Welcome to B.M.C. Durfee High School of Fall River

Tardiness Policy

Students reporting to school after homeroom must report directly to their respective grade office.

Grade 9 - Room # 300
Grade 10 - Room # 400
Grade 11 - Room # 324
Grade 12 - Room # 289

Those failing to report will be assigned a Saturday School and/or an In-School Suspension. On the third unexcused tardy and each subsequent unexcused tardy for the term, the student will be assigned to Saturday School.

IMPORTANT NOTE : Chronic attendance issues will be referred to the Supervisor of Attendance for appropriate consequences up to and including legal action.

Attendance Policy

The faculty and administration of B.M.C. Durfee High School are committed to offering a quality education to their students. School attendance is crucial to learning and will be closely monitored. Classroom participation and student/teacher interaction are fundamentally important reasons for good school attendance. Therefore, the following policies have been adopted to maximize student attendance in school and in class: The only acceptable reasons for being absent from school are those caused by personal illness, death in the family, religious holidays, court appearances and college interviews. Parents who plan to take their child/children out of school for unapproved reasons should understand that teachers are not required to provide school work or to be involved in make-up work when the student returns. Parents should consult with the appropriate administrators and teachers before taking their child/children out of school for unapproved reasons.

• Students who are absent (excused or unexcused) from a class ten times or more in a semester or twenty times or more in a full year course may lose one half of the credit for that course. Three unexcused tardies to a class are equivalent to one absence. Students may still earn a grade for the course but teachers will indicate a credit reduction when semester grades are posted.
• On the third unexcused absence from a course, class cut, students may lose half of the credit for that course. Students may still earn a grade for that course but teachers will indicate the credit reduction when semester grades are reported.
• Parents will be alerted to the danger of credit reduction through progress reports and telephone calls by the classroom teacher and or Grade Administrator.
• An appeal process for the attendance credit reduction shall consist of a written notification to the vice-principal. This appeal must come within 10 days of the distribution of report cards.
• Leaving school without permission is deemed truant from school. All students must attend the entire school day (until 2:30 p.m.). Exceptions are students who are involved in approved academic programs.
• Students attending field trips are responsible for notifying their teachers in advance and are required

Attendance Procedures
Calling in an Absence/Tardiness
Parents/guardians must call the grade office to register the reason for a student’s absence/tardiness. Listed below are the phone numbers to contact in the respective Grade Offices:

Grade 9 (508) 675-8170
Grade 10 (508) 675-8161
Grade 11 (508) 675-8175
Grade 12 (508) 675-8136

If the parent/guardian does not notify the office by 7:25 a.m. the following day, the student will be deemed truant or tardy unexcused and receive the appropriate consequences. The responsibility for communicating the absence/tardiness is that of the parent/guardian and student. Calls may be recorded at any time of the day. Students being called in absent and/or tardy on a regular basis will be required to provide documentation.
Note: When a student is truant or has an unexcused absence, the administration will contact the parent/guardian and the student will be assigned to Saturday School.

Dismissals from School
When a student wishes to be dismissed from school, he/she must do the following:

• The parent/guardian must communicate the nature of the dismissal to the appropriate grade office by 7:45 a.m.
• The student will obtain a dismissal slip from the grade office and must be prepared to present this slip upon leaving the building at the designated time.
• Dismissals for medical reasons must be cleared through the nurse who will contact a parent/guardian.
• Students being dismissed for any approved appointment must return with documentation from that
  appointment. (i.e. a note with the doctors letter head stating the date and time of the appointment)

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Homework Policy

Homework refers to work assigned by a teacher to be completed outside of class time.

Homework serves many purposes:

• improves academic performance
• helps students organize time
• helps students set priorities
• extends learning and critical thinking beyond the school day
• develops individual responsibility, decision making skills, and independence
• provides additional time for the application of new skills
• keeps parents involved and informed about curriculum and skills being taught
• enhances grades

A reasonable guide for student homework assignments is a minimum of 2 ½ - 3 hours per night. Since the effectiveness of these guidelines depends upon the cooperation of al concerned, the following responsibilities are stated:

Students will:

• Record assignments daily in a notebook or other assignment book
• Gather materials necessary for the completion of the assignment
• Ask for clarification or help prior to the due date if an assignment is not understood
• Complete assignments on time
  Plan adequate time for long term assignments
• Establish a homework partner in each class/course to gather assignments when absent from school
• Be prepared to attend homework club if assignments are not completed

Teachers will:

• Provide a thorough explanation of how to complete an assignment
• Comment upon, grade, or otherwise acknowledge in some way each assignment
• Vary the types of assignments given
• Ensure that the homework assignments are meaningful and relevant to the learning objectives and
  curriculum
• Plan the assignment of homework to avoid over-load
• Provide ample time for long term assignments throughout the school year
• Communicate consequences for completing or not completing to students and parents through
  expectation sheets at the start of the semester
• Refer students not completing assignments to the homework club

Parents will:

• Establish homework as a priority
• Communicate with the classroom teacher if there is a question regarding assignments
• Foster pride in completed tasks
• Provide access to a quiet place, time, and materials to complete assignments
• Encourage consistent daily routine
• If student says that assignments are completed, see that time is devoted to reading, reviewing, or
  other academic pursuits

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Discipline Code

To promote and maintain an atmosphere conducive to the learning process, it is necessary to establish a code of responsibility which is based upon the desire to protect a student's rights. The Durfee educational community believes that a student has the right to learn in an atmosphere which is free from fear and which promotes human dignity and respect.

STUDENT CODE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Each student has the responsibility to:
a) Comply with the established rules and regulations of the school as properly implemented and enforced by members of the faculty, staff, and administration;
b) Report promptly to, and attend to, all assignments which are routinely scheduled or duly modified and directed by authorized school personnel;
c) Comply with the use of all school documents, forms, slips, and passes in such a way that they are not altered, removed, tampered with, or misused.
d) Refrain from the use of and/or possession of alcohol, drugs, and substances which could be regarded as contraband while on school property or while attending school functions;
e) Use all school property and equipment properly. He or she is expected to meet all financial obligations to the school by returning to the school all texts or materials or the monetary value thereof; failure to meet such obligations will result in the withholding of the diploma, pending legal action or the satisfaction of obligations. Furthermore, in order to preserve the school for the benefit and enjoyment of all, each student must refrain from littering, defacing, or vandalizing;
f) Respect the rights and property of all other members of the school community. In cases where student behavior is unacceptable and interfere with academic and disciplinary standards, the following discipline code will be used.

ARTICLE I: UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE FROM CLASS (CUT)
a)1st--4th unauthorized absences: Parents will be notified. An in-school parental conference may be held with the vice principal or his or her designee (referral to a school counselor, if appropriate) and assigned detention.
b) 5th--8th unauthorized absences: Referral to Interim Alternative Education (IAES)
c) 9th+: Out of School Suspension for a maximum of three days.
-There will be no make-up work allowed for unauthorized absence from school.
-The offenses listed above are subject to disciplinary action from a minimum penalty of a verbal reprimand, detention, assignment to Saturday School, referral to IAES, to a maximum penalty of out of school suspension, based upon both the evidence and severity of the offense.

ARTICLE II: UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL (TRUANCY)
a)1st--4th unauthorized absences: Parents will be notified. An in-school parental conference may be held with the vice principal or his or her designee (referral to a school counselor, if appropriate) and assigned detention.
b) 5th--8th unauthorized absences: Referral to Interim Alternative Education (IAES)
c) 9th+: Out of School Suspension for a maximum of three days.
-There will be no make-up work allowed for unauthorized absence from school.
-The offenses listed above are subject to disciplinary action from a minimum penalty of a verbal reprimand, detention, assignment to Saturday School, referral to IAES, to a maximum penalty of out of school suspension, based upon both the evidence and severity of the offense.

ARTICLE III: TARDINESS TO CLASS
a. 1st: warning by teacher
b. 2nd: remain after school for teacher
c. 3rd: remain after school for teacher
d. 4th, and each thereafter for the term: Referral to detention, assignment to Saturday School, referral to IAES, to a maximum penalty of out of school suspension, based upon the evidence and severity of the offense.

ARTICLE IV
The offenses listed below are subject to disciplinary action from a minimum penalty of detention, or referral to Saturday School, to a maximum penalty of a five-day suspension based upon the evidence presented and the severity of the offense.
a. Behavior which interferes with the learning process.
b. Failure to report after school.
c. Misuse of school documents and/or equipment (restitution shall be made).
d. Defiance
e. Refusal to identify to school personnel.
f. Wearing a hat or other form of headgear the school building.
g. Wearing a bandana or any gang symbol.
h. Wearing or using headphones, CD player, radio, etc.
i. Possession of a beeper or cell phone.
j. Failure to report to the sub-office or department head.
k. Smoking or use of tobacco products on school grounds (referral to smoking cessation program.)
l. Loitering on school grounds during the school day.
m. Failure to obtain a tardy slip.
n. Possession of food or drink in hallways or classrooms.

ARTICLE V
The following offenses will result in an automatic 1 to 9 day out-of-school suspension and may result in an immediate referral to the principal for expulsion processing:
a. Vandalism
b. Fighting
c. Verbal assault or threat
d. Extortion or intimidation
e. Verbal abuse or profanity
f. Theft
g. Forgery
h. Harassment: Any comments, behaviors, or actions which are sexually offensive or intimidation to others (see Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policies)
i. Leaving school grounds without permission
j. Deliberate disruption of school-day activities or any school-related activity or function.
k. Loitering on or near another school or disrupting another school activity or school-related function.
l. Refusal to serve detention, IAES, or Saturday School

ARTICLE VI
The following offenses will result in an automatic 9 day out-of-school suspension and may result in an immediate referral to the principal for expulsion proceedings:
a. Arson or attempted arson
b. Premeditated assault and/or battery
c. Selling unauthorized drugs, narcotics, or alcoholic beverages
d. Possession of, use of, or being in the presence of unauthorized drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages.
e. False alarm or bomb threat
f. Assault and/or battery on school personnel
g. Any behavior which presents a clear and continuing danger of physical hard to others
h. Possession of a firearm, explosives, dangerous weapon, or facsimile thereof, or any item contrary to law.

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Internet Policy

Fall River Public School
Network/Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Users are responsible for good behavior on school computers just as students are responsible in class or school hallways. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communication apply.

The network is provided for staff and students and others to conduct research, do school business and communicate with others. Access to the network services is given to staff, students and others who agree to and act in a considerate, legal and responsible manner. Access is a privilege---not a right. Access entails responsibility.

Although the district will make every effort to promote the proper and safe use of the Internet, individual users are responsible for their behavior and communications over the network. The district has installed a filter on the network to restrict access to areas on the Internet that are illegal or inappropriate for students or the school setting. The chance of accessing inappropriate material is still a possibility and parents and guardians, as well as staff members, are responsible for setting and conveying standards to students.

It is presumed that all users will comply with the Fall River Public School Network Access Policy and will honor the following rules:

A responsible user may:

• do school business and send appropriate district reports to municipal, state, and federal agencies.
• use the Internet to research educational topics and assigned classroom projects.
• use the Internet to communicate and send messages related to district business and/or classroom work.

A responsible user may not:

• use the Internet for any illegal purposes.
• use impolite and abusive language.
• violate the rules of common sense or etiquette.
• change computer files that do not belong to the user.
• send or receive copyrighted materials without permission.
• share a restricted password with anyone.
• change or tamper with network configurations.

Within reason freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers of students will guide them toward appropriate materials. Network administrators may review staff and student files and communication to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers and computers will always be private.

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Smoking/Tobacco Policy

Violation Procedures:

Staff:
1. First Offense - Verbal warning by immediate supervisor.
2. Second Offense - Written warning by immediate supervisor/director.
3. Third Offense - Referral to the Office of the Superintendent for disposition.

Students:
<1. First Offense - Minimum of one day suspension.
2. Second Offense - One to three day suspension
3. Repeated Offenses - Referral to the Office of the principal for disposition.

Visitors:
1. First Offense - Verbal Request/Warning.
2. Second Offense - Directive to leave school property.
3. Repeated Offenses - Referral to supervisory personnel responsible for program area of disposition.

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Policy for Chronic Disciplinary Offenders

B.M.C. Durfee High School is dedicated to providing a superior education to its students. As stated in the Discipline Code, students have the responsibility to comply with established rules, maintain acceptable levels of attendance, be punctual in all classes and assignments, be respectful of others, and to carry themselves with proper deportment and behavior which does not interfere with the rights of others.

The following policy is designed to address those students whose chronic pattern of offenses demonstrates a lock of interest in adhering to the rules of the school, and an indifference to receiving an education.

The Fall River School Department will follow all laws and policies set forth to provide protection of student rights, and to due process. This would include all regulations regarding students with disabilities.

Definition of a Chronic Offender:

Chronic offenders often spend more time in hallways or in a vice principal's office than they do in a classroom. The numerous referrals to the office often take staff away from providing services to students who are more serious about their education. Any student who repeatedly violates Articles I through V of the Discipline Code may be identified by the principal or vice principal as a chronic offender. A chronic offender is one who has had at least 15 referrals to the office.*

*Upon approval of this policy, beginning from the date of its distribution to students/parents: Students who, for the remainder of the 2004-2005 academic school year, exceed 8 referrals to the office, will be considered chronic offenders.

STUDENTS WHO COMMIT MORE SERIOUS OFFENSES, INCLUDING THOSE OUTLINED IN ARTICLE VI, OR THOSE COVERED UNDER EDUCATION REFORM LAWS 37H OR 37H 1/2 WILL BE CONSIDERED IMMEDIATELY FOR EXPULSION AS DESCRIBED IN THE DISCIPLINE CODE.

Students identified as chronic offenders will be subject to the following procedure:

1. A meeting will be held with the student, parent or guardian, vice principal, and other staff as deemed appropriate, to develop a written remedial discipline plan. This plan shall address the student's disruptive behavior, his/her educational needs, and a timeline for modifying the disruptive behavior. School support services such as counseling, course readjustments, or referral to the Student Service Center, may be included in the plan. Expectation for adherence to the rules of the school will be agreed upon and the plan will be signed by all in attendance.

The student and parent will be informed that violation of the remedial plan will result in more serious actions. Such actions may include: a referral to the alternative high school, evening school, a GED program or expulsion proceedings. The plan will be signed by all in attendance.

>2. Should the terms of the remedial plan be violated, a second meeting of all parties will take place. At this meeting, the prior agreement will be enforced, resulting in a referral to the alternative high school, the evening school, or GED program. Should the parent, guardian, and student refuse appropriate alternatives, an immediate referral to the superintendent for expulsion proceedings will follow. As noted in the Discipline Code, the Fall River School Committee will hold a formal hearing on any student referred by the superintendent for expulsion proceedings.

NOTE: The procedure described above does not preclude the right of the Fall River School Department to refer a student for criminal proceedings. A student may be referred to Juvenile Court as a Habitual School Offender for disturbing a school assembly, or other such violations. In such event, the findings of the Court and any imposed consequences shall be separate from any discipline rendered under the Discipline Code or any other agreement made in a remedial discipline plan.

Students who are Chronic Repeaters (chronic failure to achieve sufficient credits for promotion)

Any student, age sixteen or over, who repeats a school year (grade 9, 10, 11, or 12) for the second time will be automatically transferred to night school or other appropriate educational settings. Students who attend night school will not be required to pay for courses needed to receive sufficient credit to allow a return into day school. Once sufficient credits are earned, the student will be allowed to return to day school, or may continue to attend night school at their own expense (According to the approved policy of the Fall River Public School).

Waiver/Appeal Procedure:

As stated in the Discipline Code, students have the right to appeal any decision made as a result of this policy to the principal. Students must request this appeal, in writing, no late than one school day after a preliminary decision has been rendered, and must state the reason for the appeal. The principal will arrange a meeting and hear the request. The principal may override, augment, or support the prior decision. The decision of the principal is final pending appeal to the superintendent of schools.

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Use of Electronics Policy

The use of electronic devices in our society has become commonplace for students and adults. While the Fall River School Department recognizes the helpful role that such technology plays in our daily lives, it also understand the potential for disruption to the educational process that may become associated with such devices.

As such, the Fall River Public Schools prohibit the use of electronic devices during school hours. Electronic devices shall include, but not be limited to: cell phones, pagers, beepers, CD Players, DVD players, radios, picture cameras, and camera phones, camcorders, laser pointers, and other related devices as identified by the school administration.

Because of the value of direct communication between students and parents, possession of a cell phone is not prohibited and may be used before and after school. Once the school day begins, however, all devices must be kept out of sight and turned off.

Parents who wish to contact their children during the school day must contact the school office in order to do so. During the school day, students must follow the directive, "Out of sight and turned off."

If a student is found to be using a prohibited device during the school day, or if a cell phone or beeper goes off, the following progression of consequences will be followed:

1. The device will be confiscated and turned in to the principal/vice principal's office.
2. First student offense, the student will pick up the device after school, be issued a warning, and a parent or guardian will be notified.
3. Second student offense, the device will be held and released only to a parent or guardian. Parents/Guardians/Students will be made aware of possible consequences of subsequent violations.
4. On subsequent violations, the device will be held and released only to a parent or guardian. Such violations will be treated as "defiance" and will result in progressive discipline as outlined in the Student Discipline Code (Parents/Guardians/Students will be made aware of the appropriate consequence, which may range from detention to out of school suspension).
5. The school is NOT responsible for any lost electronic devices that may be confiscated.

>In addition, use of camera phones to capture an image, or devices that are similarly intrusive, are not authorized for use at any time. These devices not only disrupt the educational process, but have the potential for violating the confidentiality of others. Such devices, when used as a violation of the privacy of others, may be subject to more strict disciplinary consequences and will be immediately confiscated until a parent conference can be held.

Dress Code

Any manner of dress, which presents a health or safety hazard to a student or others, is potentially damaging to school property, or distracting to the educational process is prohibited.

Students in violation of the above will receive the following sequential consequences: Principal/Student/Parent will attempt an informal resolution to the situation.

1. Student may, at the Principal's or Vice-Principal's discretion be sent home to change into more appropriate clothing (with parent notification).

2. A parent conference may be called to discuss the issue.

3. If the problem persists, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken as indicated in the Discipline Code.

The following guidelines may be useful in helping parents to determine school attire, which may be improper or distracting to the educational process. Students who wear any of the following shall be found in violation of this dress code:

1. Outdoor clothing during the usual course of the school day except when coming in or going out of the building.

2. Clothing which advertises or alludes to any drugs, alcohol or tobacco products.

3. Clothing depicting any words or symbols that could in anyway be construed as sensual, sexual, or obscene.

4. Clothing that is worn improperly so that it might be too revealing, or any clothing, which might be too revealing (for example tank tops which expose one's midriff, backless shirts or tops, very brief shorts or skirts, or pants worn so low that they are too revealing.)

5. Clothing or other attire that may be perceived as a gang related symbol. (for example hats, bandanas, beads)

6. Any accessories devices or objects that may cause or inflict bodily harm. (Example: jewelry, which could be used as a weapon such as chains, or piercing of body parts which, may pose a safety hazard)

7. Apparel or other modes of appearance (such as tattoos) that promote hatred regarding another persons' race, color, sex national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

8. Footwear that poses a hazard to the student or school such as jelly shoes, spikes etc.

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