General Information Rules, Procedures, and Guidelines Part 2

Prevention and control of communicable diseases require knowledge and action by school personnel and parents working together. The school secretary will inform parents whose children are lacking the immunizations required by State Law and Wayne County Department of Health Code or for whom no record is found in their school file. The Romulus Community School District does require exclusion from school until children show proof of adequate immunization or parents have completed the waiver.

The school is required to report communicable diseases in the school population to the Health Department weekly. This means that parents must report those diseases, such as chicken pox, strep throat, scarlet fever, ringworm, lice, scabies, influenza, pneumonia, pink eye, impetigo, infectious mononucleosis, and pinworms to the school promptly. The Principal is obliged to exclude and readmit children with communicable diseases according to specific guidelines established by the Health Department.

● It is important that parents always have accurate information and receive quick answers to questions about school. Here are several suggestions to help you express your concerns more effectively.
● Get to know the school principal and staff members. Attend school open house, parent-teacher conferences, and other events. Learn about what is going on in the classroom and what is expected of students.
● First, communicate with the staff member closest to the situation as a concern emerges. Contact the principal only if the matter is still unresolved. Communicate with the appropriate person by telephone, email, a message in the planner, or write a letter. Be sure to provide sufficient details so that teachers and administrators can deal with each situation effectively.
● Be aware that answers or solutions may not come right away. Sometimes follow up activities are required to obtain all the information and to study the implications before a question or concern can be answered or a suitable adjustment made.
● Let the principal or staff member know when you are pleased about something as well as when you are dissatisfied. School officials cannot guarantee that each question will be answered or a situation addressed to everyone’s satisfaction; however, sincere attempts will be made to find an answer or solution that is fair and reasonable.
● If you continue to have concerns after the staff and the principal have dealt with the issue, you may address the
matter with the Superintendent or the superintendent’s designee by calling 532-1610.

Our vision is to help ALL students succeed in academics, special interests, as well as in making lasting positive life choices. The following interventions are being put in place to support the whole child to make quality decisions and excel at becoming a scholar and maintaining excellent citizenship:

● College and Career Counseling
● Counseling Services
● Success Lab for planning and redirection.
● Champions of Romulus Mentoring Program
● Advisory segments for Character Education, organization, etiquette, and social skills.
● Knowledgeable and caring teachers, administrators, and staff whose common goal is the total success and wellness of our students
● After-School Programming, including clubs and tutoring
● Teen Health Center
● Intervention Classes (as available)
● RVLC (Romulus Virtual Learning Center), as appropriate

In the event that the above interventions are not taken advantage of, the student body as a whole and the education of students who are focused and intentional must be taken into account. The discipline procedures below are designed to support students in further redirection until a student's choices in behavior prove they are unwilling to participate in a learning environment.

 

Minor Infraction: Minor Infractions ODRs (see Office Discipline Referral form) are generally defined as brief or low-intensity behavior issues or failure to follow school rules. Minor infractions are usually addressed by the student serving detention(s).

Major Infraction: Major Infractions ODRs (see Office Discipline Referral form) are defined as higher-intensity disruptions to school or to the learning process. Major infractions are usually addressed by the student serving multiple detentions and/or suspension(s). Multiple ODRs and some Major Infractions may result in Administrative Review and/or a Panel Hearing.

3 Minor Infraction ODRs = 1 Major Infraction ODR

3 Major Infraction ODRs = Behavior Contract and begins the Progressive Suspension Process

 

Each additional ODR (any infraction) = 3-Day, 5-Day, 7-Day, and then 10-Day Suspensions, respectively. 10 day suspensions will continue unless student is sent for a panel hearing.

 

This progressive suspension process will be interrupted should an Administrative Review deem it necessary to recommend a student for expulsion. At that point the student will be sent to a panel hearing. If the hearing determines the student should be returned to school, the discipline policy for that student continues at the same point where it left off.

For Special Education Students: the student's IEP (Individual Education Plan) and BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan) will be acknowledged and followed as directed. An MDR will be held for special education students who engage in major infractions.

The style and manner in which a student dresses while he/she attends school and school-related functions is the responsibility of the student and his/her parent. The District, however, maintains the right to impose reasonable restrictions on dress, where: the style of dress or grooming is reasonably considered disruptive; or, the style of dress or grooming is reasonably considered detrimental to the School District’s mission and/or the health, safety or welfare of the student or other persons with whom he/she attends school. All students are expected to follow the uniform dress code where applicable.

Every student shall personally maintain a reasonable standard of wearing apparel and personal hygiene which is appropriate to his/her role as a student and which contributes to developing a pleasant climate for study. Dress or grooming that is distracting to or disruptive of the educational process is prohibited. The school administration and staff will uphold and enforce the following student-designed regulations:

STUDENTS ARE NOT TO WEAR:
● Short shorts, mini-skirts, or dresses - Length of each MUST be middle fingertip in length or longer
● Leggings or similar styled leg coverings without a top that adheres to the fingertip rule (above)
● Pajamas/lounge pants
● Sagging pants
● Transparent/fishnet clothing of any kind
● Bare Midriffs
● Low cut tops with too much exposure
● Muscle shirts
● Tank tops or sleeveless shirts
● T-shirts with sleeves must be worn under sleeveless jerseys.
● T-shirts/Clothing in poor taste, displaying drugs, profanity, etc.
● Off-the-shoulder tops
● Straps must be 3” (76.2mm) wide
● Hats and other varied headwear
● Sunglasses are not to be worn in the building
● Outside dress (winter coat, various headwear, gloves, or lined jacket, etc.) is not to be worn in the building
● Hair picks, combs, hairpins, etc.

In compliance with health department regulations, students are required to wear shoes. House shoes or slippers are prohibited. All students will be given the opportunity to adjust their attire. Those who cannot or refuse to do so will be sent to the principal. Persistence in improper grooming or attire will be considered misconduct and is subject to disciplinary action.

These procedures govern the suspension, expulsion or permanent expulsion of a student from the School District's regular educational program. If a student charged with violation of this Code of Conduct has been returned to the regular school program pending a decision by a School District administrator, the reinstatement does not limit or prejudice the School District's right to suspend or expel the student following a decision by a superior administrator or the Board of Education.

The building administrator shall make the initial judgment that a student has engaged in a prohibited act under this Student Code of Conduct.

 

As a general rule, before an out-of-school suspension, the building administrator will:
● inform the student of the misconduct or behavior for which discipline is being considered and, if the student denies the misconduct or behavior, an explanation of the evidence the administrator possesses;
● provide the student an opportunity to explain his/her version of the facts; and, consider each of seven individual factors listed on page 3 of this Code of Conduct.
● If a student's presence in school poses an immediate danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process, the building administrator may immediately suspend the student, and as soon there after as reasonable, provide the student with his/her due process rights as outlined in subparagraph above.
● If, after following this procedure, the administrator determines that the student has engaged in a prohibited act under the Student Code of Conduct, then he/she may impose a disciplinary penalty of a suspension not to exceed ten (10) school days.
● The principal, or his/her designee, shall inform (in person or by phone) the student's parent of the suspension and of the reasons and conditions of the suspension. A School District "Student Suspension Notice" is to be completed, with copies going to the parent and the student's file. A building administrator's decision to impose a penalty of up to ten (10) school days is final and not subject to further review or appeal.

 

Long-Term Suspension (i.e., eleven or more school days), Expulsion(60 or more school days) and Permanent Expulsion
Step One
● If the building administrator decides that a suspension for eleven (11) or more school days or expulsion is warranted, the student and the parent(s) or guardian shall be notified in writing of:
● the charges against the student; the recommended disciplinary action;
● the fact that a hearing will be held before the Superintendent or his/her designee; and
● the time, place, location and procedures to be followed at the hearing.
● The written notice will also document the building administrator’s consideration of the individual factors listed on page 4 of this Code of Conduct and consideration of restorative practices.
● If the building administrator decides that the student’s presence in school would present a danger to the student, or to other students, school personnel or the educational process, then the student will be suspended pending the decision of the Superintendent.
● If the building administrator determines that the student would not present a danger as described above, the student may be returned to school pending the decision of the Superintendent.
● If the student is suspended pending a decision of the Superintendent or designee, the hearing will commence within ten (10) school days following the initial suspension of the student.
● If the student is not suspended pending the decision of the Superintendent, then the Superintendent or designee will schedule the hearing to be held within fifteen (15) school days following the completion of the building principal’s investigation of the charges. The timelines for the commencement of the hearing may be enlarged upon the request of the administrator, student, parent(s) or guardian.

Step Two
A hearing before the Superintendent or his/her designee committee will be held for the purpose of determining the truth or falsity of the charges against the student and, if the allegations are found to be true, the consideration of the individual factors consideration of restorative practices and the appropriate disciplinary measures to be imposed.

 

The student and his/her parent(s) or guardian may notify the School District that they waive their right to a hearing. In such cases, the principal's recommended disciplinary penalty will ordinarily be imposed, provided, however, that if the recommended penalty is expulsion or permanent expulsion, the Superintendent will nevertheless make the final decision.

The Superintendent or designee may amend the principal's charges upon motion of the building administrator, student, parent(s) or guardian, or modify the charges upon his/her own motion to conform to the evidence presented at the hearing. Additionally, the Superintendent or designee may impose a greater or lesser penalty than that imposed or recommended by the building administrator.

Step Three
The Superintendent's decision shall be given orally to the student and parent(s) or guardian not later than five (5) school days after the close of the hearing. A written decision shall be mailed at that same time. These timelines, however, may be enlarged by the Superintendent or designee due to extenuating circumstances.

Step Four
A decision by the Superintendent to permanently expel a student may be appealed to the Board of Education by filing a written notice with the Superintendent within five (5) school days of the decision. The appeal will be heard in open or closed session, as elected by the parent.

An appeal to the Board of Education will not involve further testimony or new evidence. During the appeal hearing, the Superintendent will share the results of the hearing at his/her level and make a recommendation to the Board of Education. The student, parent or a legal representative will have an opportunity to address the Board of Education. The Board of Education may ask questions of the Superintendent, the parent or the student and will render a written decision on the appeal within fifteen (15) school days.

It is the intent of the school district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services.

 

The school district provides a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all students with disabilities enrolled in the school.

 

For the provision of special education programs and services under IDEA, the term “student with a disability” means a person between ages 3 and 26 for whom it is determined that special education services are needed. A student who reaches age 26 after September 1 is a “student with a disability” and entitled to continue a special education program or service until the end of that school year.

For the purposes of complying with Section 504, a “student with a disability” is a person who:
● Has a physical or mental impairment, which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities.
● Has a record of such impairment; or
● Is regarded as having such impairment.

A copy of the publication “Explanation of Procedural Safeguards Available to Parents of Students with Disabilities” may be obtained from the school’s office.

Parents of new enrollees will need to provide the following information and documentation.

● Health Immunization Records (these will review by the school designee
● Birth Certificate – Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before September 1st.
● Verification of residence (3) such as:

○ Driver’s License/photo ID
○ Mortgage or Lease Agreement
○ Utility Bills (within the last 60 days)

 

Also, it would be most helpful for parents to alert the school as to any change in family circumstance, which might affect the safety or well-being of children.

Examples of changes:

○ Divorce - May the child be released to either parent?
○ Extended out of town trips - In the event parents are gone, designate an adult who may be contacted by the school.

Students must meet all enrollment guidelines above and the following stipulations

May not enroll at Romulus Community School if any one ofthe following conditions exists: If a student...
● has been expelled or suspended from a previous school or suspension/expulsion is pending.
● is 18 years of age or above, and does not have 17 credits.
● has criminal charges pending, prior convictions, or represents a danger to other students.
● does not live/reside/stay within the Romulus Community School District and/or does not meet School of Choice guidelines.

Students will be recommended to Romulus Virtual Learning Center (RVLC) if student…
● is transferring from an alternative school or are pending such a transfer.
● has not attended school the prior year
● is returning from a juvenile program
● has a significant deficit of credits based upon their chronological age and/or cohort year of graduation.

Students may return to Romulus High School from RVLC (or similar alternative programs) under the following conditions:
● that the placement/transfer to RVLC was voluntary
● there are no disciplinary issues causing the transfer
● the student attended RVLC for a minimum of one year

While at RVLC the student...

● had no failing grades
● had a minimum GPA of 2.0
● had no behavioral referrals
● had good attendance
● has written recommendation from RVLC director
● understands that Stanford credits do not transfer to Romulus High School.

The School has an organized program to provide safety and assistance in case of a school or community emergency. Specific directions for vacating the building and for passing to safety areas are posted in each room and in other appropriate areas. General procedures in case of fire or fire drills are:

● At the sound of the buzzer, pupils should leave the building with their teacher via the nearest posted exit.
● Never assume the buzzer is a false alarm. State fire regulations require that a building must be evacuated whenever a fire alarm is sounded.
● Students must not stop for books, clothing, or other items.
● Students must walk, not run. There should be no pushing, shoving, or talking. No laxity of discipline will be permitted.
● The first students outside the building should not stop until the entire group is at least one hundred feet from the building
● When the all clear is sounded, students should return to their classrooms

Homework assignments are an important part of the educational process, providing enrichment, practice and reinforcement in skill development as well as motivating students for further learning. Assignments make all active students participants in the learning process, and prepare them for the level of independent work expected in post secondary educational settings.

Leaving Early
Any student wanting to leave school early must have a valid reason and an updated emergency card on file in the Office. Parents/guardians will be contacted and they must come to the School’s Office to release the student. Students must follow this sign-out procedure when leaving the property during the school day. Parents coming to school to release their child must produce proper identification. Anyone picking up a child must be listed on the emergency card.

Late Arrival
Any student arriving late must report directly to the school’s office. In order for a tardy to be excused a parent may do one of two things: They may send a doctor’s note with the child explaining why the child is absent or they may bring the child directly to the Office. Excessive tardiness, whether excused or not, may result in a conference with the Administrative staff. Failure to comply with these procedures may result in an unexcused absence and appropriate disciplinary action.

The school district will follow all state and federal guidelines regarding building lockdown procedures. During a lockdown drill students are not permitted to leave the building. Also, parents are not permitted to enter the building.