SYCAMOREJUNIORHIGHSCHOOL

5757CooperRoad
Cincinnati,OH45242

StudentParentHandbook
20152016

ADMINISTRATIVETEAM

TraciRea
Principal

LisaZelvy
AssistantPrincipalGrade8

DEPARTMENTSUPERVISORS

LonnieStover
Music
MikeNarad
SpecialEducation

SaraSheldt
LanguageArts
HeatherSwensen
Science
MikeTeets
GlobalLanguage

DamonDavis
AssistantPrincipalGrade7

VictorHarris
SocialStudies
CherylTallman
Math

COUNSELORS

BenBrenner
(AG)

KatieRouse
(HN)

JessicaRuggiero
(OZ)

BELLSCHEDULE

PERIOD
1
2
3
4
AVIATOR
5
6
7

TIME
8:008:48AM
8:529:40AM
9:4410:32AM
10:3611:24AM
11:2811:49AM
11:531:23PM
(Lunch)
1:272:15PM
2:193:07PM

Theschoolbuildingisopentostudentsat7:50a.m.viathe
courtyardentrance.

Studentsarenottoloiterinthebuildingafter3:07p.m.unlesstheyare
underthedirectsupervisionofateacherforacademicordetention
purposesoraschoolsponsoredextracurricularsponsor/coach.

ImportantPhoneNumbers
6861700
BoardofEducationOffice
8913162
FaxNumber
6861760
JuniorHighMainOffice

6861764
CounselorsOffice
6861763
SchoolNurse

6861762
AttendanceLine

GENERALINFORMATION
WELCOME

Welcome to the 20152016 school year!! We hope that you are looking forward to the many learning opportunitiesandnumerous
extracurricular activities at Sycamore Junior High School. We are excited that you are here and look forward to helpingyoubecome
successfulinyouracademicstudiesaswellasyourpersonalgrowth.

Your involvement in school is important! Sycamore Junior High Schools reputation has been built on the integrity, participation, and
achievement of individuals like you. Your success will be dependent upon a number of important factors:
daily attendance,paying
attention in class, doing your homework, participating in extracurricular activities, giving 100% effort, and exhibiting
cooperativebehavior
.

During your two years at Sycamore Junior High School, you will make numerous decisions and may face personal or academic
problems.
Please seek the assistance ofyourteachers,counselors,andprincipals ouroffices areopen to youatanytimetodiscuss
personalstrugglesorcareergoals.Wecareaboutyoursuccessandarewillingtolisten!

Itis oursincere hope that you will take advantage of the many opportunities available to you at Sycamore Junior HighSchool. Lets
worktogethertomakethisawonderfulschoolyear!

STATEMENTOFPURPOSE
ThisStudentParent Handbook is a comprehensive collection of information aboutschoolrulesandregulations,servicesandfacilities,
and policies that directly affect students. It is every students responsibility to promote the best educational atmosphere possible by
becoming familiar with the information within this Student Parent Handbook. The rules and regulations in this handbook will help to
ensurethat each student at Sycamore Junior High School has the opportunity to succeed. While every effort is made topresentthe
information accurately, the information contained in this handbook iscontinually updatedandtheactualtextofthepolicy,procedureor
lawshouldbeconsultedastheauthoritativesourceofinformation.

DISTRICTVISIONSTATEMENT
Cultivating a culture that honors a tradition of excellence and diversity wherelearners arerespected,valued,inspiredandempowered
toreachtheirfullpotentialinaneverchangingworld.

DISTRICTMISSIONSTATEMENT
Sycamore Community Schools will provide challenging, inspiring, and engagingeducationalexperiencestoequipstudentswithcritical
skills that promote intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth needed to be highly successful incollegeandcareersandtobe
productivecitizens.

PRIORITIES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Providerigorousandrelevantlearningandgrowthopportunitiesforstudentsandstaff.
Respectthediversityofourcommunitythroughculturallyresponsivepractices.
Respecttheinvestmentoftaxpayersanddemonstrateresponsiblemanagementofresources.
Sustainasafe,secure,andwelcominglearningenvironmentforeveryindividual.
Engageallshareholdersinongoingconversationsaboutourstudentsfutureandthefutureofthedistrict.

BELIEFS
Thevision,missionandprioritiesofSycamoreCommunitySchoolsareguidedbythefollowingBeliefStatements.

Webelievethat
Studentsarethefocusofallthatwedo
wemustaddresstheneedsofthetotalpersonteachingthemindandtheheart
wemustbeproactiveinpreparingforachangingworld
thereispowerinacollaborativerelationshipwithfamiliesinourcommunity,
allpersonshaveaninnatedesireandthecapacitytolearn
diversityenrichesthehumanexperience
integrity,respectandopencommunicationpromotetrustingrelationships

wemustvaluethecitizensofourcommunityandseekcollaborativepartnershipswithallcivic,governmentalandeducational
entitiestoimproveoureffectiveness
itisnecessarytosupportandencouragecontinuousprofessionaldevelopmentofouremployees
asafe,secureandwelcominglearningenvironmentsupportssuccess
weattractandemployhighlytalentedstaffwhoareheldtoahighstandardofperformanceandprofessionalismand
wearefiscallyresponsibleandgoodstewardsofourresources.

ABSENCEANDATTENDANCE

Attendance
Regularattendanceisessentialforsuccessfulschoolachievement. Therefore,studentsare expectedtoattendclassonaregularbasis.
Tothisend,thefollowingguidelineswillbefollowedbyallschoolswithintheSycamoreCommunitySchools:

LegalRequirement
All children between ages six (6) and eighteen (18) are of compulsory school age and must attend school. (
Ohio RevisedCode,
Section3321.01:)

Itistheparent/guardiansresponsibilitytoensuretheirchildattends school, therefore,itis theobligation oftheparent/guardiantoreport

thechildsabsenceortardyeachdaythestudentisabsent.(
OhioRevisedCode,Section3321.03:)

ProcedureforReportingAbsences
1. On the day of the absence, a parent/guardian should call (
6861762
) to report the absence before 9:00 a.m. No note is
requirediftheparentcallsoremailsthatthestudentisabsent.
2. Followingthe absence,thestudentmustreporttotheAttendanceOfficewith anote ortheParentCommunicationFormONLY
IF
NO
PRIORNOTIFICATIONWASMADE.
a.Date(s)ofabsence
b.Reason
c.Phonenumberwhereparent/guardianmaybereached
d.Signatureofparent/guardian
e.Studentswhoareabsentduetoadoctorsappointmentmustprovideanotefromthephysicianuponreturn
3. Ifthe student forgets to bringanote,thestudentabsencewill berecordedasanunexcusedabsence.Ifanappropriatenote
ispresentedwithinoneschooldaytheabsencewillbechangedtoanexcusedabsence.
4. Anyunexcusedabsence(s)willberegardedastruancyandmayresultindisciplinaryaction.

*******Repeated truancies may result in: (High School only: loss of driving privileges, loss of senior earlydismissal,and/or)
truancychargeswiththeHamiltonCountyJuvenileCourt.

ExcusedAbsences
A school logged parent/guardian phone call or written notification received by the attendance office (on each day of the students
absence), for any of the excused absences below, is sufficient to excuse the childs absence. After the students tenth (10th) parent
phone call or written notification, upon the students return to school, the parent/guardian shall providedocumentation fromatreating
physician,nursepractitioner,orphysicianassistantstatingtheday(s)absentandreasonforsuchabsence.

Written documentation from the parent/guardian/nondoctor note may be in the form of an email or fax to the proper school
authority or directly from a physicians office, if permitted by the physiciansoffice.Doctors notesmustspecifyperiod of timefor
whichexcusedabsenceisnecessary.

If written documentation has not beenreceived within 5 school days after returning to school following an absence,theabsence
willbeunexcused.

The parent/guardian (and not the school) maintains responsibility to make certain the telephone call and/or absence note was
submittedtotheproperschoolattendanceauthorityinatimelyfashion.

If the parent/guardian failstocontacttheschoolandschoolpersonnelhavetoinitiatecontactwiththeparent/guardianviaaphone

call and they DO NOT make direct contact with a parent/guardian, the absence will be considered unexcused until a
parent/guardianmakesdirectcontactwiththeattendanceofficetoverifythestudentsabsence.

The school should be notified in advanceby the parent/guardian for any

planned absence that includes 3 or more consecutive
days.

The school administration will make the final decision whether an absence/tardy is excused or unexcused. In general,
excusedabsences/tardiesinclude(butarenotlimitedto):
Personalillnessorinjury.
Medicalordentalappointments(partialdays,inmostcases).
Illnessordeathinthefamily.
Funeralofimmediatefamilymemberorrelative.
Quarantine.
Religiousholiday(notcountedagainsttheten(10)dayrule).
Appointmentsforcourt.
Anyknownabsenceswhereschoolnotificationhasbeenprovidedwillbeincludedintheten(10)days.
Head lice. Children excluded from school due to head lice are allowed one (1) excused absence on two (2) separate
occasions in a school year. Absences beyondthisnumberare unexcused unlesstheadditionalabsencesarecoveredwithin
theten(10)parent/guardiannotesoraphysicianetal.excuse.
Emergenciesandotherreasonsdeemedgoodandsufficientbytheprincipal.

Ingeneral,unexcusedabsences/tardiesinclude(butarenotlimitedto):
Missingtheschoolbus.
Experiencingtransportationproblemsathomeoronthewaytoschool,includingtraffic.
Remainingathometocompleteschoolassignments.
Missingschoolwithoutlegitimateillness.
Oversleeping.Alarmclock(studentsorparents)failedtowork.
Mymomdidntgetmeup.
Nothavingsuitableclothingtoweartoschool.
Workingatajobduringtheschooldaywithoutaproperworkpermit.
Babysitting.
Anyformofrecreation(unlessincludedinpriornotificationdays).
Personalbusinessthatcanbedoneafterschooloronweekends.
HelpingathomeorWasneededathome.
Ihadagamelastnight.
Seniorpictures/portraits.

AttendanceAccountingDefinitions:
Arrivebetween8:50a.m.11:20p.m.=dayA.M.AbsenceExcused/Unexcused
Arrive11:20a.m.2:20p.m.=dayPMAbsenceExcused/Unexcused
Leavingpriorto12:50p.m.=dayPMabsenceExcused/Unexcused
EarlyDismissal=12:50p.m.2:20p.m.Excused/Unexcused(90minutespriortodismissaltime)
DismissalfromtheNurse=ExcusedAM/PMabsencebasedontimeofdismissal

ExcessiveAbsences
A student who has been absent from school more than ten (10) times withinaschool yearwill berequiredtohaveadoctors
notetoexcuseadditionalabsences.
All absences beyond that number (10) without medical verification will be considered unexcused. A student must have a
medical note for absences beyond ten (10) per school year. Doctors notes will be presented to the main/attendanceoffice.
Anystudentwhohasanextendedperiodofillnesswillneedtohaveadoctorsnoteonfileexplainingthechronicillness.
HighSchoolonly Excessive absencesandtardies(10%oftheschoolyear)willresultininabilitytoapply for aparking pass
thefollowingschoolyear.Checkonlineforupdatestothisinformation.

ProceduresforHamiltonCountyTruancyViolations
HabituallyTruantStudenthas:
A)5consecutiveunexcusedabsences
B)7unexcusedabsencesinonemonth
C)12unexcusedabsencesinoneschoolyear

ChronicallyTruantStudenthas:
A)7consecutiveunexcusedabsences
B)10unexcusedabsencesinonemonth
C)15unexcusedabsenceinoneschoolyear

AttendanceViolationConsequencesforUnexcusedAbsences
HighSchoolonly
UnexcusedAbsence/TruancyConsequence(persemester)
1stOffense2daysI.S.S.
2ndOffense2daysI.S.S.
3rdOffense13daysO.S.S.,parentconferenceandnoticetoJuvenileAttendanceOfficer
4thSubsequent5daysO.S.S.andlossofdrivingprivilegeforthesemester

Excessive absence from school may result in the withholding of credit and loss of driving privileges at the secondary level, orthe
retentionofastudentattheelementarylevel.

ExtracurricularActivitiesAttendance
Astudentmaynotmissmorethan10%ofanyschoolyeartoparticipateinactivities,unlesstherehasbeenanextendedillness.
Studentsabsentfromschoolformorethanfourperiodsinonedaywillnotbepermittedtoparticipateinafterschoolactivities.Special
circumstancesmaybeappealedtothebuildingadministration.

Mandatoryrulesapplyingtostudentsparticipatinginextracurricularactivitiesareasfollows:
1.ParticipatingtheDayofPractice,Meeting,orPerformance
a.Studentsabsentfromschoolformorethanfourperiodsinonedaywillnotbepermittedtoparticipateinafterschoolactivities.
b.Specialcircumstanceshowever,maybeappealedtotheadministration
2. ClassCutting/TruancyWhenastudentwhoisinvolvedinanyextracurricularactivitycutsclassoris truant, theactivitysponsor
willbe notified by the administration. Proper disciplinary action will be in accordance with the specific rules of the organization
withaminimumofbeingdeniedparticipationfromthenextscheduledpracticeormeeting.

MakeupPrivileges
If a student has an excused absence, he/she is permitted to make up the work he/she missed. It is the studentsresponsibility to
contact the teacher as soon as the student returns to school. Teachers are not obligated to be certain that students complete their
makeupwork.Ingeneral,thetimeallowedformakeupworkwillbetwiceaslongastheabsenceperiod.

Theschool does not provide makeup work to be picked up atschool unlessthestudenthas beenabsent
atleastthreeconsecutive
days
. Studentsortheirparent/guardianmaycallthecounselingoffice (6861764)before9:00 A.M.torequestmakeupworkincaseof
prolonged absence. This allows enough time for all teachers toget makeupwork collectedandinstructions prepared. Makeupwork
assignmentsaretobepickedupinthecounselingofficeafter3:00P.M.

ACADEMICDISHONESTY/CHEATING
CheatingTestingSituations
A student who possesses, provides, uses, or receives exam, test, or quiz information will receive a '0' on the assignment and have
his/her parent/guardian notified by the teacher. A written record ofthe incidentwill befiledwiththeappropriateassistantprincipaland
consequenceswillbeappliedaccordingtotheCodeofConduct.
CheatingWrittenAssignments
A student, who plagiarizes another students work or a published source on written assignments such as essays, reports, research
papers, etc., will receive the same penalty as stated for Cheating TestingSituations."Studentswhoknowingly providetheirwork to
becopiedwillreceivethesamepenalty.

CheatingOther
A student, who illegally
obtains test information from a
teachers office area, files,
classroom, etc.,issubjecttosuspension onthefirst
offense.
*Astudentwhoknowinglyorganizesameanstoprovidetestmaterialstootherstudentsissubjecttosuspensiononthefirstoffense.

*Repeated offenses toanyoneoranycombinationoftheabove areas willresult insuspension,parent/guardianconference,andwritten

recordplacedinthestudentscumulativefolder.

ATHLETICS
Students are strongly encouraged toparticipateinthe manyathleticopportunities offeredatSycamoreJuniorHighSchool. Seethelist
of sportsbelow. Astudentathletichandbookisavailable whichdetailsspecificpolicies,guidelines, andrequiredforms. Thehandbook
canbefoundonthejuniorhighwebsite.

FALLSPORTS
WINTERSPORTS
Cheerleading
BoysSoccer
BoysBasketball
CrossCountry
GirlsSoccer
GirlsBasketball
Football
GirlsTennis
Cheerleading
BoysGolf
GirlsVolleyball
Swimming&Diving
GirlsGolf

Wrestling

SPRINGSPORTS
Baseball FastPitchSoftball
BoysLacrosse BoysTennis
GirlsLacrosse Track

ATHLETICELIGIBILITY
Studentsat

SycamoreJuniorHighSchoolmustmeettheeligibilitystandardsas

publishedbytheOhioHighSchoolAthleticAssociation
andSycamoreBoardofEducation.

BIKERULES
Students who ride their bikes to school should use the bike racks by the front entrance to the school. We urge all bikeriderstolock
theirbikes. Bikeridersshouldenterandexitthepropertybythe sidewalk alongCooperRoad. Bikes shouldneverberiddenacrossthe
middle of the parking lot. Anyinfractionoftheserulescouldresultin theloss of bike ridingprivileges. The schoolisnotresponsiblefor
stolenordamagedbikes.

BOOKBAGSANDCOATS
Book bags/backpacks and coats are not permitted inclassrooms. Studentsareencouraged to stopbytheirlockersduringthosetimes
whichare most convenient in the students schedule. Generally, students visittheir locker before theschoolday,beforeandafterfifth
period,andbeforeleavingschool.Studentsexperiencingdifficultywiththeirlockersshouldseekhelpfromthecounselingoffice.

BREAKFAST/LUNCHEXPECTATIONSANDPROCEDURES
Breakfastisofferedtostudents15minutesbeforethefirstwarningbellringsdaily.Studentscanreporttoeitherthecafeteriaor
concessionstandoutsidetheauditoriumforagrabngobreakfast.Eatingbreakfastisessentialatthejuniorhighwiththefirstlunch
periodnotstartinguntil11:53a.m.

th
At sometime during the 5
period, studentswill beexcused for lunch. Dismissal for lunch and the time for resuming class work are
indicated by the classroom teacher. The duration of thelunchperiodisthirtyminutes. Students maybringtheirlunchorpurchasethe
schoollunch. Lunches brought from home may not contain soda or energydrinks. Studentsarealsolimitedtopurchasingtwosnack
items.Studentsmaychargeuptotwomealstoallowformealfundstobedepositedontotheaccount.

Sycamore Junior High students take pride in keeping a clean, attractive cafeteria. The following regulations provideforanenjoyable
lunchperiodandanattractivecafeteria:

1. Before students begin eating their lunches, they should report to the blacktop area outside the auditorium lobby as long as the
weatherpermits.Incaseofcoldorinclementweather,studentswillreporttothecafeteriaimmediately.
2. When entering the cafeteria, a student should take his/her place at the end of the line and have his/her money ready for the
cashier.
3. Teachersarerequestedbytheadministrationtogoaheadofpupilssothattheycanresumetheirassignedduties.
4. Students are permitted conversation and friendly association during lunch, but shouting, rowdiness, andtablehopping are poor
mannersandcannotbeallowed.
5. Ifa student spills anything, it is the responsibility of the student to remove the material and clean up his/her eating spacebefore
leavingthecafeteria.
6. Whenleavingthecafeteria,astudentshouldreturnallwastematerial,paper,andeatingutensilstotheappropriatelocation.
7. Foodordrinkisnottobetakenoutofthecafeteria.
8. Studentsarenotpermittedtoleaveschoolgroundsduringthelunchperiod.
9. Students are not to be in any part of the building other than the cafeteria, game room, and auditoriumlobby during their lunch
periodwithoutahallpass.

10. Students may beassignedcleanupdutiesasconsequences for misbehaviorduring theirlunch periodorbeinginthehallwithouta

pass.
11. Highschoolsiblingsarenotpermittedtohavelunchduringhighschoolexamweeksduetocapacityissues.

Mealprices:

Breakfast
:
ElementaryBreakfast
EdwinH.GreeneBreakfast
SJH/SHSBreakfast

ReducedPriceBreakfast

$1.25
$1.50
$1.75
$0.30

Lunch:
Elementary&EdwinH.GreeneLunch
EdwinH.GreeneSuperLunch
SJH/SHSLunch
SJH/SHSDeluxeLunch
HighSchoolAviatorSpecial
ReducedPriceLunch
Milk
AdultLunch

$2.50
$3.00
$3.00
$3.50
$4.00
$0.40
$0.60
$4.25

BUSCONDUCT
Riding to or from school on buses furnished by the Board of Education is aprivilegeforstudents. In order to maintainthesafetyofall
people on board a school bus, it is imperative that students maintain good behavior and follow all busrules. Thefailure ofapupilto
followtheserulesandregulationsmayresultinadministrativedisciplineand/orforfeitingtheprivilegeoftransportationbyschoolbus.

Consequences:
st
1
OffenseBusdriverandAdministrativewarning
nd
2
&subsequentoffensesDisciplinaryactionbasedontheseverityoftheincident
Basedontheseverityoftheoffense,finaldeterminationofadisciplinaryconsequenceisatthediscretionoftheAdministration
.

BUSPASSES
Students must fill out a Parent Communication Form and have it signed by a parent/guardian in order to ride a different bus from
st
school. The note should be submitted to the Attendance Office before 1
bell. A bus boarding pass will then be issued. For your
convenience,acopyoftheParentCommunicationFormcanbefoundonthewebsiteorahardcopyisavailableatschool.

BYOD(BringYourOwnDevice)
TheChromebookisthepreferreddevicechosenbySycamoreCommunitySchoolDistrict.Itwillallowtheschooldistricttomonitor
studentuseatschoolandpushoutapplicationsthatstudentscanuseforclasswork.TheChromebookwaschosenfornumerous
factorsincludingitslightweight,longbatterylife,integrationwithGoogleAppsforEducationandsecurity.SchoolissuedChromebooks
willcontainadditionalservicesandfiltersthatnondistrictpurchasedChromebookswillnot.Thatbeingsaid,astudentmaybring
his/herowndevice,butwilluseadistrictownedChromebookforalltesting.

CARRIDERS/WALKERS
We encourage students to ride the bus or walk home whenever possible due to the congestion that results from large number of
afternoon pickups by car. All students being picked up are to exit through the courtyard gate andremainonthesidewalkontheeast
side of the building to enter vehicles. Parents are asked to remain in the pickuplineuntilthe carin front of themmovesoutofthelot.
Nostudentispermittedtocrossthroughthelotforpickup.
Walkers should enter and exit the building through the secondary entrance of the building in frontofthe Media Center along Cooper
Road.

COMMUNICATION
Positive outreach and interaction are essential elements of a thriving school district. With that inmind,SycamoreCommunitySchools
uses an instant communication system, that enables district and school administrators to record a voice message, schedule the
messagedeliverytime,anddeliverthemessageviaatelephonecall,oremailtoparents.

Parents will receive notification messages regarding school closings or delays (calls made no earlier than 5 a.m.andnolaterthan10
p.m.)

The ability to contact parents successfully relies on the school having current parent contact information. To update contact
information,parentscancalltheirchildsschool.

COMPUTERSANDNETWORK
For completeinformation aboutcomputerandnetworkpoliciesofSycamoreCommunitySchools referthedistrict website
OnetoOne

link

Students will be expected to abide by the Sycamore Community Schools Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Students must
acknowledge that any issued device is the property of Sycamore CommunitySchool Districtandthereforemustabide bythefollowing
terms:
Students willmake thedeviceavailabletoanyschooladministratororteacherforinspectionof anymessages orfiles sentorreceived
ontheirSycamoreCommunitySchoolDistrictissueddevice.
Students will report to building administration or teacher any incidents of inappropriate communications sent in anyformusingtheir
SycamoreCommunitySchoolDistrictownedtechnology.
Studentswillnotdefacethedeviceorcreatemarkingsthatcannotbecompletelyremovedbythestudentwhenreturningthedevice.
Studentsagreetokeeptheschoolissuedcaseonthedevice.
Studentswillbringtheirissueddevicefullychargedtoschooleachday.

DamageorRepairofDistrictOwnedDevice
Ifdamage occurs to the One2One device, students and parents/guardians agree to be responsibleforfeesasdescribedbelowbased
onthesituation.
Warranty Repair
The device is covered by a 3
year manufacturer warranty. Student/Parent/Guardian are not responsible for
manufacturerwarrantyrepairs.
Accidental Damage
FirstDamageIncidentPerYear

Thereisnofeeforthefirstaccidentaldamageincident peryear
totheOne2One
device. Parents will be notified of the incident and the incident will be recorded. Second and SubsequentDamage Incident Per Year

Full price of repair or replacement will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian and ameetingwithan administratorwillberequired
beforeadevicewillbere
issued.
Intentional Damage

Full price of repair or replacement will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian and a meeting with an
administratorwillberequiredbeforeadevicewillbere
issued.TheStudentCodeofConductwillbeenforced.
Lost/Stolen Device

A fee of $230 will be collected for a lost device and a parent/guardian meeting with an administrator will be
required. A fee of $25 will be collected for a lost or damaged AC adapter. Devices reported as stolen outside of schoolrequire that
parentsnotifypoliceandprovideacopyofanofficialpolicereporttotheschooladministration.

Undernormalcircumstances,thefollowingplanofactionwillbeenforcedfor:

FirstOffense:
Studentreceivesawrittenwarning.Parentisnotified.
SecondOffense:

Studentislockedoutofhisorheraccountforoneweek.

ThirdOffense:

Studentisreferredtotheadministrationfordisciplinaryaction.

SevereClause:

In a severe incident, the student may be referred immediately to the

administration,bypassingthefirsttwosteps.Severityincludes:
1. whena student is intentionally seeking materialrelatedto violence,weapons,
crime,threats,sex nudity, profanity (to an objectionable extent), harassment,
orthepromotionofhate/discrimination,or
2. when a student is attempting to harm the computer system or to violate
networksecurity.

COUNSELING
9

Thejunior high school has three counselors. Our counselors provide a wide variety of services ranging from academiccounselingto
helping students with personal problems. Students are encouraged to know their counselors and use their services. Stop by the
counselorsofficeduringunscheduledtimeandyourcounselorwillarrangetomeetwithyou.

StudentsLastName
Counselor
AG
BenBrenner
HN

KatieRouse

OZ

JessicaRuggiero

DRESSCODE
While the style of clothing and personal appearance of each student generally is a matter of taste, some standards of dress and
appearance are necessary. While we recognize that appearance is a matter of selfrespect and a matter of respect of others,the
faculty and administration have a responsibility and an obligation to enforce a dress code that provides for the students' health,
personalhygiene,safety,andeffectiveeducation.

Pleasenote that these guidelines will be emphasized and strictly enforced at all school functions. Studentsarenotpermittedtowear
thefollowing:
1. Coatorhatsinschool
2. seethrough garments, exposed midriffs, strapless tops, spaghetti straps, low cut shirts thatshowcleavage, pajamas,lounge
wear,houseshoes/slippersormuscleshirts.
3. clothingthathasanintimidatingmessageoradisruptiontoclass
4. clothingthatrevealsundergarments
5. makeupdeemedexcessiveordistracting
6. any potentially dangerous items,suchasnecklaces,bracelets,rings,oritems withsharpor protruding objects exposedchains
ofanykindincludingbutnotlimitedtowalletchains
7. hairstylesdeemedexcessiveordistractingorcoloredhair
8. shorterlengthshorts
9. articlesofclothingwhichpromotetheuseofanyalcoholicbeverages,drugs,ortobaccoproducts
10. clothingwhichcontainssexuallysuggestivelanguage,pictures,inappropriatelanguage,organgrelateditems
11. clothingwhichisripped,cut,patched,writtenon,hasholes,oralteredtoachieveanunusualeffect
12. headcoverings(includinghoodsonhoodedsweatshirts),headbands,orsunglasses
13. formfittingleggingsmayonlybewornwhencoveredbyaskirt,shortsorshirtofappropriatelength
14. anyotherdressorstylethatinterfereswiththeeducationalprocess

Consequencesforviolations
oftheDressCodecouldinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
st
1
Offense
Studentwarningfromanadministrator/teacherandchangeofapparelfromlockerornursesoffice
nd
2
Offense
Changeapparelandreceivedetention
3rd&Subsequent
Repeatedviolationsareconsideredinsubordinationandwillresultinmoreseriousconsequences.

ELEVATORUSE
Students must present a doctors note in order to use the elevator. The school reserves the right to deny a student accesstothe
elevatorifthestudentisnotfollowingtherulesforusingtheelevatororifthestudentssafetyisinjeopardy.

EMERGENCYDISMISSAL
1.
2.
3.

A student who becomes ill during school hours must report to the school nurse or the Attendance Office in order to secure
authorizationtogohome.
Permissionwillbegrantedonlyaftera

parent/guardianhasbeen

contacted.
Nostudentistoleavethebuildingwithoutauthorizationoftheschoolnurse,AttendanceOffice,orschooladministrator.

EXTRACURRICULARINFORMATION
Getinvolved! Acompletelistingofalltheactivitiesandclubsthatstudentscan joinislocated inthe counselingofficeorinthereception
area,oronthejuniorhighwebsite. Allinterestedstudents are
encouragedtoparticipate inclubs,activities,and/orathletics.Ifastudent
needs financial aid to enable him/her to participate in any of these programs, the student shouldcontact the club/activity sponsor or
coachtoobtainthatsupport.

For schoolsponsored functions, every effort ismadetocomplywiththeAmericanswith DisabilitiesAct. Ifspecificauxiliaryaidsand/or

accommodationsareneeded,pleasenotifythebuildingprincipalsofficetwoworkingdayspriortotheevent.

ExtracurricularActivitiesAttendance

10

Mandatoryrulesapplyingtostudentsparticipatinginextracurricularactivitiesareasfollows:
1. ParticipatingtheDayofPractice,Meeting,orPerformance
a. Astudentmustbeinattendanceinschool4periodsinordertoparticipateinpractice,ameeting,oraperformancethatday.
b. Specialcircumstances,however,maybeappealedtotheadministration.
2. Class Cutting / Truancy When a student who is involved inanyextracurricular activitycutsclass oristruant,the activitysponsor
willbe notified bytheadministration. Properdisciplinaryactionwillbe inaccordancewiththespecificrulesofthe organizationwith
aminimumofbeingdeniedparticipationfromthenextscheduledpracticeormeeting.

FEES
FeescanbepaidonlineusingMastercardorVisathroughParentPortalorbycheckpayabletoSycamoreCommunitySchools.

TheAcademic Fee is $40.00 per student. Students entering thedistrict after theendofthesemesterwillbechargedafeeof$20.00
th
andnofeetothosebeginningafterthestartof4
quarter.

The
PerformingArtsand Athletic Program fee
is $75.00 per sport for participation in junior high and high school athletics and the
followingperformingartsprograms:JuniorHighDrama,JuniorHighBoyChoir,andJuniorHighSingingCompany.

Students participating in the federalfreeandreducedpricelunch programwillreceive awaiverofstudentacademicandextracurricular

fees.

FIELDTRIPS
Field trips can be a positive learning experience when wellplanned and related to the course of study. Parent permission willbe
sought for field trips outside of Sycamore Junior High School. Students are responsible for obtaining and completing makeup
assignments from other classes missed due to a field trip. Students may be excluded from field trips if they are in poor academic or
behavioralstanding.Goodbehaviorisexpectedonallfieldtrips.

FUNDRAISERS
In order to be sensitive to our families, we limit our fundraisers to those necessarytoprovidesupporttoschoolrelated andSycamore
JuniorHigh extracurricular expenses. The annual Aviator Flight Festand5K areourprimaryfundraisers and occurearlyinour school
year. All other fundraisers require administrative approval. PTO sponsors additional opportunitiestoraisemoneysuchasourannual
mattresssale(inJanuary),Target&Krogercards,BoxTops,MarketDay,etc.tobenefitspecificprojectneedsduringtheyear.
BakeSalesandotherfundraisingactivitiesinvolvingfoodandbeverageitemsmaynotbeheldduringtheschoollunchperiod.

GRADINGSCALE
SycamoreJuniorHighSchoolusesthefollowinggradingsystem:
90100=A
8089=B
7079=C
6069=D
059=F
AfourpointsystemisusedwithA=4,B=3,C=2,D=1,andF=0.
Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss grades with teachers, counselors, or administration if there are any
questionsorconcerns.

HALLPASSES
Students are required to haveasignedhallpassinordertobe inthe hallway duringclasstime. Studentsshouldasktheirteacher/staff
membertosignahallpassinordertoleavetheclassroomforanyreason.

HEALTHandWELLNESS
Nurse/HealthRoom
Ifa studentbecomesillduringtheday,he/sheshould acquirepermissionfromthe classroomteacherorappropriatestaffmembertogo
tothehealthroom.
STUDENTSMUSTHAVEAPASSTOCOMETOTHEHEALTHROOM
unlessitisanemergency.

If your student has special health considerations (asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, food/insect allergies) and will be
involved in a schoolsponsored extracurricular activity, it is the parent/guardians responsibility to get physician orders for
the medication and to notify the school nurse. The school nurse will then train the coaches or coordinators to respond
appropriately.

Theimportance of a working telephonenumberinthecaseofanemergency iscriticaltothehealth and safetyofyourstudent. Incase

ofachangeoftelephonenumbersand/oraddresschanges,pleasecallschool.

11

Many students are able to attend school regularly only through effective use of medication in the treatment of disabilitiesor illnesses
that do not hinder the health or welfare of others. If possible, all medication should be given by the parent(s) at home.If this is not
possible,itisdoneincompliancewiththefollowing:

InformationOnDispensingMedicationatSchool

Sycamore Community School has a medication policy that is in compliance with the Ohio Revised Code. Thefollowinginformationis
providedtohelpclarifytheunderstandingofthispolicy.

1. Medicationshouldnotbegivenatschool
unlessitisabsolutelynecessaryforthehealthandwellbeingofthestudent.
2. APhysician/Dentist Medication Orders Form must be on fileatschool,
signedbyaparent/guardianandaphysician
, before
prescribed medication or overthecounter medication may be administered. It is also needed for students to carry inhalers or
EpiPens(epinephrineautoinjectors).Thisformisavailableonthedistrictwebsite,
www.sycamoreschools.org
.
Thefollowingmustbeincludedwiththeorderform
a. Nameandaddressofthestudent.
b. Nameofthemedicationanddosagetobegiven.
c. Reasonforadministeringthemedication.
d. Timesatwhichmedicationshouldbegiven.
e. Datestheadministrationofmedicationistobeginandend.
f. Adversereactionsthatshouldbereportedtothephysicians.
g. Specialinstructions(i.e.sterileconditions,storage,etc.)
h. AcknowledgementthattheprescriberhasprovidedthestudentwithtrainingintheproperuseoftheEpiPen.

NOTE1:Anychangesinamedicationorderrequirearevisedstatementsignedbythephysician.
NOTE2:Ifastudentdoesnottakeadailyscheduledmedicationformorethan30days,aneworderisrequired.

3. Medicationmustbeinthe
originalcontainer
.
4. Students may not transport medication to school. (Exception: Inhalers or EpiPens, with a completed Physician/Dentist
Medication Orders Form, may be transported by a student. Parents are requested toprovideabackup inhaler,andarerequired
bylawtoprovideabackupdoseofEpiPen.
5. A new Physician/Dentist Medication Orders Form is required each year for ongoing medication. All medication must be
pickedupbyaparent/guardianattheendoftheschoolyear.Ifitisnotpickedup,itisdiscarded.
6. Only the school nurse, a substitute nurse, the principal, or a person designated by the principal, are authorized to
administermedicationatschool.
(Note:IfanEpiPenisadministered,emergencyserviceswillbecalled.)
7. Parents/guardians are not permitted to administer medication to students on school property without a signed
Physician/DentistMedicationOrdersForm.

Allergies
Animal/Pets In The Classroom:
Due to the large number of children and staff members at risk for illness or allergic

reactiontoanimals,animals/petswithfurorfeathersarenotallowedinclassrooms.Theexceptiontothisis:
Zoo presentations. (It is felt that the professional can manage this situation, and that children with allergies can be
maintainedatasafedistance.Teacherswillassessthisonanindividualbasis.)
GuidedogsorPolicedrugdogs.
Reptiles,amphibians, and fish maybeusedforeducational purposeshowever,studentsare to bediscouragedfromhandlingthese. If
contactismade,handwashingshouldberequired.

Balloons:
Rubberballoonsthatdecorateparties,carnivals, proms,etc. canposea serioushealththreattolatexsensitiveindividuals.
Peoplewithchronichealthconditions(spinabifida,hydrocephalustreatedwith shunts,etc.) who have beenfrequentlytreatedwithlatex
products are especially predisposed to this severe and, possibly, life threatening allergy. Latex allergy is also reported in healthy
individuals, especially those with common conditions such as asthma and eczema. Routes of exposure include contactwith skin,
wounds, mucous membranes, and inhalation of latex laden powder particles from items such asrubbergloves orballoons. Forthese
reasonslatexballoonsarenotpermittedintheallschoolbuildings.Mylarballoonsaresuggestedassafesubstitutes.

ClassroomTreats:
Manystudents suffer from severefoodallergiesandeating,smelling, ortouching certain allergens(i.e.peanuts,
nuts, etc.) can be fatal to people whoaresensitive. Becauseofissuessuchasthese, parents areaskedtocarefullyselectfooditems
whentreating a childs class. Theteachershouldbeaskedifanystudents have foodallergies and diabetes. Considerationofhealthy
food choices thatarenutritiousandnottoohighin sugar isappreciated.
Nonfood alternativessuchascraftactivitiesorprizebagscan
alsobeachoicetomakeclassroompartiesahealthycelebration.

StudentsWithSpecial DietaryNeeds:At thebeginningofeachschoolyear,oratthetimeofenrollment,parentsareresponsible

for communicating any special dietary needs of their child, including food allergies, to the district. Students with dietary needsthat
qualifyasdisabilitiesunderlawwillbeprovidedreasonableaccommodation.

12

Substitutions to regular school meals provided by the district will be made for students who are unable to eat suchmealsduetoa
qualifying dietary need when that need is certified in writing by the students physician. Such meals will be provided in the most
integratedsettingappropriatetotheneedsofthestudent.

Please complete the districts Food Allergy Notification and Medication Order Form with your students physician and return to the
schoolnurseeachschoolyear.

The nature of the students qualifying dietary need, the reason such need prevents the student from eating regular school meals
(including foods to be omitted from the students diet), the specific diet prescription along with the needed substitution must be
specifically stated along with a physician and parent/guardians signature on the form provided. The district, in compliancewith the
USDA Child Nutrition Division guidelines, will provide substitute meals to foodallergic students based upon the physicianssigned
statementstatingtheallergyislifethreatening

HOMEWORKHELP
Students are encouraged to attend Homework Club should they need helpwithdailyhomework. Eachsessionisstaffedbyacertified
teacher Monday through Thursdayfrom3:15to4:00P.M. An after schoolbus isavailable at 4:00P.M. for HomeworkClubparticipants
only
.AbeforeschoolsessionisalsoheldonTuesdayfrom7:15to8:00A.M.Transportationisnotavailableformorningsessions.

HomeworkassistanceisalsoavailableatlunchtimeinStudenttoStudentpeertutoringsessionslocatedinroom217.

StudentsareencouragedtouseAcademicAssistancepassesduringConnectionstogetadditionalhelpfromtheirindividualteachers.

HONORROLL
Thejunior high honor roll will becompiledbythecounselorsatthe end of each grading period. Thelist willincludethenamesofthose
students who have achieved an overall average of 3.4 or better in all courses. A letter grade of D or F in any subject automatically
disqualifies a student from the honor roll. Anystudentwhoattains anoverallaverage of 3.6orbetter inallclasseswillbeeligibletobe
included in the
Principals Honor Roll
. This special highachieving group of students will have their pictures on display in the main
hall.

INSTRUCTIONALMEDIACENTER(IMC)
A wide variety of material is available including books, magazines, and audiovisuals. Books are checked out for three weeks.
Audiovisual items may be used in the IMC or taken to classrooms for presentations. All materials must be checked outbeforebeing
taken from the IMC. Fines will be assessed on materials that are kept past the date due. If a library item is lost the patron will be
chargedtheoriginalpriceorthereplacementprice.

LOCKERS
Onestudent will be assignedtoeachlockerbyhis/herseventhbell teacher inwhich to keep books,coats,andotherpersonalproperty.
Lockers are to be kept locked at all times. While the school makes every effort to solve locker problems,
the school is neither
responsible norliable for books or other itemsofvaluemissingortakenfromlockersregardlessofthecircumstances. Each
studentisresponsibleforhis/herownpossessions,fortheirreplacement,and/orpayment.

Student lockers are the property of the district, and sincerandomsearches have apositiveimpacton reducing drugandothercriminal
activity, it is the policy of the Board to permit the building administrator to search any locker and its contents as the administrator
believes necessary. Students are advised that the Sycamore School Board Policy provides for the random, unannounced search of
studentlockers.

Studentswhohavealockerproblemshouldseekhelpintheoffice.

PARENTPORTAL
ParentPortalisaportionoftheSycamoreCommunitySchoolswebsitethatallowsparentsto:

haveaccesstoclassassignmentsandnotes

viewastudentsmostcurrentgradesonline

payacademic,athletic,andsummerschoolfeesonlineusingMasterCardorVisa

trackschoolexpenses

addfundstoastudentsmealaccountelectronically/viewmealaccounttransactions

accessparentresources/weblinks

Parent Portal also meets the busy schedules of parents and familiesasthe informationonParent Portalis available24hoursaday,7
days aweek! Parentscanalsohavepeaceofmindduringfinancialtransactionsas payments arecredited toastudentsaccountwithin
24hours,creditcardinformationisnotsaved,apasswordisrequired,andtransmissionsaresecure!

For information on creating a Parent Portal account, visit the district website (www.sycamoreschools.org) or call the Sycamore
TechnologyDepartmentat6861700orsendanemailtohelpdesk@sycamoreschools.org.

13


PERSONALPROPERTY
The school cannot be responsible for the personal property of the students. There should be noreason for a student to carry large
sums of money or other valuables. However, should such an occasion arise, the main office will be glad to put such valuables in
safekeepinguntilthestudentleavesschoolthatday

PHONEUSAGE
CellPhones
Cellphones are not permitted to beusednorcarriedbystudents duringinstructionalhours.Theyarealsonottobeusedontheschool
busorduringschoolevents.Consequencesforviolatingthispolicymayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

st
Warningissuedtostudent,cellphoneconfiscatedandturnedintothefront
1
Offense
nd
2
Offense
rd
3
Offense
th
4
Offense

5thandSubsequent

office.Parent/Guardianwillbenotified.
Parent/Guardianresponsibleforpickingupphone.
Detentionandparent/guardianresponsibleforpickingupthephone.
Saturdayschoolandphonewillbeheldbyadministrationforoneweek.
Parent/guardianresponsibleforpickingupphoneafteronecalendarweek.
Repeatedviolationsareconsideredinsubordinationandwillresultinmore
seriousconsequences.Parent/Guardianresponsibleforpickingupphone.

Telephones/StudentMessages
There is aphonethatstudentsmayuseatthefrontdesk. The phonemay beusedduringlunchandafterschool. Apassisrequiredto
usethephoneduringschoolhours

Only
emergency messages from parents willbedeliveredtostudents
. Withsomanystudentsandteachersatthejuniorhigh,itis
extremelytimeconsuminganddifficulttodelivermessages.Pleaserefrainfromcallingwithamessageunlessitisanemergency.

PROBLEMSOLVINGMODEL
Students and parentsareencouragedtofollowthe Sycamore JuniorHighProblemSolvingModel. Withinthisframework
studentsare
encouraged to address any questions or concerns withtheadultstaffmostdirectlyinvolvedwiththeirconcern,(i.e.grading,
detentions, etc.)tofindaworkablesolution. Shouldastudentstillhaveconcernsafterdirectlyworkingwitha teacher/staff member,
theyare encouraged to seek out the assistance of their schoolcounselor. Parents areencouragedtofollowthesameguidelinesprior
tocontactingschooladministration.

Definetheproblem

Gatherthefactswhatyouknowandwhatyouneedtofindout.
Checkyourfactsandsourcesforaccuracy.
Writeaclear,objectivedescriptionoftheproblem.

Determinewhoisinvolved

Initiallyincludeonlythoseindividualswhoareatthepointofconcernandwhose
participationisnecessarytosolvetheproblem.Forexample,ifyourchildishavinga
problemwithaparticularteacher,theproblematthispointbelongsonlytoyou,your
child,andthatteacher.

Meetwiththoseinvolved

Calmlyshare,listento,andacknowledgeallpointsofview.

Restatetheproblemtogether

Startbylistingpointsofagreement.Movetothequestionthatyouneedtoaddress
together.

Identifysolutionsandtheirconsequences

Offerandconsideralloptions.Beflexible.
Discussthepotentialoutcomeofeachsolution.
Eliminatesolutionsunacceptabletoeitherparty.
Choosethesolutionsatisfactorytobothparties.

Selectaplanofaction

Determinewhatneedstobedone,bywhen,andinwhattimeframe.
Specifyameansofassessmentoutcome.

Dobothpartiesagree?
IfYES,followtheplan.Theproblemisresolved.
IfNO,appealtothenextlevelofauthority.

14


Appealingtothenextlevelofauthority

Anappealmaybenecessaryduetothecomplexnatureoftheproblem,theneedfor
additionalresources,orduetodisagreementoverthemostappropriatecourseof
action.
Theappealmaybeinitiatedbyaphonecall,ascheduledvisit,oralettertotheperson
atthenextlevel.(Seelevelsofappeal)

Summarizepreviousresults

Bothpartiesshouldprovidethepersonatthenextlevelwithareviewoftheoutcomeof
thefirstmeeting,thereasonsfortheappeal,andtheirrecommendations.

Receivefeedback

Within10workingdaysbeyondtheappeal,allpartiesshouldreceivearesponsethat
includesastrategyfordealingwiththeconcernandarationaletosupportall
recommendations.

Ifthepartiesdonotagree,theappealprocessmayberepeated,ifnecessary,throughoutalltheconsecutivelevelsof
authority.
Note:DirectorsofTransportation,Maintenance,GuidanceandChildNutritionServicesarenotpartoftheappealprocessandmaybecalleddirectlyto
addressspecificconcernsunrelatedtotheeducationprogram.

FurtherinformationaboutthedistrictsConflictResolutionModelisavailableonthewebsite.

PROMOTIONANDSUMMERSCHOOL
1.

If a student fails one or more core academic courses (Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies), he/she must successfully
completethosecoursesinsummerschool.Failuretodosomayresultinretention.

15

2.
3.

Ifa student fails three academic courses, he/she must takeandpasstwoofthe threecoursesinsummer school. Failuretodoso
mayresultinretention.
Ifa student who has failed two or three academic courses does not attend summer school, or fails summer school, the principal
has thediscretiontopermitthestudenttotakeacompetencytest. Thetest willaidtheprincipal inthe decision onpromotiontothe
nextgradelevel.

SAFETYDRILLS
During the school year, we practice the following safety drills in an effort to prepare our students for emergency situations on our
campus:

Firedrills
onceamonth

Tornadodrills
onceamonth

Lockdown/IntruderResponse
onceaquarter
Studentsareexpectedtoparticipateinthedrillsinaseriousmannertodecreaseriskofharmtothemselvesandothers.

SCHOOLCLOSINGS
Emergency
Weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other emergencies whichthreatenthesafetyor healthofstudentsorstaffmembers.could
promptanearlydismissalfromschool.Makesureyoumakearrangementsforyourstudentifsuchanemergencyoccurs.

Ifnecessary,the district will make up days when schools are closed because of emergencies, in order to comply with the law. Each
year,theBoardwillidentifymakeupdaysintheeventschoolsareclosedinexcessofthecalamitydaysprovidedforbylaw.

TheBoard takes the educationofstudentsveryseriously.Itwillnottoleratethedisruptionofschool byanyonewhowouldperpetratea

hoaxthroughthreatsofviolenceinordertocancelclassesorclosetheschools.

InclementWeather
Sycamore Community Schools has two plans for handling inclement weather that mayimpact theabilityofstudentsandemployeesto
gettoschoolandworksafelyandontime,thuscausingaschooldelayorclosing.

Plan A
: All Sycamore schools will be closed for the day, latchkey programs will not operate, and all afterschool activities will be
cancelled,unlessthoseinvolvedareotherwisenotified.

Plan B
: School buses will run on a 90minute delay, and morning preschool and Head Start classes will be cancelled. Morning
kindergarten classes will also be delayed 90 minutes and will dismiss as usual at 12:10 p.m. Afternoon kindergarten, afternoon
preschoolandafternoonHeadStartclasseswilloperateasusual.Dismissalsforallothergradeswilloccurasusual.

90MinuteDelaySchedule

Period
1
2
3
5
4
6
7

Time
9:3510:16AM(Announcements)
10:2010:55AM
10:5911:34AM
11:391:09PM
1:141:49PM
1:532:28PM
2:323:07PM

When schools are delayedorclosed,thedistrictwillplaceadetailed announcementonthedistrict website,

www.sycamoreschools.org
.
In addition, Sycamore parents/guardians will receive a voice at thehomephone and mobilephonethatisassociatedwiththeircontact
information in our student database system. If a parent/guardian would like to change or removetheircontactnumber,pleasecallthe
buildingorSycamoreTechnologyDepartmentat6861700orsendanemailto
helpdesk@sycamoreschools.org
withyourrequest.

Sycamore also encourages teen drivers to ride the bus instead of navigating hazardous roadways. If a studentwhodoesnotusually
ride thebus wishes to ride the bus during inclement weather, they should call the Sycamore Transportation Department at 6861785
onehourbeforetheirschoolopens.

SERVICELEARNING/OUTREACH
We believestudentsbenefitfromhelpingothersinneed,thereforeweparticipate inseveral service projects throughouttheschoolyear.
Our year long Sandwich Project gives students handson experience with feeding the hungry in the city. Inaddition,studentswillbe
encouraged to participate in school supply, canned food, and warm clothing drives, collections for our sister school Winton Hills
Academy,anddisasterreliefasneeded.Participationisencouragedbutnotmandatory.

16


SKATEBOARD/SKATES
Studentsarepermittedtorideskateboardsandrollerbladestoschool.Skateboardsandrollerbladesmustbestoredinstudentslocker.
Studentsarenotpermittedtorideskateboardsorrollerblades onschool grounds. Skateboards/rollerbladesarenotpermittedonschool
busses.

STUDENTRECORDS
Student records may not be released unless the proper consent form is signed by the parent/guardianofa studentunder the age of
eighteen.

SUSTAINEDSILENTREADING
Studentsmusthaveapprovedreadingmaterialintheirpossessionforallclasses,allthetime.

TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are furnished to students by the Board of Education. All books must be returned at the endoftheyearorwhenastudent
withdraws. Students areresponsibleformaintainingtheirbooks inthe propermanner.
All textbooksassignedto students are tobe
covered.
Pupilsarenotassessedfinesfornormalwearoftextbooks,onlyiflost,abused,orshowexcessivewear.

SYCAMORECOMMUNITYSCHOOLSSTUDENTCODEOFCONDUCT

Theviolation on the part of a student of any one or more of the following rulesofconductmayresultin disciplinaryactions,including,
but not limited to, suspension, emergency removal and/or expulsion. This Code and its provisions shall be applicable on school
property, including buses and at any school sponsored activity.Studentswith specialneeds maybe subjectedtodisciplinaryactionfor
violationsoftheStudentCodeofConductconsistentwithapplicableFederalandStatestatutes.(orc.3313.661and3312.662)

17

Alcohol, Drugs, or Narcotics, IncludingCounterfeitDrugs andNarcotics: A student shall not possess,handle,transmit,conceal,

use,smellof, or consume any alcoholic beverage, drug (prescription and overthecounter), inhalant, ornarcoticexceptasprescribed
bya duly licensed medical practitioner andregisteredwiththe schoolnurseorprincipal,norshalla studentpossess,transmit,conceal,
oruseanycounterfeitdrug,rollingpapersorotherdrugparaphernalia,ornarcotic.

AssaultorFighting(Physicaland/orMenacingBehavior),Hazing,Threatening:Astudentshallnotassaultorcausephysicalinjury
ormentalanguish or behave in such a way that could cause physical injury or mental anguish to school personnel,otherstudentsor
visitors.Hazinginanyformisforbidden.Astudentshallnotthreatenviolenceorthreatentouseweapons.

Cheating: A student shall not possess, sell, transmit, or receive any test information or other information that is meant for individual
completionorpreparation.Norshallastudentplagiarizeorpresentanotherpersonsworkashis/herown.

Damage or Destruction of Property: A student while under the jurisdiction of the school shall not deface, damage or destroy, or
attempttodeface,damageordestroy,schoolorprivateproperty.Disciplinaryactionmayincluderestitution.

Dangerous Weapons or Explosives:

A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or conceal any weapon or object capable of
causing injury to another person, including but not limited to chains, guns, knives, ice picks, brass knuckles, objects that propel
projectiles, lighters, matches, firecrackers, smoke bombs,fireworksandchemicalsorotherlook alikeobjectswhichcould beconstrued
ascausingharm.

Disrespect (Profanity andObsceneGestures):Studentsareexpectedtobecourteousandconsideratetowardallstudentsandstaff.

Astudentshallnotuseprofaneorobscenelanguage,motions,signs,electronicorwrittenmessages.

Disruption of School: A studentshall not, byuseofviolence,force,noise,threat,intimidation,or coercioncausethe disruption of any

schoolfunction. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, disorderly conduct, false fire alarms, setting fires,bombthreats,walkouts,
strikes,sitins,incitingtodisrupt,throwingfoodorobjects,shouting,obstructionofentrancesandhallways.

Dress Code: Appropriate attire should ensure the health, welfare and safety of all members of the student body andenhances a
positive image of our students and the schools. Any form of dress or grooming that attracts undue attention, disruptsthe learning
environment,orviolatesthepreviousstatementisunacceptable.

Electronic Equipment: Students arenotpermittedtouseelectronicdevicesthatcausedisruptiontothe educationalprocessorschool

functions.

Extortion:Astudent shall not borrow or attempt to take money orathingofvalue from anotherpersonby usingintimidationorthreat,
realorimplied.

Forgery
: A student shall not write the name of another person or alter the date, time, grade, or other data on anyschool form or on
correspondencedirectedtotheschool.

Gaming:
Astudentshallnotengageinanyactofgambling.

Gangs: A student may not wear, carry, or display gang paraphernalia, or exhibit behavior or gestures which symbolize gang
membership,orcauseand/orparticipateinactivitieswhichintimidateornegativelyaffectotherstudents.

Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, and Dating Violence

: In accordance with policy, a student shall not verbally, nonverbally, or
physicallythreaten,harass,coerceormenaceanotherpersoninanymannerincludingelectronicallytransmittedphotos.

Insubordination:Astudentshallnotfailtocomplywiththedirectiveofauthorizedschoolpersonnelduringany periodoftime whenthe

studentisundertheauthorityoftheschool.

Motor Vehicles: A student shall not operate any motor vehicle in arecklessor dangerousmanneronschoolproperty.Astudentshall
notpark in any area other than the student parking lot. Parking is a privilege offered to students. Should students choose to park on
schoolpropertytheyshouldbeawarethattheBoardreservestherighttosearchforillegalsubstancesinanyandallparkingareas.

PublicDisplayofAffection:
Studentsshouldusegoodjudgmentinshowingaffectiontowardoneanother.

PublicIndecency:
Astudentshallnotuncoverorexposepartsofthebodywhichareregardedasprivate.

Studentand Locker Searches: The right ofinspectionofastudentsschoollockerorarticlescarried uponhis/herperson(bookbags,

purses, etc.)and the interrogation of an individual student is inherentintheauthoritygranted schoolBoards.Allothersearcheswillbe
conducted sparingly and only when such search is reasonably likely to produce anticipated tangible results to aid inthe education
process, preserve discipline and good order, or promote the safety and security of persons and their property within theareaofthe
school's responsibility.Student lockers are the property of the district, and since random searcheshaveapositive impactonreducing

18

drugs and othercriminalactivity,itisthepolicyoftheBoardtopermitthe buildingadministratortosearchany locker and its contentsas

the administrator believes necessary. Students are advised that the Sycamore Schools Board policy provides for the random,
unannouncedsearchofstudentlockersandfortheuseofcaninesindetectingthepresenceofdrugs.

Theft:
Astudentshallnotremove,haveinhis/herpossession,ortakepropertybelongingeithertotheschooloranotherindividual.

Tobacco Products:
A student shall not use or possess tobacco in any form including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, clove
cigarettes,ecigarettes,chewingtobacco,snuffandanyothertobacco.

Trespassing:
Astudent shall not enter a school building or school grounds where the student is notauthorizedtoattend.Exceptions
would be made if the student is attending a schoolsponsored event in which his/her regularly assignedschoolisinvolvedorwiththe
permission of a building administrator.Studentsarenotpermittedon schoolpropertyafteroperatinghoursunlessthereisasupervised
schoolapprovedactivity.

Truancy: A student shall not be absent from school or from a class except for the reasons provided by Ohio Revised Code and
confirmation by the parent or guardian.Excessiveunexcused absencesmay resultintruancy chargesbeing filedwithHamiltonCounty
JuvenileCourt.

Use of Computer Technology

:Inaccordance with the Acceptable Use Policy for technology,unauthorized, illegaluse of computers,
software, access to computer networks, telecommunications and related technologies or being involved in willful acts that cause
physical,financial,orotherharm,ordisruptionofinformationtechnologyinanymannerbythestudentisprohibited.

Other:
A student shall not engage in any other activity which the pupil knows or should know will disrupt the academic process ora
curricularorextracurricularactivity.

AdoptedbytheSycamoreBoardofEducation:8/76,5/83,4/85,7/88,8/91,5/93,7/97,6/98,5/03,6/13.

HAZINGANDBULLYING
(Harassment,IntimidationandDatingViolence)

TheBoard does not tolerate hazing, harassment,intimidationor bullyingofany studentonDistrictpropertyor atanyschoolsponsored

event,regardless of whether the event occurs on or off Districtproperty(includingon schoolbusesandother schoolrelatedvehicles).
Students who engage in such behavior are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension orexpulsionfromschool. TheBoard's

19

commitment to addressing such prohibited behavior involves a multifaceted approach,whichincludeseducationandthepromotionof

aschool atmosphere inwhichhazing,harassment,intimidation, datingviolenceand/orbullyingwill notbetoleratedbystudents,staffor
administration.

For purposes of this policy, the term hazing meansdoinganyactor coercinganother,includingthevictim,todoanyactofintimidation

to any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person.
Permission,consentorassumptionofriskbyanindividualsubjectedtohazingdoesnotlessentheprohibitioncontainedinthispolicy.

For purposes of this policy, the term "harassment, intimidation or bullying" means any unprovoked and intentional written, verbal,
electronic or physical act that a student has exhibited toward another particular student more than once and thebehavior both: (1)
causes mental orphysicalharmtotheotherstudentand(2)issufficiently severe,persistentor pervasivethatitcreatesan intimidating,
threatening or abusive educational environment for the other student. Forpurposes of thispolicy,harassmentandintimidationinclude
violencewithinadatingrelationship.

Permission, consent or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing, bullying and/or dating violence does notlessen the
prohibitioncontainedinthispolicy.

TheDistrict includes, withinthehealthcurriculum,ageappropriateinstructionindatingviolencepreventioneducationingrades7to12.

Thisinstructionincludesrecognizingwarningsignsofdatingviolenceandthecharacteristicsofhealthyrelationships.

Prohibited activities of any type, including those engaged in via computer and/or electronic communications devices or electronic
means are inconsistent with the educational process and are prohibited at all times. The District educates minors about appropriate
online behavior including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying
awarenessresponse.

No administrator, teacher or other employee of the District shall encourage, permit, condone or tolerate any of these activities. No
student,includingleadersofstudentorganizations,mayplan,encourageorengageinhazingand/orbullying.

Administrators, teachers and all other District employees will be particularly alert to possible conditions, circumstances or events that
might include hazingand/orbullying. Ifhazingand/orbullying orplannedhazingand/orbullyingisdiscovered,involvedstudentswillbe
informed by the discovering school employee of the prohibition contained in this policy and will be required to end all hazing and/or
bullyingactivities immediately. All hazing and/or bullying incidentsmustbereportedpromptlytothe Superintendent/designee. School
administrationwillensuretheappropriatedisciplinaryactionisadministered.

The Superintendent/designee must provide the Board President with a written summary of all reported incidents of harassment,
intimidationand/orbullyingonasemiannualbasis.ThesummarywillbepostedontheDistrict'swebsite,totheextentpermittedbylaw.

The administration provides annual training on the District's hazing and bullying policy to District employees who have direct contact
with students. Additional training is provided to elementary employees in child abuse prevention. The District provides training in
datingviolencepreventiontoemployeesasrequiredbytheOhioRevisedCode.

TheDistrictprovidesageappropriateinstructionondatingviolencepreventioningrades712asrequiredbytheOhioRevisedCode.

Districtemployees, students and volunteershavequalified civilimmunity for damagesarisingfromreporting anincidentofharassment,

intimidation and/or bullying. Administrators, teachers, other employees and students who failtoabide bythispolicymaybesubjectto
disciplinaryactionandmaybeliableforcivilandcriminalpenaltiesincompliancewithStatelaw.

No one is permitted to retaliate against an employee or student because he/she files a grievance or assists or participates in an
investigation,proceedingorhearingregardingthechargeofhazingand/orbullyingofanindividual.

[Readoptiondate:May16,2012]

StatementonDiscipline
Learning communities that are successful are those in which students and staff respect each other and share acommonpurpose
toward excellence. An orderly and properly behaved student body is an essential component in order for everyonetobe successful.
Clearexpectations for behavior and consequences for poor choices help to maintain the environment and our mission of excellence.
Students who violate the Code of Conduct and infringe on the rightsofotherswillbedealtwith usingdisciplinethatisprogressiveand
cumulative as described in this handbook. Categories of offenses and consequences have beenoutlinedinorderforstudentstosee
clearlydefined boundaries and possible consequences of their actions. However,basedonseverityoftheoffense,finaldetermination
of a disciplinary consequence is at the discretion of the Administration. Other infractions, not specified by the handbook, may be

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eligible for consequences. Chronic misbehavior and repeated offenses in any category or combination of categories could result in
suspension. Based on the severity of the offense, final determination of a disciplinary consequence is at the discretion of the
Administration.

DESCRIPTIONOFCONSEQUENCES
TeacherDetentions
Teacherassigneddetentionwillbescheduledfrom3:15 P.M.to4:00 P.M.or7:30to8:00 A.M.andwillbeservedinanareadesignated
bythe teachers. Lunch detentions may also be assigned totake placeduring thestudent'slunch period. Thistimemaybespentwith
theassigningteacherorpickingupthecafeteria. Itisthestudentsresponsibilitytoinform parents about detentions. Teacherassigned
detentionstakeprecedenceoveradministrativedetentionshowever,theydonotreplacetheadministrativedetentions.

SchoolDetentions
Administrativedetentions(DT)arescheduledfrom3:15P.M.to5:00P.M.onMonday Thursday. Studentsare expectedtobeontime
andbringsufficientmaterialsforstudyingorreading.

FridaySchool/SaturdaySchool
Friday and Saturday Schools are disciplinary measures given to a student by an administrator. Friday school will beconductedfrom
3:155:45 P.M. and Saturday school from 8:0011:00 A.M. Each willtakeplace ina designatedroom onFridayorSaturdayduringthe
schoolyear. Since FridayandSaturdaySchoolsareconsidered analternativetosuspensioninmostcases,anymisbehaviororfailure
to show for an assigned Friday or Saturday may result in suspension. Students should enter the school buildingatthe front of the
buildingforSaturdaySchool.

InSchoolSuspension
Inschoolsuspension(I.S.S.)isadisciplinarymeasuregiventoastudentby anadministrator. Itwillbeheldduringnormalschoolhours
and will be supervised by staff. Students are expected to bring sufficient study and reading materials to work on duringthe entire
suspension. A student in inschool suspension is not permitted to attend any previously scheduled field trips, assemblies,or other
relatedactivitiesduringthetimeofthesuspension. Thestudentisalsounabletoparticipatein anyafterschoolactivitiesthroughoutthe
suspension.Anymisbehaviororrefusaltoattendaninschoolsuspensionmayresultinoutofschoolsuspension.

OutofSchoolSuspension
A student may be suspended from school for up to 10 days. A suspended student is not allowed onschool grounds or permitted to
attendorparticipateinanyschoolactivities. Inaccordancewith boardpolicy,astudenttypicallyhasno makeupprivilegeforanywork
that is missed, however depending on the severity of the offense and the students disciplinary and/or academic record,the school
principalmayapprovemakeupprivileges.
(PolicyJGD)

Expulsion
Onlythe superintendent or designee may expel a student from school. Thelengthofanexpulsionmaybeforanylengthoftime,upto
and including eighty (80) consecutive school days. A student who may have committed a serious offense or have chronic repeated
offenses may be recommended for expulsion. An expulsion hearing will then be set up at the Sycamore CommunitySchoolsDistrict
officeinaccordancewithstudentdueprocessprocedures.

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ExpulsionAppealProcedures:

Suspensionfor10days,withrecommendationforexpulsion,
issuedbyschooladministrator

ExpulsionhearingwithDistrictOfficesadministration,
buildingprincipal,andparentswithin10daysofissue

Recommendationmadetosuperintendentonhowtoproceed

Superintendentmakesfinaldecisionbasedon
recommendation

ParentcontactsDistrictOfficesiftheywishtoappeal

AppealhearingwithBoardofEducationandsuperintendent

SuspensionAppealProcedures

Suspensionissuedbyschooladministrator

Parentcontactsbuildingprincipaliftheywishtoappeal

Appealhearingwithbuildingprincipalandparent

ParentcontactsDistrictOfficesiftheywishtoappeal

Appealhearingwithassistantsuperintendent

ParentcontactsDistrictOfficesiftheywishtoappeal

AppealhearingwithBoardofEducationandsuperintendent

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