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School Policies / Truancy Definition / Student Rules and Regulations / Disciplinary Actions / Other Public Agencies
Privacy and Property Rights / Personal Items at School / Academic Policies / General Policies
Attendance Guidelines
Academic progress and success greatly depends on both regular and punctual attendance at school. In order to benefit fully from the course of study at Cullman Middle School, students are expected to be punctual and to attend all classes regularly throughout the school year. A student’s parents/guardians will be informed if the student develops patterns of inconsistent attendance and punctuality according to the CCBOE Code of Conduct.
According to CCBOE policy, a school day absence is defined as non-attendance for more than fifty percent (50%) of the regularly scheduled school day. To be counted present, a student must be present more than fifty (50%) percent of the scheduled school day. A class absence is defined as non-attendance for more than fifty percent (50%) of a regularly scheduled class. To be counted present, a student must be present more than fifty (50%) percent of the scheduled class time. To be considered for “Perfect Attendance” recognition, a student must be present 100% of each school day.
Excused Absences
In accordance with state law, a parent or guardian must explain the cause of every absence of students under his or her control or charge. Every student, upon return to school, must bring a verifiable written excuse (maintained on file) from home signed by the student’s parent or guardian for each absence and present adequate written basis for excused absences. According to CCBOE policy, the parent or guardian will be required to provide medical or legal documentation for absences to continue to be excused after eight (8) occurrences (i.e., whole or part days) where a parent or guardian uses written explanations to explain his/her child’s absences in a school year. When a student is absent, he/she must present this documentation to the front office before 7:50 AM on the date of return. The written excuse must be presented to the office secretary no later than two days after his/her return or the absence(s) will be recorded as unexcused. The office secretary will code the absence accordingly in the computer system.
Absences identified by Alabama law as excused:
1. Personal illness of the student, or
2. Death in the immediate family, or
3. Inclement weather which would be dangerous to the life or health of the child as determined by the principal, or
4. Legal quarantine, subpoena to court, or
5. Emergency conditions as determined by the principal, or
6. Prior permission of the principal and consent of the parent or guardian, or
7. In School Suspension
Make-up Work (Excused Absences) CCBOE Policy JBD
If a student is absent for any excused reason as defined above, the student shall be allowed to make up all major assignments and other work missed during said absence(s) at a time agreeable to the teacher(s). Teachers shall not be required to re-teach lessons, but students shall be given a reasonable opportunity to learn the lessons missed due to excused absences. AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL, THE STUDENT SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING THE TEACHER(S) TO ARRANGE TO MAKE UP THE WORK.
*Arrangements for all make-up work, in all grades, must be made within two (2) days after returning from an excused absence.
Make-up Work (Unexcused Absences) CCBOE Policy JBD
Teachers shall not provide make-up work or examinations for students absent for unexcused reasons. Teachers, at their discretion, may require students absent for unexcused reasons to make up homework, class work, etc., on a non-credited basis in order to help such students maintain academic pace. Teachers shall not assign zeroes to students absent for unexcused reasons on an automatic basis; zeroes may be assigned to such students only when other students in general receive grades for homework, examinations, recitation, etc.
Excessive Absences CCBOE Policy JBD
When a student in grades 1-8 has accumulated more than 20 absences per year, the teacher(s) and principal will evaluate the attendance record and academic achievement and may recommend retention. A student who has 12 unexcused absences out of a total of 20 absences may be retained due to excessive absences. If a decision to retain is reached, the parent or guardian and the Attendance Officer shall be notified in writing.
Tardies
Excessive tardiness is detrimental to both the individual and the entire class of which he/she is a member; therefore, tardiness will not be condoned or tolerated. A class tardy, for attendance and marking purposes, is defined as a student’s arrival to class after the time set for the beginning of class or after the tardy bell. A school tardy, for attendance marking purposes, is defined as a student’s arrival after the official time set for the beginning of the regular school day.
When a student is tardy to class, he/she will report to the office and receive a written warning. The following is a discipline ladder that will be followed per semester:
4th Tardy: Three (3) hours of Saturday School
5th Tardy: Three (3) hours of Saturday School
6th Tardy: One (1) day of In-School Suspension
7th Tardy: Three (3) days of In-School Suspension and Principal’s Probation
8th Tardy: One (1) day of Out of School Suspension
9th Tardy: One (1) day of Out of School Suspension and referral to District Attendance Officer and the Early Warning Program
10th Tardy: Referral to Alternative School
Tardies are cumulative including tardies to school and to each class. The tardy count will start over each semester.
A parent, guardian, or other person having charge of any child officially enrolled in Alabama public schools (K-12) shall explain in writing the cause of any and every absence of the child no later than three (3) days following return to school. A failure to furnish such explanation shall be evidence of the child being truant each day he is absent. The child shall also be deemed truant for any absence determined by the principal to be unexcused based upon the State Department of Education’s current School Attendance Manual. Three (3) unexcused absences within a school year constitute a student being truant for the purpose of filing a petition with the Court.
Student Conduct
All students will be expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to good citizenship with respect and consideration for the rights of others. It is expected that students come to school to learn; therefore, any conduct which interferes with or disrupts the educational process will not be tolerated.
Student Dress Code
Cullman Middle School recognizes the fact that appropriate student dress and grooming are essential in maintaining a productive educational environment. In order to maintain a setting conducive to a positive educational environment, Cullman Middle School requires that all students exercise good judgment with regard to their personal appearance and health. Any attire or physical appearance of a student that is considered disruptive to the educational process or creates a health and/or a safety problem is not appropriate for Cullman Middle School.
The following rules and regulations are mandatory for all students attending Cullman Middle School. Students who fail to comply with these rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action.
1. Any clothing, appearance, or personal hygiene and grooming practices that draw an inordinate amount of attention to the individual student are considered inappropriate for school. The dress and/or grooming style of any student must not interfere with the educational process of Cullman City Schools.
2. Students must be neat and clean at all times. An unkempt or sloppy appearance is not appropriate in the learning environment of a school
3. Students are to wear clothing in the manner it was designed to be worn. Ex. clothing worn backward or inside-out and suspenders undone are not allowed. Specifically, pants worn too low or excessively-large, baggy clothing will not be permitted.
4. Revealing or suggestive clothing may not be worn. Undergarments should be worn in an appropriate manner and not visible.
5. All shorts/skorts/skirts and dresses must be no more than five inches above the knee. Slits in skirts and dresses must not be extreme or revealing and must meet the five-inch rule.
6. Athletic-type shorts are not permitted.
7. All clothes should be in a state of good condition. Holes must be patched. Cutoff clothes are not allowed.
8. Spandex pants, leggings, or leotards may be worn ONLY when the top worn with them meets the five-inch rule.
9. Students are not to wear jewelry, ornaments, or other accessories which distract from the educational process or present a health and/or safety hazard. With the exception of earrings, body piercing is not allowed.
10. Clothing that displays antisocial, immoral, illegal or gang-related slogans or names is not allowed. Any article of clothing, jewelry, or haircut depicting gangs, satanic, occult, violence, sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, mutilation, or language that could be considered obscene or vulgar will not be allowed.
11. Except for religious, medical, or class-related activities, caps, hats, and coverings may not be worn on school campus.
12. Sunglasses may not be worn on school grounds.
13. Outerwear (dusters, trench coats, gloves, modified gloves) are not to be worn to school or at school functions.
14. All students are required to wear their hair in such a manner that is not considered unkempt, unclean, impairing vision, or disruptive to the educational environment. Students are not to wear hair dyed in unusual or unnatural colors, spiked hair, shaven head areas, or shaven head patterns.
15. Students are not to wear metal chains, metal spiked apparel, or other similar accessories.
16. Students are required to wear appropriate shoes to school at all times. No bare feet, house slippers, boots with chains, steel toes, or other metal reinforcement or decorations are allowed.
NOTE:
1. The privileges offered under the dress code may be withdrawn from any student or students who fail to meet the Code of Conduct or dress code in general.
2. Students who violate the rules of the dress code will be subject to punitive action as well as having privileges allowed under the dress code withdrawn.
3. If any aspect of the dress code becomes a consistent problem, appropriate adjustments will be made by the administration to address the situation. For example, if students consistently violate a certain aspect of the dress code such as wearing shorts too short, then that privilege may be revoked for all students.
4. The final decision regarding dress will rest with the principal or his/her designee.
Cheating
Students shall not cheat on tests, cheat on assignments, plagiarize work, or fraudulently alter report cards. Students who cheat on tests or give the appearance of cheating on tests will be subject to a grade of zero for that test, and be subject to Class II disciplinary consequences. The same rule applies to assignments handed in to the teacher for credit. Cheating includes receiving or soliciting aid, or the attempt to receive or solicit aid, from another person or other source (i.e. books, notes, study aids, computer, etc.) or giving aid, or the attempt to give aid, to any person without the consent of the teacher. Plagiarism includes using someone else’s words, ideas, works, computer program, output, or data derived through experimentation or investigation without giving that person credit.
Drugs and Alcohol
CCBOE Policy JCDAB reads in part:
Students shall not posses, use, sell, transmit, purchase, or deliver any controlled substances, illegal drugs, intoxicants, including alcohol, imitation controlled substances, drug paraphernalia or be under the influence of a controlled substance on a school campus, at school-related events, or while being transported to or from school or schoolrelated events. In all cases, the substance will be confiscated, and police will be notified.
Any student found in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action based on the School System’s Student Code of Conduct. Drug and alcohol offences are Major Level Violations.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs
If a student must take prescription or over-the-counter medications during the school day a Medication Authorization Form must be on file in the office for each medication taken.
A parent/guardian must bring the medication to the office.
Always have the medication in the prescription container, over-the-counter medication must be in a new, unopened bottle.
Medications will be housed and locked up in the nurse’s office.
Medications will be counted and recorded by parent/guardian and school designee upon delivery.
Parents must pick up empty container when the last dose of medication is taken.
A new Medication Authorization Form will be signed when medication changes. Students needing inhalers and insulin may self-administer with prior approval by the principal.
Any student who gives away, sells, or possesses medicine, prescription or nonprescription, will be disciplined. Discipline may include suspension, probation or expulsion.
At the close of the school year, medication not picked up will be destroyed.
Smoking/Use of Tobacco
Students in the Cullman City Schools shall not be permitted to smoke, use tobacco, or have tobacco in any form in their possession on a school campus, at schoolrelated events, or while being transported to or from school or school-related events. Furthermore, students shall not be permitted to smoke or use tobacco in any form at school functions or activities.
Vandalism
Vandalism of school or private property will not be tolerated. Any student who deliberately destroys, damages, or defaces school property will be required to pay the full price of repair or replacement and will be subject to disciplinary action. Any school property accidentally broken or damaged should be reported immediately to the teacher, principal, or assistant principal.
Fighting
Fighting on school grounds or at school-sponsored events is a serious offense. We must provide students with a safe and secure environment. If students have personal conflict, they should seek adult help. If a student feels threatened or harassed, they should immediately walk away and report the problem to a teacher or staff member. Violators will be subjected to in-school suspension or out-of school suspension. The student may also have a disciplinary hearing to consider expulsion and face charges of disorderly conduct.
Possession of Weapons and Firearms
No student may have in his/her possession a weapon or firearms on a school campus, at school-related events, or while being transferred to or from school or schoolrelated events.
No person shall knowingly with intent to do bodily harm carry or possess a deadly weapon on school premises. Possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to do bodily harm on school premises or a school bus is a Class C Felony. (Note: Deadly weapons include but are NOT limited to hand grenades, explosive or incendiary device, pistol, rifle, shotgun, switch-blade knife, gravity knife, stiletto, sword, dagger, or any club, baton, billy-jack, bludgeon or metal knuckles.)
Possession of a gun in a school zone is a state and federal offense which will result in severe monetary and/or legal penalties. A student who is determined to have brought a weapon to school in violation of the Gun-Free Schools Act will be subject to immediate suspension and , if guilty, expulsion for a period of not less than one year and will be referred to the appropriate authorities. Any exceptions of these cases must be modified on a case-by-case basis by the superintendent.
Public Display of Affection
Public display of affection is considered inappropriate behavior on campus or at school sponsored activities. Hugging, kissing, or embracing is prohibited.
Harassment
Harassment is a punishable offense by law and by this administration. Any student engaging in verbal or physical harassment can expect a full measure of consequences. Students will be punished according to the severity of the incident, which can include prosecution, by law enforcement officials.
Sexual Harassment CCBOE Policy JN
Sexual harassment of students by employees or other students is unlawful behavior and will not be permitted in the school setting. A student who feels he/she has been sexually harassed should report the incident to his/her parents/guardians and the school principal as soon as possible after the incident.
Classroom Discipline
Classroom teachers will handle minor problems in a routine manner. Each teacher has his/her own instructional style and classroom guidelines for students to follow. It will be the responsibility of the student to understand and follow these guidelines. Teachers may temporarily remove students for disruptive behavior.
Detention
Individual teachers or teacher teams may choose to use detention for classroom/campus minor infractions of rules.
Saturday School
The Saturday School Program will operate from 8:00 – 11:00 AM. Any student arriving after 8:10 AM on Saturday will not be admitted to the Saturday School Program. If a student is absent unexcused (as determined by administration) on the day of the Saturday School assignment, the student may be assigned to In-school Suspension. Continued unexcused absences from Saturday School will result in suspension.
In-School Suspension
The In-School Suspension program is an alternative to out-of-school suspension. Students may be assigned In-School Suspension (ISS) from one to ten days based on the seriousness of the infraction. All school work will be the responsibility of the student. He/she will receive credit accordingly. No attendance or participation in extracurricular activities will be allowed until the assigned ISS time has been served. Students are counted present in daily attendance and are allowed to make up any missed classroom work upon their return to class.
Out-of-school Suspension
The authority to suspend a student from school rests entirely with the Principal or assistant principal. Suspension will be for a specific number of days as specified by the Cullman City Board of Education (CCBOE) and statutory regulations. The number of days will be determined by the seriousness of the offense. Any student suspended from school will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities, school functions, practices, enter school property, or attend any school activity on any school
campus during the suspension. Teachers, at their discretion, may require students absent for unexcused reasons to make up homework, class work, etc., on a non-credited basis in order to help such students maintain academic pace. Teachers shall not assign zeroes to students absent for unexcused reasons on an automatic basis; zeroes may be assigned to such students only when other students in general receive grades for homework, examinations, recitation, etc.
Principal’s Probation
When placing a student on school probation, Principal Level, (which is not to exceed twelve school weeks at any one time) the principal or delegate shall adhere to the following practices:
1. Advise the student of the charge(s) and give the student the opportunity to tell what occurred.
2. Make a reasonable effort to hold a conference to inform the parent/guardian of the offense, the school probation status, and the conditions.
3. Document the probationary status with the time, date, cause(s), duration, and conditions. (School Probation – Principal Level Form)
4. Distribute a copy of the School Probation – Principal Level form to the following: student, parent/guardian, superintendent, principal, assistant principal, and place a copy in the student’s cumulative folder. Forward the original School Probation – Principal Level form to the Student Services office.
Superintendent’s Probation
When a student is recommended for school probation status, Superintendent Level, (which is not to exceed eighteen weeks at any one time) the Office of Superintendent shall require the Principal to:
1. Notify the student orally and in writing of charge(s) and give the student the opportunity to tell what occurred. (If student is suspended, the charge(s) in writing will be on the suspension notice form.)
2. Make a reasonable effort to hold an informal conference to inform the parent/guardian of the offense and the decision to recommend school probation, Superintendent Level, and to explain school probation.
3. Write a letter to the Superintendent’s office within three (3) school days after the date of commission of the offense, recommending school probation, stating the charge(s) and date(s) of any principal’s conference(s).
4. Attach a copy of the student’s cumulative record to the letter as well as a copy of the current report card, attendance information, current demographic information, all necessary documentation of the charge(s) and a copy of the suspension notice (if suspended).
The Office of the Superintendent shall:
1. Receive and date the letter and accompanying information from the principal.
2. Set the hearing date, time, and place and notify the student, parent/guardian, and the principal. The hearing normally will be within ten school days after the date of the commission of the offense. The Office of Superintendent shall comply with Board Policy JDE – Expulsion. The parent may elect to accept school probation and to waive the hearing by executing a written waiver.
3. Document the probationary status with the time, duration, and conditions. (School Probation – Superintendent Level Form)
Turning Point Program
The Turning Point Program is an alternative education program designed for students who are facing expulsion from a regular education program.
Expulsion
A student may be expelled from school if an offense is serious enough to warrant such action. The authority to expel a student is retained solely by the CCBOE.
Interrogations by Public Officials CCBOE Policy JCAC
When law enforcement officers make it known that they wish to talk to a student while under supervision of the school, the following procedure will be used:
1. The student will be called to the office of the principal or designee.
2. The principal shall permit the law enforcement officer(s) to talk with the student. Such talk or interrogation shall be in the presence of the principal or designee and in a private setting.
In case an arrest warrant is presented by law enforcement officers, the school principal or designee shall make reasonable effort to notify the parent or guardian of the student in question prior to the student’s removal from the school premises.
Department of Human Resources
The school principal or designee may request personnel from the Department of Human Resources (DHR) to come to the school to assist in providing related services for students provided at least one of the following criteria is met:
1. The student is an active client with DHR.
2. The student is in the legal custody of DHR.
3. The school principal of designee believes that DHR can provide services that will help the student.
4. There is evidence of child abuse/neglect or suspected child abuse or neglect.
Unannounced Visits by Law Enforcement Agencies
To provide and maintain a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors, the CCBOE supports the requirement of the Alabama Administrative code, section 290-030-010-06, to permit law enforcement agencies to make periodic, unannounced visits to any school within Cullman City Schools. Such visits shall be for the purpose of detecting the presence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or weapons will result in immediate suspension from school and possible criminal charges being brought against the student(s).
Searches of Desks and Lockers
The CCBOE recognizes the implications of constitutional law in the area of student privacy. The board is equally aware that such tangible property items such as student desks, student lockers, and related properties are and remain the property of the school board; therefore, desks, lockers, and other equipment owned by the school system may be searched by school officials at any time or for any reason. There is no expectation of privacy.
Student Records
Students and parents/guardians shall be provided access to official records directly related to students and an opportunity to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate. Students and/or parents/guardians who wish to review records shall contact the school for an appointment.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law, requires that Cullman City Schools, with certain exceptions, obtain written consent from a parent/guardian prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from a student’s records. However, Cullman City Schools may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless advised the district to the contrary in accordance with district procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow Cullman City Schools to include this type of information a student’s education records for certain school publications.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Educational Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories – names, addresses, and telephone listings – unless the parents have advised the LEA that they do not want
their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If you do not want Cullman City Schools to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without prior written consent, you must notify the school in writing by August 31. Cullman City Schools has designated the following as directory information: (Note: an LEA may, but does not have to include all the information listed below.)
• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone mail address
• Photograph
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended.
Electronic Devices
No electronic devices are permitted on the school campus. (See policy regarding cell phones.) These types of items are easily damaged or stolen and often create problems and disruptions.
Animals and Pets
The public health department and state law prohibits animals or pets from school campus for health and safety reasons. Any exception must first have the permission of the school administration. Experimentation or exhibits involving animals or pets must receive prior approval from the administration. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
Book bags
Only book bags and those items deemed as book carriers will be permitted on campus. Large sports bags will not be permitted on campus except to and from a designated site by a coach upon arrival at school and departure from school.
Cell phones
Cell phone usage is not permitted prior to or during the school day while on school grounds. Students may use cell phones after 3:05 PM. Teachers may prohibit students from using cell phones after school hours in their classroom. Students may be removed from testing (i.e., standardized test) if they possess a cell phone that is turned on during testing.
Bicycles, Motorbikes, Motorcycles, and Skateboards
All bicycles are to be parked in designated areas. They are to be parked immediately upon arriving at school; they are not to be ridden on sidewalks or athletic fields. Skateboards are not allowed on campus. Motorbikes and motorcycles are not allowed on campus.
Uniform Grading Plan
Numerical grades are mandatory in grades 1-12 based on the following scale:
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
0-59 = F
Academic Advancement
At or near the end of the school year the teacher(s) and principal will meet jointly to make a decision as to whether a student will be promoted. In grades seven and eight the student must pass six out of eight academic semesters (math, English, science and social studies) to be promoted.
If a student becomes a candidate for retention, the parents will be notified as soon as possible. In every instance the individual student will be evaluated and a decision made which is in the best interest of the student. Although skill mastery will be the primary criteria, teachers may consider multiple criteria in making a final determination on promotion or retention.
Athletic Eligibility
All athletic teams will follow guidelines established by the Alabama High School Athletic Association to include age eligibility, grade eligibility, and resident eligibility. Students must be enrolled in Cullman City School System to try out and to maintain team membership status. All extracurricular participants must meet the same standards as is set for athletes by the AHSAA. (CCBOE Policy JHCAAB)
Furthermore, students who have been suspended, in school or out of school, cannot practice or compete in any extracurricular activity during the suspension.
School Opening and Closing Times
The school day normally begins at 7:50 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. School personnel will not assume responsibility for students more than fifteen minutes before the time set for opening morning classes and fifteen minutes after the time set for closing the normal school day’s classes.
However, responsibility shall be accepted and supervision provided for students who arrive early or depart late to participate in programs sponsored by the school (i.e., breakfast program, supplemental curriculum related programs, athletic events) and those who are transported via school system buses.
Arrival and Check-Out Procedures
The following guidelines will be followed for student arrival and pick-up:
1. Students arriving before 7:40 a.m. must wait in designated areas.
2. The lunchroom will be open for students arriving at 7:30 a.m. for those students participating in the breakfast program.
3. Once students arrive on campus they must sign out in the office if they leave campus before the afternoon dismissal bell.
4. Students will only be allowed to check out with persons who appear on the student’s Guardian or Emergency Contact List. To make changes to this list, a written request must be submitted to the school office by the parent/guardian with the new contact’s name, telephone number, and relationship to the student.
5. Students must have faculty permission to enter the classroom buildings before 7:40 a.m.
6. Students arriving by automobiles may only be dropped off or picked up on:
(a) 9th Street NE (street behind CMS lunchroom, in front of New Gym)
(b) 2nd Avenue NE (street which loops in front of school)
(c) 4th Street NE, automobiles must drop off students on the school side of the street (street running parallel to the building and football practice field)
7. Students using bicycles must immediately secure the bikes upon arrival oncampus. Students may not ride bikes on campus.
8. Students may not bring skateboards on campus.
9. Students may not bring motorcycles or motorbikes on campus.
Closed Campus
Cullman Middle School operates on a “closed campus” policy. Students must stay within the confines of the school facilities from the time they arrive until they are dismissed. Students violating this policy will be subject to suspension from the regular school program. Students must have properly signed documents to leave.
Groups or organizations that are not school sponsored may not conduct activities at the school or through the school. This prohibits selling, soliciting money, posting announcements, conducting initiations, or meeting during school hours.
Visitors
All visitors and parents should report immediately to the office upon arrival at school. They must obtain a visitor’s pass before they can visit any class, teacher, or student. Students from other schools, friends, or relatives will not be permitted to attend classes with Cullman Middle School students.
Deliveries
The school will not accept personal deliveries for any student. Students are not to have deliveries of food, flowers, or gifts from outside businesses. Parents may only deliver items for students that are necessary for school such as special projects, medicines, or uniforms.
Telephone and Messages
Students may be permitted to use the office telephone only in cases of illness or absolute necessity as determined by the principal. Students will not be called to the telephone nor will students be called out of class to talk with a parent or other person unless the situation is deemed as an emergency by an administrator.
Library
The library is for study, reading, and research.
1. Individual students must have a pass from their teacher to go to the library. The pass should be presented at the circulation desk upon entry.
2. Food and drinks will not be allowed.
Lunchroom
All students in a class will go to lunch as a group with their fifth period teacher. Everyone must remain in the lunchroom during their lunch period and may leave only at the assigned dismissal time. No food or drinks will be carried from the lunchroom. Food and drinks from restaurants and fast food services may not be delivered to students or eaten in the cafeteria.
Out-of-District Fees
Fees must be paid by all out-of-district students to the Cullman City Board of Education. If not paid by the start of each semester, student(s) will be automatically withdrawn from school.
Yearbook Sales
Yearbooks will go on sale in October. They will be sold for two weeks through the students’ homerooms. After that time and until December 1, yearbooks must be prepurchased in the bookkeeper’s office and will cost five dollars more than the two-week initial offering. Extra yearbooks are usually ordered and will be sold on a first-come first-served basis after the pre-purchased yearbooks are distributed.
Textbooks
Core textbooks are delivered through the 1:1 Laptop Initiative. Textbooks are furnished by the Alabama State Department of Education and the Cullman City Board of Education. Students are responsible for all books issued, whether laptop or hardcopy and will be required to pay for any books lost, damaged, or destroyed before they will receive additional textbooks.
Laptop Computers
Cullman City Schools provides laptop computers to seventh and eighth graders. Parents and students must sign an agreement-of-use policy before a laptop will be issued. Parents and students not in agreement with this policy will be issued hard copies of textbooks. Failure to comply with the policy will result in the laptop privilege being withdrawn and hardcopies of the textbooks being issued.
Asbestos Management Statement
The Cullman City Schools, in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AHERA Program, have performed inspection of each school building for asbestos containing materials. The Asbestos Management Plans and/or updates are on file in each school’s administrative offices for review during regular school hours.
Inquiries or complaints may be directed to Dr. Jan Harris, Superintendent, Cullman City Schools, 301 1st Street NE, Suite 100, Cullman AL 35055. Phone: (256) 734-2233.
Meningococcal Disease
In the 2006 Legislative Session Senate, Joint Resolution 26 (Act No. 2006-54) was passed urging the Alabama State Department of Education to inform parents and students in grades six, ten, and twelve of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a serious illness, caused by bacteria. It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children two to eighteen (2-18) years old in the United States.
The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease are very common. The disease is most common in children and people with certain medical conditions that affect their immune system. College freshman living in dormitories also have increased risk of getting the disease. The disease is spread through exchange of respiratory droplets or saliva with an infected person including kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing drinking glasses, and eating utensils. In a few people, the bacteria overcome the body’s immune system and pass through the lining of the nose and throat into the blood stream where
they cause meningitis. Meningitis is a term that describes inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of the disease include: fever, headache, stiff neck, red rash, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting.
MCV4, or the meningococcal vaccine, is recommended for all children eleven to twelve (11 to 12) years of age and for unvaccinated adolescents at high school entry (15 years of age). High school seniors should also consider obtaining the vaccine prior to entering college, especially if they are planning on living in a dormitory. Please consult your physician or local health department for more information. More information on this and other vaccine recommendations can be found at www.adph.org/immunization
Student Access to Networked Information Resources
Students are responsible for good behavior when using school computer networks since communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. The network is provided for students to conduct research and to communicate with others; however, access to network services, i.e. the Internet, will be provided to only those students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Independent student use of telecommunications and electronic information resources will be permitted upon submission of parental permission/agreement forms (See IFBGC-F1) signed by students and their
parents/guardians. Parental permission is required. Access to the Internet via School System computers is a privilege, not a right, and entails responsibility. NOTE: See policy GARB for additional information on employee use of computers and Internet.
Access:
1. Students may use only accounts, files, software, and technology resources that are assigned to him/her.
2. Students may not attempt to log in to the network by using another person's account and/or password or allow someone to use his/her password to access the network, e-mail, or the Internet.
3. Students must take all reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access to accounts and data and any other unauthorized usage within and outside the School System.
4. Students identified as a security risk may be denied access.
5. Any use of technology resources that reduces the efficiency of use for others will be considered a violation of this policy.
6. Students must not attempt to disrupt any computer services or data by spreading viruses, spamming, or by any other means.
7. Students are not allowed to order any goods or services over the School System’s network that will result in charges to the School System.
8. Students must not attempt to modify technology resources, utilities, and configurations, or change the restrictions associated with his/her accounts, or attempt to breach any technology resources security system, either with or without malicious intent.
9. The School System Technology Coordinators and/or school administrators will determine when inappropriate use has occurred and they have the right to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts. Their decision will be final.
Privacy:
1. To maintain network integrity and to insure that the network is being used responsibly, local school and School System Technology Coordinators reserve the right to review files and network communications.
2. Users should not expect files stored on the School System' network to always be private.
3. Because communications on the Internet are, often, public in nature, all users should be careful to maintain appropriate and responsible communications.
4. The School System cannot guarantee the privacy, security, or confidentiality of any information sent or received via the Internet.
5. Users should be aware that the technology staff routinely monitors and performs maintenance on fileservers, e-mail, workstations, the Internet, user accounts, telephones, and telephone systems. During these procedures, it may be necessary to review e-mail and/or files stored on the network.
6. Users are encouraged to avoid storing personal and/or private information on the School System and/or schools technology resources.
7. The system-wide technology staff does perform routine backups. However, all users are responsible for storage of any critical files and/or data.
8. Student records, media center collections, and accounting information should be backed up to disk.
Electronic Mail:
1. The School System provides access to electronic mail for employees upon request and, on a limited basis, for secondary students.
2. Access to e-mail is for employee, class, and/or student use in any educational and instructional business that they may conduct.
3. Personal use of electronic mail is permitted as long as it does not violate School System policy and/or adversely affect others or the speed of the network.
4. Electronic mail should reflect acceptable standards at all time.
5. School System e-mail accounts may not be used for political or personal gain.
6. School System e-mail accounts may not be used for attempting or successfully sending anonymous messages.
7. School System e-mail accounts may not be used for sending mass e-mails.
8. School System e-mail accounts may not be used for posting or forwarding other user's personal communication without the author's consent.
Internet:
1. The intent of the School System is to provide access to resources available via the Internet with the understanding that faculty, staff, and students will access and use information that is appropriate for his/her various curricula.
2. All school rules and guidelines for appropriate technology usage shall apply to usage of the Internet.
3. Teachers will screen all Internet resources that will be used in the classroom prior to their introduction.
4. Students will gain access to the Internet by agreeing to conduct themselves in a considerate and responsible manner and by providing written permission from their parents/guardians.
5. Students will be allowed to conduct independent research on the Internet upon the receipt of the appropriate permission forms.
6. Permission is not transferable, and therefore, may not be shared.
7. Students that are allowed independent access to the Internet will have the capability of accessing material that has not been screened.
Internet Filtering:
1. Internet access for all users is filtered, through one central point, by URL and IP address.
2. Internet searches are filtered by keyword.
3. URLs and IP addresses may be added to or deleted from the filtered list by the School System office.
4. Staff members may request review of filtered sites.
Web Publishing:
1. The School System's web server cannot be used for profit, commercial purposes, to express personal opinions, or to editorialize.
2. All home pages will be reviewed by the local school and/or School System Technology Coordinator before being added to the School System’s School World Wide Web Server.
3. The Technology Staff reserves the right to reject all or part of a proposed Home page.
4. Home pages may only be placed on the Web server by a local school or School System Technology Coordinator.
5. All pages posted on the School System's web server must be written with an approved editor.
6. Each posted page must include the following: the school location, date of last update, and an e-mail address.
7. All posted work must be of publishable quality with regard to spelling, usage, and mechanics.
8. All web page authors are responsible for the maintenance of their own pages.
9. All links should be checked regularly to make sure they are current and working.
10. Pages that are not updated in a timely fashion; that contain inaccurate or inappropriate information; or contain links that do not work will be removed and the author will be notified.
11. Unfinished pages will not be posted until they are fully functional.
12. Teacher created web pages stored on a commercial or private server may be a link from a teacher created web page stored on the School System Internet server.
13. Pictures and other personally identifiable information should only be used with permission in writing from the parent/guardian of the student involved. No full names should be used-only first name, last initial. No written permission is required for in-school broadcasts (i.e. morning news, announcements, class profiles, etc.)
14. Student posting of personal information of any kind is prohibited. Personal information includes: home and/or school address, work address, home and/or school phone numbers, full name, social security number, etc.
15. No written permission is required to list faculty/staff and their school contact information (phone extension, e-mail address, etc.)
16. Written consent will be required for posting of any employee photographs.
17. Infringement of copyright laws, obscene, harassing or threatening materials on web sites are against the law and are subject to prosecution.
Parental Permissions:
It is the responsibility of the staff posting information on the web, requesting videos, or designing publicity or public relations information to obtain written parental permission prior to student access to the Internet (See Form IFBGC-F1).
Examples of Inappropriate Resources:
The following activities are examples of inappropriate activities for any School System network, e-mail system, or the Internet. This list is not all-inclusive. Anything that would be considered inappropriate in "paper form" is also considered inappropriate in electronic form.
1. Using another user's password or attempting to determine another user's password.
2. Sharing your own password.
3. Trespassing in another user's files, folders, home directory, or work.
4. Saving information on ANY network drive or directory other than your personal Home directory OR a teacher specified and approved location.
5. Downloading, installing, or copying software of any kind onto a workstation, your home directory, or any network drive
6. Harassing, insulting, or attacking others via technology resources.
7. Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks (this includes changing workstation configurations such as screen savers, backgrounds, printers, BIOS information, preset passwords, etc.)
8. Intentionally wasting limited resources such as disk space and printing capacity.
9. Accessing inappropriate web sites (sites containing information that is violent, illegal, satanic, sexual, etc.)
10. Sending, displaying, or downloading offensive messages or pictures.
11. Using obscene, racist, profane, discriminatory, threatening, or inflammatory language.
12. Participating in on-line chat rooms without the permission/supervision of an adult staff member.
13. Posting any false or damaging information about other people, the school system, or other organizations.
14. Posting of any personal information about another person without his/her written consent.
15. Broadcasting network messages and/or participating in sending/perpetuating chain letters.
16. Violating copyright laws.
17. Plagiarism of materials that are found on the Internet.
18. Use of technology resources to create illegal materials (i.e. counterfeit money, fake identification, etc.).
19. Use of any School System Technology resource for personal gain, commercial or political purposes.
Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action. The School System cannot responsibly restrict, monitor, or control the communications of all students utilizing the networks. Use of the networks is based on each individual student’s pledge to use School System networks responsibly. Parents/guardians play a key role in setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the School System supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.