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CPSD Elementary Student Handbook

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The Clinton Public School District complies with all federal and state laws and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, age, marriage or veteran status or disability, in employment or in the delivery of educational services. This applies to all educational programs and extracurricular activities. Inquiries associated with Title VI, and/or accommodations for disabled employees, the public and accessibility of facilities and programs should be directed to Dr. Andy Schoggin, Superintendent at 601-924-7533. Inquiries regarding the application of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (concerning students with disabilities who are not eligible for Special Education) / Americans with Disability Act should be directed to Mr. Charles King, Assistant Superintendent, at 601-924-7533. These individuals may be contacted at the district main office located at 203 Easthaven Drive. The mailing address is P.O. Box 300, Clinton, Mississippi 39060.

Board of Trustees

Bernard Kines-President
Paula DeYoung-Vice President
Dr. Felicia Gavin-Secretary
Dr. Matt Thomas- Assistant Secretary
Derek Holmes-Member

Central Office Administration

Dr. Andy Schoggin-Superintendent
Dr. Charles King-Assistant Superintendent 
Libby Callegan-Business Manager
Dr. Jennifer Boykin-Director of Special Services 
Tamikia Billings - Director of Student Services/Assessment
Leslie Alexander-Federal Programs 
Robert Chapman-Director of Communications
Adrienne Ealy-Director Food Services /Child Nutrition
Christopher Lay-Director of Maintenance 
Curt Crain-Director of Transportation
Judd Boswell-Director of Athletics
 

Elementary Campuses and Principals

Clinton Park Elementary, Grades PreK-1st
Kelli Pope, Principal
601-924-5205

Northside Elementary, Grades 2nd-3rd
Mandy Ambrose, Principal
601-924-7531

EastsideElementary, Grades 4th-5th
Mandy Taylor, Principal
601-924-7261

Foreword

The faculty and staff welcome you to the Clinton Public School District. We are honored and look forward to working with you. This Handbook will help you to understand the laws established by the Mississippi State Legislature, and policies of the Clinton Public School District Board of Trustees. School rules and regulations are written to enforce and implement these laws and policies. They will also help us to provide for you an orderly and safe school and thereby enable you to reach the highest level of academic achievement you can obtain.  Parents and students should read this Handbook carefully. Teachers will also discuss it with students during the first week of school. If you have questions, or need additional information, do not hesitate to talk with an administrator.

Clinton Public School District Mission Statement

The Mission of the Clinton Public School District is to produce successful individuals by guaranteeing challenging learning experiences in a unified, caring community committed to excellence.

Directory Disclosure Notice to Parents and Students

Schools within the Clinton Public School District may disclose “directory” information which shall include: the student’s name and address, date and place of birth, major field of study, pictures, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, credits and award received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the students, and other similar information. Any parent or eligible student who wishes to have any or all of the directory information concerning his or her child or that student withheld must inform the school in writing within ten (10) days from the date that the student receives this notice.
 

Email Communication

The Clinton Public School District has email service available to each teacher and administrative staff. While the district’s Office of Technology continues to work very hard to keep this system in operation, email service is subject to many areas of unreliability.  Email communication between parents and the school district may be blocked, dropped, or lost by their Internet Provider, the Mississippi Department of Education, or the Clinton Public School District email servers. Since there are many areas of influence in email, the district cannot be held responsible for not receiving or failing to open email in a timely manner. Therefore, do not completely rely on this medium of communication for timely information.

Transfer of Records

In accordance with the Privacy Rights of Parents and Students Act, school records will be forwarded upon request to a school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

Appearance of Buildings and Campuses 

The appearance of the school building and campus reflects the spirit and reputation of the  school. Students and parents are expected to help keep the building and campus attractive  and free from litter. Parents are responsible for paying for replacement of school property  that their child vandalizes. 

Asbestos Notice

Notice is hereby given to parents, employees, and employee organizations that the Clinton Public School District has had all of its buildings appropriately inspected for asbestos containing materials and a Management Plan for each building developed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act; that a copy of the results of said inspections are on file in the Office of the Supervisor of Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds, the Office of the Director of the Vocational Center, and in the offices of the respective principals of the Clinton Park Elementary, Northside Elementary, Eastside Elementary, Lovett Elementary, Clinton Junior High, Sumner Hill Junior High, and Clinton High schools; that copies of all of the aforesaid results of inspections and completed Management Plans for all buildings are on file in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 203 Easthaven Drive, Clinton, Mississippi; and that said copies of results of the inspections and completed Management Plans for the respective buildings may be read by any and all interested persons in the Office of the Supervisor of Vocational Center, and any and all of the aforesaid principals’ offices between the hours of 8:00 AM. and 4:00 PM. When school is in session, the results of said inspections and completed Management Plans for all buildings in the District may be read in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools between the hours of 8:00 AM. and 4:00 PM. on usual work days. For additional information, call Dr. Andy Schoggin, Superintendent of Schools, at 601-924-7533.
 

Accreditation

Schools in the Clinton Public School District are accredited by the Mississippi Commission on Accreditation and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

English Learners (EL)

English Learners (EL) are held to the same State-mandated standards as all students. Accommodations and interventions may be provided. EL students are required to earn Carnegie Credits as set forth in District Policy IHF - “Requirements for Graduation and Grade” and to successfully pass all State Subject-Area Assessments to earn high school diplomas.
 

Residency

Definition of residency for school attendance purposes: The student and the parent/guardian physically reside full time (weekdays, weeknights and weekends) at a dwelling located within the boundaries of the Clinton Public School District. The school district administrative staff will verify the residence of each student.  Residency requirements will be strictly enforced by the Clinton Public School District. The residency requirements outlined below are minimum requirements. The District reserves the right to require additional documentation and verification at any time.

The parent of a student seeking to enroll in the Clinton Public School District must provide a state issued ID that shows the home address matching the address of the documents used to prove residency. 

The parent of a student seeking to enroll in the Clinton Public School District must provide the following information in order to prove residency:
Mortgage document, filed homestead exemption, property deed, property tax notice, closing statement

OR

An apartment or home lease-all leases must be current and signed by the owner. In the case of an apartment, the name of every adult must be listed on the lease.

AND

One current utility bill (electric/gas/water) showing residence property address

Residency Documentation

A parent or legal guardian must accompany each student seeking to enroll in the Clinton Public School District. No student will be enrolled in the Clinton Public School District until the following requirements have been met:

  1. Present up to date photo ID with home address visible;
  2. Present proof of residency within the Clinton Public School District;
  3. Present a certified birth certificate (not a copy);
  4. Present a certified court order of guardianship when enrolling a student as his/her legal guardian;
  5. Present a certificate of health compliance (immunization form) issued by the Mississippi Department of Health or a local physician as requested by Mississippi law;
  6. Present address of the previous school attended;
  7. Present withdrawal information from previous school;
  8. Present a transcript (middle/high school) from the previous school attended;
  9. Present the student(s)’ discipline record from the previous school(s)

*Providing false information or false documents may result in immediate withdrawal from the school the child is attending. Any suspicious information will be turned over to the Clinton Public School District central office administration for further investigation.

Affidavit Procedures

Affidavits are processed by the Central Office Administration of the Clinton Public School District. The District requires that the parent/legal guardian of a student residing in a home not owned or rented in the name of the parent/legal guardian must provide proof of residency at the District Central Office before the student may be enrolled.

Both the parent/legal guardian of the student and the owner/leaseholder of the property must meet with Central Office Administration each year.

Parent/Guardian Living with the owner/leaseholder must present the following:

  1. Valid Mississippi driver’s license or state identification card with residence property address
  2. Either automobile registration (valid during current school year) showing residence property address or a parent’s name on a water/gas/electric bill within 45 days at that address.

Owner of Home must present the following:

  1. Valid Mississippi driver’s license or state identification card with photo and residence property address
  2. Mortgage documents, filed homestead exemption, property deed, property tax notice, closing statement, or a copy of a fully executed apartment or home lease signed by the owner. The lease must be during the current school year.
  3. One utility bill (electric/gas/water) in the owner/leaseholder’s name dated within 45 days at that address, current at the time of registration, and showing residence property address.

*If documentation is approved, the parent/legal guardian must attest that they live with the owner/leaseholder full-time. This must be verified by the property owner by signing the Affidavit Statement of Legal Residency.

City Ordinance Concerning Residency 

It is unlawful to make false statements to law enforcement officials and employees of  the Clinton Public School District. This ordinance states that if a parent or guardian  gives a false statement about his or her residence to a Clinton Public School  District official to enroll children in a Clinton public School, that parent or guardian  can be fined up to $1,000 and/or jailed for up to 90 days. In addition, restitution shall  be made to the City of Clinton for all man hours exhausted and expenses incurred due  to such false statements or misrepresentations.

Change of Residency

If a student’s address changes during the school year, the parent must come by the office  and complete the proof of residency process.

A mortgage or rent document, along with other utility documentation, will be needed. 

Change of Telephone Number

If student’s telephone number changes during the school year, the parent is requested to notify the school's front office of the change. 
 

Attendance 

The Clinton Public School District, in compliance with Mississippi Law 37-13-91, will  provide for the education of children of compulsory school age (6-17) in this district for not less than 180 days each year, by Mississippi Law 37-13-63. 

Compulsory regular attendance when school is in session always applies to every child  who has attained the age of six (6) years on or before September 1. A child who is five (5) years of age on or before September 1 may enroll in kindergarten. The birth date must be verified by a birth certificate.

For a student to be considered present, the student must attend 66% of the student's school day.

A student who has been previously enrolled in another state where law provides for  enrollment before age six (6) on or before September 1 may be enrolled if the student meets  all of the following requirements: 

  1. Parent was a legal resident of the state from which the child is transferring.
  2. The out-of-state school is accredited. 
  3. The student must have been legally enrolled for at least four (4) weeks in the  previous state; and 
  4. The local superintendent in a Mississippi district determines that the student  was making satisfactory educational progress in the previous state.

Daily Schedule

The school day begins at 7:45 a.m. with the pledge to the United States flag and  announcements. Classes begin promptly at 7:45 a.m. with dismissal at 2:25 p.m. 

Early Arrival 
Students who walk each day to school or those who ride with parents should not arrive at  school and will not be supervised before 7:10 a.m. The Clinton Public School District does  not accept responsibility for the safety of non-bus riding students left on school campuses  before 7:10 a.m. School buses will not unload before 7:10 a.m. Students who ride the  school bus will be supervised and monitored.  

Tardy 
A child is considered tardy if he enters the school after 7:45 a.m., except in case of a late  bus. Any student arriving at school after 7:45 should report to the office, with the person  who brought him or her, before going to the classroom. The parent or person who brought  the student to school will sign the student in. Five or more tardies will not constitute perfect  attendance. 

Dismissals 
The Clinton Public School District does not accept responsibility for the safety of non-bus  riding students left on campus after 3:00 p.m. Parents/guardians should send a note to the  student's homeroom teacher and the school secretary when requesting an early dismissal. The student will remain in the classroom until you or your designee comes to the office to  sign him or her out. Only individuals listed on the registration card are allowed to sign out  a student. The custodial parent must have a court order on file in the office if the non custodial parent is not to pick up the child.  

Any changes in the way a student is to be dismissed must be made in writing to the office  (handwritten note, email, fax, etc.). Phone calls are not an acceptable way to change  dismissals. 

Instruction begins at 7:45 and ends at 2:25. Early dismissal is discouraged and should be  requested only in an emergency. Parents are discouraged from requesting dismissal of students after 2:00. Prior approval after this time must be approved by administration.  Students will be dismissed from the office. Parents must come to the office and sign out  the student before he/she leaves campus. Five or more dismissals will not constitute perfect  attendance. 

No child will be dismissed directly from the classroom or playground. Children can only be dismissed from field trips with proper permissions.  
Students attending for at least 66% of the school day will be considered present for that  day. If a student is absent more than 34% of the school day, he/she will be marked as  absent for that particular day.
 

Absences

  • Each student shall be authorized five (5) excused absences each semester if the reason complies with the following: 

A. Personal illness; or 
B. Serious illness in the family; or 
C. Death in the family; or 
D. Special permission of the principal (obtained in ADVANCE, IN PERSON by the parent). 

  • A parent/guardian must call the school office before 10:00 a.m. each day or submit a note of the student’s absence for verification if it is to be counted as one of the five (5) excused absences. 
  • Medical documentation is required after the third day of illness related absences.
  • All other absences will be unexcused. 

Exceptions 
Absences in excess of five (5) days per semester may be excused upon presentation of a medical statement signed by a licensed physician or at the discretion of the principal after an at-school conference with the parent/guardian; however, this will not automatically result in the excused absence.

Absence Reporting Requirement is within close of the business day two (2) days after absence. 
  
Unlawful Absences 
Absences without an accompanying phone call or note from the parent or a doctor’s statement are unexcused. When a child accumulates five (5) unlawful absences for any one (1) school year, the school will report the absences to the Attendance Officer. A suspension from school is an unexcused absence.  

If there is a question about whether an absence will be treated as lawful or unlawful, call the principal for clarification. 

If your child’s absence is the result of a communicable disease, bring a certificate from your doctor when your child returns after recovery from the illness. 

Make-up Work 
In addition, with an excused absence, class make-up work must be completed. School  personnel will decide what make-up work is to be done and will allow reasonable time for  its completion. In general, the student will be given the number of days absent plus one to  complete and turn in all make-up work. If the student had been informed of a scheduled  test before the absence, the teacher will expect the student to complete the test before the  number of days plus one.  

If a student has an absence in excess of three days, the parent may contact the office on the  third day and request assignments. Books and assignments may be picked up in the school  office by 3:00.

Official School Absences

An absence due to school-related functions will be excused as an Official School Absence. The student must:

  1. Obtain permission from the principal prior to the absence.
  2. Get assignments from the teachers before the scheduled absence.
  3. Complete each assignment and give it to the appropriate teacher on the day he/she returns to school. (The teacher may deduct points from the assignment if it is not turned in on the date the student returns to school.)

Reporting Absences

A parent or guardian must verify the absence by calling the attendance office before 10:00 A.M. each day the student is not at school. If the parent or guardian has not contacted the attendance office prior to this time, the attendance office will attempt to contact the parent or guardian. In the event the attendance office must make the contact with the parent or guardian for verification, and the absence is not verified by a medical excuse, the absence will be considered unlawful.

Checking a Student Out of School

The following procedure will be followed if a student is checked out during the school day:

  1. The parent or guardian must have on file in the attendance office a Check-Out card. The card must include the parent’s signature, the name and telephone number.
  2. The parent or guardian or adult designee must report to the attendance office to sign the student out. Proof of identification will be required. The secretary will contact the teacher who will send the student to the office. Parent must have papers on file if they do not want non-custodial parent to pick up.
  3. If the student returns to school after checking out, he or she must report to the office with a parent before going to class.
  4. No checkouts are allowed after 2:00 for Clinton elementary campuses.

When a student arrives on the school campus, he or she becomes the responsibility of the school. The student must not leave campus under any circumstance without checking out in the office. A student who leaves campus without permission is considered truant.

Unauthorized Visitors

All persons other than school employees and pupils enrolled at the Clinton Public School campus must first go to the principal’s office to secure admission to the campus. Otherwise, they will be considered trespassers and as such, subject to arrest and prosecution.

Withdrawal from School

(Clinton Public School Board Policy JBCD, 5/26/2015)
The parent/guardian should meet with or call the counselor at the appropriate school at least two (2) days prior to the actual date of withdrawal. A withdrawal form will be completed. Books and fines will be collected. The student’s cumulative records will be forwarded upon request by the new school.  

Delayed Start to School Day/Inclement Weather Day(s)

CPSD has implemented a delayed start of school for inclement weather or emergency situations. This schedule will be used only when we feel the roads will clear later in the morning. While the start will be delayed, the school day will end at the regular scheduled times. The following delayed starting times will be observed:

Clinton Park Elementary,9:25 AM
Northside Elementary, 9:25 AM
Eastside Elementary, 9:25 AM
Lovett Elementary, 9:50 AM
Clinton Junior High School, 9:50 AM
Sumner Hill, 10:00 AM
Clinton High School, 10:00 AM
Clinton Success Center, 10:00 AM

**Inclement weather days will be added to the end of the school year, if needed.**

Bus Safety

Clinton Public School District provides transportation for all students who live in its attendance zone. Students riding buses are responsible to the driver, who is responsible for their safety and protection. Students are expected to and will be held accountable for treating the driver with respect and courtesy.

Students must ride the bus to which they are assigned. They can ride only one bus, and thereby cannot ride one bus in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Students must not ride the bus to school and then leave campus. If a student rides the bus to school, he or she must ride the bus home unless a written and signed request is provided by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal.

When waiting, loading or unloading the bus each student should:

  1. Be at the bus stop on time. The bus will pick you up at a designated area.
  2. Never play in the street while waiting for the bus.
  3. Do not cross the street to enter the bus until the bus has come to a complete stop, and the proper signal to cross is given.
  4. Always cross the street in front of the bus to board and depart from the bus.
  5. Always use handrails while loading and unloading the bus.
  6. Never run toward an approaching bus or run alongside it. Most children want to be the first one on, and many have been pushed and crushed under the wheels of an approaching bus.
  7. Never bend over or stoop to pick up books or other items which may have been dropped on the street in front of the bus without notifying the driver. The hood of the bus obstructs the vision of the driver, and many children have been run over by the bus as they stooped over to pick up dropped books or other items.
  8. Do not stand in the front area of the bus.

Bus Rules and Regulations

Bus rules and regulations are developed to ensure the safety of each student while on the bus. Students must not do anything that will distract the bus driver. Riding the bus is a privilege and will be granted only to those students who follow the rules. These rules are:

  1. Talk in a normal tone of voice and refrain from making loud noises.
  2. Keep head, hands, and articles inside the bus.
  3. Never bring unauthorized articles on the bus.
  4. Never use vulgar or profane language.
  5. Never fight or horseplay.
  6. Always remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
  7. Never stand in the front area of the bus.
  8. Obey the driver promptly.
  9. Never throw anything on the bus or out of the bus window.

Consequences for Failure to Follow Bus Safety Rules

Failure to comply with bus safety regulations will result in disciplinary action. Students will be disciplined for disorderly conduct on the bus. The bus driver will send a written discipline report to the appropriate school administration.  If a student is suspended from the bus, the parent/guardian must arrange for transportation to and from school. Regular school attendance is expected.

Students receiving a First Bus Referral will be required to have a conference with campus administration. This will constitute the student’s first and only warning for the school year.

Students receiving a Second Bus Referral will receive three days suspension.
Students receiving a Third Bus Referral will receive five days suspension.
Students receiving a Fourth Bus Referral will receive ten days suspension.
Students receiving a Fifth Bus Referral will receive 15 days suspension.
Students receiving a Sixth Bus Referral will lose all bus privileges for the remainder of the school year.

Car Riders 

All students must either ride on the bus or in a car. No students may be dropped off or  picked up on other school property or surrounding streets. 
All cars will need to follow the traffic guidelines provided for each campus and comply with school officials’ instructions.  

Cafeteria

Meals are served every day in the cafeteria. Prices can be found on our website. 
Cafeteria guidelines are as follows: 

  1. There are NO charges by students or adults. 
  2. Lunch may be purchased by the week - pay on Monday. The cafeteria will accept  payment in advance for lunch for a period not to exceed one month. Cash refunds  will be made only when a student withdraws from school. 
  3. Automated prepayments to your child’s account are available through  MySchoolBucks. 
  4. Parents should separate lunch money from other school expenses. 5. Parents should complete the lunch envelope and put the correct amount of money  in the envelope. 
  5. Checks are accepted for the price of the meal.
  6. Adults may purchase a full meal or portion of a meal. 
  7. A student must arrive at school by 7:30 a.m. in order to eat breakfast. 

Classroom Supplies/Fees

Each grade compiles a list of supplies for parents to provide. A monetary fee is also set for  each grade for the purchase of special instructional supplies. Parents who are unable to pay  all or part of the fee because of financial hardship may obtain an application form for  Waiver of Fees in the school office. 

Authority in the Classroom

Under the Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 37-11-55, CPSD's Elementary Schools recognize the teacher as the authority in classroom matters, and supports the teacher in any decision in compliance with the Code of Conduct. “It is the right of the teacher to remove from the classroom any student who, in the professional judgment of the teacher, is disrupting the  learning environment, and send that student to the office of the principal. The principal  shall determine the proper discipline placement for the student, who may not return to the  classroom until a conference of some kind has been held with the parent, guardian, or  custodian during which the disruptive behavior is discussed and agreements are reached  that no further disruption will be allowed.” 

Campus Security and General Classroom Order

  1. Any student who starts a disturbance or who willingly participates in one will be  suspended from school immediately and may re-enter only after satisfactory  assurance has been given to the principal by the student and /or his or her parents  that there will not be a recurrence of this type of behavior. The principal is  authorized to require any student who has been involved in a fight or any other type  of disturbance to leave school for the remainder of the day when such action is  deemed necessary to protect the safety of the student or the other students. 
  2. All persons other than school employees and pupils enrolled at that specific school  must first report to the office to secure admission to the campus; otherwise, they  will be considered trespassers and, as such, subjected to arrest and prosecution. 
  3. Any student who has in his/her possession an object that would be classified as a  weapon while he/she is on school grounds or is going to or from school will be  suspended immediately by the principal.
  4. Teaching situations, which are conducive to learning, must be maintained.  Therefore, any student whose actions make it impossible for the teacher to devote  full attention to the class will be sent to the principal’s office. A counselor and/or  an administrator will review the case and try to resolve the problem. A student who  is repeatedly sent from class will be suspended from school. 

Student Dress Code

(Clinton Public School Board Policy JCDB, 4/5/2012)
These standards for dress, grooming, and discipline with appropriate methods of enforcement and appeal have been established to provide an environment and conditions whereby the school district’s educational program can be so planned, adopted, and conducted as to provide each child the training and opportunity to take his or her place in a democratic society. The personal appearance code has been developed to establish a standard of decency for covering the body and should be interpreted in the spirit for which it is intended.

All students are expected to observe certain minimum standards of hygiene, sanitation, and personal appearance, which are included in the following regulations. Any student violating any of these regulations will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

1. Hair shall be groomed so as not to extend below the eyebrows and cover or obscure the eyes or any part thereof.
2. Hair shall not be groomed in class.
3. Hair shall be free from obnoxious odors, maintained clean and neat in appearance.
4. Picks and combs shall not be worn in hair.
5. Shoes or sandals shall be worn at all times. No house shoes/slippers are allowed.
6. Cleanliness of both dress and body is mandatory.
7. Belts, if worn, shall be buckled.
8. Fasteners designed for use with an article of clothing will be used appropriately at all times.
9. Clothing with vulgar, indecent, or suggestive writing or symbols shall not be worn. Writing on the seat or the front of pants will not be permitted.
10. Clothing advertising tobacco, alcohol, and drugs shall not be worn.
11. Unless prescribed, sunglasses shall not be worn inside the buildings.
12. No clothing considered and designed as underclothing shall be worn as an outside garment.
13. Hemmed, loose-fitting walking or Bermuda shorts may be worn.
14. Jeans, shorts, and other garments with holes which expose the skin above  the knee or any undergarment shall not be worn. 
15. No hats, caps, nor toboggans shall be worn inside the buildings.
16. Appropriate underclothing shall be worn. 
17. No see-through clothing shall be worn unless worn with appropriate  underclothing. 
18. No clothing tops shall be so low as to expose any part of the breast, or shall  be excessively low in the back.  
19. Any style of clothing determined to be immodest in dress is prohibited. 

Students are expected to dress and groom within the limits set by these standards. Students  are expected to obey the rules and directions of their teachers and administrators in charge  of their educational program. Parents are also requested to see to it that their children  conform to the limits set by the personal appearance standards. Parents are also requested  to encourage their children in participating in the spirit intended by the standards for  personal appearance and the discipline program. The personal appearance code will be  positively enforced by teacher and school administrators. Parents will be called to bring  the student acceptable clothing if the clothing worn is not appropriate. 

Conduct and Discipline

(Clinton Public School Board Policy JCA, 10/10/2013)
The purpose of education in the Clinton Public School District is to aid young persons to prepare themselves to live their adult lives at a maximum level of productivity, self-awareness, happiness, self-control, and in harmony with their community. In addition, the students should develop a perceptive awareness of high standards of behavior. This will ease the maturation a young person must make from childhood into the world of adulthood. With this educational purpose in mind, the Clinton Public School District has defined the minimum standards of conduct that will be acceptable for students in the district.

We realize that the primary responsibility for the conduct and appearance of a student rests with the student and parents. We solicit the cooperation and support of students and parents in our efforts to maintain an orderly and safe school environment.
The Board of Trustees has granted to the superintendent and the principal of a school the authority to suspend a pupil for any reason for which such pupil might be suspended, dismissed, or expelled by the Board of Trustees; but such action of the superintendent or principal shall be subject to review by the approval or disapproval of the Board of Trustees. (Mississippi Code Sections 37-9-71; 37-7-301, 1972)

A student suspended from school by a superintendent or principal for ten (10) school days or more shall be entitled to a hearing and review of his case. The hearing will be conducted as outlined in the (Clinton School Board Policy JCAA 5/13/2014)

Other disciplinary actions may consist of demerits, detention, loss of privileges, denial of participation in school activities, probation, or a combination of any one or more of such actions, including appropriate constructive assignments depending on the seriousness and circumstances of the offense and the attitude of the student.

Code of Conduct

(Clinton Public School Board Policy JCA, 10/10/2013)
The administration and staff will hold students to strict account for disorderly conduct at any school, on the way to and from school via walking to school, on the playgrounds during recess, at school meetings, programs, functions, and activities, and on school buses. The superintendent or principal of any school may suspend any pupil from school for good cause.

Due Process 

A student who has been suspended for more than (10) days or expelled has the right to  due process. All aspects, circumstances and records of the student's case shall be  confidential and available only to authorized school officials dealing directly with the  student or to the student's parents, legal guardians or attorneys for the student or for the  Board. The following procedures provide notice and opportunity to be heard in such  matters. The hearing will be conducted as outlined in CPSD Board Policy JCAA and  JCD. 

Student Bullying

Students and employees in the Clinton Public School District are protected from bullying  and harassing behavior, whether on or off campus, by other students or employees.  Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal  communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, or any act  reasonable perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating  characteristic that (a) places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of  harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, or (b) creates or is certain to  create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student’s  education performance, opportunities or benefits.


Any student, school employee or volunteer who feels he/she has been a victim of  bullying or harassing behavior, or has witnessed or who has reliable information that a  student, school employee or volunteer has been subject to bullying or harassing behavior  shall report such conduct to a teacher, principal, counselor or other school official. The  report shall be made promptly but no later than five calendar (5) days after the alleged act or acts occurred. 

The complaint will be investigated promptly. Parents will be notified of the nature of any  complaint involving their student. The district official will arrange meetings as may be  necessary with all concerned parties at scheduled times as prescribed by School Board  Policy JDDA. 

The discipline policies and procedures must recognize the fundamental right of every  student to take “reasonable actions” as may be necessary to defend himself or herself  from an attack by another student who has evidenced menacing or threatening behavior  through bullying or harassment. Furthermore, the Clinton Public School District defines  “reasonable action” as promptly reporting the behavior to a teacher, principal, counselor,  or other school employee when subjected to bullying or harassing behavior. 

Racial Harassment

Racial harassment consists of physical, written, symbolic, or verbal conduct or  communication relating to an individual’s race when the conduct; has the purpose or  effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or academic environment,  or has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonable interfering with an  individual’s work or academic performance.  

Appropriate disciplinary actions may include but are not limited to counseling, awareness  training, parent-teacher conference, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer,  remediation, termination, or discharge. School district action taken for violation of this  policy shall be consistent with the requirements of due process.  

Electronic Devices and Distracting Items

Students should not bring electronic devices or items that distract other students. The item  will be taken up and the parent must come to the office to claim it. School personnel will  not be held liable for such items. Any continuous infractions may result in suspension.

Money/Valuables

Students should bring to school the exact amount of money needed to pay for lunch, field  trips, etc. Parents are requested to put any money sent to school in an envelope with your  child’s name, teacher’s name, amount of money and purpose for the money written on the  envelope.  
Extra money should never be brought to school without the school’s permission. Money  and other valuables such as electronics, cards, rings, coins, pens, etc., usually cannot be  returned because of the difficulty in identifying the owner. The school is not responsible  for the loss. 
  

Forgery

Forgery is defined as using someone else’s work, name or signature to obtain an advantage  or benefit without his or her knowledge and permission. Examples are students signing  parent’s name on behavior reports, progress reports, report cards or teacher notes or taking  someone else’s work, erasing his/her name and putting his or her own name on the paper.  This is a serious offense and the student involved will be sent to the office of the principal  for disciplinary action.  

Drugs/Alcohol Possession/Use by Students

tudents are prohibited from carrying, possessing in any manner or attempting to possess,  using or selling morphine, marijuana, cocaine, opium, heroin, their derivatives or  compounds, drugs commonly called LSD, “pep” pills, tranquilizers, or any other controlled  substance by law, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, or any other narcotic drug, barbiturate,  substance ingredient or compound which, when taken orally, intravenously, inhaled, or  consumed in any other manner which may cause the person to be under the influence  thereof. This will include any substance which is falsely represented to be a controlled or  counterfeit substance. 

Likewise, no student shall act, aid, abet, assist, distribute, or conceal the possession, and/or  the consumption, the purchase, or the distribution of any illicit drugs or alcoholic beverages  by another student or students. 
Any student who violates the provisions of this policy will be suspended for ten (10) days  and recommended to the Board for expulsion for one (1) calendar year. 

The provisions of this policy (School Board Policy JCDAC) shall apply to all students  during the period of time that they are under and/or subject to the jurisdiction of the Clinton Public School District, while participating in or going to or from any school-related  activity, at any place where an interscholastic athletic contest is taking place, during the  course of any field trip, during the course of any trip sponsored by the Board, while under the supervision and direction of any teacher, principal or other authority of this school  district, when such conduct does or may threaten to interfere with or disrupt the educational  process or pose a threat to the safety of the student or others. 

The district may require any student to submit a drug and/or alcohol test (within a five hour  block of time) at the expense of the parent if there is reasonable suspicion that the student  has or is using prohibited drugs and/or alcohol. A refusal or failure to take a drug and/or  alcohol test shall be considered a positive drug and alcohol related offense. 
The consequence for failure to abide by the above will be expulsion for one calendar year.  Clinton Police will be notified of any situation involving drugs and/or alcohol. 

Conferences

Parents can schedule conferences with teachers after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or  Thursdays. An appointment is necessary and helpful in having your child’s work and  records on hand for discussion. If you wish to make an appointment, call the school office. The principal, assistant principal, teacher and counselor are available for conferences by  appointment. 

Copying of Documents

Parents should keep copies of birth certificates, immunization forms, social security cards,  residency documents, etc. The school office CANNOT make copies of these documents  from the student’s cumulative folder. 

Custodial Parent

If there is a custodial situation, the custodial parent should notify the office. The student  file will be checked for any restrictions and to verify custody. Unless restrictions are  listed, the non-custodial parent will have the right to ask for copies of grade reports and  discipline actions. Conferences are not held with the non-custodial parents unless the  custodial parent is present. 

The custodial parent is the only one allowed to enroll the student, to make changes in the  emergency file or to withdraw the student.

Directory Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that  Clinton Public School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior  to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's  education records. However, Clinton Public Schools may disclose appropriately  designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised the  District to the contrary in accordance with district procedures. The primary purpose  of directory information is to allow the district to include this type of information from  your child's education records in certain school publications. Examples include: a  playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production; the annual yearbook; jonor  roll or other recognition lists; graduation programs; and sports activity sheets, showing  weight and height of team members, Directory information, which is information that is  generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be  disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside  organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or  disclose yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies  (LEA) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965  (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the  LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior  written consent. If you do not want Clinton Schools to disclose directory information  from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify  the District in writing two weeks prior to the start of school. Clinton Public School District has designated the following information as directory information: Student's  name, electronic mail address, phone number, honors and awards received, address,  dates of attendance, grade level, photographs, date and place of birth, weight and height  of members of athletic teams, most recent previous school attended, and participation in  officially recognized activities and sports.  
Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students  over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's  education records. These rights are: 

  1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of  the day the School receives a request for access.  Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school  official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School  official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the  time and place where the records may be inspected.  
  2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the  parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is  inaccurate. They should write to the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly  identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate. If the  School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, 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. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of  the right to a hearing. 
  3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained  in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure  without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school  officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by  the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including  health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School  Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special  task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student  serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting  another school official in performing his or her tasks. 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. [Optional] Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to  officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. [NOTE:  FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or  student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to  forward records on request.] 
  4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning  alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The  name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: 
    Family Policy Compliance Office 
    U.S. Department of Education 
    400 Maryland Avenue, SW 
    Washington, DC 20202-5901 

Email Communication

The Clinton Public School District has email service available to each teacher and  administrative staff. The district's office of Technology continues to work very hard to  keep this system up and running, however email service is subject to many areas of unreliability. 

Email communication between parents and the school district may be blocked, dropped  or lost by their internet provider and the Clinton Public School District email servers.  Since there are many areas of influence in email, the district can not be held responsible  for not receiving or failing to open email in a timely manner. Do not completely rely on  this medium of communication for import or timely information.

Please follow up with a phone call on important matters, such as daily attendance,  afternoon pickup, special instructions for the teachers, etc. 

Emergency Prodecures

Schools are sometimes faced with emergencies that require the total cooperation of staff  members and students. The Clinton Public School District has detailed plans for operating  the schools in emergency conditions such as fire, tornado, flood, severe weather,  earthquake, explosions, and other disasters. Fire drills and other disaster preparedness  measures are a regular part of each school’s program. Students are expected to learn the  procedures to be followed under emergency conditions and to cooperate fully as supervised  by teachers. Parents should listen to the local radio or television stations for announcements  from the Superintendent of Schools. Detailed instructions for emergency operations will  be outlined to all students at their respective schools. Students will not be dismissed when  the community is under a tornado warning. School personnel are responsible for the safety  of the students who are in the hallway during a tornado warning; therefore, personnel are  not available to check out students in the office. 

English Language Learners

English language learners are held to the same state-mandated standards as all students.  Accommodations and interventions may be provided. Clinton Public Schools offers  English as a second language service for qualifying students. For more information,  contact Central Office at 601-924-7533. 

Exceptional Education Services

The Clinton Public School District provides Exceptional Education Services in a variety of  class settings. The district participates in a statewide effort to identify, locate, and evaluate  disabled children through twenty-one (21) years of age. Call the Department of Special  Education, 601-924-7541, if you have questions about services for your child. 

Field Trips

A field trip is any planned activity involving students away from the school but under the  jurisdiction and supervision of the school. Students are expected to comply with the  school’s code of conduct. 

Field trips are an important part of the educational service of each school. Trips are made  only with the permission of the parents. Notification of each field trip will be sent to  parents. The parent must sign a permission form before students are allowed to attend. All  field trips are supervised by regular classroom teachers and/or professional staff members  employed by the school district. Students must ride the bus with their classmates to and  from the destination. Chaperones must incur any expenses for the trip and provide  their own transportation. No additional children may attend the field trip. 

In grades 2-5, if a student has been suspended during a specific nine week period, he or she  may not attend a field trip during that time period.  

Accelerated Reading Program

Our students are expected to become strong readers. One of the ways we encourage this is  through our AR program. Students read on their reading level and receive points for the  books they read. Special incentives are given throughout the year for participation. You  may search for AR books online at www.arbookfind.com or through a link on the district  website. At the end of the year, the student receiving the most points in his or her class will  be recognized.  

ACCENT 

The Clinton Public School District provides the ACCENT program in grades 2 through 6 for students who are identified as intellectually gifted. The program is designed to meet the  academic needs of children who are mentally functioning in the top five percent nationally  or designated on an individualized intelligence test. To be considered for the program, a  student must obtain scores at or above the 90th percentile on a group intelligence test, 90th percentile in one area or the composite on a normed achievement test, or in the superior  range on measures of giftedness checklists.  

Physical Education Requirements

Due to the emphasis on health awareness, our district now has a physical education  program consisting of a certified position and a teacher’s assistant position in order to better  equip our students in this area. We are committed to helping a student succeed in all areas  of his/her life, especially to help them understand the importance of physical fitness,  teamwork, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In order for us to teach effectively, we need  each student to understand the importance of the following rules: 

  1. Gym shoes are required. 
  2. No gum or candy is allowed in the gym. 
  3. Students must play by the rules every time. 
  4. Students must treat staff, school, and equipment with the proper respect. 5. If a student has an injury or health condition that requires them to sit out of  PE class for any reason, parent(s) must provide a doctor’s excuse explaining  the student’s condition and limitations. 

Library Rook Check Out

Students are scheduled into the library/media center to check out books and to learn library  and research skills. Students are encouraged to check out books for pleasure reading.  Parents must pay for lost or damaged books. Please help your child be responsible in caring  for and returning books weekly checked out through the school library/media center 

Grading

Grades are the result of careful and thoughtful evaluation by the teacher. Grades serve to  stimulate student growth. 
Students will receive grades in Language Arts and Math. Grades will not be weighted.  

The following grading scale will be used: 
(A) 90-100 Superior 
(B) 80-89 Good 
(C) 70-79 Average 
(D) 65-69 Poor 
(F) 64 and below Failure 
(I) Incomplete 
(E) Excellent 
(S) Satisfactory 
(IN) Improvement Needed 
(U) Unsatisfactory 
(N) No Grade Given

Promotion/Retention Policy

Students will achieve a minimum grade of 65 (D) in each of the core subjects of Language  Arts and Math for grades 1- 3 and Language Arts, Math, and Science for grades 4 and 5  for promotion to the next grade. In Kindergarten, no numerical grades are given. Multiple  criteria including meeting the target scores on standardized assessments in early literacy  and early numeracy will be utilized to determine promotion/retention. Beginning in the  2014-2015 school year, a student scoring below the minimal passing achievement level in  reading on the established state assessment for 3rd grade will not be promoted to 4th grade  unless the student meets the good cause exemptions for promotion. Parental consent is  not required for retention. Summer school is not provided for promotion purposes. 

Report Cards

Students bring their grade report home on the Thursday following the end of each nine week grading period. Sign one copy and return it to the homeroom teacher the day after  you receive it. The last nine-weeks report will be mailed. Grade reports are held for unpaid fees, fines, and lost books. 

Honor Roll

Students will be recognized each nine weeks with special awards for making all A’s and  B’s. Students may not make a C in a subject to be honored. 

Guidance Services

The elementary guidance program provides students with a sense of belonging, self respect, and emotional security. It helps to provide a school environment in which effective  learning and appropriate behavior exist. The counselor is a helping friend and is available  in the school office whenever you need him or her. The district offers counseling services  to assist parents, teachers, and school administrators in providing resources to the  elementary student. 

Homebound Instruction

Homebound instruction is available upon request for certain students who need special  services. Contact the Director of Special Services at 601-924-7541.

Homework

Homework is a very important part of each student’s school experience. The work assigned  will provide practice in skills taught at school and will give parents an opportunity to  observe the student’s work habits. Homework promotes habits of responsibility and will  require a period of home study. Students are unable to achieve to the best of their ability  unless a quiet study time for work at home is provided. This helps to develop good study  habits and assures that students keep up with assigned work. The amount of time spent on  homework varies with the individual student. 

Form 121 

All students must have as a part of their cumulative record a Mississippi Immunization  Compliance Certificate. Parents may obtain this certificate from the local health  department or the family physician. 

Illness of Students

Children should miss as little classroom time as possible, but for their health and the health  of everyone else, they should not attend school while they are ill with any of the following:  a sore throat, earache, a severe runny nose, persistent cough, headache, chills, fever of 100 degrees,  nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, and/or skin lesions. Students are not to return to  school for one full day after being sent home sick. (Example: If a student leaves school at  10:00 on Tuesday, he/she may return on Thursday.) 

In case of a student’s illness at school, you will be notified by telephone to pick up the  student. Supply an emergency number in the event you cannot be reached. Notify the school  immediately when your work, cell, or home number changes. 

First Aid 

The Clinton schools attempt to provide an environment in which students will be safe from  accidents. If a minor accident occurs, first aid will be administered. No care beyond first  aid will be given. All reasonable efforts will be made to notify parents. In case of an  emergency, the district nurse and/or emergency response team (911) will be contacted. 

School Insurance 

School accident insurance is available to students and may be purchased in the fall of each  year through the school office. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this  inexpensive plan. 

Medication Policy

Elementary schools in the Clinton Public School District recognize that some children are  able to attend school regularly because of the effective use of medication in the treatment  of chronic disabilities or illnesses. When possible, parents should give medication at home. When a student’s physician requires that the student take prescription or nonprescription  medication during school hours, the school will cooperate with the physician and parent in  the administration of the medication. It is the parent’s responsibility to see that the  school office receives a completed medical packet. The following regulations and  procedures follow guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

Authorization required to administer prescription and nonprescription medication: 

The Request to Administer Medication form must be completed by the child’s  physician and parent and must be approved by designated school personnel before  administration of medication to the child at school. Request to Administer  Medication forms are available in the school office. 

Delivery of medication to and from school: 

  1. The parent is responsible for delivering the student’s supply of medication  in the original container to the school office. 
  2. Medication brought to school by a student without prior approval from  school personnel will not be administered. In such cases, the parent will be  notified immediately that he or she must come to the school so the  medication can be administered. 
  3. Unused medication will be returned to the parent only. 
  4. The parent is responsible for notifying the school immediately when (1)  there is a change of physician; (2) the medication or dosage is changed; and (3) the administration of the medication is to be stopped. In the event of any  of the above, a new physician form must be completed. 

Receipt and storage of medicine:  

  1. Medication shall be received for storage from parent or child only if the Request to Administer Medication authorization form is on file in the school  office. 
  2. The medication will be stored in an appropriate area in the office.

Procedures for the administration of prescribed or non-prescribed medication:

  1. All medication to be administered to children shall be checked against the  Request to Administer Medication Authorization Form and recorded in the  medication log. 
  2. The identity of the child shall be verified before administering medication. 
  3. Designated school personnel shall administer the medication. 

Communicable Disease 

Communicable disease (measles, mumps, chicken pox, “pink eye,” etc.) is acted upon in  accordance with Clinton School Board Policy, JGCC, 1981. A student with a  communicable disease shall remain at home until the disease is no longer a threat to that  student or others. The principal will report to the health department all cases of  communicable disease that might pose a threat to the health of the school community.  When concerned with an individual case, the welfare of all students and employees will be  the primary consideration. The school will resolve each case with consultation with the  Mississippi State Department of Health. If your child is absent as the result of a  communicable disease, bring a certificate from your doctor or the county health department  when the child returns after recovery from the illness. 

Head Lice 

Routine checks will be made during the school year for head lice. Anyone can get head lice  just by coming in contact with someone who is infested. This is especially true in schools  and other areas where children are closely congregated in a classroom and on the  playground. It is very important that the child’s hair be examined closely and frequently  by the parents to make sure that he or she has not contacted head lice. If a child is found  to have head lice, a parent will be called to pick up the child at school. After treatment, the  child may return to school, when the treated hair is free of nits, and a parent brings box top  and dated receipt of the name of the head lice treatment product and the date(s) of  treatment. The child will be checked by school personnel before returning to class. A  second treatment is required in seven days. 

Legislative session 1997, House bill 154:  “If a student in any public elementary or secondary school has had head lice on three occasions during one school year while attending school, or if the parents of the student has been notified by school officials that the student has had head lice on three occasions in one year, as determined by the school nurse, public health nurse or a physician, the principal or administrator shall notify the county health department of the recurring problem of head lice with that student.” 

Highly Qualified Staff

High academic achievement is the standard for student performance at all Clinton Public  Schools. Students are expected to master each subject at the proficient level or above.  Administrators, teachers, and support staff are dedicated to providing students with the  knowledge and skills to help them be successful.

We are also pleased to notify you that our teachers are all highly qualified. They are all  licensed by the Mississippi Department of Education for the grade and subject they teach. Parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualification of  their child's classroom teacher(s) and paraprofessional staff. 

Parent Teacher Organization

Parents and teachers are encouraged to join and actively support the PTO. The PTO provides opportunities to work together in a constructive way for school improvement.  Volunteer sheets will be handed out the first day of school. Please sign up to help. 

 

Parties

Students may have two (2) parties a year (Christmas and Valentine’s). Students do not  exchange gifts with each other at school. They may exchange Valentine cards under the  teacher’s supervision but must include the entire class. Birthday recognitions may be held  at snack time with minimum refreshments. No invitations may be given out at school. School personnel will not accept deliveries made to any of the Clinton schools for students  by businesses or other commercial enterprises.  

Pre-School Program

The preschool program at Clinton Park is designed to provide early intervention for  students who may not have access to early childhood education.

The preschool program will follow the CPS calendar. The school day will begin at 7:45  with dismissal at 2:25. The program provides a learning environment that nurtures  language and emergent literacy in a developmentally appropriate setting. Class size is  limited to twenty students with a student/teacher ratio of 10:1. The daily schedule includes  activities that support oral language development, fine and gross motor skills, self-help, and social-emotional development.  

In order to participate in the program, students must be 4 years old by September 1 of the  current year. Students must also reside within the Clinton Public School District. Students  who meet this eligibility criteria will be assessed with a preschool screener. Those students  deemed most in need of early intervention services will be selected to participate in the  preschool program. 

Family and parental involvement is an important part of a child’s education. Parents are  encouraged to participate in our Parent Academy workshops held monthly. Parents will  also be invited to participate in various classroom activities throughout the year.

Preschool students will abide by all district policies and procedures including attendance  policies. 

School Pictures

School pictures will be made available to students each school year. The school will  provide notice of the date on which pictures are taken. Advance payment is required. If  your child is absent, he or she will have a make up date for Fall pictures. Christmas and  Spring pictures do not have a make-up date. All pictures are considered fundraisers for the  school. 

School Searches

The Clinton Public School District grants authority to administration to search a student’s  person, possessions, desk, or other school property to ensure a safe environment for all  students. See Policy Code JCDA. 

Support Teams

Students are referred to academic and behavior support teams as needed.  

Textbooks

Textbooks are issued to students for use during the year. Students are responsible for lost  or damaged books and must pay for them. Students are encouraged to take good care of  books to avoid an assessment at the end of the year. 

Title I Parent Involvement Policy

Because parental involvement is an essential element in a child’s success in school, the  Clinton Public School District believes that parental involvement should be a vital,  integral part of each school’s Title I program. The Title I Parent Involvement Program  shall be based on school and home cooperation, collaboration, and communication. A  copy of the school’s Parent Involvement Policy will be distributed at registration.

Parental Visits to the School

Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit our school under these guidelines: 

  1. Sign in upon arrival and sign out upon your exit. 
  2. List the reason for your visit. 
  3. All classroom observation visits are limited to 30 minutes for parents only. These  must be pre-approved by the teacher you are observing or an administrator.
  4. Teachers are not available to conference with parents during the day unless the  parent has a scheduled appointment. You may call the office to let the teacher  know you want a conference, and the teacher will call you back to schedule it.
  5. Please always have your photo ID available in the event that office personnel need  verification of identity. 
  6. When meeting your child for lunch, wait in the cafeteria in the designated area.  After lunch, please do not walk your child back to the classroom. 
  7. Please silence your cell phone upon entering the building. 

Every moment we have with your child is precious. Our teachers welcome visits with you  during their planning time or after school. Conferences should be scheduled through your  child’s teacher. Classroom observations must be scheduled though the office. 

It is not necessary to visit the classroom if a child has forgotten an item, such as lunch,  snack, classroom materials, etc. The items should be left in the office and will be delivered  to the classroom by office personnel. 

Lost and Found

Print names on ALL school materials and removable clothing such as lunch bags or boxes,  raincoats, sweaters, coats, caps, mittens, scarves, and boots. Use permanent ink markers.  Lost articles are kept in the office. Parents may check for lost articles any time during the  school year. Lost and Found items will be on display on Parent Conference Day and on nights of PTO events. Unclaimed items will be donated to the 4C’s at the end of each semester. 

Complaints and Grievances

All student or parent complaints pertaining to school matters shall be made first to the  teacher and then to the principal. If not settled there, they shall be directed to the  superintendent and, if needed, to the School Board.

Acceptable Use Policy

The Clinton Public School District’s Board of Trustees is pleased to support the Clinton  Public School District’s 1:1 Digital Learning Initiative, an innovative plan focused on  enhancing academic learning through new technology resources. As such, the District  provides its students and staff access to a variety of technological resources, including  laptop computers and iPads.  

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidelines and regulations regarding the  safe, legal, considerate and responsible use of this technology, as well as all technological  resources utilized by students, staff, parents, and volunteers of the Clinton Public School  District. All Clinton Public School District technological resources and information  stored on them are governed by district policies and are subject to school supervision and  inspection. This policy applies regardless of whether such use occurs on or off school  district property, and it applies to all school district technological resources, including but  not limited to computer networks and connections, the resources, tools and learning  environments made available by or on the networks, and all devices that connect to those  networks.  

The Clinton Public School District reserves the right to monitor, access, retrieve, read,  and disclose all messages, information, and files which have been created, sent, posted  from, stored on, or utilized by its technological resources to law enforcement officials and others without prior notice. Any individual who violates this policy or any applicable  local, state, or federal laws is subject to disciplinary action, a loss of technology  privileges and may face legal action.