Student/Parent Handbook

The Board of Trustees would like to extend an invitation to students, parents and community members to come to board meetings throughout the school year and summer. We would also like to encourage you to share with us your concerns, ideas, and general comments. We will be available to listen to and we will provide guidance on how to get your concerns addressed through the proper channels.

• A student between the ages of 7 and 16 attend school unless the student is otherwise legally exempted or excused.  A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her sixteenth birthday is required to attend each school day.

EL-6  DAILY SCHEDULE

7-8 DAILY SCHEDULE

• Involved in any activity that constitutes disorderly conduct, an interference with school purposes of an educational function, or any disruptive activity.
• Leaving school grounds without obtaining permission at the school office
• Using a skateboard on school grounds during the school day or during school activities
• Using an electronic device in the classroom or other areas of the school without permission
• Cell phone violations, (see page 10) 
• Not dressing appropriately as outlined in building level handbooks
• General classroom disruptions
• Insubordination
• Computer / internet violations

THOMPSON FALLS EL-8 BULLYING LEVEL BEHAVIORS

LEVEL ONE

LEVEL TWO

LEVEL THREE

THOMPSON FALLS EL-8 GENERAL BEHAVIORS

LEVEL ONE

LEVEL TWO

LEVEL THREE

Student cell phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices must be off and put away at all times during the school day, unless the classroom teacher has given permission for the student to use it. Failure to comply will result in the device being kept in the office until after school at which point the student may pick it up. A second offense of the phone/electronic device rule will result in the device being kept at the office until a parent can pick it up.

Students in grades 7-8 are required to check in the cell phones and personal electronic devices at the junior high office upon entering the building for the day.  They can be retrieved after the final bell.

Students are prohibited from operating a cell phone or other electronic device (or camera embedded in such device) while in a locker room, bathroom, or any other location where the privacy rights of others may be violated.  Students may not use cell phones, pagers, or other electronic signaling devices during classes unless such use is under the direction of certified staff for educational purposes.

Unauthorized possession or use of these devices is grounds for confiscation.  Repeated unauthorized use will result in disciplinary action.  Depending on the nature of the unauthorized use, the student’s parents and/or law enforcement may be contacted and the student’s cell phone may be searched.

Parents and students are expressly prohibited from using covert means to listen-in or make a recording (audio or video) of any meeting or activity at school.  This includes placing recording devices, or other devices with one- or two-way audio communication technology (i.e., technology that allows a person off-site to listen to live conversations and sounds taking place in the location where the device is located), within a student's book bag/backpack, on the student's person or otherwise in an area capable of listening in or recording without express written consent of the Superintendent. Any requests to place a recording device or other device with one- or two-way audio communication technology within a student's book bag/backpack or on a student's person shall be submitted, in writing, to the Superintendent along with an explanation of why such recording is necessary.  The Superintendent or a designee shall notify the parent(s), in writing, whether such request is denied or granted within five (5) school days.  Where consent has been given by the Superintendent, the Principal must be given access by the parent to be a school guardian on the device. This will ensure any “Listen-In” feature is disabled during school hours due to privacy concerns.

To protect children from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. Parents of a student with a communicable or contagious disease should phone the school nurse or principal so that other students who may have been exposed to the disease can be alerted.

• FEVER - excluded from school with re-entry 24 hours after fever has subsided.
• VOMITING during the night - stay home the following day.
• STREP THROAT – Symptoms are fever and sore throat. Treatment consists of antibiotics as prescribed by a physician. Child must remain out of school until 24 hours after medication is started.
• PINKEYE – (Conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the thin, transparent outer tissue layer of the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelids. The inflammation causes redness, tearing, and occasionally the formation of a pus discharge. The student may complain of “itching or burning” eyes. The most common causes are bacteria, viruses, and allergies. If your child wakes in the morning with eyes “crusted and matted”, you should have him/her checked by a physician before sending him/her to school. Treatment consists of antibiotic eye drops or ointment obtained from a physician. The child should remain out of school until 24 hours after treatment has begun. 
• MONO - exclusion is not indicated for cases or exposed students. 
• HEAD LICE – Obtain “Nix” or “RID” from the store and follow specific instructions for treatment. Be sure to fine comb hair after treatment. It is necessary that your child be “Nit-free” before returning to school. You will need a note from the school nurse, clinic nurse, county health nurse, or any qualified professional stating your child is “Nit-free.”
• HAND, FOOT, and MOUTH DISEASE – This illness can cause painful sores in or on your mouth, and/or on the hands, feet and sometimes buttocks and legs. The illness lasts usually 7-10 days. Symptoms include fatigue, sore throat, or a high fever. In some cases, a rash appears before blisters do. The blisters may break open and crust over and usually last about a week. The disease is most likely to spread within the first week. Wash hands frequently and keep students home who have a fever or open blisters.
• RINGWORM – Ringworm appears on the arms, chest, abdomen, and more rarely, the face. It starts as a tiny red spot that slowly grows in a circular fashion, clearing in the center as it enlarges. The edges remain reddish and scaly. No scabs, pus, or crusts are formed. Treat with medications prescribed or recommended by a physician. The student is non-contagious after 1st treatment and may be in school after 1st treatment while sores are healing. 
• SCABIES – Scabies is caused by a mite too small to be seen by the naked eye. Since the mites live underneath the skin, contagion takes rather prolonged contact. All that is required for safety is washing the hands after touching a person with scabies. Typically, the scabies mite makes a white bump that causes intense itching, particularly at night. As a result of scratching, a scab appears on the skin. The scab tends to be linear rather than round. Scabies is commonly found on the backs of the hands, the webs between the fingers, the inner side of the wrist and forearms, and the chest and abdomen. It can also be found on the upper arms and legs, and the neck. It is practically never on the face, on the small of the back, between the shoulder blades, on the palms of the hands, or on the soles of the feet. It will often be found on more than one family member. Diagnosis is usually done by a physician. Treatment consists of a prescription medication with repeated application 7-10 days later. A student with scabies presents no immediate emergency and need not be kept home. 
• CHICKENPOX - Chickenpox is a highly contagious childhood illness. The child is contagious from 24 hours before the onset of fever until the drying of all crusts. Chickenpox first appears on the scalp, face, chest, and abdomen, and spreads to the arms and legs. You will see a tiny, clear blister with redness around it. The blisters rapidly form crusts and scab over. The child must stay out of school until all crusts are dry—usually 5 to 7 days. 
• FIFTH’S DISEASE - This is a very mild skin disorder caused by a virus. A fine, red rash first appears on the face like a “slapped cheek”. It then spreads to the chest, abdomen, arms and legs. It is contagious 2 to 3 days prior to the onset of the rash. It is not contagious when the rash appears, therefore the student does not need to stay out of school unless he/she has a fever. If the student does have a fever, he/she should remain out of school until 24 hours after the fever is gone. There is no specific treatment for the rash. The rash may last a week or more and will appear worse when the child is exposed to heat, cold, or sunshine.

If a student or parent believes that the Board, its employees, or agents have violated their rights, he or she may file a written complaint with any District Principal or Supervisor under the applicable grievance procedure. If still unresolved, the matter generally may be referred to the Superintendent. Under some circumstances, the District provides for the complaint to be presented to the Board of Trustees in the event the matter cannot be resolved at the administrative level.

Some complaints require different procedures. Any building office or the Superintendent’s office can provide information regarding specific processes for filing complaints. Additional information can also be found in Policy 1700, available in any principal’s and Superintendent’s offices.

Students shall use the Title IX Grievance Procedure to address complaints / concerns about sex harassment. A copy of the Title IX Grievance Procedures can be obtained on the District’s website www.thompsonfalls.net/policies or any District or school office or by contacting the Title IX Coordinator, Mrs. Jodi Morgan.

Students shall use the Section 504 Grievance Procedure to address complaints/ concerns about disability discrimination. A copy of the Section 504 Grievance Procedures can be obtained on the District’s website www.thompsonfalls.net/policies or any District or school office or by contacting a school secretary or building administration.

Demonstrate courtesy — even when others do not.

Behave in a responsible manner and exercise self-discipline.

Attend all classes, regularly and on time.

Prepare for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class.

Meet District or building standards of grooming and dress.

Obey all building and classroom rules.

Respect the rights and privileges of other students, teachers, and other District staff.

Respect the property of others, including District property and facilities.

Cooperate with or assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.

Applicability of School Rules and Discipline

• On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during or after school hours or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group;
• Off school grounds at a school sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
• Traveling to and from school or a school activity, function or event; and
• Anywhere, including virtual networks, if conduct may reasonably be considered to be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member, an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or a threat to the safety and welfare of the student population, or conduct that detrimentally affects the climate or efficient operations of the school.

• Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco, vapor products, or marijuana products (tobacco includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, alternative nicotine product, or any other tobacco or nicotine innovation; marijuana products include but are not limited to edible products, ointments, tinctures, marijuana derivatives, marijuana concentrates, and marijuana intended for use by smoking or vaping);
• Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages, including powdered alcohol.
• Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling marijuana (including medical marijuana).
• Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling illegal drugs or controlled substances, look-alike drugs, and drug paraphernalia.
• Using, possessing, controlling, or transferring a weapon in violation of the “Possession of a Weapon in a School Building” section of this policy.
• Using, possessing, controlling, or transferring any object that reasonably could be considered or used as a weapon.
• Disobeying directives from staff or disobeying rules governing student conduct.
• Using violence, force, coercion, intimidation or other comparable conduct toward anyone or urging other students to engage in such conduct except when physical force is determined to be reasonable and necessary and used as self-defense or the defense of another person after an investigation into such conduct.
• Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s property.
• Engaging in any activity that constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function or any other disruptive activity.
• Unexcused absenteeism.
• Misconduct of any sort on any means of District transportation.
• Bullying, hazing, harassment (including sexual harassment), or intimidation, including cyberbullying.
• Forging any signature or making any false entry or attempting to authorize any document used or intended to be used in connection with the operation of a school.
• Engaging in dishonesty in academic work, including but not limited to plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized use of artificial intelligence applications to complete school work, submitting work generated by artificial intelligence as original work, or any other form of academic dishonesty.

An administrator may immediately suspend a student if there is cause to believe the student brought a firearm to school or possessed a firearm at school prior to any board hearing on a recommendation for expulsion.  If there is a recommendation to expel a student for bringing a firearm to school or possessing a firearm at school, the trustees shall notify the adult student or parent/guardian of a minor student in a clear and timely manner that the student may waive his or her privacy right by requesting the hearing be held in public and may invite other individuals to attend the hearing.  At a due process hearing on the recommendation for expulsion due to a student bringing a firearm to school or possessing a firearm at school, there shall be a presentation of a summary of the information leading to the allegations and an opportunity for the student to respond to the allegations.  The Board of Trustees is permitted to expel a student only when the trustees determine that the student knowingly (had knowledge of the facts) brought a firearm to school or possessed a firearm at school.

The Board of Trustees is not required to expel a student who has brought a firearm or possessed a firearm at school as long as the firearm is secured in a locked container approved by the District or in a locked motor vehicle the entire time the firearm is at school unless the firearm is in use for a school-sanctioned instructional activity.

If a student is determined by trustees to not have knowingly brought or possessed a firearm at school, the student’s record will be expunged of the incident.

For the purposes of this section only, the following terms are defined:  “school building” shall be defined as all buildings owned or leased by a local school district that are used for instruction or for student activities;  “weapon” shall be defined as any type of firearm, a knife with a blade for (4) or more inches in length, a sword, a straight razor, a throwing star, nun-chucks, firecrackers, or brass or other metal knuckles.  Knives of any blade length are prohibited.

School counselors are available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, or emotional issues, or substance abuse. Counselors may also make available information about community resources to address these concerns. Students who wish to meet with a counselor should contact the EL-8 School Counselor.

Please note: The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s written consent, unless required by state or federal law. The school will notify the parent or guardian of the right to opt a student out of a mental health screening and will be notified of any issues or concerns resulting from a mental health screening.

Suspension

An administrator has the authority to suspend a student for up to ten (10) school days.  The student is entitled to oral or written notification of the charges and is entitled to the opportunity to provide his or her version.  Immediate suspension when the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process may occur without notice or the opportunity to be heard provided that notice and the opportunity to be heard shall follow as soon as practicable.   Written notice of the suspension containing a statement of its basis and notice of the right to a review of the suspension will be sent to the parents as soon as possible.  At the request of the parents, the Superintendent will review the appropriateness of the suspension.  The decision of the Superintendent is final.

An administrator has the authority to extend a suspension for an additional ten (10) school days.  Prior to extending the suspension beyond the original length not to exceed ten days, the administrator must hold an informal hearing with the student and determine that the student’s immediate return to the school would be detrimental to the health, welfare, or safety of others, or would be disruptive to the educational process.

Expulsion

Expulsion is any removal of a student for more than twenty (20) school days without the provision of educational services.  Only the Board has the authority to expel a student after holding a hearing that provides the student with an opportunity to be heard.  After an investigation into the student’s conduct, the administrator must send a written notice to the parents regarding the recommendation to expel the student, the specific charges against the student and supporting evidence, a description of the rule or regulation broken, the date, time, and location of the board hearing, a copy of the Board’s procedure, and a description of the student’s and parents’ rights at the hearing.

Students With Disabilities

Students with rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 may be suspended in the same manner as students without those rights or expelled under certain circumstances, but prior to the imposition of either penalty, the District must follow all procedural requirements of those Acts, including holding a manifestation determination meeting when necessary, as required by these Acts.

The administration and staff have the responsibility and right to judge individual cases as being in violation of these regulations.  A student who violates the dress code will be asked to correct the situation with no penalty.  Parents may be called to bring a change of clothing.  The student may be asked to wear clothing provided by the school until parents arrive.  If the student appears to be defiant in following this rule after several occurrences, then the student will be treated as one who constitutes open defiance of authority.  This will result in discipline, which may include a suspension from school.

Students should have all coats, gloves, and other items of clothing clearly marked so that they can be identified. A Lost and Found is provided to assist students and parents in finding lost articles.

If at all possible, please send a pair of tennis shoes to school for Physical Education class.  Students can perform much better with this type of shoe as well as have protection in the event of a fire drill.  For health and safety reasons students must wear shoes at all times.

Thompson Falls Junior High School offers the following extracurricular activities:

Fall:  Boys and Girls Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, HS Soccer

Winter:  Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, HS Boys and Girls Wrestling

Spring: Boys and Girls Track and Field, HS Golf, HS Softball, HS Baseball

Please note: Student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, and athletic teams may establish standards of behavior — including consequences for misbehavior — that are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the administrator will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization.

The Board recognizes that field trips, when used as a device for teaching and learning integral to the curriculum, are an educationally sound and important ingredient in the instructional program of the schools. Such trips can supplement and enrich classroom procedures by providing learning experiences in an environment beyond the classroom.

Building principals have the authority to approve all field trips. Building principals shall develop procedures for the operation of a field trip. Each field trip must be integrated with curriculum and coordinated with classroom activities which enhance its usefulness.

Written parental permission must be obtained for each approved trip. Teachers are expected to submit the signed forms showing parental approval and acknowledgement of the student conduct guidelines, to the office prior to departure for the scheduled activity.

Please refer to Policies 2510 and 8205 for additional information regarding the District’s wellness program and its meal charging policy.

Please refer to Policies 2510 and 8205 for additional information regarding the District’s wellness program and its meal charging policy.

The District will determine, according to the best interest of the child whether the child will be enrolled in the school of origin or in the public school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child is actually living are eligible to attend.  In determining the best interest of the child the District will, to the extent feasible, keep the child in the school of origin, unless doing so is contrary to the wishes of the parent.

If the child is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, the homeless liaison will assist in placement and enrollment decisions, with the views of the child taken into consideration.

The District shall immediately enroll the homeless child, even if the child into the selected school even if the parent/child is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, immunization records, evidence of residency, or other documentation.

Homeless students shall be provided services comparable to services available to other students in the school system including, but not limited to, transportation services; educational services for which the student meets the eligibility criteria, such as educational programs for disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, gifted and talented students, and students with limited English proficiency; vocational and technical programs; preschool programs; before and after school-care programs; and school meals/nutrition programs.

Homeless students are entitled to transportation to their school of origin or the school where they are to be enrolled.

Teachers may give homework to students to aid in the student’s educational development.  Homework should be an application or adaptation of a classroom experience, and should not be assigned for disciplinary purposes.

All students in grades 3-8 will have an assignment notebook detailing the day’s assignments.  Assignment notebooks should be signed by teacher and parent daily.  Students with incomplete assignments may be kept after school.  A 24-hour notice will be given to parents to give them time to make transportation arrangements.  Doctor appointments will be accepted as a reason to delay after school time.  Failure to stay may result in an out-of-school suspension.

A student who transfers into the District may photocopy immunization records in the possession of the school of origin.  The District will accept the photocopy as evidence of the immunization.  Within thirty (30) days after a transferring student ceases attendance at the school of origin, the District must receive the original immunization records for the student who transfers into the District.

If a student’s religious beliefs conflict with the requirement that the student be immunized, the student must present a form signed by the student (or by the parent, if the student is a minor) stating that immunization conflicts with the religious tenets and practices of the parents and student. This form will be maintained as part of the student’s immunization records.

If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a health care provider who is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by the laws of any state or Canada to provide health care under Montana law, is authorized within the provider’s scope of practice to administer immunizations to which the exemption applies, and has previously provided health care to the student seeking the exemption or has administered an immunization to which the student has had an adverse reaction.  This certificate must indicate the specific nature and probable duration of the medical condition or circumstances which contraindicate immunization.   This certificate will be maintained as part of the student’s immunization records.  For further information, see Policy 3110.

Law enforcement or social service workers must contact students through the administrative office. Students will not usually be questioned or interviewed by law enforcement or other lawful authorities while at school. When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities, however, wish to question or interview a student at school or the principal requests that the student be interviewed at school:

• The principal shall verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority
• If the interview is not at the request of the principal, the principal shall ascertain the authority of law enforcement to question or interview the student at school. If the interview is by court order or other exigencies exist (concern about loss / damage of evidence, flight from jurisdiction, or health, safety, or welfare of the student or other students or staff), the principal has the discretion to allow the interview to take place. Otherwise, if law enforcement can reasonably interview the student at a time when the student is not in school, the principal may, absent a court order or warrant, deny the request for an immediate interview of a student.
• The principal will make reasonable efforts to notify parents unless the officer produces a court order prohibiting the notification of the parents.
• In the event that a parent cannot be present or cannot be reached, the principal will observe the interview.
• Law enforcement must comply with all legal requirements regarding notification of parents and consent prior to interviewing students.
• Social service workers may be permitted to interview students at a school consistent with Montana law. The principal will observe the meeting if the social service worker declines to notify the parents.

Students Taken Into Custody

State law requires the District to permit a student to be taken into legal custody by a law enforcement officer or probation officer to comply with a lawful court order, a warrant for arrest, or a law enforcement determination that probable cause exists for the arrest. To the extent practicable, the arrest should be conducted out of the view of other students in the administration offices. A social service worker may take custody of a student with a lawful court order or under the powers of MCA § 41-3-301.

The principal will immediately notify the Superintendent and will make reasonable attempts to notify a parent unless the officer or official produces a court order prohibiting the notification of the parents. Because the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a custody action, notification will most likely be after the fact.

Service of Process

At times, law enforcement may seek to serve a student with a subpoena or other legal documents (i.e., complaint, summons). Absent a court order, the principal has the discretion to determine service at school is disruptive to the educational environment. If service is directed by a court or is not disruptive to the educational environment, the principal will make reasonable attempts to contact the parents regarding the service. Where the principal has determined that service would be disruptive to the educational environment, the principal will make a reasonable attempt to coordinate with law enforcement to serve the student when school is not in session. Service on a student will be accomplished out of view of other students in the administration offices.

A student who has authorization to possess and self-administer medication must have completed and filed, with the office, a written order for self-administration of a medication from a licensed health care provider or dentist as well as written authorization from the parents for the self-administration.  The principal may authorize, in consultation with medical personnel, a student with asthma, severe allergies, or anaphylaxis to possess and self-administer emergency medication from an epinephrine pen (EpiPen), epinephrine nasal spray, or asthma inhaler.  The written order and written authorization must be provided annually.

For additional information, please see Policy 3416.

• Encourage his or her child to put a high priority on education and commit to making the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.
• Review the information in the student handbook with his or her child and sign and return the acknowledgment form(s) and the directory information notice. A parent with questions is encouraged to contact the building administrator.
• Become familiar with all of the child’s school activities and with the academic programs and course of study, including special programs, offered in the District.  Discuss with the counselor or principal any questions, such as concerns about placement, assignment, early graduation, methods to opt-out of programs and instruction consistent with parent/family rights, and other options available to the child.
• Monitor the child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed, including to discuss homework, attendance, and discipline.  Parents have the right to review their child’s education records upon request.
• Attend scheduled conferences and request additional conferences as needed.  To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the elementary school office at 406-827-3592 or junior high school at 406-827-3593 for an appointment.  A teacher will usually arrange to return the call or meet with the parent during his or her conference period or at a mutually convenient time before or after school.
• Become a school volunteer. For further information, contact a teacher or school secretary.
• Access District policies, handbooks, Board and committee meeting agendas, and District grievance procedures to participate in the governance of the District through the Board of Trustees.  Contact information for administrators and trustees is available on the District’s website https://www.thompsonfalls.net/
• Contact a counselor or principal to discuss rights related to student name and pronoun use consistent with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and Policy 3600.
• Participate in campus parent organizations. Parents have the opportunity to support and be involved in various school activities, either as leaders or in supporting roles. Parent organizations include: PTO

All fundamental parental rights are exclusively reserved to the parent of a child without obstruction or interference by a government entity in accordance with state and federal law (including without limitation to statutes and the common law) and District policy.

Surveys

Parents have the right to inspect any survey or evaluation and refuse to allow their child to participate in such survey or evaluation that does not require the collection of personally identifiable information and is not necessary and essential for establishing the student’s education record or validating an achievement test for admission to a postsecondary institution.  Parents have the right to opt their student into a survey or data collection that requires the collection of personally identifiable information and is not necessary and essential for establishing the student’s education record or validating an achievement test for admission to a postsecondary institution.

Instructional Materials

Parents have the right to inspect instructional materials used as a part of their child’s educational curriculum, within a reasonable time.  This does not include academic tests or assessments.

Collection of Personal Information from Students for Marketing

The District will not administer or distribute to students any survey or other instrument for the purposes of collecting or compiling personal information for marketing or selling such information, with the exception of the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products/services for, or to, students or educational institutions.

Pursuant to federal law, the District will seek parental consent prior to and will not request, nor disclose, the identity of a student who completes any federally-funded survey or evaluation (created by any person or entity, including the District) containing one or more of the following:

• Political affiliations.
• Mental and psychological problems
• Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, and demeaning behavior.
• Criticism of other individuals with whom the student or the student’s family has a close family relationship.
• Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
• Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of students or the student’s parent/guardian.
• Income, except when the information will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.

A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parents that morning.  A student who becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher’s permission, report to the office or school nurse.  The administrator or nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parents.   When in doubt as to custodial rights, the District will rely on the most recent information available in the student’s records.  A student will only be released with prior written permission from the custodial parent to a previously unauthorized adult unless an emergency situation justifies a waiver.

One Parent-Teacher Conference will occur at the end of the first quarter.  However, conferences are encouraged at any time throughout the year.  Parents may request a conference on their child’s progress or to communicate events at home that may impact their child's learning or behavior.  This may be done by phone or by coming to school.  Teachers can be reached at school between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily.

Academic Success

A report card is sent home for each child four times a year.  Report cards are an overview of your child’s performance for the prior quarter.  Quarterly writing assessment results may be included with report cards.  Mid-term reports may be sent home when students experience academic and/or behavioral difficulties.

Retention

Repeating a grade may be reasonable and an appropriate replacement when there is a good chance that retention will result in improving academic performance in the subsequent years of that student’s school career.  Although the probability of a successful retention is an important consideration, students will not be promoted solely for social or emotional reasons.

When a child is considered for retention, a child assistance team that includes the parents, counselor, principal, special education teacher or other specialist, and the classroom teacher will reach a team decision regarding retention or promotion.  Board policy allows the final decision regarding retention to be made by the principal.  Among those factors considered in making the decision are grade level, attendance, emotional and social stability, chronological age, language development, and academic skills.  Positive parental attitude toward retention or promotion is an important ingredient for success, but parental opposition by itself will not reverse a decision for or against retention made by the child assistance team.  A plan for retention or promotion to help support the student and ensure success will be developed for said students.  Parents will be involved as a critical part of the plan

• Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or other students at risk. 
• Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers.
• Remain alert to and promptly report safety hazards, such as intruders on campus.
• Know emergency evacuation routes and signals.
• Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other District employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.

Emergency Medical Treatment and Information

If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school will need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment and information about allergies to medications, etc. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information up to date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies, etc.). Please contact the office to update any information.

Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies

From time to time, students, teachers, and other District employees will participate in drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.

Emergency School-Closing Information

The District may close the schools in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies that threaten the safety of students, staff members, or school property.  Emergency school closing information will be broadcast on:

Emergency school closing information will be sent out through School Messenger (Infinite Campus), posted on District social media pages, and on the Thompson Falls School District website, www.thompsonfalls.net

Personal Protective Equipment

The District may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to face masks, if determined to be necessary for the safety and welfare of students and staff members.  Exceptions may be made to any such requirement for PPE as permitted by law and on a case-by-case basis.

District officials may conduct reasonable searches of school property and equipment, students and their personal effects, and vehicles parked on District property to maintain health, safety, and security in the schools.  The types of property that may be searched by school officials include but are not limited to lockers, desks, purses, backpacks, cellular phones or other electronic communication devices, or vehicles parked on District property.

Students and their Personal Effects

School officials may search a student, the student’s personal effects (e.g., purses, backpacks, coats, etc.), and/or District property under the direct control of the student when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will produce evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or the District’s policies or rules.  Reasonable suspicion shall be based on the specific and objective facts that the search will produce evidence related to the alleged violation. The parent of the student shall be notified of the search as soon as possible.

Vehicles Parked on School Property

Parking on District property is a privilege for all students.  Students may not use, transport, carry, or possess alcohol, illegal drugs or any weapons in their vehicles on school property.  While on school property, vehicles may be inspected at any time by staff, or by contractors employed by the District utilizing trained dogs, for the presence of alcohol, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or weapons.  Any student seeking to park on District property shall sign the authorization form contained in Appendix D.  Students who park on District property without signing the authorization form may be subject to discipline.

In the event the school has reason to believe that alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, or weapons are present, including by alert-trained dogs, the District is authorized to contact law enforcement to conduct a search of the interior of the student’s vehicle.  A student who removes a vehicle prior to a search by law enforcement when staff have reason to believe that alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia or weapons are present, may be subject to discipline and is prohibited thereafter from parking on District property.

School Property

School property, including, but not limited to, desks and lockers, is owned and controlled by the District and may be searched by school authorities at any time it is not under the immediate, direct control of the student, regardless of whether there is reasonable suspicion.  School authorities are authorized to conduct area-wide, general administrative inspections of school property without notice to or consent of the student and without reasonable suspicion.  The District may employ contractors to handle trained dogs to assist in these searches.

Seizure of Property

If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the District's policies or rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken.  When appropriate, such evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities.

Evidence produced by a search may be used in a disciplinary proceeding against the student.

Sexual harassment is conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: 

1. Quid pro quo: An employee of the recipient conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the recipient on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity; or
3. “Sexual assault” as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), “dating violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10), “domestic violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), or “stalking” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30).

A determination of responsibility resulting from a formal complaint against a student for engaging in sexual harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense.

Complaints may be submitted via the District’s Title IX Grievance Procedure. Please refer to
Policies 3210 and 3225 for additional information regarding the District’s prohibition against
discrimination and harassment.

The District will take efforts to ensure that a child in foster care:

• Remains in his or her school of origin (school last enrolled in at the time of placement in foster care) unless it is not in the child’s best interest; or

• If the school of origin is not in the child’s best interest, the child must be immediately enrolled in a new school regardless of being able to produce records otherwise required.

The District will collaborate with the child welfare agency involved in a particular student’s case to make the “best interest” determination as quickly as possible.  The District will also collaborate with the child welfare agency regarding the provision of transportation to the selected school for the student.

A student’s school records are confidential and are protected from unauthorized inspection or use pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  The District maintains two sets of records: a permanent record and a cumulative record.

By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have access to the records of a student who is under 18.  A parent whose rights have been legally terminated will be denied access to the records, if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights.

The building principal will be responsible for maintenance, retention, or destruction of a student’s permanent or cumulative records, in accordance with District procedure established by the Superintendent.  The principal will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records.  Access to records will be granted within 45 days of receipt of a written request.  If circumstances prevent a parent or eligible student from inspecting the records, the District will either provide a copy of the requested records or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review the requested records.

Parents of a minor, the student (if 18 or older), and school officials with legitimate educational interests are persons who may regularly access a student’s records. “School officials with legitimate educational interests” include any employees, agents, or Trustees of the District; cooperatives of which the District is a member; or facilities with which the District contracts for the placement of students with disabilities, as well as their attorneys and consultants, who are working with a student or otherwise performing functions the school would perform in accordance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

The parent’s or student’s right of access to, and copies of, student records does not extend to all records.  Materials that are not considered educational records, such as teachers’ personal notes on a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher, records pertaining to former students of the District, and records maintained by school law enforcement officials for purposes other than school discipline do not have to be made available to the parents or student.  Access will also not be granted to the parent or the student to confidential letters and recommendations concerning admission to a post-secondary educational institution, applications for employment, or receipt of an honor or award, if the student has waived his or her right of access after being advised of his or her right to obtain the names of all persons making such confidential letters or statements.

See Policy 3600 for more information.

Access by Other Individuals and Entities

Certain officials from various governmental agencies may have limited access to the records without prior consent by the parents or student (over 18 years of age). Disclosure to these governmental agencies may be done under some of the following circumstances:

• The District may grant access to or release information from student records to employees or officials of the District or the Montana State Board of Education, provided a current, legitimate educational interest is shown.
• The District may grant access to or release information from student records without parental consent or notification to any person, for the purpose of research, statistical reporting, or planning, provided that no student or parent can be identified from the information released, and the person to whom the information is released signs an affidavit agreeing to comply with all applicable statutes and rules pertaining to school student records.
• The District will grant access to or release information from any student record as specifically required by federal or state statute.
• The District may release student records or information in connection with an emergency, without parental consent, if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.  The Superintendent or Principal will make this decision, taking into consideration the nature of the emergency, the seriousness of the threat to the health and safety of the student or other persons, the need for such records to meet the emergency, and whether the persons to whom such records are released are in a position to deal with the emergency.
• The District may disclose student records or information to the youth court and law enforcement authorities, pertaining to violations of the Montana Youth Court Act or criminal laws by the student.
• The District will comply with an ex parte order requiring it to permit the U.S. Attorney General or designee to have access to a student’s school records without notice to or consent of the student’s parent.
• The District may disclose student records in a court proceeding where the parent is a party to an action involving child abuse or neglect or dependency matters without parental consent or notification if ordered to make this disclosure.
• The District may disclose student records to caseworkers or other Child Protective Services representatives when DPHHS/CPS is legally responsible for the care and protection of the student without notification or consent of the parent.

The District forwards a student’s records on request and without prior parental consent to a school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.  Records are also released in accordance with court order or lawfully issued subpoena.  Unless the subpoena is issued for law enforcement purposes and the subpoena orders that its contents, existence, or the information sought not be disclosed, the District will make a reasonable effort to notify the parent or eligible student in advance of compliance.

Parental consent is required to release the records in most circumstances. When the student reaches 18 years of age, only the student has the right to consent to release of records.

The District charges a nominal fee for copying records; however, no parent or student will be precluded from copying information because of financial hardship.  An access log will also be maintained for each record which details those individuals accessing the records and their legitimate interest in the records.

Challenging Content of Records

Students over 18, and parents of minor students may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. If the District refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to ask for a hearing.  If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record.  Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, parents and the student are not allowed to contest a student’s grade in a course or references to expulsion sand out-of-school suspensions through this process.

Directory Information

Certain information about district students is considered directory information and will be released to anyone, including military recruiters and/or post-secondary institutions, who follows procedures for requesting it, unless the parent objects to the release of any or all directory information about the child.  The opportunity to exercise such an objection was provided on the form signed by the parent to acknowledge receipt of this handbook.  Directory information includes: a student’s name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, date of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, photographs, dates of attendance, grade level, and honors and awards received in school.

Maintenance of Records

Permanent records are maintained in perpetuity for every student who has enrolled in the District.  Cumulative records will be maintained for eight (8) years after the student graduates or permanently leaves the District.  Cumulative records which may be of continued assistance to a student with disabilities, who graduates or permanently withdraws from the District, may, after five (5) years, be transferred to the parents or to the student if the student has succeeded to the rights of the parents.

Rights Under FERPA

Specific parental and eligible student rights are Appendix A in this Handbook.

Privacy Matters – Photographs and Social Media

Because of the advent of cell phones and social media, it has become almost impossible to fully protect the privacy rights of any individual from having his or her picture taken and shared with others.  Parents have the right to annually opt out of the District sharing their child’s photograph in publications or through District media events.  The District will honor any parent opt-outs and not share this information.  However, the District cannot prevent others who are present from sharing photos and videos from school events open to parents and/or the public, including music performances, sporting events, open assemblies, or field trips.

Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to and from the event. The principal, however, may make an exception if the parent personally that the student be permitted to ride with the parent, or the parent presents — before the scheduled trip — a written request that the student be permitted to ride with an adult designated by the parent.

Buses and Other School Vehicles

The District makes school bus transportation available to all students living 3 or more miles from school or are required by law to be transported. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are posted at the school. Further information may be obtained by calling Mosher Transportation at 406-827-4794

Students are expected to assist District staff in ensuring that buses remain in good condition and that transportation is provided safely. When riding school buses, students are held to behavioral standards established in this handbook.  Students must:

• Follow the driver’s directions at all times.
• Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated bus stop nearest home.
• Keep feet, books, band instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle.
• Not deface the bus or its equipment.
• Not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the bus.
• Wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the bus and before crossing in front of the bus.

When students ride in a District van or passenger car, seat belts must be fastened at all times.

	The streets directly above (3rd Avenue) and below (Haley Street), our campus, are designated for pickup and/or drop off.
	Please DO NOT drive up Columbia, north of Haley Avenue, for pick up and/or drop off. This is a serious safety issue.
	Please park with the direction of traffic when dropping off and/or picking up students. DO NOT park on the wrong side of the street.
	Please DO NOT drive on the maintenance road through the campus.
	Please honor crosswalks.

Students in violation of Board policies, administrative regulations, building rules, or law shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.  Others may be referred to law enforcement agencies.

Video recordings from security and surveillance cameras may become a part of a student’s educational record.  The District shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to record maintenance and retention.  Signs will be posted at various locations to inform students, staff, and members of the public that video surveillance cameras are in use.  The District will seek consent before recording students individually in the classroom.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education record within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access.  Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.  If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  A school official includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board.  A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
4. Upon request, the school district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student's enrollment or transfer. 
5. The District classifies the following as Directory Information:  a student's name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, date of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, photographs, dates of attendance, and honors and awards received in school.  School officials may release this information to any person without the consent of the parent or the student.  Any parent or eligible student who objects to the release of any or all of this information without his consent must notify, in writing, the principal of the school where the records are kept by October 1 of this school year, or within 10 working days following enrollment if enrollment takes place after October 1 of this school year.  The objection must state what information the parent or student does not want to be classified as Directory Information.  A parent has the right to provide a limited opt-out of directory information, which could include but is not limited to the District's disclosure or sharing of student photographs or images.  If no objection is received as required above, information designated above will be classified as Directory Information until the beginning of the next school year.
6. Copies of the complete FERPA Policy adopted by the District may be obtained from the Superintendent's Office or from the Principal's Office of each school within the District.
7. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Thompson Falls School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: