Jr./Sr. High Student Handbook

 

FOREWORD

This handbook is distributed with the desire to bring about a mutual under¬standing and the closest possible cooperation between the student, parents, and the school.

Being a successful student requires interpersonal and school community rela¬tionships of a high standard. The student, as a member of the school communi¬ty, understands and upholds the laws of the community and has a particular responsibility to work with all staff in promoting efforts to meet the general and specific needs of the community.

Regulations are not comprehensive codes of conduct, but rather expressions of general expectations of the academic community. Rules and regulations will:

1. Seek the best possible reconciliation between personal freedom and necessary order.
2. Be formulated with participation by students in areas affecting student life.
3. Be clear and as concise as possible, specifying to whom they apply.
4. Be designed for guidance and correction of behavior.
5. Be enforced by means of clearly defined channels which ensure procedural fair play, including the right to receive, upon his or her request, a hearing before a regularly constituted board or appointed committee, with the privilege of appeal.

Although the administration attempts to address all circumstances affecting the students of Bloomfield Community Schools, specific incidents will occur during the course of the school term that will require administrative interpretation of current rules or the administration of rules not specifically covered in this handbook. Therefore, the administration reserves the right to develop and implement administrative policy that is in the best interest of the district and the student body.

Any change or addition to items contained in the handbook must first receive approval of the Board of Education.

NONDISCRIMINATION IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

It is the policy of the Bloomfield Community Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, sex or disabilities in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its educational programs and activities, as required by all federal programs, including Titles VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the American Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Nebraska Equal Opportunity in Education Act. If you have any special needs or requests that would assist you in participating in services, programs, and activities in the Bloomfield Community Schools, please contact Mr. John Post, Superintendent, at the Bloomfield Community Schools.

Any person who believes they have been discriminated against, denied, or been excluded from participation in any district education program or activity on the basis of race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, sex or disability may grieve such matters using the adopted grievance procedures of this district. Such procedures shall provide for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging acts of discrimination. Contact Person: John Post, Superintendent/Principal, Bloomfield Community Schools, 311 E. Benton, P.O. Box 308, Bloomfield, Nebraska. Telephone 402-373-4800.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

President: John Nagengast
Vice-President: Keith Koertje
Members: Kristi Hauger, Kelvin Kumm,
Shelly Luger, Steve True
Secretary: Venita Sage
Treasurer: Konnie Thiele

JR.-SR. HIGH FACULTY

Bob Marks/John Post Superintendent
Kimberly Lingenfelter Principal
Andrew Brase Vocal & Instrumental Music
Jim Dooley English/PE/Co-Athletic Director .
Richard Eisenhauer Agriculture
Amber Endres Agriculture
Becky Hans Art/JH Girls PE
John Hoffman Math
Richard Kaiser Co-Athletic Director/Science
Rosemarie Kauth Special Ed./Resource
Matt Kuchar Social Studies
Melinda Makings English
Brian Marcus Junior High Boys PE
Steve Osborn Spanish
Esther Pease English/Journalism/Librarian
Larry Pease.. Guidance
Stephen Rembert Technology
Lee Ann Runyon Business/ Family & Consumer Science
Pat Weberg Science
Duane Wilken Math

SPONSORS/COACHES

Senior Class Mr. Kuchar/Mrs. Kauth
Junior Class Mrs. Hans/Mrs. Runyon
Sophomore Class Ms Makings
Freshman Class Mr. Hoffman
Boys Basketball- Sr Hi.. Mr. Luger/& Mr. Kaiser
Boys Basketball-Jr. Hi Mr. Luger/Mr. Marcus
Cross Country Mr. Wilken
FCCLA Mrs. Runyon
FFA Mr. Eisenhauer/Mrs. Endres
Football –Sr. Hi. Mr. Dooley/ Mr. Walling/ Mr. Kuchar/Mr. Hefner
Football – Jr. Hi. Mr. Dooley/Mr. Marcus
Girls Basketball – Sr. Hi. Mr. Hamm/Mr. Kuchar
Girls Basketball – Jr. Hi. Mr. Hamm/Mrs. Hans
Golf Mrs. Kauth
Music – Instrumental & Vocal Mr. Brase
National Honor Society Mr. Kaiser
Play Production Mrs. Oltjenbruns
Speech Ms Makings/Mrs. Pease
Student Council – Sr. Hi. Mrs. Pease
Student Council – Jr. Hi. Mrs. Cunningham
Track – Sr. Hi. Mr. Wilken/Mr. Kuchar/Mrs. Schmeckpeper
Track - Jr. Hi Mr. Dooley/ Mrs. Hans/ Mr. Marcus
Volleyball – Sr. Hi. Mrs. Hans/ Mrs. Runyon
Volleyball-Jr. Hi Mrs. Hans
Yearbook Mrs. Pease

ACADEMICS

CLASS PERIODS

The class periods will be as follows:

Zero = 7:10 - 8:00
Period 1 = 8:10 - 9:00
Period 2 = 9:02 - 9:52
Period 3 = 9:55 - 10:45
Period 4 = 10:47 - 11:37
Period 5 = 11:40 - 12:30
Lunch = 12:30 - 1:00
Period 6 = 1:00 - 1:50
Period 7 = 1:52 - 2:42
Period 8 = 2:45 - 3:35

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS

Students will be classified chronologically as they pass through senior high school.

Students must have earned 60 or more credits at the end of their freshman year to become a sophomore; 120 or more credits at the end of their sophomore year to become a junior; and 180 or more at the end of their junior year to become a senior.

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

All correspondence courses need final approval by the superintendent prior to taking such course. Reimbursement for required high school courses not offered by the school, or which presents a major conflict in the student’s schedule, may be reimbursed by the school with approval by the superintendent.

COURSE CHANGES

Students desiring to add or drop courses are to obtain the necessary approval on a Change of Course form, which may be obtained from the counselor. Changes must be completed during the scheduled drop/add time and must have the written approval of parents, teachers, and counselor. Changes after this time will be considered on an individual basis.

GRADUATION/RELEASE

Any student who has met all graduation requirements (approved by the guidance counselor and superintendent) may terminate their at¬tendance at the end of their 7th semester and receive their diploma in graduation exercises when their class has completed eight semesters of attend¬ance. Students who terminate their attendance at the end of seven semesters may attend prom, athletic banquet, etc., but may not participate in any NSAA activities after the start of the 8th semester because of NSAA attendance requirements.

Senior requests to attend school on a half-time basis during their eighth semester must be submitted in writing to the superintendent and approved by both the guidance counselor and superintendent. Requests need to be submitted by December 1 of said senior’s seventh semester.

Seniors not meeting all the requirements for graduation due to failures of required classes and/or credits, will attend, participate and complete all assignments and tests in those deficient classes and/or credits until the end of the regular school year in order to fulfill class requirements and receive a passing grade.

GRADE POINT AVERAGES

A grade point average (GPA) is determined for each student after each semes¬ter. The GPA is used to determine the student's rank in his/her class.

The GPA is determined by assigning each letter grade a point value: A=4.0, B+=3.5, B=3.0, C+=2.5, C=2.0, D+=1.5, and D=1.0.

A total of grade points is then divided by the number of credit hours the student has received. This yields the GPA.

Example: Number of Credit Hours Grade Grade Point
14 A – 4.0 56
5 B – 3.0 15
3 C – 2.0 6
1 D – 1.0 1

G.P./No. of Grades = 78/23

(Music, P.E., and Weights are not included in G.P.A.)

GRADING SYSTEM

The following grading system will be used at Bloomfield Jr.-Sr. High School:

A = 92.5-100
B+ = 90.5-92.4 B = 85.5-90.4
C+ = 83.5-85.4 C = 77.5-83.4
D+ = 75.5-77.4 D = 69.5-75.4
NC = Below 69.5 P = Passing

A grade of "P" will only be given upon consideration between the teacher, counselor, and principal, with the principal making the final decision. A grade of "P" is reserved for those students who have met the requirements of the course, but are unable to maintain a grade average of 70% because of inability to compete on the level with his or her peers. A "P" grade will receive credit, but no grade. It will not be considered in the GPA. A final decision regarding the means by which an "NC" grade may be removed is at the discretion of the teacher. Otherwise, the student must repeat the course to remove the "NC". Students should check with their instructor in order to be informed on the teacher's policy.

GRADUATION & CLASS LOADS

The following graduation requirements have been adopted by the Board of Educa¬tion.

Subject Area Credits
Communication Arts 40
Social Science** 35
Mathematics 30
Science 20
Business Education***** 10
Physical Education*** 10
Fine Arts* 10
Practical Arts**** 10
Electives 90
TOTAL 255

*Fine Arts include Yearbook, Art and Music classes.
**Required American History (10 credits), Civics (10 credits), Economics (5 credits), and World History (10 credits).
***Must include a Physical Education or Weight Lifting course only. Athletic/activity participation may not be used.
****Practical Arts include Ag Education and Family & Consumer Science classes.
*****Business Education may include three (3) S.A.E. records books for Ag Education (3 years) for 5 hours credit; or three (3) S.A.E. record books for Ag Education (three years) plus the Ag Education IV class for 10 hours credit.

• Students must take a minimum of seven classes, eighth class is study hall.
• Seniors may have a study hall and also be an aide for one or eighth class – permission must be granted by counselor, teacher, and parent.
• Students may repeat a failed class and gain credit the second time, if he/she passes.
• Students may choose to retake a core class (English, Math Science, Social Science) to get a better understanding of that class and earn a better grade. The student will make a request for this through the counselor. The class teacher will approve that the student does need a better understanding of the class and parent and counselor will give permission. The class must be their 8th class.
The student will earn 5 credits/semester for taking the class one time. Credit will not be
given for a core class that is taken a second time. Both classes will be recorded on the
transcript and notated with an “R” that the class is a “retake”. The highest grade received for
the class will be used for the student’s GPA.
• Issuing Dual Credit – Jr./Sr. may participate in the NECC Early Start Program if they have a cumulative, minimum of 3.0 and permission from the counselor. Some of the NECC classes can be taken for Dual Credit. Dual Credit is academic credit awarded to high school students in NE accredited secondary school both by the secondary and a post-secondary school for essentially the same time and work requirements. Thus, students may simultaneously earn academic credit at the high school level and the college level. In order to receive the dual credit, the course must be taught by a NE certificated teacher and a copy of the student’s college transcript be given to the counselor. Five high school credits will be given for three college credits.

HOMEWORK

Each teacher shall allow 45 minutes per academic class (Math, Science, English and Social Studies) each week for supervised study time. All assignments that are handed in must be graded by the teacher, and that grade recorded. All graded materials must be returned to the students for their review. Those materials may then be recollected and kept by the teacher.

HONOR ROLL

The Honor Roll is divided into two categories:
1. Those students who have earned all A’s will be listed on the “A Honor Roll”.
2. Those students who have earned A’s and B’s will be listed on the “B Honor Roll”.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent study may be elected by any sophomore, junior, or senior. The student will receive credit for his/her work pending the satisfactory completion of the study or project and pending a faculty member’s approval.

Independent study means that a student has the opportunity to elect any subject he wishes, outline a course study, and upon faculty approval receive credit for his/her work. The purpose of independent study is to reward those who wish to learn on their own initiatives.

The following procedures are to be used in independent study:
1. The student selects a subject or topic to be studied, or a project to be completed.
2. The student finds a faculty member to serve as advisor.
3. The student and advisor work out a learning contract. The contract must contain:
A. The subject, topic, or project.
B. A statement of the purpose of the project and the proposed outcome(s).
C. The time allotted for completion of the study of the project.
D. The criteria for approval of the completed study or project.
E. The amount of credit to be earned upon satisfactory completion of the project.
4. Final approval must be granted by building principal and then School Board prior to beginning course of study.

PERMANENT RECORDS & TRANSCRIPTS

A file of each student's high school records is maintained. The purpose of this file is to record scholastic data, and other data pertinent to education and guidance of the student. The guidance counselor will review and interpret all test data for any student (or their parents) on request. All information contents in the file is open to the student at his/her request.

Semester grades, credits, and pertinent data are recorded permanently on a transcript card.

This transcript copy is intended to be a record showing the scholastic achievement, scholastic ability, activity record, and performance record of the student. Colleges, technical schools, and employers see your personal transcript. It is a record of your achievement in school.

PROMOTION OF STUDENTS INTO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

In order to be promoted from Junior High School into Senior High School, a student must meet the following requirement:

• At the conclusion of the 8th grade, a student must have successfully completed six of the eight courses in the core curriculum areas (includes 7th & 8th grades).
• The core curriculum areas shall be English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
• Special Education students must successfully complete 75% of their Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.).

Students who do not meet this requirement shall repeat the 8th grade the following school year.

The Board of Education reserves the right, based on administrative recommendation, to deviate from this policy.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Secondary progress reports will be distributed to students shortly after the end of each nine-week period. Progress reports are to be taken home.

Progress reports are computerized and may be accessed by students on a daily basis. Students are encouraged to take these reports home and share with parents bimonthly. These special reports are to inform the parents of the student's work. Parents are invited to discuss their children's work at school with the teacher at any time.

SCHOLASTIC LETTER CRITERIA

Scholastic letters are awarded to students beginning at the end of their sophomore year. They must have a 3.5 average, based on the past two semesters (1st semester of current year and 2nd semester of past year).

BEFORE SCHOOL

Students in grades 7 and 8 who are in the building before 8:00 AM must go to Room 101 for supervision. At 8:00 AM, students in grades 7and 8 are to go to their first period class.

Students in grades 9 and 10 who are in the building before 8:00 AM must go to the new gym for supervision. At 8:00 AM students in grades 9 and 10 are to go to their first period class.

Students in grades 11 and 12 who are in the building before 8:00 AM must be on third floor in the locker area, or go to their first period class.

SCHOOL DAY

The school day begins at 8:10 a.m. with the first period of classes. (There will be one class offered at Zero Hour - starting at 7:10 and ending at 8:00 AM) The school building will open at 8:00 a.m. Students are asked not to arrive until 8:00 a.m. unless at the request of a teacher. Classes will end at 3:35 p.m. Loitering in the hallways after school is not permitted. Students found loitering or other unacceptable behaviors after school will be asked to go home, or will be sent to the administrative office to serve a detention. Students remaining in the building after 3:35 p.m. must be supervised.


ACTIVITIES
An extension of the school day & all rules and regulations apply.

ACTIVITY TICKETS

The purchase of an activity ticket will provide admission to most home activi¬ties. An activity ticket must be signed to be valid and it must be shown to the ticket takers upon request. An activity ticket may not be used for tournaments or play-offs.

A ticket may be revoked if the bearer is not the rightful owner or if a stu¬dent is observed creating a disturbance at an activity.

ATTENDANCE

A student must be in attendance by the beginning of sixth period and for the balance of the school day in order to participate in the scheduled event that day. Attendance in the morning (periods 1-5) followed by an absence in the afternoon does not permit participation in a scheduled event. A student must be in school one-half day on Friday if they want to participate in a Saturday event. Appeals for exemption to this rule must be made to the administration prior to the absence.

CHURCH NIGHT

School activities for the purpose of meetings, performances, practices, rehearsals, etc. are not to be scheduled for Sundays or after 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Special events may be scheduled when necessary and essential by prior approval of the Superintendent.

CODE OF CONDUCT

All participants involved in activities need to remember that they are not only representing themselves, but also their team, school, and community in all their actions.

A. Championship Living – Participants will always take pride in their dress and appearance. Since activities are very demanding, the participant should always use good judgment in such things as good eating habits and out¬side interests - dating, parties, and automobile driving.
B. Curfew - Curfew for participants Sunday through Thursday will be 10:30, unless they are participating in a late evening school event.
C. Dress and Hair - Respective coaches may require squad dress and hair requirements for their sport.
D. Practice Regulations - The coach must be provided a written or verbal excuse from the student's parents for missing practice on a day that he or she was in school. Activity participants are expected to be at all practices scheduled by the coach.
E. Personal Conduct - On the field of play, at practice, in the locker room, and at school, students will refrain from abusive language and respect coaches and fellow team members.

CONDUCT AT PROGRAMS & GAMES

At programs, do not make unnecessary noises, listen attentively and be polite and orderly in asking or answering questions.

At all games, good sportsmanship is important. Show loyalty to our team by cheering for it and cooperating with the cheerleaders. Refrain from remarks to referees and to the opposing team or students. Bleacher stomping is not permissible.

ELIGIBILITY (ACADEMIC) REQUIREMENTS

It is the purpose of the Bloomfield Community Schools to provide the best education possible for all the students of the community. Student activity programs are truly an extension of the educational program of a school and should be treated as such. Student activities, because of their educational values, are an integral part of the total school experience and a sensible mixture of academic studies, and student activities should characterize each student's educational program.

Student activities serve to provide an opportunity for each student to achieve his/her maximum potential through a comprehensive education program.

Because participation in student activities is a privilege earned through acceptable academic success, the following eligibility requirements will have to be met for participation:

1. Grades are checked on the First day of the week at 8:00 AM (usually Monday)
a. Teachers are responsible to have grades recorded by that time.
b. The ineligibility week runs from Tuesday AM through Monday PM.
c. There is a grace period of three weeks at the start of each semester and the first two weeks of the second and fourth quarters.
d. Eligibility checks will occur every week through the school year except as listed above.

2. A student must be passing all classes. (Half time second semester senior must be passing all subjects, no exceptions). The regulations governing this process are as follows:
a. A student failing one or two classes will be placed on a “warning week”.
b. A student must be passing all classes after a warning week to be eligible. Once the student is eligible, the cycle (Item 2a) starts over.
c. In the event a grade has not been taken in the failing class(es), the student becomes eligible the next week if all other criteria is met.
d. During the week of ineligibility, students may present written proof that they have raised a grade(s) to passing in a course(s) that they previously were failing in order to regain their eligibility, according to the above exceptions. Once the activities director has recorded the grade change(s), the student will regain their eligibility.
e. A student failing three or more classes will be ineligible until he/she is passing all classes (No warning week)

3. There are no exceptions to these ineligibility rules unless there is a clerical error or a teacher has not recorded grades as indicated above.

4. Students may practice and attend games while on the ineligible list under these conditions:
a. If a student is failing only one class.
b. If a student is failing two classes, he/she may not attend any school activities, home or away but may practice.
c. If a student is failing more than two classes, he/she may not practice or attend any school activities home or away.
d. Students may not miss school/class time if they are failing anything.

5. It is the students responsibility to contact the individual teachers to arrange a mutually acceptable time to work on failing class(es). Activity sponsors may arrange special study times for students on or near ineligibility.

6. Participation in the following co-curricular activities requires fulfilling the criteria of this policy.
a. Athletics & Cheerleading
b. FFA & FCCLA (Contests, Field Trips, Conventions)
c. Class field trips or Contests
d. Speech & Music (Contests, Field Trips, Conventions)

7. Special circumstances may be appealed to the Principal whose decision is final.

ELIGIBILITY RULES FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITY COMPETITION
(NEBRASKA SCHOOL ACTIVITY ASSOC.)

In order to represent a high school in interscholastic activity competition, a student must abide by eligibility rules of the Nebraska School Activities Association.

If you do not understand a summary of these rules listed below, or you need an explanation of other requirements, consult the high school principal or activity director.

1. Student must be an undergraduate.
2. Student must be enrolled in at least twenty hours per week and regular in attendance in accordance with the school's attendance policy.
3. Student must be enrolled in some high school on or before the 11th day of the current year.
4. Student is ineligible if 19 years of age before August 1 of current school year.
5. After a student's initial enrollment in grade nine, he/she shall be ineligible after eight semesters of school membership.
6. Student must have been enrolled in school the immediate preceding semes¬ter.
7. Student must have received 20 semester hours of credit the immediate preceding semester.
8. Once the season of a sport begins, a student shall compete only in athletic contests/meets in that sport which are scheduled by his/her school. Any other competition will render the student ineligible for a portion of, or all of, the season in that sport. The season of a sport begins with the first day of practice as permitted by NSAA rules. The fall sports season begins August 13, 2007 and ends with the state meets in the fall sports. The winter sports season begins November 12, 2007 and ends with the state meets in the winter sports. The spring sports season begins February 25, 2008, and ends with the state meets in the spring sports.
9. A student shall not participate in sports camps or clinics during the season of a sport in which he/she is involved, either as an individual or as a member of a team.
10. A student shall not participate on an all-star team while a high school undergraduate.
11. A student shall be ineligible for 90 school days to represent a school in interscholastic competition at the varsity level if the school is located in a school district other than the district in which his/her parents maintain their domicile. Check with school administrator for an interpretation of rule if the school district where parents reside has no high school, or if there are two or more high schools in a district.
12. A student is ineligible for 90 school days if his/her parents have changed their domicile to another school district, and the student has remained in former school which is in a different school district. (EXCEPTION: If parents have moved after school has started, the student will be eligible to compete for the remainder of the school year, or if parents have moved during the summer which immediately precedes the school year and the student is in Grade 12 and has attended the high school for two or more years, the student is eligible for that school year in the school district from which the parents moved.)
13. Guardianship does not fulfill the definition of a parent. If a guardian has been appointed for a student, the student is eligible in the school district where his/her natural parent(s) have their domicile. Individu¬al situations involving guardianship may be submitted to the Executive Director for his review and a ruling.
14. A student shall not participate in a contest under an assumed name.
15. A student must maintain his/her amateur status.

EQUIPMENT (ATHLETIC)

All equipment will be checked out to individuals at the beginning of the season by the coach in charge. The athlete will be responsible for this equipment and should be prepared to pay for the cost of replacement if it is not checked in at the end of the season in reasonable condition.
It is the responsibility of the athlete to check in the equipment at the end of the season or immediately should they quit a sport. If an athlete fails to check in their equipment at the designated time, or immediately should they quit, they will pay for the cost of replacement. All collections for lost equipment will be turned in to the principal's of¬fice.

At no time should an athlete wear equipment checked out to him except for practice and contests. Any athlete found to be wearing school equipment can expect to be treated as possessing property not belonging to him.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION

The following activities will be recorded in the student's file each year when it is submitted by the sponsor of the activity. Credit is not granted for these activities:

Football Cross Country FCCLA
Basketball King/Queen/Attendant Contest Speech
Volleyball FFA Class Officer
Track Play Production National Honor Society
Golf Student Council Cheerleading

FEES/PAYMENT

All previous years’ debts are due the first day of school in August.

After the first day of school in August, all fees are due at the office immediately. Late payments of more than two weeks will result in the student being suspended from all activities until the debt is cleared in the office.

FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES

All projects must have the approval of the Secondary Coordinator, and this will be judged on the type, need, and what the profits will be used for. Approval must be granted three weeks prior to the activity.

LETTERING CRITERIA

1. An athlete's letter requirements are based on senior high varsity compe¬tition only.
2. The first time, and only the first time, an athlete letters in high school, he or she will be awarded the standard chenille letter by the coach.
3. Every time an athlete letters he or she will be awarded a letter certificate by the coach of that sport. These letter certificates will be handed out at the annual athletic banquet.
4. No letter will be issued to a boy or girls if he or she either quits a squad or is dismissed for disciplinary reasons, regardless of time played.
5. Only varsity competition will receive letter awards.

LETTERING QUALIFICATIONS

Football:
To obtain a letter in football, a person must:
1. Play fourteen (14) quarters of varsity ball.
2. Complete the season unless injured.
3. Turn in all football gear.

Girls & Boys Basketball:
To obtain a letter in basketball, a person must:
1. Play at least one (1) quarter per varsity game.
2. Complete the season unless injured.
3. Turn in all basketball gear.

Boys Track:
To obtain a letter in track, a person must:
1. Score a total of 12 points (all meets count).
2. In dual or triangular meets:
a. Win a relay.
b. Win an event.
c. Total seven points.
3. In a major meet (four or more schools):
a. Place at least 3rd in a relay.
b. Score a point.
4. Complete the season unless injured.
5. Turn in all gear.

Girls Track:
To obtain a letter in track, a person must:
1. Place first in a dual meet, or
2. Place first, second, or third in a triangular.
3. Place in a major meet.
4. Complete the season unless injured.
5. Turn in all gear.

Volleyball:
To obtain a letter in volleyball, a person must:
1. Be a member of the traveling squad (12).
2. Play over one-half of the varsity games.
3. Complete the season unless injured.
4. Turn in all volleyball gear.
Golf:
To obtain a letter in golf, a person must:
1. Medal in a major meet or
2. Be on the varsity team for at least one-fourth of all duals,
triangulars and major meets.
3. You must also complete the season unless injured.
4. You must turn in rule books, and any equipment that is the
coaches or the schools.

Cross Country:
To obtain a letter in cross country, one of the following must be met:
1. Run 200 miles during course of season.
2. Place (medal) in a major meet.
3. Discretion of coach for senior participants.
4. Be on a team that qualifies for state meet (on the varsity squad).

Speech:
Because the judging in speech is so subjective, the qualifications for lettering are subject to the particular conditions of the current year. These qualifications will be based upon three elements: 1) active participation, 2) ratings and rankings at official contests, and 3) coach's recommendations.
Participation:
1. Compete in 2/3's of all the season's meets; an unexcused absence will disqualify a student from lettering.
2. Practice at least four times with the coach present and listening (excluding extemporaneous).
3. Attend group practices regularly and on time.
4. Be responsible for necessary materials.
5. Provide an audience for team members.
Rating & Ranking:
1. Receive three superiors in one event, at different contests, during the season. A round with two judges counts as one rating.
2. Place 1st overall in your event.
3. Make finals in the same event at least three times.
4. Be ranked 1st in your preliminary rounds at least two times.
5. Earn a superior and make finals at district.
6. Qualify for State.

Coach's Recommendation:
1. Coach's option for special circumstances.
2. Actively compete in contest speech at least three years out of the contestant's four years in school; applies only to seniors.

In All Activities That Award Letters:

Seniors who have participated all four years, and do not meet the normal lettering criteria, will also earn a letter with the recommendation of the coach. EXCEPTION: Speech.

LOCKER ROOM

All athletes will be under the direct supervision of the coach in charge while dressing. An athlete must not linger in the dressing room, be rowdy, or endanger the safety of others. All cases of misconduct while dressing will be dealt with by the coach in charge.

Coaches' offices and equipment rooms are off-limits to all athletes, except student managers. EXCEPTION: The athlete is asked to enter for a conference by the coach.

Students are to leave the building after practice by the locker room doors only and are not to go to another section of the building to get their books or other equipment. They should bring everything they need from school to the locker room right after school is dismissed.

ALL LOCKERS MUST BE LOCKED AT ALL TIMES. Students will obtain locks from the office.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Students will not be allowed to participate in community and school drives for nonprofit organizations during school hours.

ORGANIZATIONS

Class & Club Officers: Each class and club will elect its own officers. This should be done in the spring before school ends. The officers are responsible for developing a constitution and keeping the school administration informed on the group's activities.

Mixers: Any class or organization may sponsor a school mixer. However, the organization desiring to sponsor a mixer must get approval from the Principal and complete the required form.

Junior Class: The Junior Class sponsors a prom in the spring for the members of the Junior and Senior Classes.

Sophomore Class: The Sophomore Class is responsible for decorations at Commencement. Chosen members of the sophomore class will also serve at the Junior-Senior Banquet. Class ring decisions will be made in the fall.

Student Council: An organization established to provide an opportunity for student body members to express views pertaining to issues concerning the school, to promote student-faculty relationships. Four members are elected from each class.

National Honor Society: Outstanding sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible for election to National Honor Society. There are four criteria for election to this honor:

1. Grade point average of 3.0 or above.
2. Outstanding service to school and community.
3. Outstanding leadership.
4. Outstanding character.

Eligible candidates for National Honor Society are nominated by the high school faculty. The nominees are then voted upon by a faculty committee.

Other Organizations: There are many other organizations at Bloomfield High School which contribute to the total school program. Their functions are many and varied. At the proper time during the school year, information will become available of these other organizations and activities. Among these groups are the following:
Fine Arts: Band, Chorus, Speech
Athletics: Football, Boys & Girls Basketball, Cross Country,
Boys & Girls Track, Volleyball, Cheerleading

Vocational Groups: FFA and FCCLA

Students at Bloomfield High School are encouraged to join and participate in these organizations and activities when such participation will not impose undue hardship upon their academic responsibilities. Students are reminded of the eligibility requirements for participation in many of the activities.

PARENTAL CONCERNS

In order to promote a positive atmosphere in our athletic program, the following procedures will be followed by all patrons, fans, and parents. The head coach is ultimately responsible for their individual programs and may enforce these or any other rules that they may choose. All rules must be in compliance with school policies, but may also be in addition to school policy.

Any parent or patron wishing to speak to a member of the coaching staff will call the school and request an appointment with that person. Absolutely all contact will be made through the school, not on the street, at their home, at work or in a social setting. The quantity of playing time will not be a topic for discussion.

PARTICIPATION (ATHLETIC)

Basketball:
It shall be the policy of the Bloomfield Community Schools to determine par¬ticipation in both Boys and Girls Basketball by the students of Bloomfield High School as follows:
1. The twelve varsity players will consist of the best twelve players, by position, as selected by the coach(es) from all participants in Grades 9-12. Any senior that is not making a signifi-cant contribution to the varsity team will be cut from the program and not allowed to participate. Coaches will not make cuts until after the 10th practice of the season.
2. The reserve team will be made up of the best 14 juniors, sophomores, and freshmen who do not start or play a major role in varsity games. In the event that there is a large number of reserves, then the bottom two or three slots of the fourteen member squad will rotate. The reserve team will play the reserve games to win, and participation will not be gua¬ranteed.
3. The freshman team will consist of all those freshmen who want to partic¬ipate. All will be allowed to suit up and play unless the numbers are so large that it makes it difficult to allow everyone much playing time; in which case, the bottom four or five spots on a twelve member roster will rotate games.
4. Freshmen are allowed to play on varsity and reserve teams at the coaches’ discretion; however, a freshman that starts on varsity will not be allowed to play regular season freshmen games, but may play in freshman tournaments.

Volleyball:
It shall be the policy of the Bloomfield Community Schools to determine participation in the school's volleyball program as follows:

1. The 12 varsity players will consist of the best twelve players, by position, as selected by the coach(es) from all the participants in Grades 9-12. Any senior that is not making a significant contribution to the varsity will be cut from the program, and not allowed to participate. Coaches will not make cuts until after the 10th practice of the season.
2. The "B" team will be made up of the best 14 juniors, sophomores, and freshmen who do not start or play a major role in varsity games. The reserve team will play the reserve games to win, and participation will not be guaranteed.
3. The "C" team will consist of all those freshmen who want to participate and sophomores who do not make the "B" team. All will be allowed to suit up and play unless the numbers are so large that it makes it diffi¬cult to allow everyone much playing time; in which case, the bottom four or five spots on a twelve member roster will rotate games.
4. Freshmen are allowed to play on varsity and reserve teams at the coaches’ discretion; however, a freshman that starts on varsity will not be allowed to play regular season "C" team games.

PHILOSOPHY (ATHLETIC)

With the intent of providing a sound program for athletic activities, the fol¬lowing guidelines will be enforced in the Bloomfield Community Schools.

The purpose of the athletic program is to provide students with activities of interest outside the academic or vocational program, to enter into competi¬tion with other schools as a team or individual, to develop an appreciation for and knowledge of activities that will be a benefit in later life, and to develop desirable individual, social, civic, and ethical characteristics in the participants.

Each athlete with the guidance from their coach shall strive for the following objectives:

1. The first objective is that of character building. Each athlete should learn the values of sacrifice, honesty, respect, confidence, faith, loyalty, persistence, and humility.
2. The second objective of the program is sportsmanship. In our society it is important to realize that competition brings out the best in man and product. Our athletes should strive to be the best. Play the game fair and according to the rules. Respect the officials and opponents. When we win it should be with modesty; and when we lose, we should be courte¬ous and humble.
3. To learn the fundamentals and discipline necessary to play a competi¬tive game. Strive for success, but win or lose, make the experience into a worthwhile adventure.
4. Responsibility to the school and community. You automatically assume a leadership role when you are on an athletic squad. The student body and citizens of Bloomfield know you. Your conduct and appearance is judged both on and off the field. Give them high ideals to judge.
5. Developing a trusting relationship with the coach is an important aspect of athletics. The key to the fulfillment of this objective is communication. Student athletes must be honest with their coach regarding concerns about a particular athletic program or in reporting an injury to the coach. Coaches must communicate with parents so concerns can be dealt with as they arise.
6. The last objective is responsibility to yourself. Athletes owe it to themselves to get the greatest possible good from their studies, from their school experiences, and from other co-curricular activities, as well as from athletics.

PRACTICE REGULATIONS

All starting times of practices will be designated by the coaches. However, no practice shall begin before school is dismissed.

There shall be no organized or unorganized practices without a coach or spon¬sor being present. This includes the weight room. Any student using school facilities must be supervised.

All athletes are always expected to be on time; in fact, ahead of time; for all practices, contests, and departures for contests.

PREREQUISITES FOR ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

All athletes must meet the following requirements and have on file in the office at the high
School before they start practice:
1. Medical History
2. Insurance Coverage
3. Permission by a Physician to Compete (Physical)
4. Parental-Guardian Approval
5. Student Participation Form
In addition, each high school athletic participant must pay a $10.00 student activity fee per sport, per season. The coaches need to collect this fee before the season’s first practice.

In order to represent a high school in interscholastic activity competition, a student must abide by eligibility rules of the Nebraska School Activities Association.

If you do not understand a summary of these rules listed below, or you need an explanation of other requirements, consult the high school principal or ath¬letic director.

1. Student must be an undergraduate.
2. Student must be enrolled in at least twenty hours per week and regular in attendance in accordance with the school's attendance policy.
3. Student must be enrolled in some high school on or before the 11th day of the current year.
4. Student is ineligible if 19 years of age before August 1 of current school year.
5. After a student's initial enrollment in grade nine, he/she shall be ineligible after eight semesters of school membership.
6. Student must have been enrolled in school the immediate preceding semes¬ter.
7. Student must have received 20 semester hours of credit the immediate preceding semester.
8. Once the season of a sport begins, a student shall compete only in athletic contests/meets in that sport which are scheduled by his/her school. Any other competition will render the student ineligible for a portion of, or all of, the season in that sport. The season of a sport begins with the first day of practice as permitted by NSAA rules. The fall sports season begins August 13, 2007 and ends with the state meets in the fall sports. The winter sports season begins November 12, 2007, and ends with the state meets in the winter sports. The spring sports season begins February 25, 2008, and ends with the state meets in the spring sports.
9. A student shall not participate in sports camps or clinics during the season of a sport in which he/she is involved, either as an individual or as a member of a team.
10. A student shall not participate on an all-star team while a high school undergraduate.
11. A student shall be ineligible for 90 school days to represent a school in interscholastic competition at the varsity level if the school is located in a school district other than the district in which his/her parents maintain their domicile. Check with school administrator for an interpretation of rule if the school district where parents reside has no high school, or if there are two or more high schools in a district.
12. A student is ineligible for 90 school days if his/her parents have changed their domicile to another school district, and the student has remained in former school which is in a different school district. (EXCEPTION: If parents have moved after school has started, the student will be eligible to compete for the remainder of the school year, or if parents have moved during the summer which immediately precedes the school year and the student is in Grade 12 and has attended the high school for two or more years, the student is eligible for that school year in the school district from which the parents moved.)
13. Guardianship does not fulfill the definition of a parent. If a guardian has been appointed for a student, the student is eligible in the school district where his/her natural parent(s) have their domicile. Individu¬al situations involving guardianship may be submitted to the Executive Director for his review and a ruling.
14. A student shall not participate in a contest under an assumed name.
15. A student must maintain his/her amateur status.

ROYALTY

The Board of Education has determined that there shall be three (3) separate sets of senior royalty elected (homecoming, prom, and sports) each year. No student may be elected more than once during his/her senior year. Students may be elected only once during their 9th-11th school years. However, a student may be elected once during their 9th-11th years and also his/her 12th year.

SEASON STARTING DATES

The starting dates for various activities covered in this handbook are as follows:

First Day of Official Practice = Football, Volleyball, Cross-Country, Golf, Basketball, Track
Six Weeks Prior to the First Performance = Speech
First Summer Practice = Cheerleaders
First Day of School = All Other Activities

SCHEDULING ACTIVITES AND MEETINGS

All meetings and activities must be scheduled by Thursday of the week before the event. All field trips or activities involving students during the class day must have the list approved by Thursday. A sponsor's signature must be on all requests and all requests must be written.

SCHOOL SONG

Oh, raise a cheer for Bloomfield High.
Shout ‘til the echoes ring.
Proudly all our foes we defy,
And every loyal voice will sing.
RAH, RAH, RAH!
For her honor and her fame,
Victory in each game.
Alma mater we salute you.
The blue and white will ever be true.

TRANSPORTATION TO ACTIVITIES/EVENTS

Bloomfield activity participants and staff members travel to and from activities by school bus or school vehicles. Travel by private car is prohibited, except by permission of the administration. All members of a team will return from a contest by the same transportation provided for taking them to a contest. EXCEPTION: A student may continue on a trip with his/her parents or return home with them provided that the parents contact the coach personally. It should be noted that this does not permit a friend to ride home with the parents.

All traveling squads will be determined by the respective coaches.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN

The school district has developed a Crisis Response Plan that is designed to minimize danger to anyone occupying a school should an emergency occur. Our main objective is to attend to the health and welfare of your children in the event of a crisis.

In most emergencies your children will remain and be cared for at the school he/she attends. In the rate of an emergency affecting the school your child attends that prohibits re-entry to the building (such as a broken gas or water main, a fire or toxic chemical spill), students will be transported to an alternative site via school transportation.

We ask that you follow this procedure if you hear any school emergency:
1. TURN ON YOUR RADIO OR TELEVISION. We will keep the media informed of any
emergency.

2. PLEASE DO NOT TELEPHONE THE SCHOOL. We have limited phone lines. These
MUST be used to respond to the emergency.

3. PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE SCHOOL UNLESS REQUESTED TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL. Any emergency involving your child’s school may mean emergency vehicles and workers must be able to get to the building. If the emergency necessitates relocation of staff and students you will be informed via the media.

PLEASE GLUE THIS INFORMATION INSIDE THE COVER OF YOUR PHONE BOOK OR KEEP ON REFRIGERATOR.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL

In case of severe weather when it is necessary to cancel school in the morn¬ing, the announcement will be made over radio stations WNAX(AM570), WJAG(AM78), KKYA(FM93.1), KEXL(FM106.7), and KNEN(FM94.7). If inclement weather develops during the day, the buses will bring the students home immediately after an early dismissal.

FIRE DRILL

It is important that each student know exactly what to do during any given time during the school day. Teachers will give you instruction in fire drill procedures. The method of exit from the building is posted in each room. Below are some general instructions which shall be followed for all drills:

1. Walk rapidly, but orderly. Do not run, push, or talk. Be prepared to hear emergency instructions.
2. The teacher in each room will be the last to leave. Doors should be closed.
3. The first two students reaching the outside doors are to hold the doors open.
4. In the event of an actual fire it would be important that students be far enough from the building so that the last students out can also reach the sidewalks parallel to the street.
5. When the drill is over, students are to return immediately to their classroom in an orderly manner. Stay on the sidewalk at all times.
6. Remember to be alert! The next drill may not be a drill.

The fire bell is a continuous warning!

TORNADO WARNING

The tornado drill signal is a constant ringing of the “schedule” bell.

Procedures for a tornado drill are listed below:

1. People in the lower level will go to Room 106.
2. People in the new addition will go to the girls’ shower room via the boys’ locker room.
3. People in Rooms 203, 204 and 205 will go to Room 106.
4. People in Rooms 200, 208, teachers’ workroom, administrative offices, people outside the building, boys restroom and the junior high locker room will go down the north stairs and enter Room 106 via the west door outside the special services room.
5. People in Rooms 301-305 will go down the west stairs to the lower lever and enter Room 106 via the north door.
6. People in Rooms 300, 308, 309, computer lab, library will go down the east stairs and enter the east door of the old gym and go to Room 106 via the gym door of Room 106.

 

SCHOOL RULES
& DISCIPLINE

ATTENDANCE POLICY (TRUANCY)

State Law No. 79-201: "Every person residing in a school district within the State of Nebraska who has legal or actual charge or control of any child not less than seven or more than sixteen years of age, shall cause such child to attend regularly the public, private, denominational, or parochial day schools each day that such schools are open and in session except when excused by school authorities, unless such child has been graduated from high school."

It is the intent of the Board of Education and school administration that this policy serves as encouragement for regular school attendance. It is hoped that the parents of our school children will recognize the need for regular attendance for not only more efficient use of tax monies, but also for more consistent learning experiences for students and will cooperate in the effort to teach their children that school attendance is their responsibility.

1. Students are allowed to miss a class ten (10) times during a semester exclusive of school sponsored activities. Allowable absences shall include:
a) illness
b) Jr./Sr. college visitations (2) & Jr./Sr. job shadows (1)
1. These must be arranged by the counselor in advance.
c) funerals (immediate family)
d) weddings (immediate family)
e) family emergencies
f) medical specialists
g) driver's exam

Consideration for special circumstances may be granted by the Principal. When determining special circumstances, the secondary principal will base his/her decision on the student’s attendance records, grades, and teacher concerns. If permission is granted, all assignments need to be completed in advance. If an absence is excused by the principal and such student misses over ten days per semester, the student will be referred to the attendance committee. Such student may be required to serve a consequence. Parents will be notified via mail when student misses a class five (5) times. Parents, as well as the County Attorney, will be notified of classes missed over ten (10) days.

2. A zero will be recorded for each class for a student who is truant. Truancy shall include being absent for one of the following reasons with or without parent permission:
a) shopping
b) senior pictures (in excess of one school day)
c) working (home or job)
d) leaving school unexcused
e) skipping a class when present at school without permission from the teacher

3. Each absence over ten (10) per semester will result in that student’s semester grade in that class being reduced by 3 percentage points. When the grade has been reduced to 70%, additional absences will result in a loss of one credit per class per absence until all five credits are lost. The grade will then be recorded as 69% with no credit given.

4. Junior high students exceeding the designated number of absences will be referred to the attendance committee. A decision will be reached which may include the following possibilities: time made up after school, Saturday school, or retention.

5. Parents are asked to notify the school regarding an extended illness of their son or daughter. A doctor’s verification slip is required as well. A team, consisting of teachers, counselor, principal, parents and student, will meet to develop a plan to ensure that the student’s educational needs are met.
6. When students are absent for any reason, their work will be made up.

7. A student will be allowed two (2) days for every one (1) day missed due to an excused illness to make up missing work.

8. Parents will be notified of each absence that has not been explained by a telephone call. Students may be asked to verify absences due to illness with a doctor’s “return to school” certificate.

9. An attendance committee consisting of two teachers, guidance counselor, and secondary coordinator shall review all exceptions to the limitation on absences due to chronic or extended illness or reasons for similar validity on a case by case basis.

10. Students dissatisfied with the attendance committee’s decision may appeal to the Superintendent of Schools.

BOOK CONDITION REPORTS

All students will complete a book condition report on all school books issued to them. State law dictates that loss of or damage to school books is as¬sessed to the person who was issued the book. Teachers will assess the condition of the book when it is returned and determine the fine if any.

BREAKING THE LAW

In the event that a student breaks the law and is issued a citation or taken into custody by legal authorities while on a school trip or activity, the school will only be responsible to the extent of informing the parents or guardians as to what happened. The school has no responsibility in arranging for release from custody or providing legal services for the student.

All Other Activities & Violation of School Policy
Athletic and Activity policy regarding training rules and violation of the law.
As representatives of the community, the Bloomfield School Board is concerned about the health and
well being of the students and the commitment they have to their respective programs. Those in athletics and activities must also be aware of their position as role models in the school system. There will be consequences for being caught1 violating the following:

• Smoking / illegal possession of tobacco products
• Curfew Violations: As determined by coaches / sponsors
• Drinking or in possession of alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances.
• Serious violation of any Nebraska or U.S. law.

This policy shall be in effect for all school activities from the beginning of the activity until the activity ceases. This policy shall cover any summer activity sponsored by the district and will be in effect during holidays and vacations as well. This policy shall not cover the summer months unless the conviction of sentence extends in to the school year.
The penalty for all violations is as follows:

First Offense
Any student found in violation of the athletic/activity policy will serve a 20 calendar day suspension from activities. Penalties will be carried over to the next season or performance (which may require carry-over to the next school year). If needed, Penalties shall be adjusted to include at least A) approximately 20% of the athletic contests or B) two performances, competitions or activities. Students will not be allowed to attend school activities during the suspension unless required by a coach or sponsor. Students who self report will have their punishment cut in half (10 days; 10 percent of contests/ 1 performance, competition or activity)

Second Offense
Any student found in violation of the athletic/activity policy for a second time during the same school year (not sport season) will serve a 40 calendar day suspension from activities. Penalties will be carried over to the next season or performance (which may require carry-over to the next school year). If needed, Penalties shall be adjusted to include at least A) approximately 50% of the athletic contests or B) four performances, competitions or activities. Students will not be allowed to attend school activities during the suspension unless required by a coach or sponsor. Students who self report will have their punishment cut in half (20 days; 25 percent of contests/ 2 performances, competitions or activities)

Third Offense
Any student found in violation of the athletic/activity policy a third time in a school year will be suspended from the activity in which that student is involved. If a student is in more than one activity they will be suspended from all current activities. After 40 calendar days, an approved treatment program and plan of action, the student may be reinstated to again be involved in activities. If the third offense falls at the end of a school year, days may be carried over to the following year.

Coaches and sponsors may impose regulations and rulings that are stricter than district guidelines.

BULLETIN BOARDS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bulletin Boards: In order to avoid misunderstanding and perhaps unfortunate publicity, all notices by students appearing on bulletin boards or displayed in any manner must carry the approval of the secondary coordinator before they are posted.

Announcements: All announcements will be made over the intercom system. If you wish an announcement read, it must be written and in the secretary's office before 8:10 a.m. Make your announcement as short and clear as possible.

CHEATING

Scholastic dishonesty, which includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration with another person to prepare written work, will result in a student receiving a failing grade for the class and/or suspension from school.

CLASSROOM RULES

The essence for the existence of the school is for pupils to learn and teach¬ers to teach. This cannot take place in an atmosphere that is disruptive and unorderly. To provide a climate conducive to learning, the students will adhere to the teacher's classroom rules. Rules will be posted and reviewed with the students at the beginning of the school term. These rules should provide for mutual respect – respect self, others, and environment.

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

The student must replace any school property that is willfully damaged. New cost price, plus the labor involved, will be charged. Defacing school proper¬ty is an extremely immature act and will be dealt with promptly and severely.

DETENTION

Students will serve detention time for disciplinary reasons. Detention time will be 7:35 a.m.-8:05 a.m., Monday through Friday. Students will be issued a detention slip within 24 hours after the occurrence of the inappropriate behavior. A copy will be submitted to the secondary coordinator and another mailed to the parents. The student will serve his/her detention the following morning in the designated room. Failure to serve detention will result in double detention time (two consecutive days of detention). Failure to serve double will result in an in-school suspension. Students arriving 5 minutes late for detention will serve detention the following day. Students arriving later than 5 minutes will serve a double detention. In-school suspensions may be served after every third detention. If a student has served three in-school suspensions, the fourth suspension will range from a 2-5 day out-of-school suspension. Detentions are not appealable.

DISRESPECTFUL, ABUSIVE, PROFANE LANGUAGE

The Board of Education, parents, community, staff, and students are very concerned about the use of disrespectful language and actions, abusive language, and/or profane language in the school setting.

Our goal is to eliminate this behavior in order to make a more appropriate educational setting for our students and staff. This goal will be a point of emphasis for everyone in the school system.

Violations by the students will be addressed by the administration, and the students will be subject to whatever legal disciplinary action will stop the offensive behavior.

DRESS CODE

The educational climate of the school is affected by student appearance. Clothing and cleanliness have a bearing on health and safety. Bloomfield Community Schools are sensitive to rapid changes in dress and grooming. Changes, which depart from cleanliness, neatness, good taste, modesty and decency, cannot be accepted. In general, appearances that detract from the learning atmosphere cannot be permitted. Bloomfield Community Schools take pride in their appearances and their school. For these reasons the following guidelines have been established.
1. Students will wear clothing that is clean, comfortable and in good taste. Outfits that bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body (including but not limited to: stomach, buttocks, back, breasts) is prohibited.
2. Clothing or apparel that promotes drugs, sex, gangs, alcohol or promotes hate and disrupts the learning environment (including sexual innuendoes and euphemisms) is prohibited.
3. Health laws require that shoes be worn at all times while in school.
4. Students may wear shorts provided they are neat, with trimmed or hemmed cuffs and mid-thigh or longer in length. Cut-off sweatpants are not permitted. Pajamas are not permitted.
5. Students may not wear halter tops, midriff blouses, fishnet-type jerseys, or any type of shirt, or top which fails to cover the torso completely. Shirts, blouses, and other tops must meet the lower apparel (pants, skirts, etc.) Deep cut armholes are not permitted.
6. Clothing usually worn as undergarments cannot be worn as outergarments.
7. The wearing of caps/hats, bandannas, sun visors, and/or sunglasses will not be permitted in the building during school hours (8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). Violations will result in caps/hats, bandannas, etc. being confiscated until the end of the school year. Students may wear headgear outside the building and, upon entering the building, remove such headwear and store in his/her respective locker.
8. The wearing of jeans with holes, slashes, or cuts will not be permitted if it detracts from cleanliness, neatness, good taste and decency.
9. In addition to the above guidelines, attire for physical education and weight lifting classes will consist of either a T-shirt or a tanktop (provided they do not have deep cut armholes); shorts to be worn at the waist; and tennis shoes. (Street shoes are not permitted for physical education classes.) Undergarments may not show. Group uniforms are acceptable. Students will change into regular attire before leaving P.E. class.

Students who wear inappropriate clothing to school will be asked to change their attire for the remainder of the day. When a student is absent from class because of inappropriate clothing and/or advertisement, the student will be instructed to report to a teacher before or after school, or serve a lunch suspension to make up the class work presented while absent. Frequent dress code violations may result in suspension from school.

Administrative prerogative is reserved for judgment in cases where student dress could be considered immoral, immodest, or in any way distracting or offensive to students, teachers, or staff.

FIELD TRIPS

From time to time, students will have the opportunity to go on a field trip during the school year. The use of field trips is an excellent teaching aid when used properly. Field trips are planned only when they come directly from the materials studied in the class activities. They are carefully planned in advance so that the students will obtain more value from the trip. School buses are not always available for transportation. Parent transportation may be enlisted when possible.

FOOD/DRINKS

Students are expected to follow the guidelines of the wellness plan; any student who has food or drink that does not meet the wellness guidelines will have the item(s) confiscated. Any confiscated items will be immediately disposed. Habitual violators of this rule will be subject to disciplinary action.

Approved beverages in plastic bottles and approved snacks will be allowed in designated areas only, unless teachers receive permission from the administration.

Approved beverages and approved snacks will be allowed in and around student lockers before school, provided that students keep the area clean at all times. Since this is a privilege, the penalty for failure to comply will be a suspension of the privilege for four weeks.

Approved drinks may be taken into the classrooms with teachers permission. Parties that are designed to meet academic goals will be allowed with permission from the office provided that the food and beverages served meet the nutritional guidelines of the Wellness Plan.

LOCKERS (HALLWAY)

Students are provided with lockers in which to keep their books, coats, and other belongings. Locks are provided at no charge if they are returned at the end of the school year. The school will not be responsible for theft of any item not in a locked locker. Students are responsible for keeping his/her locker clean. Items found outside the locker area (includes on top of lockers) will be removed and may be retrieved in the barrel outside of the secondary coordinator’s office.

Lockers are the property of the school and are loaned to the student for his/her temporary use; therefore, the Bloomfield Community Schools reserve the right to inspect the lockers at any time. All lockers must be secured with a lock by 4:00 p.m. each day. Lockers found unsecured will be closed and any items left outside of lockers will be placed in the in the barrel outside the secondary coordinator’s office.

LOST & FOUND ARTICLES

Lost items should be reported to the office. It should be fully understood by all that the student is responsible for his own property and the school cannot assume responsibility for the loss of personal property. Howev¬er, every effort will be made to locate and recover personal property which has been lost.

All articles which have been found should be taken to the secretary’s office. The office will seek to return each article to its rightful owner. All arti¬cles which go unclaimed will be disposed of at the end of the year.

LUNCH/ MODIFIED CLOSED CAMPUS

During the lunch period, students will not be allowed to go downtown, into parked cars or into the parking lot without permission from parents and administration. Students with parental permission slips will be allowed to go home for lunch. Classmates will not be allowed to go home with another classmate for lunch. No students will be allowed to drive to and from school during lunch periods.

Second Semester Senior Privilege

In addition to home lunch privileges, second semester seniors will also be allowed to walk downtown for lunch with parental and administrative approval.

Students who violate this off campus policy will be subject to the following penalties: a) First Offense – Double detention; b) Second Offense – Privileges will be revoked for the remainder of the semester. Student will receive an in-school suspension. Modified closed campus privileges will be withheld until the first offense detention has been served.

Any student with an unserved detention, suspension, or other punishment on their record, will not be allowed modified closed campus privileges until those punishments have been served in full.

PASSES

Students may go to one of the offices - Secretaries, Superintendent, or Guidance - during study hall. Students may also visit any teacher or work in any classroom that is unscheduled during that time.

In order for a student to visit another teacher or work in an unscheduled classroom, the student must obtain a pass from the teacher he desires to visit or in whose classroom he wishes to work or from the study hall teacher. Students that are eligible to use the student lounge during their study hall must check out of the library/study hall. All students who have checked out of study hall during a period must return to the study hall before the end of the period.

Students going from room to room, building to building, or downtown during the time classes are in session must carry valid pass slips. Students leaving the school premises must have permission from the Secondary Coordinator or Superintendent.

PHYSICAL CONTACT

The school administration and staff feel that physical contact between couples in our student body is inappropriate at school and during school activities. There shall be no physical contact between couples at school or school activi¬ties. (This includes holding hands.) Students who violate this rule will be suspended.

REWARD

Sometimes a problem of money, books, calculators, and other items being taken from student lockers, desks, or locker rooms arises. It is hoped that your pride in your school would motivate you to become involved in helping prevent further thefts. As an added incentive, a reward fund of $100.00 has been started. Students who provide information that helps solve the theft or leads to the recovery of stolen property would be given a reward from this fund. Informa¬tion given to the school will be held in confidence. School organizations are encouraged to give financial support to this fund.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment of or by any employee, classified or certified, any student, any vendor, or any individual while under the jurisdiction of this school district is expressly prohibited as a violation of both State and Federal law and by board policy. The area of jurisdiction of the school district covers employees or students when on or in school district property, regardless of duty hours, or while an employee or student is off or outside school district property but still on an assignment or under the jurisdiction of the school district.

Refer to Policy 5560, Sexual Harassment Prohibited for procedures to following when filing a sexual harassment complaint.

STUDENT SUSPENSION, EXPULSION,
& MANDATORY REASSIGNMENT

The Board of Education of this School District delegates to the Superintendent of Schools through the administration and staff of the schools in the district the establishing of such rules and standards of student conduct, which are reasonably necessary to carry out or to prevent interference with carrying out any educational function, if such rules and standards are not in conflict with the established Board of Education Policy of Nebraska State Statutes.

Teachers and administrators may take actions regarding student behavior which are reasonably necessary to aid the student, further school purposes, or to prevent interference with the educational process. Short of expulsion, exclusion, suspension, or mandatory reassignment, teachers may utilize, but need not be limited to techniques such as counseling, parent conferences, rearrangement of schedules, requiring students to remain in school after regular hours to do additional work, restriction of extracurricular activity or requirements that a student receive professional counseling or evaluation, with the consent of a parent or guardian.

Suspension, expulsion, or exclusion:

In the event that a student is absent from school as the result of a suspension, expulsion, or exclusion pursuant to this policy, such absence shall not be regarded as a failure on the part of the student or the school to comply with applicable law regarding compulsory school attendance.

All rules and regulations pertaining to student conduct and discipline, as well as suspension, exclusion, expulsion, and mandatory reassignment shall be guided by the following basic principles:
1. Students may be temporarily excluded from school for the following circumstances:
a. Communicable disease.
b. Conduct that presents a clear threat to the physical safety of himself/herself or others.
c. Extremely disruptive behavior.
1. Including rude, profane, disrespectful actions, etc. toward staff or students.
2. Students may be suspended, expelled or reassigned for such conduct as:
a. Rude, profane, disrespectful actions, etc toward staff or students.
b. Substantial evidence of making no effort to learn or do the assignments.
c. Use of violence, force, coercion, threat, intimidation, or insubordination or similar conduct that constitutes interference with school purposes.
d. Willful damage to private or school property, stealing of substantial value, or repeated damage or theft involving property.
e. Causing or attempting to cause physical injury to a school employee, volunteer, or student.
f. Threatening or intimidating a student trying to get money or other valuables from the student.
g. Possessing, handling or transmitting any object or materials generally considered a weapon. Toys or other objects that resemble weapons and launch projectiles (whether pellets, balls, water, potatoes, etc.) disrupt the learning process and are not allowed unless permission is received from an administrator for a class demonstration or speech.
h. Unlawful possession, selling, dispensing, or use of a controlled substance represented to be a controlled substance, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. NOTE: ADMINISTRATION RESERVES THE RIGHT FOR SCHEDULED AND UNSCHEDULED DRUG DOG SEARCHES.
i. Public indecency as defined by 28-401 Neb. Rev. Stats., if the student is at least 12 years old.
j. Sexually assaulting or attempting to sexually assault any person, if a complaint has been filed by a prosecutor in a competent jurisdiction alleging that the student has sexually assaulted or attempted to sexually assault any person, including sexual assaults or attempted sexual assaults which occur off school grounds, not at an educational function or event. For purposes of this policy, sexual assault shall mean sexual assault in the first degree and sexual assault in the second degree as defined by Nebraska Statutes or as those statutes may from time to time hereafter be amended.
k. Engaging in other activity forbidden by law which activity constitutes a danger to other students or interferes with school purposes.
l. Student possession of and/or use of nicotine products at school or school activities.
m. Repeated violations of any established rule if such violation constitutes a substantial
interference with school purposes. It is the intent of the School District that alternatives to suspension or expulsion be imposed against a student who is truant, tardy, or otherwise absent from required school activities. Such alternatives could include in-school suspension.
n. Any offense deemed by the administration that is disruptive and keeps teacher from
teaching and students from learning.

(Legal Ref.: Neb. Statutes 79-254 through 79-296).
Students are expected to complete all assignments for in-school & short term suspensions. Such students will receive only partial credit (50%) on assignments for his/her suspension.

The following process will apply to short-term suspension:
a. The party considering the short-term suspension shall make a reasonable
investigation of the facts and circumstances. In addition, such short-term suspension shall be made only after a determination that the suspension is necessary to help any student, to further school purposes, or to prevent an interference with school purposes.
b. Prior to commencement of the short-term suspension, the student shall be given oral
or written notice of the charges against the student. The student shall be advised of
what the student is accused of having done, and the basis of the accusation and an
explanation of the evidence the authorities have.
c. The student shall be afforded an opportunity to explain the student’s version of the
facts to the person effecting the short-term suspension.
d. Within 24 hours or such additional time as is reasonably necessary following the
suspension, the administrator or secondary coordinator shall send a written statement to the student and the student’s parents or guardian, describing the student’s conduct, misconduct or violation of the rule or standard and the reasons for the action taken. An opportunity shall be afforded to the student and the student’s parents or guardian, to have a conference with regard to the matter with the secondary coordinator or administrator ordering the short-term suspension before or at the time the student returns to school. The secondary coordinator or administrator shall determine who in addition to the parent or guardian shall attend the conference.

LONG TERM SUSPENSION

In the event an administrative decision is made to discipline a student by a long-term suspension, expulsion or mandatory reassignment, the following procedure shall be followed. On the date of the decision a written charge and the summary of the evidence supporting the charge will be filed with the Superintendent. The school shall, within two (2) school days of the decision, send written notice by Registered or Certified Mail to the student and the student’s parents or guardian informing them of the rights established under the Student Discipline Act.

The notice will include:
a. The rule or standard of conduct allegedly violated and the acts of the student alleged to constitute cause for long-term suspension, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment, including a summary of the evidence to be presented against the student.
b. The penalty, if any, which the Principal has recommended and the charge and any other penalty to which the student may be subject.
c. A statement that before long-term suspension, expulsion or mandatory reassignment for disciplinary purposes can be invoked, the student shall have the right to a hearing, upon request, on the specified charges.
d. A description of the hearing procedures, along with procedures for appealing any decision rendered at the hearing.
e. A statement that the Principal or legal counsel for the school, the student, the student’s parent or the student’s representative or guardian, shall have the right to examine the student’s academic and disciplinary records and any affidavits to be used at the hearing concerning the alleged misconduct and the right to know the identity of witnesses to appear at the hearing and the substance of their testimony.
f. A form shall be sent on which the student or student’s parent or the student’s guardian may request a hearing with instructions that the form must be signed and delivered to the Principal or Superintendent by Registered or Certified Mail, within five (5) days following receipt of the written notice of the administrative decision to invoke the above disciplinary measures.

When a notice of intent to discipline a student by long-term suspension, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment is filed with the superintendent, the student may be suspended by the Principal until the date of the long-term suspension, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment takes effect if no hearing is requested, or if a hearing is requested, the date the hearing examiner makes the report of his or her findings and a recommendation of the action to be taken to the superintendent, if the Principal determines that the student must be suspended immediately to prevent or substantially reduce the risk of interference with an educational function or school purposed or a personal injury to the student, other students, school employees, or school volunteers.

If a hearing shall be requested within five (5) school days of receipt of the notice, the Principal shall appoint a hearing examiner, who shall, within two (2) days of being appointed, give written notice to the administrator, the student, and the student’s parent or guardian of the time and place of the hearing. The hearing will be scheduled within a period of five (5) school days after it is requested, but such time may be changed by the hearing examiner for good cause. If a hearing is not requested by the student or the student’s parent or guardian within five (5) school days following receipt of the written notice, the punishment recommended and the charge by the Principal, or his designee, shall automatically go into effect upon the fifth school day following receipt of the written notice by the student or parent.

If a hearing is requested more than five (5) days following receipt of the written notice, the punishment recommended in the charge by the Principal or his or her designee shall automatically go into effect upon the fifth school day following receipt of the written notice.
If a hearing shall be requested after five (5) school days, but not later than thirty (30) calendar days following the actual receipt of written notice, the hearing shall be held, but the imposed punishment shall continue in effect pending final determination.

Any hearing conducted under this policy shall be attended by the hearing examiner, the student, the student’s parent or guardian, the student’s representative, if any, and counsel for the School Board of Education. Witnesses shall be present only when they are giving information at the hearing and the student may be excluded in the discretion of the hearing examiner at times when the student’s psychological evaluation or emotional problems are being discussed. The student may speak in his or her own defense and may be questioned on his testimony, but he may choose not to testify and in such case he shall not be threatened with punishment nor be later punished for refusal to testify.

The School Board, acting through the Principal, may cause legal counsel to be present, either for the purpose of acting as the designee of the Principal or for the purpose of advising the hearing examiner in the conduct of the hearing. Any attorney who acts as the designee of the Principal in presenting the school’s case against the student shall not advise the hearing examiner of the conduct of the hearing or later advise administrators or Board members on the conduct of any appeal.

At the hearing the Principal shall present to the hearing examiner statements, in affidavit form, of any persons having information about the student’s conduct and the student’s records, but not unless such statements and records have been made available to the student, the student’s parent or guardian, or representative prior to the hearing. The information contained in such records shall be explained and interpreted prior to or at the hearing to the student, parents or guardian of the student, or the student’s representative, at their request, by appropriate school personnel.
The student or the student’s parent, guardian, or representative, as well as the Principal or the hearing examiner, may ask witnesses to testify at the hearing. Such testimony shall be under oath and the hearing examiner shall be authorized to administer the oath. The hearing examiner shall make reasonable effort to assist the student, the student’s parent, guardian or representative, in obtaining the attendance of witnesses. Any person giving evidence by written statement or in person at a hearing shall be given the same immunity from liability as a person testifying in a court case. Proceedings of the hearing shall be recorded at the expense of the school district.

When one or more student is charged with violating the same rule and having acted in concert when the facts are substantially the same for all such students a single hearing may be conducted for such students as a group if the hearing examiner believes that a single hearing is not likely to result in confusion and that no student will have his interests substantially prejudiced by a single hearing. If, during the conduct of the hearing, the hearing examiner finds that a student’s interest will be substantially prejudiced by a group hearing or that the hearing is resulting in confusion, he may order a separate hearing for any student.

A report will be made by the hearing examiner of his findings and a recommendation of the action to be taken which report shall explain, in terms of the needs of both the student and the School Board the reasons for the particular action recommended. Such recommendation may range from no action, through the entire field of counseling, to long-term suspension, expulsion or mandatory reassignment. A review shall be made of the hearing examiner’s report by the administrator, who may change, revoke, or impose the sanction recommended by the hearing examiner, but shall not impose a sanction more severe than that recommended by the hearing examiner. The finding and recommendations of the hearing examination, the determination by the administrator and any determination on appeal to the governing body shall be made solely on the basis of the evidence presented at the hearing or, in addition, any evidence presented on appeal. Written notice of the findings and recommendations of the hearing examiner and the determination of the administrator shall be made by Certified or Registered Mail, or by personal delivery, to the student, the student’s parent or guardian. Upon receipt of such written notice by the student and parents or guardian, the determination of the administrator shall take immediate effect.

Except in the cases of a student who is expelled for the knowing and intention use of force in causing or attempting to cause personal injury, or the knowing and intentional possession, use or transmission of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, expulsion of a student shall be for a period not to exceed the remainder of the semester in which it took effect, unless the misconduct occurred within ten school days prior to the end of the first semester, in which case the expulsion shall remain in effect through the second semester. If the misconduct occurred within ten school days prior to the end of the second semester, the expulsion shall remain in effect for summer school and the first semester of the following school year. All expulsions which are proposed to be continued during the first semester of the school year from the prior year shall be reviewed by the hearing examiner after providing notice of the review to the student and the student’s parent or guardian. This review shall be limited to newly discovered evidence or evidence of changes in the student’s circumstances occurring since the original hearing. This review may result in a recommendation that the student be re-admitted to school.

In the event that a student is to be expelled for the knowing and intentional use of force or the knowing and intentional possession, use or transmission of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, the expulsion shall be for a period not to exceed the remainder of the school year in which it took effect, if the misconduct occurs during the first semester. If the expulsion takes place during the second semester, the expulsion shall remain in effect for summer school and may remain in effect for the first semester of the following school year. Such action may be modified or terminated by the school at any time during the expulsion period.

The student or the student’s parent or guardian may, within seven (7) days following receipt of the written notice of determination of the Superintendent appeal the administrator’s determination to the School Board or Board of Education by a written request which shall be filed with the Secretary of the Board or with the Superintendent. A hearing will be held before the Board within ten (10) days after it is requested. The appeal shall be made on the record, except that new evidence may be admitted to avoid a substantial threat of unfairness, and that such new evidence shall be recorded as provided. In the event a hearing is scheduled for a particular time within the time framework described, that time may be changed upon the mutual agreement of the parties.

After examining the record and taking new evidence, if any, the Board of Education may withdraw to deliberate privately upon the record and new evidence. Any deliberation shall be held in the presence only of Board members in attendance at the appeal proceeding, but may be held in the presence of legal counsel who has not previously acted as the designee of the administrator in presenting the school’s case before the hearing examiner. If any questions arise during the deliberations which require additional evidence, the Board may reopen the hearing to receive such evidence, subject to the right of all parties to be present. The Board may alter the administrator’s disposition of the case, if it finds the decision to be too severe, but may not impose a more severe sanction. The final action of the Board shall be evidenced by personally delivering or mailing by Certified Mail, a copy of the Board’s decision to the student and his parent or guardian.

Any person aggrieved by the final decision shall be entitled to judicial review under Section 79-4201 to 79-4205 of the Nebraska statutes.

Criminal Violations:
To the extent that the Principal recognizes that any conduct engaged in by a student subject to disciplinary proceedings violates the Nebraska Criminal Code, the Principal shall report the violation to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
(Legal reference: The Student Discipline Act, LB 1250 (1994), NEB. REV. STATS. 79-4, 170 to 79-4, 205)

TARDINESS

Tardies are not necessary. The student is to be in his/her classroom seat at the time the class is designed to begin. Tardiness causes a disruption to the educational process. Students are subject to the policy of the individual teacher. Three tardies from a class (15 minutes or less, each) will equal one detention and will be counted as one absence. Tardies over 15 minutes will be considered an absence.

VENDING MACHINES

In order to address the reauthorized Federal Child Nutrition Act, vending machines at Bloomfield Schools will no longer offer carbonated beverages. In addition, vending machines will not be operational between the hours 7:30 AM through 1:30 PM. Students will not be allowed to bring carbonated beverages into the building during the above times. Students will only be allowed to bring approved beverages and approved snacks into the building during school hours.

CELL PHONES

Students are not to use cell phones in school, on the school grounds, or at school activities unless they receive permission from an administrator.

FACULTY WORKROOM

Students are not to be in the faculty workroom at any times unless they have permission from a staff member.

IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)

Students may be placed in school suspension for the following:

a. Excessive tardiness
b. Insubordinate behavior
c. Dress code violations
d. Violation of school rules
e. Driving/lunch violations

Students in ISS will be expected to do their assignments, but will receive 50% credit for the work. Students in ISS will be segregated from fellow students for the school day beginning upon arrival in the building.

SERVICE

AUTOMOBILES & STUDENT PARKING

The following parking regulations will be enforced to ensure students and visitors easy access and exits from our parking lots: 1) Only seniors may park in lots north of the high school. This parking shall be limited to the lots west of the north entrance to the high school building. 2) Students that use the parking lot west of the Community Auditorium must park in rows facing in an east or west direction. Students may park facing south at the southern end of the gym parking lot provided that they do not block any other cars from using the south exit. Students are not to block the north or south entrances/exits. After school is dismissed, only the south exit may be used prior to the buses leaving. 3) A student who fails to abide by the preceding guidelines will receive one warning. The next violation will result in the student losing his/her privilege to park on the school campus.

Students may not drive their car during the noon periods or at any other time during the school day without permission of the Secondary Coordinator. Students may not ride in a vehicle during the noon period, nor go to their car during the day without permission of the Secondary Coordinator.

The gym is not to be used as a passage from the parking lot to the school. The gym and west lobby are off limits to students during the school day.

BUILDING USE

No students are to be in the building unless under direct supervision of a faculty or staff member. Direct supervision means that a faculty or staff member must be present in the room. The only exceptions will be granted by the Superintendent for no more than two students at a time.

The administrative guidelines on using the building after 4:00 p.m. during the school year and at all times during the summer months are:

1. Maximum workout time per session is two hours. The building will close at 10:00 p.m.
2. Any individual or group not directly related to the school must pay rent at the rate of $5.00 per hour for the new gym, $3.00 per hour for the old gym, and $5.00 per hour for the MPR.
3. Use of the old gym will not be encouraged. Use of the MPR will not be encouraged.
4. Recognized school activities have first priority for the gym.
5. Adult groups whose members are all on the staff or are spouses of staff members will not be charged rental. Any group that contains a mixture of staff and non-staff must pay the rental fee.
6. No school equipment other than weights, standards, and backboards will be furnished to nonstudent or nonfaculty groups. These groups must furnish their own balls, etc.
7. The administration reserves the right to refuse access to the facility based upon past experience with any group or any individual.
8. People in the building without permission will be prosecuted and/or disciplined.

BUS & TRANSPORTATION RULES & REGULATIONS

The driver of a school bus is in complete charge of the passengers and the bus. The driver’s relationship with the students is on the same basis as the teacher in the classroom. Bus transportation of students is a privilege, conditioned on courteous behavior and observance of the rules for bus riding. The safety of the bus and its passengers requires total cooperation from everyone for the protection of students, as well as the prevention of accidents caused by distracting the bus driver. The driver’s duties include reporting to the principal the names of any students who persist in violating the rules and regulations of the safe riding. Violations may lead to a warning, short term suspension, long term suspension, or expulsion from riding privileges as follows:

A. Minor Rules
1. Sit in a passenger seat on the bus while it is in motion.
2. Keep aisles clear of obstructions.
3. Do not open windows without the driver’s permission.
4. Do not eat or drink on the bus without the driver’s permission.
5. No loud or boisterous talking while the bus is in motion.
6. Do not fight, wrestle, threaten or molest fellow students at the bus stop or on the bus.
7. Keep hands, arms, and head inside the bus.

Minor Rule Infractions
1. Warning
a. Notify parent by phone if one minor rule is broken and student sits up front.*
b. Notify parent in writing if minor rules continue to be broken after or during the first disciplinary period and student continues to sit up front.*
2. Short Term Suspension
a. One-week suspension from riding the bus for a third infraction which occurs after or during the second disciplinary period.
3. Long Term Suspension
a. Two-week suspension from riding the bus for a fourth infraction of the minor rules.
4. Expulsion
a. Suspension from riding the bus for the remainder of the semester for a fifth infraction of the minor rules.

* Length of Warning and Suspension times may be modified by the bus personnel when more than one individual is involved in an incident.

B. Major Rules
1. Do not throw articles inside the bus or out the bus windows.
2. Do not use obscene, threatening or flagrantly disrespectful language or gestures.
3. Do not write or display obscene words or pictures.
4. Do not intimidate students or school personnel.
5. Tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs are not allowed on the bus at any time. Students may not carry or have on their person tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or illicit drugs nor may they be under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs in any degree on the school buses.
6. No act of insubordination toward the driver will be allowed.
7. No firearms or weapons of any kind will be allowed.
8. Deliberate damage to seat covers, windows or any other part of the bus will not be tolerated.

Major Rule Infractions:
1. Short term suspension (one week), long term suspension (two weeks), or expulsion may be used for one violation of the major rules. Exact disciplinary action will depend upon the infraction, intent, and extenuating circumstances.

WE HAVE A ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SUNFLOWER SEEDS. If anyone if found to have sunflower seeds on the bus, they will be required to report to the bus barn at the driver’s convenience to help in the clean up of the bus. This applies to everyday commuters as well as any student for any activity.

If any student is not at the designated stop, it will be up to them to get to school, as the buses will not be going back to get them.

SAFETY REMINDERS
1. Do not cross the road or highway to load or unload until the bus driver clearly signals you to cross.
2. Be sure to cross in front of the bus - not behind, and stay in the view of the driver.
3. Do not engage in activities at the bus stop that might cause a student to go into the street/road, such as fighting, pushing, or wrestling.
4. Do not fight, threaten or molest fellow students on the bus or at the bus stop.
5. Keep hands, arms, and head in the bus at all times.

BUS DEPARTURE

The buses will load in the north parking lot. Students are to remain on the sidewalk until their bus has stopped. Students are not to pass between the buses for any reason.

GUIDANCE & COUNSELING

It is the aim of Bloomfield High School to operate in a manner most helpful to the entire student body, collectively and individually. To help achieve this program the school provides a thorough guidance program which includes testing and counseling. Much valuable information is secured concerning each student's abilities, aptitudes, and interests which may help to indicate probable success or failure in various subjects and fields.

The guidance office is located in the old building. This office provides the following services:

1. Education Planning - information about course work, business and trade schools, colleges, and scholarships and loans.
2. Occupational planning, current references and materials regarding occu¬pations available.
3. Testing to aid in understanding your own abilities and interests. Scores on tests taken are discussed and used in aiding student progress.
4. Counseling - students requesting counseling to discuss problems of a personal nature, adjustment in school, study problems, or future plans.

You are welcome in the guidance office at any time for assistance in any matter that will help you in school or out of school.

HEALTH & INSURANCE

Health:
All students must be vaccinated against the common contagious diseases and comply in full with state law.

If a child is ill, they should not come to school. In case of injury or sickness, the parents will be contacted. If the sickness or injury seems serious and parents cannot be reached, the school will take the child to the doctor.

Every student must submit to a physical examination. Students participating in interschool activities must pass a physical examination given by a licensed physician.

The school is not responsible for injuries to students while taking part in school activities, on trips, in school, or on school grounds.

Student Insurance:
Each student should have health, accident, and life insurance coverage. Parents must pay health or accident costs not covered by insurance. The school will make a student plan available to all students. Insurance payments must be in by the second Friday of September.

Athletic Insurance:
Athletic insurance is provided through the student plan. The coverage extends to those participating in regular school activities, including sports super¬vised by the school, except for interscholastic high school football. Catas¬trophic coverage covers all students out for athletics.

Separate plans are provided for high school football. These plans do not cover accidents other than football practice and games. Seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students playing football only on the 7th, 8th, or 9th grade level can be covered by the student plan. Those 9th graders practicing and playing with the high school need a football accident plan.

LIBRARY, STUDY HALL & COMPUTER LAB

The library, study hall and computer lab area is a place for learning, researching, working and using computers for educational purposes. The library is open for students to study after school hours during designated evenings. The library will not be open if school is dismissed due to bad weather or time periods when school is not in session.

Students are expected to:
• Be quiet so others may learn.
• Be considerate and courteous to other students, faculty, staff, guests, and equipment.
• Be cooperative if asked to move to another space or change behavior. Abide by the librarian and study hall teacher’s rules.
• Ask permission to use the magazine room, television, VCR, copier, office supplies, and other equipment available. Four people in the magazine room usually means that it is full.
• Check out all material taken from the library in your name. Return books promptly. Others may be waiting for the one you are holding. The library lends books; you borrow them. They are not your property.
• Sign in when using the library at night and sign out upon departure.
• Pay copy bills at the rate of 20 cents per copy promptly. Pay for books lost or damaged by the borrower. Cutting or tearing pages from books, newspapers, or magazines is considered destruction of property.
• Bring no food or drink into the library/study hall area.
• Have the appropriate pass when in the library/study hall area during the school day or the appropriate pass signed by an instructor in order to leave the study hall.
• Follow the policy for internet use.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may be cause for loss of privileges or disciplinary action.

LUNCH PROGRAM

The mission statement of the Nebraska School Food Service Association, and endorsed by the Bloomfield Community Schools Food Service Staff, is to provide healthy school meals and nutrition education for Nebraska children as a vital part of their education so they will succeed in school and life.

The Bloomfield Community Schools offer lunches to students in grades K-12. Lunches are to be prepaid. Once the family lunch account has been depleted, students will be allowed only three meals. If money is not brought by the end of this time, a student may be denied a meal. No seconds will be allowed if there is not enough money in the family account.

Eating in the lunchroom is a privilege. Therefore, guidelines must be followed to create a pleasant eating environment for all students.

1. Treat other students, school property, and staff with respect.
2. Remove caps or hats when entering the building.
3. All food not eaten should be put in the trash cans.
4. Please consume your meal in the cafeteria. Removing food/utensils from the cafeteria are not allowed.
5. No pushing, fighting, or throwing of food is allowed.
6. Foul language, swearing, loud and boisterous talking are not acceptable.

Students who choose not to be courteous or use good table manners will be removed from the lunchroom and be suspended from the lunchroom for a period of time. Repeated violations may result in long-term suspension.

Questions or concerns regarding the lunch program should go to Renee Sazama, Head Cook, at the elementary school (373-4365) or John Post/Bob Marks, Superintendents, at the high school (373-4800).

The Bloomfield Community Schools do not discriminate in the cafeteria.

In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

SACK LUNCHES

Students in grades 11 and 12 will be allowed to eat lunch in a location designated by the principal (no refrigerator or microwave will be available) provided the room is kept clean and students stay in that room until the high school students return from the lunchroom to the gym. All other students (grades 7-10) must eat at the lunch room at the elementary. Students who chose not to eat lunch will go to the gym and stay there during the lunch period.

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

A breakfast program will be offered at the lunchroom at the elementary on a daily basis from 7:35 -8:00 AM. Students riding the bus can unload at the elementary, eat, walk to the high school for class
by 8:10 AM. Students that drive must park at the high school, walk to the elementary to eat and walk back for class for class by 8:10 AM. Students will not be allowed to park at the elementary then drive to the high school for safety reasons due to parents and buses unloading students.

SCHOOL PROPERTY USAGE

School owned equipment is not to leave the school grounds unless proper per¬mission is granted. All school owned equipment will be used for school pur¬poses and only by school personnel. Contact the Superintendent or the media specialist (AV equipment) before any equip¬ment leaves the premises.

SUPPLIES

The school has a supply of pencils, pens, computer disks, and some other miscellaneous items that students may purchase. However, students are encouraged to purchase their school supplies from retail stores.

TELEPHONE USAGE

In Calls: Students will not be called from class except in case of emergency. Students may be called to the telephone by parents during study hall. All other times the message will be written down and delivered to the student at the earliest convenience.

Out Calls (Local): Students may use the telephone by the Secretaries' Office for necessary calls. Permission must be granted by someone in the office.

School telephones are restricted to business (school) and/or emergencies. Personal calls for the purpose of visitation are discouraged. Note: Cell phones and beepers are not to be used and are not permitted in the school building by students – refer to page 36.

BLOOMFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Privileges and Consequences

Before you begin to use these exciting research tools, it is important to your teachers, your parents and your school administrators that you understand the many consequences of the computer connections that you wish to make on the Internet or the local network, Beenet. It is important that you understand that your use of this powerful educational tool is a privilege. It can provide you with countless hours of exploration and use. Like your driver’s license, though, its use can be taken from you for breaking the rules. The Internet does include some material that is not suited for students. The intent of the Bloomfield Community Schools District is to use connections on the Internet only for purposes consistent with our approved curriculum. Also, the local network has limited resources, and classrooms have limited time available for network-supported teaching and learning activities; so, anyone who uses the network illegally or improperly will lose the privilege of using it. Additionally, you cannot use the local network for commercial or for profit services. This packet of rules will explain for you the proper way to use this communications tool.

School Conduct Codes

Bloomfield Community Schools has a student handbook which outlines rights and sets expectations for students. Because the Bloomfield Community Schools District network is used as part of a school activity, the school’s code of conduct applies to network activities, as well. Therefore, the network use policy is an extension of the school’s behavior code. These rules apply to vandalism of computer equipment, unauthorized access to information, computer piracy, hacking, and any tampering with hardware or software.

Connection to the World

The Internet and Beenet are public places. You must always remember that you are sharing this space with many other users. Potentially millions of individuals at the same time may be interacting across the network. Your actions can be monitored by others on the network. If you use a particular service on the network, chances are good that someone knows the connections that you are making, knows about the computer shareware that you have borrowed, and knows what you looked at while you were in the system. Because these connections are granted to you as part of the larger scope of the curriculum, the Bloomfield Community Schools District reserves the right to monitor all traffic on the network. We do this to make sure that the network continues to function properly for all of its users.

Moral & Ethical Issues

The moral and ethical issues involving the use of the world-wide information systems deal with the appropriate access to information, the type of information, and the behavior of the user. The Bloomfield Community Schools District wants to provide you with a stimulating educational environment, but at the same time, we want to protect you from information that is not appropriate for students to use.

You are to use this as an educational tool, but the school district cannot condone the use of inappropriate information on the Internet. The district simply acknowledges the fact that these materials exist and then do what is possible to actively avoid them. It is not possible to weed out all of the materials that are unacceptable for the high school students, but it should be clearly understood by all students that access to such materials in any form is strictly forbidden. The network is designed to achieve and support instructional goals, and any information that does not support classroom learning is to be avoided.

Expected Behavior

You are expected to use the network to pursue intellectual activities, seek resources, access libraries, and find International friends. We want you to explore this new space, and discover what is available there. This resource is new to all of us. So, we want you to learn new things and share that new found knowledge with your friends, your parents, and your teachers.

When using the computer network and communicating with others in remote or even close locations, keep the following in mind:

• You cannot see them.
• You cannot tell how old they are, or even what sex they are.
• They can tell you anything, and you cannot always be sure what they are telling you is true; and
• Absolute privacy cannot be guaranteed in a network environment. You need to think carefully about what you say and how you say it.

For your own safety and for the safety of others, remember to exercise caution when you are communicating with the outside world. Do not give out your home phone number or your address or student pictures or schedules. They do not need