Student Handbook clone

Welcome to Davis Connect….. “Home of the LYNX”

EXPECTATIONS, POLICIES AND CODE OF CONDUCT

A student at Davis Connect High School is asked to:

1. Accept responsibility for their education, decisions, words, and actions.
2. Act in a way that best represents their school, parents, community, and self to promote a safe, healthy environment in which to learn.
3. Be involved in school activities.
4. Respect their fellow students and support their activities with enthusiasm and good sportsmanship.
5. Always put Learning First!

Online Classroom and Independent Study grades are awarded on a quarterly basis, earning .25 credits toward graduation. Although grades are issued on a quarterly basis, course curriculum should be planned on a semester basis. Students will not be allowed to transfer classes at the quarter without consultation with the teacher, counselor and/or administration.  A la Carte courses are open entry/exit within the regular school year.  Each A la Carte course earns a .25 credit towards graduation upon completion.

High academic success requires regular participation. The teacher will notify a parent/legal guardian by phone call, email or by midterm notification before giving an F Grade. 

National Honor Society (Medallion): Objectives of the National Honor Society are to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote worthy leadership, and encourage the development of ethical character in students. To be eligible for membership in the Davis Connect National Honor Society, the candidates must meet the following qualifications:

* Member of the junior or senior class. Sophomores are eligible at the beginning of second semester

* Have a cumulative GPA of 3.8

* Applications are available to all juniors and seniors who meet the scholarship requirements

* Candidates shall then be evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, and character.

For more information talk to Mrs. Riding ariding@dsdmail.net.

All students at Davis Connect High School will perform in a highly ethical and honest manner in all areas of their involvement at school. Students are expected to do their own work to the best of their ability. Some examples of unethical or dishonest behavior would include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, copying other students’ assignments, allowing others to copy their assignments, copying and pasting items into an assignment, using any electronic device to get unauthorized answers, or doing anything that would be considered dishonest in their work and dealings with teachers and classmates. Teachers and administrators will deal with students who violate this standard in a fair and appropriate manner. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, calling home to inform parents, getting a zero on the assignment or assessment, receiving a U for the term from the teacher, receiving an administrative U. The faculty and staff of Davis Connect High School are united in the belief that all students should practice ethical and honest behavior. 

PLAGIARISM occurs when a writer deliberately uses someone else’s language, ideas, or other (not common knowledge*) material without acknowledging its source. Plagiarism may also include unintentional or close paraphrase. Plagiarism may take many forms including the following:

• Copying word for word from any outside source (print, video, online) without proper acknowledgement. This applies to the use of an entire paper, to use of entire sections and paragraphs, and to the use of a few distinct words and phrases.

• Paraphrasing ideas from an outside source without proper acknowledgement.

• Using any other organization or person to prepare work which one then submits as his/her own, including submitting in whole or in part a paper written by another student.

• Citing a source that does not exist.

• Attributing to a source ideas and information that are not included in the source.

• Citing a source in a bibliography when the source was neither consulted nor cited in the body of the paper.

• Intentionally distorting the meaning or applicability of data.

• Inventing data or statistical results to support conclusions.

*Common-knowledge: A piece of information may be regarded as common-knowledge if the information is found undocumented in at least 5 credible sources.

*Davis Connect uses plagiarism software in Canvas online courses.

CHEATING is any deceitful and dishonest act associated with academic performance. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Copying from another’s test or assignment.

• Allowing someone to copy from your test or assignment.

• Using materials during a test or on an assignment not authorized by the instructor.

• Collaborating with a group or an individual during a test or on an assignment without the instructor’s permission.

• Continuing to work on a test after the allocated time has ended.

• Submitting identical or similar papers for credit in more than one course without prior permission from the course instructors.

• Knowingly obtaining, using, buying, selling, reproducing, circulating or soliciting in whole or part the contents of any test without prior authorization of the instructor.

• Bribing another student to obtain a test. Soliciting or receiving unauthorized information about a test.

• Providing false information in connection with any inquiry regarding academic honesty and integrity.

• Falsifying records or official documents such as: academic records, report cards, letters of permission, ID cards, absence excuses, parent notes, etc.

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Davis School District and Davis Connect High School will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Students, parents, or employees needing accommodations should contact their school ADA/504 Coordinator Marni Willard mwillard@dsdmail.net, their principal or supervisor or you may contact the District ADA Coordinator, Steve Baker (402-5315), for parent or employee accommodations; or 504 Coordinator, Midori Clough (402-5180) for student accommodations. (TDD hearing impaired ((801) 402-5358)

Davis Connect High School, Davis School District and Utah State Law requires that students participate regularly and that parents bear considerable responsibility in helping to ensure that students are engaged in school. The guidelines for student attendance at Davis Connect High School are as follows:   

Parents or guardians will be notified of student’s lack of engagement by:

1.      A teacher will contact parent/guardian through a phone call or email.

2.      A teacher will refer the student to their school counselor.

3.      A counselor will assign a student mentor to track and work with the student.

4.      The student will receive referral to local case management.

5.      If parent/guardian is unresponsive to previous contact attempts a certified letter will be mailed.

6.      The student will be dropped after 10 days of consecutive non-participation.

Bullying/Cyber-Bullying/Harassment/Hazing

Students may be suspended, transferred to an alternative placement, expelled, referred for police investigation, and/or prosecuted for engaging in any written, physical, or verbal aggression, intimidation, discrimination, or abusive conduct of any school employee or student at school or a school-related activity regardless of location or circumstance, including but not limited to bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, or retaliation. 

District policy may be found at 5S-100 Conduct and Discipline.  Davis Connect High School’s policy may be found at www.davis.k12.ut.us/704 or a copy may be obtained in the school office.

Fighting

Students fighting or threatening to fight during school activities will be required to meet with school administration. Repeat offenders may be expelled or excluded from school.

Cell Phones and Electronics

Appropriate use of cell phones and other electronic devices is expected at all times.  Use of these devices will be based on individual teacher discretion.  Students not following cell phone/ electronic device policies, may be referred to the administration.

Online Classroom Behavior

Davis Connect High School has high expectations in the online classroom and your attitude and behavior should contribute to an environment of learning.  Specifically, we expect that you will:

1.       Arrive to online classroom live sessions on time.

2.      Be prepared for class, with all materials necessary, each day.

3.      Show respect and consideration for others in the learning environment.

4.      Demonstrate care and consideration for school property and the property of others.

5.      Dressed appropriately. 

6.       Limit distractions in the learning environment (what is seen or heard). 

You are expected to observe the rules and procedures that have been established by each teacher for their classroom and respond promptly to the direction of your teacher or be subject to due process.

Profanity

Profanity is inappropriate and will not be tolerated at Davis Connect High School.

Authority to Suspend or Expel

The school administrator has the authority to suspend a student for up to ten school days per incident.  If the school administrator desires or contemplates suspending for longer than ten school days or expelling a student, the school administrator shall make a referral to the District’s Case Management Team.

Students may be suspended, transferred to an alternative placement, expelled, referred for police investigation, and/or prosecuted for any conduct that creates an unreasonable and substantial disruption or risk of disruption of a class, activity, program, or other function of the school, including but not limited to: frequent, flagrant, or willful disobedience; defiance of school authority; criminal activity; fighting; noncompliance with school dress code; possession of contraband (i.e., drug paraphernalia, pornography, mace, pepper spray, laser pen, chains, needles, razor blades, bats and clubs); or the use of foul, profane, vulgar, harassing or abusive language; threatening or causing harm to the school, school property, or persons associated with the school, or property associated with that person, regardless of where the conduct occurs; committing any criminal act, including but not limited to: assault, harassment, hazing, rape, trespass, arson, theft, vandalism, possession or use of pornographic materials on school property; engaging in any gang activity, including but not limited to: flashing gang signs, displaying or spraying gang graffiti, wearing or displaying gang related clothing or apparel, or soliciting others for membership in a gang. 

Due Process

When a student is suspected of violating Davis Connect High School or District policy, the school administrator must meet with and inform him/her of the allegations and provide the student the opportunity to give his/her version of the incident.  If the school administrator determines sufficient evidence exists to impose discipline, the school administrator shall notify the parent or guardian that: 1) the student has been suspended; 2) the grounds for the suspension; 3) the period of time for which the student is suspended; and 4) the time and place for the parent or guardian to meet a designated school official to review the suspension.

School safety plan will be reviewed with students at the beginning of each school year.

Citizenship grades will be determined each term by the teacher. Such factors as school and class behavior, attendance, and punctuality are used to determine a student’s citizenship grade. Expectations set forth in a teacher’s course disclosure will be used to determine grades and credit. It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to the citizenship policy and to teacher expectations. A “U” grade remains on the permanent record, but credit can be restored through proper citizenship make-up.

Citizenship Make-Up Credit.

• Contacting Lani Porter laporter@dsdmail.net to make arrangements for completing 2 hours of approved service along with paying $5 once the 2 hours of service has been completed.

Citizenship Policy

Graduation requirements in the Davis School District include satisfactory citizenship and adherence to the rules and policies of Davis Connect High School. Failure to earn the required 35 citizenship credits will result in withholding the graduation diploma and participation in the commencement exercise. For graduation, a student is required to earn citizenship credit in grades 9 through 12; .25 units of citizenship credit in each class for each term can be earned, for a total of 35 Citizenship Credits.

Administrative U

One citizenship credit is given per year (.25 per term) to cover the school period before, during, and after school, and at all school sponsored activities. This credit may be withheld by the administration for unsatisfactory citizenship behavior.

Citizenship Requirements for Graduation

Davis School District requires each student to have 35 credits in Citizenship. All unsatisfactory grades in citizenship must be made up in order to graduate as well as participate in extra-curricular activities

A parent or legal guardian having custody over a school-age minor is required under State law to enroll and send a school-age minor to a public or established private school during the school year in the district in which the minor resides.  The process of education requires continuity of instruction, class participation and study.  Frequent absences from classes disrupt the instructional process.  Parents/guardians are encouraged to work with the school in promoting regular participation of all students.

Davis School District and Davis Connect High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status in its programs and activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. 

Inquiries or complaints regarding the non-discrimination policies may be directed to an individual’s principal or supervisor and/or the District Compliance Officer: Suzi Jensen, Associate Director Human Resources.

Steven Baker, Associate Director Human Resources

ADA (Employment Issues) Coordinator

Davis School District
45 East State Street
P.O. Box 588
Farmington, Utah   84025
(801) 402-5315

Midori Clough, District 504 Coordinator
504 (Student Issues) Coordinator
Davis School District
P.O. Box 588
70 East 100 North
Farmington, Utah   84025
(801) 402-5180

Bernardo Villar, Director of Equity
Title IX Compliance Coordinator
Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, or Gender in other than Athletic Programs
Davis School District
P.O. Box 588
70 East 100 North
Farmington, Utah   84025
(801) 402-5319

Tim Best, Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator
Title IX Compliance Coordinator
Gender Based Discrimination in Athletic Programing
Davis School District
P.O. Box 588
20 North Main Street
Farmington, Utah   84025
(801) 402-7850

Scott Zigich, Director of Risk Management
Physical Facilities Compliance Coordinator
P.O. Box 588
20 North Main Street
Farmington, Utah   84025
(801) 402-5307

TDD (hearing impaired): (801) 492-5358

School dress standards should be followed whenever attending any school activity.  Anything that is disruptive to the normal operation of school or any dress or grooming that may considered extreme is not permitted. These dress standards also apply at all school sponsored activities. Students that repeatedly violate the dress code may be suspended and/or given an administrative U.

Dress Standards

1.      Students must be fully clothed. 

2.      Extreme dress or style which causes a distraction to the learning environment is not allowed.    

3.      Students must wear shoes.

4.      Clothing that exposes BARE MIDRIFFS, BUTTOCKS, OR UNDERGARMENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED. The sleeves of tank tops, shirts, and blouses must be at least 3”. Spaghetti straps are not permitted. Clothing that is low cut and overly revealing is not allowed. Pants, shorts and skirts must be worn at the waist. The length of a skirt, dress or shorts must be of a decent length; this will be determined by the administration.

5.      Clothing containing obscene or suggestive words or pictures, including references to sex, tobacco, drugs, or alcohol may not be worn at school.

6.      Sagging or slovenly appearance of clothing is not allowed.

7.      Clothing attachments which could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon, i.e. spikes chains, wristbands, etc. will not be allowed.

Any student, who possesses, controls, uses, distributes, sells, or arranges the sale of an illegal drug or controlled substance (which includes alcohol, tobacco in any form, and electronic cigarettes), an imitation controlled substance, or drug paraphernalia at a school activity, in a school vehicle, on District property, may be suspended, transferred to an alternative placement, tested for drugs, expelled, referred for police investigation, and/or prosecuted.

Participation in interscholastic athletics, cheerleading, student government, student clubs, graduation ceremonies, and other extracurricular activities is not a constitutionally protected civil right.  Therefore, students who are suspended, transferred to an alternative placement, or expelled, may lose the privilege of participation in all extracurricular activities during the period of discipline and will not be afforded due process procedures to challenge the denial of participation.

Student Education Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student’s education records.  FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights are:

·         Inspect and review all of their student’s education records maintained by the school within 45 days of a request for access.

·         Request that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents who wish to ask the school to amend a record should submit their request in writing to the principal or appropriate school official. They should clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.

·         Provide consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PPI) from a student’s record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.  Such exceptions include, but are not limited to:

a.       school officials with legitimate educational interests;

b.      other schools to which a student is transferring;

c.       individuals who have obtained court orders or subpoenas;

d.      persons who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies;

e.        juvenile justice system;

f.        a State agency or organization that is legally responsible for the care and protection of the student;

g.      specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes; or

h.      organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the District.

A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving as a volunteer; a person serving on the District School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist), or to whom the District has outsourced institutional services or functions.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

The Davis School Board of Education has set this requirement for the four-period rotating block to 27 units of credit. These requirements are as follows:

English - 4 credits

Math (recommended each year) - 3 credits

Science - 3 credits

Social Studies - 2.5 credits

U.S. Government and Citizenship (Civics) - .5 credits

CTE - 1 credit

Fine Arts - 1.5 credits

Health - .5 credit

Fit for Life - .5 credit

Physical Education - 1 credit

Digital Studies - .5 credit

Financial Literacy - .5 credit

Electives - 8.5 credits

Total Credits Required: 27 credits

In order to “walk” at the graduation ceremony a student must meet graduation credit requirements and clear all “U’s”. Fines and fees must be paid to receive their diploma. To participate in the graduation ceremony is a privilege not a right. 

The Davis School District and Davis Connect High School shall reasonably accommodate** a parent’s or guardian’s:

a)      Written request to retain a student on grade level based on the student's academic ability or the student's social, emotional, or physical maturity.

b)      Written request to excuse the student from attendance for a family event or visit to a health care provider, without obtaining a note from the provider. (An excuse does not diminish expectations for the student's academic performance).

c)      Written request to place a student in a specialized class or an advanced course. (In determining whether placement is reasonable, the District shall consider multiple academic data points).

d)      Request to excuse the student from taking a test that is administered statewide or the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

e)      Initial selection of a teacher or request for a change of teacher.

f)       Request to visit and observe any class the student attends.

g)      Request to meet with a teacher at a mutually agreeable time if unable to attend a regularly scheduled parent teacher conference.

**Reasonably accommodate" means to make its best effort to enable a parent or guardian to exercise a parental right without substantial impact to staff and resources including employee working conditions, safety and supervision on school premises and for school activities, and the efficient allocation of expenditures while balancing the parental rights, the educational needs of other students, the academic and behavioral impacts to a classroom, a teacher's workload, and the assurance of the safe and efficient operation of a school. Each accommodation shall be considered on an individual basis and no student shall be considered to a greater or lesser degree than any other student.

**Reasonably accommodate for purposes of this section means the District or school shall make its best effort to enable a parent or guardian to exercise a parental right specified here without substantial impact to staff and resources, including employee working conditions, safety and supervision on school premises and for school activities, and the efficient allocation of expenditures; while balancing: the parental rights of parents or guardians; the educational needs of other students; the academic and behavioral impact to a classroom; a teacher’s workload; and the assurance of the safe and efficient operation of a school.

The parental rights specified here do not include all the rights or accommodations available to parents or guardians from the public education system.

The Pledge of Allegiance shall be recited by students at the beginning of each school day in each online classroom in the State, led by a student in the classroom, as assigned by the classroom teacher on a rotating basis.  Participation in the Pledge is voluntary.

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding the use of surveys or other school activities which may involve the collection or use of protected information. These include the right to:

Consent before students are required to participate in any survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information, whether personally identifiable or not, concerning the student’s or any family member’s:

a)      Political affiliations or beliefs;

b)      Mental or psychological problems;

c)      Sexual behavior, orientation or attitudes;

d)      Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;

e)      Critical appraisals of others with whom the student or family have close family relationships;

f)       Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or     ministers;

g)      Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs; or

h)      Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students regarding any of the protected information areas.

Inspect, upon request and before administration or use of:

[a] Protected information surveys designed to be administered to students; and

[b] Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

Davis School District has policies in place to protect student privacy as required by both State and Federal law. Davis Connect High School will directly notify you of the specific or approximate dates of activities which involve the collection or use of protected information and provide an opportunity to opt your student out of participating in such activities.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may contact the school’s administration or file a complaint with:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920
1-800-872-5327 Informal inquires may be sent to FPCO via the following email address: PPRA@ED.Gov.

In compliance with existing Federal and State law regarding religion and religious expression in public schools, the District or school may neither advance nor inhibit religion. It is the District’s policy to: 1) allow students and employees to engage in expression of personal religious views or beliefs within the parameters of current law, and 2) maintain the schools’ official neutrality regarding sectarian religious issues according to the constitutional principle of separation between church and state.

School officials have the authority to search a student’s person, personal property, or vehicle while located on school property or at a school sponsored activity, when they have reason to believe that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating a particular law or school rule.

Davis Connect High School respects the rights of students to express themselves and use social media platforms. DCHS however, has the right to address and/or take disciplinary measures for information communicated through social media when it creates a disruption of school for any student, comprises academic dishonesty, or is deemed threatening to any person associated with the school. For the purposes of these guidelines, social media contains any form of electronic communication, social networking, online communication, or online presence.

The following guidelines serve to help students avoid social media activities that could result in unsafe situations or school discipline. Participating in these electronic or online actions could be considered to be substantially or foreseeably disruptive to the DCHS environment and could require official school involvement and possibly law enforcement agencies.

Students should:

• Avoid posting confidential information about themselves or others, i.e. phone numbers, addresses, school I.D., number, etc.

• Avoid unprofessional public profiles including the use of language of a profane or sexual nature. The image you create of yourself online can be seen by anyone. Privacy settings are NOT foolproof!

• Avoid participating in, sending messages or posting information about illegal activities or indicate knowledge of unreported crimes. i.e. Incriminating photos or statements depicting violence; hazing; sexual harassment; sexting; vandalism; stalking; underage drinking; selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other illegal behaviors.

• Never post or communicate messages that include Bullying\Threats of Violence. While DCHS students have a right to free speech that right is NOT unlimited. Cyber-Bullying is a serious problem and is not limited to student-to-student interactions. Vicious treatment and hateful words often lead to violence, suicide, depression, and discrimination.

• Never participate or post in activities considered cheating and/or plagiarizing or any activity that violates the DCHS Character Standards.

• Avoid “Liking,” “Retweeting,” “Subtweeting,” “trending,” messages that violate any of the guidelines previously stated.

DCHS students should be aware that if their conduct negatively impacts the education environment, such conduct may be subject to discipline, not only by school authorities, but also by law enforcement agencies.

DCHS students should avoid the following:

·         Derogatory language or remarks about teammates, coaches, students, staff members, or representatives of other schools;

·         Demeaning statements about and/or threats to any third party;

·         Creating a serious danger to the safety of another person or making a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person.

1.       Students wishing to participate in extracurricular activities must clear all their U’s before participation. Advisors and Coaches will verify eligibility. Advisors of student body and class officers will ensure that Davis Connect High School constitutional requirements are met.

2.       A student of Davis Connect High School who wants to participate in sports must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA the preceding term, and cannot have more than one F the preceding term. A higher standard may be established by individual groups, please check with your advisor or coach. For purpose of eligibility I’s count as an F until made up. An administrator may deem a student ineligible at any time for extreme behavior or participation issues.

3.       An eligibility list will be provided to advisors and coaches at the end of each term. It is the responsibility of the advisor or coach to verify eligibility status for each student.

4.       Athletes that are competing under the umbrella of the Utah High School Activities Association are required to have a Form A physical examination, each year, before participating at Davis Connect High School.

5.       The established district participation fee must be paid before the first athletic event.

6.       Students declared ineligible may appeal to their boundary high school standards committee through their advisor or coach.  This committee will consist of at least one administrator, one teacher, and the athletic director.

7.      Student eligibility standards for all Davis Connect High School extracurricular activities are subject to review by the administration and include compliance with all school rules. Attendance issues, smoking, drinking, drug use, poor behavior, insubordination or disrespect of coaches, advisors, teachers, and administrative personnel could result in suspension from extracurricular activities and may result in loss of eligibility.

DSD Student Acceptable Use Agreement

The use of technology resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use of these resources may result in disciplinary action (including the possibility of suspension or expulsion), and/or referral to legal authorities. The principal, teacher/supervisor or systems administrator may limit, suspend, or revoke access to technology resources at any time.

Any student who in a school building, in a school vehicle, on District property, or in conjunction with any school activity, possesses, controls, uses or threatens use of a real weapon, explosive, noxious or flammable material, or actually uses or threatens to use a look-alike or pretend weapon with the intent to intimidate another person or to disrupt normal school activities, shall be expelled from all District schools, programs, and activities for a period of not less than one calendar year; unless the Case Management Team determines on a case-by-case basis, that a lesser penalty would be more appropriate.  The terms weapon, explosive, and noxious or flammable material include but are not limited to: guns, starter pistols, cap guns, knives, martial arts accessories, bombs, bullets and ammunition, fireworks, gasoline or other flammable liquids, matches, and lighters.