Policies and Procedures

Student Handbook

BELIEFS, VISION, MISSION

FIFTH WARD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

The faculty of Fifth Ward Junior High School believes that they should present an educational program that develops the individual abilities of all students to their fullest potential. Our program strives to meet the students’ needs, interests, and special talents.

We live the FISH Philosophy at Fifth Ward Junior High School. The four components of the FISH Philosophy are: Be There, Make Their Day, Choose Your Attitude, and Have Fun. Your children will continue practicing this as they continue to grow and become responsible citizens. It is our belief that each student’s self-esteem should be nurtured. The student’s independent thinking skills are developed to foster each child's ability to make positive choices in daily activities.

Our professional staff instills the qualities of fairness, honesty, reliability, creativity, and enthusiasm into each and every student.
Fifth Ward Junior High School works to involve the entire family and community in the educational process. We continually study, evaluate, and improve the school programs to provide the best educational experiences for every child in our school.

MISSION STATEMENT

To Create Life Long Learners and Productive Citizens.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE IS IMPERATIVE, NOT ONLY TO SATISFY REQUIREMENTS OF LAW, BUT TO HELP ENSURE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS.

Type 1 Absence: Excused

Excused absences are not considered for purposes of truancy, including absences incurred due to extenuating circumstances. These will not be counted against students in determining whether a student meets attendance requirements.

The CURRENT excused absences are defined in the attendance policy as the following:

· Extended personal physical or emotional illness as verified by a physician or nurse

practitioner licensed in the state

· Extended hospital stay as verified by a physician or nurse practitioner licensed in the state

· Extended recuperation from an accident as verified by a physician or nurse practitioner

licensed in the state

· Extended contagious disease within a family in which a student is absent as verified by a

dentist or physician licensed in the state

· Observance of special and recognized holidays of the student’s own faith with documentation

provided.

· Visitation with an immediate family member who is a member of the United States Armed

Forces or the National Guard of a state and such immediate family member has been called

to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support

posting with proper documentation. These absences shall not exceed five days per school year.

· Travel for educational purposes. These absences must be approved prior to the travel with the

supporting documentation submitted to the principal. Verification of the educational

experience must be submitted upon return to school.

· Death in the immediate family with documentation. These absences shall not exceed five days.

· National catastrophe and/or disaster.

The additional excused absences are defined in the attendance policy as the following:

· Quarantine due to prolonged exposure to or direct contact with a person diagnosed with a contagious, deadly disease, as ordered by state or local health officials.

· A student may be absent related to the student’s mental health for up to three days in any school year, and such absences shall be excused when documentation/verification is submitted in accordance with the student handbook. The student shall be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Upon the return to school following the second day of mental health absence in any school year, the student shall be referred to the appropriate school support personnel for guidance in addressing the underlying issue, which may include referral to medical services outside of the school setting.

· Student Personal illness or serious illness in the family.

· Pregnant and parenting students at a minimum of 10 days after the birth of a child as verified by a physician or nurse practitioner licensed in the state

Type 2 Absence: Unexcused- Unexcused absences are any absence not meeting the requirements set forth in the excused absence definition, including but not limited to absences due to any job (including agriculture and domestic services, even in their own homes or for their own parents or tutors) unless it is part of an approved instructional program. These absences count against the student when determining whether the student meets attendance requirements to receive credit and for truancy.

Type 3 Absence: Suspensions/Expulsions- Suspensions/Expulsions are absences in which a student is not in attendance in the regular instructional setting due to disciplinary actions imposed by the school. The absence is not considered for purposes of truancy unless the student was assigned to an alternative site and is not in attendance at the assigned alternative site. These absences count against the student when determining whether the student meets attendance requirements and truancy; if the student was assigned to alternative, but was not in attendance.

•A student who is absent (excused, unexcused or suspended) student, shall be allowed to submit missed assignments and tests, and shall be eligible to receive the same academic credit and grades originally available when work is completed satisfactorily and within the same number of days that the student was absent.

For example, if a student is absent 3 days, he or she has 3 days to submit the work.

The parent or legal guardian of a truant student shall ensure that the student makes up missed school work by attending after school tutoring sessions, weekend makeup classes, or other remediation opportunities, as determined by the school board until the student has caught up with his work. The parent shall also attend meetings at the school on at least a monthly basis relative to the student’s progress until the student has caught up on his missed school work and any assistance conducted by the school district that provides information on supports available to families. Failure to comply with the provisions of this item may subject a parent to penalties provided in R.S. 14:92.2

•The principal of each school or designee shall note any concerns that personnel have relative to a child’s attendance on the back of any Supplemental Security Income form that the school receives relative to that child.

ABSENCE PROCEDURES

Excuses for all absences must be presented in writing to the school within 48 hours of the absence. The note must include the student’s full name, days of absence, reason for absence and/or doctor’s verification, parent/guardian signature and date of signature. Failure to send a note will result in the student not being able to make-up missed course work, and zero (0) for that work may be given.

Students participating in school approved activities which necessitate their being away from school shall be considered present and shall be given opportunity for makeup work.

Students with unexcused absences will be required to make-up instructional minutes before attending extracurricular events (i.e. dances, athletic events, etc).

Students who are verified as meeting extenuating circumstances and who are, therefore, eligible to receive grades shall not receive those grades if they are unable to complete makeup work or pass the course. Upon returning to school, please work with the teacher to create a plan for making up work missed during the authorized absence.

SEAT TIME RECOVERY REQUIREMENT

Students in danger of failing due to excessive absences may be allowed to make up missed seat time held outside of the regular school day. Seat Time Recovery is held on predetermined Saturdays from 8:00am to 12:00 pm. The makeup sessions must be completed before the end of the semester/year. Please contact Mrs. Hall with any questions.

CHECK IN/CHECK OUT PROCEDURES

State law requires that you have your child in attendance on time. Students who are late for school (arrive after 7:55a.m.) must be brought to the office by an adult and receive an admit slip before entering the classroom.

In order to protect instructional time and student learning, parents and visitors are not allowed to go to the classroom without an appointment.

Teachers are not able to stop instruction to get children ready for an early checkout. When you check your child out early, materials and assignments will go home with your child the next school day.

A student must be in attendance a minimum of half (3 ½ hours) of the school day in order to participate in extracurricular activities (such as but not limited to – dances, athletics {practices/games}, FFA, clubs, awards programs, etc.).

Check-Out Requests and Excuses:

For the safety of all children, checkouts will not be allowed after 2:45p.m.
For the safety of everyone, no student or parent is to be walking in the bus loading area until all buses have departed campus.
After properly checking out your child, parents/guardians are to remain in the office lobby to receive their child.
Students are allowed to leave school with their parent, legal guardian, or an authorized person designated in writing on the emergency card by the parent. In case of emergencies, if the parent or authorized person cannot be reached, the student will remain in school.
Office personnel will initiate the checkout procedure by checking the emergency card for the name of the authorized person and checking identification of said authorized person. Office personnel will then have the student signed out and called to the office.
The only acceptable excuses for checking out are:
- Personal illness
- Doctor's appointments; however, parents are encouraged to make both doctor and dental appointments after school hours
- Court appearances
- Special reasons authorized by the Principal
Unacceptable excuses for checking out are:
- Errands with parent(s)
- Vacations
- Activities that are not school approved: gymnastics, dance, etc.
Students are allowed to make up work if there is an acceptable excuse for checking out.
If a student returns to school on the same day after checking out, he/she must go through the office and sign in.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

The procedure for withdrawal or transferring is as follows: Notify the school office of upcoming withdrawal or transfer. A withdrawal form will be processed. All outstanding library books, textbooks, and the student’s chromebook must be returned and all outstanding fees paid (such as cafeteria and library fees).

TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES

Any changes in transportation must be sent in writing and brought to the office before lunch for an approval signature. Call-in and/or faxes will not be accepted for transportation changes.

On half days, transportation changes must be sent in writing and brought to the office before 10:00 a.m. for an approval signature. In emergency situations only, a child can be held in the office where identification of the adult picking up the student can be verified against the emergency card and a photo ID.

BUSES

Buses unload in the morning & load in the afternoon in the front of the school. Each student riding a bus to school must ride the same bus home. If a student needs to ride a different bus, the student should bring a note, written and signed by his/her parent/guardian. This note should be brought to the office before noon (10:00 am on half days) for approval. A copy of the note will be given to your child to present to the bus driver.

A yellow bus procedure form will be sent home in the beginning of the school year through the bus driver. Please read and sign this form upon receipt. Return the form to the driver the following day.

CAR RIDERS

Teachers are on morning duty beginning at 7:25a.m. Car riders may exit their vehicles at this time.

In the morning, vehicles are to enter the school grounds from the designated gate on Highway 21. For the safety of all children, car riders must unload in the designated area. Please do not pass vehicles while in the car line.

In the afternoon, car line pickup will take place in the gym parking lot. Vehicles are to “snake” through the four parking bays to the exterior gym doors. Please create 4 lines in the last parking bay (nearest the sewer lift station). This will allow us to keep everyone safe and off of Hwy. 21. We ask that you remain in your car as the teacher assists in loading your child. Please post your child’s carline placard, provided by FWJH, in the front driver side window so we can safely load him/her. Please pull around the building to secure students in carseats.

Reminder: FWJH is a tobacco free campus and we ask that you refrain from smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products while on campus (including car line). Also, FWJH is a “hands-free” zone and parents/guardians are asked to adhere to this state law.

BICYCLE RIDERS AND WALKERS

The administration strongly discourages students from walking or riding bicycles to school due to traffic concerns. Fifth Ward is not responsible for bicycle theft or damage. Parents who wish to have their students walk or ride a bike to and from school must first schedule an appointment with an administrator and complete an application which, when approved, will be kept on file for one year and must be renewed each year. During the meeting, in addition to completing the application, the administrator will review the procedures, expectations, and entrance and exit routes with the parent. Once students are approved to walk or ride bikes to school, they are not to arrive on campus prior to 7:30a.m., and must wait in the office at the end of the day until approximately 3:10p.m. - when all buses and cars have cleared.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

FINANCIAL MATTERS

SENDING MONEY TO SCHOOL

Please write a separate check in black or blue ink for each child and for each type of collection.

Please put all money in a sealed envelope and provide the following information on the envelope: child’s name, homeroom, amount, and what the money is for – send the envelope to school with your child.

Example 1: If your child's teacher is collecting $10.00 student fee money, $5.00 lunch money, and book club money, you would write one check to the school for school fee money, one check to the school cafeteria for lunch money, and one check to the specific book club for book order.

Example 2: If you have more than one child attending Fifth Ward, and you are paying lunch money, please write each child’s name on separate checks so that we can credit the accounts appropriately.

*My Payments Plus is a preferred payment method

MEALS

The breakfast and lunch menu will be posted on the school’s website (http://fifthwardjunior.stpsb.org/) monthly. Please note that breakfast is served from 7:25a.m. until 7:50a.m. In order to protect instructional time, all students must finish breakfast at 7:55a.m. when the bell rings. Soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee drinks, or loaded teas are not permitted in the cafeteria. No glass is allowed, and all water bottles must be clear.

Meals should be paid in advance by the month or week. Please review the menu at the beginning of each month and send money in for the days your child will be eating breakfast or lunch. Your lunch account is a debit account, and any unused funds will be returned. Make checks payable to Fifth Ward Junior High Cafeteria. We ask that you maintain a positive balance throughout the school year. If there is a financial hardship, please contact the principal.

Free and reduced lunches are available for children who qualify. We ask that all families complete the online application. For those who need internet access, please call us – we can accommodate you.

The preferred method to make a cafeteria payment is by using My Payments Plus

https://mypaymentsplus.com

*See page 21 for Cafeteria Payment information

SNACK MONEY

Nutritional snacks such as fruit, crackers, popcorn, etc. may be brought from home. Sweets such as candy, rich cakes and cookies are discouraged except for special occasions. Gum is not allowed.

*Subject to change due to the most current CDC Guidelines.

BOOK CLUBS

Periodically, your child's teacher may send home order forms for various school book clubs. These book clubs offer quality children's literature in paperback form at affordable prices. While you are under no obligation to order from these book clubs, it is recommended that you make reading material of one form or another available to your child. Please contact your child's teacher for further details on book clubs.

TEXTBOOKS

All textbooks issued to students are the property of the State of Louisiana. Students are expected to take good care of their books. If a student loses a book, he/she must pay the cost of the book. There will be a fee assessed for all damaged books.

CHROMEBOOK

Students in all grade levels will be issued a chromebook once the school receives a signed Chromebook Responsible Use Permission Slip. Students in grades 4th-8th are responsible for bringing their chromebook to and from school each day and charging it each night. Chromebooks for students in grades PK-3 will remain at school unless distance learning is warranted. Parents will receive specific policies and procedures regarding the care and use of the Chromebook at the beginning of the year. The option to purchase Chromebook Insurance will be available.

Yearly Chromebook Device Coverage Form: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1721663383/stpsborg/qkc3v88ux4c4lbywstal/ChromebookYearlyStudentDeviceDamageCoverageForm.pdf

LIBRARY

Each student has a weekly, scheduled library period. Students may check out one library book each week and will be charged a fee for lost and/or damaged books. Food and drink are not allowed in the library. A quiet atmosphere and appropriate behavior is required for library activities.

FIELD TRIPS

Fifth Ward Junior High is pleased to offer our students educational experiences outside of the classroom in the form of field trips. We place a high priority on providing safe and secure procedures as well as ensuring a learning adventure. School sponsored field trips are an extension of the classroom and students must meet academic and attendance guidelines.

When field trips are scheduled, written permission must be given by the parent or legal guardian and a fee (if necessary) paid for the student to attend the trip. If, for any reason, you cannot pay the assigned fee, please contact the principal, prior to the due date, to discuss possible arrangements. We want all children to benefit from these educational experiences. Field trip fees usually cover bus transportation, admission and lunch (if applicable).

Parents are encouraged to act as chaperones on field trips, but chaperones must provide their own transportation. Any parent who agrees to participate as a chaperone must: 1) sign-in with a valid state identification at the school office, 2) remain at the field trip for its duration, and 3) follow the teacher’s guidelines (i.e. do not roam away and leave early with student(s)). ALL children who go on the field trip MUST ride the bus to the field trip destination(s). Students MUST ride the bus back to school following the field trip unless they have been properly checked out prior to the field trip. A parent is allowed to check a student out from the field trip site only if the following procedure is followed:

The morning of the field trip, sign your child out at the front office prior to leaving school – please have your driver’s license available.
Obtain an Authorization of Student Release from the office upon signing the student out.
Give Authorization form to teacher for student to be released at the conclusion of the Field Trip (i.e.-students loading the bus for the return trip home).

*Only children enrolled at Fifth Ward Junior High School may attend a school sponsored field trip. For safety reasons, we ask that students not visit souvenir shops without approved adult supervision at any locations.

Deadlines are created to ensure smooth operation and efficiency in the planning process. FWJH makes every effort to send paperwork home in a timely fashion. For this reason, please understand deadlines will be adhered to strictly. If there is a reason you cannot abide by the deadline, please contact your child’s teacher on or before the due date.

*Field Trip expectations subject to change due to the most current CDC Guidelines.

PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF DEBT COLLECTION POLICY

Parents will be notified in writing that money is owed to the school. The amount and origin of the fees will be enumerated and may include such things as lost/damaged textbooks, library books/fines, unpaid lunch fees, etc. In the case of a student transferring to another school, all financial obligations shall be met before the withdrawal is completed. Any student who has an outstanding cafeteria balance greater than $10.00 will receive written reminders as well as phone calls.

MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR

Fifth Ward Junior High has two Automated External Defibrillators (AED) on campus for use in case of emergency. The AEDs are located in: 1) Gymnasium – Northeast corner and 2) East wall of the two-story building’s main hall (across from the computer lab).

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Students will not be allowed to have any medication in their possession at school. This includes over the counter medication such as cough drops, hand sanitizers and lotions. Personnel in the office cannot and will not administer medication unless special circumstances exist for a chronic health problem. In these circumstances, the following procedure is followed:

Appropriate forms must be obtained from school and completed by physician and parent.
Medication must be brought to school by parents/guardians in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician. Medicine must be counted and recorded at that time by the school nurse or other medical delegate. Please allow additional time for this procedure.
Each medication given will be recorded on a medication log which includes date, dosage, and initials of the person administering the medication. When the last pill is administered, a courtesy call will be made to the parent/guardian. It is the parent's responsibility to bring a refilled prescription bottle the following school day.

MEDICAL EXCLUSIONS

The health and well-being of all students are important; therefore, students will not be allowed to remain at school for the following reasons:

Fever of 100 degrees or above, vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain, or other conditions not conducive to learning

Any infectious or contagious conditions such as impetigo, pink eye, ringworm, etc.
We will follow the current head lice policy.

*See page 19 for the full School Wellness Form, which includes when your child may return to school following an illness.

VISITORS

All visitors must have a valid driver’s license or state I.D. to present to the front office personnel upon entering campus. Visitors will not be allowed on campus or to check out a student without the mentioned identification.

We welcome visitors to our school. For the safety of our children, we require all visitors to check in at the office and wear the visitor’s tag provided while on campus. Anyone not properly identified will be questioned. In order to ensure that instructional time is not interrupted, please make prior arrangements with your child’s teacher if you would like to volunteer in the classroom. As a safety precaution, visitors are not to go on the playground. Thanks for helping us keep our students safe.

Please note that we encourage parents to have lunch with their child. In order for our students to have time to become acquainted with lunch routines and procedures, we ask that parents begin joining us for lunch no earlier than the third week of school.

*All visitors must check out in the office before leaving campus.

*Visitor Policies subject to change due to the most current CDC Guidelines.

LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS

The school is not responsible for lost or stolen possessions. Each student is responsible for his/her personal property. Please label your child’s sweatshirts, jackets and possessions they bring to school. Students are encouraged to leave their valuables at home. No toys, blankets, stuffed animals, iPods, iPads, handheld games, etc. are allowed at school unless directed by the teacher. The teachers or principal will keep these items and return them to parents upon request to prevent loss or damage. The Lost and Found is located in the East hall of the two-story building main hall (across from the computer lab) for unclaimed items left by students. At the end of each grading period unclaimed items will be donated to charity. If you notice your child is missing items you are welcome to come to the office and sign in to check the lost and found.

PARTIES

Only two parties (winter and spring) are allowed each year and the times will be determined by the school administration. We ask that room parents work collaboratively with the classroom teacher to assist with the planning and implementation of activities for each party.

We welcome PK-3 parents to join in our school celebrations. However, to ensure quality time with parents and students, we ask that siblings do not attend these events.

PK – 3rd Grade birthdays may be recognized by serving cupcakes, etc. at approximately 2:30p.m.
No cupcakes, treats, etc. are permitted in grades 4th – 8th.

There will be no parties during instructional time. Please do not send flowers, balloons, etc. to school for your child. Party invitations (PK- 3rd) may be distributed when the entire class is invited.

*Individual invitations will not be sent through school.

*Party Policies subject to change due to the most current CDC Guidelines.

DANCES

Students in grades 6th – 8th may attend their respective dances sponsored by Fifth Ward if the following conditions are met:

Are in good academic standing
Have not received more than 2 after school detentions during the corresponding nine weeks
Have not received a Saturday Detention during the corresponding nine weeks
Have not received a Suspension (In-School or Out of School) during the corresponding nine weeks or more than 2 suspensions for the year
Must arrive at the dance within 30 minutes from the beginning of the dance (i.e. – if the dance begins at 7:00p.m. all students must be in attendance by 7:30p.m.) to obtain entry
Must stay at the dance until the end – students will not be allowed to leave the dance “early”
Must be in good standing with district attendance policy and have been at school the day of the dance for at least half of the day
Must be in good financial standing
Cell phones will be collected, at the door, and returned to the student at the conclusion of the event.
Must adhere to school and STPPS dress code and discipline policies/procedures
- No ripped jeans or bottoms will be allowed. Spaghetti straps must be covered by a jacket or sweater. Dress or shirt straps must be 3 fingers wide to not wear a jacket or sweater. No strapless dresses or tops will be allowed. No shear or see through backs or middles of the dresses or tops will be allowed. Clothing should fit appropriately and not be tight fitting or body contouring.

*Dance Policies subject to change due to the most current CDC Guidelines.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

Together, parents and teachers must insist that students be accountable for their actions. If he/she forgets something at home, the student will not be allowed to phone home to have someone bring the item to school. Parents will be notified if their child consistently fails to turn in assignments, comes to class without supplies, etc. If your child still does not complete assignments, it may be necessary for a parent or teacher to call for a conference.

TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOLS

The St. Tammany Parish Public School System prohibits the use of any tobacco products by students, employees, or visitors in all buildings, centers, offices, vehicles, schools, or other property under the jurisdiction of the School Board.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

STUDENT DRESS CODE

(Refer to STPPS’s District Handbook for more specific information)

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS

A FWJH regulation student identification card (I.D.) is made for each student at the beginning of the school year.
6th - 8th grade students are required to wear their I.D. at all times during the instructional day.
If a student arrives on campus without an I.D., the student is to proceed to the front office immediately to purchase a temporary I.D. A lunch detention will be issued.

The I.D. must clearly be visible and worn with a school issued lanyard.
The I.D. cannot be defaced and/or altered in any way.
- No attachments, stickers, pins, etc., may be placed on the I.D.
- No photos other than the one taken for the I.D. may be placed on the I.D.

If a student defaces his/her I.D., the student will be required to purchase a new one and serve a lunch detention.
When attending school-sponsored activities, the I.D. must be worn at all times.

It is the responsibility of each teacher to check that students are wearing their I.D.
If a student I.D. is not visible during the instructional day, the student will be directed to the front office to purchase a temporary I.D. with a lunch detention being issued.
If a student wishes to purchase a replacement I.D., the first and second I.D. replacement will cost $5.00. Any additional I.D. replacements will cost $10.

BOYS

An acceptable well-groomed haircut will be required of all male students.

Hair - Afros or teased styles may not exceed three inches in height. Hair in front must be out of the student's eyes and not impair vision. Hair styles should not be distracting. Sculptured hair styles that include pictures, symbols, letters, numbers, etc., will not be permitted.
Facial Hair - Male students are prohibited from wearing beards or goatees. Sideburns may be worn to the base of the earlobe, but pork chop style is prohibited. Students may wear a neatly trimmed mustache, but handlebar styles are prohibited.
Uniform bottoms worn by students must be secured at waist level, with no undergarments revealed.
Pants/uniform bottoms must not have rips in them.
All caps, hats, and bandannas are banned from school campuses.
Hoods are not to be worn on campus except outdoors in inclement weather.

GIRLS

Girls must wear their hair in a standard, acceptable style.

Hair in rollers or curlers, excessively teased, or arranged in a manner detrimental to the performance of normal educational activities will be prohibited. Sculptured hair styles that include pictures, symbols, letters, numbers, etc., will not be permitted.
Uniform bottoms worn by students must be secured at waist level, with no undergarments revealed.
Pants/uniform bottoms must not have rips in them.
All caps, hats, and bandannas are banned from school campuses.
Hoods are not to be worn on campus except outdoors in inclement weather.

*School principals maintain the right to determine extremes in styles of dress, grooming, appropriateness and suitability for school wear. Body-piercing ornaments are limited to the ears/nose.

UNIFORM POLICY

Fifth Ward Junior High’s Uniform is as follows:

Approved Bottoms:

Khaki long pants, khaki capris, khaki walking shorts, khaki uniform jumper, or khaki skort or skirt

All shorts, jumpers, skorts and skirts must be fingertip length or longer
Any leggings or tights must be solid navy blue or solid white and may only be worn under uniform bottoms and not as pants themselves
Socks may not extend past the knee and must not distract from the learning environment
Jeggings, yoga style pants, or sweatpants are not permitted.

Approved Tops:

Solid navy blue or solid white polo, navy blue or white school logo polo, or Fifth Ward Falcons navy blue T-shirt

Long or short sleeve polos shall have 2-3 buttons and a collar - No emblems or logos (other than approved school logo) are permitted
A long or short sleeve solid navy blue or solid white T-shirt or turtleneck may be worn under the uniform top
Only a Fifth Ward Falcons navy blue, solid navy blue, solid white, solid black or solid gray sweatshirt may be worn inside the school building
Jackets/coats may be any color or pattern, but only solid navy blue, solid white, solid black or solid gray jackets/coats may be worn inside the school buildings.

*NO logos other than the school logo will be allowed on uniforms.

*We suggest that all children wear athletic shoes with non-marking soles in order to keep them safe during P.E. and recess. If athletic shoes are not worn, shoes must have backs. No backless shoes will be allowed.

*Uniforms can be purchased from the department store, uniform shop, or catalog of your choosing. Fifth Ward Logo shirts can be purchased from the school office.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

DISCIPLINE POLICY

The policies and administrative procedures apply to actions of students during school hours, before and after school, while on school property, while traveling in vehicles operated on behalf of the School Board, at all school-sponsored events and otherwise when the actions affect the goals or operations of the St. Tammany Parish Public School System. The principal is expected to report serious, disruptive, or criminal actions to law enforcement officials.

THREATS OF VIOLENCE OR SELF-INJURIOUS BEHAVIOR POLICY

With the rise in school violence nationwide, all threats of violence or self injury will be taken seriously and the Parish policy will be followed.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORT (PBIS)

Discipline Philosophy

At Fifth Ward Junior High School, we believe that all disciplinary practices and interactions must teach and promote responsibility, enhance the safety and educational environment of the school, foster respect, and maintain the dignity of one’s self and others. The goal of FWJH’s discipline policy is to foster within students the essential internal controls that are needed to achieve success both in school and in life. To support this goal FWJH uses the “3 strike” motto. A student will receive an after school detention after receiving 3 classroom behavior lunch detentions (this is for minor behavior issues) per nine weeks. Major discipline offenses will be handled according to STPSB policy.

School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Discipline Plan

Students who attend FWJH deserve an educational environment that promotes success. With this goal in mind, our administration, faculty and staff believe that appropriate behavior is essential. Positive Behavior Intervention Support, better known as PBIS, is the system that FWJH routinely utilizes to promote positive behavior. PBIS is based on a system that teaches social behaviors and reinforces them on a frequent basis. It is our hope that this system of positive reinforcements will promote responsible decision-making by our students. We also embody the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to support positive behavior.

Student Expectations

Fifth Ward Junior High School strives to provide a learning environment free from disruption and interference. Each teacher has posted a set of expectations in each classroom that are reviewed regularly. We do our best to reward appropriate behavior and correct inappropriate behavior. We administer timely, fair, and consistent consequences for inappropriate behavior.

FIFTH WARD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL – POLICY ON BULLYING

FIFTH WARD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL – POLICY ON BULLYING

From the STPPS District Handbook for Students and Parents

BULLYING

As defined by Act 861 of 2012, bullying is a pattern of one or more of the following:

Gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures and making faces;
Written, electronic, or verbal communications, including, but not limited to calling names, threatening harm, taunting, malicious teasing, or spreading untrue rumors;
Electronic communication including but is not limited to a communication or image transmitted by email, instant message, text message, blog, or social networking website through the use of a telephone, mobile phone, pager, computer, or other electronic device;
Physical acts including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, choking, damaging personal property, or unauthorized use of personal property;
Repeatedly and purposefully shunning or excluding from activities; where the pattern of behavior is exhibited toward a student, more than once, by another student or group of students and occurs, or is received by a student while on school property, at a school-sponsored or school related function or activity, in any school bus or van, at any designated school bus stop, in any other school or private vehicle used to transport students to and from schools, or any school sponsored activity or event.

The pattern of behavior must have the effect of physically harming a student, placing the student in reasonable fear of physical harm, damaging a student’s property, placing the student in reasonable fear of damage to the student’s property, or must be sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough to either create an intimidating or threatening educational environment, have the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s performance in school, or have the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Personnel at all levels are responsible for taking corrective action to prevent bullying at any school sites or activities.

Allegations of bullying will be promptly investigated, giving due regard to the need for confidentiality and the safety of the alleged victim and/or any individual(s) who report incident(s) of bullying. An individual has the right to report an incident(s) of bullying without fear of reprisal or retaliation at any time. Retaliation is defined as meaning "to pay back (an injury) in 27 kind." When a person is accused of having behaved in an inappropriate fashion, especially bullying, the common reaction of that person is to be angry and want to pay the "alleged victim" back (retaliate). Retaliation must not occur and will not be tolerated.

Proven allegations of bullying can have serious consequences for the person deemed guilty, including verbal or written reprimand, in-school or out-of-school suspension, disciplinary reassignment, and/or expulsion.

Victims of bullying have responsibilities. Victims should clearly tell the bullies to stop. If bullying persists, victims should not ignore the incident(s) but should report immediately the incident to someone at school. Students should tell their parent(s). If the bullying continues after having clearly told the bullies to stop, students should make a written record of the incident including dates, times, witness or witnesses, and parties involved in the incident. The incident should be reported immediately to an adult who has authority over the bullies, for example, a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, or principal. Victims should avoid being alone with the person(s) who attempted to bully them in the past. Victims of bullying who feel uncomfortable reporting this fact to adult personnel at school should contact another appropriate adult or friend who will report on their behalf.

To minimize the risk of being accused of bullying, students should keep their hands to themselves, remember that no one has the right to harm another person in any way, think before speaking, immediately apologize for accidentally saying or doing anything that has made another person feel oppressed, and report all incidents of bullying behavior they have witnessed to appropriate school personnel. Students should not touch anyone without his or her permission. Students should not interact with a person after that person has perceived their behavior toward them as "inappropriate" and has clearly told them to "stop". Nor should they make remarks that may cause another person to feel "oppressed" (stressful, scared, intimidated).

Students will be taught the appropriate ways to socially interact. This plan was designed to support the above policy while addressing the specific needs of Fifth Ward Junior High School.

STUDENT RULES OF CONDUCT

It is in the children's best interest that we work together to provide an optimum learning environment at school. We reserve the right to require appropriate behavior conducive to safety and success at school.

Possession of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or weapons such as knives, guns (even toys), or dangerous instruments is prohibited. Fighting, insolence, disrespect, stealing, profanity or suggestive hand gestures, sexual harassment, or leaving campus without permission will not be tolerated. (Parents will be held accountable for the defacing or damaging of school property). Students who use extreme profanity (use of the “F” word) will be suspended.

Pushing, shoving, name calling, tattling, or other disruptive behavior will be addressed accordingly. Persistent or repetitive misbehavior will result in disciplinary action.

Effective beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and thereafter, no student shall possess, on his person, an electronic telecommunications device throughout the instructional day. If a student brings an electronic telecommunication device in any public elementary or secondary school building or on the grounds during an instructional day, the electronic device shall be turned off and properly stowed away for the duration of the instructional day. Stowing of cell phones is defined as being placed in the student’s locker or school bag. Any student found using a cell phone or smart watch, displaying a cell phone or smart watch, or in possession of a ringing cell phone during the instructional day, may have the cell phone or smart watch confiscated by the principal/designee and have disciplinary consequences. The parent/guardian will be required to retrieve the cell phone/smart watch from the school principal/designee.

Students may bring a refillable water bottle to school, provided that it is clear. No glass bottles are allowed. Only water will be allowed in all areas of the school, other than in the cafeteria. *Please see page 7 for specific drinks not allowed in the cafeteria.

All students will be taught the proper use of playground equipment, general procedures for lining up, and other acceptable behaviors. Students who cooperate and follow rules and directions will receive verbal praise, rewards, positive notes home, special privileges, and continued respect of peers and adults.

WEAPONS POLICY

Students found using, possessing and/or concealing a knife, a firearm, a weapon that may discharge a projectile, or other dangerous instruments that may cause bodily harm will be suspended immediately and recommended for expulsion. Law enforcement may be notified. If recommended for expulsion or suspension then law enforcement will be notified. Students using, possessing, and/or concealing any look-alike object that may have the appearance of a weapon or dangerous instrument will be suspended immediately from school and recommended for expulsion. In the case of a student in preschool through grade 3 who is found carrying or possessing a knife, the principal may, but will not be required to, recommend the student's expulsion. Upon the recommendation for expulsion, a hearing will be conducted 23 by the Superintendent or his designee. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee will determine whether the student will be expelled from the School System or whether other corrective or disciplinary action will be taken. Students in grades six or higher who are found guilty of using, possessing, and/or concealing a firearm or other weapon that may discharge a projectile, when on school property, on a school bus, or in their actual possession at a school-sponsored event, following a hearing, will be expelled for a minimum of four complete semesters. The student also will be referred to the District Attorney for appropriate action. Students in kindergarten through grade 5 found guilty of being in possession of a firearm on school property, on a school bus, or in their actual possession at a school- sponsored event, following a hearing, will be expelled for a minimum of two complete semesters. The student also will be referred to the District Attorney for appropriate action. No student who has been expelled for possession of a weapon will be readmitted to any school until the student has enrolled and participated in an appropriate rehabilitation or counseling program related to the reason, or reasons, for the student's expulsion. This policy does not apply to a student carrying or possessing a firearm or knife for purposes of involvement in a school-approved curricular or extracurricular activity. “Firearm” means any pistol, revolver, shotgun, machine gun, submachine gun, black powder weapon, or assault rifle that is designated to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition or from which a shot or projectile is discharged by an explosive.

REPORTING OF STUDENT PROGRESS

REPORTING OF STUDENT PROGRESS

CONFERENCES (PARENT-TEACHER)

It is vital that teachers and students engage in instructional activities during classroom time to ensure student progress and success. Any unnecessary interruptions that infringe on instructional activities are unacceptable. While it is the policy of Fifth Ward Junior High School to encourage parents to confer with the teachers of their children, these conferences, for the educational well-being of the students, must be scheduled with the following guidelines in mind:

A specific appointment time must be set up before the actual conference. (Spontaneous conferences are seldom informative or productive). Teachers need to have tangible, classroom data available to share with the parent.
Any convenient time (before school or after school) that is agreeable to both teacher and parent is allowable for a conference. Conferences may not take place during instructional periods.
Duty periods of teachers are not appropriate times for conferences. A teacher on duty is responsible for the safety and well-being of his/her charges. Conferences during duty time could jeopardize the safety of the children. Parents should, therefore, refrain from distracting teachers from their duty posts by asking for information about their children that is best disseminated during a scheduled conference.

The procedure for setting up a conference is as follows:

The appointment time and date must be set at least 24 hours before the conference. (The call may be initiated by either the parent or the teacher.)
The parent must check in at the office to secure a pass to meet with the teacher.

CONFERENCE (PARENT/STUDENT) - PRINCIPAL

The principal welcomes parents and students for conferences. An appointment should be made in order to schedule the conference.

GRADING POLICY

GRADING POLICY

Fifth Ward’s grading policies will follow the St. Tammany Parish School Board Pupil Progression Plan. FWJH teachers will send home their grading procedures in a separate packet.

REPORT CARDS

For the first, second and third 9 weeks, all report cards shall be distributed at school following the close of the 9 week period. At the close of the fourth 9 weeks, report cards will be mailed home.

The teacher is responsible for completing and issuing report cards, which include grades and other markings such as behavior, work habits and attendance to class. Students not meeting the minimum requirement on grade level objectives by the end of the school year will be brought to the SBLC – School Building Level Committee- for consideration for retention or exceptional promotion. You will be notified each marking period if your child is working below grade level or not progressing as expected and a conference will be requested.

SWE students on Specially Designed Regular Instruction shall follow the same grading scale as regular education students. Refer to the Louisiana I.E.P. Handbook for Policy and Procedures regarding grading and promotion of Students With Exceptionalities.

PROGRESS REPORTS (INTERIM REPORTS)

Interim reports will be given once per 9 weeks.

EMERGENCY DISTANCE LEARNING PLAN

If school buildings are closed due to an emergency situation or inclement weather conditions, STPPS is prepared for learning and instruction to continue through required distance learning. Through digital curriculum resources, technology, and communication with teachers, high-quality learning will continue. It is important for students and families to understand their role and what to expect on Emergency Distance Learning Days. Refer to the District Website for further information.

Conduct On the School Bus
In order to establish and maintain a safe atmosphere for all persons on the bus, as well as those on the roads of our Parish, students are expected to adhere to these requirements of conduct on buses.

Be completely seated facing the front of the bus.
Keep their hands and feet to themselves.
Talk in a low (normal) tone of voice.

The bus driver, together with the principal, assumes full responsibility for discipline of students riding buses. Any disciplinary problems will be reported by the driver to the principal of the school. The principal is responsible for determining necessary disciplinary action. If actions are sufficiently serious, the principal may suspend bus privileges to the student. Any parent of a student suspended from riding a school bus has the right to appeal to the Superintendent. The Superintendent or his designee will conduct a hearing on the merits of the bus suspension.
A student damaging a school bus will be subject to suspension from school. Any student suspended for damage to a school bus will not be readmitted to school or allowed to ride any school bus until payment in full has been made for such damage or until readmittance is directed by the Superintendent or his designee.

If the conduct of a student becomes such that removal from the bus becomes essential, the driver will discharge the student at the student's regular stop. A student riding a school bus will never be unloaded for disciplinary purposes anywhere except at his/her designated stop, unless he/she is endangering the lives of others on the bus. Under normal circumstances, students must have written parental permission, authorized by the principal, to get off at a bus stop other than the student's assigned stop.

Sexual Harassment
The St. Tammany Parish School Board is committed to providing a safe and stable climate free from sexual harassment by students, Board Members, Superintendent, administrators, teachers, and other employees who contract with or provide services for the Board or any other personnel associated with the Board and over whom the Board can exercise influence.

Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and School Board policy and will not be tolerated, condoned, or overlooked. The Board requests and encourages persons associated with the School System who believe that they have been sexually harassed as a result of their association with the School System to report such harassment to specified Sexual Harassment Investigating Officers or school principals.

The Board through its designee(s) will promptly, thoroughly, and fairly investigate reports of sexual harassment and take appropriate action that is consistent with the results of the investigation and the legal requirements afforded by law.

The School System and Board will not tolerate retaliation by anyone associated with the School System against one who files a complaint of sexual harassment. Inappropriate behavior by students will be handled according to their school's discipline procedures.

Some acts of sexual misconduct are considered criminal and are subject to prosecution. The Board and School System will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney in investigating and prosecuting such criminal offenses.

Reporting of incidents involving student-to-student harassment should be made to the principal at the child's school. If an employee is involved as an alleged harasser, the report should be made to a Central Office Sexual Harassment Investigating Officer.

Bullying
As defined by Act 861 of 2012, bullying is a pattern of one or more of the following:

Gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures and making faces;
Written, electronic, or verbal communications, including, but not limited to calling names, threatening harm, taunting, malicious teasing, or spreading untrue rumors;
Electronic communication including but is not limited to a communication or image transmitted by email, instant message, text message, blog, or social networking website through the use of a telephone, mobile phone, pager, computer, or other electronic device;
Physical acts including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, choking, damaging personal property, or unauthorized use of personal property;
Repeatedly and purposefully shunning or excluding from activities; where the pattern of behavior is exhibited toward a student, more than once, by another student or group of students and occurs, or is received by a student while on school property, at a school-sponsored or school related function or activity, in any school bus or van, at any designated school bus stop, in any other school or private vehicle used to transport students to and from schools, or any school sponsored activity or event.

Allegations of bullying will be promptly investigated, giving due regard to the need for confidentiality and the safety of the alleged victim and/or any individual(s) who report incident(s) of bullying. An individual has the right to report an incident(s) of bullying without fear of reprisal or retaliation at any time. Retaliation is defined as meaning "to pay back (an injury) in kind." When a person is accused of having behaved in an inappropriate fashion, especially bullying, the common reaction of that person is to be angry and want to pay the "alleged victim" back (retaliate). Retaliation must not occur and will not be tolerated.

Drug Detection and Control Program
The School System has strong policies and programs intended to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse and to prohibit their presence or use at school. Applicable Federal and State laws and School Board policy are followed diligently. An ongoing phase of the program consists of providing students demonstrations about the drug detection process at school and other drug education activities in conjunction with the Drug-Free Schools Program.
Another phase of the Drug Detection and Control Program consists of unannounced, periodic drug searches of the schools by local law enforcement. Guidance programs and actual searches by school officials, when suspicion of illegal drugs is present, are key elements of the Drug Detection and Control Program.

When illegal substances are found, the following procedures will be adhered to by the school administration.

Proper law enforcement authorities, parent(s) or guardian(s), and the Central Office will be notified immediately when suspected illegal substances are confiscated or found on a campus. The authorities will analyze the material as soon as possible, report their findings to the principal, and file a report with the Office of the District Attorney. The confiscated material will remain property of the authorities.
The authorities will be given the name, address, and telephone number of the student in possession of the illegal substance.
If the authorities indicate that charges will be filed, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of that student will be notified. If the student is removed from school by the officers, the student and the parent(s) or guardian(s) must arrange an appointment with the principal before returning to the campus. This appointment should be made as soon as possible after the student is released by the authorities.
If the authorities indicate that charges will not be filed, the principal will follow the disciplinary policy for drugrelated offenses as indicated in this Handbook.

School Disciplinary Action for Drug-related Offenses
A goal of the School System is to convey to students that the use, possession or distribution of any drug, chemical or other substance without proper authority and permission is wrong and harmful. The seriousness of substance abuse among young people has resulted in legal action at the State and Federal levels. In recognition of the potential life-altering affects that substance abuse can have, the State has passed legislation aimed at helping school officials discourage such abuse. Also, several Acts of Congress and State statutes have been enacted resulting in mandated drug-related and controlled dangerous substance expulsions from school, programs of drug prevention, and identification of Drug Free Zones as an area inclusive of any property used for school purposes by any school, within 1000 feet of any such property, and school buses. Violators of the laws concerning Drug Free Zones will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Louisiana law requires that any student 16 years of age or older found guilty of possession of, knowledge and intentional distribution of, or possession with intent to distribute any illegal narcotic drug, or other controlled substance on school property, on school bus, or at a school event, following a hearing by the Superintendent or his designee, will be expelled from school for a minimum of four complete semesters. Any student who is younger than 16 years of age found guilty of these drug offenses, following a hearing, will be expelled from school for a minimum of two complete semesters.

Any case involving a student in kindergarten through grade five found guilty of possession of, or knowledge of and intentional distribution of or possession with intent to distribute any drug or controlled substance on school property, on a school bus, or at a school event shall be referred to the local school board through a recommendation for action from the superintendent or designee.

School principals or their designees will refer any student arrested for these drug offenses for testing or screening by a qualified medical professional for evidence of abuse of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled dangerous substances. State law requires that a student expelled for drug-related offenses must provide written documentation that he or she and a parent or legal guardian have participated in a rehabilitation or counseling program related to the offense leading to the expulsion before readmission to any school program. A meeting with the central office supervisor is required prior to return to the school campus following any such period of expulsion.

Students found guilty of using, being in possession of, consuming or being under the influence of alcohol, look-a-like alcohol or look-a-like drugs, over the counter inhalants, or deliriants on school property, on a school bus, or at a school event will receive a minimum 5 day suspension or possible expulsion. The student will be required to complete a drug-use assessment, followed by participation in a School System approved prevention and/or intervention program for families and students. These acts of misconduct are not to be confused with incidents of using, being in possession of, consuming or being under the influence of an illegal narcotic drug or a controlled dangerous substance which results in expulsion. Verification of an appointment for an assessment and agreement to enroll in the approved program is required before reentry into school following the period of suspension or expulsion.

Students found guilty of possession of drug paraphernalia (anything that can be associated with drugs or controlled dangerous substances in the sense of use, possession or distribution of them) on school property, on a school bus or at a school event will receive a minimum 5 day suspension. Subsequent offenses may result in expulsion.

Suspension Procedure
The following procedure is followed if suspension of a student is required.

Prior to any out-of-school suspension or assignment to alternative placement, the school principal or the school principal’s designee will advise the student in question of the particular misconduct of which the student is accused and will state the basis for such accusation.
The student will be given an opportunity at the time to explain the student’s version of the facts to the school principal or the school principal’s designee. Any student whose presence poses a continued danger to persons or property or represents an ongoing threat of disruption may be removed immediately from the school premises without benefit of the above- described procedure. The necessary procedure should follow as soon as practical after the student has been removed from school.
The principal/designee shall contact the parent or legal guardian of the student to notify them of the suspension, and establish a date and time for a conference with the principal or designee as a requirement for readmitting the student. Notice shall be given by contacting the parent or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the student's registration card, or by electronic communication or by a certified letter sent to the address shown on the student's registration card. The principal shall promptly advise the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee of all such suspensions, stating the reasons for the suspensions.
Any parent or legal guardian of the suspended student who believes that the disciplinary action taken is unwarranted has the right to appeal to the principal. The next level of appeal is the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee, who shall conduct a hearing on the merits.
Any parent or legal guardian of a student who has been recommended for expulsion but suspended instead following a hearing conducted by the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee shall have the right to request review by the School Board of the findings of the Superintendent or designee at a time set by the School Board. Such request must be made within five (5) days after the decision is rendered, or the decision of the Superintendent or designee shall be final. The School Board may affirm, modify, or reverse the action previously taken.
A student suspended for damages to any property belonging to the School System, school personnel, or other student will not be readmitted to school until payment in full has been made, an alternative restitution arrangement has been executed, an alternative payment plan has been arranged, or until the student is directed to return to school by the Superintendent.
During a suspension, students are forbidden to come on school grounds or to attend or participate in any School System or school-sponsored event to include, but not limited to, athletic events without advanced written permission from the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee. Any student who violates this ban will be subject to legal sanctions for trespassing.
When a student is suspended, the following procedure will be used for re-admitting the student to school.

1st Suspension — The parent must bring the student to school for a conference with the principal before the student can be admitted back to school.
2nd Suspension — The parent must bring the student to the School Board Annex for a conference with the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance before the student will be admitted back to school.
3rd Suspension — The parent must bring the student to the School Board Office for a conference with the appropriate Administrative Supervisor before the student will be admitted back to school.

9. The school principal or the school principal’s designee will have the option of using an alternative to suspension program in lieu of out-of-school suspension for offenses that are covered in the program, provided funding for the program is available.

10. All procedures, rules, and regulations established for disciplinary programs for suspended students must be adhered to by students and parents or guardians. Students and guardians or parents will be informed by written notice of the procedures, rules, and regulations of disciplinary programs.

11. A student who is suspended for ten (10) days or fewer shall be assigned school work missed while the student is suspended and shall receive the same credit originally available for such work, upon the recommendation of the student’s teacher, if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the principal or the principal’s designee.

12. Suspension of students with disabilities or exceptionalities, or an Individualized Education Program, or Section 504 Individualized Accommodation Plan shall be to the extent allowed by applicable state or federal law and regulations or the provisions of the student’s specific plan.

Expulsion Procedure
Students who are suspended from school three (3) times during the same school year who commit a fourth offense will be expelled from the School System until the next school year begins in the fall, subject to the review and approval of the School Board. Expulsion will be recommended immediately for certain major offenses. Each expulsion case will be reviewed prior to the beginning of the next school year for possible reinstatement into the St. Tammany Parish School System. Serious offenses committed by students may subject the student to expulsion beyond the beginning of the next school session.

The expulsion procedure will include the following steps.

Prior to any expulsion, the school principal or the school principal’s designee will advise the student in question of the particular misconduct of which the student is accused and will state the basis for such accusation. The student will be given an opportunity at the time to explain the student’s version of the facts to the school principal or the school’s principal’s designee. The principal/designee shall contact the parent or legal guardian of the student to notify them of the expulsion, and establish a date and time for a conference with the principal or designee as a requirement for readmitting the student. Notice shall be given by contacting the parent or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the student 's registration card, or by electronic communication and additionally by a certified letter sent to the address shown on the student's registration card. If the parent or legal guardian fails to attend the required conference within five (5) school days of notification, the truancy laws shall be effective. Any student whose presence poses a continued danger to persons or property or represents an ongoing threat of disruption may be removed immediately from the school premises without benefit of the above- described procedure. The necessary procedure should follow as soon as practical after the student has been removed from school.
When the school principal recommends the expulsion of the student, then a hearing will be conducted by the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee within fifteen (15) school days to determine the facts of the case and make a finding of whether or not the student is guilty of conduct warranting a recommendation for expulsion. The Board will provide written notice of the hearing to the student and the student’s parent or guardian via certified mail, and such notice shall advise the student and the student’s parent or guardian of their rights.
Upon concluding the hearing, the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee will determine whether or not the student will be expelled from the School System or whether or not other corrective or disciplinary action should be taken.
At the hearing, the principal/teacher may be represented by any person of the principal’s/teacher’s choice.
The student may be represented by any person of the student’s choice.
The student will remain suspended from school until the hearing takes place, and the student shall have access to classwork and the opportunity to earn academic credit.
Within five (5) days after a decision expelling a student is rendered, the parent(s) or guardian(s) may request that the St. Tammany Parish School Board review the findings of the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee at a time set by the School Board. The parent(s) or guardian(s) shall have such right of review even if the recommendation for expulsion is reduced to a suspension.
The School Board, after reviewing the findings, may affirm, modify, or reverse the action previously taken.
The parent or guardian of the student may, within ten (10) school days, appeal to the district court for the Parish an adverse ruling by the School Board in upholding the action of the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee.
A felony conviction of any student or incarceration of any student in a juvenile institution for committing any act that would be deemed a felony if committed by an adult will be cause for expulsion of the student for a period of time determined by the Board. Such expulsion takes a two-thirds (2/3) vote by the elected Members of the Board, shall not be for a period of time longer than the student’s period of adjudication as determined by the applicable court presiding over the student’s criminal matter, and shall run concurrent to student’s period of disposition. If the student was incarcerated for a separate offense and the student completes the period of incarceration with time left in the expulsion period, the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee may require the student to serve the time left in the expulsion period.
When a student is entered in Florida Parish Juvenile Detention Center, the St. Tammany Parish Jail or any correctional institution, whether evidenced by the school receiving an official drop slip, or as otherwise discovered or determined by the St. Tammany Parish School System, before any student is allowed to re-enter, enroll or re-enroll into the St. Tammany Parish School System, a meeting shall occur with the Disciplinary Supervisor to determine potential placement.
Expulsion of students with disabilities or exceptionalities, or an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Individualized Accommodation Plan, shall be to the extent allowed by applicable state or federal law and regulations or the provisions of the student’s specific plan.

Additional Disciplinary Authority:
Suspension of Driver's License
Principals will notify the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of Motor Vehicles, of any student
between the ages of 14 and 18 who has been suspended or expelled from school for ten (10) or more consecutive school
days or has been assigned to an alternative educational setting for ten (10) or more consecutive days for:

infractions involving the sale or possession of drugs, alcohol, or any other illegal substance;
the possession of a firearm; or
an infraction involving assault or battery on a member of the school faculty or staff.

The Office of Motor Vehicles will suspend for one year the drivers' licenses of such students who are between the ages of 15 and 18, in accordance with the provision of State law. The term "license" or "driver's license" includes a class "E" learner's license and intermediate license.

Individuals with Disabilities Placement in Alternative Educational Settings
Refer to Individuals with Disabilities Placement in Alternative Educational (IDEA) Regulations and Louisiana Bulletin 1706 found at each school site.

Search and Seizure
As a security measure used to protect students and staffs, school officials must sometimes, if deemed a necessary or precautionary step, initiate or help law enforcement officials conduct a search of school for dangerous, illegal, or prohibited items. The policies and practices followed in the search and seizure process are based on Federal and State law. The practice is carried out judiciously and with the rights of all in mind.

According to State law, the School System is the exclusive owner of all public school buildings, all desks and lockers within the building assigned to any student, and any other area of any public school building or grounds set aside specifically for the personal use of the students. Any teacher, principal, school security guard, or administrator may search any building, desk, locker, area, or grounds for evidence that the law, a school rule, or School Board policy has been violated. The teacher, principal, school security guard, or administrator may search the person of a student or his personal effects when, based upon the attendant circumstances at the time of the search, reasonable grounds exist to suspect that the search will reveal evidence that the student has violated the law, a school rule, or a School Board policy.

Such a search will be conducted in a manner that is reasonably related to the purpose of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age or sex of the student(s) and the nature of the suspected offense. Any search of a student will, if possible and reasonable under the circumstances, be done by a teacher, administrator or other School System representative of the same sex, with at least one (1) adult witness present throughout the search. Classroom searches, with multiple students present, will be conducted in a manner that is reasonable under the particular facts and circumstances leading to any such search, but shall not require more than two adult persons to be present for any such search.

Documentation will be made of all searches of a student's person. The student will be given a receipt for all items impounded. The parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student will be notified in writing of all searches of the student's person. Random searches of students or their personal effects with a metal detector may be conducted at any time in accordance with law.

The search of a person will, unless circumstances dictate otherwise, be limited to directing the student to remove all items from his or her pockets, directing the student to remove footwear, coats or other outerwear necessary under the circumstances, and directing the student to open and remove all items from any container he or she may be carrying. A pat down of the person is permitted when the person is reasonably believed to possess a weapon, or when circumstances exist that indicate the necessity of a pat down search. Under no circumstances will a strip search or body cavity search be conducted by any school personnel.

If the person refuses to comply with the directions to be searched, and there is a belief that a law has been violated, then, to the extent practicable, the person will be detained, and the appropriate law enforcement authorities will be contacted. If school officials know from the outset that a law has been violated, the appropriate law enforcement authorities will be contacted as soon as possible, and the decision to search the person will be made by the law enforcement personnel. If no violation of the law is suspected but reason exists to search a student who refuses to be searched, that student will be dealt with according to school disciplinary procedures. Refusal to comply with directions to be searched is grounds for discipline.

Under the same circumstances, if the person is a non-student, he or she will be directed to leave campus and, if the person refuses, the appropriate law enforcement authorities will be called to remove the person from school. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, any school principal, administrator, or school security guard may search the person, handbag, briefcase, purse, or other object possessed by any person who is not a student enrolled at the school, or a school employee, while in any school building or on school grounds, either by conducting a random search with a metal detector or when reasonable suspicion exists that such person has any weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, or other materials or objects, the possession of which is a violation of the law, a school rule, or a School Board policy.

Upon the seizure of any firearm, bomb, knife, or other implement or device that can be used as a weapon or the careless use of which might inflict harm or injury, or upon seizure of any controlled dangerous substance as defined by State law, the principal or his/her designated administrator will report the confiscation to the appropriate law enforcement officials. The principal or his/her designated administrator may report the confiscation of any other implement, device or material to law enforcement officials.

Any implement, device or material required to be reported to law enforcement officials will be retained and secured by the school principal in such a manner as to prevent its destruction, alteration, or disappearance until the law enforcement authority either takes custody of the implement or material or provides notice that it need no longer be retained. The confiscated item(s) will be retained in a uniform, envelope-type container that has printed instructions regarding the information to be supplied to law enforcement concerning the confiscation. Items that need not be retained for law enforcement officials will be placed in the custody of the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student following the hearing process and following disciplinary action, if applicable.

In order to ensure that items seized are properly secured, they will be placed in a safe, locked cabinet or locked desk to which only the principal or assistant principal will have access. The report to the appropriate law enforcement authority required by law will be in writing, signed by the principal or his/her designated administrator, and delivered to the appropriate law enforcement authority within 24 hours of the seizure. While a principal may designate another to prepare the above report, the principal will instruct the designee to keep a copy of the report and provide another copy to the principal at the time the reports are made. Copies of the reports will be maintained in a secure place for no less than two (2) years after the incident.

Failure of any principal or designated administrator to report to law enforcement officials the confiscation of any controlled dangerous substance or any firearm, bomb, knife, or other implement or device that can be used as a weapon is cause for disciplinary action for violation of policy and law. Likewise, failure of any principal or designated administrator to retain and secure such material or implement or device is grounds for disciplinary action for violation of policy and law.

Corporal Punishment
The St. Tammany Parish Public School System does not allow corporal punishment in the School System. Complaints concerning instances of impermissible corporal punishment should be reported to the school principal or superintendent for investigation.

Crimestoppers
To help maintain a safe and productive environment for learning in our schools, the School System has established a partnership with the Crimestoppers organization. The partnership provides an additional security measure that encourages students, parents, and others to report information about potential or actual criminal activity at school. The Crimestoppers program allows us to utilize a reporting system called the Safe School Hotline in all our junior high and high schools.

The local Crimestoppers organization encourages citizens to help solve and prevent crime through anonymous calls to a special telephone number maintained by the organization. The information is forwarded to appropriate law enforcement agencies and a special fund is available to pay a reward for tips that lead to an arrest. The Safe School Hotline operates in the same way to help solve crimes and prevent potential safety concerns on and/or around school campuses, school buses, and school events. The Crimestoppers Safe School Hotline system protects the caller’s identity by assigning a code number to each caller.

The Safe School Hotline number is 1-877-903-7867. Students and parents who have information about a serious or potentially serious school safety concern are urged to call the school principal or the Crimestoppers Safe School Hotline.

VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE POLICY
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual instruction of students has become necessary through either the enrollment of students in the district’s virtual school or through student participation in the hybrid model which has required student attendance both in-person and virtually. Students may be required to attend school virtually when schools are closed due to inclement weather or other emergencies. The St. Tammany Parish School Board adopts this Virtual Instruction Student Conduct and Discipline Policy in order to clarify expectations for student conduct in the virtual classroom and to provide notice of the possible consequences of inappropriate conduct in the virtual classroom setting.

Students who attend school virtually must maintain settings and behaviors that are conducive for instruction and which minimize distractions. Student conduct is governed at all times, and regardless of the model of instruction, by La. R.S. 17:416 and the Uniform Discipline Code of the St. Tammany Parish Public School System, as set forth in the District Handbook for Parents and Students.

Student Conduct in Virtual Work Settings
Students and parents have a reasonable expectation of privacy with regard to what takes place in their home. However, in order to ensure that students and teachers are able to work and learn in a safe and orderly virtual environment, it is imperative that students have a quiet, well-lit classroom space which is, to the greatest extent possible, free of any and all items which may create distractions from teaching and learning. Students are expected to have a designated work area in their home cleared of everything other than what they need for class. Work stations must be free of foreign objects that are not being utilized for instruction. The recording device being used for instruction must be positioned to allow teachers to observe both the work space and student, especially during testing.

Eating and drinking are not allowed during virtual courses. This is hazardous to electronic devices and can also be distracting during instruction.

When possible, students are encouraged to work in areas that are isolated from other individuals and pets. If circumstances exist that do not allow complete seclusion, the parent or legal guardian may share this information separately with the instructor. Instructors will only require what the parent or guardian can reasonably provide.

Additional electronic devices should not be kept or used within the visible working area, unless they are being utilized for instruction and/or are teacher approved. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of speakers, phones, earphones, and any other devices which may create distractions from teacher-led instruction.

Students will follow daily guidance from their teachers regarding best methods of communicating and participating during virtual schooling. Instructions regarding when and how to interact verbally and how to use audio and camera options will be dependent upon the design of instruction and direction of the teacher. Students are to remain positively engaged in instruction and participate as deemed appropriate by their teachers.

Student Dress
Students are to wear appropriate dress that does not distract from the virtual learning process. Student dress and grooming are not to adversely affect any student's participation in virtual schooling. Extremes in style and fit in student dress and extremes in style of grooming will not be permitted. Styles of dress and grooming never should be such that they represent a collective or individual protest. Inappropriate attire, including but not limited to the following, are prohibited: pajamas or other nightwear; clothing that is transparent or overly revealing; and clothing with profanity, derogatory terms, racial slurs, or sexual content. School uniforms are not required to be worn for virtual schooling.

Discipline
Students should refrain from engaging in any of the behaviors identified in the Uniform Discipline Code of the St. Tammany Parish Public School System or as referenced in the District Handbook for Parents and Students while engaged in virtual schooling. The St. Tammany Parish Public School System has extended its normal behavior guidelines to the virtual classroom with several modifications which take into account the home setting of the student.

Behavior that could result in disciplinary actions for students attending school virtually include, but are not limited to, the following:

Antagonistic, harassing or discriminatory language of any kind with regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, intelligence, age, orientation, disability, socioeconomic status or any other legally protected characteristic or activity
Bullying and/or cyberbullying
Threats
Habitual tardiness
Wearing inappropriate clothing
Use of obscene, degrading, or profane language (written, verbal, pictures, drawings, audio, video)
Displaying pornography, nudity, or images of nudity
Committing lewd or sexual acts
Use and/or possession of weapons and/or look-a-like weapons
Use and/or possession of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, look-a-like substances or any controlled dangerous substances governed by the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Law in any form
Any criminal or other illegal activity
Illegal posting, distribution, upload or download of copyrighted work of any kind
Sharing assignments, questions/answers, or any other action that would violate any expectations or rules relative to academic honesty 
Posting personally identifiable information in any format other than via private message
Intentional disturbance of an online class

Disciplinary measures will be determined in accordance with this Policy and the provisions of the Consequences of Student Misconduct and Acts of Misconduct/Possible Disciplinary Actions sections as set forth in the District Handbook for Parents and Students and identified within GROUP 1 – GROUP 5 of Acts of Misconduct.

Behavior that is disruptive to the virtual schooling setting will be addressed using progressive discipline measures. The seriousness of the offense, academic placement, attitude, age, pattern of misconduct, and degree of cooperation of the student, as well as any other aggravating or mitigating circumstances will be considered in determining which actions should be taken. The intent is to have progressive consequences as outlined below:

Warning or Administrative Detention
Administrative Detention or Suspension
Suspension and/or Expulsion

Safety and Welfare Concerns
Conduct in the virtual classroom related to the use and/or possession of weapons or use and/or possession of drugs, or other conduct that raises legitimate concerns about the safety and welfare of a student, must be reported immediately to the School Resource Officer or School Officials in order to assess whether the matter must be reported to local law enforcement and/or the Department of Children and Family Services.

Suspensions
Out-of-school Suspension: When a student is suspended, he or she is temporarily removed/blocked from all internet usage that is not for instructional purposes on his or her assigned device. The student will only have access to the established online curriculum for student progression. Students will also be suspended from live sessions and interactions with peers during the period of his/her suspension. Students are not allowed to attend school sponsored programs or activities during the period of their suspensions. Recommended expulsion will be reserved for serious discipline infractions but none that violate a student’s constitutional rights in a home setting.

Parents of students who are recommended for expulsion but whose penalty is reduced to a suspension after due process may appeal to the school board and district court in the same manner as an expelled student.

COMPLIANCE NOTICE
The St. Tammany Parish School Board adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of the Federal Civil Rights laws and regulations that are applicable to this agency. Therefore, no one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); sex (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972); disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) in attaining educational goals and objectives and in the administration of personnel policies and procedures. Anyone with questions regarding this policy may contact a Supervisor of Administration at 985-892-2276, St. Tammany Parish School Board.

Career And Technical Education Compliance Notice
Career and Technical Education courses are available at all STPPS secondary sites and are open to all students. STPPS adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal and civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability. The Title IX and Title II Coordinator is Mike Cossé, 321 N Theard Street Covington, La. 70433; phone (985) 892-2276; email Michael.Cosse@stpsb.org.

The 504 Coordinator is Candice Dozier, Harrison Curriculum Center, 706 W 28th Avenue Covington, La. 70433; phone (985) 898-3311; email Candice.Dozier@stpsb.org.

All students have the opportunity to participate in Career & Technical Programs of Study including, but not limited to, areas of Health Care, Construction Crafts & Trades, IT Computer Technology, Culinary Programs, and Agriculture. Admission requirements for each course can be found in the student course guide/schedule packet of the individual campus where the course is being offered. Please contact the guidance counselor at the specific school site for additional information, program requirements and/or any questions you may have.

Non-Discrimination Notice
The St. Tammany Parish School Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities and provides equal access to designated youth groups, such as the Boy Scouts.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Section 504
Candice Dozier, Coordinator of 504 Services
Harrison Curriculum Center
706 W 28th Avenue Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-898-3311
Candice.Dozier@stpsb.org

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Mike Cossé, Assistant Superintendent
321 N. Theard Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-892-2276
Michael.Cosse@stpsb.org

Title IX Coordinator
Mike Cossé, Assistant Superintendent
321 N. Theard Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-892-2276
Michael.Cosse@stpsb.org

Grievance Procedures Under Section 504 And Title II Of The American With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Grievances may be submitted by STPSB students, parents/guardians of STPSB students, and STPSB employees who allege discriminatory action by STPSB employees, STPSB students, and third parties. The following procedures apply to such grievances.

Grievances must be submitted to the appropriate “Coordinator” within 180 days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.

For Section 504 Grievances
Candice Dozier, Coordinator of 504 Services
Harrison Curriculum Center
706 W 28th Avenue Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-898-3311
Candice.Dozier@stpsb.org

For ADA–Title II Grievances
Mike Cossé,
Assistant Superintendent
321 N. Theard Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-892-2276
Michael.Cosse@stpsb.org

The Coordinator (or her/his designee) shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation shall be adequate, reliable, and impartial. The investigation shall afford an equal opportunity to present witnesses and submit evidence relevant to the complaint.

The Coordinator (or her/his designee) will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after its filing. A copy of the decision shall be provided to each party.

The person filing the grievance (“complainant”) may appeal the decision of the Coordinator by writing to the Superintendent within 15 days of receiving the Coordinator’s decision. The Superintendent (or designee) shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after receiving the complainant’s appeal.

If the investigation yields a determination that discrimination has occurred, the St. Tammany Parish School Board shall take affirmative steps to prevent recurrence of such discrimination and appropriately address discriminatory effects, if any, on the complainant and others.

The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U. S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

Retaliation is prohibited against any person involved in the grievance process, including the complainant or any other participant.

Time Line Extensions
The Coordinator may request in writing an extension of decision time lines if received by the complainant within 20 days of the Coordinator’s receipt of the complaint. The request must include reasons for the request. The extension request may not exceed 10 days.

The complainant may request in writing an extension of appeal time lines if received by the Coordinator within 10 days of the complainant’s receipt of the Coordinator’s decision. The request must include reasons for the request. The Coordinator’s decision to grant the extension and, if granted, its duration are final.

Once a complaint has been received by the Coordinator, Winter/Christmas holiday break time shall not be included in the calculation of any grievance time line.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

As parents, you have been responsible for the early teaching of your child. You are the most important teachers in your child's life. The following are suggestions of ways you can help your child.

HOME

KEEP THIS HANDBOOK READILY AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Attend individual and group conferences as often as you can.
Read and answer all notes from school.
Give special help to your child by:
- Making sure your child comes to school well rested
- Making sure your child eats breakfast
- Making sure your child is dressed appropriately for the day's weather
- Promoting good health and safety habits
- Praising your child for things done well (Don't forget to praise improvement and effort)
- Talking about everyday experiences
- Planning family activities
- Reading stories to your child daily
- Watching quality children's TV shows with them
- Providing learning materials for use at home
- Providing a well-rounded background of experiences
- Seeing that homework is completed

SCHOOL

Join the PTO! This is by far the best way to be involved in your child’s education.

Inquire about the FWJH Volunteer Program which includes: Classroom Aide, Cultural Arts, School Beautification, Field Trips, etc.

PTO

The main mission of Fifth Ward Junior High School PTO is to help our school create the best possible learning environment for the children of our community. There are many opportunities to enrich our children’s school experience such as serving as a Room Parent, Office Volunteer, Book Fair, or a helper at Field Day and other grade specific events.

In addition to educational events, the PTO plans various events and activities throughout the school year, as well as, fundraisers to raise money to purchase equipment and supplies to support educational programs. If you would like to join the PTO and/or volunteer, please contact the school office for details.

HELPFUL WEBSITES
State Library of Louisiana

St. Tammany Parish Library

EDUCATION of CHILDREN and YOUTH in HOMELESS SITUATIONS

KIDS IN TRANSITION (KIT) PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Kids in Transition (KIT) program of the St. Tammany Parish Public School System provides for the academic needs of identified homeless students and their families within the School System's academic and support services, in compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The goal of the KIT Program is to work in collaboration with school personnel and community service agencies to provide support that promotes academic success and student achievement.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

You can receive assistance through the KIT Program if you meet the Federal Government’s definition of “homeless”. A family is considered homeless if they lack fixed, regular, and adequate housing.

A student is considered in transition or homeless if he or she is:

Sharing housing with family or friends due to loss of housing or economic hardship
Staying in a shelter, hotel or motel, or campground
Living in substandard housing (without electricity, water, heat, etc.)
Living in places not designed for regular living accommodations (car, abandoned building, public place, etc.)
Awaiting foster care placement or temporarily living in an institution

RIGHTS OF TRANSITIONAL STUDENTS

Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there
Attend the school the student went to before becoming homeless or enroll in the local school where he or she is now living
Enroll and attend classes without proof of residence or other required enrollment documents
Receive the same school services and special programs provided to all other students, including transportation, gifted and talented education, special education, etc.
Receive free breakfast and lunch
Get help with education related needs, such as school uniforms, supplies, and tutoring