July 28-30 New Teacher Training
August 11-14 Staff Professional Development
August 14 Night of the Tiger/Open House
August 18 First Day of School
September 1 No School Labor Day
September 15 No School- Teacher Professional Development
October 6 No School- Teacher Professional Development
October 10 End of First Quarter
October 13-16 Scheduled Conferences
October 16 P/T Conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.
October 17-20 No School - Fall Break
November 3 No School- Teacher Professional Development
November 10 No School
November 26-28 No School - Thanksgiving Break
December 1 No School- Teacher Professional Development
December 19 End of 2nd Quarter - Half Day Dismissal 11:30
December 22- Jan 2 No School - Christmas Break
January 5 No School- Teacher Professional Development
January 6 School Resumes
January 19 No School - MLK Birthday 
February 2 No School-Teacher Professional Development
February 16 No School - Presidents’ Day
February 23 No School  
February 27 End of 3rd Quarter
March 2 No School-Teacher Professional Development
March 16-20 No School - Spring Break
March 23 No School
April 3 No School - Good Friday
April 6 No School
April 13 No School-Teacher Professional Development
April 27 No School
May 11 No School - Teacher Professional Development
May 22 End of 4th Quarter -Last Day of School- Half Day Dismissal 11:30
May 17 or 24 Graduation
May 25 Memorial Day

Bell Schedule
Accidents and Injury
Activities
Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI)
Arrival
Articles From Home
Attendance
Attendance Monitoring Protocols:
Report of Absence
Returning to School
Late Arrival
Checkout Procedures
Excused Absences
Extended Absence
Make-up Work and Planned Absences
Tardiness to Class
Bus Conduct
Bus Regulations
Change in Transportation
Cell Phones
Change of Address
Closed Campus
Computer Use
Dismissal of Non-Bus Riding Students
Detention Policy
Dress Guidelines For Students
Emergency Procedures
Food Service
Food, Gum, Candy and Beverages
Guidance Services
Health
High School Credit
History Day
Human Sexuality Curriculum
ICU
Insurance
Interscholastic Athletic Clubs
Lockers
Lost and Found
Messages/Telephone Use
Missouri Course Access Program (MOCAP)
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Report Cards
Remediation and Retention
Searches by School Personnel
Sexual Harassment
Surveying, Analyzing or Evaluating Students
Techbrary
Textbook, Equipment and Supplies
Visitor
Withdrawal From School
Missouri Violence Hotline
Discipline Policy
Reporting to Law Enforcement
Documentation in Student's Discipline Record
Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion, and Other Disciplinary Consequences
Impact on Grades
Prohibited Conduct
Anti-Bullying Policy
Definitions
Investigation Procedure
Retaliation Prohibition
Training and Education
Due Process

PUBLIC NOTICES
Complaint Resolution Procedure for No Child Left Behind Program
Equal Educational Opportunity
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
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
COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR

Monday - Friday
Period & Time
1 8:00 - 8:45
2 8:45 - 9:30
3 9:30 - 10:15
4 10:15 - 11:00
5 11:00 - 11:45
6 11:45 - 1:00
7 1:00 - 1:45
8 1:45 - 2:30
Advisory 2:30 - 3:00

6th Lunch 11:50 -12:10
7th Lunch 12:15 - 12:35
8th Lunch 12:40 - 1:00

Parents and Students:

The following pages contain information, guidelines, and expectations that can help guide you through a successful school year.  Please feel welcome at any time to stop by the office or call 243-4035 with comments or questions you may have.  Have a great year!

Dr. Rachel Hodges, Principal
Mrs. Brooke Johnson, Assistant Principal

“We are a school district with an unrelenting focus on learning.  All students will succeed, as success is our only option.”

All accidents and injuries will be reported immediately to the nurse or principal's office.  An accident form will be filled out and parents contacted if needed.

In addition to athletics, various activities will be available to students throughout the year. An admission fee will be charged for some activities and will be determined by the sponsoring group.  Refreshments may be sold.  Students cannot be on campus without being under the direct supervision of a district employee/sponsor.  The same rules and behavior expectations applied during the school day extend to all school sponsored activities and events.  Student attendance at a school-sponsored social event is considered a privilege, which may be denied if a student's behavior in school or at a school activity warrants such action.

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.

It is essential that students be picked up promptly, within fifteen minutes, after the end of any event.

Good sportsmanship is one of the primary purposes of our middle school interscholastic athletic program. We, at Hollister Middle School, feel very strongly about "good sportsmanship" at all times.  We hope you will enjoy the games and support our athletes in a positive and sportsmanlike manner.

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, as we have in the past, via school outreach calls/text and social media postings in the event of school closures and use of AMI days.

Students should not arrive at school prior to 7:35 a.m. When students enter the building, they will put their belongings in their locker, get breakfast if they would like to have one, and go directly to their first hour class.

Book bags and backpacks are discouraged for reasons of space and safety.  All bags and binders are subject to inspection by school personnel.  Book bags must be kept in the student’s locker during the school day.

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.

Laser pointers/pens, portable speakers, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
Sports, game or collector cards are prohibited, as are articles of value such as radios, cameras, etc.  If brought to school, articles may be confiscated. Toys, water guns, sharp objects, glass containers, live or dead animals, matches/lighters, tobacco or drugs of any type are prohibited at school. The school cannot be responsible for articles lost or stolen.

Good attendance is essential to the success of students.  Excessive absenteeism or frequent tardiness hinders student academic progress and is strongly discouraged. 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. 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. 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. Students must be in attendance at least half the school day in order to participate in practices (not including performances or events).

Students whose attendance is below 85% 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.
• Attend school dances/social events

An appeal may be made to the building principal to request exemption due to extenuating circumstances. 

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% will 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% will be hot-lined and/or referred to the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s office for educational neglect.

Report of Absence

In the event of absence, the parent/guardian is asked to call the school (243-4035) the morning of the absence between 8:00-9:00 a.m. and give the following: Student's name and grade level, reason for absence, and expected date of return

Returning to School

Upon returning to school, the student must bring a note from parent/guardian to the office before first period begins.  If the student has been to a doctor or dentist, a Return to Work/School form should accompany the student to the office so that accurate records may be kept.  The student will be given an admit slip which should be shown to each teacher during the day and left with the seventh period teacher.

Late Arrival

Late arriving students will check-in with the office before going to class and will be counted tardy or absent depending on the time of arrival.  Students should be accompanied by a parent/guardian or have a note signed by parent/guardian giving the reason why the student is late. Students will be permitted 4 late arrivals per quarter. After 4 late arrivals students will receive discipline consistent with board policy regarding Truancy and Tardiness. Students who miss more than twenty minutes of a class will be considered absent.

Checkout Procedures

If a student leaves school during the school day, a parent/guardian must check him/her out in the office.  The office will call the student.  Parents are encouraged to make dental, medical and other appointments after school hours.  Students missing more than fifteen minutes of any class period are counted absent for that class period.

Excused Absences

An excused absence is one in which the student was absent with the parent's permission and knowledge for reasons such as medical, school activities, family emergency, etc.  Being absent without parent permission or knowledge is being truant and subject to discipline.  Any student who is or was at school but is absent more than 10 minutes from any class without the teacher's permission is truant.

Extended Absence

In case of extended illness or an unusual situation a parent should call the school so arrangements can be made for assignments which allows the student to remain caught up in class work.  Please remember that the full learning opportunity including experiments, discussions, etc. cannot be replaced by assignments that can be done at home.  The school may require a doctor’s note for a student to return to school after a serious illness or injury.

Make-up Work and Planned Absences

In case of a scheduled absence such as a dental appointment, the student should request assignments ahead of time so that work is complete when the student returns to school.  For unscheduled absences such as illness, the student is responsible for getting assignments from teachers the day the student returns to school. 

When an extended absence is a planned event and not an emergency, requests for assignments must be made a minimum of 3 school days prior to the absence.  The request should be made by parent or guardian to the Middle School office.  These assignments will be due no later than the second day back at school following the extended absence.  There may be in-class work that cannot be made up during an extended absence.

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/transportation director conference; notice sent to parent, signed and returned 
2nd Offense Notice sent to parent, signed and returned; detention
3rd Offense 3-day suspension from the bus; notice sent to parent, signed and returned
4th Offense 5-day suspension from the bus; notice sent to parent, signed and returned
5th Offense 10-day suspension from the bus; parental conference required
6th Offense Suspension from the bus for remainder of the school year

Note: A serious offense may result in immediate bus suspension and a conference with a parent, student, principal, and/or transportation will be 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 bus or bus stop must be approved with a note from the parent.  Requests for a change of transportation must be received before 2:15 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.

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.

The office should be notified immediately of any change of address or phone numbers during the school year.  It is also important to have emergency phone numbers on file in case of some emergency with a student or early dismissal.

The Middle School operates under a closed campus concept, which means students may not leave the Middle School unless they are picked up by a parent/guardian.  Students leaving the school grounds without permission will be subject to disciplinary action.  Students are considered on-campus upon arriving on school grounds.

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

Students not riding a bus will be dismissed through the main entrance. Bus riders will be dismissed through the doors across from the football field. This is done for safety reasons due to the heavy amount of traffic in the parking lot.

The day a detention is assigned copies of the referral are sent home with the student, mailed to the parent, or a phone call is made.  Parents may call 243-4035 if there are questions. Detention may be rescheduled in case of emergency and if the parent contacts the school prior to the detention time to request a reschedule. Failure to serve an after-school detention results in the assignment of additional detentions or a day of ISD will be assigned.

Lunch Detention

Lunch detention is a consequence used for minor violations of school policies. Detention will be conducted during the student’s regularly scheduled lunch time. The following rules will be observed:

1. No talking.
2. Students will not be allowed to leave their assigned table without permission from a teacher.
3. Cell phones will not be allowed.

After-School Detention

After-School Detention is a consequence used for minor violations of school policies.  Detention will be conducted on Monday and Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00 pm in the commons under the supervision of a school district employee.  The following rules will be observed:

1. All students must arrive on time with school work.
2. No talking, food or drink allowed in the area.
3. Students will not be permitted to leave the room.
4. All materials for studying must be brought with the student as the student must use the entire 60 minutes for productive study time.
5. Cell phones must be left with the detention supervisor.
6. Parents are responsible for the transportation of the student.

Any violation of the detention rules may require the student to serve additional detentions or in-school-detention.

In School Detention/Suspension

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 main office 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 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. 

Violation of any detention rule may result in additional detention time being assigned or the assignment of out-of-school suspension.

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.

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

1. Dress, personal hygiene 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. Students may not wear hats/caps, beanies, bandanas, or other distracting headwear in the building. 
5. The following are specific items 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, wearable blankets, capes, clothing that does not cover all undergarments, clothing advertising alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs or using vulgarity.
6. Shirts should be long enough that when standing straight with arms by your side, no parts of your midriff or back is showing.
7. Piercing and body art that detract from the purpose of school are prohibited.
8. 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.
9. Any apparel that could cause injury to self or others will not be permitted. Examples: wallet chains, extreme rings/necklaces/jewelry or spiked bracelets/necklaces, etc.
10. Face painting and writing or drawing on the skin are considered distracting and not allowed at school.  
11. We do not wear costumes
12. Additional dress guidelines may be imposed upon students participating in certain extracurricular activities.
13. No spandex shorts should be worn as external garments.
14. Shirts and hoodies may not cover up shorts- 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

Emergency drills will be conducted on a regular basis.  It is essential that students follow directions given by teachers during drills so that students will be prepared should an emergency situation ever arise.

If it becomes necessary to dismiss school early or for an entire day, the announcement will be made on radio stations KOMC 1220 AM, KRZK 106.3 FM, and Springfield television channels 3, 10 and 33, as well as posted on our social media outlets. A message will also be sent through Parent Square.

Breakfast will be available from 7:35 a.m. to 7:50 a.m.

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

All students are expected to know their id number for fast and efficient handling of meals. 
Students are expected to clean up any spills or mess and deposit trash in appropriate containers.  Failure to do so may result in loss of vending privileges. For safety reasons, under no circumstances should glass bottles be brought into the school building.

Hollister Middle 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. Students may not order food or have food delivered from restaurants. Lunch visitors should be approved, and students should not bring friends from other districts during lunch time. 

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.

Students are only allowed to have food, gum, candy and beverages in the classrooms if the teacher gives them permission to do so. Energy drinks are not allowed and will be confiscated if brought to school.

A school counselor is available to serve all parents and students.  Students can make an appointment to see the counselor by stopping at the guidance office.  Parents may contact the counselor by calling the school at 243-4035.

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.

Students who take Algebra I as an 8th grader will be able to receive a high school credit for the class.  They will have to earn an A or B in the class as a final average to receive the high school credit. Enrollment in high school courses is a privilege and subject to discipline and attendance history, as well as administrator approval.

The Board of Education recognizes that parents/guardians are 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. Therefore, in accordance with law, the district will notify the parents/guardians of each student enrolled in the district of the basic content of the district's human sexuality instruction that will be provided to their student. The district will also notify parents/guardians of their right to remove their student from any part of the district's human sexuality instruction. The district will make all curriculum materials used in the district's human sexuality instruction available for public inspection as a public record prior to the use of such materials in actual instruction.

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 on Infinite Campus. When a student is absent or has missing work, students will receive an adequate amount of time to finish the assignment in class, but are also expected to take it home to finish it as homework if needed. Teachers will mark assignments as missing in Infinite Campus so that parents and students are informed in a timely manner of missing work. 
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.

A health insurance policy is made available to all students enrolled in school.  The rate is adjusted annually.  Any students that 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 student athletes must be covered by an approved insurance policy.

Athletics

Fall

Football

Volleyball

Cross-Country

Winter

Basketball

Wrestling

Cheerleading (Also Fall)

Spring

Softball

Baseball

Track

Clubs

Academic Team

Student Council

FCA

ESports

Yearbook

Students must have a current physical examination form on file with the school office before they begin athletic practice. 

Rules of Eligibility

The Hollister R-V School district requires the following:

1. A student will be ineligible for participation in extracurricular activities if he/she receives two below failing (F) grades at the end of the quarter and will remain ineligible for the entire next quarter.  The student may regain his/her eligibility if, at mid-quarter, the building principal certifies that the student's academic record reflects less than two failing grades (F) grades. Failing (F) grades will be utilized by individual class rather than by individual standard.
2. Students will also be deemed ineligible on a bi-weekly basis if he/she has one course grade average that is below a 2.0 when the eligibility report is generated (see athletic handbook for specific dates). 
   1. If a student receives an eligibility slip on Thursday (the week before the eligibility report) indicating that he/she has a failing (F) grade in a class, the student will be required to get the slip signed by the teacher indicating that the student regained eligibility for the bi-weekly eligibility deadline (see athletic handbook for specific dates).
   2. If the student fails to regain eligibility, then he/she will be deemed ineligible for the remainder of competition for that week. 
3. If a student is ineligible and cannot participate in a function of a class, and the instructor bases a portion of the grade on the function, the instructor is to permit the student to do other assignments in order for him/her to have an opportunity to earn a grade.
4. 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.
5. A student may practice, but may not participate in any contest or school function held outside of the normal school day if the student served in-school detention/suspension on the day of the content or function.

Each student is assigned a specific locker.  Under no circumstances will locker assignments be changed without approval from the principal's office.  Lockers, as school property, may be searched at any time without warning or permission from students. Students are responsible for the condition of their lockers.  There is to be absolutely no writing or stickers anywhere on the lockers.  Any damage that occurs to the lockers should be reported immediately to the principal's office.  Unreported damage will be assessed to the student to whom the locker is assigned.  
Students are to use the combination locks available from the school office.  Students are not allowed to use their own personal locks.  A $5.00 deposit is required per lock.  This amount will be refunded when the lock is returned in good condition at the end of the school year.  At no time will the school be responsible for watches, jewelry, cash, or other property left in the lockers.

All found articles should be taken to the office.  Please check with the office if you have lost an item.  The loss of property may be minimized by placing the owner's name on every article.  At the end of each month, unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

Students will not be called to the phone for messages during the school day except in case of extreme emergency.  The office will take messages and deliver them to students during last period.  Please help us keep such messages to a minimum. Please do not text or call students during the day on their devices as this is a disruption of their learning and the learning of others.
School phones will not be available for student use except in case of extreme emergency. Classroom phones are not for student use. Students should not answer classroom phones without teacher permission.

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 the district website.)

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

Students must be enrolled in and attending seated instruction in school at least 4/7 of the school day in order to participate in sports and extracurricular activities.  Since virtual learning is an option for those who have health concerns, those same health concerns apply to students being on campus for sports and activities.  As such, students enrolled in virtual learning will not be able to participate in sports and extracurricular activities.

Conferences are held each fall following the first grading period. Times and dates are communicated in advance. Parents desiring a conference with a teacher at any other time are urged to contact that teacher through the school office.  Parents should check in at the office when coming for a conference.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach used in our school to promote positive behavior and create a safe, supportive learning environment. PBIS focuses on teaching and reinforcing good behavior, recognizing and rewarding students for following school expectations, and providing support to those who need it. By implementing PBIS, we aim to reduce disruptive behaviors, improve academic performance, and enhance school climate. This approach helps ensure that all students can succeed both academically and socially, fostering a community of respect and responsibility.

PBIS Incentive Days
PBIS Reward Days are special events held to celebrate and reward students for their positive behavior and adherence to school expectations. We have quarterly reward days and one yearly reward day, designed as incentives for demonstrating good behavior, not as a punishment for those who are ineligible. Eligibility resets each quarter, giving every student a fresh start, while the yearly reward day considers eligibility throughout the entire school year. To be eligible for these reward days, students must meet the following criteria:

• 90% or higher attendance
• No out-of-school suspensions (OSS)
• In-school suspensions (ISS) are subject to review
• No failing (F) grades
• Yearly Reward Only - Must qualify for 3 of the 4 quarterly rewards

These criteria encourage students to consistently strive for excellence in behavior and academics, ensuring a positive and productive school environment for all.

An eligibility appeal may be made to the building principal due to extenuating circumstances.

Student report cards are submitted four times per year, approximately every nine (9) weeks. Progress reports are submitted mid-quarter, four times per year,  Students receive a number grade for each class, as well as optional comments.  Report cards and progress reports are available online through Infinite Campus. Parents who are not able to access their Infinite Campus account should contact the school office.

The grading scale utilized at Hollister Middle 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.

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

Students will normally progress annually from grade to grade unless, in the judgment of the district's professional staff, it is not in the best educational interest of the student to do so. The final decision to promote a student rests with the school administration.

The district may require remediation as a condition of promotion to the next grade level for any student identified by the district as failing to master skills and competencies established for that particular grade level. 

Remediation may include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, a mandatory summer school program focused on the areas of deficiency or other such alternatives conducted by the district outside of the regular school day. 

Retention may be considered when, in the judgment of the professional staff, it is in the best educational interest of the student involved. Parents/Guardians will receive prior notification and explanation concerning the retention. However, the final decision will rest with the school administration.

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.

The Board of Education strongly believes that no person in the Hollister R-5 School District shall on the basis of gender, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity.  Sexual harassment of students and employees whether committed by supervisors, employees, or students, and regardless of whether the victim is an employee or student, will not be tolerated.  Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to:

1. Sexual slurs, threats, verbal abuse and sexually degrading descriptions.
2. Graphic verbal comments about an individual’s body.
3. Sexual jokes, notes, stories, drawings, pictures, or gestures.
4. Spreading sexual rumors.
5. Touching an individual in a sexual way.
6. Displaying sexually suggestive objects.
7. Unwelcome sexual flirtation, advances, or propositions.
8. Acts of retaliation against a person who reports sexual harassment.

All allegations of sexual harassment will be investigated.  The investigation will be discreet.

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:

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent.
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family.
3. Sex behavior or attitudes.
4. Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior.
5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships.
6. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers.
7. Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent.
8. Income other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program.

Students may use the media center with their class or by obtaining a pass from their teacher.
Regulations:
All materials taken from the library must be checked out.  Any lost item or book damaged beyond normal wear must be paid for at replacement cost.  Students are responsible for any books charged to their names. A class or group of more than five students using the library must be accompanied by a teacher. Return books through the book drop.  Library privileges can be forfeited by misconduct or consistent failure to pay fines or return books.

Textbooks and Chromebooks are furnished for student use without charge. If a textbook or Chromebook is damaged a fine will be assessed.  If textbooks or Chromebooks are lost or damaged beyond reasonable use, full replacement cost must be paid. Students are responsible for all books, technology, equipment and supplies issued to them. Equipment is provided in some classes for student use. Misuse or failure to properly care for instructional equipment or supplies may require compensation for damage up to replacement cost.

All visitors to the school must check in at the office and obtain a " visitor pass" before entering the building. 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.

Parents wishing to transfer a student to another school should contact the counselor.  Those desiring to transfer to another system or to withdraw should secure a drop slip and check out through the principal's office.  This will clear your school records so that student records may be sent to other schools in an expedient manner.

The Missouri School Violence Hotline allows students, parents and citizens to call a toll-free number and report potential threats affecting schools, students and school personnel.  The hotline is in operation from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays).  The number is 1-866-748-7047.

The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student responsibility, respect for others, and to provide for the orderly operation of district schools. No code can be expected to list each and every offense that may result in disciplinary action; however, it is the purpose of this code to list certain offenses which, if committed by a student, will result in the imposition of a certain disciplinary action. Any conduct not included herein, any aggravated circumstance of any offense, or any action involving a combination of offenses may result in disciplinary consequences that extend beyond this code of conduct as determined by the principal, superintendent and/or Board of Education. In extraordinary circumstances where the minimum consequence is judged by the superintendent or designee to be manifestly unfair or not in the interest of the district, the superintendent or designee may reduce the consequences listed in this policy, as allowed by law. This code includes, but is not necessarily limited to, acts of students on school property, including playgrounds, parking lots and district transportation, or at a district activity, whether on or off district property. The district may also discipline students for off-campus conduct that negatively impacts the educational environment, to the extent allowed by law.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

It is the policy of the Hollister R-V School District to report all crimes occurring on district property 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.

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.

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 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 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, 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 enrolled in and attending an alternative school that is located within 1,000 feet of a public school in the district.
3. 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 prohibition in this section he or she may be suspended or expelled in accordance with the offense, "Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension," listed below.

Impact on Grades

As with any absence, absences due to out of school suspension may result in the student earning a lower grade in accordance with the district’s policy on absences.

Prohibited Conduct

The following are descriptions of prohibited conduct as well as potential consequences for violation. Building-level administrators are authorized to more narrowly tailor potential consequences as appropriate for the age level of students in the building.  All consequences must be within the ranges established in this regulation.  In addition to the consequences specified here, school officials will notify law enforcement and document violations in the student's discipline file pursuant to law and Board policy.

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.
• Employees 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 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 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 Procedure

• Employees responsible for investigation will be the building principal or assistant principal or an employee(s) designated by 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
• 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.

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 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.

Complaint Resolution Procedure for No Child Left Behind 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 (NCLB).  A complaint is a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or regulation has been violated, misapplies, 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:

Sean Woods, Superintendent

Hollister R-V School District

1798 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 not 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. Rachel Hodges, Principal

     1798 State Highway BB

     Hollister, MO    65672

If no response within 10 days, contact:

2)  Dr. Sean Woods, Superintendent

     1914 State Highway BB

     Hollister, MO 65672

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students.”

1. Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
2. Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records that they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
3. Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
   1. School officials with legitimate educational interest;
   2. Other schools to which a student is transferring;
   3. Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
   4. Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
   5. Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
   6. Accrediting organizations;
   7. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
   8. Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
   9. State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.  (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.  

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 Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-95), 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; birthdate 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 stepparent, 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

Jared Terry, Assistant Superintendent 

Hollister R-V School District

1914 State Hwy. BB

Hollister, Missouri  65672

Phone: (417) 243-4000