Rivercrest Colts - Rivercrest Public Schools

Rivercrest Colts
Rivercrest 7-8
Rivercrest High School
1702 West State Hwy.14
1700 West State Hwy. 14
Wilson, Ar. 72395
(870) 655- 8421
Wilson, Ar. 72395
(870) 655-8111
Home of the Colts
2014-2015
Student Handbook
Superintendent – Mike Smith
Principal 9-12 –Tom Bennett
Principal 7-8 William T Fortson II
Assistant Principal - Greg Griffin
Rivercrest School District
RIVERCREST HANDBOOK PARENT-STUDENT SIGNED STATEMENT
2014-2015
_______________________________________
Student’s Name (Print)
_______________
Grade
_________________
Date
1. I have received the Student Handbook complete with discipline, attendance, bus transportation
policies. Please note the handbook, although we may not agree with all the regulations, we
understand that the student must adhere to them while he/she is at school or at school-sponsored
activities. In the event that we are not entirely certain of some aspect of school policy, we will
contact the principal for clarification.
Yes ____ No _____
2. I have received a copy of the student enrollment information to be filled out and returned.
Yes ____ No _____
3. I have received and signed Arkansas Leadership consent form.
Yes ____ No ____
4. I have received a copy of the Computer/Internet use policy and agree with usage.
Yes ____ No ____
5. I have received a copy of the Act 2243 pertaining to Public School Assessments and Remediation.
Yes ___ No ___
6. I have received a copy of the School-Parent Compact with school and parent responsibilities.
Yes ____ No ____
7. I received a copy of the Parent Consent for Publications of Student information web site.
Yes ___ No ____
8. I have received a copy of the student release form on OBJECTION TO PUBLICATION OF
DIRECTORY INFORMATION. My objections to the disclosure or publication of directory
information to: (as defined in Policy No. 4.13F Privacy of Student Records) Deny Disclosure for the
following:
a. Military Recruiters ________
c. Public and school sources ______
b. Institution of postsecondary education _______
d. Potential employers _______
9. I have received a copy of the Code of Conduct for Athletes.
Yes ___ No ____
10. I received a copy of the Smart Core and Core requirements. These need to be filed with the
counselors.
Yes ____ No ____
11. I received a copy of the Free/Reduced lunch form. These need to be returned to the school even if
you do not qualify.
Yes ____ No ____
12. I received a copy of the homework policy.
Yes ____ No _____
13. I received a copy of the Parental Involvement Plan.
Yes ____ No _____
_______________________________________
Student Signature
_______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_______________
Date
___________________
Phone
Rivercrest School District
Google Apps for Education Parent Consent Form
(Students Under 13)
Rivercrest School District is excited to be a “Google Apps for Education”
district. Students in grades 4-12 will have Google Education accounts to
use for educational purposes.
What are “Google Apps for Edu” and how will we use them?
See next page.
Students need to know:
Students will follow our acceptable use policy for appropriate use when using Google Apps.
These services are considered an extension of the school’s network. Students have no
expectation of privacy in their use at school, and service administrators have the right to monitor
user accounts for policy and security enforcement.
Parents need to know:
Rivercrest School District’s Acceptable Use Policy will be enforced. School staff will monitor
student use of applications when students are at school. Parents are responsible for monitoring
their child’s use of applications when accessing programs from home. Students are responsible
for their behavior at all times.
Access to and use of Apps for Education is considered a privilege given at the discretion of
Rivercrest School District. SMCSD maintains the right to withdraw access and use when there
is a reason to believe violations of law or District policies have occurred. In such cases, the
alleged violation will be referred to the Principal for further investigation and account restoration,
suspension or termination.
Child’s name: ___________________________________________________________
Child’s School: __________________________________ Child’s Grade: ___________
Child’s Home Room Teacher: ______________________________________________
I give my child permission to use Google Apps at school.
Parent/guardian Name: ___________________________________________________
Parent/guardian Signature: ________________________________________________
What are Google Apps for Edu and how will we use them?
Google Apps for Education are free, web-based tools that allow students to create, edit and share files
and resources for school-related projects using a web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or
Safari. Since documents are all stored safely on Google servers, we don't have to worry about losing data
from a hard drive crash or a computer glitch.
Google Apps for Education will allow our students to collaborate on reports, spreadsheets and
presentations, and then e-mail the final product to their teachers. This cloud-based application provides
an infrastructure that allows students to collaborate and communicate electronically at no cost to the
district.
Some of the apps available include:
Google Mail – Students will not be using email in the traditional sense. Students will only be able to send
and receive email from teachers and other students for educational purposes. All outside email is
blocked unless communicating with an outside user will enhance the learning process. If
communication with an outside user is requested by the teacher, the teacher will monitor use
during the educational process. An individual email account will be assigned and managed by
Rivercrest School District. The student email address will be [email protected].
Students will be able to check email from any location.
Google Drive – Students will have access to a word processing, spreadsheet, drawing, presentation
toolset that is very similar to Microsoft Office. Students can access these files from any computer and
collaborate with other students and teachers. The ease of access and the ability to collaborate will
remove some of the barriers to learning that currently exist.
Google Sites – Students will have the opportunity to create individual and/or collaborative websites.
Google Calendar – Students will have an individualized calendar to help them organize schedules, daily
activities, and assignments.
Technology use in the Rivercrest School District is governed by federal laws including:
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) – The school district is required by CIPA to have technology
measures and policies in place which protect students from harmful materials including obscene and
pornographic materials.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) – COPPA applies to commercial companies and
limits their ability to collect personal information from children under 13. By default, advertising is turned
off for SMCSD’s presence in Google Apps for Education. No personal student information is collected for
commercial purposes. This permission form allows the school to act as an agent for parents in the
collection of information within the school context. The school’s use of student information is solely for
educational purposes.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) – FERPA protects the privacy of student
education records and gives parents the rights to review student records. The school will not publish
confidential education records for public viewing on the Internet. Parents have the right at any time to
investigate the contents of their student’s email account and Apps for Education files.
STUDENT ELECTRONIC DEVICE and INTERNET USE AGREEMENT
Student’s Name (Please Print)_______________________________________ Grade Level__________
School____________________________________________________________ Date____________
The Rivercrest School District agrees to allow the student identified above (“Student”) to use the district’s
technology to access the Internet under the following terms and conditions which apply whether the
access is through a District or student owned electronic device (as used in this Agreement, "electronic
device" means anything that can be used to transmit or capture images, sound, or data):
1. Conditional Privilege: The Student’s use of the district’s access to the Internet is a privilege conditioned
on the Student’s abiding to this agreement. No student may use the district’s access to the Internet
whether through a District or student owned electronic device unless the Student and his/her parent or
guardian have read and signed this agreement.
2. Acceptable Use: The Student agrees that he/she will use the District’s Internet access for educational
purposes only. In using the Internet, the Student agrees to obey all federal and state laws and regulations.
The Student also agrees to abide by any Internet use rules instituted at the Student’s school or class,
whether those rules are written or oral.
3. Penalties for Improper Use: If the Student violates this agreement and misuses the Internet, the Student
shall be subject to disciplinary action
4. “Misuse of the District’s access to the Internet” includes, but is not limited to, the following:
a. using the Internet for other than educational purposes;
b. gaining intentional access or maintaining access to materials which are “harmful to minors” as
defined by Arkansas law;
c. using the Internet for any illegal activity, including computer hacking and copyright or intellectual
property law violations;
d. making unauthorized copies of computer software;
e. accessing “chat lines” unless authorized by the instructor for a class activity directly supervised
by a staff member;
f. using abusive or profane language in private messages on the system; or using the system to
harass, insult, or verbally attack others;
g. posting anonymous messages on the system;
h. using encryption software;
i. wasteful use of limited resources provided by the school including paper;
j. causing congestion of the network through lengthy downloads of files;
k. vandalizing data of another user;
l. obtaining or sending information which could be used to make destructive devices such as guns,
weapons, bombs, explosives, or fireworks;
m. gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to resources or files;
n. identifying oneself with another person’s name or password or using an account or password of
another user without proper authorization;
o. invading the privacy of individuals;
p. divulging personally identifying information about himself/herself or anyone else either on the
Internet or in an email unless it is a necessary and integral part of the student's academic
endeavor. Personally identifying information includes full names, address, and phone number.
q. using the network for financial or commercial gain without district permission;
r. theft or vandalism of data, equipment, or intellectual property;
s. attempting to gain access or gaining access to student records, grades, or files;
t. introducing a virus to, or otherwise improperly tampering with the system;
u. degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance;
v. creating a web page or associating a web page with the school or school district without proper
authorization;
w. providing access to the District’s Internet Access to unauthorized individuals;
x. failing to obey school or classroom Internet use rules; or
y. taking part in any activity related to Internet use which creates a clear and present danger of the
substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the district or any of its schools.
z. Installing or downloading software on district computers without prior approval of the technology
director or his/her designee.
5. Liability for debts: Students and their cosigners shall be liable for any and all costs (debts) incurred
through the student’s use of the computers or access to the Internet including penalties for copyright
violations.
6. No Expectation of Privacy: The Student and parent/guardian signing below agree that if the Student
uses the Internet through the District’s access, that the Student waives any right to privacy the Student
may have for such use. The Student and the parent/guardian agree that the district may monitor the
Student’s use of the District’s Internet Access and may also examine all system activities the Student
participates in, including but not limited to e-mail, voice, and video transmissions, to ensure proper use of
the system. The District may share such transmissions with the Student’s parents/guardians.
7. No Guarantees: The District will make good faith efforts to protect children from improper or harmful
matter which may be on the Internet. At the same time, in signing this agreement, the parent and Student
recognize that the District makes no guarantees about preventing improper access to such materials on the
part of the Student.
8. Signatures: We, the persons who have signed below, have read this agreement and agree to be bound
by the terms and conditions of this agreement.
Student’s Signature: _______________________________________________Date _____________
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: _____________________________________Date__________
Rivercrest High School Student Handbook
2014-2015
Table of Content
DISTRICT CALENDAR
WELCOME TO RIVERCREST
...................................................................................2
Introduction/Philosophy/Alma Mater .........................................................................................2
Parent Involvement .....................................................................................................................3
Residence Requirements ..............................................................................................................6
Entrance Requirements ................................................................................................................7
Uniformed Service Member’s Children.......................................................................................8
Student Transfers .........................................................................................................................9
Privacy of Students’ Records / Directory Information ................................................................9
School Choice ..............................................................................................................................10
Students who are Foster Children ................................................................................................12
Placement of Multiple Birth Siblings .........................................................................................13
GENERAL CAMPUS INFORMATION .................................................................................13
Cafeteria .......................................................................................................................................13
Closed Campus ............................................................................................................................14
Lockers ........................................................................................................................................14
Lost and Found ...........................................................................................................................15
Library..........................................................................................................................................15
Radios, Beepers, Pagers, Disc or Tape Players and Cell Phones ................................................16
Textbooks.....................................................................................................................................17
TRANSPORTATION ...............................................................................................................18
Bus Information ...........................................................................................................................18
Penalties for Violations of Bus Rules and Regulations ...............................................................18
Personal Motor Vehicle Information ......................................................................................18
Visitors .........................................................................................................................................19
Withdrawal from School ..............................................................................................................19
PLANNING A PROGRAM OF STUDIES .............................................................................19
Guidance Service .........................................................................................................................19
Guidance Counselor .....................................................................................................................20
PSAT ............................................................................................................................................20
ACT ..........................................................................................................................................20
ACT Test Dates ........................................................................................................................21
End of Course Exams ...............................................................................................................21
Classification
................................................................................................................21
Class Load ...................................................................................................................................22
Correspondence Course ...............................................................................................................22
Credit Recovery .......................................................................................................................22
Dual Credit ...............................................................................................................................22
Early Graduation .........................................................................................................................23
College Early Entry ..................................................................................................................23
Commencement Ceremony .........................................................................................................24
Smart Core/College Preparatory List ...........................................................................................25
Graduation Requirements .......................................................................................................26
College and University Enrollment Requirements .................................................................27
Changing Schedules ....................................................................................................................33
Charting Required Classes & Credits .....................................................................................33
GRADES, RECORDS, ETC .....................................................................................................34
Student Records ..........................................................................................................................34
Academic Reports ........................................................................................................................34
Student Promotion and Retention ................................................................................................34
Report Cards & Parent Conferences ............................................................................................36
Grading Scale ..............................................................................................................................36
Computing Semester Averages ...................................................................................................37
Homework ...............................................................................................................................37
Cheating ......................................................................................................................................38
Attendance ..................................................................................................................................38
School Trips ............................................................................................................................40
Truancy ...................................................................................................................................40
Tardiness .....................................................................................................................................40
Insult/Abuse of a Teacher ...........................................................................................................40
Make-Up Work ...........................................................................................................................41
GRADUATING WITH HONORS ...........................................................................................41
Valedictorian ...............................................................................................................................41
Salutatorian .............................................................................................................................42
Academic Distinction ..............................................................................................................42
Top 10 Percent ........................................................................................................................42
College Preparatory Seal .........................................................................................................43
Arkansas Scholars .......................................................................................................................43
SCHOLARSHIPS ......................................................................................................................43
Academic Challenge Scholarship ...............................................................................................43
Local Scholarships ..................................................................................................................44
AWARDS, HONORS, PRIVILEGES, AND SPECIAL EVENTS ...................................44
Honors/Awards Reception ..........................................................................................................44
Superintendent’s List (Honor Students) .....................................................................................44
Distinguished Student Award .................................................................................................45
Honor Roll ..................................................................................................................................45
Semester Exam Exemptions .......................................................................................................45
Senior Privileges .........................................................................................................................46
Prom
........................................................................................................................46
Athletic Ceremony .......................................................................................................................47
Colt Award ..............................................................................................................................48
Homecoming ................................................................................................................................48
NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS.........................................................................................48
Married/Independent Students .....................................................................................................48
Pregnant Students ....................................................................................................................48
Homebound Students ..................................................................................................................49
Home Schooled Students .............................................................................................................49
Extracurricular Activity Eligibility for Home Schooled Students ..........................................50
RULES, REGULATIONS & POLICIES ................................................................................51
Discipline/Code of Conduct .........................................................................................................51
Video Surveillance and Other Student Monitoring .....................................................................52
Demonstrations and Disorderly Activities ...................................................................................53
Indecent Exposure and Sexual Advances ....................................................................................53
Overt Affection ............................................................................................................................53
Controlled Substances ..................................................................................................................53
DISCIPLINE CHART ..............................................................................................................54
Discipline: Students with Disabilities ..........................................................................................56
Gangs and Secret Societies .........................................................................................................56
Dangerous Weapons ...................................................................................................................58
Improper Appearance...................................................................................................................58
Bullying........................................................................................................................................60
Hall Conduct ...............................................................................................................................63
Behavior Not Covered .................................................................................................................63
Disciplinary Actions ...................................................................................................................63
Corporal Punishment ...................................................................................................................63
Due Process ..................................................................................................................................64
Search and Seizure / Interrogations .............................................................................................64
Disaster Drills ..............................................................................................................................65
Security / Videotapes ...................................................................................................................66
Student Medications.....................................................................................................................67
Emergency Drills .........................................................................................................................68
Parental Consent for Publication of Information .........................................................................69
ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS ............................................................................................69
Interscholastic Athletics and Activities .......................................................................................69
AAA Scholarship Rule ...............................................................................................................70
Extracurricular Activities .............................................................................................................70
Extracurricular Activities Requirements......................................................................................71
Co-Curricular Activities...............................................................................................................73
Procedures and Regulations for Activities during School Day ..................................................73
Student Organizations/Equal Access ...........................................................................................74
Internet Safety and Electronic Device Use Policy .......................................................................74
Administration .............................................................................................................................78
Meet the faculty ...........................................................................................................................78
Rivercrest School District
August 18
September 1
September 22
October 17
School Calendar
2014-2015
Professional Development ( 4 Days) 3 days
during summer with approval of Principal(must include 6 hours of technology and 2
hours of parent involvement.)
First Day of Classes
Labor Day Holiday (No Classes)
Professional Development 3:30-5:30
End 1st Quarter (44 Days)
October 21
November 24
November 26, 27, 28
December 8
December 19
December 22-Jan 2
Parent Teacher Conference 2:00-8:00
Professional Development 3:30-5:30
Thanksgiving Holidays
Professional Development 3:30 – 5:30
End 2nd Quarter (42 Days)
Christmas Holiday
January 5
January 5
January 19
January 28
February 16
March 13
First Day of Classes 2nd semester
Professional Development 3:30 – 5:30
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Professional Development 3:30-5:30
Presidents’ Day Holiday
End of 3rd Quarter (48 Days)
March 17
March 23-27
April 1
April 3
Parent Teacher Conference 2:00-8:00
Spring Break
Professional Development 3:30-5:30
Good Friday Holiday
May 22
End of 4th Quarter (44 Days)
May 25
May 26
Memorial Day Holiday
Professional Development
August 11-14
Make up days for inclement weather: May 27, 28, 29, June 1, 2, Additional snow days
will be added to the end of the calendar if needed.
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Welcome to Rivercrest
INTRODUCTION
The Student Handbook has been prepared to assist parents and students in planning a high school
curriculum and to provide a written explanation of policies regarding general discipline, health and safety,
grade interpretation, college preparation, course selection, graduation requirements, college and university
entrance requirements, and rules and regulations, as well as other useful information.
We at Rivercrest feel that the involvement of parents or guardians in the student’s educational plans is
very important. As early as possible, parents/guardians should work with the student to determine goals and to
explore possible future careers. When mapping the student’s four-year plan and scheduling classes each year,
he/she should consider personal career goals. Therefore, at the ninth grade level the student should already be
considering career options which would be compatible with his/her aptitude and abilities. In addition, the
student should consider salary, benefits, time requirement, work environment, responsibilities, job availability,
travel requirements, and necessity to relocate. Most of all, one should consider if he/she would enjoy this
career over several years. The guidance counselors and the teachers are here to help the student in this
exploration.
The ultimate goal of Rivercrest is EXCELLENCE, and striving to reach this goal must be a
cooperative effort on the part of parents, students, faculty, and administration. We urge all students to take
academics seriously and to participate in the many activities Rivercrest has to offer. In addition, we encourage
parents/guardians to become actively involved in the student’s education.
SO. MISS. CO. SCHOOL DISTRICT PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the Rivercrest School District is to develop student proficiency in critical life skills,
vocational skills, and academic knowledge necessary for a happy and productive life. This mission will be
achieved by preparing students to accomplish the following:
1. Practice good habits of citizenship;
2. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
3. Learn to think and work collaboratively; and
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
RIVERCREST ALMA MATER
Proudly we hail thee so strong and true,
standing for glory and honor today.
Ever we’ll love thee and hold high thy name,
always a guiding force to lead us on our way.
As we go forth from your hallowed halls,
We shall be debted to you each day.
Proudly, we proclaim your name, RIVERCREST;
and with pride we salute the red and gray.
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RIVERCREST HIGH SCHOOL PARENTAL
INVOLVEMENT PLAN
Rivercrest High School understands the importance of parental involvement in promoting higher
student achievement and general good will between the school and those it serves. Therefore,
Rivercrest High School will strive to develop and maintain the capacity for meaningful and
productive parental and community involvement that will result in partnerships that are mutually
beneficial to the school, students, parents, and community. To achieve such goals, the school will
work to:
1. Remove all barriers to positive parental involvement.
A. The school will pay attention to the policies that effect students and parents who are
economically disadvantaged, disabled, limited English proficient, limited literacy, or who are of a
racial or ethnic minority.
B. School policies will be reviewed and revised if necessary.
2. Welcome parents into the school and seek parental support and assistance.
A. The school should not have any school policies that would discourage a parent from
visiting the school or from visiting a child’s classroom. For the safety and education of the
students and staff, parents must follow established rules for visiting the school or classroom.
B. The school staff should be encouraged to use volunteer surveys to compile a volunteer
resource book which:
a. Lists the interests and availability of volunteers;
b. Determines how frequently a volunteer would like to participate, including the
option of just one
(1) time per year;
c. Includes options for those who are available to help at home; and
d. Helps to match school needs with volunteers’ interests.
The volunteer brochure sent home in student packets addresses these requirements.
3. Recognize that communication between home and school should be regular, two-way,
and meaningful.
A. The school shall prepare an informational packet to be distributed annually to the
parents of each child in school (appropriate for the age and grade of the child),
describing and including:
a. The Parental Involvement Program;
b. The recommended role of the parent, student, teacher, and school;
c. Ways for the parent to become involved in the school and in his/her child’s
education;
d. A survey for the parent regarding his/her interests concerning volunteering
at the school;
e. Some of the activities planned throughout the year designed to encourage
parental involvement; (the complete list will be reviewed and revised
throughout the year):
Open House
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent speakers
Parent meetings
Jr. and Sr. Parent meetings
Chaperones for trips
Academic / Career Fair; and
3
f. A system to allow the parents and teachers to communicate in a regular,
meaningful and two-way manner (the complete list will be reviewed and revised
throughout the year):
Newsletters
Report cards
3-week progress reports
School and district website
Edline
Office notes
Calendars
Handbook meetings
Parent / Teacher Meetings
Academic / Career Fair
Teacher correspondence (letters sent home)
E-mail
School phone system
School messenger
B. Develop with parents a student/parent/school/compact outlining:
a. Parents, staff and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic
achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership
to help children achieve;
b. How the school will provide high-quality curriculum in a supportive and effective
learning environment that will enable the children to meet the school’s achievement standards;
and
c. How each parent will be responsible for supporting their child’s learning and
participating, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children and positive
extracurricular time.
C. The school may plan and implement other activities (determined by the school) to be
beneficial to encourage communication with parents.
4. Recognize that a parent is a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and
family:
A. To encourage parents to participate as a full partner, the school shall provide:
a. At least two parent teacher conferences;
b. Frequent reports, including progress reports and report cards) to parents on their child’s
progress (the complete list will be reviewed and revised throughout the year.);
c. School and district website with Edline;
d. E-mail;
e. School messenger.
f. Reasonable access to staff, including E-mail, phone calls, and individual conferences;
g. Opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s education, including in the
following activities:
Academic banquets
Athletic banquets
Academic / Career Fair
Band concerts
Choir concerts
Grandparents’ Day
Odyssey of the Mind
Open house
4
Parent Teachers conferences
Quiz bowl
Veteran’s Day assembly
B. Include in the school’s policy handbook, the school process for resolving parental concerns,
including:
a. How to define the problem;
b. Who to approach first; and
c. How to develop solutions.
C. Engage in other activities that will encourage parents to participate as full partners (as
determined by the school).
5. Promote and support responsible parenting.
A. To promote and support responsible parenting, the school shall, as funds are available:
a. Purchase parenting books, magazines, and other informative materials regarding
reasonable parenting through the library, advertise the selections, and give parents an
opportunity to borrow materials for review;
b. Create parent centers;
c. Purchase a set of parenting CDs; and
d. Purchase parenting books.
6. Acknowledge that parents play an integral role in assisting student learning. To help the
parent in assisting students, the school shall (the complete list will be reviewed and revised
throughout the year):
A. Schedule an annual parental involvement meeting at which each parent is given a report on the
state of the school.
B. Schedule other meetings at which parents are given overview of:
a. What students will be learning;
b. How students will be assessed;
c. What parents should expect for their child’s education; and
d. How a parent can assist and make a difference in his/her child’s education.
C. Engage in other activities that (as the school determines) will help parents assist in student
learning.
7. To undertake efforts to ensure that Parental Involvement is recognized as an asset to the
school.
A. The Superintendent of each district will designate for each school one certified staff
member who is willing to serve as a parent facilitator to:
a. Help organize meaningful training for staff and parents;
b. Promote and encourage a welcoming atmosphere to foster parental involvement in
the school; and
c. Undertake efforts to ensure that parental participation is recognized as an asset to the
school.
The certified staff member serving as a parental involvement facilitator shall received supplemental
pay for the duties as required by law.
B. Engage in other activities that (as the school determines) will ensure that parental
involvement is an asset to the school.
8. Recognize that community resources strengthen school programs, family practices, and
student learning. To take advantage of community resources the school shall:
A. Consider recruiting alumni from the school to serve on committees to provide advice and
5
guidance for school improvement, including an Alumni Association, a Career and Technical
Education Advisory Committee, and a Parental Involvement ACSIP Committee.
B. Enable the formation of a Parent Teacher Association or organization that will foster parental
and community involvement within the school. The school will consider using leaders of this organization
as a resource when making appropriate decisions affecting children and families.
C. Engage in other activities that will use community resources to strengthen school program, family
practices, and student learning, including the Mississippi County Teen Summit, Career Day, and
Scholarship Assemblies.
9. The school will conduct an annual review of Parental Involvement policies to examine their
effect on promoting higher student achievement. This will be done by a committee consisting of
parents, community members, certified staff, and administration.
10. This policy shall be part of the Rivercrest High School’s Title I plan and shall be distributed
to the district’s parents and provided, to the extent possible, in a language that parents can
understand.
RESIDENCE REQUIRMENTS
Definitions:
“Reside” means to be physically present and to maintain a permanent place of abode for an average of
no fewer than (4) calendar days and nights per week for a primary purpose other than school attendance.
“Resident” means a student whose parents, legal guardians, persons having legal, lawful control of the
student under order of a court, or persons standing in loco parentis reside in the school district.
“Residential address” means the physical location where the student’s parents, legal guardians,
persons having legal, lawful control of the student under order of a court, or persons standing in loco parentis
reside. A student may use the residential address of a legal guardian, person having legal, lawful control of the
student under order of a court, or person standing in loco parentis only if the student resides at the same
residential address and if the guardianship or other legal authority is not granted solely for educational needs
or school attendance purposes.
The schools of the District will require two (2) proofs of residential address. Arkansas Code 6-18-202
reads as follows: “Any person who knowingly gives a false residential address for purposes of public school
enrollment is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).
The schools of the District shall be open and free through the completion of the secondary program to
all persons between the ages of five (5) and twenty one (21) years whose parents, legal guardians, or other
persons having lawful control of the person under an order of a court reside within the District 16 and to all
persons between those ages who have been legally transferred to the District for educational purposes.
Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older may establish a residence separate and apart from his
or her parents or guardians for school attendance purposes.
In order for a person under the age of eighteen (18) years to establish a residence for the purpose of
attending the District’s schools separate and apart from his or her parents, guardians, or other persons having
lawful control of him or her under an order of a court, the person must actually reside in the District for a
primary purpose other than that of school attendance. However, a student previously enrolled in the district
who is placed under the legal guardianship of a noncustodial parent living outside the district by a custodial
parent on active military duty may continue to attend district schools. A foster child who was previously
6
enrolled in District school and who has had a change in placement to a residence outside the District, may
continue to remain enrolled in his/her current school unless the presiding court rules otherwise.
Under instances prescribed in A.C.A. 6-18-203, a child or ward of an employee of the district or of the
education coop to which the district belongs may enroll in the district even though the employee and his/her
child or ward resides outside the district.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
To enroll in a school in the District, the child must be a resident of the District as defined in District policy (4.1—
RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS), meet the criteria outlined in policy 4.40—HOMELESS STUDENTS or in policy
4.52—STUDENTS WHO ARE FOSTER CHILDREN, be accepted as a transfer student under the provisions of policy
4.4, or participate under a school choice option and submit the required paperwork as required by the choice option.
Students may enter kindergarten if they will attain the age of five (5) 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 state-approved kindergarten
program in another state for at least sixty (60) days, who will become five (5) years old during the year in which he/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 District.
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 or legal guardian agrees with
placement in the first grade; otherwise the child shall be placed in kindergarten.
Any child may enter first grade in a District school 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 Arkansas.
Any child who has been enrolled in the first grade in a state-accredited or state-approved elementary school in another
state for a period of at least sixty (60) days, who will become age six (6) years during the school year in which he/she is
enrolled in grade one (1), and who meets the basic residency requirements for school attendance may be enrolled in the
first grade.
Students who move into the District from an accredited school shall be assigned to the same grade as they were attending
in their previous school (mid-year transfers) or as they would have been assigned in their previous school. Homeschooled students shall be evaluated by the District to determine their appropriate grade placement.
The district shall make no attempt to ascertain the immigration status, legal or illegal, of any student or his/her parent or
legal guardian presenting for enrollment.1
Prior to the child’s admission to a District school:2
1.
The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall furnish the child’s social security number, or if they request,
the district will assign the child a nine (9) digit number designated by the department of education.
2.
The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall provide the district with one (1) of the following documents
indicating the child’s age:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
A birth certificate;
A statement by the local registrar or a county recorder certifying the child’s date of birth;
An attested baptismal certificate;
A passport;
An affidavit of the date and place of birth by the child’s parent or guardian;
United States military identification; or
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g.
Previous school records.
3.
The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall indicate on school registration forms whether the child has
been expelled from school in any other school district or is a party to an expulsion proceeding. The Board of
Education reserves the right, after a hearing before the Board, not to allow any person who has been expelled from
another school district to enroll as a student until the time of the person's expulsion has expired. 3
4.
The child shall be age appropriately immunized from poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, red (rubeola)
measles, rubella, and other diseases as designated by the State Board of Health, or have an exemption issued by the
Arkansas Department of Health. Proof of immunization shall be by a certificate of a licensed physician or a public
health department acknowledging the immunization. Exemptions are also possible on an annual basis for religious
reasons from the Arkansas Department of Health.4 To continue such exemptions, they must be renewed at the
beginning of each school year. A child enrolling in a district school and living in the household of a person on active
military duty has 30 days to receive his/her initial required immunizations and 12 months to be up to date on the
required immunizations for the student’s age.
A student enrolled in the District who has an immunization exemption may be removed from school during an outbreak
of the disease for which the student is not vaccinated at the discretion of the Arkansas Department of Health. The student
may not return to the school until the outbreak has been resolved and the student's return to school is approved by the
Arkansas Department of Health.
Uniformed Services Member's Children
For the purposes of this policy,
"active duty5 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;
"uniformed services"5 means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as the Commissioned Corps
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Services;
"veteran" means: a person who served in the uniformed services and who was discharged or released there from under
conditions other than dishonorable.
This policy applies to children of: active duty members 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; and 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.
An eligible child as defined in this policy shall:
1. 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;
2. 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;
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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.
8
Legal References:
A.C.A. § 6-4-302
A.C.A. § 6-18-201 (c)
A.C.A. § 6-18-207
A.C.A. § 6-18-208
A.C.A. § 6-18-510
A.C.A. § 6-18-702
A.C.A. § 6-15-504 (f)
A.C.A. § 9-28-113
Date Adopted:6/24/14
Last Revised:6/19/14
STUDENT TRANSFERS
The Rivercrest School District shall review and accept or reject requests for transfers, both into and
out of the district, on a case by case basis at the July and December regularly scheduled board
meetings.
The District may reject a nonresident’s application for admission if its acceptance would necessitate
the addition of staff or classrooms, exceed the capacity of a program, class, grade level, or school
building, or cause the District to provide educational services not currently provided in the affected
school. The District shall reject applications that would cause it to be out of compliance with
applicable laws and regulations regarding desegregation.
Any student transferring from a school accredited by the Department of Education to a school in this
district shall be placed into the same grade the student would have been in had the student remained at
the former school.
Any student transferring from home school or a school that is not accredited by the Department of
Education to a District school shall be evaluated by District staff to determine the student’s
appropriate grade placement.
The Board of Education reserves the right, after a hearing before the Board, not to allow any
person who has been expelled from another district to enroll as a student until the time of the
person’s expulsion has expired.
Except as otherwise required or permitted by law, the responsibility for transportation of any
nonresident student admitted to a school in the District shall be borne by the student or the
student’s parents. The District and resident district may enter into a written agreement with the
student or student’s parents to provide transportation to or from the District, or both.
9
SCHOOL CHOICE
Rivercrest School District does participate in school choice.
Application Process
The student's parent shall submit a school choice application on a form approved by the ADE to
both the student's resident district and to this district which must be postmarked or hand delivered
on or before the June 1 preceding the fall semester the applicant would begin school in the
District. The District shall date and time stamp all applications as they are received in the District's
central office. Applications postmarked or hand delivered on or after June 2 will not be accepted.
Statutorily, preference is required to be given to siblings (as defined in this policy) of students who
are already enrolled in the District. Therefore, siblings whose applications fit the capacity
standards approved by the Board of Directors may be approved ahead of an otherwise qualified
non-sibling applicant who submitted an earlier application as identified by the application's date
and time stamp.
The approval of any application for a choice transfer into the District is potentially limited by the
applicant's resident district's statutory limitation of losing no more than 3% of its past year's
student enrollment due to choice. As such, any District approval of a choice application prior to
August 1 is provisional pending a determination that the resident district's 3% cap has not been
reached.
The superintendent will consider all properly submitted applications for School Choice. By
August 1, the superintendent shall notify the parent and the student’s resident district, in writing,
of the decision to accept or reject the application.
Further questions concerning school choice should be addressed to the Superintendent.
PRIVACY OF STUDENTS’ RECORDS
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Except when a court order regarding a student has been presented to the district to the contrary, all
students’ education records are available for inspection and copying by the parents of his/her
student who is under the age of eighteen (18). At the age of eighteen (18), the right to inspect and
copy a student’s records transfers to the student. A student’s parent or the student, if over the age
of 18, requesting to review the student’s education records will be allowed to do so within no
more that forty five (45) days of the request. The district forwards education records, including
disciplinary records, to schools that have requested them and in which the student seeks or intends
to enroll.
The district shall receive written permission before releasing education records to any agency or
individual not authorized by law to receive and/or view the education records without prior
parental permission. The District shall maintain a record of requests by such agencies or
individuals for access to, and each disclosure of, personally identifiable information from the
education records of each student. Disclosure of education records is authorized by law to school
officials with legitimate educational interests. A personal record kept by a school staff member is
10
not considered an education record if it meets the following tests. it is in the sole possession of the
individual who made it; it is used only as a personal memory aid; and information contained in it
has never been revealed or made available to any other person, except the maker’s temporary
substitute
For the purposes of this policy a school official is a person employed by the school as an
administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff
and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company
with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor,
medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a
disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her
tasks.
For the purposes of this policy a school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official
needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility,
contracted duty, or duty of elected office.
The District discloses personally identifiable information from an education record to appropriate
parties, including parents, in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is
necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. The superintendent or
designee shall determine who will have access to and the responsibility for disclosing information
in emergency situations.
When deciding whether to release personally identifiable information in a health or safety
emergency, the District may take into account the totality of the circumstances pertaining to a
threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals. If the District determines that there
is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, it
may disclose information from education records to any person whose knowledge of the
information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
For purposes of the policy, the Rivercrest School District does not distinguish between a custodial
and noncustodial parent, or a non-parent such as a person acting in loco parentis or a foster parent
with respect to gaining access to a student’s records. Unless a court order restricting such access
has been presented to the district to the contrary, the fact of a person’s status as parent or guardian,
alone, enables that parent or guardian to review and copy his child’s records.
If there exists a court order which directs that a parent not have access to a student or his records,
the parent, guardian, person acting in loco parentis, or an agent of the Department of Human
Services must present a file-marked copy of such order to the building principal and the
superintendent. The school will make good-faith efforts to act in accordance with such court
order, but the failure to do so does not impose legal liability upon the school. The actual
responsibility for enforcement of such court orders rests with the parents or guardians, their
attorneys, and the court which issued the order.
A parent or guardian does not have the right to remove any material from a student’s records, but
such parent or guardian may challenge the accuracy of a record. The right to challenge the
accuracy of a record does not include the right to dispute a grade, which must be done only
through the appropriate teacher and/or administrator, the decision of whom is final. A challenge
to the accuracy of material contained in a student’s file must be initiated with the building
principal, with an appeal available to the superintendent or his designee. The challenge shall
clearly identify the part of the student’s record the parent wants changed and specify why he/she
believes it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school determines not to amend the record as
11
requested, the school will notify the requesting parent or student of the decision and inform them
of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amending the record. The parent or eligible
student will be provided information regarding the hearing procedure when notified of the right to
a hearing.
Unless the parent or guardian of a student (or student, if above the age of eighteen (18)) objects,
directory information about a student may be made available to the public, military recruiters,
post-secondary educational institutions, prospective employers of those students, as well as school
publications such as annual yearbooks and graduation announcements. “Directory information”
includes, but is not limited to, a student’s name, address, telephone number, electronic mail
address, photograph, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, his/her placement on the honor
role (or the receipt of other types of honors), as well as his/her participation in school clubs and
extracurricular activities, among other. If the student participates in inherently public activities
(for example, basketball, football, or other interscholastic activities), the publication of such
information will be beyond the control of the District. A student’s name and photograph will only
be displayed on the district or school’s web page(s) after receiving the written permission from the
student’s parent or student if over the age of 18.
The form for objecting to making directory information available is located in the back of the
student handbook and must be completed and signed by the parent or age-eligible student and filed
with the building principal’s office no later than ten (10) school days after the beginning of each
school year or the date the student is enrolled for school. Failure to file an objection by that time
is considered a specific grant of permission. The district is required to continue to honor any
signed-opt out form for any student no longer in attendance at the district.
Parents and students over the age of 18 who believe the district has failed to comply with the
requirements for the lawful release of student records may file a complaint with the U.S.
Department of Education at
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW,
Washington, DC 20202.
STUDENTS WHO ARE FOSTER CHILDREN
The District will afford the same services and educational opportunities to foster children that
are afforded other children and youth. The District shall work with the Department of Human
Services (“DHS”), the ADE, and individuals involved with each foster child to ensure that he/she
is able to maintain his/her continuity of educational services to the fullest extent that is practical and
reasonable.
The superintendent or his/her designee shall appoint an appropriate staff person to be the local educational
liaison for foster children and youth whose responsibilities shall include ensuring the timely school enrollment
of each foster child and assisting foster children who transfer between schools by expediting the transfer of
relevant educational records.
The District, working with other individuals and agencies shall, unless the presiding court rules otherwise,
ensure that the foster child remains in his/her current school, even if a change in the foster child’s placement
results in a residency that is outside the district. In such a situation, the District will work to arrange for
transportation to and from school for the foster child to the extent it is reasonable and practical.
12
Upon notification to the District’s foster care liaison by a foster child’s caseworker that a foster child’s school
enrollment is being changed to one of the district’s schools, the school receiving the child must immediately
enroll him/her. Immediate enrollment is required even if a child lacks the required clothing, academic or
medical records, or proof of residency.
A foster child’s grades shall not be lowered due to absence from school that is caused due to absence from
school that is caused by a change in the child’s school enrollment, the child’s attendance at dependencyneglect court proceedings, or other court-ordered counseling or treatment.
Any course work completed by the foster child prior to a school enrollment change shall be accepted as
academic credit so long as the child has satisfactorily completed the appropriate academic placement
assessment.
If a foster child was enrolled in a District school immediately prior to completing his/her graduation
requirements while detained in a juvenile detention facility or while committed to the Division of Youth
Services of DHS, the District shall issue the child a diploma.
Placement of Multiple Birth Siblings
The parent, guardian or other person having charge or custody of multiple birth siblings in grades pre-K
through 6 may request that the multiple birth siblings are placed in either the same or separate classrooms.
th
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 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 or more of the
multiple birth siblings if:
There have been a minimum of 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: Detrimental to the educational achievement of one or more of the
siblings; Disruptive to the siblings’ assigned classroom learning environment; or 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 Superintendent. The Superintendent’s decision
regarding the appeal shall be final.
General Campus Information
CAFETERIA
For the student’s convenience, there are two lunch lines in the cafeteria. In the sandwich line, one may
choose from a variety of hot and cold sandwiches. In the hot plate line, the menu of the day, as posted in the
lobby, in the office and on the daily announcements, will be offered
13
The price of lunch is $2.25 for students. The price of breakfast is $1.00 for students. For information
about free or reduced lunch, the student should contact the Principal.
Each student should do his/her part in keeping the cafeteria neat, clean, quiet, calm, and orderly.
A STUDENT SHOULD...
1. enter the cafeteria in an orderly manner and walk in line.
2. keep his/her place in line but not “save places.”
3. feel free to talk or visit with friends but not to shout or play.
4. remove trays, paper, cups, glasses, etc., from the table when finished eating.
5. put all garbage in the receptacles placed in the cafeteria for that purpose.
6. place flatware in the flatware chute.
7. use proper table manners and conduct.
A STUDENT SHOULD NOT...
1. take food or drink of any kind outside the cafeteria (except designated areas for brown bags).
2. sit at the ends of the tables.
Any student who violates the school code of conduct in the cafeteria may be suspended from eating in the
cafeteria for a definite period of time. The student will be provided lunch at another location.
CLOSED CAMPUS
Rivercrest operates as a closed campus, and students will be required to remain on campus once they
arrive to begin the school day.
Requests for early dismissal must be presented in writing, signed by the parent or guardian, and given
to the office before the first period begins.
A student who becomes ill or has a situation arise during the day that would make it necessary for the
student to leave before the end of the day will be allowed to leave only when it has been verified that a
member of the family is home or that a parent or guardian has given permission to leave.
ANY STUDENT LEAVING CAMPUS MUST...
1.
Bring a written note signed by a parent/guardian with a verification phone number before the
first period bell so the office can verify the information; and
2.
Properly complete the sign-out sheet in the high school office.
3.
Students who are 18 years or older must also follow the rules for bringing parent notes to
leave campus and check out in the office.
4.
Only the assistant principal or office can grant permission for a student to return to their
vehicle during the day.
LOCKERS
Rivercrest High School students are assigned lockers alphabetically by grade. Locker locks will be
given when the $5 rental fee is paid. This fee includes the rental for the locker and the lock. The principal’s
secretary will collect fees and record the locker assignments. A student should not use a locker other than the
one which has been assigned to him/her. Lockers should be kept clean and neat at all times. Each student is
solely responsible for ALL items located in their assigned locker.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found articles should be reported to the office. If a student loses something, a description of
the lost article should be given to the principal’s secretary.
14
LIBRARY
LIBRARY HOURS:
The library is open for student use each day from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
LIBRARY ACCESS: Students may come to the library...
1. with a class when the teacher has reserved the library for research or
projects.
2.*individually from a class when the teacher sends a proper note with the student.
3. individually from 7:45 to 8 a.m. and during the specified time during lunch
period.
*A student who does not bring a note will be asked to leave and return to class.
Each student who comes to the library must sign in at the circulation desk each time
he/she comes into the library during the day, except when coming with a teacher and a
class.
CIRCULATION PROCEDURES
BOOKS:
All books except reference books may be checked out for a three week time span. The
date stamped on the date due slip in the book is the date by which the book should be
returned. Students returning books late will be fined five cents per school day,
excluding weekends and school holidays. Books may be rechecked for three
additional weeks provided that there is not a demand for the title or subject.
REFERENCE:
Most reference books, including encyclopedias, may be checked out overnight. The
fine for overdue reference books is 25 cents per school day.
FINES AND
CHARGES
Students with overdue books or outstanding fines must clear their record before
borrowing additional materials. Overdue notices will be handed out twice per week. If
for some reason the student does not receive a notice, he/she is still responsible for
returning the books and paying the fines. The notices are just a courtesy.
RETURNING
BOOKS:
Check books in by putting them into the slot in the front of the circulation desk.
PERIODICALS:
Current issues of magazines are on display on the shelves and may not be checked
out. Older issues are on file and may be used in the library for papers or projects with
permission from the librarian. Since current magazines are used for research and
recent newspaper articles about Rivercrest are used for the school scrapbook, students
should not clip pictures or articles from them. For digital periodicals, see the Internet
Use Agreement for further details.
COPIES:
Copies of library materials may be made for 10 cents per sheet of paper.
DAMAGED
OR LOST
MATERIALS:
Students who lose or damage materials beyond reasonable wear will pay for the
materials or provide a replacement of the same quality that has been approved by
the librarian. In addition, students with overdue books or fines or students who owe
fees, books, or money to the school will not be allowed to attend prom, go on reward
trips, or be exempt from semester exams.
COMPUTERS:
The library has computers available for student use. Word processing programs as
well as electronic references (World Book Online and EBSCO- electronic magazines)
15
are available. Since new programs may be added, the student should ask the librarian
what is available.
Students will not be allowed to play games on the library computers. Students must
follow the rules posted on the computers.
GENERAL
LOCATION
OF MATERIALS:
Signs designate the different sections of the library. Reference, fiction, biography,
collective biography, story collection, Arkansas collection, and paperbacks are all
labeled. The non-fiction books are labeled with the numbers of the sections.
Accelerated Reader books have an “AR” label on the spine. A description and reading
level label is posted inside each AR book. If a student needs help finding a book or
other material, he/she should ask the librarian for help.
BEHAVIOR:
Students using the library are expected to be engaged in individual study, homework,
or recreational reading. The library is not the place for group discussions or
socializing. Students who insist upon talking will be asked to leave. Food and drink
of any kind are not permitted in the library.
SEATING:
Students coming to the library with a teacher may sit wherever the teacher designates.
RESTRICTED
AREAS:
Students are not allowed in the librarian’s office, periodical room, or audiovisual room without permission from the librarian. Violators will be referred to the
Assistant Principal.
RADIOS, BEEPERS, PAGERS, iPODS, MP3 PLAYERS,
DISC OR TAPE PLAYERS, MOVIES, CDS AND CELL PHONES
Students are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that respects the rights of others.
Possession and use of any electronic device, whether district or student owned, that interferes with a positive,
orderly classroom environment does not respect the rights of others and is expressly forbidden.
To protect the security of state originated tests that are administered as part of the Arkansas
Comprehensive, Testing, Assessment and Accountability Program (ACTAAP), no electronic device as
defined in this policy shall not be accessible by a student at any time during test administration unless
specifically permitted by a student's IEP or individual health plan. This means that when a student is taking an
ACTAAP assessment, the student shall not have his/her electronic device in his/her possession. Any student
violating this provision shall be subject to this policy's disciplinary provisions.
As used in this policy, “electronic devices” means anything that can be used to transmit or capture
images, sound, or data.
Misuse of electronic devices includes, but is not limited to:
1. Using electronic devices during class time in any manner other than specifically permitted by the
classroom instructor;
2. Permitting any audible sound to come from the device when not being used for reason #1 above;
3. Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or
receiving help during an academic examination, or wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores;
4. Using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms;
16
5. Creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or
another person.
6. Using a recording device to record activity such as a fight or any other activity that is detrimental to
the learning environment is prohibited. These acts will be treated and disciplined according to the
Bullying Policy.
7. Cell phones will only be allowed in a class with a teacher’s permission for that day.
Use of an electronic device is permitted to the extent it is approved in a student’s individualized education
program (IEP) or it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.
Possession of electronic devices is permitted on the school campus only between classes, during lunch,
and before and after normal school hours. The use of such devices at school sponsored functions outside the
regular school day is permitted to the extent and within the limitations allowed by the event or activity the
student is attending.
The student and/or the student’s parents or guardians expressly assume any risk associated with students
owning or possessing electronic devices. Students misusing electronic devices shall have them confiscated.
Confiscated devices may be picked up at the school’s administration office by the student’s parents or
guardians. Students have no right of privacy as to the content contained on any electronic devices that have
been confiscated.
Students who use a school issued cell phones and/or computers for non-school purposes, except as
permitted by the district’s Internet/computer use policy, shall be subject to discipline, up to and including
suspension or expulsion. Students are forbidden from using school issued cell phones while driving any
vehicle at any time. Violation may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Violation of Policy on Cell Phones and Electronic Communication Devices:
1st offense 2nd offense 3rd offense 4th offense -
The device will be confiscated and taken to the office. The device will be returned to
the student at the end of the day.
The device will be confiscated and taken to the office. The student will be assigned
noon detention and the device will be released only to the student’s parent/guardian.
The device will be confiscated and taken to the office. The student will be assigned
ISS and the device will be released only to the student’s parent/guardian.
The student will lose the privilege of bringing the device to school for the remainder
of the semester. Further violation will result in suspension from school.
Any student who refuses to give a communication device to a teacher or other
school official when requested to do so will be referred to the office for
insubordination.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are furnished by the State of Arkansas. It is the student’s responsibility to care for the
property with which he/she has been entrusted. Payment is required for damaged or lost books.
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Transportation
BUS INFORMATION
The school district provides a fleet of buses for the transportation of students to and from Rivercrest
High School. Therefore, all students will be considered as transported students.
State transportation regulations must be observed at all times. Due to the dangers or inconveniences
involved, the following local regulations are in effect:
1. Students must cooperate fully with the driver at all times and are subject to school authority for
proper conduct and attitude at all times.
2. Students must load and unload only at designated stops. They should never attempt to leave or
board a bus while it is in motion.
3. Loud noise, roughness, improper language, and horseplay are forbidden on the buses as they take
the driver’s attention away from his/her primary obligation, which is the safe operation of the bus.
4. Drivers will assign seats to the students who ride his/her bus. Students will be expected to cooperate
fully.
5. No smoking will be allowed on any bus.
6. Mistreatment of other students will not be tolerated.
The district is not required to transport students, and it should be regarded as a privilege to ride
the bus. This privilege may be withdrawn at any time it is abused in any manner by the student.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF
BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS
First Offense ........................................... Warning
Second Offense ....................................... Parent Conference, Detention, & ISS
Third Offense .......................................... 5 days suspension from bus
Fourth Offense ........................................ 15 days suspension from bus
Fifth Offense ........................................... 30 days suspension from bus
The Principal or the office may alter the severity of punishment based on circumstances and
other conditions.
PERSONAL MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION
Driving a personal motor vehicle on campus is a privilege. In order to maintain this privilege, it is
necessary that the student driver be aware of and follows the following rules and regulations for drivers:
1. All motor vehicles must be registered in the assistant principal’s office. When completing the
registration sheet, it is necessary to know the name, model, color, and tag number of the vehicle.
2. To register a vehicle, the student must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance on the
vehicle that will be driven to school. Students must also have at least a 2.0 GPA in order to drive a
vehicle to school.
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3. At the time of registration, the student will purchase an RHS parking sticker for a $5 fee. A second
sticker will cost $8.
4. The parking sticker must be displayed and is to be hooked on the inside mirror.
5. Vehicle operators are to abide by all speed limits coming to and going from school.
6. The registered operator of each vehicle is responsible for the conduct of the passengers in that vehicle.
7. Students are to use the student parking lot located across the drive on the west side of the campus.
8. Students must leave the vehicle as soon as it is parked and come into the building.
9. Any student going to his/her vehicle without permission before the last bell rings after school will
forfeit his/her privilege of driving on campus.
ANY PERSON PARKING ON THE BERMS OR FAILING TO FOLLOW THE ABOVE
INSTRUCTIONS WILL LOSE THE PRIVILEGE OF DRIVING ON CAMPUS.
VISITORS
Students are not to bring guests to the campus during the school day. At no time should a student
invite a guest to ride the school bus.
If parents or guardians would like to meet with a teacher, the student should inform them of the
teacher’s conference period and have the parents call to set up an appointment with the teacher so that class
time interruptions can be kept to a minimum.
Any visitor who does come onto the campus during lunch or for special assemblies should report to
the principal’s office and request a visitor’s pass. If the pass is granted, the visitor may be directed to a
designated location where he/she may visit with the student.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
If a student plans to withdraw from school, he/she should have a parent or guardian contact the
principal, preferably in person, to acknowledge his/her awareness of the student’s plan to withdraw and to
confirm his/her approval of the withdrawal. The student should then report his/her intentions to the guidance
counselor who will direct him/her through the withdrawal process. The student will be instructed to pick up a
withdrawal form from the assistant principal. He/she should present the form and all class books or other
materials which have been issued to each of his/her teachers. The student must also take the form to the
librarian, JROTC (if the student has clothing or supplies issued from JROTC), any coach of an athletic team or
squad of which the student is a part or has equipment, band (if the student has instruments or materials that
should be returned), and club or organization adviser to whom the student has materials to return. IT IS VERY
IMPORTANT THAT THE WITHDRAWING STUDENT RETURN ALL ISSUED BOOKS, MATERIALS,
AND UNIFORMS BEFORE LEAVING THE CAMPUS. IT IS ALSO NECESSARY THAT THE STUDENT
PAY ANY FINES, FEES, DEBTS, AND THE COST OF DAMAGED OR LOST ITEMS. An official
transcript will be sent when the student enrolls in the new school.
Planning a Program of Studies
GUIDANCE SERVICES
When planning a high school program of studies, students should think carefully about their interests,
abilities, and ambitions. It is important that students consider these three areas and choose to enroll in classes
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to complete their program of studies that will strengthen their background in a prospective career area. For
help in choosing these classes, the student should contact the guidance counselor.
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
A full time guidance counselor is available to assist students with individual problems. Guidance
services include conducting student conferences for planning courses of action for the present and the future;
administering, interpreting and keeping records of standardized tests and permanent records; providing
educational and occupational information; and maintaining vocational preparation and placement. The
counselor is available for conferences in situations relative to problems of adjustment and placement, choice of
subjects, and selection of a college or vocational institution. To help students identify personal strengths and
weaknesses in specific academic areas, to provide teachers with an evaluation of individual students in specific
academic areas, and to provide the Arkansas Department of Education with required evaluations, the counselor
supervises the administering of a variety of standardized tests throughout the year.
PLAN
The PLAN will be given to all sophomores in fall of current school year. The results of this test will
provide the student with a prediction of how well he/she would score on the ACT. By becoming aware of
weaknesses at the sophomore level, the student can work on these areas in order to reach his/her desired ACT
score by graduation. The student should consider enrolling in classes that could improve performance in weak
areas, attend the ACT Academy, ask teachers if they have any practice materials, secure practice workbooks,
and ask about preparation programs in the RHS computer lab. There are also workbooks and practice books,
some with computer discs, at many bookstores. This test is usually given in the fall.
ACT
Students who intend to enroll in college after high school graduation should be working toward their
desired ACT score throughout high school since it is very important for college admission and the granting of
college scholarships. Successful completion of the college preparatory curriculum is a very important step in
preparing for the ACT. Also, tips for working on ACT performance are given in the PSAT section above.
Scores on the ACT range from a low of 1 to a high of 36 in the areas of English, Mathematics,
Reading, and Science Reasoning. From these a composite, or overall, score is reported. All of the scores are
very important to potential college students.
Students should be aware that Arkansas legislation has set minimum ACT scores in reading (19),
mathematics (19), and English (19). If admitted to college, students who fail to attain the minimum scores
must successfully complete developmental/remedial classes for NO credit before they will be allowed to enroll
in required English and mathematics classes. Tuition is paid for the developmental classes at the same rate as
the regular college classes. This can be both expensive and time consuming.
These standards are intended to send a clear message to high school students: to be successful in
college, it is necessary to take a strong college preparatory curriculum in high school.
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ACT TEST DATES
September 13, 2014
October 25, 2014
December 13, 2014
February 7, 2015
April 18, 2015
June 13, 2105
The ACT is not given at Rivercrest High School, but can be taken at East Poinsett County High
School or Blytheville High School
ACT registration packets should be picked up from the counselor, completed, and mailed before the
deadline. There is a fee charged (by ACT, not RHS) for each test taken. The student should be sure to enclose
the correct amount as stated on the application by check or money order.
NOTE TO SENIORS: Since many scholarship deadlines are April 1 (some earlier), it is wise to take
the test on one of the first three dates.
END OF COURSE EXAMS
PARCC / Mid-Year and End of Year (EOY) / End of Course (EOC) Exams are required by the
Arkansas Department of Education. Tests and test dates for 2014-15 are as follows:
January 20-21, 2015 Mid-Year Biology April 28-29 EOY Biology Exam
March 9-April 10, 2015 Testing window for Mid-Year grades 3-8 ELA/Literacy, grades 9-11
ELA/Literacy, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.
April 14-15, 2015 Benchmark Science Exam Grades 5&7
April 27-May 22, 2015 Testing window for PARCC/EOY 3-8 ELA/Literacy, grades 9-11 ELA/
Literacy, Algebra I EOC, Geometry EOC, Algebra II EOC
Students and parents or guardians should feel free to call Guidance Counselor Lee Ann Graham during
regular school hours at 870-655-7016 or to come by the guidance office for a conference.
CLASSIFICATION
When planning a program of studies, the student should be aware of his/her grade classification.
Student classification is based on the number of credits that the student has earned, not on the number of years
that the student has been enrolled in school. One should remember that the number of credits listed for
classification is a minimum number and students should expect and work to have more than the minimum.
Staying at the minimum can put the student in a very difficult or sometimes impossible situation in the senior
year.
To be classified as a:
Sophomore, the student must have at least
6 credits
Junior, the student must have at least
11 credits
Senior, the student must have at least
16 credits
NOTE: Entering the senior year with only 16 credits would mean that the student would have to pass eight
credits during his/her senior year, and the credits would have to complete all specific graduation requirements.
Therefore, it would be wise to enter the senior year with MORE than 16 credits.
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CLASS LOAD
ACT 675 of 2003 requires all students to attend a full day of school. No more than one class period for
extracurricular activities is allowed. The student should consult with the guidance counselor to be sure that
he/she understands which classes are considered academic.
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
Up to four credits may be earned through correspondence courses from an accredited institution. A
student wanting to take a correspondence course should talk with the guidance counselor for information,
directions, and help. The counselor also can tell the student the amount of the fee for the course. The courses
are administered through a college or university. The student will complete work without the aid of a teacher
and mail the work in to the institution. The final exam will be monitored by a designated RHS staff member
and mailed to the institution for grading. If the student does not pass the course, no credit will be awarded. If
the student does pass the course, one half credit will be awarded. Correspondence courses will be accepted
ONLY after the student has failed the class at RHS.
Seniors needing credit through correspondence should order the course work no later than
January 15. The course must be completed leaving adequate time for the institution to grade and return grade
report before graduation. For a senior who did not graduate with his/her class, correspondence courses must be
completed within nine months following the final year in high school in order to meet graduation
requirements.
CREDIT RECOVERY PROGRAM
Students who receive a failing grade in a core class will be enrolled in a Credit Recovery Program,
which is offered during the school day via online instruction in our Plato Lab.
If district or area summer schools are available, RHS students may participate for credit provided that
they have failed the class and have attended the class for the duration of the school year. If the student plans to
take a summer class somewhere other than RHS, he/she should discuss the plan with the counselor before
enrolling so that he/she will know if the credit will be acceptable. School age residents of the Rivercrest
School District who have attended private schools and failed courses also have the option of attending any
RHS summer school program if offered and space is available.
A student interested in earning summer school should contact the counselor for information about
courses to be offered, attendance policy, and fees.
A STUDENT SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE CREDIT RECOVERY PROGRAM WILL BE
OFFERED EACH YEAR. THE DECISION TO OFFER OR NOT TO OFFER IS MADE EACH YEAR.
DUAL CREDIT/CONCURRENT
Students in grades 9-12 who successfully complete a course or courses offered by a publicly supported
community college, technical college, four-year college or university, or private institution shall be entitled to
receive both high school and college grades and credit, including credit toward high school graduation,
according to the regulations specified in the Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Concurrent
College and High School Credit for Students who Have Completed the Eighth Grade.
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College course credit may be used as high school elective credit and in some instances the college course may
substitute for a high school requirement. Three semester hours of college credit shall be the equivalent of one
unit of high school credit in the same subject area. A three-semester hour remedial/developmental education
course shall be the equivalent of one-half unit of credit for a high school career focus elective.
The student will be responsible for enrolling in the class, paying the tuition, and purchasing any books
or materials which are needed. The student is also responsible for requesting that the college or university
send the student’s grade to RHS.
If an Arkansas public college or university or private institution requires a college course placement
score greater than a score of 19 on the ACT or an equivalent assessment, the public school student must meet
that institution’s concurrent admissions and course placement requirements.
If interested, the student should see the Guidance Counselor for requirements and to obtain a copy of
the regulations governing college enrollment while in high school.
EARLY GRADUATION
A student who has completed ALL requirements for graduation by the end of his/her third year of high
school (junior year) may elect to graduate a year early and omit the senior year. The student must apply for
early graduation by September 1 of the last year of enrollment.
COLLEGE EARLY ENTRY
A student who has not completed all graduation requirements at the end of the third year (junior year)
but wants to enter college rather than to stay on campus and complete the senior year may be eligible for the
college early entry plan.
A student who thinks that he/she may be interested in this plan should discuss the option with the
Guidance Counselor. The student should be sure that he/she completely understands the qualifications,
requirements, and responsibilities of the plan. After serious consideration by the student and a statement of
approval of the plan from the parents or guardians, the student should secure a permission form from the
counselor.
Qualifications for application to the College Early Entry Plan are the following:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Students electing to omit their senior year to enter college must have completed at least sixteen
academic credits. The courses for which the credits were earned must be approved by the principal as
acceptable for the student to proceed with the plan.
All additional course work required for graduation from Rivercrest High School must be completed by
correspondence courses or dual credit. The student should work with the counselor to arrange this.
Students must have maintained at least a “B” average (3.00 GPA) in all course work completed while
attending RHS.
Students desiring to walk in the graduation ceremony with their class and/or receive a Rivercrest High
School diploma must obtain permission from the principal and superintendent.
The College Early Entry student must be completely aware of the fact that it is the student’s
responsibility to stay in contact with the school throughout the year prior to graduation. If the student plans
to participate in the graduation ceremony, it is the student’s responsibility to stay in contact with the school
about when and how graduation gowns, invitations, and other graduation articles are to be ordered. These are
often ordered during the first semester or early in the second; so don’t wait too late. The student must make
arrangements to come to the school to place an order or have a parent or guardian do this for them. The student
should ask early in the second semester about the date and time of graduation practice and make arrangements
to be there. If the student has not had a senior picture made with the school photographer, it is the student’s
responsibility to contact the yearbook adviser at the beginning of the first semester and express his/her desire
23
to be pictured. She/he should also get information from the adviser so that the student can make arrangements
to go to the school photographer’s studio to have pictures made by the end of September, sooner if possible.
The student should inform the Senior Class sponsors, the principal, the principal’s secretary, and the counselor
of his/her plans and desire for participation at the beginning of the first semester and should regularly check in
with these people throughout the year. The student should leave an address and phone number with all of these
people.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Graduation is under the direction of the Graduation Committee, which is selected by the principal. The
principal shall serve as a member of this committee, along with three selected teachers and staff, a senior class
sponsor, the counselor, and the presidents of the senior class and of the Student Council. It is the customary
practice at Rivercrest High for a member of the School Board to present ALL diplomas to the graduating
seniors.
No person will participate in the commencement ceremony who, on that date, has not, in every
respect, met the requirements for graduation from RHS. Each graduating senior is responsible for purchasing a
cap and gown of the designated color and style from the distributor chosen by the school. Each graduating
senior is expected to attend commencement practice as announced by the principal. Seniors should arrive at
the designated location at the assigned time the evening of graduation.
Members of the graduating class will be allowed to, by class vote, select a group of eleventh grade
students to be responsible for ushering, seating, distributing programs, and other assigned duties at the
ceremony. Duties for ushers will be assigned by the Graduation Committee. The selection should be made
early in April so that the students will have time to meet with the usher adviser and to secure appropriate attire
for the ceremony. Any student chosen to usher who does not wish to participate should contact the usher
adviser and a Senior Class sponsor immediately so that a replacement can be named. Students must meet the
following requirements during their junior year to be selected as an usher:
a. at least a 2.5 GPA;
b. 90% attendance or better;
c. no suspensions;
d. no more than five tardies for the year; and
e. an active member of at least one student organization.
4.45-SMART CORE CURRICULUM AND GRADUATION REQUIRMENTS FOR THE CLASS OF
2010 AND ALL CLASSES THEREAFTER.
All students are required to participate in the Smart Core curriculum unless their parents or guardians
choose to opt out, or the students are 18 years of age or older. Parents, guardians, or students, if they are 18
years or older, will sign an Informed Consent Form for specific choice of Smart Core or Core. Those students
not participating in the Smart Core curriculum will be required to fulfill the Core curriculum or the
requirements of there their IEP (when applicable) to be eligible for graduation. The signed Informed Consent
Form shall be attached to the student’s permanent transcript. Informed Consent Forms are required to be
signed prior to registering for seventh grade classes, or if enrolling in the district for the seventh through
twelfth grade classes. Counseling by trained personnel shall be available to students and their parents or legal
guardians prior to the time they are required to sign the consent forms.
While there are similarities between the two curriculums, following the Core curriculum may not qualify
students for some scholarships and admission to certain colleges could be jeopardized. Students initially
choosing the Core curriculum may subsequently change to the Smart Core curriculum providing they would
be able to complete the required course of study by the time they attain their twenty-first birthday.
Acceptance of a diploma negates a student’s right to switch programs. Students wishing to change
their choice of curriculums must consult with their counselor to determine the feasibility of changing.
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SMART CORE/COLLEGE PREPARATORY LIST
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
CLASS OF 2018 AND UP (24 CREDITS)
English
4 Credits
Oral Communications
½ Credit
Social Studies
(1 credit of World History, 1 credit of U.S. History,
½ credit of Civics or American Government, and
½ credit of Economics)
3 Credits
Mathematics
(1 credit of Algebra I and 1 credit of Geometry
must be included)
4 Credits
Science
3 Credits
(at least 1 credit of Physical Science and 1 credit
of Biology or its equivalent)
Physical Education
½ Credit
Health and Safety
½ Credit
Fine Arts
(Art, Band, or Choir)
½ Credit
Digital Learning Course (Act 1280 of 2013)
½ Credit
Electives
8 Credits
(must be solid, academic classes, not activity classes)
Note: Any credits above the required number in an academic area will be considered as electives.
All students are required to participate in the Smart Core curriculum unless their parents or guardians,
or the students if they are 18 years of age or older, sign a Smart Core Waiver Form to not participate. While
Smart Core is the default option, both a Smart Core Informed Consent Form and a Smart Core Waiver Form
will be sent home with students prior to their enrolling in seventh grade, or when a 7-12 grade student enrolls
in the district for the first time and there is not a signed form in the student’s permanent record. Parents must
sign one of the forms and return it to the school so it can be placed in the students’ permanent records. This
policy is to be included in student handbooks for grades 6-12 and both students and parents must sign an
acknowledgement they have received the policy. Those students not participating in the Smart Core
curriculum will be required to fulfill the Core curriculum or the requirements of their IEP (when applicable) to
be eligible for graduation. Counseling by trained personnel shall be available to students and their parents or
legal guardians prior to the time they are required to sign the consent forms.
While there are similarities between the two curriculums, following the Core curriculum may not
qualify students for some scholarships and admission to certain colleges could be jeopardized. Students
25
initially choosing the Core curriculum may subsequently change to the Smart Core curriculum providing they
would be able to complete the required course of study by the end of their senior year. Students wishing to
change their choice of curriculums must consult with their counselor to determine the feasibility of changing.
This policy, the Smart Core curriculum, and the courses necessary for graduation shall be reviewed by
staff, students, and parents at least every other year to determine if changes need to be made to better serve the
needs of the district’s students. The superintendent, or his/her designee, shall select the composition of the
review panel.
Sufficient information relating to Smart Core and the district’s graduation requirements shall be
communicated to parents and students to ensure their informed understanding of each. This may be
accomplished through any or all of the following means.
 Inclusion in the student handbook of the Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements;
 Discussion of the Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements at the school’s annual public
meeting, PTA meetings, or a meeting held specifically for the purpose of informing the public on this
matter;
 Discussions held by the school’s counselors with students and their parents; and/or
 Distribution of a newsletter(s) to parents or guardians of the district’s students.
The first year of this policy’s implementation all employees required to be licensed as a condition of their
employment shall receive training regarding this policy so that they will be able to help successfully
implement it. In subsequent years, administrators, or their designees, shall train newly hired employees,
required to be licensed as a condition of their employment, regarding this policy. The district’s annual
professional development shall include the training required by this paragraph.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
SMART CORE CURRICULUM AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE CLASSES OF 2015, 2016, AND 2017
All students are required to participate in the Smart Core curriculum unless their parents or guardians, or the
students if they are 18 years of age or older, sign a Smart Core Waiver Form to not participate. While Smart
Core is the default option, both a Smart Core Informed Consent Form and a Smart Core Waiver Form will be
sent home with students prior to their enrolling in seventh grade, or when a 7-12 grade student enrolls in the
district for the first time and there is not a signed form in the student’s permanent record. Parents must sign one
of the forms and return it to the school so it can be placed in the students’ permanent records.1 This policy is to
be included in student handbooks for grades 6-12 and both students and parents must sign an
acknowledgement they have received the policy. Those students not participating in the Smart Core
curriculum will be required to fulfill the Core curriculum or the requirements of their IEP (when applicable) to
be eligible for graduation. Counseling by trained personnel shall be available to students and their parents or
legal guardians prior to the time they are required to sign the consent forms.
While there are similarities between the two curriculums, following the Core curriculum may not qualify
students for some scholarships and admission to certain colleges could be jeopardized. Students initially
choosing the Core curriculum may subsequently change to the Smart Core curriculum providing they would
be able to complete the required course of study by the end of their senior year. Students wishing to change
their choice of curriculums must consult with their counselor to determine the feasibility of changing.
26
This policy, the Smart Core curriculum, and the courses necessary for graduation shall be reviewed by staff,
students, and parents at least every other year3 to determine if changes need to be made to better serve the
needs of the district’s students. The superintendent, or his/her designee, shall select the composition of the
review panel.
Sufficient information relating to Smart Core and the district’s graduation requirements shall be communicated
to parents and students to ensure their informed understanding of each. This may be accomplished through any
or all of the following means.
 Inclusion in the student handbook of the Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements;
 Discussion of the Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements at the school’s annual public
meeting, PTA meetings, or a meeting held specifically for the purpose of informing the public on this
matter;
 Discussions held by the school’s counselors with students and their parents; and/or
 Distribution of a newsletter(s) to parents or guardians of the district’s students.
Administrators, or their designees, shall train newly hired employees, required to be licensed as a condition of
their employment, regarding this policy. The district’s annual professional development shall include the
training required by this paragraph.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The number of units students must earn to be eligible for high school graduation is to be earned from the
categories listed below. A minimum of 22 units is required for graduation for a student participating in either
the Smart Core or Core curriculum. In addition to the 22 units required for graduation by the Arkansas
Department of Education, the district requires an additional _2_ units to graduate for a total of _24_ units. The
additional required units may be taken from any electives offered by the district. There are some distinctions
made between Smart Core units and Graduation units. Not all units earned toward graduation necessarily
apply to Smart Core requirements.
SMART CORE: Sixteen (16) units
English: four (4) units – 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th
Oral Communications: one-half (1/2) unit
Mathematics: four (4) units (all students under Smart Core must take a mathematics course in grade 11 or 12
and complete Algebra II.)
 Algebra I or Algebra A & B* which may be taken in grades 7-8 or 8-9
 Geometry or Investigating Geometry or Geometry A & B* which may be taken in grades 8-9 or 9-10
*A two-year algebra equivalent or a two-year geometry equivalent may each be counted as two units of the
four-unit requirement for the purpose of meeting the graduation requirement, but only serve as one unit each
toward fulfilling the Smart Core requirement.
 Algebra II
 Beyond Algebra II: this can include Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Statistics, Algebra III, Advanced Topic
and Modeling in Mathematics, Mathematical Applications and Algorithms, Linear Systems and Statistics,
or any of several IB or Advanced Placement math courses
27
(Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable)
Natural Science: a total of three (3) units with lab experience chosen from
One unit of Biology; and
Two units chosen from the following three categories (there are acceptable options listed by the ADE for
each)
 Physical Science
 Chemistry
 Physics or Principles of Technology I & II or PIC Physics
Social Studies: three (3) units
 Civics one-half (½) unit
 World History - one unit
 American History - one unit
Physical Education: one-half (1/2) unit
Note: While one-half (1/2) unit is required for graduation, no more than one (1) unit may be applied toward
fulfilling the necessary units to graduate.
Health and Safety: one-half (1/2) unit
Economics – one half (½) unit – dependent upon the licensure of the teacher teaching the course, this can
count toward the required three (3) social studies credits or the six (6) required Career Focus elective credits.87
Fine Arts: one-half (1/2) unit
CAREER FOCUS: - Six (6) units
All career focus unit requirements shall be established through guidance and counseling based on the student’s
contemplated work aspirations. Career focus courses shall conform to the curriculum policy of the district and
reflect state curriculum frameworks through course sequencing and career course concentrations where
appropriate.
CORE: Sixteen (16) units
English: four (4) units – 9, 10, 11, and 12
Oral Communications: one-half (1/2) unit
Mathematics: four (4) units
 Algebra or its equivalent* - 1 unit
 Geometry or its equivalent* - 1 unit
 All math units must build on the base of algebra and geometry knowledge and skills.
 (Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable)
*A two-year algebra equivalent or a two-year geometry equivalent may each be counted as two units of the
four (4) unit requirement.
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Science: three (3) units
 at least one (1) unit of biology or its equivalent
 one (1) unit of a physical science
Social Studies: three (3) units
 Civics one-half (1/2) unit
 World history, one (1) unit
 American History, one (1) unit
Physical Education: one-half (1/2) unit
Note: While one-half (1/2) unit is required for graduation, no more than one (1) unit may be applied toward
fulfilling the necessary units to graduate.
Health and Safety: one-half (1/2) unit
Economics – one half (½) unit – dependent upon the licensure of the teacher teaching the course, this can
count toward the required three (3) social studies credits or the six (6) required Career Focus elective credits. 87
Fine Arts: one-half (1/2) unit
CAREER FOCUS: - Six (6) units
All career focus unit requirements shall be established through guidance and counseling based on the student’s
contemplated work aspirations. Career focus courses shall conform to the curriculum policy of the district and
reflect state curriculum frameworks through course sequencing and career course concentrations where
appropriate.
Legal References:
Standards of Accreditation 9.03 – 9.03.1.9, 14.02
ADE Guidelines for the Development of Smart Core Curriculum Policy
Smart Core Informed Consent Form
Smart Core Waiver Form
Date Adopted: 6/24/2014
Last Revised: 6/19/2014
SMART CORE CURRICULUM AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE CLASS OF 2018 AND THEREAFTER
All students are required to participate in the Smart Core curriculum unless their parents or guardians, or the
students if they are 18 years of age or older, sign a Smart Core Waiver Form to not participate. While Smart
Core is the default option, both a Smart Core Informed Consent Form and a Smart Core Waiver Form will be
sent home with students prior to their enrolling in seventh grade, or when a 7-12 grade student enrolls in the
district for the first time and there is not a signed form in the student’s permanent record. Parents must sign one
of the forms and return it to the school so it can be placed in the students’ permanent records. This policy is to
be included in student handbooks for grades 6-12 and both students and parents must sign an
acknowledgement they have received the policy. Those students not participating in the Smart Core
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curriculum will be required to fulfill the Core curriculum or the requirements of their IEP (when applicable) to
be eligible for graduation. Counseling by trained personnel shall be available to students and their parents or
legal guardians prior to the time they are required to sign the consent forms.
While there are similarities between the two curriculums, following the Core curriculum may not qualify
students for some scholarships and admission to certain colleges could be jeopardized. Students initially
choosing the Core curriculum may subsequently change to the Smart Core curriculum providing they would
be able to complete the required course of study by the end of their senior year. Students wishing to change
their choice of curriculums must consult with their counselor to determine the feasibility of changing.
This policy, the Smart Core curriculum, and the courses necessary for graduation shall be reviewed by staff,
students, and parents at least every other year to determine if changes need to be made to better serve the needs
of the district’s students. The superintendent, or his/her designee, shall select the composition of the review
panel.
Sufficient information relating to Smart Core and the district’s graduation requirements shall be communicated
to parents and students to ensure their informed understanding of each. This may be accomplished through any
or all of the following means.
 Inclusion in the student handbook of the Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements;
 Discussion of the Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements at the school’s annual public
meeting, PTA meetings, or a meeting held specifically for the purpose of informing the public on this
matter;
 Discussions held by the school’s counselors with students and their parents; and/or
 Distribution of a newsletter(s) to parents or guardians of the district’s students.
Administrators, or their designees, shall train newly hired employees, required to be licensed as a condition of
their employment, regarding this policy. The district’s annual professional development shall include the
training required by this paragraph.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The number of units students must earn to be eligible for high school graduation is to be earned from the
categories listed below. A minimum of 22 units is required for graduation for a student participating in either
the Smart Core or Core curriculum. In addition to the 22 units required for graduation by the Arkansas
Department of Education, the district requires an additional _2_ units to graduate for a total of _24_ units. The
additional required units may be taken from any electives offered by the district. There are some distinctions
made between Smart Core units and Graduation units. Not all units earned toward graduation necessarily
apply to Smart Core requirements.
Digital Learning Courses
The District shall offer one or more digital learning course(s) through one or more District approved
provider(s) as either a primary or supplementary method of instruction. The courses may be in a blended
learning, online-based, or other technology-based format.7 In addition to the other graduation requirements
contained in this policy, students are required to take at least one (1) digital learning course for credit while in
high school.
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SMART CORE: Sixteen (16) units
English: four (4) units – 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th
Oral Communications: one-half (1/2) unit
Mathematics: four (4) units (all students under Smart Core must take a mathematics course in grade 11 or 12
and complete Algebra II.)
 Algebra I or Algebra A & B* which may be taken in grades 7-8 or 8-9
 Geometry or Investigating Geometry or Geometry A & B* which may be taken in grades 8-9 or 9-10
*A two-year algebra equivalent or a two-year geometry equivalent may each be counted as two units of the
four-unit requirement for the purpose of meeting the graduation requirement, but only serve as one unit each
toward fulfilling the Smart Core requirement.
 Algebra II
 Beyond Algebra II: this can include Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Statistics, Algebra III, Advanced Topic
and Modeling in Mathematics, Mathematical Applications and Algorithms, Linear Systems and Statistics,
or any of several IB or Advanced Placement math courses
(Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable)
Natural Science: a total of three (3) units with lab experience chosen from
One unit of Biology; and
Two units chosen from the following three categories (there are acceptable options listed by the ADE for
each)
 Physical Science
 Chemistry
 Physics or Principles of Technology I & II or PIC Physics
Social Studies: three (3) units
 Civics one-half (½) unit
 World History - one unit
 American History - one unit
Physical Education: one-half (1/2) unit
Note: While one-half (1/2) unit is required for graduation, no more than one (1) unit may be applied toward
fulfilling the necessary units to graduate.
Health and Safety: one-half (1/2) unit
Economics – one half (½) unit – dependent upon the licensure of the teacher teaching the course, this can
count toward the required three (3) social studies credits or the six (6) required Career Focus elective credits.8
Fine Arts: one-half (1/2) unit
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CAREER FOCUS: - Six (6) units
All career focus unit requirements shall be established through guidance and counseling based on the student’s
contemplated work aspirations. Career focus courses shall conform to the curriculum policy of the district and
reflect state curriculum frameworks through course sequencing and career course concentrations where
appropriate.
CORE: Sixteen (16) units
English: four (4) units – 9, 10, 11, and 12
Oral Communications: one-half (1/2) unit
Mathematics: four (4) units
 Algebra or its equivalent* - 1 unit
 Geometry or its equivalent* - 1 unit
 All math units must build on the base of algebra and geometry knowledge and skills.
 (Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable)
*A two-year algebra equivalent or a two-year geometry equivalent may each be counted as two units of the
four (4) unit requirement.
Science: three (3) units
 at least one (1) unit of biology or its equivalent
 one (1) unit of a physical science
Social Studies: three (3) units
 Civics one-half (1/2) unit
 World history, one (1) unit
 American History, one (1) unit
Physical Education: one-half (1/2) unit
Note: While one-half (1/2) unit is required for graduation, no more than one (1) unit may be applied toward
fulfilling the necessary units to graduate.
Health and Safety: one-half (1/2) unit
Economics – one half (½) unit – dependent upon the licensure of the teacher teaching the course, this can
count toward the required three (3) social studies credits or the six (6) required Career Focus elective credits.8
Fine Arts: one-half (1/2) unit
CAREER FOCUS: - Six (6) units
All career focus unit requirements shall be established through guidance and counseling based on the student’s
contemplated work aspirations. Career focus courses shall conform to the curriculum policy of the district and
reflect state curriculum frameworks through course sequencing and career course concentrations where
appropriate.
32
Legal References:
Standards of Accreditation 9.03 – 9.03.1.9, 14.02
ADE Guidelines for the Development of Smart Core Curriculum Policy
ADE Rules Governing the Digital Learning Act of 2013
Smart Core Informed Consent Form 2014
Smart Core Waiver Form 2014
A.C.A. § 6-16-1406
Date Adopted: 6/24/2014
Last Revised: 6/19/2014
COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students who plan to attend a college or university should consult with the counselor in the freshman
year about entrance requirements. The counselor will provide information and will assist the student in
planning his/her four-year plan of classes to meet specific entrance requirements. However, it is the student’s
responsibility to meet the enrollment requirements of a particular college or university. Colleges have people
on staff to provide information by phone or mail, and most have web sites on-line. The counselor can help
with this. Many college catalogs are available in the guidance office and others can be ordered.
CHANGING SCHEDULES
Students select the classes which they wish to schedule for the fall semester near the end of the spring
semester of the previous year. Over the summer break, the counselor works out each student’s class schedule
using a computerized scheduling program.
Although the counselor makes an effort to schedule every class which the student has requested,
sometimes conflicting time periods of classes and overcrowding in classes will prevent this from happening.
If a student has a question about his/her schedule or is unhappy with it, he/she should make arrangements to
meet with the counselor to discuss the schedule prior to the beginning of school or at the beginning of the first
week of school.
Schedule changes should ONLY be made during the first week of the semester, and the student should
have teacher, and counselor recommendations for the change. After the first week, no changes will be made
until the end of the semester except in an emergency or because of a scheduling error. Any schedule change
will be based solely on the student’s best academic interests.
The procedure for schedule changes will be announced by the counselor during the first week of
school.
Classes that are NOT semester courses may NOT be dropped at semester or any other time during the
academic year without the parent/guardian and the student having a conference with the principal.
The counselor may initiate a schedule change to comply with graduation requirements. Also, the
classroom teacher may initiate a request to the counselor for a schedule change due to the misplacement of a
student in a class.
CHARTING REQUIRED CLASSES AND CREDITS
Although the counselor and the teachers are willing and want to help the student plan his/her Program
of Studies and stay on track with it, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure that he/she is taking and
33
passing the required classes and that he/she is on a regular schedule of acquiring the required credits for
graduation.
The student should inspect his/her transcript to make sure that all classes that he/she has taken is
included on the transcript and that all grades are recorded correctly. The student should be especially careful to
make sure that any summer school, correspondence, or independent study classes are recorded on the
transcript. In case of an error, the student should report it to the counselor.
The student should always be aware of the number of requirements and the number of semesters
he/she has left to complete courses to graduate. Waiting until the end of the junior year to become concerned is
not wise.
Grades, Records, etc....
STUDENT RECORDS
All information regarding students and their families, shall be collected, maintained, and disseminated
under such safeguards as are necessary to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
HIPAA Act (2003). Rivercrest Schools shall adhere to the provisions of said Act.
Student records are considered private and shall be treated as such. Information derived from these
records shall be used by the school for legitimate educational interest. Students or parents desiring additional
information concerning student records may refer to the district’s Discipline Policies Manual, which may be
obtained from the superintendent.
ACADEMIC REPORTS
At the end of the third week and at the end of the sixth week, teachers will send home an itemized
grade report for each student. The student will collect the grade, teacher comments, behavior evaluation, days
missed, and times tardy from each teacher. The student should bring the report home at the end of the day. It
does not have to be signed or returned. Academic reports are also on Edline. Passwords will be given to
parents/guardians and to students for access. Grades Assigned to students reflect educational objectives only.
STUDENT PROMOTION AND RETENTION
A disservice is done to students through social promotion and is prohibited by state law. The District shall, at a
minimum, evaluate each student annually in an effort to help each student who is not performing at grade
level. Parents or guardians shall be kept informed concerning the progress of their student(s). Notice of a
student’s possible retention or required retaking of a course shall be included with the student’s grades sent
home to each parent/guardian or the student if 18 or older. Parent-teacher conferences are encouraged and may
be held as necessary in an effort to improve a student’s academic success.
Promotion or retention of students, or their required retaking of a course shall be primarily based on the
following criteria.1 If there is doubt concerning the promotion or retention of a student or his/her required
retaking of a course, a conference between the building principal, the student’s teacher(s), counselor, a
504/special education representative (if applicable), and the student’s parents shall be held before a final
decision is made. The conference shall be held at a time and place that best accommodates those participating
in the conference. The school shall document participation or non-participation in required conferences. If the
conference attendees fail to agree concerning the student’s placement or receipt of course credit, the final
decision shall rest with the principal or the principal’s designee.
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Regardless of the student having earned passing grades, a student who falls under one of the following
categories shall be considered for retention or shall not receive credit for the course associated with the
assessment. The student does not take the State mandated assessment for the student’s grade level or course
within the time frame specified by the State; takes the State mandated assessment but does not put forth a
good faith effort on the assessment as determined by the assessment administrator/proctor.
The Superintendent or designee may wave this provision when the student’s failure was due to exceptional or
extraordinary circumstances.
Students who do not score proficient or above on their grade level Benchmark Exams shall be required to
participate in an Academic Improvement Plan (AIP). Each AIP shall be developed by school personnel and the
student’s parents and shall be designed to assist the student in attaining the expected achievement level. The
AIP shall also state the parent’s role as well as the consequences for the student’s failure to participate in the
plan, which shall include the student’s retention in their present grade.
All students must successfully pass all end-of-course (EOC) assessments they are required to take unless
exempted by the student’s individualized education program (IEP). To receive academic credit on his/her
transcript in a course requiring a student to take a EOC assessment, the student must either receive a passing
score on the initial assessment or successfully participate in the remediation program identified in his/her
Individualized Academic Improvement Plan (IAIP) which shall focus on the areas in which the student failed
to meet the necessary passing score. Additionally, the lack of credit could jeopardize the student's grade
promotion or classification.
To the extent required by the State Board of Education, students in grade eleven (11) and below who do not
meet the required score on a college and career readiness measurement shall participate in the remediation
activities prescribed in his/her IAIP which may include additional opportunities to retake the measurement.
Such remediation shall not require the student to pass a subsequent college and career readiness measurement
in order to graduate from high school.
Promotion/retention or graduation of students with an IEP shall be based on their successful attainment of the
goals set forth in their IEP.
In addition to the possibility of retention or withholding of course credit, students who either refuse to sit for a
State assessment or attempt to boycott a State assessment by failing to put forth a good faith effort on the
assessment as determined by the assessment administrator/proctor, or whose parents do not send their student
to school on the dates the assessments are originally administered or scheduled as make-up days shall not be
permitted to participate in any non-curriculum related extracurricular activity, including school dances, prom,
homecoming, senior events, and may be prevented from walking or participating in graduation exercises. The
student shall remain ineligible to participate until the student takes the same or a following State mandated
assessment, as applicable, or completes the required remediation for the assessment the student failed to put
forth a good faith effort on. The Superintendent or designee may wave this paragraph's provisions when the
student’s failure was due to exceptional or extraordinary circumstances.3 Students falling under the provisions
of this paragraph shall be permitted to attend curriculum related field trips occurring during the school day. 6
Legal References:
A.C.A. 6-15-433
A.C.A. § 6-15-2001
A.C.A. § 6-15-2005
A.C.A. § 6-15-2009
ADE Rules Governing the Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment, and
Accountability Program and the Academic Distress Program
Date Adopted: 6/24/2014
Last Revised: 6/19/2014
35
REPORT CARDS AND PARENT CONFERENCES
Students are issued a report card at the end of each of the four nine-week grading periods. The report
card will reflect the degree of mastery of course work and the number of days that the student has been absent.
After the first and third nine weeks, parents are encouraged to come to the school at the times set aside
for parent conferences to pick up report cards. Dates scheduled for parent conferences this year are October
21, 2014, and March 17, 2015. Parents are urged to attend the conferences not only to pick up report cards, but
also to discuss the student’s progress with his/her teachers. Nine week grades do not go on the student’s
permanent records and do not accumulate credit.
The second nine-week report cards, which also have the first semester grades, will be given to the
students when they return to school for the second semester. The semester grades DO go on the student’s
permanent record and ARE the grades from which credit is assigned.
The fourth nine-week report cards, which also have the second semester grades, can be picked up at
the school. Any report cards not picked up will be mailed.
GRADING SCALE
The following grading scale is used at Rivercrest:
A ...................... 90 - 100
B ...................... 80 - 89
C ...................... 70 - 79
D ...................... 60 – 69
F……………... 0 - 50
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Students who take advanced placement courses* or honors courses approved for weighted credit by
the Arkansas Department of Education shall be graded according to the following scale:
The following scale is to be the Uniform Grading Scale and numeric values for Advanced Placement and
International Baccalaureate courses:
A
90-100 = 5 points
B
80-89 = 4 points
C
70-79 = 3 points
D
60-69 = 2 points
F
0-59 = 0 points
Students taking AP courses shall receive weighted credit as described in this policy. Credit shall be
given for each grading period during the course of the year, but shall be retroactively removed from a student’s
grade for any course in which the student fails to take the applicable AP exam. Students who do not take the
AP exam shall receive the same numeric value for the grade he/she receives in the course as if it were a nonAP course. Students who transfer in with International Baccalaureate will receive weighted credit.
Students who do not take the AP test will only receive four-point credit. (This allows students who
transfer into our school district with IB credit to get the five point credit if all the state requirements are met. If
the test is ordered and the student does NOT take the test, the student must pay the state fee for unused tests. If
a student has to take an AP exam late, then the student must pay the late charge fee. Any student who misses
AP testing will be billed for the late charges unless it is a school function.
36
Students who transfer into the district will be given weighted credit for the Advanced Placement
courses, honors courses approved by the Arkansas Department of Education, and concurrent college courses
taken for weighted credit at his/her previous school(s) according to the following scale.
Students should confer with their adviser, counselor, principal, and parents before enrolling in an AP
course. All students are encouraged to take AP courses.
AP Teachers will receive AP training
COMPUTING SEMESTER AVERAGES
To determine a semester average, the following formula is used:
(2 X first nine-week average)
+ (2 X second nine-week average)
+ semester test grade
_________________________
TOTAL
divided by 5 = semester average
An average of 60 or above would count as ½ credits. An average of 59 or below would be no
credit.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE COMPUTATION
Grade point averages (GPA’s) will be computed including all semester grades earned in grades nine
through twelve in classes that apply toward graduation requirements. Grade point averages are carried three
places past the decimal and rounded back to the nearest hundredth of a point.
To compute GPA, assign
points to grades as follows:
A equals 4 points
B equals 3 points
C equals 2 points
D equals 1 point
F equals 0 points
EXAMPLE:
English
Civics
Multimedia
Algebra I
Physical Science
B
3
C
2
A
4
B
3
C
2
TOTAL 14 / 5 = 2.80 GPA
GPA’s for special education students will be computed only on grades from their non-special education
classes.
HOMEWORK
Homework is considered to be part of the educational program of Rivercrest High School.
Assignments shall be an extension of the teaching/learning experience that promotes the student’s educational
development. As an extension of the classroom, homework must be planned and organized and should be
viewed by the student as purposeful. It is expected that students will complete homework assignments outside
of class.
Teachers should be aware of the potential problem students may have completing assignments from
multiple teachers and vary the amounts of homework they give from day to day.
Parents shall be notified of this policy at the beginning of each school year.
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CHEATING
A grade of zero will be given when a student is found guilty of cheating in any form. The teacher will
be the judge of whether a student is cheating or not. Plagiarism, which is one form of cheating, is the act of
copying someone else’s work and passing it off as your own, without giving credit to that person. Failure to do
so will result in the lowering of a student’s grade. Plagiarism is illegal. Any student who assists another
student to cheat is also guilty of cheating himself/herself.
ATTENDANCE
If any student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan conflicts with this policy, the
requirements of the student’s IEP or 504 Plan take precedence.
Education is more than the grades students receive in their courses. Important as that is, students’
regular attendance at school is essential to their social and cultural development and helps prepare them to
accept responsibilities they will face as an adult. Attendance is compulsory for children ages 5-17 on or before
August 1 of the current year. Interactions with other students and participation in the instruction within the
classroom enrich the learning environment and promote a continuity of instruction which results in higher
student achievement.
Excused Absences
Excused absences are those where the student was on official school business or when the absence was
due to one of the following reasons and the student brings a written statement to the principal or designee upon
his/her return to school from the parent or legal guardian stating such reason. A written statement must be
submitted before 1st bell on day of turning in an excuse. A written statement presented for an absence having
occurred more than five (5) school days prior to its presentation will not be accepted.
1. The student’s illness or when attendance could jeopardize the health of other students. A maximum of six
(6) such days are allowed per semester unless the condition(s) causing such absences is of a chronic or
recurring nature, is medically documented, and approved by the principal.
2. Death or serious illness in their immediate family;
3. Observance of recognized holidays observed by the student's faith;
4. Attendance at an appointment with a government agency;
5. Attendance at a medical appointment;
6. Exceptional circumstances with prior approval of the principal; or
7. Participation in an FFA, FHA, or 4-H sanctioned activity;
8. Participation in the election poll workers program for high school students.
9. Absences granted to allow a student to visit his/her parent or legal guardian who is a member of the
military and been called to active duty, is on leave from active duty, or has returned from deployment to a
38
combat zone or combat support posting. The number of additional excused absences shall be at the
discretion of the superintendent or designee.
10. Absences granted, at the Superintendent's discretion, to seventeen (17) year-old students who join the
Arkansas National Guard while in eleventh grade to complete basic combat training between grades eleven
(11) and (12).
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.
Unexcused Absences
Absences not defined above or not having an accompanying note from the parent or legal guardian,
presented in the timeline required by this policy, shall be considered as unexcused absences. Students with 10
unexcused absences in a course in a semester shall not receive credit for that course. At the discretion of the
principal after consultation with persons having knowledge of the circumstances of the unexcused absences,
the student may be denied promotion or graduation. Excessive absences shall not be a reason for expulsion or
dismissal of a student.
When a student has 5 unexcused absences, his/her parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis shall be
notified . Notification shall be by telephone by the end of the school day in which such absence occurred or by
regular mail with a return address sent no later than the following school day.
Whenever a student exceeds 10 unexcused absences in a semester, the District shall notify the prosecuting
authority and the parent, guardian, or persons in loco parentis shall be subject to a civil penalty as prescribed
by law.
At any time prior to when a student exceeds the number of unexcused absences permitted by this policy, the
student, or his/her parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis may petition the school or district’s
administration for special arrangements to address the student’s unexcused absences. If formal arrangements
are granted, they shall be formalized into a written agreement which will include the conditions of the
agreement and the consequences for failing to fulfill the agreement’s requirements. The agreement shall be
signed by the student, the student’s parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis, and the school or district
administrator or designee.
Students who attend in-school suspension shall not be counted absent for those days.
Days missed due to out-of-school suspension or expulsion shall be unexcused absences.
The District shall notify the Department of Finance and Administration whenever a student fourteen (14) years
of age or older is no longer in school. The Department of Finance and Administration is required to suspend
the former student’s operator’s license unless he/she meets certain requirements specified in the statute.
Applicants for an instruction permit or for a driver's license by persons less than eighteen (18) years old on
October 1 of any year are required to provide proof of a high school diploma or enrollment and regular
attendance in an adult education program or a public, private, or parochial school prior to receiving an
instruction permit. To be issued a driver's license, a student enrolled in school shall present proof of a “C”
average for the previous semester or similar equivalent grading period for which grades are reported as part of the
student’s permanent record.
39
SCHOOL TRIPS
Students will not be allowed to participate in a field trip if they are failing a class or have excessive
absences, defined as absent more than nine days in a semester. Teachers should check with the principal if a
student has an extenuating circumstance (e.g. a major illness) which has caused the absenteeism. A student
can be denied the privilege of participating in a school trip based on his/her disciplinary record.
All students traveling to any out of town events by school sponsored transportation must make the
return trip by the same transportation unless special permission is given by the principal for extenuating
circumstances prior to the trip or an emergency occurs.
TRUANCY
“Truancy” is defined as the absence from school without permission from the parents/guardians or the
school.
Rivercrest will not tolerate truancy or the habitual and unlawful absence from school. The parent or
legal guardian is responsible for requiring any student under his/her control or charge and under eighteen years
of age to attend school regularly except for legal absences as defined by state law.
When truancy is detected by school personnel, the suspected student shall be reported to the principal,
who may request a parent conference and /or set disciplinary action and /or and/or refer the case to the juvenile
court or county court who may determine the treatment for such offenders.
Students who are in truancy and have already been referred to juvenile court must attend school per
judge’s orders. This means students can only miss for medical reasons with doctor’s note.
TARDINESS
Tardiness is not allowed at Rivercrest. A student is tardy when the tardy bell rings and the student is
not in his/her seat and ready for work. If a student must return to his/her locker for materials, he/she will be
considered tardy. The punishment for unexcused tardiness is as follows:
1st offense – reprimand/warning
2nd offense – noon detention or corporal punishment
3rd offense – 2 days noon detention and a parent conference
4th offense – 1 day in ISS
An additional day in ISS will be given for each additional tardy above the fourth. Persistent tardiness
may result in the student being considered for placement in our Alternative Education Program.
INSULT/ABUSE OF A TEACHER
Arkansas Code Annotated Section 6-17-106 defines insult or abuse of a teacher as follows:
(a)(1) It is unlawful during regular school hours and in a place where a public school employee is
required to be in the course of his or her duties, for any person to address a public school employee using
language which in its common acceptation is calculated to:
40
(A) Cause a breach of the peace;
(B) Materially and substantially interfere with the operation of the school; or
(C) Arouse the person to whom it is addressed to anger to the extent likely to cause imminent
retaliation.
(2) A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction be liable
for a fine of not less than one hundred ($100) nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).
(b) Each school district shall report to the Department of Education any prosecutions within the school
districts under this section.
MAKE-UP WORK
Students who miss school other than for reasons of suspension or expulsion shall be allowed to make
up the work they missed during their absence under the following rules.
Students are responsible for asking the teachers of the classes they missed what assignments they need
to make up. Teachers are responsible for providing the missed assignments when asked by a returning student.
Students are required to ask for their assignments on their first day back to school or their first class day after
their return. Make-up tests are to be rescheduled at the discretion of the teacher, but must be aligned with the
schedule of the missed work to be made up. Students shall have one class day to make up their work for
each class day they are absent. Make-up work which is not turned in within the make-up schedule for that
assignment shall receive a zero. Students are responsible for turning in their make-up work without the teacher
having to ask for it. Students who are absent on the day their make-up work is due must turn in their work the
day they return to school whether or not the class for which the work is due meets the day of their return.
Work may not be made up for credit for absences in excess of the number of allowable absences in the
semester unless the absences are part of a signed agreement permitted by policy 4.7 ABSENCES.
Students who will miss class due to co-curricular or extracurricular activities should inform the teacher
of his/her upcoming absence as soon as he/she knows that the activity is scheduled. The student should request
class work for that day as well as assignments which will be given that day. The student should turn in the
assignments before missing the class unless the teacher tells him/her to wait until he/she returns or makes
other arrangements. The student should be sure to check with the teacher soon enough that completion of the
work is possible before the trip. The student should return to class after missing for the activity prepared and
ready to participate in class.
REMEMBER:
IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK ABOUT AND
TO ARRANGE TO MAKE UP MISSED WORK, NOT THE
TEACHER’S RESPONSIBILITY.
Graduating With Honors....
VALEDICTORIAN
The member or members (in case of a tie) of the graduating class who has the highest accumulative
high school grade point average as of the end of the first semester of the senior year will be designated as the
class valedictorian(s). The valedictorian(s) will deliver a speech at the graduation ceremony. The speech
should be prepared before graduation and presented to the principal or his/her assigned representative for
approval.
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SALUTATORIAN
The member or members (in case of a tie) of the graduating class who has the second highest
accumulative high school grade point average as of the end of the first semester of the senior year will be
designated as the class salutatorian(s). The salutatorian(s) will deliver a speech at the graduation ceremony.
The speech should be prepared before graduation and presented to the principal or his/her assigned
representative for approval.
HONOR GRADUATES
Members of the graduating class who have completed the Smart Core/College Preparatory Curriculum
requirements and have an accumulative 3.25 grade point average or higher at the end of the first semester of
their senior year will be designated as honor graduates.
Starting with the class of 2012, Honor Graduates must meet these criteria:
 Score at proficient or above on the State Literacy Examination administered to juniors.
 Score at proficient or above on the End of Course Algebra and Geometry exams.
 Score at 19 or above in each of the four divisions on the ACT (English, Reading, Math, and
Science Reasoning).
 Complete at least one Pre-AP, AP, or STEM class each year.
 Complete 4 years of Science Courses.
 Complete 4 years of High School Level Mathematics beyond Algebra I.
TOP 10 PERCENT
Working to be in the Top 10 Percent is a very good goal since this designation automatically qualifies
students for scholarships at many colleges and universities. The number of students designated as the Top 10
Percent of the graduating class depends on the total number of students in the class. The number is established
by computing 10 percent of the total class enrollment and rounding off the result. For example, if there were
120 in the class, 12 would be listed. If there were 115 in the class, 12 would be listed. If there were 114 in the
class, 11 would be listed.
Top Ten Percent is calculated by the following method. The counselor computes grade point averages
(GPA’s) for each member of the graduating class at the end of the first semester. Next, those students who
have completed the Honor Graduate requirements will be ranked from highest to lowest. Then, the students
who have not completed the Honor Graduate requirements but have met the general, minimum graduation
requirements will be ranked from highest to lowest below the Honor Graduates. The counselor will determine
the number of students as described above and will count down the ranking from the top to the designated
number. From this list each student is assigned a rank. This number is needed for some college and scholarship
applications. The student should talk to the counselor to get his/her rank in class.
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COLLEGE PREPARATORY SEAL
To have the College Preparatory Seal embossed on his/her official high school transcript, a student
must have completed the Smart Core/College Preparatory Curriculum and must have an accumulative 2.50
grade point average or higher at the end of the second semester of the senior year.
ARKANSAS SCHOLARS
Students who achieve minimum scholastic and attendance criteria during their four years of high
school will be recognized as Arkansas Scholars. Employers in the area have agreed to consider this
accomplishment when evaluating job applicants.
To become an Arkansas Scholar, a student must not make below a “C” for any semester grade in
grades 9-12. In addition, the student must have demonstrated a 95% or better attendance record throughout
high school, 8 hours of community service is required and one (1) year of a foreign language.
Students designated as Arkansas Scholars will have notice of such achievement on their high school transcripts
and will be honored at a banquet for area Arkansas Scholars.
Scholarships....
Various scholarships are available for high school graduates who will continue their education at postsecondary technical schools, colleges, or universities. Seniors should start their search for scholarships for
which they may be eligible at the beginning of the senior year. The counselor is one of the student’s best and
easiest sources. College bound seniors should have a conference early in the year with the counselor to discuss
with him/her areas of interest they may want to pursue in their post-secondary education. If a student is
interested in any particular institutions, he/she should request information from the counselor. And, of course
the student should express his/her interest in and need for financial aid and scholarships.
It is essential that the senior listen carefully to all announcements for scholarship information and
check the counselor’s bulletin board regularly for information. It would probably be a good idea to ask a
teacher or the principal’s secretary to let you read the counselor’s announcements for yourself.
The student can also conduct his/her own search through the Internet, magazines, newspapers,
television, radio, and contact with specific schools, colleges, and universities.
ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP
The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship applicant must meet the following criteria:
Graduate from an Arkansas public high school and successfully complete the Smart Core curriculum
established by the Arkansas Department of Education and have at least a 2.5 GPA or a minimum composite
score of nineteen (19) on the ACT.
An applicant who has a disability identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Act 20 as is
existed on July 1, 2009 and graduates from a Arkansas public high school but did not complete the Smart
Core curriculum because the applicant’s individualized education program under 6-41-217 did not require it,
shall achieve at least a 2.5 GPA and either score a nineteen (19) on the ACT or score proficient or higher on all
state mandated end-of-course assessments (including without limitation, Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology and
Literacy).
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LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Several local scholarships are awarded to Rivercrest High School graduates each year. These
scholarships are funded by clubs, organizations, alumni, patrons, and businesses.
Among these scholarships are the following: Connie Wooten Memorial Scholarship, Tammy Pierce
Memorial Scholarship, Wilson Cooperative Club Scholarship, Mississippi County Retired Teachers
Scholarship, Osceola/South Mississippi County Rotary Club, Jr. Auxiliary “Savannah Paige Pollock”
Memorial scholarship, Kiwanis Club of Osceola Scholarship, Cathy Cox Memorial Scholarship, Terry Joe
Jones Memorial Scholarship, Mittie Carter Scholarship, Cortez Kennedy Scholarship, RHS Alumni
Association Scholarship, Jeff “Brother” Spears Memorial Scholarship, Harvey E. Barton Scholarship, and
Bradon Wayne Townson Memorial Scholarship.
The student should pick up applications from the counselor for these and other available scholarships.
Their availability will be made known on the daily announcements and the counselor’s bulletin board.
INTERESTED STUDENTS MUST BE CAREFUL TO MEET DEADLINES.
Awards, Honors, Privileges,
and Special Events...
HONORS/AWARDS CEREMONY
In order to recognize and honor those students who have performed exceptionally in the classroom,
each spring the principal hosts the annual Honors/Awards Ceremony. Students who have been named to the
Superintendent’s List (Honor Students) for the current year and students who will be receiving class awards,
scholarships, and other special recognition will be invited to the reception. The parents/guardians of these
students will also be invited.
SUPERINTENDENT’S LIST (HONOR STUDENTS)
A student’s name being placed on the Superintendent’s List is a high academic honor. Students on the
list are considered Honor Students for the current year and will be invited to the Honors/Awards Reception
where they will receive an award depending upon the number of years that the student has been named to the
list. First year Honor Students will receive a certificate. Second year Honor Students will receive a scholar
letter which can be placed on a sweater or jacket. Third year Honor Students will receive a plaque. Fourth
year Honor Students will receive a trophy.
For consideration of a student’s name being placed on the list, the student’s grades from the first,
second, and third nine weeks of the current school year only will be used.
The student must meet ONE of the following stipulations which have been established for the
designation of students to be placed on the list and considered as Honor Students for the current year:
1.
The student must have maintained at least a 3.25 grade point average accumulative for the first
three nine-week grading periods of the current year, and he/she must be currently enrolled in
at least three courses from the *Smart Core Curriculum List.
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2.
OR
The student must have maintained at least a 3.50 grade point average accumulative for the first
three nine-week grading periods of the current year, and he/she must not be currently enrolled
in any special education classes.
DISTINGUISHED STUDENT AWARD
The Distinguished Student Award is presented at the annual Honors/Awards Reception to a junior or
senior student who demonstrates distinguishing qualities in academic achievement, character, leadership, and
service to the school and community.
Candidates for the award must have an accumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher for the first
three nine-week grading periods of the current year only. The candidate must also be currently enrolled in at
least three classes from the Recommended Smart Core Curriculum List. In addition the candidate must have a
distinguished record of academic and personal character as determined by a selection committee appointed by
the school principal.
The candidates will be notified by a representative of the principal’s committee who will give them
several forms to complete and others to give to their teachers for them to complete. All forms will be returned
to the committee who will review and evaluate the candidates. Through their evaluation, the top candidate will
be determined, and that student will be the award recipient. The Distinguished Student Award recipient will be
announced at the Honors/Award Reception.
HONOR ROLL
To be eligible for Honor Roll, a student must have earned a 3.25 grade point average or higher for
class work during the nine-week grading period. An Honor Roll is named each of the four nine-week grading
periods.
SEMESTER EXAM EXEMPTIONS
Students with an “A” average in a one-semester class shall be exempt from taking a semester final in
that class at the conclusion of both the fall and spring semesters. No other exemptions will be granted from
semester tests at the end of the fall semester. At the conclusion of the spring semester, students with an :A”
average in a class shall be exempt from taking a semester final in that class. A final examination shall not be
required in an Advanced Placement class at the conclusion of the spring semester.
No student who has been Homebound during the semester shall be eligible for a semester exam
exemption. No student shall be exempt from a semester exam in any course offered through Arkansas
Northeastern College, College NOW, or compressed video. Students must follow the academic regulations set
forth by those institutions.
SENIOR PRIVILEGES
There is only one standard senior privilege which each class is automatically granted, and that is a
release day for the senior’s choice of date for a college or technical school visit. When the senior chooses the
date for the college or technical school visit, he/she must obtain a teacher notification sheet from the assistant
45
principal. The senior must present the sheet to each of his/her teachers for their signatures. Then the senior
must return it to the assistant principal prior to missing school. The student must also obtain a form from the
School Attendance Officer, obtain a School Attendance Officer’s signature, and obtain the signature of the
Rivercrest High School Principal. Students that wish to attend a college day must not have more than nine
excused absences and must have at least a 2.0 GPA.
There will be no senior trips on school days except for trips which have a curriculum or public service
basis.
If the class wishes to request additional privileges, the Senior Class president should compile a list,
with input from other members of the class, and submit it to the principal by October 1st.
PROM
Being allowed to attend the Prom is a privilege. Only eligible RHS students and their registered guests
may attend. A freshman may attend ONLY if he/she is invited by an eligible RHS sophomore, junior, or
senior, and he/she meets the criteria set for the other students. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to
attend if they meet the following criteria:
1.
2.
They must NOT have received an out of school suspension.
They must NOT have been found guilty of one of the following infractions of school policies:

Smoking

Drinking alcoholic beverages

Having possession of illegal drugs

Being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs

Having been removed from the previous year’s Prom
If an eligible Rivercrest sophomore, junior, or senior would like to bring a date to the Prom who is a
freshman, sophomore, junior or senior at another high school or is a graduate of Rivercrest or another high
school, he/she should follow the procedure for registering a guest:
1.
Listen to announcements explaining who to contact for a permission form to register an
outside guest. If you do not hear an announcement, ask the Prom adviser several weeks before
prom.
2.
Pick up the permission form.
3.
Complete it and return it to the designated person.
4.
Check with the Prom adviser or the designated person to see if your date has been approved.
It is very important to complete this procedure before the deadline. Be sure you know
the deadline well in advance of the date of the Prom.
APPROPRIATE PROM ATTIRE






Females should wear a formal or a “dressy” dress.
Males should wear a sport or dress coat with appropriate shirt and tie and trousers, or a suit, or a
tuxedo.
No one will be admitted in gym shoes.
Questionable dresses or formal wear should be approved by one of the Prom advisors.
No canes will be allowed as part of a student’s formal wear.
The changing of clothing to something more casual will not be permitted during Prom hours.
PROM HOURS
The Prom will begin at 8:00 p.m. and will conclude at the designated pre-announced time. Sometimes
an earlier time is set for students who wish to come early to have pictures made by the professional
photographer. Listen for announcements about this or ask the Prom adviser
PROM PICTURES
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A professional photographer will be at Prom to take pictures of individuals, couples, and groups. A
variety of packages will be available in a wide range of prices. Flyers will be available at school or posters will
be up around school a few weeks before Prom to describe packages and prices. If you have questions, ask the
Prom adviser. ALL PICTURES MUST BE PAID FOR AT THE TIME THEY ARE MADE. Students who are
ineligible to attend the prom will not be allowed to come and take pictures. The picture packages will be
delivered at RHS a few weeks after the Prom.
PROM CONDUCT
Everyone attending Prom (students and their guests) should exhibit their very best behavior. This is a
formal occasion which means that all who attend should behave appropriately. Normal school conduct policies
should be followed, including no alcoholic beverages, drugs, tobacco products, cursing, inappropriate
language or gestures, fighting, etc.
Only eligible RHS students and their registered guests will be allowed to enter the Prom area at any
time. DO NOT INVITE GUESTS TO HAVE PICTURES MADE BECAUSE ADMISSION WILL BE
DENIED TO OUTSIDE INDIVIDUALS.
ADMISSION
The date that Prom tickets will go on sale will be announced on the daily announcements. From that
date until the week prior to Prom, tickets may be purchased for $18 per person. During the week prior to Prom,
the price will increase to $20 per person. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $20 per person. Checks
or cash will be accepted. Students coming only to take pictures will have to purchase a ticket. Unless asked to
chaperone, parents/guardians will not be admitted into the Prom.
SENIOR WALK
Senior Walk is held on the evening of but prior to the Prom. Seniors wishing to walk must report to
the Prom advisor 15 minutes prior to the announced start time for the walk. Each senior may be escorted by
one person of their choosing. If the escort is a current RHS student, that student must meet the same criteria as
required for attendance at the Prom. This event is open to the public.
ATHLETIC CEREMONY
An Athletic Ceremony occurs each spring in order to recognize and honor the students who participate
in interscholastic athletics at RHS. Any student who was a member of one or more of the athletic teams during
the current school year will be invited to the reception by his/her coach. The parents/guardians of these student
athletes will also be invited.
The coaches from each sport will hand out awards for those who have lettered in the sport for the
current year, those who have performed highly enough to receive a performance award in a skill area in the
particular sport, and those who have been named to all-conference, all-region, and all-state teams.
The highlight of the night is the naming of the Colt Award recipient.
COLT AWARD
An award presented annually to a student athlete, the Colt Award is the most coveted award an RHS
athlete can receive. When in consideration for the award, the athlete is evaluated in the areas of scholarship,
team and school leadership, good attitude and character, involvement in school activities, and outstanding
participation in a number of interscholastic athletic teams at Rivercrest.
47
The coaching staff from each of the individual athletic teams has an opportunity to nominate a
student(s) from their team for the award at a coaching staff meeting with the athletic director. Each coaching
staff may nominate or pass.
When the coaches have listed their nominees, the names will be submitted to all members of the
Rivercrest faculty who may make any appropriate comments regarding the qualifications of the nominees. The
athletic director will then meet with the nominees to inform them of their nomination and to give them an
information form which they are to complete and return to the athletic director.
With the information from the forms and their knowledge of the athletes, the coaching staff will
evaluate the nominees and select the athlete or athletes who best meet the qualifications.
The Colt Award recipient will be announced at the annual Athletic Ceremony and will be presented a
plaque.
HOMECOMING
Homecoming at RHS is a time for fun, games, and activities for the student body and is also a time for
alumni to visit the campus and attend the Homecoming football game.
Activities during the week are under the direction of the Homecoming Committee, which shall include
the president of the Student Council and of each class. The group will announce the plans for the week when
they are completed.
The senior players of the Colt football team will choose three senior maids to be on the Court. From
those three senior maids, the entire team will vote by secret ballot to choose the queen. Each senior maid will
choose two senior players to escort her. Sophomore and junior members of the varsity football team will select
two maids from each class to be on the Homecoming Court. Each sophomore and junior maid will choose a
football player to escort her in the afternoon Homecoming Ceremony. The Queen will be announced and
crowned in an afternoon ceremony before the student body on Friday and introduced in a brief ceremony prior
to the football game on Friday night.
Non-Traditional Students....
MARRIED/INDEPENDENT STUDENTS
Married/independent students shall have the same educational opportunities, curricular and
extracurricular, as other students in the general population of the school. They also will be expected to assume
the same responsibilities and abide by the same rules and regulations governing all other students. They should
report their marital or independent status change to the principal the first school day after the change.
PREGNANT STUDENTS
A student who is enrolled in a school in the Rivercrest School District shall notify the school nurse and
the principal as soon as possible after the pregnancy has been confirmed.
A pregnant student shall provide the principal with a written statement from a licensed physician or
mid-wife which will include confirmation of pregnancy, the due date for delivery, and recommendations
concerning the advisability of school participation by the student. A parent or guardian or spouse conference
with the student and the principal (and the school nurse if possible) will be required at this time to discuss the
physician’s or mid-wife’s recommendations as well as any options and responsibilities of the student
concerning her school work and her own health and safety and that of the baby. If the physician’s or midwife’s recommendations change during the school year, an updated written statement should be brought to the
principal.
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A pregnant student will be allowed to go on homebound status only when her physician or mid-wife
submits a recommendation in writing.
The student shall only be permitted to return to Rivercrest for classes after the delivery with a written
statement from her physician that she is physically ready to return and that the physician supports her return at
this time.
HOMEBOUND STUDENTS
A student finding it necessary to apply for homebound status should complete an application in the assistant
principal’s office. If the student is physically unable to come to school to make the application, his/her parent
or guardian should do it for the student. The student will then be assigned to an appointed staff adviser for the
duration of the homebound period.
Students on homebound status will report to his/her homebound adviser on the Rivercrest campus on
designated dates in order to complete assignments, take exams, pick up additional class work, and confer with
classroom teachers if needed.
In the event that the student is unable to come to the campus due to hospitalization, doctor’s
instructions, physical inability, being contagious, etc., a parent or guardian must pick up the work for the
student. The parent or guardian will need to discuss the situation with the assistant principal who will talk to
the classroom teachers and the homebound adviser to devise a plan.
Students who fail to follow the homebound procedure will not receive grades.
HOME SCHOOLED STUDENTS
The following are the procedures for placement of students who have been receiving home schooling
or transferred from a non-accredited school:
1.
Any student desiring to enter Rivercrest claiming to have been in a home school must have
proof that his/her application for home schooling has been filed with the previous school
district.
2.
Students will be given a general achievement test to determine if the student is eligible
for grade level placement. If the student has participated in the Sat-8 or SAT-9 testing or the
equivalent, the results can be used in lieu of another test.
3.
Should a student not achieve at grade level on the achievement test, grade placement
will be determined by the Rivercrest School District. A placement conference will be held for
any student whose scores fall below grade level on any of the basic battery (reading, language
arts, and mathematics). Conference participants shall include an administrator, counselor,
parent(s), and other school personnel deemed necessary. The Rivercrest School District shall
retain the option to reconsider placement at any time during the school year.
4.
If a student’s achievement level for a specific subject or subjects in grades 9-12 is in
question, a specific test from the appropriate core subject will be given to the student in each
subject which credit is being requested. (For example: If a student requests credit in Algebra I,
the student will be given a test that covers the objectives of a year long Algebra I class. Sixty
percent (60%) achievement will be required for passing the test for credit.)
NO LETTER GRADE WILL BE GIVEN. ONLY THE NOTATION “CREDIT
EARNED” WILL APPEAR ON THE TRANSCRIPT.
5.
The Rivercrest School District will require any student who desires to be a senior to
enroll in at least seven (7) academic classes. Thus, if a home school student enrolls as a senior,
the student will be required to take six classes regardless of the number of credits the student
has at the time of enrollment. The student must have earned 16 credits in order to be
49
6.
7.
considered a senior. All students are required to meet all state and local requirements to be
eligible for graduation
The maximum credits that will be accepted for each year in attendance in home school
cannot exceed the number of credits earned by a student enrolled in Rivercrest School District
during a regular school year.
In order to be an honor graduate, students must meet both state and local criteria (as
noted in this handbook). Rank in class will also be determined by criteria as found in this
handbook.
A home schooled student will not be eligible for Honor Graduate status because
he/she has not been enrolled at an accredited public high school for the four year’s grades to
be utilized in calculating grade point average.
Students and their parent(s) interested in home schooling need to be aware that:
1.
Some college scholarships are based on the student’s grade point average. Students
receiving “CR” and not letter grades would not be eligible for some scholarships.
2.
It is the responsibility of the Rivercrest School District to determine the method by
which credits are earned in order to receive a high school diploma. Also, there is no
requirement that the school must honor the credits earned from home schooling.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY ELIGIBILITY FOR HOME SCHOOLED
STUDENTS
Home-schooled student means a student legally enrolled in an Arkansas home school and who meets or has
met the criteria for being a home-schooled student, as established by A.C.A. § 6-15-503.
Interscholastic activity means an activity between schools subject to regulations of the Arkansas Activities
Association that is outside the regular curriculum of the school district, such as an athletic activity, fine arts
program, or a special interest group or club.
Each school in the District shall post on its website its schedule of interscholastic activities, including sign-up,
tryout, and participation deadlines, at least one semester in advance of those activities. A hard copy of the
schedule shall be available upon request.1
Home-schooled students whose parents or guardians are legal residents of the school district will be permitted
to pursue participation in an interscholastic activity in the student's resident school zone2 as permitted by this
policy. Although not guaranteed participation in an interscholastic activity, home-school students who meet
the provisions of this policy, AAA Rules, and applicable Arkansas statutes shall have an equal opportunity to
try out and participate in an interscholastic activities without discrimination.
To be eligible to try out and participate in interscholastic activities, the student or the parent of a student shall
mail or hand deliver the student's request to participate to the student's school's principal before the signup,
tryout or participation deadline established for traditional students. Additionally, the student shall demonstrate
academic eligibility by obtaining a minimum test score of the 30th percentile or better in the previous 12
months on the Stanford Achievement Test Series, Tenth Edition; another nationally recognized normreferenced test; or a minimum score on a test approved by the State Board of Education.
A student who meets the requirements for eligibility to participate in an interscholastic activity is required to
register for no more than one course3 in the District's school where the student is intending to participate in an
interscholastic activity.
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The student shall regularly attend the class in which the student is registered beginning no later than the
eleventh (11th) day of the semester in which the student's interscholastic activity participation is desired. The
student must attend the practices for the interscholastic activity to the same extent as is required of traditional
students.
A home-schooled student who has met the try out criteria; and who has been selected to participate in the
interscholastic activity shall meet the following criteria that also apply to traditional students enrolled in the
school:
 standards of behavior and codes of conduct;
 attend the practices for the interscholastic activity to the same extent as is required of traditional students;
 required drug testing; 4
 permission slips, waivers, physical exams; and
 participation or activity fees.
Students who participate in extracurricular or athletic activities under this policy will be transported to and
from the interscholastic activities on the same basis as other students are transported.
A student who withdraws from an Arkansas Activities Association member school to be home-schooled shall
not participate in an interscholastic activity in the resident school district for a minimum of three hundred
sixty-five days after the student withdraws from the member school.
Legal References:
A.C.A. § 6-15-509
Arkansas Activities Association Handbook
Date Adopted: 6/24/2014
Last Revised: 6/19/2014
Rules, Regulations, and Policies
DISCIPLINE/CODE OF CONDUCT
All students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will contribute to the best
interest of the school system and not infringe on the rights of others. Students and parents should take care to
see that they are well informed concerning rights, responsibilities, and expected standards of behavior. School
rules are in effect at any time:
(1) on the school grounds,
(2) off the school grounds at a school-sponsored activity, and
(3) on transportation to and from school or a school-sponsored activity.
It is the student’s responsibility to follow the rules that have been outlined by the administration.
Failure to comply is a breach of the Code of Conduct and will be punished quickly and appropriately.
The mission of the Assistant Principal / Dean of Students is to protect and serve the campus populace
by enforcing the “Code of Conduct” rules that are governed by the Rivercrest School board and the Rivercrest
administration and staff, as well as federal and state laws. These rules will be enforced to foster an atmosphere
that is conducive to good order and discipline in our school system. It is our goal to provide a safe learning
environment for every Rivercrest student.
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Some specific disciplinary offenses are discussed in detail below. For the possible range of
punishment afforded for each offense, please see the Discipline Chart. The possible disciplinary consequences
at Rivercrest range from a minimum of a reprimand to a maximum of expulsion.
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE AND OTHER STUDENT MONITORING
The Board of Directors has a responsibility to maintain discipline, protect the safety, security, and welfare of
its students, staff, and visitors while at the same time safeguarding district facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
As part of fulfilling this responsibility, the board authorizes the use of video/audio surveillance cameras,
automatic identification technology, data compilation devices, and technology capable of tracking the physical
location of district equipment, students, and/or personnel.
The placement of video/audio surveillance cameras shall be based on the presumption and belief that students,
staff and visitors have no reasonable expectation of privacy anywhere on or near school property, facilities,
vehicles, or equipment, with the exception of places such as rest rooms or dressing areas where an expectation
of bodily privacy is reasonable and customary.
Signs shall be posted on campus buildings and in district vehicles to notify students, staff, and visitors that
video cameras may be in use. Parents and students shall also be notified through the student handbook that
cameras may be in use in school buildings, on school grounds and in school vehicles. Students will be held
responsible for any violations of school discipline rules caught by the cameras and other technologies
authorized in this policy.
The district shall retain copies of video recordings until they are erased1 which may be accomplished by either
deletion or copying over with a new recording. Other than video recordings being retained under the
provisions of this policy’s following paragraph, the district’s video recordings may be erased any time greater
than __ after they were created.
Videos, automatic identification, or data compilations containing evidence of a violation of student conduct
rules and/or state or federal law shall be retained until the issue of the misconduct is no longer subject to
review or appeal as determined by board policy or student handbook;2 any release or viewing of such records
shall be in accordance with current law.
Students who vandalize, damage, disable, or render inoperable (temporarily or permanently) surveillance
cameras and equipment, automatic identification, or data compilation devices shall be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action and referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Legal References:
20 USC 1232(g)
20 U.S.C. 7115
34 CFR 99.3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 31
Date Adopted: 6/24/2014
Last Revised:6/19/2014
DEMONSTRATIONS AND DISORDERLY ACTIVITIES
Demonstrations and disorderly activities on the part of any student or group of students will not be
tolerated at any time on the campus of Rivercrest. Students are hereafter notified that participation in any such
52
demonstration activities, no matter how well intended, shall bring about immediate suspension and possible
expulsion may result.
Demonstrations and disorderly activities on school grounds shall, if circumstances justify, be promptly
handled by civil authorities.
INDECENT EXPOSURE AND SEXUAL ADVANCES
A student shall not deliberately commit indecent exposure in school nor shall a student make improper
sexual advances toward another person. (Ark. Stat. 41-1811, 41-1812)
Consequences for violation of this policy:
A. Five (5) day suspension/probation
B. Recommendation for expulsion for remainder of semester with loss of credits.
C. Sagging pants are considered to be indecent exposure and will be treated as such.
OVERT AFFECTION
A student shall not use physical contact such as hugging, kissing, petting, or holding hands with
another student that conveys a connotation that can be judged as sexually explicit during the regular school
day, at school functions (home or away), or during extracurricular activities.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Students under the influence of or having possession of controlled substances (illegal drugs),
marijuana, pretend drugs, alcohol, materials expressly prohibited by federal, state, or local laws or any nonprescribed substance which alters behavior on school property, at school functions regardless of location, at
the visited school, during the regular school day, or any time the student is under school supervision shall be
recommended for expulsion.
The adverse effects of drug use are overwhelming. Drugs can destroy an individual and disrupt the
lives of family and friends. Drug abuse leads to poor health, learning disabilities, violence, and lack of
motivation. Realizing that a drug problem does exist in our school, the Board of Education decided to
implement a drug testing program. Rivercrest High School reserves the right to drug test all students in grades
7-12 involved in athletics, cheerleading, JROTC, and band may be placed in a pool of participants and
randomly selected for substance testing. The students will be subject to testing the entire school year.
TOBACCO AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Smoking or use of tobacco or products containing tobacco in any form (including, but not limited to,
cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff) in or on any real property owned or leased by a District school,
including school buses owned or leased by the District, is prohibited. Students who violate this policy may be
subject to legal proceedings in addition to student disciplinary measures.
With the exception of recognized tobacco cessation products, this policy’s prohibition includes any
tobacco or nicotine delivery system or product. Specifically, the prohibition includes any product that is
manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pips, or under any other name or
descriptor.
53
DISCIPLINE CHART
Problem Area
First Offense
Subsequent Offenses
Expulsion
Expulsion
Parental Involvement
Police Notified
Expulsion
Police Notified
Reprimand
Loss of Permit
Expulsion
Expulsion
Parental Involvement
Police Notified
Expulsion
Police Notified
Loss of Permit
Bullying/ Harassment/
Threatening
Communication
Reprimand/
Parental Involvement
Expulsion-Notification of
Authorities
ISS
Bus
Student Conference
Expulsion from Bus
Suspension from Cafeteria
3 days eating in ISS room
Expulsion
Expulsion
Corporal punishment
Suspension
Parental Involvement/
Restitution
Suspension
Reprimand
Expulsion
Parental Involvement/
Restitution
Suspension
Reprimand/
Parental Involvement
Suspension
Reprimand
Suspension
Suspension/
Police Notified
Expulsion/
Police Notified
Suspension/
Parental Involvement
Expulsion
Five (5) days OSS/Five (5) days
ISS
Expulsion
Alcohol
Arson
Automobile
Cafeteria Misconduct
Controlled Substances
Cutting Class
Defacement of Property
Defiance of Authority
Destruction of Property
Disorderly Conduct
Dress Code Violation
Explosive Devices
Extortion
Fighting
54
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Expulsion-Notification of
Authorities
Maximum
Parental Involvement
Expulsion from Bus
3 days eating in ISS room
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Expulsion
Expulsion
ISS
Expulsion,
Suspension/
Restitution
Expulsion
ISS
Expulsion
Suspension/
Restitution
Expulsion
Noon Detention or Corporal
Punishment
Expulsion
Noon Detention
Suspension
Suspension/
Police Notified
Expulsion/
Police Notified
Suspension
Expulsion
Five (5) days OSS/Five (5) days
ISS
Expulsion
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
DISCIPLINE CHART CONTINUED
Problem Area
First Offense
Subsequent Offenses
Food or Drink
Reprimand/
Parental Involvement
Noon Detention
Noon Detention
Minimum
Suspension
Maximum
Forgery
Suspension
Expulsion
Noon Detention
Expulsion
Suspension
Expulsion
Noon Detention
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Leaving Campus
without permission
from Principal/Designee
Profanity
Reprimand
Suspension
Reprimand
Suspension
Suspension
Expulsion
Reprimand/
Parental Involvement
Expulsion
Parental Involvement/3 days in
ISS
Suspension
Reprimand
Maximum
Minimum
Roaming the Halls
Suspension
Reprimand
Expulsion
Parental Involvement/ 5 days
in ISS
Expulsion
Noon Detention/Corporal
Punishment
Expulsion
Noon Detention/Corporal
Punishment
Suspension
3-day Suspension
5-day Suspension
Reprimand
Noon Detention
Restitution/
Parental Involvement
Restitution/
Suspension
Noon Detention/Parental
Involvement
5-day Suspension
Expulsion
Noon Detention
ALE
Restitution/
Suspension
Restitution/Expulsion
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Suspension
Minimum
Suspension
Police Notified
Expulsion
Expulsion
Maximum
Gambling
Gang Activity
Inappropriate Display
of Affection
Noon Detention
Smoking, Chewing
Tobacco
Tardiness
Theft
Truancy
Weapons
55
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Maximum
DISCIPLINE: STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
AS DEFINED BY INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA)
The Board of Education recognizes that there are some students attending school in the Rivercrest
School District that have observable and/or diagnosed disabling conditions that require special considerations
that are not necessary for non-disabled students.
The Board of Education accepts the definition of a student with a disability as any school aged student,
ages 5-21, who possesses a disability which causes an adverse affect on educational performance as
determined by the IDEA referral, assessment, programming and placement procedures. More specifically,
these disabling conditions include the following: mental retardation, hearing impairment, speech/language
impairment, visual impairments, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairments, other health impairments,
specific learning disability, deaf-blindness, multiple disabilities, autism, and traumatic brain injury.
The Board of Education also recognizes that there are times that a student with a disability will need to
be disciplined as a result of undesirable and/or unpredicted behavior which hinders his/her personal and/or
educational welfare or welfare of other persons. The Board of Education has provided the following
procedures for determining the discipline of students with disabilities:
 A student with a disability who engages in incidents of misconduct and disciplinary infractions is
subject to normal school disciplinary rules and procedures if indicated in their Individual Education
Program (IEP), so long as such treatment does not abridge the right to a free appropriate public
education.
 The IEP team for the student with a disability will consider on a case by case basis whether a change
in placement consistent with federal and state requirements is appropriate for a student who violates a
code of student conduct.
 The IEP teams for a student with a disability will consider the educational setting of the student,
determine if a Behavior Intervention Plan is needed and if the behavior is a manifestation of the
disability.
 Students with disabilities may be placed in an interim alternative educational setting in the case of a
weapon, drugs or inflicting serious bodily injury upon another.
 During the interim alternative placement, the students IEP team will determine if the current IEP and
placement were appropriate, if supplementary aids and services were provided if needed, and if
behavioral interventions were provided.
 Parents of students with a disability are to be informed of the district’s policy and procedures
regarding the discipline of students with a disability through the student handbook. Appropriate staff
members in the school building shall be made aware of which students are identified as IDEA
students.
 In disciplining a student with a disability, it is a requirement that due process procedures as mandated
by current federal and state regulations be followed.
GANGS AND SECRET SOCIETIES
The Board of Education of Rivercrest School District and the administration and staff of Rivercrest
High School have the responsibility of maintaining a safe and disruption-free school environment. The School
Laws of Arkansas state that “any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society or organization as defined
in this sub-chapter is declared to be inimical to the public free schools and therefore unlawful.” The School
Laws of Arkansas further expressly prohibit hazing. Gangs are hereby found to be expressly prohibited by the
Rivercrest School District.
Gangs, as defined in this policy, shall mean individuals who associate with each other primarily for
criminal, disruptive, and/or other activities as prohibited by law and /or by the School District’s rules and
regulations including any type of organization or society which fosters undemocratic practices and seeks to
56
perpetuate itself by taking in additional members from the pupils enrolled in the Rivercrest School District on
the basis of the decision of its membership rather than upon the free choice of any pupil in the school who is
qualified by the rules of the school to fill the special aims of an organization or society. Gang and gangrelated activities are not acceptable in the school setting. The Board of Education is aware that the presence
of gangs interferes materially and substantially with the educational process and with the requirement of
appropriate discipline in the school. Gangs foster anti-social behaviors, attitudes, and practices which may
endanger the health, safety, and welfare of our students. Therefore, students are prohibited from participating
in any activity related to gangs while at school, while traveling to or from school, or while attending schoolsponsored events.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
0
9.
Prohibited activities include (but are not limited to) the following:
Soliciting and/or recruiting others for membership;
Participating in and/or inciting physical violence;
Extorting or soliciting money and/or services, requesting any person to pay for protection,
insurance, or the payment of dues;
Coercing, harassing, and/or otherwise intimidating, threatening or causing to harm any person;
Wearing, possessing, using, displaying in any manner, distributing, or selling any clothing,
jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other item commonly associated with membership
in or affiliation with a gang. When there is a question as to whether or not possessions or
clothes are gang related, determination will be made by the administration. Bandanas of any
color are prohibited from being worn, shown, or possessed while on school grounds or at
school functions.
Using any communication, verbal or nonverbal (gestures, one pants leg raised, handshakes,
etc.) suggesting or showing membership in, or affiliation with a gang;
Engaging in any activity intended to promote or further the interests of any gang activity
including, but not limited to distributing literature, drawing or displaying unauthorized
symbols on any surface, teaching others to “represent”, or acting like a member of a gang.
Engaging in any activity defined by the laws of Arkansas to be “hazing”, including:
a.
Any willful act on or off the property of the Rivercrest School District by one student
alone or acting with others which is directed against any other student and done for
the purpose of intimidating the student attacked by threatening him/her with social or
other ostracism or by submitting such student to shame, or disgrace among his/her
fellow students, and acts calculated to produce such results;
b.
The playing of abusive tricks on or off the property of the Rivercrest School District
by one student alone or acting with others, upon another student to frighten or scare
him/her; OR
c.
Any willful act on or off the property of the Rivercrest School District by one student
alone or acting with others which is directed against any other student done for the
purpose of humbling the pride, stifling the ambition, or impairing the courage of the
student attacked or to discourage him/her from remaining in the Rivercrest School
District, or reasonably to cause him/her to leave Rivercrest rather than submit to such
acts
d.
Any willful act on or off the property of the Rivercrest School District by one student
alone or acting with others in striking, beating, bruising, or maiming; or seriously
offering, threatening, or attempting to strike, beat, bruise, or maim; or to seriously
offer, threaten, or attempt to do physical violence to any student of the Rivercrest
School District or any other educational institution; or assault upon any such student
made for the purpose of committing any of the acts or producing any of the results to
such student as defined by this paragraph.
Any act or activity which violates any law or any policy of the Rivercrest School District
when such act or activity is taken to further the interests of a gang.
57
In accordance with Arkansas code Annotated 6-18-605, it shall be the duty of the school district to
suspend or expel from the Rivercrest School District any pupil who shall:
1.
Be or remain a member, promise to join, become a member, or solicit other persons to
join, promise to join, or pledge to become a member of any prohibited secret society
or organization as described above;
2.
Wear or display an insignia for purposes of identification with any such secret society
or organization while in or attending the Rivercrest School District.
Legal References: Arkansas Code Annotated 6-18-601 through 6-18-607 and Arkansas Code Annotated
6-5-201 through 6-5-204.
DANGEROUS WEAPONS
No student shall possess a weapon, display what appears to be a weapon, or threaten to use a weapon
while in school, on or about school property, before or after school, in attendance at school or any school
sponsored activity, en route to or from school or any school sponsored activity, off the school grounds at any
school bus stop, or at any school sponsored activity or event. Military personnel, such as ROTC cadets, acting
in the course of their official duties are accepted.
A weapon is defined as any firearm, knife, razor, ice pick, dirk, box cutter, nunchuckas, pepper spray
or other noxious spray, explosive, or any other instrument or substance capable of causing bodily harm. For
the purposes of this policy, "firearm" means any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile by the
action of an explosive or any device readily convertible to that use.
Possession means having a weapon, as defined in this policy, on the student’s body or in an area under
his/her control. If, prior to any questioning or search by any school personnel, a student discovers that he/she
has accidentally brought a weapon other than a firearm, to school including a weapon, other than a firearm,
that is in a vehicle on school grounds, and the student informs the principal or a staff person immediately, the
student will not be considered to be in possession of a weapon unless it is a firearm. The weapon shall be
confiscated and held in the office until such time as the student’s parent/legal guardian shall pick up the
weapon from the school’s office. Repeated offenses are unacceptable and shall be grounds for disciplinary
action against the student as otherwise provided for in this policy.
Except as permitted in this policy, students found to be in possession on the school campus of a
firearm1 shall be recommended for expulsion for a period of not less than one year. The superintendent shall
have the discretion to modify such expulsion recommendation for a student on a case-by-case basis. Parents or
legal guardians of students expelled under this policy shall be given a copy of the current laws regarding the
possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to possess a firearm on school property. Parents or
legal guardians shall sign a statement acknowledging that they have read and understand said laws prior to
readmitting the student. Parents or legal guardians of a student enrolling from another school after the
expiration of an expulsion period for a firearm policy violation shall also be given a copy of the current laws
regarding the possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to possess a firearm on school property.
The parents or legal guardians shall sign a statement acknowledging that they have read and understand said
laws prior to the student being enrolled in school.
The mandatory expulsion requirement for possession of a firearm does not apply to a firearm brought
to school for the purpose of participating in activities approved and authorized by the district that include the
use of firearms. Such activities may include ROTC programs, hunting safety or military education, or before
or after-school hunting or rifle clubs. Firearms brought to school for such purposes shall be brought to the
school employee designated to receive such firearms. The designated employee shall store the firearms in a
secure location until they are removed for use in the approved activity.
58
The district shall report any student who brings a firearm to school to the criminal justice system or
juvenile delinquency system by notifying local law enforcement.
IMPROPER APPEARANCE
Rivercrest recognizes that dress can be a matter of personal taste and preference. At the same time,
the district has a responsibility to promote an environment conducive to student learning. This requires
limitations to student dress and grooming that could be disruptive to the education process because they are
immodest, disruptive, unsanitary, and unsafe, could cause property damage, or are offensive to common
standards of decency.
Students are prohibited from wearing, while on the school grounds during the school day and at
school-sponsored events, clothing that exposes underwear, buttocks, or the breast of a female. Students sent
home to change are expected to return to school. The time missed from school is unexcused
STUDENTS WILL OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING DRESS REGULATIONS:
The wearing of muscle shirts, net shirts, tank tops, and sleeveless shirts by males is prohibited.
Shirts and blouses are to be buttoned when worn over t-shirts. No sleeveless shirts are permitted.
Hip huggers, low cut or strapless blouses, and blouses with spaghetti straps are not to be worn. No
bare midriffs or bare backs are to be shown. No writing is allowed on female pants such as “Hot
Body” or other inappropriate designs.
Pants should be worn securely at the waist. Pants that are loose fitting and cannot be kept from
sagging are required to have a belt to keep them up. No undergarments can be showing.
Dresses, skirts, skorts, and shorts cannot be more than 4 inches above the bended knee.
No sleepwear, including pajama tops, bottoms, or lounge pants are allowed.
Shirts and blouses are to be buttoned and no see-through tops or pants.
Jeans or other apparel should not be deliberately mutilated. Holes in jeans above the knee can be worn
as long as no skin is showing through.
Shoes will be worn at all times. Tennis shoes must be tied and laced. No house shoes are permitted
Hats, caps, swim wear and sunglasses are not to be worn in school.
No undergarments will be worn as outer garments. No top may be worn that exposes cleavage.
Students are allowed to wear shorts that meet the following criteria:
 Shorts must be loose fitting.
 Shorts are to be no more than four inches above the bended of the knee.
 No biker shorts, two layered shorts, P.E. shorts, cut-offs, or gym shorts will be allowed.
Belts are to be fastened around the waist, and suspenders are to be worn on both shoulders.
All pants with belt loops must be worn with a belt that is fastened so pants will not sag.
59
All clothing is to be worn on the proper side, in the proper manner in which the garment was
intended.
Nose rings, tongue rings, eyebrow rings or any other piercing will not be allowed.
Raised pants legs are not allowed.
T-shirts are NOT to be worn that advertise drugs, alcohol, sex, or any topics such as the rebel flag, that
may be considered in poor taste.
Students should NOT wear the American flag in a manner of disrespect.
Bandanas of any color or colors are prohibited.
BULLYING
Respect for the dignity of others is a cornerstone of civil society. Bullying creates an atmosphere of
fear and intimidation, robs a person of his/her dignity, detracts from the safe environment necessary to
promote student learning, and will not be tolerated by the Board of Directors. Students who bully another
person shall be held accountable for their actions whether they occur on school equipment or property; off
school property at a school sponsored or approved function, activity, or event; going to or from school or a
school activity in a school vehicle or school bus; or at designated school bus stops.
A school principal or his or her designee who receives a credible report or complaint of bullying shall
promptly investigate the complaint or report and make a record of the investigation and any action taken as a
result of the investigation.
Definitions:
Attribute means an actual or perceived personal characteristic including without limitation race, color,
religion, ancestry, national origin, socioeconomic status, academic status, disability, gender, gender identity,
physical appearance, health condition, or sexual orientation;
Bullying means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or
incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal,
electronic, or physical act that may address an attribute of the other student, public school employee, or person
with whom the other student or public school employee is associated and that causes or creates actual or
reasonably foreseeable:

Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damage to the public school employee's or
student's property;

Substantial interference with a student's education or with a public school employee's role in
education;

A hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or public school employees due to the
severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the act; or

Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment;
60
Electronic act means without limitation a communication or image transmitted by means of an electronic
device, including without limitation a telephone, wireless phone or other wireless communications device,
computer, or pager that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or
educational environment.
Electronic acts of bullying are prohibited whether or not the electronic act originated on school property or
with school equipment, if the electronic act is directed specifically at students or school personnel and
maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school, and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that
purpose;
Harassment means a pattern of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct relating to another person's
constitutionally or statutorily protected status that causes, or reasonably should be expected to cause,
substantial interference with the other's performance in the school environment; and
Substantial disruption means without limitation that any one or more of the following occur as a result of the
bullying:
 Necessary cessation of instruction or educational activities;
 Inability of students or educational staff to focus on learning or function as an educational unit because
of a hostile environment;
 Severe or repetitive disciplinary measures are needed in the classroom or during educational activities;
or
 Exhibition of other behaviors by students or educational staff that substantially interfere with the
learning environment.
Cyber bullying of School Employees is expressly prohibited and includes, but is not limited to:
a. Building a fake profile or website of the employee;
b. Posting or encouraging others to post on the Internet private, personal, or sexual information pertaining to
a school employee;
c. Posting an original or edited image of the school employee on the Internet;
d. Accessing, altering, or erasing any computer network, computer data program, or computer software,
including breaking into a password-protected account or stealing or otherwise accessing passwords of a
school employee; making repeated, continuing, or sustained electronic communications, including
electronic mail or transmission, to a school employee;
e. Making, or causing to be made, and disseminating an unauthorized copy of data pertaining to a school
employee in any form, including without limitation the printed or electronic form of computer data,
computer programs, or computer software residing in, communicated by, or produced by a computer or
computer network;
f.
Signing up a school employee for a pornographic Internet site; or
g. Without authorization of the school employee, signing up a school employee for electronic mailing lists or
to receive junk electronic messages and instant messages.
61
Examples of "Bullying" may also include but are not limited to a pattern of behavior involving one or more of
the following:
1. Sarcastic comments "compliments" about another student’s personal appearance or actual or perceived
attributes,
2. Pointed questions intended to embarrass or humiliate,
3. Mocking, taunting or belittling,
4. Non-verbal threats and/or intimidation such as “fronting” or “chesting” a person,
5. Demeaning humor relating to a student’s race, gender, ethnicity or actual or perceived attributes,
6. Blackmail, extortion, demands for protection money or other involuntary donations or loans,
7. Blocking access to school property or facilities,
8. Deliberate physical contact or injury to person or property,
9. Stealing or hiding books or belongings,
10. Threats of harm to student(s), possessions, or others,
11. Sexual harassment, as governed by policy 4.27, is also a form of bullying, and/or
12. Teasing or name-calling based on the belief or perception that an individual is not conforming to expected
gender roles (Example: “Slut”) or conduct or is homosexual, regardless of whether the student selfidentifies as homosexual (Examples: “You are so gay.” “Fag” “Queer”).
Students are encouraged to report behavior they consider to be bullying, including a single action which if
allowed to continue would constitute bullying, to their teacher or the building principal. The report may be
made anonymously. Teachers and other school employees who have witnessed, or are reliably informed that, a
student has been a victim of behavior they consider to be bullying, including a single action which if allowed
to continue would constitute bullying, shall report the incident(s) to the principal. Parents or legal guardians
may submit written reports of incidents they feel constitute bullying, or if allowed to continue would constitute
bullying, to the principal. The principal shall be responsible for investigating the incident(s) to determine if
disciplinary action is warranted.
The person or persons reporting behavior they consider to be bullying shall not be subject to retaliation or
reprisal in any form.
Students found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including
expulsion. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, consideration may be given to other violations of
the student handbook which may have simultaneously occurred.
Notice of what constitutes bullying, the District’s prohibition against bullying, and the consequences for
students who bully shall be conspicuously posted in every classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium,
auditorium, and school bus. Parents, students, school volunteers, and employees shall be given copies of the
notice.
Copies of this policy shall be available upon request.
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HALL CONDUCT
Halls are traffic lanes that enable students to reach their classes quickly and safely. A student should
walk (not run) and observe regular traffic rules (keep to the right).
A student should not run or push, block traffic by stopping to talk or by walking two or three abreast,
talk loudly or whistle, loiter in the halls, or walk boy or girl friends to class.
BEHAVIOR NOT COVERED
Rivercrest School District reserves the right to pursue disciplinary or legal action for behavior which is
subversive to good order and discipline in the schools even though such behavior is not specified in the written
rules in this handbook.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
REPRIMAND
A school official (teacher, administrator, or counselor) will discuss the problem behavior informally
with the student and try to reach an agreement regarding how the student should behave. The least punishment
that will be given is a verbal reprimand.
STUDENT CONFERENCE
A formal conference will be held between the student and one or more school officials. During this
conference, the student must agree to correct his/her behavior.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parent(s) or guardian will be notified by telephone, personal contact, behavior report, letter, or
certified letter. A conference may be conducted between the student, his/her parent(s) or guardian, appropriate
school personnel, and any other individual concerned.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
In the event that it becomes necessary for a certified staff member to administer corporal punishment
to a student, he/she will administer such punishment in the presence of another certified person.
The use of corporal punishment shall at all times be reasonable and proper. Considerations in this
regard shall include but not be limited to the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Age of the student;
Size of the student;
Sex of the student;
Ability of the student to bear punishment; and
Overall physical condition of the student.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)
In School Suspension (ISS) consists of a student being assigned to an isolated study room to complete
all assignments from their classes. The ISS proctor monitors the student’s work and submits it to the student’s
teachers so that learning may continue.
SUSPENSION
Rivercrest High School recognizes its authority to maintain good order and discipline within the
school. Conduct that tends to be disruptive of the educational program will be grounds for suspension.
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Suspension is defined as the temporary removal of a student from a class, a club, an office, the bus, the
cafeteria, or the school for an activity or behavior that is disruptive or not in the best interest of the school.
Any student who is suspended from school will receive a grade of zero for any assignment or test
given in the student’s absence. This work cannot be made up.
EXPULSION
Expulsion is the prohibition from school and participation in any school activity. A student may not
enter the school grounds (except for a prearranged conference with an administrator) for the duration of the
expulsion, with loss of academic credit. This action shall be taken by the Board of Education only.
The Board of Education is authorized to expel a student for the remainder of the semester, the
remainder of the school year, or permanently for conduct it deems to be of such gravity as to make a relatively
short, temporary suspension inappropriate.
Arkansas Statute 80-1516 provides that the directors of a school district may exclude students for
immorality, refractory conduct, insubordination, infectious disease, habitual uncleanliness, or other conduct
that would tend to impair the discipline of the school, or harm the other pupils.
A student who re-enters school the semester or year following an expulsion is on probation. If
this student engages in behavior deeming it necessary for suspension, this student is automatically
expelled for the remainder of the semester.
DUE PROCESS
A student’s parents or legal guardians have the right to appeal any suspension or expulsion if they feel
that punishment is unjust or that the student is not guilty of what he/she has been accused.
An appeal to the superintendent must be made within five school days after notice has been received
of a suspension or expulsion. A formal hearing conducted by the superintendent and principal will be
forthcoming. Included in the hearing will be a recorder and any witnesses as might be necessary. The
superintendent will render a decision as to whether the suspension or expulsion will be upheld or revoked.
If the parents or guardians disagree with the decision, they have five school days to request an appeal
of the suspension or expulsion before the Rivercrest School Board. The school board acts only as a review
forum and will not retry the case at this time. The decision of the school board is the final step to the appeal
process within the school system.
The following steps may be useful in obtaining due process:
1.
Talk to the teacher or counselor;
2.
Confer with the school principal;
3.
Call the Superintendent of Schools at 655-8633 and make an appointment;
4.
Present the case to the school board; or
5.
Seek legal assistance
For further details regarding due process, students and parents may refer to the district’s current
Discipline Policies Manual which may be obtained from the superintendent.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE / INTERROGATIONS
The district respects the rights of its students against arbitrary intrusion of their person and property.
At the same time, it is the responsibility of school officials to protect the health, safety and welfare of all
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students enrolled in the district in order to promote an environment conducive to student learning. The
superintendent, principal, and their designees have the right to inspect and search school property and
equipment. They may also search students and their personal property in which the student has a reasonable
expectation of privacy, when there is reasonable suspicion to believe such student or property contains illegal
items or other items in violation of Board policy or dangerous to the school community. School authorities
may seize evidence found in the search, and disciplinary action may be taken. Evidence found which appears
to be in violation of the law shall be reported to the appropriate authority.
School property shall include, but not be limited to, lockers, desks, and parking lots, as well as
personal effects left there by the students. When possible, prior notice will be given and the student will be
allowed to be present along with an adult witness; however, searches may be done at any time with or without
notice or the student’s consent. A personal search must not be excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex
of the student and the nature of the infraction.
The superintendent, principals, and their designees may request the assistance of law enforcement
officials to help conduct searches. Such searches may include the use of specially trained dogs. A school
official of the same sex shall conduct personal searches with an adult witness of the same sex present.
State Law requires that Department of Human Services employees, local law enforcement, or agents
of the Crimes against Children Division of the Department of Arkansas State Police, may interview students
without a court order for the purpose of investigation of suspected child abuse. In instances where the
interviewers deem it necessary, they may exercise a “72 hour hold” without first obtaining a court order.
Other questioning of students by non-school personnel shall be granted only with a court order direction such
questioning, with permission of the parents of a student (or the student if above [18] years of age), or in
response to a subpoena or arrest warrant.
If the District makes a report to any law enforcement agency concerning student misconduct or if
access to a student is granted to a law enforcement agency due to a court order, the principal or the principal’s
designees shall make a good faith effort to contact the student’s parent, legal guardians, or other person having
lawful control by court order, or person acting in loco parentis on student enrollment forms. The principal or
the principal’s designee shall not attempt to make such contact if presented documentation by the investigator
that said person is named as an alleged offender of the suspected child maltreatment. This exception applies
only to interview requests made by a law enforcement officer, an investigator of the Crimes against Children
Division of the Department of Arkansas State Police, or an investigator or employee of the Department of
Human Services.
In instances other than those related to cases of suspected child abuse, principals must release a
student to either a police officer who presents a subpoena for the student, or a warrant for arrest, or to an agent
of state social services or an agent of a court with jurisdiction over a child with a court order signed by a judge.
Upon release of the student, the principal or designee shall give the student’s parent, legal guardian, or other
person having lawful control by court order, or person acting in loco parentis, notice that the student has been
taken in custody by law enforcement personnel or state’s social services agency. If the principal or designee is
unable to reach the parent, he or she shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to get a message to the parent to
call the principal or designee, and leave both a day and after-hours telephone number.
DISASTER DRILLS
CODE BLACK (TORNADO/EARTHQUAKE)
We will evacuate to the Safe Room whenever a threatening warning is issued that seems immediate.
Time must be available for complete evacuation from the Main Building to the Saferoom.
Outside conditions must be favorable for a safe evacuation
We will take cover in the designated safest areas of the Main Building whenever the situation is deemed too
risky or too late to evacuate to the Safe room.
The safe position for students and teachers in the outer hallways of the Main Building should be against the
walls, heads on knees, covering head with hands or books.
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CODE RED (FIRE)
Evacuate the building according to the fire drill plan.
Always remember that conditions/situations could cause a variation in the pre-planned point of exit.
Always listen for further instructions.
CODE ORANGE (CHEMICAL SPILLS/LEAKS)
Evacuate according to specific instructions.
If no specific instructions are given, evacuate according to the fire drill plan.
Wind direction will often dictate variation from the regular planned evacuation.
CODE BLUE (BOMB/WEAPONS THREAT)
Use fire evacuation plan unless directed otherwise.
CODE BLUE COULD REQUIRE SOME CLASSES TO REMAIN IN LOCKDOWN LOCATION.
TEACHER CLASS TO REMAIN IN ROOMS:
(RM 151) – Take cover underneath tables
(RM 116) – Take cover next to walls away from door
(RM 118) – Take cover next to walls away from door
(RM 127) – Take cover next to walls away from door
(Gym) – Take cover in shower stalls in gym dressing rooms
(ROTC Building) – Go to Saferoom if conditions allow, if not take cover in restrooms or storage area.
(Fine Arts Annex) – Take cover in band/choir/music/library
(Fine Arts Annex) – Take cover in classrooms along the inside walls or in Art darkroom or restroom
(Saferoom) – Remain in tornado-safe room
(Library/Computer Lab) – Evacuate to conference or storage rooms in back of library
(Math) – Evacuate to math hallways
(Science) – Evacuate to Science hallways
(Health/Study Hall) – Evacuate to Math hallways
(Foreign Language/English/Business) – Evacuate to English hallways
NOTE: Students are reminded to carry a book to cover their heads.
TEACHERS are reminded to carry roll books.
SECURITY/VIDEOTAPES
The district may record security videotapes on district property. These videotapes, which are made for
the protection and welfare of the school community, typically contain images of many students, as well as
district employees and other persons.
Security videotapes contain personally identifiable information about students. State and federal laws
generally prohibit the release of this information, and the district has not designated the videotapes as
“directory information” that may be disclosed without the prior written consent of the students’ parents or
guardians.
Security videotapes, and the personally identifiable information contained on the videotapes, will be
disclosed only when authorized by law or when the disclosure is made to school officials with legitimate
educational interests. The videotapes otherwise will not be disclosed to any person.
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STUDENT MEDICATIONS
Prior to the administration of any medication to any student under the age of eighteen (18), written parental
consent is required. The consent form shall include authorization to administer the medication and relieve the
Board and its employees of civil liability for damages or injuries resulting from the administration of
medication to students in accordance with this policy. All signed medication consent forms are to be
maintained by the school nurse.
Unless authorized to self-administer, students are not allowed to carry any medications, including over-thecounter medications or any perceived health remedy not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration,
while at school. The parent or legal guardian shall bring the student’s medication to the school nurse. The
student may bring the medication if accompanied by a written authorization from the parent or legal guardian.
When medications are brought to the school nurse, the nurse shall document, in the presence of the parent, the
quantity of the medication(s). If the medications are brought by a student, the school nurse shall ask another
school employee to verify, in the presence of the student the quantity of the medication(s). Each person present
shall sign a form verifying the quantity of the medication(s).
Medications, including those for self-medication, must be in the original container and be properly labeled
with the student’s name, the ordering provider’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, frequency, and
instructions for the administration of the medication (including times). Additional information accompanying
the medication shall state the purpose for the medication, it’s possible side effects, and any other pertinent
instructions (such as special storage requirements) or warnings. Schedule II medications that are permitted by
this policy to be brought to school shall be stored in a double locked cabinet.
Students with an individualized health plan (IHP) may be given over-the-counter medications to the extent
giving such medications are included in the student's IHP.
Students taking Schedule II medications methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin or closely related medications as
determined by the school nurse), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and amphetamine sulfate (e.g. Adderall or
closely related medications as determined by the school nurse)1 shall be allowed to attend school.
Students taking Schedule II medications not included in the previous sentence shall be allowed to bring them
to school under the provisions of this policy and shall be permitted to attend and participate in classes only to
the extent the student's doctor has specifically authorized such attendance and participation. A doctor's
prescription for a student's Schedule II medication is not an authorization. Attendance authorization shall
specifically state the degree and potential danger of physical exertion the student is permitted to undertake in
the student's classes and extracurricular activities. Without a doctor's written authorization, a student taking
Schedule II medications, other than those specifically authorized in this policy, shall not be eligible to attend
classes, but shall be eligible for homebound instruction if provided for in their IEP or 504 plans.
The district's supervising registered nurse shall be responsible for creating both on campus and off campus
procedures for administering medications.
Students who have written permission from their parent or guardian and a licensed health care practitioner to
self-administer either an rescue inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both and who have a current consent
form on file shall be allowed to carry and self-administer such medication while in school, at an on-site school
sponsored activity, while traveling to or from school, or at an off-site school sponsored activity. Students are
prohibited from sharing, transferring, or in any way diverting his/her medications to any other person. The fact
that a student with a completed consent form on file is allowed to carry an rescue inhaler or auto-injectable
epinephrine, or both does not require him/her to have such on his/her person. The parent or guardian of a
student who qualifies under this policy to self-carry a rescue inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both on
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his/her person shall provide the school with the appropriate medication which shall be immediately available
to the student in an emergency.
Students may be administered Glucagon in emergency situations by the school nurse or, in the absence of the
school nurse, a trained volunteer school employee designated as a care provider, provided the student has:
1. an IHP developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which provides for the
administration of Glucagon in emergency situations; and
2. a current, valid consent form on file from their parent or guardian.
Emergency Administration of Epinephrine
The school nurse or other school employees designated by the school nurse as a care provider who have been
trained1 and certified by a licensed physician may administer an epinephrine auto-injector in emergency
situations to students who have an IHP developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which
provides for the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector 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 certified to administer auto-injector epinephrine to the student when the employee
believes the student is having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
Students with an order from and a licensed health care provider to self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine
and who have written permission from their parent or guardian shall provide the school nurse an epinephrine
auto-injector. This epinephrine will be used in the event the school nurse, or other school employee certified to
administer auto-injector epinephrine, in good faith professionally believes the student is having a lifethreatening anaphylactic reaction and the student is either not self-carrying his/her /epinephrine auto-injector
or the nurse is unable to locate it.
The school nurse for each District school shall keep epinephrine auto-injectors on hand that are suitable for the
students the school serves. 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 school shall not keep outdated medications or any medications past the end of the school year. Parents
shall be notified ten (10) days in advance of the school’s intention to dispose of any medication. Medications
not picked up by the parents or legal guardians within the ten (10) day period shall be disposed of by the
school nurse in accordance with current law and regulations.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
All schools in the District shall conduct fire drills at least monthly. Tornado drills shall also be conducted not
fewer than three (3) times per year with at least one each in the months of September, January, and February.
Students who ride school buses shall also participate in emergency evacuation drills at least twice each school
year.
The District shall annually conduct an active shooter drill and school safety assessment for all District schools
in collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency management personnel.2 Students will be included
in the drills to the extent that is developmentally appropriate to the age of both the students and grade
configuration of the school.
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Drills may be conducted during the instructional day or during non-instructional time periods.
Other types of emergency drills may also be conducted to test the implementation of the District's emergency
plans in the event of an earthquake or terrorist attack that might include the use of biological or chemical
agents. Students shall be included in the drills to the extent practicable.2
Legal References:
A.C.A. § 12-13-109
A.C.A. § 6-10-110
A.C.A. § 6-10-121
A.C.A. § 6-15-1302
A.C.A. § 6-15-1303
Date Adopted: 6/24/14
Last Revised: 6/19/14
PARENTAL CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION
The purpose of the website is to provide information about our school to the community. Students and
staff of Rivercrest are recognized for their achievements and activities. The website also serves to promote the
excellence of our school to people who are moving into our school district. The website is:
Http://www.smccolts.com
Your permission is requested to publish your child’s name and/or picture on the internet site. If a picture is
published: only the student’s first name may be used with the picture, and then only if you have given
permission for this to be done. Personal information, such as parent’s names, addresses, or telephone numbers
will never be published.
If you have any questions, please contact: Dana Lane, Sponsor of the Rivercrest web page at
[email protected]
Activities and Athletics
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES
Rivercrest offers the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics through the following sports:
baseball, basketball, football, golf, softball, and track. In addition, interscholastic activities include
cheerleading, JROTC, band, and choir. Each of these is governed by the Arkansas Activities Association
(AAA) and must adhere to the AAA’s rules, regulations, and requirements as well as local school regulations.
The school must set regulations for participation that meet the AAA requirements as a minimum, but may set a
higher standard if desired.
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Any student participating or considering participating in athletics at Rivercrest should review carefully
the Rivercrest School District Student Drug Testing Program section on page 53 of this handbook.
AAA Scholarship Rule
Students who participate in interscholastic athletics or activities regulated by the Arkansas Activities
Association must meet specific academic requirements to be eligible to participate. To be eligible, a student
must have passed at least four academic courses the previous semester and have earned a grade point average
that semester of at least 2.0 (“C” average) in all academic courses. A student who has passed the four
academic courses but has not maintained the 2.0 GPA may be enrolled in the Supplemental Instruction
Program (SIP) to maintain eligibility for the semester.
The eligibility requirements for SIP are as follows:
Beginning January 1, 2003, students who have passed four academic
classes but have less than a 2.0 in academic courses must be enrolled in a 100minute per week supplemental instruction program. They must at least show
improvement in their grades of one tenth of a point the first semester in the
program and reach a 2.0 (“C” average) the second semester in the program to
remain eligible for participation in competitive school-sponsored activities. The
maximum length of time a student may be in SIP is two consecutive semesters.
Any student enrolled in the SIP program who is suspended from school will
automatically forfeit his or her eligibility to participate in interscholastic
activities or athletics. If a student does not improve his/her grade point average
by one-tenth of a point and then exits the program, that student will have to earn
a grade point average of 2.0 before regaining eligibility.
Students must comply with these scholarship rules to participate in ANY interscholastic event
sanctioned and regulated by the AAA. (These standards do not apply to interscholastic events in
vocational education.)
In addition to the foregoing rules, the district shall abide by the rules and regulations of the Arkansas
Activities Association (AAA) governing interscholastic activities. AAA provides catastrophic insurance
coverage for students participating in AAA governed extracurricular activities who are enrolled in school. As a
matter of District policy, no student may participate in a AAA governed extracurricular activity unless he or
she is enrolled in a district school, to ensure all students are eligible for AAA catastrophic insurance.
For any questions regarding the eligibility of home school students, who wish to participate in AAA
activities should direct their questions to the district office.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Extracurricular activities include teams, clubs, groups, and organizations which are not composed
completely of students enrolled in a particular class or classes or a particular academic department that reflects
the function of the organization. Extracurricular activities enroll students from the general population of the
school.
When participating in extracurricular activities during the school day, the student is not counted
absent. However, he/she is responsible for all missed work in accordance with the policy on make-up of
academic work found elsewhere in this handbook. A student may miss a MAXIMUM OF NINE (9) TIMES
from any class for these activities, not including regional, state, or national competitions.
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Groups considered as extracurricular are the following:
Baseball
Basketball
Golf
Football
Softball
Track
Cheerleading
Student Council
National Honor Society
Colts~4~Christ
Future Teachers of America
Library Club
“A Team”
Key Club
Gentlemen of Knowledge
The Student Council serves as a recommending body to the school administration. With the exception
of those students serving on the Council by virtue of being elected president of their class, candidates for
Student Council must be a junior or senior. The president of the Student Council must be a senior. Candidates
for Student Council, including class president, must meet the following requirements:
a. a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above;
b. an attendance rate of 90% or better;
c. no in-school or out-of-school suspensions;
d. no more than five tardies for the current year; and
e. be an active member of at least one student organization.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES REQUIREMENTS
Extracurricular Eligibility
The Board believes in providing opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities that can
help enrich the student’s educational experience. At the same time, the Board believes that a student’s
participation in extracurricular activities cannot come at the expense of his/her classroom academic
achievement. Interruptions of instructional time in the classroom are to be minimal and absences from class to
participate in extracurricular activities shall not exceed one per week per extracurricular activity (tournaments
excepted). Additionally, a student’s participation in, and the District’s operation of, extracurricular activities
shall be subject to the following policy. All students are eligible for extracurricular activities unless specifically
denied eligibility on the basis of criteria outlined in this policy.
Any student who refuses to sit for a State assessment or attempts to boycott a State assessment by failing to put
forth a good faith effort on the assessment as determined by the assessment administrator/proctor, or whose
parents do not send their student to school on the dates the assessments are administered or scheduled as makeup days shall not be permitted to participate in any non-curriculum related extracurricular activity. The student
shall remain ineligible to participate until the student takes the same or a following state mandated assessment,
as applicable, or completes the required remediation for the assessment the student failed to put forth a good
faith effort on. The superintendent or designee may wave this paragraph's provisions when the student’s failure
was due to exceptional or extraordinary circumstances. Students falling under the provisions of this paragraph
shall be permitted to attend curriculum related field trips occurring during the school day.
INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES
Each school in the District shall post on its website its schedule of interscholastic activities, including sign-up,
tryout, and participation deadlines, at least one semester in advance of those activities. A hard copy of the
schedule shall be available upon request.5
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ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
In order to remain eligible for competitive interscholastic activity, a student must have passed (4) academic
courses the previous semester and either:
1) Have earned a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 from all academic courses the previous
semester; or
2) If the student has passed four (4) academic courses the previous semester but does not have a 2.0 GPA the
student must be enrolled and successfully participating in an SIP to maintain their competitive
interscholastic extracurricular eligibility.
STUDENTS WITH AN INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
In order to be considered eligible to participate in competitive interscholastic activities, students with
disabilities must pass at least four (4) courses per semester as required by their individual education program
(IEP).
ARKANSAS ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION
In addition to the foregoing rules, the district shall abide by the rules and regulations of AAA governing
interscholastic activities. AAA provides catastrophic insurance coverage for students participating in AAA
governed extracurricular activities who are enrolled in school. As a matter of District policy, no student may
participate in a AAA governed extracurricular activity unless he or she is enrolled in a district school, to ensure
all students are eligible for AAA catastrophic insurance. 6
INTRASCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES
AAA GOVERNED ACTIVITIES
Students participating in intrascholastic extracurricular activities that would be governed by AAA if they were
to occur between students of different schools shall meet all interscholastic activity eligibility requirements to
be eligible to participate in the comparable intrascholastic activity. The District will abide by the AAA
Handbook for such activities to ensure District students are not disqualified from participating in
interscholastic activities.7
NON-AAA GOVERNED ACTIVITIES
Unless made ineligible by District policies, all students shall be eligible to participate in non-AAA governed
intrascholastic extracurricular activities. Intrascholastic activities designed for a particular grade(s) or course(s)
shall require the student to be enrolled in the grade(s) or course(s).
Legal References:
State Board of Education Standards for Accreditation 10.05 and 10.06
Arkansas Activities Association Handbook
Date Adopted: 6/24/2014
Last Revised: 6/19/2014
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CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Co-Curricular activities include teams, clubs, groups, and organizations which are academic in nature
and are composed completely of students enrolled in a particular class or classes or particular academic
department that reflects the function of the organization. Some groups require current enrollment in a specific
class or group of classes while others allow a student to continue to be a member even though he/she is not
enrolled currently if he/she has been previously enrolled. Each organization is responsible for getting this
specific information to students who show interest in joining the group. However, for school attendance
purposes, the student must be currently enrolled to be considered co-curricular. Members who are not
currently enrolled in the class, classes, or department associated with the organization will be
considered extracurricular and must be familiar with the maximum of nine days absence explained in
the above section.
Co-curricular students who miss class for these activities are NOT counted absent regardless of the
number of days missed for co-curricular activities. These students are generally absent to attend academic
competitions, workshops, conventions, seminars, symposia, etc. which are extensions of academic work being
done or having been done in the classroom. However, the students are responsible for all missed work in
accordance with the policy on make-up of academic work found elsewhere in this handbook.
Groups generally considered co-curricular are the following:
FBLA
FCCLA
French Club
Band
Math Club
Corral Staff
OM Team
Choir
Roundup Staff
Quiz Bowl Team
JROTC Drill Team
Science Club
In addition, groups may be formed during the year based on academics for specific competitions,
performances, workshops, etc. that would be considered in this area. The principal would have to sanction
such groups. The principal may reclassify a group’s activity if it is not of an academic nature.
Procedure and Regulations for Activities during School Day
The following procedures and regulations should be followed when students will miss classes due to
participation in extracurricular or co-curricular activities:
1.
A student may be prohibited from attending a field trip by the principal or his designee
based upon the student’s disciplinary record.
2.
Students must have an accumulative GPA of at least 2.0 or participate in SIP to be eligible for
participation in extracurricular activities.
3.
The adviser of the group should distribute to each classroom teacher a list of students involved
in the activity. The date, time, and type of activity should be included on the list. NOTE:
The individual student should advise each of his/her teachers of the date that he/she is
scheduled to be out of class. This should be done as soon as the student knows of the
activity.
4.
The student should ask the teacher for the work that he/she will miss on the day of the activity.
This should be done far enough in advance that the work can be completed and turned in
before the absence if possible. Otherwise, the policy on make-up work elsewhere in this
handbook will control.
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5.
6.
If travel is involved, the student should get a permission slip from the adviser, have it signed
by a parent or guardian, and return it to the adviser who will keep it on file. The student should
secure from the adviser any information needed concerning arrangements for picking up
students after the trip. This information should be on the permission slip. If it is not, ask the
adviser.
If traveling, a bus seating chart should be made by the adviser and left with the principal. The
destination, the date of the trip, time of departure, estimated time of return, and the location of
return should be included. The student should check the chart for his/her seating assignment,
and he/she should remain in that seat at any time he/she is on the bus.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS/EQUAL ACCESS
Non-curriculum-related secondary school student organizations wishing to conduct
meeting on school premises during non-instructional time shall not be denied equal access on
the basis of the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech at such
meeting. Such meeting must meet the following criteria: The meeting is to be voluntary and
student initialed; there is no sponsorship of the meeting by the school, the government, or its
agents or employees; the meeting must occur during non-instructional time; employees or
agents of the school are present at a religious meting only in a non-participatory capacity; the
meetings do not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational
activities within the school; and a non-school person may not direct, conduct, or regularly
attend activities of student groups.
All meetings held on school premises must be scheduled and approved by the
principal. The school, its agents, and employees retain the authority to maintain order and
discipline, to protect the wellbeing of students and faculty, and to assure that attendance of
students at meeting is voluntary.
Fraternities, sororities, and secret societies are forbidden in the District’s schools.
Membership to student organization shall not be by vote of the organization’s members, nor
be restricted by the student’s race, religion, sex, national origin, or other arbitrary criteria.
Hazing as defined by law is forbidden in connection with initiation into, or affiliation with,
any student organization, extracurricular activity or sport program.
INTERNET SAFETY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USE
POLICY
The Rivercrest School District makes electronic device(s) and/or electronic device Internet access available to
students, to permit students to perform research and to allow students to learn how to use electronic device
technology. Use of district electronic devices is for educational and/or instructional purposes only. Student use
of electronic device(s) shall only be as directed or assigned by staff or teachers; students are advised that they
enjoy no expectation of privacy in any aspect of their electronic device use, including email, and that
monitoring of student electronic device use is continuous.
No student will be granted Internet access until and unless an Internet and electronic device use agreement,
signed by both the student and the parent or legal guardian (if the student is under the age of eighteen [18]) is
on file. The current version of the Internet and electronic device use agreement is incorporated by reference
into board policy and is considered part of the student handbook.
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Technology Protection Measures
The District is dedicated to protecting students from materials on the Internet or world wide web that are
inappropriate, obscene, or otherwise harmful to minors1; therefore, it is the policy of the District to protect each
electronic device with Internet filtering software2 that is designed to prevent students from accessing such
materials. For purposes of this policy, “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or
other visual depiction that:
(A) taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
(B) depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an
actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd
exhibition of the genitals; and
(C) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
Internet Use and Safety
The District is dedicated to ensuring that students are capable of using the Internet in a safe and responsible
manner. The District uses technology protection measures to aid in student safety and shall also educate
students on appropriate online behavior and Internet use3 including, but not limited to:
 interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms;
 Cyberbullying awareness; and
 Cyberbullying response.
Misuse of Internet
The opportunity to use the District’s technology to access the Internet is a privilege and not a right. Students
who misuse electronic devices or Internet access in any way will face disciplinary action, as specified in the
student handbook4 and/or Internet safety and electronic device use agreement. Misuse of the Internet includes:
 The disabling or bypassing of security procedures, compromising, attempting to compromise, or
defeating the district’s technology network security or Internet filtering software;
 The altering of data without authorization;
 Disclosing, using, or disseminating passwords, whether the passwords are the student’s own or those
of another student/faculty/community member, to other students;
 Divulging personally identifying information about himself/herself or anyone else either on the
Internet or in an email unless it is a necessary and integral part of the student's academic endeavor.
Personally identifying information includes full names, addresses, and phone numbers.
 Using electronic devices for any illegal activity, including electronic device hacking and copyright or
intellectual property law violations;
 Using electronic devices to access or create sexually explicit or pornographic text or graphics;
 Using electronic devices to violate any other policy or is contrary to the Internet safety and electronic
device use agreement.
Legal References:
Children’s Internet Protection Act; PL 106-554
FCC Final Rules 11-125 August 11,2011
20 USC 6777
47 USC 254(h)(l)
47 CFR 54.520
47 CFR 520(c)(4)
A.C.A. § 6-21-107
A.C.A. § 6-21-111
Date Adopted: 6/24/2014
Last Revised: 6/19/2014
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4.29F-Student Internet Use Agreement
The Rivercrest School District agrees to allow the student identified above (“Student”) to use the
district’s technology to access the Internet under the following terms and conditions:
1. Conditional Privilege: The Student’s use of the district’s access to the Internet is a privilege
conditioned on the Student’s abiding to this agreement. No student may use the district’s access to
the Internet unless the Student and his/her parent of guardian have read and signed this agreement.
2. Acceptable Use: The Student agrees that he/she will use the District’s Internet access for
educational purposes only. In using the Internet, the Student agrees to obey all federal and state laws
and regulations. The Student also agrees to abide by any Internet use rules instituted at the Student’s
school or class, whether those rules are written or oral.
3. Penalties for Improper Use: If the Student violates this agreement and misuses the Internet, the
Student shall be subject to disciplinary action:
1. Loss of privilege
2. Teacher/Principal/Student Conference
3. Teacher/Principal/Parent Conference
4. ISS/OSS
5. Three Day Suspension
6. Five Day Suspension
7. Recommendation for expulsion with loss of credit.
4. “Misuse of the District’s access to the Internet” includes, but is not limited to, the following:
a. using the Internet for other than educational purposes;
b. gaining intentional access or maintaining access to materials which are “harmful to minors” as
defined by Arkansas law;
c. using the Internet for any illegal activity, including computer hacking and copyright or intellectual
property law violations;
d. making unauthorized copies of computer software;
e. accessing “chat lines” unless authorized by the instructor for a class activity directly supervised by
a staff member;
f. using abusive or profane language in private messages on the system; or using the system to
harass, insult, or verbally attack others;
g. posting anonymous messages on the system;
h. using encryption software;
i. wasteful use of limited resources provided by the school include paper;
j. causing congestion of the network through lengthy downloads of files;
k. vandalizing data of another user;
l. obtaining or sending information which could be used to make destructive devices such as guns,
weapons, bombs, explosives, or fireworks;
m. gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to resources or files;
n. identifying oneself with another person’s name or password or using an account or password of
another user without proper authorization;
o. invading the privacy of individuals;
p. divulging personally identifying information about himself/herself or anyone else either on the
Internet or in an email. Personally identifying information includes full names, address, and phone
number.
r. theft of vandalism of data, equipment, or intellectual property;
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s. attempting to gain access or gaining access to student records, grades, or files;
t. introducing a virus to, or otherwise improperly tampering with the system;
u. degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance;
v. creating a web page or associating a web page with the school or school district without proper
authorization;
w. provides access to the District’s Internet Access to unauthorized individuals;
x. failing to obey school or classroom Internet use rules; or
y. taking part in any activity related to Internet use which creates a clear and present danger of the
substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the district or any of its schools.
z. Installing or downloading software on district computers without prior approval of technology
director or his/her designee.
5.Liability for debts: Students and their cosigners shall be liable for any and all costs (debts) incurred
through the student’s use of the computers or the Internet including penalties for copyright violations.
6. No Expectation of Privacy: The Student and parent/guardian signing below agree that if the
Student uses the Internet through the District’s access, that the Student waives any right to privacy
the Student may have for such Internet Access and may also examine all system activities the Student
participates in, including but not limited to e-mail, voice, and video transmissions, to ensure proper
use of the system. The District may share such transmissions with the Student’s parents/guardians.
7.No Guarantees: The District will make good faith efforts to protect children from the improper or
harmful matter which may be on the Internet. At the same time, in signing this agreement, the parent
and Student recognize that the District makes no guarantees about preventing improper access to such
materials on the part of the Student.
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Administration
Mike Smith, Superintendent
William T. Fortson II, Principal
Greg Griffin, Assistant Principal
Meet the faculty and staff...
Department/ Name
Class Sponsored
Club Sponsored
ALE DEPARTMENT
Murphy Smith, Aide
Judy Brown, Aide
ART DEPARTMENT
David Mason
Art club
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Debbie Vaughn
VOCATIONAL DEPARTMENT
Tracey Bell
Shelby Coffman
Farrah Myrick
Lynette Short
FCCLA
FBLA
CAFETERIA STAFF
Louise Ashburn
Mildred Boone
Mary Coburn
Fredia Johnson
Joyce Jones
Peggy Murphy
Faye Smith
Claudia Thompson
Carolyn Turner
CREDIT RECOVERY/INTERVENTION
Frank Felizco
Tammy Henard
Wanda Herrera
Colts for Christ, “A Team”
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Cary Beth Duffel
Beth Ephlin
Nikki Hicks
Lora Jones
Portis Pleasants
Elea Robertson
Gentlemen of Knowledge
Sr. Cheer
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Karen Thomas
Cairin McClung
Key Club, NHS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
Laurisa Mann
French Club
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Lee Ann Graham
Christy Stewart
Diann Townson, Secretary
Youth Leadership
HEALTH/PE DEPARTMENT
Johnny Fleming
Allen Higgins
Judy Watson
Brett Hardin
JANITORIAL STAFF
Inell Barnes
Carla Bowen
Carolyn Faulkner
Billy Suthern
JOURNALISM DEPARTMENT
Karen Thomas
JROTC
1st SGT Billy Bell
Major J.C. Northcutt
Corral and Roundup Staff
LIBRARIAN
Leslie Lancaster
Pat Henderson, Aide
Library Club
MATH DEPARTMENT
Merceditas Felizco
Tammy Fleming
Lisa Poag
Emily Thomasson
Crystal Watson
Math Club
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Patrick Adams
Jessica Burmingham
SCHOOL NURSE
Kathy Morgan
SCHOOL SECRETARY
Debbie Vaughn
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Kelly Chandler
Lowell Coffman
Dewayne Poag
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Brooke Brewer
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Mike Conley
Denise Forister
Scotty Mallard
Laurisa Mann
Gaylon Rainwater
Student Council
SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Rebecca Beall
Tena Fleming
Earline Macklin
Wilma Mallard
Morgan Ransone
Betty Scott
Wanda Riley
NJHS, Jr. Cheer
SPEECH/DRAMA
Beth Ephlin/Cary Beth Duffel
TECHNOLOGY
Kristy Graham
Dana Lane
Clurman Strickland
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