WIS Student Handbook

 

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WWS Vision
All Rocks Are Life Ready!

WWS Mission
To ensure high levels of learning and growth for each student.

WIS Mission
Westfield Intermediate School is a transitional environment, committed to developing lifelong learners with individual expectations for success in our diverse community.  Varied teaching styles allow students opportunities to develop their personal best to meet the challenges of the future.

Westfield Washington Schools fosters the development of students by providing a variety of opportunities for students to acquire and apply the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to navigate life challenges in an ethical and productive way.  WWS cultivates five core guiding principles - Compassion, Honesty, Hard Work, Responsibility and Respect.

An integral part of WWS mission is to intentionally build a caring, participatory, and safe learning environment.  By utilizing a variety of learning practices, programs, and processes, WWS actively strives to develop the necessary skills students need to be successful academically and ultimately in life.

Student dress is the responsibility of both the student and the parent/guardian.  Students are expected to dress themselves within the framework of individual pride, decency, cleanliness and safety.  Clothing should be comfortable, loose enough, long enough, modest, in good taste and suitable for school. 

Freedom of expression may not be used to present material or actions, which tend to be obscene or slanderous, or to defame character, or to advocate violation of federal, state and local laws, or official school policies, rules, and regulations.

The following list, but not limited to, are examples of clothing items that might be determined to be disruptive to the educational process.

1.  Clothing which might damage school property (e.g. black-soled shoes which might mark floors, cleats, metal rivets or buckles)
2.  Clothing which might prove hazardous to one’s health and/or safety (e.g. spikes on clothing, metal studs on belts or jewelry, chains on wallets)
3.  Clothing with double-meanings and/or insinuations with regard to drugs, sex or vulgar connotations
4.  Any clothing, jewelry, tattoo, or body painting depicting and/or advertising tobacco, drugs, alcohol, obscenities, illegal activity or that which is otherwise inappropriate or disruptive
5.  Backless halters, tube tops, or low cut clothing are not acceptable as proper school attire.
6.  Bare midriff and small of back should not be visible at any time.
7.  If the length of shorts, skirts, dresses, or other articles of clothing is disruptive to the learning environment, the clothing should not be worn at school.
8.  Hats and sunglasses, for males/females, are prohibited in the school building.
9.  If an article of clothing has a hood, the hood must remain off in the school building.
10.  Clothing that is ripped to the point of being a disruption
11.  Hair coloring and body piercings
12.  Sagging pants, shorts, or skirts
13.  Spaghetti strap or racer cut tank tops
14.  Visible undergarments

The building principal, or designee, may determine whether or not the attire creates a disruption to the learning environment.

Dress code violations may result in, but not limited to, the following:

1.  A warning given to the student to remove the article or not wear it in the future to school
2.  A phone call home from teacher and/or administrator
3.  A student being given different clothing to wear from the school nurse
4.  A phone call home for a student to be picked-up or a parent/guardian to bring appropriate attire for the student to wear that day

Students are required to wear appropriate clothing for Physical Education.  This clothing should not restrict movement and should stay in place during physical activity.  Students’ shoes should be clean, properly fitted, and appropriate for the gymnasium floor.  These shoes should be athletic-type footwear that has appropriate traction.  Students who don’t follow these guidelines will be subject to grade deduction and missing class at the teacher’s discretion.

Homework is only given when independent work is not finished during class. Homework may be differentiated based upon a student's individual needs.  Teachers will always provide guided practice for these assignments.  Homework will account for no more than 20% of a student’s final grade for any class.

Late work will only be accepted through the end of the quarter.  Any assignments not handed in during the time allotted, will be coded as missing or not handed in.  Students and parents are responsible for following PowerSchool and Canvas to monitor any late or missing assignments that need to be completed.

Daily Schedule

Intermediate school hours are 8:45 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.  A child is considered tardy if not in the classroom at 8:45 a.m.  If you bring your child to school, please do not drop your child off at school before 8:20 a.m.  No supervision is provided for students before 8:15 a.m.  All students need to be dropped off at Door 2.

The school office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Arrival and Dismissal of Students

Drop off and pick up for WIS students is at the sidewalk in the designated drop off zone. Please be sure to stay in a single lane of traffic and drop off or pick up your child along the sidewalk.  We ask that you do not drop off or pick up students in the parking lot.  This will assure that students are not walking through busy traffic to get to areas of safety.

All 6th Grade students will be dropped off at door 2 and all 5th grade students will be dropped off at door 16.  If you have students that you are picking up from both grade levels, you may choose either door 2 or door 16. In an effort to keep traffic moving in front of the building, students will be allowed inside the building at 8:20 a.m.  Please respect the 8:20 a.m. time as there is no supervision provided before that time.  Drivers are expected to wait with the student in the car until 8:20 a.m.  Any student dropped off before 8:15 a.m. may be sent to Before & After Care (BAC) with the parent/guardian being responsible for the charges incurred.

After School

All students are to leave school at dismissal time.  No student should be in the building past 3:45 p.m. unless participating in a supervised activity.  Students are to remain with supervisor(s).   Students who have remained with staff for any supervised activity will be dismissed to the front lobby for parent/guardian pickup.  Any student not picked up by 3:45 p.m. may be sent to Before & After Care (BAC) with the parent/guardian being responsible for the charges incurred.

Walking Restrictions

Students are not allowed to walk home if they have to cross US 31 or SR 32.  If you would like your child to walk home to the neighborhood adjacent to WIS, we do require a signed note from a parent/guardian to keep in the student’s file.

Students are not allowed to walk to the Westfield Public Library without supervision from an adult or older sibling (7th grade or higher).

Planned Early Dismissal

If it is necessary for a student to leave school during the school day, a written note stating the reason for this absence must be presented to the teacher at the beginning of the school day.  These notes are forwarded to the school office for our files.  Students will only be released to those listed in PowerSchool under Emergency Contacts with a Photo ID.

Parents/Guardians should come to the school office to pick up students for these early dismissals.  Students will be called immediately upon the parent/guardian's arrival.  Students who are returning the same day must present the doctor’s note to office staff upon re-entry or be accompanied to the office by the adult.  A re-admit slip must be issued from the office before a student reports to class.  A separate note or phone call by the parent/guardian should be made to the bus driver whenever a student will not be riding the bus.

If an unexpected circumstance arises during the day that requires you to pick up your child before school is dismissed, please call the office as soon as you know the change of plans.  A call to the office after 2:00 p.m. cannot assure that the message will reach your child before the end of the day.

Vehicle Idling

Drivers of all public and private vehicles are to turn off the engine if the vehicle is to be stopped for more than five (5) minutes in locations where vehicle exhaust may be drawn into the building or while on school grounds.

Emergency School Delay/Cancellation/Dismissal

The cancellation or late beginning of school will be broadcast via the best method available.  Parents will also be contacted through School Messenger, our emergency contact system.  Parents are encouraged to keep phone contacts updated. Please do not call the superintendent’s office or school office to ask about the closing of school.

Certain situations may require releasing students from school before the end of the day or relocating them from one school building to another.  If students are released early or relocated, the school district will notify parents by providing information via School Messenger.  Information will also be available on the school corporation website and through social media channels.

If there is an emergency school closing during school hours, it is imperative that your child knows exactly what he/she is supposed to do.

Example 1:     If your child is to go home he/she would always have a key or know where one is kept.
Example 2:    If your child is not to go home he/she must know where he/she is supposed to go.
Example 3:    If your child attends BAC, please make sure that he/she knows to attend BAC as normal.

If you transport your child to and from school, please make arrangements with someone who will always be able to pick him/her up.

Emergency closing arrangement information on each student is requested from each parent/guardian the first week of school. Please keep this and other emergency information up to date during the school year in PowerSchool.

If a bus driver or other school person believes a child may be harmed by releasing him or her from a bus or school, and the parent or guardian is not present, alternative arrangements may be made.  The parent or guardian will pay any cost for these services.

School Visitors

A SafeVisitor background check will be required for anyone who visits our schools and will spend unsupervised time with any student, including family members of our students.  Examples of activities in the schools where visitors will need a completed SafeVisitor background check are listed below:

Lunch Guests
Classroom Parties
Classroom Volunteers/Helpers/Room Parents
Field Trip Chaperones

Examples of activities that will not require a formal background check are listed below (these visitors will still follow normal school check-in procedures):

Classroom Guest Speakers
Parent/Teacher Conferences/Case Conferences
Special Events (Grandparent’s Day/Famous Hoosiers/etc.)
School Programs
Visiting school office area or dropping off items at the school

Background checks are good for four years at any school in the district.  These background checks will cost $12.95 (additional fees may apply) and can be acquired via the link below.  

Please note - this process could take 3 to 6 business days.  Once approved, please be on the lookout for a badge notification email from “info@safevisitorsolutions.com.”  Your badge will be attached as a PDF. You can either print it, save it on your phone, or download the SafeVisitor app.  A photo will be required and added upon your first visit to the school.

Web address for SafeVisitor process:
https://secure.safevisitorsolutions.com/Safe/Volunteer/003471/volunteer
You can find more information at www.wws.k12.in.us/Page/1474

Accident Insurance for School-Aged Children

Student accident insurance is an inexpensive type of insurance that should be considered as a supplement to your regular insurance plan since it is very limited in scope.  This insurance is made available as a courtesy to you and is not sponsored by the school.

The school carries no coverage on your child and can make no payments to cover medical costs.  The insurance plan offered covers accidents that require medical attention that happen at school and on the bus.  An application can be completed on the district website under Parent/Important Documents.

Bikes

Bikes may be ridden to school.  However, they MUST be placed in the designated bike rack and appropriately secured immediately upon arrival.  Any misuse will result in immediate loss of this privilege.  The school is not responsible for any damage or loss of property.

Birthdays

We recognize that birthdays are a special time.  We will acknowledge students’ birthdays.  However, as a result of our district’s Wellness Policy, we have changed our procedures for celebrating student birthdays at the classroom level.  Please do not send in or bring in food treats, flowers, balloons, etc.  Each elementary school will have its own guidelines for celebrating birthdays.  Guidelines will be explained through “Meet the Teacher” nights and newsletters.  No birthday party invitations may be distributed to students during the school day.

Teachers may from time to time plan special event celebrations like the birth of a child, upcoming marriage etc.  These are teacher initiated and co-planned with the office.

School Messenger

School Messenger is the WWS electronic parent/guardian notification system.  Emergency notifications, weather delays, closings, student documentation, general building information and district information are sent via voice messaging, text messages and email notification to the phone numbers and email addresses provided. Email is generally used for non-emergency situations (i.e. weekly newsletters or district announcements).  For an emergency or immediate activity, the system calls the parents/guardians’ listed number and sends a text to the cell phone number provided.  Please be sure to keep accurate email addresses and phone numbers  in PowerSchool.  Parents/guardians can update their email and phone number by notifying the front desk of their child’s school.

Cell Phone Guidelines

No cell phones, of any form, are to be used during the school day, including in the hallways, during lunch, midday, and entering/exiting the building, including the bus parking lot.  Students are expected to turn off their phones and store them in their lockers during the school day.  If any student is in violation of this policy, he/she will have his/her phone confiscated and taken to the office.  Confiscated cell phones must be picked up by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and will not be given back to the student.  It is the responsibility of the student to explain to his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) that his/her cell phone was taken away.  Parent(s)/guardian(s) may or may not receive a call from the school.  Cell phones can be picked up in the main office by the parent(s)/guardian(s) between the hours of 7:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

More assertive disciplinary action may ensue for repeated violations of this policy including, but not limited to, after school/lunch detentions, in-school suspensions, and out of school suspensions.  Your support is vital as we enforce this policy.  If you need to get in contact with your child please call the front office at (317) 867-6502 to leave a message rather than contacting your child on their cell phone.  All phone messages will be delivered to your child as soon as possible.  We have high expectations for student learning and achievement.  We greatly appreciate your help and support in this matter.

Changing Classrooms

Students are assigned to a homeroom class that works within a team/triad.  Homeroom assignments may be adjusted within a team/triad when the teachers believe it would enhance academic programming.

Curricular Materials and Student Fees

Parents will be invoiced for curricular materials and student fees associated with the individual courses their student has chosen. Full payment or a payment plan should be completed by the end of the first six weeks of school. If a student makes a schedule change, this may cause an adjustment in fees. The parent will either owe additional fees or may have a credit on the account. If a credit is on the account, a refund will be issued by the end of June.

Westfield Washington Schools' requires all unpaid fees, that are not on a payment plan, be sent to a collection agency no later than the end of the school year. Any account that is turned over to collections will have an additional $10.00 fee added to their outstanding balance.

If a student is withdrawn from school, the parent will receive a prorated refund on curricular materials that are returned to the school. However, many consumable materials used in classes lose all of their value once they have been used for any part of a class.

Desks/Books/School Property

In the interest of protecting all children, the Board of School Trustees authorizes the principal or his/her designee to examine school desks, lockers, and their contents when deemed appropriate.  Students are expected to care properly for all school property including desks, library books, textbooks, etc.  If a student destroys or loses school property he/she and his/her parents/guardians are responsible for the replacement cost.

Students are also expected to respect the property of their classmates and teachers.

Every Student Succeeds Act

Westfield Washington Schools must comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act.  Information regarding out-of-school suspensions and/or expulsions will remain part of each student’s permanent record that begins in kindergarten and concludes when a student graduates, transfers outside the district, or is expelled.  Information about in-school suspensions or punishments by individual teachers, such as an after-school detention, is not part of the permanent record.  These records will not appear on transcripts of grades that colleges receive.  This information will be shared with other schools only when the student transfers.  For more information, contact the Director of Student Services at 317-867-8006.

Field Trips

Each team/triad may plan educational experiences away from the school building in the form of field trips.  Fees may be assessed when necessary to cover admission and transportation costs.  When space allows, there may be opportunities for parents/guardians to chaperone field trips. All parents/guardians serving as chaperones must complete the Safe Visitor background check as described above in the “School Visitor” section.  For safety and supervision reasons, younger siblings are not permitted to attend field trips.

It is the policy of the Board of School Trustees that each child going on a field trip has a signed permission slip.  Children who have failed to return a signed permission slip will remain at the building and will be assigned alternative work. *A student without proof of proper immunizations is considered in violation of IC 20-34-4-5 students will not be allowed to attend field trips and/or extracurricular activities until immunization records are up to date and on file with the school nurse.

Messages to Parents

In keeping with the Intermediate School’s philosophy to promote student growth, our students are discouraged from calling home for “forgotten” items.  Hopefully, the student will take responsibility for arriving at school with all needed materials.  On a rare occasion when a teacher has requested that a student call home for a forgotten item, the office will notify the student’s teacher by email once the item has been delivered.

Messages to Students and Teachers

If a parent/guardian wishes to get a message to a student or teacher during school hours, they may call the office.  If the message is about a dismissal change, please call the school office to be sure that the message is received no later than 2:00 p.m.

Students and teachers are not called to the telephone except in emergency situations.  Parents/Guardians should be sure that pick-up arrangements for after-school activities are finalized before coming to school so the use of a telephone is not necessary. Teachers are with students throughout the day and may not be able to return your message promptly.

Money

Children are discouraged from bringing money to school unless there is a definite need for it.  The school is not responsible for the loss of money.

Technology Guidelines (Policy 13000-03)

The use of technology (this policy includes, but is not limited to: computers, Chromebooks, iPads, camcorders, cameras, editing equipment and all accessories) is a privilege. Abuse or misuse of the equipment, policies, or rules will lead to a loss of privileges or disciplinary action by school administration. Students and their parents/guardians are responsible for the cost of repair or the cost of replacement of any damage incurred either by vandalism or carelessness. All technology use is governed by the Acceptable Use of Technology and Internet Use Policy (13000-03).

Students may use computer labs, editing stations and other technology resources if a teacher is present in the lab to supervise them. A copy of the Policy and Parental Consent form is available in PowerSchool.

 Textbook/School Meal Assistance

Financial assistance is available to parents who complete a Household Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals form and qualify for assistance.  The forms are available during registration, online or at the administration building.  The form completed must be for the current school year.  If the parent wants textbook assistance, that question on the form will need to be answered and signed.

A child is eligible if the total household income and the amount and source of income received by each household member fall within federal guidelines for Free/Reduced Meals and/or Textbook Assistance.

Curricular materials fees are established each spring following state guidelines.   Payment is collected at the district level.  Payment can be made at the administration building with cash, check, credit card (Visa/Mastercard/Discover), or by completing a payment contract.  Payment can also be made online through a PowerSchool interface.

Tobacco Products

Smoking and tobacco use are prohibited in and on school grounds.  Tobacco and nicotine-based products and look-a-like products such as electronic cigarettes are specifically prohibited by Indiana Statute and Westfield Washington Schools.  Tobacco includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, nicotine delivering devices, chemicals, or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances; and any other tobacco or nicotine innovations.  Violations will result in serious consequences as outlined in the due process section of this handbook.

Toys/Games/Electronic Devices

No cell phones are permitted to be out or used during the school day.  If a student brings a cell phone to school, it must be kept in their locker at all times.  There may be times when electronic devices, such as iPads or e-Readers, may be permissible in the classroom.  The teacher may request a permission slip to be signed.  At no time, will the school be responsible for lost, stolen, or damage to these devices.

Toys, games, electronic devices, sports or collectible cards, etc. brought to school without such permission will be kept by the teacher or school office until a parent/guardian picks them up.  

Sports equipment may be brought to school only after the classroom teacher approves it and at student’s own risk.  Any equipment brought in must be labeled with the child’s name and be left in the designated area until time for the activity.

The school is not responsible for any of the above items being damaged, lost or stolen while on school property or at school events.
Volunteers

Volunteers are welcomed and always needed in our school.  Those volunteers who work directly with students or supervise a group of students on a field trip must complete the SafeVisitor background check.  Please see the section on School Visitors in this handbook.

Lunchroom Procedures

We want the cafeteria to be a place where our students can enjoy themselves and their lunch.  Parents/Guardians may eat lunch with their children, but are required to have a Safe Visitor background check completed prior to eating lunch in the cafeteria.  Arrangements for this can be made through the school office or the child’s teacher. Students are expected to follow the guidelines listed below:

1. Ask permission to leave the table once seated.
2. Observe the instructions of the supervisor(s).
3. Use proper table manners and be considerate of others.
4. Caffeinated beverages are not allowed.
5. Be responsible for returning food trays and leaving the area surrounding your place at the table clean.

Lunch money can be sent with your child in an envelope marked with the child’s name, the teacher’s name, and the amount sent.  Lunch money may be sent any day of the week.  Students can take any lunch money directly to the cafeteria to be entered into the electronic system.  Students do not pay for regular lunch as they go through the line.  Money can also be added to your child’s account at any time by going online to LunchTime, www.wws.k12.in.us Parents/Lunchtime. Parents will have access to viewing what purchases are made and the child's account balance all in real time.

The lunch/breakfast program is on the computer system that records when each child eats and keeps track of the money in his/her account. If your child packs their lunch and buys milk, the milk is charged to their account as an a la carte item. All charges will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.  Students will not be allowed to charge any a la carte items if their account is in the negative.  Notification will be sent when negative balances occur. If account balances exceed $50.00, parents/guardians will be contacted by the Director of Operations. Any outstanding balance at the end of the school year will be turned over to collections.  At that time a $10.00 collection fee will be added to the outstanding balance.  At no time will a child be denied a full meal.

Breakfast options are provided daily. Students who ride the bus should let the bus driver know that he/she would like to exit the bus to eat school breakfast.

Any parent/guardian who may need financial assistance to pay for lunch and/or breakfast may contact the Administration Office at 317-867-8019 or the Student Nutrition Office at 317-867-8062 to apply for Free/Reduced benefits.

Any questions or concerns may be directed to the Food Services Director at 317-867-8060.

Allergy Guidelines

Our food service department will do our best to never serve products with the following labels:

• "Contains nuts"
• "May contain nuts"
• "Made in a facility with nuts"
• "Made with equipment that also makes nut products"

Manufacturer's labels are constantly changing, however, we will diligently stay up to date on the labels for your child's protection. Peanut and nut products are allowed to be brought from home. Children with a nut allergy may choose to sit at a "nut free" table. The child with the allergy can bring two friends to sit with as long as those children have a nut free lunch.

If you are ever in question of a menu item, please do not hesitate to contact your Student Nutrition Department at 317-867-8062.  Any questions or concerns may be directed to the Food Services Director at 317-867-8060.

Student Support Programs

WWS is committed to our partnership with our families.  Student Support Programs offers many fee-based services, which extend our support beyond the school day and school year.  Before and After Care (BAC) programs are offered from 6:45 a.m. to the start of the school day and from the end of the school day to 6:00 p.m., as well as on late start and extended break days.  BAC summer camp offers many experiences for a fun and enriching summer for all Westfield students from three years through high school.

Preschool, a three-year-old program, offers children both academic and social preparedness based on the Indiana Early Learning Foundations for developmentally appropriate practices. Preschool is available to families who currently have children attending Westfield Washington Schools.

The All Aboard Program is a pre-kindergarten experience based on Indiana Early Learning Foundations for developmentally appropriate practices which align with Indiana state standards for Kindergarten and above.  All Aboard provides an enriched preparedness for the Westfield Washington kindergarten classroom.  Families who live in the Westfield Washington School district are eligible for All Aboard.

Information for all of the Student Support Programs is available on our website at: www.wws.k12.in.us, by selecting Departments then Student Support Programs.  For questions regarding billing, enrollment, program information or concerns email: mychild@wws.k12.in.us, or call the administrative office at 317-867-8017.

Health Clinic

The health clinic is staffed by a Registered Nurse provided by Riverview Health Network and licensed to practice nursing by the State of Indiana.  The health clinic is provided to take care of illness and injuries that occur during the school day.    Please update your student’s medical information by logging onto PowerSchool found under PARENTS on your school building website. Every school year you will need to verify, update and date the online form. This form is used to provide care for your child, provide information to emergency services, if needed, and allow the school nurse permission to administer the listed school provided over the counter medications.

 Health Conditions and/or Emergency Medical Needs & Procedures

If your child has a health condition (e.g. diabetes, asthma, severe food allergy, seizures) that requires the use of medication, emergency treatment, or a medical procedure during the school day, please contact the school nurse.  An individual health care plan or emergency care plan for school and/or school sponsored events will need to be completed by the school nurse.  All procedures including administration of prescription medication, and emergency treatment plans must have a medical order that is completed annually or as needed to ensure up-to-date information.  

Vision & Hearing

Vision and hearing screenings will be conducted for students in designated grades as mandated by the State of Indiana.  If appropriate, parents/guardians will be notified if a student is in need of professional consultation following a screening.  Hearing Screenings are performed by the district Speech and Language Pathologists.  School nurses and local optometrists/ophthalmologists perform the vision screening tests.
Reports to Child Protective Services (Policy 7000-23)

As a school district, we are under duty by State Law to submit a report of any suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services of Hamilton County who handle all investigations. Such a report is made directly to Child Protective Services of Hamilton County and they handle the investigation.

Reports to Child Protective Services (Policy 7000-23)

As a school district, we are under duty by State Law to submit a report of any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Indiana Department of Child Services who handle all investigations.  Such a report is made directly to the Department of Child Services and they handle the investigation.

Illness/Injuries at School

To help your student focus on their studies and classroom work we ask that all known illnesses or injuries be treated at home prior to arriving at school.  If a student becomes ill or seriously injured at school and requires special medical attention, the following steps shall be taken:

1. First aid will be given as appropriate.
2. The principal, school nurse, or volunteer health aide will be notified and the student will be sent to the health clinic for medical attention.
3. If the student is not able to continue the school day due to a medical illness or injury, the parent/guardian will be contacted:
   • If contact cannot be made with the parent or guardian at the first report of an illness or injury, the school may send the child home with the person whom the parent/guardian has indicated.  Please remember to keep all emergency contact information current in PowerSchool by updating home, cell, and work phone numbers, as well as, the names and phone numbers of friends and/or relatives who can be reached if the parent/guardian is not available.
   • If a parent/guardian has no means of getting the child home, the school may send the child home in accordance with the parent’s request.
   • If a parent or guardian cannot be contacted and there is serious injury or illness, the school may secure the services of emergency medical services or any person previously designated in writing by the parent/guardian.  The school assumes no responsibility for the emergency services or fees.
   • All school personnel should be informed (on a need to know basis) of children who have special health problems that may require special attention when an injury or illness occurs (hemophilia, diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, etc.).  It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to inform school personnel of any health problems and update information on a yearly basis or as needed.
4. All personal injury accidents that require special medical attention occurring at school, on the way to or from school, or at related activities are to be reported in writing using the Incident Report Form.
   • The Incident Report Form will be completed as soon as possible.
   • One copy of the Incident Report Form will be retained in the health clinic and one filed within three (3) days of the incident at Westfield Washington Schools Central Office.
5. Students who are ill may visit the clinic with a pass provided by the teacher.  A daily log is kept of students’ reasons for visiting the clinic and the treatment provided.

Exclusion from School

A child with a contagious illness, disease or fever should not be sent to school.  Please specify on the school attendance line if your child is absent due to a fever, contagious disease, or chronic illness.

District exclusion criteria states students are to be excluded from school for one or more of the following medical conditions or at the school nurse’s discretion.

• Fever—documented temperature of 100° F or above.  Your child must be fever free (less than 100° F) for at least 1 full school day after being sent home with a fever.  After the full day they may return to school once they are fever free (<100˚F) without using fever reducing medication.
• Any rash and fever combined—the student should remain home until fever free for at least 1 full school day and until fever free (<100˚F) without using fever reducing medication.
• All red or pink eyes with pus or drainage present should be evaluated by a physician.  The student may return to school 24 hours after start of treatment or a physician’s note indicating that no treatment is necessary.
• Vomiting—the student should remain home until able to tolerate normal food/diet without vomiting.
• Diarrhea—the student should remain home until able to tolerate normal food/diet without diarrhea.
• Impetigo—the student should remain home until treatment has been given for at least 24 hours.  Please notify the school nurse of this condition and provide a note from your physician.
• Scabies—the student should remain home until treatment has been given for at least 24 hours.  Please notify the school nurse of this condition and provide a note from your physician.
• Ringworm—the student should remain home until treatment has been started; upon returning to school the area must remain covered at all times, if the area is too large or cannot be covered the student must remain home until the ringworm is gone.
• Chicken pox—the student should remain home until all vesicles (blisters) have scabbed over and no new ones are appearing or lesions are fading
• Strep Throat—the student should remain home until they have had at least a FULL 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and is fever free (<100˚F) without using fever reducing medication.
• Whooping Cough—if your child is suspected of having whooping cough, they must remain home until the test results have been confirmed.  If the test is positive for whooping cough, the student must remain home for 5 FULL days on antibiotics, please notify the school nurse.
• Urinary or Bowel Incontinence --Due to risk of exposure to body fluids, if your child experiences repeated loss of bladder or bowel control at school and body fluids cannot be contained within your child’s clothing and is at risk of exposing others in the school environment to stool or urine,  your child will be sent home and can return, once the child has been properly cleaned up and the child is able to wear clothing that will prevent stool/urine leakage and exposure to others in the school environment.  If this is a result of a medical condition, please provide a medical note to your school nurse.
• IDOH Communicable Diseases Reference Guide—The guidelines set forth by IC 20-34-3-9 and Indiana Department of Health Current Communicable Diseases Reference Guide for School Personnel is followed by the district in determining exclusions, restrictions, and control measures for students and their illnesses.  Due to outbreaks of communicable diseases during the school year, revisions to the reference guide for school personnel may occur after publication and may not be included in this handbook.

School Required Immunizations

Per IC 20-34-4, schools shall require the parent/guardian of a student who is enrolled in the school to furnish a current copy of your students’ immunization record to the school nurse before the first day of school; unless a current copy is on file with the school.    A student without proof of proper immunizations is considered in violation of IC 20-34-4-5 students will not be allowed to attend field trips and/or extracurricular activities until immunization records are up to date and on file with the school nurse.

Specific vaccine information can be found on the district website under Parents, Health Services or contact your school nurse.

Indiana State Law allows these exceptions:  (IC 20-34-4-5).  Information must be on file in the nurse’s office prior to the first day of school.

1. “Religious Objection” statement must be submitted in writing by parent/guardian that states the objection to immunization is based on religious grounds and must be filed with the school nurse every school year.  The exemption must state to which vaccines the parents/guardians are objecting.
2. “Exception for Child’s Health” or medical exemption statement submitted in writing by a physician must state that a particular immunization is contraindicated for a child because it is detrimental to the child’s health.  A medical exemption must be filed every school year.  Please contact the school nurse for the appropriate medical exemption form.
3. Delay in immunization due to extreme circumstances:  provide a written statement with the approved time schedule from the local health department or a physician that the child’s immunization schedule has been delayed due to extreme circumstances and that the required immunizations will not be complete by the first day of school.

Immunizations for the underinsured and uninsured are available through the Hamilton County Health Department, call 776-8500 for additional information.

Administration of Medication at School

Administration of Medication at School (Policy 10000-30)—For your child’s safety, all medication needed during school hours or at school functions that are supervised by school staff, will be administered by the nurse, administrator, or trained designated staff in the health clinic.  All medication permission forms are good for only the current school year and must be completed each year.

School Provided Medications

• These medications will only be given to students who have a current parent/guardian signed Medical Information page of the Demographic page in PowerSchool.

Parent/Guardian Provided Medication Transportation of Medication

• By Indiana State Law, all medication, both prescription and non-prescription must be transported to and from the health clinic by a parent or guardian.  This includes over the counter medications.  All medications brought to the school by a student will be held in the health clinic until proper written permission has been obtained.  No medication will be given without proper written permission.
• Students are not permitted to have any medication or drugs in their possession, exception see Emergency Medication information below.

Storage of Medication

• All medication, prescription and non-prescription, must be in the original container and stored in the health clinic.
• All prescription medication must be in a prescription bottle with a current label including the name of the student, name of the medication, correct dosage, and when to administer medication.  All prescription medication requires a medical order from a physician to the school nurse with specific time to be given and dose at school.
• All non-prescription medication (over the counter) must be in the original container with the student’s name written on the label.
• Parents/guardians may provide the clinic medication inventory for up to a 30 school day supply of medication or if less than 30 days left in the school year the maximum number of remaining school days.

Parent/Guardian Permission to Give Medication at School

• If a non-prescription medication request is for a dose greater than that listed on the label, a signed physician’s medical order is required.
• Prescription medication must have a physician medical order indicating time and dose to be given during the school day to the nurse prior to administering any medication; this includes emergency medication, daily medications, and as needed medication.
• All medication that can be given prior to and after school should be given at home.

To Stop a Medication or Change Dose

• Parents/Guardians should notify the school nurse by phone or provide a written note to stop the medication if it is no longer needed at school.
• If a prescription dose is to be changed, it will require an updated medical order from your physician to the nurse.
• All medication must be picked up by the parent/guardian by the last day of school.  Any medication left in the health clinic after the last day of school will be properly disposed of.
• All discontinued medication must be picked up from the health clinic within 1 week of notification.

Emergency Medication and Self-Administered Medications

• Students with a disease or medical condition may carry and self-administer medication for the chronic disease or medical condition when they have an authorization form on file with the school nurse.  The authorization must be completed by the physician and state the following:
  • the student has a disease or medical condition for which the medication is prescribed,
  • the student has been instructed on how to self-administer the medication, and
  • the disease or medical condition requires emergency administration of the medication.
• Contact the school nurse for a copy of the authorization form.

Homeopathic medication, over the counter herbs, minerals, essential oils, vitamins, and other non-FDA approved medications:  Requests to administer these products by parent/guardian at school will not be honored, as there is no standardization, no FDA approval, and no guidelines regarding safety of these products.

Body Safety Programs

In July 2018, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation that expands the grade levels for body safety education in schools to grades Kindergarten through Grade 12.  (Previously the law required education in grades 2-5). Each school corporation shall make available for inspection to a parent all of the instructional material used in connection with instruction on human sexuality. Prior to a school providing instruction on human sexuality, the school must provide a written request for consent of instruction from an emancipated student or a student’s parent(s). This allows the parent or emancipated student to opt out of the instruction.  

Head Lice

Parents/Guardians have the prime responsibility of assisting in the prevention and management of head lice cases through regular checks of their child’s hair and starting immediate treatment when head lice are detected.

While head lice are a nuisance, they do not spread disease and are not a health issue.  Should a case of head lice be brought to the school’s attention, the school nurse will maintain confidentiality at school, verify the presence of an active infestation, and bring it to the child’s parent’s/guardian’s attention.  Parents/Guardians, students, and school staff will be educated about head lice identification, treatment, and prevention.

If at all possible, students should not be excluded from school for having head lice as the management of head lice should not disrupt the educational process of the child.  The need to exclude students from school will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The policy is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of School Nurses, and the Hamilton County Health Department.

 

 

Guidance and counseling services at WIS are available to assist students in their personal, social and career development.

Our counseling program is designed to facilitate the transition of students through the educational process.  Our counselors assist students in areas of conflict resolution, problem solving, anger management and as an individual support to students experiencing home-school related problems.  The school counselors deliver these services in individual or group settings.

 

eLearning

eLearning days are held in place of cancellation days which would need to be made up later, often in June, by adding days onto the end of the school calendar. When these make-up days are at the end of the school year they do not reflect the learning that was needed at the time of the day off. WWS eLearning days allow students to continue to make educational progress. This is especially important when faced with high stakes tests (ILEARN, AP, IREAD-3, etc.) which have fixed testing dates regardless of the number of cancellation days.  

1. School cancellation days will be eLearning Days unless otherwise communicated.  
2. All classroom work will be posted by 10:00 AM on the day of the cancellation. K-4 students will find their work posted on Google Classroom and have a designated window to complete the work.  5-12 students will find their work on Canvas and have two school days to complete.  For those students who do not have device or internet access, school lab hours will be posted.  In addition, WWS partners with local businesses to provide students the opportunity to use WiFi during operating hours of the business. 
3. Teachers will have set office hours to provide students with instruction and technical support that will be communicated to students and parents.  A tech hotline is also available to support students and parents as issues arise.
4. Attendance will be determined by students logging in and engaging in their classwork over the duration of the eLearning period.
5. Lists of Frequently Asked Questions, staff office hours, Westfield WiFi Partners, and other information can be found on each school's website under the Parents tab.

The above protocols are for eLearning days due to inclement weather or other short-term or emergency situations. Should we need to move to eLearning for an extended period of time, such as the situation with COVID-19, guidance specific to the situation will be communicated.

Grade Reporting to Parents/Guardians

Students in grades five through twelve receive letter grades.
The grading scale is as follows:

Quarter final grade reports will be available online in PowerSchool.  Throughout the quarters, parents/guardians should check their child’s progress in PowerSchool and talk to their child about their social, emotional and academic progress. If you feel that a conference to discuss your child’s progress is needed, please call your child’s teacher, or write a note to the teacher.

Related Arts classes (including Art, Music/Band, P.E. and STEM) meet each day for nine weeks.  It is an expectation that students signing up for band, remain in band for the school year.  Students may only transfer out of band with administration approval, and only at the end of a quarter.

High Ability

Westfield’s high ability services fall under a range of K-12 services in the RtI (Response to Instruction) process.  Official identification occurs in late spring for grades K, 2, and 6, with additional qualifications in 8th grade for specific high ability courses at Westfield High School.  Early services include flexible grouping, differentiation, and enrichment within the classroom and grade level.  Middle and upper services include acceleration and honors/AP/ACP courses.  Students may qualify in language arts and/or math.  For more information, contact your child’s principal or the Assistant Superintendent - Curriculum & Instruction at, 317-867-8009.

ILEARN Remediation & Preventive Remediation Opportunities/Title I

The Board considers it very important that parents/guardians be consulted and informed at the earliest possible date when student participation in ILEARN Remediation and Preventive Remediation classes/groups is recommended.

Students who are at risk of not meeting NWEA, or ILEARN standards in language arts/and or math may also participate in activities funded by Title I in those schools which receive federal funding.

Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences

Parent/Guardian teacher conferences at the request of the parent/guardian or teacher.  Parents/Guardians are encouraged to call the office and make an appointment to meet with teachers or the principal whenever necessary.  Parents/Guardians are also invited to participate in a phone conference when time will not permit a personal visit.  Each staff member has voicemail and email  to make contact convenient for parents/guardians.  Once school begins, contact information will be available.

Release of Directory and Student Records/Privacy Act Information (Policy 10000-02)

As referenced in Policy 10000-02 and in The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), sensitive information about students is kept confidential.  FERPA defines "directory information" as information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Typically, "directory information" includes information such as student’s name, address, parents’/guardians’ names, major field of study, sex, age, date of birth, grade level and school, school or activity photo, honors and awards, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, and enrollment status.  The law specifies, however, that certain non-sensitive “Directory Information” may be released for any purpose at the discretion of the school corporation, with general notification of such intent.  Notification may consist of published policies such as this one.

The permission has been divided into two categories:  Print and Electronic.  Print publications include the yearbook or student newspaper, printed programs for extracurricular activities, news releases to the local media, district publications, and interviews with local news media.  Electronic mediums (internet and broadcast) such as district website, district videos, podcasts, and interviews with local news media for broadcast such as TV or radio.

You have the right to request the withholding of any or all directory information.  Please consider very carefully your decision to withhold any of the above information.  This information is typically used in news stories about our students’ achievements and classroom activities, honor roll lists, the yearbook, and school directories and school/district newsletters.  Should you deny permission for the release of information, any future requests for such information from news media and other individuals will be refused for the duration of the school year.

To request withholding of information, please notify your child’s school in writing within 14 days of the start of school or within 14 days of enrolling your students.

During a student’s career, the school system collects and records data concerning the student.  The school system recognizes that the collection, maintenance, and limited dissemination of such data is essential in school operations, but also that preserving the rights of privacy of the student and parents/guardians, and the student’s or parent’s/guardian’s right to correct inaccurate data is equally essential.

In accordance with IC 20-33-7-3 (Senate Bill 204, 2001), a school corporation or other entity to which the education records privacy provisions of the federal Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) apply may disclose or report on the education records of a child, including personally identifiable information contained in the education records, without the consent of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian, under the following conditions:

1. The disclosure or reporting of education records is to a state or local juvenile justice agency.
2. The disclosure or reporting relates to the ability of the juvenile justice system to serve, before adjudication, the student whose records are being released.
3. The juvenile justice agency receiving the information certifies, in writing, to the entity providing the information that the agency or individual receiving the information has agreed not to disclose it to a third party, other than another juvenile justice agency, without the consent of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

For purposes of subsection two (2), a disclosure or reporting of education records concerning a child who has been adjudicated as a delinquent child shall be treated as related to the ability of the juvenile justice system to serve the child before adjudication if the juvenile justice agency seeking the information provides sufficient information to enable the keeper of the education records to determine that the juvenile justice agency seeks the information in order to identify and intervene with the child as a juvenile at risk of delinquency rather than to obtain information solely related to supervision of the child as an adjudicated delinquent child.

As referenced in Policy 10000-02 and in The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), personally identifiable information about students is kept confidential.  Parents and eligible students (a student who has reached 18 years of age) have the right to:

(i)  inspect and review the student’s education records at reasonable times within 45 days of the day a school receives a request to access records;
(ii)  seek amendment of the student’s education records believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights;
(iii)  provide written consent before the school discloses the student’s education records, except to the extent FERPA authorizes disclosures without consent; and
(iv)  file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington D.C> 20202, concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Certain persons may examine student records without a parent’s consent.  These include school officials, who have “legitimate educational interests.”  A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board.  A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records, such as a software or technology service provider, an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

A parent or eligible student may view his/her student’s records by making a request in writing to the building principal.  Any request for amendment of education records by requesting an informal conference with the Superintendent or designee.

Special Education Services

WWS accommodates the unique needs of students in special education ages 3-22 year of age in the students least restrictive environment, which means inclusion in general education classrooms as frequently as possible (case conference committee determination). Teachers use a common framework for education, but regularly—and creatively—adapt their instruction to accommodate the needs of the individual student. WWS is a single district planning corporation as it relates to special education services.

Developmental Preschool Program (Child Find/Evaluation and Eligibility for special services): This program is for children ages 3-5 who qualify for special education services and is at Maple Glen Elementary School, Oak Trace Elementary School, Shamrock Springs Elementary School and Washington Woods Elementary School. Each student who qualifies is evaluated by our Early Childhood Assessment Tea (Child Find-Washington Woods Elementary School).

Westfield Autism Team (WAT): WAT is a multidisciplinary support team which consists of individuals who represent the eight school buildings within the Westfield Washington School district. WAT’s goal is to serve as a resource and a support base to the child’s multidisciplinary team (parents, teachers, administrators, therapists, and support staff).

Westfield Washington Schools also offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy to students that qualify under an area of eligibility listed within Indiana Article 7.

Westfield Washington Schools Board of School Trustees recognizes that the personal, social, physical, and educational growth of children will vary and that they should be placed in the educational setting most appropriate to meet their needs at the various stages of their growth.

Promotion or retention of students stems from the total development of the individual child related to the educational program.  General overall scholastic achievement should have a primary influence in determining retention and/or promotion of the individual child.

Promotion of a student will occur based on the professional recommendations of the teaching/administrative staff.  The student must also achieve the instructional objectives set for the present grade level.

A student identified as a student with special needs shall be promoted or retained based on the opinion/professional judgment of the case conference committee team and building administrator/principal..

A student identified whose primary language is not English shall be promoted or retained based on the professional opinion of the EL teacher, classroom teacher, and building administrator/principal.

If a child is being considered for retention, the following actions should occur:

• Parents of any child whose promotion is in jeopardy will be notified well in advance of any actual decision regarding the possibility of promotion/retention.  Final determinations will be made before the end of the current school year.
• Parent teacher conferences must be held whenever retention of a child is being considered.  Retention will not be finalized until the parent has had an opportunity to meet with the classroom teacher/school administrator.  Completion of the Lights Retention Scale will be completed and shared at the parent teacher conference.
• The school principal has the legal responsibility for student classification and students may be reclassified when, in the professional judgment of the principal, it becomes necessary or advisable.

Reporting Absences

Parents/Guardians must notify the school office when a student is absent.  Please phone the attendance line at 317-867-6501 by 9:00 a.m.  Please give your name, your child’s name, your child’s teacher’s name, and the reason for the absence.  Homework may be requested after the 2nd consecutive day of absence by contacting the triad teachers directly. Failure to inform the school could result in the child’s absence being counted as truant. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to provide a doctor’s excuse to the office for each absence that requires a visit to the doctor.

Tardies

Students are expected to be in the classroom by the ringing of the late bell at 8:45 a.m.  Any child not in class is considered tardy and will be required to sign in at the office.  Parents/Guardians must notify the school office by note, phone call or in person when a student is tardy.  If a student arriving late to school is not carrying a parent/guardian written note explaining the reason for the tardiness the parent/guardian must come into the office.  Please give your name, your child’s name, your child’s teacher’s name, and reason for the tardy.  This should be done each time the student is tardy.  Failure to inform the school will result in the child’s tardy being counted as unexcused.  Continued excessive tardiness may result in further consequences.

Make-Up Work

Students may make-up schoolwork for full credit for any kind of absence except truancy.  A student shall have one day to make-up work for each day of absence.  Lengthy absences may require that the teacher provide schoolwork alternatives and timeframes that do not adhere to the one day out—one day of make-up.  In such cases, the teacher will notify the student and the principal or principal’s designee.  Teachers will strive to ensure that the make-up work assists the student in achieving course standards and he/she will set a reasonable timeframe for completion of the work.  For pre-arranged absences, students may access schoolwork via Canvas during extended absences.

IC 20-33-2 requires children to attend school during the time it is in session until the child graduates or becomes 18 years of age.  We know that good attendance and high achievement are related.  Student attendance at school is expected in order that learning within the classroom can occur.  Because regular attendance is expected of our students, vacation taken during a school term is considered an unexcused absence.  Absence from school is defined as any non-presence (excused or unexcused) during part or all of a scheduled school day that is not canceled or altered due to weather or other emergency.  Tardiness is a form of absence that will be factored into consequences employed by the school.

In grades 5-12, students who are absent from school for more than three (3) periods may not attend or participate in any extracurricular activities on the day of absence without administrative approval.

Excused Absences

Unexplained absences are marked unexcused.  Parents/Guardians are urged to call the school to report the absence as soon as possible, preferably before 10:30 a.m. on the day of the absence.  The following are considered by state statute to be excused absences:

1. Student illness
2. Death/grave illness of an immediate family member
3. Exclusion because of exposure to contagious disease
4. Required religious observation
5. Medical, dental, or professional appointments
6. School sanctioned activities
7. Other educational activity

Other Educational Activity

Other educational activity is defined as any other absence, approved by the building principal, resulting from an educational activity that is relevant to the child’s academic growth and equivalent to the child’s school activities/experiences.  Such absence requires a written request submitted to the principal at least 30 calendar days in advance if the event is known or should have been known prior thereto.  Upon the student’s return to school, he or she must make-up missed work and submit a report to the principal about the WWS curriculum-relevant learning that took place during the absence.  The principal shall have discretion to rescind prior approval of the excused absence status if the reporting is deemed insufficient.  Principals will consider the proposed absence based on factors that include, but may not be limited to:  the timeliness and quality of the parent’s/guardian’s written request, the student’s prior attendance record, the student’s academic standing, the nature of the proposed activity, and school curriculum/activities that the student would miss during the proposed other educational activity.

In accordance with IC 20-33-2-14, -15, -16, -17, students supplying the proper notification to the school office and participating in the following events are not counted absent:

1. Page or honoree in the Indiana General Assembly;
2. Any required court appearance for which they are subpoenaed;
3. Help to a political candidate, a political party or to a precinct election board ON ELECTION DAY; or
4. National Guard duty (maximum 10 days).  

Parents/Guardians must notify the school with physician documentation when circumstances of prolonged student illness occur.  This will assist the principal in employing this policy’s parent/guardian notice and intervention provisions.

Excessive Absences

A student that has excessive absences may be withdrawn from classes.

Target Group 1:  Students with Excessive Absences

Excused absences not included in school procedures:

• Religious holidays
• Death in the immediate family
• Court appearances, jury duty
• Serving as a page for the State Legislature
• College visitation – High School
• Driver license examination – High School
• Immigration, passports

Step 1:  When a student misses 7 days of school (vacation or illness, no doctor’s notes provided), the parent, student, school administration, and counselor will communicate to discuss the student’s attendance at school.  Documentation of the meeting will be kept in the school file.

Step 2:  When the student misses 10 days from school (vacation or illness, no doctor’s note provided), a Letter of Incapacity and a Physician’s Certificate, which requires a doctor’s note for any further absences, will be mailed to the parent by certified mail.

Step 3:  When the student misses 12 days of school (vacation or illness, no doctor’s note provided), the student and parent are referred to the school administrative team.  The school administration will complete the school referral .attendance form.

Step 4:  School administration will review Indiana Law on school attendance and educational neglect, define excused and unexcused absences, and discuss the consequences of further absences from school.  If appropriate, the child will be referred to the Westfield Youth Assistance Program to assist the student and parent in correcting his/her school attendance issues.

Step 5:  If students in grades 1-6 are still missing school, educational neglect charges will be filed.  If students in grades 7-12 are still missing school, truancy charges will be filed and a pick up order will be requested.

Target Group 2:  Students who are Truant

A student is truant when neither his/her parents/guardians nor school officials know the reason for a student’s absence at the time of the absence or the “willful refusal to attend school in defiance of parental/guardian authority.”  (Indiana Court of Appeals:  Simmons v. State of Indiana.)  Skipping a class or leaving school without permission is an example of truancy.  Truancies accumulate throughout the school year and do not reset at any time.

Step 1:  When a student is truant for 1 day of school, the parent, student, school administration, and counselor will meet.  At the meeting, an attendance letter will be handed to the parent, as well as information on the Westfield Youth Assistance Program.  When appropriate, the student will be assigned a Thursday School.  Documentation of the meeting will be kept in the school file.

Step 2:  When a student is truant for 2 days of school, the student and parent are referred to the school attendance officer. The school administration will complete and submit a school attendance referral form for review by the school principal. The school administrative team will contact parents by mail and by phone to inform the parent and child of a required meeting to be held to discuss the continued absences of the student.

Step 3:  At the meeting, the school administrative team will review Indiana Law on school attendance and educational neglect, define excused and unexcused absences, and discuss the consequences of further absences from school.  If appropriate, the child will be referred to the Westfield Youth Assistance Program to assist the student and parent in correcting his/her school attendance issues.

Step 4:  When a student is truant for 3 days of school, when appropriate he/she may be assigned to an Out of School Suspension .

Step 5:  When a student is truant 4 or more days of school, a truancy petition will be filed.  In addition, a pick up order will be requested for students in grades 7-12.

If a student is truant, work will not be credited and progressive discipline will ensue.  Truancy will count toward the absence limit.

Habitual Truant

Westfield Washington Schools defines a “habitual truant” as a student who is truant from school or any part of the school day, for a second time during the school year and neither the parent/guardian nor school officials know the reason for a student’s absence at the time of the absence or the student displayed “willful refusal to attend school in defiance of parental/guardian authority” (Indiana Court of Appeals:  Simmons v. State of Indiana).

Classroom Expectations

Each classroom teacher, in cooperation with his/her class and triad, sets up classroom expectations at the beginning of the year. These co-created expectations provide the foundation for a safe, equitable, and relationship driven learning environment.  

WWS is dedicated to the social and emotional development of all students to help them reach their full potential.  This is an ongoing process focused on student, teacher, and parent / guardian cooperation and collaboration in the classroom, built on a foundation of positive relationships between school and home.  Classroom teachers utilize a wide array of interventions to support positive behavior in the classroom.  Some examples include, but are not limited to:  relationship building, classroom circles, cooperative learning, restorative practices, goal setting, problem-solving, self-reflection, empathy building, mindful moments, etc.

Expectations for Shared School Areas (hallways, restrooms, cafeteria, media center, midday)

1. Demonstrate respect for everyone in the school.
2. Respect all school property.
3. Recognize and respect voice levels in all areas of the school.
4. Walk, don’t run, in shared areas.
5. Keep hands and feet to yourself.
6. Be respectful during special programs.
7. Teachers may use midday time to help students with academic needs.

Supporting Student Behavioral Needs
Each classroom teacher and bus driver establishes a system for his/her classroom or bus with rules expectations and age appropriate student supports.  If a child experiences a lack of success with classroom / bus expectations, then additional supports may include:  
conference with child and teacher;

• conference, in person or by phone, with parent/guardian;
• letter to parent/guardian;
• loss of recess and/or special school privileges;
• loss of bus privileges if incident was bus related;
• assignment of tasks to complete such as letters of apology, school service project, etc.;
• after-school detention;
• in-school suspension;
• out-of-school suspension;
• expulsion

 
In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy educational environment for all stakeholders, the administration reserves the right to conduct searches of school property based upon reasonable suspicion.  The nature and manner in which the search is conducted shall be controlled by the circumstances of each particular situation.

WWS Behavior and Disciplinary Policy (Policy 10000-05)

As referenced in Policy 10000-05, it is the policy of Westfield Washington Schools to balance the rights of student expression with that of all members of the school community, with the interests of an orderly and efficient educational process, and with the needs of a school environment suitable for the healthy growth and development of all students.

Anti-Bullying (Policy 10000-49)

Bullying is prohibited by Westfield Washington Schools.  Students who commit any acts of bullying are subject to discipline including but not limited to suspension, expulsion, arrest, and/or prosecution.

Definition: “Bullying” is defined as overt, unwanted, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications or images transmitted in any manner (including digitally or electronically); physical acts committed; aggression; or any other behaviors committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the targeted student, creating for the targeted student an objectively hostile school environment that:

(1)    places the targeted student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or property;
(2)    has a substantially detrimental effect on the targeted student’s physical or mental health;
(3)    has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s academic performance; or
(4)    has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the school.

Applicability:  Westfield Washington Schools prohibits bullying in all forms.  This policy may be applied regardless of the physical location in which the bullying behavior occurred, whenever the individual committing the bullying behavior and any of the intended targets of the bullying behavior are students attending a school within Westfield Washington Schools and disciplinary action is reasonably necessary to avoid substantial interference with school discipline or prevent an unreasonable threat to the rights of others to a safe and peaceful learning environment.  Westfield Washington Schools prohibits bullying through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through any computer, computer system, or computer network.

Education:  Westfield Washington Schools will provide training and/or instruction on bullying prevention and policy to all students in grades 1-12, as well as staff, in accordance with Indiana law.

Reporting:  In an effort to maintain an orderly and safe environment, students and parents/guardians can report incidents to the anonymous reporting platform located on the district website homepage.

The entire School Board policy (10000-49) can be found on the district website, www.wws.k12.in.us, under School Board/Policy Information.

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (Policy 10000-50)

1. WWS recognizes its responsibility to educate students regarding appropriate behavior when using the Internet.  Therefore, students shall be provided instruction about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking sites, user forums, chat sites, and about cyberbullying awareness and response.
2. The Superintendent or designee shall provide age-appropriate instruction regarding safe and appropriate behavior on social networking sites, user forums, chat sites, and other internet services.  Such instruction shall include, but not be limited to, the dangers of posting personal information online, misrepresentation by online predators, how to report inappropriate or offensive content or threats, behaviors that constitute cyberbullying, and how to respond when subjected to cyberbullying.

Criminal Organizations (Policy 10000-52)

Criminal organizations are prohibited by Westfield Washington Schools.  Students who commit any acts of criminal organization and criminal organization activity, or reprisal, or retaliation against an individual who reports suspected criminal organization activity are subject to discipline.

Definition: “Criminal Organization” means a group with at least three (3) members that specifically: (1) Promotes, sponsors, or assists in; or participates in; (2) Requires as a condition of membership or continued membership; or (3) Has as one of its goals; The commission of a felony or an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult or the offense of battery.

Definition: “Criminal Organization Activity” means knowing or intentional participation in a criminal organization, or knowing or intentional solicitation, recruitment, enticement, or intimidation of another individual to join a criminal organization.

Applicability: The Board of School Trustees of Westfield Washington Schools prohibits criminal organization activity and similar destructive or illegal group behavior on school property, on school buses, and/or at school-sponsored functions and prohibits reprisal or retaliation against individuals who report criminal organization activity and similar destructive or illegal group behavior or who are victims, witnesses, bystanders, or other people with reliable information about an act of criminal organization activity and similar destructive or illegal group behavior.

Education: Westfield Washington Schools will provide training and/or instruction on criminal organization activity and policy to all students in grades 1-12, as well as staff, in accordance with Indiana law.

Reporting: In an effort to maintain an orderly and safe environment, students and parents/guardians can report incidents to the anonymous reporting platform site located on the district website homepage.

The entire School Board policy (10000-52) can be found on the district website, www.wws.k12.in.us, under School Board/Policy Information.

Firearms, Deadly Weapons, and Destructive Devices (Policy 13000-05)

Policy:
No student shall possess, handle or transmit any firearm, deadly weapon or destructive device on school property, on a school bus, or WWS events even if held outside school property.

No student shall possess any object which is either intended, or may in fact be used as, or looks like a weapon or other instrumentality which could cause harm to any other person on school property, on a school bus, or WWS events even if held outside school property.  Such objects include, but are not necessarily limited to, knives, batons, night sticks, brass knuckles, bombs, fireworks, electronic stun weapons, tasers, stun guns, or chemicals.

Anyone who has reason to believe that any individual is violating the law or this policy shall immediately report the alleged violation to an administrator or law enforcement officer.

Definitions:
“Firearm” is any weapon that is capable of expelling, designed to expel, or may readily be converted to expel, a projectile by means of explosion.

“Ammunition” means fixed cartridge ammunition; shotgun shells; the individual components of fixed cartridge ammunition and shotgun shells; projectiles for muzzle loading firearms; and any propellant used in a firearm or in firearm ammunition.

“Knife” is an instrument that consists of a sharp edged or sharp pointed blade capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds; and is intended to be used as a weapon.  The term includes a dagger, dirk, poniard, stiletto, switchblade knife, or gravity knife.

In addition to being subjected to criminal charges, any student who violates this policy shall be subject to expulsion or suspension.

Due Process

It is important that students be aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.  The Student Due Process Code (IC 20-33-8), enacted and amended by the General Assembly of Indiana, outlines in detail the procedures to be followed when either suspension or expulsion is utilized as a disciplinary measure.  Once due process is initiated, a student will not be permitted to withdraw from school to avoid disciplinary action except in Policy 10000-05, Student Behavior, Rights, and Discipline.  Due process procedures begin at the time a student is questioned in relation to an incident.

In August 2006 the School Board instituted a practice not to hear student due process appeals for expulsion.

Legal Settlement (IC 20-33-8-17) (Policy 10000-03)

A student may be expelled from school if the student’s legal settlement is not in the attendance area of the school corporation where the student is enrolled.  Expulsion will not be undertaken if the student voluntarily is withdrawn by the parents/guardians within five calendar days of discovery.

In August 2006, the School Board instituted a practice not to hear student due process appeals for expulsion.

Grounds for Suspension or Expulsion

Grounds for suspension or expulsion are student misconduct and/or substantial disobedience.  Examples of student misconduct and/or substantial disobedience for which a student may be suspended or expelled include, but are not limited to:

1.  Using violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or other comparable conduct constituting an interference with school purposes, or urging other students to engage in such conduct.  The following enumeration is only illustrative and not limited to the type of conduct prohibited by this rule:

a.  Occupying any school building, school grounds, or part thereof with intent to deprive others of its use.
b.  Blocking the entrance or exits of any school building or corridor or room therein with intent to deprive others of lawful access to or from, or use of the building, corridor, or room.
c.  Setting fire to or substantially damaging any school building or property or lighting a fire on school property.
d.  Possession of matches, lighter, or anything that could be used to start a fire.
e.  Prevention of or attempting to prevent by physical act the convening or continued function of any school or education function, or of any meeting or assembly on school property.
f.  Continuously and intentionally making noise or acting in any manner so as to interfere seriously with the ability of any teacher or any of the other school personnel to conduct the education function under their supervision.

2.  Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property, stealing or attempting to steal school property.
3.  Causing or attempting to cause damage to private property, stealing or attempting to steal private property.
4.  Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury or intentionally behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person.  Self-defense or reasonable action undertaken on the reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect oneself or some other person does not, however, constitute a violation of this rule.
5.  Threatening or intimidating any student for any purpose including obtaining money or anything of value from the student or hazing of other students.
6.  Possessing, handling, or transmitting a knife or any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon, or represented to be a weapon.  A weapon is defined as any object, mechanism or air gun that could be used to inflict physical harm to another person.  This is punishable by up to one year expulsion.
7.  Possessing, using, transmitting, or being under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, spice, alcoholic beverage, tobacco products including electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, or intoxicants of any kind.  Use of drug(s) authorized by a medical prescription from a physician for the person in possession of the drug is not a violation of this rule.
8.  Engaging in the unlawful selling or supplying of a controlled substance or engaging in a criminal law violation that constitutes a danger to other students or constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
9.  Possession of, use, or transmitting drug paraphernalia.
10.  Failing in a substantial number of instances to comply with directions of teachers or other school personnel during any period of time when the student is properly under their supervision, where the failure constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
11.  Engaging in any activity forbidden by the laws of Indiana that constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
12.  Violating or repeatedly violating any rules that are reasonably necessary in carrying out school purposes or an educational function and are established in accordance with Indiana law, including, but not limited to:

a.  engaging in sexual behavior on school property;
b.  disobedience of administrative authority;
c.  willful absence or tardiness of students;
d.  possessing, using, or transmitting any substance which is represented to be or looks like a narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, spice, alcoholic beverage, stimulant, depressant, or intoxicant of any kind;
e.  possessing, using, transmitting or being under the influence of caffeine-based substances, substances containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA), or stimulants of any kind, be they available with or without a prescription;
f.  engaging in speech or conduct, including clothing, jewelry, or hairstyle, which is profane, indecent, lewd, vulgar, or offensive to school purposes or that advocates any illegal activity.

13.  Using school or personal electronic devices in an inappropriate manner, this includes, but is not limited to, utilizing them for cheating purposes or for the purpose of harassing, bullying or bringing harm to others.
14.  Possessing a firearm.

a.  No student shall possess, handle, or transmit any firearm on school property.
b.  The following devices are considered to be a firearm under this rule:

1)  any weapon that will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or compressed air;
2)  the frame or receiver of any weapon described above;
3)  any firearm muffler or firearm silencer;
4) any destructive device which is an explosive, incendiary, or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or any similar device;
5)  any weapon that will, or that may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other repellent, and that has any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter;
6)  any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device described in the two immediately preceding examples, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled;
7)  an antique firearm;
8)  a rifle or a shotgun which the owner intends to use solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes.

c.  Weapon - up to one year expulsion.
d.  The penalty for possession of a firearm:  suspension up to 10 (ten) days and expulsion from school for at least one calendar year with the return of the student to be at the beginning of the first trimester after the one-year period.  The length of the expulsion may be reduced by the superintendent if the circumstances warrant such reduction.
e.  The superintendent shall notify the county prosecuting attorney’s office when a student is expelled under this rule.

In addition to the grounds listed above for expulsion or suspension, a student may be suspended or expelled for engaging in unlawful activity on or off school grounds if the unlawful activity may reasonably be considered to be an interference with school purposes or an educational function or the student’s removal is necessary to restore order or protect persons on school property.  This includes any unlawful activity meeting the above criteria which takes place during weekends, holidays, or other school breaks and functions.

Suspension, expulsion, and student discipline are governed by IC 20-33-8 and Westfield Washington Schools' policies and procedures are in compliance with that statute.  Policy 10000-05 covers student behaviors, rights, and discipline.

Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment (Policy 13000-01)

WWS does not discriminate on the basis of a protected class including but not limited to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, ancestry, sex, transgender status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in its programs or activities. WWS strictly adheres to all non-discrimination and anti-harassment laws and does not tolerate acts of harassment. WWS is committed to providing a safe environment in which students can learn. WWS shall maintain a nondiscriminatory environment protecting students from discrimination and harassment.
Harassment and discrimination may take many forms, including: verbal acts and name-calling; graphic and written statements; sexual violence or unwanted sexual contact; or other conduct that may be harmful, humiliating, or physically threatening. Harassment and discrimination do not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve repeated incidents, but may be present in peer-to-peer, staff-to-staff, staff-to-student, or student-to-staff interactions. Harassment and discrimination may be any act, speech, or gesture sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities provided by WWS.

Procedural Response:
Please see Policy 13000-01 for a full description of the procedure to investigate a complaint of harassment
All complaints will be followed up on and the following steps will be taken.  They may not always follow this order.

• Report
• Supportive interim measures
• Investigation
• Supportive Measures
• Consequences
• Communication with parents/guardians to inform/update on investigation
• Follow up with students involved

Note: All reports are taken seriously and investigated.

Factors Involved in Decision Making Process (not limited to):

• Student’s age(s)
• Relationship between parties
• Specific offense and circumstances of incident, including if this is a repeated incident
• Verbal or physical conduct
• The effect on the targetThe degree of harm caused
• Student’s prior disciplinary record
• input from persons in parental relation, teachers, mental health professionals, as appropriate I
• Special circumstances such as if the Disability status (determine whether behavior is directly related to disability)
• Staff members involved
• Student privacy considerations under FERPA

WWS recognizes that consequences are a natural result of behavioral misconduct, and consequences need to be paired with teaching and additional support for the purpose of changing chronic misbehavior. As administrators take into account the factors involved in decision making above, a range of consequences and supportive measures have been developed following school and state board policies. This list of consequences and supportive measures are not all inclusive therefore administrative discretion will be applied as needed. WWS will follow all applicable laws and regulations in regard to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) when communicating with students, families, and community. Therefore, WWS is unable to disclose educational records and/or personally identifiable information to third parties without consent (including but not limited to: consequences received, supporting measures put in place, details of the incident, etc.).

 

The entire School Board policy (13000-01), including coordinator contact information, can be found on the district website, www.wws.k12.in.us, under School Board/Policy Information.

 

 

Bus Expectations

Parents/Guardians are requested to discuss School Bus Expectations with their students.  Bus expectations are designed to provide maximum safety and comfort to all students.  Parent/Guardian cooperation and support is needed so that quality transportation can be provided.  School bus drivers will ensure that the following guidelines are observed.

1.  Be careful when approaching bus stops.  In areas where there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the roadway facing oncoming traffic.  Always cross the street in front of the bus, once the driver signals, when boarding and unloading.
2.  Avoid standing or playing on the roadway while waiting for the bus.  Never chase after the bus.
3.  Do not damage or destroy property near bus stops.
4.  Help keep the bus on schedule.  Please allow for a five-minute window on the scheduled stop time.  Circumstances that necessitate this could be weather, traffic, etc. Please arrive to stop 5 minutes early.
5.  No student will enter or leave the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the door has been opened by the driver.  Take your turn and avoid pushing when entering or leaving the bus.
6.  Be seated promptly, sit two or three to a seat, and be careful not to block the aisles.  Remain seated until the bus stops.  Students may be assigned seats at the discretion of the driver.  No one is permitted to save seats.  Students are not to stand or move about while on the bus.
7.  Loud, boisterous, profane language or indecent conduct will not be tolerated.
8.  Windows will not be opened or closed except by permission of the driver.
9.  Students should be waiting at the designated stop 5 minutes prior to the time the school bus is scheduled to arrive.  This does not mean the student leaves the residence when he/she sees the bus coming.  If the student is not going to ride in the morning, please notify the Transportation Office.
10.  The driver has full authority of the bus while students are being transported.  For misconduct, the driver, upon notifying the parent/guardian, may suspend a student from riding for one day.  The building administrator may recommend a three or five-day suspension from riding.  Further misconduct will result in the riding privilege being revoked for the remainder of the trimester.
11.  Students are not permitted to eat or drink on the bus without permission from the bus driver.  Bottles and cans are prohibited.
12.  Mutilation of seats or written obscenities on any part of the bus will be sufficient grounds to deny bus privileges to the offender in addition to the offender paying for any damages.
13.  As a safety precaution, students will not be permitted to leave the bus until supervision is available in the building.  After boarding the bus, a student is not permitted to leave the bus until the bus gets to the student’s designated stop or to the school.
14.  The aisle of the school bus must be kept free of objects that could obstruct an emergency evacuation of the bus.  Any large object that cannot be held on the student’s lap or safely placed on the floor in the space under the seat immediately in front of the student is not permitted on the school bus.

Bus Ridership  

Bus stops are placed in a location that is best for all riders.  Door to door service is only provided to Special Needs students or specific circumstances related to the unique needs of a student.

All students must ride their assigned bus to and from school.  Riding another bus is only permitted in emergency situations. In an emergency situation, a parent may contact their child's school to request that their child ride home with another student. Notes must be provided from each student's parents. The principal will check with Transportation to ensure there is enough room on that bus that day before determining whether the request will be granted. The driver and parents will then be notified. The school bus should not be used as transportation for parties or sleepovers. Parents are responsible for transporting students to events of this nature.

Please let the bus driver know of any special health problems your student might have.

School bus transportation is a privilege and not a right.  The bus driver is the sole authority on the bus while students are being transported.  It is important that each student cooperate with the bus driver and practice safe bus riding habits at all times.

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to help in the supervision of the bus stops since the school is unable to provide supervision.  Students should not arrive at the bus stops extremely early because of the lack of supervision.  

Bus Stop Change Requests

Bus stop change requests must be submitted at least 5 days before the requested date of change.

Bus stop changes must be a permanent, every day change.  A student may have different pick up and drop off locations, but they must be the same all week.  Transportation cannot accommodate intermittent or every other day requests.

Bus stop change requests must be within the boundaries of the attending school.