General School Information
Parent Square
Daily Procedures
Accidents & Injuries
Announcements/Signs
Bell Schedule
Articles From Home
Audio/Video Recording (Board Policy KKB)
Automobiles/Parking Lot
Anti-Bullying Policy (Board Policy JFCF)
Cell Phones
Change of Address
Closed Campus
Clubs and Organizations
Computer and Technology Use
Dances
Prom
Human Sexuality Curriculum
Insurance
Lockers
Schedule Changes
School Lunches
Searches by School Personnel
Semester Examinations
Surveying, Analyzing or Evaluating Students
Testing
Textbooks, Equipment & Supplies
Visitors
Withdrawing from School
ACADEMIC ACCOUNTABILITY
A Schools Program
A Citizenship Policy
Graduation Requirements
Agriculture Science Articulation
Early Graduation
Grading System
Course Weighting
Academic Achievement
Class Ranking Procedures
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Recognition
Academic Recognition/Honors Night
Off-Campus Activities
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Dual Credit/Advanced Placement Courses
Dual Enrollment
CollegeNow - OTC Table Rock
Dual Graduation Program - HHS/OTC
OTC Career Center
GO-CAPS
Table Rock Career Center
AMI: Alternative Method of Instruction
MOCAP: Missouri Course Access Program
School Flex Program (Board Policy IGCE)
Credit Recovery
BEHAVIORAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Attendance
Attendance monitoring protocols:
General Attendance Rules
Tardiness to class
Positive Attendance Recognition
Perfect Attendance
Attendance Exceptions
Dress Code
Drug Testing
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Reporting to Law Enforcement
Documentation in Student’s Discipline Record
Due Process
Disciplinary Consequences
Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
Bus Conduct
General Rules: I am Ready, Respectful, Responsible
Extra-Curricular Activities
MSHSAA Requirements
Health and Wellness
Health Office Treatment and Medication Administration
Over the Counter Medications
Prescription Medications
Possession and Self-Administration of Medications
PUBLIC NOTICES
COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE FOR NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND (ESSA) PROGRAM
EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
FERPA
STUDENT RECORDS
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE (TITLE VI, TITLE IX, SECTION 504)
NOTIFICATION OF TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
SURROGATE PARENT PROGRAM
WELLNESS PROGRAM
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR
COMMITMENT TO COMPLIANCE UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Hollister High School

2112 State Highway BB

Hollister, Missouri

Phone: 417-243-4045

Fax: 417-334-2240

District Website

Facebook

Parent Square

Parent Square is an automated notification system.  Throughout the school year, Parent Square will be utilized to share the important attendance information, school closing, and other school announcements.  

To make Parent Square as efficient as possible, please make sure you provide current contact information through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.  A student may have one number designated for his/her primary household and a different number for the household of a noncustodial parent.  To update your contact information, please contact the high school registrar.  

Daily Procedures

1. Students should not enter the school building before 7:30 am.  
2. Daily arrival at school – Upon arrival at school, all students must enter the building.
3. Students are not to loiter in or around vehicles or other areas on or near school property.
4. Students must leave the school property within 15 minutes of school dismissing unless involved in a school sponsored activity that immediately follows dismissal.
5. Students – Policies and procedures outlined in this handbook and otherwise posted in the high school begin upon arrival at school and apply at all times on school district property.  The policies/procedures apply during transportation, activities, events, and at bus stops.

Accidents & Injuries

Any accident that occurs on school property, or during a school-sponsored activity, should be reported immediately to the individual in charge of the group.  The individual should then report the accident to the principal, and fill out an accident report form. 

Announcements/Signs

Announcements are read daily at 8:00 am over the intercom system and are available on the student/parent portal.  Announcements must be submitted the day prior and approved by a HS staff person.  Administration reserves the right to disallow any particular announcement.  All signs posted around the school must be pre-approved by a building administrator.  Signs may only be stapled or tacked to bulletin boards or cork strips.  Signs must be removed the day after the event occurred.  See board policy IGDBA regarding distribution of non-curricular student publications.

Bell Schedule  

8:00-8:48- 1st hour
8:52-9:40- 2nd hour
9:44-10:32- 3rd hour
10:36-11:24- 4th hour
11:24-12:42--5th Hour/Lunch
12:46-1:34-6th Hour
1:38-2:26-7th Hour
2:30-3:00--Advisory

1st lunch: 11:24-11:44

2nd lunch: 11:53-12:13

3rd lunch: 12:22-12:42

No article should be brought to school from home unless it has a specific educational purpose and has been requested by a teacher.  Students will not be allowed to sell any personal items brought to school.
The school cannot be responsible for articles lost or stolen.

Board Policy KKB prohibits the use of video or audio recording equipment on district property or at district activities by students unless allowed by a teacher or activity sponsor as part of the class or activity or as permitted by the principal, superintendent or designee. The district prohibits undisclosed recordings where persons involved do not consent to the recording and it is not otherwise obvious that recording equipment is present or being used, unless the superintendent or designee determines in rare circumstances that such recordings are necessary for security reasons. Students may be disciplined, excluded from district activities and prohibited from attending with a phone or other recording device if the student makes recordings in violation of this policy and other district rules regarding recording.

Driving a car to school is a privilege, not a right.  The school district is not responsible for accidents or lost articles, which occur in the parking lot.

Students driving a car to school must obtain a parking tag, display it appropriately, and park in the designated student parking section. Students are required to park in the student parking section. Students who fail to park in the student section will be asked to move to the student section. Students will be required to provide a valid Missouri Drivers License, proof of insurance, and all vehicle information when signing up for a parking tag. Students are responsible for updating the office staff if their vehicle information changes.

Following the rules listed below will assure the student the privilege to drive a car to school.  Violation of these rules may result in the loss of parking privileges:

1. When the student drives a car to school, he or she will park it in the student parking lot and leave it immediately until school's out for the day.  Students are not to sit in cars before or after school.
2. The student must obtain permission from the office before going to the parking lot during the school day.
3. The speed limit is 10 MPH on school property.  Tickets will be given if students exceed the speed limit.
4. Reckless and imprudent driving will result in immediate suspension from driving privileges and may result in the immediate loss of parking privileges for the duration of the school year.
5. Student vehicles may be searched based on reasonable suspicion of a violation of district rules, policy or law.

As a condition to receiving a pass to park on school property, high school students and their parents must consent to random drug testing of the students as further defined in Board Policy JFCI.  A contract will have to be signed/on-file before receiving the parking tag. Students who refuse to participate in sampling when selected will lose parking privileges.

Definitions

Bullying – In accordance with state law, bullying is defined as intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or property damage; oral, written, or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.

Cyberbullying – A form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager. The district has jurisdiction over cyber-bullying that uses the district's technology resources or that originates on district property, at a district activity or on district transportation. Even when cyberbullying does not involve district property, activities or technology resources, the district will impose consequences and discipline for those who engage in cyberbullying if there is a sufficient nexus to the educational environment, the behavior materially and substantially disrupts the educational environment, the communication involves a threat as defined by law, or the district is otherwise allowed by law to address the behavior.

School Day – A day on the school calendar when students are required to attend school.

Employees Must Report

• Employees must report any instance of bullying of which the employee has first-hand knowledge.
• Employees will report an incident within 2-school days of the employee witnessing the incident.

Reporting Procedure

• Employees must fill-out a Bullying Incident Report Form within 2-school days of the employee witnessing the incident.
• Employee must submit the report form to building administration.

School employees, substitutes or volunteers are expected to intervene to prevent student bullying, appropriately discipline the perpetrator, assist the victim and report the incident (Incident Report Form) to the building principal or designee for further investigation and action. Any school employee, substitute or volunteer who witnesses or has firsthand knowledge of bullying of a student must report the incident to the building principal or designee as soon as possible, but no later than two school days after the incident.

Students who have been subjected to bullying, or who have witnessed or have knowledge of bullying, are encouraged to promptly report (Student Report Form) such incidents to a school employee. Any school employee receiving such a report shall promptly transmit the report to the building principal or designee.

If the bullying incident involves students from more than one district building, the report should be made to the principal or designee of the building in which the incident took place or, if more appropriate, to the principal or designee of the building attended by the majority of the participants in the incident.

Investigation Procedures

• Employees responsible for investigation will be the building principal or assistant principal or an employee(s) designated by the building principal.
• Investigation must be initiated within 2 school days of the initial report.
• Investigation will be completed within 10 school days from date of initial report.
• Investigation may go beyond 10 school day if “good cause exists”
  • E.g., absent witnesses, emergencies
• The investigating employee will complete a Written Investigation Report to be completed within 10 school days from the date of initial report.

Retaliation Prohibition

Students who participate in bullying or who retaliate against anyone who reports bullying will be disciplined in accordance with the district's discipline code. Such discipline may include detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, removal from participation in activities, exclusion from honors and awards, and other consequences deemed appropriate by the principal or superintendent. The district will also contact law enforcement when required by law or notify social media companies of inappropriate online activity when appropriate.

Even in situations where the district does not have jurisdiction to discipline a student for bullying, such as when the acts take place off campus and there is an insufficient nexus to the district, the principal or designee will take appropriate actions to assist student victims. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, contacting the parents/guardians of the victim and the alleged perpetrators, communicating that this behavior is not allowed on district grounds or at district activities, notifying the appropriate district staff to assist the victim, and taking additional action when appropriate, such as notifying law enforcement or social media companies of inappropriate online activity.

District employees and substitutes who violate this policy will be disciplined or terminated. Discipline may include suspension with or without pay, a negative evaluation, prohibition from being on district property or at district activities, mandated training or other appropriate remedial action. Volunteers who violate this policy will no longer be permitted to volunteer.

Policy Publication

The district shall annually notify students, parents/guardians, district employees, substitutes and volunteers about this policy and the district's prohibition against bullying. A copy of this policy shall be included in student handbooks and posted on the district's website.

Training and Education

The district's anti-bullying coordinator will provide information and appropriate training designed to assist employees, substitutes and volunteers who have significant contact with students in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of bullying.

The district will provide education and information about bullying and this policy to students every year. The principal of each school, in consultation with school counselors and other appropriate school employees, will determine the best methods for facilitating the discussion. Methods may include, but are not limited to: assemblies; homeroom presentations; class meetings; team or club meetings; special presentations by counselors, social workers or mental health professionals; and open-house events. When practical, parents/guardians will be invited to attend.

In addition to educating students about the content of this policy, the district will inform students of:

1. The procedure for reporting bullying.
2. The harmful effects of bullying.
3. Any initiatives the school or district has created to address bullying, including student peer-to-peer initiatives.
4. The consequences for those who participate in bullying or engage in reprisal or retaliation against those who report bullying.

School counselors, social workers, mental health professionals, school psychologists or other appropriate district staff will educate students who are victims of bullying about how to overcome the negative effects of bullying including, but not limited to:

1. Cultivating the student's self-worth and self-esteem.
2. Teaching the student to defend him- or herself assertively and effectively without violence.
3. Helping the student develop social skills.
4. Encouraging the student to develop an internal locus of control.

Additional School Programs and Resources

The Board directs the superintendent or designee to implement programs and other initiatives to address bullying, respond to such conduct in a manner that does not stigmatize the victim, and make resources or referrals available to victims of bullying. Such initiatives may include educating parents/guardians and families on bullying prevention and resources.

The Missouri Senate has passed a wide-ranging K-12 public school bill. The legislation includes a ban on students using cellphones throughout the entire length of the school day, including both class time and lunch breaks. As the district receives policies from the Missouri School Boards Association handbooks will be updated accordingly.

If a student’s demographic information changes (name, phone, address, guardian, etc.) it must be reported immediately to the registrar’s office or updated by logging into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds or the school building (for any reason) without authorization from a school official.

Hollister High School offers a variety of clubs and organizations for the benefit and enjoyment of our students.  Students are encouraged to join and actively participate in one or more of these.  Anyone wishing to start a new club must meet the minimal requirements of having a faculty sponsor, a written constitution, and receiving administrative and/or board approval.

Policies and procedures regarding technology use and care of equipment provided to students are located in the district technology handbook.

Each year several dances are held at school for the enjoyment of our students.  The same general rules of conduct that students go by during school time are applicable at dances.  Guidelines for student dress do not change at dances.  Public displays of affection are not permissible and students engaged in “dirty dancing”, obscene or vulgar behavior will be asked to leave.  Students who leave the dance will not be allowed to return.  Complete cooperation with school chaperones is expected.  Non-student guests at on campus dances must be at least a freshman in high school and no older than 20. Students must complete a Guest Request Form and submit to the high school office a minimum of 5 school days prior to the scheduled dance.  Students must have a 90% Year-to-Date attendance rate to qualify to attend dance functions. Students may appeal attendance based decisions for events during the first quarter of school. In order to participate or attend after-school or night activities, students must be in attendance that day for a minimum of four instructional periods and must not have any discipline issues such as ISS or OSS.

Prom is a tradition at Hollister High School for Juniors and Seniors, therefore students may request an exception to the 90% Year-to-Date attendance rate.  Students requesting an exception should do so in writing at least three weeks in advance to Prom to the assistant principal. To be considered for Prom Royalty students must meet the 90% Year-to-Date attendance requirement and not receive OSS during the school year. Freshman and Sophomores guests must meet 95% Year-to-Date attendance requirement.  Tickets to prom must be purchased by the designated deadline. Guests must be approved a minimum of 5 days prior to ticket purchase. HHS Freshmen & Sophomores must be approved and meet dance guidelines, outside guests should meet dance guidelines and must arrive with the HHS student who purchased the ticket. All guests should be at least a freshman and no older than 20.

The Board of Education recognizes that parents/guardians should be the primary source of sexuality education for their children. The Board also recognizes that effective sexuality education, taught in concert with parents/guardians, helps students avoid risks to their health and academic success and prepares them to make informed decisions as adults. The district will offer instruction in human sexuality and will provide instruction regarding sexual abuse as required by law. All instruction will be appropriate to the age of the students receiving the instruction, and students may be separated by gender for the instruction.
The district will notify parents/guardians of the basic content of the district's human sexuality and sexual abuse instruction. The district will also notify parents/guardians of their right to remove their student from any part of the district's instruction on these topics upon written request. The district will make all curriculum materials used in the district's human sexuality and sexual abuse instruction available for inspection prior to the use of such materials in actual instruction.

A health insurance policy is made available to all students enrolled in school.  The rate is adjusted annually.  Any students who are not covered by an existing policy are strongly encouraged to participate in the school insurance. The group rate is low in cost for the amount of coverage. ALL ATHLETIC STUDENTS MUST BE COVERED BY AN APPROVED INSURANCE POLICY.

Lockers are available for student check-out at the beginning of each school year.   Students are responsible for the condition of their lockers.  There is to be absolutely no writing or stickers anywhere on the lockers.  The school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Lockers should not be shared among students.

In the spring, students will choose their courses for the upcoming school year, following their 4 year plan (ICAP). Before making their selections, students and parents will receive detailed information about available courses and their descriptions. Parents and students are encouraged to review these options carefully, considering prerequisites, graduation requirements, and future academic goals.
Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their course choices with their counselor. Please note that students will not be able to select specific class times; as the school will manage the assignment of specific class times, according to class availability. Students should provide alternative course options in case their first choice is full. Juniors will have priority in scheduling, while freshmen will schedule last. 
As a general policy, once a semester begins, schedules will not be changed unless it is deemed necessary by the counseling team or administration to fulfill graduation requirements.
If a class is dropped more than 3 weeks into a semester, the student may receive an “F” for the class being dropped, unless an exception is made by the principal based on extenuating circumstances.  The “F” will be reflected on the student’s transcript and figured into his/her grade point average.  The student is responsible for making up any work missed when entering a class at any point after the beginning of the semester due to a schedule change.

Grades 6-12
Breakfast Full Price $1.25, Reduced $0.30, Adult $1.75
Lunch Full Price $2.55, Reduced $0.40, Adult $3.35

*Note: Lunches were FREE to ALL students per Federal Guidelines during COVID. These changes are per Federal guidelines, not Hollister R-V Guidelines

Hollister High School operates under a closed lunch concept.  Students are to remain in the cafeteria or supervised area during lunch.  They are permitted to use the respective restrooms but are not allowed in any other part of the building or school grounds that are unsupervised. For the safety of everyone, food delivery services (ex. DoorDash, UberEats, etc.) are not allowed on campus during the school day. If a parent or guardian must bring something to school for a student, the main front entrance is the only allowable location. Meeting students in the parking lot or at doors is prohibited. Students will not be called out of class to pick up food, they may pick up between classes.  

When an unpaid lunch bill reaches $20.00, students will be served a sack lunch and milk until the account is paid up to date. Qualifying individuals are encouraged to apply for free and reduced price meals. A student with money in hand will not be denied a meal even if the student has past due charges.  Students will not be identified, singled out, shamed or punished by the district for the failure of their parents/guardians to pay for or provide meals, and the district will not withhold student records in violation of law.  

Breakfast and lunch menus are posted on the school website monthly.

School lockers, desks and other district property are provided for the convenience of students and, as such, are subject to periodic inspection without notice.

Student property may be searched based on reasonable suspicion of a violation of district rules, policy or law. Reasonable suspicion must be based on facts known to the administration, credible information or reasonable inference drawn from such facts or information. Searches of student property shall be limited in scope based on the original justification of the search. The privacy and dignity of students shall be respected. Searches shall be carried out in the presence of adult witnesses and not in front of other students, unless exigent circumstances exist.

Semester examinations will be given in all classes.  The tests will be designed to simulate the End of Course (EOC) assessment. In a class in which students have missed three or less days in the semester and have a “C”  “C ”or higher in the class, students will not be required to take finals in that class. Students may appeal absences counted against finals exemptions. Final exemptions do not apply to weighted courses. Students are still required to attend school on semester final days. Semester Finals are 10% of total semester grade. Students absent on finals days will receive a zero. There will be no finals make up dates.

Attendance in advisory classes, each day, is designed to ensure students have time to complete assignments, get extra assistance in instruction from teachers, and ensure that students are learning to utilize time management skills that will be critical for lifelong success. Therefore, if a student is absent more than three times per semester in their advisory class, a student could be required to take finals in all classes. Students may submit an appeal to determine their semester examination status.

Any parent may inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum and all instructional materials, including teachers' manuals, films, tapes or other supplementary material, that will be used in connection with any survey, analysis or evaluation as part of any applicable program. Further, a parent may inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed by a school to a student. The term "instructional material" does not include academic tests or academic assessments.
In general, the district will not collect, disclose or use personal student information for the purpose of marketing or selling that information or otherwise providing the information to others for that purpose. In the rare case where the district may collect information from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information, parents may inspect any instrument used before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student, upon request and in accordance with Board policy.
In accordance with law, no student, as part of any program wholly or partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education, shall be required to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation (hereafter referred to as "protected information survey") that reveals any of the following information without written consent of a parent:
Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent.
Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family.
Sex behavior or attitudes.
Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior.
Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships.
Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers.
Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent.
Income other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program.

All students must pass a test on the Federal Constitution, Missouri Constitution and a Federal Civics Exam. All students must take End of Course Exams (EOC’s as set by DESE) in Algebra I, English II, Biology, and American Government. Students will also take the PreACT, ACT and/or ACT-WorkKeys, and ASVAB.  Students who have taken the Algebra I EOC prior to their Freshman year must take the Algebra II EOC. An informational letter will be sent out to parents/guardians prior to the administration of End of Course Assessments (EOC’s) that outline administration guidelines, grading/reporting, and EOC preparation activities.

Textbooks are furnished for student use without charge.  If a textbook is damaged a fine will be assessed. If textbooks are lost or damaged beyond reasonable use, full replacement cost must be paid.  The average cost of textbooks is $150.00 each.  Students are responsible for all books, equipment and supplies issued to them.  Misuse or failure to properly care for instructional equipment or supplies may require compensation for damage up to replacement cost. Policies and procedures regarding technology use and care of equipment provided to students are located in the district technology handbook.

Hollister High School welcomes visitors to our school and has in place the following expectations: All visitors must check in to the office and obtain a visitor’s badge in order to enter our designated areas. Visitors representing an organization, like but not limited to: colleges, military and other organizations must make an appointment with the high school office at least two weeks prior to the day of the scheduled visit. In addition, organizational visitors must stay in an assigned area designated for such visits and comply with all board policies related to visitation. Guest speakers must be approved by the student's teacher and school administrators prior to speaking. In general, visitors to district property are not allowed to speak directly with students unless it is part of the district's education program or a parent/guardian has given permission. Visitors are not allowed in classrooms without approval from administration.

Students shall not bring friends or relatives to school while school is in session.

Extra and co-curricular activities are an extension of the school day. No visitors are allowed unless the event is an open public competition or performance.
 

Students withdrawing or transferring should visit the counselor and registrar.  Those desiring to transfer to another system or to withdraw should secure a drop slip and check out through the office.  This will clear school records so that student records may be sent to other schools.  Records will not be released until the office has cleared any outstanding encumbrances owed by the student. Students missing 10-consecutive days will be auto-withdrawn.

A Schools Program

This program provides scholarship funds to eligible graduates of A designated high schools (Board Policy: JFCL) who attend a participating public community college or vocational/technical school, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools.  The Missouri A Scholarship will reimburse, within the limits set by the Missouri legislature, the unpaid balance of a student’s tuition and general fees after all available, non-loan federal financial assistance, such as the federal Pell grant, has been applied.  Students who plan to participate in the A Scholarship Program upon completion of high school must meet the following requirements: 

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or lawfully present in the U.S.
• Enter into a written agreement with your high school prior to graduation.
• Attend a designated A high school for 2 years prior to graduation.¹
• Graduate with an overall grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Have at least a 95% attendance record overall for grades 9-12.
• Perform at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring, of which up to 25% may include job shadowing. ²
• Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the unlawful use of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Have achieved a score of proficient or advanced on the Algebra I end of course exam or a higher level DESE approved end-of-course exam in the field of mathematics.^3.

¹If one of your parents is a member of the military on active duty or has retired from the military and relocated to Missouri within one year of their retirement, you are exempt from this requirement. However, you must attend an A designated high school in the school year immediately preceding graduation and meet all of the other high school eligibility requirements.

² Hollister High School Juniors who wish to complete their tutoring or mentoring hours during their Junior year must meet all the A requirements including attendance and GPA requirements before they will be assigned an A tutoring class in their schedule.

High School Seniors - If a student meets all of the eligibility requirements for their high school graduating class except the end of course exam requirement, they may establish eligibility by achieving a combined Pre-ACT or ACT math subscore and high school GPA in accordance with the following scale.

PreACT or ACT MATH SCORE and HIGH SCHOOL GPA

17 or greater and 2.5.or greater

16 and 2.8 or greater

15 and 3.0 or greater

A Citizenship Policy

Citizenship Component

Participation in the A Schools Program is both an honor and a privilege. Good citizenship is a measure of the quality of conduct in school and away from school. All of the A School’s financial assistance eligibility factors are indicators of good citizenship. A participants are expected to exhibit standards of behavior which will bring credit to themselves, the A Schools Program, the school, and the community. 

To qualify for the A financial incentive, a student’s behavior shall be in compliance with Board of Education policies, the guidelines in the student handbook, the A citizenship guidelines, the Safe Schools Act, and state and local regulations and laws.

Participation Agreement, Discipline, and Appeal

All students wishing to participate in the A program must submit a completed A participation agreement. If the coordinator determines that a student who has submitted a participation agreement has violated the terms of that agreement or district policies or procedures regarding A participation, he or she will notify the student in writing. The notice will include a statement of which condition was violated and the facts constituting the violation. The student will be provided copies of documents or other evidence supporting the determination. The student may be put on probation or expelled from the A program by the coordinator.

The student may appeal an expulsion from the program to the Board of Education, or a committee created by the Board, by notifying the coordinator within 15 calendar days of receiving the notice. The coordinator will provide notice of the appeal to the Board along with a copy of the reason for the expulsion. The Board or the Board's committee will hear the student's appeal in closed session within 30 calendar days of having received the notice of appeal. The Board will notify the student of its decision in writing within five working days of hearing the appeal.

The Hollister R-V School District will follow the requirements as established by state law and regulation for the implementation and administration of the A Schools Program. 

Graduation Requirements

General Graduation Requirements

4-credits Language Arts
3-credits Social Studies
3-credits Math
3-credits Science
1-credit Fine Arts
2-credit Practical Arts
1-credit P.E./Weights
.5-credit Health
.5-credit Personal Finances
8-credits Electives

26-credits

Off Campus Career Tech Participant Requirements

4-credits Language Arts
3-credits Social Studies
3-credits Math
3-credits Science
1-credit Fine Arts
2-credit Practical Arts
1-credit P.E./Weights
.5-credit Health
.5-credit Personal Finances
7-credits Electives
25-credits

• Other Requirements for Graduation
  • CPR & Heimlich Training
  • Passing of US and Missouri Constitution Tests
  • Passing of American Civics Exam

It is strongly recommended that college-bound students take two years of a foreign language.  While foreign language is not required for high school graduation, some colleges and universities may require or strongly recommend two years of the same foreign language.  Foreign languages will count towards elective graduation credit. 

To Participate in Graduation Ceremony

1. All courses and credits must be finished prior to graduation practice.  
2. All fines, fees, technology and uniforms must be paid/turned in prior to graduation practice.

Agriculture Science Articulation

Three Agricultural science courses will qualify for the equivalent of one science course in addition to the practical art credits. Students will have the opportunity to earn the additional science credit if they complete the requirements.

Requirements:

Agricultural Science I - Required Credit # 1

Agricultural Science II - Required Credit # 2

(Upper level class from approved list) - Credit # 3

Upper Level Class Options
Advanced Animal Science
Agricultural Mechanics
Advanced Crop Science
Agriculture Construction
Agricultural Structures
Greenhouse/Floriculture
Conservation
Nursery/Landscape
Food Science

To receive Articulation Credit a student must maintain a grade of “C” or better in the specified high school course and be documented on the high school transcript.  

Early Graduation

A student who wishes to graduate after their seventh semester from high school must meet all graduation requirements prior to being allowed early graduation. The student must present a written request to the high school counselor and principal. Requests for early graduation must be received at least six weeks prior to the end of their sixth semester. Requests received after the deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Upon receiving administrative approval, the student who chooses early graduation will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremonies. In all other school activities, other than prom, the early-out graduate will be treated as a graduated student.  Students who graduate early will not be recognized for their academic achievement at Honors Recognition Night or during graduation ceremonies.  Early graduates will not be eligible for valedictorian, salutatorian, Cum Laude graduation honors, or top 10%. Furthermore, if the student holds an office with the Hollister High School cabinet, they forfeit their office at time of early graduation and must have a successor in place.

Grading System

The grading scale utilized at Hollister High School uses letter grades which represents a percentage and indicates the quality of a student’s performance.  Points will be accumulated by a combination of classwork, projects, assessments, etc.  A student’s GPA is determined by dividing the total grade point value by the number of classes. 

Dual Credit Classes (OTC) Dual Credit Class Grades will be based on university grading scale. Letter grade will match letter grade on university transcript.

Letter Grade/Percentage/GPA

A/95 -100%/4.0
A-/90 - 94.9%/3.7
B /87 - 89.9%/3.3
B/83 - 86.9%/3.0
B-/80 - 82.9%/2.7
C /77 - 79.9%/2.3
C/73 - 76.9%/2.0
C-/70 - 72.9%/1.7
D /67 - 69.9%/1.3
D/63 - 66.9%/1.0
D-/60 - 62.9%/0.7
F/0 - 59.9%/0

Course Weighting

The emphasis on educational excellence dictates to high school students that courses taught at the college level must have an advanced level of academic preparation at the high school level. The Hollister R-V School District, therefore, offers to its students an opportunity to take courses that should be more challenging in content and more attuned to the college curriculum.

Weighted courses at Hollister High School will carry a weight of one additional point.  See weighted grading scale below. 

The courses selected for weighting shall be determined by a committee composed of the principal, assistant principal, assistant superintendent, one counselor and one faculty member. Students will be provided a listing of weighted classes at the time of enrollment. The following criteria will be used to select those courses that carry weight:

1. The course must be a dual credit/dual enrollment class approved through a post-secondary institution, an approved course through the College Board (Advanced Placement), or an approved Honors course. 
2. Each course must show an appropriate level of rigor. 
3. Each course chosen to be weighted must be clearly stated as such in a “Course Description Handbook” and will have one (1) or more courses in the general curriculum that must be taken as prerequisites for the weighted course. 
4. A syllabus with learner outcomes will remain consistent for all instructors of a given course. 
5. Each year students and parents will be advised of the courses weighted and the course weighting policy that will be effective through the next school year. 
6. No independent study course will be weighted. 
7. Students enrolled in HHS Honors courses who earn a ‘D’ or ‘F’ on first semester transcripts will not be allowed to continue in the honors class. They will be enrolled in the traditional class second semester.

Letter Grade/Percentage/GPA/Weighted GPA

A/95 -100%/4.0/5.0
A-/90 - 94.9%/3.7/4.7
B /87 - 89.9%/3.3/4.3
B/83 - 86.9%/3.0/4.0
B-/80 - 82.9%/2.7/3.7
C /77 - 79.9%/2.3/3.3
C/73 - 76.9%/2.0/3.0
C-/70 - 72.9%/1.7/2.7
D /67 - 69.9%/1.3/2.3
D/63 - 66.9%/1.0/2.0
D-/60 - 62.9%/0.7/1.7
F/0 - 59.9%/0/0

Academic Achievement

The evaluation of the academic achievement of students in the school district is based on the premise that students have diverse capabilities, interests and individual patterns of growth and learning. It is essential that the professional staff have adequate information to assess a student's educational needs, growth patterns and other factors necessary to design instructional plans for the student. Sharing of information among parents/guardians, teachers and students is an integral part of the evaluative process. 

Through the district's methods of student evaluation and parent/guardian-student-teacher communications, the district strives to meet the following objectives: 

1. Parents/Guardians are to be informed regularly, as to the progress their children are making in school through immediate access to the Parent Portal.
2. Parents/Guardians will be alerted and conferred with as soon as possible when a student's performance or attitude becomes unsatisfactory or shows marked or sudden deterioration. 
3. Insofar as is possible, distinctions will be made between a student's attitude and academic performance. 
4. At comparable levels, the school district will strive for consistency in grading and reporting, except when inappropriate for certain classes or students. 
5. When grades are given, the school staff will take particular care to explain the meaning of the marks and symbols to students and parents/guardians. 

In the interest of encouraging and recognizing outstanding academic achievement, summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude graduates will be selected for each high school graduating class. The summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude graduates will be selected according to the following guidelines: 

Summa Cum Laude
Highest Honors
4.2 GPA or higher.
Magna Cum Laude
High Honors
4.0 - 4.19 GPA.
Cum Laude
Honors
3.8 - 3.99 GPA.

Students must complete 3 credit hours of weighted courses in grades 9-12 prior to graduation in order to qualify for Academic Achievement Recognition.

A student transferring from another school district must complete the last two (2) semesters at Hollister High School as a full-time student and must complete a minimum of six (6) semesters weighted classes to qualify for cum laude graduation honors, valedictorian or salutatorian. 

Class Ranking Procedures

At the end of the semester, weighted class rank will be computed for students and printed on student transcripts. Students should be aware of the following information related to class rank:

1. The GPA is figured after the first semester of the freshman year. 
2. Students must contact the counseling office for their official GPA and class rank. Class rank on transcripts prior to the final senior transcript are for reference only and may not be final.  
3. Summer school classes are not figured into the student's GPA. Only fall and spring semesters are included in computing a student's GPA and class rank. If a student repeats a class both grades are included on the transcript, but only the initial class grade is figured into GPA.
4. Courses taken in 8th grade are not figured into GPA

Definitions for Recording Courses on a transcript for purposes of Class Rank: 

Graded Credits - course taken by a student in grades 9-12 whereby a letter grade of A, B, C, D, or F is awarded. Only classes taken in grades 9-12 will count towards GPA, graduation honors and class rank. Note:  All Pass/Fail courses, courses taken outside the regular school day/school year, correspondence courses, non-graded independent study courses, etc., will not count as graded credits. 

Full-time Equivalent Student - Any student who is enrolled and participating in a full schedule of classes offered during a regular school day. 

College Transcripts - College applications ask for GPA using the 4.0 scale.  There are exceptions to this, but the 4.0 is the standard.  Some examples of differences include exempting non-academic classes, using the specific college scale and looking at specific courses.  Even with the exceptions, colleges still ask for the 4.0 GPA.  

Foreign exchange students are not eligible for class rank or graduation ceremonies.  They are not required to take EOC’s, ACT, ASVAB, or the Missouri and Federal Constitution tests.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Recognition 

Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors are based on weighted GPA. Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors are determined after final senior transcripts, which are finalized after the 8th semester.   

Students must complete 3 credit hours of weighted courses in grades 9-12 prior to graduation in order to qualify for Valedictorian or Salutatorian Recognition. In the event of a tie, students' attendance and discipline may compromise their qualifications for valedictorian/salutatorian recognition.

A student transferring from another school district must complete the last two (2) semesters at Hollister High School as a full-time student and must complete a minimum six (6) semesters weighted classes to qualify for cum laude graduation honors, valedictorian or salutatorian. 

Academic Recognition/Honors Night

The Hollister R-V School District is proud of its commitment to academic excellence.  Students who have high academic standing and possess those characteristics that represent dedication to our school system are eligible for academic recognition.  The following criteria must be met for such recognition:

1. Academic Honor/Letter:  The student must have an unweighted cumulative grade point average of 4.0 (A) – 3.7 (A-).
2. Academic Certificate: The student must have a unweighted cumulative grade point average of 3.69 (B ) - 3.0 (B)
3. Cumulative grade point averages are based on a student's performance during the entire high school career. Seniors - Seven semester cumulative; Juniors - five semester cumulative 
4. Absences: Students must have a 92% attendance to be eligible for Honors Recognition. 
5. Suspension: A student that is suspended at any time during the school year is ineligible for academic or scholarship recognition. Suspension determinations are at the discretion of the administration.  Suspension is the most serious disciplinary action that can be taken by the building principal. 

Students must meet all requirements to be recognized at Academic Honors Night Ceremonies.

Off-Campus Activities

Students who are failing more than one class at progress report or end of quarter may not attend any off campus activities that causes them to miss class, i.e. field trips, extracurricular activities and performances.

Dual Credit/Advanced Placement Courses

Hollister High School offers a selection of Dual Credit and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  In either case, college credit can be earned by meeting guidelines for each respective program. Advanced Placement and Dual Credit classes offered can be found in the current course catalog. Dual Credit* and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are weighted. It is at the discretion of colleges/universities how AP credit may or may not be awarded. It is strongly recommended that students pursuing Dual Credit and/or AP courses verify requirements and transferability directly with their intended college/university. See the school counselor for more information on taking these classes. 

Dual Enrollment

Hollister High School seniors who have the possibility of completing their graduation requirements with less than full utilization of the senior year may, with the consent of parents and approval of the school counselor and administration, seek dual enrollment in one of the area colleges or universities.  The following guidelines will be followed:

1. A student must be enrolled in classes at Hollister High School, and enrolled in the corresponding class at the area college.
2. Prior approval must be obtained from a counselor and administrator.
3. A schedule will be provided to the counselor before school starts in  August, and an official college transcript will be provided to the school at the end of each semester.  It is the student’s responsibility to request an official college transcript and ensure delivery to the high school. 
4. Students' progress will be monitored by the Hollister High School counselor. Students interested in pursuing this option are advised to work closely with their counselor prior to their senior year to reduce possible scheduling conflicts and to ensure all graduation requirements will be fulfilled.

Check with the high school counselor for additional information.

CollegeNow - OTC Table Rock

Beginning their junior year, students have the opportunity to attend classes for high school and college credit on the Ozarks Technical Community College - Table Rock Campus in Hollister or on the Hollister High School campus. Students will be able to sign out in the afternoon and attend classes at OTC. In order to attend classes at OTC, students must meet the following criteria:

• Juniors granted counselor/administrative approval will be allowed to enroll in 1-course per semester. Exceptions to exceed 1-course per semester must have administrator approval.
• Seniors granted counselor/administrative approval will be allowed to enroll in a maximum of 2-courses per semester. 
• Students must have finished the semester prior to applying to OTC with a minimum of 90% attendance.
• Students must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Students must maintain 90% attendance and a 3.0 cumulative GPA while enrolled in CollegeNow courses.
• Students must not have any discipline or behavior concerns the semester prior to applying to OTC and must maintain respectable behavior and citizenship while attending CollegeNow courses.
• Students are responsible for their own transportation.

Any grade received at OTC will be reflected on the student’s transcript, transcripts (even F's). All approved classes taken through OTC will count as weighted courses at the high school. College courses will be assigned high  school credit according to DESE Graduation Handbook. 

The Hollister Board of Education has graciously agreed to pay for one class per student.  Students must achieve a B or higher for the school to pay tuition.   The cost of books and supplies is the responsibility of the student. Students who do not enroll within OTC’s enrollment window will not get the opportunity to attend OTC. No late enrollments will be allowed. Students will not be allowed to enroll in developmental courses at OTC.

In the event a student drops a course, does not complete a course or fails to pass a course taken through OTC with a B or higher, the student accepts responsibility for the full cost of the course. The student will then be required to repay the school district the full cost of the course by a deadline determined by the high school. Encumbrances may be placed on the students OTC account and/or Hollister account, until the balance is paid in full. Dropping a class for any reason after the first week of the OTC semester will result in a grade of F on the high school transcript and repayment of all course fees to HHS

Because it is the intent of the Board of Education to provide an “authentic college experience,” it will be the practice of the high school to have any online course taken through OTC, at either Hollister High School or another location, to be paid for by the student.

To find out more information about attending OTC, or to discuss how courses will be reflected in the student’s current course schedule, please contact the high school counseling office.

Dual Graduation Program - HHS/OTC

Beginning their junior year, qualifying HHS students have the opportunity to apply for the HHS/OTC Dual Graduation Program. Students accepted into the program and meeting the below criteria will attend OTC-Table Rock full-time their Junior and Senior year, graduating high school with both an Associate's Degree and a High School Diploma. In order to be considered for the program, students must meet the following criteria:

1. 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale at the end of the third semester of high school, and
2. 95% attendance rate while in high school, and
3. Age 16 by the first day of OTC classes, and
4. Three core teacher letters of recommendation, and
5. Personal essay
6. Complete the FOCUS 2 career planning assessments and a follow-up meeting with an OTC career advisor at the Table Rock Campus, and
7. The following ACT test requirements:
   1. READING: Reading ACT* score of 18 or higher.
   2. ENGLISH: An English ACT* score of 19 or higher.
   3. MATHEMATICS: A Math ACT* score of 23 or higher.
   4. ACT scores below the recommended levels will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Students should carefully discuss degree options and availability with their high school counselor and an OTC advisor. Careful attention should be paid to degree requirements to ensure that students are able to complete the entire Associate Degree within their junior and senior years of high school. If students complete all OTC degree requirements, they will be exempt from traditional high school graduation requirements.  Students will still be required to complete all required End of Course (EOC) exams, the Missouri and US Constitution tests, as well as any other state and/or federal requirements. 

All OTC classes will be weighted on the student’s high school transcript.  College courses will be assigned high  school credit according to DESE Graduation Handbook. 

HHS/OTC Dual Grad students will NOT be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian graduation honors.  Dual Grad students will still be considered for the Cum Laude Honors system and top 10%, pending they meet all of the requirements. 

Students/Parents will be financially responsible for the full/required enrollment cost of tuition, books, and other applicable fees pertaining to participating in the HHS/OTC Dual Graduation Program. Registration paperwork must be completed by deadlines set forth by the high school and OTC.  Late enrollments will not be allowed. Final candidate selection will be at the high school’s discretion and determined by a selection committee after reviewing all application materials, supporting documentation, and through an interview process. To find out more information about participating in this program please contact the high school counseling office.  

OTC Career Center

(Construction, HVAC, Computer Information System-CIS)

The OTC Career Center is an excellent way for eligible high school students to get a jumpstart on their college education, engage in career exploration, prepare for a community college or four-year university and develop skills needed in today’s global economy and workforce. Qualified students can earn an average of 32 hours of free college credits of career-specialized technical education programs. Plus, students participate in hands-on learning taught by local industry experts, while utilizing state-of-the-art equipment.

To be considered for OTC Career Center, the following criteria must be met:

• Satisfactory grades in all classes at Hollister High School (2.5 cumulative GPA)
• 90% attendance or higher
• Remain on track with meeting all graduation requirements
• If credit recovery is needed, it must be completed through summer school the summer before your junior year
• Respectable citizenship and behavior, and remain in good standing with the district concerning discipline 
• IMPORTANT NOTE: These classes will not be considered weighted in regards to GPA.
• Students are required to ride the bus unless prior written permission is approved. 

OTC students must meet graduation requirements outlined by the CTE graduation track. Please discuss graduation requirements with your student’s counselor to ensure scheduling and graduation requirements are met.

Interested students need to apply for the spring semester prior to their junior and/or senior year.  For more information please contact the Counseling/Career Center at Hollister High School.

GO-CAPS

(Greater Ozarks Centers for Advanced Professional Studies)

GO CAPS is a unique, year long learning experience, in collaboration with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Public School and Branson Public Schools that allows high school juniors and seniors to test drive future career options. Students develop real world professional skills as they are embedded in partner businesses.

Students accepted into the GO CAPS program demonstrate a desire to work in a project and problem-based authentic environment and are willing to comply with business ethics and have completed the course prerequisites. By accepting this opportunity, students become a member of a unique community of like-minded individuals with the expressed goal of preparing for college and a chosen profession. All GO CAPS students must be self-motivated individuals who have an honest desire for learning and enjoy being actively involved in their education. Students and the faculty of GO CAPS bear mutual responsibility for the development and success of the program. 

Although students are enrolled in a high school, GO CAPS is not a high school, but rather a professional career program. It is a program with an expressed mission of providing authentic profession-based educational opportunities. GO CAPS courses are different from high school courses, and thus impose unique demands on the student. GO CAPS students are integrated into the local (and sometimes global) business and research communities. Consequently, factors such as attendance, behavior, and academic standing within GO CAPS and the home high school are important. Student behavior reflects on the GO CAPS program creating and molding the program's reputation and standing in the community. Should a student’s professional behavior not meet the expectations of GO CAPS, the student may be removed from the program.  

To be considered for GO-CAPS, the following criteria must be met:

• Satisfactory grades in all classes at Hollister High School (2.5 cumulative GPA)
• 90% attendance or higher
• Remain on track with meeting all graduation requirements
• If credit recovery is needed, it must be completed through summer school the summer before your junior year
• Respectable citizenship and behavior, and remain in good standing with the district concerning discipline 
• Students must be able to provide their own transportation to/from GO-CAPS

Interested students need to apply for the spring semester prior to their junior and/or senior year.  For more information please contact the Counseling/Career Center at Hollister High School.

Table Rock Career Center

Table Rock Career Center, located in the Reeds Spring School District, provides fourteen high school career and technical programs for juniors and seniors interested in specific fields of study.  The following programs are offered through TRCC:

• Automotive Collision Repair
• Automotive Technology
• Computer Maintenance Technology 
• Construction
• Culinary Arts
• Early Childhood Careers
• Emergency Medical Technician (Seniors ONLY; select juniors with permission)
• Health Technology (Seniors ONLY; select juniors with permission)
• Marine Technology
• Printing/Graphic Arts Technology
• Welding Technology
• Criminal Justice
• PLW Engineering 
• Health Care Careers II

Additional program information can be found on the TRCC website. 

Surrounding school districts, including Hollister, have an opportunity to send a select number of students pending program availability, open spots, and budget allocations. The Hollister School District takes great pride in offering TRCC as an educational and career opportunity for qualifying students.  Since the district bears the financial cost for TRCC tuition, special thought and consideration goes into determining student eligibility and placement.  To be considered for TRCC, the following criteria must be met:

• Satisfactory grades in all classes at Hollister High School (2.5 cumulative GPA)
• 90% attendance or higher
• Remain on track with meeting all graduation requirements
• If credit recovery is needed, it must be completed through summer school the summer before your junior year
• Respectable citizenship and behavior, and remain in good standing with the district concerning discipline 

Applications are typically accepted during the spring semester of sophomore year.  All criteria must be met at the time of application and must be maintained while enrolled at TRCC.  If students do not meet the above criteria, or if concerns develop, it is at the discretion of Hollister High School and TRCC to remove students from the program.  Removal from a program may put students at risk for graduation and/or behind in meeting requirements.  

TRCC students must meet graduation requirements outlined by the CTE graduation track. Please discuss graduation requirements with your student’s counselor to ensure scheduling and graduation requirements are met. 

Students must ride a Hollister School District bus to and from TRCC unless they have received prior approval from administration to drive. The bus leaves promptly at 7:55 am from the high school.  Students will be marked tardy if not on the bus prior to 7:55 am. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary consequences or dismissal from TRCC.  TRCC district calendar available here.

Students who complete OTC or TRCC EMT program may be eligible for 1 credit of embedded science.

AMI: Alternative Method of Instruction

The Hollister R-V School District has collaborated with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to implement an Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) plan to be utilized for up to 5 days when school is closed due to a health concern, inclement weather, flooding, exceptional emergency circumstances, or other natural disasters.

The goal of the AMI plan is to embed learning activities focused on reinforcement of critical learning standards, enrichment activities, or support for further skill development. Consistent practice and exposure to skills without interruption is the most effective way to ensure student understanding and mastery of content knowledge.

We will notify all parents/guardians via Parent Square calls/text and social media postings in the event of school closures and use of AMI days.

MOCAP: Missouri Course Access Program

Missouri statute 161.670 states school districts or charter schools shall inform parents of their child's right to participate in the MOCAP program to include the below information. (Policies and forms referenced below can be found in the district policy manual at www.hollister.k12.mo.us)

• Policies: IGCD, IGCD-AP(1), IGCD-AF(1), IGCD-AF(2).
• Determining Factors
• Virtual Course Enrollment Request Form

School Flex Program (Board Policy IGCE)

The program is only open to seniors who have approval from the principal and parents/guardians. To participate in the program, the student must:

1. Have an ICAP that meets DESE's criteria.
2. Attend the district a minimum of two instructional hours per school day.
3. Pursue a timely graduation through an enrollment in district-required classes in order to meet graduation requirements.
4. Provide evidence of college or technical/career education enrollment and attendance or proof of employment and labor that is aligned with the student's ICAP developed in conjunction with the district.
5. Refrain from being expelled or suspended while participating in the program.
6. Maintain a 95 percent attendance rate. Students dropping below 95% attendance will be placed on a probationary period of two weeks, if the student’s attendance does not improve they will be removed from the program.
7. Students who are fired from their job will be removed from the Flex Program and other graduation scenarios will be discussed. Students who lose their job for other reasons will be given 2 weeks to find a new job.

A student participating in the School Flex Program will be considered a full-time student of the district and will receive academic credit for his or her off-campus education or employment. Students must meet requirements and request enrollment in the flex program in the first two weeks of the semester, requests after this time may not be granted. 

Students will attend a minimum of 15 hours per week of instructional time and a minimum of 15 hours per week of work.  The student’s job must be aligned with his/her future career plan. Flex participants will be considered full time students.  Students may receive pay for employment. 

Credit Recovery

Students who fail a class or classes that are a graduation requirement must make up the credit(s) either the summer session after they fail the class or make arrangements with their counselor to meet for credit recovery either before or after school on a regular basis until the credit has been recovered.  If a student does not make up the credit during the school year in which they failed the class, they will be enrolled in that class the following school year.

Attendance

It is the belief of the Hollister R-V Board of Education that consistent attendance at school is vitally important for the success of our students. Something of value is presented during every class period.  Attendance has an independent academic value that cannot be measured by exams or other evaluations. Any time a student misses a class, valuable learning opportunities are lost that cannot be completely regained through make-up work.  These beliefs provide the rationale for the following attendance policy: 

Missouri Compulsory Attendance Law:  "Every parent, guardian or other person in this state having charge, control, or custody of a child between the ages of seven and sixteen years shall cause the child to attend school regularly."  Allowing a student to be excessively absent from school may constitute educational neglect on the part of the parent/guardian, which may result in a report to the appropriate agencies.

Excessive Absence

Parents of excessively absent students may be asked to meet with the student's teaching team to develop a plan for improving attendance.  Excessive absences from school below 90% may require attendance at summer school as a condition for promotion to the next grade level.  

Student’s attendance falling below 70% will be reported to the prosecuting attorney’s office. Retention will be considered for any student with attendance falling below 70%

Attendance monitoring protocols:

Mid-quarter/quarterly letters will be sent out to all students whose attendance is below 90%. 

To accompany the letters, students whose attendance is:

• between 85-90% may also have parents contacted via phone. 
• between 75-85% conference may be requested for parents and/or student as appropriate
• between 70-75% may receive a home visit from a school counselor, administrator and the school resource officer. 
• below 70% may be hot-lined and/or referred to the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s office for educational neglect.

General Attendance Rules 

1. Parents should receive a notification from Infinite Campus when students are absent. 
2. Parents should notify the school via phone, online report from the district webpage, or email in the event of a student absence.  Supporting documentation is encouraged to be turned in to the office. This does not excuse the absence, but allows it to be marked as verified.
3. Students who miss more than twenty minutes of a class will be considered absent. 
4. Students must be in attendance the entire instructional day to be eligible for participation in an event that day, unless prior administrative approval is given. 
5. Students absent from school all day are not allowed to participate in or attend after school activities or events that same day without prior administrative approval. 
6. Days missed due to suspension will count as absences. 
7. Students who arrive at school after the beginning of class will be required to sign in at the office.  No student is to leave school prior to the end of the school day without checking out through the office.  Parent contact in the form of a phone call or in person will be required before any student will be allowed to check out. Notes are not accepted as parent contact for checking out. 
8. In order to participate in weekend events (Sat/Sun events) students must be in attendance the entire instructional day on the last day of school prior to the event.
9. After  ten consecutive days absent without contacting the office students will be dropped from school rolls. 
10. Once students are on school property they are required to be in the school building unless provided prior administrative approval. Students should always be in areas of the building under teacher supervision. 

Attendance for Credit in Course

Regular attendance in classes is a vital component of academic success. Students are expected to be in class 100% of the time. Students must meet attendance expectations to earn graduation credit.  Excessive absences could result in loss of credit for students. 

• Students missing over 8 days of attendance in a class per semester - A student/parent meeting to develop an attendance improvement plan. This plan will create a plan for improved attendance as well as required after school and Saturday school attendance.
• Students missing over 14 days of attendance in a semester - Students will be unable to earn credits for the class and will be placed in no-credit status until attending required hours of after school tutoring,  or Saturday school, or summer school. Parents will be notified of no-credit status and expectations of required hours. 

Saturday school will be held at the High School on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Dates are subject to change if that date falls on a holiday weekend or a four day school week. 

Students whose attendance is below

, 90% or have missed three or more advisory periods  may not be allowed to:

• Attend off campus activities during the school day such as field trips
• Participate in extracurricular activities that take them out of class, or leave school early to attend extracurricular events.
• Participate in early release work study programs
• Graduation activities

Students whose attendance falls below

 80%in any course/period may be subject to one or more of the following examples, but not limited to:

• Loss of course credit
• Required after-school tutoring
• Removal from specialized programs (GO-CAPS, Table Rock Career Center, OTC Tech, Fast Track)
• Consideration for honors (See Academic Honors Section)

Students will have the opportunity to appear before the Attendance Appeals Committee. Attendance appeals will occur quarterly.  Student and Parent/Guardian appearing before the Attendance Appeals Committee will need to provide adequate documentation substantiating the absences (i.e., doctors notes, family emergencies, etc.). 

Tardiness to class

Tardies will accumulate for students each semester. Students are considered tardy to class when they arrive after the tardy bell rings, this includes first hour. If students arrive to class later than 15 minutes they are considered absent or truant depending on the situation. Students will begin receiving discipline after their fifth tardy. Tardies are counted cumulatively across all classes, not just for a single class. The following discipline will be enforced for tardy infractions.

Ordinary Range of Consequences
5 Tardies Administrative Warning
6 Tardies 1 Day of After School Detention
7 Tardies 2 Days of After School Detention
8 Tardies Saturday School and/or In School Suspension
9 Tardies Saturday School and/or In School Suspension
10 Tardies Student Tardy Plan

Positive Attendance Recognition

All students with 90% attendance or higher may participate in a semester outing/award. 

Perfect Attendance 

Perfect attendance is defined as: a student must not have been absent from school even one class period.  Attending school functions such as, but not limited to: FCCLA, FFA, FBLA, athletic events, or band and choir events are not considered to be absences from school.  College or tech school visits are not considered absences if they have been given prior approval by the principal. 

Attendance Exceptions

The following attendance exceptions are provided to provide students the opportunity to participate in the below described activities. ATTENDANCE EXCEPTIONS DO NOT APPLY DURING END OF COURSE ASSESSMENT.

• Students who are eligible to take the Missouri Driver's Examination will be given two ½ days without being considered absent. 
• Juniors will be allowed two (2) documented college visits without being considered absent. 
• Seniors will be allowed three (3) documented college visits without being considered absent.
• Students age 18 will be allowed up to 2 hours to travel to their registered voting precinct to vote in certified Missouri state and local elections.  

Dress Code

Student dress and grooming will be the responsibility of the individual and parents/guardians, within the following guidelines:

1. Dress and grooming will be clean and in keeping with health, sanitary and safety requirements.
2. All students must wear shoes, boots or other types of footwear.
3. Dress and grooming will not disrupt the educational environment.
4. The following are specific things that are not appropriate for school and should not be worn: muscle shirts or net shirts; halter tops, half shirts or very low-cut tops; shorts that are not of moderate length; capes; clothing advertising alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs,  using vulgarity, or promoting gang membership, under garments or spandex worn as external garments, etc. 
5. Dress and appearance shall not, in any way, cause a distraction, interfere with the educational process, or be suggestive or indecent. Shirts should be long enough no parts of your midriff or back are showing.
6. Piercing and body art that detract from the purpose of school are prohibited.
7. Class activities that present a concern for student safety may require the student to adjust hair and/or clothing during the class period in the interest of maintaining safety standards.
8. Additional dress guidelines may be imposed upon students participating in certain extracurricular activities.
9. Face masks are not permitted during the school day. Costumes are not to be worn at school unless during approved spirit days. 
10. Pillows and blankets are not allowed at school during school hours
11. Shirts and hoodies may not cover up shorts - all shorts must be visible at all times. .

When, in the judgment of the principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress does not comply with the above criteria, the student may be required to make modifications. No employee or volunteer shall direct a student to remove an emblem, insignia or garment, including a religious emblem, insignia or garment, as long as it is worn in a manner that does not promote disruptive behavior.

Students whose appearance is determined to be inappropriate for school may be asked to contact parents and go home to change. Repeat offenses will result in disciplinary consequences.

Random Drug Testing for Extracurricular Activities (Board Policy JFCI)

Definitions

Covered Activities – Activities regulated by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), excluding all activities in which students receive an academic grade for participation.

Drug Testing – Testing for alcohol and drugs, including performance-enhancing drugs.

Participation Days – Each day that the extracurricular group meets, regardless of whether that meeting is a practice, a group meeting, or an event.

Initial Notification and Consent

The district will provide notice of the district's random drug testing program to students in grades nine through twelve who wish to participate in covered activities and their parents/guardians. The notice will include the random drug testing requirements and the substances included in the random drug testing. Principals and activity sponsors are encouraged to hold meetings for parents/guardians and students to explain the program and its purposes and answer questions.

Students are required to return a signed drug testing consent form to the coach or activity sponsor by the MSHSAA-established beginning date for practice or interscholastic contest. Signed consent forms will be valid for all covered activities the student participates in and will remain effective until revoked in writing by the parent/guardian or the student if 18. Students who do not return the signed consent form will not be allowed to participate in covered activities.

Random Selection

The district will randomly select five percent of participating students for drug testing periodically throughout the school year. The random selection process will result in an equal probability that any participating student could be chosen. District employees shall not have the authority to waive testing for any student selected using the random selection process. Depending on funding, the district may also require all students to be tested prior to participating in covered activities.

Testing

Samples will be tested for THC/marijuana, benzodiazepines, cocaine/benzoylecgonine, amphetamines, barbiturates, phencyclidine, methamphetamine, opiates/morphine, alcohol, and performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids. Samples will not be screened for the existence of any physical conditions other than prohibited drug and alcohol use.

Marijuana

Students are prohibited from being under the influence of marijuana while participating in the district's extracurricular activities program even if the student has a valid, Missouri-issued medical marijuana card. Students who test positive for marijuana will be subject to the consequences listed in this policy.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Testing will be conducted in a manner that will protect the privacy of the students selected for testing. The names of students being tested will be shared only with district staff who need to know the information to implement the drug testing program.

The superintendent or designee will share test results only with the student, the appropriate extracurricular sponsor, the student's parents/guardians, and other persons the superintendent or designee determines need to know the information to implement the district's drug testing program or effectively serve the student who is tested. All files pertaining to drug testing will be kept confidential, and only school personnel with a need to know the information will have access to the information.

Consequences

The only consequence for a student testing positive in the district's random testing program is exclusion from the extracurricular activity.

Following a confirmed positive test result, the superintendent or designee will immediately suspend the student from all covered activities and schedule a conference with the student, the parent/guardian, and the extracurricular sponsor. Offenses accumulate throughout grades nine through twelve. Depending on the timing of the drug test, the student may be excluded from participation in activities at the end of the school year, over the summer, and/or into the beginning of the next school year.

First Offense – The first time a student tests positive for drugs or alcohol under the random drug testing program, the student shall be suspended from participation in all covered activities for a minimum of 30 participation days and must pass a district-administered drug test prior to participating in covered activities again.

Alternative First Offense – With the consent of the student and their parents/guardians, the superintendent may reduce the suspension from 30 to 10 participation days if the student meets the following requirements:

1. Within one week of the conference, the student must receive or be enrolled in substance use counseling from a licensed provider. The parents/guardians are responsible for any costs associated with the counseling. The parent/guardian must provide written verification that the student has been seen by the substance use treatment provider at least once before the student is allowed to begin participation again. If the student does not attend counseling as promised, the district will immediately implement the original consequences.
2. The student will be required to submit to drug tests every time the district conducts random drug testing on other students for the rest of the school year.

Second Offense – Students with two positive test results for drugs or alcohol will be prohibited from participating in all covered activities for a minimum of 90 participation days and must pass a district-administered drug test prior to participating in covered activities again.

Third Offense – Students with three positive test results will be prohibited from participating in all covered activities for the rest of their enrollment with the district.

Testing Obstruction – Students who obstruct the district's drug testing process will be suspended from all covered activities for one calendar year and will forfeit all eligibility for awards or honors given for those covered activities. Students may also be subject to discipline for the act of obstruction itself. Students obstruct the drug testing process when they:

1. Refuse to submit to a drug test under this policy
2. Intentionally submit a falsified sample for testing (such as submitting someone else's sample as their own, submitting an old sample as if new, or submitting a sample containing a substance intended to cause a negative result on the test); or
3. Otherwise intentionally interfere or attempt to interfere in any way with the integrity of the sample collection and testing process under this policy.  

Students who have not been asked to provide a sample but who obstruct the testing of another person's sample may be disciplined for the obstruction.

Reporting to Law Enforcement 

It is the policy of the Hollister R-V School District to report all crimes occurring on district property school grounds to law enforcement, including, but not limited to, the crimes the district is required to report in accordance with law. A list of crimes the district is required to report is included in policy JGF. 

The principal shall also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and superintendent if a student is discovered to possess a controlled substance or weapon in violation of the district's policy. 

In addition, the superintendent shall notify the appropriate division of the juvenile or family court upon suspension for more than ten (10) days or expulsion of any student who the district is aware is under the jurisdiction of the court. 

The following acts, regardless of whether they are committed by juveniles, are subject to this reporting requirement: 

1. First or second degree murder under §§ 565.020, .021, RSMo. 
2. Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter under § 565.024, RSMo. 
3. Kidnapping under § 565.110, RSMo. 
4. First, second or third degree assault under §§ 565.050, .060, .070, RSMo. 
5. Sexual assault or deviate sexual assault under §§ 566.040, .070, RSMo. 
6. Forcible rape or sodomy under §§ 566.030, .060, RSMo. 
7. Burglary in the first or second degree under §§ 569.160, .170, RSMo. 
8. Robbery in the first degree under § 569.020, RSMo. 
9. Possession of a weapon under chapter 571, RSMo. 
10. Distribution of drugs under §§ 195.211, .212, RSMo. 
11. Arson in the first degree under § 569.040, RSMo. 
12. Felonious restraint under § 565.120, RSMo. 
13. Property damage in the first degree under § 569.100, RSMo. 
14. Child molestation in the first degree pursuant to § 566.067, RSMo. 
15. Sexual misconduct involving a child pursuant to § 566.083, RSMo. 
16. Sexual abuse pursuant to § 566.100, RSMo.

Documentation in Student’s Discipline Record

The principal, designee or other administrators or school staff will maintain all discipline records as deemed necessary for the orderly operation of the schools and in accordance with law and policy JGF.

Participation in Activities  

Students who are suspended or expelled for any reason are prohibited from attending or taking part in any district-sponsored activity, regardless of location, or any activity that occurs on district property. Students who violate this provision will be required to leave the activity and may face further discipline, including an additional period of suspension or expulsion. A student serving in school suspension may not participate in a contest on the day or days served. 

PROHIBITION AGAINST BEING ON OR NEAR SCHOOL PROPERTY DURING SUSPENSION

CONDITIONS OF SUSPENSION, EXPULSION AND OTHER DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

All students who are suspended or expelled, regardless of the reason, are prohibited from participating in or attending any district-sponsored activity, or being on school or near district property or the location of any district activity for any reason, unless permission is granted by the superintendent or designee. In addition, the district may prohibit students from participating in activities or restrict a student's access to district property as a disciplinary consequence even if a student is not suspended or expelled from school, if appropriate. 

In accordance with law, any student who is suspended for any offenses listed in § 160.261, RSMo., or any act of violence or drug-related activity defined by policy JGF as a serious violation of school discipline shall not be allowed to be within 1,000 feet of any public school in the district property or any activity of the district, regardless of whether the activity takes place on district property, unless one (1) of the following conditions exist: 

1. The student is under the direct supervision of the student's parent, legal guardian, or custodian or another adult designated in advance, in writing, to the student's principal by the student's parent, legal guardian or custodian, and the superintendent or designee has authorized the student to be on district property. 
2. The student is under the direct supervision of another adult designated by the student's parent, legal guardian or custodian. The designation must be made in advance and in writing to the principal of the school that suspended the student. 
3. The student is enrolled in and attending an alternative school that is located within 1,000 feet of a public school in the district. 
4. The student resides within 1,000 feet of a public school in the district and is on the property of his or her residence. 

If a student violates the prohibitions in this section, he or she may be suspended or expelled in accordance with the offense, "Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion or Other Disciplinary Consequences," listed below.

Ordinary Range of Consequences

Abuse of Computer or Internet See Appropriate Use Policy – Student Handbook

1st Offense Administrative Warning/1-3 Days ISS/Loss of Computer Privileges

2nd Offense 3-5 Days ISS/Loss of Computer Privileges

3rd Offense 1-3 Days OSS/ Loss of Computer Privileges

4th Offense 3-5 Days OSS/ Loss of Computer Privileges

Academic Dishonesty Cheating on tests, assignments, projects or similar activities; plagiarism; claiming credit for another person's work; fabrication of facts, sources or other supporting material; unauthorized collaboration; facilitating academic dishonesty; and other misconduct related to academics, including unauthorized use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as large language models (chatbots).

1st Offense Loss of credit and alternate assignment will be reassigned

2nd Offense Loss of Credit and alternate assignment/1-3 Days ISS

3rd Offense Loss of Credit and alternate assignment / 1-3 Days ISS 

4th OffenseLoss of Credit And alternate assignment 3-5 Days ISS

Acts of Intimidation Act or conduct directed at a specific person(s) to cause reasonable fear

1st Offense Warning/Detention/1-3 Days ISS

2nd Offense 3-5 Days ISS

3rd Offense 1-3 Days OSS

4th Offense 3-5 Days OSS

Alcohol Possession of or presence under the influence of alcohol. Notification of Law Enforcement. *Students will be required to complete substance abuse coursework before returning to class.

1st Offense 10-180 Days OSS

2nd Offense 10-180 Days OSS

3rd Offense 10-180 Days OSS

4th Offense 10-180 Days OSS

Arson Starting or attempting to start a fire or causing or attempting to cause an explosion. Notification of Law Enforcement.

1st Offense 10 Days OSS - Expulsion

2nd Offense 10 Days OSS - Expulsion

3rd Offense 10 Days OSS - Expulsion

4th Offense 10 Days OSS - Expulsion

Assault The Safe Schools Act of 1996 establishes the crime of “assault” while on school property.  A person commits the crime of assault while on school property if the person:  (a) Knowingly causes physical injury to another person; or (b)  With criminal negligence, causes physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon; or (c)  Recklessly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death or serious physical injury to another person; and the act occurred on school or school district property, or in a vehicle that at the time of the act was in the service of school or school district, or arose as a result of a school or school district sponsored activity.  Assault while on school property is a class D felony and will be reported to law enforcement. Notification of Law Enforcement.

1st Offense 5-10 days OSS

2nd Offense 10-180 Days OSS

3rd Offense 10-180 Days OSS

4th Offense Expulsion

Assault (injuries) See above definition. Assault in which an injury is sustained.Notification of Law Enforcement.

1st Offense 10-180 Days OSS

2nd Offense 10-180 Days OSS

3rd Offense Expulsion

4th Offense

Audio/Video Recording Use of audio or visual recording equipment in violation of Board policy KKB.

1st Offense Confiscation/ Administrative Warning/1-3 Days ISS

2nd Offense Confiscation/3-5 Days ISS/ 1-10 Days OSS

3rd Offense Confiscation/  1-10 Days OSS

4th Offense Confiscation/  1-10 Days OSS

Bullying/Cyberbullying Intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for their physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft or property damage; oral, written or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager.

1st Offense 1-3 Days ISS/1-180 Days OSS

2nd Offense 3-5 Days ISS/1-180 Days OSS

3rd Offense 1-10 Days OSS

4th Offense 1-180 Days OSS

Cell Phones/Disruptive Devices Cell phones and electronic devices should not be on or in use during the school day.1st Offense Administrative Warning/1 Day ISS; Confiscation, parent pick up phone

2nd Offense 2 Days ISS; Confiscation, parent pick up phone

3rd Offense 3 Days ISS; Confiscation, parent pick up phone

4th Offense 3 Days OSS; Confiscation, parent pick up phone

Classroom Disruption/Misconduct Causing any type of disruption to the learning environment

1st Offense Administrative Warning/Detention 1 Day ISS

2nd Offense 1-3 Days ISS

3rd Offense 3-5 Days ISS/1-3 Days OSS

4th Offense 3-5 Days OSS

Defiance/Dishonesty Refusal to obey directions or defiance of staff authority, including but not limited to in the cafeteria and hallways, and/or providing inaccurate information.

1st Offense Administrative Warning/Detention 1-3 Days ISS

2nd Offense 1-4 Days ISS

3rd Offense 3-5 Days OSS

4th Offense 1-180 Days OSS

Disrespect Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gesture that is directed at any person that is in violation of district policy or is otherwise rude, vulgar, defiant, considered inappropriate in educational settings or that materially and substantially disrupts classroom work, school activities or school functions.

1st Offense Warning/Detention/1-3 Days ISS

2nd Offense 1-4 Days ISS

3rd Offense 3-5 Days OSS

4th Offense 1-180 Days OSS

Defiance/Disrespect with Profane Language Refusal to obey directions or defiance of staff authority with the use of profane language.

1st Offense 3-5 Days OSS

2nd Offense 10 Days OSS

3rd Offense 10-180 Days OSS

4th Offense 10-180 Days OSS

Dress Code Violation Wearing prohibited attire as outlined in the dress code portion of the handbook.

1st Offense Administrative Warning/ Correct the problem

2nd Offense Correct the problem/1 Day ISS

3rd Offense Correct the problem/1-3 Days ISS

4th Offense Correct the problem/3-5 Days ISS

Under the Influence Drugs or Alcohol/Paraphernalia Possession of drug paraphernalia or possession of or attendance while under the influence of, or soon after consuming, any unauthorized prescription drug, alcohol, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalant, counterfeit drug, or imitation controlled substance, including controlled substances and illegal drugs. Notification of Law Enforcement.

*Students will be required to complete substance abuse coursework before returning to class.

1st Offense 10-180 Days OSS - Expulsion

2nd Offense 10-180 Days OSS - Expulsion Clear bags only

3rd Offense 10-180 Days OSS - Expulsion Clear bags only

4th Offense 10-180 Days OSS - Expulsion Clear bags only

Drug or Alcohol Sale/ Distribution Sale, purchase or distribution of any prescription drug, alcohol, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation controlled substances or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs. Notification of Law Enforcement.

1st Offense 10-180 Days OSS - Expulsion

2nd Offense 10-180 Days OSS - Expulsion Clear bags only

3rd Offense 10-180 Days OSS - Expulsion Clear bags only

4th Offense 10-180 Days OSS - Expulsion Clear bags only

Extortion Threatening or intimidating any person for the purpose of obtaining money or anything of value. Notification of Law Enforcement.

1st Offense 5 Days OSS

2nd Offense 8 Days OSS

3rd Offense 10 - 180 Days OSS- Expulsion

4th Offense 10 - 180 Days OSS- Expulsion

False Alarm Tampering with emergency equipment, setting off false alarms, making false reports; communicating a threat or false report for the purpose of frightening, disturbing, disrupting or causing the evacuation or closure of school. Notification of law enforcement.

1st Offense 1 Day OSS

2nd Offense 3 Days OSS

3rd Offense 5 Days OSS

4th Offense 10 Days OSS

FightingMutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict either verbally or by physical action. Possible notification of law enforcement.

1st Offense 3 Days OSS

2nd Offense 5 Days OSS

3rd Offense 10 Days OSS

4th Offense 10-180 Days OSS

Fireworks/Incendiary Device Possessing, displaying or using matches, lighters or other devices used to start fires unless required as part of an educational exercise and supervised by district staff; possessing or using fireworks.

1st Offense Confiscation/ Warning/Detention/ 1-3 Days ISS

2nd Offense Confiscation/1-5 Days OSS

3rd Offense Confiscation/10 Days OSS

4th Offense Confiscation/ 10-180 Days OSS

Harassment (Including Sexual Harassment) Use of material of a sexual nature or unwelcome verbal, written or symbolic language based on gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature or that is based on gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Student is found "responsible" for sexual harassment under Title IX upon conclusion of a formal complaint under policy ACA. Reported to Law Enforcement (see board policies AC and ACA and note that additional provisions of the code of conduct may apply to the student's behavior.

1st Offense Conference; 1-5 Days ISS/ 1-180 Days OSS

2nd Offense 5-8 Days ISS/ 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

3rd Offense 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

4th Offense 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

Hazing Any activity that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for the purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level, student organization or district-sponsored activity. Hazing can occur even when all students involved are willing participants. Board policy JFCG

1st Offense 1-3 Days ISS/1-180 Days OSS

2nd Offense 3-5 Days ISS/1-180 Days OSS

3rd Offense 10-180 Days OSS

4th Offense 10 - 180 Days OSS -Expulsion

Horseplay

1st Offense Administrative Warning/Detention/1 Day ISS

2nd Offense 1-3 Days ISS

3rd Offense 3-5 Days ISS/1-3 Days OSS

4th Offense 3-5 Days OSS

Indecent Exposure Includes display of breasts, buttocks, and genitals in a public location

1st Offense 5-10 Days OSS

2nd Offense 10-180 Days OSS

3rd Offense 10-180 Days OSS

4th Offense 10-180 Days OSS

Instigating a Fight Students shall not instigate fights by actively encouraging others to fight, recording the fight, carrying messages which result in fights or take part in any other activity which results in a fight

1st Offense 1-3 Days ISS

2nd Offense 3-5 Days ISS

3rd Offense 1-3 Days OSS

4th Offense 3-5 Days OSS

Out of designated area/  Loitering in Restroom Student is out of designated area without teacher supervision. Loitering in restrooms individually or in groups

1st Offense Administrative Warning/ 1 Day ISS

2nd Offense 1-3 Days ISS

3rd Offense 3 Days ISS

4th Offense 3-5 Days ISS

Possession of Stolen Property Knowingly possessing stolen property

1st Offense Restitution; 1 Day ISS

2nd Offense Restitution; 1-3 Days ISS

3rd Offense Restitution; 1-3 Days OSS

4th Offense Restitution; 3-5 Days OSS

Profane Language Any language determined to be offensive or obscene, including but not limited to cursing

1st Offense Administrative Warning/1-3 Days ISS

2nd Offense 1-5 Days ISS/1-3 Days OSS

3rd Offense 3-5 Days ISS/3-5 Days OSS

4th Offense 3-5 Days OSS

Public Display of Affection Any distracting behavior by a student that is intended to show affection toward another student is inappropriate in the school setting.  Such behavior will not be tolerated even if it is meant as a joke.

1st Offense Administrative Warning/Detention/1 Day ISS

2nd Offense 1-3 Days ISS

3rd Offense 3-5 Days ISS

4th Offense 1-3 Days OSS

Sexting and/or Possession of Sexually Explicit, Vulgar or Violent Material Students may not possess or display, electronically or otherwise, sexually explicit, vulgar or violent material including, but not limited to, pornography or depictions of nudity, violence or explicit death or injury. This prohibition does not apply to curricular material that has been approved by district staff for its educational value. Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law.

1st Offense Confiscation/ Conference/ Detention/1-3 days ISS

2nd Offense Confiscation/1-3 Days ISS/1-10 Days OSS

3rd Offense Confiscation/3-5 Days ISS 1-180 Days OSS

4th Offense Confiscation/ 1-180 Days OSS/Expulsion

Sexual Activity Soliciting or engaging in any activities of a sexual nature.

1st Offense Conference; 1-180 Days OSS

2nd Offense 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

3rd Offense 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

4th Offense 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

Theft (Under $25) Attempted theft or the act of stealing. Possible Notification of Law Enforcement

1st Offense Restitution; return property; 1-3 Days ISS/

2nd Offense Restitution; return property; 1-5 Days ISS/1-3 Days OSS;

3rd Offense Restitution; return property; 3-5 Days OSS; Possible

4th Offense Restitution; return property; 5-10 Days OSS

Theft (Over $25) Attempted theft or the act of stealing of items that are valued at more than $25. Notification of Law Enforcement

1st Offense Financial restitution; return property; 1-3 Days ISS

2nd Offense Financial restitution; return property; 3-5 Days OSS;

3rd Offense Financial restitution; return property;  5-10 Days OSS;

4th Offense Financial restitution; return property; 10-180 Days OSS; 

Threats or Verbal Assault Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gestures that create a reasonable fear of physical injury or property damage. Notification of Law Enforcement

1st Offense SS/ 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

2nd Offense SS/ 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

3rd Offense SS/ 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

4th Offense SS/ 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, Vaping Devices Possession of any tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or other nicotine-delivery products on district property, district transportation or at any district activity. 

*Students will be required to complete substance abuse coursework before returning to class.

1st Offense Confiscation and 5 Days ISS

2nd Offense Confiscation and 3 Days OSS Clear bags only

3rd Offense Confiscation and 5-10 Days OSS

Clear bags only

4th Offense Confiscation and  10-180 Days OSS Clear bags only

Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, Vaping Devices: Distribution Distribution of any tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or other nicotine-delivery products on district property, district transportation or at any district activity. Possible Notification of Law Enforcement

1st Offense Confiscation/ 3 Days OSS

2nd Offense Confiscation/10 Days OSS Clear bags only

3rd Offense Confiscation/10 - 180 Days OSS Clear bags only

4th Offense Confiscation/ 10-180 Days OSS/ Expulsion Clear bags only

Truancy/ Out of class without permission Absence from school without the knowledge and consent of parents/guardians and/or the school administration; excessive non-justifiable absences, even with the consent of parents/guardians. Possible notification of law enforcement

1st Offense Administrative Warning/ Detention/ 1 Day ISS

2nd Offense 1-3 Days ISS

3rd Offense 3 Days ISS

4th Offense 3-5 Days ISS

Unauthorized Entry Entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility, office, locker, or other area that is locked or not open to the general public; entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility through an unauthorized entrance; assisting unauthorized persons to enter a district facility through any entrance. Possible Notification of Law Enforcement

1st Offense Conference/ Detention/ 1-3 Days ISS/1-180 Days OSS

2nd Offense 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

3rd Offense 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

4th Offense 1-180 Days OSS or Expulsion

Vandalism Any student who willfully causes substantial damage or attempts to cause substantial damage to any property, real or personal, belonging to the school, staff or students. Possible notification to law enforcement.

1st Offense Restitution; 1-3 Days ISS/ 1-180 Days OSS

2nd Offense Restitution;  3-5 Days ISS/1-180 Days OSS

3rd Offense Restitution; 1-180 Days OSS

4th Offense Restitution; 1-180 Days OSS Expulsion

Weapons/Explosives Any reasonable object that can be used to harm another person, including knives over 3 inches. Possible notification of law enforcement.  See board policy JFCJ.

(Use or Possession)

1st Offense 1-180 Days OSS/Expulsion

2nd Offense 1-180 Days OSS/Expulsion

3rd Offense 1-180 Days OSS/Expulsion

4th Offense 1-180 Days OSS/Expulsion

Excessive Office Referrals Eight or more discipline referrals resulting in a consequence will result in a 3 days OSS. Ten or more office referrals  resulting in a consequence will result in 5 days OSS. Twelve office referrals  resulting in a consequence will result in 10 days OSS. Students who receive more than twelve office referrals face long term suspension of up to 180 days

Behaviors Not Covered Above Consequences will be based on the seriousness of the incident and its impact on the safe operation of the educational environment and/or its impact on the safety and well being of students; including but not limited to defamation, a false statement to a third party, intent or negligence in making the statement, harm caused by the statement, whether written or spoken.

Severity Clause If at any time a student causes a severe problem in the opinion of the supervising teacher or principal, the lesser consequences may be by-passed, and the greater consequences imposed.

Due Process

Due process means fair treatment under the law and is guaranteed to all citizens by the United States Constitution.  When inappropriate behavior is alleged which could result in serious consequences, student rights will be protected by the following steps:

1. Students will be given notice of the charges against them.
2. Students will have an opportunity to present their side of the story.
3. An explanation of the evidence will be given if the student denies the violation.
4. The student may appeal the decision successively to the principal, superintendent, and finally, the board of education.

Disciplinary Consequences

Hollister High School has established the limiting of school days lost to suspension, both in-school and out of school, as a high priority.  Alternative solutions to disciplinary issues will be sought at administrative discretion whenever possible. 

Conference

Discussion of a disciplinary problem involving an administrator and the student.  If deemed necessary parents and/or teacher involvement may occur.

Detention (After School/Saturday School)

Detention will be scheduled before or after school or on a scheduled Saturday (8:00 am to Noon).  Students will receive at least one day notice before being required to attend detention.  Reasonable efforts will be made to contact parents when detention is assigned to a student.  If contact is not made, a copy of the discipline notice will be sent home with the student.  Students who fail to appear for an assigned detention will receive ISS.  

AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION (ASD) / SATURDAY SCHOOL GENERAL RULES: 

1. Be on time. 
2. Bring something to work on. 
3. Stay in your seat. 
4. No talking. 
5. No sleeping. 
6. No gum, food or drinks. 
7. Give full cooperation to the teacher.

Failure to comply with detention rules will result in the same consequences as failing to appear for ISS. 

In-school detention/suspension is a consequence used for repeated violations and/or serious violations of school policies.  Rules are:

1. Students will report to the commons immediately upon arriving to school with all books, Chromebook, paper and pencil.
2. Students will spend the day working on assignments made by teachers or the assigned supervisor. If students are off task, the detention teacher will give an alternative assignment.
3. There will be no talking or socializing.

4. Cell phones and/or ear buds/headphones are not permitted in the detention classroom. If a cell phone is taken into the detention classroom, the detention teacher will store the phone until class is over. 

Failure to satisfactorily complete any assignments or packets may result in additional time spent in ISS or in suspension from school.

Out of School Suspension

Out of school suspension is the most serious disciplinary action. Those students whose presence pose a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing disruption of the academic process will be immediately removed from school. During a suspension, the student is not to be on school property or in attendance at school sponsored activities.  If a suspension is interrupted due to inclement weather, it will be extended to include the next day(s). The superintendent may modify the suspension upon review of the facts or at the recommendation of the building administrator.  Make-up work will be allowed only if a parent/guardian makes the request to the school at the time of suspension, and if the suspended student turns in the completed work to the office on the first day of his/her return to school.  

Expulsion

Expulsion from school requires action by the Board of Education.  In instances of very serious misbehavior, the superintendent will recommend this action to the Board. When a student is expelled, he/she is dropped from the rolls and may never return.

Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

HHS strives to maintain an educational atmosphere conducive to responsible and appropriate behavior.  Public displays of affection are not appropriate to the learning environment at Hollister High School.  Such behavior is not permitted.  A student’s failure to comply with staff of an administrator’s request can be subject to disciplinary action.  A public display of affection is physical contact that is inappropriate for the school setting including, but not limited to, kissing and groping.

Bus Conduct

Bus transportation is a privilege.  Misconduct on the bus endangers everyone!  Bus drivers are school employees and school buses are school property.  Bus drivers have the responsibility for the safety of their passengers, and have the authority to make and enforce rules of conduct for ensuring that safety.  With that in mind, the consequences for student misbehavior on the school bus will be strictly enforced. 

BUS REGULATIONS

1. Students must wait at the bus stop.  The driver cannot wait for tardy students.  Drivers will pick up and return students only to designated bus stops. 
2. Students must stand at the side of the road rather than on the road while waiting. 
3. The driver is in charge on the bus.  Students must obey the driver promptly.  
4. Students must not tamper with bus controls or equipment. 
5. Students must be seated promptly and not move while the bus is in motion. 
6. Students must keep arms, legs/head inside of bus windows.  Keep aisles free of objects and do not litter. 
7. When crossing in front of the bus, students should be at least 10 feet from the bus in order to be seen by the driver. 
8. No objects should be thrown, flipped, tossed or shot out of the bus. 
9. Students causing any damage to the bus or passing motorists will be responsible for damages. 
10. No alcohol, drugs, smoking, vulgar/profane language, glass containers or animals may be brought on the bus. 
11. Students cannot save seats for others. 
12. Students may be assigned specific seats on the bus. 
13. No food or drink on the bus. For safety reasons, gum, suckers, and/or candy are not allowed on the buses. 

ORDINARY RANGE OF CONSEQUENCES: 

1st Offense:  Student/Principal conference; notice sent to parent, signed and returned; and/or lunch  detention. 

2^nd Offense:  Notice sent to parent, signed and returned; detention. 

3^rd Offense:  3-day suspension from the bus; notice sent to parent, signed and returned. 

4^th Offense:  5-day suspension from the bus; notice sent to parent, signed and returned. 

5^th Offense:  10-day suspension from the bus; parental conference required. 

6^th Offense:  Suspension from the bus for remainder of the school year. 

Note: A serious offense may result in immediate bus suspension and parent, student, principal, transportation director conference required. 

*A Report of Misconduct Warning form may be used by the Bus Driver as an alternative to a disciplinary referral when the disciplinary infraction is considered less severe. 

Please remember that bus transportation is a privilege, not a right.  Students who do not respect this privilege will lose it.  It will then be the parent’s responsibility to transport his/her child to and from school. 

CHANGE IN TRANSPORTATION

To ride a different bus, the student must bring a note signed by the parent stating the date, destination, and reason for the change.  Any change in a bus or bus stop must be approved with a note from the parent.  Requests for a change of transportation MUST be received BEFORE 2:30 p.m.  Students without notes will be sent home on their usual bus route. We cannot call home for students who did not bring a note. 

* If an address change requires a permanent bus change, the parent should contact the bus barn AND the school office.

General Rules: Tiger Code: Respectful, Responsible, Be a Leader

1. Students are expected to follow the direction of their teachers and school employees.
2. Common courtesy and respect for the rights of others should be observed at all times.
3. Students are expected to use language that is school appropriate.
4. Students are expected to be prepared for classes with books and supplies necessary to carry out class activities successfully.
5. No food or drinks in classrooms unless a teacher chooses to allow it in their classroom.
6. Students who are out of classes must utilize E-Hallpass have a. 
7. Students must remain at school unless checked out by a parent or guardian.  No student will be allowed to check out without parental permission.  
8. Students need to clear any locker changes through the office. 
9. Chains more than 12 inches long or of too heavy a gauge are not allowed at school. 
10. Laser pointers are not allowed at school or school functions. 
11. Students are not to be in the gym or the weight room without supervision.  This includes before and after school and during lunch. 
12. The gym should not be used as a hallway between classes.

Extra-Curricular Activities

(This includes all MSHSAA Activities)

Extra-curricular activities shall be managed in such a manner as to bring out their maximum benefits with a minimum of interference with the regular program. The Hollister R-V School District requires, in addition to MSHSAA academic and citizenship standards, the following: 

• A student will be ineligible for participation in extracurricular activities if he/she receives two failing grades at the end of any progress report or quarter grading period. The student may regain his/her eligibility if the student's academic record meets appropriate standards. Students failing two or more classes at semester will be ineligible for competition the following semester in accordance with MSHSAA policy.
• If a student is participating in any extracurricular activity, that has a D or F at the end of any progress report or quarter grading period, the student may have to attend mandatory morning tutoring and/or Saturday school, in an attempt to receive extra teacher/instructional support to enhance their grade(s).
• If a student is ineligible and cannot participate in a function of a class taking place outside of regular school hours, and the instructor bases a portion of the grade on that function, the instructor is to permit the student to do alternative assignments in order for him/her to have an opportunity to earn a good grade. 
• A student may practice, but may not participate in any contest or school function held outside of the normal school day while on the ineligibility list. If a student is ineligible at the time of tryouts for an event in the following school year, that student may try out. 
• Students must be in attendance at the entire instructional day to be eligible for participation in an event that day, unless prior administrative approval is given. In order to practice, students must be in attendance at least half the day. For school-sponsored activities that take place on the weekend or non-school days, students must attend the full day prior to the event.  In cases of emergency or extenuating circumstances, the athletic director or principal may grant an exception to this requirement.
• Students whose attendance is below 90%  may not be allowed to attend off campus extracurricular activities that take them out of class, or leave school early to attend extracurricular events.
• Transportation will be provided to all extra-curricular events.  Participating students are required to ride the bus to all events unless prior administrative approval is given.  Students may be signed out to ride home with their parents following an event.  No one other than a parent/guardian will be allowed to sign for a student without prior administrative approval. 
• Students receiving disciplinary consequences during activity seasons:
  • Out of School Suspensions and/or any Vaping Offenses 
    • 1st Offense: Students participating in activities who receive out of school suspensions during those activity seasons will be suspended from those activities for a minimum 10% of the events during the corresponding season. 
      • Students are not allowed to attend practice during suspensions from school. Students are allowed to practice during the time between suspension and suspended event if the event is after the student returns from suspension. 
    • 2nd Offense: 20% of activities
    • 3rd Offense: Possible suspension from the activity
  • In-School Suspension of 3 or more consecutive days
    • 1st Offense: Students receiving an In-school suspension of 3 or more consecutive days are suspended from activities for a minimum of one contest during the week of suspension. 
    • 2nd Offense: Minimum suspension from two contests
    • 3rd Offense:  Possible suspension from the activity

MSHSAA Requirements

1. BONA FIDE STUDENT

In order to represent your school, you must be a bona fide student and meet all eligibility requirements. You must be enrolled in and regularly attend classes at the member school and meet the academic requirements in MSHSAA By-Law 213 and those of your local school. 

2. CITIZENSHIP 
   1. You must be a credible citizen. Creditable citizens are those students whose conduct - both in school and out of school - will not reflect discredit upon themselves or their school.
   2. NOTE: Conduct by the student involving law enforcement should be reported to your principal immediately as your conduct may affect eligibility or contest outcomes.  
   3. A student who commits an act for which charges may be or have been filed by law enforcement authorities under any municipal ordinance, misdemeanor or felony statute shall not be eligible until all proceedings with the legal system have been concluded and any penalty (i.e. jail time, fine, court costs, etc.) or special condition of probation (i.e. restitution, community service, counseling, etc.) has been satisfied. If law enforcement authorities determine that charges will not be filed, eligibility will be contingent upon local school policies.
   4. After a student has completed all court appearances and penalties, and has satisfied all special conditions of probation and remains under general probation only, local school authorities shall determine eligibility.
   5. Moving traffic offenses shall not affect eligibility, unless they involve drugs, alcohol, or injuries to others.
3. ACADEMICS (GRADES 9-12)
   1. Semester Prior to Participation: The student shall have earned, the preceding semester of attendance, a minimum of 3.0 units of credit or have earned credit in 80% of the maximum allowable classes in which a student can be enrolled in the semester, whichever is greater, or a student must have made standard progress for his or her level the preceding semester in a special education program for the handicapped approved by the Missouri State Department of Education which, though un-graded, enrolls pupils of equivalent age.
   2. Semester of Participation: The student shall currently be enrolled in and regularly attending courses that offer 3.0 units of credit or 80% of the maximum allowable credits which may be earned, whichever is greater; or a student must be enrolled in a full course at his or her level in a special education program for the handicapped approved by the Missouri State Department of Education which, though un-graded, enrolls pupils of equivalent age.
   3. 80% Credit Requirement: The calculation of the credit requirement described in 3-a and 3-b above for all enrolled students at the school shall be based on the maximum allowable classes in which a student can be enrolled at the member school during the normal school day due to the academic system that the member school has selected (7-hour day, block schedule, etc.) Credits earned in school-sponsored “extra” classes taken beyond the normal school day may be used toward academic eligibility. Internet classes offered by and at the member school and which are completed no later than the close of the semester with credit placed on the student’s transcript can be counted toward academic eligibility. (See also By-Law 2.3.4 regarding other courses that may be utilized.)
   4. If you are beginning the 9th grade, you must have been promoted prior to the beginning of the school year.  You must be making satisfactory progress toward graduation as determined by your local school’s policies.   Do not drop courses without first consulting with your school principal, athletic administrator or counselor to determine whether it will affect your eligibility. 
4. NON-SCHOOL COMPETITION 

1. You may not practice for or participate with a non-school team or in any organized non-school athletic competition and for your school team in the same sport during the same season of the school team. Swimming and diving has a special exception. Contact your school's athletic director for specific details.  
2. You may participate on a school team and a non-school team in different sports during the same season; however, you may not practice for the non-school team or participate in organized non-school athletic competition on the same day that you practice with or participate for the school team without prior approval of your school administrator. 
3. You must receive approval in advance from your school principal in order to miss school time to practice for, travel to or compete in organized non-school athletic competition. 
4. You will become ineligible in any sport in which you play as a member of a junior college, college or university team. 
5. You may participate in international competition during the school year, however, the competition must meet the established criteria published in the MSHSAA Official Handbook and must be approved in advance by the MSHSAA Board of Directors. 
6. Before you join a non-school team or enter any non-school competitive athletic event, your school principal or athletic administrator should be consulted to make certain these standards are met. 

5. SPORTSMANSHIP 

1. If you should commit an unsportsmanlike act while participating in an event, you could become ineligible.
2. If your conduct as a spectator is found to be unsportsmanlike, you could be barred from attending any further high school athletic contests. 
3. The unsportsmanlike conduct of any spectator — regardless of age — could cause that spectator to be barred from attending school athletic contests.

Health Office Treatment and Medication Administration

A school nurse is available to assist your child with most health needs.  The health office will make every effort to contact parents/guardians when a student is ill or seriously injured.  Most minor illnesses and injuries that occur at school can be treated in our health office, enabling the student to return to class. The following items are available for minor injuries: Tylenol, alcohol, saline eye wash, ice and heat packs, Caladryl, petroleum jelly, hydrogen peroxide, triple antibiotic ointment, burn gel, sting wipes, and antiseptic wipes. The district may administer these over-the-counter medications upon receipt of Health Office Consent for Treatment with the student’s enrollment.

Over the Counter Medications

The district may administer over-the-counter medication to a student upon receipt of permission to do so by the parent/guardian.  Please include the student's name, medication, how long the student will take medication, and reason for taking medication at school. All medication must have a label attached and manufacturer’s packaging.  Dosage of the non-prescription over the counter medication will be administered according to manufacturer’s package instructions for age and weight.  The health office will not give the first dose of any medication.  The Registered Nurse has the right to refuse any medication and contact parent/guardian if inappropriate for school use.

Prescription Medications

Prescription medications will only be administered at school when it is not possible or effective for the student to receive the medication at home.  The parent/guardian must complete the health office medication permission form.  The health office will not give the first dose of any medication. The prescription label will be considered the equivalent of a prescriber's written order and a separate document is not needed. 

Possession and Self-Administration of Medications

The district will permit a student to possess and self-administer medications in accordance with an IEP or Section 504 plan or in accordance with state law allowing students to possess and self-administer medications for a chronic health condition. Permission to possess and self-administer medications must be authorized by the physician, parent/guardian, and school nurse.  

 

In the event of a life threatening allergic reaction or asthma attack, the use of stock epinephrine (Epipen) or stock asthma medication (Albuterol) may be administered per policy protocol.  All medication policies may be referenced on our school website, Administration of Medication to Students. Students are not allowed to transport medication on the bus unless they are authorized to self-administer their medication.  Please contact the school nurse with any questions regarding your student’s medication or health concerns.

1. IMMUNIZATIONS:  All Students must meet Missouri law requirements.
2. HEAD LICE:  Students will be screened at the discretion of building administration and health office.  Those with live lice will be excluded from school until cleared by the nurse or office.
3. COMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY:  A student shall not attend school while afflicted with any contagious or infectious disease or while liable to transmit such a disease after having been exposed. Any situation involving a contagious or infectious disease must be reported to the health office.

SCREENINGS:  Vision, hearing, height, weight, and BMI screenings are provided according to protocol.  Parents are notified if their child needs follow-up care in these areas.  Grades K, 1, 3, 5, and 7 are screened for vision and hearing in the first quarter of school along with any new students to the district.  Please contact your school nurse if you have concerns for your student.

COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE FOR NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND (ESSA) PROGRAM

This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education under the No Child Left Behind Act (ESSA).  A complaint is a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or regulation has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by school district personnel or by Department of Education personnel.

Any parent or guardian, surrogate parent, teacher, administrator, school board member, or other person directly involved with an activity, program, or project operated under the general supervision of the Department may file a complaint.  Such a complaint must be in writing and signed; it will provide specific details of the situation and indicate the law or regulation that is allegedly being violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted.

The written, signed complaint must be filed and the resolution pursued in accordance with local district policy:    

Submit to:

Dr. Sean Woods, Superintendent

Hollister R-V School District

1914 State Hwy BB

Hollister, MO  65672

If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant may file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Education.  If there is no evidence that the parties have attempted in good faith to resolve the complaint at the local level, the Department may require the parties to do so and may provide technical assistance to facilitate such resolution.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of the Hollister Schools not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments.  Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to:

1. Dr. Kristina Smith, Principal

2112 State Highway BB

Hollister, Missouri 65672

If no response within 10 days, contact:

2. Dr. Sean Woods, Superintendent

1914 State Highway BB

Hollister, MO 65672

FERPA

Please be advised that the school district will release "Directory Information" concerning your child upon request, including print and electronic publications of the school district.  (Examples include: the annual yearbook; school newsletter; honor roll or other recognition lists; local media; and sports activity sheets.) This includes the following information: the student's name, address, participation in officially recognized extracurricular activities, height and weight of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, diplomas and awards received, photographs and other similar information. (See School Board Policy JO-R) If you do not want this type of information about your child released, please send a note to this effect to the principal.  

STUDENT RECORDS

If a parent or eligible student believes an education record related to the student contains information that is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy, the parent or eligible student may request that the district amend the record.  All requests must be made in writing and should be presented to the building principal.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE (TITLE VI, TITLE IX, SECTION 504)

Students, parents of students or employees have the right to file a formal complaint alleging noncompliance with regulations outlined in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

LEVEL ONE – Principal or immediate supervisor (informal and optional – may be bypassed by the grievant).  Employees with a grievance or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin or disability may first discuss it with their principal or immediate supervisor, with the objective of resolving the matter informally.  A student or parent with a complaint of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin or disability may discuss it with the teacher, counselor or building administrator involved.

LEVEL TWO – Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator(s) – If the grievance is not resolved at level one and the grievant(s) wish to pursue the grievance, they may formalize it by filing a written complaint on a Compliance Violation Form, which may be obtained from the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator(s).  The complaint shall state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested.  The filing of the formal, written complaint at level two must be within fifteen (15) working days from the date of the event given rise to the grievance or from the date the grievant(s) could reasonably become aware of such occurrence.  The grievant(s) may request that a meeting concerning the complaint be held with the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator who shall investigate the complaint and attempt to solve it.  A written report from the Compliance Officer regarding action taken will be sent within fifteen (15) working days after receipt of the complaint.

LEVEL THREE – Superintendent – If the complaint is not resolved at level two, the grievant(s) may proceed to level three by presenting a written appeal to the Superintendent within ten (10) working days after the grievant(s) receive the report from the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator.  The grievant(s) may request a meeting with the Superintendent or his/her designee.  The Superintendent or his/her designee has the option of meeting with the grievant to discuss the appeal.  A decision will be rendered by the Superintendent or his/her designee within ten (10) working days after receiving the written appeal.

LEVEL FOUR – Board of Education – If the complaint is not resolved at level three, the grievant(s) may proceed to level four by presenting a written appeal to the President of the Board of Education within ten (10) working days after the grievant(s) receive the report from the Superintendent.  The Board may request a meeting with the grievant(s) to discuss the appeal.  A decision will be rendered by the Board of Education at their next regularly scheduled meeting.  The grievant will be notified in writing of their decision within ten (10) working days after the Board of Education action.

This procedure in no way denies the right of the grievant(s) to file formal complaints with the Missouri Civil Rights Commission, the office for Civil Rights or other agencies available for mediation or rectification. 

NOTIFICATION OF TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS

Our district is required to inform you of certain information that you, according to No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110), have the right to know.

Upon your request, our district is required to provide you, in a timely manner, the following information:

• Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
• Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
• What baccalaureate degree major the teacher has and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification.

In addition to the information that you may request, the District will provide to you individually:

• Information on the achievement level of your child in each of the state academic assessments as required under this part; and
• Timely notice that your child has been assigned, or has been taught for four more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who is not highly qualified.

PUBLIC NOTICE

All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the disability, including children attending private schools, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, and children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade.  The public school district assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction.   Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.

The local school district will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps Program.

The local school district assures that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians.  Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child.  Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

The local school district has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s assurances that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA).  This plan may be reviewed during regular school hours (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) on days school is in session, in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Local school districts in the State of Missouri are required to conduct an annual census of all children with disabilities or suspected disabilities from birth to age twenty-one (21) that reside in the district.  This census must be compiled by December 1 of each year.  This information is treated as confidential and must include; name of the child; parent/legal guardian’s name/address; birth date and age of the child; the child’s disability; and the services provided to the child.  If you have a child with a disability or know of a child with a disability that is not attending the public school, please contact the Director of Special Services at 417-779-4166.

This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS

(Districts Not Allowing a Public Comment Period)

To provide for full and open communication between the public and the Board of Education, the Board authorizes the following avenues for the exchange of information, ideas and opinions. 

GRIEVANCE THROUGH ESTABLISHED POLICY AND PROCEDURE 

Students, employees and members of the public are encouraged to utilize established policies and procedures for offering suggestions or addressing concerns and complaints prior to bringing the issue before the Board. The Board believes that many issues can be resolved by communication with teachers, administrators and other staff and may refuse to address an issue if the individual presenting it has not first attempted to resolve the matter through established procedures and policies. 

WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE 

Written correspondence may be directed to the Board, through the superintendent, for consideration at a meeting. Copies of all correspondence directed to the Board will be made available to all Board members. Statements of two (2) pages or less are encouraged. 

AGENDA ITEMS 

Any member of the public who wishes to have an item placed on the agenda will present the request in writing to the superintendent or designee. The request must be submitted pursuant to Board policy and received five (5) business days prior to the scheduled meeting. The item will be appropriately placed on the agenda. The Board reserves the right to impose reasonable restrictions on the number of items to be considered, the number of spokespersons and the speaking time of spokespersons appearing before the Board. If the meeting agenda is full, the Board reserves the right to reschedule an item to the next regular meeting. The Board may refuse to address an issue that has not gone through the appropriate grievance procedure. The Board reserves the right to waive formalities in emergency situations, within the limitations of the law. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS 

From time to time, the Board will schedule a public hearing to receive input on matters of concern to the community, such as setting the district's tax rate. The public will be provided notice of such hearings as required by law. 

SURROGATE PARENT PROGRAM

Pursuant to the requirements of state law, the State Board of Education is required to appoint a surrogate parent at such time as it becomes evident that a child with a disability does not have a parent or a person acting as a parent to participate in matters dealing with the provision of special education.  For purposes of surrogate parent appointment, “parent” is defined as a biological parent, a guardian, or a person acting as a parent of a child including, but not limited to, a grandparent, a step-parent, or a foster parent with whom the child lives.  The term does not include the State if the child is a ward of the State.  The term does not include a person whose parental rights have been terminated.

The local school district is given the responsibility to determine when a child with a disability who requires special education and who resides in the district is without a parent.  The district must notify the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of the need to appoint a surrogate parent.  Training for persons serving as surrogate parents will be provided by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the district.

WELLNESS PROGRAM

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 requires each school district that participates in a program under the National School Lunch Act to establish a local wellness policy for each school in the district by the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year.  The primary goals of the Hollister R-V School District’s wellness program are to promote student health, reduce student overweight/obesity, facilitate student learning of lifelong healthy habits and increase student achievement. We request parents and/or students to pack healthy lunches and snacks and to refrain from including beverages and foods that do not meet healthy nutritional guidelines.  

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Applicants for admission or employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral and applicants for employment, and all professional organizations that have entered into agreements with the Hollister R-V School District (“School District”) are hereby notified that the School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities.  “In addition, the School District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.”

Any person having inquiries concerning the School District’s compliance with the laws and regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) or the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, is directed to the respective Compliance Coordinator listed below, who oversees the School District’s efforts to comply with the laws and regulations implementing the laws and regulations cited above.    

The School District has established grievance procedures for persons unable to resolve problems arising under the statutes above.  The School District’s Compliance Coordinator will provide information regarding those procedures upon request.

Any person who is unable to resolve a problem or grievance arising under any of the laws and regulations cited above may contact the Office for Civil Rights, Region VII, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, Missouri 64114; telephone (816) 268-0550.   

COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR

Questions, concerns, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding the ADA may be forwarded to the Hollister School District’s designated ADA Compliance Coordinator:

Dr. Jared Terry, Assistant Superintendent

Hollister R-V School District

1914 State Hwy. BB

Hollister, Missouri  65672

Phone: (417) 243-4005

COMMITMENT TO COMPLIANCE UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), the Hollister R-V School District (“School District”) does not discriminate on the basis of disability against qualified individuals with a disability with respect to the School District’s services, programs or activities. 

EMPLOYMENT:  The School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices.  The School District complies with the federal regulations under Title I of the ADA (which governs the application of the ADA in the hiring and employment setting).  

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION:  The School District will comply with the ADA with respect to providing auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in School District programs, services, and activities.  These aids and services are designed to make information and communications accessible to people who have impairments, in areas such as speech, hearing, and vision.  The School District will not place a surcharge on a qualified individual with a disability, or any group of qualified individuals with disabilities, to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy (for example, retrieving items from locations that are open to the public but inaccessible to users of wheelchairs).  

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a service, program, or activity of the School District should contact the respective Compliance Coordinator, whose contact information is listed below.  Such contact should be made as soon as possible, but not later than 48 hours before the scheduled event (and, preferably, at least five (5) business days before the event).  

MODIFICATIONS TO POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:  The School District will make reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy its services, programs and activities.  

The ADA does not require the School District to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.  

Complaints that a School District service, program, or activity is not accessible to persons with a disability may be directed to the Compliance Coordinator below.  In addition, as stated in the School District’s Notice of Nondiscrimination, a person who is unable to resolve a problem or grievance arising under Title II of the ADA may contact the Office for Civil Rights, Region VII, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, Missouri 64114; telephone (816) 268-0550.

COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR

Dr. Jared Terry, Assistant Superintendent

Hollister R-V School District

1914 State Hwy. BB

Hollister, Missouri  65672

Phone: (417) 243-400