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Abraham Lincoln High School Mission Statement:

  All students graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School will be prepared both academically and socially to become positive and productive citizens. The focus of Abraham Lincoln High School will be to engage students and involve parents as to create a community of learning and achievement.

Welcome Lancers!

The administration and staff of Abraham Lincoln High School take pride in providing the students and community with a safe and secure learning environment plus a comprehensive high school curriculum and numerous college opportunities that meets the needs of our community.

At Abraham Lincoln High School , you will find a wide variety of academic programs, activities programs and sports programs. We take great pride in our student body and work hard to challenge you to become the best. At Lincoln we acknowledge and support all students and their cultural backgrounds.

We are happy to be able to provide this handbook for students and parents. Within these pages, you will find the rules of the school and our expectations for the education of Lincoln High Students. We hope you find this information useful.

The Abraham Lincoln High School administration and staff challenge you to make the most of every opportunity and strive to be your best. We encourage parents to become involved at Lincoln .

We look forward to serving you throughout the coming year. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Have a great year!

Antonio Esquibel

Principal

Abraham Lincoln High School

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ALL STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING

Attendance/Absence Guidelines and Procedures

Attendance Policy – The ALHS school messenger phone line will inform parents when students have missed a class. Parents and students will find requirements for making up missed work and homework posted in each classroom. Teachers will call home after students have been absent four and eight times. After each absence during a six-week grading period, students must make up work missed when they have been absent. After 4 unexcused absences during a 6 week grading period the student will receive an F. It is the student's responsibility to make-up absences. Students will make up absences during Saturday School Detention. If attendance becomes a problem, the student will be placed on an attendance contract. Parents are responsible for checking their student's attendance and grades once every six weeks via the parent portal on the internet, phoning the attendance office (720-423-5030) or visiting with the attendance clerk.

Student Responsibilities

•  The student will attend school for all days of the school calendar.

•  The student will be in class on time and be prepared to work.

•  The student will talk to their teacher regarding make up work.

•  The student will complete work as assigned by the teacher when a prearranged absence is required.

•  The student will follow the established school procedure for arriving at school late or leaving early; specifically, you must be excused through the Attendance Office or nurse and sign-out if leaving early.

•  The student will follow the established school procedure for admittance to class following a truancy.

•  The student will provide the school with the current and accurate telephone number or other means of contacting a parent/guardian during the school day.

•  The student will contact the school with any questions concerning his/her attendance responsibilities.

Dress Code – All students must wear Lincoln apparel (navy, white, or grey with Lincoln logo) on a daily basis. We will have Lincoln clothing for sale throughout the year. Each Friday students may wear a Lincoln Lancer baseball cap, but it may only be a Lincoln Lancer cap. Appropriate dress is expected at all times. This includes:

•  skirt length must not be shorter than your knees

•  no “Dickie” pants or “Dickie” style pants allowed

•  shorts length must not be shorter than your palms when you put your hands to your sides.

•  no hats, hairnets, gloves or bandannas

•  no gang-related clothing or apparel (long belts, red shoelaces)

•  no red or baby blue colored clothing

•  no provocative clothing including midriff tops

•  no chains

•  no sunglasses worn in the building

•  no trench coats

•  no CD/IPod/MP3 players with headphones are allowed in the classroom or the hallways.

•  No cell phones can be visible and they must remain off during class time.

If caught in violation students will be asked to change their clothing or be sent home to change. If students refuse to do so, they will be suspended.

Student ID - All students are issued ID cards and a lanyard when they register at ALHS. All students must carry their ID cards at all times. ID cards can get you discounts at all state athletic events and discounts at the school store. ID cards must be presented at time of purchase. If you lose your ID card, see your counselor.

Counselors – The counselors are available to help you with:

•  Managing and organizing your schedule.

•  Finding additional resources and tutoring to help you with your classes.

•  Mapping out your graduation requirements.

•  Applying for colleges and scholarships

•  Assistance with poor attendance and tardies.

•  All other problems with school or personal problems.

School Counselors:

•  9 th Grade, Patrick Millmore 720-423-5062

•  10 th Grade, Kristen Adcock 720-423-5061

•  11 th Grade, Lydia Weatherford 720-423-5058

•  12 th Grade, Susan Maresca 720-423-5088

Advisement Period – Period 0 is a mandatory attendance period for all students. Attendance will be taken and you will receive a pass/fail grade based on attendance. Students will receive 2.5 credits if they attend 87% of the time or more. During advisement, teachers will discuss issues from college preparation, career goals and Lincoln High School important information.

Saturday School – Students who are in danger of failing due to absences (4 or more absences in a 6 week grading period) can make up absences by attending Saturday School. Students will also have the opportunity to make up credits from classes they have failed by working through a credit recovery program during Saturday School.

Athletic Participation Fee – An athlete will be charged $60 for EACH sport season that he/she participates in. The athlete will only receive one activity pass for the school year. An athlete who plays more than one sport during the year does not receive a student activity pass every sports season. For those students who need assistance to pay their athletic fee's assistance will be granted (certain conditions apply).

Vehicle Registration

All students driving to school must have their car registered. The registration fee is $20.00 for each car registration. Cars will be registered at student registration in August. License plate number, make, model and color must be furnished. Only parents, teachers and staff, and adult guests are allowed to park in the southwest lot. Students parking in the southwest lot will be issued citations and/or towed. Students may park in the southeast parking lots. The police will ticket students not registered. Charges are for use of parking spaces only. No bailment is created or implied. We are NOT responsible for loss through fire, theft, collision, or otherwise to vehicle or contents, however caused.

PLEASE LOCK YOUR CAR!!

Smoking and Use of Tobacco

According to state law and district policy, smoking and the use of tobacco in any form is banned in the school building, school grounds, school vehicles, and school activities.

Drug and Alcohol – Students may not use, possess or sell alcohol or other illegal drugs.

Denver Public Schools requires that students caught with illegal substances sign a substance abuse contract.

Fighting – Students caught fighting or instigating fights before, during, or after school, on school property, at school activities or at bus stops will be suspended. Assault, battery and extortion will also result in suspension. Police involvement will also result. Suspension will be an automatic 5 day suspension, with an automatic ticket from the Denver Police Department with possible expulsion.

Gang Activity – Participating in gang activity will not be tolerated. DPS board policy requires that students involved in gang related activity be suspended or expelled and be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency. This includes graffiti, hand signs, gang language or dress affiliation.

Graffiti - Any graffiti or tagging on school property or on notebooks, paper and or backpacks will be suspended and possibly expelled and the police will be notified. Students will also be fined $25.

Hall Passes – Yellow room to room hall passes are the only passes to be used during emergencies only.

Insubordination/Disrespect for Staff – Students are expected to respond politely to any adult in the building (including secretaries, custodians, cafeteria workers, etc.) on school grounds, or at any school activity and to comply with reasonable requests. Disrespect or defiance may result in suspension.

Out of School Suspension – Students may be suspended for up to 15 days in order to protect staff and other students from disruption of the orderly operation of the school. Students may also be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. A parent conference is required before students may return to school. Any student that has reentered school without a parent conference will be immediately sent home and not be allowed to reenter with out a parent conference with the Students Advisors.

Profanity – Students who use profanity and other abusive language may be subject to disciplinary action.

Public Display of Affection – Intimate displays of affection are not acceptable at ALHS.

Tardy Policy – Loitering in the halls once class time has begun is not acceptable. Students have only 4 tardies per 6 week grading period per class before grades can be negatively affected. Repeated tardiness will result in disciplinary action, including Saturday School Detention.

Theft – Theft and larceny may result in suspension, restitution and policy involvement.

Valuables – Students should not bring large amounts of money or expensive jewelry to school. Walkmans, pagers, and cellular phones should not be brought to school. The school will not be responsible for any items that are lost, stolen or damaged once they have been confiscated.

Weapons – Students have the right to be safe in school. DPS board policy requires that students carrying weapons or any item that can be construed as a weapon be immediately suspended and expelled. DPS students have been expelled for possession of such items as Ninja stars, screwdrivers, ball bats, knives, mace, items used to injure another person, water and toy guns that resemble real guns, and starter pistols. This policy does not prohibit authorized and supervised activities of JROTC students.

Bullying - Abraham Lincoln High School will not tolerate any form of bullying on school grounds. This will result in immediate suspension or restorative justice. We do not allow any bullying at Lincoln!

Student Advisors – If a student threatens or tries to fight with you, if something is stolen from you, or if you are afraid of someone, see one of the student advisors, a teacher, administrator, or counselor. We can not assist you if we do not know when something is wrong or going on.

Student Messages

In case of an emergency, a parent may leave a message for their student by calling the main office at (720) 423-5000.

Illness/Health Services – If you are not feeling well, please ask your teacher for a pass to the school nurse in the clinic. Do not leave school without checking out with the nurse. Join the School- based Clinic for free physical examinations, immunizations, and medications. Support groups and individual and family counseling are also available. Pick up your application in the Clinic. Phone Number: (303) 922-5370.

Medication – Will be given when a parent specifically makes a request and completes the STUDENT MEDICATION REQUEST RELEASE AGREEMENT / PHYSICIAN'S ORDER FOR MEDICATION obtained from the school nurse. A prescription labeled bottle is required including “Over The Counter” medications.

Lockers

Lockers will not be issued to students. We at Abraham Lincoln High School encourage every student to carry a backpack.

Lost and Found

The lost and found is located in the Student Advisor's office.

Free/Reduced Lunch – Pick up an application from the lunchroom manager in the lunchroom between 7:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Lunch Period – There will be two lunch periods this school year. All 9 th and 10 th graders will be required to stay on campus (closed lunch hour) during the period 6 th period lunch hour. All 11 th and 12 th graders have the option to eat outside of the school during the period 4 th period lunch hour. Ninth and tenth graders caught eating lunch during the period 4 lunch hour will be counted as truant, a second time a phone call will be made home and they will have to serve in our in school suspension room, and if it occurs a third time or more they will be placed on an attendance/tardy contract, suspended and he or she could be transferred to an alternative school. During the lunch hour, students may participate in intramural activities on campus.

Library/IMC

You may check out books with your school Id. Ask the Librarian about computers and Internet access.

Records – It is very important that we have all your records and transcripts. If you came from a school that is not part of Denver Public Schools, please see the Records Office in Room 121 right away.

Transcripts

The first two transcripts per student issued by Lincoln are free of charge. After that, there is a $3.00 processing.

Assemblies

All students are expected to attend all school assemblies, which are held so that students may view worthwhile performances or listen to distinguished speakers or to promote school enthusiasm. All students are expected to be on their best behavior and respect all guests that come to our school.

Organizations are encouraged to submit ideas to Mr. Greg Gallegos about assemblies that may be of benefit to Lincoln students.

Visitors – No students may bring visitors unless they are parents or guardians. This includes the children/babies of students attending ALHS.

If parents/guardians come to visit, they are to report to the Welcome Center for a visitor's pass. If visitors come on to school grounds without a pass they will be issued a trespassing ticket by our School Resource Officer (DPD).

Volunteer Hours

We encourage all parents/guardians to volunteer 10 hours per school year to make Abraham Lincoln High School be the best it can be. You may decide to assist with prom, work on a fundraising event, help out in the office; monitor hallways….your choices are numerous. Please contact our parent Liaison, Fernando Guidice at 720-423-5052.

Communications

Lincoln invites all parents and guardians to call or visit the school whenever you desire.

•  We use an automated calling system to send recorded messages to students' homes every day to alert parents to student absences.

•  We use this same system to send recorded messages to students' homes from time to time.

•  All students have advisement before their 1 st period class at 7:30am-7:45am. Teachers of these classes will contact you at least twice a month to alert you to your students' progress.

•  Lincoln will be sending home a parent newsletter four times a year to update parents on information and important dates.

•  Our web site contains detailed information about classes, activities, policies, and events

http://alhs. Dpsk12.org

Collaborative School Committee

Lincoln's Collaborative School Committee comprises parents, teachers, support staff, students, a business representative and the principal. The CSC focuses on the School Improvement Plan and the budget. For meeting times, call the office.

Parent Involvement

•  The parent will ensure that the student is attending school.

•  Parents are responsible for checking their student's attendance and grades once every six weeks via the parent portal on the internet, phoning the attendance office (720-423-5030) or visiting with the attendance clerk.

•  The parent will maintain communication with the student regarding attendance.

•  The parent will understand that any absence, regardless of the cause, has a detrimental influence on student achievement.

•  The parent will contact the school (using the appropriate procedure) regarding absences; specifically, call the Attendance Office the day of the absence at 720-423-5079 or the Spanish Attendance line at 720-423-5060. A 24-hour recorder is available to report a students' absence. In addition, the Attendance Office will accept a written excuse from the parent on the day the student returns.

•  The parent will monitor the make-up work of the student who has missed class.

•  The parent will provide the school with the current and accurate telephone number or other means of contacting a parent/guardian during the school day.

•  Parents will attend all back to school nights and parent/teacher conferences.

The parent will contact the school with any questions concerning the student's attendance.

Student Support

Support Staff Schedule

Nurse     7:30 am – 3:00 pm

    Mon. – Fri.

Social Worker   7:00 am – 3:00 pm

Psychologist   7:00 am – 3:00 pm

    .

CMT (Crisis Management Team)

Schools are often confronted by an incredible array of attitudes, cultural differences and emotional and social upheavals, Even traumas that occur away from school, ultimately affect behavior in the classroom.

With proper preparation, a crisis can be used to unite students and staff in building confidence and cohesiveness among themselves and within the larger community. It is the school that remains the constant and consistent support system for the students.

Link Crew

The Link Crew is designed to help freshman students with the transition from middle school to high school. This program links freshman students with junior/senior mentors on the first day of school, when the mentors present an orientation program.

Junior and Senior Link Crew Leaders assist in the monitoring of freshman students' attendance, progress and behavior. Link Crew Leaders help freshman with the academic and social adjustments needed to make a successful transition. They keep in contact with their freshman by phone, meeting in small groups and working with freshman teachers and Link Crew advisors.

The mentors take freshmen to extracurricular events and encourage their participation in such activities.

To become a Link Crew Leader, sophomore and junior students apply to the Link program in the spring. Students are screened and accepted into the Link Crew program based on criteria outlined at each year's informational meetings.

Students selected for the program must commit to the program for one full academic year.

To become a Link Crew Leader, please contact Mrs. Brenda Barbosa-Devereaux in the girls PE office or Mr. Ryan Marini in room 213.

Absence

If you have a full day of absence or more, bring a note from your parents. Take the note to the Attendance

Office before school on the day you return.

Three Absences unexcused are allowed per 6 week period. A fourth absence will result in an “F” for the six weeks. A student may make up any unexcused absence by attending Saturday School. Any absence can affect your grade.

Partial Absence – If you need to leave school early, your parent will need to write you a note stating the reason and time that you will be leaving. Take this note to the Attendance Office, Student Advisors, or Health Office before school on the day of your early dismissal. Please include a telephone number so that ALHS may verify the partial with the parent. You may not leave the building for any reason without parental and administrative permission.

Tardiness – Students need to get to class within the allotted five minutes to be on time. Once class begins all students must be in class or be counted tardy. If you forget where your classes are, see your counselor. Students who are tardy are subject to be picked up in a hall sweep. If you are late to school in the morning, take a note to the Attendance Office before 8:30 a.m.

Title IX/Section 504 – Federal

Requirement – Students and

Employees

Title IX of the Educational Amendments

Of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap. These acts provide that schools adopt public grievance procedures providing for prompt and equitable resolution of any complaints alleging any action, which would be prohibited by Title IX and Section 504. People who feel that they have been excluded from participation in, have been denied the benefits of, or have been subjected to discrimination under any activity or program of ALHS may appeal such discrimination. The complete procedures and forms are available in the Title IX office.

Sexual Harassment – The District has a legitimate and compelling interest in prohibiting sexual harassment. Further, the District has an obligation to discipline those who engage in sexually harassing behavior. The District must strive to balance the interest of those making sexual harassment complaints and those accused of sexually harassing behavior. ALHS defines sexual harassment as actions that have a negative impact upon an individual's academic performance or create an intimidating educational environment. Sexual harassment can include comments about one's body, sexual remarks, jokes or innuendoes, personal intrusive conversations,

obscene gestures, staring or leering, inappropriate and unwelcome touching, lifting up skirts or pulling at clothing, whistling or catcalling, pressing for dates or sexual activity, cornering or blocking the victim's passage, molestation, and rape.

Sexual harassment may also take the form of obscene graffiti, displays or pornographic pictures or offensive sex-related objects such as condoms and sexual gossip about a victim. Students acting in a group or gang who are determined to have engaged in sexual harassment of one or more students will be subject to suspension and or expulsion as defined by Board of Education Policy, 1214F. Students who perceive that they have been sexually harassed may report their perceptions to a teacher, counselor, student advisor, or administrator. The information given by both victims and offenders will be treated confidentially. Severe disciplinary action(s) will be taken against those individuals who have violated ALHS's sexual harassment policy. Police citation and criminal charges may be filed.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of physical disability. The ALHS staff is committed to making reasonable accommodations so that otherwise qualified disable persons may participate in ALHS program.

Final Exams

Who takes final exams and when?

•  All Students are required to take final exams or complete final projects.

•  All teachers will give a final exam or final project in every class during the last two days of each semester.

What are the final exams like?

• Final exams may be comprehensive, covering the full extent of the course, or may conclude a unit of study, or may be assessment in a Body of Evidence.
• Finals may take various forms-oral, written, or performed and may be individual or cooperative as long as individual knowledge, skills and performance can be assessed.
• Exams will emphasize core concepts and skills, not just minute facts and details, and will require students to integrate knowledge using these concepts and skills.
• Finals will emphasize higher-level thinking skills and will require students to compare, contrast, analyze, synthesize, or evaluate as they demonstrate their content knowledge and skills.
• Finals exams will take the average student the majority of the class period to complete. Students will not be released early from the exam period.
• Teachers provide a copy of the final exam to the principal at the end of each semester.

How are final exams graded?

• All finals will be graded and averaged in the semester grade.
• Finals will be weighted appropriately to indicate they are important learning and assessment tools that weight will be communicated to students.
• Finals in first-semester classes will be returned to students in year-long classes and will be made available to students in semester-long classes. Finals from second semester classes are available upon request.

What if a student is absent ?

•  In order to take finals early the student's parent must bring a note and get permission from an administrator.

•  Students with an excused absence from finals must make up their finals when they return to school. This includes students who are ill or who leave school for vacation before finals.

•  Students must make up first semester and second semester exams within the allotted make-up days. Until the exam is made up, students receive a “zero” for the exam, which is included when calculating the semester grade.

•  Students with an unexcused absence from finals receive a “zero” on the exam.

•  Students who do not take the final may fail the course.

While these guidelines apply to all students and teacher, individual circumstances may require special consideration. Please see a member of the administration team if you have any questions.

GRADES

Grades are determined by individual teachers using a method that they have explained to the class. The report card will show grades on a traditional A through F scale, which includes no pluses or minuses.

Grade Point Average

The student's grade point average (GPA) is calculated by multiplying the number of semester credit hours of each of the student's courses (usually 5 hours per course) by the point value for the grade earned in each course.

       Point value

Grade       Regular & Modified

A         4.0

B         3.0

C         2.0

D         1.0

F         0.0

W/F         0.0

Point Value

X & AP

A       5.2

B       3.9

C       2.6

D       1.3

F       0.0

W/F       0.0

Add the sums together, and then divide the total point value by the total semester hours. The resulting sum is the GPA. For more information on calculating GPA, see the Counseling Office.

Enrollment, Transfer and Withdrawal

New students register in August about two weeks before classes begin. A parent must be present in order for the student to register.

At any other time or the school year, students may enroll in, transfer to, or withdraw from Lincoln by seeing a member of the administration team.

Other Schools and Programs

Counselors also have information on alternative schools in the Denver area as well as information of GED programs.

CONTINUING STUDENTS

Continuing Students choose their courses for the next school year sometime in February or March. When selecting courses students should consider high school graduation requirements, their aptitudes and interest and their extracurricular activities.

GRADUATION

NO student will participate in the graduation ceremony if they have not completed all required coursework.

COLLEGE ENTRANCE

REQUIREMENTS

If your plans include college, you should keep in mind the following factors, which will determine your acceptance to college.

Your high school grade point average and class rank serve as the best predictors of academic success in college. Grades earned in all four years will be used in determining your grade point average. Your rank in the class is determined by your cumulative grade point average. The GPA is computed at the end of the semester, using only semester grades.

The quality of courses you have taken is of great importance to college admissions officers. Most colleges and universities require the completion of 14-15 academic units in high school. For that reason, it is recommended that a student enroll in at least four academic classes per semester. Academic courses are those in English, Math Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language.

Scores received on admission tests such as the ACT or SAT are another factor in college admissions. These tests are taken during your junior and or senior year of high school.

Your personal recommendations, as submitted by teachers and counselors, will also be of importance in your admission to college.

Participation in activities such as student government, clubs, volunteer and community organizations, fine arts, and athletics is a final factor. Of importance are not how many activities you have joined, but rather how fully you participated and carried at your responsibilities.

Post-Secondary Options

Colorado State statue permits high school juniors and seniors to attend state public institutions of higher education as part-time students if they meet the requirements of the district.

Students in this program may receive dual credit for the work done in the institution of higher education. The credit can be used to fulfill high school graduation requirements and the same credit can also be used to meet college degree or certificate requirements.

Key Features of this legislation:

• The high school student can attend the institution of higher education and take a maximum of two college courses per semester.
• Eligible institutions include all state supported institutions of higher education such as the University of Colorado, Metropolitan State College, and all community colleges.
• A student must be registered as a junior or senior at a local high school.
• The Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act requires that any high school student enrolled in courses at an institution of higher education, or the pupil's parent or guardian, pay the amount of tuition required to enroll in such courses. It requires the school district to provide reimbursement for the amount of tuition paid when the pupil presents evidence of passing courses. However, the school district is to pay the tuition for pupils who are eligible for free or reduced lunch and show evidence of commitment to successfully completing the course. If the pupil fails to pass the course, the pupil or parent/guardian must reimburse the school district for the amount of tuition paid. Tuition benefits do not apply to summer school.

Other considerations:

•  You will not be admitted to a degree program at the institution of higher education under this law.

•  Grade received in these courses will be figured into your high school GPA.

•  Institutions of higher education may consider that credits earned under this program qualify you as a transfer student instead of entering as a freshman.

•  The responsibility of submitting the Post Secondary Options Intent Form, including contact with an institution of higher education, conference with the school counselor and application for the program is entirely the responsibility of the student.

HELP HOTLINE – PHONE NUMBERS

Academic

Homework Hot Line 303-322-PASS

1-800-825-PASS

Child Abuse

Family Crisis Center 303-727-3000

Crime Information

Crime Stoppers

ALHS Crime Line   303-640-4422

Drug and Alcohol

Arapahoe House   303-825-0508

Parent Help Line

4 Parents Help Line 303-620-4444

Pregnancy/Prenatal Information

Denver Health Teen Clinic

303-436-4332

Westside Health Center

303-436-4200

Planned Parenthood

303-320-1630 / 303-830-8906

Psychiatric

Crisis Unit   303-377-4300

Rape

Rape Assistance and Awareness

  303-430-5656

Runaway

Family Crisis Center   

303-727-3000

Runaway Alternative Network

303-698-2302

National Runaway Hot Line

1-800-231-6946

Sexuality Concerns

Suicide Crisis & Control   

303-757-0988

STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

•  STUDENT CONDUCT CODE

•  A school environment that is safe, conducive to the learning process, and free from unnecessary disruption is essential to achieving the district's mission and is the joint responsibility of students, staff parents, and the community.

•  The Denver Public Schools seeks to achieve self-discipline on the part of every students by communicating student conduct rules, teaching and reinforcing appropriate behavior, and holding students accountable for the actions; prevention will be emphasized and problems address immediately; a positive school climate is a necessary component of an effective disciplinary program.

C .   Students violating any policies, rules, or behavior prohibitions will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion, as well as referral to the proper law enforcement authority; behaviors subject to disciplinary action are those occurring during both curricular and extracurricular activities, in a classroom, in a school building, on school grounds, in school vehicles, or in the community when such behavior is detrimental to the school environment and to the welfare or safety of other students or school personnel.

D .   Discipline procedures will afford due process, be consistently and equally applied, and help create an atmosphere conducive to learning in each school and classroom.

II.    SPECIFIC BEHAVIOR PROHIBITIONS

A. The following are expressly forbidden, and violation will make the student subject to disciplinary action:   

1.   Behavior which is detrimental to the welfare or safety of other students or school personnel.

2.   Behavior, which interferes with a school's ability to provide educational opportunities to other students.

3.   Commission of an act, which, if committed by an adult, would be robbery as defined in Part 3 of Article 4 of Title 18, Colorado Revised Statutes.*

4.   Commission of an act which, if committed by an adult, would be first or second degree assault as defined in Part 2 of Article 3 of Title 18, Colorado Revised Statutes.*

5.   Carrying, bringing, using or possessing a dangerous weapon.*

Dangerous Weapons Including the following:

a.   A firearm, whether loaded or unloaded

b.   An object that looks like a firearm

c.   Any pellet or “BB” gun or other device, whether operational or not, designed to propel projectiles by spring action or compressed air

d.   A fixed blade knife with a blade longer than three inches, a spring-loaded knife, or a pocket knife with a blade longer than three and one-half inches

e.   Any other object device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, used or intended to be used to inflict death or serious bodily injury.

Dangerous weapons also include, but are not limited to, the following: slingshots, brass knuckles, or artificial knuckles of any substance whatsoever.

This policy will not be construed to prohibit the supervised activities of students involved in authorized training in the JROTC Program.

6.   Gang-related activities and such gang-related characteristics as colors, hand signs, graffiti, apparel, jewelry, notebooks, trademarks, and any other attributes denoting gang affiliation.

7. Sale of alcohol, a drug, or controlled substances as defined in section 12-22303, Colorado Revised Statutes*

8.   Distribution, possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol, a drug, or controlled substances as defined in section 12-22-303, Colorado Revised Statues*

9.   Fighting.

10.   Theft, larceny, or breaking and entering

11.   Use of tobacco products in all school buildings and in all district vehicles.

12.   Making a knowingly false accusation.

13. Harassment.

14. Willful destruction or defacing of the property of others.

15.   Use of obscenities or vulgarities.

16.   Use of slurs, including but not limited to those based on disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

17.   Personal appearance, dress, or lack of hygiene that is disruptive.

III.     DUE PROCESS FOR STUDENT SUSPENSION

Before considering a suspension, the student must be given oral or written notice of the allegations, an explanation of the evidence the administrator has, and an opportunity to present his or her version of the events; however notice and conference will follow as soon as practicable if the student's presents endangers persons or property, or threatens disruption of the academic process, and so necessitates immediate removal from the school.

IV.     GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION

A. Behavior on or off school property which is detrimental to the welfare or safety of pupils or school personnel including behavior which creates a threat of physical harm to the child or other children.

B. Repeated interference with a school's ability to provide educational opportunities to other students.

C. Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority.

D. Willful destruction of defacing of school property.

E. Declaration as a habitually disruptive student.

A habitually disruptive student is one who meets the following criteria:

1.Has been suspended three (3) or more times based on a violation of one of the following behavior found in Section II-A; 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,13, or 14; suspensions for violation of behavior prohibition 11 – A;2 may be counted toward declaration as a habitually disruptive student; any violation of Section II-A, that is counted toward a declaration as a habitually disruptive student must also meet the following criteria:

a. Was a material and substantial disruption.

  b. Was initiated, willful, and overt on the part of the student.

  c.   Occurred in a classroom, in a school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, or at extracurricular activities or events.

2.   The parent must have been notified in writing that each suspension would count toward declaration as a habitually disruptive student.

  3.   The school must have developed a behavior contract for the student as set forth in this policy after the first suspension.

4. The plan must have been reviewed and modified after the second suspension.

5. If a suspension for behavior prohibition 11 – A: 2 are counted toward declaration as a habitually disruptive student, behaviors comparable to the ones for which the suspension was given must have been exhibited in other settings in the school.

In no case will a student be declared as habitually disruptive until two suspensions have occurred from the time when the remedial discipline plan was developed and one suspension has occurred since it was reviewed and modified.

F. Bringing, carrying, using, or possessing a dangerous weapon, pursuant to Section 11 –A: 5 above, including an object that looks like a firearm*

G. Commission of an act which, if committed by an adult, would be robbery as defined in Article 4 of the Title 18, Colorado Revised Statutes*

H. Commission of an act which, if committed by an adult, would be first or second degree assault as defined in Article 3 of the Title 18, Colorado Revised Statutes

  I. The sale of a drug or controlled substances as defined in section12-22-303, Colorado Revised

  Statutes*

J. Distribution, possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol, or drug, or controlled substances as defined in section 12-22-303, Colorado Revised Statutes

8. Participation in the activities of unapproved student organization,

*Expulsion proceedings are mandatory.

K. Assault upon, disorderly conduct toward, harassment of, making a knowingly false allegation of child abuse against, or any alleged offense under the Colorado Criminal Code against a school teacher or school employee, or instances of damage occurring on the premises of the personal property of a school teacher or school employee by a student.

L.   Participation in gang-related activities.

*Expulsion proceedings are mandatory.

V.   GROUNDS FOR DENIAL OF ADMISSION

A.   Having been expelled from any school district during the preceding twelve months.

B.   Behavior in another school district during the preceding twelve months that is detrimental to the welfare of safety of other students or school personnel.

C.   Graduation from the twelfth grade of any school or receipt of any document evidencing completion of the equivalent of secondary curriculum.

D.   Failure to meet the requirements of age by a child who has reached the age of six at a time after the beginning of the school year, as fixed by the Board of Education of the district.

E.   Not being a resident of the district, unless otherwise entitled to attend under the provisions of The School Attendance Law of 1963.

F.   Subject to the district's responsibilities under the Exceptional Children's Education Act.

1.   Physical or mental disability such that the child cannot reasonably benefit from the program available.

2.   Physical or mental disability or disease causing the attendance of the child suffering there from to be detrimental to the welfare of other students.

G.   Failure to comply with immunization requirements excepts as provided by statute.

H. Poor attendance at previous school.

VI.     CANCELLATION

This policy cancels DPS policy 1214F

VII.   EFFECTIVE DATE

    October 1, 1996

Adopted   January 14, 1984

Revised   September 5, 1996

LEGAL REFS: C.R.S. 18-12-105.5

C.R.S.   18-18-102

C.R.S.   18-18-406

C.R.S.   18-18-407(2)

C.R.S.   22-32-102(I) (W)

C.R.S.   22-32-11 0(2) (3) (4)

C.R.S.   22-32-126

C.R.S.   22-33-1 Os

C.R.S.   22-32-106

Immediate Referral Situations

Immediate referrals will be made for serious infractions. Situations that qualify include fighting, use or possession of drugs, theft, vandalism, harassment, physical or verbal abuse, and profanity towards staff.

Violation:

•  Abuse of a Pass

•  Arson/False Fire Alarm           

•  Assault                 

•  Assault on a Teacher         

•  Cafeteria Violations

•  Defiance     

•  Disruptive Behavior

•  Drugs/Alcohol – Paraphernalia         

•  Electronic Devices, phones, etc.       

•  Fighting   

•  Forging a Pass   

•  Gambling                 

•  Gang   

•  Harassment   

•  Head Gear   

•  Horseplay   

•  Inappropriate Clothing

•  Insubordination

•  Obscenities

•  Racial Slurs

•  Running from Adults/Refusal to Identify

•  Sexual Harassment (non-physical)

•  Sexual Harassment (physical)           

•  Smoking       

•  Theft     

•  Threats/Intimidation         

•  Vandalism/Graffiti

•  Weapons/Facsimiles