Updated 06-08-2016Adopted by Board of Education 06-30-2016

2016-2017

Liberty Center Elementary

Parent & Student Handbook

INTRODUCTION

The Liberty Center Elementary School Parent/Student Handbook has been

assembled to guide families in the operation of this school. The rules, regulations, and policies of this elementary school are included. A thorough review of this booklet will assist in aiding the student to adjust to his/her daily routine as well as give the family an understanding of the different aspects of the everyday school operation. Although this booklet may not answer all the questions you may have, it should answer those most commonly asked. You are always encouraged to contact or visit the school as other questions arise. Thank you, in advance, for allowing your child to be an important part of Liberty Center Elementary School. Sincerely,

Mrs. Kelly Hartbarger, Principal KHartbarger@libertycenterschools.org School phone: 419­533­2604

Liberty Center Board of Education: Tim Bowers, President Jeff Benson Neil Carter Todd Spangler John Weaver

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MISSION STATEMENT LIBERTY CENTER LOCAL SCHOOLS

As adopted by the Liberty Center Board of Education, March 16, 1998 The mission of the Liberty Center Local Schools, a growing rural district, at the center of a supportive community, is to provide all individuals the framework to obtain knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become thinking, productive citizens in a competitive changing world. This is accomplished by providing a safe, technologically­rich learning environment where high expectations integrate home, student, school, and community.

VISION STATEMENT LIBERTY CENTER LOCAL SCHOOLS

As adopted by the Liberty Center Board of Education, January 14, 2013

Our shared vision is a district where all staff and community members support excellence through collaboration and shared accountability.

All staff and community members will increase academic expectations to facilitate College and Career Readiness for our children K­12. All students will be able to problem­solve and critically think.

All staff will be committed to lifelong learning and professional growth in order to pursue our mission of excellence. Our children are our first priority.

All staff and community members will actively work to create a school environment where all students, staff and community members are treated with respect and valued.

All staff and community members will actively work towards providing our students with 21st Century Facilities that can meet their needs in a changing world.

STATEMENT OF BELIEFS

LIBERTY CENTER LOCAL SCHOOLS

At Liberty Center we believe that…

Education is a responsibility shared among students, home, school and community.

Students learn in different ways.

Schools and communities that embrace change are better prepared to educate our students.

Education will continue to be enhanced through technology.

All children can learn.

Motivation is essential for success.

There is potential in everyone.

We never stop learning.

Learning extends beyond the classroom.

Communication shared among student, home, school, and community is essential to enhance and support the education of our children.

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Elementary Staff Email List Position Last Name First Name Email Address Preschool Detmer Brenda BDetmer@nwoesc.org Kindergarten Teacher Bishop Kathy KBishop@LibertyCenterSchools.org Kindergarten Teacher Hill Patty PHill@LibertyCenterSchools.org Kindergarten Teacher Lamb Abbey ALamb@LibertyCenterSchools.org Kindergarten Teacher Rettig Kim KiRettig@LibertyCenterSchools.org 1st Grade Teacher Feehan Sarah SFeehan@LibertyCenterSchools.org 1st Grade Teacher Keefer Brooke BKeefer@LibertyCenterSchools.org 1st Grade Teacher Kellermeier Kara KKellermeier@LibertyCenterSchools.org 1st Grade Teacher Radlinski Meggin MRadlinski@LibertyCenterSchools.org 2nd Grade Teacher Masuwa Julie JMasuwa@LibertyCenterSchools.org 2nd Grade Teacher Atkinson Kaylene KAtkinson@LibertyCenterSchools.org 2nd Grade Teacher Echler Stephanie SEchler@LibertyCenterSchools.org 2nd Grade Teacher Myers Christy CMyers@LibertyCenterSchools.org 3rd Grade Teacher Biederstedt Jodi JBiederstedt@LibertyCenterSchools.org 3rd Grade Teacher Rettig Karen KRettig@LibertyCenterSchools.org 3rd Grade Teacher Rhodes Kaite KRhodes@LibertyCenterSchools.org 3rd Grade Teacher Szabo Diana DSzabo@LibertyCenterSchools.org 4th Grade Teacher Giesige Merry MGiesige@LibertyCenterSchools.org 4th Grade Teacher Edwards Brittany BEdwards@LibertyCenterSchools.org 4th Grade Teacher Schroeder Jennifer JSchroeder@LibertyCenterSchools.org 4th Grade Teacher Weber Holly HWeber@LibertyCenterSchools.org Music Teacher Wesley Emily EWesley@LibertyCenterSchools.org Tech Literacy Bowers Stacy SBowers@LibertyCenterSchools.org Art Teacher (K­6) Evans Jill JiEvans@LibertyCenterSchools.org Instrumental Music Riley Nick NRiley@LibertyCenterSchools.org School Counselor Righi Pam PRighi@LibertyCenterSchools.org Library Aide Kundo Wendy WKundo@LibertyCenterSchools.org Nurse LNurse@LibertyCenterSchools.org Occupational Therapist Mason Gail GMason@nwoesc.org P.E. Teacher (GR. K­6) Chapman Traci TChapman@LibertyCenterSchools.org Physical Therapist Keller Kristy KKeller@nwoesc.org Principal Hartbarger Kelly KHartbarger@LibertyCenterSchools.org Psychologist Voss Amanda AVoss@LibertyCenterSchools.org Secretary Bare Rita RBare@LibertyCenterSchools.org Secretary Saneholtz Jeanette JSaneholtz@LibertyCenterSchools.org Intervention Specialist Wood Hope HWood@LibertyCenterSchools.org Intervention Specialist Westbury Ashley AWestbury@LibertyCenterSchools.org Intervention Specialist Krueger Tracy TKrueger@LibertyCenterSchools.org Intervention Specialist Pogan Carey CPogan@ LibertyCenterSchools.org Intervention Specialist Niekamp Annette ANiekamp@ LibertyCenterSchools.org Speech/Lang. Therapist Title I Reading Dishop Jeanette JDishop@LibertyCenterSchools.org Title I Reading Instone Elizabeth EInstone@LibertyCenterSchools.org

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Liberty Center Elementary School Year Calendar

(Please watch school newsletters for special events, testing dates, and updates)

September 5 NO SCHOOL ­ Labor Day

6 NO SCHOOL ­ Teacher Prof. Day October 28 End of 1st Grading Period November 21 NO SCHOOL ­ Teacher Prof. Day

22 NO SCHOOL ­ Parent/Teacher Conf. 23, 24, 25 NO SCHOOL ­ Thanksgiving Break

December 22­30 NO SCHOOL ­ Winter Break January 2 NO SCHOOL ­ Winter Break

13 End of 2nd Grading Period 16 NO SCHOOL ­ M.L. King Day

February 20 NO SCHOOL ­ Teacher Prof. Day March 24 End of 3rd Grading Period April 14 & 17 NO SCHOOL ­ Easter Break May 24 Students’ Last Day of School

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1. ACCELERATION ­ Four types of acceleration are available to qualified students:

1. Early entrance to kindergarten 2. Subject acceleration 3. Whole­grade acceleration 4. Early graduation from high school Parents and teachers who wish to make a referral should contact the student’s building principal. The district policy and referral forms may be found in each school building office and the district website.

2. ACTIVITY ATTENDANCE You are encouraged to attend all school related activities. The Student Code of Conduct is in effect at all school­related activities, field trips, etc.. Once you have been admitted to the activity, you will not be permitted to leave and return, unless the supervisor grants permission. Misconduct by a student that occurs off of property owned or controlled by the district but that is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on property owned or controlled by the district is subject to the Student Code of Conduct. 3. ADDRESS CHANGES If your family is changing its place of residence, be sure to send the school office your new address. This also includes new telephone numbers.

4. ADMISSION / REGISTRATION The District provides free education to District residents between the ages of 5 through 21 who do not possess a diploma. Students who do not legally qualify as residents may be required to pay tuition as established by law and Board Policy.Students who live out of district may apply for open enrollment. See Open Enrollment. A student is considered a resident of the District if he/she resides with a parent, a grandparent with either power of attorney or caretaker authorization affidavit or a person or government agency with legal custody whose place of residence is within the boundaries of the District. Parents may be required to present legal proofs of residence. New entrants at all grade levels are required to present at the time of enrollment a birth certificate or other document as evidence of birth, a certified copy of any child custody order or decree, proof of having received or being in the process of receiving required immunizations and copies of those records pertaining to him/her which are maintained by the school most recently attended. 5. ALCOHOL USE/STUDENT DRUG ABUSE The Board recognizes its share of the responsibility for the health, welfare, and safety of the students who attend the District’s schools. The Board is concerned about the problems of alcohol and drug abuse and recognizes that illegal or inappropriate use of alcohol, narcotic drugs, depressants or other controlled substances is wrong and harmful, and constitutes a hazard to the positive development of all students.

The Board will not permit any student to possess, transmit, conceal, consume, show evidence of having consumed, used or offer for sale any alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, un­prescribed drugs, look­alike drugs or any mind altering substance while on school grounds or facilities; at school sponsored events; or in other situations under the authority of the District or in school­owned or school approved vehicles. Included in this prohibition are any substances represented as a controlled substance, nonalcoholic beers, steroids, tobacco and tobacco products and drug paraphernalia.

The Board wishes to emphasize the following:

1. A student is required to obey existing laws on the school grounds and while involved in school activities. School authorities have the same responsibility as any other citizen to report violations of the law. The final disposition of any problem, however, will be determined by the building principal with due consideration of the welfare of the student and of any other relevant factors involved.

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2. Discipline will be imposed independent of court action. Students will be subject to immediate suspension or expulsion proceedings for possession or use of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages.

3. Parents and students will be given a copy of the standards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions and will be notified that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory.

4. If conditions warrant, the administration will refer the student for prosecution and offer full cooperation in a criminal investigation.

5. A reduction in penalty may be considered if the student receives professional assistance. Professional assistance may include but not be limited to an alcohol/drug education program; assessment with follow­through based on the assessment findings, counseling, outpatient treatment or inpatient treatment.

The superintendent will establish and the Board will consider for approval, detailed procedures for dealing with students who may have a drug or alcohol problem. These procedures will be in compliance with all applicable laws and observed by all staff members. It is the desire of the Board for students with problems to feel secure enough to ask for help from their teachers or counselors without fear of reprisal. This means that confidentiality shall be maintained, within the limits of the law and the long­range welfare of the student will be considered paramount.

(Adopted September 16, 1985) CROSS REF.:GAG, Teaching About Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Amended April 19, 1993 JHCD, Administration of Prescription Medicine

Student Handbooks, Student Code of Conduct LEGAL REFS.: ORC 2925.01; 2925.37 3313.66; 3313.661; 3719.011; 3719.41 To ensure the health and safety of the students, routine searches by the sheriff’s department drug dog of hallways and common areas may be used. 6. APPOINTMENTS (Dental, Medical) When a student has a dental or medical appointment, the student will present the teacher with a note requesting dismissal at a particular time. The student will be excused from school at the required time. Parents should check in at the office to pick up students. When a student returns to school, he/she must report to the office before returning to class. Students need to be signed in and out of the building

7. ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE Parents and guardians are reminded that the school day is 8:03 – 3:00. Students should not arrive at school before 7:50 a.m., supervision is not provided before 7:50 a.m. All walking students will be dismissed close to 3:00 p.m. All walkers will be dismissed at the same time that the bus riders go to the buses. Students will be escorted by their teachers to Young Street. Students are expected to walk quickly and carefully home. Car riders will be picked up by the Elementary Office doors. Parents are asked to pull their cars into one of two lines. Parents picking up only elementary students should join the line forming to the left. Parents picking up a combination of elementary and middle or high school students should join the line forming to the right. Both lines will then merge together to exit the parking lot onto Route 109. Teachers will dismiss car riders into cars as their car pulls up. Students who enter cars in any other manner or location on school grounds, may be subject to school discipline.

8. ATTENDANCE, ABSENCE AND TARDINESS (Board of Education Policy) The Liberty Center Board of Education recognizes that regular attendance is essential for student success in school, and that regular attendance helps to establish desirable work habits which impact upon student’s ability to get and maintain jobs in the future. Therefore, students are urged to be present every school day and to make doctor and dental appointments or run personal errands, etc., outside the school day.

The foundation for good school work is good attendance. The law of the State of Ohio (Section 3321.04 Revised Code of Ohio) requires that all children over six years of age and under age 18 attend school regularly.

Regular attendance is the legal responsibility of the parents . The law requires that legal action be taken against the parents who do not keep their children in school regularly.

The intent of the attendance policy is to provide a structure within which students can gain maximum benefit from the instructional program.

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WHEN YOUR CHILD WILL BE ABSENT:The parent (or guardian) will notify the school office of the impending absence of their son or daughter prior to 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. If the parent or guardian fails to contact the office, it will result in personnel attempting to reach the parent, guardian, (or designee) by phone to verify knowledge of the absence.

EXCUSE NOTES: When a child returns to school after an absence, he/she will need a note signed by a parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence, even though telephone contact had previously been made. The following information will need to be included in an excuse note:

1. Date of note 2. Student’s name 3. Date(s) of absence 4. Reason for absence 5. Signature of parent or guardian

A) Excused Absences 1. Notes from a parent or guardian will be accepted as excused absences for up to 7 days per semester. Notes

converting unexcused absences to excused absences must be submitted to the school office within 24 hours of return to school. All absences over 7 days per semester and 14 days for the year require a doctor’s note or waiver from the principal to be excused. All doctor’s notes must be received within 48 hours of an absence to be excused.

2. Acceptable reasons for student absences include, but are not limited to: illness, doctor appointments, a death in the family, religious reasons, or family vacation/activities (up to 5 days maximum if attendance limits have not been exceeded).

B) Excessive Absences A student will be considered habitually truant if the student is absent without a legitimate excuse for five (5) or more consecutive school days, for seven (7) or more days in one (1) month, or twelve (12) or more school days in one (1) school year. A student will be considered chronically truant if the student is absent without a legitimate excuse for seven (7) or more consecutive school days, for ten (10) or more school days in one (1) month, or for fifteen (15) or more school days in one (1) year. Legitimate excuses for the absence of a student who is otherwise habitually or chronically truant include but are not limited to:

a. the student was enrolled in another school district; b. the student was excused from attendance in accordance with R.C. 3321.04; or c. the student has received an age and schooling certificate.

C) Parental Notification of Absences

1. Parents will be sent a notification letter from the school office when their student has missed a total of 5, 10, and 15 days of absence for the year. Parents will receive an additional letter during the second semester when their student reaches 5 absences for the second semester.

2. In addition to these letters, the principal will inform students when they reach 7 absences for the semester. Parents will be notified by letter or phone at 12 and 15 absences in order to schedule a meeting with the principal.

D) Unexcused Absences

1. When a student reaches 7 unexcused absences for a year, a truancy referral may be sent to the juvenile court, and a truant officer may visit or contact the parent or guardian to discuss the situation

2. When a student reaches 12 unexcused absences for the year, charges may be filed against the student and his/her parents with the juvenile court.

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E) Students Moving into the District Once School Begins­ Absences from any school district a student attended during the year will follow them to the Liberty Center School District. Absences in the other school district will count toward the 7­day maximum per semester and 15­day maximum for the year at Liberty Center.

F) Attendance Time Guidelines ­ The following guidelines will be used to determine whether an absence is a half­day or full day:

1. Signing In: a)Arrival between 8:00 and 9:57 will be a tardy. b)Signing in between 9:58 and 12:27 will be a half­day absence. c)Signing in after 12:28 will be a full day absence.

2. Signing Out: a)Signing out after 1:01 will be an early dismissal. b)Signing out and back in and missing less than 2 hours will be counted as a partial absence.

9. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS See the ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR in the Student Code of Conduct in Appendix 4.

10. BICYCLES Students may ride bicycles to school. They must be parked in the proper place. The students are encouraged to lock their bicycle while it is at school. They are not permitted to ride them at noon or recess times. Upon arriving on school property, all bikes are to be walked to the racks because of the traffic coming to and from school.

11. BOOK BAGS Book bags have been determined to be a health hazard (causing back and neck injuries) for growing and developing students. They have also been determined to be a safety issue because of classroom space and possible hidden contraband. Therefore, use of book bags is prohibited during school hours unless specially authorized by the administration. Females are permitted to carry a purse but they cannot be too large. The administration has the right to determine if a purse is too large.

12. BULLYING No student shall be involved in the use of insulting, degrading, ridiculing, or interpretive language toward other persons on school property, on the bus, or at school functions. Bullying is defined as follows: any intentional written, verbal, or physical act that a student has exhibited toward another particular student more than once and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student. The Liberty Center Schools has a link on our web site for students/parents to use to anonymously report problems.

13. BULLY PREVENTION PROGRAM The elementary school staff has been trained in the use of the Olweus Bully Prevention Program. This program was first implemented at the elementary during the 2007­08 school year. The goal of the program is to create a safe and positive learning environment for all children. There are several parts to the program.

1. Class meetings are held weekly to discuss specific topics from the Olweus manual as well as issues and concerns raised by the students. This includes teaching the children what types of behaviors are considered bullying as well as strategies for dealing with and reporting situations that arise.

2. A school wide listing of bullying behaviors has been developed as well as a progressive set of consequences designed to help children to learn through dealing with the consequences of poor choices.

3. A bullying incident report is sent home so parents are kept informed when their child makes a poor choice. This allows the parents to discuss the situation with their child and work with the teachers to make it into a learning opportunity.

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14. BUS CONDUCT CODE Bus Regulations : The driver of the bus will have complete charge of the conduct of all students as they enter, leave, or ride the bus. Bus drivers and/or chaperones may assign and re­assign seats whenever and as often as the driver feels it to be advisable—drivers do not need to have a reason. Students will sit where the drivers assign them to sit and will follow drivers’ instructions at all times. Any behavior which causes a driver to stop, reprimand, or any behavior which causes a driver to report a student to the principal may be regarded as endangering the health, safety and welfare of other students and the bus privilege will be revoked.

1. Students must sit down immediately upon entering the bus and REMAIN SEATED throughout the route. Students are not to change seats while the bus is in motion.

2. No loud or shrill noises or boisterous conduct, which may distract the driver is permitted. Students are not permitted to talk or make noise of any kind when the bus attempts to cross at a railroad crossing.

3. All parts of the body must be kept inside the bus at all times.

4. No obscene language or gestures are allowed. No profanity of any kind, whether towards students or adults, will be tolerated.

5. No littering in or out of the bus is permitted.

6. Students are not permitted to throw objects or use objects such as a water gun on the bus.

7. No inappropriate display of affection is permitted.

8. Eating or drinking on the bus is prohibited. (This includes gum chewing.)

9. Refusing to follow the directions of the bus driver or failing to comply in the spirit of cooperation will not be permitted. The driver is in charge and his or her orders are to be followed at all times.

VIOLATION OF THE FOLLOWING RULES WILL RESULT IN THE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF BUS RIDING PRIVILEGES 10. Destruction of school property such as cutting or ripping a seat cover will not be permitted. In addition to

making restitution, the student will lose his or her bus riding privileges.

11. No fighting, wrestling, pushing, tapping, etc.

12. No smoking or use of flammable materials. (This includes the use of matches, lighters, etc.)

13. No gross misconduct which endangers the lives of the driver, students, or any other passengers.

14. No misconduct not otherwise defined.

PENALTIES FOR BUS INFRACTIONS Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9: Third offense = one day; Fourth offense = three days; Fifth offense = removal for semester. Numbers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: First offense = five days; Second offense = 15 days; Third offense = removal for the semester.

BUS DISCIPLINE PINK CARD This notice must be signed by the parent or guardian and returned to the bus driver before the student may resume riding the bus.

BLUE CARD This notice indicates that a conference between the building principal, transportation supervisor, and the parent is to be arranged within three days of the receipt of the card. Failure to comply will result in the loss of student’s bus riding privilege until said conference occurs.

WHITE CARD This notice indicates that the student has been denied bus riding privileges for a specified length of time. The actual number of days will depend on the type of violation that has been committed.

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15. BUS DROP OFF In order to ensure the safety of younger students in grades K­3 bus drivers have been instructed not to drop off children where it is unclear if there is an adult at home. Parents are asked to assist in ensuring there is adequate supervision so young children can enter the home and be safely supervised.

16. BUS PASSES Since some of the buses are filled to capacity, students are not permitted to ride certain buses to stay overnight with a friend or to attend a party. If there is a situation where no one will be at home, then permission will be given to ride another bus for that evening only if a note has been brought to the office explaining the circumstance. The student will then be given a bus pass.

17. CAFETERIA The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school. To encourage good nutrition, a well­balanced lunch and milk is offered at a reasonable price. Cafeteria lines will move with order and efficiency if you are patient and polite in waiting your turn. You will leave your table perfectly clean and your chair in place. The cafeteria is the only place where you may eat. No food may be eaten in the classrooms or other parts of the school building. (An exception is allowed for prearranged parties).

Listed below are the cafeteria rules: 1. No charging of lunches. 2. No food may be taken from the cafeteria. 3. Enter and leave the cafeteria in an orderly fashion. 4. If you are buying food, wait courteously in the appropriate line as directed by the supervisor. Cutting in line

or saving a place in line is not permitted. 5. When you have obtained your food, please be seated and remain there. However, you may return for more

food. 6. Food is to be eaten, not thrown. 7. Common courtesy and good manners are always expected. Loud or rowdy behavior will not be tolerated.

Each student is responsible for properly disposing of his or her tray , wrappings, containers, and leftover food, and for making sure that the tables, seats and floors in his or her area are clean.

Lunch prices this year will be $2.70 for grades K­6. Extra milk is $.50. A self­supported in­class breakfast program meeting USDA requirements is available to students. The cost of breakfast for students K–6 is $1.25. Students eligible for free or reduced lunch will be charged $.25 for breakfast. Reduced lunch prices are $.40.

Lunch may be purchased on Monday morning for the entire week or an amount larger may be sent in for a child’s account. A student who is absent on Monday may purchase one the day he/she returns to school. The school district is using an electronic system for use with lunches. The system provides a more efficient method for payment. Money for breakfast may also be put on this account. It is possible to place restrictions on your child’s account, such as no fruit roll­ups or cash only for breakfast. Please send a note to school or contact the cafeteria manager in the cafeteria if you would like to discuss restrictions. The district has an on­line option for checking your child’s lunch account on our website www.libertycenter.k12.oh.us Parents can pay by credit card and also check student balances and purchase history. You may contact Donna Eickholt at DEicholt@LibertyCenterSchools.org if questions arise. Due to the number of students whose account falls below $3.00 on any given day, we have worked to develop a system to notify you that your child’s account is low. The cashier will place a stamp on your child. Students must prepay for their lunches. No money will be collected at lunchtime in the serving line. Money must be in a sealed envelope with the students name, grade and amount of money enclosed written on the outside of the envelope. Envelopes may be turned in to the teacher to go to the office in the morning envelop. Students may also place envelopes in the box next to the ala carte window. The School Office will NOT loan out lunch money to students. Students must be responsible for bringing money or a lunch to school.

18. CAFETERIA SNACK & POP POLICY Liberty Center Elementary is continuing to make student health and nutrition a top priority. Good health and nutrition are important parts to how our children develop and learn. Children who have unbalanced meals or who

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fill up on sugars or snacks will experience a “sugar high” followed by a letdown. This affects concentration and learning. Consequently, pop and energy drinks are prohibited unless authorized by school staff for a special event.

We will continue to encourage children to eat healthy, balanced meals. One way to help with this is restricting what snacks they can purchase at school. Students in kindergarten and grade one do not have the option of purchasing snacks at the snack bar.

GRADES 2­4 SNACK BAR ­ Students in grades 2­4 are allowed to purchase only pre­approved items. They are expected to eat most of their lunch first. Students who pack or buy lunch when finished may buy fruit, fruit roll­up, or fortune cookie. We made this change as students had been throwing away their lunches and then purchasing snacks. It is difficult to monitor each child’s eating habits with several grade levels in the cafeteria at once so we are asking parents to discuss this issue with their children. Many students are using their pre­paid lunch account to purchase snacks.

Parents may call the cafeteria and have their child’s account blocked to prevent this. Elementary students may not use the vendor machine in the cafeteria. Thank you in working with us to help your child develop healthy eating habits.

19. COMMUNICABLE DISEASES The Board of Education seeks to provide a safe educational environment for both students and staff. It is the Board's intent to ensure that any student or member of the staff who contracts a communicable disease that is not communicated through casual contact will have his/her status in the district examined by an appropriate panel of resource people and that the rights of both the affected individual and those of other staff members and students will be acknowledged and respected.

The control of the spread of communicable diseases is essential to the well­being of the school community and to the efficient operation of schools.

Communicable diseases include scarlet fever, other strep infections, hepatitis, whooping cough, mumps, measles, influenza, and others as designated by federal or state health authorities.

To protect the health and safety of students, school personnel, and the community at large, Board of Health regulations which pertain to communicable disease are followed. A child who has been diagnosed with bacterial infection such as strep throat, skin or eye infections, must be on antibiotic therapy for 24 hours before returning to school. A child should be without a fever (temperature of 100° or greater) or have not vomited or had loose stool for 24 hours before returning to school. On the recommendation of the school nurse, any student who appears to be ill or who has been exposed to a communicable disease may be excluded from the classroom, the building, or isolated within the school.

20. CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS The Board of Education believes that complaints and grievances are best handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible, and that the staff should be given every opportunity to consider the issues and attempt to resolve the problem prior to involvement by the Board. Therefore, the proper channeling of complaints involving instruction, discipline, or learning materials will be as follows:

Level 1 Teacher 419­533­2604 Level 2 Principal 419­533­2604 Level 3 Superintendent 419­533­5011 Level 4 Board of Education

21. CONFERENCES Parent­teacher conferences will be held in November. The dates and times are posted online on the district calendar. We hope that all parents will visit their child’s teacher(s) during the conference times. Such conferences are a great help in promoting better understanding between the parent, the child, and the school. Parents are welcome at all times of the school year to make arrangements to visit with their child’s teacher. When requesting a conference, please give the teacher sufficient notice. Only by working together, can we do the best for our children.

22. CUSTODY & CUSTODY PAPERS If you’ve had a divorce, legal separation, or any other circumstance, which alters basic parental custody patterns, your school needs a copy of the legal papers that apply to guardianship of your child. This information helps us in

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cases where your child may be removed during school, injured or sick while at school, and numerous permission slips which may need to be signed during the school year. We cannot allow the non­custodial parent these privileges if the court forbids them. Please be sure to provide the school with updated paperwork as custody papers change.

THIS PRACTICE IS FOR THE SOLE PROTECTION OF THE STUDENTS. We are not trying to pry into your personal business. Please assist us in this venture as both the school and parents have to work together for the safety of our children.

Under Ohio law the noncustodial parent has the same rights to access to records and information about their child as the custodial parent unless the court has placed specific limitations.

If the custodial parent fails to give a copy of the court order or custody papers to the school then both parents have equal and unlimited rights until such papers are presented.

If a court has approved a “shared parenting plan” the parents are required to provide a copy of the plan to the school.

23. DANGEROUS WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOLS See Appendix 3.

24. DIRECTORY INFORMATION The Ohio Revised Code has established the following information and policy about each student as "directory information": 1. Student "directory information": a student's name, date and place of birth, photograph, major field of study,

participation in officially­recognized activities and sports, height and weight if a member of an athletic team, dates of attendance, date of graduation, awards received, honor rolls, scholarships, or telephone numbers only for inclusion in school or PTO directories.

2. The District will make the above information available upon a legitimate request unless a parent, guardian, or adult student notifies the school principal in writing that he/she will not permit distribution of any or all such information. Such declaration must be made annually.

25. DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS The principal must approve any petitions, leaflets, or other printed materials you may want to distribute in advance. You must give a copy of the material to the office. You may not distribute anything that contains profanity, obscenity, vulgarity or false/injurious statements. See Board of Education policy KJA.

26. DISTRICT COMPUTER USE POLICY See Appendix 2.

27. DRESS CODE See the Student Code of Conduct in Appendix 4.

28. EARLY DISMISSAL FORMS It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to be sure that Early Dismissal Forms are kept up to date in case of an Emergency Dismissal. In the case of an Emergency Dismissal or Early Dismissal teachers and office staff use what you have submitted on the form to determine where your child is sent. A copy of the form is on our district web site and can be updated and sent in. 29. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT USE BY STUDENTS (Also see the Student Conduct Code.)

Students may not use and/or possess radios, CD, cell phones, laptop computers, laser lights, MP­3 players, I­Pods, I­Pads, Tablets or electronic equipment with or without headphones during scheduled school time or school activities. If a student has one of these items out of their book bag or turned on the item will be confiscated and released only to a parent or guardian in the school office. All electronic devices must immediately be kept in one’s

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locker or book bag upon arrival to school. Students are subject to disciplinary consequences upon the first confiscation.

Portable communication devices may not be turned on or used in the school during the school day or during detentions before or after school. All portable communication devices must be placed in ones locker immediately upon arrival to school.

30. EMERGENCY MEDICAL FORMS To protect the health and safety of the students, a current emergency medical form is required. All students must have an Emergency Medical form on file in the nurse’s office. Students riding the bus must have an Emergency Medical form on file with the bus driver as well. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to be sure the emergency contact information is up­to­date.

31. ENTERING OR LEAVING THE BUILDING Any student who arrives late to school or leaves before the end of the day for any reason must report to the office. No student will be allowed to leave the building without proper prior permission.

32. EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY The Board of Education declares it to be the policy of this district to provide an equal opportunity for all students. Any person who believes that the school’s personnel has discriminated against a student on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, religion, gender, ancestry, age, national origin, place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic background, has the right to file a complaint with the principal.

Complaints placed in writing will be investigated and a response provided in a timely manner to the person filing the complaint. Under no circumstances will the district threaten or retaliate against anyone who raises a complaint.

33. EQUIPMENT, BUILDING AND TEXTBOOK CARE TEXTBOOKS ­ All textbooks are the property of the Board of Education. In all classes, workbooks and some supplies are necessary; cost of these materials vary from grade to grade. It is the student’s responsibility to take care of all assigned textbooks. These materials are very expensive and must serve the district for many years. At the end of the school year, books are collected and checked for damages. If a book is damaged beyond the normal wear and tear one would expect, the student will be assessed a book fine for the damage. Students are encouraged to make book covers for textbooks which is easily done with grocery bags or scrap paper. (The reading books placed in service in September 2008 cost up to $54.95 each. The math books placed in service in September 2010 cost up to $71.47 each.)

The following chart will be used to determine replacement cost of each textbook:

AGE OF BOOK REPLACEMENT COST

0­2 Years 100% 3­4 Years 80% 5­6 Years 50% 7 Years or Older $5.00

EQUIPMENT/BUILDING ­ If a student intentionally breaks or mars walls, partitions, desks, tables, lockers, textbooks, windows, or other school property; it will result in replacing a broken or damaged item and/or disciplinary action.

In all cases, any replacement, repair costs, or fine not paid will result in a grade card not being issued.

34. FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT NOTICE The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

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2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to amend a record should write the school, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer. [NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.]

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202

See the list below of the disclosures that elementary and secondary schools may make without consent. FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, §99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the school to record the disclosure. Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A school may disclose PII from the education records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student –

1. To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in §99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1 ) ­ (a)(1)(i)(B)(2 ) are met. (§99.31(a)(1))

2. To officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34. (§99.31(a)(2))

3. To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as the State educational agency in the parent or eligible student’s State (SEA). Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal­ or State­supported education

35. FEDERAL ALERT SYSTEM – CODE RED Due to the continued threats of violence against our country, we feel that it is necessary to keep the public informed about our plans if the national security level reaches Code Red. After taking into consideration what other school districts and agencies are planning, Liberty Center Local Schools will be following the procedure listed below.

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1. The buildings will be secured and a student count will take place.

2. Access to the buildings will be limited.

3. Students will be dismissed at the regular time in the normal manner, unless we are directed to close by the county emergency management agency. Early dismissal procedures will then be followed. Local radio stations will carry this information.

4. Due to the situation that would necessitate a code red condition, please do not phone the school or come to the school to pick­up your students. The phone lines and parking lots need to be open in case of a local emergency.

5. Listen to local radio stations for updates.

6. Procedures implemented by the Federal, State, or County Emergency Management Agencies may take precedence over the local procedures.

Experts agree that these types of procedures are vital to the continued well­being of your children. Through the cooperative efforts of the school, parents, and community, your children’s safety will be best served.

36. FEES All school fees should be paid by the end of the first nine weeks. If this is not possible, please make other arrangements in the office. Checks may be made out to Liberty Center Schools.

37. FIELD TRIPS As a part of the educational services of the school, children are often taken on field trips. A written permit from the parent MUST be obtained for each child before the child is allowed to accompany his/her class. Also, the child’s emergency medical form is required.

Due to liability issues, a staff member leading/chaperoning a trip may not take their children on the trip, nor may siblings of school children on the trip go on the field trip. Students must ride to and from field trips on the school bus.

38. FIRE DRILLS Emergency drills will be conducted to meet state requirements. The designated locations for drills are posted in each classroom. You are expected to know the location of emergency exits and to comply with emergency procedures and directions given during all fire and tornado drills.

39. FREE LUNCH PROGRAM Students who were on the free and reduced lunch program last year must re­apply each year. Lunches must be provided by parents until notification of approval or denial is received. This will occur within 5 days. An application for each child must be completed and approved before he/she starts on the lunch program. Snack milk is not included in the free and reduced lunch program. If you are in need of free and reduced lunch forms, please request them.

40. FUND RAISERS Theft or misappropriation from fund raisers is grounds for disciplinary action. This includes school, athletic, club, organization, and/or PTO sponsored fund raisers. In addition, children/families that do not make good on fund raiser activities, either by not delivering goods or not turning in funds owed, will not be allowed to participate in future fund raisers and the funds owed will be noted in the student’s file. All fundraisers must go through the appropriate approval procedures.

41. GRADES – REPORTING Grade cards come out every nine weeks. Progress reports are sent at the midpoint each quarter. If standardized testing is administered, parents will be notified of the results as soon as we receive them.

Incomplete Grades An incomplete must be converted to a grade within two weeks after the end of the grading period. If work is not completed to remove the “I”, the grade will be converted to an “F”.

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Grade Appeals If you feel a grade is unjust or unfair, you may request a conference with the principal, your parent/guardian, and the teacher involved. The principal will make the final decision on the appeal.

42. GRADING SCALE The elementary grading scale is as follows for grades 2­4. Standards based report cards are used in grades K & 1. Reporting in those grades is based on the new Ohio Content Standards and the skills students are expected to master.

100% = A+ 79% = C+ 100­93 = S+ 99­91 = A 78­71 = C 92­77 = S

90 = A­ 70 = C­ 76­70 = S­ 89 = B+ 69 = D+ 69­0 = U

88­81 = B 70­61 = D 80 = B­ 60 = D­

59­0 = F 43. GRADING STANDARDS – FINE ARTS (Art, Music, Physical Education) The Fine Arts Department will use the grading scale adopted by the Board of Education for all fine arts classes.

Grading will reflect comprehension, performance, or acquisition of skills, concepts, and Ohio Content

Standards mandated by the Ohio Department of Education. The Ohio Department of Education has established criteria for the “advanced” classification that is more

rigorous than what has been used previously at Liberty Center. As a result, it is anticipated that most students will fall into the “Proficient” classification.

Individual rubrics will be used to assess projects and activities specific to each fine arts subject. The following rubric will be used to assess activities or projects which may be considered subjective, so as

to provide guidelines for determining grades. Grading Rubric for K­6 K 1,2 3­6 Guidelines

A S+ A

90­100%

Outstanding performance or demonstration of concepts and skills Consistent application indicating mastery of elements/essentials Highest level of achievement

P

S B

80­89%

Proficient or very good demonstration of concepts and skills Few errors, indicating near mastery Lacking in elements/essentials High level of achievement

S­ C

70­79%

Developing or acceptable demonstration of concepts and skills Many errors, indicating mastery is not attained Lacking in elements/essentials Acceptable evidence of achievement

L U

D 60­69%

Limited or poor demonstration of concepts and skills Few elements/essentials demonstrated Limited evidence of achievement

F Unsatisfactory or very poor demonstration of concepts and skills No elements/essentials demonstrated

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0­59%

Refusal to demonstrate concepts or skills Insufficient or unsatisfactory evidence of achievement

44. GUIDANCE The School Counselors will assist students in developing skills, making decisions, accepting others, and resolving conflicts. Our counselors also help students identify strengths, set goals, and learn effective study and test­taking skills. The counselors work with teachers, parents, and other staff members to encourage students to reach their academic potential. School counseling activities are done on an individual basis, in small groups, and in classrooms. These activities include, but are not limited to, orientation and registration of new students, counseling programs, and parent and teacher conferences. Individual and small group counseling services are available on a short term basis as needed (6 weeks or less). Parents of students that may need long term services are encouraged to seek outside counseling services at their own initiation and expense. Referrals are available for outside counseling services upon request. 45. HARASSMENT Harassment may be described as sexual, racial, religious or any other incident that creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment. Such slurs may be communicated by written word, verbal statements, aggressive actions, symbols, or other forms of communication. The school will protect the rights of students regardless of race, religion, sex, economic status, national origin, age, or handicap in these matters, and violators will be disciplined accordingly. Report Bullying/Harassment incidents to building staff.

46. HEAD LICE Pursuant to Board Policy and its commitment to protecting and improving the health of students, the Board approves the following procedures in dealing with pediculosis (head lice) control:

1. The Board authorizes random checks for pediculosis by the school nurse. 2. When a case of pediculosis (whether nits in any stage of development or head lice) is identified, the school

nurse shall: a. phone the parent or other responsible authorized adult as shown on the emergency medical form; b. notify the principal who shall exclude the student from the classroom immediately and until the student

is nit and lice­free; c. check school­age siblings, classmates, and students of same grade level as infected student;

d. instruct families of the three options for obtaining pediculosis shampoo: family physician, county health department, and over the counter remedies; e. conduct regular follow­ups after an infected student’s return to school to ensure that the student remains nit and lice­free for a minimum of two weeks.

3. When the principal is notified by the school nurse that a student has pediculosis, he/she shall: a. immediately exclude the student from school. No student with identified nits in any stage or with head lice shall be permitted to remain in the classroom. Such students shall be held in an isolated area until parents or those named on the emergency medical form come to take the student home. No student with identified nits in any stage of development or with head lice shall be permitted to ride the school

bus. b. readmit the student to the school and the classroom only after release by the school nurse, or pursuant to #4 below.

4. Parents who prefer to seek release for readmission from their county health agency may do so. Such release shall specifically state that the student is free of all nits in any stage of development and of all head lice. The school nurse shall continue periodic checks on the student until the student has been completely free of nits and head lice for a minimum of two weeks.

47. HEARING SCREENING Every year students in Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades may be screened for possible vision and/or hearing problems. Parents are contacted if a discrepancy is noted during this screening, and will be advised of the possibility that further testing may be required.

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48. HONOR ROLLS The honor roll will recognize students in grades 2 to 6 who acquire a 3.0 average. A student may have one “C” and/or “S” but no D, F, or U grades. The principal’s list will consist of those students receiving a 4.0 average and “S+” in S/U subjects.

49. ILLNESS When a child becomes ill or injured at school, an effort will be made to contact the parents so that arrangements can be made to take the child home. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep emergency phone numbers current and make timely arrangements to pick up their child if the child is sick. Parents are asked to complete an Emergency Medical Authorization form designating the person, doctor, or hospital to be called in case of an emergency and parents cannot be reached.

50. ILLNESS – Medical Conditions If your child has a medical condition that affects his/her ability to participate in classroom activities, physical education, recess, or the school lunch program the school needs a written report or documentation from the physician specifying the medical condition, limitations, and treatment plan as pertains to school hours. This is for the safety of your child so that our staff can accurately provide appropriate adjustments. The school nurse will be the point of contact to receive this documentation and work with staff. A student just recovered from an illness may stay in if he/she brings a note from home to the teacher explaining why he/she would stay in. Should this be for a prolonged period (exceeding two days) they must have a doctor’s note stating that the child is healthy enough to be in school, but should not go outside.

51. IMMUNIZATIONS In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases and in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, upon enrollment to the Liberty Center Local Schools, students must provide written documentation of vaccination against the following diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, and Varicella. These requirements will be in accordance with the Immunization Summary for School Attendance as established by the Ohio Department of Health. Immunizations must be in compliance for your child’s age and grade level. Immunization clinics are available at the Henry County Health Department. – 419­599­5545. The County Health Department at various times during the elementary and middle school years provides booster shots for these diseases. Vision screenings are given to all 3rd, 5th and 7th grades students. A postural screening exam, to detect possible spinal problems, may be given to students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

52. INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES Liberty Center Elementary School provides a variety of instructional services to meet the needs of diverse learners. Our programming includes opportunities for remediation and enrichment throughout the day.

General Education teachers focus on meeting the needs of individual students, by utilizing methods that provide a variety of learning experiences. These include whole group and small group instruction as well as individual instruction. General Education teachers structure their day to focus on the state and national standards in all content areas. They provide opportunities within the classroom for those students that excel as well as those students who need intervention and remediation. The elementary classrooms have 5 computers and our computer lab has a classroom set of computers for student use, under the direction of their teacher.

Students who need an extra challenge are serviced within their general education classroom. Teachers have received training on differentiated instruction and regularly incorporate this into their lessons. Through this design, students with high performance can experience a variety of challenges throughout the day. Jr. Great Books and Book Buddies are examples of challenging reading clubs that are available outside of the classroom at some grade levels.

Title 1 is a federally funded program designed for remediation. At Liberty Center Elementary, services are provided through both small group instruction and mentoring from community members. General Education students in the most need in Grades K – 3 are given priority in to the program.

Intervention is also provided outside of school in a variety of ways. In August we have a two week “Jump Start” summer school which runs as a half­day program. This summer school serves students who just completed grades

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K­3. During this time period in August, students review content standards from the previous year and preview standards for the next year.

21st Century Program: is an after school program designed to meet the needs of children in grades 1 – 6 by supporting academic learning and family needs.

A continuum of Special Education services is also provided. Individual Education plans are created for students who meet eligibility requirements. Services related to their IEP goals are provided. IEPs vary from individual to individual and the amount of support needed does, too. Liberty Center Elementary provides students, according to need and eligibility, services in the general education classroom, services in a resource room, assistance from paraprofessionals, and opportunities for longer periods of time with a special education instructor. Speech and language services are also available. With this, if the team decides that a separate educational facility is necessary to meet the needs of the child, that option is available, as well.

The Fine Arts are another key component of our instructional program. Students attend Technology Literacy, Art, Library, Music, and Physical Education on a regular rotating basis. Students attend five 42­minute sessions a week. These classes focus on the state standards in their discipline as well as reinforce the standards in the general education curriculum.

Liberty Center Elementary also has a school counselor. The school counselor works with groups and individual children. She also works with teachers, the principal, families, and outside agencies. Throughout the year, students can access the school counselor for assistance. Over the years, students have participated in groups ranging from making friends, increasing study habits, dealing with divorce, and integrating into a new school. FAST (families and schools together) is a family program that the school counselor helps to coordinate. This program focuses on building communication among families. The FAST program is run by the Four County Family Service Center paid for by the ADHMS Board and the 21st Century grant.

Liberty Center Local Schools is also proud to have 3 nurses through the Henry County Hospital. A school nurse is a vital person to any school. The school nursing staff provides direct care to many children who are not feeling well or need to take medication at school. They also review and record state mandated health records.

All Liberty Center Elementary school teachers meet the federal definition of a Highly Qualified Teacher. Their credentials are available upon request.

53. INSURANCE Schol insurance policies are available. Insurance may be purchased on a school year or year­round plan with 24 hour protection. Upon request, this policy will be given to your child the first week of school. 54. KINDERGARTEN ENTRANCE AGE The child who is five years of age on or before August 1 is eligible to enter kindergarten at the beginning of school in September of that year. A child who is six years of age on or before August 1 is eligible to enter the first grade at the beginning of school in September of that year if they have completed an accreditated kindergarten program.

55. LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS WITHOUT PERMISSION Students may not leave school grounds during school hours without permission. If a student leaves school grounds the teacher or staff member will immediately notify the office and the Henry County Sheriff will be called to assist in locating the child. The parents will also be called.

56. LOCKERS – SEARCH & SEIZURE Many students in certain areas are assigned lockers. Two students may be assigned by the classroom teacher to each locker. Lockers are the exclusive property of the school district and are loaned to students for their use. Illegal items stored in lockers, items that pose a threat to student safety, or items that disrupt the education process are prohibited. Lockers should not contain valuables and should be locked to insure safety of items inside. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. It is the responsibility of the principal to take prudent and reasonable action to protect the health, safety and welfare of all students. Your lockers, desks, storage areas, and similar items are the property of the Board of Education and are provided solely as a convenience for you to use. Searches of lockers, as well as general searches of school property, may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause or suspicion to do so with or without your presence.

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57. LOITERING Students are to be out of the building by 3:05 p.m. except when staying for a planned event unless other arrangements have been made. The principal will be notified if students are to stay after school at the request of any teacher. Parental permission is needed in cases where advance notice is given.

58. LOST AND FOUND A “lost and found” box will be located near the school office. Please have your child check it regularly. At the start of the summer, items are either donated to the nurse or a charity.

59. MAKE­UP WORK When absent from school, it is the responsibility of the student and parents to contact teachers either before or after school and make arrangements for make­up work as soon as you return to school. Excused absences from school do not excuse student from making up missed work. You have one day for each day of excused absences to make up the work you have missed.

60.MEDICATIONS – PRESCRIPTION/NONPRESCRIPTION DRUGS Many students are able to attend school regularly only through effective use of medication in the treatment of disabilities or illnesses that will not hinder the health or welfare of others. If possible, all medication should be given by the parent at home. If not possible, the parent/guardian shall fill out the Authorization for Medication or Treatment form available in the office. Medications will be given in accordance with administrative guidelines, board policy, and the Ohio Revised Code. All prescription or non­prescription medication that needs to be taken at school must be stored in the nurse’s office in its original container with student’s name on container and taken in the presence of the nurse or office personnel. Proper paperwork and doctor signature are also required. (See Appendix 5 at the end of handbook for proper forms.) It is the student’s responsibility to come to the office for their medication. By law students can carry an inhaler with them at school. However, students may not carry an inhaler and other emergency medication until the proper paperwork is on file in the nurse’s office. (See Appendix 5.)

Form LCS205A titled “Physician’s Request for the Administration of Prescription Medication by School Personnel” should be filled out completely and signed by the doctor.

Form LCS205B titled “Administration of Non­prescription or Prescription Drugs to students” must be filled out completely and signed by the parent/guardian.

These forms (along with the prescription drug or drugs) are to be on file in the elementary office prior to the actual administration of or supervised use of said drugs.

1. Students are not to possess any medications. Emergency medication, such as an epi pen or inhaler, shall be in a student’s possession only if the student has prior written permission from his/her parent AND physician and has the appropriate form on file in the office. All other medication must be administered through the office.

2. An appropriate person appointed by the building principal will supervise and secure the proper storage and dispensation of medications. The drug must be received in the container in which it was dispensed by the prescribing physician or licensed pharmacist. Aspirin must be treated as a prescription medication because of its link to Reyes Syndrome.

3. Written permission on the appropriate form must be received from the parent or guardian of the student, requesting that the School District comply with the physician's order.

4. The designated individual must receive and retain a statement, which complies with O.R.C. 3313.713 and is signed by the physician who prescribes the drug. These forms are available in each school and MUST be sent with prescription medication.

5. The parent, guardian or other person having care or in charge of the student must agree to submit a revised statement signed by the physician who prescribed the drug to the nurse or other designated individual if any of the information originally provided by the physician changes. Whenever possible, prescription medicine and signed permission forms should be delivered to the school office by the parent/guardian.

6. No employee who is authorized by a Board of Education to administer a prescribed drug and who has a copy of the most recent physician's statement will be liable in civil damages for administering or failing to administer the drug, unless she/he acted in a manner that would constitute "gross negligence or wanton or reckless misconduct."

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7. Non­prescription medication (i.e. Tylenol, Advil, Caladryl, cough drops etc.) must be brought to the office when the student first enters the building. Medication shall not be brought by the student on the bus. In order for the non­prescription medication to be dispensed at school, it must be accompanied by a completed and signed appropriate form. These forms are available from the office and in the appendix of this handbook. All faxed orders must be followed by the original form within three (3) days or the medication will not be given.

8. No person employed by the Board of Education will be required to administer a drug to a student except pursuant to requirements under this policy. The Board of Education shall not require an employee to administer a drug to a student if the employee objects, on the basis of religious convictions, to administering the drug.

9. All medication must be transported by a parent or adult to and from school.

61. MESSAGES The office CANNOT guarantee that messages for students called in after 11:30 a.m. will be delivered. Only emergency messages should be called into the office. Please send notes with your child in the morning for arrangements for the day (including bus passes, students signing out early, etc.).

62. MONEY BROUGHT TO SCHOOL Any money that is brought to school (lunch money, book money, picture money) should be placed in a labeled envelope with your child’s name, teacher’s name and what the money is for. It is not good practice to send a dollar bill or loose change to school. Many times these are dropped on the bus or lost before they reach the cafeteria. Please identify milk vs. lunch money. The school cannot be responsible for money or other items (i.e. iPads, cellphones, etc.) that are lost.

63. OFFICE PHONES Office phones are for emergency calls only. An emergency DOES NOT include forgotten homework, lunch money, materials, etc. Students and parents need to make prior arrangements regarding pick up times after Homework Clinics, detentions, practices and other school activities.

64. OPEN HOUSE Each year our school has an evening open house to give parents and relatives the opportunity to meet the teachers and to become familiar with the school. This is held before school starts. Your attendance at this is greatly appreciated.

65. PARENTS, VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS Parents are encouraged to be an active part of their child’s education. At Liberty Center Elementary there are many opportunities to become involved in classroom, school and family events as well as volunteer in many capacities such as in the classroom or as a member of the PTO. Periodically throughout your child’s school career you will be asked to provide feedback on our school and it’s programming as well as how we can work together to best meet the needs of your children.

All visitors should first report to the principal’s office to seek permission to visit the building, contact students, or talk with personnel. If you are interested in scheduling a meeting, conference or making an appointment, please give at least one day’s advance notice. Sometimes tests are given and we do not want to hinder the performance of any child. If you would like to visit your child’s room, please adhere to this policy:

1. Sign in at the office and get a visitors badge.

2. When visiting to observe or help in a classroom, please do not bring other children. This has a tendency to distract the class.

3. If you want to help the teacher, please make arrangements with the teacher when planning your visitation. Volunteers are welcome to spend up to one day a week in the classroom. Additional days will need to be cleared by the Elementary Principal or Superintendent.

4. Visitors wishing to observe classrooms must seek prior approval with the principal. The administration reserves the right to deny visitation to anyone.

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66. PARTIES (K­4) Room parties are held during the last hour of the school day. The teacher is in charge of arrangements and has the final approval of any plans. The first consideration is the welfare of the children.

67. PICTURES (K­4) 1. Fall Pictures: All students have their pictures taken so they can be included in the class photo. Parents

wishing to order photos must return the order form and payment before their child's picture is taken. If you are not satisfied with your child's photo you keep the class composite photo and return the others with a note requesting your child be included in picture retakes. Your student must be photographed to appear in the school yearbook.

2. Spring Pictures: Only interested students have their pictures taken. Picture proofs are sent home with the students and parents can choose to order various packages once they have seen the proof pictures.

68. PROMOTION AND RETENTION

Effective September 2012

The Third Grade Reading Guarantee requires that students who do not pass the third grade reading achievement test are retained in 3rd grade and must receive intensive remediation. For 2015­16 the student must achieve a score of 392 on the Ohio Reading Achievement Test. A student with a significant learning disability may be exempted from retention under the Third Grade Reading Guarantee law if the IEP team has made this determination and included this in the IEP.

Certain specified students who are offered intervention services either after­hours or in summer classes are truant if they don’t attend the intervention programs. The law does not provide a parent the right to refuse the requirements of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee. This includes student retention, diagnostic assessments, reading improvement and monitoring plans, and intervention services.

Beginning with the 2013­2014 school year, all students scoring below the designated level on the third grade reading OAA must be retained, except for the following students (ORC 3313.608(A)(2)):

Limited English proficient students who have been enrolled in U.S. schools for less than two full school years and have had less than two years of instruction in an English as a Second Language program;

Special education students whose IEPs specifically exempt them from retention under the third grade guarantee;

Students who demonstrate reading competency on a Reading OAA Alternative approved by ODE; and Any student who has received intensive remediation for two years and was previously retained in

kindergarten through Grade 3. A student that advances because of this exception must continue to receive intensive reading instruction in the fourth grade, which requires an altered instructional day to accommodate reading interventions, or whatever reading interventions are required by the student’s IEP or 504 plan.

For complete details of the Third Grade Guarantee Law see that section of this handbook.

69. PUBLICITY/ANNOUNCEMENTS Any articles for the news media must be cleared in advance with the principal. Announcements for the P.A. must be turned in prior to 7:30 a.m. and will only be given during the daily regular scheduled announcements. ** Parents/Guardians please be aware that the Liberty Center schools and/or their authorized agents may release publicly your child’s name, use videotapes, photographs, and otherwise publish or cause to be published any information relevant to his/her achievements. The information may be used in local, regional, state or national publications of the agencies listed above, released to appropriate newspaper and/or news publications, as well as any school website. Names and photographs may also be used for the purpose of publicizing programs administered by Liberty Center Schools and/or the Northwest Ohio Educational Services Center including either organizations web sites. Any parent/guardian objecting to such release pertaining to their child/children may request their child be excluded by submitting a request in writing to the building principal.

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70. RECESS RULES ­ OUTSIDE Students are to eat in the cafeteria. Upon finishing their lunch, they are to go outside, weather permitting. If the weather is such that the students are to be inside, they are to be in classrooms or an announcement will be made as to where they will be. This means ALL students are to be outside when the weather permits. A student just recovering from an illness may stay in if he/she brings a note from home to the teacher explaining why he/she needs to stay inside. Should this be a prolonged period (exceeding two days) they should have a doctor’s note stating that the child is healthy enough to be in school, but not outside. Elementary students are not to leave the school grounds for any reason. All students are responsible to the teacher or playground aide that is on duty—whether or not that teacher is their grade level teacher. When on the playground, students are expected to play an organized game, play on playground equipment, and engage in casual conversation with friends. SWINGS: • Only one on a swing at a time, sitting on your bottom and swinging front to back • Keep a safe distance from in front and back of the swing • Don’t jump from the swing SLIDES: • No jumping off any slides • One student ascending at a time down the slide, sitting down, feet first • Keep hands off student as he/she is climbing the ladder SANDBOX: • No putting dirt or stone from the ground into the sand box • No throwing sand • Sand toys stay in sand container after being used FOOTBALL: • ONLY throw the football to each other • There are no other kind of football games to be played at recess BASKETBALL: • Excessive body contact will not be tolerated JUMP ROPES: • Ropes are not to be tied or looped around anyone’s body, especially the neck. They are only for jumping • Do not take jump rope by one handle and swirl close to ground for other students to jump over rope CLIMBING DOME: • 2 students at a time • No jumping off • No playing underneath it • Keep hands off of students that are climbing it MONKEY BARS AND T BARS: • Hands off of other students while on the bars • Only do chin up or hand from hand climbing • No flipping over T Bars ROLLER SKATES and ROLLER BLADES: • Not allowed in playground area at all HOOLA HOOPS: • Only one student in a Hula Hoop at a time MISCELLANEOUS: • No skateboards , toys or personal items from home (this includes whistles and walkie talkies)

• Fighting is not allowed (kicking, pushing, shoving, wrestling, spitting, swearing, name calling or teasing, etc.)

• No climbing over the fence/gate; do not leave the playground to get balls, etc. without permission from teacher or aide on duty • When whistle is blown stop what you are doing and listen to instructions • Students will not throw stones, sticks, and sand out at recess • Students are not to enter the building during recess time unless they have permission from a teacher or aide

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• If bad weather develops, students may be removed from the playground • No students are to remain in the classrooms, or building during outside recess unless they are with a teacher Do not stand on picnic tables or sit on the table tops. DISMISSAL FROM RECESS:

When the whistle blows stand in line by class. Make a straight row by the steps going in. NO TALKING. If you brought out a school or PTO toy then you must bring it in unless someone else is playing with it.

Then that student is responsible.

WINTER RECESS RULES (Outside)

Temperature Guidelines: Based on revised wind chill guidelines by the weather bureau; + 10 ° = outside recess – Anything less and we have inside recess; (This temperature includes wind chill.) DRESS APPROPRIATELY ­ STUDENTS TO WEAR: Boots, snow pants, gloves, and hat; If no snow pants or boots students are not to go into the snow area and must stay at the designated area (per grade) for recess; DO NOT THROW SNOWBALLS, SNOW, ICE, AND ICEBALLS. 71. RECESS RULES ­ INSIDE

(BE RESPECTFUL ­­­­ BE RESPONSIBLE ­­­­ BE SAFE)

SAFETY during indoor recess: 1. No running, skipping, and chasing during indoor recess. 2. No throwing of any kind. 3. No screaming, yelling, name calling, and improper language or gesture. 4. No touching others (kicking, pushing, fighting, teasing, and shoving). 5. No writing or coloring on tables. 6. No food or drink. 7. No cell phones. 8. Follow the classroom rules posted in the room.

72. SCHOOL DELAY/CANCELLATION ­ WEATHER The policy for closing the Liberty Center Schools due to bad weather is as follows: If it is deemed necessary to call off school, the first announcement will be made on the following radio/television stations at 7:00 a.m.

Radio T.V. WNDH – NAPOLEON FM 103.1 WTOL – CHANNEL 11 WMTR – ARCHBOLD FM 96.1 WTVG – CHANNEL 13

WNWO – CHANNEL 24 The school’s website is also updated with school delays and closings. You can check that at www.libertycenter.k12.oh.us PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. 73. SCHOOL NURSE The role of the school nurse is to support student success by the promotion of the health and safety of individual students, as well as the promotion of wellness in the school community as a whole.

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His/her predominant tasks include collaborating to assist students with chronic health challenges, conducting health screenings and assessments with appropriate health care referrals, providing direct care for acute illness or injury, maintaining accurate records of immunization, implementing measures for the control of communicable diseases, and by providing teaching and training to school personnel as needed. 74. SCHOOL MESSENGER School Messenger Parent Notification System will be used to alert families about upcoming events, weather delays, cancellations, absenteeism, lockdowns and/or relocations. Please keep your email address and phone number currents with the office to ensure you receive your messages. 75. SECTION 504 NOTICE Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its accompanying regulations prohibit the discrimination towards any individual on the basis of his/her disability. Accordingly, all employees of The Liberty Center Local School District are expected to adhere to School Board policy which prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability. Any employee, or parent who feels that he/she or his/her child has been discriminated against on the basis of disability should, file a written complaint with the district compliance officer. The district compliance officer for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the address as follows:

Pupil Personnel Director Liberty Center Local School District

103 West Young Street P.O. Box 434

Liberty Center, Ohio 43532

76. SECURITY ­ DOORS All school entrances are kept locked during the school day. Visitors wishing access must use the camera and buzzer system to request admittance. Visitors then report to the office to sign in and get a badge. There is a camera at each main entrance. There are cameras inside the building throughout in order to monitor other entrances, hallways, and cafeteria. Additional card readers have been installed at other entrances to the buildings. All of the old key locks are being disabled and employees have photo ID key cards that allow admittance. Our camera system and ID key cards do keep track of who is entering or leaving and when. 77. SECURITY – A.L.I.C.E. Liberty Center Local Schools has adopted the lockdown procedures known as the A.L.I.C.E. plan. A.L.I.C.E. is an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. Prior to the A.L.I.C.E. plan, lockdown procedures involved the staff locking their doors, moving students to a part of the room where they could not be seen, and quietly remaining there until an "all clear" announcement was given. The A.L.I.C.E. plan offers a different philosophy in light of recent school violence. The philosophy of A.L.I.C.E. is to use technology and information in a way so that staff and students can make informed decisions in a crisis, remove as many people as possible from the danger zone, and provide realistic training so that those involved in a crisis have a better chance of surviving.

Regular drills will be performed. They include an ALERT in the form of an announcement from the principal notifying everyone in the building of the location of the "danger zone." Those areas of the building within the "danger zone" will practice LOCKDOWN and discuss alternate exits from the classroom, such as a window, but will not physically exit their classroom this way during the drill. The principal will continue to INFORM the building of any changes in the "danger zone”. Those classrooms not in the "danger zone" will practice the EVACUATE portion of the plan if hallways and exits are safe. Teachers will not know the location of the "danger zone" prior to the drill so that they can practice developing a strategy that provides the safest outcome for their students. Therefore, is it very important for the students to listen to the directions given by their teacher, as the course of action during these drills will not always be the same.

Younger students need constant reminders of safe practices in order for them to make good decisions related to their personal safety. Parents can prepare their children for the A .L.I.C.E. plan by helping them understand the following objectives at home:

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• There are people of all ages, color, and types that can be mean and may wish them harm. • Self­confidence comes from trying things that are hard and getting better each time. • There are many solutions and options when faced with a problem. • When your child is prepared for difficult situations, they can make informed decisions and will have

more self­control. • Your child is smart and capable if they have the knowledge. • Help your child identify and assess possible crisis situations. • Have your child demonstrate the ability to get away from someone who has his or her hands on them. • Have your child explain the different safety drills and what they mean. • Help your child name where they need to go in case of evacuation (different for each classroom). • Discuss the importance of following the teacher's directions without hesitation.

78. SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURES In an effort to insure maximum safety for all school children during school hours, the following procedures have been established for all schools:

1. Each school will be notified by the superintendent’s office when a tornado watch or warning is in effect.

2. In the event of a tornado watch, the principal shall inform the teachers via a pre­arranged code. a. sky watchers are posted b. regular school programs continue c. playground activities are cancelled d. radio is monitored e. school is dismissed at regular time f. children are warned to go directly home – at this time children are informed of the tornado watch g. all after school student activities are cancelled

3. In the event of a tornado warning, prearranged procedures shall be implemented. a. incoming calls will not be received b. school will not be dismissed while a TORNADO WARNING is in effect without permission from the

central office c. sky watchers will be stationed d. playground activities will be cancelled e. radio is monitored f. after school activities are cancelled g. students shall remain at a shelter point until “all clear” is given by the building principal h. building principal shall be notified by the central office when it is “all clear”

4. Parents should be discouraged from coming to school to pick up their child.

5. Precautionary drills shall be conducted with teachers and students in regard to implementing tornado alert procedures.

79. SEXUAL HARRASSMENT/GENDER HARRASSMENT In In accordance with applicable law, employees of the Liberty Center Local School District Board of Education are expressly prohibited from engaging in harassment, retaliation against a person for opposing or reporting harassment, or aiding or abetting harassment of any student or employee.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual flirtations, advances or propositions,

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continued to repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature, display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats, or any other offensive or abusive physical or verbal contact.

Harassment may be gender­based but non­sexual in nature. Such harassment is defined as verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her gender and that (1) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment; (2) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance; or (3) otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment opportunities. Such harassment may include epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping; or threatening, intimidating; or hostile acts that relate to gender; or written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because of gender and that is placed on walls, bulletin boards, or elsewhere in the board’s premises, or is circulated in the workplace. This includes acts that purport to be “jokes” or “pranks” but which are hostile with regard to gender.

Allegations of sexual harassment or gender based harassment should be made to the district Superintendent. The administrator will review the complaint within 10 working days, if possible. If harassment has occurred, the student may be liable for discipline up to and including suspension/expulsion or, in the case of employees, suspension without pay and/or termination of employment.

Superintendent Liberty Center Local School District

103 West Young Street P.O. Box 434

Liberty Center, Ohio 43532

80. STUDENT CONDUCT CODE See appendix 4.

81. STUDENT DISMISSAL DURING SCHOOL HOURS When parents have occasion to take pupils out of school during the school day, the following procedure should be followed:

1. If it is known in advance that the child needs to leave school, parents should send a note to the teacher. At the time the child is to leave, parents must report to the office and the child will be called to the office. Dismissal will take place from the office.

2. If an advance call is not possible, please stop at the office and the child will be called from his/her classroom.

3. Parents, guardians, or the responsible person assigned by the parent to pick up the child at school must sign out that child in the office. The person picking up the child will be asked to show picture identification such as a driver's license.

4. Any person other than the parent or legal guardian who is picking up a student must be listed on the child's emergency card. Otherwise, a parent must send in a note or call the school to give approval for the child to be released.

82. SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS Parents and guardians are reminded that the school day is 8:03 – 3:00. Students will not arrive at school before 7:50 a.m. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD BEFORE THIS TIME since supervision is not provided before 7:50 a.m. All walking students will be dismissed close to 3:00 p.m. All walkers will be dismissed at the same time that the bus riders go to the buses. Students will be escorted by their teachers to Young Street. Students are expected to walk quickly and carefully home. Car riders will be picked up by the Elementary Office doors. Parents are asked to pull their cars into one of two lines. Parents picking up only elementary students should join the line forming to the left. Parents picking up a combination of elementary and middle or high school students should join the line forming to the right. Both lines will then merge together to exit the parking lot onto Route 109. Teachers will dismiss car riders into cars as their car pulls up. Students who enter cars in any other manner or location on school grounds, may be subject to school discipline.

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83. TARDIES All tardies to school are unexcused unless due to a late bus or excused by the principal. Students tardy to school must get a tardy slip from the office before being admitted to class. An attendance letter will be mailed to the parents after a student accumulates 5 unexcused tardies in a 9­week grading period. 84. THIRD GRADE GUARANTEE Ohio Revised Code § 3313.608 requires the Liberty Center School District to assess the reading skills of every student enrolled in kindergarten through third grade by September 30th of each school year in order to identify students who are reading below grade level. For students who are “not on track” parents receive written notification and are invited to a meeting to develop a “reading improvement and monitoring plan” to address your child’s reading deficiency. The plan must be finalized within sixty days after receiving your child’s score, and will incorporate services that are currently being provided to your child as well as additional instructional services the team may determine are necessary to improve your child’s reading skills. Your child’s teacher will contact you to set up a meeting to discuss and finalize the plan. Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting.

The law does not provide a parent the right to refuse the requirements of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee. This includes student retention, diagnostic assessments, reading improvement and monitoring plans, and intervention services. However, services outside regular school hours should accommodate the schedule of the student’s parents or guardian.

Students must pass a state mandated assessment in 3rd grade in order to move on to 4th grade reading. Passage will be determined by an assessment chosen by the Ohio Department of Education with a cut score yet to be determined. Students scoring below the cut score must be retained, except for the following students (ORC 3313.608(A)(2)):

Limited English proficient students who have been enrolled in U.S. schools for less than two full school years and have had less than two years of instruction in an English as a Second Language program;

Special education students whose IEPs specifically exempt them from retention under the Third Grade Guarantee;

Students who demonstrate reading competency on a ODE approved assessment. Any student who has received intensive remediation for two years and was previously retained in

kindergarten through Grade 3. A student that advances because of this exception must continue to receive intensive reading instruction in the fourth grade, which requires an altered instructional day to accommodate reading interventions, or whatever reading interventions are required by the student’s IEP or 504 plan.

85. TITLE IX NOTICE It is the policy of the Liberty Center Board of Education to maintain a working and learning environment for all its employees and students by providing fair and equitable treatment including freedom from sexual discrimination and sexual harassment. Any employee or parent who feels that he/she or his/her child has been subjected to sexual discrimination or sexual harassment should file a written complaint of the alleged act to the Title IX Compliance Officer for the Liberty Center Local School District. The written complaint should state in detail the basis of the complaint, the names of the persons involved and the dates of the specific complaint. The Title IX Compliance officer for the Liberty Center Local School District and the address is as follows:

Superintendent Liberty Center Local School District

103 West Young Street P.O. Box 434

Liberty Center, Ohio 43532

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86. VACATIONS If a family vacation is necessary, students will be allowed up to five (5) days excused absence for family vacations with their parents provided prior notice is given the principal, and the proper form is processed prior to the student’s departure for vacation. The students are required to get assignments 2­days ahead of time or at teacher discretion and all assignments are to be completed and turned in upon the student’s first day back from vacation. All tests and quizzes shall be made up within 3 school days upon returning to school. The 5­day vacation time shall count as time absent in calculating the 7 and 15­day absence limitation. Vacation days will be UNEXCUSED if the student is over their allotted number of excused absences per semester (7) and/or year (15). Parents of students who are consistently over their allotted excused absences or who are in academic risk are discouraged from taking their child out of school for a vacation. Any vacation days over the 7 permitted for a semester and 15 for the year, will be unexcused with the student not being permitted to make­up any work for the days listed as unexcused.

87. WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL Parents need to notify the school office several days in advance of withdrawing from school. All fees must be paid and books and materials must be returned upon withdrawal from school. In accordance with O.R.C. 3313.642, failure to pay fees and fines may result in the withholding of grades and credit.

Appendix 1

DANGEROUS WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOLS The Board is committed to providing the students of the District with an educational environment, which is free of the dangers of firearms, knives and other dangerous weapons in the schools. The definition of a firearm shall include any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or any destructive device (as defined in 18 U.S.C.A. Sections 921­924.), which includes but is not limited to any explosive, incendiary, or poisonous gas: bomb, grenade, or rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one­quarter ounce, mine or device similar to any of the devices described above. No student shall bring a firearm to or possess a firearm while on school property, in a school vehicle or at any school­sponsored activity. Any student that brings a firearm in the above manner shall be expelled from school by the Superintendent for a period of one calendar year. Any student who possesses a firearm, which was initially brought onto school property by another person, shall be expelled by the Superintendent. In addition, the Superintendent shall notify the appropriate criminal justice or juvenile delinquency authorities. Any such expulsion shall extend as necessary into the school year following the school year in which the incident occurred. The Superintendent may reduce the one­year expulsion on a case­by­case basis. Matters which might lead to a reduction of the expulsion period include: An incident involving a disabled student and the incident is a manifestation of the disability; the age of the student and its relevance to the punishment; the prior disciplinary history of the student; and/or the intent of the perpetrator. Students are also prohibited from bringing a knife to or possessing a knife (which was initially brought onto school property by another person) while on school property, in a school vehicle or at any school­sponsored activity. The definition of a knife includes, but is not limited to, a cutting instrument consisting of a blade fastened to a handle. If a student brings to or possesses a knife while on school property, in a school vehicle or at any school­sponsored activity, the Superintendent shall expel the student from school subject to the conditions stated above. The school has the right to expel a student for reasons beyond the possession of a firearm or knife. Students who possess or use other dangerous weapons, which are defined but not limited to metal knuckles, straight razors, explosives, noxious irritation or poisonous gases, poisons, drugs or other items possessed with the intent to use, sell, harm, threaten or harass students, staff members, parents or community members, may be subject to expulsion. A student with a disability who brings a firearm to school shall receive a suspension from school for ten days with no educational services provided. During this ten day period, the IEP team will convene to decide if the firearm­toting incident was caused by the student’s disability.

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A. If there is no relationship between the incident and the student’s disability, the one­year expulsion requirement applies. All IDEA eligible students who are expelled under these circumstances shall continue to receive an appropriate individualized education program to meet their unique needs. IDEA eligible students are those students defined as educationally disabled under 20 U.S.C.A. 1401 (a) (1).

B. If there is a relationship between the incident and the student’s disability, the school may: 1) convene the IEP team to consider a change of placement to a more restrictive setting; 2) obtain the parents’ agreement to a change of placement; or 3) obtain an injunction to remove the student from school due to potential dangers to the student or others.

Adopted: August 21, 1995 Amended: September 18, 1995 Amended: February 17, 1997 LEGAL REF.: ORC 3313.66, 3313.661; 20 USC 2701 et seq. – Title IX 9001­9005; 18 USC 921

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Appendix 2

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Any conduct which causes or is likely to cause disruption or interference with a school activity or the educational purposes of the school, or which endangers or interferes with the health, safety, or well being, or with the rights of other students or school personnel is strictly prohibited. Violations may result in various forms of discipline including suspension or expulsion. This Student Code of Conduct applies while a student is in the custody or control of the school; on school grounds or closely proximate thereto; while at a school sponsored function or activity or on school­owned property; or provided transportation vehicles. In addition, this Student Code of Conduct governs a student’s conduct at all times, on or off school property, when such student conduct is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on district owned or controlled property; is reasonably related to the health and safety of other students and/or school employees; is directed at a district official or employee or the property of the official or employee; or such conduct would unreasonably interrupt the educational processes of the Liberty Center Local Schools. Any behavior that is disruptive to school purposes will make the student liable for discipline whether or not the behavior is specified below . The Board of Education has “ zero tolerance” of violent, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior by its students or community members. The Board’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students and the general public applies to race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, economic status, age or disability.

ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR Liberty Center students are expected to be polite in all their dealings during the school day and at all school functions. “Excuse me,” “please,” and “thank you” are to be used whenever appropriate. Respect for self and others are an expected standard at LC Middle School. In Assemblies:

1. Give the person in charge of the program your utmost cooperation. 2. Be attentive regardless of the nature of the program. 3. Treat all participants as your guests. 4. Give applause only at such times as are appropriate and in good taste. 5. Wait for directions from the person in charge before leaving.

In Classrooms :

1. Be in your seat and ready to work before the bell rings. 2. Abide by the rules of the classroom teacher at all times; the instructor is in complete charge of the class. 3. The teacher, not the bell, will signal the end of class.

In Hallways and traffic areas:

1. NO SITTING OR LYING IN HALLWAYS. 2. Never run in corridors or on stairways. 3. Do not block corridors, traffic ways or stairs with conversation groups. 4. Keep voices at a normal conversation level. 5. Please be courteous and move quietly when changing classes. Stay to the right side of the halls and stairs.

DO NOT RUN OR PUSH! Please keep locker visits to a minimum. In Athletic Events:

1. Treat visiting teams, fans and officials as guests. 2. Never “boo” anyone at any time for any reason. 3. Conduct yourself in a manner that will be a credit to our school.

On Field Trips: A student may not be eligible to attend a field trip, even if it is academically related, if there are concerns about the students behavior, academics or attendance.

CATEGORY A ­ UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

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Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in verbal or written warning or reprimand, referral to the guidance counselor, parental contact or conference, detention, in­school suspension, detentions, community service, emergency removal, referral to law enforcement agencies, suspension or expulsion. Students assigned a detention cannot skip the punishment to go to an extra­curricular practice. 1. Abusive or Vulgar Language and Actions: A student shall not use vulgar acts, gestures, or profane oral or

written language or send vulgar or profane text messages or images on electronic devices. 2. Academic Misconduct/Cheating/ being Untruthful or Deceitful: Students shall not cheat. Academic

Misconduct/Cheating shall include, but not be limited to plagiarism, copying homework, allowing others to copy any work, using cheat sheets, obtaining answers from another student on a test or quiz, and transmission of unauthorized academic information. When any school employee asks a student a question, the student is expected to tell the truth at all times. When filling out forms and documents for the school, the student must be honest at all times.

3. Aiding and Abetting: A student shall in no way aide or abet another student in violating the Student Conduct Code or other school rules, including inciting and/or encouraging others in actions, which violate the code.

4. Class Cutting: A student shall not cut any class, study hall, library, homeroom, field trip, etc. for which he/she has been scheduled. Students must report to an assigned class/area on time each period unless prior arrangements have been made with that teacher. Students may not leave the classroom without permission of the teacher.

5. Disrespect: A student shall not insult, verbally abuse or abuse in writing any student, employee of the Board of Education or visitor of the school. Sleeping in class will be considered to be disrespectful.

6. Disruption: Students must abide by all classroom rules and not interrupt the educational process of the classroom. Any behavior that intends to interfere with the learning process of other students or with the operation of the school or school activities shall be deemed disruptive. This includes behavior deemed inappropriate in class, hallways, cafeteria, on the bus, on school grounds, and at any school­related activity and may include, but not be limited to any of the following: A. Not signing in or out of school. B. Purchasing/drinking pop during school hours, unless authorized. Possessing and/or consuming food/drinks

in all areas of the school other than the cafeteria or home economic areas. Chewing gum in school. Gum is not permitted in the school.

C. Leaving assigned area during lunch period without a pass. D. Use and/or possession of radios, CD’s , cell phones, laptop computers, laser lights, MP­3 players, i­Pods,

iPads or electronic equipment with or without headphones during scheduled school time or school activities. The item will be confiscated and released only to a parent or guardian in the school office. All electronic devices must immediately be placed in your locker upon arrival to school. Students are subject to disciplinary consequences upon the first confiscation. Teachers may give permission to students to use electronic devices in the classroom for educational purposes.

E. Portable communication devices may not be turned on or used in the school during the school day, during detentions before or after school or during detentions. All portable communication devices must be placed in ones locker immediately upon arrival to school.

F. Students may not appropriate images or material from school district website. G. Bringing, possessing, creating pornographic materials or any materials deemed inappropriate by authorities. H. General horseplay, unruly behavior, general misconduct. I. Public display of affection between students meaning kissing, hugging, holding hands or any body contact

is prohibited J. In halls and/or restrooms without a pass. K. Make up and perfume must remain in the lockers L. Not bringing supplies for class including, but not limited to books, writing utensils, and paper. M. Unauthorized use of book bags, gym bags and/or purses. N. No recreational card playing. O. No skateboards, scooters, heely shoes, in­line skates, or skates P. No excessive writing/markings on body.

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7. Dress Code: Clothing and/or grooming shall not distract from the educational process or interfere with the health standards or safety conditions of the school. The dress code also applies to clothing worn for physical education classes. Parent/Guardians may be required to bring in a change of clothes if a student is dressed inappropriately. This includes, but is not limited to the following: A. Clothing not appropriate for school type activities, and also weather. B. Clothing too tight, too loose, or too short. (Shorts and skirts may be no shorter than 3 inches above the

knee). Pants must be worn at hip level. A belt must secure pants that are falling down or too large for ones waist.

C. Clothing that depicts or refers to alcoholic beverages, drugs, tobacco, guns, nudity, death, or contains a suggestive slogan.

D. Gang attire or any such clothing or symbols, which can be associated with gangs. E. Body suits, tank tops, halter­tops, see­through shirts or blouses, cut off clothes, plunging necklines and tops

exposing the midriff. Short sleeve shirts must cover the entire top of the shoulder to be acceptable. F. Any clothing, grooming (including hairstyles) or other fashions deemed inappropriate, including but not

limited to that which either (1) interferes with the student’s safety, health or the welfare of other students, or creates a reasonable likelihood of interference with the health, safety, or well­being of the rights of other students, or (2) causes disruption, interferes with the educational process, or (3) is not in accordance with the vocational requirements of a specific program. This includes, but is not limited to facial jewelry; therefore body piercing other than the ear is prohibited. Students will NOT be permitted to paint their faces during the day.

G. Hats, Caps, Bandannas/scarves, any type headgear and sunglasses. No hoods up, including hoods on hooded sweatshirts.

H. No under garments should show. Boxer shorts are not to be worn as outer apparel. No pajamas, lounge pants, sleepwear or other garments that look like sleepwear are permitted.

I. Appropriate shoes must be worn at ALL times for health and safety reasons. Slippers are not appropriate footwear. Sandals and flip flops are discouraged and are only to be worn at your own risk. Students may be asked to change shoes if their footwear is deemed to be dangerous. Students should wear shoes to school that will protect their feet during play at recess.

8. Gross Misconduct: No student shall be disobedient or be engaged in any gross misconduct not otherwise stated.

9. Harassment/Bullying/Cyber­Bullying: A student shall not harass another student or employee of the Board of Education. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal and/or physical harassment, intimidation, or threatening, discriminatory or racial comments, or other verbal or physical actions or text messages or images on electronic devices. Schools may discipline students that generate offensive Internet content off school premises if the content disrupts the educational process or presents a reasonable risk of disruption. Please see the detailed section on Harassment/Bullying/Cyber­Bullying for details.

10. Insubordination: A student shall not disregard or refuse to obey directions given by school personnel. This includes administrators, teachers, teacher aides, secretaries, cooks, custodians, bus drivers, or any other employee. Not serving a detention or completing an assigned assignment by a teacher will be considered insubordination.

11. Late Arrivals/ Tardy to School and Unexcused Absences: Students who arrive late (after the school starting bell/time) and who do not have a reasonable excuse may be considered tardy. Students who are tardy without a reasonable excuse (doctor’s slip) three times in a quarter may be assigned a Principal’s Detention. Excessive tardies will result in a detention. Unreasonable excuses include, but are not limited to the following: oversleeping, train traffic, slow traffic, missing the bus. Students who have absences over their 7­day maximum for the semester and/or 15­day maximum for the year that are unexcused, may receive a detention to make up missed seat time for their classes.

12. Leaving School Grounds or Building Without Authorization: A student is considered to be on school grounds and under the direction of school authorities upon boarding the school bus and upon driving or arriving on, school grounds. Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds until the end of the school day unless they have an early dismissal approved by office personnel or designee. Students are to remain within specific boundaries of their school building and grounds as specified for use. Leaving the school, school grounds, or a school activity without required permission shall be considered a violation of the rule. Once

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students enter the building for the day, they are not permitted to leave the building for ANY reason without direct permission from a building principal.

13. Loitering: No student shall loiter at any time on school property, in school buildings, or adjacent properties. 14. Repeated Violations of School Rules: A student shall not repeatedly violate rules listed in the various sections

of the Student Conduct Code, nor shall he/she repeatedly violate classroom rules. Repeated violations may result in suspension or expulsion.

15. Technology Violations: Violation(s) of the Student Acceptable Use Policy. 16. Unauthorized Entry: When school is closed, you are not to enter the school building unless you:

A. Are participating in a school activity under the supervision of staff, B. Are observing a school sponsored event, or C. Have authorization from the office staff. At such times, you are to remain in assigned areas and not enter

into other sections of the building. The above is an enumeration of main areas of conduct, which will lead to disciplinary action. Any behavior, which is inimical to school purposes, will make the student liable for discipline, whether or not the behavior is specified above. CATEGORY B ­ ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR Consequences of violations in this category may include mediation and resolution between sources of conflict, referral to counseling or treatment, detainment (in and out of school detentions and suspensions) and/or possible emergency removal from school premises. Legal authorities (sheriff, probation officers, court monitors, and/or drug counselor) may be consulted and charges filed against students involved. All attempts will be made to contact parents at this time as well. Administration reserves the right to assign consequences. A recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion may also be considered. 23. Alcohol: No student shall come to school or any school event or activity with alcohol in his/her possession or

the smell of alcohol on his/her breath or clothes regardless of when or where the alcohol was consumed. No student shall use, possess, have in his/her locker, have easy access to, sell, intend to sell, transport, give away, or conceal any alcoholic beverage.

24. Arson or Illegal Use of Fire: A student shall not burn or attempt to burn any building or property owned or leased by the Board of Education, nor shall a student set any unauthorized fires on school property. A student is responsible for restitution of all damages incurred by the school. A student may not be permitted to attend school until full restitution is made to the treasurer of the school district.

25. Assault/Threatening Assault: A student shall not act or behave in such a way as to cause or threaten to cause physical injury to other students, visitors, or staff members of the school district, nor shall any student encourage another person to commit the offense of assault. A student shall not fight/assault another individual. Fighting/assault is defined as the willful act of hostile bodily contact between two or more persons. Repeated altercations that may result from overt acts will cause appropriate penalties.

26. Dangerous Weapons: A student shall not use, handle, have on his/her person, have any access to, transmit, or conceal any object or weapon such as a knife, chain, club, or firearm, that could be considered a dangerous weapon capable of inflicting bodily injury. This includes any sharp object that could be used to threaten or inflict bodily harm. Specifically included in this category are fake weapons that look like the real thing or anything that can be represented as or indistinguishable from any of the above­stated weapons when in fact they are not.

5. Destruction or Defacement of Property: A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to school property or private property of employees or volunteers on school premises or at a school activity off school grounds. A student is responsible for all restitution when damage occurs. A student may not be permitted to return to school until full restitution is made to the treasurer of the school district for damage to school property or to the private party involved.

6. Drug Paraphernalia: No student shall use, possess, have in his/her locker, have easy access to, sell, intend to sell, transport, give away, or conceal any paraphernalia that is commonly associated with drugs. Such articles shall include, but not be limited to pipes, articles adapted to be used as pipes, rolling papers, “roach” clips, etc.

7. Extortion: A student shall not gain any money or thing of value from any person unless both parties enter into the agreement freely and without the presence of an implied or expressed threat. No student will repeatedly ask other students for money for lunch or any items sold in the lunchroom.

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8. False Alarms: A student shall not initiate an alarm for fire, bomb explosion, or any catastrophe without just cause and without notifying the building administrator of his/her actions.

9. Fireworks and Explosives: A student shall not have on his/her person, have access to, transmit, conceal, use or threaten use of fireworks, explosives, or other such devices capable of inflicting bodily injury or disrupting the educational process. This includes, but is not limited to, brass knuckles, stink bombs, clubs, ammunition or sharp objects including scissors.

10. Forgery: Forgery is an illegal behavior. Students are not permitted to and shall not permit others to copy, sign or reproduce a parent’s signature in any form.

11. Hazing: Hazing is a strict liability crime considered a 4th degree misdemeanor. Hazing is defined as doing any act of coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person. No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another. (O.R.C. 2903.31)

12. Mood­Altering Chemical or Substances: Any and all mood­altering chemicals, drug medications, and drug­like substances must be prescribed by the student’s physician and be authorized by the school administrator before the substance is permitted for personal use or possession by a student at school. A student shall not use, have on his/her person or in his/her possession, have in his/her locker or have easy access to, be under the influence of, sell, intend to sell, transport, give away, or conceal any unauthorized mood­altering chemical or substance. Those substances included as mood­altering chemicals include, but are not limited to, the following: stimulants such as diet medication, caffeine pills, energy drinks, amphetamines, cocaine, etc.; depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, sleeping medication, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, etc. narcotics such as heroin, morphine, codeine, etc.; hallucinogens such as LSD, marijuana, etc.; or inhalants such as thinners, solvents, aerosols, glue, permanent markers, white out, etc. Specifically included in this category are look alike, counterfeit or “bootleg” substances that are represented as any of the above­stated substances when in fact they are not.

13. Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is any activity of a sexual nature that is unwanted or unwelcome, including but not limited to, unwanted touching, patting, verbal comments of a sexual nature, sexual name­calling, pressure to engage in sexual activity, repeated propositions, and unwanted body contact or images on electronic devices.

14. Stealing: A student shall not take or acquire the property of others without the consent of the owner. 15. Tobacco: Students shall not use or have in their possession tobacco products including, but not limited to,

cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. This provision shall include tobacco imitation products such as mint chew. 14. Truancy: No student shall be truant from school. A student shall be considered truant when absent from school

without permission of his/her parents and school officials. 15. Repeated Violations of School Rules: A student shall not repeatedly violate rules listed in the various sections

of the Student Conduct Code, nor shall he/she repeatedly violate classroom rules. Repeated violations may result in suspension or expulsion.

16. Gross Misconduct: No student shall be disobedient or be engaged in any gross misconduct not otherwise stated.

VIOLATION OF THE STUDENT CONDUCT CODE The penalty for violation of the student code of conduct will be decided by the principal and/or superintendent. While each case is handled according to its own unique set of circumstances, there are some offenses for which the consequences or penalty will be more severe based on the age or the child, severity of the incident, and whether or not it is a repeat offense.

1. QUIET LUNCH OR RECESS TIME OUT ­ This consequence may be assigned by any staff member for minor or infrequent violations of rules of conduct.

2. RECESS DETENTION – This consequence may be assigned by any staff member for minor or infrequent violations of rules of conduct.

3. AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION – This consequence may be assigned by teachers or administration with a one­day notice to parents when misbehavior persists. Parents are responsible for making arrangements to pick up their child at 3:30pm after the detention.

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4. FRIDAY AFTERNOON DETENTION – (Grades 3 ­ 6 only) – This consequence may be assigned by administration with a one­day notice to parents when misbehavior persists or is of a more serious nature. Parents are responsible for making arrangements to pick up their child at 5:15pm after the detention.

5. EMERGENCY REMOVAL – This consequence may be assigned by the principal (or designee in his/her absence) when a student’s actions are deemed to be a serious disruption of class, are harmful to staff or students, or present the immediate threat of being harmful to others. (This includes, but is not limited to severe disruption, assault, ongoing insubordination, dangerous activities/weapons, or repeated violations of the code of conduct.)

6. IN­SCHOOL SUSPENSION ­ This consequence may be assigned by the principal or other administrator when a student’s actions are deemed to be a very serious. (This includes, but is not limited to narcotics, alcohol, dangerous activities/weapons, severe disruption, assault, ongoing insubordination, dangerous activities/weapons, or repeated violations of the code of conduct.) Use of this consequence is limited by the availability of substitute teachers to supervise the student.

7. OUT­OF­SCHOOL SUSPENSION ­ This consequence may be assigned by the principal or other administrator when a student’s actions are deemed to be a very serious. (This includes, but is not limited to narcotics, alcohol, dangerous activities/weapons, severe disruption, assault, ongoing insubordination, dangerous activities/weapons, or repeated violations of the code of conduct.) A student suspended from school because of Out­of­School Suspension must observe the following restrictions and responsibilities: a) Administration or legal authorities may immediately remove the student from school grounds. Parents

may be asked to take the student home. b) The student will not attend school through the length of the suspension. c) Students may be allowed to make­up classroom work/tests, etc. missed while serving Out­of­School

Suspension. This is based on school discretion. d) Suspension may cross semester lines and may be carried from one year to the next. e) Students may not attend any school functions including athletic practices, home or away. f) Students are not permitted on school grounds while serving an Out­of­School Suspension.

8. EXPULSION ­ The superintendent may expel a student from school for major or repeated offenses. A student has the right to appeal the decision to board of education. An expulsion can carry over from the first to the second semester. An expulsion may also carry over to the next school year. The expulsion may be up to eighty (80) days, and in some cases for an entire year. If a student is expelled from school, he/she will receive 0’s in all classes during the expulsion and will not be allowed to make­up the work missed. Expelled students will not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activities. Expulsion will be handled as follows:

a) The Superintendent must give written notice to the student and his parent/guardian. The notice must include the written reasons for the intended expulsion and that the student or his/her designee to challenge the expulsion or explain the student’s action. The notice should reference the specific section in the Student Code of Conduct and must state the time and place to appear, not less than three (3) nor later than five (5) days after the notice is given unless the superintendent grants an extension of time.

b) The student or his/her parent/guardian or representative may request an extension of time and the superintendent is required to notify the student and his/her parent/guardian or representative of the new time and place.

c) A hearing is held before the superintendent or his/her designee at the appointed time and place. The student, his parent/guardian or representative is given the opportunity to defend oneself against the charges.

d) Written notification of the decision and the right to appeal to the board of education or its designee is required, as if for a suspension. The notice must include the reasons for the expulsion, the right to be represented in the appeal and to request the hearing is held in executive session.

9. JUVENILE COURT – The principal is authorized to contact the juvenile court and file unruly charges against a student where misbehavior is of an ongoing and/or serious nature and previous consequences have not resulted in the student making better choices.

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10. Possession of a weapon or anything that may constitute a weapon will result in immediate suspension and/or expulsion as per the Ohio Revised Code.

11. Police involvement will be used at the discretion of school personnel.

The rules and standards set forth apply to conduct on school premises or on school buses, or to conduct which involves school property in any way, to conduct off school premises which directly affects other students or which reflects upon the school, and to conduct at school functions of any type regardless of where they are held.

WARNING: Students may be subject to school discipline for any harassment, vandalism, physical abuse, or other disruptive behavior toward school personnel during non­school hours.

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Appendix 3 (Side 1) PHYSICIAN’S REQUEST FOR THE

ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL

FAX (419) 533­1205

Student’s Name: __________________________________________________ Grade: ______

Student’s Address:

__________________________________________________________________

Parent Consent: I authorize the physician/physician’s staff to transmit this completed form to the

Liberty Center Local Schools and to communicate directly and share information with the school

nurse regarding this medication and the condition it is intended to treat.

____________________________________________________

Signature of Parent Date

This student in the Liberty Center Local School District is under my care and must take

medication which I have prescribed during the school day.

Name of Medication (as it appears) on container in which the drug is stored:

____________________________________________________________________________ Dosage and time of intervals:

__________________________________________________________

Date administration of drug is to begin: _________________________________

Date after which the drug should not be administered:

_______________________________________

Possible adverse reactions to be reported to physician:

______________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Special instructions for the administration or storage of the drug:

_____________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

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Name of Physician: ________________________________

Primary Telephone Number: ________________________

Secondary Telephone Number: _______________________

____________________________________________________

Signature of Physician Date

LCS 205A

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Appendix 3 (Side 2) PARENT COMPLETES THIS FORM Parent Consent to Administer Medication at School*

FAX (419) 533­1205 The undersigned are the parent(s), guardian(s), or person(s) in charge of

_______________________

________________________, a student in the _______ grade in the Liberty Center Local

School District. It is necessary that my child receive ___________________________ a

physician prescribed drug or non-prescription drug, during school hours. The drug

is to be administered at _____________ dosage and at _________________________

intervals, beginning on _____________________ and continuing

through_____________________.

I hereby request the Board of Education of the Liberty Center Local School, or its authorized representative, to administer the above­named drug to my child in accordance with the prescribing physician’s instructions (if applicable), and agree to:

1. Submit this request to the person authorized by the Board of Education to receive such a request.

2. Make certain the “Physician’s Request for the Administration of Prescription Medication by School Personnel” is submitted to the person authorized by the Board of Education to receive such requests (if applicable).

3. I authorize the physician/physician’s staff to transmit the completed form (Sides 1 & 2) to the Liberty Center Local Schools and to communicate directly and share information with the school nurse regarding this medication and the condition it is intended to treat.

4. Make sure personally that the drug is received by the person authorized to administer it in the container in which it was dispensed by the prescribing physician or licensed pharmacist.

5. Make sure personally that the container in which the drug is dispensed is marked with the drug name, dosage, interval of dosage, and date after which no administration should be given.

6. Submit a revised statement signed by the physician who prescribed the drug to the person designated by the Board of Education to receive requests for administration if any of the information provided by the physician changes (if applicable).

7. Release the Board of Education of the Liberty Center Local School District and their designated representative from any liability concerning the giving or non­giving of the drug to the student.

Dated this _____ day of ________________, __________

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______________________________________________________________________

Name of Student Parent/Guardian Signature

____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature

* Any prescription medication requires the reverse side of this form to be completed by a doctor. LCS 205B

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