• Part One: Graduation Policies
• Part Two:  Attendance Policies
• Part Three: Discipline Policies
• Part Four:  Suspension/Expulsion Policies
• Part Five:  Student Services Policies

PART ONE: GRADUATION POLICIES

Grading System
100-90 A 4 points
89-80 B 3 points
79-70 C 2 Points
69-60 D 1 Points
59-0 F 0 Points
A semester grade is calculated by adding the two nine-weeks’ grades three times and the semester exam grade and dividing by seven. Honors, Advanced and/or Level Three and Dual Enrolled courses will carry an extra 0.5 quality point (4.5 scale). Advanced Placement and IB courses will carry one extra quality point (5.0).

Grades
Assessment and reporting of students’ classroom performance is assigned to the classroom teacher. Grades will be based on factors including, but not limited to:
Participation in classroom discussions, and oral performance;
Quality of written work handed in, such as essays, answers to questions and reports;
Quality of projects completed, such as scientific exhibits, and creative work;
Physical performance and skills exhibited, such as laboratory and P.E.;
Performance on tests and examinations;
Group rehearsals and performances during or after school, in band, chorus and drama.
Students will receive at least one formative or summative grade per week in each class, according to school policy.

Maximum Credits
A student can earn only ten credits a year without a waiver.

Graduation Requirements
State law and County policies require that all diploma candidates:
Pass the FCAT in math and communication.
Earn 2.0 or better overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Earn a minimum of credits from one of the following four options:
Standard four-year option  
Standard Three-year College Preparatory option
Standard Three-year Career Preparatory option
International Baccalaureate Option
Each student and his/her parents must select the curriculum option that most appropriately prepares the student for post-secondary education or career plans. They should consider the benefits of other acceleration opportunities such as Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement and Early Admission. These plans should be discussed with the school guidance counselor.

Standard Four-year Option
English (4 credits) Life management (1/2 credit)
Science (3 credits) Personal Fitness (1/2 credit)
Mathematics (3 credits inc. Algebra) P.E. Elective (1/2 credit)
American History (1 credit)
American Government (1/2 credit) Performing/Fine Arts and Practical Arts (1 credit)
Economics (1/2 credit) Technology (1 credit)
Social Studies Elective (1 credit) General Electives (11½ cred)
Performing/Fine Arts credits are for Art, Music, Speech, Drama, Debate, and Dance Techniques. Practical Arts credits are for: Home Ec., Business, Technology, Marketing, Television, and Haney Vocational Courses.

Standard three-year college preparatory option*
English (comp. & lit.) (4 credits) A second Language (2 credits
Science (2 with lab) (3 credits) in one foreign language or
Mathematics (Alg. 1 or higher) (3 credits) demonstrated proficiency)
Social Sciences (3 credits) Electives (3 credits)

Standard three year career preparatory option*
English (comp. & lit.) (4 credits) A second Language (2 credits
Science (2 with lab) (3 credits) in one foreign language or
Mathematics (Alg. 1 or higher) (3 credits) demonstrated proficiency)
Social Sciences (3 credits) Electives (3 credits)

International Baccalaureate option (All courses require international exams)
English (4 credits) Arts or Academic Elective
Science (4 credits) (6th subject, 1 Credit)
Math (4 credits) Theory of Knowledge (1)
Social Sciences (4 credits) 4000 word extended essay
Spanish or Latin (4 credits) 2000 hours community
Electives (6-10 credits no exam) service
*These requirements may be changed by the legislature at any time. Consult your guidance counselor before choosing.

Promotion Requirements
Sophomore: 6 credits (must include 1 English, 1 Math); Junior: 12 credits (must include 2 English, 1 math); Senior: 20 credits. Parents will be notified of any changes in promotion policy in the Pupil Progression Plan.

The Talented Twenty Program
The Talented Twenty Program guarantees a student admission to a state university in Florida and gives him/her priority for the awarding of funds from the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG). Students must complete applications for admission to a state university and apply for the FSAG by the required deadline. To qualify, a student must: (1) graduate from a Florida public high school with a standard diploma, (2) be ranked in the top twenty percent of his class after the seventh semester grade (with 8th grade validation). (3) take the ACT or SAT (no minimum score required, and (4) complete 19 college preparatory credits as specified in State Board of Education rules.

MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST CATALOG

All students entering 9th grade in 2007 are expected to choose a major area of interest.  The catalog of choices for Rutherford High School may be accessed online by following these instructions:

1.  Go to Bay District Schools homepage (www.bay.k12.fl.us).

2.  Click on Divisions/Departments (left side of screen).

3.  Click on Curriculum and Instructional.

4.  Click on Curriculum.

5.  Click on Secondary Majors Catalog (under curriculum links).

6.  Click on Open.  The catalog will open to the Table of Contents page.  Clicking on the school  you want to look at will take you directly to that school's listing.

Students and their parents should contact the guidance counselor for additional information on the process of choosing and pursuing a major area of interest.

FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Florida high school graduates will be required to submit a state application online. Transcripts will be forwarded by counselors. Allow 4-6 weeks for notification of eligibility.

This program is the lottery-funded umbrella for all state-funded scholarships based on academic achievement in high school. For specific details, see the financial aid website at www.FloridaStudentFinancial.org  . The program consists of the following awards:

FLORIDA ACADEMIC SCHOLARS AWARD

Requirements for Florida Academic Scholars Award are:
3.5 weighted GPA based on the 15 credits listed below:
4 English (3 with substantial writing
3 Mathematics (algebra 1 and above)
3 Natural Sciences (2 with substantial labs)
3 Social Studies (Any)
2 Foreign Language (in the same language)
15 credits plus 4 credits in the academic areas listed above
75 hours of community service
1270 SAT or 28 ACT score
or any one of the following
National Merit or Achievement Scholars and Finalists
IB Diploma Recipient
Completion of the IB Curriculum with a 1270 SAT or 28 ACT

Award recipients will receive 100 percent of the tuition and fees, determined by D.O.E. Recipients will receive $600 cost of educational allowance.
For additional information see www.firn.edu/doe/brfuture

FLORIDA MEDALLION SCHOLARS AWARD

Requirements for Florida Merit Scholars Award are:
3.0 weighted GPA using 15 credits listed under FLA.ACADEMIC SCHOLARS and
970 SAT or 20 ACT test scores
or:
Completion of the IB curriculum with a 970 SAT or 20 ACT.
Award recipients will receive 75 percent of the tuition and fees, determined by D.O.E.

FLORIDA GOLD SEAL VOCATIONAL SCHOLARS AWARD

Requirements for Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award are:
3.0 weighted GPA using the core 15 ½ credits required for graduation AND
3.5 unweighted GPA in a minimum of 3 sequential Vocational credits AND
A minimum of:
4 English 3 Mathematics 3 Natural Science
1 Practical Arts ½ Personal Fitness ½ Life Management
3 Soc. Science (Am. Hist., World Hist., Am Govt. & Econ.)
1 Performing Arts or ½ Practical Arts Career Education and
1/2 Performing Fine Arts
3 sequential Vocational Job Preparatory r Technology Education Credits
d. Required test scores:
CPT: Reading 83 SAT: Verbal 440 ACT: Reading 18
Sentence 83 or: Math 440 or: English 17
Algebra 72 Math 19
Award recipients will receive 75 percent of the tuition and fees, determined by the D.O.E.

NCAA REQUIREMENTS

In order to be qualified in Division I athletics, a student must be a graduate with the following:
A minimum unweighted grade point average of 2.5 in the following:
English 4 years
Mathematics 2 years at Algebra 1 level or above
Natural/Physical Science 2 years (at least one lab)
Social Science 2 years
One additional course in English, math or science and two additional academic courses (in any of the above mentioned areas, or foreign language, computer science, philosophy or non-doctrinal religion courses; i.e. comparative religions)
* Physical education and any other course not listed here as part of the core curriculum cannot be counted toward your NCAA required grade point average.
A minimum 700 combined score on the SAT verbal and math sections, or a minimum composite score of 17 on the ACT
Note: These requirements are subject to change by the NCAA without notice. See your counselor or coach for variations in the requirements.

MONDAY-FRIDAY SCHEDULE

CLASS PERIODS TIMES LENGTH
1st or 2nd-- 7:30-9:00-- 90 min.
3rd or 4th-- 9:07-10:37-- 90 min.

FIRST LUNCH 10:37-11:28--51 min.
5th or 6th 11:28-12:53--85 min.

5th or 6th 10:44-12:09--85 min.
SECOND LUNCH 12:09-1:00PM--51 min.

7th or 8th 1:00-2:30-- 90 min.

LUNCH SCHEDULE
1st Lunch (10:37-11:28) – Buildings 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11th St. Barracks
2nd Lunch (12:09-1:00) – Buildings 1, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, ROTC and PE Barracks

GUIDANCE ASSIGNMENTS

MARSHA HALL:    A-K, 9-12th grade
BECKY MILLS:      All IB students
RICK TUTUNICK:   L-Z, 9 – 12th Grade

PARENT PORTAL

Parents may view their child's grades, attendance, enrolled classes, discipline reports, and contact information online at http://www.payparent.com .

Parents who have registered online to view their students' school information may visit Rutherford Monday-Friday from 9:00-11:00 am or 1:00-3:00 pm to sign the necessary forms authorizing access.  If this is not possible, the parent will need to contact the Rutherford Guidance Office to arrange an appointment time.  Parents will be required to show photo ID.

FCAT PREPARATION SITES

http://www.fcatexplorer.org/main_content.asp  FCAT Explorer is a practice and skills reinforcement tool based on Florida’s Sunshine Standards and provides practice skills for 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th grade reading.

http://www.fcit.coedu.usf.edu/FCAT10R/DEFAULT.HTM  This program from the University of South Florida and Pinellas County School District includes rubric scoring, sample tests and teaching strategies to help teachers prepare 10th grade students for the FCAT reading test.

FCAT practice discs are available in the library for checkout in reading, mathematics and science. FCAT practice is also available on the school intranet.

PART TWO:  ATTENDANCE POLICIES

ABSENCES

To have an Excused Absence the student must have the verified permission of his or her parents or guardians and the approval of the principal or assistant principal.  By the next school day after the absence, the parent or guardian must notify the school of the reason for each absence that has not been pre-approved.  The school principal or his designee shall contact the parent or guardian to determine the reason for each unexcused absence.  Parents or guardians shall be required to justify the student's absence, based on the policy below.  The final decision will rest with the school principal.  Failure to successfully notify the parent will not negate the policy.

EXCUSED ABSENCE

Documentation shall be filed with the attendance office within three days of the absence.  Excused absences may be given for the following reasons:
(1) a death in the family or other bona fide family emergency.
(2) illness of student (a written statement from a physician may be required after five days).
(3) appointments for medical or dental care (physician's statement required).
(4) appointments for legal reasons.
(5) pre-approved family leave.

FAMILY LEAVE

Requests for family leave must be in writing and approved before the student is absent and must comply with the following criteria:  (1) the student must have a C average or higher in all classes for the grading period; (2) it must be demonstrated that the leave cannot be taken during school breaks; (3) the requested leave cannot be for more than five days per school year and may not be during semester exam days.

SCHOOL LEAVE

School leave may be granted for (1) school-sanctioned activities; (2) approved educational trips; (3) curriculum-related field trips with teahcer chaperone and principal's approval; and (4) functions at which the student represents the school.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

The principal may grant administrative leave at his discretion for activities such as military and college recruitment.  This leave must be requested in advance, verified by the recruiter, may require work made up in advance, and should not be taken during school time if at all possible.

RELIGIOUS LEAVE

Students may be temporarily excused from any examination, study or work assignment for observation of a religious holiday, religious instruction, or because his or her religion forbids secular activity at such time. Major religious holidays include, but are not limited to, Rosh Hashanah, Christmas, Epiphany, Yom Kippur, Sukkoth, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Shmini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Good Friday, Easter, Passover, Shavout, Vietnamese New Year, Kwahnzah and Ramadan. (1) A student with written consent of his parents or who is 18 years old may be excused from school for no more than one hour daily for religious instruction. Student transportation will be provided by the parent or guardian. The written request must include assumption of responsibility for the student and identification of the person or institution to which the student is released. (2) Students may be released to participate in a religious observance. (3) No adverse or prejudicial effect shall result to any student who uses this type of leave. The student must make up all work missed.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Unexcused absences are those that are not justified according to the rules of this policy.  In addition, truancy, out-of-school suspension, expulsion and/or skipping are considered Unexcused Absences.  Skipping class is defined as one or more of the following:  (1) failure to check out prior to leaving school before the end of the school day; (2) absence from class without parent knowledge and permission; (3) absence from class without teacher knowledge and permission; (4) failure to check into the health room when sent there.


MAKE-UP WORK FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES

Students are expected to make up all work missed during excused absences.  The student must contact the teacher on the first day back in school in order to make arrangements to make up the work within five school days.  The teacher or principal may grant additional time for making up work at his or her discretion.  All assignments, including tests and exams, announced in advance of the student's absence must be made up on the day the student returns to school.  Teachers have the prerogative to require a student on school or administrative leave to complete work assigned in advance of the leave.

MAKE-UP WORK FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Students are responsible for making up all work missed, including tests and exams, during an unexcused absence.  If the absence is due to a suspension of one to three days, the student must contact the teacher when he returns to class to make arrangements to make up all work missed.  Parents or guardians of students suspended for more than three days are responsible for contacting the school by the end of the third day of suspension and obtaining the missed work assignments.  All work must be completed and returned to the teacher upon the student's return to school.  The student will receive a grade of no higher than 60% on all work made up.  All passing grades will be recorded as a 60.  Grades earned below a 60 will remain the earned grade.  One may only drop a grade for a test or project that has been done and turned in to be graded.  No test or project may be exempted.

ATTENDANCE INCENTIVE

Students in grades 9-12 with perfect attendance including the day of the exam in a term and an average of 85% or above, or students in grades 9-12 with no Unexcused Absences and no more than three Excused Absences including the day of the exam may choose to drop a test grade or project grade, which does not count for more than 1/7 of the student’s grade in the class, from the current grading period. However, the student may not choose to drop the final exam grade unless the student’s numerical score on the final exam is within 20 points, on a scale of 1-100, of the student’s numerical grade for the course prior to the exam. School Leave and Religious Leave do not count as absences for the purpose of this incentive. (A) Any student who is placed in in-school or out-of-school suspension during the term shall not be eligible under this policy to drop a grade. (B) Any student who has three unexcused tardies in a class in a class shall not be eligible to drop a grade. (C) Any student who transfers into a district school or a student who transfers from one school to another in Bay County shall not be eligible to drop a grade for the term of his or her transfer. A term is a nine-weeks grading period.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROBATION

Students with four or more unexcused absences in a grading period shall be placed on administrative probation which will include denial of participation in extra-curricular activities through the end of the grading period.

CLASS CHANGES

Student-requested schedule changes will not be made after the third week of the semester.
Transfers within the same subject from higher to lower level or from lower to higher level will keep all grades, with the understanding that all of the work missed must be made up as well.
Transfers from one subject to another will transfer no grades but all work missed must be made up within eight days of the transfer, or zeros will be recorded for missed assignments.

TRUANCY

A habitual truant is a student who frequently has been absent from school without the knowledge or justifiable consent of his or her parent or legal guardian and is not exempt from compulsory school attendance. All children between the ages of six and sixteen are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term.
Three or more unexcused absences will be investigated by the Office of Student Services.
Parents are required to have a current daily contact telephone number on file at RHS. Please contact the Guidance Department for information.
Students with 15 cumulative unexcused absences will be reported to the Division of Motor Vehicles to have a driver’s license suspension. Students with 20 or more absences may be retained.

PASSES

Any student out of any assigned class must have a valid hall pass or be considered skipping. No passes will be honored during the last half hour of the school day.

ATTENDING ACTIVITIES

To participate in a school activity, an athlete, Ramette, cheerleader, actor or actress, musician, etc., must be in school at least two hundred minutes on the day of the activity or the preceding day if the activity is on a non-school day.

DRIVER’S LICENSE

Students aged 15, 16 or 17 who wish to obtain a restricted or regular driver’s license must first meet the following requirements as described in Section 322.0601 F.S.
To apply for a driver’s license a student must get a form from the registrar stating that the student:
Is in attendance at school, participating in class activities and passing.
Does not have more than fifteen cumulative unexcused absences in a 90-day calendar period.
A current physical examination form and a restricted driver’s license must be on file before a student can receive credit for driver education.

VISITORS POLICY

Visitors to Rutherford’s campus must secure a visitor’s pass from an administrator for all types of visitation. Students from other schools and non-parents or guardians are not permitted to visit campus or classrooms during the day. Former students may visit faculty or staff on a given day during that person’s planning or lunch period.
All students leaving campus must have a school administrator’s approval.
Each high school principal determines who will be permitted to leave for lunch.
Parents may visit their child’s classes if they have contacted the Assistant Principal in Guidance and a 24-hour advance notice of the visit has been given to teachers.

SIGNING OUT OF SCHOOL

No student is authorized to leave school without signing out in the office. State law permits release of students only to the parents, legal guardians or other person listed by them on the student’s demographic file (school’s record of personal information about the student).

LEAVING EARLY

The BDSB Code of Conduct and RHS policy require all students leaving campus to have a school administrator’s approval. Approval is given for a student with a legitimate RHS ID card and:
Participation in a program such as Haney, ComTech, Cooperative Education, Health Occupations, RamSat, ROTC or Youth Tutoring Youth.
Lunch, if the student has enough credits to be a senior or junior.
Special Occasions which will require written administrative permission.

WITHDRAWALS

A student who is moving to another school must bring written verification of the move from his or her parent or guardian. The verification, signed by both parent and student, should be presented to the registrar the morning of the student’s last day at Rutherford. The registrar will complete the necessary transfer papers.
The student will take the papers to each of his or her teachers, the librarian, and the bookkeeper for their signatures.
Upon withdrawal from RHS, students must turn in ID badges.

PPRA NOTICE FOR SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES

Student Surveys 7.310. The District shall cooperate with the federal government and state agencies such as the Florida Department of Health in conducting student surveys. Those surveys shall be conducted anonymously and shall contain no personally identifiable information from or on any individual student. Parents shall be notified about upcoming surveys. No student shall be required to participate in such surveys if the student’s parent objects in writing to the student’s participation. Parents shall have the right to inspect any such survey instrument before the survey is administered or distributed if the request is made within a reasonable period of time. Parents shall be notified annually at the beginning of each school year when any such survey is administered.

PART THREE:  DISCIPLINE POLICIES

State Law and Bay County School Board Policies are the final authority for all RHS discipline codes. This book addresses some of the most used codes.

NOT ON TIME POLICY

On time refers to students who are inside the classroom by the end of the ringing of the tardy bell. Any student not making progress to class at the time of the ringing of the tardy bell is subject to Detention During School (DDS) for a period of time not exceeding 5 days.  Tardy (T) = students who are not on time by less than five (5) minutes. Late absence (L) = students who are not on time by five minutes or more or who leave more than fifteen (15) minutes before the end of the class.  With the second unexcused tardy the teacher will document this by completing the tardy report and having the student sigh.  The student will be responsible for getting a parent's signature and returning the report to the teacher.  Students will be sent to DDS (ISD) until a staff member makes contact with parents.  Failure to contact the parents or a student's failure to return this report to the teacher will require another period spent in DDS and does not negate future disciplinary action.  For a third unexcused tardy the student will receive DDS (ISD) for a period not to exceed 3 days (3 days will be assigned) and the administrator will contact the parents to schedule a required conference with them.  Once the parent conference is held the student will not have to serve the remaining time in DDS.   Consequences for future tardiness in any class will be discussed at the parent conference.  Also, all off campus priviliges will be suspended for the remainder of the semester.  For the fourth and each subsequent tardy (in any class) the student will receive Detention During School (DDS) or ISD for a period of time not to exceed 10 days.  The parent will receive a mailed copy of the referral and a school administrator will attempt to contact the parent by telephone.  A combination of 4 L's or T's in a semester equals an unexcused absence.  Records of tardiness for disciplinary action start over each semester. 

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

INFORMAL DISCIPLINARY OFFENSES are those acts of misconduct which interfere with orderly classroom procedures, school functions, extracurricular programs, or approved transportation, but do not seriously endanger the health and safety of others or a student's own learning process.  Following is a non-inclusive list of such offenses:

Absences
Defiance/insubordination
Disrespect for school staff
Distribution of unauthorized materials
Excessive talking
Failure to follow instruction or direction of aministrator/teacher/staff
Libelous statements
Loss or damage to materials belonging to the school
Minor disruption of class or school activities
Possession or use of skateboards
Skipping class or off campus without permission
Tardiness

These behaviors may result in any of the following:  Verbal correction; Counseling; Parental Contact; Detention; In-School Detention; Administrative Probation

Juniors and Seniors who violate school rules are subject to losing off campus lunch privileges. 

FORMAL DISCIPLINARY OFFENSES are more serious acts of misconduct including repeated acts of misconduct; serious disruptions of the orderly conduct of the school, threats to the health, safety, and property of self or others; serious breach of conduct. A non-inclusive list of examples includes:

Aiding and abetting another in committing an act which would be a violation of board policy
Assault (threat of physical harm)
Battery
Breaking and entering
Cheating and plagiarism
Class disturbance or disruptive behavior
Damage to personal property of students or staff members
Excessive tardies
Extortion
Failure to report to or refusal to accept detention or work detail
Falsely activating a fire alarm
Fighting (mutual altercation)
Forgery
Harassment and/or physical or verbal abuse or bullying of students
Indecent exposure
Insubordination or defiance
Intentional false accusation that jeopardizes the professional reputation, employment or certification of a teacher or other member of the school staff.
Intimidation
Larceny or theft of personal or school property
Lewd or lascivious behavior
Lying to school officials
Motor vehicle infraction
Obstruction of an investigation by school officials or other authorities
Participation in or leading a riot or disturbance
Participation in secret societies
Possession, use or sale of matches or cigarette lighters on campus
Possession of electronic telephone pagers or cell phones unless they are stored in a vehicle, in a purse in “off” mode, or in a backpack in “off” mode.
Possession, sale, use or being under the influence of any controlled substance under Chapter 893.Fla.Stat., any counterfeit substances as defined in 831.31 Fla Stat. any model glue or other inhalant, or any over the counter prescription drugs, medication, supplement or alcohol or commercial non-alcoholic beverage as advertised by the beer and liquor industries, or the possession, use or sale of any paraphernalia designed for use of such substances
Possession, use or sale of dangerous articles or chemical propellant sprays
Possession, use or sale of fireworks or other destructive devices
Possession of knives of any type, razor blades, box cutters or similar devices
Possession or sale of pornographic material
Possession, use or sale of tobacco products
Public displays of affection
Refusal to accept corporal punishment
Robbery
Rude or obscene behavior and/or language (profanity)
Sexual offenses
Sexual harassment
Trespassing
Unauthorized use of radios, tape decks, or any other audio equipment on campus
Unauthorized use of a free and/or reduced lunch number
Unauthorized entrance on grounds of another school or campus
Vandalism or defacement of school property
Violation of vehicle use or parking regulations
Violation of requirements of detention or work detail
Violation of a re-entry plan following a prior expulsion.
These behaviors may result in any of the disciplines listed under informal discipline measures, above, corporal punishment, Out of School Suspension or Expulsion.

MUTUAL ALTERCATIONS

Mutual altercations are subject to severe penalties including arrest and multiple day suspensions. Students are expected to “walk away” from conflicts and settle differences through peer mediation.

TOBACCO POLICIES

Students are subject to three days of In-School Detention for possession or use of tobacco on the first and second offenses. The third offense and each subsequent offence will draw three days of Out-of-School Suspension.
The legislature has enacted a new law for which students may receive a citation from a law enforcement officer for tobacco use within 1000 feet of the school property. First offense is $25.00 fine and the second offense is $50.00 fine. This is in addition to the school disciplinary procedures.
Possession of tobacco is a misdemeanor offense for a minor. No students will be allowed to have or use tobacco products either on or off campus during the school day. If you have a student ID and leave for lunch you may lose the opportunity to go off campus if you violate these rules.

FOLLOWING DIRECTIVES

All students are expected to follow the directive or any principal, faculty or staff member. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. Principals are to request that the SRO or an appropriate member of the police department remove from the school grounds any student who refuses to obey the directive of the principal at any time that the student is under control of the school.

OFF LIMITS AREAS

Several areas of the RHS campus will be off limits or have limited access during the school day.
Parking lots: Students driving to school will be allowed to park in their assigned lot only. They will not be allowed to loiter in or around their vehicles or other vehicles. The parking lot is off limits to all students after cars are parked in the morning, during classes, and between classes. Students with valid IDs may go to their vehicles at lunch time or times predetermined for departure by their specific program. Once a student goes to his car during lunch, it is expected he is leaving school for lunch or the day. Vehicles are not to be used as lockers. Students checking out of Rutherford and leaving in their vehicles must have approval by the attendance office prior to departure. Valuables should not be left in cars to tempt thieves.
All physical area east of RAM Road, the baseball field fence, football field fence and driver’s education range are off limits between classes and during lunch.
The gymnasium, physical education, band and choir areas are off limits at all times except when a student is attending class there. Also off limits for students during their lunch periods are any classroom areas where classes are being held.
All construction areas of off limits.

SCHOOL VISITING (County Policy 4.33)

Bay County students are prohibited from entering the grounds of another school center without specific authority of the principal of the school in which he/she is enrolled. Violation of this policy may result in three to ten days of suspension and could result in expulsion. Going to another school to catch a bus requires a written pass from a Rutherford Administrator.

OFF-CAMPUS BEHAVIOR

All school rules, including the dress code, are in effect at school events, even off campus. Student conduct reflects upon our school and RAMPRIDE. Attendance at special events requires proper behavior by spectators and participants alike.

LEAVING CAMPUS

Once arriving on campus students may leave only if they are (1) properly checked out, (2) junior and seniors with district-issued badges for lunch, (3) in a special program, (4) at the end of the school day.

STUDENT ID CARDS

Students should be prepared to show RHS ID cards, made in the Media Center, to any staff member at any time. An ID is required to check out Media Center materials, to attend special school functions and to identify juniors and seniors leaving campus during lunch. Each replacement ID will cost $5. Upon withdrawal from RHS students must turn in ID badges.

POSSESSION OF DRUGS

The possession, sale, transfer, or use by any student of any form of alcoholic beverages, drugs with abuse potential, hallucinogen, drug paraphernalia (as defined in State Substantive Laws Chapter 893 Sections 145, 146, 147), or similar items except those specifically prescribed by a licensed physician are prohibited, wrong and harmful. Drugs with abuse potential are those requiring a physician’s prescription, or those whose possession is prohibited by Florida law.
Any student possessing, transferring, selling or under the influence of any item listed above, except under the direction of a licensed physician for said student shall be immediately suspended for ten days from school, and required to seek immediate professional substance abuse counseling, when the violation is verified by a school administrator.
When the violation is for misdemeanor possession or being under the influence, upon verification of the required counseling from the substance abuse counselor, the school administrator may reduce the suspension to five days. Failure to complete the counseling will result in the immediate reinstatement of the remaining part of the ten day suspension.
When the violation is for transferring or selling drugs, the student may be recommended for expulsion.
A repeat violation of this policy will result in an immediate ten day suspension and a recommendation of expulsion to the School Board.
Any student who is subject to discipline for suspension for unlawful possession or use of any substance controlled under Chapter 893 may be entitled to a waiver of the discipline or expulsion.
Student lockers and vehicles may be searched according to Board policy.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Corporal punishment must be given by the principal or assistant principal with a witness present.

HARASSMENT

The School Board seeks to provide educational and work environments free of harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sect, national origin, marital status, handicap or age.
Examples of sexual harassment include: unwanted sexual advances, flirtations or propositions; demands for sexual favors in exchange for favorable treatment, unwanted sexually-oriented remarks; verbal abuse of sexual nature; graphic verbal commentary about an individual’s body or sexual prowess; coerced sexual acts or assault; physical contact such as grabbing, pinching or petting; leering, whistling or gestures of sexual nature.

COMPUTER VANDALISM POLICY

Due to the complexity and cost of technology at RHS, when any student action results in damage to electronic equipment or computer software, all costs incurred for repair will be the responsibility of the student. Suspension or expulsion may result.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Faculty and staff are empowered to collect all electronic devices such as CD players beepers, cell phones that are visible during school hours, walkman, deskmen) because they are FORBIDDEN TO BE USED on campus by Board and State policy. A student is to give the staff member the requested item immediately. Such devices should be stored in vehicles parked on school property, lockers, backpacks, or purses, and MUST BE TURNED OFF.

DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES

A basic ingredient of due process of law is the right of appeal to a higher authority if one is not satisfied with a decision. Thus the student may appeal a teacher’s decision to the principal, and the principal’s decision to the Superintendent. The Superintendent’s decision may then be appealed to the Board, and if still the satisfied, the student may (through an adult) appeal his or her case in court.
There are three areas addressed by due process of law in school. A complained may be filed for a violation of any one of them.
The rule broken must be fair and reasonable.
The rule must apply to all.
Punishment for any violation must be fair, reasonable and impartial.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

STEP 1: A student should first take the complaint to the person(s) involved and try to solve the problem informally.
STEP 2: The student must give the principal a written and signed explanation of his/her grievance. This should describe the problem and give all the facts and a suggested solution. This must be done not more than ten school days after the incident occurred.
STEP 3: If the student does not agree with the principal’s decision, the written grievance, as in Step 2, must be sent to the district Superintendent within three days of the principal’s decision.
STEP 4: If the Superintendent’s decision is unacceptable, the student may send the grievance to the School Board. The School Board does not have to consider the grievance, but if it so chooses, it has the authority to set up a hearing and decision procedures.
A STUDENT MAY HAVE HIS/HER PARENTS’ HELP IN ALL FOUR STEPS.

TIPS HOTLINE

To report information about an infraction or legal problem of any type, call 747-5666. Cash awards are available. Students who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction or the conclusive school discipline of students or non-students who commit acts of a criminal nature may be eligible for cash rewards. Your name will remain confidential. For Crime $topper$ you must leave your name. For the Tips Line you do not have to leave your name, just the information.

PART FOUR:  SUSPENSION/EXPULSION POLICIES

CONVICTIONS

Any student arrested and convicted of any charge arising out of any disturbance at any public school in Bay County may be recommended by the principal for expulsion by the School Board.

SUSPENSION PROCEDURES

(Florida Statutes 232.26, County Policy 4.21)
The principal may suspend a student in-school or out-of-school for a period not to exceed ten days, provided a hearing is held and the principal determines a suspension is justified. Parents will be notified of the suspension in accordance with the Bay County Schools’ Code of Conduct and Discipline. The potential for failing is increased dramatically by suspensions.
In-school detention is the temporary removal of a student from his regular school program to a detention classroom for a designated period of time. It usually does not exceed five days. Specific assignments are given to students while in ISD. The length and conditions of suspensions as well as assignments are based on the seriousness of the misconduct.

BUS SUSPENSIONS

(Florida Statutes 232.26, County Policy 4.525)
The principal may suspend any pupil transported to or from school at public expense from the privilege of riding must give written notice to the Superintendent and to the parentson a school bus for a period of up to ten days or until such suspension is modified or made permanent by the School Board. The principal must give written notice to the Superintendent and to the parents.

EXPULSION PROCEDURES

(County Policy 4.21)
Any student who has been suspended may be recommended by the principal for expulsion in accordance with School Board policies and Florida Statutes. Expulsion can be for the balance of the school year and all of the next academic year.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

The following behaviors shall result in a 10-day suspension, and may result in expulsion: possession, sale, use or being under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance, any counterfeit controlled substance, model glue or other inhalant. However, as an alternative, a principal may, at his/her absolute discretion suspend a student out of school for ten days if the student is a first-time alcohol or drug offender for possessing small amounts of a controlled substance which the principal determines is not for distribution, delivery or sale to other students. This option is not available for any felony possession. This suspension may be reduced to five days if:
The student divulges information leading to the discipline or arrest of the person who supplied such controlled substance. Any such information divulged which leads to an arrest and conviction is not admissible in evidence in a subsequent criminal trial against the student’s divulging such information; or
The student commits him/herself or is referred by the court in lieu of sentence to a state licensed drug abuse program and successfully completes the program.
The following behaviors shall result in a 10-day suspension, expulsion and referral for criminal prosecution: homicide (murder, manslaughter); sexual battery; armed robbery, aggravated battery; battery or aggravated battery on a teacher or other school personnel, kidnapping, or abduction; arson; or possession, use or sale of any explosive device.
The following behaviors shall result in a 10-day suspension, expulsion for no less than one full year and a referral for criminal prosecution: (a) possession, use or sale of a firearm or weapon (if determined by the principal, based upon evidence, that the student knew of the presence of firearm or weapon. The school board specifically waives the exception in 790.115(2)(a)(3), FL stat. for purposes of student and campus parking privileges); or (b) any threat, regardless of the location from which it is mad, to throw, project, place, or discharge any destructive device with intent to do bodily harm to any person, or with intent to do damage to any property of any person, or the making of a false report with intent to deceive, mislead, or otherwise misinform any person, concerning the placing or planting of any bomb, dynamite, or other deadly explosives involving school or school personnel’s property, school transportation or a school-sponsored activity.
The unlawful items referred to in this policy shall be confiscated by the principal. If appropriate, the prohibited item shall be given to the proper law enforcement agency. Otherwise, the item shall be given to the student’s parent or guardian after the conclusion of disciplinary action.

CRIMINAL REFERRALS

All felonies and violent misdemeanors, whether committed by a student or adult, and delinquent acts that would be felonies or violent misdemeanors if committed by an adult, shall be reported to law enforcement. This shall include reporting of actual or suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect; knowledge of sexual battery by one student upon another student, whether or not the battery occurred on school property; or reporting of substance abuse as specified in board policy 7.305. The principal shall be responsible for ensuring that all school personnel are properly informed of their responsibilities and rights, including immunity from liability if reporting in good faith, regarding crime reporting, that appropriate delinquent acts and crimes are properly reported and that actions taken in cases with special circumstances are properly taken and documented. The superintendent or his or her designee shall, at the request of the Department of Children and Families, act as liaison between DCS and the children protection team as defined in 39.01 FL Stat. in cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect or in unlawful sexual offenses involving a student.

OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION

A student may be suspended from school for any behavior qualifying for formal disciplinary measures. A good faith effort shall be made by the principal or his/her designee to employ parental assistance or other alternative measures prior to suspension or expulsion except in the case of emergency or disruptive conditions which require immediate suspension or expulsion.
To determine if out of school suspension is appropriate, and to decide the length of suspension, the principal or his/her designee shall review the student’s individual record and consider:
the facts and seriousness of the conduct leading to consideration for suspension;
the student’s age, grade and past discipline in correcting behavior;
possible effectiveness of other forms of discipline in correcting behavior.
The following procedures shall be utilized in suspending a student, including those instances in which there is also a recommendation for expulsion to the superintendent:
the principal or his/her designee may suspend a student only in accordance with the rules of the school board;the principal or his/her designee shall make a good faith effort to immediately inform the student’s parents or legal guardians by telephone of the student’s suspension and the reasons for the suspension; reach suspension and the reasons for it shall be recorded in writing within 24 hours to the student’s parents or legal guardians by mail or by hand delivery. The notice shall contain (a) the nature of the offense; (b) the date of the offense; (c) any condition involving suspension, such as reduction of the suspension following a conference and assurance from the student of a change of attitude;
each suspension and its reasons shall be sent in writing within 24 hours to the superintendent;at a conference, the student shall be given both oral and written notice of the charges and given an opportunity to present his/her side of the story prior to suspension.
The principal shall temporarily suspend prior to a conference when, in his judgment, the safety or health of students, staff or other persons in the school may be threatened by the continued presence of the student. When temporary suspension is necessary, the principal shall inform the parent or legal guardian by the most rapid means (including telephone). As soon as feasible, the principal shall hold a conference with the student or parent or legal guardian;
Upon request the parents or legal guardians will be given an opportunity for an informal hearing with the principal or his/her designee within 48 hours of the request (excluding Saturday, Sunday and school holidays).

OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION ON THE BASIS OF FELONY CHARGES OFF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Any student formally charged with a felony or with a delinquent act which would be a felony if committed by an adult for an incident which allegedly occurred on other than public school property, if that incident is shown, in an administrative hearing with proper hearing to the parents or legal guardians but which is shown to have an adverse impact on the educational program, discipline or welfare of the school in which the student is enrolled, shall be subject to suspension in accordance with 1006.09, FL State., until determination of the case by a court of competent jurisdiction. Any student who is suspended as a result of such proceedings may be suspended from all classes of instruction on public school grounds during regular classroom hours for a period of time, which may exceed 10 days, as determined by the superintendent. Such suspension shall not affect the delivery of educational services in a daytime alternative program or an evening alternative program where appropriate. If the court determines that the student did commit the felony or the delinquent act which would have been a felony if committed by an adult, the school board shall have the authority to expel the student, provided that expulsion under this subsection shall not affect the delivery of educational services to the student in any residential, non-residential, alternative, daytime or evening program outside the regular school setting. Any student who is subject to discipline or expulsion for unlawful possession or use of any substance controlled under Chapter 893 of the Florida Statutes may be entitled to a waiver of the discipline or expulsion in accordance with 1006.09(2) (a)-(b), SL Stat.
The following procedures shall be used to conduct an administrative hearing in the suspension of a student on the basis of felony charges:
Upon receiving proper notice that a student has been formally charged with a felony, the principal shall immediately notify the parents or legal guardians, in writing, of the specific charges against the student and of the right to a hearing prior to disciplinary action;
Such notice shall stipulate a date for the hearing not less than two school days nor more than five school days from the postmarked date or delivery of the notice and shall also advise the parents or legal guardians of the conditions under which a waiver of suspension may be granted. Pending such hearing, the student may be temporarily suspended by the principal;
The hearing shall be conducted by the principal and his/her designee and may be attended by the student, the parents or legal guardians, the student’s representative or legal counsel, and any witnesses requested by the student or the principal.
The student may speak in his/her own defense, may present any evidence indicating his/her eligibility for waiver of disciplinary action, and may be questioned on his/her testimony. The student shall not be threatened with punishment or later punished for refusal to testify.
In conducting the hearing, the principal or his designee shall not be bound by the rules of evidence or any other courtroom procedure and no transcript of testimony shall be required.;
Following the hearing the principal shall provide the student and parent or legal guardian with a decision in writing as to whether or not suspension will be made. In arriving at this decision, he shall consider the conditions prescribed by the subsections (2) and (3) of 1006.90 FL Stat., under which a waiver of suspension may be granted, and may grant such a waiver when he/she determines such actions to be in the best interests of the school and the student. Provided, however, that any suspension pending adjudication of guilt shall be made only upon a finding, based upon conclusive evidence, that a felony has been formally filed against the student by a proper prosecuting attorney. The principal shall have the authority to modify the decision to either grant or deny a waiver, at any time prior to the adjudication of the student’s guilt by a court, providing that any such modification adverse to a student shall be made only following a hearing conducted in accordance with this rule.

EXPULSION OF STUDENTS

The School Board has the sole right to expel a student from the public school system upon the recommendation of the superintendent for any behavior listed under formal disciplinary actions. A good faith effort shall be made by the principal or his/her designee to employ parental assistance of other alternative measures prior to suspension or expulsion except in the case of emergency disruptive conditions which require immediate suspension or expulsion.

PROCEDURE FOR EXPULSION

Whenever possible the principal shall hear the student’s defense or explanation of his/her conduct and shall explain to the student his/her reasons for the suspension with the recommendation of expulsion. In any case, the principal or his/her designee shall conduct an investigation in to the charges and shall obtain written and signed statements from any witnesses immediately after the incident. A tape recorder may be used to record any proceedings with parents, legal guardians or students that could lead to a recommendation of expulsion.
When the student is recommended for expulsion, the following procedure shall be observed.
Upon receipt of the notice of suspension and recommendation of expulsion, the superintendent, if he/she concurs in the recommendation, shall notify the parents or legal guardian by certified mail with a return receipt requested, stating that the school board will meet at a specified time and place to hear the charges and to act on the expulsions recommendation. The parents or legal guardians shall be fully advised that they will be given the opportunity to appear before the school board during the hearing. The principal and his/her designee shall also be informed as to be time and place of the hearing.
Any student being considered for expulsion shall be accorded due process of law prior to expulsion in the manner provided by 120.57(2) FL Stat., and Section 1.105(3) of these rules.
When the principal suspends a student and recommends his/her expulsion, the superintendent may extend the suspension beyond ten days if such suspension period expires before the next regular or special meeting of the school board.
Where such an extension of a suspension is made by the superintendent he/she shall notify the parent or guardian in writing prior to the expiration of the suspension assigned by the principal. Such notice shall state the period of time for which the additional suspension is made.
A copy of the notice of the additional suspension shall be sent to the principal.
To assure that the conduct leading to expulsion does not reoccur, a written re-entry plan for each student shall be developed by the school prior to the return of an expelled student to the school program. Each plan is to be developed in cooperation with all parties involved, including the student and the parents or legal guardians

DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

For the purpose of this rule student with disabilities is defined as any student approximately classified and presently placed in an exceptional student education program, excluding gifted. Parental notification of policy, procedures, and student rights regarding discipline of students with disability shall be provided, in writing, at the eligibility staffing meeting or when parental consent for ESE placement is documented. Parental safeguards and rights of due process are located in Procedures for Exceptional Students (SP & P), adopted by the board pursuant to Section 1.13, and hereby incorporated by reference as part of the rules of the Bay County School Board.

SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The principal may suspend a student with disabilities for a period of time not to exceed ten days (or an accumulation of ten days within a school year) without impacting the provision of a free and appropriate public education. Appropriate due process shall be observed, except in emergency situations in which a student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or represents an ongoing threat of disruption of the academic process.
Following procedures outlined in the SP & P manual, either before but not later than, ten business days after the first removing the student for more than ten school days in a school year, the school must conduct a functional behavior assessment and develop a behavioral intervention plan. If the student has a behavioral interventional plan, the IEP team shall meet and review the plan and its implementation and modify the plan and its implementation to address the behavior.

SUSPENSION AFTER ACCUMULATION OF TEN SUSPENSION DAYS

At such time that accumulated suspensions exceed ten days within a school year and a pattern of removal has been determined the principal shall convene the IEP team and include the principal or his/her designee. This team shall review the student’s program and conduct a manifestation meeting to determine whether or not the student’s disability is a precipitating factor in the disciplinary infraction.
If the IEP team determines that the student’s behavior is related to the student’s disability, then using procedures outlined in the SP & P, the IEP team will amend the student’s IEP to include annual goals and short term objectives for social/behavior based on the functional behavioral assessment. The following options may be considered:
Additional related services;
A change in disciplinary procedures;
Increased time in the current special programs
Provision of a special program in another setting;
Involvement with programs funded with other agencies.
If the IEP team determines that the student’s behavior is not related to the student’s disability, the IEP team shall document the rationale for this decision in a manifestation meeting. In this case, procedures for disciplinary action will follow the regular course of action as designated in School Board Policy 7.203. Parents must be informed of this decision. In no case will services cease.

EXPULSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

If the student to be expelled is a student with disabilities, the following procedures from the SP & P must be followed. Instances in which students with disabilities engage in behavior that could warrant expulsion action are described in board Policy 7.23.
Expulsion of an identified student with disabilities constitutes a change in educational placement and may not be an exclusion from educational services.
When a principal plans to recommend expulsion for a student with disabilities the superintendent shall be contacted to request than an IEP team meet to determine if the student’s misconduct is a manifestation of his/her disability.
The IEP team shall determine the relationship of the student’s behavior to the student’s disability to provide the alternative placement and/or programming. In no case may the district cease provision of educational services.
Policies and procedures for conducting IEP meetings and providing procedural safeguards to parents or legal guardians of student with disabilities consistent with Florida Administrative Code R.6A-0331(3) applies to this meeting.
A copy of these policies and procedures shall be given to the parents or legal guardians of students with disabilities at eligibility and IEP update meetings and at pre-expulsion IEP meetings.

REVIEW PROCEDURES

A disciplinary decision of a teacher may be appealed to the principal. The principal’s decision may be appealed to the superintendent. A copy of this decision and notification and rights to appeal shall be furnished to the student or parents or legal guardians. The student or parents or legal guardians shall have five working days from receipt of the written decision to file a written appeal.
Any request to modify a final order of expulsion must be made in writing to the superintendent. The School Board shall consider the modification of the final order of expulsion only upon receiving a written recommendation from the superintendent.

PART FIVE: STUDENT SERVICES POLICIES

CAFETERIA

There should be no food or drink in the classrooms (except home economics, food classes during labs) or halls during a regular school day. This includes lunch periods.
All students eating on campus must eat in designated eating areas: cafeteria, covered picnic area, varsity locker room, ISD. This includes those bringing packed lunches, eating candy, cookies, potato chips, etc. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS TO BE TAKEN FROM THE EATING AREA OR BROUGHT ON CAMPUS DURING LUNCH PERIODS.
Students are to take trays cartons, and trash to the designated disposal area. Littering, throwing of food or other objects is prohibited.
Students loitering in the front of the school during lunch are subject to disciplinary action.
Student lunches cost $2.00. Reduced lunch $0.40. Student breakfasts cost $1.00. Reduced breakfast costs $0.30. Applications for free and reduced lunch may be obtained in guidance.

GENERAL INFORMATIONFOR RHS ATHLETICS

In order to participate in athletic programs a student must:
See coach for details on age, grade, residency and court history considered each semester.
Present original birth certificate (NO COPIES) the first time his or her name is submitted for participation.
Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
Free physicals are given by the medical community, usually in May.
All sports compete on the varsity level. Most sports have junior varsity teams.
A season’s participation in an interscholastic sport and passing the state test, can replace the personal fitness requirement for graduation.
All athletes are encouraged to be in the summer weightlifting program.
NCAA requirements are listed in Part 1. For more information, call the Athletic Office at 872-4505 Ext 1-4525.

BEGINNING DATES OF SPORTS SEASONS

FALL
Cross Country Aug. 16
Football Aug. 9
Swimming Aug. 9
Volleyball Aug. 9
Golf Aug. 9

WINTER
Basketball (girls) Oct. 25
Basketball (boys) Nov. 1
Wrestling Oct. 25
Soccer (boys) Oct. 18
Soccer (girls) Oct. 11
Girls Weightlifting Nov. 15

SPRING
Baseball Jan. 17
Softball Jan. 10
Tennis Jan. 31
Track and Field Jan. 17
Boys Weightlifting Feb. 7

TEXTBOOKS
When a book is issued to the individual student, it becomes his or her responsibility to take care of the book and to reimburse the school for damage or loss of the book. Failure to pay for lost or damaged books may lead to required work detail or suspension from extracurricular activities.
All textbooks normally used are State Adopted. Such textbooks are charged to this school and must be accounted for, even if they are stolen.
All payments will be made to the copy room and must be cash. No checks are accepted.

BAY DISTRICT SCHOOLS ANNUAL NOTICE REGARDING DISCLOSURE OF STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Federal and State laws require that Bay District Schools, with certain exceptions, obtain a parent’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from a student’s educational records. However, Bay District Schools may disclose appropriately designated directory information without written consent UNLESS advised to the contrary.
Parent(s), adult students or former students shall have 30 days from the date of this notice to inform the student’s school principal, in writing, that nay or all of the directory information should not be released without their consent. Bay District Schools has designated the following information as directory information;
A student’s name, address, and telephone number (if there is a listed number)
Image or likeness in photographs, videotape, film or other medium
Place and date of birth
Major field of study
Current grade level
Participation in officially recognize activities and sports
Weight and height of athletic team members
Dates of attendance
Degrees and awards received
Most recent previous educational agency or institution (school or center) attended by the student.
Directory information is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. Directory information relating to students shall be released only to the following:
In-school use of directory information for official school business
Student directory information, without addresses or telephone numbers, for school annuals, school newspapers, honor lists, and printed materials or programs for extracurricular activities.
Student directory information of junior and senior students may be furnished, upon request, to:
Florida public universities and colleges
United States Congressmen and Senators and Florida Legislatures
Armed Forces Recruiting Officers, including the U.S. Coast Guard, for their use in providing for mail out information to students in regard to opportunities available to them in the United States Armed Services; provided, however, that any student may request that his/her name not be given for this purpose.

ACCESSING PUBLIC EDUCATION RECORDS

Pursuant to Florida law and School Board Policy 7.304, adult students and the parents or guardians of a student under 18, currently or formerly in attendance shall have the following rights:
Right of access – the right to review and inspect student records, including the right to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records and the right to obtain copies of said records. The district shall presume that either parent has a right to inspect his child’s records unless the district has been provided with a legally binding instrument or court order which provides to the contrary.
Right to privacy – the right to privacy with the respect to personally identifiable records held on each student, whether a current or former student.
Right to waiver or access – the right to allow another party access to all personally identifiable records.
Right to challenge in hearing – the right to challenge the content of any record which the parent, guardian or adult student believes to be inaccurate, misleading or a violation of their privacy.
Pursuant to federal and state laws, Bay District Schools may release student information to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. A school official is defined as a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement personnel). A person with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist), or a parent or student serving on an official committee such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her task. A legitimate educational interest is defined as the school official’s need to review an educational record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility.
Student records are maintained at the school the student currently attends, or in the case of former students, the school last attended. In accordance with federal law, the district will transfer students’ disciplinary records including suspension or expulsion if a student is transferring to or enrolling in another school whether within the district or outside the district. The procedures for exercising these rights are explained in further detail in School Board Policies 7.304, copies of which are in each school office, the district office at 1311 Balboa Avenue and via the Internet at www.bay.k12.fl.us/district/policy
Parents and students over the age 18 have a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning any alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
4000 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

NON-DISCRIMINATION, EQUAL EMPLOYMENT AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, age or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity or work environment. This practice shall apply equally to students, employees, applicants for employment and all persons having business with the School Board. Any concerns should be reported to the principal at 872-4500.

LOST AND FOUND

All items found (except library books) will be turned in to the main office. Library books will be returned to the library.

LOCKS AND LOCKERS

Lockers with self-contained locks will be assigned in the fall.
Lockers will be kept locked at all times. The school cannot assume responsibility for items that disappear from lockers. VALUABLES SHOULD NOT BE KEPT IN LOCKERS.
Periodic locker checks may be made by the principal or his designee.
The student is responsible for any writing on or damage to a locker.
Students must provide locks for P.E. lockers.
Students should take locker problems to an administrator for help.

MOTOR VEHICLES/PARKING

To Park at RHS, students must secure a parking permit and be assigned a parking lot from the Dean of Students in May, upon enrollment at RHS or when announced.
To apply for parking:
Bring
(a) a completed application with parent’s signature
$10.00 (cash only)
proof of insurance
vehicle registration
Have cleared all deficiencies with the Bookkeeper
Parking permits will be issued according to the following priorities:
Out of Zone seniors or junior attending IB, Comtech, HOSA or Co-op
Seniors with an activity priority ( band first)
Juniors with an activity priority (band first)
Athletes for only a given sport’s season (assigned by the athletic director)
Students with satisfactory discipline and attendance records

PARKING RULES

Parking is a privilege, not a right. Due to the limited space, parking is limited. All decisions regarding parking are left up to the discretion of the RHS Administration. To receive and/or keep the parking privilege a student must:
Maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Have no deficiencies and/or must clear any new deficiency.
Receive no discipline referral for parking or driving.
Keep his vehicle locked. RHS will not be responsible for any loss.
Not receive more than one discipline referral not related to parking or driving.
Not visit his car without a pass from the administration except during the five minutes given at lunch to clear the campus.
Not eat or loiter at his vehicle.
No possess or use tobacco, alcohol, drugs or weapons.
Not transport students off campus who are not eligible to leave for lunch.
Not park without a proper permit (Car will be towed).
Not park improperly (Car will be towed).
Do not park behind the gym, on Ram Road, on the driver’s ed range, in staff parking areas, in loading zones on School Avenue, behind the office or anywhere on 11th street.

TOWING POLICY

Vehicles will be towed at the owner/driver’s expense if they are:
Parked in a handicapped zone, fire lane, bus zone or blocking an entrance or gate.
Parked improperly or on campus without a permit.
First offense – driver must bring the ticket place on the car to the Dean’s Office for a warning
Second offense – driver will be given three days of work detail
Third offense – vehicle will be towed at owner’s expense.

BUS CHANGES

To ride a different bus or get off at a different bus stop in the afternoon, students must obtain principal’s approval by bringing a note from parents (with parent’s phone number) first thing in the morning. The district form must be used for a student to ride a different bus. Students who do not normally ride a bus that leaves before the end of school may not ride an early bus.

STUDENT LOADING ZONES

Before or after school only buses, no private vehicles are allowed to load and unload passengers on the 11th Street side of the RHS campus. Other vehicles in this present a serious safety hazard. Students who do not ride a bus are to be loaded and unloaded on School Avenue.

TELEPHONE FACILITIES

TELEPHONES IN THE SCHOOL ARE NOT FOR STUDENT USE. Telephone calls will not be taken for students.
A pay telephone for students is located outside the office. The school will not accept responsibility for any money lost in the pay phone. The phone should not be used for social conversations. As a courtesy, limit calls to three minutes.

HEALTH SERVICES

RHS was selected to receive a Supplemental Health Grant to provide enhanced school health services and prevent health problems.
A Registered Nurse and Health Support Aide run the health office from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Mon-Thurs., and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. They are located next to the Dean’s area with the entrance on the parking lot side of building 1.
Their services include but are not limited to:
Health screening programs including vision, hearing, height/weight, scoliosis and nutritional assessment
Identifying and meeting needs of students with special health problems
Counseling students on health related matters
Providing health education for parents, children and teachers
Communication between the school, parents and local health agencies
Assessing and arranging appropriate management and referrals for children with health problems
Reviewing immunization records and providing vaccinations as indicated
Monitoring prevention and control of communicable diseases
Providing psycho-social assessment for children with exceptional needs
Establishing group counseling for children with identified problems in anger management and self-esteem
Social worker available to help with special needs.
All students must have a pass from a classroom teacher to receive health services.
In order to give the student the most appropriate and safest care, we would like parents to complete the Health Services Consent Form, and update the Student Registration Card. Include all pertinent health information, some examples which are diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, medication, allergies, etc. Parents who have any questions regarding a student’s health should call the nurses office at 872-4500 (ext. 1-4545 or 1-4527)

MEDICATION

Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 464, Section 232.46, Florida Statutes, any student who is required to take prescription or non-prescription medication during the regular school day must be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the school district receives:
a written statement from such physician detailing the method, amount and time schedules by which such medication is to be taken, and
the medication form, updated annually received from the office and filed by the parent or guardian of the student indicating the desire that the school district assist the student in the matter and
the appropriately labeled medication (brought to the school by an adult).
faculty and staff may not dispense any medication, including aspirin.

PHYSICALS AND IMMUNIZATIONS

All students attending Florida Schools are required to have on file, as part of the cumulative school record, an UPDATED certificate of immunization and evidence of a physical examination performed within one calendar year of the date of entrance. The following immunizations are mandatory: MEASLES, MUMPS, AND RUBELLA, TETANUS BOOSTER, and HEPATITUS B SERIES. The Public Health Office offers free immunizations to students. Call 872-4720, Ext. 197, or 872-4545 for information.

ANCHORAGE CHILDREN’S HOME COUNSELOR

The role of the Anchorage Children’s Home Outreach Counselor at RHS is to network with guidance counselors, teachers and other school personnel and families to provide counseling services to students in need of counseling regarding school and/or family issues. The Outreach Counselor conducts an in-depth school and family assessment of the student in need of counseling and develops a treatment plan, which may include individual and/or group counseling services. If it is determined that long-term counseling is needed, the Outreach counselor confers with community agencies to determine the proper referral for additional counseling services. The Outreach Counselor networks with the school, relatives and other community care providers to best serve the needs of the student and his/her family.
The Outreach Counselor does a follow-up contact with the student and the family 180 days after closing a case to ascertain whether or not further assistance is needed.

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Counseling and guidance services cover the following areas:
Orientation of new students
Counseling on academic problems
Assistance with personal problems
Registration
Assistance in college choice
Occupational information
Tests for achievement, aptitude, intelligence, interest, personality, vocational interest and college entrance
Interpreting test scores.
See your guidance counselor for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements will be read only if they are on the required forms and properly approved. They will be made at the appropriate time over WRAM. All classes should view the scheduled daily announcements.
Announcements must be approved by the sponsor and an administrator.
Regular club and organizational meetings will not be announced. They will scroll on TV during the day.

ACTIVITY ELIGIBILITY

Students with textbook deficiencies are ineligible for extra-curricular activities.

MEDIA CENTER/LIBRARY

Library Hours: 7:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Admission to the library between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. will be as a class group escorted by the teacher or with an individual pass.
The pass must include the student’s name, destination, date, time leaving class and the teacher’s signature. Only one name per pass is acceptable. The pass must be left at the circulation desk when entering. The student is responsible for picking up the pass and having it signed before leaving. Students are required to return to class 5 minutes before the end of the class period.
Students who come to the library frequently during lunch may apply for a permanent lunch pass. Listen to the announcements and check for information about when to apply each semester.
Only pencil, paper and other materials necessary to complete the assignment are allowed in the library.

Materials Circulation
Up to four books may be checked out for three weeks with the option to renew one time if the book has not been placed on reserve.
Reference books, periodicals and non-print media will be circulated on an overnight basis only. These items must be returned before the first period of the next day.

Identification Requirement
The Rutherford Student Identification Card is required for checking out library materials.

Internet
Students must have a signed parent permission form (Baynet) on file to access the Internet.

Overdue, Lost or Damaged Books
Fines are assessed for overdue materials. Books checked out for 3 weeks and returned late are assessed a fine of 5 cents per school day. Overnight materials have a fine of 10 cents per school day. The maximum overdue fine charge is $5 per item.
Payment must be made for lost or damaged materials as follows:
BOOKS – cost of item lost
PERIODICALS -- $5 per issue
AV MATERIALS – Replacement cost
No checks will be accepted for fines, lost or damaged material. Refunds for lost items paid for and later found can be made only with the return of the original receipt.
A coin-operated copy machine is available for students. Cost – 10 cents per page. Bring your correct change in nickels or dimes. The library does not make change.
Printing from programs running on the network costs 10 cents per page.
Laminating cost is based on the size of the item to be laminated.

Conduct in the Library
The same standards of conduct will prevail in the library as in an orderly classroom. An atmosphere of quiet, purposeful activity is necessary to attain student “best work” and enjoyment of the library. NO FOOD, DRINK OR GUM IS ALLOWED IN THE LIBRARY.

Copyright Laws
The Media Center follows federal guidelines concerning the use of copyrighted materials. Questions regarding copyright should be referred to a media specialist.

ORGANIZATIONS
Interest, service and honor clubs are available to students at RHS. Announcements concerning membership and application forms are made available prior to club sign-up week.
Students are strongly encouraged to limit membership to one service, one interest, and two honor clubs. A meeting time and day will be established for service, interest and honor clubs.
A student may a serve in only one major office (pres., v.p., sec., treas.). Students interested in honor societies should be aware that active participation in school organizations and good citizenship are also necessary to meet leadership requirements. Transferring members entering Rutherford from another school should contact the sponsors of the school honor societies.
Information concerning membership in any club must be made available by each club to all students. Membership requirements must be reasonable, allow for the majority of students to be eligible, and state any financial requirements (uniforms, etc.) and cost in advance. Sponsors may reject, with administrative approval, any applicant for good cause.
Any club should plan to take at least 25 members into the organization. Fewer or more members can join with the approval of the administration.
If there are more applicants who meet membership requirements than the maximum number, the applicants who meet requirements should be accepted. STUDENTS MAY NOT VOTE ON MEMBERS.
A copy of each club’s constitutional changes must be submitted each year to RSGA. Membership requirements must be included.
Each club will submit an alphabetized list of all officers and members to RSGA within the first four weeks of each year or within two weeks of every membership drive.
Members of clubs may be removed by the principal or by the executive board of the clubs and the sponsor(s) with the approval of the principal for nonattendance, nonparticipation, nonpayment of dues, or reasons detrimental to the club or school. Clubs may be removed from RSGA for the same reasons by a two-thirds vote.
Clubs are not permitted to haze or have initiation activities.
All clubs in good standing with RSGA are eligible for “RSGA Club of the Year.” Requirements will be set in RSGA meetings at the beginning of the year.
Individual club dues are $1 per member will be paid to RSGA by the end of the first nine weeks.
Homecoming dues of $45 will be paid by all participating clubs unless written requests are approved by a two-thirds vote of RSGA members.

RHS ORGANIZATIONS

Academic Team
Aerospace Academy
Anchor Club
Anime Club
Aries
Avatar
Band
Beta Club
Cheerleaders (Varsity)
Cheerleaders (JV)
Chess Club
Choir
Christians in Action
ComTech
Debate
DECA
Etude
FBLA
FCA
FEA
Film Society
Freshman Class
Golden Girls
IBSC
Ignite
Int’l Thespian Society
Islam
JSA
Junior Class
Key Club
Latin Club
Law Club
Leadership
Mu Alpha Theta
NHS
Pens and Quills
PEP Club
Rampage
RSGA
Science Club
Secular Student Alliance
Senior Class
Sign Language Club
Sophomore Class
Star Quest
SWAT
WRAM
YTY

ACTIVITY FORMS

The Rutherford Student Government Association (RSGA) acts as a clearing house through which plans for activities pass to obtain complete and accurate information, avoid conflicts, establish dates clarify priorities, etc., and IT DOES NOT approve or disapprove an activity. Approval or disapproval is solely an administrative responsibility.
ALL REGULATIONS OF THE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (FHSAA) BAY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, AND RUTHERFORD HIGH SCHOOL MUST BE FOLLOWED WHEN PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING A PROJECT OT ACTIVITY.
ANY CLUB CLASS OR OTHER ORGANIZATION MUST HAVE ALL PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES APPROVED IN WRITING BY THE PRINCIPAL OR HIS DESIGNEE BY:
Completing an activity form by Wednesday any week to obtain approval by Wednesday of the following week.
Submitting complete activity forms to RSGA box to be reviewed and send to the administration, who will approve or reject and return them to the sponsor.
Waiting for the form to be returned to you, signed by the principal with approval marked and the activity placed on the master schedule.
DO NOT take any action until a copy of the form submitted is returned marked “approved” with an administrator’s signature.
DO NOT ORDER AND/OR SELL ANY ITEM UNTIL A COPY OF THE APPROVED FUND-RAISING FORM IS PLACED IN THE SPONSOR’S BOX.
The MASTER CALENDAR is in secretary’s office and posted on the school web site. An approved activity form is necessary before an event/activity date can be placed on this calendar. All major events, when approved, will be recorded here by the RSGA or the Curriculum Coordinator.
Classes or organizations may use school facilities (auditorium, gym, etc.) provided an RHS faculty member is present and assumes responsibility for supervision of students and care of the facilities. This includes security cleared through the SRO’s office. Check for availability with an assistant principal before submitting an activity form. Practice schedules for band, music, drama and related activities must be submitted to the Curriculum Coordinator to be recorded on the Master Calendar well in advance of the scheduled practice.
Clubs will meet after school hours.
All clubs must hold regular meetings on campus. Only approved committee meetings with the sponsor present may be held on campus.
Special meetings may be arranged by placing a completed activity form in the RSGA box for approval by the principal or his designee.
No club or club committee may call a special meeting during school time for any reason. Organizations such as RSGA, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior Classes are not considered clubs.
Officer or committee meetings may be held without special arrangements.
Any club, officer, or committee meeting must have the sponsor present and members may not meet, vote or decide official business if the sponsor is not present.

Chaperones are required for all dances, parties, etc., preferably one chaperone for every twenty students. Organizations should ask teachers to initial the activity form when agreeing to chaperone an activity. Dances require additional administrative and security personnel. All dances must be cleared two months in advance with the Curriculum Coordinator and the SRO.

DANCE RULES

Dance tickets will not be sold at the door without administrative approval.
RHS dances are held for RHS students. Any non-RHS student attending the dance must be accompanied by an RHS student and will be considered that student’s date.
The school dress code and Code of Conduct are in effect at all dances. Every person in attendance will be required to follow these rules. FORMAL GOWNS MAY NOT EXPOSE THE MIDRIFF OR BE REVEALING. Semi-formal attire for male students will be dress shirt and pants. No baggy pants, jeans of any color, or sports jerseys will be allowed.
Loitering in the parking lot during dance hours will not be allowed. STUDENTS WHO EXIT THE DANCE EARLY ARE EXPECTED TO LEAVE THE AREA.