JCS Home >> PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK 2007 - 2008
JEFFERSON COMMUNITY SCHOOL
3528 Montford Street
Jefferson, Louisiana 70121
PHONE 836-0808 FAX 828-6888
2007-2008 PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK
WELCOME
The faculty and staff of Jefferson Community School welcome you to your school. We will do everything in our power to assist you in reaching your highest potential. We hope to provide opportunities for you to accept responsibility for your actions. Please become familiar with our philosophy, mission, and goals. The Jefferson Community School is proposed as a transitional setting for students returning from expulsion, grades 6 through 8, and as an alternative to expulsion for students expelled for the remainder of the school year. The philosophy of the Jefferson Coalition for Alternative Schools is that schools must be developmentally responsive to the youth they serve and that community/interagency cooperation, freedom from bureaucratic constraints, strong teacher efficacy, and a combined behavior management/academic approach will best assist at-risk youth in becoming socially responsible citizens.
MISSION
The mission of the Jefferson Community School is to assist sixth through eighth grade students who have been expelled from the parish public school system to learn appropriate behavior and academic skills so that they may return as functioning, responsible students to the middle or high schools.
As resources permit, the school also will provide an immediate alternative to expulsion for those Jefferson Parish Public School System middle school students who are removed from their schools during the academic year.
Jefferson Community School:
· provides a juvenile delinquency prevention program in a public setting
· provides a curriculum that will enable the student to progress toward age-appropriate academic expectations
· provides a variety of instructional strategies, including computer-assisted instruction, appropriate to the developmental needs of young adolescents by building on their individual strengths
· provides a safe, alternative setting for expelled students to address behavioral and social problems that led to their expulsion from the traditional setting
· provides access to social services appropriate to the needs of the student through a full-time social worker
· provides a schedule that is appropriate to the students’ developmental and instructional needs
· provides individualized attention to each student through the use of student advocates, advisory periods, and community mentoring
· provides positive models for developing physical and mental health through daily classes in physical education, health, leisure, self-awareness, drugs, conflict resolution, family responsibility, and anger de-escalation
· provides an individualized and monitored student behavior management plan
· provides the staff adequate flexibility to meet individual student needs through site-based team planning
· monitors student progress on an individual basis through a comprehensive academic and behavioral database that includes the student’s prior history, standardized test scores, disciplinary actions, and teacher-assigned grades,
· provides to the students positive linkages with their communities through community mentoring
· holds students responsible for safety, discipline, respect, and academic progress while enhancing their connections to school through student-centered programs.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Policies and procedures of the Jefferson Parish School Board are generally followed, unless otherwise amended by the JCS administration. The Jefferson Community School Handbook supersedes the Jefferson Parish Public School Handbook when there are differences in policy or procedures.
ATTENDANCE
It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to contact the school each day that a student is not in attendance. If no contact is made, the student may be reported to juvenile authorities as truant. Excessive absence is also considered truancy and may be reported to juvenile officials. Excessive absence/truancy may be grounds for dismissal from JCS. Students are responsible for making up any work missed during any absence.
On days when busses are not running, parents/guardians have the responsibility for transporting students to and from school. Students are not excused from school because of bus issues.
When a student is absent from school:
The parent/guardian should notify the school daily or beforehand if the absence is predictable.
Upon return, the parent/guardian must send a note giving the student’s name, date of absence, and reason for absence. This note is to be given to the first period teacher or to the office.
The student should make immediate plans to do all work missed during the absence. Work should be completed either during the absence or within a week of any absence. Since grades may be affected by absences, missed assignments can be harmful. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the work.
Doctors’ notes may be required if absences are in excess of state laws. (17 unexcused days of absence causes a student to lose credit) Excused absences are medical (doctor’s note), court appearances, or deaths in the immediate family (parent, grandparent, sibling or legal guardian) only. If a student has a physical defect or lingering illness, the parent must provide a doctor’s certificate to the office within five (5) days of registration or at the beginning of the illness.
Tardiness
Students who arrive after the 8:00 bell must report to the office to receive a pass before entering any class. Excessive tardiness is considered truancy and may be reported to juvenile officials. It also may be grounds for dismissal from JCS.
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES
Students are to immediately report to a teacher or to the office any accidents or illnesses. If a student is ill, the student is to complete a sick slip which the teacher will send to the office. Office personnel will attempt to contact someone. If parents cannot be reached, the person designated on the emergency card will be contacted. No student will be dismissed, unless a parent/guardian picks up the student or makes arrangements for a taxi.
LEAVING SCHOOL/SIGN-OUT
The office must approve all requests for students to leave campus before regular dismissal times. JCS policy states that all students must remain on the school grounds during the entire school day.
PROCEDURES
1. Any student leaving campus prior to the regular dismissal time must sign out at the office.
2. For cases in which a person is sent to pick up a student, such person must deliver to the principal or his designee a note from the parent/guardian requesting a release of the student and the principal/designee must verify by phoning the parent/guardian.
3. In some cases it will be necessary to send a taxi for a student. The parent/guardian must give the school the name of the company and give verbal permission to release the child. The taxi driver must sign the check out card and list the number of his/her cab.
4. No student may be checked out within the last hour of the school day.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education is part of the school’s academic program. A doctor’s certificate is required if a student is to be excused from Physical Education classes.
CAFETERIA
Jefferson Community School participates in the federal lunch program. Eligible students may obtain free or reduced price lunches. Numbers for those students are issued to the individual students and may not be used by anyone other than the student to whom they are issued. Any violation of this regulation will result in severe disciplinary action including suspension and/or expulsion.
· Students not wearing school ID will go to the end of the line.
· Sit only 6 students to a table. Chairs are not to be moved. Saving seats in the cafeteria is NOT allowed. Tables and floor areas are to be left clean at the completion of lunch.
· No food, drink, napkins, cutlery, straws, etc. given in the cafeteria may be brought out of the cafeteria.
· Students are forbidden to enter any classroom building during the lunch period without a written pass.
· After eating lunch, students will proceed to the break area at the end of the “B” building. This is the appropriate time for restroom use.
· Students leaving the lunch line for any reason will go to the end of the line.
The standards of behavior that apply to classrooms and hallways also apply to the cafeteria area.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE
It is imperative that the school maintain updated student information in case of an emergency.
Inform the office immediately if an address or phone number changes.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
In accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.3, any administrator or teacher in the school may search any school board property and the person of any student if he/she has reason to believe that the student is in possession of an illegal, stolen, or unauthorized item. Enrollment in the Jefferson Community School gives the JCS staff permission to conduct searches of students and their personal property at any time. Unauthorized items of any type are considered contraband and may be confiscated. A parent must then come to the school to reclaim the item.
VISITORS
No visitors are allowed on campus without a pass from the office. They will be directed or personally conducted to the points or persons they wish to see. Students are asked to inform friends wishing to meet them at dismissal to wait outside of the gate. Trespassers will be reported to the Sheriff’s Office.
PARENTAL CONFERENCES
Jefferson Community School is committed to providing conditions, procedures and decisions which are safe, respectful, dignified, and which ensure appropriate confidentiality and privacy. Parents are expected to exhibit similar characteristics in their dealing with school personnel.
If your child has a concern regarding a teacher, bus driver, or any other staff member, please contact that individual first. If a solution is not reached with that person, then you may contact an administrator. Parents may make appointments for conferences with teachers, social worker, or administrator by calling the school at 836-0808. The decision of the principal is final in all grievance procedures.
RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION
It is the policy of Jefferson Community School to provide parent/guardians with the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any students who commit the following acts of aggression upon their child: assault, repeated threats, theft, destruction or damage to personal property, and other acts which cause the child physical or mental distress.
SCHOOL BUSES
All JCS students must adhere to the JPPSS guidelines. Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. This privilege can be taken away for violation of the guidelines. On days when busses are not running, parents/guardians have the responsibility for transporting students to and from school. Students are not excused from school because of bus issues.
CONDUCT
Students are expected to behave properly at all times. Every student will be held strictly accountable for disorderly or inappropriate conduct. Students and parents share the responsibility for familiarity with all school rules.
1. Respect for faculty, staff and other students is to be demonstrated at all times. Language will be respectful.
2. Students must obtain a pass from the teacher before leaving a class.
3. Personal electronic devices such as radios, tape and disc players, televisions, electronic games, pagers, cell phones should be left at home. Items brought to school will be confiscated and can only be claimed by a parent. Unclaimed items are discarded on December 15 (first semester) and May 15(second semester).
4. Gambling or the possession of gambling paraphernalia is not permitted.
5. Students will not bring drinks or snacks to school or onto the bus. Students will not chew gum or have it in their possession on campus or bus at any time.
6. Students must immediately and clearly identify themselves when asked by a faculty or staff member.
7. Items which may be used as weapons, including rat-tail combs or rakes, are not allowed in school or on the bus.
8. Sexually explicit materials are not allowed in school or on the bus.
9. Students must complete any assigned punish work on time.
10. Students are not allowed to sell anything on campus unless the sale is authorized by the administration.
11. Students will adhere to the dress code at all times on the school campus and on the busses.. (See dress code section)
12. School-issued ID’s must be worn at all times.
13. Textbooks must be covered.
14. Students who are sent to the Intervention Room during a class period must bring materials and complete any work being taught in their absence. Students are responsible for homework assignments.
15. Students should not bring more than $20 to school. If a student is found to be in possession of any larger amount, that money will be confiscated.
Items confiscated during each semester and not retrieved by a parent or guardian will be disposed of on the last day which students attend school each semester.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
1ST Offense – Warning
2nd Offense – Punish work (due next day)
3rd Offense – Sent to the Intervention Room
*Teachers have the right send a student to the Intervention Room without any warnings.
INTERVENTION ROOM
The Intervention Room is a temporary cooling off are for students who are having difficulty adjusting in a particular class period. Regular visits to the detention room are an indication that the student is not cooperating with school rules. Frequent visits to the Intervention Room
3 visits in 1 day
4 visits in 2 days
5 visits in 3 days
may result in suspension. Continued non-compliant behavior may result in dismissal.
PUNISH WORK
Failure to return punish work when assigned will merit double punish work. The parent is contacted. If punish work is not completed by the next school day, a discipline referral will be written. Four punish work referrals may merit detention.
HALL PASSES
Students are not permitted in the halls or anywhere on the school grounds during classes unless they are accompanied by a teacher or have a hall pass from an authorized staff member.
TELEPHONES/CELL PHONES
Cell phone possession or usage is not allowed in the classrooms, cafeteria, yard, hallways or on the bus. Cell phones not approved by the administration will be treated as contraband and seized.
Office telephones are not to be used by students. Students will not be called from class to receive messages unless these messages are deemed an emergency by a member of the office staff. Please make transportation arrangements in advance so that students will not have to call from school.
MARKING PERSONAL PROPERTY
In order to assist in the recovery of lost or stolen items, it is necessary that all students mark their property where it can be easily seen. Coats, book bags, binders, notebooks, student planners, and other articles should be clearly marked with the student’s full name.
LOST AND FOUND
Articles lost or stolen on school grounds are to be reported to the office. Articles found are to be turned in to the office or nearest teacher. Students should check for lost items at the office. The school is NOT responsible for private property brought onto the school grounds. Any student found in possession of a lost or stolen article is subject to severe disciplinary consequences. Theft is grounds for expulsion.
MEDICINE
The office staff will not administer medication to any student unless the proper forms are completed and are on file in the office. Students may not possess medication of any type, prescription or non-prescription. Consult with the school secretary if you need additional information.
DRESS CODE
All students must wear socks and traditional tennis shoes (completely and properly secured).
Students’ hair must be clean and combed. Hairstyles which impair the sight or draw attention to them are not permitted. Hair dye must be a natural hair color.
Uniform shirts must be worn daily. Shirts are to be tucked in.
The belt must be visible. Belts must be solid navy blue or black.
Navy blue uniform pants must be worn at the waist, secured with a belt. Belt buckles may not be larger than a standard business card. No cargo pants or hip huggers are allowed. Pants which are oversized at the waist or of a length which touches the ground or bags at the ankles are not allowed. Pants are to be sized to be worn at the waist. Excessively baggy pants of any type are not allowed. Pants leg seams must be completely sewn, not rolled up or left unhemmed.
Hats, scarves, caps, bandannas, and headbands are not allowed.
Writing on clothing or on the skin is prohibited.
Large jewelry, such as nameplates, earrings larger than a quarter or any jewelry which draws attention to itself or may cause a health hazard is not allowed. (Belt buckles may not be larger than a standard business card.)
ID cards must be worn at all times on the school campus.
Pencil cases and purses must be see-through. Only the book bag sold by the school may be used. Backpacks are not allowed.
The following are prohibited:
· Body-piercing (one set of earrings is allowed.)
· Ornamental jewelry for the mouth, such as “grills”
· Sunglasses
· Holes in clothing and hems or seams that are not completely stitched
· Hair rollers
· “Starter” jackets, shirts, team clothing or look-alike/knock-offs
· Clothing with wording deemed by the administration to be suggestive or disruptive in wording, pictures or comments. Some examples are: Unpatriotic wording or pictures, alcohol, drug, or tobacco related symbols or wording, or items depicting violence, blood, knives, guns, skulls, etc.
· Clothing that has a political message, unless it is part of a class activity
· Back packs or school bags purchased off campus.
· Collared undershirts
GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION/EXPULSION/BROKEN CONTRACT
q Willful disobedience
q Disrespect
q Unfounded charges against a JCS employee
q Profane language
q Immoral or vicious acts
q Leaving class/school without permission
q Habitual tardy/absent
q Repeated violations of any school regulation
q Habitual violation of dress code
q Violation of traffic/safety/bus regulations
q Refusal to give correct name
q Disruption
q Participation in an unauthorized demonstration
q Participation in or initiation of threats that may disrupt the school
q Possession of unauthorized electronic devices
q Damage to school property
q Behavior that endangers self or others
q Fighting
q Physical or verbal abuse
q Possession or use of fireworks
q Possession of knives, firearms, or other objects(such as rat tail combs and hair picks) that can be used as weapons
q Use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or any substance controlled by the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Law
q Distribution, intent to distribute, or knowledge of distribution of any illegal substance
q Conviction of a felony or incarceration for an act considered a felony if committed by an adult
q Any offense deemed harmful to self or others or in violation of the law
If any suspension is issued, the parent/guardian must attend a disciplinary conference with the student before the student will be re-admitted.
Truancy, suspension and expulsion are all reported to the proper juvenile authorities.
POWERPOINTS PROGRAM
The POWERPOINTS PROGRAM is a positive reinforcement program. It rewards students who follow school rules and act appropriately throughout the school day. Students can earn POWERPOINTS at the discretion of the staff. The POWERPOINTS PROGRAM is a great way for students to see and experience the results of their improved behavior.
TECHNOLOGY
1. Computers are school property. Tampering with the computer or its programs may result in restitution, academic consequences and/or suspension or expulsion.
2. Students will use only the computer or printer assigned to them.
3. The content of any computer on the JCS campus is the property of Jefferson Community School and may be accessed by a teacher or administrator at any time.
4. No student is to change, tamper with or delete any program, program setting or file.
5. Accessing any Internet site that is legally unavailable to minors is not allowed.
6. No student may access sites which contain stories or lyrics of a questionable nature or origin, or that contain profanity or language that would be unacceptable in a school setting. Generating (typing in a word processing program), printing or storing on a disk any material outlined in Rule #5 is prohibited.
SCIENCE LAB
Working in the Science Lab is part of the learning experience at JCS. All classroom regulations are in effect in the lab. Because the lab contains chemicals, delicate and expensive equipment, sharp instruments, and other possible hazards, additional regulations apply. Any student who violates any of the rules will be sent to time out and referred to the Discipline Coordinator for possible further disciplinary action.
1. Follow teacher directions before touching any item in the lab.
2. Always take care when handling sharp instruments or glass slides.
3. When dealing with chemicals, make sure you wear all safety devices.
4. Never sniff or taste any unknown substance.
5. Report broken or malfunctioning equipment to the teacher or teacher assistant immediately.
6. Make sure you know where the first aid station and fire extinguisher are.
7. Long hair should be held back with an appropriate device.
8. In case of an accident or emergency, notify the teacher or teacher assistant immediately.
GENERAL INFORMATION
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Jefferson Community School normally follows the same calendar as Jefferson Parish Public Schools.
The schedules for shortened days are given in advance to students and generally follow the JPPSS calendar.
DROP OFF/PICK UP PROCEDURES
The campus is open for students at 7:40 AM. No student may be dropped before that time as there is no supervision. All students must be picked up by 3:10PM, since the campus is closed and no supervision is available after 3:10. Students still at school at 3:10 will walk to the Winn- Dixie on Jefferson Highway and Arnoult Road (as outlined in the forms signed by parents at registration).
EARLY CHECK OUT
There are no checkouts allowed after 2:00. When there is a serious reason, students may have to leave before the end of the school day. Students who require such early dismissal should be picked up before 2:00.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS
If an emergency forces us to close school, please listen to WWL 870 AM on your radio or watch Channel 4 for official information. JCS will follow the emergency procedures announced by the Jefferson Parish Public School System.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
JEFFERSON COMMUNITY SCHOOL (JCS)
836-0808
JCS FAX
828-6888
SCHOOL BUS INFORMATION
349-7730
JEFFERSON PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
CONSENT FOR STUDENT DRUG TESTING
JEFFERSON COMMUNITY SCHOOL
We, _________________________________, a student at the Jefferson Community School and __________________________________, his/her parents/legal guardian, hereby agree to the collection, testing and analysis, at no cost to us, of hair or urine samples from the student in the manner stated in the Jefferson Parish Public School System Student Drug Testing Program for purposes of detecting the presence of illicit drugs. The purpose of the testing is due to the student’s enrollment in the Jefferson Community School, which is an alternative to expulsion.
We understand that hair samples (or urine samples if the student has a doctor’s certification of a medical problem prohibiting collection of a hair sample) will be collected as a condition of enrollment in the Jefferson Community School. After the student has been initially drug tested, he/she will be placed in a pool for random drug testing throughout the school year. This consent will remain in effect, while the above-referenced student is enrolled at the Jefferson Community School. We understand that the results of any drug test(s) under this program will be kept strictly confidential; however, we give our express permission for any test results to be released to us and the School Drug Advisor. No drug test result under this program will be released to any other person or party, including any law enforcement agency, without the signed written consent by both of us, unless otherwise required by law. The drug test results under this program will not be part of any academic record nor result in any disciplinary measure. Notwithstanding any provision in this consent to the contrary, the student is still subject to appropriate disciplinary measures under the Jefferson Parish Public School System Policies and Procedures when that student is reasonably suspected of being in violation of the JPPSS’s Substance Abuse Policy.
If a positive test result is reported, the student and his/her parents/legal guardians will be provided with a referral to the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse for Greater New Orleans (CADA) for a complete substance abuse assessment and advisement of appropriate treatment options. We understand that, as parents/legal guardians, we have the responsibility to follow through with the recommended treatment options. Failure to do so will result in a referral to the Families in Need of Services (FINS) Program in Jefferson Parish.
We understand that students participating in the drug testing program may be requested to complete a survey that includes questions about drug use and other drug related activities. The surveys will be returned by the students to the program evaluator in a self-addressed, stamped envelope without any personally identifying information. We understand that we may review this survey in advance.
We understand that under the Constitution and laws of the United States and State of Louisiana the student has a constitutional right to refuse to submit to a voluntary drug test. We understand that if the student refuses, and/or his/her parent/guardian refuses to consent on behalf of the student, to submit to a drug test, the Jefferson Community School may deny enrollment to that student. In consideration of the Jefferson Parish Public School System’s undertaking to coordinate the drug testing program, we hereby release and hold harmless the Jefferson Parish School Board, its members, agents, employees, assigns and attorneys, CADA and its board and staff, Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority, Psychemedics Corporation and its agents and employees or any other person (collectively the “Released Parties”) from any and all suits, damages, payment rights, obligations, proceedings, losses, judgments, awards, attorney’s fees, penalties, costs, interest, liabilities, claims, causes of action, and demands of whatever kind or character, whether vicarious, derivative, direct, accrued or not, whether at law or in equity, contractual, statutory, constitutional or otherwise, known or unknown, asserted or not, in regard to, arising from or in any connected with, growing out of, resulting from, or connected in any way with our participation in the Jefferson Parish Public School System’s Student Drug Testing Program, the reporting of the results to us, or any other act or omission of the Released Parties even if caused in whole or part by them.
______ Yes, I consent to having my child drug tested with hair during the current school year.
_______________________________ ____________ Home: __________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date Work: __________________________
Cell: __________________________
_______________________________ ____________ __________________________
Student Signature Date Telephone Number
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We hereby acknowledge that we have read the Jefferson Community School Procedures and Policies. We also understand in the absence of any written policy, the Jefferson Community School will follow the Jefferson Parish School Board policy in order to ensure continuity and a smooth transition back to the regular setting.
The Jefferson Community School is occasionally visited by the news media, video/film crews, parents, coalition members, or photographers employed or hired by the school for the purpose of taking promotional or publicity photographs, video or film. There is the possibility that students and adults on campus will be photographed.
We agree that _________________________________________
( Print name of student.)
will be held accountable for these rules and regulations.
We have read, understand and agree to abide by the policies and regulations of the Jefferson Community School.
_______________________________ ____________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
_______________________________ ____________
Student Signature Date
This signed form must be returned during the first week of attendance.
Jefferson Community School
3528 Montford Street
Jefferson, Louisiana 70121
Tel: 504.836.0808
Fax: 504.828.6888
E-mail the school's principal Mr. Glenn Gennaro at Glenn.Gennaro@jppss.k12.la.us for additional information.
