Policies

STUDENTS

Students contains policies on students -- admissions, attendance, rights and responsibilities, conduct, discipline, health and welfare, and school-related activities.

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AGE

Every child who is at least six (6) years of age and under sixteen (16) years of age shall attend the school to which he/she is assigned unless:

• the child is attending a public school outside the district to which the child is assigned or an approved private school; or
• the child is receiving home education; or
• the Superintendent or his/her designee has excused the child from attendance because the child is physically or mentally unable to attend school.

Any child who reaches his/her sixth birthday after September 30^th shall not be required to attend school until the following school year.

Statutory Reference:

RSA 193:1 (Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil)

NHSBA Code JEA
08/94 revised as follows:
First Reading Coordination: 07/11/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 08/13/01

ENTRANCE AGE REQUIREMENTS

Students shall be eligible to attend kindergarten if they have reached age 5 by September 30, with no exceptions made for early entrance, and to attend first grade if they have reached age 6 by September 30.

Acceptance of transfers from states with differing eligibility requirements shall be left to the discretion of the Superintendent and/or his/her designee.

Statutory Reference:

RSA 193:1 (Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil.)
First Reading Coordination: 07/11/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 08/13/01

AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATIONALLY DISABLED STUDENTS

The Manchester Board of School Committee recognizes its obligation to provide an education for all students determined to be educationally disabled. Such obligation shall begin when a student reaches three years of age and shall continue until the student's 21^st birthday or until such time as he/she receives a high school diploma, whichever occurs first.

The Board has no financial obligation to any student over the age of 21. Therefore, all responsibility for educational services shall terminate on the date of his/her 21^st birthday. At the discretion of the Superintendent and/or his/her designee, students who reach the age of 21 during the academic year may be allowed to complete the remainder of the school year.

Statutory Reference:

RSA 186C:9 (Education Required)
08/94, revised 04/01:

First Reading Coordination: 07/11/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 08/13/01

ADMISSION OF RESIDENT STUDENTS

Effective September of 1995, the following groups of students in the Manchester School District must show proof of residency:

1. All kindergarten children
2. All new registrations to/within the School District - this shall include students who begin attending middle school or high school, those who have recently moved into the city from other communities, and students who wish to transfer within the District at any point during the school year.
3. It is understood that the central office administration reserves the right to grant special permission for attendance at schools other than those considered to be the home school of the student. Special permission may be granted for reasons including, but not limited to: special education students, hardship cases (child care arrangements are not considered hardship cases), or other extenuating circumstances as determined by the administrator. The administration further reserves the right to limit special exceptions based on class sizes and overall school enrollment.

Parents must provide two of the following as proof of residence:

1. Utility bill or deposit receipt indicating address
2. Lease agreement
3. Letters presented on letterhead from organizations such as Manchester Housing Authority
4. Welfare Card
5. Purchase and Sales Agreement
6. Voter registration
7. Social Services Papers - Social Security, Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Homeless Shelter Verification
8. Rent receipt including verification of landlord's address and phone number

In the unusual case that these are not available, a signed and notarized statement of residence must be submitted.

Children who register for school after the beginning of the school year, insisting upon entering a particular school based on their processed residence, shall be allowed to register and be given a ten-day grace period to produce proof of residence.

Statutory Reference:

RSA 193:12 (Legal Residence Required)
Technical Advisory JFA &emdash; R
Appendix JFAB-R
NHSBA Code JFAA
07/95
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

ADMISSION AND TUITION OF NONRESIDENT STUDENTS

No person shall attend school or send a student to the school in any district of which he/she is not an inhabitant without the consent of the district or of the School Board.

Students who do not legally qualify as "residents" of the District who are admitted by the Board shall be charged tuition except as special considerations within the following guidelines:

1. To bring into the school system, students from other countries, who are the guests of District residents, under exchange programs that have been recognized by the Board for purposes of school attendance.
2. Seniors whose families move during their senior year may continue to graduation tuition free. All others allowed to continue by the Board shall pay tuition on a pro rata basis unless so exempted.
3. Except as nonresident students are given special consideration for the reasons stated above, or unless enrolled through an agreement with another school system or agency, all nonresident day students shall be charged tuition based on a per student cost determined in accordance with state law. This cost shall be determined annually and the tuition set by the Board.

Statutory Reference:

RSA 193:12(Legal Residence Required)
Appendix: JFAB-R
NHSBA Code JFAB
06/91
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

ADMISSION OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS

Upon approval of the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent, a student from a foreign country may be admitted to a high school in the city on a tuition-free basis. The number of foreign exchange students shall be limited to four per high school. This policy applies to students living in homes of Manchester residents only.

See appendix JFABB-R
NHSBA Code JFABB
02/95
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

STUDENT ABSENCES

Whenever a student is absent from school, it is the responsibility of the parent to notify the school on the morning of the absence. On the day that the child returns to school, the parent must submit a written excuse to the school. The note should include the date(s) of absence as well as the reason.

If the parent does not notify the school of the child's absence, the school shall make an attempt to reach the parent by phone or note to verify the absence. The final responsibility, however, rests solely with the parents, not with the school.

If such an absence is continued and is not due to sickness or other sufficient cause, the school principal shall report the absences to the attendance officer for investigation regarding truancy.

Statutory References:

RSA 193:1,2,7 and 16 (Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil)
Ed 306.10 (a) (1) (Department of Education, Absenteeism and Attendance)
See Appendix: JH-R
NHSBA Code JH
First Reading Coordination: 12/12/00
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 01/08/01

TRUANCY

Unauthorized absence from school is considered truancy and shall be treated as such in accordance with the rules of the Parent-Student Handbook.

Statutory Reference:

RSA 193:1 (Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil)
See Appendix; JHB-R 
NHSBA Code JHB
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

ATTENDANCE MONITORING/ACCOUNTING

Each school principal is responsible for overseeing attendance procedures and ensuring that:

1. Attendance is accurately checked and reported to the school office daily.
2. All student absences are recorded.
3. All permanent records of student attendance are maintained at the SAU office.

Statutory References:

RSA 193:8 (School Attendance, Notice of Requirements)
NHSBA Code JHBB
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

RELEASE OF STUDENTS

Students may be released by the principal, assistant principal, or other authorized personnel.

Requests for students' release shall be in writing and signed by the parent or legal guardian. School personnel may not release a student to any person not known by the principal or teacher to be the legal guardian of the student, except upon presentation of a written permit from the parent or legal guardian. It should be remembered that, as a result of a divorce or separation or other family circumstances, the custody agreement should be carefully checked before releasing the student. In each instance, the principal or teacher should make sure that the student knows the person to whom he is being released. Any telephone request should be verified by calling the home or emergency number before releasing the student.

Similar cautionary measures are also required when releasing students to after-school childcare programs or special school sponsored, or non-school related activities such as skiing, bowling, etc.

NHSBA Code JHC
First Reading Coordination:12/12/00
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 01/08/01

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student rights and responsibilities shall be published in the Parent-Student Handbook.

NHSBA Code JI
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

STUDENT DUE PROCESS RIGHTS

Student due process rights shall be printed in the Parent-Student Handbook.

Appendix: JICD - R 

NHSBA Code JIA
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION-MAKING

The role of the school is to create a stimulating learning climate which develops active student involvement in their education.

The Board believes that students should:

1. Feel free to express, without fear, their own opinions, recognizing that every privilege and right has a corresponding responsibility.
2. Be involved in the planning of assembly programs and school-sponsored forums of interest.
3. Be encouraged to participate in student government organizations that provide students with a voice in school affairs.
4. Be encouraged to participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities to broaden their educational experiences.

The Board may choose to add a high school student in the District as a non-voting member of the Board.

Statutory References:

RSA 189:1-c (Student Member of School Board)
RSA 194:23 (f) (High School Student as School Board Member)

NHSBA Code JIB
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

STUDENT CONDUCT

All student behavior must be based on respect and consideration for the rights of others.

Annually, at the opening of school, students shall receive a publication listing the rules and regulations to which they must adhere.

Students have a responsibility to be familiar with and respect the rules and regulations of the school. Students have the further responsibility to conduct themselves at all times in a manner appropriate to good citizenship. This includes treating all students and staff with courtesy, consideration and respect.

See appendix: JICD &emdash; R

NHSBA Code JIC
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

CODE OF ETHICS/STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR FOR OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Students holding leadership positions are expected to be exemplary leaders in all areas of their lives, both in and out of school for the entire year (365 days). School leaders shall be evaluated periodically by their respective advisers and the administration according to the following criteria and shall not be allowed to serve unless the following standards are met:

Academics:

Student leaders shall maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 (Simple/Unweighted). In the event that a GPA falls below 2.5, the student leader shall be removed from office for a minimum of one marking period and until his/her GPA reaches the 2.5 standard set for all class leaders. If a school leader receives an "F", that leader shall forfeit the office for the remainder of the school year. Any leader found guilty of plagiarism/cheating shall be removed from office for the remainder of the year.

Alcohol/Other Drugs:

School leaders pledge to refrain from using alcohol and other illegal drugs in and out of school for the entire year (365 days). School leaders agree to the following:

1. Attendance at parties or other gatherings, excluding family gatherings, where alcohol is being consumed is strictly prohibited as is the use, possession, and transfer of alcohol or other drugs.

   Consequence:

   Failure to adhere to this pledge shall result, following an investigation, in the immediate removal from office for the remainder of the school year or the following school year if the incident occurs during the summer months.

2. If a school leader inadvertently finds him/herself at a gathering where alcohol and other illegal drugs are being used, the officer shall immediately leave the gathering and report his/her attendance at the gathering to the appropriate adviser on the next school day. If the adviser is not available, the student shall report the incident to a school administrator.

   Consequence:

   Failure to report the incident, as required, shall result in immediate suspension from office, pending an investigation and determination of further disciplinary action.

Personal Behavior:

Any school leader shall be removed from office for the remainder of the school year or the following school year, if the incident occurs during the summer months, for reasons, which include, but are not limited to the following:

• Involvement in a serious violation of school rules
• Inappropriate and/or illegal conduct on or off-campus including activities not associated with school

School leaders are held to a higher standard of behavior than students who are not serving in positions of leadership.

Leadership:

School leaders are expected to be behavioral role models for fellow students. Any school leader's behavior, either in or outside of school, that might give other students a justification for their own inappropriate behavior, may be removed from office.

Responsibility:

All school leaders shall be expected to fulfill their responsibilities with a willing and cooperative attitude. Any school leader, who in the judgment of the adviser is not meeting his/her responsibilities, may, after an initial verbal warning, be removed from office.

Serving in a peer leadership role is a serious responsibility. All students who seek such positions shall be expected to treat their responsibilities as an opportunity to serve - not an opportunity for individual glorification.

Appeal Procedure:

Any appeal of disciplinary action shall first be made to the adviser. Only disciplinary actions, which result in removal from office or membership for the remainder of the school year, may be appealed to the Student Activities Council.

All other disciplinary actions are the sole responsibility of the adviser.

The Student Activities Council is comprised of the following:

• Assistant Principal for Student Activities (non-voting member)
• Class Advisers
• Student Council Adviser
• At-Large Adult Advisers (2) - appointed by the principal

Guidelines for the appeal process shall be provided to the student and/or parent upon request.

THE DECISION OF THE STUDENT ACTIVITIES COUNCIL IS FINAL.

Curriculum and Instruction: 09/17/01
First Reading Coordination: 10/10/01
Second Reading and Approval: 11/13/01

PASSIVE PHYSICAL RESTRAINT

The Manchester School District student population occasionally includes students whose behavior has demonstrated a need for special attention. These students may exhibit behaviors that result in harm to others and/or themselves. Passive physical restraint may be appropriate for students who exhibit behaviors which cannot be modified through other behavioral interventions, behaviors that pose a risk of physical harm to themselves or others, or significant damage to property.

To ensure the safety of all students and staff, it is the policy of the Manchester School District that such behavior be addressed through de-escalation strategies, functional behavior assessments, behavior plans, and other non-physical interventions prior to the use of physical restraint

Students exhibiting behavior requiring passive physical restraint must be offered appropriate programs including realistic consequences and acceptable alternates to inappropriate behaviors. Passive physical restraint may only be used as a last resort by properly trained staff to prevent injury. To that end it is the intent of the Board of School Committee to provide training in passive physical restraint techniques to identified building teams. Also, all staff shall be oriented in methods of identifying and interacting with students who may cause harm to themselves or others.

The district prohibits any procedure solely intended to cause or threaten physical pain.

Coordination: 03/10/99
First Reading: 04/12/99
Second Reading BOSC: 05/10/99
Third Reading and Adoption BOSC: 06/09/99

STUDENT DRESS CODE

The Board of School Committee recognizes the rights of students to express individuality through their attire. The Board also recognizes the rights and responsibilities of parents to determine the standards of dress and grooming for their sons and daughters. However, the Board of School Committee has a responsibility to assure that the atmosphere in schools is safe and conducive to learning.

Balancing these factors, the Board of School Committee has adopted a dress policy for students that is reasonable, but that sets standards for grooming and appearance. PROPER ATTIRE is required of all students during each school day and at all school functions. PROPER ATTIRE is defined as clean clothing that is free of holes or tears, that appropriately covers the body, and that helps maintain a healthy and safe environment in school. Further, expecting students to practice good personal hygiene is part of this school dress policy.

Teachers have the responsibility of enforcing the student dress code policy both in their classrooms and on school grounds. Administrators and other school personnel share in this responsibility. In the event a student's appearance detracts from the educational process, constitutes a threat to the safety and health of himself or others, or is in violation of lawful statutes, the school district shall take corrective action. Specifically, students who do not adhere to this policy may be disciplined and/or sent home after school administrators contact the parents.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the student and parent that the student follow the guidelines of this dress code. When questions arise regarding the interpretation of this policy, the administration shall make a determination regarding the appropriateness of student dress. Finally, it is the expectation of the Board of School Committee that this policy be enforced fairly and reviewed regularly to ensure consistency with the community attitudes.

The Board of School Committee has established the following guidelines to assist students in their understanding of the dress code policy:

1. Clothing, jewelry, tattoos, or accessories, which through word or design, display the following:
• Use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco or other drugs
• Sexual references and/or language
• Symbols of gang identification
• Intolerance or lack of respect to others on the basis of gender race, religion, ethnic, social, sexual preference, disability or economic background are inappropriate and prohibited. All tattoos which are not in compliance with the above-stated guidelines must be covered.
2. Clothing that exposes the chest, abdomen, midriff, genital area or buttocks, including, but not limited to the following, is not permitted:
• Spaghetti straps
• Tube tops 1 of 2
• Backless tops
• Halter tops
• Muscle-type tops (e.g. basketball jerseys, sleeveless undershirt)
• Pants or shorts not cinched at the top of the hips
• Exposed undergarments
• Lingerie or pajama wear, worn as outer garments
• Shorts, skirts, or slits in shorts and skirts that are shorter than mid-thigh or fingertip length
• Fabrics that are see-through or transparent
• Tight lycra, spandex, or similar material
3. Sunglasses/colored glasses are prohibited unless prescribed or authorized by a physician.
4. Head coverings (including hats, head stockings, bandanas, or sweatbands) shall not be worn in school except for religious, cultural or medical purposes.
5. Footwear must be worn at all times.
6. Safety/protective clothing and footwear, as well as athletic and gym clothing and sneakers, shall be worn as required by the subject teacher or organization adviser while students are participating in specialized activities. Students wearing a hairstyle that presents a hazard to the learning environment shall conform to safety standards as required by the subject teacher.
7. Students shall not wear accessories or clothing that could pose a potential danger to themselves, others, and/or property. This includes heavy chains, spiked bracelets, and/or other items of dress.

06/04/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 07/09/01

SCHOOL UNIFORMS FOR STUDENTS

It is the policy of the Board of School Committee of the City of Manchester School District to support the requirement of mandatory school uniforms at school sites where administrators, teachers, and a majority of parents wish to implement a more unifying dress code. The purpose of the uniform requirement shall be to enhance the learning environment, to curtail peer pressure, to increase school safety by reducing disciplinary incidents, and to bridge economic differences.

Uniforms must be only of specific color and type of clothing and may not be that of an established uniform available through a single vendor. Administrators at each school site must provide exemptions or accommodations for religious or extraordinary circumstance.

First Reading Coordination: 06/12/00
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 07/06/00

Also, JBAA, Students 116, Students 120, IHBA

STUDENT SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION POLICY

BULLYING

I. General Statement of Policy

The Board is committed to providing all students a safe school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect.

This policy is intended to comply with RSA 193-F, which specifically identifies "bullying" as a form of student harassment. Conduct constituting bullying shall not be tolerated, and is prohibited by this Policy, in accordance with RSA 193-F.

II. Bullying Defined

Bullying is conduct which subjects a student to insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal or physical in nature, which are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response from the student being treated in this manner.

The Superintendent and/or his/her designee may develop administrative regulations to implement this definition.

III. Reporting Procedures

Any school employee, or employee of a company under contract with a school in the District, or the District itself, who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student has been subjected to "bullying," as defined in II. above, shall report such incident to the principal, or his/her designee, who shall in turn report the incident to the Superintendent and/or his/her designee.

The Principal is initially responsible for receiving oral or written reports of violations of this Policy. The Principal may designate, in writing, an additional person to receive such reports.

After receiving any such report, the Principal shall report the incident to the Superintendent and/or his/her designee. If the Principal received the information verbally, he/she shall reduce the report he/she received to writing within twenty-four hours of receiving the information, and forward it to the Superintendent and/or his/her designee. If the Principal received the information in writing, he/she shall forward what he/she received to the Superintendent and/or his/her designee within twenty-four hours of receipt.

The District shall make available forms for reporting incidents of bullying, and shall encourage the use of these forms. Such forms shall be available in the Principal's office in each building, and from the Superintendent's Office.

IV. Investigation

The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall direct an investigation to be made of reports of bullying in accordance with the procedures specified in Policy JBAA.

V. Training

The Superintendent and/or his/her designee may develop age-appropriate methods of discussing the meaning, substance, and application of this Policy with staff and students in order to minimize the occurrence of bullying, and for staff to effectively respond to any such incidents.

VI. Notice of Policy

The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall provide notice to students and staff of this Policy through appropriate references in the student and employee handbooks, or through other reasonable means. The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall also make all contractors contracting with the District aware of this Policy.

VII. Discipline

If it is determined, after investigation, that a student has engaged in bullying conduct prohibited by this Policy and implementing administrative regulations, that student shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include, but not be limited to, suspension and expulsion.

Any such disciplinary action shall be taken in accord with applicable school board policy and legal requirements.

Statutory & Regulatory Requirements

RSA 193-F (Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000)

NHSBA Code JICBB
First Reading Coordination: 01/23/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 02/12/01

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

School-sponsored student publications may be authorized by the Superintendent and/or his/her designee. All such publications shall conform to rules established by the Superintendent and the building principal. Any publication not approved by the Board shall not be considered a school publication, and it shall not be distributed on school property. All school publications shall be under the supervision of the school principal or his/her designee.

NHSBA Code JICE
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

STUDENT PRODUCTIONS

Student productions are encouraged when they contribute positively to the educational goals of the District. All student productions shall conform to rules established by the Superintendent and the building principal.

NHSBA Code JICEA
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

SECRET SOCIETIES/GANG ACTIVITY

It is the policy of the District that membership in secret fraternities or sororities, or in other clubs or gangs not sponsored by established agencies or organizations, is prohibited.

Gangs which initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment are harmful to the educational process. The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group, present a clear and present danger to the school environment and educational o bjectives of the community are forbidden.

Incidents involving initiations, hazing, intimidation, and/or activities of such group affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace, resulting in physical or mental harm to students, are prohibited.

Any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang paraphernalia, or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student, shall be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

The Superintendent may provide in-service training in gang behavior and characteristics to facilitate staff identification of students at-risk. He/she may also promote membership in authorized school groups and activities as an alternative.

NHSBA Code JICF
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

HAZING

It is the policy of the District that no student or employee of the District shall participate in or be members of any secret fraternity or secret organization that is in any degree related to the school or to a school activity. No student organization or any person associated with any organization sanctioned by the Board shall engage or participate in hazing.

For the purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as an activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the Board.

"Endanger the physical health" shall include, but is not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping; beating; branding; forced calisthenics; exposure to the elements; forced consumption of any food, alcoholic beverage, drug or controlled, dangerous substance; or any forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual.

"Endanger the mental health" shall include any activity, except those activities authorized by law, which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as prolonged sleep deprivation, forced prolonged exclusion from social contact which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual.

Any hazing activity upon which the initiation, admission into, or affiliation with an organization sanctioned or authorized by the Board is conditioned, directly or indirectly, shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if the student willingly participates in such activity.

This policy is not intended to deprive School District authorities from taking necessary and appropriate disciplinary action toward any student or employee. Students or employees who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to, expulsion for students and employment termination for employees.

NHSBA Code JICFA
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

Also ADB, ADC, Personnel 106, & Personnel 107

TOBACCO PRODUCTS BAN

USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN/ON ALL SCHOOL FACILITIES AND/OR GROUNDS

No person shall use any tobacco product in any facility maintained by the School District, or on any of the grounds of the District.

Tobacco products means cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smokeless tobacco, smokeless cigarettes, products containing tobacco, and tobacco in any other form.

Signage

The District shall place signs in all buildings, facilities and school vehicles stating that the use of tobacco products is prohibited.

"Facility" is any place which is supported by public funds and which is used for the instruction of students enrolled in preschool programs and in all grades maintained by the District. This definition shall include all administrative buildings and offices and areas within facilities supportive of instruction and subject to educational administration, including, but not limited to, lounge areas, passageways, rest rooms, laboratories, classrooms, study areas, cafeterias, gymnasiums, maintenance rooms, and storage areas.

"Grounds" is defined as any outside area within the perimeter of school buildings including, but not limited to, parking lots, playing fields, and any other land designated as school property.

Enforcement

It is the responsibility of the building administrator, or his/her designee, to initially enforce this policy by requesting that any person who is violating this policy immediately cease the use of tobacco products. Immediately following the request, the administrator or his/her designee shall collect evidence of the tobacco use.

After this request is made, if any person refuses to refrain from using tobacco products in violation of this policy, the administrator or his/her designee may call the local police who shall then be responsible for all enforcement proceedings and applicable fines and penalties.

Students

No student shall purchase, attempt to purchase, possess or use any tobacco product in any facility, in any school vehicle or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District. Enforcement of this prohibition shall initially rest with the building administrator or his/her designee, who may report any violation to the local police department. In accordance with state law, the police department shall be responsible for all proceedings and applicable fines and penalties. The Board shall develop regulations which cover disciplinary action to be taken for violations of this policy. These regulations shall be communicated to students by means deemed appropriate by the principal. In addition to disciplinary actions taken by the school, criminal penalties or fines may result from violations of this policy.

The fines and penalties are as follows:

A fine not to exceed $100 for each offense or the minor shall be required to complete up to 20 hours of community service for each offense, or both. Where available, punishment may also include participation in a tobacco education program.

Employees

No employee shall use any tobacco product in any facility, in any school vehicle or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.

Initial responsibility for enforcement of this prohibition shall rest with the building administrator or his/her designee. The administrator may report violations to the local police department. In accordance with state law, the police department shall be responsible for all proceedings and applicable fines and penalties.

The administrator of each building shall develop and implement the appropriate means of notifying employees of the possible disciplinary consequences of violating this policy. Any employee(s) who violate(s) this policy is subject to disciplinary action which may include warning, suspension or dismissal. In addition, fines or other penalties may result from enforcement of these prohibitions by other law enforcement officials.

All other persons

No visitor shall at any time use tobacco products in any facility, in any school vehicle, or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.

Responsibility for enforcement of this prohibition shall rest with all District employees who may report violations to the local police department. In accordance with state law, the police department shall be responsible for all proceedings and applicable fines and penalties.

Statutory References:

RSA 155:64 &emdash; 76 (Indoor Smoking Act)
RSA 126 &emdash; K:5, 6 & K:7 (Youth Access To And Use Of Tobacco Products)

NHSBA Code JICG
08/94 revised as follows
First Reading Coordination: 01/16/02
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 02/11/02

DANGEROUS WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Dangerous weapons, such as, but not limited to, firearms, explosives, incendiaries, martial arts weapons (as defined in RSA 159:24), electronic defense weapons (as defined in RSA 159:20), clubs, bullies, metallic knuckles or containers containing chemicals such as pepper gas or mace, or the use of any object as a weapon are not permitted on school property, on school vehicles or at school-sponsored activities. Students who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but not be limited to, suspension or expulsion and notification of the police.

In addition, any student who is determined to have brought a firearm (as defined by 18 USC 921) to school shall be expelled for not less than one year (365 days). This expulsion may be modified by the Superintendent upon review of the specific case in accordance with other applicable law.

Weapons under control of law enforcement personnel are permitted.

Statutory & Regulatory References:

RSA 193-D (Safe School Zones)
RSA 193-13 (Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils)
Ed. 317(DOE Rules for Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils)
Appendix: JICD-R

NHSBA Code JICI
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

UNAUTHORIZED COMMUNICATION DEVICES

Unauthorized beepers, recording devices, portable cellular phones, or similar communication devices are prohibited in school during regular school hours.

NHSBA Code JICJ
First Reading Coordination: 12/12/01 and 01/02/02
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 01/14/02

Also Instruction 113

PARENTING/MARRIED/PREGNANT STUDENTS

Neither parental nor marital status shall prohibit a student from receiving a public education.

Pregnant students shall be permitted to continue in school in all instances when continued attendance has the sanction of the pregnant student's physician. The Principal and/or school nurse may require a physician's activity limitations statement.

NHSBA Code JIE/JIG
Curriculum and Instruction: 01/22/01 and 02/20/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 07/09/01

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Student activities are an important part of the educational process. The Board therefore encourages students to participate in a wide variety of co-curricular activities.

Any student organization must be recommended by the Principal and approved by the Board.

NHSBA Code JJA
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

STUDENT FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES

The Board recognizes that students may wish to engage in fundraising activities. All such fundraising activities require prior approval of the Superintendent and/or his/her designee.

Fundraising shall not be school-sponsored unless it is approved by the Superintendent and/or his/her designee. All fundraising money must be deposited in the school activity accounts which shall be maintained according to standards and procedures established by the Superintendent or his/her designee, and these accounts shall be audited annually.

NHSBA Code JJE
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

STUDENT ACTIVITIES FUND MANAGEMENT

The Principal of the school shall be responsible for the proper administration of the financial activities of the student activities fund in accordance with state law and appropriate accounting practices and procedures. All monies collected shall be deposited to the student body activities account at local banks. All payments made from the student activities account shall have approval of the Principal or his/her designee.

Monies raised by student organizations or class activities must be expended for the benefit of students.

Quarterly reports shall be provided to the Business Administrator or his/her designee. Student activity accounts are subject to auditing at any time by the Business Administrator or his/her designee.

NHSBA Code JJF
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

NON-SCHOOL SPONSORED CONTESTS FOR STUDENTS

Non-school sponsored contests may be permitted when the Principal and Superintendent or his/her designee judge that the contest fits into the overall instructional objectives of the school and shall have prior approval of the Superintendent or his/her designee.

POSTER/ESSAY CONTEST POLICY

It is the policy of the Manchester School District that all requests from outside agencies for poster or essay contests must be submitted to the Superintendent or his/her designee. If time from the school day is requested, written justification and rationale must be included along with a detailed time frame and intended educational outcomes. This information must be presented three months prior to the contest.

In the absence of a detailed request, permission shall be limited to the distribution of information on the contest, but school time shall not be used for participation.

NHSBA Code JJG
08/94 revised as follows:
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

Also EEAH

STUDENT INSURANCE

School insurance shall be made available to all students and staff members at the beginning of each school year. Coverage is provided at a low rate for either 24 hours or during the time a student is in school or attending a school-related activity. All athletes, as well as all middle school and high school musical performing groups, must have accident insurance and this insurance shall be required unless the parent chooses to provide proof of other insurance coverage.

NHSBA Code JLA
04/96 revised as follows:
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT

All school district personnel are required by law to report cases of suspected abuse or neglect to the building principal or, in his/her absence, to his/her designee. The Superintendent shall be informed of any reports of suspected child abuse or neglect being filed.

Statutory References:

RSA 169-C:29 (Persons Required to Report)
RSA 169-C:30 (Nature and Content of Report)
RSA 169-C:31 (Immunity from Liability)
RSA 169-C:34, III (Duties of the Department of Health and Human Services)

NHSBA Code JLF
08/94 revised as follows:
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The Board may offer a variety of awards and scholarships sponsored by groups or individuals. The Board maintains a policy of non-discrimination. Therefore, it reserves the right to reject on a case by case basis, any award, bequest or scholarship, which in the opinion of the Board is contrary to this policy.

NHSBA Code JM
Curriculum and Instruction: 01/22/01 and 02/20/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 07/09/01

STUDENT LISTS

Neither the Board of School Committee nor any of its employees or agents shall release or distribute students' names and addresses. When requests are made for such lists the Principal shall consult with the Superintendent or his/her designee who may waive such policy if the request contains limited, but reasonable extenuating circumstances.

NHSBA Code JRB
08/94
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY

Each year a contracted photographer is scheduled to come into the schools to take photographs of the children for the cumulative records.

NHSBA Code JRD
08/96
First Reading Coordination: 11/14/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 12/10/01