WELCOME

The policies and procedures contained in this handbook are the result of a concerted effort on the part of students, faculty and the administration. This information has been carefully prepared and presented so that it will be of great value in helping you to adjust to your school and to become an integral part of it. It is intended to be an aid in answering the questions that arise about school in general. Wapanucka School offers many opportunities. It is our wish that your school years be both profitable and pleasant. The faculty and administration are here to help you and to be of service to you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.

MISSION STATEMENT

The staff of Wapanucka School believes that the school’s purpose is to provide all students with an appropriate education and the opportunity to acquire basic academic skills while developing positive emotional and social growth is a supporting environment. The staff of Wapanucka Public School accepts the responsibility for instruction of students to maximize their potential.

TESTING REQUIREMENT

There are 2 types of assessments within the Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP) for Grades 3-8 and 10. All assessments are aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards.

The two assessment types are:

General Assessments:These standards-based assessments are intended for Grades 3-8 and 10 in Mathematics, English Language Arts and Science.  A U.S. History assessment will be administered once in high school

Alternate Assessments: (Also referred to as: Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program, OAAP)These assessments measure achievement of alternate academic standards of the state curriculum for children with the most significant cognitive disabilities

PASSPORT TO PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY

Beginning with students entering 7th grade, in order to graduate from a public school accredited by the State Board of Education, students shall fulfill the requirements for a Personal Literacy Passport during Grades 7 through 12.

Personal Financial Literacy education shall include, but is not limited to, the following 14 areas of instruction: understanding interest, credit card debt, and online commerce; rights and responsibilities of renting or buying a home; savings and investing, planning for retirement: bankruptcy: banking and financial services; balancing a checkbook: understanding loans and borrowing money, including predatory lending and payday loans, understanding insurance; identity fraud and theft; charitable giving; understanding the financial impact and consequences of gambling; earning and income; and understanding state and federal taxes.

FACULTY

Tina Cotton......................................................PK4 Kim Foster...........................................KindergartenCassie Behrens..........................................1st Grade Karen Thompson.......................................2nd GradeBrenda Whitmire.......................................3rd GradeMichelle Harrell.........................................4th GradeDenese Sampson........................................5th GradeAlyssa Acker........................1st/2nd PE, 6th/7th GradeShanelle Baxter......9th-12th Math/Dean of Students Amy Smith......................Humanities Art/LibrarianGinny Deaton..................................History/EnglishRose Wooley.................English/Speech/JournalismTracy Vann......................................7th-12th ScienceZeke Rodriguez.............................................Vo-AgJeremy Smith.......Boys Baseball/Basketball CoachSarah Holland.........HS Girls Softball/Elem Coach ............................................................7th & 8th MathTracy Carter.............Special Education/Golf CoachMelanie Stanley.......................................Counselor

ADMINISTRATION

Dave Walters....................Superintendent/Principal

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Edgar Collins.............................................PresidentDrew Dennis....................................Vice President Carrie Costiloe.................................................ClerkFred Johnson...............................................MemberJosh Sussman..............................................Member

SUPPORT STAFF

Lisa Foster.....................Superintendent’s SecretaryLeonora Burnett.......HS/Elem. Secretary/TreasurerKimmy Davidson...............................PK3 Teacher Troy Bornman.................................Computer TechJeff Podraza.....Custodian/Maintenance/Bus DriverShanelle Baxter.......................................Bus DriverChallysse Beshirs...........................Head Start AideKutrena Magana.............................Head Start AideKristi Green.....................................Teacher’s AideRhonda Mason.................................Teacher’s AideTiffany Ratliff....................................Cafeteria MgrSamantha Martin...............................Cafeteria StaffStormy Johnson................................Cafeteria StaffJessica Wood...........................................Custodian

College Preparatory/Work Ready Curriculum for High School Graduation (Tittle 70 O.S § 11-103.6)

Beginning with students entering the ninth grade in the 2006-04 school year, in order for graduate from a public high school accredited by the State Board of Education with a standard diploma, students shall complete the following college preparatory/work ready curriculum units or sets of competencies at the secondary level. In lieu of the requirements of the college preparatory/work ready curriculum for high school graduation, a student may enroll in the core curriculum for high school graduation, upon written approval of the parent or legal guardian of the student.

4 Units of EnglishTo include Grammar, Composition, Literature, or any English course approved for college admission requirements.

3 Units MathematicsLimited to Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math Analysis, Calculus, Advanced Placement Statistics, or any mathematics course with the content and/or rigor above Algebra I and approved for college admission requirements.

3 Units Laboratory ScienceLimited to Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or any laboratory science course with content and or rigor/equal to or above Biology and approved for college admission requirements.

3 Units History and Citizenship SkillsIncluding one unit of American History, one-half unit of Oklahoma History, one-half unit of United States Government and one unit from the subjects of History, Government, Geography, Economics, Civics, or non-Western culture and approved for college admission requirements.

3 Units of the same Foreign or non-English language. Or 2 Units Computer TechnologyApproved for college admission requirements, whether taught at a high school or a technology center school, including computer programming, hardware, and business computer applications, such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and graphics, excluding keyboarding or typing courses.

1 Additional UnitSelected from the courses listed above or career and technology education courses approved for college admission requirements; a

1 Unit or Set of Competencies of Fine Arts such as music, art, or drama, or 1 Unit or Set of Competencies of Speech

The local Wapanucka School Board requires 24 units to graduate.

For more information: Counseling, SDE (405) 521-3549 and/or Accreditation, SDE (405) 521-3333.

To meet the graduation requirements, local school district options may include courses taken by concurrent enrollment. Advanced Placement or correspondence, or courses bearing different titles. School districts shall strongly encourage students to complete two units or sets of competencies of foreign languages as part of the core curriculum for high school graduation. Local school district requirements may exceed state graduation requirements.

HONOR ROLL

Honor rolls will be complied at the end of each nine weeks and semester grading period. Students receiving all “A’s” will be listed on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll while the students receiving no grade below a “B” will be listed on the Principal’s Honor Roll.

VOTECH/COLLEGE CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT

Students in grades 11 & 12 are eligible to attend the Kiamichi Area Vo-tech at Atoka. Vo-Tech is and extension of the local school and any discipline or academic problems will follow the student to the home school. Vo-Tech students are required to ride school-provided transportation.

Concurrent enrollment in college courses is available to any sophomore, junior, or senior who has taken the ACT and scored a 19 on the subtest related to the college course. Students should check with the counselor to be sure they qualify and to enroll in the courses. College concurrent courses will count as electives toward high school graduation but may not be used for any core class credits.

TUITION COURSES

Junior and Senior students who find themselves lacking in the number of required courses to be on track to graduate due to extended illness or a failing grade may with Principal approval, take a high school correspondence course on a tuition paid basis; that is, the student will be required to par for the course him/herself. No regular class time will be allotted to the student to complete the course. The student may, with Principal

approval, use a school computer after school hours to work on the tuition course. Information about the tuition is available in the counselor’s office.

PROFICIENCY TESTS

Upon the request if a student, parent, guardian, or educator. Students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate in one or more areas of the core curriculum. The opportunity for proficiency assessment will be provided at least twice each school year. Students demonstrating proficiency in a core curriculum area will be given credit for their learning and will be given the opportunity to advance to the next leave of study in the appropriate curriculum area. Tests will cover Oklahoma’s PASS objectives for each subject area. More information about proficiency testing is available in the counselor’s office.

ATTENDANCE

Under Oklahoma State Law, pupils must attend all sessions of school unless there are necessary causes for absences such as personal illness, death in the family, doctor appointment, religious observance, or other unavoidable situations. Students must be in attendance eighty-five percent (85%) of the time to receive credit during any given grading period (example, during a nine week period of 45 days, a student must be in attendance a minimum of 38 days). Parents are asked to help in keeping absenteeism to a minimum.

Each student has a maximum of 5 days (excused or unexcused) per 9 weeks.

If a student is absent, parents are requested to call the school at 937-4288 to report such absence.

If a student must leave school during the school day, he or she should check out through the principal’s office. Prior approval is required in the form of a note or phone call from the parent/guardian. If the student leaves the school grounds without permission, he/she will be considered illegally absent with all classes missed recorded as unexcused and the student could be subject to further discipline.

If a student becomes ill at school, contact with a parent/guardian or designated person will be made before the student is allowed to go home.

1. EXCUSED ABSENCE:

When a student is absent from school for any reason previously mentioned with the knowledge and consent of the parent, the absence will be considered excused. Notification should be made to the principal through a phone call or note from parent. Any work that is missed must be made up within 1 day plus the number of days absent (example, if a student is absent 3 days, the missed work must be made up in 4 days.)

2. UNEXCUSED ABSENCE

When a student is absent from school without the knowledge or consent of a parent/guardian or the administration, the absence is considered unexcused and the student may be subject to further discipline.

Class roll is checked at the beginning of school for grades K-6 and at the beginning of each class period for grades 7-12. Efforts will be made to contact parents when a student is turned in absent.

When a student in grades K-12 fails to report to class on time, the teacher will record him/her as being tardy. Three unexcused tardies will count as the equivalent of one unexcused absence.

BUSES & BELLS

Buses will arrive approximately at 7:35 a.m. in order that students may have time to eat breakfast. The school bell will ring at 7:50 a.m. for students to go to class with the second bell to ring at 7:55 a.m. Students are to be in their seats when the second bell rings. School is dismissed at 3:25 p.m. and buses will depart at approximately 3:30 p.m.

DISCIPLINE

Students are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct at school and at any time they are representing Wapanucka School. Riding the school bus, attending or participating in school activities at Wapanucka or visiting another school is considered an extension of the school day and appropriate student behavior is expected.

While at school, students should not conduct themselves in a manner that is disruptive to the learning atmosphere in the classroom. Riding a school bus is a privilege and students who cannot conduct themselves appropriately may be denied bus riding privileges.

A student’s conduct may also influence his/her eligibility to participate in extracurricular or interscholastic activities.

Students will be afforded basic “due process” in disciplinary procedures which may result in the student being suspended from participation in interscholastic activities.

An attempt will be made to notify parents when students create problems which result in the student being sent to the office for disciplinary action.

DISCIPLINE—DETENTION

Detention will be utilized as a primary form of discipline for students not putting forth effort in the classroom or for those creating problems as described previously.

Students assigned detention will go immediately to the detention room during lunch break. Detention is served the whole lunch break from 11:50 a.m. until 12:10 p.m. They will be served lunch in the detention room. Students may receive up to nine (9) days detention during a nine (9) week period. If further discipline is needed during that time period it will be in the form of corporal punishment or suspension.

Detention rules are as follows:

1. NO TALKING

2. BRING NEEDED MATERIALS

3. SIT AT ASSIGNED DESK

4. NO SLEEPING OR RESTING HEAD ON DESK

Misbehavior or non-compliance with the rules will result in the student being sent to the principal for other discipline.

If a student fails to report for assigned detention (except for an excused absence or a school activity), another day will be added to his/her total.

DISCIPLINE—CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Wapanucka Public Schools reserve the right to invoke corporal punishment upon a student when it is deemed appropriate in order to correct undesirable behavioral patterns. Parents/guardians are asked to sign a form approving or not approving the use of corporal punishment in disciplining their son/daughter.

DISCIPLINE – SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL

Any student committing any of the following offenses may be suspended out of school:

A. Immorality

B. Violation of a school policy

C. Adjudicated (brought before the court) as a delinquent for a nonviolent offense, which includes assault

D. Possession of intoxicating beverages (to include 3.2 beer), wireless communication devices and missing or stolen property

E. Possession of a dangerous weapon or controlled dangerous substance

F. Any act which disrupts the academic atmosphere of the school, endangers or threatens fellow students, teachers, or officials, or damages property

A suspension shall not extend beyond the present semester and the succeeding semester except for violations of the “Weapons-Free School Policy” which provides for suspensions for up to one (1) calendar year.

Except under circumstances which require the immediate removal of a student, the parent/guardian shall be informed before a student is released from officials, or damages property.

Short-Term Suspension may be imposed by the administration for up to a five (5) day period. Both the student and the parent/guardian shall be notified of the suspension, the reasons therefore, and the right to appeal the suspension to the suspension committee. A copy of the written notification will be sent home to the parent/guardian and a copy placed on file in the Principal’s office.

Long-Term Suspension may be imposed by the administration for the remainder of the current semester and the entirety of the succeeding semester. Both the student and the parent/guardian shall be notified of the suspension, the grounds therefore, and the right to appeal the suspension to the Board of Education. A copy of the written notification will be sent to the parent/guardian and a copy placed on file in the Principal’s office.

Students suspended for a period of six (6) days or more will be provided with an educational plan as provided by HB 2130.

The plan will address the core curriculum subjects. No credit will be granted for the work completed, however, the work should allow the student to continue on with the class following re-entry.

APPEAL OF SUSPENSION

A student, or the parent/guardian of a minor student, may appeal short-term suspension to a committee composed of administrators and/or teachers. Long-term suspension may be appealed to the Board of Education. Request for a hearing must be presented to the superintendent within five (5) school days of the notification of suspension. During the hearing of the appeal, the student may be represented by legal counsel or other adult representatives. In either situation, the decision of the hearing panel is final.

DUE PROCESS

The following minimal “due process” procedures shall be provided the student before the parent/guardian is notified and suspension is effected:

1. The student will be notified orally of the charges brought against him/her.

2. The students will be told the basis in fact for the charges brought against him/her.

3. The student will be given the opportunity to respond to the charges brought against him/her.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS

State law prohibits the possession and/or use of tobacco products by students in a public school, on school provided transportation, or at school sponsored events.

DANGEROUS OR NARCOTIC DRUGS, ALCOHOL—CONCEALED WEAPONS

Any student (a) known to illegally possess a dangerous or narcotic drug; (b) known to have consumed an alcohol-based beverage; or (c) known to possess a concealed weapon while at school, riding school sponsored transportation, or at a school sponsored event, will be subject to long-term suspension.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES

Mobile telephones and electronic tablets are prohibited for student use while on school premises unless permission is granted by the classroom teacher.

CODE OF DRESS

Clothing should be clean and appropriate for the school setting. Inappropriate attire would include but not be limited to:

1. Shirts with slogans advertising beer, liquor, sex, or drugs2. Tank tops/sleeveless shirts for both boys and girls in grades 7-123. Caps and hats worn inside the building4. Shorts that are above the fingertips5. Holes in jeans that are above the fingertips6. Jeans that sag and show undergarments7. Any big holes in jeans8. See through shirts/clothing of any kind9. Leggings have to be accompanied by a shirt that is at least to fingertip or longer.10. Any form of dress or method of grooming that disrupts the educational process11. Undergarments worn as outerwear. For the purpose of this rule, garments made of spandex shall be considered undergarments and should be worn as such12. Any adornment that is distracting to others (i.e. body piercing except for the ear, unnatural hair coloring, unusual hair styles, etc.) or presents a safety concern, is not allowed.

In the final analysis, the building administrator has the right to interpret that which constitutes a reasonable standard of appearance.

CAFETERIA (LUNCHES)

School breakfast and lunch are available to students daily. Due to the ever increasing problem of collection of bills, students will be allowed to charge meals for ten (10) days only. After the 10th charge, other arrangements should be made for meals. Also, extra milk and juice should be paid for at the time the student requests it.

Applications for free and reduced priced meals will be sent home with students at the beginning of the school year or may be obtained from the secretary at any time. Parents are requested to complete the forms and return them to the school as soon as possible.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Every student is encouraged to participate in school activities. This could be in sports or organizations. In order for a student to participate, he or she must be passing in all subjects. Unless prior arrangements have been made with the principal, the student must be in attendance the day of an event in order to participate.

In addition, all students in grades 7-12 who are participating in sports should have a physical examinations form on file at the school.

Students participating in activities are expected to ride on school-sponsored transportation to and from any activity. However, students may be released to their parents upon request, except during high school baseball, softball, and

basketball games. For more information on this rule, please see the athletic handbook.

ACTIVITIES OF CLASSES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Initial plans for all activities such as special programs, fund raising events, class parties, field trips, etc. must be approved by the Principal at least two (2) weeks in advanced of the proposed activity. Approval of any activity must be granted before any materials are purchased, reservations made, or any commitment is made.

FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES

Classes and organizations should limit fund raising activities to those which are absolutely necessary. Fund raising activities must be approved by the Superintendent.

FIELD TRIPS

The use of community and areas resources can lend much to classroom instruction. For all field trips requiring students to be transported from the school to another location, the teacher will send home a note which will include:

1. A brief explanation of the trip.2. Time of departure/approximate time of return.3. Permission form to be signed by the parent.

Students who do not return a signed permission form may not be allowed to participate in the activity.

HEALTH SERVICES

Students who are ill may go home with the consent of the principal after a parent has been contacted.

Any student who has medication that must be taken during school hours should leave the labeled medication, along with a note from the parent, in the office or with the classroom teacher.

All injuries, no matter how slight, should be reported to the classroom teacher.

All students are required to have on file a shot record showing the following immunizations:

5 doses DPT/DPT vaccine4 does Polio vaccine2 doses MMR3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine

VEHICLE REGULATIONS

Student drivers will park in the parking lot outside the north gate. Vehicles will not be moved during the school day unless permission has been obtained from the principal. All student drivers must take a drug test at the beginning of the school year and may be tested randomly throughout the school year.

LOCKERS

Valuables and money should not be left in a locker. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time. No locks will be allowed on lockers.

PHONE CALLS

Parents may call the school at 937-4288 to leave messages for students. Students will not be called from class except in emergency situations. Students should not request use of school phone unless absolutely necessary.

VISITORS

While most visitors are welcome at the school, there should be a valid reason for such a visit. All visitors are requested to check in through the office.

Students are discouraged from requesting to bring visiting friends or relatives to school.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/BULLETINS, SCHOOL CLOSINGS, ETC.

If school must be called off for emergencies, weather, etc., announcements will be made on television stations KTEN (10) and KXII (12).

A weekly bulletin will be prepared on Thursday of each week listing activities, etc., for the following week. Teachers should make students aware of the information contained in the bulletin.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF BUILDINGS

FIRE: Fire drills, as mandated by state law, will be held during the first 15 days of each semester. The second shall be conducted after the first 30 days of each semester. Fire exits and procedures are posted in each classroom. Students should avail themselves of this information.

TORNADO: Drills will be held during the season in which this type of weather is prevalent.

FACULTY ROOM/COPY MACHINES

Faculty workrooms and copy machines are available for teachers during their planning periods. These rooms and machines are not for student use.

ASBESTOS

All Wapanucka Public School buildings have been inspected for asbestos. A management plan is available for review in the Superintendent’s office during regular school hours.

CHILD FUND

If you know of a child with a disability who may be in need of special services please contact the superintendent at 580-937-4288. Wapanucka Public School is available to assist in the location of appropriate services for students who are ages 3 to 21 years old.

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords 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 Wapanucka School receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] 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.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the Wapanucka Public School to amend a record should write the school principal, 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 he 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 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 educational 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 upon 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 OfficeU.S. Department of Education400 Maryland Avenue, SWWashington, DC 20202