DRUG FREE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND RECEIPT OF BOARD STANDARDS AND POLICIES PROHIBITING THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION, USE OR DISTRIBUTION OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ON THE SCHOOL PREMISES OR AS A PART OF THE SCHOOL'S ACTIVITIES.

I, the undersigned, do by affixing my signature hereto acknowledge that I understand the absolute prohibition of the District against any student of the District engaging in unlawful possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the school premises or as a part of any of the school’s activities as defined by board policy or administrative directive. I further understand by affixing my signature hereto that violation of any of the above prohibited acts will result in disciplinary sanctions being taken within the bounds of applicable law, up to and including short-term suspension, long-term suspension, expulsion, referral to appropriate authorities for criminal prosecution. I further agree to be bound by these standards and acknowledge that I have been fully notified and that all policies have been explained to my satisfaction and full understanding by appropriate school personnel.

Dated this ________ day of _____________, 20 .

Signature of student ______________________________

Signature of parent/guardian __________________________

Please sign and return this page to your class sponsor promptly.*

Student signature _________________________________date _____________

Complete home address __________________________________________

__________________________________________________
E-mail address

Parent/legal guardian signature _____________________________date _______________

(*-signifies you have read and understand this Parent/Student Handbook)

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Coleridge Community Schools is to provide a risk-free, safe environment that develops positive self-esteem and motivates all students to reach their potential and become responsible, productive citizens with the desire for life-long learning.

THE SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF THE COLERIDGE SCHOOLS

STAFF

2004-05 CALENDAR/SPORTS SCHEDULE

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM
The Guidance Counselor is here to assist you with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, occupational information, career information, study helps, help with home, school and/or social concerns or any questions you may have.

You are encouraged to meet individually with the counselor to talk about things that concern you, whatever they may be. If the counselor cannot help, he/she may be able to suggest someone who can. Additionally, groups meet during the year to discuss topics of interest to you. Your test results are discussed as a source of information that may be helpful in school, now, and in planning for your future. Keep in mind, however, that test scores provide information, not answers. The guidance office also has a lot of resource materials on careers, schools, military service, study tips, and getting along with others.

Stop in! Students may check out of study halls at the study hall teacher’s discretion to see the counselor.

DROPPING AND ADDING COURSES
To drop a course, a special form must be secured from the Guidance Counselor, filled in and signed by the student, parent, subject teacher, guidance counselor and Principal. Permission to drop a course is difficult to obtain. When you elect a course, you are expected to complete it. You will likely be asked to add a course of similar credit value when you drop a course.

Changes can be made or a course dropped through the first three days of classes if:

WITHDRAWAL AND TRANSFER
The procedure for withdrawal or transferring is as follows:
1. Secure authorization withdrawal or transfer note from your parents or legal guardians.
2. Obtain appropriate forms from the Guidance Counselor.
3. Have the forms filled out by teachers, return all school books and property, and make sure all fees are paid.
4. Take completed forms to the Principal’s office for final approval and clearance.

LEAVING SCHOOL (QUITTING)
The state law requires attendance in school until the student becomes 16 years of age. If you are considering the possibility of leaving school, see the Guidance counselor as soon as possible.

EXTRA HELP
You may always seek extra help from your teachers if you do not understand an assignment, if the work is difficult, or if you have been absent and have missed assignments and class discussions. Arrange a conference with your teacher before or after school or at a time convenient to both of you during the day.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Students interested in post-secondary (after high school) education should begin to consider their financial needs at the beginning of their senior year. Financial assistance is available through grants, loans, work study programs and scholarships. You must, however, make application and provide a parent’s confidential financial statement. The Guidance Office can provide information on the deadline for these applications.

Scholarships are awarded to those students who have performed with excellence during high school. There are particular eligibility requirements for these and the student must generally make application and secure recommendations. There are scholarships for students attending particular schools, entering a particular career, or members of a particular community or group. These scholarships will be announced and posted on the Guidance Bulletin Board. The counselor will assist you in any way he/she can, but the responsibility for your financial planning is yours.

Interested students should take their ACT or SAT on or before the October test dates. Remember: Scholarship applications have deadlines!

ELECTRONIC GRADING
Electronic grading is available for parental access. This service is provided through the internet. Parents must notify the school if they want a password changed on their student records.

When viewing your student's grades you can expect at least one grade for every class each week, and grades are expected to be current by 10:30 on Monday mornings. Student work handed in by 4:00 on Friday will be reflected in the gradebook by 10:30 on Monday.

SCHEDULES

ABSENCE AND EXCUSES
When school is in session, each student is expected to attend every day unless valid and acceptable reasons can be shown. Each student’s attendance record at school is very important to college admissions offices and future employers will carefully evaluate your attendance records. Treat school attendance like job attendance. Parents are encouraged to notify the school when their child/children will be absent.

Absences must be cleared through the Principal’s office in advance whenever it is possible. In addition, absences from the instructional program will require that the student is earning passing grades in the classes to be missed and that all work to be missed is made up in advance of the absence.

Upon returning to school from any absence, students must present an acceptable written, dated, and signed excuse from a parent or legal guardian. At that time, the high school secretary will issue an admit slip to the student. The admit slip should be presented to the appropriate teachers, and the work should be completed and accepted. Make-up work must be completed in twice the number of days missed. If a student fails to turn in an acceptable note within three school days of the absence the student will be given a detention.

Limitations on Absences:
Attendance is recorded each period of the day. Students may be absent from class no more than eight times per semester for non-curricular purposes.

Please be aware that it may be necessary to determine some excuses unacceptable and therefore, unexcused. If the Principal is considering declaring an absence unexcused, an advisory committee comprised of the Principal and all of that student’s teachers (those currently having him/her in their class during periods 1-8) will be asked to meet to discuss the absence. The Principal, after considering input from the advisory committee, will be solely responsible for making a ruling on the absence.

If the Principal determines that an absence is unexcused the penalty for such absence shall be making up the time missed outside of regular school hours, as arranged by the principal.

The parent/guardian will be asked to select the penalty to be imposed by returning the necessary form to the Principal’s office within five school days after being notified of the Principal’s decision. Should the required form not be returned within five school days the Principal will reduce the semester grade three points in all classes missed.

It should also be understood that if a student is serving a suspension or not in school by 12:14 that student will not be allowed to participate in a school-sponsored activity that evening. It is still permissible to be absent from school on Friday and participate on Saturday. The Principal reserves the authority to waive this requirement for an unusual circumstance.
Repeated unexcused absences may be considered grounds for long-term suspension or expulsion.

TRUANCY
Truancy shall be defined as willful absence from school without the knowledge and consent of the parent/guardian. The penalty for truancy shall be short term suspension from school and the student shall make up the time missed outside of regular school hours, as arranged by the Principal. Repeated truancy may be considered grounds for long term suspension or expulsion.

DOCTOR’S PERMIT REQUIRED
A student having been absent since having had contagious or infectious disease shall not be permitted to return to school until such time as all danger thereafter has passed. A doctor’s certificate may be required for the student to return to school. Any questionable symptoms of a contagious disease or skin condition will require a doctor’s certification in writing before admittance to school.

TARDINESS
Students who are absent during part of the first 10 minutes of a class period will be considered tardy for that class period. Students who are absent after the first 10 minutes of a class period will be considered absent for that class period. Tardiness to school in the morning, if possible, should be accompanied by an excuse from a parent or legal guardian explaining the reason for the tardiness. If a note or email from the parents is not received within one week of the tardiness, the student shall be given a detention for the tardiness. Students are to check into the Principal’s office upon arrival. When a student is tardy three times to class in a semester, a detention will be assigned.

ABSENCE FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
A teacher sponsoring students on a school activity during the school day will submit to the Principal’s office and to each teacher in advance a list of those students who will participate in the activity. Absences for participants in school activities are not recorded in the attendance register; however, the students should make up in advance the assignments he/she will miss. It is the responsibility of each student to obtain an activity permit and have each of his/her teachers sign it after the work is made up. The make-up sheet must be turned in to the teacher sponsoring the activity before the student leaves for that activity. Your respective teachers must sign for each class you will miss. Failure to secure each of those signatures will result in your remaining in school. Any teacher reserves the right to refuse to sign your slip. Only those participating in the activity will be excused from school to attend a regular season, conference, or district contest.

DISMISSAL FROM CLASS
If a teacher finds it necessary to send you from a classroom because of disruptive behavior, report immediately to the office.

STUDENTS IN BUILDING AFTER 3:50
Only students involved in a faculty-supervised activity may be in the building after 3:43. Athletes returning for late basketball practice will be expected to stay out of the building until their coach arrives.

ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT IN SCHOOL
If you become ill or are injured in any way, your teacher, coach, or the office should be notified immediately. The School Nurse is available, at times, during the week. Your parents or guardian or someone else who might be designated on your enrollment card will be notified and requested to come to the school to get you. You should never go home without checking to see if your parents are home. If this is not possible, a school employee shall take the student home or to the home of the designated person. In case of an emergency the school may call the family physician or an available emergency physician for administration of temporary aid.

PERMISSION TO LEAVE THE BUILDING DURING THE DAY
If it is necessary for you to leave the building because you have become ill, or if you must leave on an errand during study center, etc., be sure to inform the Principal of your leaving. Do not leave the building without first checking out with the Principal. Failure to get permission to leave the building will result in truancy. Driving a vehicle is not permitted during the school day unless permission is given by the Principal.
The procedure you will be expected to follow is:

LUNCH PERIOD
The Coleridge High School operates on an open campus policy which allows all students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to go home or to an establishment downtown for lunch. Jr. High students that live in town who have written permission may go to their home for lunch, but may not go to a friend’s home or a place of business. One permission slip will suffice for the school year. Those students who eat at school or return from eating elsewhere before the end of the lunch period may go to one of the following areas:
1. Gym or in front of the school (outside) depending on the weather.
2. The library which is available for study only.
3. Downtown for high school students only.
4. Upper playground (to use football).

Students are not allowed to be in any vehicles or be in the teachers or students parking lots during the lunch period. Students are not allowed to be in any buildings other than their own homes or local cafes or other eating establishments in the local business district.

Failure to comply with any of the above may result in appropriate disciplinary action as determined by the Principal. All general classroom rules apply to the above during lunch period. In case of inclement weather, the elementary has priority on gym use. No snowballing; no rowdy behavior in the gym.

BREAKFAST/LUNCH CHARGES
Students will be allowed to charge a maximum of ten dollars to their meal account. After reaching that ten dollar limit, students will be served on a cash basis only.

STUDENT BILLS
Students will not be permitted to charge any items purchased by the school. All items must be paid for at the time they are received. This will include all music supplies.

Repairs on instruments will be billed directly to the student at their home address. Currently, the school uses Mike’s Band Instrument Repair in Yankton. If you wish to have the instrument repaired at a place of your choice, you are encouraged to do so. You are also welcome to purchase any other supplies needed on your own.

HALL PASSES
Students will be permitted to pass in the halls to use restroom, locker, and other facilities during a class period, provided a hall pass is granted by the supervising teacher.

GYM FLOOR RESTRICTIONS
No hard-soled shoes will be allowed on the gym floor. Students should make sure tennis shoes are clean and free of dirt, gravel, gum, etc.

STUDY CENTER REGULATIONS
The management of students, desks, and materials is the job of the study hall teacher. Study halls are intended to be precisely what the name implies—a place where studying is occurring. Study halls are not visitation centers.

LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER
The library/media center is to be used for selecting materials, reading, viewing, listening, research and quiet study. It is not a place to gather to talk. Anyone who does not use the library for the purpose it is intended will be asked to leave and may lose further library privileges.

Books and magazines may be checked out for two weeks. They may be renewed for an additional two-week period.

There is to be no candy, suckers, pop, or other food items consumed in the library/media center.

COMPUTER LAB REGULATIONS
The Computer Lab will be made available to students on a first-come basis. If the student has a pass from a teacher requesting the use of a computer to complete an assignment, that teacher must be available to sponsor the student, or another teacher must be present in the computer lab to sponsor the student.

BEHAVIOR AT ATHLETIC AND OTHER CONTESTS
A student’s behavior at athletic contests (home and away) is the responsibility of school officials. Students may be subject to disciplinary action based on poor behavior at contests. Use of the south gym doors during basketball and volleyball is specifically prohibited. The athletes performing are subject to the same standards. Athletes may be so reprimanded for poor sportsmanship during contests.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION
When a student is requested to stay befor or after school it is his/her responsibility to report to that teacher regardless of any previous appointment or co-curricular activity. If the student has a good reason for not being detained that day, he/she may explain the reason and the teacher may be able to arrange another time. All assigned detentions will be served or the student may receive a short-term suspension.

USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Radios, earphones, tape, cassette or CD players, cell phones and electronic games are not to be brought in to the school. Such items will be turned in to the principals office and may or may not be returned.

LOCKERS
Your locker assignment has been made on your registration sheet. Lockers are to be kept clean and neat at all times. Locker doors are to be kept closed. Money should not be left in lockers—we are not responsible. Padlocks may be rented from the office. No personal locks will be allowed on lockers.

Lockers remain the property of the Coleridge Community School District.

CARE OF PROPERTY
Pupils are liable for all damage that they may do to school property such as losing or damage to textbooks, library books, locks and lockers, breaking windows or lights, marking chairs, desks or other furniture and will be required to pay for the damage.

When textbooks are issued, the teacher will record the condition of the book. If a book is damaged beyond normal use, a fine must be paid before the student receives his final report card.

Fines are assessed students who are responsible for the hard use or for losing a book by reference to the following chart:
Condition Fine
New Full value
Good 3/4 value
Fair 1/2 value
Poor 1/4 value

PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY (LB 1161)

Coleridge Community School, District #541 is committed to the goal of providing quality education for every child in this district. Therefore, district officials shall foster and facilitate the extension of appropriate parental information and involvement in the education of their children.

In accordance with the requirements of LB 1161, the board of education, after having conducted a public hearing concerning parental involvement and participation in the school district, herewith declares that it shall be the policy of the District to provide full access at reasonable times to the parent of any student of this District to review textbooks, tests, curriculum, materials, records of a student of any such parent, unless otherwise prohibited by law, and to any surveys of students done by the school district.

Requests by parent to attend and monitor courses, assemblies, counseling sessions, and other instructional activities shall be presented to the classroom teacher/sponsor or superintendent or his/her designee prior to the time when the attendance requested by the parent would occur. Requests to the superintendent or his/her designee must be submitted in writing on the form supplied by the district. These forms shall seek information about the specific date, time, instructor/sponsor, program or instructional material in question, and a proposed solution for resolution of the complaint from the parent’s perspective.

It shall be the policy of Coleridge Community School to attempt to provide as uniform as experience as possible in all classroom instruction, testing, surveys, and other school experiences. It shall further be the policy of the District that concerns about classroom instruction, testing and other school experiences a parent finds objectionable be submitted in writing on the complaint form hereinabove referred to. The superintendent or his/her designee shall consult the person responsible for the instruction, testing or other school experiences in question and consider the request. While it is the practice of the District not to excuse the student from required activities, a reasonable compromise or alternative assignment may be arranged in place of the objectionable activity.

It shall be the policy of Coleridge Community Schools to use only testing methods and testing instruments that are not of an experimental nature and to avoid using any testing materials or testing techniques that are not generally recognized by professionals to be within sound educative standards or otherwise educationally appropriate.

It shall be the policy of Coleridge Community Schools to conduct student surveys judicially , with full consideration to the fact that certain parents may find certain items of surveys objectionable. It shall, however, be the policy of the district to not generally exempt students from any school authorized survey since to do so might impair the validity and accuracy of such a survey. It shall further be the policy of the District to notify parents of any surveys or standardized testing that may be scheduled within the school district.

It shall further be the policy of Coleridge Community Schools to provide full access to the records of the student to a parent or guardian all as set forth in 79-4,157, the Federal Education Right to Privacy Act, and other applicable law during regular business hours of the school, at the main office or wherever the student’s records may be regularly maintained.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents may make appointments for conferences with teachers, the student’s advisor, the counselor or the principal by telephoning the school office. We encourage parents to communicate with us on items of concern, interest, etc. Take an active interest in your child’s education. It is very important that he/she knows that you are interested and concerned. If after contacting the individual teach, coach, bus driver, etc. a concern remains, the counselor, principal and/or superintendent, stand ready to assist you.

SCHOOL CONFERENCES

Communication between the classroom teacher, the student’s advisor, student, and parent is very important. A parent’s involvement and support at home is one of the key factors in the student’s success in school. With this in mind, we have structured our school conferences to involve all parties. School conferences are designed to be a student led conference in which the student’s advisor, student, and parent take a positive look at the student’s educational plan and set a goal(s) that will allow the student future success. Having all parties involved keeps everyone focused on the same goals and gives the parent a better idea of what they can support/expect at home. These conferences will be scheduled twice each year, once during first quarter and once during the third quarter.

REPORTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

In the event the principal knows or suspects that a violation of the Nebraska Criminal Code has been violated on school property or off school property at a school function, and when such act consists of any unlawful acts described in 79-4,180, the Principal shall notify the County Sheriff or city law enforcement authorities, as appropriate. Before making such a report, the principal shall undertake reasonable efforts to ascertain the truth or falsity of any event upon which the making of a report to law enforcement would be based. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the reporting of any law violation by the Principal except if the criminal act to be reported occurred on the school grounds of the District or during an educational function or event in which the District is involved, but off school grounds.

REPORTS TO NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

It shall further be the policy of the District to provide to the Nebraska Department of Education on an annual basis the following:

RELEASE TO PEACE OFFICER

Consistent with any other lawful policy of the district, when a principal or other school official releases a minor student to a sheriff, coroner, jailer, marshal, police office, state highway patrol officer, member of the national guard on active service by direction of the Governor during periods of emergency, or any other person with similar authority to make arrests, the Principal or other school official shall take immediate steps to notify the parent, guardian, or responsible relative of the minor regarding the release of the minor to such officer. The Principal shall inform the parent, guardian, or responsible relative of the place to which the minor is reportedly being taken unless the minor has been taken into custody as a victim of suspected child abuse in which case, the Principal or school official shall provide the authority by whom the minor has been taken into custody with the address and telephone number of the minor’s parent or guardian or other responsible relative. The school will make every effort to notify parents/guardians of meetings held between their students and law enforcement or social services personnel.

STUDENT ADVISOR PROGRAM

All students in grades 7-12 will be assigned an advisor who will correspond with the student and their parent/guardian. The advisor’s role is to provide support for academic progress and assist with matters involving but not limited to attendance an disciplinary issues. The advisor will also serve as the main school contact for parents/guardians, host individual school conferences as scheduled and assist in other areas including pre-registration, extra-curricular involvement, scholarship application, etc.

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

Homework is a reinforcement activity designed to support skills and concepts taught in the classroom. Some classes are more hands-on or project oriented, therefore require less out-of-class work. Other classes may require homework every day. According to research presented by APL and Associates, students in grades 7-12 see dramatic increases in performance scores, improved work ethic and responsibility, and a greater sense of confidence and independence where homework practices are monitored and consistent. The following guidelines are established to communicate our rationale and consistence for the amount of assigned work for the average student.

NONDISCRIMINATION EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Sex will not be used as a basis for preventing a student’s participating in extracurricular activities, school organizations or competitive athletics. Open access to all students in, but not limited to, the following activities: music, pep clubs, cheerleaders, intramurals, athletics, clubs and organizations. Students may be selected by sex in music if done for voice range. Federal regulations do not require single co-educational teams for all sports. Athletics may be provided either through separate teams for males and females or through a single team open to both sexes. Game schedules, practice facilities, locker rooms, coaches and other related items must be equal. It is the desire of the school district to provide the sports competition which effectively meet the interests and abilities of both boys and girls.

Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, the Nebraska Equal Opportunity in Education Act, Section 504 or Title VI, may be directed to Daniel Hoesing, Superintendent, PO Box 37, Coleridge, 402-283-4255, or in case of Title IX and the Rehabilitation Act to the Director of Region VII, Office of the Civil Rights, 1022 North Executive Hills Boulevard, 8th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri, 64153, 816-891-8026.

CHEMICAL USAGE

It shall be the Policy of Cedar County District #541, a/k/a Coleridge Community Schools, to purchase and/or use chemicals, solvents, paints, pesticides, etc. in accordance with all laws controlling and/or prohibiting use in public institutions. The district shall not accept any unsealed or opened products. All required Material Safety Data Sheets (MDS) forms shall be kept on file for all products used and/or stored on school property.

It shall be the Policy of Cedar County District #541, a/k/a Coleridge Community Schools, to properly use and/or store all chemicals, solvents, paints, pesticides, etc. in secured storage units and in accordance with all laws controlling and/or prohibiting use in public institutions. All chemicals in storage shall carry proper labeling and shall be stored in their original product containers. Chemicals and their respective containers shall be properly disposed of when empty and/or prior to the expiration date listed on the product label. When feasible and reasonable to do so, all chemicals stored, purchased, disposed, and used will be handled according to the procedures outlined.

ASTHMA AND ANAPHYLAXIS

Definition: Life-threatening asthma consists of an acute episode of worsening airflow obstruction. Immediate action and monitoring are necessary.
A systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is a severe response resulting in cardiovascular collapse (shock) after the injection of an antigen (e.g. bee or other insect sting), ingestion of a food or medication, or exposure to other allergens, such as animal fur, chemical irritants, pollens or molds, among others. The blood pressure falls, the pulse becomes weak, and death can occur. Immediate allergic reactions may require emergency treatment and medications.

Life-Threatening Asthma Symptoms: Any of these symptoms may occur:
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Severe shortness of breath
Retractions (chest or neck “sucked in”)
Cyanosis (lips and nail beds exhibit a grayish or bluish color)
Change in mental status, such as agitation, anxiety, or lethargy
A hunched-over position
Breathlessness causing speech in one-to-two word phrases or complete inability to speak

Anaphylactic Symptoms of Body System: Any of the symptoms may occur within seconds. The more immediate the reactions, the more severe the reaction may become. Any of the symptoms present requires several hours of monitoring.

Emergency Protocol:
1. CALL 911.
2. Summon school nurse if available. If not, summon designated trained, non-medical staff to implement emergency protocol.
3. Check airway patency, breathing, respiratory rate, and pulse.
4. Administer medications (Epi Pen and albuterol) per standing order
5. Determine cause as quickly as possible.
6. Monitor vital signs (pulse, respiration, etc).
7. Contact parents immediately and physician as soon as possible.
8. Any individual treated for symptoms with epinephrine at school will be transferred to medical facility.

COLERIDGE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
STUDENT FEE WAIVER

Dear Parent/Guardian,

The information you gave on your Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application may be shared with the following requested programs for which your children may qualify for financial assistance. Completing this waiver will not affect your child/children's free or reduced priced school meals status.

I give permission to school officials to share information from my Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application in accordance with the Public Elementary and Secondary Student Fee Authorization Act. I aslo request a Waiver, consistent with Section 12 of the District Student Fees Policy, for fees, transportation, and/or materials and equipment as listed below:

Child/Children's Name: ________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian (printed): ______________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian: ___________________________________ Date: ___________________

For more information contact:
Elementary: Mrs. Stephanie Petersen at 283-4255
Secondary: Mr. Craig Frerichs at 283-4844
7-12 Activities: Mr. Scott Petersen at 283-4844

Administrator Signature: _______________________________________________________________

Students or their parents/guardians must request and complete a waiver prior to participating in or attending the activity and prior to the purchase of the materials as outlined in the District Students Fees Policy.

PARENT RELEASE FORM
(For Children Age 16 and 17 to Discontinue Enrollment)

The undersigned, being first duly sworn, states upon oath as follows:

I am the parent or natural guardian of __________________________________ (child's name). The Child's date of birth is _______________. The child has reached the age of 16, but was not age 16 as of July 16, 2004, and has not reached the age of 18.

I hereby release the Child from continued enrollment in school. The Child is disenrolled from school effective _____________________ (insert date; if none stated, disenrollment is effective immediately).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this affidavit is signed and acknowledged this ______ day of ____________, 2004.

_______________________________________
Parent or Guardian

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ________ day of ___________________, 2004 by ______________________.

___________________________________
Notary Public

To: Parents and Employees
Re: The Presence of Asbestos Within District Buildings
Date: August 1, 2004
The Institute for Environmental Assessment was requested by Coleridge Community Schools to review and prepare an asbestos management plan identifying the presence of asbestos within District school buildings. The Institute’s federally certified inspectors, planners, public health and engineering consultants worked in conjunction with school administrative personnel to identify asbestos-containing building products. In addition, the Institute for Environmental Assessment has performed a re-inspection on May 6, 1998 as required by the AHERA Regulations. Asbestos is a mineral fiber associated with increased levels of disease when inhaled. The risk rating procedures which the Institute used in commenting on the asbestos were developed in conjunction with national experts in the area of industrial medicine, toxicology, industrial hygiene and engineering. After reviewing the characteristics of District buildings during re-inspection, we prepared an updated management plan, a copy of which is maintained along with the initial plan in the Superintendent’s office describing the asbestos plan and the intended response.

Asbestos is dangerous only when it is broken loose from building material into fine, dust-like fibers and inhaled. The district has floor tile throughout the building, which is assumed to contain non-friable asbestos. The district also has pipe insulation throughout which contains asbestos. Asbestos is also found on the ceilings. The undersides of all metal sinks are assumed to be coated with non-friable asbestos.

The District implemented its management plan as of July 9, 1989, and has been conducting a six-month periodic surveillance of all asbestos-containing building materials. This periodic surveillance and the re-inspection are conducted to provide a continuous assessment to assure safety conscious management of asbestos-containing materials.

The detailed plan and updated information is open to public review. If you have any questions, please contact the District’s Asbestos Program Manager, Daniel J. Hoesing at 283-4255.

DISTRICT ASBESTOS ACTIVITY SUMMARY

I am pleased to inform you that the District has continued to respond to the asbestos in schools issue in a cautious and proactive manner.

In the spring of 2001, the Institute for Environmental Assessment conducted a thorough inspection of all materials assumed to contain asbestos. The District will continue with the ongoing asbestos operations and maintenance program including periodic surveillance to be conducted every six months for the Coleridge Community Schools
.
Please rest assured that the District’s ongoing efforts related to the management and control of asbestos-containing materials is geared singularly toward providing a safe and healthy environment for students, employees and occupants. If you have any questions, or would like to review the management plans and update materials, please feel free to contact the District’s Asbestos Program Manager, Daniel J. Hoesing at 283-4255.

The asbestos management plan is located in the Superintendent’s office and is available by contacting the asbestos program manager.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
A substitute teacher is an important visitor whose impressions of our school will be carried into communities. Let us be certain that these are good impressions by being polite, helpful, and considerate, as you would be to your regular teacher.

POSSESSION OR USE OF TOBACCO
Possession or use of tobacco by minors is prohibited by law of the State of Nebraska. Consequently the school pupils cannot be permitted to use tobacco or tobacco substitutes on the school grounds or while under school jurisdiction or at any of our school activities, away or at home. The football field is a part of the school ground during school activities. Using tobacco substitutes may be punishable by a short-term suspension.

ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS
Students shall not sell, deal in, consume, deliver, or have in their possession alcoholic beverages or other drugs while in school or on school property or while attending a school activity. Standard procedure for enforcing this policy will involve contacting law enforcement officials. No student shall be on school grounds or attend a school activity while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Violation of these policies may result in long-term suspension and expulsion
.
If there is a question as to whether the student is under the influence of either alcohol or other drugs, the student’s parents or legal guardians will be notified to take the student home.

A student who takes medicine prescribed by a physician is required to advise the Principal and his/her teachers so that the taking of medication by prescription will not be misunderstood.

INITIATIONS
The practice of holding initiations into classes, activities, or organizations will not be permitted. Violations of this policy may be punishable by short-term suspension.

SIGNS
Signs and posters are to be placed in designated areas and in such a way as to not cause damage. Groups and individuals putting up signs are responsible for their removal at the proper time.

STUDENT INSURANCE CLAIMS

BAND UNIFORMS
Normal upkeep and care are the responsibility of the student. Band members or pep band requested to play at athletic contests will be admitted free to the contest.

STUDENT CARS AND PARKING
Students driving any vehicles to school are required to park them in the designated places upon arrival at school. These vehicles are not to be driven during the school day, unless permission is given by the Principal. Students are not allowed to sit, smoke, eat, or in any way occupy the cars once they are parked. The student parking areas are shown below.

CLASS DISMISSAL
Classes are in session from the ringing of the bell until dismissal by the teacher in charge. The bell at the end of the period is a warning and not a dismissal bell. Classes are in session until dismissed by the teacher.

VISITORS
Students from other schools, parents or legal guardians, and children are all greatly welcome to the Coleridge Junior-Senior High School and may visit classes, etc., after obtaining a permit from the Principal. Please give the school prior notice before you visit the school to meet with the Principal, visit classes, eat lunch, etc., to allow school officials to make the necessary preparations. Teachers are encouraged to invite parents to discuss problems with students where there are difficulties. The Principal should be informed of serious difficulties that require parental involvement and should always be involved when parents come to school with a serious school problem.

Children under school age may visit school if permission has been granted by the Principal. All visitors are expected to follow the same rules as the remainder of the student body. No visitors are permitted during the first or last weeks of school or during final tests.

QUARTERLY CALENDARS
Calendars are prepared by the school each quarter showing all activities scheduled for the coming month. All approved activities are shown on this calendar and are sponsored by the school. Those not on the calendar are not approved unless additional information is sent home or put in the school news of the local paper.

FIRE AND TORNADO DRILL
Fire and tornado drills are a rehearsal for a possibly serious situation. Detailed evacuation procedures will be given in each classroom and will be discussed by each classroom teacher. Become familiar with this information and do not tamper with the fire protection or alarm equipment.

K-12 are to report to the main high school lobby where they will be directed into the following rooms:

Students from the ENDLC, English Room, Art Room, Tech Lab, Shop, and Music Room will be directed into the Air Handler room.

Students from the remainder of the school will be directed into one of the above rooms as they arrive from their classrooms.

Handicapped students on the lower level will proceed to the bathrooms in the kindergarten room.

Glass is the one thing that causes most injuries. Have the students sit on the floor with their knees to their chest around the outer edge of the room. Have them cover their heads with both hands.

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING PERIOD
If a meeting is desired, the sponsor of that organization must contact the office in order to schedule a meeting for that week. Meetings can usually be scheduled during study center time or during a class where all members are present for these meetings.

CLASS PARTIES AND DANCES
A maximum of four all-school dances in addition to the Junior-Senior Prom will be allowed. Only students enrolled in the Coleridge High School will be allowed unless otherwise announced. When outside dates are allowed, they must be approved and registered at the office no later than 4:00 p.m. on the day of the dance (Friday, if the dance is on a Saturday). Homecoming and Prom will be for grades 9-12 only. Alumni are only allowed when accompanied by a high school date.

No student may leave the dance and return.

The sponsoring class will be responsible for cleaning up the area and putting away any decorations or equipment before leaving the party.

DUTIES OF CLASS AND ACTIVITIES OFFICERS

Each class and activity shall elect a minimum of four officers whose duties and responsibilities are:
The president shall be the presiding officer of all meetings, appoint members and chairpersons to special committees as needed, act as an Ex-Officio member of all committees, and direct and coordinate all projects of the class or activity. He/she shall introduce a speaker(s) at one assembly .
The vice-president shall be in charge of meetings in the absence of the president. The vice-president should also work closely with the president in all committee work and special projects. In addition, the vice president will chair all standing committees.
The secretary’s duties include keeping a record of each meeting in detail and carrying on any correspondence that is necessary.
The treasurer is responsible for keeping a record of all financial transactions of the group. The treasurer must balance the books at the end of each month with the master activity ledger kept in the central office. In order to do this, it is mandatory that the treasurer understand the purchase order and requisition system that is used by the school.

ACCOUNTING OF CLASS AND ACTIVITY FUNDS
Each class or activity treasurer will be furnished with an account book which must be used in recording all money transactions. To assure that each account balances with the master activity ledger, the treasurer should check in the office each month.

All expenditures will be conducted by requisition and purchase order system. Upon proper completion of a requisition, a purchase order slip will be issued by the central office.

All receipts from fund-raising projects will be turned into the central office. The funds will then be deposited in the proper account.

SCHOOL CLOSING
If school is called off because of bad weather or for any other reason, it will be announced on WJAG Radio (780), Norfolk; WNAX Radio (570), Yankton; KTIV, channel 4, or KKYA (93.1 FM/KYNT 1450), Yankton. The closing will also be posted on the school's website: http://coleridge.esu1.org. Do not call the school or any school personnel for this information as this ties up emergency lines. An announcement will be made as soon as a decision is made.

CHURCH NIGHT
No school activities (practice or performances) will take place on any Wednesday after 7:00 which has been set as “church night.” However, some conference or state-scheduled events may occur on Wednesday nights, and the school will have to participate.

There will be no school activities or practices on Saturdays or Sundays unless special permission is granted by the Superintendent.

BUS RIDERS AT CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Athletes, band members, cheerleaders, and other special student groups must ride the assigned transportation when attending co-curricular activity events. The driver has full authority at all times and shall report any disturbances to the superintendent or the Principal. Only a written excuse from the parents or guardians of a student will allow deviation from this policy. In this instance, students may ride home with parents or other identified adults—rides home with peers is not permitted. This written request will be presented to the sponsor in advance of the vehicle leaving school or returning.

WORK PERMITS
All work permits for students from the age of 14 through 16 will be issued only by the guidance counselor in accordance with State Law.

SENIOR WORK PERMITS
Seniors shall be eligible to apply for release school time through the completion of a school Work Permit. In order to be granted release time this Work Permit must be signed and approved by the student, his/her parents or legal guardian(s), the employer, and the Principal. The Principal will have final discretion regarding the issuance of all Work Permits.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
School activities include a yearbook, football, girls’ volleyball, boys’ and girls’ basketball, and boys’ and girls’ track, boys’ and girls’ golf, band, speech, one act plays, ‘C’ Club, instrumental music, vocal music, honor society, football king and queen, prom king and queen, and junior-senior class play.

HONOR SOCIETY
To be elected to the Honor Society each student must have been in attendance at this school at least one semester and be a member of the sophomore, junior, or senior class. Candidates eligible for election to the chapter must have a minimum scholarship of 93%, be of high character, show desirable qualities of leadership, and shall have rendered a distinct service to the school. Students must also have community service hours which must be approved by the National Honor Society sponsor.

Its purpose is to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in all students of the Coleridge High School. Membership: Juniors and Seniors are eligible to become active members and Sophomores provisional members.

THE GROWL
The high school annual, The Growl, contains copy and pictures of students, faculty, organizations, athletics, and activities. A faculty member acts as sponsor. The Growl is financed by subscriptions sold to the students and advertisements from business patronized by Coleridge residents.

Individuals qualified to view student records may request deletion of “inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein” by filing a written request for a hearing with the Superintendent, Principal and guidance counselor. Forms for this purpose shall be available in the administrative offices.

STUDENT COUNCIL
The purpose of the organization shall be:
1. To promote citizenship, scholarship, and sportsmanship.
2. To promote better understanding between faculty and students and among students themselves.
3. To promote school activities.
4. To promote school spirit and morals.

Health laws require that students wear shoes at all times while in school.

HONOR MEDALLIONS (TOP FOUR STANDING)
Honor medallions and other such awards will be presented at an assembly on a designated date in May. The assembly will be under the supervision of the Principal.

STUDENT PURCHASES
It is expected that students will independently purchase most items needed for classes and activities. The school will order only those personal items approved in advance by the Principal. This does not include items having previous approval such as reeds for band instruments, yearbooks, etc.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
40 credits English/Language Arts;
30 credits Math/Computer education;
30 credits Social Studies (10 hours U.S. History; 5 hours American government);
20 credits Science (including 10 hours Biology);
10 credits Physical Education;
10 credits Computer Applications. (Successful completion of ten credit hours of “Office XP” offered through the school district’s Distance Learning Lab may be subtituted for the ten credit hour Computer Applications requirement.) Approved June, 1999.

Total number of credits necessary to graduate is 220. Students may earn a total of 10 credits per year for participation in Band, Choir or both. No more than 40 credits may come from instrumental-vocal music field over 4 years (except for 10 credits for independent study available to juniors-seniors); no more than 15 credits may come from physical education; no more than 10 credits may come from speech. The first accumulated credits in the above areas will be figured into the grade point average. Four years of high school attendance are required for a diploma. Students must meet all graduation requirements unless granted a waiver by the Board of Education.

Seventy per cent need not be the absolute standard of pass/fail for special education students. Any adjusted grades will be noted on the student’s “Educational Data Record” by adding the following statement: “This reflects a grade given in relation to an I.E.P., Individual Educational Plan. “

Any student who does not have the necessary requirements for the above diploma shall receive an Attendance Certificate. The regular diploma shall be held until the pupil completes the necessary hours. A student receiving an attendance certificate is not required to go through graduation exercises unless he/she desires to do so. All students are required to take seven subjects or its equivalent number of hours each year
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CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
Correspondence courses, with prior approval by the Principal, may count toward graduation. Such courses must be (1) enrichment in nature and not offered in the local curriculum but needed for the student’s educational goals; or (2) whenever the student cannot finish their high school education by attendance at school. The school will reimburse the students for approved courses in the amount of the actual costs for tuition and books after successful completion of the course

The percentage equivalents are:

* -(one week to make up all work or receive a grade of zero on all incomplete work)

A serious attempt is made at all times to evaluate in the best possible manner the progress of students.

When a GPA is requested from our school on a 4.0 scale, for scholarships, transcripts or student transfers, students who have a GPA of 98% and above will be converted and recorded as a 4.0.

A—(93-100) The student is more than meeting the demands of the teacher. His work is on time. The work is of superior quality. It shows mastery of the subject matter. He has the ability to carry the job through, and exerts a positive influence on the class.
B—(85-92) The work is of a superior nature and the required work is well done. The student meets the demands of the teacher and exerts a positive influence on the class.
C—(77-84) He does satisfacto