C O D E   O F   C O N D U C T

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT NOTICE

Our school district has conducted an extensive asbestos inspection of all our buildings. Based on the findings of these inspections, a comprehensive management plan has been drafted by the consultants to the district. The plan details the response actions that the district will be taking regarding asbestos containing materials found in our buildings. The location of known asbestos containing materials in Woodville are pipe insulation in the boiler room, all encapsulated.

To ensure the health and safety of building occupants, these asbestos containing materials will receive a six month surveillance conducted by local personnel. Additionally, reinspection of these materials by certified inspectors is required every three years.

As part of the management plan, should any response action be required, notification will be given to building occupants as part of the post-response process.

The plan is available for inspection at the building and district offices without cost or restriction during regular business hours. If you desire to have a personal copy, please notify the business office and it will be supplied to you within five working days at a cost of $.30 per page.

The business office is located at 1400 S. Dearing Road, Parma, Michigan 49269.

We have endeavored to make our schools a safe place in which students can learn. Our procedure for dealing with this reflects that concern. Please contact our business office with any questions or comments you might have.

ATTENDANCE

In order to receive credit for a class, all adult education students must attend class regularly. All reasonable excuses will be accepted as excused absences. If a student leaves without prior approval from the instructor, an absence will be recorded for that class. Make-up classes are available for students who have missed a class, pending instructor approval. In the event of an absence, please call the Adult Education office, 841-8700, or the classroom, 841-8785, and leave a message for the instructor.
 

BEEPERS

Students shall not possess a paging device while on school district property or while attending a district sponsored activity on or off district property, unless the student is in attendance in the capacity of an active member of a volunteer fire fighting organization, a volunteer emergency medical service organization, or with written authorization of the building principal for a specific purpose. A "paging device" is a telecommunications device that emits an audible signal, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor.

A person who discovers a student in possession of a paging device in violation of this policy shall report the violation to the principal, who shall order a peace officer or appropriate school employee to confiscate the device, which is forfeited to the district.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

The Western School District firmly believes that every student enrolled should have the opportunity to learn to the best of his/her ability. In order for learning to take place, student conduct must be reasonable and appropriate. Good conduct is also necessary to insure the safety and well-being of the entire student body and the staff. It includes appropriate verbal and nonverbal behavior, neatness in appearance, conformance with accepted standards of the district, and non-interference with the learning process of others. Defiance of authority, disorderly conduct, insolence, obscene signs, gestures or behavior, profanity, vulgar language and disrespect to school employees will not be tolerated. The responsibility for good conduct lies with the individual student and the Western Schools.

It is expected that student behavior on school property will be such as to contribute to a productive learning climate. Individual rights are to be honored and protected in all instances; however, the rights of one individual never take precedence over the responsibility to the activities in the classroom or functions held on school property. In all school and extra-curricular activities, each student will be accorded that freedom which he/she expects, so long as he/she respects the freedom of others.

Students should be aware that a staff member may take any reasonable action toward any student for the purpose of maintaining discipline over the pupils in attendance at any school (section 340.766, Michigan School Code of 1955, as amended). This encompasses all the school district until he/she is officially released (Section 34D, 614, Michigan School Code of 1955).

Section 340.614 of the Michigan School Code invests in the Board of Education the right to develop rules and policies to insure the safety of all students while in attendance at school or enroute to or from school.

Since the Adult and Community Education program is adult oriented, adult behavior is essential. Students are expected to be in the classroom and working at all times. Students who are disruptive, disrespectful or under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave the building and school property. Any act of misconduct will be handled on an individual basis up to and including separation from the program.

In matters of criminal violations, police referral will be made and prosecution will be sought.

CRIMINAL ACTS DEFINED

The following activities are among those defined as criminal under state or federal statute. Students should be aware that the Board of Education and administration reserves the right to report such incidents to law enforcement authorities for punishment as crimes when they are committed in relation to the school operation.

Arson - the intentional setting of a fire
Assault - physical threats of violence to persons
Burglary - stealing of school or personal property
Explosives (illegally used) - explosives are not permitted on school property or at school sponsored events
Extortion, Blackmail or Coercion obtaining money or property by violence or threat of violence or an action by force or threat of force
Firearms (illegally used) - firearms are prohibited on school property or at a school sponsored event
Larceny - theft
Malicious Mischief - property damage
Robbery - stealing from an individual by force or threat of force
Sale, Use or Possession of Alcoholic Beverage of Illegal Drugs - the school official in charge will immediately remove from contact with other students anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs and thereupon shall contact parents/guardians
Trespassing and/or Loitering - being present in an unauthorized place or refusing to leave when ordered to do so
Unlawful Interference with School Authorities - interfering with administrators, teachers, or other school employees by force or violence

BREAKS

There are no scheduled breaks for adult education students.  Food and beverages may be consumed in the classroom at the teacher's discretion and snack machines are located in the East hallway.  A non-smoking policy exists within the school district.  Smoking within all school buildings, in school vehicles and on all property owned and operated by the school district is prohibited at all times.

CANCELLATION OF CLASSES

Any academic class which does not have an enrollment of eight of more credit seeking students is subject to cancellation.  Students will be offered an alternative class or specific arrangements will be made with the Director.

Any enrichment class which does not have an enrollment of ten or more paid registrations is subject to cancellation.  Any person in such a class will receive a full refund or may transfer to another class.  If there are not a sufficient number of registrations, we reserve the right to cancel the class.  Students will be notified if a class is cancelled.

COST OF CLASSES

All academic and elective classes are FREE to these adults:

            1.         All non-graduates over the age of 20 on September 1 in the state of Michigan                            who do not have a high school diploma.

Senior Citizens with Senior I.D. cards are eligible to take all adult academic and enrichment classes for 50% off regular fee plus materials fee, if applicable.

All GED preparation classes are free to these adults:

            1.         All non-graduates over the age of 20 on September 1 in the state of Michigan                            who do not have a high school diploma.

Students currently enrolled in Western High School may take adult high school completion classes with the approval of a counselor.  Classes must have a minimum of six adult students seeking an adult high school diploma before accepting current high school students.  There will be no charge to current Western High School students.

    Tuition Classes:

Academic Classes:  $100.00 for high school graduates.

Business and Computer Classes:  $125.00 for high school graduates.

Jackson Area Career Center Classes:  $125.00-$175.00 for high school graduates; prices may vary for specific classes.

            Enrichment Classes:  Costs vary according to class; see current brochure.

DRESS POLICY

The Western School District Philosophy reflects the attitude that good grooming and appropriate dress have a positive effect upon citizenship, attitudes and values that are developed at this critical age.  Clothing which is extremely short, tight, or otherwise distracting will be considered as disruptive and inappropriate to the educational process.  Clothing that contains obscene, indecent, profane, violent or suggestive words, slogans, quotations or pictures will not be considered appropriate school attire.  Items that promote the use or purchase of chemicals or substances illegal for use by students are likewise inappropriate.  Inappropriate clothing shall not be worn during the instructional day.

Students in violation of the policy will be subject to any of the following remedies:

            1.         Removing the offending garment if appropriate.

            2.         Turning the offending garment inside out.

            3.         Securing appropriate clothing from home.

            4.         Covering the offending garment with an appropriate garment.

Any student found in violation of the policy shall have the right to follow appropriate appeal procedure.

DRUG FREE SCHOOLS

The Western School District attempts to provide a safe and healthy environment for all of its students and patrons.  To that end and because the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possessions and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful, the district complies with all provisions of the Federal Drug Free Schools Act.

In accordance with this federal law and Board of Education policy, the use, possession, concealment or distribution of drugs or alcohol by students on school grounds, in school or school approved vehicles or at any school-related event is prohibited.  Any student who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with due process, up to and including expulsion from school and prosecution. Compliance to these standards by students is mandatory.

The district is concerned about any student who is a victim of alcohol or drug abuse and will facilitate the process by which he/she receives help through programs and services available in the community.

Non-students who violate the provisions of the Drug Free School Zone subject themselves to severe penalties under this law.

PESTICIDES                        

Rose Exterminators may apply a pesticide to Woodville Community Center during 2005-06 school year on the following dates:

            September 8                  December 8                  March 9                        June 8

            October 13                    January 12                    April 13                        July 13

            November 10                February 9                    May 11                         August 10

REFUNDS

Refunds are made upon presentation of the student's receipt or registration form in the Adult Education office.  ALL REFUNDS must be arranged prior to the second class session.  In the event a class is cancelled prior to the first meeting, a refund will be mailed to the student.

STUDENT HARASSMENT

Harassment of a student(s) by other students or any member of the staff is contrary to the Board of Education's commitment to provide a physically and psychologically safe environment in which to learn and may be a violation of federal or state law.

In addition to sexual harassment, which includes unwelcome sexual advances or any form of improper physical contact or sexual remark, harassment shall also include any speech or action that creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive learning environment.

Prohibited is any form of sexual harassment and any use of racial, ethnic or other verbal or physical harassment.  Students should report any incidence of harassing behavior from a fellow student, staff member, or school advisor, in a way that avoids embarrassment and/or retaliation, in a confidential manner to the Building Director or Adult Education Director.

Anyone found to have violated this policy and/or the Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the district.

TELEPHONES

Office telephones are for business purposes only.  Phone calls may be made on a limited basis in the classroom at the discretion of the teacher.  Emergency messages ONLY will be relayed to students while in the building.

TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOLS

To ensure the highest standards of learning as well as the safety, health and well-being of students, employees and visitors, the Western School District will enforce the Tobacco-Free Schools Law (Enrolled Senate Bill 459, 1993).

Staff and students have a right to work in and/or attend school in an environment free of second hand smoke.  The district has the responsibility to enforce compliance with the law by prohibiting the use of any tobacco product on school property.  The Western School District will comply with the legal requirements of this law.

Staff and students are not to use tobacco products at any time in any school district building, school vehicle or on any property owned and operated by the school district.

Use of tobacco product includes:

            1.         The carrying of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or other lighted smoking device

            2.         The inhaling or chewing of a tobacco product

            3.         The placing of a tobacco product within a person's mouth.

The use of tobacco products by any person in violation of the policy will result in disciplinary action.  The Tobacco-Free Schools Law makes the violation of this policy a misdemeanor with a fine of $50.00.  Local law enforcement agencies will be notified of an infraction.       

VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Violence perpetrated against students or employees by other students or any member of the staff is contrary to the maintenance of a safe and healthy environment under provisions of the Violence Prevention Policy.

In fulfilling its obligation to maintain a positive and productive environment and to protect its students from violence, the district will make every effort to halt any violence of which it becomes aware by calling attention to these policies and/or more direct disciplinary action if necessary.

WEAPONS FREE SCHOOL ZONE

Effective January 1, 1995, the Michigan School Code has been amended by the Legislative action that requires the mandatory expulsion of any student who possesses a firearm or any other dangerous weapon or who commits rape or arson while on school property (including vehicles) or at a school-related activity.  Minor exceptions to this mandate exist but are very limited in scope.

Such expulsions must be entered into the student's permanent record and school personnel must provide such information to any other public or private school in which the student seeks to enroll.  Further, the school must refer the expelled student to the county department of social services or county community mental health agency.  Existing law requires the notification of law enforcement officials when such an incident occurs.  Copies of the Board of Education Policy on Weapons Free School Zone are available upon request.

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS

If classes must be cancelled due to bad weather, please listen to, K-105.3, KIX 94, WVIC, WMMQ, WVFN, WIBM, Q106, WKHM, WUFN, WITL , WFMK, WJIM, 97.5 FM, WSAE, KTGG 1540, WJKN, WLAJ-ABC 53, FOX 47, WLNS - TV 6, Channel 10 TV, call JAX FAX or call the WSD school closing phone line (517) 841-8888 .  When Western Schools are closed by severe weather conditions, Adult and Community Education Classes will be closed for the day and evening sessions. 

If Western Schools are closed prior to the end of the day due to the weather, an emergency or for any other reason, there will be no adult education classes that day or evening.

If Western Schools are delayed for a period of time due to inclement weather, adult education classes are delayed for the same time period.

If a late afternoon severe weather problem occurs, a cancellation announcement for all adult evening classes will be announced on the above radio and television stations.

If an evening severe weather problem occurs, the person on duty in the Adult Education office may dismiss classes.  School is not cancelled for a tornado watch, but may be cancelled for a warning.
 

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