Student Handbook Main Focuses

Dress Code

Clothing considered by administration as being inappropriate, unsafe, or having the potential for the creation of disruptive behavior, either real or implied, is not permitted. School personnel need and ask for the support of parents in establishing a safe and peaceful environment. A dress code as well as other guidelines for behavior is intended to establish a standard that will indicate to any visitor that all are involved in a serious pursuit: that of becoming a well educated, productive citizen. Students are encouraged to express their individuality as long as their appearance does not undermine the standard as outlined. In an attempt to provide clarity the items listed below are some examples that are not permitted.

1. Clothing not worn as intended by its design is not permitted.

2. No short-shorts are permitted. Shorts and skirts may be worn if they are at least mid-thigh length. Shorts that are designed to be worn skin tight will not be permitted unless a different type of clothing is worn over the shorts. Clothing that is worn skin-tight (spandex, etc.) will not be permitted unless it is worn under another garment.

3. Students will wear standard shoes. Students are encouraged to consider safety issues when selecting footwear. Wheelie shoes, any shoes with wheels are not permitted.

4. Clothing that has been cut off or has holes above the knees is not permitted. This includes such items as cut-off shorts, muscle shirts or shirts with cut-off sleeves.

5. Clothing that allows the midriff or buttocks to be exposed while standing or sitting is not permitted.

6. Clothing that leaves the shoulder inappropriately bare and/or exposes cleavage is not permitted. Sleeveless garments, excluding tank tops, are acceptable if they do not have any form of scoop neckline. Spaghetti straps over the shoulders are not appropriate. Any apparel that exposes undergarments is not permitted.

7. Clothing with inappropriate language or pictures is not permitted. The following list of things to avoid will help you make good decisions concerning appropriate clothing.
-Advertising or content relating to alcohol, beer, drugs, tobacco, or other illegal substances.
-Obscene or lewd writing, pictures, profanity, or language inappropriate to an educational environment.
-Anything that implies, suggests, or portrays sex or violence.
-Clothing with post-manufactured holes and clothing with designer manufactured holes are not permitted.
-Anything that displays or implies gang attire, signs or symbols is not permitted.

8. Hats, sunglasses, headbands (except when above the forehead as a part of a hairstyle), or bandannas are not permitted. At times special days of recognition may with the permission of the principal feature and allow one or more of the items that are not allowed as a regular practice.

9. Coats and winter jackets are not permitted in the classroom unless the environment is such that a teacher or administrator considers it appropriate. In the normal operation of a school day, week or special season concessions may at times be considered by the administration to promote school spirit or to recognize the work or activities of special groups. If such concessions were to cause an undue disturbance in any particular class, the classroom teacher may in a respectful way ask his/her students to refrain from exercising the deviance. Such a decision must be based on substantial evidence that shows obvious disruption to the routine of the classroom and/or be considered a safety factor as it relates to the activities in the classroom in question.

10. Girls that violate the dress code and wear tops that expose cleavage will be required to change the top. School officials will provide a top that can be worn for the remainder of the day. Tops provided by school officials will be tops/shirts that are sold in the Bookstore as BNL Spirit clothing.

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Cell Phones

Children will be permitted to use the telephone if their health or safety is involved. Use of the telephone may be denied for forgotten homework, musical instruments, books, gym shoes, and other similar articles. Telephones may not be used to make arrangements to go home with other students. Important telephone messages from parents will be delivered to the children. Other uses of the telephone by the students will be approved or disapproved by the principal depending on the circumstances.

Cell phones (or any mobile electronic transmitting devises) are permitted for the explicit purpose of allowing students the ability to communicate in emergency situations before and after school hours. The use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices within the building are not permitted without the expressed permission of the principal or designee. Upon entering the building, cell phones should be immediately turned off and remain off until the student leaves the building after school. During school hours, cell phones must be placed and should remain in the student's locker. Students are not permitted to carry their cell phone with them during the school day. At no time during the school day are cell phones to be used to text message, make phone calls, show pictures, take pictures, play music or check for missed calls. This includes passing and lunch periods. Students do not need access to communication devices during the day. If it is necessary for students to communicate with parents or others, students should report to the school office. Parents may contact students through the school office. Students who violate this policy will be referred to an administrator for appropriate disciplinary actions.

Important Notice to Students and Parents Regarding Cell Phone Content and Display

• The Child Abuse/Neglect Law requires school personnel to report to law enforcement or child protective services whenever there is reason to believe that any person/student is involved with "child exploitation" or "child pornography" as defined by Indiana Criminal Statues.
• It is "child exploitation," a Class C felony under I.C.35-42-4-4(b), for any person/student (1) to exhibit, photograph, or create a digitalized image of any incident that includes "sexual conduct" by a child under the age of 18; or (2) to disseminate, exhibit to another person, or offer to so disseminate or exhibit, matter that depicts or describes "sexual conduct" by a child under the age of 18.
• It is "child pornography," a Class D felony under I.C. 35-42-4-4© for any person/student to possess a photograph, motion picture, digitalized image, or any pictorial representation that depicts or describes "sexual conduct" by a child who the person knows is less than 16 years of age or who appears less than age 16.
• "Sexual conduct" is defined by I.C.35-42-4-4(a) to include sexual intercourse, exhibition of the uncovered genitals intended to satisfy or arouse the sexual desires of any person, or any fondling or touching of a child by another person or of another person by a child intended to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of the child or other person.
• The Indiana Sex Offender Registration Statute at I.C.11-8-8-7 and the Sex Offender Registry Offense Statue at I.C.35-42-4-11, as of May 2009, require persons convicted of or adjudicated as a juvenile delinquent for violating the Child Exploitation Statue at I.C.35-42-4-4(b) to register as a sex offender.
• Because student cell phones have been found in a number of Indiana school districts to have contained evidence of "sexual conduct" as defined above, it is important for parents and students to be aware of the legal consequences should this occur in our school system.

Students that violate the policy regarding cell phones may have their cell phone confiscated by the school administration. School Administrators will determine when the cell phone will be returned based on the number of violations. As violations increase, so will the number of days cell phones are confiscated.

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Fighting

The issue of fighting is addressed by Indiana Code: Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury or behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person. Depending on the circumstances, students can be suspended or expelled for fighting. Indiana Code is clear regarding self-defense. Indiana Code states, "A person is justified in using reasonable force against another person to protect the person or a third person from what the person reasonably believes to be the imminent use of unlawful force. A person does not have a duty to retreat if the person reasonably believes that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to the person or a third person." In instances where a physical altercation occurs, an Administrator will use his discretion and judgment to determine proper action and disciplinary measures. Criteria for consideration will include: Who was the aggressor? Did the other person act in self-defense or choose to retaliate with the intent to become engaged in a fight? Were other parties not involved in the physical altercation guilty of provoking the incident? It is important to note, while students have a right to self-defense, that right does not include retaliating in a manner where an exchange of punches, shoves, or physical interaction is carried on in an ongoing manner. The Administrator reserves the right to determine if an incident is classified as a fight or if the action of a disagreement did not escalate to the extent of a fight.

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Bullying

Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to change the behavior of the perpetrator and remediate the impact of the victim. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for bullying also constitutes violation of this policy.

Bullying is a violation of state law and school policy and can be a suspendable or expellable offense. In instances where bullying occurs, an Administrator will use his discretion and judgment to determine proper action.

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Student Use of Motor Vehicles
The use of a motor vehicle for travel to and from school by students is an assumption of responsibility on the part of the student's responsibility in the care of property; in the observation of safety rules; and the display of courtesy and consideration toward others. Driving to school, if approved, is a privilege. If abused in any way, it may be revoked at any time.

All vehicles must be registered in the high school office. Student Parking Registration Forms may be obtained in the main office or from this web site. Parking passes cost $25.00, and must have a parent/guardian signature and be filled out completely before a pass will be issued.

Student Parking Rules:

All vehicles must be registered and display a pass on the rearview mirror. Vehicles must be parked properly in spaces, head in parking only, and students should not park so that they block another student. Students must park in areas designated for students. Vehicles must be unoccupied during the time school is in session.

No alcoholic beverages or other illegal materials may be possessed, consumed, or in student vehicles on school property. Student vehicles may be subject to search if there are reasonable grounds to believe that drugs, alcohol, stolen property or other contraband might be in that vehicle. Prosecution and/or expulsion may result.

All students must be licensed and covered by insurance. The school is not responsible for the automobile or its contents. There will be no speeding over 5 miles per hour or any form of reckless driving on the school grounds. Any violation of the above rules, other school rules and civil laws may result in denial of parking privileges, and/or car being towed away or other appropriate disciplinary action. Vehicles may be towed at owner's expense without notice. Any vehicle driven to school by a student and parked on school grounds may be subject to searches by local law enforcement.

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Attendance Policy
Research shows that educational achievement is directly related to attendance, and is essential to a successful learning environment. A student who is absent presents a clear disadvantage to not only themselves, but also to their classmates and instructional staff. In addition students are subject to the attendance laws and policies of the State of Indiana and North Lawrence Community Schools. The responsibility for school attendance is that of the student and his/her parent or legal guardian.

Reporting Absences
A parent or guardian must notify the attendance office by telephone prior to or on the day of the absence.

If a call is not possible, a note signed by a parent or doctor must be brought to the attendance office within 48 hours (2 days) of the absence.

If notification within 48 hours (2 days) is not provided, the absence will be considered unexcused or truant. All absences will fall into one of the following categories: excused, unexcused, or truant.

Excused Absences:
1. Personal illness or injury
2. Medical and Legal Appointments (Such appointments should be scheduled after school hours when possible. Doctors/Attorney statements are required to excuse these absences).
3. Family Emergency (subject to approval by building administration)
4. Funerals
5. Inclement weather when the school bus must run an alternative route or the parents choose for their children to not attend school due to potentially unsafe conditions

Pre-Arranged Absences

Some absences may be "Excused" if arrangements have been made prior to the absence. In order to pre-arrange an absence, the following steps must be taken. Please note that the responsibility for taking these steps is that of the student or student’s parent/guardian.
1. Pick up a pre-arranged form in the attendance office.
2. Complete the form and have it signed by a parent.
3. Have an administrator sign the form.
4. Have all teachers and a counselor sign the form.
5. Return the form to the attendance office at least one week prior to the absence.

The following absences must be arranged at least one week in advance in order to be excused. Failure to give a one week notice will result in an unexcused absence and work made-up may not be given credit. This policy will be strictly enforced.
1. Family vacation: Family vacations will be excused if the student is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian while on vacation, and if the student's absence from school does not put them over the limit for absences as outlined in absenteeism limitations. If the vacation puts the student over the limit, the vacation absences will be considered unexcused.
2. Required religious observance or church activity
3. College visitation-a maximum of two visits may be made during the junior and senior year- a written verification from the college will be required upon return. College visit form
4. Mandatory college, vocational, or military testing required for admission
5. Legislative page
6. Election worker
7. Court subpoena
8. Honoree in the Indiana General Assembly
9. Service in the National Guard

Field Trip Requests
Any request for class absence due to a class/club field trip must have prior approval. Excessive absences or tardies to class will entitle that teacher to deny student participation.

Make-Up Work: Class work may be made-up and credit given for any excused absence. However, the responsibility to obtain assignments and arrange for times to take missed tests is that of the student. One day for each day absent will be given to turn in assignments. In cases of extended periods of absence due to illness, a building principal or designee may consider the uniqueness of the case.

Final exams will not be given early unless approved by the classroom teacher and the
building principal.

Absences during ISTEP testing will result in automatic failure of the test.

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Unexcused Absences
Any absence from school, class or assigned activity, without an excused reason (see above) or without parental verification; for a reason for which prior approval is necessary and approval was not obtained before the absence. (Building administration reserves the right to verify the reasons for absences.)
Make-Up Work: Students are encouraged to make-up missed assignments in order to be successful in each class; however credit will not be given if the absence was Unexcused.

Truancy is defined as being absent for more than 5 minutes from a class up to an entire school day when the absence is initiated by the student without parental consent under circumstances not covered by law or recognized by the school. The following disciplinary actions will be issued for any truancy.
1-4 periods- one day of Friday Night School
5-8 periods- one or two days of Friday Night School

In the event that the truancy is more than one full school day, a parent conference will be held, building administration will then determine the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken.

Excused & Unexcused Absence Limitations
Students are allowed four absences per semester without requiring a doctor's note. Students will be EXCUSED for the first four absences in a semester with a phone call or note from a parent. Once four absences are accumulated in a semester, a doctor's note must be submitted for each absence thereafter in order to be considered as an EXCUSED ABSENCE. This policy applies to full day absences and partial day absences, including absences from a single class period. The following table illustrates the policy for excused and unexcused absences. This table is based on a semester.
Absence 1—Excused with a phone call or note from a parent
Absence 2—Excused with a phone call or note from a parent
Absence 3—Excused with a phone call or note from a parent
Absence 4—Excused with a phone call or note from a parent
Absence 5 & Beyond—Unexcused unless a doctor's note is submitted
Parent phone calls, parent notes, and doctor's notes must be submitted within 48 hours of the absence in order to be considered as an EXCUSED ABSENCE.

Consequences For Unexcused Absences
1st Unexcused Absence = Level One Offense
2nd Unexcused Absence = Level One Offense
3rd Unexcused Absence = Level Two Offense
4th Unexcused Absence = Level Two Offense
5th Unexcused Absence = Level Three Offense
6th Unexcused Absence = Referred To The Lawrence County Prosecutor
7th Unexcused Absence = Level Three Offense
8th Unexcused Absence = Level Three Offense
9th Unexcused Absence = Level Three Offense
10th Unexcused Absence = Level Four Offense

Level One Consequences = One of the following: Before School Detention, After School Detention, or Lunch Detention.

Level Two Consequences = The student will be assigned to 90 minutes of Friday School.

Level Three Consequences = Privileges to attend student activities such as Homecoming Dance, Prom, or other activities can be revoked. Student parking permit will be revoked and parking fees will not be refunded. Work permits will be revoked. The student will be assigned to three hours of Friday School.

Level Four Consequences = Students can be recommended for expulsion and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be notified to revoke or deny Operator's License or Learner's Permits.

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Attendance — Class Participation Grade
In addition to tests, homework, projects, quizzes, and other assignments, class participation is also a part of a student's nine weeks grade. When students are absent from school, the student is permitted to make-up tests, quizzes, homework, projects, and other assignments. However, when a student is absent from school, the student will not receive credit for the daily participation aspect of the grade. For example, if a teacher gives one point per day for class participation and a student has five absences, the student will not earn the five points for class participation. Unlike tests, quizzes, projects, homework, and other assignments, students cannot make-up class participation credit.

Lawrence County Prosecutor
Indiana Code 20-33-2-27 holds parents accountable by law to make sure their child attends school. This applies to students under the age of 18. When a student accumulates 6 Unexcused Absences in a semester, the student and parent will be referred to the Lawrence County Prosecutor. (6th Unexcused Absence)

Driver's License & Learner's Permits
Indiana Code 20-33-2-11 allows for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit to be denied or revoked for habitual offenders of school attendance laws. (10th Unexcused Absence).

Tardies To School
Students that arrive to school between 8:12 and 8:35 will be considered as tardy to school and sent to their first period class. Students that arrive after 8:35 and prior to 9:08 will be detained and not sent to interrupt their first period class.These students will be counted as being absent from their first period class. Once a student is absent from their first period class four times, absences thereafter will be considered unexcused and consequences will apply.
5th Tardy To School—Lunch Detention
6th Tardy To School—Lunch Detention
7th Tardy To School—Lunch Detention & Friday School
8th Tardy To School—Lunch Detention & Friday School
9th Tardy To School—AIM — In School Suspension (1/2 Day)
10th Tardy To School—Referral To The Prosecutor

Chronic Illness Verification/Excuse of Absence

Any student under physician's care or medical treatment that will most likely result in frequent absences from school is encouraged to complete a chronic illness form. The chronic illness form must be completed by a licensed physician. Having such a note on file does not automatically excuse an absence; however the form does allow the student to bring additional parent notes beyond five absences.
Note: Parent notification is required within two days for absences to be excused.

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