Student Handbook Attendance Policy | Absences | School Discipline | Student Conduct | | Dress and Behavior | We believe that each Student should develop skills of critical thinking and independent reasoning so they can be responsive to the needs of a changing society. We believe that the function of Pocola School is to guide and instruct the youth in their quest for knowledge, and to develop their capacity to assume more responsibility after they leave Pocola Schools. Attendance Policy Regardless of method of transportation, once a student arrives on campus he or she becomes the responsibility of the school and may not leave the school grounds without permission from the Principal's office. Upon arrival, students will remain in the designated areas until the bell rings. These areas include: the student commons and the student entrance breezeway. Note: Students are not to enter classroom areas (including the east and south hallways) until the bell rings, unless an administrator or the teacher on duty has granted permission. Students who come to school by car are to leave the car and come to the building immediately after arriving on campus. Students may not remain in their cars in the parking lot. Students who choose to sit down while waiting for the bell may do so only in the designated areas. Students should not arrive at school before 7:50 a.m. Absences Middle School and High School 10 day per semester rule: No track is kept regarding excused or unexcused. During the 10 allowed absences, all work may be made up. On the 11th day of absence, the student automatically fails that class that they have missed 10 times in. Three tardies to a class results in ONE day absence. Suspensions count toward absentee total. Appeals may be made to the administration for extreme cases. (Major surgeries, extended hospital stays, ect.) Student absences due to school-sponsored activities will not count against the student. College visits, Religion absences, educational vacation, etc. are already included in the ten days allowable and therefore not an addition to the 10 days granted. When a student is absent he/she must have a parent call (no matter what the reason.) Please note: Telephone calls from students are not acceptable. Attempts to deceive or trick the Office may result in suspension. School Discipline The Principal of a school shall have the initial responsibility and authority to order a student suspended for misconduct. In a situation where the students continued presence poses danger to person or property or an on-going threat to disrupt the academic process of the school, said student may be immediately removed from school. Education services may be provided for students suspended from school for more than 5 days for non-violent offenses. This service is provided to help the students stay current on information in their classes. No guarantee of a grade can be given for work completed while under suspension, however, students under suspension will be counted absent on the class roll. Parents must return with students returning from suspension. Student Conduct Students are expected to obey all rules and policies established by the school district and teachers. Some basic rules are as follows: Students must conduct themselves in an orderly manner. Do not run, yell, whistle or in any other way disrupt the orderly environment. Students should FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF THEIR TEACHERS. When class begins students should cease talking and await instructions. Students should move to the right through the halls to help maintain traffic flow. Students should take good care of their lockers and report any damage or malfunction to the assistant principal. Once again, STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO OBEY AND RESPECT ALL ADULT MEMBERS OF THE STAFF. This includes cafeteria workers, custodians and secretaries, in addition to teachers and administrators. Students who do not obey and respect adults will be considered insubordinate and be subject to disciplinary action. Students who are blatantly insubordinate, (cursing an adult staff member) will be suspended a minimum of five days. Students should have a pass when in the halls during class time. Dress and Behavior Students are expected to exhibit pride daily in their dress and behavior. This does not mean that students must wear new clothes every day, but should attend school looking neat and clean and dress in a manner which exhibits good taste. The following dress restrictions apply: Shorts or skirts must cover the knee and must be hemmed. NO CUTOFFS. Finger-tip length spandex or tights cannot be worn except as an undergarment. These combo outfits must comply with the length requirements. Split shorts may not be worn. Students will not be allowed to wear clothing or jewelry which promotes drugs, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, profane language, gangs, or any other item or activity which is illegal. Shirts, blouses, tops, etc., must cover the middle part of the body and the shoulders. Halter tops, sleeveless tops or any see-through apparel may not be worn. Shoes must be worn at all times. No torn or tattered clothing. Caps, hats, or any other head covering may not be worn in the building. Sunglasses may not be worn in the building. Students may wear clothing with suspenders but both suspenders must be fastened and in the proper position as to avoid disruption. Excessively baggy pants may not be worn. If pants will not stay in proper position without a belt they are too baggy. Badges, insignias, symbols or emblems which cause disruption may not be worn. The Administration reserves the right to make judgments whether clothing is acceptable. Students who violate the dress code may be asked to return home to change, receive in-school detention, or be suspended from school.