option in the disciplinary program of the Biloxi Public Schools and will be administered in accordance with the policy of the Biloxi Public School District.

The district has established procedures under which a parent/legal guardian will indicate whether he/she gives permission for his/her child to receive corporal punishment as appropriate under the assertive discipline plan outlined in the student handbook and in accordance with district policy. Alternative disciplinary actions will be required for students whose parents/legal guardians have not checked and signed the required Corporal Punishment Permission statement.

Disciplinary action in lieu of or in addition to corporal punishment may include parent care, suspension from school, referral to social services officials, or other appropriate disciplinary measures, including a requirement that the parent or legal guardian attend classes with the child or attend parenting sessions provided by the school district to help parents or guardians develop the skills necessary to facilitate the child's continuing enrollment in the regular school program and successful participation in classroom activities.

PARENT CARE is an intervention process through which a student is placed under parent supervision until a personal conference can be arranged with a building administrator. Parent care is not considered a suspension from school, but each day of student absence for parent care is considered an absence from school under the attendance policy.

SUSPENSION (both in-school and out-of-school suspension) is a forfeiture of participation in regularly scheduled school activities for the time designated during suspension. Graded work missed during the time of suspension may be made up at a time designated by school officials. Students may be assigned to either in-school or out-of-school suspension. In-school suspension requires that a student complete all assignments during the period of suspension. In all cases, parents must have a conference with the designated school administrator before the child will be allowed to return to classes. Telephone calls will not be acceptable. Additional time in ISS may be given for failure to complete assignments in the ISS program. A student who disrupts the ISS program will be referred to the appropriate building administrator and will complete the assigned suspension out-of-school; he/she will not be allowed to return to regular classes until suspension is completed in its entirety.

EXPULSION is the total exclusion of the student from participation in or attendance at any school-related activity. A student who has been expelled from the Biloxi Public Schools must apply in writing to the Board of Education for possible readmission. Under the Mississippi School Safety Act of 2001, a student who is deemed habitually disruptive as defined by law shall be subject to automatic expulsion. (See specific references in district policy manual.)

ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE PROGRAM K-6

The assertive discipline program which will govern student behavior includes the following list of disruptions of the instructional program, together with the consequences which will follow. The student who engages in the type of misbehavior listed under disruptions will be placed on the appropriate step in the discipline ladder, with the consequences clearly listed.

All disruptions/discipline problems and consequences shall be applicable to all students during all periods of time they are under and subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Education of this school district as defined by the laws of the State of Mississippi and/or while they are participating in or going to or from any activity sponsored by this school district and/or while under the supervision and direction of any teacher, principal, or other authority of this school district.

DISRUPTIONS/DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS CONSEQUENCES

Discipline Ladder

1. Possession of a weapon as defined 1. Step 6

in Student Conduct (Reported to Police)

2. Use, sale, or possession of drugs or 2. Step 6

drug paraphernalia

3. Fighting (Reported to Police) 3. Step 3-6

4. Use, sale, or possession of alcohol or 4. Step 5-6

alcohol-related products

5. Bomb threat 5. Step 6

6. Other physical assault 6. Step 3-5

7. Use or possession of laser items 7. Step 4-5

8. Harassment, intimidation, or threatening 8. Step 2-6

of other students or staff

9. Use, sale, or possession of tobacco or 9. Step 4-5

tobacco-related products (Reported to Police)

10. Sexual harassment/assault 10. Step 4-6

11. Trespassing 11. Step 3-5

12. Gang activity, association 12. Step 3-6

13. Biting 13. Step 3-5

14. Lying to authorities 14. Step 2-5

15. Using forged or altered documents 15. Step 2-5

(report cards, progress reports, parental notes,

hall passes, students’ lunch numbers, etc.)

16. Use or possession of dangerous objects 16. Step 4-6

17. Use or possession of fireworks 17. Step 4-6

18. Defacing or otherwise injuring property that 18. Step 3-5

belongs to the school district (to include restitution

for damages)

19. Improper behavior in the cafeteria or on 19. Step 2-4

the campus

20. Improper behavior at assemblies or other 20. Step 2-4

school activities (removal from activity)

21. Disrupting instructional time 21. Step 2-4

22. Defiance of authority 22. Step 2-5

23. Disrespectful behavior to staff members 23. Step 2-4

24. Gambling or possession of 24. Step 3-5

gambling devices

25. Truancy 25. Step 3-5

26. Profanity or vulgarity (to include acts, 26. Step 2-4

gestures, or symbols directed at

another person)

27. Stealing 27. Step 2-4

(to include restitution)

28. Leaving campus and/or classroom 28. Step 1-4

without authorization

29. Unauthorized fund raising, including 29. Step 1-3

sale of candy

30. Possession of radios, Walkmans, 30. Step 1-3

electronic beepers, or other electronic devices

(confiscation of items by the administration until

release to the student's parent/guardian at the end

of the school year)

31. Failure to return fund raising items 31. Step 1-4

or equivalent money (to include restitution)

32. Other misbehavior as determined 32. Step 1-6

by the administration

Any discipline problem resulting in the student's placement on Steps 4-6 may be reported to police if appropriate.

Cumulative misbehavior, singularly inappropriate misbehavior, or misbehavior which occurs after placement on Step 5 on the Discipline Ladder may result in placement on Step 6 of the Ladder.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DISCIPLINE LADDER

Step 1 1. Contact parent or legal guardian.

2. Student conference/reprimand, and/or parent care.

Step 2 1. Contact parent or legal guardian.

2. Detention, corporal punishment, or parent care.

3. Removal from ladder if not referred to office for ten school days from date of entry onto this step.

4. Loss of all privileges during time of detention or parent care and a loss of the right to privileges and/or the right to participate in an extracurricular activity.

5. Parent may be required to attend classes with student.

Step 3 1. Contact parent or legal guardian (parent conference before student may return to school).

2. In-school suspension, one to three days for grades 3-6 (out-of-school suspension for grades K-2) and/or corporal punishment.

3. Loss of all privileges during time of suspension and a loss of the right to privileges and/or the right to participate in an extracurricular activity.

4. Removal from ladder if not referred to office for ten school days from date of return to school after suspension.

5. Parent may be required to attend classes with student.

Step 4 1. Contact parent or legal guardian (personal visit with building administrator before student is allowed to return to class).

2. In-school and/or out-of-school suspension, one to five days.

3. Loss of all privileges during the time of suspension and a loss of the right to privileges and/or the right to participate in an extracurricular activity.

4. Removal from ladder if not referred to office for fifteen (ten for K-2) school days after return to school from suspension.

5. Parent may be required to attend classes with student.

Step 5 1. Contact parent or legal guardian (personal visit with building administrator before student is allowed to return to class).

2. Out-of-school suspension, three to ten days.

3. Referral to central office administrator.

4. Other terms as dictated by central office administrator.

5. Loss of all privileges during the time of suspension and a loss of the right to privileges and/or the right to participate in an extracurricular activity.

6. Parent may be required to attend classes with student.

7. Removal from ladder if not referred to office for twenty (ten for K-2) school days from date of return to school after suspension.

Step 6 1. Contact parent or legal guardian (personal visit with building administrator required).

2. Recommendation for expulsion to district hearing committee; out-of-school suspension up to ten (10) days. Copy of Due Process/Hearing Procedures Policy JCAA given to student and parent.

3. A student may be recommended for expulsion at any time if the administrator feels that the student's actions warrant such recommendation.

4. Loss of all privileges during time of suspension and a loss of the right to privileges and/or the right to participate in an extracurricular activity.

5. Removal from the ladder if not referred to the office for twenty-five (25) school days from the date of return to school after suspension (after the hearing if the student is returned to school).

A. Incentive is provided for the student to improve his/her behavior through provisions of a probationary period that allows a student to remove himself/herself from the Discipline Ladder by improved conduct.

B. A parent/guardian conference with an administrator is required before a student can return to school after a suspension or parent care. (Steps 1-5)

C. A student may enter the Discipline Ladder at any step, depending upon the nature of the offense.

D. Failure to complete the punishment as designated may result in escalation to the next step in the ladder.

E. Return to the office during the probationary period prescribed in the Discipline Step may result in escalation to the next step.

F. Loss of all privileges means that during the time stated the student cannot participate in assemblies or any school function designated as an extra activity, including athletic events, dances, plays, extracurricular programs, field trips, school-sponsored activities, etc.

G. A student may be suspended from riding to and from school on the school bus as a result of misbehavior on the bus.

H. In all disciplinary matters, a student will be accorded due process under district policy JCAA governing student rights.

I. All disciplinary actions are subject to administrative options as to placement on the disciplinary ladder in keeping with the severity of the student misbehavior.

SCHOOL SAFETY ACT

In conformance with the Mississippi School Safety Act of 2001 (Section 37-11-53, MS Code of 1972, amended), the following policies shall be in effect in the Biloxi Public School District:

(a) A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the school district shall be responsible financially for his/her minor child's destructive acts against school property or persons; (b) a parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the district may be requested to appear at school by the school attendance officer or an appropriate school official for a conference regarding acts of the child specified in (a) above or for any other discipline conference regarding the acts of the child; (c) any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a school district who refuses or willfully fails to attend such discipline conference specified in (b) above may be summoned by proper notification by the Superintendent of Schools or the school attendance officer and be required to attend such discipline conferences.

Any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child who (a) fails to attend a discipline conference to which such parent, guardian or custodian has been summoned under the provisions of this section, or (b) refuses or willfully fails to perform any other duties imposed upon him or her under the provisions of this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00).

The School District shall be entitled to recover damages in an amount not to exceed Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00), plus necessary court costs, from the parents of any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years and over the age of six (6) years who maliciously and willfully damages or destroys property belonging to the school district. The action authorized in this section shall be in addition to all other actions which the school district is entitled to maintain and nothing in this section shall preclude recovery in a greater amount from the minor or from a person, including the parents, for damages to which such minor or other person would otherwise be liable.

The School District's discipline plan may provide that as an alternative to suspension, a student may remain in school by having the parent, guardian or custodian, with the consent of the student's teacher or teachers, attend class with the student for a period of time specifically agreed upon by the reporting teacher and school principal. If the parent, guardian or custodian does not agree to attend class with the student or fails to attend class with the student, the student shall be suspended in accordance with the code of student conduct and discipline policies of the school district.

The teacher is the authority in classroom matters and his/her decisions which are in compliance with the written discipline code of conduct shall be supported by the administration. The teacher shall have the right to remove from the classroom any student who, in the professional judgment of the teacher, is disrupting the learning environment, and send him/her to the office of the principal or assistant principal.

Children 13 and Older

The school principal, reporting teacher and student's parent/guardian shall create a written behavior modification plan for any child who for the second time causes a disruption in the classroom which seriously interferes with the teacher's ability to communicate with the students in a classroom, with students' ability to learn, or with the operation of a school or school-related activity. The creation of this plan is not required for disruptions which are violations of law or offenses which amount to a Step 6-7 offense. If the child fails to follow the behavior modification plan, he/she may be deemed "habitually disruptive" and recommended for expulsion.

For a child under the age of thirteen a habitually disruptive child shall be required to undergo a psychological evaluation.

SCHOOL BUS DISCIPLINE

The privilege of riding a school bus carries with it some responsibilities on the part of the student. Drivers are expected to keep order and discipline on the bus, but their major responsibility has to be driving the bus. Therefore, students are expected to cooperate with the following regulations:

Students must be at assigned stops at loading time.

At no time are students to touch the outside of the bus nor hang heads, arms, legs, bodies, or hands out the windows of the bus.

Immediately upon entering the bus, students are to be seated and are to remain seated until they arrive at their destination-school in the morning and bus debarkation station in the afternoon.

Students will board the bus and leave the bus according to the instructions of the bus driver. Students are to obey all instructions of the bus driver.

Students may not leave the bus on its way to or from the school except at their designated stop.

Students are not to throw or in any way sail/shoot/pitch objects.

Students must sit in the seat assigned by the driver. Drivers have the option of delegating students to an assigned seat.

The bus must come to a complete stop before students try to enter or exit the bus.

Loud talking and other loud noises are not permitted on the bus.

Students are not to damage any part of the school bus. Students will be held financially responsible for any damage done.

No beverages or food may be consumed on the school bus.

Chewing gum is prohibited on the bus.

Intentional littering of the bus is prohibited.

Students must identify themselves properly when requested to do so by school bus personnel.

Vulgar language is prohibited on the school bus.

Students are not to molest or bother in any way (harass, intimidate, or threaten) other students while waiting for or while riding on a school bus.

Students will not fight on the bus or at the bus stop. (Reported to Police.)

Use or possession of dangerous objects on the school bus or at the bus stop is forbidden. (Reported to Police.)

Students will not use, sell, or possess drugs or alcohol on the school bus or at the bus stop. (Reported to Police.)

Stealing is prohibited.

Smoking is prohibited while on the school bus or at the bus stop. Tobacco products are not permitted on the bus.

Open defiance or open displays of disrespect or insolence toward a bus driver will not be condoned.

Other misbehavior as determined by the administration, including a pattern of repeated bus misbehavior, will not be permitted.

Weapons on the school bus or at bus stops are forbidden. (Reported to Police.)

BUS DISCIPLINE LADDER

In addition to placement on the Bus Discipline Ladder noted below for any of the offenses listed in bus regulations, a student’s failure to follow bus regulations may also result in assignment to the School Discipline Ladder.

First Offense - Warning and parent notification.

Second Offense - Not allowed to ride bus for 3 school days.

Third Offense - Not allowed to ride bus for 5 school days.

Fourth Offense - Not allowed to ride bus for 10 school days

and a conference with a district administrator must be held

prior to student’s being permitted to ride the bus. Telephone

374-1810 for an appointment with Dr. Robert Bowles.

Written instructions from the parent must be presented to the principal before a student will be permitted to ride a bus other than his/her regular bus. The note must be given to the principal in advance in order to provide time for verification.

Any act which places the safety of the students on the bus at risk will be referred to the principal for appropriate action.

Student behavior will be monitored on a random basis through video recording equipment installed on district buses. Students found to be continually disruptive or threatening to the safety of other students will be immediately removed from the bus and will be suspended from bus transportation.

INTERFERENCE WITH SCHOOL BUSES

It is unlawful for any individual other than a member of the public school administration or faculty or a law enforcement official to interfere in any way with the operation of a school bus. State law prohibits unauthorized boarding of school buses or interference with passenger boarding or leaving, under penalties of fine and/or imprisonment.

STAFF PROTECTION

A person guilty of simple assault, as defined by statute, upon a superintendent, principal, teacher or other instructional personnel, school attendance officer, school bus driver, or other individuals specified in state law while these individuals are acting within the scope of their duty, office, or employment shall be punished by a fine of not more than one-thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years or both. (Section 97-3-7, Mississippi Code, amended)

A person guilty of aggravated assault, as defined by statute, upon an individual named above shall be punished by a fine of not more than five-thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) years or both. (Section 97-3-7, Mississippi Code, amended)

STUDENT DETENTION

When a teacher requires a student to report before or after school for disciplinary reasons, that student must do so unless arrangements are made with the teacher. Students will be given a minimum of one day's notice prior to detention and parents will be notified. Arrangements for transportation will be verified. Failure to report for detention as scheduled will result in escalation to the next step on the disciplinary ladder.

POSSESSION/USE OF LASER ITEMS

No student attending any school in the Biloxi Public School District shall be permitted to use or carry upon his/her person or in any other manner laser pointers, laser key chains, or any other laser items. Failure to comply will result in the student's being placed on the discipline ladder.

POSSESSION OR USE OF TOBACCO

Possession or use of tobacco in any form is prohibited within the school buildings, on the school campus, going to or from school, at school-sponsored activities, or in the general vicinity of the school campus. Students possessing or using tobacco in any form at school will be suspended and reported to the police.

State law mandates that no person under eighteen (18) years of age shall purchase any tobacco product. No student of any high school, junior high school or elementary school shall possess tobacco on any educational property as defined by state law.

DRESS AND GROOMING CODE -- PHILOSOPHY

Dress and grooming codes are based upon certain sound foundations, not just arbitrarily selected and dictatorially enforced for no cause. Laws surrounding indecent exposure, conditions necessitating safety and personal well being, health and sanitation are some of the basic fundamentals. Conditions conducive to learning must not be impaired because of temporary and individualized fads. In order for students to be able to cope with even larger restrictions and responsibilities, they must learn while still in school to observe basic regulations set forth for the group as a whole. Keeping this total concept in mind and realizing a need to satisfy peer group desires for current