Courses—Schedules—Policies—A+ Schools— Graduation—Career—and more 2012-2013

Dr. Andy Adams ~ Mr. Richard Wylie ~ Mr. Gary Greene ~ Mrs. Gina Adams~ Mrs. Natalie Cook

Superintendant HS Principal MS Principal Special Ed. Director Counselor
Mrs. Janet Brooke ~ Mrs. Cleo Chambers ~ Mrs. Brenda Hutton

HS Secretary HS Secretary MS Secretary

Respectfully,

Principal

Academic Letters 7

Accidents/Injuries 8

Activity Calendar 8

Activity Guidelines/Policy 9

Purpose 9

Objectives 9

Participation In School Activities 10

Missouri State High School Activity Association (MSHSSA)

Student/Parent Responsibilities …………………………………………………………..………11

Standards for Activity Participation ……………………..………………………………………11

Administrative Responsibility 13

Advisory 13

Alternative School Program 15

Announcements 15

Assemblies 15

Athletic Lettering 16

Baseball 16

Basketball 16

Cross Country 16

Softball 16

Track 17

Attendance Policy and Guidelines 17

Excessive Absences 18

Procedures 18

Exceptions 18

Attendance Appeal Process 20

Steps To Follow When Absent From School 21

Unexcused Absence 21

Leaving School 21

Part Time Attendance (PTA) 21

Bell Schedule 22

Calendar (2012-2013) 23

Changing Class Schedules 23

Classification of Students by Credits 23

Classroom Expectations 24

Culture 24

District Standards 24

School Song 24

School Colors 24

Mascot 24

Educational Philosophy 24

Defibrillator 25

Table of Contents (cont.)
Dress and Appearance 25

Driving Privileges 25

Dropping Out of School 26

Electronic Devices and Cell Phones 27

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 27

Final Exams 27

Flyers, Posters, and Advertisements 27

Grades 27

Class Rankings 27

Grade Definitions 28

Grade Scale 28

Deficiency Notices 28

Grade Point Average 28

Non-Weighted Grades 29

Transfer Grades 29

Weighted Grades 29

Weighted Classes 29

Graduation 29

Ceremony 29

Participation In The Graduation Ceremony 29

General Behavior 29

Removal Process 31

Graduation Requirements 31

Graduation Goals 32

Goal One 32

Goal Two 32

Goal Three 32

Goal Four 33

Communication Arts 33

Math 33

Social Studies 34

Fine Arts 34

Health and Physical Education 35

Honor Cords 35

Non-Graduating Seniors Policy 35

Applying for Eighth Semester Option 35

Mid-Year Graduating Policy 35

Guidance Services 36

Health Services 36

Board of Education Policy 36

Objectives 36

Illness or Injury 37

Medication Administration 37

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 37

Prescription and Non-Prescription Medicine 37

Verification 38

Table of Contents (cont.)
Daily Medication 38

Confidentiality 38

District Rights 38

Prevention and Control of Disease 39

Illness 39

Illness at school 39

Head Lice Policy 40

Student Health Assessments 40

Vision Screening 40

Hearing Screening 40

Dental Screening 41

Speech Screening 41

Missouri School Immunization Requirements 41

Doses Required by Grade 42

Hotline Help 43

Interscholastic Activities 43

In-School Suspension (ISS) 43

Late To School 44

Library Visitation 44

Lockers and School Property 44

Lunch Rules 44

Non-Discrimination Policy 44

Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) 44

Parent Conferences 45

Parental Consent 45

Parking 45

Plagiarism Policy 45

Definition of plagiarism 45

The different types of plagiarism 45

Avoiding plagiarism 45

Citing sources 46

The consequences plagiarism 46

Example of works cited 46

Pledge of Allegiance 47

Project Graduation 47

Prom 47

Re-Admission Following Suspension 47

Out-of-School 47

Search and Seizure 48

School Dances 48

Homecoming Dance 49

Prom Royalty 49

Special Honors 49

National Honor Society 49

Membership 49

Table of Contents (cont.)

Scholarship 49

Leadership 49

Service 49

Character 49

Selection Process 50

Scholarship 50

Community 51

Residency Requirements 47

Staff Members and Positions 52

Soliciting 52

Spirit Squad 53

Sportsmanship 53

Student Behavior 53

Special Education Students 55

Other Considerations 55

Due Process 56

Implementation 56

Discipline Code Abbreviations 56

Student Government 56

Elections 56

Class Officers 56

Procedure 56

Student Insurance 58

Student Safety 58

Safety and Drills 58

Earthquake Drill 58

Fire Drill 58

Intruder 59

Severe Weather Drill 59

Surveillance Cameras 59

Textbook Deposits 59

Transcripts 59

Transportation—General 60

Transportation Policy 60

Withdrawal and Transfer 60

Bus Discipline Procedures 61-70

Other Offenses 68

Corporal Punishment 70

• 
  To ensure that all students graduate from high school.
  
• 
  To ensure that all students complete a selection of high school studies that is challenging and has identified learning expectations.
  
• 
  To ensure that all students proceed from high school graduation to a college, a post-secondary vocational or technical school, or a high- wage job with workplace skill development opportunities.
  

• 
  Money for tuition to attend a public community or technical college.
  
• 
  Opportunity to learn about jobs at the place of business, as well as in the
  

• 
  College credits while still in high school.
  
• 
  Tutoring and mentoring experience.
  
• 
  Career pathways to prepare for an occupation, with additional training upon graduation.
  
• 
  Encouragement to attend school regularly and work hard.
  
• 
  Experience using computers and other modern equipment to solve
  

To be eligible, each student must enter into a written agreement with the school prior to high school graduation, and meet the following requirements:

• 
  Attend a designated A+ Missouri School for three consecutive years prior to high school graduation.
  
• 
  Graduate from high school with a grade point average equivalent to 2.5 points or higher on a 4-point scale (6.875 on an 11-point scale).
  
• 
  Have at least a 95 percent attendance record for all four years of high school.
  
• 
  Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring.
  
• 
  Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoidance of the unlawful use of drugs and/or alcohol.
  
• 
  Score proficient or Advanced on the Algebra I End-of-Course Exam.
  

To maintain eligibility, each participating student must during the four-year period of incentive availability do the following:

• 
  Have enrolled and attend on a full-time basis a Missouri public community college or vocational-technical school.
  
• 
  Maintain a GPA of 2.5 points or higher on a 4-point scale.
  

For additional information on the A+ Schools Program, refer to the A+ Handbook.

The following criteria shall be achieved in order to receive an academic letter.

1. 
   The cumulative grade point average achieved, based on each nine weeks, shall be in the range of 9.0 to 11.0 using a 0.00 to 11.0 grading system.
   

2. 
   Students shall carry the 9.0 to 11.0 cumulative grade point average three out of the four quarters. Students who fall below the required average will be on probation for the following quarter. This is for informational purposes only so that students are made aware they must regain the required cumulative grade point to maintain letter status.
   
3. 
   The time period for determining letter recipients will be based on a school year - August to May. Letter honorees will be decided using the first three school quarters of each school year. The following factors will be implemented.
   

1. 
   Students who achieve the required grade point during the first, second, and third quarters of the school year will receive an academic letter at the spring awards assembly.
   
2. 
   Students who achieve the required grade point during two of the first three quarters will be recognized at the awards assembly. These students, however, will not receive an academic letter until they earn the required grade point during the fourth quarter.
   

4. 
   Students who earn an award will receive a letter the first year and bars the succeeding years honored. Students will also receive pins indicating their area of achievement.
   
5. 
   Students will receive their letters at an awards ceremony. At this event, the new National Honor Society students selected for the year will be inducted into their organization in a candlelight ceremony.
   
6. 
   A student must carry five hours of which at least three hours are carried in different departmental areas - i.e. math, English, science, business, social studies, etc. This shall also include seniors.
   
7. 
   Transfer students shall attend MHS for three quarters to be eligible for an academic letter.
   
8. 
   The letters to be awarded will be distributed as follows: Sports letters ­white; Pom-pon and music letters – gold; Academic letters - maroon. Students who letter in more than one area will choose their area of preference for a large letter, and any subsequent letters they may earn will be 4-inch letters.
   

Any accident (especially those resulting in an injury) shall be reported immediately to the teacher, coach, school nurse, or the administrative office.

Your parents shall be notified and arrangements for transportation home or for medical attention shall be handled through the principal's office. The teacher in charge shall fill out an accident form within 24 hours and place the report on the principal's desk. Prevention is the best policy in dealing with accidents or injury, so be careful.
ACTIVITY CALENDAR

The activity calendar is located in the principal's office. All school activities shall be cleared with the principal and then posted on the calendar. If you or your group are planning an activity, your sponsor must turn in a REQUEST FOR A DATE ON THE CALENDAR SLIP TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE OF THE REQUESTED DATE to the

principal and check the calendar before making a commitment.
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ACTIVITY GUIDELINES/POLICY

Purpose

The purpose of the extracurricular program is to provide experiences which enable the student to achieve established educational objectives. Outlined below are some of the desirable educational goals to be achieved throughout the competitive programs.

1. 
   To develop for the student:
   

• 
  Mental and physical strength, endurance, vitality, and neuromuscular skills.
  
• 
  Activities that meet the needs, interests, and potential of the student.
  
• 
  Mental acuity, resourcefulness, and good sportsmanship.
  
• 
  Emotional control and development of character.
  
• 
  Acceptable social patterns of individual and group conduct.
  

2. 
   To develop for the school:
   

• 
  A program of extracurricular activities as an integral part of the school curriculum.
  
• 
  A high standard of school loyalty, student morale, and school spirit.
  
• 
  Appreciation of extracurricular activities as intelligent and appreciative spectators.
  

• 
  An understanding that the extracurricular activities for pupils have been promoted under conditions which demonstrate to the participant and to the public the best traditions in sportsmanship and citizenship and a beneficial school/ community relationship.
  

Participation in extracurricular activities means much more than two teams trying to win a contest. Extracurricular activities give the student opportunities to develop as a complete human being. Here at Mansfield we have specific objectives for our activity program, and we as sponsors/ coaches dedicate ourselves to reaching these objectives. By the time a young participant graduates from Mansfield High School we want him/her to be able:

• 
  to work cooperatively with others.
  
• 
  to learn from constructive criticism.
  
• 
  to have self-control in stressful situations.
  
• 
  to discipline himself /herself.
  
• 
  to feel proud of the Mansfield tradition.
  
• 
  to teach skills to younger participants.
  
• 
  to respect teamwork, organization, and unity.
  
• 
  to appreciate parents, teachers, coaches, and administrators.
  
• 
  to represent Mansfield Middle or High School in a positive way.
  
• 
  to evaluate his / her abilities realistically.
  
• 
  to have a positive learning attitude toward all tasks.
  
• 
  to value hard work and what it accomplishes.
  
• 
  to seek help from others when a problem arises.
  
• 
  to develop lasting relationships with others.
  

• 
  to praise others who do a good job even though they may be opponents.
  
• 
  to be physically fit and healthy.
  
• 
  to respect the rules and the officials who enforce the rules.
  
• 
  to feel good about himself/herself as a person.
  
• 
  to be dependable when given a job to do.
  
• 
  to value participation and the importance of community.
  

Students who are absent from school on the day of an activity may not be allowed to practice, participate in, or attend that activity unless PREVIOUSLY ARRANGED through the principal's office. YOU MUST ATTEND ONE-HALF OF THE SCHOOL DAY AND BE EXCUSED FOR THE ABSENT PORTION TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE OR ATTEND.

Mansfield's extracurricular activities operate within the guidelines of the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Missouri State High School Activities Association, the Summit Conference, and also the policies, rules, and regulations of the Mansfield R-IV School District.

1. 
   Be a good citizen in your school and community.
   

1. 
   Any student who represents his/her school in interscholastic activities must be a credible citizen and judged so by the proper school authority certifying the list of students for competition. A student whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon himself/herself or his/her school is not considered a credible citizen. His conduct shall be satisfactory in accord with the standards of good discipline.
   
2. 
   A student who misses class on the date of a contest without being excused by the principal shall not be considered eligible on that date.
   
3. 
   Each individual school has the authority to judge its students under those standards.
   

2. 
   Be enrolled in courses that offer 3.0 units of credit and have earned 3.0 units of credit the preceding semester or made standard progress in special education.
   

3. 
   Have entered school within the first 11 days of this semester. Entering school is interpreted as enrolling and attending classes.
   
4. 
   Not have received or competed for any award of any kind other than that given by your school for your services as an athlete in the sports in which you are competing. Competing for awards having a utilitarian value such as cash, jackets, or merchandise will make you ineligible.
   

5. 
   Not have reached your 19th birthday prior to July 1 of this school year
   
6. 
   Not have competed under an assumed or false name.
   
7. 
   Not transfer schools without a corresponding change of residence of your parents unless you meet an appropriate exception of the transfer standards. Always check with your principal before transferring.
   
8. 
   Not have graduated or received an early release from a four-year high school or its equivalent.
   

5. 
   Attend your eighth semester immediately following your seventh semester. High school students are eligible only during the first eight semesters of attendance.
   
6. 
   Not have competed at any time as a member of a junior college or senior college team.
   
7. 
   Not compete on an outside team or in individual match competition during the season you are representing your school in the same sport, nor practice or play for a school team in the same sport. These restrictions begin on the first day of the current sports season. A school sports season is defined as beginning with the date of the school's first practice held on a school day and ending with the school's last contest, including the district and the state tournament contests.
   

12. 
    Not transfer from one school to another because of being influenced to do so.
    
13. 
    Not attend for more than two weeks a specialized camp for any one sport.
    

Every participant and his or her parent or guardians will be responsible for reading and following the Mansfield Middle School and High School Activity Policy. The student participant and his or her parents or guardians will be required to sign this copy of the document in the space provided to indicate that they have read the activities policies. Student participants in the Mansfield Middle School and High School will be required to abide by the rules and regulations established by the Missouri State High School Activities Association and Mansfield Middle School and High School. The signed policy must be returned and will remain in effect for one school year.

In order to maintain the highest possible standards for participants in the Mansfield School System, the following minimum requirements are established for all the students participating in the activity program.

1. 
   Participants are required to attend school the day of a contest, unless prior arrangements have been made with the principal.
   
2. 
   The use of or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or non-prescription drugs is prohibited.
   

1. 
   Use or possession of tobacco:
   

Second offense: suspension for 20 percent of the games, meets, field trips, and / or contests.

Third offense: suspension from all games, meets, field trips, and / or contests.

2. 
   Use or possession of alcohol or non-prescription drugs:
   

Second offense: suspension from all games, meets, field trips, and / or contests.

Regardless of the time of year and/ or quantity involved, a student shall not use a beverage containing alcohol, or use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell, or give away any substance (marijuana, cocaine, anabolic steroids, and other non-prescription drugs) defined by the law as a drug or which is an imitation of a drug.

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It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student's own use by his / her physician.

3. 
   All participants representing Mansfield Middle or High School in extracurricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with the standards of good school discipline. Individual behavior on all trips and contests must reflect favorably upon his/her school and community.
   

4. 
   Any participant on suspension from school is not eligible to participate in activities.
   
5. 
   A practice or game should not be missed unless previously excused by the coach or sponsor of that particular activity. If the student is sick, the coach or sponsor should be notified by the parents. Any student violating this standard may be ineligible to participate in the succeeding contest.
   

8. 
   Participants are responsible for equipment that is lost or damaged. All equipment or uniforms that are not returned must be paid for.
   

7. 
   Violation of the law: The student must complete his/her sentence before he/she is eligible to participate (example: fine must be paid/community service must be completed).
   

8. 
   All athletes will be transported to and from respective games, meets, etc. via school transportation. Parents or guardians may transport their own athlete home from a school activity after talking with the coach or sponsor.
   
9. 
   Due process: Athletes shall have the opportunity to express their side of any incident in which they may be involved. If the athlete is dissatisfied with any decisions, he / she has the right to appeal through channels in the following order:
   

1. 
   Head coach/sponsor
   
2. 
   Athletic director
   
3. 
   Building principal
   
4. 
   Superintendent
   
5. 
   Board of Education
   

10. 
    Before a student may participate in any activity for Mansfield Schools, he/she must have on file in the office the following:
    

• 
  MSHAA parent permission form
  
• 
  Transportation form
  
• 
  A signed copy of the MMS/MHS Activity Policy Participant form In addition, athletes must have on file the following:
  
• 
  Physical exam form
  
• 
  Insurance information form
  

The administration reserves the right to take reasonable action to make rules and administer them as they may judge necessary to maintain general school discipline,

school safety, or the educational benefit of the student and/or the student's schoolmates.
ADVISORY

The Advisory period provides an opportunity to further enhance classroom instruction and learning.  There are typically many activities which can take away from the student's academic learning time.  With few exceptions, these activities will take place during the Advisory period. Listed below are appropriate Advisory activities.  (Items 1-5 take priority over items 6-12.)

1. 
   Character ed. meetings and Guidance Services presentations
   
2. 
   State mandated testing
   
3. 
   Assemblies
   
4. 
   Teacher help/tutoring
   
5. 
   Make-up tests
   
6. 
   Study time
   
7. 
   Use of library/media center
   
8. 
   Curricular club meetings and grade-level class meetings
   
9. 
   Distribution of information
   
10. 
    College rep visits
    
11. 
    Counseling support groups
    
12. 
    A+ tutoring and other similar projects
    

Teacher request(s) take priority over a student attending a club meeting. Teachers are expected to require a student to stay in the classroom during Advisory for help, make-up work, etc.  This will require good communication should a particular teacher have a sponsorship obligation. Good communication will also allow for students to be requested should another teacher need to work with them.

It is of the utmost importance that all teachers be consistent in following the Advisory guidelines.  While there will be many activities occurring during Advisory, one of the top priorities of this time is for teachers to work with students in their classes for help/tutoring. Students are expected to have something to work on, a book to read or to be participating in one of the above mentioned activities.  Teachers are expected to establish an Advisory classroom environment which is conducive to enabling students to work on their assignments. To aid in this students will receive a pass/fail grade and teachers will be provided guidelines to accomplish this.

ATTENDANCE:  All students are required to report to their Advisory so that attendance can be taken and the advisory teacher can determine if that student is eligible to attend any scheduled meetings. Teachers, please check attendance at the beginning of class. Any late student who does not have a have a pass is to receive an unexcused tardy. Students attending meetings during advisory time should be kept for the duration of advisory (until 12:20) in the meeting.

CLUB MEETINGS:  All club meetings are to be scheduled through Mrs. Brooke in the Main HS Office.  Each club will have the opportunity to meet once per month during Advisory.  Each club meeting should keep students for the duration of the advisory time (until 12:20).

USE OF MEDIA CENTER DURING ADVISORY

• 
  Students must pre-sign up in the Media Center.  They may begin pre-signing one week in advance
  
• 
  Students must have work to do or they will be sent back to their Advisory class
  
• 
  No group projects should be worked on in the Media Center during Advisory
  
• 
  Drop-in’s for quick book check in/out or photocopying is permitted
  

STUDENTS VISITING OTHER ADVISORY CLASSES:  If a student is to report to another teacher during Advisory for help, make-up work, etc., the advisory teacher is to give the student an "Advisory Pass" which the student will show to the Advisory teacher in order to be excused.  The student should remain with that teacher until the end of advisory time (12:20).

• 
  All students not in good academic standing will remain Advisory
  
• 
  Advisory teachers who are club sponsors are to contact Janet Brooke at least 
   one week in advance if a relief teacher is needed to cover your Advisory 
   during your club meeting
  
• 
  Any student in the hall during Advisory should have a pass
  
• 
  No food or drink is allowed in Advisory, unless essential to the learning objective established by Advisory teacher.
  

• 
  Students will be taught to appreciate and understand what it means to be successful and how goal-setting plays a part in that success
  
• 
  Students will work with their Advisory teacher each year until their graduation, maintain good academic status, honing their program of study, developing good character and citizenship, and constructing meaningful goals for both secondary and post-secondary
  

INSTRUCTIONS: In order to accomplish the learning objectives above, please be prepared to know how your advisory students are doing in their classes. Be sure to foster class discussions/conversations about career readiness, academic success, and achievement.

Important…please take the following suggestions and outline and mold it to your teaching style. Use some or all of the ideas presented here. Use some of your own ideas. The important thing here is to get the students in the mindset of what it means to be successful so that they can understand how goals—specifically those related to a strong work ethic—can help them be successful in school and in life. Note: Supporting resources will be provided by Mrs. Cook and she will be scheduling time to meet regularly with your students.

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ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL/PROGRAM

Alternative education at the Mansfield R-IV School District is a credit recovery program for academically at-risk students. A committee of the administrator, counselor, subject teacher, alternative teacher, student's guardian, and any other person necessary to properly place the student will determine student enrollment in this program. The primary goal of the alternative program is to assist enrolled students to obtain the requirements for graduation. Success toward this goal will benefit both the student and the district. Failure toward this goal will cause re-evaluation and other inter­ventions for the student.

Since the goal of the alternative program is credit recovery, students participating may accumulate more credits than traditional students. Some alternative students will be enrolled in as many as ten credits within a typical school year. The numbers will be based upon the amount needed for graduation. The time line for each alternative student to earn credits will start at the beginning of the regular school year and end after summer school of that same year.

As a general rule, morning announcements will begin at 8:20. Students should be quiet and respectful during the morning announcements. The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited over the intercom system each morning after the daily announcements. Special announcements will be read as necessary in the morning and/or afternoons.

Several times during the year we have the opportunity to present people with special talents for your education and enjoyment. These people presenting the programs are

our guests and should always be respected with our best manners. Students shall be dismissed to assemblies with the class of that period. The teacher of that group is responsible for them and their behavior. After the assembly, students shall return to that class and be dismissed from there to the next period. Everyone is expected to be courteous and respectful at all assemblies. Disruptive behavior by students during assemblies may result in disciplinary action including loss of the privilege of attending assemblies for the remainder of the year and a writing assignment apologizing to the presenter.

• 
  Finish the season in good standing with the school and the coaching staff.
  
• 
  Be eligible to compete in MSHAA district play.
  
• 
  Compete in one inning per varsity contest scheduled.
  
• 
  Attend practices and games.
  
• 
  Show good sportsmanship and good conduct in the classroom, on the practice field, on the game field, and in the community.
  
• 
  The coaching staff may award a letter at their discretion to a player who makes a significant contribution to a successful season but does not meet the required number of innings.
  

• 
  Have a positive influence at practices and games.
  
• 
  Be a good representative for Mansfield High School, demonstrating good sportsmanship and conduct at all times.
  
• 
  Play in one half of the games.
  
• 
  Players can also receive a letter at the discretion of the coaching staff for extenuating circumstances.
  

• 
  Finish the season in good standing with the coach
  
• 
  Compete in at least six of the in-season matches
  
• 
  Be a good representative for Mansfield High School, demonstrating good sportsmanship and conduct at all times.
  
• 
  Maintain a “varsity attitude” throughout the season. A varsity attitude is demonstrated by an above-average commitment to the team’s goals, to the sport and to one’s individual improvement.
  
• 
  Finish the season with a 2.5 GPA
  
• 
  Don't quit. Quitting for any reason prior to the end of the season will disqualify an athlete from a letter
  

• 
  Have a positive attitude.
  
• 
  Make a significant contribution to the team.
  
• 
  Attend all practices unless excused by the coach.
  
• 
  Must play in one third of the varsity matches.
  
• 
  Display good sportsmanship on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
  
• 
  If the girl is a member of the team during the year and does not meet the playing requirements, then the coach can use his own discretion in lettering her.
  

• 
  An athlete must earn a scoring place in any track meet Six (6) times.
  
• 
  In order to letter, you must display a Commitment to the Sport and to the Team.  This means working hard in practice, being a positive role model and supporting fellow teammates during competition. 
  
• 
  Athletes who work multiple meets s volunteer workers will be awarded a letter
  
• 
  Attend all practices unless excused by the coach.
  
• 
  Display good sportsmanship on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
  
• 
  Finish the season with a 2.5 GPA
  
• 
  All athletes must complete the season in good standing with the team, coaches, and school administration. An athlete who quits the team once they have met the other requirements will forfeit any claims to a varsity letter
  

Everyone participating on an athletic team shall be required to have a doctor's physical exam and a slip signed by their parents or legal guardians giving permission to participate. THE SLIP MUST BE IN THE POSSESSION OF THE COACH BEFORE THE FIRST PRACTICE.

Mansfield High School exists to improve lives through education. The Mansfield R-IV School District seeks to enroll and educate all resident children in the community, as required by law and district policy. It is the purpose of this attendance regulation to improve student learning, raise student achievement, and maximize the learning potential of all students at Mansfield High School. Students having an IEP, 504 Plan, or other documented medical diagnosis that allows for excessive absences will be exempt from the excessive absence appeal process; if the student’s plan addresses reduced attendance.

When a student has accrued ten (10) total absences (excused or unexcused) in a class during the semester, the student will not be eligible to earn credit for that class.

The school will notify the parent or guardian by certified mail that the student has accrued the ten (10) total absences and is not eligible to earn credit for the class. Such notification shall include an Attendance Appeal Form. A student who has accrued ten (10) absences retains the option of receiving a grade of N (No grade, No credit). The student must maintain a passing grade during the grading period to receive a grade of N. If the student has not maintained a passing grade during the semester, the student will earn an F (Failure).

A student will not be denied an education at Mansfield High School even though he or she will not earn credit for the class as a result of having missed a substantial portion of the instructional program during the semester.

Upon the parents or guardian’s request and submission of the appeal form, the Attendance Policy Committee shall meet to consider appeals regarding exceptions to the excessive absence regulation and the denial of credit pursuant to this regulation.

The committee shall include, but is not limited to, the High School principal, another district administrator, the counselor, and at least two (2) teachers. Other persons may be designated to serve as deemed appropriate.

Students who, pursuant to this excessive absence regulation, have accrued ten (10) total absences (excused or unexcused), or who anticipate accruing ten (10) or more total absences attributable to illness or other valid reasons, may appeal to the Attendance Policy Committee for the purpose of requesting one (1) or more of the following:

• 
  An exception to this excessive absence regulation for unavoidable absence due to illness or other valid reasons;
  
• 
  An extension of the number of absences that shall accrue before credit will be denied; and/or
  
• 
  Other accommodation within the contents of this excessive absence regulation and that which is allowed by law and/or school district policy.
  

The committee will consider all the facts under the circumstances of each case in deciding whether to grant or deny the appeal. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to the following:

• 
  The reason(s) for the accrued or anticipated absences;
  
• 
  The extent to which the reasons for each absence were documented at the time the absence occurred and/or at the time of appeal;
  
• 
  The distribution of absences during the semester, i.e., whether scattered throughout the semester or occurring as consecutive absences;
  
• 
  The duration of each period of absence;
  
• 
  The pattern of attendance prior to the accrual of absences in question;
  
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  Whether all class work has been satisfactorily completed; andThe extent to which class essential learning outcomes have been mastered for that course.
  
  
  

The appeal committee will take into consideration valid absences that include any of the following:

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  Doctor, dental, counseling, or other healthcare appointments.
  
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  Hospitalization or placement in a healthcare facility.
  
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  Absences related to a student’s disability or medical condition (per an IEP, 504 Plan, IHP or other documented medical diagnosis that does not already allow for excessive absences by addressing reduced attendance).
  
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  Funeral services.
  

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  Family emergencies as approved by the administration.
  
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  Court appearances.
  
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  Religious observations.
  
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  Licensing exams.
  
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  College or other school visits.
  
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  Deployment or return from deployment of a parent or guardian to a combat zone or combat support posting, at the discretion of the school administration.
  
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  Absences for any other valid reason that are pre-arranged and/or approved by the administration.
  

The parent or guardian of a student who has accrued ten (10) total absences may submit an appeal to the Attendance Policy Committee requesting credit for the courses in question. Such appeal shall be in writing and must be submitted within seven (7) calendar days following the date on which the parent or guardian received notice of the accrual of the tenth absence from class.

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  Date of appeal.
  
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  A complete explanation of the reason(s) why the appeal should be granted.
  
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  Any and all appropriate documentation.
  
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  Signature of the parent or guardian.
  
  
  

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  A parent or guardian should notify the High School office on the day of (or before) the absence (417-924-3236). If the office secretary is on another line, it is acceptable and desired that the message be left on voice mail. The messages are given prompt attention.
  
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  The High School office should be contacted prior to known doctor, dental, and family appointments. A student must sign out before leaving school, and sign in upon returning to school.
  
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  If it is impossible to call, the parent or guardian must write an excuse giving names, dates, and reason for absence.
  
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  Students will be allowed two (2) days for every day missed to complete make-up work.
  

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  Students whose absences are unexcused will have the same ratio of (2) days for every day missed to complete an assignment(s). However, the total point value of the assignment(s) will be reduced by 25%.
  
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  Students absent for authorized school activities are responsible for making up all work missed. An absence for an authorized school activity simply allows the student to make up the work using the same ratio of (2) days for every day missed.
  
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  Students who attend school, but leave early for another school activity, may be required by their teacher to turn in any assignment due that day.
  

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  Truancy, skipping class, cutting class
  
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  Shopping, visiting sporting events, non-medical appointments, or non-emergency reasons
  
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  Missed bus, car failure, oversleeping
  
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  Hunting, fishing
  
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  Other absences not listed as justifiable above
  
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  Out-of-school suspension
  

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  Present a note written by your parents to the principal or secretary stating when and why they want you to leave.
  
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  If a note is not presented, a phone call from parents will be required.
  
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  ONLY THE SECRETARY OR PRINCIPAL can give you permission to leave.
  
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  Your absence may still be unexcused by the principal even if you have received permission to leave if it is an unjustified reason for leaving (meaning that you will not be allowed to make up any work which was missed).
  
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  Leaving school without permission to leave will result in disciplinary action.
  
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  Children of single parent families will be released only on request of the custodial parent; that is, the parent whom the courts hold directly responsible for the child and is identified as such on school records. Additional precautions may be taken by the school administration appropriate to the age of students and as needs arise.