The following are recognized as legal reasons for absence:
I.    Illness or quarantine
II.   Death in the immediate family
III.  Mental or physical incapacity
IV. These absences are authorized, must be pre-arranged, and the student is not recorded as absent.

1. Service as a page in the Indiana General Assembly
2. Subpoenaed to appear in court
3. Attendance at weekly religious instructions with the condition that instruction not be more than 120 minutes per week.  Permission can be granted for only one (1) year at a time.
4. Attendance at the Indiana State Fair on the day designated by the Indiana State Fair Board as Education Day or for exhibiting projects at the state fair
5. Religious holidays

V.  These absences must be pre-arranged, and the student is recorded as absent.
A.  Medical and dental appointments
B. Family travel—Students may be absent from school without sanctions for family travel under the following conditions:
     1. The request must be made by the parent/guardian to the principal/director at least one week prior to the absence; and
            2.  All school assignments must be completed within one week after the return to school.  Requests for family travel must be approved by the building principal/designee.  Appeals of the principal/designee’s decision shall be made to the superintendent and the superintendent’s decision shall be final.
VI. The principal/director may consider an absence excused, although not listed above, when, in his/her view, conditions and circumstances so warrant.

In regard to items IV and V, building administrators will determine if siblings from other buildings are involved with a similar request.  If this condition exists, administrators will collaborate in rendering a decision.

Absences fall into one of three (3) categories.
I.    Excused  (Items I, II, III, and V above)
II.   Pre-arranged (Item IV above)
III. Unexcused—any absence not listed above as excused.

Procedure for dealing with unexcused absences will be established by each level: elementary, middle school, and high school.  Students who have excessive tardies or absences will be required to make up schoolwork.

All students must make up work missed during an excused or pre-arranged absence, and it is the student’s responsibility to contact each teacher concerning work missed.  Parents/guardians of elementary students must make arrangements with their child’s teacher.  Students will receive 100% credit for make-up work.

In the case of a pre-arranged absence, a written request form the parent/guardian must be presented to the principal/director 7 days prior to the absence.  The proper form may be obtained from the principal/director’s office.

1. Parents/guardians are expected to notify the school of the reason for student absences on the day the student is absent or within 24 hours after the student returns to school.
2. A student who is unable to attend school due to illness is not allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities on the day of the absence.
3. Students who are present any part of a half day are considered present for that half day.
4. When a student accumulates three (3) unexcused absences, five (5) unexcused tardies, or a combined total of five (5) unexcused absences and/or tardies, a letter regarding the matter will be sent by the principal/director to the parent/guardian. 
5. When a student accumulates a fourth unexcused absence, a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian.  A copy will be sent to the Fayette County prosecutor. 
6. When a student accumulates a fifth unexcused absence, a final warning from the school will be hand-delivered to the parent/guardian or will be sent by certified mail.  This warning will inform the parent/guardian that prosecution will be requested if a sixth unexcused absence occurs. 
7. When a student accumulates a sixth unexcused absence, the prosecutor will be asked to file criminal charges against the parent/guardian. 
8. The parent will be notified when a student accumulates a total of 8 absences if the principal believes a student is absent from school without sufficient reason.  The parent/guardian may be required to furnish a statement from a physician or furnish other acceptable evidence supporting the need for the absence.  A statement verifying a visit to a physician will not be sufficient.  Statements from physicians must state that the student was unable to attend school.  If no doctor’s excuse is provided, the absences will be unexcused and a letter will be sent to the prosecutor. 
9. The parent/guardian will be provided a copy of the Fayette County School Corporation Attendance Policy and Procedures when they register their child/children for school.

WCNB-AM Radio, 1580, Connersville
            WHON-AM Radio, 930, Richmond
            WFMG-FM Radio, 101.3, Richmond
            WQLK-FM Radio, 96.1, Richmond
            WIFE-FM Radio, 94.3, Rushville
            WRTV-TV, Channel 6, Indianapolis
            WISH-TV, Channel 8, Indianapolis
            WTHR-TV, Channel 13, Indianapolis
            WXIN-TV, Fox 59, Indianapolis
            WTTV, Channel 4, Indianapolis
            WLWT, Channel 5, Cincinnati
Government/Education CTV, Channel 3

Please do not call the school to obtain information about delays, closings, and early dismissals.   Occasions do arise that warrant dismissing students early.  With the number of students enrolled, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to call all parents in the event of an early dismissal.  Therefore, it is important that parents have a contingency plan in place.  Please discuss with your child what he/she should do in case of an emergency early school dismissal.  Since only a limited number of phone calls can be made in the available time, please plan now.

As a community service, WISH TV offers a service of sending a text message or email to families in the event of school cancellation, delay, or closing early.  To register for this service go to www.wishtv.com, and click on the “weather” link.  Choose school delays to complete the required form.

The plan for student behavior is intended to provide general guidelines by which students are to conduct themselves.  This plan includes specific violations/consequences listed below, but does not limit the disciplinary consequences that may be imposed by the administration.  The primary goal of the school is to provide students with an education that will allow them the opportunity to be successful in life.  In order to achieve this goal, there must be order and discipline in the school.  Good behavior should be recognized and rewarded, and unacceptable behavior should have consequences to ensure that a few students do not interfere with the rights of others and with the normal functions of the school. 

1. Students will be prompt for school.
2. Students will walk quietly in all areas of the building.
3. Students will follow all rules and regulations related to student behavior as recognized by the Fayette County School Corporation Student Code of Conduct.
4. Students will conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
5. Students will obey the instructions given by all school staff members.
6. Students’ behavior will not endanger themselves or others.
7. Students will demonstrate respect for themselves and others.
8. Students’ behavior will not interrupt the normal activities of the school.
9. Students will not practice extremes in dress or grooming which cause disruption, offend good taste, or reflect unfavorably on the school.  (See DRESS CODE on page 7.)
10. Students will not destroy/damage property that belongs to the school or others. They will use equipment in a safe and orderly manner.
11. Students will not bully others. 
12. Students will not throw items such as snowballs, rocks, sticks, etc.
13. Students will remain in supervised areas of the school or school grounds.
14. Gum is not permitted at school or school functions.
15. Roller blades, roller skates/shoes, scooters, or skateboards are not permitted on school grounds at any time, whether during or after school hours.
16. Electronic devices (Game Boys, pagers, cell phones, CD and MP3 players, IPODS, cameras, etc.) and “toys” are not to be brought to school.
17. Taking or displaying inappropriate pictures (digital or otherwise) at school or at a school sponsored event or function, with or without the consent of the student or staff member, is a violation of school rules.
18. Carbonated drinks and fast food are NOT permitted in the cafeteria.

Each student is responsible for his/her own behavior.   Throughout the day, situations arise in which he/she chooses how to act and respond.  Each student will be held accountable for the choices he/she makes.   To assist students in the development of self-discipline, a system of rewards and consequences will be implemented.  When a student follows the rules of the school, he/she could receive a positive reward that may include any of the following:

1. Verbal compliment
2. Material reward  (i.e. a smiley button or sticker)
3. Free time
4. Positive note home or phone call
5. Conference with principal
6. Reward from principal
7. Lunch with a staff member
8. Help teacher with special tasks
9. Citizenship Award

Likewise, when a school or classroom rule is not followed, the student will receive a consequence.  The consequence may include one of the following listed below:

1. Warning
2. Time out
3. Missed recess
4. Note or phone call to parent
5. Removal from classroom
6. Parent to sit in on class
7. Student-teacher conference
8. Student-teacher-parent conference
9. Student-principal conference
10. Student-principal-parent-teacher conference
11. Isolation
12. Behavior contract
13. Detention
14. Suspension
15. Corporal punishment
16. Alternative learning environment
17. Expulsion
18. Referral to another outside agency

1. Clothing that deviates from the normal to such a degree as to draw undo attention or to interrupt the educational process will not be permitted.  Clothing should not contain words or pictures that communicate a negative message. 
2. Special dress and appearance regulations will be recognized for special activities.
3. Students should always be dressed appropriately for prevailing weather conditions.
4. Students must wear shoes with a back.  Flip-flops (beach thongs) are not appropriate for school.
5. Sunglasses and hats are not to be worn in the building.
6. Shorts and skirts need to be mid-thigh in length.  A good test to determine appropriate length of shorts and skirts is to hold arms straight down at sides.  If the shorts or skirt is not longer than the fingertips, the garment should not be worn to school.  Shorts CANNOT be worn November through March.
7. Crop tops, muscle shirts, basketball jerseys, jeans (which expose the midriff, torso, orbottom) are not appropriate and should not be worn. 
8. Articles of clothing depicting hard rock groups that advocate the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, illicit sex or violence, or the confederate flag are not to be worn.
9. Body piercing jewelry must be limited to the ears.  No jewelry should be worn in the eyebrow, nose, tongue, or other visible places.  Any other piercing should be covered by clothing.
10. Hair may not be colored or styled in such a way that causes distractions at school.
11. Students may not wear makeup (with the exception of lip-gloss) while at school. 

1. Whenever possible, the parent is to send a note to the school.  If someone other than the parent or guardian is to pick up the student this fact should be noted.  In case of an emergency, a phone call to the office can replace a note.
2. To be certain that an unauthorized person does not pick up the student, parents must report to the office to sign out students. Sick students will remain in the school clinic until picked up by their parent, guardian, or designated person.
3. No student is to be released from school early or leave the campus without the knowledge of the school office personnel.
4. Documentation from a medical professional is required for an excused tardy or an excused early out (early dismissal).

1. No medication will be administered to a student without a signed and dated Medication Authorization Form signed by the student’s parent/guardian.  The signed Medication Authorization Form shall be valid only for the period specified on the Authorization Form and in no case longer than the current school or program year.  The signed Medication Authorization Form will give designated school employees the authority to dispense prescription or non-prescription medicine.
2. The FCSC board strongly recommends that parents/guardians NOT allow students to transport prescription medicine to and from school.  Whenever possible, it is strongly recommended that parents request their doctor (M.D. or D.O.) to arrange for medication “times” to be given at home, i.e., twice a day medication could be given before and after school or medication scheduled for three times a day could be given before school, after school, and at bedtime.  An example of an exception to this would be “Ritalin” which requires a specific daily medication time.
   1. Prescription and non-prescription medication (not considered Controlled Substances) may be transported to or from school by a student if the student’s parent/guardian provides written permission prior to transporting the medication.
   2. Medications considered to be Controlled Substances may not be transported to or from school by students.  Medications considered Controlled Substances, provided in the original container with an appropriate prescription, must be transported by a parent/guardian or an individual who is at least 18 years of age and have been authorized in writing to transport the medication by the student’s parent/guardian.
      1. All prescription medicine, including injectable medicine and all blood glucose tests by finger prick, to be administered to a student must be accompanied by written instructions from the medical doctor, a copy of the original prescription, or the pharmacy label indicating specific times for dispensing.  If the medication is to be terminated prior to the date on the prescription, the written and dated consent or withdrawal of consent of the parent is required (M.D. or D.O.).  The written consent of the parent/guardian and the written order of the physician via the prescription container shall be kept on file at the student’s school.
      2. Herbs will not be given in school without written and signed orders from a medical doctor.
      3. All non-prescription medication to be administered to a student shall be in the original container and accompanied by a statement describing the medicine, dosage, and the time it is to be given to the student.
      4. No student shall be allowed to keep medicine (i.e. inhalers) in his/her possession at school except when ordered by a physician (M.D. or O.D.).  Any medicine to be administered to a student shall be kept in a secure place in either the principal’s/director’s office, school nurse’s office or in another location approved by the building principal/director.
3. A physician’s written order for a student to possess and self-administer medication must be submitted annually and state that:
   1. The student has an acute or chronic disease or medical condition for which the physician has prescribed medication;
   2. The student has been instructed in how to self-administer the medication; and
   3. The nature of the disease or medical condition requires emergency administration of medication.
   1. Medication shall be administered in accordance with the parent’s/guardian’s statement (in the case of non-prescription medicine) or the physician’s (M.D. or D.O.) order (in the case of prescription medicine) only by the school nurse or other staff member designated by the principal/director.  All administration of medicine shall be documented in writing.  Any designated employee who is responsible for administering emergency medicine or a blood glucose test by a finger prick shall receive proper training from a practitioner or a registered nurse and such training shall be documented in writing.
   2. Medical procedures performed during school hours must have a physician’s (M.D. or D.O.) order with specific instructions and written permission from the parent/guardian to perform a procedure during the school day.  All training of unlicensed personnel will be supervised and documented by the school nurse. (FCSC Policy 5.37)

Inquiries regarding compliance with this policy should be directed to the Director of Human Resources, Fayette County School Corporation, 1401 Spartan Drive, Connersville, Indiana, 765-825-2178 or the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, 900 Spartan Drive, Connersville, Indiana, 765-827-5498, or the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.

Weekly Folder
Each week, students will bring home test papers, written lessons, and supplementary work that will give you a good idea of work being accomplished in class.  All of these are considered when your child’s progress is evaluated. It is the parent’s responsibility to sign the back of the folder indicating you have seen your child’s work for the week.  This folder must be returned to school on the following day.
 

Mid Term Reports
In the middle of each quarter (at 4 ½ weeks), a report indicating a student’s academic progress to that point is sent home to the parents/guardians.

Report Cards
Report cards are sent home at the end of each of the four quarters during the year.  Each child is responsible for taking his/her report card home.

Parent-Teacher Conferences  
Parent-Teacher Conferences are held in the fall each year.  All parents are expected to attend the fall conference.  Other conferences may be scheduled at the request of the teacher or parent throughout the year.