HSHandbook

It is the intent of this booklet to acquaint all district patrons with the principles, policies, and procedures that affect students in grades 7-12. All of the information set forth in this booklet has been developed by school staff members and adopted by the Rutland School Board in compliance with recommendations of the South Dakota Department of Education that:
• each school district establish a formal written code of student conduct, • make it public and accessible to all students and parents, and • within the document, define as specifically as possible student rights and responsibilities, as well as identify unacceptable student behavior and the penalties to be imposed when such behavior occurs.
These regulations are not meant to distract from student endeavors but are meant to aid all members of the educational community in ensuring that each student progresses to the fullest extent of his/her ability. Our policies and expectations have been developed with a focus on building and maintaining a school environment most conducive to learning. Education and learning in this larger sense includes learning to cooperate with others, to develop personality and character, to respect the rights and opinions of others, to respect property, to respect law, order, and lawful authority, and to apply education and acquired information intelligently.
We hope that this most recent edition of the student handbook accurately reflects the values of the majority of school/community members for without your support we cannot function effectively. We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the student body at RHS and look forward to providing the best education we can for each and every student.
	Sincerely, Rutland Staff

Administration / Office Personnel

Carl Fahrenwald, Superintendent
Sara Holmberg, K-12 Guidance Counselor/ Dean of Students
Nancy Bloker, Lead Elementary Teacher
Crystal Hansen, Business Manager
Jan Hansen, Secretary

Rutland Independent School District 39-4
102 School Street
Rutland, SD 57057
Phone: 605-586-4352
Fax: 605-586-4343

https://rutlandsupt.wikispaces.com/
Rambler Stop Convenience Store
Phone: 605-586-4333

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The school day begins at 8:30 and ends at 3:21. The elementary students and junior and senior high schools who ride the bus will be dismissed by 3:15, so that they can safely board the buses before students drive away at the end of the day. Student drivers will depart after 3:21.

Our mission statement is "Learn Today for Tomorrow's World." Although the school staff believes that traditional classroom achievement is the most important priority of school, academic achievement alone does not fully prepare students to meet the challenges of today or tomorrow. With this in mind, we also encourage student involvement in a variety of school activities and actively promote character and social development.

A - Exceptional
B - Above Average
C - Average
D - Below Average
F - Failing
I – Incomplete

Semester tests are required of all 9 – 12 graders in all academic subjects or by changes made at the discretion of the administration. The tests are weighted at 20% of the semester grade average. Each nine-week average is worth 40% of the total.
Seniors who have earned early end-of-the-year privileges may test earlier than the underclassmen. Beginning with the 2008-09 spring semester, Rutland High School seniors will have an opportunity to be exempt from the spring semester testing.
The students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this privilege.
1. The student must receive a proficient or advanced rating on the Dakota Step Test that is given in the spring of the junior year.
2. The student must fulfill ONE of the following:
A. Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher at the completion of the junior year and maintain or increase the 2.0 GPA. The graduation class of 2011 and beyond must maintain a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average.
B. The student must meet the attendance policy outlined in the student handbook.

Report cards will be given or mailed to the student at the end of the nine weeks and semester. Midterm grades will be posted each nine weeks over the DDN Infinite Campus. Aside from theses occasions, students and parents have the primary responsibility of monitoring grades via the internet--based “Parent Portal”. Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held during the first and third nine weeks of the school year to discuss the students’ progress. Students are encouraged to attend conferences with their parents. Students and parents may contact teachers more often if so desired.

Quarter and semester honor rolls are issued. The "A" Honor Roll student must earn a minimum of a 10.0 Grade Point Average with no grade lower than a B on the grading system. The "B" Honor Roll student must earn a minimum of an 8.0 GPA with no grade lower than a C. All academic subjects taken by a student will be considered in determining the GPA. Such courses meet five days a week, and students earn one-half credit for each of them. (Band and chorus are not calculated into the GPA until the end of the senior year, depending on how many of these courses students have taken.) Honor Rolls are published in area newspapers.

The following criteria will determine who the honor students are based upon a 4.0 grade point average scale.
• All honor students will be determined by their GPA, which must be a minimum of a 3.5.
• The valedictorian will be the student with the highest GPA, which must be a minimum of 3.7.
• The salutatorian will be the student with the second highest GPA, which must be a minimum of 3.5.
• When GPA’s are equal for two or more students, both / all will receive the award.
• The administration reserves the right to weigh college courses and advanced placement courses more heavily. A student’s grade will be raised a maximum of one letter grade, i. e. from a “C” to a “B” for such courses when calculating a GPA.

The Department of Education recognizes high school seniors for their academic excellence by awarding them Regents’ Scholar diplomas (effective the fall of 2001). Students qualify if they have had no final grades below a “C” or a 2.0. The students overall average must be a “B” or a 3.0. Receiving a Regents Scholar Diploma admits students to all six of the South Dakota public universities.
The courses the students must take include: 4 units of English; 4 units of math, algebra and higher; 4 units of science, three that are laboratory courses; 3 units of social science; 2 units of a foreign, classical, or American sign language; 1 unit of fine arts, and 1/2 unit of computer science. (These requirements plus a minimum ACT score of 24 also qualify a student to receive a $5,000 South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship.)
Earning the Regents Scholar diploma provides students with a much greater opportunity to earn additional scholarships for their academic efforts as well. (The Board of Regents may discontinue the Regents Scholar Diploma; however, the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship will still be offered. Courses the Rutland School offers to earn the SDOS are included in this Handbook and in the Course Content Manual.)

The National Honor Society is an organization of juniors and seniors who rank scholastically at or above the "B" level (8.0) in all of their past subjects. Although academic achievement is the initial qualification for the organization, membership is further determined by a committee of faculty based on the additional qualities of character, leadership, and service.

An increasing number of students are choosing to enhance their required and elective course options by taking courses through a variety of distance education options. Students may take courses through one of the state universities to earn dual credit, or through one of the approved providers identified on the new South Dakota state Virtual High School http://www.shvhs.k12.sd.us or through APEX.
The South Dakota Virtual High School is a clearinghouse of distance courses offered by approved providers. Courses are available online or via the Digital Dakota Network. All course offerings and providers are approved by the South Dakota Department of Education. The goal of the Virtual High School is to provide choice, flexibility, and consistent quality for all students across the state. APEX is an online option for students who would like to take Advanced Placement classes. Distance methods of learning can be great options in many situations:
* When the desired course is not offered “in-house”
* When a course doesn’t fit into a student’s schedule
* When a student is in need of credit recovery
* When an advanced student needs an academic challenge
The timeline for completion of an independent course shall be as follows: A first semester course shall be completed by December 1 of the current school year, and a second semester course shall be completed by May 1 of the current school year. This will allow for the grades to be finalized and posted to the proper semester grading period. If a dual credit class from one of the universities is being taken, each semester course will count for 0.5 high school credits, regardless of the college credit earned. The Dean of Students or a faculty member will monitor the student’s progress. The Dean may also require that assignments and tests be taken during certain class periods or during certain days of the school week. Students should plan to complete a minimum of one assignment per week. This might consist of a project, worksheet, or exam.
High School distance education course fees are paid by the school, unless the student needs to repeat the course or has been fined for not completing the work on time. If the student has not completed a course in the allotted time (a one semester course should be completed during one semester or a year long course should be completed within two semesters), he or she will either reimburse the school for the cost of the course or will earn a failing grade. (Extenuating circumstances may allow for an extension.)
University tuition for dual credit (college courses) is the responsibility of the student or his/her parents. In situations where a number of different distance education courses and/or dual enrollment courses become necessary or desired, an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) may be required. This ILP would clarify the plan for high school graduation and would be signed by the student, parent, and a school official.

The academic requirements, and social/community obligations of completing high school are generally considered to require the fulltime attention of students. However, seniors may request a work release program or high school students may pursue a pland for early gradutation if all academic course work is satisfactory, graduation requirements are being met, and the student is not on disciplinary restrictions. Students/parents interested in these options may work with the guidance and administration to develop a ILP (individualized learning plan).

Grades are calculated weekly for purposes of eligibility for activities. Averages are updated on the DDN Infinite Campus by 8:30 a.m. each Monday morning (or Tuesday if Monday falls on a holiday.) All students, whether or not they are involved in activities, can receive their averages at this time. Students and parents also have continuous access to grades through the DDN Campus “Parent Portal". Students and parents are encouraged to discuss assignments and grades with teachers on a regular basis.Behavioral incidents and subsequent disciplinary action will also be recorded on te DDN campus system and visible through the Parent Portal.

In order to graduate from Rutland High School, students must earn a minimum of 22 credits. The general requirements for graduation include 4 credits of language arts, 4 credits of social science, 3 credits of mathematics, 3 credits of lab science, 1 credit of computer science, 1 credit of fine arts, and 6 credits of electives. One half credit of Personal Finance and 1⁄2 credit of Physical Education have recently been implemented as part of the SD Department of Education graduation requirements. Students and parents will work with the Guidance Office to ensure that course registration meets graduation requirements and the individual career goals of the student. The Guidance Counselot will advise students through classroom activities and personal counseling, utilizing the web-based career planning programs sponsored by the SD Department of Education.

All seniors going through the commencement exercises will be required to wear appropriate caps and gowns. All seniors will assist with decorating for the event as well. All classes must be completed and grades submitted to the office before a senior will walk across the stage to receive his/her diploma.

The South Dakota Department of Education is implementing this program designed to offer a framework for students, parents, and school staff to design a more student-focused educational experience. The primary goal is to better prepare students in identifying and accomplishing their career goals.

A key part of the 2025 initiative is for each student to develop a Personal Learning Plan in the 8th grade and review the plan annually throughout high school. The guidance counselor will assist students and parents in utilizing on-line career guidance software made available through the SD Department of Education.

Rutland will begin implementing senior projects with the 2009-10 school year as one of the most important components of the High School 2025 program. The purpose of the project is to allow students to demonstrate the knowledge and maturity they have gained during the course of their education. The Senior Endeavor must be a “learning stretch”, meaning that it must go beyond what one already knows or has experienced. The project is a four-part process consisting of a research paper, a portfolio, and a project/product that is an extension of the research, and an oral presentation.

Requirements for completion of the Senior Endeavor will be handled initially by incorporating the components into senior course requirements, though the completion of a Senior Project as described in the High School 2025 guidelines will soon become a stand-alone graduation requirement mandated by the SD Department of Education.

Students who plan to attend a state-supported university or technical school will work directly with those institutions through the local guidance counselor to make sure that their chosen plan of high school study prepares them for their futures.

Students must strive to obtain a minimum "C" average at Rutland High School if they plan to attend post high school institutions. College bound students will take the ACT test during their junior or senior year. Students may take the test more than once. Students planning to attend technical school will be given the ASVAB test. (See the testing coordinator for further information.
ACT scores have become the most important factor in determining the amount of financial aid possible for students pursuing post-secondary education. For example, in addition to the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, many state universities also provide matching funds (i.e. the “Jackrabbit guarantee” @ SDSU) that may then add up to $9,000 or more in grant-based awards for students completing a four-year degree.
Many other University, community, or corporate scholarships are also based on academic merit, as measured by a student’s ACT score, GPA, class rank, or some combination of these factors. Due to the strong correlation with improved ACT scores, students are encouraged to pursue the most rigorous curriculum possible in high school. This would include taking four years of Math and Science, along with at least one “Advanced Placement” (AP), or dual credit university course.

In addition to the ACT, GPA, class rank, and other academic indicators, an increasing number of post-secondary opportunities (colleges/universities, vocational schools, military services, private and public employers) depend on a student’s “track record” of participation in high school activities, community service, and other more subjective criteria such as writing ability, leadership skills/potential, etc.

Our local testing program is largely a reflection of state and federal law. Most of what we do locally is mandated by the South Dakota Department of Education. The state DOE in turn, is largely just implementing federal requirements coming from national legislation such as the "No Child Left Behind" law. The State of South Dakota currently requires that students in grades three through eight and eleven be tested annually in math, reading, and science on the Dakota Step test.
Although many people believe that standardized testing has limitations in the diagnosis and guidance of learning, there is a definite trend toward more standardized testing accompanied by use of these test results to evaluate and rank individual students, teachers, and school districts. Much of this process is and will increasingly become out of the control of local teachers and school administrators.
With this background in mind, it becomes very important that students strive to do their absolute best on any and all of these tests. Not only does this benefit the individual student, but also in some circumstances the status and reputation of our school and entire community may be at stake.
Standardized tests will be scheduled on the school calendar. Details about particular tests will be communicated to students and parents as they are administered.

The school district employs a full-time person in the combination role of K-12 Guidance Counselor and Dean of Students. After trying a number of different staffing approaches, the size of our district and the overlapping duties make this combined role the ideal way of efficiently addressing the great variety of student needs for academic and social guidance.
A limited amount of on-going, individual attention is available from the school guidance counselor. However, every attempt will be made to immediately address more serious student concerns or requests for counseling.

Tardiness is failing to be at the assigned area and being prepared for class when the final bell rings. A tardy of 15 minutes or more will be counted as an absence for that class period. Tardies may be excused if a student is detained by another staff member or in some cases through parental request. A student will be allowed two unexcused tardies per semester without disciplinary penalty although all absence and tardies become a part of the student’s official record. A third tardy results in a detention and possibly a conference with the parent, student, and the principal (refer to disciplinary policy). Tardies are tracked on the DDN Infinite Campus.Top

General guidelines include:
• Students absent from school must bring a signed statement to the office secretary from a parent stating the reason for the absence or have a parent phone with the same information. Parents are encouraged to call the school office by 8:00 a.m. on days when their child is absent. All parental requests are honored as excused absences, although parents and students must keep in mind the guidelines for total absences. When students know they are going to be absent for both school-sponsored and personal reasons, they are encouraged to contact all of their teachers to make up assignments prior to the absence(s).
• For unexpected absences, students generally have two days for each day missed to make up work unless special arrangements are made with their instructor(s). Classroom policies for makeup work will vary depending on the teacher and circumstances.

• A student shall not leave school during the school day without first reporting to the office to obtain permission. Failure to properly sign out from the office shall result in being charged with an unexcused absence or truancy. This includes going to the Rambler Stop unless an entire class goes there accompanied by the teacher.
• Attendance is taken and tracked by period. An absence of 1-2 periods is considered a 1/4 day of absence. An absence of 3-4 periods counts as 1/2
day absent, 5-6 periods as 3/4 of a day absent, and 7 as a full day absent.
• Students removed from a class for disciplinary reasons will lose attendance credit for the entire class period.
Any student missing more than 10 periods of any class per semester or 5 periods per quarter (not counting absences for school related events or activities or for extenuating circumstances such as surgery) loses credit for that particular class. This may occur without regard to the student’s accumulated GPA in the class. Any student losing credit due to excessive absences will be required to make up the credit at his/her own expense through correspondence work, summer school, or some other option agreeable to the classroom teacher and school administration.
Consistent attendance and participation are important parts of being successful at school or with virtually any endeavor. At the discretion of the school administration, absences of more than 20 days per year or 10 days per semester may be grounds for expulsion from school for the remainder of the semester or school year, as decided by the school board.
Unexcused absence (truancy) is absence from school without knowledge or permission from the parents or any school personnel.
1. A conference between parents and the principal is required before the student will be permitted to re-enter school or class.
2. Truancy will result in students having to make up work missed without receiving credit.
Absence due to school events: Absences from school for school-sanctioned activities/events will not count against a student’s attendance record. Students absent for school-sponsored activities and events are expected to make up work prior to their absence or to make other arrangements with teachers.

In order to maintain an orderly atmosphere conducive to learning and organized school activities, students are to show respect to all teachers, other school personnel, and each other. This not only applies to classroom situations, but also to any circumstances or in any locations associated with Rutland School (such as in hallways, in the gym, in the lunchroom, on school grounds, on buses, at the Rambler Stop convenience store, or at out-of-town school activities).
Respect for the school staff, other students, and for oneself is shown not only by what students choose to do or say but also by how students respond to directions from adult school personnel. Displaying an attitude of insubordination to staff members by refusing to follow their instructions, by being openly defiant, or by being rebellious is prohibited.
Students are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times while at school or at any school-related function. It is believed that most students are aware of what constitutes good conduct by the time they reach the seventh grade. Although it is impossible to list all possible prohibited behaviors, the conduct guidelines that follow provide some examples of proper conduct for students needing clarification or more information. District personnel reserve the right to discipline students for inappropriate actions and other behavioral circumstances not specifically addressed in this handbook.

Bullying is any activity that is done to pester or pick on a victim, either as an isolated incident, or over a longer period of time. It can be verbal, physical, or mean more subtle types of behaviors meant to humiliate, harass or harm another person. This is your only warning! Students and parents must report any incidences of bullying to either the classroom teacher, the Dean of Students, or Superintendent. Not reporting bullying enables and gives the bully power and allows an atmosphere of fear and intimidation to persist.

Many types of bullying behaviors are not direct or obvious enough to be noticed by supervising adults. Thus, the burden of responsibility is on the victim(s) and witnesses of any bullying to promptly report such behaviors. Teachers and other school officials cannot possibly address and correct that which they know nothing about.

Offending students will be pursued to the point of suspension or expulsion from school- whatever is needed to keep other students physically and emotionally safe at school and at school sponsored activities. After any incident is reported, further bullying or any such reprisal type behavior on the part of the offending student(s) will not be tolerated, but must also be promptly reported to be corrected.

Please do your part to make our school a safe and enjoyable place to learn!

2. It is out of place to make oneself conspicuous by loud or boisterous talking, laughing, whistling, scuffling, etc.
3. Students are not permitted to roam the halls for any reason. Students may sign out during class periods for various reasons at the discretion of the supervising staff member.
4. Hats, scarves, or caps should not be worn inside the school building.
5. Eating sunflower seeds anywhere in the school is not allowed. Food and beverages are limited to certain areas (such as in the lunchroom, outside, in the gym lobby, or at the convenience store.) Drinking water and chewing gum are permissible at the instructors’ discretion.
7. Running or sliding in the hallways or on the banisters is not permitted.
9. Coats are to be hung in lockers unless they are being worn when the school facility is uncomfortably cool.
10. Excessive PDA’s (public displays of affection) will not be allowed at school or at school functions.
11. Students will maintain respect for all people during any event involving the Rutland School. Booing will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
12. When representing the school at any school-sponsored function away from Rutland, the student body is expected to act and dress in a manner that will bring honor to themselves, the school, and the community.
13. Students will not smoke or use/possess tobacco or smokeless tobacco product. (See eligibility rules.)
14. Students will not use or possess any drug or alcoholic beverage. (See eligibility rules and referral to law enforcement.)
15. At no time is it ever permissible to use the computer or Internet in any way, which involves going to inappropriate web sites, downloading offensive material, or exchanging controversial messages. The school will not provide headsets for student use. If students choose to wear them with the teacher's approval, they will provide their own.

Playing CDs is only permissible when it does not interfere with other students' learning or with the teachers' instruction. Individual teachers retain the right to determine how student laptops computers are utilized in their classrooms. Teachers or administrators may restrict or revoke computer privileges when students fall behind in any courses, or as a form of disciplinary action.
16. All 9-12 students will have laptop computers, but the use of these machines must fall within the guidelines of the district’s “Acceptable Computer Use Policy” printed below. The use of school laptop or desktop computers is a privilege rather than a right. Abusing the rules for appropriate use may result in the loss of computer privileges for a length of time corresponding to the severity of the infractions.
17. Cheating on homework, quizzes, projects, and tests will not be tolerated. Sanctions will be determined by individual teachers.

In addition to the previous items listed, any behavior or attitude that interferes with the teaching or learning atmosphere (within an individual classroom or the general school environment) will be treated as a disciplinary incident.

Detention Policy

Detention is a more serious tool used to address incidences of misbehavior and/or insubordination. Incidences of concern will be available to the parents through the DDN Infinite Campus under the “ Discipline” section. The following are guidelines for detention:

• Any staff member may assign detention for inappropriate behavior, insubordination, or violation of any school or classroom regulation. Additional problems may result in the student being removed from class or the

Detention is a more serious tool used to address incidences of misbehavior and/or insubordination. Incidences of concern will be available to the parents through the DDN Infinite Campus under the : “Discipline” section. The following are guidelines for detention:

• Any staff member may assign detention for inappropriate behavior, insubordination, or violation of any school or classroom regulation. Additional problems may result in the student being removed from class or the situation at hand and sent to the principal’s office. Elementary teachers may assign detentions to junior and senior high students as deemed necessary.
• Detention shall be under the direction of the Dean of Students or someone appointed in the absence of the administrator.
• The staff member assigning the detention will list it under the “Discipline” tab on the DDN Infinite Campus specifying the concern. He or she will notify the administration when such a listing has been added. The principal or teacher may also notify the parents by email, by telephone, or by mail. (A detention for tardiness may or may not necessitate contact with the parents.)
• A student who skips or is late for an assigned detention will be assigned an additional detention. The one-half hour becomes one full hour.
• Students serving detention are expected to read or work on schoolwork or do jobs assigned to them by staff. They may not sleep or have food, beverages, or music. Students who display inappropriate behavior during detention shall be subject to additional disciplinary detentions, suspension, or expulsion.
• The detentions will be calculated on a semester basis.
• Students receiving a second detention within the same semester may be required to bring their parents to a disciplinary hearing with the school administration and involved teachers before returning to regular classes.
• The third detention in a semester could result in the student serving an in-school suspension of one or more days. Students may again need to bring their parent(s) to a disciplinary hearing with the school administration and involved teachers before returning to regular classes. The amount of credit allowed for schoolwork completed during the ISS will be determined by the student’s behavior, attitude, and conduct history.
• In situations of extreme negative behaviors, students may be given an ISS (In-school suspension) or OSS (Out-of-school suspension) without previous detentions.

The Rutland School District, as part of a commitment to upholding academic integrity and providing a safe learning environment free from distraction, prohibits the use of cellular phones and other personal, portable media devices during school hours. This restriction includes school-sponsored activities and field trips, unless specifically authorized by school staff members.
Students are advised to leave cell phones at home or secured in their cars. No cell phones, pagers, etc. will be allowed in the school building. Students violating this policy will be subject to the following action(s):
-1st offense: cell phone will be taken and held by a school staff member for the remainder of the school day.
-2nd offense: cell phone will be taken and held by a school staff member for a minimum period of 1 week.
-3rd offense: cell phone will be taken and held by a school staff member for the remainder of the semester or school year.

The school district assumes no responsibility for loss, damage or theft of cellular phones or other digital media devices on school property or if confiscated by school personnel. Additionally, students give up their privacy rights with the violation of this policy: school personnel (upon reasonable suspicion) may search the digital device for evidence of any other inappropriate activity or violation of school policies.

The Rutland School District recognizes that computers are used to support learning and to enhance instruction. It is a general policy that all computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. This applies to all regular computers as well as laptops owned by the Rutland School. The Rutland School District declares unethical and unacceptable behavior as just cause for taking disciplinary action, revoking information network access privileges, and/or initiating legal action for any activity through which an individual uses the information networks for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities. Illegal activities shall be defined as those that violate local, state, and/or federal laws, including violation of copyright. Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of the intended use of the network, and/or purpose, and goal. Obscene activities shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted standards for use of a publicly owned and operated communication vehicle. Unethical and unacceptable behavior may include but is not limited to the following:

• Intentionally disrupts information network traffic or crashes the network or connected systems;
• Degrades and disrupts equipment or system performance;
•Uses Rutland School District computing resources for commercial or financial gain or fraud;
• Steals data, equipment, or intellectual property;
• Gains unauthorized access to the files of others or vandalizes the data or files of another;
• Gains or seeks to gain unauthorized access to resources or entities; Forges electronic mail messages or uses an account owned by another user; Invades the privacy of individuals, posts anonymous messages; or possesses any data that might be considered a violation of these rules in paper, magnetic (disk), or any other form.

The District has the right to restrict or terminate information network access at any time for any reason. The District further has the right to monitor network activity in any form that it sees fit. Students are assigned individual accounts and need to keep others from accessing their laptop or network account, since inappropriate account activity will be attributed to the account owner. The district has installed internet filtering and monitoring software on all student machines. This software will track user history and be searchable to the network administrator. Attempts to access blocked or inappropriate websites or other user violations may be automatically reported through this software system. In short- STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE NO EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY WHILE USING SCHOOL COMPUTERS OR NETWORKS.

At the beginning of the school year, lockers will be assigned to students. There will be no trading or changing them during the year without the principal’s approval. It is the student’s responsibility to keep his or her locker in order and to keep it locked to prevent thefts. Locks are available from the office secretary. Lockers are school property and may be checked at various times throughout the year with or without prior student knowledge. Students may decorate their lockers on the outside with school-related items only; however, they may decorate the inside with personal items appropriate for a school setting. Students may not go to their lockers to eat and drink.

Good personal appearance is conducive to a positive learning atmosphere. It is each student's responsibility to come to school clean and neatly dressed. Decisions should reflect common standards of the school, and community.
The standard, which will determine appropriate dress in school, includes
• Wearing neat and appropriate clothes during the school year. Clothes will be neat in appearance, hemmed, and not torn.
• Wearing shorts and skirts of sufficient length to be appropriate for classroom settings. Short shorts and mini-skirts are not acceptable.
• Not wearing mesh shirts, low-cut or oversized tank tops, spaghetti-strapped shirts, half shirts, or low-riding jeans for school attire.
• Not having undergarments show.
• Not wearing hats, caps, and scarves in the school.
• Not wearing clothing that carries derogatory connotations, alcohol, tobacco, or drug advertising, and obscene or suggestive language.
• Not exposing excessive tattoos or body piercings.

Rules are established for the benefit of the students who have study hall and for the instructor who supervises it. Study halls are to be used for studying and preparing class assignments.
1. Students will come prepared for the entire class period, not anticipating the need to return to their lockers.
2. No pop or food is allowed. The exception is if the study hall teacher takes the students to the Rambler Stop or to the lunchroom.
3. Students may use the sign-out log to leave the room at the discretion of the study hall supervisor. A student should not make repeated requests to leave study hall or other classrooms during a single class period or during the day.
4. Headset and CD player use are at the discretion of the study hall teacher.
5. Students during noon break may be in the gym, at the convenience store, in the commons upstairs, or outside in front of the school. Students may be in classrooms or other areas at the discretion of staff members.
6. Students are welcome to shoot hoops during noon break but not to hang on them.

All students will be assigned to specific rooms during all periods. A sign-out clipboard will be available in every room and must be used in any case for bathroom, locker trips, or any other occasion where students leave their assigned room during the period.

Students may drive motor vehicles to school if they follow the specific conditions listed below. Since the safety of the students is involved, it is important that these rules be strictly enforced.
1. Vehicles will not be moved during school hours. School hours include the noon lunch period.
2. Students are not to go to their cars during class time unless they have permission from a staff member.
3. After buses have departed, students drivers may leave.
4. All students will park their cars on the north or west side of the school building. Do not block the school bus garage. The senior class may have a designated parking area.
5. Students will obey all state and local traffic regulations. Law enforcement will be notified if students' driving habits endanger others. Exhibition driving is unacceptable at all times.
6. Driving personal vehicles to school-sponsored activities as a participant is prohibited unless previous arrangements have been made through the school office. Parents must give their permission for this.
7. Vehicles may be searched if there is reasonable suspicion of the violation of a law or school rule. Looking in the windows is not considered a search. (See the South Dakota Guide to Students Rights and Responsibilities.)
If rules one through seven are not followed, it will be requested that the offending student not be allowed to drive to school.

Prior to loading, the students will
• be on time at the designated school bus stops.
• stay off the roads at all times while waiting for the bus.
• wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter it.
• help the bus drivers stay on schedule; therefore, the bus drivers are required to wait only three minutes at each stop.
• be ready to depart five minutes after school has been dismissed.
While on the bus, the students will
• obey the bus driver and be prompt.
• First offense will be handled by the driver.
• Second offense will be handled by the principal / lead teacher. The parents will be notified.
• Third offense will mean student’s bus privileges are suspended for one week.
• Fourth offense will mean student’s bus privileges are suspended for the rest of the year.
• (If a student commits an extremely serious infraction, he or she could lose bus privileges for the entire year based on a first offense however.)
• keep hands and heads inside the bus at all times.
• help keep the bus safe and sanitary at all times.
• not eat sunflower seeds on the bus.
• not throw anything out of the bus windows.
• not leave their seats while the bus is in motion.
• be courteous to fellow riders and bus drivers.
• keep all objects out of the aisle.
• not tamper with the bus or its equipment.
• not distract the driver’s attention, which might lead to an accident.
Leaving the bus, the students will
• look in both directions to be sure no traffic is approaching.

The bus driver will
• not discharge riders other than at regular bus stops unless he or she has proper authorization from parents or school officials.
Activity trips
The above rules and regulations are to be followed on any trip which is sponsored by the school. Non-compliance with the regulations may result in bus riding privileges being revoked.

School property and the facilities at Rutland Public School represent a large investment of time and money by the parents and people of this community. Students will be held directly responsible for any carelessness or intentional damage to anything belonging to the school.
Students will no longer be allowed to have pop, food or snacks in the classrooms or in the commons. Teachers may make exceptions for certain special occasions in their classrooms, or may elect instead to take their classes to the luchroom or the Rambler Stop for treats.

The use of traditional textbooks is expected in most subjects offered, based on teacher and course guidelines. At the beginning of a course, students will be issued textbooks. In cases where class instruction is based on software, internet content, or teacher created resources, students will usually still have the option of obtaining a traditional textbook. Upon returning the books at the end of the school year, students may be required to pay a fee for damages if the instructor feels that the damage is beyond normal wear.

According to state law, all medications must be kept under lock in the school office. Parents have 2 different options to handle how medications are dispensed.

Signing Option I makes the school responsible for giving all medications to your child. Your pysician's signature is also required! Signing Option II makes your child responsible for coming to the office and taking his/her own medication. No physician's signature required for this option.

If your child must bring medication to school, the following requirements must be met:
Prescrition Medications-

1. Must be clearly identified as to the name and type of medication
2. Must be in the original container.
3. Must carry a prescription label with child's name and prescription date.
4. The prescription must be current.
5. A blue medication form sent to yo in the fall packet or available in the office needs to be dated and signed by the parent or guardian. It must accompany the medication, giving the child's name, dosage amount, specific dosage times and other instructions if necessary.
6. The permission note will be filed in the child's permanent cumulative record.
7. Refrigeration is available.
8. Medication will be given by certified school personnel.

Non-Prescription Medication-
1. Must be in the original container (asprin bottles, cough medicine bottle, ect.)
2. Must be clearly identified as to the name and type of medicatio and dosage instructions.
3. A blue medication form sent in the fall packet or available in the office needs to be dated and signed by the parent or guardian. It must accompany the medication, giving the child's name, dosage amounts, specific dosage times and othe instructions if necessary.
4. Medication will be given by certified school personnel.

Cough drops and Lactaid may be kept in the classroom and taken with the classroom teacher's permission. Please send a note when you send cough drops or Lactaid.

Student wishing to post announcements may contact any teacher.
Staff and students are expected to read the announcements daily for pertinent information. Announcements are also posted on the bulletin boards by the downstairs office, upstairs by the copy machine, by the computer room, and placed on the tables during the lunch period. (Last minute announcements to be given over the intercom system will be done for urgent messages only.)
Students and staff are responsible for information published in the announcements and will be held accountable for it. The announcements are posted on the DDN Infinite Campus.

Wednesday night has been sat aside as church night. Every effort will be made by the school authorities to avoid scheduling school activities on Wednesday nights (with the exception of varsity/JV athletic practices). Students unable to attend Wednesday practices due to church commitments will be excused or allowed to leave early without consequence.

The loss of any item is to be reported to the office secretary. Any item found should be turned in immediately to the office as well. The secretary will publish these items in the daily announcements as deemed necessary.

The school does not provide health or accident insurance for injuries incurred at school. Every student must have the pertinent health and parental consent forms on file in the main office. The secretary supplies these forms to students by mail prior to the beginning of each school year.
Information about student insurance programs is available at the beginning of each school year. This would be additional coverage that families might opt to purchase beyond their own family insurance policies.
All injuries should be reported to the teacher in charge or to the secretary's office. There are certified and non-certified personnel on staff with First Aid training. An automated external defibrillator is located in the office or the gym for cardiac emergencies..

If a student has a grievance, he or she must first contact the teacher. It is expected that most grievances would be resolved at this level. Any dissatisfaction at this level may be appealed to the Dean of Students. If any further discussion is necessary, the student may appeal to the superintendent. Students may request a hearing with the Rutland School Board to address any grievance once all of the previous channels have been sincerely attempted. The student may bring his or her parents as well.

Messages will be passed to students at the earliest convenience. Only in emergencies will class interruptions for student be permitted, and then only with the permission of a school staff member. Students are not to use any staff member's telephone without permission.

The administration asks parents to call students at school only when necessay. Parents will be asked to leave a message to avoid pulling students from classes for phone calls. Emergencies are the obvious exception.

The Rutland School offers a balanced, nutritious meal for breakfast and for lunch. Every student is encouraged to eat breakfast and lunch at the school. All breakfasts and lunches (including beverages) are to be eaten in the lunchroom, not in the gym or the library area upstairs.

These typically weather-related decisions will be announced on KJAM radio station, 1390 on the AM dial and 103.1 on the FM dial. Announcements will also be made through the KELO and KSFY Television station "closelines", and on Brookings Radio.
If the weather is such that driving is unsafe for students, they should consider riding the bus or waiting until the weather allows them to drive in safer conditions. The school will allow excused absences or tardies for weather-related problems, such as thick fog, heavy snow, black ice, and so forth.

Any student wanting to make a purchase of any item to be charged to the school may do so only by using a school purchase order received from the secretary. To get this purchase order, the student should first get approval from the class advisor or teacher to whom the purchase applies. Any student making a purchase must sign the sales slip at the place of business and bring a copy of it to the business manager.

All money owed to the school will be paid to the business office to either the secretary or the business manager. Please note where possible the account that the money should be applied toward when paying bills. As with most other business or public entities, the school district reserves the right to refer unpaid bills to collection agencies or to take legal action through small claims court.
Any dues established by an organization to which a student belongs will be paid no later than the date set by the adviser. If not paid, the student will not be allowed to participate in the organization’s functions.

Fire and severe weather drills are held as soon as possible after school is open in the fall. A sufficient number of drills are held so every student knows what to do or where to go if an emergency arises.
Drills are announced by the fire bell or an all-call throughout the building. If a fire is discovered, the person discovering the fire should immediately ring the bell. Fire alarms are located throughout the building.

Students are notified regarding the time of the first drill. After that the
superintendent or a member of the local or state fire department may sound the siren at any time. The proper procedure for emergency drills is given before the first drills are executed. Emergency plans are posted in each classroom.

At all school dances, the doors will be locked 1/2 hour after the dance starts. Anyone leaving after the doors have been locked will not be allowed back into the dance.

The prom will take place on a Saturday, so as to detract as little as possible from the regular school day. The prom grand march and dance will be held in the Rutland School. The Junior Class advisors will work with the students in fundraising, planning and implementing the Junior/Senior Prom.

Seniors who take six subjects both semesters in addition to a fine arts course will be allowed to leave school five days early at the end of the second semester. Students must be passing all of their courses for this to apply.

The School District does not officially sponsor Senior class trips but may allow for Senior trips contingent upon the class’s finances and availability of chaperones. Senior trips must be planned well in advance, to avoid conflicts with school sponsored activities. In addition to the senior release days, a maximum of one additional school day may be utilized for a senior trip.

We believe that through extra-curricular involvement:
• activities become an integral part of the overall educational program.
• emotional maturity can be developed.
• good health is encouraged.
• cooperation is taught.
• competition can be used in a positive manner.
• character development and self-discipline are enhanced.
• physical skills can be improved.
• pride in self and school is developed.
• good sportsmanship can be learned.
Students at RHS can participate in football, girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, volleyball, track and cheerleading (in a cooperative with Oldham-Ramona), pep band, cross country, girls’ tennis (in a cooperative with Madison Central), wrestling (in a coop with Chester), drill team, oral interpretation, one-act play, all-school play, newspaper, and yearbook. Students are responsible to provide their own transportation to practices, with the exception of the co-oped sports when the team travels to practice with the coach or adviser. (The co-op, Oldham-Ramona-Rutland, have a separate Handbook for Sports.)

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND CONTROLLED DRUG POLICY
It is the philosophy of the Rutland School District that the use of alcohol, tobacco, and controlled drugs is not conducive to the welfare and well being of school-aged children. We believe that the development of a strong body and mind is inhibited by such use, which often prevents or retards an individual’s capability to deal effectively with and resolve life's problems. Their use is also illegal, and therefore, cannot be condoned by educators. It is in this philosophy that the following policy be implemented.
Rutland School will follow the eligibility rules set forth in the SDHSAA Handbook. They will be applied to all sports, music, speech, and journalism events.In order to be eligible at Rutland High School, the student must meet all eligibility rules of the South Dakota High School Activities Association and of Rutland High School.
The following rules shall apply:

1. A student must be under the age of 20 years.
2. A student must not participate on any team other than his/her high school team during the given activity season.
3. A student may not compete at any high school more than eight (8) semesters.
4. A student must turn in a completed physical examination form prior to any practice or participation.
5. A student must be in school all day the day of the activity to be eligible for a night’s contest unless he or she has prior approval by the head coach or the athletic director (doctor’s appointment, court summons, funeral). Habitual absences or tardies on days of school following athletic or other school activities may also affect eligibility.
6. A student must be passing in all of his/her classes from the previous semester. Some cases may warrant individual consideration.
7. A student must meet any requirements set by the administrations of Rutland High School and of Oldham-Ramona High School. The activity advisor may also have further additional rules that are approved by the administration. The advisor MUST let the participants know about these rules at the beginning of the season.

Any student in grades 7 –12, who is failing a course, (calculated from Monday morning through the end of the school day Friday) will be ineligible to participate the following week. Grades must be submitted by 8:30 a.m. on Monday mornings to be considered for the eligibility timeframe. (If there is a Monday holiday, than Tuesday constitutes the eligibility day.)
The weekly eligibility-grading period commences at the beginning of the fourth week of each quarter. A failed course at the end of each quarter (on the report card) will cause the student to be ineligible for the first three weeks (or after the fifteenth day) of the following quarter. The fourth week then constitutes the beginning of the weekly eligibility. This rule is applicable from the spring semester to the fall semester of the new school year. Some cases may warrant individual consideration at administrative discretion.

1. A Coach/Adviser will determine who has earned a letter.
2. Coaches/Advisers will set up requirements for their particular activity. They are expected to make these requirements known to the Activities Director and the student activity participants.
3. A Coach/ Adviser has the right to letter any person who he/she feels is worthy and has worked above and beyond the requirements.

Students participating in out-of-town activities are to ride to and from the activity with team members in school buses or other vehicles. This is the preference of most coaches. Exceptions to this practice may include:
1. Written permission from the parent may be submitted to the activity adviser, coach, or athletic director prior to the day of the event.
2. If an emergency arises at the event, or for other reasons, a student may leave with a parent from an event, but the PARENT must make the request in person from the head coach/adviser only (not the bus driver, assistants, or the chaperones).

Many school-prohibited behaviors are also against state and/or federal law. Underage possession/use of tobacco or alcohol, possession/use/sale of illegal substances, physical violence or intimidation, possession of guns or other weapons on school property and traffic violations are just a few examples of this.
The South Dakota attorney general's office has recently informed schools of new laws passed by the 2007-08 legislature. This is of special importance to students because actions that were previously considered pranks or vandalism may now rise to the level of criminal activity in some circumstances. The activity can be verbal, written, or physical in nature. For example, a student who etches terroristic threats on a bathroom wall, calls the school threatening violence or uses a hoax substance to make people believe it is a dangerous chemical can now face serious criminal penalties.
Aside from the above exception, it is not a realistic purpose of this student handbook to inform parents and students of all state and federal laws relevant to student conduct issues. School personnel, students, and parents all share an equal responsibility to be knowledgeable about and maintain lawful behavior within and beyond the school setting.
School officials retain the option to refer any criminal behavior to law enforcement for criminal prosecution. Whether or not this happens depends on the seriousness of the situation, the disciplinary history of the offending student, and the attitude/cooperation of the student and their parents, among other possible factors.

To conclude on a positive note, the administration would like to say that it is a privilege for us to work with the students, teachers, staff, and parents of the Rutland School District. This handbook is a guide to help us run our school more efficiently and to offer a safe and happy environment where all students can learn effectively. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and your contributions in making our school so successful. We have a school to be proud of because of a supportive community.

I will adhere to the Rutland School’s policy for appropriate Internet and computer use. Breaking any of the rules listed in this handbook could result in the temporary or permanent loss of computer privileges, or other school-based sanctions. More severe violations could result in civil or criminal liability.
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Student's Signature Date
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Parent's Signature Date

A signature does not necessarily mean the person who signed the form is in total agreement, but rather that he or she is familiar with the policies and procedures therein and will strive to abide by them.

________________________ ____________________________
Parent’s Signature Date

________________________ ____________________________
Student’s Signature Date

Every student should strive for the highest possible grade. Below is the percentage break down for each grade:
A = 96% & up	B = 89-91	C = 82-84	D = 73-76
A- = 94-95	B- = 87-88	C- = 80-81	D- = 70-72
B+ = 92-93	C+ = 85-86	D+ = 77-79

Class rank is figured for each student at the end of every semester. The following numerical value for each letter grade is used in figuring class rank:
A = 11 points	B- = 7 points	D+ = 3 points
A- = 10 points	C+ = 6 points	D = 2 points
B+ = 9 points	C = 5 points	D- = 1 point
B = 8 points	C- = 4 points
Final rank will be figured on a four-year cumulative basis.