Student Handbook - Fort Smith School District

Student Handbook

Adopted by the Board of Education

June 27, 2022

Students and Parents:

Please take some time to review this handbook carefully. It includes the student policies that

have been approved by the Fort Smith Public Schools Board of Education and govern

enrollment, attendance, and conduct. You will also find information about academic

requirements specified by the Arkansas General Assembly.

Sometimes court decisions, legislation, and district policy changes take place between annual

handbook review processes. In the instance of a conflict, court precedent, law, and district

policy supersede the handbook. The handbook is now primarily accessed electronically. This

provides us with more opportunities to update it throughout the year to ensure that it remains

in alignment with the latest changes in law and policy. In addition to the annual process of

updating the handbook, it will also will be revised and reposted as the Board of Education

approves any changes throughout the year. A limited number of paper copies of the latest

version of the handbook will continue to be available at each campus.

If you have any questions regarding any of these policies, please contact the principal of your

campus or the Executive Director of Student Services.

Terry Morawski, Ed.D.

Superintendent

In compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws the Fort Smith Public Schools do not discriminate in employment

and education practices relative to race or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), disability (Section

504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act), sex (Title IX of the

Education Amendments of 1972), age (The Age Discrimination Act of 1975) or genetic information (Title II of the

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008). The coordinator and contact person for all the above civil rights

areas is the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Campus Support, Fort Smith Public Schools, P.O.

Box 1948, Fort Smith, AR 72902-1948, phone, (479) 785-2501.

INTRODUCTION

Discipline, attendance, and effort form the foundation of successful learning and teaching.

Students and parents must have a clear understanding of school operations, and educators must

clearly communicate expectations for satisfactory performance.

With this goal as its primary focus, the Fort Smith Public Schools Handbook Revision

Committee, comprised of students, parents, teachers, assistant principals, and other

administrators and community representatives, has reviewed the Fort Smith Public Schools

Student Handbook. The committee has worked diligently to ensure that this discipline code

complies with appropriate federal and state statutes and that the discipline code complies with

the community’s belief in a positive learning environment. Recommendations for changes in

these policies may be submitted in writing to the Executive Director of Student Services by the

last Monday in March each year. Those recommendations will be presented to the committee for

their consideration. Parents, students, and educators form a partnership that contributes to each

student’s academic achievement by establishing, communicating, and applying fair and

consistent discipline policies. In fact, the hallmark of disciplinary policies is fairness. Both

faculty members and administrators attempt to resolve problems and reinforce successes through

the cooperative efforts of district resources and parents or guardians. Students and their parents

receive copies of this handbook so that positive expectations for student conduct are

communicated clearly. A variety of methods may be used to adequately and effectively address

violations of this code. These intervention methods may include conferences with parents, verbal

or written warnings, detention, suspension, expulsion, counseling, training in conflict resolution,

or placement in an alternative learning environment.

The items in this Student Handbook are applicable to all schools in the Fort Smith Public

Schools. Each individual school may adopt additional guidelines so long as they are not in

conflict with these provisions.

This document attempts to balance the rights of students with the responsibility of educators to

maintain a safe and orderly school environment, essentially to form a community whose goal is

to increase both knowledge and performance both as learners and as citizens.

This handbook was adopted by the FSPS Board of Education 6/27/22.

iii

NOTICE

TO: Employees, Parents, and Students of the Fort Smith Public School District

FROM: Terry Morawski, Superintendent of Schools

DATE: June 27, 2022

SUBJECT: Civil Rights Compliance

In accordance with the requirements of Title VI, Section 601, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX,

Section 901, Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and

the Educational Equity Guidelines for Arkansas School Districts as required by Standard I of

Accreditation Standards for Arkansas Schools, the Fort Smith Public School District assures that

no person in the School District will, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age,

sex, or disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be

subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the Fort Smith Public School

District.

Questions concerning temporary student disabilities and accommodations should be brought to

the attention of the school principal. A form will be completed by school personnel and the

parent to assess reasonable accommodations for the student. Questions concerning

permanent student disabilities and accommodations should be brought to the attention of the

school principal and the school 504 Coordinator to be handled in a 504 conference with the

parent.

Questions concerning compliance with Title VI (race), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), or

Standard XV Guidelines (education equity), should be submitted to:

District Equity Coordinator

Fort Smith Public Schools

P. O. Box 1948

Fort Smith, AR 72902

NOTICE

TO: Employees, Parents, and Students of the Fort Smith School District

FROM: Terry Morawski, Superintendent of Schools

DATE: June 27, 2022

SUBJECT: SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS OR STAFF MEMBERS

It is the policy of the School District to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from

sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is deemed unacceptable conduct in the educational and

employment environment and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is against the law. All

principals and supervisors within this District are responsible for ensuring that all personnel (students

and staff members) are afforded the opportunity to work and study in an environment free from

sexual harassment. I expect all principals, supervisors, and staff members to actively support this

policy and will hold them accountable for ensuring that sexual harassment is not tolerated and for

reporting alleged incidents to appropriate supervisors.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,

and other inappropriate oral, written, or graphic communications, or physical conduct of a sexual

nature, occurring on school property or at a school-sponsored event, when:

Submission to that conduct is explicitly made a condition of the individual’s employment or

education; or

Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially and unreasonably interfering with the

individual’s employment or education by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive

environment; or

Conduct that is not sexual in nature, but engaged in because of the victim’s gender can be sexual

harassment and will not be tolerated.

Sexual harassment is unacceptable behavior and will not be allowed. Sexual harassment will be

actively opposed and will not be condoned within this School District. It is no defense to a claim of

sexual harassment that the alleged harasser did not intend to harass. The School District Sexual

Harassment Complaint Resolution Procedure may be utilized if a complaint is filed.

Any employee who becomes aware of possible sexual harassment must as a condition of continued

employment report the incident. The District will promptly and thoroughly investigate all complaints.

Staff and students can raise concerns and make reports without fear of retaliation. Complaints may

be made to the employee’s supervisor, the student’s principal or to the:

District Sexual Harassment Coordinator

P. O. Box 1948

Fort Smith, AR 72902-1948 (479)

785-2501

FORT SMITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENT HANDBOOK

Superintendent’s Message. ......................................................................................................................... i

Introduction. ............................................................................................................................................... ii

Notice: Civil Rights .................................................................................................................................. iii

Notice: Sexual Harassment ...................................................................................................................... iv

I. Attendance Policies ........................................................................................................................1

A. Eligibility for Enrollment ................................................................................................. 1

B. Enrollment Documentation .......................................................................................... 1-4

C. McKinney-Vento Homeless Program and Foster Students ....................................... 4, 5

D. Student Classroom Assignments ................................................................................ 5, 6

E. Compulsory School Attendance .................................................................................. 6, 7

F. Guidelines for Excused and Unexcused Absences .................................................... 7-11

II. Child Custody Situations .......................................................................................................... 12, 13

III. Student Health ........................................................................................................................ 13-20

IV. Nutrition Guidelines ............................................................................................................. 21,22

V. Parental Involvement............................................................................................................. 22-26

VI. Academic Policies ......................................................................................................................... 27

A. Grading System ............................................................................................................... 27

B. Smart Core Curriculum ............................................................................................ 27-29

C. Homework and Independent Study Skills ............................................................... ….30

D. School Reporting of Students’ Performance ................................................................ 30

E. State Mandated Testing and Student Academic Improvement Plans ................... 30,31

VII. Student Records

.......................................................................................................................... 31

A. Rights to Privacy ............................................................................................................. 31

B. Directory Information ....................................................................................................32

C. Non-Custodial Parent Access to Records ..................................................................... 32

D. Student Surveys ........................................................................................................ ..32,33

E. Destruction of Records ...................................................................................................33

VIII. Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities .................................................................... 33,34

IX. Eligibility for Athletic Competition ...................................................................................... 34,35

X. School Organizations & Activities ............................................................................................. 35

A. Definition ........................................................................................................................ 35

B. School Activity Requirements .................................................................................. 35,36

C. Solicitation of Funds ...................................................................................................... 36

XI. Student Media ......................................................................................................................... 36-38

XII. Fort Smith Public Schools/Internet Acceptable Use Guidelines ............................................. 38

A. Acceptable Use .......................................................................................................... 38,39

B. Unacceptable Use ............................................................................................................39

C. Behavior in Use .............................................................................................................. 39

D. Technology and Privacy in Locker Rooms, Restrooms, and Designated .......................

Changing Areas .............................................................................................................. 40

E. Plagiarism ........................................................................................................................ 41

F. Use of Copyrighted/Licensed Materials

........................................................................ 41

G. Violations Statement ........................................................................................................ 41

H. Online Safety Pledge .................................................................................................. 41,42

I. Additional Rules for Digital Devices Issued to Students for Classroom Use ............. 42

J. Additional Rules for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) ......................................... 42,43

K. Internet Safety and Web Filtering Policy .................................................................... 43

L. 1:1 Digital Conversion Guidelines ........................................................................... 43-44

XIII. Distribution of Literature ............................................................................................................ 46

XIV. Student Dress Code ...................................................................................................................... 46

XV. Search, Seizure, and Monitoring. ...............................................................................................47

XVI FSPS Antibullying Administrative Policy ............................................................................. 47-51

XVII. Transportation Rules for Students ............................................................................................. 51

XVIII. Student Conduct Not Permitted on School Premises or at any Activity Related to…………..

School ...................................................................................................................................... 52-56

XIX. Controlled Substance Discipline Procedures ............................................................................ 56

A. Controlled Substances – General Student Population ........................................... ….56

B. Controlled Substances – Activity Program .................................................................. 57

C. Controlled Substances – Attempted Suicide ................................................................ 57

XX. Discipline for Students with Disabilities ................................................................................... 58

XXI. Suspension of Students .......................................................................................................... ….58-59

XXII. Student Control – Restraint ........................................................................................................ 60

XXIII. Expulsion ................................................................................................................................ 60,61

XXIV. Group Hearings for Suspension or Expulsion ........................................................................... 61

XXV. Complaint Resolution Procedures .............................................................................................. 61

A. Educational Equity and Sexual Harassment ...........................................................61-63

B. Federal Funds ............................................................................................................ 63,64

IMMUNIZATION Checklist .................................................................................................................. 65

Student Handbook

Approved June 27, 2022

I. ATTENDANCE POLICIES

A. Eligibility for Enrollment

Non-resident students may attend Fort Smith Public Schools only by means of an approved application

under the Public School Choice Act of 2015 (ACA 6-18-1901 et seq.), a tuition agreement between

districts, or by means of a Student Legal Transfer.

School Choice applications must be submitted to the Department of Student Services prior to May 1 each

year. Students approved for attendance in the District will be assigned, based on guidelines developed by

the school administration, to a school for attendance purposes.

Student Legal Transfers require completion of a “Petition for Transfer of Students” form published by the

Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Submission of the completed petition must

be made to the Executive Director of Student Services. The District shall review and accept or reject

requests for transfers, both into and out of the District, on a case-by-case basis. Approved requests shall

take effect following Board action taken on the requests.

Denied petitions may be appealed to the School Board if written notification requesting the appeal is

received by the Executive Director of Student Services at least five (5) days prior to the next regularly

scheduled Board meeting.

School Choice and Legal Transfers may be limited to schools with sufficient capacity. Schools available

for these transfers will be determined by the district administration.

Any person who has been expelled from any other school district shall not be permitted to enroll in the District

until the student’s expulsion has expired; provided, however, that any student may seek an exception to this Policy

by requesting a hearing before the Board.

Reference: ASBA Model Policies.

B. Enrollment Documentation

Parents must provide proper documentation to the school in order to enroll a student:

1. Copy of the student’s social security card or a signed and notarized social security waiver

including a number assigned in place of the student’s social security number. This form can be

provided in the Student Service’s Office.

2. The student’s age must be verified using one of the following documents (ACA 6-18-208):

a. State issued birth certificate,

b. A statement by the local registrar or a county recorder certifying the child’s date

of birth,

c. An attested baptismal certificate,

d. A passport,

e. An affidavit of the date and place of birth by the child’s parent or guardian,

f. Previous school records,

g. United States military identification.

3. An up-to-date immunization card or proof of required exemptions as provided by the Arkansas

Department of Health.

4. All enrolling kindergarten students are required to provide proof of a physical examination.

5. Proof of residence using one of the following methods:

a. An approved school choice application/letter,

b. Documentation of an approved district transfer from the school boards of the resident and

receiving district.

c. One of the following:

i. A current utility bill (within 30 days) showing the name and address of the student’s

parent or legal guardian,

ii. Families living in a situation where tax statements and utilities are in another’s name

(residence provider) may provide a signed written statement from the residence provider

attesting the family living at the provided address and a copy of the photo ID of the person

providing the letter, along with a utility bill in the name of the residence provider. In

addition, the guardian or parent of the student will need to complete and sign a Resident

Statement affidavit in the Student Services Office where it will be notarized for the parent

swearing the claimed address.

iii. Home purchase contract including specified closing date with a copy of the deed to be

provided within 90 days.

iv. An independent investigation may be made to confirm or deny the verification of any

claimed address when seen as needed by school administrators.

v. Home visit and verification by a designated school official to the address.

6. School Choice and Legal Transfers may be limited to schools with sufficient capacity. Schools

available for these transfers will be determined by the district administration.

7. Uniformed Services Member’s Children

For the purposes of this Policy:

“Activated reserve components” means members of the reserve component of the uniformed services

who have received a notice of intent to deploy or mobilize under Title 10 of the United States Code,

Title 32 of the United States Code, or state mobilization to active duty.

“Active duty” means full-time duty status in the active, uniformed services of the United States,

including without limitation members of The National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders under

10 U.S.C. §§ 1209 and 1210.

“Deployment” means a period of time extending from six (6) months before a member of the

uniformed services’ departure from their home station on military orders through six (6) months after

return to his or her home station.

“Active duty members of the uniformed services” includes members of the National Guard and Reserve

on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Section 1209 and 1211;

“Eligible child” means the children of:

• Active duty members of the uniformed services;

• Members of the active and activated reserve components of the uniformed services;

• Members or veterans of the uniformed services who are severely injured and medically

discharged or retired for a period of one (1) year after medical discharge or retirement;

• Members of the uniformed services who die on active duty or as a result of injuries sustained on

active duty for a period of one (1) year after death.

“Uniformed services” means the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force,

United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, the United States Commissioned Corps of the Public

Health Services, and the state and federal reserve components of each of these bodies.

“Veteran” means an individual who served in the uniformed services and who was discharged or

released from the uniformed services under conditions other than dishonorable.

The Superintendent shall designate an individual as the District’s military education liaison, who shall

serve as the primary point of contact for an eligible child and for the eligible child’s parent, legal

guardian, person having lawful control of the eligible child, or person standing in loco parentis. The

individual the Superintendent designates as the District’s military education liaison shall have

specialized knowledge regarding the educational needs of children of military families and the

obstacles that children of military families face in obtaining an education.

An eligible child as defined in this Policy shall:

a. Be allowed to continue his/her enrollment at the grade level commensurate with his/her grade

level he/she was in at the time of transition from his/her previous school, regardless of age;

b. Be eligible for enrollment in the next highest grade level, regardless of age if the student has

satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in his/her previous school;

c. Enter the District’s school on the validated level from his/her previous accredited school when

transferring into the District after the start of the school year;

d. Be enrolled in courses and programs the same as or similar to the ones the student was

enrolled in his/her previous school to the extent that space is available. This does not prohibit

the District from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and

continued enrollment of the student in the courses/and/or programs;

e. Be provided services comparable to those the student with disabilities received in his/her

previous school based on his/her previous Individualized Education Program (IEP). This does

not preclude the District school from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate

placement of the student;

f. Make reasonable accommodations and modifications to address the needs of an incoming

student with disabilities, subject to an existing 504 or Title II Plan, necessary to provide the

student with equal access to education. This does not preclude the District school from

performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student;

g. Be enrolled by an individual who has been given the special power of attorney for the

student’s guardianship. The individual shall have the power to take all other actions requiring

parental participation and/or consent;

h. Be eligible to continue attending District schools if he/she has been placed under the legal

guardianship of a noncustodial parent living outside the District by a custodial parent on active

military duty.

In the event that official copies of an eligible child’s education records are not available at the time the eligible

child is transferring, then the District shall:

• Pre-register and place an eligible child based on the eligible child’s unofficial education records pending

receipt of the eligible child’s official records; and

• Request the eligible child’s official education records from the sending district.

C. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Program and Foster Care Students

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Program helps remove barriers to learning for students experiencing

homelessness or placement in foster care. The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who

lack a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence. In an effort to identify and assist students

experiencing homelessness, the District provides liaisons at both the building and district level. The

liaisons are tasked with administering the regulations and procedures as outlined in the McKinney- Vento

Act while complying with the provisions of the Fort Smith Public Schools Homeless Education Program.

Enrollment requirement exceptions for homeless and foster care youth are listed above in “B, 1.

Enrollment documentation”.

1. Transportation of Homeless and Foster Care Students – Under the “Every Student Succeeds Act

of 2015” students awaiting foster care placement and students in actual foster care are eligible for

the same transportation services as students designated as “homeless.” Such services will be

comparable to those provided for non-homeless students.

Fort Smith Public Schools acknowledges that the responsibility for transporting children to and

from school belongs to the parent. However, due to the size of the district, the student population,

and the locations of various programs and schools, it is the policy of the Fort Smith Public

Schools to provide transportation exceptions if a student meets at least one of the following

conditions:

a. A student attending his/her home school lives outside a two-mile radius of his/her school,

b. A student who cannot attend his/her home school due to overcrowding. He/She will be

transferred and bussed from their home school to a school that has space available at

his/her grade level,

c. Special needs students, with a qualifying disability, may be picked up at home, at a

neighborhood school, or at a bus stop near their home,

d. School to school program transfers for some secondary classes that are provided at

locations other than the home school.

2. FSPS Transportation Policy for Homeless and Foster Care Students - Homeless and Foster Care

Students, (HFCS), who wish to attend a school outside their school of location may do so, if it is

determined by the parents, the school administration, and the local welfare agency, in the case of

foster care students, to be in the best interest of the child.

For the purposes of school transportation, Homeless and Foster Care Students (HFCS) will be considered

“at-large students” eligible to ride to and/or from any bus stop that serves their school of choice.

(Comparable Service)*

If the school of choice is within a two-mile radius of their residence, then no bus transportation will be

provided. (Comparable Service)*

However, if any school within that two-mile radius has a bus route that connects to their school of choice,

the HFCS may ride that bus from that school to their school of choice. This is an additional service that is

provided to HFCS and this option is not available to other students and parents. (Additional Service)**

If the school of choice or a connecting school is outside a two-mile radius of their residence, then FSPS

will make arrangements for that student to be transported from a bus stop or a neighborhood school, to the

school of choice. Parents should be aware that this option may require earlier pick up or/later drop off

times and possibly one or more bus transfers to get the students to their destination.

(Additional Service)** Students in foster care or awaiting foster care are eligible for these same

transportation services if requested by the local welfare agency. However, in order to account, control,

and share transportation costs, a completed registration form, along with documentation from the

Department of Human Services of each qualifying student’s status (only those students requesting bus

transportation), must be made and provided to the District each school year. The registration form and

documentation letter should be submitted to the FSPS Homeless Liaison by September 15th of each year;

who will then forward copies to the FSPS Student Services Office and the FSPS Transportation Office by

October 1st of each year. If HFCS are being transported between neighboring school districts, then both

districts share the responsibility and the costs of arranging transportation details. The cost for any

additional services for foster students, such as those listed above, will be the responsibility of the local

welfare agency, as stated under the provisions of the law.**

*Paragraph 3; Sect. A –Transportation Services – 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(4) Comparable Services

** The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 and Amendments on Foster Care in Title 1 Part-A of the Elementary and

Secondary Education Act.

D. Student Classroom Assignments - Multiple Birth Siblings

Classroom assignments are made by the school principal or designee. The parent, guardian or other

person having charge or custody of multiple birth siblings in grades pre-K through 5 may request that the

multiple birth siblings are placed in either the same or separate classrooms. The request shall be in

writing not later than the 14

calendar day prior to the first day of classes at the beginning of the

academic year. The school shall honor the request unless it would require the school to add an additional

class to the sibling’s grade level. If one (1) parent of multiple birth siblings requests a placement that

differs from that of the other parent of the same multiple birth siblings, the school shall determine the

appropriate placement of the siblings.

The school may change the classroom placement of one (1) or more of the multiple birth siblings if:

•

There has been a minimum of thirty (30) instructional days since the start of the school year:

and

•

After consulting with each classroom teacher in which the siblings were placed, the school

determines the parent’s classroom placement request is:

a. Detrimental to the educational achievement of one (1) or more of the siblings;

b. Disruptive to the siblings’ assigned classroom learning environment; or

c. Disruptive to the school’s educational or disciplinary environment.

If a parent believes the school has not followed the requirements of this policy, the parent may appeal the

multiple birth siblings’ classroom placement to the Director of Elementary Education. The decision of the

Director of Elementary Education regarding the appeal is final.

Legal References: ACA 6-18-106

Additional Reference: ASBA Model Policies

E. Compulsory School Attendance

Arkansas Code 6-18-201, amended, mandates as follows:

Every parent, guardian or other person residing within the State of Arkansas having custody or charge of

any child or children age five (5) through seventeen (17) years on or before August 1 of that year, both

inclusive, shall enroll and send the child or children to a public, private or parochial school, or provide a

home school for the child or children as described in 6-15-501 et seq. Under such penalty for

noncompliance as shall be set by law with the following exceptions:

1. Any student who has received a high school diploma, or its equivalent as determined by the State

Board of Education, is not subject to this attendance requirement.

2. Students may enter kindergarten in the public schools of this state if they will attain the age of

five (5) years on or before August 1 of the year in which they are seeking initial enrollment. Any

student who has been enrolled in a state-accredited or approved kindergarten program in another

state or country for at least sixty (60) days, who will become five (5) years old during the year in

which he or she is enrolled in kindergarten and who meets the basic residency requirement for

school attendance, may be enrolled in kindergarten upon written request to the School District.

Any parent, guardian or other person residing within the state and having custody or charge of

any child or children may elect for the child or children not to attend kindergarten if the child or

children will not be age six (6) on September 15 of that particular school year. If such an election

is made, the parent, guardian or other person having custody or charge of the child must file a

signed Kindergarten waiver form with the local district administrative office. Such form shall be

prescribed by regulation of the State Department of Education. Upon filing the Kindergarten

waiver form, the child or children shall not be required to attend kindergarten in that school year.

3. Any child age sixteen (16) or above enrolled in a post-secondary vocational-technical institution,

a community college or a two-year or four-year institution of higher education is not subject to

the attendance requirement.

Any child who will be six (6) years of age on or before October 1 of the school year of enrollment

and who has not completed a state-accredited kindergarten program shall be evaluated by the

District and may be placed in the first grade if the results of the evaluation justify placement in the

first grade and the child’s parent agrees with placement in the first grade; otherwise the child shall

be placed in kindergarten.

Any child may enter the first grade in the public schools of this state if the child will attain the

age of six (6) years during the school year in which the child is seeking enrollment and the child

has successfully completed a kindergarten program in a public school in this state.

Parents electing to waive the kindergarten requirement must file a kindergarten waiver with the

Superintendent of Schools or the District’s Executive Director of Student Services.

The Fort Smith School District recognizes its responsibility to meet the legal requirements as set forth by

state law regarding attendance, curriculum, and the general welfare of the student.

Students within the compulsory attendance age, as defined above, and not yet eighteen (18) years of age

shall not be dropped from the roll of any school unless they have:

A. Moved from the Fort Smith Public School District.

B. Died.

C. Received a high school diploma or its equivalent as determined by the State Board of Education.

D. Entered private, parochial, or home school.

E. Been committed to an institution.

F. Been recommended to be dropped by the Superintendent of Schools.

Records shall be maintained on all students in Grades 7-12 leaving school prior to the completion of the

high school graduation. Records shall show, as required by Statute 6-18-214, the following:

1. School site.

2. Gender.

3. Date of birth.

4. Racial or ethnic identification.

5. Educational handicapping condition, if any.

6. Reason for leaving. Reporting forms shall include, but not be limited to the following reasons for

leaving school:

a. Enrollment in another accredited public, private, or parochial school program leading to a

high school diploma.

b. Failing grades.

c. Lack of interest.

d. Conflict with school.

e. Suspension or expulsion.

f. Economic hardship.

g. Pregnancy or marriage.

h. Peer conflict.

i. Incarceration.

j. Alternative plans other than those listed.

k. Did not return after end of previous semester and none of the reasons listed herein is

known to apply.

Data shall also be maintained for those students entering home school programs and students who have

run away and their location is unknown.

F. Guidelines for Excused and Unexcused Absences

The Board of Education of the Fort Smith School District recognizes that prompt, regular attendance in

school is extremely important. Excessive absenteeism not only adversely affects the learning process of

students but may impede the normal progression of a student through the grades. The Board expects each

student to attend all scheduled classes and daily activities except when a student has been excused by the

principal or principal’s designee. Students who report to school but fail to attend all scheduled classes and

activities, except where officially excused, are contributing to the potential disruption of the instructional

program. A parent/guardian or persons in loco parentis have the responsibility to require of his/her

students prompt, regular school attendance. A parent/guardian should be familiar with the educational

program of the school and rules regarding attendance and student behavior. Unless a student has an

excused absence from school, he/she should be in attendance. Excessive absences may result in a denial of

promotion or graduation (ACA 6-18-222). Excessive unexcused absences may result in the filing of a

Family in Need of Services (FINS) petition with the juvenile court.

ATTENDANCE

Types of absences: Excused, Parental Permission, and Unexcused

VIRTUAL SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Absences for students enrolled in the Virtual Option courses shall be determined by the online

attendance and time the student is working on the course rather than the student’s physical

presence at school.

Excused and unexcused absences will be defined the same for virtual school students as for

traditionally enrolled students. Excused and unexcused absences are described above under the

headings: “Excused Absences” and “Unexcused Absences”.

FSPS Virtual School Attendance Accounting

● FSPS students who choose to participate in their instruction virtually from home will have attendance

based on a demerit system. A student will be assigned a demerit if the following is observed:

• A student demonstrates no effort or engagement with their daily virtual instruction.

o Teachers will review the progress of their virtual students each Tuesday

morning. Demerits for lack of attendance will be assigned based on the student’s

progress and effort from the previous week.

• If a student has done poorly on assignments from the previous week but has

shown attempts to complete the tasks, no attendance demerits will be assigned.

• If a student has done poorly on assignments but attended small group sessions

online, no attendance demerits will be given.

• If a student has completed all tasks satisfactorily but has not attended small group

sessions, no demerits will be assigned.

o A student fails to participate in core class instruction meetings done online.

o A student fails to participate in any small group meetings done online. However, if

a student shows mastery of assignments and assessments but does not attend small

group meetings, no demerit will be assigned.

o A student fails to complete any assigned assessments, whether teacher or district

required.

• If a student earns 2 demerits, then the student is marked absent for the entire

week corresponding to the demerits. Principals have the discretion to change these absences

at a later date, if warranted.

● For clarification, an excused absence would be an absence where communication has been made

by the parent to the school to provide documentation for the student’s absences (sick,

doctor/dentist appointments.., etc.)

● The school will address the lack of attendance in the following manner:

○ When a student accumulates one or two demerits in one week, the virtual student’s

classroom teacher calls/emails to check on the student.

○ When the student accumulates three demerits, the virtual student’s classroom

teacher attempts another phone call home.

○ When the student accumulates five demerits, the virtual student’s teacher alerts the principal

and school counselor. The building principal, or their designee, calls home.

○ When the student accumulates seven demerits, district representative(s) will make a home

visit. Regardless of whether the home visit personnel successfully talks to the student’s parent

or guardian, a certified letter is sent to the home. Students who continue to collect attendance

demerits will be dropped from virtual instruction and reinstated in physical classes. If the

student does not return to physical classes by the 3rd day after the certified letter was delivered,

the school will file a FINS based on failure to comply with the compulsory attendance statute.

●Building/district administrators have the authority to modify these procedures due to

extenuating circumstances.

• Demerits do not have to be assigned consecutively for school action to take place. However,

attendance demerits will be reset to zero at the beginning of each semester.

A. ABSENCES

1. Excused – Excused absences are those where the student was on official school business or when

the absence was due to one of the following reasons, which is documented by a written statement

from the parent or legal guardian to the principal or designees within five (5) days upon his/her

return to school:

Student’s illness when medically documented or approved by the principal;

Death or serious illness in the immediate family, i.e.-spouse, child, parent, sibling,

grandparent, any relative who lives in the same household as the student;

Observance of recognized holidays observed by the student’s faith;

Attendance at a medical appointment;

Exceptional circumstances with prior approval of the principal;

Participation on FFA, FHA, or 4-H sanctioned activities;

Participation in the election poll workers program for high school students;

Absence granted to allow a student to visit his/her parent or legal guardian who is a

member of the military and has been called to active duty, is on leave from active

duty, or has returned from deployment to combat zone or combat support posting.

The number of additional excused absences shall be at the direction of the

Superintendent or designee;

Absences granted, at the Superintendent’s discretion, to seventeen (17) year old

students who join the Arkansas National Guard while in the eleventh (11th) grade to

complete basic training between grades eleven (11) and twelve (12);

Absences for students excluded from school by the Arkansas Department of Health

during a disease outbreak because the student has an immunization waiver or whose

immunizations are not up to date;

Parental Permission for any reason not covered above, not to exceed five (5) days

per year, provided the parent has contacted the school attendance office, by note or

by phone call, the day the absence occurs.

• For the purposes of elementary school attendance, parent permission days will

be counted in the form of five (5) a.m. and five (5) p.m. absences.

• No more than five (5) of either a.m. or p.m. absences will be excused as parent

permission.

• Absences for parent permission shall not be granted in conflict with semester

examination schedules.

Any circumstance not covered above which the District determines are excused;

Students who serve as pages for a member of the General Assembly shall be considered on instructional

assignment and shall not be considered absent from school for the day the student is serving as a page.

It is the Arkansas General Assembly’s intention that students having excessive absences be given

assistance in obtaining credit for their courses. Excessive absences may, however, be the basis for the

denial of course credit, promotion, or graduation.

An excused absence shall afford the student the privilege of making up all assignments and/or class

activities as the teachers direct.

Official written verification includes signed doctor, dentist, court or legal documents identifying the

office and/or the name of the professional who provided the service.

2. Parental Permission

Parental permission may be granted for any reason, including personal illness without

written verification, provided the parent has contacted the attendance office, by note or

phone call, the day the absence occurs.

The student may not exceed five (5) parental permission absence days for the school year.

If a student exceeds five (5) days of parental permission absence in any class for the

school year, all parental permission days beyond the first five (5) are classified as

unexcused. For the purposes of elementary school attendance, parent permission days will

be counted in the form of five (5) a.m. and five (5) p.m. absences. No more than five

(5) of either a.m. or p.m. absences will be excused as parental permission

Parental permission shall afford the student the privilege of making up all assignments

and/or class activities as the teachers direct.

Absences for parental permission shall not be granted in conflict with semester

examination schedules.

3. Unexcused

An unexcused absence shall be considered to be a willful absence (truant) from school if

it is without the knowledge of the student’s parent/guardian.

Any other absence not considered excused in the two preceding sections will be counted

as unexcused.

Any student who is truant or has an unexcused absence forfeits the right to make up any

work for credit.

Students on short-term suspension from school (not to exceed ten days) shall be

considered absent but excused for the purpose of completing make up work during the

term of suspension. These students will be expected to make up their school work and

may receive full credit upon satisfactory completion. The sole responsibility for

completing assigned work rests with the student. All make-up work should be returned to

the appropriate teacher upon the student’s return to school. For the purposes of

absenteeism, short-term suspension days (not to exceed 10 days) shall be considered

unexcused.

A student with four (4) or more unexcused absences per semester may be assigned

consequences. Minimum – reprimand; Maximum – suspension.

4. School Business – School business days will be excused. School business designation is limited

to school sanctioned/sponsored activities and events.

Other References: ASBA Model Policies

B. PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT

The parent/guardian should contact the school by 9:00 a.m. any day that a student will be absent.

In addition to assisting the school with the attendance record, parent/guardian notification to the

school is a security measure to verify the locations of all students.

Upon the 5th unexcused absence in any semester a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian notifying

him/her that upon the 10th unexcused absence of the same semester the student may be denied

promotion or credit. Before a student accumulates the 10th day of unexcused absence for the semester

the student, the student’s parents, or guardian, may petition the school principal for a conference to

address the student’s absences (Act 1223 of 2011).

Exceptions to this rule will be made in accordance with the student’s IEP or 504 plans.

Students with long-term, medically documented illness or injury may be allowed to make up

work and may be given assistance in obtaining credit for courses in which they are enrolled.

C. LEGAL NOTIFICATION

Upon notification by the School District that a student of mandatory school age is no longer

attending school or has 10 consecutive absences in any class, the County Prosecuting Attorney or

City Prosecuting Attorney will be notified that the student is no longer attending school. Students

with unexcused absences in excess of 10 total days in any one semester may be considered

delinquent, and appropriate notification to the County Prosecuting Attorney or City Prosecuting

Attorney may be made subject to the directions of the Superintendent or his/her designee.

The Fort Smith School District shall notify the Arkansas Department of Finance and

Administration whenever a student 14 years of age or older is no longer attending school, and the

Department of Finance and Administration shall suspend the student’s learner permit or driver’s

license until the student re-enrolls and is successfully attending school.

D. COURSE CREDIT

Credit may be denied to a student Grades 9–12 enrolled in credit courses when a student has more

than 15 days of total absence in a semester.

E. DENIAL OF PROMOTION

Excessive absences (15 days per semester) may be a basis for denial for promotion or graduation.

Before a student reaches 15 days of absence in a semester, the parent or guardian may petition the

principal for a conference to address the student’s absences. The plan to address the absence

problem will be formalized into a written agreement to include the conditions of the agreement

and the consequences for failing to fulfill the requirements of the agreement.

F. GRADING

A student who is absent from any given class will be permitted to make up major tests and major

assignments if the student has an excused absence. The student must make arrangements with the

teacher(s) on the first day the student returns to class to complete work missed because of an

excused absence. A student will be given an “O” or “F” if the assignment(s) missed is the result

of “unexcused” absence.

II. CHILD CUSTODY SITUATIONS

A. The parent or guardian shall provide authorization, by note or phone call, for other persons to take a

child from school during the school day.

B. In order for a student to be released to law enforcement officers, one of the following is required:

1. The officer has a warrant.

2. The officer places a student under arrest.

3. The parent or guardian accompanies the officer.

4. The officer has written permission from the parent or guardian.

5. The principal or his/her designee obtains oral permission from the parent or guardian by

telephone. The oral permission shall be documented by the principal or designee.

C. Anytime a student is released from school, the parent or guardian is to be notified as soon as

possible.

D. The parent or guardian must be contacted, if possible, when law enforcement officers request to

question a student at school regarding a criminal offense the student may have witnessed or in

which he/she may have participated. If the parent or guardian cannot be contacted, a school

official shall act in loco parentis and observe the interrogation.

E. Parents or guardian will not be notified when law enforcement or social service officials or

designated employees of the Department of Human Services ask to interview a student about

suspected neglect or abuse in the student’s family. A school official shall be present during the

interview. The school official delegated to be present should be the person with whom the student

will be most at ease and least threatened.

F. Any agency other than law enforcement agencies or the Department of Human Services must

have a written administrative or court order directing the school district to give custody to that

agency. Parents should be notified as soon as possible.

G. Both parents of a student are assumed to have equal custodial rights unless a court order stating

otherwise has been presented to school officials. When in doubt, school enrollment records may

be used, as the parents have the burden of furnishing school with accurate, up-to-date

information.

H. A non-custodial parent with visitation rights has the same right to obtain student information as

the custodial parent. Any restriction on this right would have to be documented in a court order.

I. Student information and school records will be released to law enforcement officials, agents of

the court, or Department of Human Services employees if such information is part of an open

case or a current investigation.

J. If testimony by staff members is sought by parents or attorneys, a subpoena shall be required.

K. The transfer of a student between the student’s custodial parent or guardian and non-custodial

parent or guardian is prohibited from taking place on a school campus during normal hours of

school operation (ACA 9-13-104).

III.

STUDENT HEALTH

Student Health Guidelines

1. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to notify the nursing staff or school personnel in

writing of any serious medical condition his or her child may have. Notification should be made

in a timely manner.

2. Parents should not send a student to school who has a fever of 100 degrees or greater. The

student should remain at home until free of fever, without the use of fever reducing

medication, for 24 hours. Most fever is lowest in the morning, rises in the afternoon, and is

highest in the evening.

3. Due to the possibility of choking, no hard candy will be allowed in school.

Communicable Diseases and Parasites

1. Students with communicable diseases that could be transmitted in a school environment should not

attend school to diminish the spread of their condition to others. Students whom the school nurse (or

his/her designee) determines are unwell for school attendance or who are believed to have a

communicable disease will be required to be picked up by their parent or guardian.

Examples include but are not limited to: vomiting two or more times, multiple watery loose

stools, fever greater than 100 degrees, or an undiagnosed rash or skin change. A student who

has been sent home under this policy will subsequently be readmitted, at the discretion of the

school nurse (or his/her designee), when the student is no longer a transmission risk. In some

instances, a letter from a health care provider may be required prior to the student being

readmitted to the school.

2. When a student is found to have lice, the student will be sent home for treatment that day. The

parent will treat the child and return the child to school the same day or the following day.

a. Students returning to school after being sent home with lice must be

accompanied by their parent/guardian. The student will be checked for lice prior

to returning to class.

b. Siblings of the student will be checked by the teacher, school nurse, or the

principal’s designee.

c. Depending on the severity of the lice problem, the principal, in consultation with

the school nurse, may decide it is necessary to check an entire classroom or

group of classrooms as well as the siblings of an affected student. All

notifications will respect the privacy and confidentiality of the affected student.

d. The principal or his/her designee will notify parents of children in an affected

classroom of the problem when

i. Three or more children are found to have lice within a two week period in

classrooms with more than 15 students, or

ii. There is one case of lice in a classroom of 15 or fewer students.

e. The principal or his/her designee shall notify the bus driver and/or the

transportation department if the student is transported.

3. Students with suspected scabies must be seen by a health care provider for diagnosis and/ or

treatment. A letter from the health care provider may be required prior to the student being

readmitted to school.

4. Students with evidence of bed bug bites require no treatment. Bed bugs are not known to

spread diseases. (CDC – Jan. 10, 2013)

Medication Policy

Medications are generally administered by an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel under the supervision or

direction of a school nurse. Medications are given at school as a courtesy to parents. Medications not

necessary for attendance may be refused and some prescribed medications may be refused at the nurse’s

discretion due to safety issues. The following requirements are to be met before medication is

administered at school:

1. All medications must be stored and administered from the original containers with the most

current, dated labels. The student’s name must be on the prescription label. The medication

label is not to be changed in any way. (Name of child, dosage, and time given.) Parents are

responsible for getting the medications to and from school. Upon receipt at school, medications

will be counted and documented on the Medication Tracking Form, in the presence of the

parent. Both the parent and the nurse or UAP will sign the Tracking Form to verify medication

quantity. An appointment with the nurse is required to assure the nurse is available to receive

medication.

2. A parent must sign medication forms giving school personnel permission for administering

medications to their child. The dosage on the medication container and the dosage on the

medication permission form must be identical.

3. No medication will be given unless it is specifically ordered by the child’s physician to be

given during school hours. Medication ordered to be given 1, 2, or 3 times a day will be given

at home unless specifically ordered to be given during the school day.

4. Morning medications will not be given at school. Parents will be responsible for

administering morning medications prior to their students arriving at school. Exceptions to

this rule must be approved by the Executive Director of Student Services.

5. All pills should be administered with water. The student must swallow the oral medication in

the presence of the adult administering the medication.

6. For Positive Attitude Renewal (PAR), medication(s) will be transported by the parent, for

administration during the school day. The parent will be responsible for transporting the

medication(s) back to the home school. The home school will be responsible for faxing the

supporting documentation to the PAR school nurse.

7. For Field Trips, controlled substances will only be sent for administration if a nurse is

attending the field trip. Medications should be counted before being taken from the school

and then counted again on return to provide accountability for controlled substances.

Administration of medication should be documented on the Medication Administration

Record. Inhalers and Epi-Pens may be sent with the teacher on the field trip for use while

away from school. Those medications will also be signed out on the Medication Tracking

Sheet and signed back in when returned to school.

8. Medications such as inhalers and auto-injectable epinephrine may be kept with the student

provided that all district guidelines and state requirements (ACA 6-18-707) are met as stated

in the inhaler and auto-injectable polices. Non-prescription inhalers will not be allowed at

school without a written doctor’s order. Stock epinephrine is only available if a doctor

prescribes it for the district.

9. The school system is not responsible for reactions caused by medications that are properly

administered.

10. If questions concerning a medication arise, school personnel have the right to call the

doctor/pharmacist regarding medications. The parent/guardian will be notified.

11. Due to the possibility of choking hazards, no cough drops, throat lozenges, or medicated

suckers will be given at school.

12. Narcotic medications such as cough syrups with codeine and pain medications will not be

given at school. With a written doctor’s order, non-aspirin products may be given for pain

management. The doctor’s order must be for a specified and appropriate length of time.

13. Stock Narcan (Naloxone HCL) may be kept for treatment of suspected opioid overdose. See

Narcan protocol.

14. All medications should be kept in a locking cabinet in the office to be administered by the

Unlicensed Assistive Personnel or School Nurse. Controlled substances should be kept in a

double locking cabinet and counted once a month, and as needed. This count should be

documented on the Medication Administration Tracking sheet and monthly report form

maintained in the central nursing office with discrepancies noted and reported to the Lead

Nurse and Fort Smith Police Department, if deemed necessary. Only the licensed nurse will

administer controlled substances at school.

15. With written permission from the parent/guardian, inhalers and epi-pens may be sent home

with the students at the parent’s request or at the end of the school year. Controlled

substances must be picked up by the parent at the end of the school year. Any controlled

substances remaining on the last day of school will be sent to the Fort Smith Police

Department for destruction.

16. Students may possess and use a topical sunscreen that is approved by the United States

Food and Drug Administration for OTC use to avoid overexposure to sun without written

authorization from a parent, legal guardian, or healthcare professional while the student is

on school property or at a school-related event or activity.

Asthma Inhalers

Students may carry and use an inhaler while in school, at on-site school activity, or at an off-site school

sponsored activity provided the following provisions are met:

1. The parent/guardian of a student who needs to carry an asthma inhaler shall provide Fort Smith

Public Schools with written permission for the student to carry the inhaler for use while in school.

2. This permission shall be for the current school year, while attending Fort Smith Public Schools.

3. The parent or guardian shall provide Fort Smith Public Schools the following documentation:

a. Doctor’s order for inhaler or a prescription label.

b. Written doctor’s order specifying that the student may carry the inhaler on his/her person.

4. All medical documentation listed above, including applicable healthcare plan, shall be kept in the

medication binder to be used in the event of an emergency.

5. The parent or guardian shall provide a student’s asthma inhaler.

6. The student shall demonstrate the skill and responsibility necessary to use the asthma inhaler to

the person writing the prescription and the school nurse, when available.

7. Students with asthma are not required to carry asthma inhalers on his/her person. The parent or

guardian may provide an asthma inhaler for the student to use while at school. The inhaler shall

be kept in a locked cabinet until needed.

8. A student is prohibited from sharing his/her inhaler with any other person.

9. Fort Smith Public School District and district employees shall not be liable for injury to a student

caused by his or her use of a prescription inhaler.

Auto-injectable Epinephrine

Students may carry and use auto-injection epinephrine while in school, at on-site school activity, or at an

off-site school sponsored activity provided the following provisions are met.

1. The parent or guardian of a student who needs to carry auto-injection epinephrine shall provide

Fort Smith Public Schools with written permission for the student to carry auto-injection

epinephrine on his/her person for use in school.

2. This permission shall be for the current school year, while attending Fort Smith Public Schools.

3. The parent or guardian shall provide Fort Smith Public Schools the following documentation:

a. Doctor’s order for auto-injection epinephrine or a prescription label.

b. Written doctor’s order specifying that the student may carry the auto-injection

epinephrine on his/her person.

4. The school nurse for each District school shall keep epinephrine auto-injectors on hand that are suitable

for the students the school serves provided that a licensed doctor provides a prescription to the district

to possess and maintain these products. The school nurse or other school employee designated by the

school nurse as a care provider who has been trained and certified by a licensed physician may

administer auto injector epinephrine to those students who the school nurse, or other school employee

certified to administer auto-injector epinephrine, in good faith professionally believes is having a life-

threatening anaphylactic reaction. The parent or guardian shall provide a student’s auto-injection

epinephrine.

5. All medical documentation listed above, including applicable healthcare plan, shall be kept in the

medication binder to be used in the event of an emergency.

6. The student shall demonstrate the skill and responsibility necessary to use the auto- injection

epinephrine to the person writing the prescription and the school nurse, when available.

7. Students are not required to carry auto-injection epinephrine on his/her person. The parent or

guardian may provide an auto-injection epinephrine for the student to use while at school. The

auto-injectable epinephrine shall be kept in a locked cabinet until needed.

8. A student is prohibited from sharing his/her auto-injectable epinephrine with any other student.

9. Fort Smith Public School District and district employees shall not be liable for injury to a student

caused by his or her use of an auto-injectable epinephrine.

Emergency Administration of Albuterol

The school nurse or other school employees designated by the school nurse as a care provider who have been

trained and certified by a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant may

administer albuterol in emergency situations to students who have an IHP that provides for the

administration of albuterol in emergency situations.

The parent of a student who has an authorizing IHP, or the student if over the age of eighteen (18), shall

annually complete and sign a written consent form provided by the student's school nurse authorizing the

nurse or other school employee(s) certified to administer albuterol to administer albuterol to the student

when the employee believes the student is in perceived respiratory distress.

The school nurse for each District school shall keep albuterol on hand. The school nurse or other school

employee designated by the school nurse as a care provider who has been trained and certified by a licensed

physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant may administer albuterol to those

students who the school nurse, or other school employee certified to administer albuterol, in good faith

professionally believes is in perceived respiratory distress.

Emergency Administration of Anti-Opioid

The school nurse for each District school shall keep anti-opioid injectors on hand. The school nurse, other

school employee, volunteer, or student may administer anti-opioid in accordance with the District’s

procedures to a student who the school nurse, or other observer, in good faith believes is having an opioid

overdose.

Growth and Maturity

The school nurses will present a growth and development program for 4th grade girls and 5th grade

boys and girls. The growth and development program for 4th grade girls includes information

regarding menstruation and personal hygiene. The 5th grade program will cover growth and

development which will include a discussion of the reproductive systems of both boys and girls.

During this program the boys and girls will be separated. These programs are all abstinence based.

Please contact your school nurse for further information.

Immunization Requirements for Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve

(Reference Immunization Checklist - p. 58)

1. Except as otherwise provided in law or regulation, no child shall be admitted to a public or

private school of this state who has not been immunized against poliomyelitis, diphtheria,

tetanus, pertussis, red (rubeola) measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, meningococcal

disease, and varicella (chickenpox) as evidenced by a certificate of a licensed physician or a

public health department acknowledging the immunization.

2. The requirements for entry into school are:

Kindergarten: At least four doses of Diphtheria/Tetanus/Acellular Pertussis (DTaP)

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTP), Diphtheria/Tetanus (DT pediatric) vaccine; at least three

doses of Polio vaccine; two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine; three doses of

Hepatitis B vaccine; one dose of Hepatitis A; and two doses of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. A

medical professional’s [medical doctor, advanced practiced nurse, doctor of osteopathy, or

physician assistant] history of disease may be accepted in lieu of receiving Varicella vaccine. No

self or parental history of varicella disease will be accepted. Exception: If a student has previously

received two doses of measles, one dose of mumps, and one dose of rubella before January 1,

2010 the doses will be accepted as compliant to immunization requirements and 2 MMR’s are not

required.

1st through 12th grade: At least three or four doses of Diphtheria/Tetanus/Acellular Pertussis

(DTaP), Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTP), Diphtheria/Tetanus (DT pediatric), Tetanus/

Diphtheria (Td-adult) or Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) and one dose of Tdap for

ages 11 years (as of September 1st each year and older or three doses for unvaccinated persons 7

years of age or older (including persons who cannot document prior vaccination); at least three

doses of Polio vaccine; two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine; two or three

doses of Hepatitis B vaccine; one dose of Hepatitis A for First Grade; two doses of Varicella

(chickenpox) vaccine; and one or two doses of Meningococcal vaccine with one dose for 7th

grade and a second dose of Meningococcal vaccine at age 16 years (as of September 1st each

year). A medical professional’s [medical doctor, advanced practiced nurse, doctor of osteopathy,

or physician assistant] history of disease may be accepted in lieu of receiving Varicella vaccine.

No self or parental history of varicella disease will be accepted. Exception: If a student has

previously received two doses of measles, one dose of mumps, and one dose of rubella before

January 1, 2010 the doses will be accepted as compliant to immunization requirements and 2

MMR’s are not required.

Every child must have received all of the vaccines, or show proof that they have a letter from the

Arkansas Department of Health approving serology as proof of immunity in order to continue

attendance in a public or private school.

A facility may temporarily admit a child provided that the child becomes appropriately

immunized, is in process of receiving the needed doses of vaccine, or shows proof that he or she

has applied for an exemption for those vaccines he or she has not received within thirty (30)

program days after the child’s original admission. In process may only be verified with a paper

copy of a scheduled appointment from a health care provider who will administer the needed

immunizations. Any student without all required immunizations (or approved serology) may be

excluded from school in the event his or her health is jeopardized by a communicable disease

outbreak.

School officials are required to evaluate the immunization status of all children in their facilities.

Student Well-Being: Emotional

Fostering the health and well-being of all students in a nurturing and respectful learning community is

fundamentally important. Fort Smith Public Schools use research based education Social Emotional

Learning (SEL) curriculums coupled with research based suicide prevention curriculums and suicide

prevention administrative protocols to create a comprehensive K-12 network of growth and support.

• School counselors and administrators serve as a point of contact for students/families in crisis. These

school leaders will refer the student and their family to appropriate resources.

• When a student exhibits signs of potential concern for safety, the student will be referred to a school

counselor or administrator who will work with the student and, if warranted, help connect them and

their parents or guardians with appropriate resources.

• Students have access to resources which they can use to contact additional support through the

counseling link within the Fort Smith Public Schools’ website such as:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1.800.273.8255 (TALK) or text HOME to 741741

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

FSPS Safe School Helpline

Anonymous tip line and trained crisis counselor

800-418-6423

• All students are encouraged to tell a teacher, counselor, administrator, or any adult if they, or a peer,

are feeling suicidal or in need of help.

• Students should also know that because of the life or death nature of these matters, confidentiality or

privacy concerns are secondary to seeking help for students in crisis

Kindergarten Physicals

All enrolling Kindergarten students must furnish evidence of a physical performed within the last

2 years administered by a licensed physician or a registered nurse qualified to conduct screening

examinations. (ACA 6-15-202 and ACA 6-18-701)

Vision Screening

All children in prekindergarten (pre K), kindergarten (K), grades one (1), two (2), four (4), six

(6), and eight (8) and all transfer students shall receive an eye and vision screening. If a student

fails the screening, a rescreening will be done. If the student fails the second screening, the

parent/guardian will be notified of the possible need for further evaluation. (ACA 6-18-1501)

Body Mass Index

All children in kindergarten and even-numbered grades up through 10th grade will have a body

mass index screening. A report of this screening will be made available to the parent/ guardian

during the year the child was screened. Any parent/guardian may refuse to have his or her child’s

body mass index screened by providing a written refusal to the school. (ACA 20-7-135)

Scoliosis

All girls in 6th grade and all boys and girls in 8th grade will be screened for scoliosis. If the

student fails the screening, a report will be sent home to the parent/guardian for follow-up with

their physician or an orthopedic physician. A child may only be excluded from the screening if it

is against their religious beliefs and the parent sends a written statement to the school prior to the

screening. (ACA 20-15-801 & ACA 20-15-803)

IV.

NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES

The Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has enacted rules related to nutrition

standards for Arkansas Public Schools. These rules limit the availability of certain foods and practices

on school campus during the school day.

PROHIBITED PRACTICES:

A. Elementary Schools may not serve or provide access to food other than meals provided by the

school-lunch program.

B. Secondary Schools may not serve or provide access to food other than meals provided by the

school lunch program until thirty minutes after the last lunch period. (Current beverage vending

contracts are exempt to this rule.)

C. Schools may not use food as a reward.

D. Schools are limited in the sale of extra food to students; extra foods that may be purchased

include: milk, fresh fruit, vegetables or a complete extra meal.

E. Schools may not sell or give away extra servings of dessert, French- fries and/or ice cream.

F. Parents may not provide food/beverage items to other children at school. This means that it is

not permissible for parents to provide birthday or other treats for their children’s classroom.

ALLOWABLE PRACTICES:

A. Schools can provide snacks in pre-K and in Kindergarten as long as the snacks meet nutrition

guidelines.

B. Parents have the right to provide any food or beverage they desire for their child only.

C. Food can be used during a lesson when it has an instructional purpose and value; for example,

using cubes of cheese to teach fractions.

D. Schools may provide any food and/or beverages for up to nine different school events each year

as determined and approved by school officials. All food and beverages served during the “9

Special Event Days” must be commercially prepared and packaged by establishments subjected

to Arkansas Department of Health Food Establishment Rules and Regulations (homemade foods

and foods prepared by parents are prohibited).

Note: The nutrition guidelines do not apply to students with special needs when indicated in the student’s

IEP. Nor do these guidelines apply to school nurses when providing health care to students.

You may contact the school office or access the Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary

Education website at http://www.arkansased.gov/divisions/child-nutrition-unit/guidance

for a

complete set of the rules related to nutrition standards.

Special Dietary Needs/Food Substitutions

Students with special dietary needs will be accommodated based on a physician’s diet prescription. Food

substitutions are available for medical reasons only. If school menus fail to offer choices consistent with

personal dietary preferences, parents should assume responsibility for preparing the student’s meals.

Special dietary needs forms are available at school offices and on the Child Nutrition Department web site

at www.fortsmithschools.org

Meal Accounts and Refunds

Meal accounts can be managed with a convenient, secure Titan meal payment account.

To open a meal payment account from the Fort Smith Public Schools web site, choose the School Menus

tab on the right, then click on the Titan logo. After registering, choose Link Student, then provide your

child’s name, date of birth, school and grade. The final step is to fund the account.

Meal accounts have a $10.00 credit limit. Account balances at the end of the school year will be carried

forward to the next school year. Account refunds are available to seniors and students no longer enrolled

at FSPS.

Free or reduced price meal applications are always available in the school office.

Parental Involvement (ACA 6-15-1702)

The District acknowledges that parents play an integral role in assisting student learning and that the

parent is a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family. Each public school district

and each public school within its boundaries, in collaboration with parents, will establish a parental

involvement plan, including programs and practices that enhance parental involvement and reflect the

specific needs of students and their families.

The parental involvement program in each school will involve parents of students at all grade levels in a

variety of roles, be comprehensive and coordinated in nature, and recognize that communication between

home and school should be regular, two-way, and meaningful. To encourage communication with

parents, the school shall prepare an informational packet to be distributed annually to the parent of each

child in the school, appropriate for the age and grade of the child. The school may plan and engage in

other activities determined by the school to be beneficial to encourage communication with parents. The

school will make efforts to promote and support responsible parenting.

Parents who have concerns about the school and/or their student’s education should conference with the

classroom teacher to try to address solutions. If a solution is not forthcoming, the parent should

conference with the building principal or assistant principal to work toward a solution.

The Board of Education believes that all students benefit when the relationship between the home and

school is strengthened. Therefore, the Board encourages families to participate in PTA activities and other

school functions that strengthen those bonds.

If you have questions regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers or

paraprofessionals, you are encouraged to ask the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and

Campus Support.

Le invitamos a que hable con la si usted tiene alguna pregunta sobre las capacitaciones profesionales de

los maestros o asistentes de maestros de sus hijos.

Participación de los Padres de Familia (ACA 6-15-1702)

El Distrito reconoce que los padres de familia tienen un papel fundamental apoyando el aprendizaje de los

estudiantes y que ellos participan de forma equitativa en las decisiones que afectan a sus hijos y a su

familia. Cada distrito escolar y cada escuela pública dentro de su zona, en asociación con los padres,

establecerán un plan de participación de padres de familia, incluyendo programas y prácticas que

fortalezcan su participación y reflejen las necesidades específicas de los estudiantes y sus familias.

El programa para la participación de padres de familia en cada escuela involucrará a los padres de los

estudiantes de todos los grados en una variedad de capacidades, será integrado y coordinado y reconocerá

que la comunicación entre el hogar y la escuela debe ser regular, bidireccional y significativa. Para

fomentar la comunicación con los padres, la escuela debe preparar un paquete informativo para distribuir

anualmente a los padres de cada niño en la escuela, el cual será apropiado según la edad y el grado del

niño. La escuela pueda planear y realizar otras actividades que hayan sido determinadas beneficiosas para

fomentar la comunicación con padres. La escuela intentará promocionar y apoyar la crianza responsable

de los niños.

Los padres que tengan preocupaciones sobre la escuela y/o la educación de su estudiante deben pedir una

conferencia con el maestro de la clase para intentar encontrar soluciones. Si no se encuentra una solución,

los padres deben tener una conferencia con el director de la escuela o con el asistente del director para

trabajar en una solución.

El Consejo Directivo de Educación cree que todos los estudiantes se benefician cuando la relación entre el

hogar y la escuela es fortalecida. Por lo tanto, la Junta Directiva de Educación exhorta a todas las familias

a participar en las actividades de la Asociación de Padres y Maestros (PTA por sus siglas en inglés) y otros

eventos escolares que fortalecen esos vínculos.

Si usted tiene preguntas con respecto a las cualificaciones profesionales de los maestros o

paraprofesionales de su hijo, debe comunicarse con el Asistente del Superintendente del Departamento de

Recursos Humanos y Servicios de Apoyo.

VI.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

A. Grading System

The issuance of grades on a regular basis serves to promote a process of continuous evaluation of student

performance to inform the student, his or her parent/guardian and counselor of progress toward

established educational goals.

Letter grades will be used to denote academic achievement except at kindergarten where a check mark

system will be employed. At Grades 1-12, the letters “A, B, C, D, and F ” will be used according to the

following numerical percentage equivalents:

A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = 0-59

These grade assignment standards shall be used in all regular classes in all District schools. Special

symbols and terms appropriate to special programs may be used to indicate student progress. Exceptional

students shall be graded in accordance with their Individualized Education Program and current

guidelines.

Permanent grades will be issued on a yearly basis at the elementary level and on a semester basis at the

secondary level. Grades assigned to students for performance in a course shall reflect only the extent to

which a student has achieved the expressed academic objectives of the course. Grades that reflect other

educational objectives may also be given.

Student progress is reported to parent/guardian 4 times each year. These reports are distributed a few days

after the close of each 9-week period. Supplementary notes of commendation, suggestions for

improvement, parental conferences, meetings and similar means of keeping in touch with a

parent/guardian are emphasized.

B. Smart Core Curriculum and Course of Study

In order to ensure that every child has access to a rigorous curriculum, the Smart Core Curriculum and

Core Curriculum will be standard components of the required course of study to graduate from Arkansas

public schools.

All students will participate in the Smart Core Curriculum unless the parent or guardian waives a

student’s right to participate. In order to waive a student’s right to participate in the Smart Core

Curriculum, the parent must sign the separate Smart Core Waiver Form. In the case of a waiver, the

student will be required to participate in Core Curriculum.

As parents, students, and the school collaboratively develop a unique Student Success Plan during a

student’s 8

grade year the specifics of both the Smart Core Curriculum and Core Curriculum will be

explained. Parents will be provided the Smart Core Curriculum, as well as the option of waiving Smart

Core and thus electing the Core Curriculum. When appropriate, these curricular provisions will be

reviewed and revised through Grade 12.

Parents may be informed of their curricular choices through counselor meetings, parent teacher

conferences, PTA, newsletters, student handbook, etc.

Parents will be provided the option of changing from the Smart Core Curriculum to Core Curriculum by

contacting the building principal in writing. Requests will be honored only if the student can complete the

newly selected course of study by the end of their senior year.

Appropriate school personnel including teachers, counselors, and administrators will be informed and

trained about the provisions of this policy.

The following courses of study are consistent with the Core and Smart Core Curriculums:

CORE CURRICULUM COURSE OF STUDY

CLASS OF 2016 AND AFTER

English – 4 units

• English 9th grade

• English 10th grade

• English 11th grade

• English 12th grade

Mathematics – 4 units (or 3 units of math and 1 flex unit of Computer Science*)

• Algebra I (or Algebra A & Algebra B - each may be counted as one unit of the 4 unit requirement)

• Geometry (or Geometry A & Geometry B - each may be counted as one unit of the 4 unit requirement)

(All math units must build on the base of algebra and geometry knowledge and skills.)

Science – 3 units (or 2 units with lab experience and 1 flex unit of Computer Science*)

• At least 1 unit of Biology

• At least 1 unit of Physical Science, Chemistry, and/or Physics

(All students must have 1 unit in Biology, IB Biology, ADE Biology, ADE Approved Biology Honors, or

Concurrent Credit Biology.)

Social Studies – 3 units

• Civics -1⁄2 unit

• World History - 1 unit

• U.S. History - 1 unit

• Economics or other social studies – 1⁄2 unit

Oral Communications – 1⁄2 unit

Physical Education – 1⁄2 unit

Health and Safety – 1⁄2 unit

Economics – 1⁄2 unit (may be counted toward Social Studies or Career Focus)

Fine Arts – 1⁄2 unit

Career Focus – 6 units

*Computer Science – (flex unit) A unit of Computer Science and Mathematics, Essentials of Computer

Programming, AP Computer Science, or IB Computer Science may replace the 4th math unit requirement

or the 3rd Natural Science Requirement. Two distinct units of the computer science courses listed above

may replace the 4th math unit requirement and the 3rd Natural Science Requirement. If the 4th Math

requirement and the 3rd Natural Science requirement have been met through other coursework, any of the

computer science courses listed above may be used for career focus credit.

(Comparable concurrent credit may be substituted where applicable.)

Beginning with the entering 9th grade class of 2014 – 2015 school year, each high school student

shall be required to take at least one digital learning course for credit to graduate. (Act 1280 of

2013)

SMART CORE CURRICULUM COURSE OF STUDY

CLASS OF 2016 AND AFTER

English – 4 units

• English 9th grade

• English 10th grade

• English 11th grade

• English 12th grade

Mathematics – 4 units (or 3 units of math and 1 flex unit of Computer Science*)

At least one MATH unit must be taken in Grade 11 or Grade 12.

• Algebra I (or Algebra A & Algebra B - Grades 7-8 or 8-9)

• Geometry (or Geometry A & Geometry B - Grades 8-9 or 9-10)

• Algebra II

• Fourth Math - Advanced Topics and Modeling in Mathematics, Algebra III, Calculus, Computer Science

and Mathematics, Linear Systems and Statistics, Mathematical Applications and Algorithms, Pre-

Calculus, or an Advanced Placement mathematics - Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be

substituted where applicable.

Natural Science – 3 units with lab experience chosen from the list below (or 2 units with lab

experience and 1 flex unit of Computer Science*)

• Biology

• Physical Science, Chemistry, and/or Physics