Biloxi Jr. High School
2001-2002 Student Handbook

It is the responsibility of parents and students to familiarize themselves with this Student Handbook, which is approved by the School Board and which includes official district policies with which you should be acquainted.

Most Frequently Referenced Topics Are Shown In RED

 FOREWORD

It is the responsibility of parents and students to familiarize themselves with this Student Handbook, which is approved by the School Board and which includes official district policies with which you should be acquainted.

The handbook has been prepared by the staff of the Biloxi Public Schools as a guideline to procedures, policies, and practices governing the operation of our schools and the behavior of our students. Biloxi administrators and instructional staff members believe that it will help both parents and students to be properly informed about matters which concern all of us. Academic and extracurricular opportunities, routine day-to-day events and activities, disciplinary rules and consequences of misbehavior, accreditation requirements and special programs and services--all are part of this handbook, together with many other concerns which are clearly explained in the publication.

The School Board and the administration of the Biloxi Public School District work closely together to establish sound and reasonable goals for our schools, to anticipate district needs, and to provide an environment conducive to learning. The primary purpose of providing this handbook is to help make your school experiences in this environment more satisfying, because it will tell you what you need to know and what you need to do in order to make this year both pleasant and successful.

SPECIAL NOTES

A Letter to Parents/Guardians

The Biloxi Public School District has and intends to continue a zero tolerance policy for weapons and drugs on campus. This policy has been very effective in curtailing inappropriate behavior on campus and maintaining a safe atmosphere. In order that you may understand how serious the District is about this issue, this letter is being written to all parents/guardians to be discussed with their children.

"Zero tolerance" means that any child with a weapon will be recommended by the principal for expulsion by the School Board. A weapon is any item which can inflict harm, no matter how minor. Therefore, it does not matter that the knife is small or that it can inflict harm only with force. The word weapon also includes fake guns or knives, because fear of injury in a school is simply unacceptable.

Zero tolerance applies to everyone. It does not matter that your child is in elementary school or has other special circumstances. It does not matter that the weapon was mistakenly brought to school or something the child found on the way to school. It does not matter that it was never intended to do harm. This policy is very important to your child's education. Therefore, if you suspect that your child is unable to understand this rule, then you should check his/her book bags and pockets before leaving for school.

All parents/guardians who register children will be given this letter. It is your responsibility to reinforce what will be expected of the children in our schools.

The Biloxi School District is proud of its students and their behavior; however, it believes that even one referral for a weapon is one too many. We know that with your help we can continue to provide an excellent and safe environment for all children in this district.

Prevention of School Violence Act - Copies of the Prevention of School Violence Act of 1994 are included in this handbook. The Act provides for penalties as specified related to weapons, assaults, drugs, and other matters of particular concern to parents, students, school employees, or other persons. Parents and students are responsible for compliance with the law and for familiarizing themselves with the consequences of violation of the law.

Students and News Media - The school district will publish the name and/or picture of a student in school publications or school-related articles or include students in other school-related news media programs unless prior requests have been made by a student's parent/guardian for exclusion of his/her child's name or picture from such publications or news media programs.

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.

Absences/Tardies - It is extremely important for every student and parent to read the district's policies related to absences (see "Attendance" policy and "Tardies," pages 12 - 14). Students should make every effort to be present every day and not to be tardy to school or to class. Any questions related to absences or tardies should be referred to the principal immediately following enrollment. Excessive absences, tardies, and early check-outs will be reported to the school attendance officer.

ANNUAL REPORT TO ALL PARENTS

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that on an annual basis each school district notify every parent and employee of the status of any asbestos in the school.

The Biloxi Public Schools completed the required re-inspection report. There was no major change in the report. A copy of this report is on file in the school administration office and is available to the public for review. This report will serve as the annual notification by the Biloxi Public School District.

A WELCOME TO BILOXI STUDENTS

Welcome to the Biloxi schools and to the beginning of a new year filled with promise and high expectations. This is always an optimistic and hopeful time in the life of every student and parent and staff member who are part of our schools. Through the partnership that defines the total process of education, I hope that your goals will be met this year and that you will find success in every school activity in which you participate.

All of us know that promise must be coupled with hard work if we hope to achieve all that we're capable of achieving. The teachers and administrators in our schools have a deep commitment to excellence and a sense of purpose and dedication that will serve all our students well during the coming year. We are here to provide the best educational opportunities and environment that we can create. Throughout the year, if you need special help, there is someone in every school who will answer your questions, help you to solve problems, and assist you in making your school life more rewarding and more satisfying. You will be challenged to do your best work, to give your best efforts to every assignment and every opportunity. It is my sincere hope that you will meet those challenges with energy and enthusiasm and self-reliance. And at the end of the year, I also hope that you will be able to look back on this time as one of the best years of your life.

I wish you well as you begin this year's journey in the Biloxi Public Schools.

Larry A. Drawdy

Superintendent

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Biloxi Public School District, known for its rich heritage and traditions of excellence, resilience, and community commitment, is to encourage and empower every student to develop individual creative abilities and to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound choices, act responsibly and achieve goals through a safe and welcoming environment, providing appropriate and stimulating programs which foster student success.

Madelon Gruich President

Rick Stewart Vice President

David Blaine Secretary

Mildred Roy Assistant Secretary

Glendon Johnson Member

Lt. Col. Barry Coble KAFB Liaison

SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION

Dr. Larry Drawdy

Elementary Grade Levels K-6

Beauvoir 2003 Lawrence Avenue 436-5131

DuKate 580 Howard Avenue 432-7226

Gorenflo 375 Lameuse Street 436-5145

Jeff Davis 340 St. Mary Blvd. 436-5110

Lopez 140 St. John Street 432-7783

North Bay 1825 Popp’s Ferry Road 435-6166

Popp's Ferry 364 Nelson Road 436-5135

Junior High Levels 7-9

Fernwood 2829 Pass Road 436-5120

Michel 1400 Father Ryan Ave. 435-4540

Nichols 340 Nichols Drive 436-4648

High School Grade Levels 10-12

Biloxi High 1424 Father Ryan Ave. 435-1421

Alternative Education Grade Levels K-12

Howard II 260 Howard Avenue 436-3702

(Center for New Opportunities)

 Biloxi Schools Website:

http://www.biloxischools.net

GENERAL INFORMATION

TERM I August 23 - October 30

TERM II October 31 - January 18

TERM III January 22 - March 28

TERM IV April 8 - June 7

 Labor Day September 3

Thanksgiving November 21-23

Christmas December 19 (end of school day)- January 3 (resume classes)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 21

Mardi Gras February 11-12

Easter/Spring Holidays March 29 – April 5

Memorial Day May 27

Schools Begin the School Day End the School Day

Biloxi High 7:15 a.m. 2:25 p.m.

Fernwood Junior High 7:20 a.m. 2:30 p.m.

Michel Junior High 8:00 a.m. 3:10 p.m.

Nichols Junior High 8:00 a.m. 3:10 p.m.

North Bay Elementary 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m.

Jeff Davis Elementary 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m.

Popp's Ferry Elementary 8:10 a.m. 3:10 p.m.

Beauvoir Elementary 8:10 a.m. 3:10 p.m.

DuKate Elementary 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m.

Gorenflo Elementary 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m.

Lopez Elementary 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m.

Howard II 8:45 a.m. 2:00 p.m.

(Center for New Opportunities)

INFORMATION ON DEMAND

Information On Demand, IOD, permits parents to monitor their child's attendance, discipline history, and term grades on a daily basis.

Parents receive a letter explaining Information On Demand and how to access their child's information by touch-tone telephone. The letter will also let parents know when they may access student information, the telephone number to call, and other instructions.

Student information will be available only to those individuals who know the student's information number AND Personal Identification Number (PIN). For this reason, Information On Demand may be accessed only from a touch-tone phone.

Information On Demand is an excellent means of staying informed regarding attendance, behavior, homework assignments, general announcements, etc., as well as activities that are occurring at school.

Please contact the school if you have any questions regarding this service.

IOD Phone Numbers

STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIME

Students are not to arrive on the school campus prior to 30 minutes before the beginning of the school day, when teachers report for duty. The school will not assume responsibility for any students arriving on school grounds prior to stated time unless they are transported by school bus. Students are to leave the school campus at the end of the school day unless they are participating in a supervised school activity and are under the direct supervision of a teacher. The school will not assume responsibility for any child remaining on campus after the end of the school day without approval.

 VISITORS AND PARENT CONFERENCES

Visitors are always welcome but must first visit the office and receive a visitor's pass. Classes must not be disturbed. Parent-teacher conferences should be arranged by appointment for the time set aside each day immediately following the close of school or during a teacher's consultation period.

Before visitors are permitted to visit the classroom, they must secure written permission from the principal. Visitors who fail to do so may be referred to police officials. Students shall not bring small children to school, and small children should not be brought to school during classroom observation.

 LEAVING THE CAMPUS

A student who leaves the school campus at any time must obtain permission from the principal and meet the requirements established under the check-out policy.

Students may not leave the campus for lunch unless signed out by parents or legal guardians on a daily basis.

ADMISSIONS

1. In accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi, in order to be admitted to kindergarten, students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year. First grade students must be 6 years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year. Certificates of Immunization and Vaccination are required upon entering school. (See Section on Immunizations and Vaccinations.) This affects all students in grades K-12.

2. A certified birth certificate must be presented upon admission. The birth certificate must be from the Bureau of Vital Statistics or from the State Department for students born overseas. Hospital records, baptismal records, etc., will not be acceptable. No other birth certificate is acceptable. The principal or his/her designee must verify the birth certificate. Telephone calls are not acceptable.

The principal shall require that a U.S. postal money order to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the required amount be deposited for students who are unable to present a certified birth certificate upon admission, and the student will be enrolled on a temporary basis until the certified birth certificate is received by the school. Temporary enrollment will preclude official recording or release of grades.

3. Student must present an up-to-date immunization record. (See statement about Immunizations and Vaccinations following.)

4. If a student is transferring into a Biloxi school from a school accredited by a state or regional accrediting agency, an official transcript mailed directly from the office of the school previously attended will be required. A report card or transfer papers from the previous school attended may be used for temporary class placement.

5. Students transferring into a Biloxi school from a non-accredited school or home schooling must be given appropriate placement tests (grades K-8) and term tests (grades 9-12) as determined by school officials. (See "Awarding of Academic Credit.")

6. The student's Social Security number is required.

In accordance with Section 63-1-10, Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, any applicant for a driver's license less than eighteen years of age must submit with his or her license application documentation from the appropriate school authority that the applicant is a full-time student in the Biloxi Schools. These forms can be obtained in the attendance office. The student should fill out the top of the form, Name, Address, Date of Birth, Age, Social Security number, and the Name of School being attended. This must be printed in ink. The form will then be verified for school attendance, signed by the principal's designee and notarized.

HOME SCHOOLING

Students who have been home schooled and who seek placement in a Biloxi school will take the necessary term tests or placement tests in all appropriate subject areas to determine assignment to classes. (See "Awarding of Academic Credit.") For information, call Dr. Paul Tisdale at 374-1810.

 VERIFICATION OF RESIDENCE - REQUIREMENTS

As a result of the Residency Verification Procedure adopted as a policy of the Mississippi Board of Education on April 20, 1990, each parent or legal guardian or other adult with whom a student lives must provide to the school administration the following documents:

1. A copy of two of the following items of verification of residence. No post office box address will be acceptable. These items must reflect a street address or designated road address. All documents must be for present residence only; documents for rental or other commercial property will not be acceptable. Motel/hotel addresses will not be acceptable.

a. Filed Homestead Exemption Application form

b. Mortgage documents or property deed

c. Apartment or home lease

d. Utility bills

e. Affidavit of residence and/or personal visit by designated

school district official at district option

f. Any other documentation that in the determination of the

School Board will objectively and unequivocally establish

that the parent or guardian resides within the school district

g. Housing assignment from Keelser Air Force Base Housing

Authority

2. If you are the legal guardian of the student, you must also provide a copy of the court order signed by a judge appointing you as guardian.

NOTE: Any legal guardianship formed for the purpose of establishing

residency for school district purposes shall not be recognized

by the Board. (Legal reference: Mississippi Code Ann. Section

37-15-31, 1989 Supplement.)

3. If you fail to provide the necessary documentation, your children will not be allowed to attend schools in the Biloxi Public School District. If you cannot meet the requirements for residency, you must meet with the superintendent or his designee to determine whether your children will be eligible for enrollment. No temporary enrollment will be processed.

If the Biloxi Public School District receives a complaint regarding the residence of a student, the district is required to take action to further verify residence, including but not limited to follow-up visits to the resident's address by school officials

IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS

It is unlawful for any child to attend school without first being vaccinated with at least one dose of diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, red measles, rubella, and polio vaccine and completing the entire series within ninety (90) days. Every student in Kindergarten through Grade 12 must present a certificate of immunization compliance from his/her doctor or from the health department. This certificate of compliance must be presented in order to attend school, even though all shot records are now up-to-date on school records.

In order to secure this certificate of compliance, it will be necessary for the student to go to the Harrison County Health Department, the office of his/her family physician, or Keesler Hospital (for military dependents), taking with him/her all official shot records. Before a child can register, the CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE must be presented. The validation of this certificate will become a permanent part of the student's records and will be valid through grade 12. REMEMBER: No student may register or attend school until this certificate of compliance has been received by the school. If the doctor signs the certificate indicating that other doses are necessary, the student will be given ninety (90) days to complete the required immunizations; if they are not completed at the end of ninety (90) days, the child by law must be suspended until compliance is achieved (suspension will begin immediately after the 90-day period).

CONTACTING PARENTS

It is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to provide accurate and current telephone numbers which will permit school personnel to reach a responsible adult at all times. If a parent/guardian fails to provide current working phone numbers, the student(s) will be placed in parent care. The school must be informed of any changes in telephone numbers and addresses. Parents/guardians are advised that if a responsible adult cannot be reached after good faith efforts by school personnel, Harrison County Social Services and/or the Biloxi Police Department will be contacted.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

DISEASE EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL

Chicken Pox 7 days after eruption appears

or until vesicle becomes dry

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 7-9

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, the principal or superintendent is required to report such non-enrollees 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 are subject to prosecution under the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law.

The Biloxi Public School District supports the philosophy that the instructional program is the most vital part of formal education. Experience has shown that a high quality of work is virtually impossible with irregular attendance; therefore, students are expected to attend school at all times when school is in session.

School attendance is considered an important responsibility of the student and parents. The parents/legal guardians must contact the school before 9:00 a.m. on each day the student is absent from class.

In cases of unreported absences, the office will attempt to contact the parent, and the student will bring a note from his/her parent/guardian on the day the student returns to school, stating the specific reason for absence and including phone number so that the absence can be verified.

A student shall not be allowed more than six (6) unlawful absences per class period during a semester.

The following reasons for absences are lawful: doctor’s or dentist’s appointments, documented legal reason, death or serious illness in the immediate family, observance of religious event, injury or physical illness, and authorized school activity. Acceptable written documentation will be required and will be subject to approval by the principal or his/her designee, who may require additional substantiation or verification.

Acceptable written documentation for absences described above must be provided to the office immediately upon the student’s return to school.

After the third unlawful absence per class period in a semester, a letter will be sent to parents/guardians to inform them of the student’s absences.

On the fifth unlawful absence per class period in a semester, a letter will be sent to the Mississippi Office of Compulsory School Attendance and Enforcement.

All daily work that was missed as a result of either lawful or unlawful absences must be made up no later than ten (10) school days following the student’s return to school and completed in cooperation with the teacher. No student is automatically given a ten-day (10-day) period before making up work. A student will receive a zero (0) on classroom work, other graded work, or tests not made up.

Students under the age of seventeen (17) are required to attend school on a regular basis under the Mississippi Compulsory Attendance Law.

In order to be counted present, a student must be in attendance for at least half of the class period. In order to participate in any extracurricular function, students must attend school a minimum of four (4) periods on the day of the activity.

Student absences resulting from officially approved school business will not be counted; however, accreditation standards must be adhered to in regard to student activities.

A parent/guardian who fails to attend a conference on absences or provide proof of unlawful absences shall be reported to the Mississippi Office of Compulsory School Attendance and Enforcement.

TARDIES

If the student is late at the beginning of the school day, the parent must call the office and/or accompany the student to be checked in; otherwise, the tardy will be considered unexcused, and the student will be given detention for thirty (30) minutes at the end of the following school day. For all other tardies to class, the student will be given thirty (30) minutes of detention at the end of the following school day or appropriate disciplinary action as determined by the principal.

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, which may include afternoon detention, in-school suspension, or other measures as determined by the principal.

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

Habitual tardies -- even when a student is accompanied by a parent or when the school is informed by telephone -- may result in the student's being subject to additional disciplinary consequences.

MAKE-UP WORK

All work that was missed as a result of an absence for which make-up work is allowed and which must be performed under the supervision of the teacher must be made up no later than ten (10) school days following the student's return to school. Make-up work must be completed at a time arranged in cooperation with the teacher; no student is automatically given a ten-day period before making up work. Students who have had extended absences must begin their make-up work within a ten-day period following the last day of absence. Make-up work must begin at a time arranged with the teacher. A student will receive a zero (0) on classroom work, other graded work, or tests not made up.

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.

STUDENT CHECK-OUT POLICY

Grade Levels 7-9

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. 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.

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 Ed.

7. 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.

8. Directory information which identifies students may be released unless the principal is requested by the parent/guardian not to do so. Requests from colleges, military organizations, prospective employers, and other legitimate groups may be honored when it is determined to be in the child's best interests.

9. 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.

5. 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. The request for tuition status must be approved by the Board of Trustees at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

6. 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 7-9, if a student withdraws during the last two weeks of the school year and 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 or -- for students in grades 7-12 -- requesting examinations from the Biloxi schools. The examinations may be mailed to the student's new school upon written request of the school to which the student is transferring. Examinations, when completed, will be checked by Biloxi school personnel and credit will be given by the Biloxi Public Schools. No examinations will be given ahead of time. 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.

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.

All students must remain at school during the lunch period unless signed out by parents or legal guardians on a daily basis.

Students will not take food out of the designated areas. Students who bring their lunches to school may eat in the cafeteria or in other approved areas. 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.

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. Advanced payments will not be accepted for lunch on the serving line.

In accordance with federal requirements, the "Offer vs. Serve" policy is in effect for all junior high school students. This allows the student to select any three of the five food items offered on the menu. Student must choose at least three of the five food items offered; however, selecting only three or four items does not relieve the student from paying the full price of the meal.

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.

LEAVING CLASS - TELEPHONE

At no times are students to be in halls without hall passes. Students will be called from class only in cases of emergency as determined by school officials. 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. The school district will purchase a classroom set of textbooks for each class in grades 7-12. The textbooks assigned to students will remain at the student's home for use during the school year, to be returned upon withdrawal or at the end of the school year. It will no longer be necessary for students to bring books to school or to take them home. 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.

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 encouraged to take report cards home and to have parents or legal guardians sign the report cards.

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

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 a possible or probable failure, the parent will be informed through a second progress report at least one week prior to term tests.

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 7-9, 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.

GRADES 7-9

A 95-100

B 85-94

C 75-84

D 70-74

F Below 70

I Incomplete

EXAMINATIONS

Final examinations shall not be given early. A student who leaves school prior to taking his/her final examinations for term or semester shall be given grades in progress. Term examinations account for 1/5 (20%) of a student's term grade.

HONOR ROLL -- GRADES 7-9

To qualify for term or semester honor roll, a student must have a 90 average on his/her report card in each subject in which he/she is enrolled for either one-half or one full credit. To qualify for term or semester special honor roll, a student must have a 95 average in each subject in which he/she is enrolled for either one-half or one full credit.

CLASSIFICATION/PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY

GRADES 7-9

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 opinion, become sufficiently behind in academic work to make it unlikely or impossible to succeed if promoted to the next level. Students in grade 9 must pass four (4) of the five (5) required academic courses (English, social studies, math, science, and technology discovery) in order to be assigned to Biloxi High School and classified as a sophomore. Students in grades 7 and 8 must pass five (5) of six (6) required courses to be promoted to the next grade. Required courses are English, science, math, social studies, reading, and computer discovery (grade 8) and career discovery (grade 7).

Satisfactory achievement in academic courses in grades 7-8 of the Biloxi Public Schools shall be reflected in the grades awarded under the specific grading policy of the Biloxi schools for achievement of course objectives, rate of learning and achievement levels, and performance in regard to basic skills established for each grade. Seventh and eighth grade students will be required to take term and semester examinations.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS*

* For further information regarding graduation requirements, see the Biloxi School District Program of Studies.

AWARDING OF ACADEMIC CREDIT

Academic credit for courses taken by students in the Biloxi Public Schools shall be awarded upon successful completion of courses.

Credit for high school courses will be awarded in half-units, full units, or multiple units as approved in the latest edition of Bulletin 171 of the Commission on School Accreditation, State Department of Education.

In grades 9-12, the student must complete both semesters for a full year (two-semester) course with a yearly passing average of 70 or higher in order to receive any credit for that course. It is not necessary to pass each semester as long as the year-end average is 70 or higher.

A semester of a different course cannot be substituted, whether through the regular program or through summer school or correspondence.

No student may receive a score higher than 100 or lower than 50 on his/her report card. Grades in accelerated and AP classes are weighted and these calculated grades are taken into account for class rank purposes only. (See "Class Rankings/Scholastic Averages.")

A student who does not complete a class in its entirety will receive a fifty (50) F. A grade recorded as NC (No Credit) will be counted as 50 in computing scholastic averages and class rank.

Once credit has been awarded based on yearly average for one (1) or two (2) unit courses or final semester averages for half-unit courses, the course cannot be repeated simply to raise scholastic averages or class ranks through changing the original grade. If such a course is repeated, both the original grade and the grade for the repeated course will be included in academic records and in determining class rank or scholastic average.

The Biloxi Public Schools will recognize and honor courses taken at other accredited schools if courses are recorded on the permanent record or transcript, but in the matter of required courses, students shall meet all regulations governing graduation requirements for Biloxi High School. Transfer students who enroll in the Biloxi schools for less than twenty (20) school days must arrange for credit through their previous schools.

Students transferring into a Biloxi school from a non-accredited school and/or home schooling must be given achievement tests and/or four (4) term tests in each subject for which a Carnegie unit of credit is awarded.

Students who transfer to a Biloxi school who have previously received credit in a course and who are required to enroll in the class in Biloxi for No Credit will be listed in computer programs and in academic records as "Audit," with such "Audit" courses not to be included in determining scholastic averages or class rank.

In order to receive a diploma from Biloxi High School, a student must have attended Biloxi High for a minimum of one (1) full semester, be enrolled in seven (7) classes, must meet all grade and graduation requirements as specified in district policy, and must earn at least two (2) of the last four (4) units of credit in residence at Biloxi High School. Two (2) units of credit is interpreted as a semester of work. Attendance in summer school will not be counted toward this requirement.

Eighth graders who successfully complete Computer Discovery and/or Algebra I will receive one (1) Carnegie unit of credit for each course, and grades in these subjects will be included in computing scholastic averages and class rankings.

In order to graduate with honors or highest honors from Biloxi High School, a transfer student must have attended Biloxi High School for his/her entire senior year and must be enrolled in seven (7) subjects.

Online Instruction for Credit – Students enrolled at Biloxi High School or the Center for New Opportunities may be permitted to earn credits for courses (not passed previously) through web-based online instruction. The district contracts with Nova Net for such online instruction, and credits earned through Nova Net will apply toward the number of credits required for graduation. The district reserves the right to charge a reasonable fee for such online instruction; furthermore, the district retains the option to discontinue this program in the event of insufficient enrollment or results.

Each student is responsible for completing required work without unauthorized assistance. The integrity of the grading and testing procedures must not be compromised, and any student who is determined to be guilty of cheating will receive a zero on graded work and will receive appropriate counseling and/or disciplinary action.

CLASS RANKINGS/SCHOLASTIC AVERAGES – GRADES 9-12

Senior class rankings will be computed to determine students graduating with special honors (average of 95 or higher, grades nine through twelve inclusive); honors (average of 90 or higher, grades nine through twelve inclusive); and all other matters requiring the listing of class standing, including scholarship applications, college applications, etc. Computation of scholastic averages will include all courses in which the student was enrolled in grades nine through twelve for both one-half credit and one full credit per course.

The procedure for determining class rank is as follows:

Scholastic averages are computed for grades 9-12, with each semester grade being counted once.

All grades are averaged based upon the following pattern:

a. Three-period classes are counted three times per semester.

Two-period classes are counted two times each semester.

One-period classes are counted one time each semester.

Grades for students enrolled in Accelerated and Advanced Placement classes will be weighted under the following formula: 3% will be added to Accelerated grades and 5% to Advanced Placement grades. Actual numerical grades will not be changed on permanent records; only class rank will be affected. Example: Accelerated grade of 86 x 1.03 = 88.5800; AP grade of 86 x 1.05 = 90.3000.

Students enrolled in AP courses are strongly encouraged to take the advanced placement test and must do so at their own expense.

All grades are averaged and carried out four decimal points (example: 78.0001).

Students graduating with highest honors and with honors are listed by rank, with the remaining class members to be listed alphabetically.

Class rankings and scholastic averages will be computed based on grades when credit is awarded as determined by final yearly averages for one (1), two (2), and two and one-half (2-1/2) unit courses and final semester averages for one-half unit courses.

For scholarship or college applications, etc., students who request class ranks or scholastic averages at any time prior to computation of official rankings and scholastic averages at the end of the senior year may be given a "rank/scholastic average in progress." Such rank or scholastic average will be subject to change when credit is awarded and official rankings and scholastic averages are completed.

To be included in the list of students ranked for scholastic honors and scholastic recognition, a student must attend Biloxi High school for his/her entire senior year and must be enrolled in seven (7) subjects. Students whose course grades are recorded only as "Pass/Fail" for more than one school year in grades 9-12 shall not be included in computing class rankings.

In computing scholastic averages and class rankings, a grade recorded as NC (No Credit) will be counted as 50.

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.

ENROLLMENT IN BIOLOGY I

In order to enroll in 9th grade Biology I, a student must (1) have a grade of 90 or higher in 8th grade science, or (2) in special circumstances, have the recommendation and approval of the principal.

PRE-ALGEBRA/ALGEBRA I/GEOMETRY

College-bound students will be required to take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. It is highly recommended that students take another course above the level of Algebra II.

Pre-Algebra is a prerequisite for Algebra I in the junior high schools.

For enrollment in Pre-Algebra in the 7th grade, a student must have a grade of 90 or higher in 6th grade math and score at or above a 70 NCE on a standardized/district math test, or in special circumstances, have the recommendation and approval of the principal.

For enrollment in Pre-Algebra in grade 8, a student must have a grade of 90 or higher in 7th grade math and score at or above a 70 NCE on a standardized/district math test, or in special circumstances, have the recommendation and approval of the principal.

In order to enroll in Algebra I in grade 8, a student must (1) have a grade of 90 or higher in 7th grade Pre-Algebra or (2) have scored at or above a 90 NCE on a 7th grade standardized/district math test or (3) in special circumstances, have the recommendation and approval of the principal.

Eighth grade students enrolled in Algebra I who pass the course with a grade of 70 or higher will receive one Carnegie unit of credit toward graduation.

In order to enroll in Algebra I in grade 9, a student must (1) have a grade of 90 or higher in 8th grade Pre-Algebra or (2) have scored at or above a 90 NCE on a standardized/district 8th grade math test or (3) in special circumstances, have the recommendation and approval of the principal.

Students in grades 8 and 9 who do not quality for Algebra I but have passed Pre-Algebra will be eligible to enroll in Transition to Algebra. No Carnegie credit is awarded for 8th grade Transition to Algebra.

In order to enroll in 9th grade Geometry, a student must have a grade of 70 or higher in 8th grade Algebra I.

Students enrolled in advanced placement classes (grades 10-11-12) are strongly encouraged to take the advanced placement test and must do so at their own expense.

Students' grades in Calculus, AP; Pre-Calculus; Probability and Statistics, AP; and Trigonometry are weighted for class rank purposes.

7-9 TECH PREP COURSES

Seventh grade Career Discovery, 8th grade Computer Discovery, and 9th grade Technology Discovery courses are required courses in the junior high schools. In order to receive a Carnegie unit in 9th grade Technology Discovery, a student must comply with the pass/fail requirements listed in the Classification/Promotion policy preceding.

In order to receive a Carnegie unit in 8th grade Computer Discovery, a student must have a year-end grade of 70 or higher. If a student does not pass Computer Discovery in 8th grade, he/she must take and pass with a grade of 70 or higher a state-mandated introductory computer course in grades 10, 11, or 12 in order to graduate from Biloxi High School.

ENROLLMENT IN 9TH GRADE SPANISH I

In order to enroll in 9th grade Spanish I, a student must (1) have a grade of 85 or higher in 8th grade English and (2) be recommended by the 8th grade English teacher.

ACCELERATED CLASSES

In order to enroll in an Accelerated class, a ninth grade student must have a 90 average or higher for the preceding year for the Accelerated subject area in which he/she requests enrollment and a score of 70 NCE or higher on a state standardized test in the subject area.

SUMMER SCHOOL - GRADE 9

When offered, summer school usually begins in the first week after graduation. A fee for each Carnegie unit (course) is charged. Only one (1) Carnegie unit (course) may be earned in summer school. If necessary, a student may enroll for only one semester. Summer school classes include 145 hours of instruction.

The purposes of summer school are to make up incompletes or to make up failures.

Rules and procedures for summer school are set by the administration.

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. Teachers serving as supervisors shall submit all forms (field trip requests, school business leave requests, and requisitions) at the same time, and requests must be approved at least two weeks prior to the field trip. 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 two weeks.

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 twenty 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.

12. Students will be charged a fee of five-cents per page for copies

from printers or the copier in the Media Center.

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.

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.

Trained faculty and staff first aid specialists 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.

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, 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, after-school detention, 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 will be subject to immediate arrest.

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 may be removed from school until investigation is complete. If a student is guilty of sexual harassment or assault and is assigned to sexual harassment classes, the student must 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.

TRESPASSING

The administration and the School Board recognize that a problem exists with students who are on the school campus at night or on week-ends for purposes of vandalism or other misbehavior. Students who are found on the school grounds at unauthorized times will be placed on the school discipline ladder under school policy and will be subject to arrest. In all instances of such vandalism, restitution will be the responsibility of the students and their parents. Students who are assigned to parent care or out-of-school suspension, recommended for expulsion, or expelled but are on campus unaccompanied by a parent/guardian will be considered to be trespassing.

DISCIPLINE - GENERAL INFORMATION

The basic objectives of discipline within the school may be described as four-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.

4. To guide students in learning how to make better behavioral choices based on decision-making skills that enable them to become self-disciplined.

Conferences, reprimands, parent care, after-school detention, 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 attend classes with the student in order to identify and 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 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. In-school suspension requires that a student complete all assignments during the period of suspension. 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. A student withdrawing from school while under suspension will be required to complete the suspension before being permitted to return to class.

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.)

DISCIPLINE PROGRAM 7-9

The 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 in 1. Step 7

Student Conduct (Reported to Police)

2. Bomb threat (Reported to Police) 2. Step 7 3. Use, sale, or possession of drugs, drug 3. Step 6-7

paraphernalia (Reported to Police)

4. Fighting (Reported to Police) 4. Step 6-7

5. Use, sale, or possession of alcohol or 5. Step 6-7

alcohol-related products (Reported to Police)

6. Harassment, intimidation, or threatening 6. Step 4-7

of other students or staff

7. Lying to authorities 7. Step 4-6

8. Use or possession of laser items 8. Step 4-6

9. Sexual harassment/assault 9. Step 4-7

10. Trespassing 10. Step 4-6

11. Use, sale, or possession of tobacco or 11. Step 4-6

tobacco-related products (May be reported to Police)

12. Using forged or altered documents (report 12. Step 4-6

cards, progress reports, parental notes, hall

passes, other students' lunch numbers, etc.)

13. Gang activity, association 13. Step 3-7

14. Stealing 14. Step 4-6

(to include restitution)

15. Leaving campus without authorization 15. Step 3-5

16. Profanity or vulgarity (to include acts, 16. Step 3-6

gestures, or symbols directed at another person)

17. Biting 17. Step 3-7

18. Gambling or possession of gambling devices 18. Step 3-5

19. Use or possession of dangerous objects 19. Step 5-7

20. Use or possession of fireworks 20. Step 5-7

21. Defiance of authority 21. Step 3-5

22. Improper behavior in the cafeteria 22. Step 2-5

or on the campus 23. Improper behavior at assemblies or other 23. Step 2-5

school activities (subject to be removed from program)

24. Refusal to identify oneself properly when 24. Step 4-5

requested to do so by a faculty or staff member

25. Misbehavior on the school bus 25. Step 2-5

26. Loitering in bicycle rack area 26. Step 1-3

27. Other misbehavior as determined 27. Step 2-7

by the administration

28. Defacing or otherwise injuring property 28. Step 3-6

that belongs to the school district (to include restitution

(to include writing on school walls, for damages)

inside or outside)

29. Unauthorized fund raising, including 29. Step 1-4

sale of candy

30. Disrespectful behavior to 30. Step 2-5

staff members

31. Cutting classes 31. Step 3-5

32. Truancy 32. Step 3-5

33. Disrupting instructional time 33. Step 1-7

34. Possession of radios, Walkmans, or 34. Step 3-4

electronic beepers or games, telephones,

or other electronic devices (These items will be secured by the

administration until release to the student's parent/guardian at the

end of the school year.)

Any discipline problem resulting in the student's placement on Steps 4-7 may be reported to police if appropriate.

Cumulative misbehavior, singularly inappropriate misbehavior, or misbehavior which occurs after placement on Step 5 or 6 of the Discipline Ladder may result in placement on Step 7 of the Ladder.

DISCIPLINE LADDER - JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Step 1 1. Contact parent or legal guardian (phone or visit).

2. Student conference.

3. Removal from ladder if not referred to office for five (5) school days from entry onto ladder.

Step 2 1. Contact parent or legal guardian (phone or visit).

2. After-school detention or corporal punishment.

3. Failure to report to after-school detention will result in the student's being placed on Step 3 of the Discipline Ladder.

4. Any student who is disruptive or uncooperative in after-school detention will be referred to an administrator for further discipline.

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

6. Removal from ladder if not referred to office for ten (10) school days from date of entry onto the ladder.

Step 3 1. Contact parent or legal guardian (personal visit with building administrator before student is allowed to return to class).

2. Parent care. Absences from class for parent care will be counted as absences under the attendance policy.

3. Loss of all privileges during time of parent care 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 (15) days from date of return to school after parent care.

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

2. In-school suspension, three (3) days.

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. Parent may be required to attend classes with student during time to be determined by administrator.

5. Removal from ladder if not referred to office for twenty (20) school days from date of return to school after suspension.

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 (3) to five (5) days.

3. Referral to central office and intervention as determined by administration.

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. Parent may be required to attend classes with student during time to be determined by administrator.

6. Removal from ladder if not referred to office for twenty-five (25) school days from date of return to school after suspension.

Step 6 1. Contact parent or legal guardian (personal visit with building administrator before student is allowed to return to class).

2. Out-of-school suspension for five (5) to ten (10) days.

3. Referral to deputy superintendent and meeting with deputy superintendent.

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. Parent may be required to attend classes with student during time to be determined by administration.

6. Removal from ladder if not referred to office for thirty (30) school days from date of return to school after suspension.

Step 7 1. Contact parent/legal guardian (personal visit or letter).

2. Recommendation for expulsion; out-of-school suspension. A copy of Due Process/Hearing Procedures Policy JCAA will be given to the student and parent.

3. A student may be recommended for expulsion at any time 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. If a student returns to school, probation for thirty-five (35) days; removal from ladder if not referred to office for 35 school days from date of return to school after suspension and/or determination by the School Board.

Important Note: Students may be escalated to next higher step after second placement on any one step.

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

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. (Steps 4, 5, or 6)

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.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR ON BUSES

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:

1. Students must be at assigned stops at loading time.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Chewing gum is prohibited on the bus.

13. Intentional littering of the bus is prohibited.

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

15. Vulgar language is prohibited on the school bus.

16. 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.

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

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

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

20. Stealing is prohibited.

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

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

23. 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)

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.

BUS 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.

LOCKERS AT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Lockers may be provided by the school as assigned by the administration. A student assigned a locker must clearly understand that his/her acceptance and use of the locker implies consent for the administration to enter the locker and to conduct a reasonable search of its contents. He/she is hereby cautioned that he/she is responsible for the contents of the locker assigned to and accepted for use by him/her. He/she should not permit another student to share his/her assigned locker and should keep a lock on the locker at all times to safeguard items. The school assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping of items in students' lockers.

BACK PACKS/BOOK BAGS 7-12

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

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.

PARKING REGULATIONS

Bicycles that are brought to school must be placed in designated areas when the student arrives at school. Junior high school students are not permitted to drive motorized vehicles to school.

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 fashions, the Board will make an effort periodically to restructure the dress and grooming code according to current conditions.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE – K-12

Students will be required to wear clothing as garments are intended to be worn (example: no low riding pants) and in such a manner that is appropriate for school. Belts must be worn with pants with belt loops and at waist.

Length of shorts, skirts and dresses must come to fingertips when arms are held at one’s side.

Safe and appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.

A neat well-trimmed moustache and/or goatee is permitted.

Earrings must be worn in earlobes only. For student safety, no other body piercing with rings or other jewelry is permitted.

Because of student safety, no tongue studs will be allowed.

Appropriate undergarments must be worn.

Inappropriate items include:

Any items symbolic of gang attire.

Clothing with logos or wording promoting/referring to alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Clothing containing slogans or logos depicting vandalism, bigotry, violence, sexual connotations, suicide, fraternities, sororities, secret organizations, or those with double meaning.

Any top that is revealing. Examples are tank tops, cut-off tops, tube tops, halter tops, bathing suits, sports bras, or midriffs, muscle shirts, etc.

Spiked accessories, chains including those attached to wallets, belt loops, jewelry, or other accessories/items.

Clothing with holes, cuts, or tears.

Hats, caps, bandannas, visors, sunglasses, or other headwear.

In all instances, the appropriateness or inappropriateness of school dress will be determined by school administrators, considering the style or manner in which the clothing is worn or its fit.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

FUND RAISING

An organization must receive prior approval from the principal and the superintendent before beginning any fund raising project. No student representing groups outside the school will be permitted to conduct fund raising activities in the school. Students possessing candy or other items at school for sale to other students will be subject to placement on the discipline ladder.

ACTIVITY FUND

School clubs and organizations will deposit all money and make requests for withdrawals through the principal's office.

ATHLETICS

All students participating in athletics will be required to have on file written parent consent, proof of insurance, liability waiver, and medical screening by a licensed physician.

ELIGIBILITY - GRADES 7-9

Eligibility for competitive athletics in grades 7-9 is determined by the coordinator of sports according to the rules of the Mississippi High School Activities Association. Students must meet all requirements established by the MHSAA.

BAND

There are three levels of junior high band, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The director is responsible for placing each student in the correct level. The criteria are based on the current musical requirements (see band director). Participation is also based on good behavior. Students who fail to show maturity through a lack of discipline will not be allowed to enroll in the class. Students must attend all scheduled rehearsals and performances. Students are required to meet with the director prior to enrolling in the class.

STRINGS

Students enrolled in grades seven through twelve will be permitted to enroll in the strings program.

EXTRA AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

When required, students participating in extra and co-curricular activities must have on file at the school written parent consent and liability waiver forms.

PARTIES, DANCES

Junior high school evening parties or dances will not permit or require students to rent or wear formal attire. No parties are permitted in the secondary schools, grades 7-12, during the school day.

UNIFORMS

Any student attending the Biloxi Public Schools who shall be required to wear or who shall choose to wear a uniform or other type of dress because of his/her participation in a school activity, which dress is clearly and readily identifiable with the Biloxi Public School District, whether the uniform or other type dress is provided to the student by the school system or whether the student provides the uniform shall be expected to conduct himself/herself while in such uniform, at all times, in a manner acceptable to the school system.

This behavior is required whether or not the student is under the direct supervision of the school and/or its personnel and whether or not the student is on school premises or at an official school function.

It is the intent of the administration to inform such student that his/her participation in activities may be denied, terminated, or restricted as a result of behavior determined to be unbecoming or unacceptable to the school administration and/or Board of Education while the student is wearing a uniform identifiable with the Biloxi Public School District.

Uniforms provided for school activities shall be maintained in good condition and will remain the property of the school district. Such uniforms which are damaged shall be paid for in full by the student’s parent/guardian.

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 7-9

On designated school days the school will operate an activity period schedule. The activity period will be used for club, class, and homeroom meetings and for assemblies. Announcement of meetings at the activity period will be made in advance.

INTRODUCTION TO CHEERLEADER TRY-OUTS

AND STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS

The selection and participation in the extracurricular activities of cheerleader, Student Council officer or representative, are privileges rather than rights afforded to individual students. It is the administration's intent to apply stringent rules upon those who may be eligible for try-outs and elections as well as to apply those rules during the period of continued participation of such students. With privileges goes responsibility. Those who are selected are representatives of the entire student body and are expected to demean themselves at all times to reflect favorably upon the Biloxi school system.

The following requirements for try-outs and elections, as well as the standards set for continuation as cheerleader, Student Council officer and representative, shall apply equally to conduct during participation in school activities as well as all times outside and beyond the high school activity so long as the student may be identified as a representative of a student body of the Biloxi Public Schools.

The school administration, subject to the prescribed administrative hearings, shall be the sole authority in determining whether the alleged act or acts of misconduct reflect adversely upon students of the public school district to the extent of resulting in disqualification for try-outs or for election or for continuation of eligibility.

In order to be eligible for try-outs or for election as cheerleader, Student Council officer or representative, the student must meet all requirements established under policies specifically related to each activity in addition to being subject to the regulatory principles set forth above.

QUALIFICATIONS for ANY CLASS OFFICER or ANY POSITION

on the STUDENT COUNCIL and ELIGIBILITY for CONTINUATION

as a CLASS OFFICER or as an OFFICER of the STUDENT COUNCIL

Grades 7-9

Students must meet and maintain the following qualifications to be eligible to run for any class office or position on the Student Council, and all requirements must be maintained to be eligible for continuation as a class officer or for any position on the Student Council.

1. Must maintain an over-all average for the semester preceding elections for the positions as listed below (grade averages will be calculated in the principal's office with data available from cumulative records, carried out four decimal places, and will not be rounded):

A. President and vice president of the Student Body - 80

B. Class officers and other Student Council Officers - 80

C. Student Council representatives - 75

2. Must not be or have been placed on Step 5, 6, or 7 of the disciplinary ladder during the current school year to run for office and during the time they serve as class officer or Student Council member.

3. Must not have received unsatisfactory citizenship marks from three or more teachers during the current school year.

4. Must not have been declared inactive from Student Council membership the previous year as a result of lack of attendance at Student Council meetings or activities or as a result of violation(s) of the Student Council Constitution.

PROCEDURES FOR CAMPAIGNING, Grades 7-9

Poster campaigning is limited to the election of the student body president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. ALL POSTERS ARE TO BE APPROVED BY THE PRINCIPAL BEFORE PRESENTATION. Students campaigning for these offices should make an effort to keep expenses to a minimum. Campaign signs are not permitted in the school building prior to five (5) school days before the election. Campaign signs and activities are permitted in the school building only. There shall be no promotional items given to other students as part of the campaign.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CHEERLEADER TRY-OUTS and

ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTINUATION AS A CHEERLEADER

Cheerleaders must meet the following requirements to be eligible for try-outs, and all requirements must be maintained to be eligible for continuation as a cheerleader.

1. Must maintain an over-all 80 average for the semester preceding the try-outs. Grade averages will be calculated by the guidance office with data available from cumulative records and carried out four decimal places. Grades will not be rounded. Grades will be monitored by sponsors. Cheerleaders whose average goes below an 80 will be subject to probation. Continuation of grade probation will result in dismissal from squad.

2. Must not be or have been placed on Step 5, 6, or 7 of the disciplinary ladder.

3. Must not have received unsatisfactory citizenship marks from three or more teachers during the current school year for tryouts and during the time they serve as cheerleader.

A parent or legal guardian and the prospective cheerleader must sign the "Cheerleader Qualifications and Responsibilities" form before the try-outs.

Students who reside in the Biloxi Public School District are eligible to try out for or participate as cheerleader if they meet the requirements of this policy; and tuition students are eligible if they meet the requirements of the MHSAA.

Any student meeting the above qualifications will be given the opportunity of signing up with cheerleading sponsors to have the privilege of trying out before the selection committee.

No alternate cheerleaders will be selected.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Cheerleaders will be selected by an adult committee composed of people who live outside the Biloxi Public School District. All decisions of the judges will be final.

PUBLICATIONS

The Board specifically prohibits publication in school papers, magazines, yearbooks, and other school-sponsored publications of any item which may libel any person, items with anonymous writers or sources, materials which are considered by teacher advisors/sponsors or by the principal to be obscene or in poor taste, materials which might result in any possibility of violence, or items which might damage or hurt any person.

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Only ninth grade students will be considered for membership in National Junior Honor Society. Induction will occur during the fourth term of the eighth grade year. In order to be considered for membership, students must have an over-all 90 average and not less than an 85 in any subject for any given nine-week term in all academic classes for the three nine-week terms preceding induction.

These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of leadership, service, character, and citizenship requirements. Grades alone do not qualify an individual for membership. Members are selected by the faculty council, which is appointed by the school's principal.

The faculty council may survey the teachers of these students and/or the students themselves to obtain information regarding service, leadership, citizenship, and character of students under consideration.

Membership in National Junior Honor Society is an honor, not a right, and is not guaranteed to any individual. Students are required to maintain their grade point average and the ideals by which they were selected, or the faculty council can remove them at any time by a simple majority vote. The student must not be or have been placed on Step 5, 6, or 7 of the disciplinary ladder.

INDEX

Absences 3, 12-14

Academic Credit 22-24, 26

Accelerated Classes 30

Accreditation 22

Activity Fund 56

Activity Schedule 57

Administration 5

Admissions 8, 9

Alcohol 40, 46

Algebra I 29

Arrival Time 8

Asbestos Report 3

Assaults 42, 46

Assertive Discipline 45-52

Athletics 36, 56

Attendance 3, 12, 13

Authority of Teacher 50

Awarding of Academic Credit 22-24, 26

Back Packs/Book Bags 54

Band 56

Biology I 29

Birth Certificates 9

Buses, Conduct/Discipline 51, 52

Cafeteria 20

Changes of Address 19

Check-Out Policy 15

Cheerleaders 58

Class Officers 58

Class Rankings 27

Classes, Enrollment 29, 30

Classification 24

Co-curricular Activities 57

Communicable Diseases 12

Compliance Policies 15, 16

Conduct 39-43

Conferences, Parent-Teacher 8

Contacting Parents 11

Corporal Punishment 44

Custodial Parents 18

Dances 57

Departure Time 8

Detention (staying after school) 53

Directory of Schools 5

Discipline 44-52

Disruptions 45-47

Dress and Grooming Code 54, 55

Driver's License 9

Drugs 40, 46

Eligibility for Athletics 56

Emergency Action/Operations 3, 38

Examinations 20, 24

Expulsion 45

Extra Activities 57

Family Rights and Privacy Act 16, 17

Field Trips 30, 31

Fighting 42

Fire Drills 38

Fireworks 40, 46

First Aid 36

Floral Deliveries, Gifts 21

Foreword 1

Free Speech 19

Fund Raising 56

Gang Activity, Association 42

General Information 6

Geometry 29

Grades 23, 24

Graduation Requirements 25

Hair 55

Holidays 6

Homebound Program 14

Home Schooling 10

Homework 28

Honor Roll 24

Honor Society 60, 61

Immunizations 9, 11, 12

Information on Demand 7

Instructional Program 22

Insurance 36

Interference with School Buses 53

Internet Use 31-33

Kindergarten 8

Laser Items 54

Late Entrance 15

Leaving Class 21

Leaving the Campus 8

Library, Media Center 31

Lockers 53

Lost and Found 38

Lunches, Breakfasts 20

Make-Up Work 14

Medication 37

Mission Statement 4

News Media 3

P.T.A. 21

Parent Care 45

Parents' Responsibilities 2, 49-52

Parking Regulations 54

Parties, Dances 57

Pre-Algebra 29

Prevention of School Violence 3, 41

Procedures for Campaigning 59

Progress Reports 23

Prohibited Organizations 43

Promotion Policy 24

Publications 3, 60

Purchases 21

Records 16-18

Registration (admissions) 8, 9

Release of Names, Addresses 17, 18

Report Cards 22, 23

Retention 24

Scholastic Averages 27

School Board 5

School Day 6

School Safety Act 45, 49, 50, 51

Secret Organizations 43

Section 504 15, 16

Sexual Harassment/Assault 42

Smoking 54

Spanish I 30

Special Programs & Services 34-36

Sports 56

Staff Protection 53

Strings 56

Student Activities 56

Student Body President & Vice-President 58

Student Council 58

Student Detention 53

Summer School 30

Suspension 45

Tardies 3, 14

Tech Prep 30

Telephone 21

Terms 6

Textbooks 22

Title VI Title IX 15

Tobacco, use of, possession 54

Transfers 9, 19

Transition to Algebra 29

Trespassing 43

Uniforms 57

Vaccinations 9, 11, 12

Vandalism 43, 49-52

Verification of Residence 10, 11

Visitors 8

Weapons 2, 40, 46

Website 5

Welcome 4

Withdrawals 20

Zero Tolerance Policy 2