Student Handbook Student Handbook Student Handbook Student Handbook

SOUTHWEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS










Student Handbook Student Handbook Student Handbook Student Handbook

















2007 - 2008
PHILOSOPHY It is the philosophy of the Southwest Public Schools that education is the cornerstone of a free society, and as such, it
is incumbent upon the citizenry to provide the human and physical resources to provide opportunities and experiences
to students whereby each may realize his/her individual potential. Every student is welcomed regardless of race,
creed, color, or national origin with equal opportunity for educational experiences within the school curricular and co-
curricular programs.
MISSION STATEMENT: United We Educate
INTRODUCTION: This handbook is designed to acquaint students and parents with the general requirements and regulations for our school. It will be of value to all students by enabling them to better plan their schedules and
activities. This handbook will serve as a general guide and will not attempt to cover every detail needed as
circumstances arise.
RIGHT TO NOTICE It shall be the duty of the Superintendent or his/her designee to provide clear notice to each student and his/her parent
or guardian of all rules and standards concerning student conduct that have been established or which will be
established and promulgated by the Board of Education. Such rules or standards which form the basis for discipline
shall be distributed to each student and his/her parent or guardian at the beginning of each school year. The
Superintendent or his/her designee shall also be responsible for posting in a conspicuous place within each school
building during the school year such rules or standards. In the event there are changes in the rules and standards,
such changes shall not take effect until the Superintendent or his/her designee has made a reasonable effort to
distribute the text of such changes to each student and his/her parent or guardian. NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION The Southwest Public School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital
status, or age in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in, its programs or activities. It is the intent of the
Southwest Public School to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law in making certain discrimination does
not exist in its policies, regulations, and operations. Grievance procedures have been established for anyone who feels
Southwest Public School has showed discrimination. Inquiries regarding grievance procedures or the application of
these policies of nondiscrimination can be obtained by contacting Dave Hendricks, P.O. Box 187, Bartley, NE 69020-
0187, Telephone Number (308) 692-3223.
ACTIVITY ACCOUNTS All monies from school organizations must be turned into the business office to be credited to the proper account .
ACTIVITY MAKE-UP SLIPS When it is necessary for a Middle School student to be absent from school to participate in a school activity, the
sponsor of the activity will provide the student a make-up slip. The student will complete the work for each class
he/she will miss, and the teacher will then sign the make-up slip. The student will give the completed make-up slip to
the sponsor in advance of traveling and participating with the activity group. Students attending a school activity in
which they are not participating must have parental permission and a completed make-up slip returned to the principal's
office prior to being absent from school. Students that leave class or school without a completed sign-out sheet will be
considered truant. ATTENDANCE Many class activities are impossible to duplicate. Therefore, students enrolled in school are expected to be in
attendance each day unless illness or prior arrangements have been made with the main office and individual teachers.
When absences occur for any reason, parents are asked to call the school prior to 8:30 a.m. to report your
child's absence. Assignments for students who are absent will be collected when requested. Students who
leave, or who arrive late, during the school day must sign out or in at the office before leaving or upon arrival to school.
A maximum of ten (10) days of absences or ten (10) absences per class per semester is allowed without affecting a
student's credit for each class enrolled. Classroom teachers record attendance every period. Any student absent for
more than 15 minutes will be considered absent for the period. Students will be allowed three (3) tardies per semester.
Additional tardies will constitute detention time by student.







ATTENDANCE (Continued) Attendance Terms:
Excused absence is defined as an absence that has been requested by a parent or guardian, and approved by
the principal. Examples of an excused absence would be bona fide illness, doctor appointments, and funerals, etc.
Excused absences do count toward the ten (10) days or ten (10) classes absent. Unexcused absence is defined as an absence that has not been requested by a parent or guardian, and
approved by the principal. A grade of zero will be given for all class assignments during the time the student was
absent. School sponsored activities such as field trips, extracurricular activities, or athletic trips, etc., do not count
towards the ten (10) days or ten (10) classes absent. Zero-Credit Status is defined as a student who has been absent from a class eleven (11) or more times during
the semester, and who will receive no credit for such a class unless he/she goes through the appeal procedures. Reasons for Appeals on Loss of Credit Due to Absenteeism
If a parent and/or student feel that justifiable or extraordinary circumstances have contributed to the student exceeding
the ten (10) absence limit, the parent and/or student may appeal. This appeal may be made if one or more of the
following conditions have been met: 1) the student's class work has been satisfactorily completed; 2) the student's
attendance, subsequent to exceeding the ten (10) absences, has been satisfactory; 3) any absences for medical
reasons have been verified by appropriate doctor's statement(s) and/or other credible documentation has been filed
with the principal.
Appeal Procedures for Credit
Parents/guardians will be given written notice that the student has exceeded the ten (10) days/classes absent
along with a Student Appeal for Credit form. Approximately ten (10) calendar days prior to the end of the semester, a list of absences will be given to the
student along with a Student Appeal for Credit form with "Procedures/Deadline" notice. The Student Appeal for Credit form shall be returned the principal within five (5) days. The recommendation by the principal and teacher to grant credit or not approve credit will be given in writing to the
student. If credit is not granted, the student and/or parent may appeal to the superintendent. A hearing may be requested by the student or parent to the superintendent. The hearing may be granted or
denied by the superintendent. If the hearing is granted by the superintendent, a hearing examiner will conduct a
hearing. The superintendent will act on the hearing examiner's recommendation. The action taken by the
superintendent is final. Make Up Work
Students are allowed two days to make up a one-day absence, and three days to make up a two-day absence, etc.
Work assigned prior to absence is due on specified date or upon return to school. This does not preclude the teacher
and student from making arrangements, which would permit, make up work beyond this limit. It is the responsibilities
of the student to make arrangements for make up work to be completed in those classes missed. If a student
knows he/she will be absent from school, he/she should make up the class work before missing school. Students will
not participate or practice in extracurricular and co-curricular activities or performances if they are not in
school during the last four periods of the day without prior administrative approval.
BACKPACKS/BOOK BAGS Students will be allowed to use backpacks/book bags to carry books and other school material at school, however
students are requested to keep materials to a reasonable limit and use the school issued lockers whenever possible.
Faculty and administration may limit the use of backpacks/book bags.
BAD WEATHER - SCHOOL CLOSING School will be held and buses will run regularly every school day regardless of weather conditions unless announced
on radio stations from McCook (KKYT, KICX), and Lexington (KRVN), or KOLN-KGIN TV and NTV or on the Southwest
Public Schools hotlines 692-9800. BAND INSTRUMENT RENTAL Students using a school instrument will be assessed a fee of $25.00 per year of use. This fee will be used for the
maintenance and repair of school instruments and equipment .
BILLS AND CHARGES * All goods and books will be paid for before the goods are released to the student.
* Students are not allowed to make any purchases at a place of business and charge the merchandise to the school.
* Students will be charged for long-distance telephone calls.
* In no case will students be allowed to charge meals.



BIRTH CERTIFICATES State law requires all students sixteen years and younger who enroll in a Nebraska school for the first time to present a
certified copy of their birth certificate. This certificate must have the raised state seal. Schools can no longer accept a
hospital certificate or photocopies. To obtain a certified Nebraska birth certificate, write to: Bureau of Vital Statistics
State Department of Health, P.O. Box 95007, Lincoln, NE 68509-5007 .
BRAKFAST/LUNCH PROGRAM All students are encouraged to participate in the breakfast/lunch program. Families meeting the requirements for Free
or Reduced meals are asked to fill out the appropriate forms distributed in students packets at the beginning of the
school year. Student/family breakfast/lunch accounts are kept by the district and payments must be made before
students are allowed to eat. In no case will students be allowed to charge meals.
BUS INFORMATION The Southwest Public Schools do run bus routes daily to pick up and deliver children of the district. This service is
considered a privilege not a right and students who ride the bus must behave in a manner which will protect this
privilege. Disciplinary policies and procedures have been specifically developed for student bus behavior.
BUS BEHAVIOR CODE Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. Students must comply with the following rules and all school conduct
rules and directives while riding in school vehicles. In addition, students must also comply with the student code of
conduct while riding on the bus. 1. Students must obey the bus driver promptly. 2. Students must arrive at the bus stop before the bus is scheduled to arrive. The bus driver will not wait for
tardy students. 3. Students must wait in a safe place for the bus to arrive, clear of traffic and away from where the bus stops. 4. Students are prohibited from fighting, engaging in bullying, harassment or horseplay. 5. Students must enter the bus without crowding or disturbing others and go directly to their assigned seats. 6. Students must remain seated and keep aisles and exits clear while the bus is moving. 7. Students are prohibited from throwing or passing objects on, from, or into buses. 8. Students may not use profane language, obscene gestures, tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any other controlled
substance on the bus. 9. Student may not eat or drink on the bus. 10. Students may not carry weapons, look-a-like weapons, hazardous materials, nuisance items or animals onto
the bus. 11. Students may carry on conversations in ordinary tones, but may not be loud or boisterous and should avoid
talking to the driver while the bus is in motion. Students must be absolutely quiet when the bus approaches a
railroad crossing and any time the bus driver calls for quiet. 12. Students may not open bus windows without permission from the bus driver. Students may not dangle any
item (e.g. legs, arms, backpacks) out of bus windows. 13. Student must secure any item or items that could break or produce injury if tossed about the inside of the bus
if the bus were involved in an accident. 14. Student must respect the rights and safety of others at all times. 15. Students must help keep the bus clean, sanitary and orderly. Students must remove all personal items and
trash upon exiting the bus. 16. Students may not leave or board the bus at locations other than the assigned stops at home or school. 17. Video cameras may be placed on buses, at random, to monitor student behavior on the bus. Consequences Bus drivers must promptly report all student misconduct to the administration. These reports may be oral or written.
Students who violate the Rules for Conduct will be referred to their building principal for discipline. Disciplinary
consequences may include: 1. Note home to parents. 2. Suspension of bus riding privileges. 3. Exclusion from extracurricular activities. 4. In-school suspension. 5. Short term or long term suspension from school. 6. Expulsion
These consequences are not progressive, and school officials have discretion to impose any listed punishment they
deem appropriate, in accordance with state and federal law and board policy. BUS ROUTES DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER During inclement weather, school vehicles will travel on storm routes (hard surface) only. Parents/guardians are
expected to meet the school vehicle at a pre-arranged site (hard surface) during this time. BUS TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM ACTIVITIES Students are required to ride in school transportation when participating in any school-sponsored activity. Students
may be granted permission to ride home from an activity with their parents, provided the parents have obtained from
the sponsor and properly signed a student release form. Any exceptions to this policy shall have prior administrative
approval.
CHANGE OF SCHEDULE Students who desire to drop or add a class may do so during the first week of each semester. Drop and add requests
are to be obtained from the office of the counselor. Students must obtain the permission of the teacher of the class to
be dropped and the class to be added, as well as the guidance counselor, parent, and the principal. Students, who
drop a class after the first week of the semester, except under the circumstances described elsewhere in this policy,
will receive a "0" on the permanent records; that grade will be averaged into that student's cumulative grade point
average. The only deviation to this policy that will be allowed will be a situation that involves the extended illness of a
student. The extended illness must have created a situation that makes it impossible for a student to successfully
complete a class or classes. If these circumstances exist, a student may be allowed to withdraw from classes or a
class as Withdraw Passing (WP) or Withdraw Failing (WF). If permission to withdraw as WP or WF is given, the class
will not be averaged into the cumulative grade point average of the student. Before students are allowed to withdraw
as WF or WP, the student and their parents, the guidance counselor, the principal, and the teacher(s) of the class or
classes must meet and review the circumstances of the situation. All available means that could be utilized to allow the
student to successfully complete the course(s) must be reviewed before permission to withdraw as passing or failing is
given by the principal. CELL PHONES/RADIOS/GAMES Headphones and/or radio/CD/ MP-3/I-Pod players, cellular telephones, pagers, walkie-talkies or Gameboy type games
are prohibited during school time. Cell phones, radios, CD players, MP-3, I-Pod players. with earphones will be allowed on activity trips with sponsors approval. Students will assume full responsibility for loss or theft of such
equipment.

Cell phones are not to be used from 8:00 AM til 4:00 PM and should not be in the classroom at any time. Students
found in violation of this rule will face the following consequences: 1 st offense phone will be kept over night by principal; 2 nd offense parent/guardian will be required to come to school and pick up the cell phone; 3 rd offense- phone will be kept for 30 calendar days.
CLOSED CAMPUS Students will not leave the campus at any time during the school day except when a parent has contacted the
Administrative offices and the Administration or their designee has given the student permission.
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES Students interested in taking correspondence courses/independent study courses for credit must have those courses
approved by the administration prior to enrolling in the course. Students taking such courses shall prove that they are
keeping current with their correspondence work and that they are currently passing the coursework to stay eligible for
extra curricular activities .
DRESS CODE Students will use good taste and judgment regarding the type of clothing worn to school to create an atmosphere
conducive to effective instruction and learning. The principal is given the authority and professional discretion in the
administration of this policy. The following standards will apply to All students:
Students are to wear shoes at all times. Clothing which contains printed wording, pictures, designs which advertise or promote tobacco, alcohol or drugs,
or which carries any derogatory connotations, satanic symbols, hate messages, profanity, gang affiliations, and/or
sexual innuendoes, is strictly prohibited. "Hooters", "Big Johnson", "Homies", "Rollin Hard", "Boner Active Wear",
"Co Ed Naked", "Marlyn Manson" shirts are deemed unacceptable. This is not to be an all-inclusive list. No caps, hats, bandannas or sunglasses are to be worn in the building during regular school hours. These items
are to be place in the student's locker and should not be carried around during the school day. Violations will
result in those items being confiscated. Clothing with holes in inappropriate places are not allowed. Wallets with chains are not allowed. Clothing must properly cover the body. Tube tops and spaghetti strapped shirts are prohibited. T-tops and T-
shirts must have a minimum of a three-inch wide strap covering the shoulder and be tight fitting under the arms.
Crop tops must at least "touch" the waistline of jeans. Slacks/trousers/jeans/shorts are not to be worn "sag." These items must be worn at the natural waistline. Shorts may be worn. The following are considered acceptable shorts: Walking shorts, jean shorts (no cutoffs),
split skirts, and culottes. Short length should be at least at fingertip length while standing. (Administrators
discretion will be used.) All tattoos, brands, carvings, and all body piercing that are deemed unacceptable or disrupt the educational
process by the administration, and must be covered when on school property or when participating in or
representing Southwest Public Schools during all activities sponsored by Southwest Public Schools.




ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRA/CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (refer to Activity Handbook for additional detail) Academic Load. All students are required to be enrolled in five academic classes (25 hours/semester). Eligibility
requires that the student must be passing in 20 hours in the previous semester. Age. A student grade seven or eight who reaches age 15 prior to August 1 of current year may participate on a
senior high school team. Students must not be 19 years of age on or before August 1 of current year. Following
enrollment in grade nine, the student is eligible for eight semesters. . Date of Enrollment. Students must have enrolled by the 11th school day of the current semester. Other Competition. Once a season begins, a student shall compete only in contests in that sport, which are
scheduled by his/her school. Inter-School Activities Participation. In order to participate in inter-school activities a student must be a full-time
student. (Definition of a full-time student: They must be enrolled and in attendance the total hours of a regular
school day.) Eligibility List. The purpose of the eligibility list will be to provide incentives to those students who are involved in
activities yet deficient in their schoolwork. It is not to be approached from the standpoint of punishment but as
encouragement to build good study habits and a greater appreciation for the importance of academics.
(1) Teachers will turn in students' names that are failing the semester in that teacher's class(es) to the guidance
counselor by 8:10 a.m. on THURSDAY. (On weeks where there are no Thursday classes, the names will be turned in
the last day of school for that week). Teachers MUST also include an ACADEMIC PROGRESS REPORT, which will
notify parents of the students standing if they are below 74% average in the class. A grade list will not be made out the
first two weeks of the first and second semester.
(2) The down list will be placed in the teacher's mailbox at the end of the school day on THURSDAY so that
teachers/sponsors/coaches will be aware of the eligibility status of students for the upcoming week.
(3) Students on the list for two classes will not be eligible for participation in any extracurricular activities,
performances, or represent the school in any activity (graded or non-graded) from SUNDAY to SUNDAY of the
following week. Students experiencing difficulty are encouraged to meet with the teacher and/or guidance counselor.
(4) A student must have at least a 70% to be considered passing. Thus, a 69.9 is still ineligible.
(5) Considerations may be made by the guidance counselor and/or the principal in dealing with special circumstances.
(6) The student will be notified by the principal and/or guidance counselor of ineligibility. The principal and/or guidance
counselor will also notify parents. An ineligible student will not travel or participate with the activity group of which
he/she is a member; however, the students are expected to practice with their respective groups.
(7) Students that are not eligible to participate in a graded activity will be given an opportunity to make that grade up .

NO!
Cut in at arms
Thin shoulder straps
Scooped neckline NO!
Very thin
shoulder straps
Low neckline NO!
Shorts are TOO short NO!
Stomach is showing NO!
Shorts are hidden
below long T-shirt. Yes!
Shorts have an
appropriate inseam. Yes! No bare skin.
Stomach is covered. Yes! Higher neckline.
Sleeveless top covers
edge of shoulder. ACTIVITIES AFFECTED BY THE WEEKLY INELIGIBILITY LIST All Extra Curricular and Co-Curricular Events All Dances (Homecoming, Prom, and Valentine Dances) All Junior High and Senior High Athletic Contests (Field and Motivational Trips included) Pep and Marching Band (Parades included) All Instrumental and Vocal Music Contest (Conference and NSAA sponsored contests) All Speech and Drama Contests and Performances All Inter-High Competitions Class Field Trips
E-MAIL There will be no student e-mail usage during school hours 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS Southwest Public School strives to meet the needs of ALL learners. Students with a home language other than English
will be tested for English Language Proficiency and instructed in reading, writing, speaking, and listening of the English
language and content areas. A copy of the goals and procedures used by the district can be picked up at each of the
school building offices. Additional questions may be directed to the administration. The program is governed by No
Child Left Behind legislation, the Office of Civil Rights, and The Equal Opportunity Act.
EXTRACURRICULAR EVENTS Students may enroll in any extracurricular activity offered by the district in accordance with the regulations of the
activity. When practice or events are conflicting, the student shall make a choice and inform activity directors at the
time the conflict is known. When a choice is made, the student-earned grade or academic standing may not be
affected. Any students violating rules of practice and procedures in the school may be removed from any or all of their
extracurricular activities.
FIRE DRILL/ TORNADO DRILL Specific Fire and Tornado drill routes and procedures will be posted in each classroom and will be explained by staff at
least once at the beginning of each semester.
GRADING The grading format will utilize the numerical format unless otherwise approved by the principal. Staff are to make sure
that students understand grading criteria. Students serving in-school suspension will be required to make up all work
and receive credit. The following is the standardized grading scale: A = 93 -100; B = 85 - 92; C = 78 - 84; D = 70 -77; F
= 69 - Below; P=Pass and I = Incomplete. All incomplete work is due one week after the quarter or semester ends.
Students will receive a zero for work not completed.

Grades are recorded on the report card and transcript as percentages. If it is necessary to convert a student's grade to
a letter grade or point system, the following conversion chart is used.

LETTER GRADE PERCENT GRADE GRADE POINT A+ 98-100 4.0 A 93-97 4.0 B+ 90-92 3.5 B 85-89 3.0 C+ 82-84 2.5 C 78-81 2.0 D+ 74-77 1.5 D 70-73 1.0 F (no credit) 69 or below 0.0 Kindergarten through 5th grade Physical Education, music, and art classes will be graded on the following scale:
C= Commendable S= Satisfactory P= Progressing N= Needs Improvement.





GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Southwest High School students shall be eligible for graduation from grade twelve upon successful completion of 250
semester hours. Students must complete eight full semesters to be eligible to participate in graduation activities and
privileges as established by the local school authorities. Of the 250 hours, 220 are required as listed below.

9 th Grade: Geography 10 hours English 9 10 hours Algebra 1 or Applied Math 10 hours Physical Science 10 hours Health/P.E 9 20 hours
10 th Grade: World History 10 hours English 10 10 hours Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 10 hours Speech I 10 hours
11 th Grade: American History 10 hours English 11 10 hours
12 th Grade: American Government 10 hours English 12 or College English 10 hours
Electives:
Vocational Education 30 hours Math Electives 10 hours General/College Prep Biology 10 hours Science Electives 10 hours Fine Arts (Foreign Language Included) 20 hours
Exceptions to the provision may be made by the board upon the recommendations of the administration with justifiable
reasons. Further eligibility is based upon the completion of the required program at a time designated by the
superintendent and approved by the board, and the satisfactory clearing of the record as far as matters of disciplinary
actions, payment of fees, etc., are concerned.
HONOR ROLL The honor roll is instituted for the purpose of recognizing and stimulating scholastic achievement. The honor rolls are
made up at the end of each term. All classes, with the exception of student aide, shall be used in computing honor roll.
Excellence Honor Roll. Students who have a grade average of 93-100 and no grade below an A (93%). Honor Roll. Students who have a grade average of 90-92 and no grade below a B (85%) . IMMUNIZATION LAWS As of July 1, 1999, students are required to be immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Hepatitis B,
Diphtheria, Pertussis , Tetanus, and Chicken Pox prior to enrollment; and any student not in compliance shall not be
permitted to continue in school. Exemptions shall be granted for: 1) medical exceptions for health reasons
substantiated by a signed statement from a physician; or 2) religious conflict substantiated by a signed, notarized
affidavit from the student or the student's legal guardian, if the student is a minor. Students may be provisionally
enrolled in a Nebraska school if they have begun the required immunizations and continue to receive the necessary
immunizations as rapidly as is medically feasible. The law applies to all students enrolled in Nebraska schools.
Students must have one MMR, three DPT, and three polio immunizations. These immunizations may be obtained at
your family physician's office or at the Red Willow County Immunization Clinic. (Call 345-1790 for more information.)
INSURANCE Forms for group and dental insurance are available in each school office.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS Middle school students will be required to pass the four core classes (Math, English, Science, and Social Studies)
before the student will be allowed to continue to the next grade level. A student who fails a core class must retake that
class the following year until a passing grade is obtained.


LOCKERS A locker will be assigned at the beginning of the year for storage of school and personal items during the school day. It
should be noted, however, that even though the lockers are assigned to students, they remain the property of the
Southwest Public School; and the school retains the continuing right of examination and search without notice.
Lockers are to be kept neat and clean inside and out. Students are not to display items which are obscene in nature,
depict nudity, alcohol and tobacco products, nor any items which carry derogatory connotations, satanic symbols, hate
messages, profanity, and/or sexual innuendoes. All students in grades 7-12 who are a member of an athletic team will
also be issued an athletic locker and a school issued lock for his/her athletic equipment. Students are expected to
keep these lockers locked at all times. Students are asked not to keep valuables in your lockers since they may invite
theft and the district will not assume any responsibility for lost or stolen items.
MEDICATION The policy of Southwest Public School is not to administer any medication without a written order from the doctor and
parent. No unauthorized medication shall be administered by school personnel .
Procedure:
The principal shall have in writing the permission of the parent and the directions of the doctor telling when the
medication is to be taken and the amount. The medication shall be brought to school in its original container. The medication shall be stored and kept locked up in the school. A log will be kept as to when the medication was administered, by whom, and in what amount. OPENING OF BUILDING The building will be open for the regular school day from 8:05 A.M. - 4:00 P.M, unless by special arrangements.
School begins at 8:05 A.M. Monday through Friday. School dismisses at 3:40 P.M. Monday through Thursday, and
2:40 P.M. on Fridays. Students are not allowed to remain within the building without faculty supervision. Students
eating breakfast will be allowed early entry to the building. Any faculty member can require students to leave if
supervision is lacking. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Conferences are held once each semester. Notification of dates and times will be announced in the school newsletter,
local papers, and on the schools website.
PERMANENT RECORDS Permanent records are kept in the office and brought up to date at the end of each semester. Any student enrolled in
Southwest Public School, his/her parents/guardian, teachers, counselors, or school administration shall have access to
the school's files or records maintained concerning said student. No other person shall have access thereto, nor shall
the contents thereof be divulged in any manner to any unauthorized person. All files/records shall be maintained as to
separate academic and disciplinary matters.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS FOR ENTERING STUDENTS The Physical Examination Standards require a physical examination by a qualified physician within six (6) months prior
to the entrance of the child into the seventh grade. A physical exam is also required in the case of a transfer from out-
of-state to any other grade in the local school. The parent is responsible for the cost of the physical. Annual physical
examinations are required for interscholastic athletic participation. These physicals shall be on file in the principal's
office before any student can participate in any athletic training sessions. A physical examination may be required in
special circumstances for participation or non-participation in Physical Education.

Students entering school for the first time, including kindergarteners and transfer students from out of state, will be
required to provide proof of a vision evaluation taken within six months prior to the students entrance. A certificate or
form stating results of the evaluation must be signed by an optometrist, physician, physician assistant, or advanced
practice registered nurse.
PROGRESS REPORTS The school will attempt to keep parents informed concerning the academic progress of students. Progress reports will
be sent to parents of students who are: 1) working substantially above their ability level; 2) working substantially below
their ability level; 3) failing or near failing in their course work and/or 4) doing outstanding work regardless of their ability
level. At any time the performance level of a student changes significantly, parents will be informed of this change.
This applies to both positive and negative changes in performance. In addition, we will appreciate any inquiry that a
parent wishes to make in regard to the classroom performance of their son or daughter. If a student is in danger of
failing the semester, parents will be notified as soon as possible. Report cards will be issued during the week following
the end of each term.

RELEASE FROM PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY A student shall be released from credit requirements for physical education activity only when a licensed physician
submits a written report to the principal. The physician's written release shall be on file in the principal's office.
REGISTRATION RESTRICTIONS Each student is restricted to a full day's schedule except for hardships, which are determined by the administration.
Students in grades 7-12 are limited to one study hall per day. For students to earn sophomore status, a minimum of 55
credit hours must be earn; junior status, a minimum of 110 credit hours; senior status, a minimum of 165 credit hours.
SCHOOL DANCES All school dances must be approved by the principal. All school dances will end at midnight except prom. Students must be at least ninth grade to attend Prom All doors will be locked one hour after the dance has begun. All dates of Southwest students who are not Southwest students must be registered with the principal prior to the dance.
Past graduates must be registered as a date to attend dances (except for Homecoming) One-way door will be administered. All dances must have at least four adult sponsors who are approved by the principal.
SEMESTER TESTS Schedule adjustments will be made at the end of each semester to allow teachers to administer semester tests in each
class. Semester tests will be given in each class to each student. The test will count not less than 10% and not more
than 20% of the semester grade in each class.
STUDENT ACTIVITY PASSES All students may purchase an activity pass for $20.00. This will admit the student to all Southwest activities, excluding
conference and special tournament activities.
STUDENT AIDES Student aide positions will be open to seniors who have a GPA of 90% or above, with no failing coursework. Final
considerations will be left up to the administration.
STUDENT CONDUCT Activities are a very important part of our overall education. It is your privilege to participate in or attend them. In
participating in these activities, you must remember that you are before the public and your actions will reflect on the
entire community. Also, they will be judging you, the student body. If you abuse your rights of participation in activities,
you will not be allowed to be a part of them. Work hard in them and make your community and your school proud.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Student Council. A student organization designed to provide a forum for student expression, to assist in the
management of student functions in the school, and promote harmonious relationships and general student
welfare in the school. The National Association of Secondary School Principals sponsors the organization. Letter Club. The purpose of this organization is to provide groups, consisting of all students who have lettered to
both honor and promote their achievement of excellence within the school and community. All students who have
earned a letter are eligible for membership in the organization.
STUDENT VEHICLES Once the student has arrived at school, the vehicle must remain parked and is off limits until the dismissal of school at
the end of the school day or unless permission to drive is granted by the administration. Vehicles are not to be used
over the noon hour. Permission to drive for special circumstances (i.e. doctor, dentist appointments, etc.) may be
allowed provided parents notify the administration beforehand. Students will not sit in or on cars at noon.
STUDY HALL Study halls in the Middle School and High School are designed to give students an opportunity to complete homework,
do research, and seek additional assistance from teachers. Study halls will be on a rotating schedule along with the
Accelerated Reader period. The first

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