Welcome to Portage Lakes Career Center

 

We believe your future in life is directly affected by your school experiences. It is essential that you prepare yourself in every way possible to have a successful future.

 

As a school, we have established expectations we believe are reasonable, fair, and allow you to pursue your future successes. This handbook outlines our guidelines and rules to prepare you for life beyond high school. We feel you will soon believe as we do, that Portage Lakes Career Center is a great place to be!

 

Expectations of PLCC Students

 

•     Be positive and believe in yourself.

•     Develop your individual potential.

•     Be on time.

•     Be prepared for class and have the proper materials.

•     Give your best effort every day.

•     Be courteous to staff and other students.

•     Respect school property and the belongings of others.

 

Schedule of Classes

 

Students will be given a schedule of classes during the first day of school. All schedule changes or requests to return to the participating school must be made on or before the 10th school day. Students will be required to spend five (5) school days at the Career Center before a change in placement will be

considered. After the 10th day of school, enrollment will be set for the school year. Returning to the

participating school at the end of the semester requires administrative approval from both the sending and receiving schools.

 

Daily Schedule:

 

7:45                             Warning Bell

 

7:49                             Tardy Bell

 

7:49-8:31                     First Period

 

8:34 - 9:14                   Second Period

 

9:17 - 9:57                   Third Period

 

10:00 - 10:40               Fourth Period

 

10:42 - 11:12               Fifth Period*

 

11:15 - 11:55               Sixth Period

 

11:58 - 12:30               Seventh Period

 

12:41 - 1:21                 Eighth Period

 

1:24 - 2:04                   Ninth Period

 

2:07 - 2:47                   Tenth Period

 

 

*Lunch is scheduled during fifth period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Graduation Requirements

 

Students enrolling as juniors should have completed the 9th and 10th grade requirements of their respective high schools. Any deficiency in these areas should be completed prior to attending Portage Lakes Career Center. Students may earn seven (7) credits each year they are enrolled at the Career Center. These credits may be distributed between career-technical and academic course work.

 

Any junior who fails either the lab or the related section of their career-technical program will not be permitted to go into the senior year of that class. Students  expelled from PLCC will be denied re- admission.

 

13th Year Program

 

Any senior student residing in Coventry, Green, Manchester or Springfield School Districts may return after graduation to complete the program on a tuition-free basis.

 

Career Passports

Career & Technical  Certificates

 

Career Passports will be issued to all students who pass their program/lab classes. The PLCC Career Passport includes the following:

•     A letter of endorsement by the Superintendent of PLCC

•     Personalized Resume

•     A list of those acquired competencies for the program of study

 

Career & Technical  Certificates will be issued (in addition to the Career Passport) only to those students who satisfy the following requirements for their career-tech program:

•     92% attendance – All absences are taken into account when determining this percentage

•     Satisfactory grades and skill achievement ("C" Average) in program/lab courses.

•     Passing grades in all academic classes

 

Please Note: All absences  are taken into account  when determining the attendance requirement to receive the Career and Technical Certificate.

 

 

 

Counseling/Job Placement Department  (Early Placement)

 

The Counseling Department  is available to help students throughout the school day with academic and personal concerns.

 

The Job Placement  Department  serves job-related needs of high school students and adult members of the community.

 

Job Placement - Philosophy

An important goal of career education is effective job placement to provide students with necessary practical and learning experiences in their field of study.  Internships, apprenticeships, and early job placements match students’ skills and career interests with employers’ needs.  An internship, an

apprenticeship, or a placement  is not mandatory; it is a privilege. A student may have his/her

internship, apprenticeship, or early job placement privileges revoked and be returned to the regular

school schedule at any time if it is determined by the Placement Coordinator and Program Instructor to be necessary.  Each internship, apprenticeship, or early job placement opportunity is earned by meeting and by continuing to uphold certain criteria.

 

Job Placement - Student Eligibility

An internship, apprenticeship, or placement is an opportunity for a student to obtain hands-on education and experience in a workplace which is directly related to his/her field of study. While we believe

internships, apprenticeships, and placements are a valuable experience for the student, it is up to the discretion of the student’s instructor to determine if a student is to be placed in an internship, an

apprenticeship, or a placement position and/or if a student will continue on in this position. It is the responsibility of the student to understand, to follow, and to adhere to the Internship, Apprenticeship, and Placement Policies and Procedures.  Further specific requirements and criteria for internships, apprenticeships, and placements may be obtained from the Placement Coordinator, but all students must meet the following general requirements to be eligible to participate in the School-to-Work Program at Portage Lakes Career Center:

•     Be a senior.

•     Have any fees paid or be on a payment plan with payments being current.

•     Have a signed parent permission form on file.

•     Be recommended by his/her program instructor.

•     Maintain a “C” average in the lab and related courses.

•     Maintain passing grades in all academic classes.

•     Have no more than seven (7) absences  in the previous school  semester (extenuating circumstances may warrant an attendance  contract).

•     Be employed in his/her field of study.

•     Dress appropriately for school and for work.

•     Provide his/her transportation to and from work.

•     Act appropriately. Students are a direct reflection of their instructor, program and school;

therefore, appropriate behavior is required.

•     Complete a weekly time sheet and turn it in to his/her program instructor on a designated day each week.  This is a MANDATORY requirement.  Failure to do this each week may result in the student’s removal from his/her position.

•     Absence from school will require absence from a student’s internship, apprenticeship, or placement position unless it is an approved appointment such as a doctor’s appointment, dentist visit, court appearance, etc.

•     If a student must miss internship, apprenticeship, or placement hours for any reason, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the employer in advance.

•     An interned, apprenticed, or placed student will be evaluated on his/her internship, apprenticeship, or placement performance.  This evaluation will directly affect the student’s lab grade for the grading period.

•    Failure to meet and maintain the above criteria may constitute reasons for revoking the internship, apprenticeship, or placement privilege.

 

 

 

Student  Youth Organizations

 

All students at Portage Lakes Career Center are required to become members of the corresponding career-technical youth clubs such as SkillsUSA, FCCLA, BPA, FFA, and DECA. These are local, state, and national organizations designed to assist young people in understanding the importance of cooperation, leadership, and accepting responsibility as part of their personal growth and development.

 

The Principals Award of Excellence

 

This honor may be awarded to those seniors who have completed their chosen technical program of study and have fulfilled the following eligibility requirements:

 

1.   Hold a 95% Attendance rate for both 11th and 12th grade years.

2.   Earned an “A” average in lab courses for all program and program related coursework.

3.   Exhibited exemplary citizenship.

 

Those students who are selected to receive this award will have an honorary seal affixed to their Career and Technical Certificate of Completion. In addition, a letter of commendation will be placed in their Career Passport.

National Technical  Honor Society

 

The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is a national organization established by the National Association of Secondary Principals to recognize students who have excelled in a technical program of study. To be considered for membership in NTHS, students must meet the following criteria on the date of application.

 

1.   12th Grade Candidates must have an average of a 3.6 GPA for the previous 3 semesters

(adjustments of GPA will be considered for advanced placement courses).

 

11th Grade Candidates must have earned a 3.6 GPA for the first semester of the current academic year as well as possess a cumulative GPA of 3.00 for 9th and 10th grade.

 

2.   11th grade Candidates must have an attendance rate of no less than 92% attendance by the date of application for the current academic year.

 

12th grade candidates must have an attendance rate of no less than 92% by the date of application for both the junior and current academic years.

 

3.   All Candidates must have the recommendation of a program teacher and two academic teachers.

 

4.   All Candidates must demonstrate the ability to utilize technology, possess strong leadership skills, and have a commitment to community service.

 

5.   Candidates must have passed all parts of the OGT.

 

6.   Candidates must have obtained program certification if applicable.

 

7.   A student’s eligibility may be revoked due to increased absences and/or disciplinary action for violation of the student code of conduct.

 

Report Cards and Progress  Reports

 

There are four grading periods, which last nine weeks each. Report cards will be mailed no later than the

Friday following the end of a nine-week grading period.

 

Grades earned at school are based on the following grading  scale:

 

92-100 or 3.51 - 4.00 = A (4 quality points)

 

83-91 or 2.51 - 3.50  = B (3 quality points)

 

74-82 or 1.51 - 2.50  = C (2 quality points)

 

65-73 or 0.51 - 1.50  = D (1 quality point)

 

0.00 - 0.50 = F (0 quality points)

 

Students must have two passing nine-week grades, one of them in the second semester, in order to pass a full-year course. Failure to complete the requirements of a course will result in a final grade of “F” with loss of credit, regardless of previous grades. Students who receive an "incomplete" during any grading period have two weeks to complete the work necessary to earn a letter grade. Work not done in this timeframe will result in an “F” for the incomplete assignments. A final grade will be calculated using all grades earned during the grading period, including F’s for incomplete work.

 

Withholding of Credit

 

All assignments (including final exams) must be completed before credit is earned. Credits  for the year may be withheld from students who have more than 18 total absences. School Fees must be paid in full before credit is granted.

Attendance

 

Consistent attendance at school and work is necessary to be successful in life. It is to the student’s

benefit to be on time and prepared for each school assignment. Parents or guardians should call the high school office before 8:00 a.m. to report their son or daughter absent. If parents or guardians do not call the school, the office will contact them to verify the absence.  Written  excuses must be presented  the

day the student  returns  to school  for an absence to be considered excused.

 

The Board of Education considers only five excuses for student absence from school. They are: (1) Illness  of the student,  (2) Recovery from an accident,  (3) A death in the immediate  family, (4) Required court appearance, and (5) Observation of a bonafide  religious holiday.  Absence for reasons other than those stated shall be considered unexcused.

 

Students signing in after 9:15 a.m. will be counted as 1/2 day absent, students signing out before 1:30 p.m. will be counted as 1/2 day absent.  Absence from half or more of a class period will be considered a full absence from that period class. Absence from half or more of program/lab time will be considered a full absence from that program/lab for that day. Students who are absent from individual classes more than 7 times per grading period will receive an "F" for that grading period in that class. Exceptions include on-line courses offered by PLCC and extenuating circumstances cleared by the principal and associate principal.  Documentation of a continuing medical condition, a court appearance, or death in the student's immediate family are the only circumstances that will be considered. Credits for the year may be withheld from students who have more than 18 total absences. Please Note: All Absences are taken into account when determining the attendance requirement for receiving the Career and Technical Certificate.

 

Requests for Assignments during  Absence

 

A request may be made for assignments for students who are absent 3 or more consecutive days. Requests should be made through the guidance office.

 

Students are permitted to make up work missed during excused absences. All assignments made prior to the absence are due the first day the student  returns  to school.  Assignments made during the absence must be completed in the number of days the student was absent plus one (i.e. 3 days out = 4 school days to make up work).

 

Due to the nature of lab activities and the structure of the school day, it’s not always possible to make up lab assignments.

 

Vacation Request

 

Vacations during the school year require approval from the principal's office. Students are required to have each teacher sign a “Vacation Form”.  This process must occur one week prior  to leaving, affording the teacher the opportunity to give whatever assignments the student must have completed prior to or after the absence. The time limit to make up all work, tests or quizzes is 3 days. Vacations are limited to 5 school days per year. Vacation days that do not comply with the above guidelines will be considered unexcused absences.  Vacation requests  will not be approved  for the week before the end of the first semester and the week before the end of the school  year.

 

Vacation days will be included in the 7-day limit per grading period  as described in the student handbook.  This vacation  applies to PLCC classes only. Please Note: All absences are taken into account when determining the attendance requirement for PLCC’s Career and Technical Certificate.

Leaving School  During the Day

 

Once on school property, the student is under the jurisdiction of the school until the end of the school day. No student  shall leave the building/grounds at any time during the day without permission from the principal. Students leaving the school grounds without permission will be considered truant during that period of time.

 

Students who become ill during the school day must check with their teacher before reporting to the office. The office will notify the parents and the student's instructor if he or she is to be sent home.

 

A note from home is necessary in order for a student to leave school. Notes must be left at the attendance desk prior to the start of the school day. All students must sign out in the office before leaving school property.

 

All students leaving during  the school  day for a doctor/dentist/orthodontist appointment or for a court appearance must present a statement  verifying their appointment to the attendance  office on the day following their appointment. The amount of time a student  may be absent for an appointment will be based on actual time of the appointment plus reasonable  travel time. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in an unexcused absence.

 

Lockers

 

Lockers will be assigned to each student.  Students are expected to keep them neat and clean at all

times.  Lockers are the property of the Board of Education and may be inspected by administrators at any time. Lockers in the lab setting must have combination locks (provided by the student) and the lab

teacher must have the combination to the lock.

 

Driving  and Parking Lot Regulations

 

Portage Lakes Career Center administration urges students, whenever possible, to use transportation provided by their participating school. However, if it is necessary for a student to drive, a driving permit must be purchased with a written consent of a parent/guardian. The permit must be displayed on the inside mirror of the vehicle. Failure to purchase a permit will result in loss of driving privileges. Students must exit their car immediately upon parking and enter the building. Students may not enter their car again until the school day ends. Students found loitering in their cars risk a suspension of their driving privilege as well as other disciplinary action.  The maximum  speed limit on school  property is 15 miles per hour. Speeding and careless driving will not be tolerated  on school  grounds and will result in possible loss of driving privileges. Students  failing to comply  with these rules will be disciplined following the guidelines of the “Failure to Comply with School Rules” section of this handbook.

 

Student  Interviews

 

Students may not be interviewed by a person other than an employee of the Board of Education during school hours except with the approval of the principal, who will grant such approval only when the interview is in the best interest of the student or in the interest of justice.

 

Emergency  Medical Forms

 

The State of Ohio requires that each student turn in a medical or health form for school use in case emergency medical treatment is needed. The forms are distributed to students at the beginning of the school year and are to be returned during the first week of school.   They are required for lab participation, all field trips, and other out-of-school activities. Students will not be allowed to participate in lab and class, after the first week of classes, until the form is completed and returned to the school.

Student  Medication

 

According to state law, if a student needs to take any form of medication at school, a parental/physician request for administering medication must be presented to the office. All medication will be stored in and dispensed through the office. Permission forms may be obtained from the secondary office. Under no circumstance will a student be given permission to leave school to take medication and return.

 

School  Insurance

 

At the beginning of each school year, forms are made available for all students who wish to purchase insurance.

 

Emergency  or Inclement  Weather Closings

 

It will be the policy of the Career Center to remain open as long as Green Local School District is in operation unless school is closed by the PLCC Superintendent as deemed necessary. In the event that your local school district is closed and the Career Center is open, the parent or guardian will have the final decision regarding student attendance.  In the event that PLCC cancels classes, an announcement will be made on the following radio and television stations: WAKR, WONE, WQMX, AM1100, FM105.7,

99.5, 103.3, 106.5, television stations:  3, 5, 8, 19, and 43. In addition, PLCC sends a phone call to each student’s residence via the Parent Broadcast System.

 

 

PLCC Two-Hour Delay Schedule

Busses arrive by 9:45 am

 

1st period         9:47 – 10:14

2nd perios         10:17 – 10:42

3rd period         10:45 – 11:10

4th period         11:13 – 11:38

Lunch bus run departs to home schools at 11:30

5th period         (lunch) 11:41 – 12:12

6th period         12:15 – 12:40

7th period         12:43 – 1:08

8th period         1:11 – 1:36

9th period         1:39 – 2:04

PM bus departs to home school at daily time after 2:04

10th period       2:07 – 2:47

 

Juniors with “lab only” attend 9:47 – 11:38

Seniors with “lab only” attend 12:15 – 2:04

 

Video Surveillance Cameras

 

In order to maintain a safe learning climate, Portage Lakes Career Center uses video surveillance cameras. Personal information and activities recorded are collected and may be disclosed for law enforcement purposes.

 

Visitors

 

All visitors must have a permit  from the reception area and must wear a name tag for identification purposes. Parents are welcome to visit the school, but must report to reception upon arrival. Parents desiring a teacher conference must telephone for an appointment to avoid periods of waiting or class interruptions. Children of preschool age or younger may not visit the school when it is in session.

Students from other schools will not be issued a pass unless it is for an official student visitation day. Students interested in enrolling in a career-technical program should arrange a visit through the admissions office.

Field Trips, Competitions & Extra-Curricular Events

 

The Portage Lakes Career Center Student Code of Conduct  is applicable to and enforced  at all school  related activities for all participants, including guests.

 

Educational field trips and competitions are planned at various times during the school year. Students are not permitted to participate in any field trips or competitions unless they have specific written permission from their parents or guardians. Students who have accrued a number of violations of the student code of conduct and/or have received an Out-of-School Suspension (administered by either the career center or home school district) while enrolled at PLCC may be precluded from participating in competitions and/or field trips in which PLCC is represented.

 

A student may bring a guest to some extra-curricular events (i.e. Prom). Only one guest per student is permitted. Guests must be of or between the ages of 15 to 22. In such instances, a guest registration form must be completed and submitted to the Associate Principal for approval prior to purchasing a ticket for a guest who is not enrolled as a student with Portage Lakes Career Center. Once approved, the form will be returned to the PLCC student and admission may then be purchased. A copy of the guest’s photo identification (driver’s license/school ID/state ID) must be submitted with the registration form. Guests must also present a form of photo identification upon entry to the event.

 

Students  expelled/withdrawn from PLCC due to disciplinary reasons cannot  attend any PLCC

sponsored events or activities.

 

Work Permits

 

Persons less than eighteen years of age are required by state law to have a work permit for certain types of work. These permits are available in the attendance office.

 

Fees

 

Fees will vary according to the career-technical program. In classes where tool kits, supplies, safety glasses and/or uniforms are required, the student is responsible for the cost of such items. If the student owns tools, they should be brought in for the instructor's evaluation.

 

When financially necessary, individual payment plans can be arranged through the treasurer's office. No student will be denied enrollment in the program because of inability to pay.

 

FEES MUST BE PAID BEFORE CLASS/COURSE CREDIT WILL BE GRANTED/RELEASED.

 

Pictures

 

School pictures are taken in the fall of the year. State laws require that every student be photographed for school records. All students must pose for a photograph even if pictures are not purchased.

 

Personal  Property

 

Portage Lakes Career Center assumes no responsibility for personal items that are lost/stolen on campus, including vehicles.

 

Non-Discrimination Policy

 

The Portage Lakes Joint Vocational School District is an equal opportunity educational institution. Employment and educational programs are offered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, military status, ancestry or age. The district prohibits harassment of individuals in any form. Concerns  of possible discrimination or harassment should  be referred to Mr. Michael W. Kaschak, Compliance Coordinator, at (330) 896-8200.

Harassment/Bullying/Cyber Bullying/ Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior

 

Board of Education policy specifies that harassment, intimidation, or bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited. The policy applies to all activities in the district, including activities on school property, while en route to or from school, and off school property at school-related events and activities.

 

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying behavior by any student in the Portage Lakes Joint Vocational School District is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school.  “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying”, in accordance with R.C. 3313.666 means any intentional written, verbal, graphic or physical act including electronically transmitted acts i.e., Internet, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or wireless hand-held device, either overt or covert, by a student or group of students toward other students, including violence within a dating relationship, with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure, threaten, ridicule, or humiliate. Such behaviors are prohibited on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school provided transportation, or at any official school bus stop that a reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of:

 

A.  Causing mental or physical harm to the other students including placing an individual in reasonable fear of physical harm and/or damaging of students’ personal property; and,

 

B. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other students.

 

FERPA

 

The school district follows the guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

regarding all student records.

 

Parents who do not want directory information for their child released to colleges, universities and military recruiters should contact the guidance office.

 

Security  Provisions for State Standardized Tests

 

A copy of the security provisions for State Standardized Tests may be obtained from the principal.

 

Hall Passes

 

Students are not to be in the hall at any time during a class period unless they have a pass from a

teacher indicating the time of departure and the point of destination. Students are not to be excused from class except in emergencies. Students failing to comply with these rules will be disciplined following the guidelines of the “Failure to Comply with School Rules” section of the student code of conduct.

 

Telephones

 

Students may request permission to use the office phone in the event of an emergency or a reason deemed appropriate by school personnel. There is a 3-minute limit to ensure equal opportunity for all students. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action. Classroom/lab telephones are not to be used by students. Students are permitted to bring cell phones into the building, but use of these devices is prohibited (please see the student code of conduct: #24).

Lab Policies  (Safety & Dress)

 

For health and safety precautions, students may be required to wear a uniform and/or other protective clothing in the lab area. This includes apparel such as safety shoes, safety glasses, coveralls, uniforms, etc. Students are expected to observe all safety guidelines of the lab; horseplay will not be tolerated. Students without proper work clothing, safety equipment, and tools will not be permitted to participate in lab activities and will be subject to loss of credit and disciplinary action. Students who fail to follow the safety guidelines and procedures of the lab are also subject to loosing credit and disciplinary action.

 

Beverages and Food/Lunch

 

Students are not permitted to bring unsealed soft drink or beverage containers into the school. Beverages brought in for lunch must be sealed.  Consumption of food and drink is confined to the cafeteria during lunch period only. Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom and lab areas at any time. Students are not permitted to leave the premises at lunch. Students are not permitted to call out for commercial lunches. Visitors are not permitted at lunch.

 

Students  failing to comply  with these rules will be disciplined following the guidelines of the

“Failure to Comply with School Rules” section  of this handbook.

 

Age of Majority  Policy

 

While PLCC recognizes that all persons of majority age (18 years or more) are considered an adult for all legal purposes, it is PLCC’s policy that all students, regardless of age, will be required to follow and abide by all school rules, procedures, and policies. Students no longer financially dependent upon their parents, no longer living at home, and eighteen (18) years old must meet with the principal and associate principal to complete an Independent Student Form/Checklist before assuming sole responsibility for their education.

 

On-Line Options

 

Portage Lakes Career Center offers on-line courses during 5th period (10:42-11:12) and 10th period (2:07-

2:47pm).  Students enrolled in PLCC’s on-line option can earn up to one credit per academic  year. The on-line option is a scheduled course during the school day; students are required to attend daily class time and follow  the student  code of conduct. Students enrolled in on-line options can only attempt a

half credit of on-line credit at a time. A PLCC instructor monitors both student progress and attendance. In

addition, an on-line instructor provides instructional assignments, activities, and assessments. Students who are absent from school  more than 14 times during  the semester will receive an "F" for their on-line course(s).  Exceptions include  extenuating circumstances cleared by the principal and associate  principal.

 

PLCC’s on-line options are self-paced. In addition to attending the scheduled class time, students enrolled in the on-line option may choose to complete coursework beyond the school day. If a student completes the on-line option before the end of the semester, that student will no longer be required to attend the scheduled class time during the school day. In Addition, if a student finishes a half credit during a semester and would like to complete a second half-credit during the same semester, the student may elect to do so. Students  enrolled  in the on-line option  are expected to have their work and assignments completed by the end of the semester in which they are completing the coursework. If a student  fails to meet this requirement he/she will be withdrawn from the on-line course and

will not receive credit.

 

All credits  for On-line courses  will be awarded at the end of the academic year in which the coursework is completed. In addition, if a student  fails an on-line course and/or fails to complete the course(s)  by the end of the semester, the student  will not be able to re-take the course via PLCC’s on-line options. For some courses, the on-line instructor may require the student to provide a physical activity log. The student is expected to complete those activities during the assigned class period. The student will need to make arrangements with both the PLCC monitor and Associate Principal to fulfill this requirement.

Portage Lakes Career Center

Student Code of Conduct

 

School  Discipline

 

An orderly, safe environment is essential for students to receive an appropriate education. The school believes that the majority of students will act in a responsible manner at all times. Students will be dealt with respectfully and will be expected to act in the same manner.

 

In an attempt to form a team effort with discipline problems, the Career Center will make every effort to notify parents of problems at school. The Career Center believes that parents and school working together is the best way to solve discipline problems. Disciplinary procedures may vary from a verbal warning to expulsion from school. These rules apply to students during the regular school day and at all school activities. As a general rule, the listed infractions will result in the stated consequences.

 

Respect for law and for those persons in authority shall be expected of all students. This includes conformity to district rules as well as general provisions of law affecting students. Respect for the rights of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship shall also be expected of all students of the District. The Board has zero tolerance  for violent,  disruptive, inappropriate behavior, including excessive  truancy  by its students.

 

Due Process

 

A hearing to determine the guilt of a pupil is not constitutionally necessary, and usually the questions will be whether the preponderance of evidence indicates the student performed the act of which he/she was accused and what penalty should be applied. The procedure mandated is (1) written notice of the charge, and (2) an informal hearing to explain the evidence against the pupil and opportunity for him to tell his/her side of the story. “Reasonableness” is indicated by the administrator basing his/her decision on a preponderance of evidence relating to the incident in question. Students  have the right to appeal Out- of-School Suspension/Expulsion decisions to the Board of Education or their designee. Students may be represented in the appeal by a representative of their choosing. Please notify  the building Principal if an appeal hearing is desired.  Students  remain suspended during  the appeals process.

 

Definitions

 

In-School Intervention (ISI)

In-school Intervention means the student will be assigned to the ISI room for all or a portion of the school day. Students that are late to their ISI assignment will make-up any time missed. Students serving ISI are

marked in attendance for the school day. The student may make up the work missed in their classes with the exception of lab activities. Students are required to satisfactorily complete both teacher and

supplemental intervention materials. Students assigned to ISI may not participate in any events on any

day they are assigned. Students  removed from ISI for any reason will be assigned  Out-of-School

Suspension and will serve the full ISI assignment upon their return.

 

Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)

Out-of-school suspension means the student may not come to school, attend classes, or any school events. The student is not permitted to make-up any missed assignments or tests. The suspension

begins on the date designated by the administrator and ends the morning of the student’s return. Students remain suspended throughout an appeals process. Being on school property and/or attending a

school sponsored function (PLCC or home district) while suspended will result in additional suspension days (OSS), plus notification to the Summit County Sheriff’s Department for trespassing. If a snow day

occurs during a student’s suspension, that day does not count as a day served. Students who have

received an Out-of-school Suspension (administered by either the career center or home school district) while enrolled at PLCC will not be permitted to attend competitions and/or field trips in which PLCC is represented. More than 10 consecutive days of OSS is considered an expulsion and can only be administered by the superintendent.

#1 Tardy to School & Class:

 

At PLCC, we set standards that are expected in the work place. One of the most important work place ethics emphasized is being on time. All students are expected to be in lab or their academic classes on time.

 

Tardy to School

Students arriving late for school must sign in at the reception area. Students signing in before 9:15 a.m. will be counted tardy. Students accumulating three (3) or more tardies in one grading period will be subject to the following disciplinary actions:

 

3 Tardies:        Before/After-School Detention  for a ½ hour on the following day.

5 Tardies:        ½ day In-school Intervention (ISI)

7 Tardies:        1 day In-school Intervention (ISI)

9 Tardies:        2 days In-school Intervention (ISI)

 

Tardies exceeding 9 days in a grading period may result in Out-Of-School Suspension.

 

An afternoon “lab only” student must sign-in at the reception area upon arrival by 11:20pm. After 11:20pm the student will be marked tardy and the above disciplinary guidelines will be followed.

 

Tardy to Class

The first incident of an excused tardy to class will result in a warning administered by the instructor. A

second tardy to class will result in a detention assigned by the instructor. A third tardy will result in an additional detention. A fourth tardy to class will result in an office referral with discipline following the guidelines of the “Failure to Comply with School Rules” section of the student code of conduct.

 

#2 Truancy (School/Class)/Away from Assigned Area:

 

1st Offense:      ½ day In-school Intervention (ISI)

2ndOffense:      1 day In-school Intervention (ISI)

3rd Offense:      2 days In-school Intervention (ISI)

4th Offense:      3 days In-school Intervention (ISI)

5th Offense:      Up to 3 days OSS

 

Pursuant to legislation, Senate Bill 181, effective September 4, 2000, a child absent for 7 consecutive days without excuse, 10 days in one month, or 15 days in a year, is considered a “chronic truant.” A chronically truant child may be found delinquent, subject to Juvenile Court intervention. Students declared truant will not be permitted to make up work. Leaving school without proper authorization during the day, including during lunch period, will be considered truancy.

 

#3 Possession of Dangerous  Weapons or Look-A-Like Weapons:

 

10 days OSS & recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion

 

Notification to a law enforcement agency will be made for the above offenses.

 

#4 Physical  Attack:

 

1st Offense:      Up to 10 days OSS

& possible recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion

 

2ndOffense:      Up to 10 days OSS

& recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion

 

Physical attack of a staff member will result in an automatic 10 days OSS and recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion. Notification to a law enforcement agency will be made for the above offenses.

#5 Fighting:

 

1st Offense:      Up to 10 days OSS

& possible recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion

 

2ndOffense:      Up to 10 days OSS

& recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion

 

Notification to a law enforcement agency will be made for the above offenses.

 

#6 Firearm or Knife:

 

10 days OSS & recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion

 

Notification to a law enforcement agency will be made for the above offenses.

 

Unless a student  is permanently excluded  from school,  the superintendent shall expel a student from school  for a period of one (1) year for bringing/possessing a firearm or knife to a school building or on to any other property (including a school  vehicle) owned, controlled or operated by the Board, to an interscholastic competition, an extra-curricular event, or to any other school program or activity that is not located in a school  or on property that is owned or controlled by the Board, except that the superintendent may reduce  this period  on a case-by-case  basis in accordance with this policy.  The expulsion may extend, as necessary,  into the school  year following the school  year in which the incident that gives rise to the expulsion takes place. The superintendent shall refer any student  expelled  for bringing a firearm  [as defined in 18 U.S.C.

921(a)(3)] or weapon to school  to the criminal justice or juvenile  delinquency system serving the

District.

 

A firearm is defined as any weapon, including a starter gun, which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any firearm muffler or silencer, or any destructive device. A destructive device includes, but is not limited to any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four (4) ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or other similar device.

 

A knife is defined as any weapon or cutting instrument consisting of a blade fastened to a handle; a razor blade; or any similar device (including sharp, metal martial arts weapons such as ninja throwing stars) that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury.

 

#7 False Fire Alarms, Setting  or Attempting to Set Fires:

 

10 days OSS & recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion

 

A student shall not sound a false fire alarm nor set or attempt to set a fire on any school property. Such actions will result in a 10 day OSS. A recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion will be made, and the police or other law enforcement agency will be notified.

 

 #8 Use of Profane/Vulgar or Abusive  Language/Gestures:

 

1st Offense:      Up to 3 days OSS

2nd  Offense:     Up to 5 days OSS

3rd Offense:      Up to 7 days OSS

 

Obscene/sexual as well as racially/culturally offensive language/phrases/images/advertisements -stated or implied- (including key chains, lanyards, flags, belt buckles, and bumper stickers on vehicles, etc) are not permitted.

 

Profane or abusive language/gestures directed at a staff member will result in up to 10 days OSS and possible recommendation to the superintendent for expulsion.