SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES for STUDENTS

ATTENDANCE POLICY

According to Utah State Law and School Board Policy: “The student is responsible to be present in class and the parent, guardian, or other person having control of any such minor between six and eighteen years of age shall be required to send such minor to school during the regularly established school day in the attendance area of residence.”  Students are expected to be in school every day unless properly excused by their parents, administration, advisor, or teacher.  It is the student’s responsibility to make up work in any class missed regardless of the reason for absence.  Excessive absences (even those excused by parents) may be cause for due process interventions.  Consistent attendance increases student learning and achievement. 

Truancies

Absences not properly excused will be considered a truant.

A student should check in at the attendance office when arriving late, and check out when leaving the building or campus during school hours or he/she will be considered truant from classes. If your student is absent, please call the school attendance office between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at 801-452-4804. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS TO CALL WHEN A STUDENT IS ABSENT. After 5 school days an absence cannot be excused. Special arrangements need to be made in the case of prolonged absences.

Consequences for excessive truancies may include:

• Lower citizenship grade in classes missed
• Truancy-related missing work given no credit 
• Referral to Administration 
• Youth Court referral (Court fee, appear before jury of peers, etc.)
• Suspension and /or referral to the District Office for alternative placement
• Juvenile Truancy Court referral

 

Pre-Arranged Absences

When parents request to have their children excused for reasons other than medical appointments, illness or family emergencies, arrangements for such absences (example…vacations, weddings, etc.) should be made well in advance.  This gives the student an opportunity to complete class work prior to the absence for full credit.  A pre-arranged absence form is available in the attendance office.

 

Procedure for Excusing an Absence

A parent or guardian must call the school (452-4800) or send a signed note to excuse an absence for illness or family emergency.  If calling after school hours, please leave a detailed message including your name, student’s name and the reason for the absence.  Absences not properly excused will be considered a truant.

 

Checking in and out of school for partial –day absences

Medical and dental appointments or family emergencies may cause a student to arrive late or leave early during the school day. When arriving late or leaving early, the procedure is the same:  Parents must check students in and out with a signed note, a phone call, or in person. Students check in and out at the attendance window by scanning their student ID.  For safety reasons, only those authorized in the emergency contact information for the student will be allowed to check out that student.  Office personnel may ask for picture ID.  

Tardiness

Punctuality is a very important life skill and students need to develop this skill by being on time to class, ready to work when the tardy bell rings. Consistent tardiness will result in the following consequences: 

 

Number of Tardies	Consequences
3 per quarter	“N” citizenship in class
4 per quarter	Parents notified that a U citizenship grade will be given for 5th tardy
5 per quarter	“U” citizenship in class
6+ per quarter	Referral to Administration and/or “Youth Court” Referral

         

 

AWARDS

North Ogden Junior High School offers several awards that students can earn.

 

Presidential Academic Award – This award is offered by the US Dept. of Education to recognize students in the 9th grade who have:

A.  Earned and maintained a 3.5 GPA or better for the three years at North Ogden Junior High.

B.  Scored in the 85th percentile in Reading and/or Math on the 8th grade IOWA test.

 

4 Sport Award – This award is designed to recognize students who have participated in a total of 4 sports at NOJH.  Coaches will determine the criteria for eligibility in their specific sport.  The 4 Sport Award does not include high school sports that are available for 9th grade students. To qualify, a student must compete in four junior high sports during the school year. 

 

GPA 4.0 Award (per grade) – This award is to recognize students who have maintained a GPA of 4.0 for 4 quarters of the current school year.

 

GPA 4.0 Award (all 3 years combined) – This award is to recognize students who have maintained a GPA of 4.0 for all 4 quarters of each year for 3 years. (Total of 12 terms of 4.0.)

 

“BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT”

Back to school night will be held.

This time is structured in an informal open house format with teachers available in their classrooms to meet students and answer questions. Students may want to use this time to practice their locker combinations and acquaint themselves with the location of their classes. Counselors and administrators will be available to answer questions.  No schedule changes will be made during “Back to School” night. A 7th Grade Orientation session will take place later, during the first week of school!

 

BOOKKEEPER

Students may pay fees before school and during both lunches. Fees will not be taken after school. 

 

BULLYING/HARASSMENT

Bullying or harassment of any type (verbal, physical, sexual, cyber-type) is not allowed.  Students who bully or harass another student are breaking the law and are violating the District “Safe School” Policy. All appropriate legal and school disciplinary actions will be taken against any one who violates this policy.

 

CONDUCT 

(NORTH OGDEN JUNIOR HIGH

STANDARD OF CONDUCT) 

North Ogden Junior High enforces a school-wide standard of conduct that reinforces strong character, community values and self-discipline.  Students will be warned and/or disciplined for any type of disruptive behavior or violation of this standard.  Students are expected to be accountable for personal behavior and abide by the following guidelines:

• Abide by a strong work ethic.  Attend school regularly and be on time.  Come prepared with necessary materials and completed assignments each day.
• No fighting—students are expected to keep their hands, feet, etc., to themselves.  Students involved in physical altercations will be suspended.
• No harassment or bullying behaviors will be tolerated.  These behaviors must be reported to a staff member immediately.
• Use appropriate language—profanity and/or obscene language will be strictly prohibited.
• Avoid any behavior that compromises the safety or comfort of others.
• Respect school property and the property of others.  Vandalism/theft will be referred to the authorities.
• Comply with all rules and policies of the school and District and obey the law

CREDIT

Credit (.25/quarter) will be issued to students who earn a passing grade in a class.  All ninth grade credit earned becomes high school credit, and is applied toward high school graduation credit as well as scholarship eligibility.  Any ninth grade credit loss must be made up during summer school, in after-school classes, or through other make-up opportunities.  Most make-up classes cost $35-$45 per .25 credits.  Graduation may be in jeopardy if this credit is not made up.  

CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY

In order to ensure student safety, we enforce a closed campus policy.  Students are not allowed to leave the campus without parental permission.  

 

DESTRUCTION OF/TAMPERING WITH SCHOOL OR PRIVATE PROPERTY

Anyone who willfully destroys property through vandalism, arson, larceny, or who tampers with the fire alarms, fire extinguishers, or any electrical/data system will be referred to the proper law enforcement agency and subject to consequences under the “Safe School” policy.  Students and parents are financially and legally responsible for damage to private or school district property.

 

DIGITAL MEDIA DEVICES POLICY

 

The appropriate use of cell phones and other electronic devices will be permitted before and after school hours and in the hallways during student passing periods as well as in the lunch room during the student's lunch period. Students may also use electronic devices in the classroom at the teacher’s discretion. The use of cell phones and other electronic devices for inappropriate reasons while on campus, (including cheating, sexting, harassment, or any use that is inappropriate and in violation of the Acceptable Use Policy or disruptive to a positive learning school environment) will be cause for disciplinary action. North Ogden Junior High School prohibits the use of cell phones and digital media devices including, but not limited to, (cell phones, headphones, MP3 players, e-readers, laptops, stereos, pagers, handheld games, cameras, etc.) during class periods unless the teacher allows them for learning purposes only. Students are not permitted to leave class to use a cell phone or electronic device. It will be considered a violation if the student's cell phone or electronic device disrupts the class. Students are expected to cooperate in handing over cell phones and digital media devices when requested. Upon request, students are not allowed to take out the SIM cards or batteries. Students insisting on doing so are in violation of "failing to comply" and appropriate action will take place. Students may be suspended for repetitive violations of this policy and/or related insubordination.
Filming/taking pictures on school campus during school hours must be under the direction of a teacher and used only for assignments given by teachers. Violation of the camera policy will require the same consequences as other electronic devices. In addition, pictures and/or film may also be viewed and deleted and/or given to the proper authorities if deemed inappropriate by school administrators.

 

Cell Phones, Earbuds, and Digital Media Devices

 

The appropriate use of cell phones and other electronic devices will be permitted before and after school, during transitions to and from each period, and during lunch. 

 

North Ogden Junior High School prohibits the use of cell phones/earbuds and digital media devices (cell phones, headphones, earbuds, MP3 players, e-readers, laptops, stereos, pagers, handheld games, cameras, etc.) in class. Students are not permitted to leave class to use a cell phone or electronic devices, unless the student has been approved to through a health plan. 

 

Students are strictly prohibited from filming or taking pictures in bathrooms or locker rooms. Any violation of the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) will be cause for disciplinary action. The taking or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, illegal, or otherwise inappropriate images or photographs will not be tolerated. Violations will be referred to law enforcement. Students are expected to cooperate in handing over cell phones and digital media devices when requested. 

 

Violation of the cell phone/electronic device policy will be as follows:

 

1st offense: Warning: Student is reminded to keep cell phone/earbuds/digital media device out of sight. The warning will be documented in the “MyStudent” tracking system. 

 

2nd offense: Student will hand over the cell phone/earbuds/digital media device to the teacher. The device will be returned to the student at the end of the class period. The incident will be documented in the “MyStudent” tracking system. 

 

3rd offense: Student will hand over the cell phone/earbuds/digital media device to the teacher. The teacher will take the device to the office,and students can pick it up at the end of the day. The incident will be documented in the “MYStudent” tracking system. 

 

After 3rd offense:  Student will hand over the cell phone/Earbuds/Digital Media device to the teacher. The teacher will take the device to the office, and ONLY the parent/guardian will be able to pick it up from the office. The incident will be documented in the “MStudent” tracking system. 

 

Continuous infractions with cell phone/earbuds/digital media may result in a suspension.

 

 

 DRESS CODE

 

Appropriate dress is important to the educational performance and attitude of the students.  Students are expected to maintain dress and appearance that is modest and not distracting to students or teachers, and is not distracting to the educational process of the school.  When a student’s appearance is distracting, disruptive, immodest, or is felt to be detrimental to the educational process, reasonable and appropriate action will be taken.  The following expectations/standards will be followed:

• School clothing must be modest.
• Shirts, tops, and dresses must have sleeves even if covered by sheer or see-through clothing.  
• No low-cut fronts, bare backs, or bare midriffs (when elbows are raised to shoulder height) even if covered by sheer or see-through clothing.
• Shorts or skirts must be a modest distance above the knees. (Discretion of the school officials)
• Underwear must not be exposed or visible, especially when sitting.
• Pants, etc. must be worn at the natural hip/waistline.  No sagging pants. No pajama pants or sleepwear, including slippers. 

(Unless previously approved)

• Holes in pants above the fingertip line or in excess (at the discrimination of the principal) will not be permitted.

• Headwear will not be permitted – including but not limited to hats, caps, scarves, bandanas, etc.
• Clothing will not be permitted that is sexually provocative, mutilated, displays offensive language or slogans advertising or displaying any substances a student cannot legally possess, or is gang-related.
• No potentially dangerous apparel items, such as chains, spiked clothing or spiked accessories, etc.  
• Hair should be well groomed and not distract from the educational process.  Style and/or color should not be a distraction to others and disruptive to the learning environment.  We suggest natural styles and tones (color) be used as a guideline for the student’s hair.
• State Health Law requires that shoes be worn in the school at all times. (No slippers)

 

ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS

• Students have 5 calendar days from the date quarter grades are electronically posted to remedy eligibility problems.  Probation or dismissal from a team or office will occur if the student is still ineligible after 5 calendar days.
• All eligibility appeals must be made in writing to the Standards Committee and must detail any extenuating circumstances.  A student may only make one appeal to the Standards Committee during junior high.
• Probation guidelines are explained in the “Constitution” for student officers and cheerleaders.

 

ATHLETICS:

Academic Standards: Student must have earned a 2.0 GPA or better with no F’s, I’s, or NM’s (except Reading period) on their official report card during the quarter prior to trying out for a team and must maintain a 2.0 GPA or better and no F’s, I’s, or NM’s (except Reading period) each quarter while on that team.  

Citizenship Standards: Students will be eligible with one U, one N and one U, or two N’s on their report card during the quarter prior to trying out for a team. If the quarter ends mid-season, students must maintain these standards or they become ineligible. 

Behavior Standards: Students must maintain acceptable behavior standards while on an athletic team. Coaches and administration will determine if violations to school policy are serious enough to warrant removal from the team.  Truancy, fighting, safe school violations, drug and alcohol violations, suspensions, etc. may be grounds for removal from a team. 

 

STUDENT OFFICE:   (See “Student Officer Constitution” available from Advisor)

Academic Standards: Student must have earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA or better with no F’s, I’s, or NM’s (except Reading period) on their official report card during the three quarters prior to running for office and must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA or better and no F’s, I’s, or NM’s (except Reading period) each quarter while in office.  

Citizenship Standards: No more than one N and no U citizenship grades total on their report card during the three quarters prior to running for office and no N or U citizenship grades while holding office. 

Behavior Standards: Students must maintain acceptable behavior standards while in office.  Advisors and administration will determine if violations to school policy are serious enough to warrant removal from office.  Truancy, fighting, safe school violations, drug and alcohol violations, suspensions, etc. may be grounds for removal from office.

 

CHEERLEADERS:  (Current 7th & 8th Graders may try out) (See “Cheerleader Constitution” available from Advisor)

Academic Standards: Student must have earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA with no F’s, I’s, or NM’s (except Reading period) on their official report card during the three quarters prior to cheer tryouts and must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 Term GPA and no F’s, I’s, or NM’s (except Reading period) each quarter while a cheerleader.   

Citizenship Standards: A Student must not have received more then one citizenship mark lower then an “S” per quarter during current year prior to tryouts. Student must maintain citizenship according to Cheerleader Constitution. 

Behavior Standards: Cheerleaders must maintain acceptable behavior standards.  Advisors and administration will determine if violations to school policy are serious enough to warrant removal from the squad.  Truancy, fighting, safe school violations, drug and alcohol violations, suspensions, etc. are grounds for removal.

 

FIGHTING

Students who participate in a fight will be suspended.  The length of the suspension (based on premeditation, witnesses, circumstances, aggressor, injuries, etc.) is determined by the administrator who investigates the fight.  Students who fight may also be charged with disorderly conduct, cited by law enforcement, and referred to Juvenile Court.

 

HALL PASS

Students must ask teacher permission before leaving class and must have the hall pass visible during their time out of class.  Hall passes are good for 5 minutes or less.  No visiting or loitering is allowed when using a hall pass. 

 

INSUBORDINATION

Students must comply immediately with any reasonable request or instruction from any adult in the school, including teachers, administrators, police officers, custodians, aides, secretaries, cafeteria staff, etc.  Failure to comply immediately is insubordination and a suspension may occur. 

 

KNIGHT CODE OF CONDUCT

The “Knight Code of Conduct” states that students will:

• Be respectful
• Be responsible
• Be there and ready
• Follow directions
• Keep hands and feet to self

LOCKERS

Each student is assigned a locker.  The locker number and combination will be in the registration packet.  (See district locker agreement in the District on-line registration information.)  Lockers are school property and are subject to search at any time.  Fines will be assessed for damage to lockers. 

 

“NOBLE KNIGHTS”

We believe in rewarding students for good behavior.  When any staff member observes a student following the Knight Code of Conduct, he / she may give the student a “Noble Knight” ticket.  These tickets are placed in a box at the main office window.  Drawings are held on a regular basis and prizes are awarded to those whose names are drawn. 

PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled two times per year about a week after mid-term grades are posted 1st and 3rd quarter.  1st quarter’s conference will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 29th (1:00-4:00 p.m./5:00-7:30 p.m.).  3rd quarter’s conference will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 16th (1:00-4:00 p.m./5:00-7:30 p.m.).  Conferences take place in the gymnasium.  Teachers are to contact parents prior to the end of each quarter when a student is failing in time for the student to earn a passing grade.  A “Back to School” night in August will take the place of the 2nd quarter parent/teacher conference.  No conference is held 4th quarter. 

 

P. E. CLOTHING

Shorts must be a gym or athletic type, BLACK in color; shirt must be either all WHITE or GRAY with no writing on it.  PE shirts will be available to purchase at $10.00, and they are highly recommended for school spirit and class uniformity.

 

PTSA MEMBERSHIP

We encourage you to become a member of our Parent Teacher Student Association.  PTSA has an impact on issues that benefit your child.  You may join at registration time on August 11th or at 

“Back to School Night” on August 24th.   Parent and student membership fees are $5.00 each.

 

REPORT CARDS and MIDTERM GRADES

With the $6.00 mailing fee, term grades and midterm grades will be mailed directly to parents after grades are posted.  Other pertinent information may also be included in grade mailings. 

 

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Our schedule is extremely tight and class changes are difficult to make because of class sizes limits, balanced teacher loads, etc.  A $10 class change fee is assessed for all student or parent initiated schedule changes.  Counselors may refer some schedule changes to the administration for approval. 

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The law strictly forbids any form of sexual harassment.  Please contact the school police officer, school counselor, a teacher, or school administration if you feel that someone is sexually harassing you in any way.  Every effort will be made to keep the investigation confidential and protect your dignity.  However, in most cases you will be required to give a written statement and in some cases, you may need to testify in court. 

 

STUDENT HAZING AND / OR ASSAULT 

Students shall not commit any act that degrades or disgraces any other person.  Students in violation may be subject to immediate suspension and / or referral to the police. 

STUDENT ID CARDS

For safety and security reasons, student ID cards are required at school and must be on the student at all times.   It is preferred that the ID card be visible on a lanyard or clip.  Cards are scanned and/or required at the following:

• Cafeteria cash register
• Library book check-out
• Bookkeeper transactions (main office window)
• Attendance check-in and check-out (main office window)
• AR tests in writing lab
• Some school activities/dances
•  A replacement ID will cost $5.00. 

STUDENT RECORDS

Parents and students have a right to inspect student education records, and the right to request amendments to those records.  Students’ personal information will be disclosed only upon the consent of the parent or legal guardian.

 

STUDENT TELEPHONE USE

Students may use the phone in the main office window to make emergency calls to parents.  

 

VISITORS

Parents and other school patrons are always welcome in our school after first checking in at the office. All visitors are required to wear a visitor pass.  Students from other schools, siblings, relatives, friends, etc. are not permitted on school property during the school day.  A trespass warning or citation will be issued to violators.

 

YEARBOOK

Yearbooks are a very important part of a student’s life and memories and we encourage everyone to purchase one.  The last day to purchase a yearbook is November 3, 2010.   Cost is $20.00.

 

Other important information found online at the District web site

(http://www.weber.k12.ut.us) ASBESTOS DISCLOSURE , FEE SCHEDULE, FEE WAIVER PROCEDURE, IMMUNIZATIONS, CHILD NUTRITION INFORMATION and LUNCH COSTS, SAFE SCHOOL POLICY, SCHOOL CHOICE, SECTION 504 AND CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES , SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MEETINGS.