Policies and Procedures

Prompt and regular attendance is essential if a student is to realize the many benefits offered in education today.  School will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. each day and will be dismissed at 3:30 p.m. for early bus, walker, car and bike rider release.  Remaining buses will be dismissed in the order they arrive.   

Attendance Requirements Beginning in the 2026-27 School Year

• A student who accumulates five (5) unexcused absences or tardies in a semester is considered truant. Louisiana law requires the school to refer the student to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance for additional support. If a student is identified as truant, state law also requires the parent/guardian to work with the school to help the student get back on track. This may include ensuring the student completes missed work through after-school tutoring, weekend make-up classes, or other learning opportunities provided by the school. Parents/guardians may also be asked to attend regular meetings with school staff to monitor the student's progress and support a successful return to consistent attendance.

There are three types of absences a student may obtain: Type One: Excused; Type Two: Unexcused; and Type Three: Suspensions/Expulsions.

Excused absences are not considered for purposes of truancy, including absences incurred due to extenuating circumstances and will not be counted against students in determining whether a student meets attendance requirements regarding truancy and/or instructional minutes.

The excused absences are defined in the attendance policy as the following:

• Extended personal physical or emotional illness as verified by a physician or nurse practitioner licensed in the state.
• Extended hospital stay as verified by a physician or nurse practitioner licensed in the state.
• Extended recuperation from an accident as verified by a physician or nurse practitioner licensed in the state.
• Extended contagious disease within a family in which a student is absent as verified by a dentist or physician licensed in the state.
• Quarantine due to prolonged exposure to or direct contact with a person diagnosed with a contagious, deadly disease, as ordered by state or local health officials.
• Observance of special and recognized holidays of the student’s own faith with documentation provided.
• Visitation with an immediate family member who is a member of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard of a state and such immediate family member has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting with proper documentation. These absences shall not exceed five days per school year.
• Travel for educational purposes. These absences must be approved prior to the travel with the supporting documentation submitted to the principal. Verification of the educational experience must be submitted upon return to school.
• Death in the immediate family with documentation. These absences shall not exceed five days.
• National catastrophe and/or disaster.
• A student may be absent related to the student’s mental health for up to three (3) days in a school year, and such absences shall be excused when certified in writing by a psychiatrist, psychologist, medical doctor, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed nurse practitioner. The student shall be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Upon the return to school following the second day of mental health absence in any school year, the student shall be referred to the appropriate school support personnel for guidance in addressing the underlying issue, which may include referral to medical services outside of the school setting.
• Student personal illness or serious illness in the family. Parents are allowed to submit up to three (3) parent-written excuses per semester to be considered excused. If a student is absent for up to three (3) days due to the same illness (such as the flu), those absences will count as one parent-written excuse toward the three (3) parent- written notes allowed per semester. If a student is absent for more than three (3) consecutive days, a doctor’s note must be provided to excuse the absence.
• Pregnant and parenting students at a minimum of 10 days after the birth of a child as verified by a physician or nurse practitioner licensed in the state.

• Any absence not meeting the requirements set forth in the excused absence definition, including but not limited to absences due to any job (including agriculture and domestic services, even in their own homes or for their own parents or tutors) unless it is part of an approved instructional program. Unexcused absences are considered for truancy and count against the student when determining whether the student meets the instructional minutes required by law.

• Absence in which a student is not in attendance in the regular instructional setting due to disciplinary actions imposed by the school. The absence is not considered for purposes of truancy unless the student was assigned to an alternative site and is not in attendance at the assigned alternative site. Unexcused absences are considered for truancy and count against the student when determining whether the student meets the instructional minutes required by law.

Daily

Attendance is recorded each school day. When a student is absent from school (including tardies and check outs) it is recorded as an unexcused absence from school. A note is required to excuse their absence from school.

3rd Unexcused Absence

Notification will be sent to the parent/guardian informing them that the student has accumulated three (3) unexcused absences/tardies.

Fifth Unexcused Absence

Notification will be sent to the parent/guardian informing them that the student has accumulated five (5) unexcused absences/tardies. The principal shall make a referral to Families in Need of Services (FINS) in grades K-5 and Truancy And Services Center (TASC) for grades 6-12 for extra support.

If a student is tardy for school, a note from his or her parents must be presented to the attendance secretary before entering class.  Students should be on in their classes and ready to learn by 8:30 a.m. each day.  

Louisiana Truancy Law R.S. 17:233
 A student shall be considered habitually absent or habitually tardy when either condition continues to exist after all reasonable efforts by the principal and the teacher have failed to correct the condition after the fifth unexcused absence or fifth unexcused occurrence of being tardy within any month or if a pattern of five absences a month is established.  The student's principal or the principal's designee, with the aid of the teachers, shall file a written report showing dates of absence or tardiness, dates and results of school contacts with the home, and such other information as may be needed by the visiting teacher or supervisor of child welfare and attendance.
 

Frequent early dismissals from school severely impede the student’s chances for academic success and disturb a healthy academic environment for others. Several rules must be observed for the sake of safety and courtesy when checking out a student.

•  No child may leave school except with a parent or an individual designated on the emergency card.
•  No other individual may take the student from school, and a student may not leave alone.
•  All checkouts must be processed in person, through the front office.
•  Anyone checking out a student must present valid picture identification.
•  Students will not be allowed to be checked out unless the office has a current emergency card on file.

It is absolutely essential that parents complete and return to school an emergency card for each child.

•  Notify the office immediately of any changes to the information found on the emergency card.
•  For your child’s protection, please send a copy of the most current custodial records from the court so it may be attached to the card.

All visitors to the school shall display a temporary St. Tammany Parish Public Schools issued visitor ID badge while they are on any St. Tammany Parish Schools Property.  Upon entering a school building, visitors shall report to the school office to register and receive a temporary visitor ID badge.  Visitor badges must be worn at all times while on St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Property. Visitor badges must be returned to the main office, upon which the Visitors' state-issued ID will be returned.  School staff members who observe visitors without proper identification shall notify the schools administration and school resource office immediately.

Illness and administration of medication among students is taken very seriously. Proper medical attention and convalescence are important to the long-term health of students, the health of others at school, and student performance. When students must take medication at school, school personnel are very careful to ensure that students are properly treated with medication and that the medication is not given to or used by students for whom the medication was not prescribed.

Parents are encouraged to work with physicians to schedule doses of medication that can be given at home for acute illnesses. Long-term illness and use of medication may require administration during school hours. In accordance with State law enacted to address the administration of all prescription and non-prescription drugs in school, the St. Tammany Parish School Board has formulated the following regulations to be followed when a child must receive medication during school hours.

• No medication, over the counter or prescription, including but not limited to Advil, Tylenol, or cough drops, may be administered to or self-administered by any student without an order from a Louisiana or adjacent state’s licensed physician, dentist, or other authorized healthcare provider, and a letter of request and authorization from the student’s parent or guardian.
• Students who violate the medication policy and are found to be in possession of over the counter medications, prescription medications, or controlled substances not authorized under the STPSS medication policy shall be subject to disciplinary action found under the Uniform Discipline Code.

No student, regardless of method of transportation, is permitted on campus before 8:00am. 

*Changes to bus transportation must be approved through the front office. The parent or guardian must write a note with the student's name, student's name they are riding with, the bus number, and a signature with the correct phone number.  The note must be provided to the office in the morning upon arrival. The student will pick up their note before boarding the bus.

Traffic at Clearwood is very heavy.  Everyone is urged to exercise extreme caution during school hours.  To help ensure a safer school, please observe the following important rules:    
•    Car riders should never be brought through the circle drive. 
•    Drivers are to enter the parking lot, drive to the back, make the circle, and then proceed down to the covered walk area to drop off and pick up students where designated school personnel are located. Students should not be let out of cars in undesignated areas.  (NO U-TURNS OR SHORTCUTS ARE PERMITTED IN THE PARKING LOT) 
•    The speed limit in the parking lot is 5 MPH. (Please exercise extreme caution in the morning due to the volume of employees backing into parking spots and walking through the parking lot.)
•    Students must load or unloaded only on the side next to the covered walk (The Passenger Side).
•    All students (regardless of mode of transportation) will enter the school through the front of the school.
•    Walkers and Bike Riders must be issued a Walker Pass through the front office to be allowed to leave campus. 
•    Students riding bicycles should park them in the bicycle racks.
•    Students walking or riding bikes must cross at the crossing guard and follow the sidewalk. 
•    At no time are students allowed to walk through the teachers’ parking lot.
•    Students are expected to be picked up by 3:50 at the latest. 

Per Act 362 ("Safe Path from School Act") of the 2023 Legislative Session, schools who have students are required to:

• Have students remain a safe distance from the pick-up area behind something material or immaterial intended to block passage, as deemed appropriate for a particular school building.
• Students shall wait in the pick-up area and wait for vehicles to come to a complete stop.
• A student being dropped off shall remain in the appropriate passenger restraint until the vehicle in which he/she is a passenger comes to a complete stop.
   

No student deliveries allowed. This includes but not limited to balloons, flowers, gifts, and food deliveries.

• When notified by the child’s teacher, a secretary will phone the parents or another designated adult if a student is sick.
• Students may not use the office phone or personal cell phone to call for forgotten items. (See Use of Cell Phone in Discipline section.)
• Instructional time will not be interrupted to give students messages. If the message is of a personal or emergency nature, the parent may check the child out of school and then return the child to school when the issue has been resolved.

Snacks or treats for the entire class must be store bought and individually wrapped from the manufacturer.  Please coordinate with the classroom teacher before bringing the snacks or treats to school. Due to severe allergens, items with peanuts or peanut butter are discouraged.

Metal cups, such as Stanley, Yeti, or other styles of decorative bottles are not allowed on our campus or buses.  Metal water bottles are heavy and can potentially be used to harm someone if used improperly during school hours.  Additionally, there are concerns that such bottles can be used to conceal prohibited items.  Water bottles must be made of clear plastic.  Outside drinks, such as stored bought coffee and/or various drinks (Starbucks, PJs, energy drinks, etc.) are not allowed on campus.  Only clear water bottles are allowed. 

Grades four and five are on a block schedule. The 4th, 5th, and 6th grades provide a solid foundation in:

•  ELA
•  Mathematics
•  Social Studies
•  Science
•  Physical Education
•  Student may also be exposed to library, music/recorder, & art. Please be advised Band and Chorus are optional at this grade level as it does require students to miss some form of instruction for 30 minutes weekly (minimum).

Grades seven and eight are departmentalized with a seven period day and are required to take the following subjects:

•  ELA
•  Mathematics
•  Science
•  Social Studies
•  Health and Physical Education
•    Electives (Quest for Success, Band, Art, Chorus, IBCA, Piano, and Yearbook))

For eighth grade students, there are a number of courses they can take for high school credit. These courses may vary yearly depending on the availability of the certificated staff to teach the courses.

•  Art (full year) (high school credit)
•    IBCA (full year) (high school credit)
•  Chorus, piano, or band
•  Quest for Success

******** High school credit classes cannot be changed due to Carnegie unit credit.

There will be no schedule changes except in those cases with rare and extenuating circumstances, in which a letter must be presented to the principal requesting a change of placement and the reasons for such a change.

Electives may not be changed after the first full week of school.

Promotion and retention of students will be determined according to guidelines set forth in the Pupil Progression Plan of the St. Tammany Parish School Board. (STPSB website: http://www.stpsb.org) 

The grading policy as set forth by the St. Tammany Parish School Board will be followed strictly. (4th, 5th, and 6th use letter grades. 7th and 8th use number grades.)
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F =    0 - 59

Parents are given access to JPAMS Parent Portal to check their student’s grades. If you need help setting this up, please contact the front office. 

https://jpams.stpsb.org/progress/

Report cards are issued electronically through JPAMs to all students one week following the end of the 9 weeks period. Dates are posted on the district calendar.

Parent conferences are strongly encouraged for students in all grades. The most advantageous conference is one in which a team approach is utilized.

•  Parents can contact their child’s teacher to set up a conference.
•  Teachers must be given at least a two-day notice before a conference.
•  If a conference needs to be rescheduled, then please do so in a timely manner.

A computerized system is used to issue books to students. Student use of textbooks carries with it the basic responsibility of proper use and good care.

● If a book is damaged beyond use or it is not returned, then the student must make payment at the original cost.

● Students are expected to bring their books to class each day.

● Each child is responsible for the books issued to him/her.

All students will receive a Chromebook once the agreement is signed and returned. Chromebook Use Agreements will be posted on the school website. Insurance can be purchased on My Payments Plus. Students are responsible for bringing their Chromebook to and from school and charge them nightly at home. Misuse of Chromebooks may result in disciplinary action.

If students are quarantined, they are expected to participate in Google Meet and complete daily assignments in Google Classroom. It is their responsibility to log in and participate daily. Participation is only allowed through STPSB accounts; no personal accounts are allowed. 

Before Beginning Google Meet Streams:

• Make sure you are sitting at a designated well-lit workspace. 
• Workspace should be free of distractions.
• Make sure you have pen and paper to take notes.
• Mute the device by clicking the microphone button.
• Be engaged.

During Virtual Instruction:

• Refrain from eating or drinking due to the use of the electronic device.
• Make sure no music or loud noises can be heard.
• Students should be clearly seen on the device. No other individuals or pets.
• Use of other electronic devices, filming, or posting of Google Meet to social media is prohibited.
• Unmute microphone when the teacher asks you to talk and mute again when done speaking.
• School rules and expectations still apply even though you are not in our school building.
• Do not share your screen unless instructed by the teacher.
• Do not use the chat feature for private and off-topic conversations.
• Uniforms are not required. (Must be school-appropriate attire)

Discipline Policy:

Normal behavior guidelines are extended into the virtual classroom.  Discipline policies will be followed for minor and major infractions. A teacher will exit a student from Google Meet due to not following the discipline policy and expectations.

Minor:

• Warning
• Administrative Detention
• Suspension

Major:

• Referrals sent to the office

* More information on the Virtual Instruction Student Conduct and Discipline Policy can be found on the STPSB webpage at https://stpsb.org/districthandbook/DistrictHandbook.pdf

School meals are free for all students during the 2026-27 school year through a program called the Community Eligibility Provision. Free and reduced meal applications do not need to be submitted.

Students may not bring sodas, energy drinks, or drinks with caffeine on campus.  
 

Should distance learning become necessary due to any foreseen circumstances, all communication will be via robocall as well as the school website.

The St. Tammany Parish School Board has adopted the following policy regarding overdue library materials and fines:

• At the elementary and junior high levels, five cents per day will be charged for regular overdue circulation materials up to the cost of the materials based on the current list price.
• Payment of damaged or lost materials shall be based on the current list price.
• If any student has overdue materials, then he/she may not check out additional materials from the library until the fine is paid and the materials are returned.
• Library check-out privileges will be restored when students have paid the fines, or returned the materials, or negotiated with the media director and/or principal as to reasons why the fine cannot be paid.

The STPSS is pleased to offer students instructional technology and Internet services. To use the STPSS instructional technology and internet services, the Student User Agreement should have been signed at the beginning of the first year the student entered in the school system and is valid until the student leaves the school system. If you wish to receive or review a copy of this agreement and list of student responsibilities, please contact the office at 641-8200.

•  Students who damage any school property or materials will be expected to pay for such damage.
•  If the administration determines that the damage was intentional, then disciplinary action may be taken.

To ensure a safe and secure environment on all campuses, School Board policy permits unannounced searches of students, employees and school visitors both during the school day and at school sponsored events.

Metal detector searches may be conducted by law enforcement, school personnel, or a combination of both. During screenings, individuals may be asked to walk through a metal detector while keeping items such as keys, phones, and wallets on their person. If the metal detector is activated, the individual will be asked to remove items and proceed through the detector a second time. Should the detector activate again, the individual will be directed to a secondary screening with a handheld security wand. If the handheld wand also activates, a law enforcement officer will perform an additional screening.

Following this process, and in the interest of school safety, individuals may be asked to leave School Board property at the discretion of law enforcement or school administrators.

Lockers are only assigned for:

•  Students who need a locker for a medical reason. Doctor’s note must be submitted to the office.
•  Students who participate in an afterschool activity that requires equipment storage.

Clearwood Junior High School reserves the right to inspect or search lockers and storage areas at any time for health and safety reasons.

The faculty and staff of Clearwood Junior High School believe firmly in the social development of each child; therefore, many activities are offered beyond the normal school academics. Students should consider joining one or more of these worthwhile activities. Most activities are designed for students in seventh and/or eighth grades only. Some of the activities include the following:     

• Student Council (Grades 7-8)
• Cheerleaders (Grades 6-8)
• Athletics (Grades 7-8)
• Beta Club (Grades 6-8)
• Board Game Club (Grades 4-8) 
• Cougar Council (Grades 4-6)
• Spirit Squad (Grades 4-6)
• Good News Club (Grades 4-6)  Note: This is not an activity of Clearwood Jr. High or the school system.

Specific school requirements for each activity (clubs and athletics) are kept on file. Participants must have proof of insurance for all school–sponsored clubs and athletic teams.

No student is to be in the hall without an official pass signed and dated by the issuing teacher.

All students, grades 4th-8th, are required to wear student IDs. They will be used for service in the cafeteria, library, and for access to St. Tammany Parish School Bus transportation. Student IDs also provide a measure of security and help identify students on our school campus. 

Students will receive an ID at the opening of school.

• If a student does not have his/her ID when they arrive to school, then he/she can do the following:

A.  Come to the table set up outside the cafeteria door and buy a Temporary ID for $1.00.
B.  If a student reaches a $3 temporary ID balance, then they will receive a 30-minute detention after school on the following Tuesday or Thursday.
C.  If given a detention, the student has until the morning of the assigned detention to remove their balance to the table outside of the cafeteria, and the detention will be removed.
D. If the balance is not received prior to 1st hour on the day of the assigned detention, the
detention stands. 

• If they cannot find their ID, then they will have to purchase a new ID for $5.00. 2nd replacement is $5.00. Third replacement is $10.00.
• IDs cannot be defaced in any manner. This includes, but is not limited to, placing stickers on the ID, marking out any part of the ID (words or picture) with pen or permanent marker.
•  IDs will be worn on either the collar of the student's uniform shirt or on an appropriate lanyard at all times on school campus. IDs must be worn on the outermost garment.
• If a student does not have his/her ID and fails to get one before 8:25, then he/she will report to the front office with a minor infraction form and will need to pay for a temporary ID as noted above. Failure to have an ID when school starts is a minor infraction and will be recorded with the office to follow minor infraction discipline policies.  
• If the ID is lost during the school day, then students will report to the front office to purchase a temporary one for $1.00.  
   

Students must be present for at least 3 hours of a school day in order to participate in or attend any school- sponsored function. This includes after school events also.

Students must be clear of all debts, fines, or fees on the school Owe-List and Mypaymentsplus. In order to purchase a ticket for events not sponsored by PTSA. Students who meet any of the following criteria will not be allowed to attend the next school dance, or possibly, other non-academic school functions. List starts over with the beginning of the new nine weeks, unless communicated since the beginning of the school year (i.e. 8th grade picnic. See 8th Grade Picnic Eligibility Letter sent home at the beginning of the year). 

• In-school support during the 9 weeks of the activity/event 

• Out of school suspension during the 9-week period of the activity 

• Exclusion 

• Recommendation for Expulsion 

• Not clear debts, fines, or fees on the school Owe-List and/or Mypaymentsplus.   

Parents are expected to pick up their children from all school events and athletic activities including practices promptly within 15 minutes of the ending time. Failure to do so may result in not being able to participate in future extracurricular events.  

Parents are expected to drop off and pick up their children within 15 minutes of the scheduled start and end times of a dance. Pickup follows morning car line procedures not the semi-circle bus loop. Students are required to have their student IDs to enter a dance.

•  Students must have a copy of a recent physical signed by a physician (valid for one calendar year) before tryouts.
•  Students must be under the age of fifteen years or have turned fifteen after September 1.
•  Students must have at least a 1.5 GPA and no more than one (1) F.
•  Students are expected to perform a battery of skills suitable for the sport for which they are trying out.
•  Students are expected to be at all tryouts with the exception of an excused absence.
•  In order to participate in athletics, students are required to have proof of insurance – either school or private. If the insurance is through a private agency, then the students must provide the name of the insurance company and the policy number.

Over the years, Clearwood Junior High has developed a reputation for academic achievement as well as for exceptionally well-behaved students.

•  Our philosophy of discipline is to provide as much positive reinforcement as possible to each child.
•  Develop Leadership traits through the 7 Habits from the Leader in Me.
•  Our student behavior management program is designed to deter negative behavior and to promote positive behavior.

Refer to the current edition of the St. Tammany Parish School Board’s Handbook on Attendance, Discipline, and Student Records for specific violations and types of disciplinary action taken for each category of offense.

We are a Leader in Me school. This evidenced-based model builds leadership and life skills, creates a high-trust culture, and lays the foundation for sustained achievement. An emphasis will be placed upon the 7 habits of Highly Effective People to include:

• Habit 1: Be Proactive (You're in Charge)
• Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind (Have a Plan)
• Habit 3: Put First Things First (Work First, Then Play)
• Habit 4: Think Win-Win (Everyone Can Win)
• Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood (Listen Before You Talk)
• Habit 6: Synergize (Together Is Better)
• Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw (Balance Feels Best)

Clearwood Junior High follows PAWS:

•  Practice a Positive Attitude
•  Act Responsibly
•  Work Together
•  Show Respect

COUGAR Boards (Leader in Me): Each class may have a COUGAR Board. Anytime the class is "caught" following PAWS or exhibiting the 7 traits of a leader, the teacher asks one member of the class to color in a square of the board. When at least one row or column is filled, the class earns a reward. 

The teachers of Clearwood Junior High, in order to teach unhindered by disruption, have the authority to discipline the students. Teachers will post in the classroom rules designed to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning. Students are expected to remain engaged in instruction and must refrain from disruptive or distracting activities, this includes bottle flipping, fidget spinners, noise makers, etc.
The following are consequences and/or interventions when students violate the rules of the classroom:

•  Warning
•  Phone Call
•  Loss of privileges
•  Seating changes
•  Being temporarily sent, with assignments, to another classroom.
•  Teacher detention not to exceed thirty minutes (unless authorized by the principal).
•  Referral (Prior to referral to office, the teacher will have contacted the parent regarding the issue.)
•  Serious infractions such as fighting, profanity, threats, use or possession of prohibited items, etc., will be handled by the administration.
•  Cumulative minor infractions can result in serious disciplinary action, including suspension.

The following guidelines will be adhered to in implementing the teacher discipline support plan:

•  All teachers will follow the Positive Behavior Support plan.
•  All students will be disciplined fairly and consistently.
•  The teacher is responsible for the first line of communication with the parent by phone, conference or email.
•  Non-compliance of a student with any step of the PBIS plan will automatically advance the student to the next step of the plan.

The administrator handling discipline will follow a stepped plan during the school year. (Note: Upon being referred by a teacher to the administrator, the student will have already been disciplined by the teacher unless a major offense occurs. See above in the teacher’s discipline plan.)

● 1st Offense: Warning

● 2nd Offense: Student reprimand, parent contact and/or conference, and/or possible detention;

● 3rd Offense: Student reprimand, parent contact and/or conference, and/or possible detention;

● 4th Offense: On the 4th minor infraction, teachers will submit a minor infraction form with parent contact dates with a referral to the office for administrative review which may result in discipline

● Major offenses shall be acted upon at once, and some form of suspension will be used.

If you have questions regarding the teacher discipline support plan or the administrative discipline support plan, please do not hesitate to contact administration.

Cell phones or other electronic devices (including eyeglasses, iPod, smartwatches, MP3 players, air pods, and earbuds) are not to be visible or in use. Please be advised, during state testing, students in possession of cell phones will have their test invalidated.

Any student seen using a cell phone (calling, texting, gaming, video, or pictures) or any other form of electronic device will have their device taken away and an appropriate consequence will be issued. A parent or guardian must come to school and request the device from an administrator. In some cases, depending on the use of the phone, further discipline may result. Cell phones or any electronic devices are not permitted in restrooms/locker rooms under any circumstances.

• If phone is in use:

1st offense: Admin Detention        2nd offense: Admin. Detention     3rd offense: 1-day ISS

• If phone is visible and not in use:

1st offense: Warning        2nd offense: Admin. Detention     3rd offense: 1-day ISS

Bullying is a form of aggression, and it occurs when a person(s) willfully subjects another person (victim) to an intentional, unwanted, and unprovoked, hurtful verbal and/or physical action(s) at any school site or school-sponsored activity or event.

Bullying may also occur as various forms of hazing, including initiation rites perpetuated against a student or member of a team.

Examples of types of bullying may include, but not limited to, the following:

• Physical bullying includes, but is not limited to punching, shoving, poking, strangling, hair pulling, beating, kicking, or excessive tickling.
• Verbal bullying includes, but is not limited to, such acts as malicious name calling, teasing, or gossip.
• Emotional (psychological) bullying includes, but is not limited to, rejecting, wronging, extorting, defaming, humiliating, black-mailing, diminishing personal characteristics (such as race, disability, ethnicity or perceived sexual orientation), manipulating friendships, isolating, or ostracizing.
• Sexual bullying includes, but is not limited to, many of the actions proceeding as well as exhibitionism, voyeurism, sexual propositioning, abuse involving actual physical contact, or sexual assault.
• Cyber-bullying includes web-based bullying or bullying using any form of electronic media. 

Personnel at all levels are responsible for taking corrective action to prevent bullying at any school sites or activities. Allegations of bullying will be promptly investigated, giving due regard to the need for confidentiality and the safety of the alleged victim and/or any individual(s) who reported incident(s) of bullying. An individual has the right to report an incident(s) of bullying without fear of reprisal or retaliation at any time. Retaliation is defined as meaning "to pay back (an injury) in kind." When a person is accused of having behaved in an inappropriate fashion, especially bullying, the common reaction of that person is to be angry and want to pay the "alleged victim" back (retaliate).  Retaliation must not occur and will not be tolerated. Proven allegations of bullying can have serious consequences for the person deemed guilty, including verbal and written reprimand, in-school or out-of-school suspension, disciplinary reassignment, and/or expulsion.

Victims of bullying have responsibilities. Victims should clearly tell the bullies to stop.  If bullying persists, then victims should not ignore the incident(s) but should report immediately the incident to someone at school. Students should tell their parent(s). If the bullying continues after having clearly told the bully or bullies to stop, then students should make a written record of the incident including dates, times, witness, or witnesses, and parties involved in the incident. The incident should be reported immediately to an adult who has authority over the bullies, for example, a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, or principal. Victims should avoid being alone with the person(s) who attempted to bully them in the past. Victims of bullying who feel uncomfortable reporting this fact to adult personnel at school should contact another appropriate adult or friend who will report on their behalf.

To minimize the risk of being accused of bullying, students should keep their hands to themselves, remember that no one has the right to harm another person in any way, think before speaking, immediately apologize for accidentally saying or doing anything that has made another person feel oppressed, and report all incidents of bullying behavior they have witnessed to appropriate school personnel. Students should not touch anyone without his or her permission. Students should not interact with a person after that person has perceived their behavior toward them as "inappropriate" and has clearly told them to "stop". Nor should they make remarks that may cause another person to feel "oppressed" (stressful, scared, and intimidated).

"The purpose of the St. Tammany Parish School Board is to provide public education for the school-aged children of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and School Board policy and will not be tolerated, condoned, or overlooked. The Board requests and encourages persons associated with the school system who believe there are acts of harassment to be reported to the school principal or designee."

"The Board through the school principal shall promptly, thoroughly, and fairly, investigate reports of sexual harassment and take appropriate action that is consistent with the results of the investigation and the legal requirements afforded by law. Inappropriate behavior will be handled according to the school's discipline procedures."

"The School System and Board will not tolerate retaliation by anyone associated with the School System against one who files a complaint of sexual harassment."

"Some acts of sexual harassment are considered criminal and are subject to prosecution. The Board and School System will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney in investigating and prosecuting such criminal offenses."

Reporting of incidents needs to be made to the Principal of your child's school. A copy of the policy is available in every school library.

Groups 1-5 in the District Student Handbook, lists acts of student misconduct that can be construed as illegal/criminal or that may seriously endanger the welfare of a child.   

Consistent with the provisions of state law and the Children’s Code relating to child abuse, events involving students may be reported to law enforcement and or the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). 

St. Tammany Parish Public Schools

Title I

Parents’ Right to Know
 PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES

PARENTS' RIGHT TO KNOW

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires school districts to inform parents and families about their right to receive information on the professional qualifications of their children's teachers.

Parents and families have the right to know:

• Whether all employed personnel have met state qualification and licensing criteria for their position they hold within the school
• If any personnel is employed under provisional status where state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived
• All college degrees and general areas of certification held by teachers, and qualifications of the paraprofessionals
• Whether their child receives services by paraprofessionals and their qualifications

Teacher Certification/Degree Information can be viewed at www.teachlouisiana.net

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES

St. Tammany Parish Public School System believes that Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) is important for children to achieve success. Parents and families are key partners with the schools. PFE includes programs, services, and activities at the school and district level.

 

District Responsibilities

• Involve families in developing and reviewing the district's PFE Plan
• Hold yearly Federal Programs, PFE Stakeholders’, and PFE activity planning meetings
• Support STPPS Title I schools in planning and carrying out their PFE activities
• Annually review and monitor PFE activities and school-wide programs outlined in the School Improvement Plans
• Provide a Title I PFE resource page and presentations for school personnel use
• Develop Title I PFE survey to evaluate PFE plans and use results to plan future PFE programs and adjust PFE policies and procedures

School Responsibilities

• Invite parents to a school meeting highlighting their school's educational programs, curriculum, and PFE opportunities
• Offer PFE activities at various times which support learning goals at home
• Involve parents in the planning, review, and implementation of PFE programs
• Provide parents with timely information about the school PFE policy
• Provide families with opportunities to volunteer, participate, and observe in the school and classroom
• Maintain 2-way communication with families
• Provide each student with the Compact for Student Success outlining responsibilities of students, parents, and teachers in the educational process
• Support all students in their effort to achieve success