CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Listed below are behavior rule definitions and expectations that apply to all Kirkwood High School students in attendance at instructional and support programs as well as school-sponsored activities and events either on or off campus. Our behavior guidelines are categorized in regards to respect. To have a great school, all students must recognize the role they play in creating an academic atmosphere as well as a safe and satisfying culture throughout Kirkwood High School. Understanding and meeting these expectations is one giant step to creating this culture of excellence.

 

I.           Respect for Learning

Students are expected to:

 

A.     Comply with all school and classroom rules and conduct themselves in an orderly manner. These rules apply in school buildings, on school grounds, and at recognized functions. Disciplinary guidelines may be applied to difficulties off school grounds which are prejudicial to the good order and discipline of the school or tend to impair the morale or good conduct of the students.

 

B.     Be punctual and attend class everyday.

 

C.    Complete class work and homework assignments. Kirkwood High School's major purpose is to offer a sound and exciting academic experience for students to become involved learners. Class work and homework are a vital part of this learning process.

 

D.    Turn off all electronic devices (cell phones, ipods, MP3 players, headsets, pagers, etc.) when you enter an academic setting such as; a classroom, library, lab setting, ISS, locker room, gym, etc.

 

E.     Bring items that are appropriate for educational purpose. Radios, headsets, video cameras, CD players, pagers, dice, cards, water pistols, or any other item which may interfere with the educational process or may endanger the safety of another person are not to be used during the school day. However, students are permitted to use headphones, ipods, and MP3 players between classes, during lunch, IP or in class with teacher approval provided they do not cause a disruption. Inappropriate items may be confiscated and held in the grade level office for the remainder of the school day. NOTE: Kirkwood High School is not liable for any lost or stolen items.

 

F.      Give all authorized medications to the school nurse with instructions for use.

 

G.    Refrain from leaving campus at any time during the school day unless authorized. You may not leave campus during the day without prior parental and administrative permission. After appropriate permission is obtained, you must sign out at your grade level office. Students are not permitted to be on the parking lot during school hours without administrative approval. Seniors at KHS are the only students who have the privilege of leaving campus during their lunch period. You are to present your ID to the walking counselor or administrator assigned to the lot before you may leave campus. (During inclement weather, the KHS administration may cancel that privilege without notice).

 

H.    Be honest. Honesty and integrity are of the utmost importance in our school community. You are expected to deal honestly with all staff in your relationships and in your work.

(See Academic Honesty Policy)

 

II.          Respect for Staff

Students are expected to:

 

A.   Display ID Badges and Hall Passes.

 

1.  ID Badges: Students will be given one ID badge to start the school year and it must be worn at all times. ID badges must be worn chest-high with student’s photo being visible and on a school approved breakaway cord for safety. ID badges may not be damaged, marked on, or changed in any manner, on either side of the ID. Only the current year ID may be worn.  Students who forget their ID may wear a temporary ID for one day only, after which they must purchase a replacement one for $5.00. Any student who refuses to comply will be sent to the appropriate grade level office.

 

2.  Hall Passes: Students are expected to have a hall pass whenever they leave a class, and produce the hall pass when asked by any KHS staff member. Please ask your teacher, counselor, administrator, or grade level secretary to give you a pass. Office assistants, students who are on IP, cadet teachers, and tech students must wear the appropriate badge around their neck to be allowed the privilege of being in the halls during class time.

 

B.     Follow the directive of any KHS or Kirkwood R-7 District staff member.

 

C.    Respect adults in both manner and language. Any language directed toward a KHS staff member in a loud manner or which is insulting or derogatory, or threatening in nature is prohibited. Any words considered to be of a cursing, swearing, or vulgar in nature directed toward a staff member are prohibited.

 

 

III.         Respect for Institution

Students are expected to:

 

A.     Keep the buildings, equipment and materials clean, and in good condition. Deposit trash in trash containers provided. Leave the table and floor areas of the cafeteria, commons, and hallways clean.

 

B.     Take proper care of textbooks, equipment and lockers. Students shall not cause destruction, defacement or damage to property. Students will be required to pay for damages and/or may be subject to legal prosecution.

 

C.    Refrain from using any tobacco product in the building or on school grounds at any time. This policy includes all school sponsored activities. KHS is a "smoke-free" campus for students and adults. KHS will cooperate fully with Kirkwood Police regarding the enforcement of Missouri state law which prohibits possession of smoking paraphernalia by minors, and smoking by students is subject to a minimum fine of $150.00.

 

IV.        Respect for Self

              Students are expected to:

 

A.     Dress appropriately for school. “Appropriateness” is defined by the school dress code.

 

KHS DRESS CODE

Student’s dress and appearance are required to be of such character as to not disrupt nor distract from the instructional procedures of the school day.

·        Clothing must cover undergarments, stomach, back, and chest. No see-through apparel, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, open back shirts permitted.

·        Shorts, skirts and dresses must be finger tips extended. Undergarments must be covered.

·        Sagging pants are not permitted.

·        Footwear must be worn at all times appropriate to the activity.

·        Clothing that promotes drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, is sexually suggestive, or displays inappropriate pictures or writing is prohibited.

·        No head gear is permitted during the school day. (this includes all hats, bandanas, sweatbands, all caps, including wool knit caps, hair rollers, hair nets, picks, combs, plastic hair covering, hoods) Head gear should be placed in lockers or backpacks upon entering the building.

·        Any clothing worn in a manner identified as gang-related is prohibited.

·        Jewelry that can pose a safety hazard is prohibited. This includes chains worn as belts or decoration.

·        Exceptions to dress code standards may be made for PE or school activities.

 

Note:  Students could be sent home for not complying with the KHS dress code. See Dress Code picture.

 

B.     Operate their vehicles in a safe manner on the campus. Any type of driving which endangers the safety of the driver or others is considered to be reckless driving.

 

C.    Leave campus promptly at 2:50 unless in a supervised activity. Students who are not in a supervised activity will be asked to leave campus or will be sent to detention.

 

D.    Maintain high personal standards of behavior while on campus. Inappropriate displays of affection are not acceptable. No student will possess, use, or be under the influence of illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, intoxicants, or controlled substances.

 

E.     Be truthful when interacting with all faculty, staff, administrators, and students. Students shall not lie, or falsify school related materials.

 

F.      Attend assigned detentions and other assigned consequences.

 

V.          Respect for Others

Students are expected to:

 

A.     Walk in the hallways and refrain from pushing, shoving, blocking walkways, or causing disturbances.

 

B.     Show respect for others, building, and grounds.  Refrain from any behavior which could injure another person. Do not bring items to school which could be deemed a weapon. Weapons in school - School Board Ruling, June 1995, JFCJ. The possession or use of a weapon, except where authorized by law, shall be prohibited in all school buildings, on or about school grounds, and at all school activities.

 

C.    Refrain from making threats and harassing others. Every member of the school community is entitled to attend school free from harassment, threats or fear.

 

D.    Resolve differences and conflicts in a peaceful manner. Fighting, defined as physical and/or verbal abuse where all parties have contributed to the conflict, either verbally or physically, is prohibited. Students are expected to seek nonviolent means in solving disputes. If physical confrontation is anticipated, students are to seek assistance from an administrator, walking counselor, teacher, staff member or KHS peer helper immediately­.

 

E.     Respect for the possessions of others. Taking or using others’ possessions without their knowledge is stealing. Theft by acceptance, possession, purchase, taking and/or transfer of property belonging to another is prohibited. Offenders are subject to legal prosecution.

 

F.      Exhibit good character. Follow guidelines that prohibit sale, transfer or distribution of illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, intoxicants or controlled substances. See KHS Chemical Abuse Guidelines in this book. See Board Policy JFCH-R.

 

G.    Use appropriate language at school. Obscenity, obscene gestures, swearing, cursing, whether verbal or written, is considered inappropriate language.

 

H.    Refrain from Hazing and Bullying. Hazing is defined as any action which intentionally creates mental or physical abuse, discomfort, embarrassment, ridicule, or harassment and is prohibited at Kirkwood High School. Hazing and Bullying School Board Policy, May 2004, JFCGF.