Planning ahead for the next school year? Pueblo County School District 70 is excited to welcome our newest students! Online registration is now available for the 2026-2027 academic year.
✨ Note for Villa Bella Expeditionary: Enrollment for Villa Bella opens on March 5, 2026. Please wait until that date to submit your application to ensure it is processed!
Existing D70 students staying within the district do not need to fill out a new form.
It is the intention of Pueblo County School District 70 to provide students and their parents or guardians the highest quality of education possible with the resources available to the District. To achieve this goal District personnel, parents, guardians, and students must work together to manage distractions to the students’ educational process. This handbook outlines expected behaviors for students while at school or participating in a district-sponsored activity. Additionally, behaviors that interfere with the educational process are identified in this handbook and the consequences for those behaviors. This document is meant to be a guide for everyone involved in a student’s educational career so that each student can reach their ultimate potential academically, socially, and emotionally. This document may be updated at any time in response to federal or state law changes, or district policy changes.
It is our hope that each student and their caretakers read the following information carefully and together so that everyone is familiar with areas that can interfere with a student’s educational process. The District wishes each student a positive school year and educational career. The District is dedicated to the education process and minimizing distractions to that process. Please take time to read the information contained in this handbook so that all students can minimize their chances of being distracted from or distracting others from the educational process.
Additionally, if a student also participates in athletics and other extra-curricular activities, it is important to note that there is a code of conduct for that participation as well. If a student violates some level of the educational student code of conduct then there is a good chance that it violates the code of conduct for athletics or extra-curricular participation at the school as well. If that is the case then the student has the potential to receive two levels of consequences for their violation; one for school/educational participation and a second consequence as it relates to their athletic or extra-curricular participation. We encourage everyone to carefully review both code of conduct documents. Understanding the expectations helps ensure a safe and positive learning environment for all.
The following review of discipline issues and procedures will follow specific due process actions for each student involved in the discipline proceedings. If the principal or designee finds the need tsuspend a student, those building professionals will follow the procedures outlined in policy JKD/JKE-R. A copy of that policy is available on the home page of Pueblo County School District 70’s website under School Board Policies. Additionally, a hard copy of that policy can be attained through the Student Services Department at (719) 295-6534.
A student will face disciplinary action, which may include possible suspension or expulsion if they are involved in one or more of the following acts:
Causing or attempting tcause damage tschool property or stealing or attempting tsteal district property.
Causing or attempting tcause damage tprivate property or stealing or attempting tsteal private property.
Willful destruction or defacing of district property.
Commission of any act which if committed by an adult would be robbery or assault as defined by state law.
Committing extortion, coercion or blackmail, i.e., obtaining money or other objects of value from an unwilling person or forcing an individual tact through the use of force or threat of force.
Engaging in verbal abuse, i.e., name-calling, ethnic or racial slurs, either orally or in writing or derogatory statements addressed publicly tan individual or a group that precipitate disruption of the district or school program or incite violence.
Engaging in “hazing” activities, i.e., forcing prolonged physical activity, forcing excessive consumption of any substance, forcing prolonged deprivation of sleep, food, or drink, or any other behavior which recklessly endangers the health or safety of an individual for purposes of initiation intany student group.
Violation of the Board’s policy on bullying prevention and education.
Violation of criminal law, which has an effect on the district, school or the general safety or welfare of students or staff.
Violation of Board's policy or regulations, or established school rule
Violation of the Board’s policy on weapons in the schools. Expulsion shall be mandatory for bringing or possessing a firearm in accordance with federal law.
Violation of the Board’s policy on student conduct, involving drugs and alcohol.
Violation of the Board’s violent and aggressive behavior policy.
Violation of the Board’s E-cigarette, vaping, and tobacco-free schools policy.
Violation of the Board’s policies prohibiting sexual or other harassment.
Violation of the Board’s policy on non-discrimination.
Violation of the Board’s dress code policy.
Violation of the Board’s policy on gangs and gang-like activity
Throwing objects, unless part of a supervised school activity, that can or dcause bodily injury or damage tproperty.
Directing profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures toward other students, school personnel or others.
Lying or giving false information, either verbally or in writing, ta district employee.
Engaging in scholastic dishonesty, which includes but is not limited tcheating on a test, plagiarism or unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work.
Making a false accusation of criminal activity against a district employee tlaw enforcement or tthe district.
Behavior on or off school property that is detrimental tthe welfare or safety of other students or school personnel, including behavior that creates a threat of physical harm tthe student exhibiting the behavior or tone or more other students.
Repeated interference with the district’s ability tprovide educational opportunities tother students.
Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority including deliberate refusal tobey a member of the district staff.
LEGAL REFS.:
C.R.S. 18-3-202 et seq. (offenses against person)
C.R.S. 18-4-301 et seq. (offenses against property)
C.R.S. 18-9-124 (2)(a) (prohibition of hazing)
C.R.S. 22-12-105 (3) (authority to suspend or expel for false accusations)
C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (2)(a)(I)(A) (duty tadopt policies on student conduct, safety and welfare)
C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (2)(a)(I) (policy required as part of safe schools’ plan)
C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (9) (immunity provisions in safe schools law)
C.R.S. 22-33-106 (1)(a-ge) (grounds for suspension, expulsion, denial of admission)
● CROSS REFS.:
AC, Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity
ADC, Tobacco-Free Schools
ADD, Safe Schools
ECAC, Vandalism
GBGB, Staff Personal Security and Safety
JBB*, Sexual Harassment
JIC, Student Conduct
JICA, Student Dress Code
JICC, Student Conduct on School Buses
ICDD*, Violent and Aggressive Behavior
JICDE*,Violent and Aggressive Behavior
JICF, Secret Societies/GangActivity
JICH, Drug and Alcohol Involvement by Students
JICI, Weapons in School
JK, Student Discipline
JKD/JKE, Suspension/Expulsion of Student
The school retains the ability to add other items to the code of conduct, so please refer to your student’s school handbook to clarify items such as public displays of affection, truancies, tardies and other behaviors that may warrant lesser disciplinary actions such as detention or in-school suspension. If you have any questions regarding the definitions of terms used in this section, please contact the principal of your son’s or daughter’s school for further clarification.
Additionally, it is important to note that parents/guardians are entitled to multiple people sitting in the interviews and meetings with school staff and administration. Simply put, if parents/guardians would like an additional person/witness to sit in during interviews and meetings with staff and/or building administration then you simply need to request it from the building Principal, Assistant Principal, or Dean. With such a request the building level administrative staff will be more than happy to find an additional staff member to sit in on the meeting.
No electronic device use during school hours (7:15 AM - 3:15 PM for PreK-5, 7:00 AM - 3:45 PM for 6-8).
Devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks or designated areas.
9-12 Students:
No electronic device use during instructional time.
Smartwatches are allowed but must have notifications turned off and prohibited apps disabled.
Devices must be turned off and stored during instructional time.
Device use is permitted during lunch periods for parent/guardian communication only.
In the event an electronic communication device may be identified as an instructional tool, teachers may allow use of them for instructional purposes only. This use should be done on a limited basis and should have clear student expectations while using them.
Policy on Prohibition of AI Tools in Assessments
This policy applies to all classroom and standardized assessments administered within District 70.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including but not limited to automated content generation, calculators, and predictive text, is strictly prohibited during assessments. This includes any software or device capable of providing direct or indirect assistance in completing an examination.
Students must ensure that all work submitted during assessments is completed without the aid of AI tools. Violations of his policy will be considered academic misconduct and will be subject to disciplinary actions as outlined in the student conduct code.
Teachers and testing administrators are responsible for monitoring compliance with this policy. Appropriate measures, including the use of monitoring software, active proctoring and physical inspection of devices, may be employed to ensure adherence.
CLASSROOM/BUILDING PARTICIPATION
IN
FIELD TRIPS/STUDENT REWARD ACTIVITIES
GRADE LEVEL TRIPS/DANCES/FIELD DAY/ASSEMBLIES
Many of the district schools enjoy the ability to celebrate the positive academic/behavioral accomplishments of their students by creating opportunities for students to take class or school field trips or grade level trips. Additionally, schools have sponsored activities throughout the school year such as dances and field day experiences that are also a celebration of the educational success of their students. These activities are meant to be a extra events and activities that occur in addition to the classroom experience in their educational career. As a result these types of activities are an earned option for students after they have achieved the academic/behavioral standards and expectations outlined by the school/district. Again, these trips/activities are considered an earned experience and if a student does not achieve the academic/behavioral level outline for the student they will not be allowed to participate in the trip or activity.
The academic/behavioral standard will be outlined and enforced at the school level. It is the school’s responsibility to outline the standard for participation clearly to each student. It is the student’s responsibility to achieve the standards outlined by the schools and earn the ability to participate in the trip or activity.
DETENTION AND FRIDAY SCHOOL
Students who face school disciplinary action at the school level for violating district policy and rules could receive detention for minor violations. Detention time and place will be determined at the school level and could occur on Friday’s so that the detention time does not affect the student’s normal academic schedule or process.
Assignment to Friday school at a building level can also be used as an intervention and or solution for student’s who are showing poor academic progress, grades or motivation. Again, this is considered a student intervention at a school level and is supported by district Central Office staff and administrators. Parents concerned about their child’s participation in Friday School will need to address their concerns with building level administration.
The privilege of riding a school bus is contingent upon a student's good behavior and observance of the student code of conduct and established regulations for student conduct both at designated school vehicle bus stops and on-board school vehicles. The operator of a school vehicle shall be responsible for safety of the students in on the vehicle; both during the ride and while students are entering or leaving the vehicle. Students shall be required to conform to all rules concerning discipline, safety and behavior while riding the school vehicle. It is the vehicle operator’s duty to notify the supervisor of transportation and the principal of the school involved if any student persists in violating the established rules of conduct.
After due warning has been given to the student and to parents/guardians, the principal may withhold from the student the privilege of riding the school vehicle. Violation of district policies and regulations while in a school vehicle may also result in the student’s suspension or expulsion from school, in accordance with Board policy concerning student suspensions, expulsions, and other disciplinary interventions
Pueblo County School District 70 provides transportation for our students through a third-party provider, First Student Inc. There are places in the district that we do not provide transportation to and from school. At the elementary level we do not provide morning and afternoon transportation to students who reside within a 1-mile radius of the elementary school. At the middle school level we do not provide transportation to and from the school to students who live within a 1½ -mile radius of the middle school. High School transportation is based on regional stops. It is important to note that generally, bus ridership is a privilege and is available to all students until the students’ conduct on the bus proves otherwise. This also includes students’ behavior on the bus for field trips and extra-curricular activities. As a result, we believe that parents and students should be aware of our Code of Conduct expectations that govern bus ridership.
Students should be at the bus stop approximately 5 minutes before the designated pick up time.
Behaviors at the bus stop should mirror the behaviors a student is expected to exhibit in the school building. i.e. no behavior that endangers the welfare and safety of the student or others.
While on the bus, the bus driver is considered an extension of the staff at a school building. As a result, the bus driver is in charge and the students must comply with the requests of the driver. Failure to do so will result in a disciplinary report and action.
The bus driver sets the specific rules for their bus, but there are common rules for all students riding the bus;
No drugs or prescription drugs (without school permission) are allowed on the bus.
No weapons on the bus. i.e. Knives of any kind, BB guns, pellet guns, soft air guns, replicas of weapons, guns themselves or any devise that is used as a weapon.
No use or possession of any form of tobacco.
No alcohol.
No matches, lighters, or any type of explosive material, including CO2 cartridges.
No profanity or profane gestures.
Loud and disruptive talking or behavior that would distract or impact the drivers’ ability to drive the bus safely.
No vandalism or destruction of bus property of any kind. Any vandalism will be dealt with through Law Enforcement and parents will be responsible to pay for the repair of the damaged item.
Students shall board and depart from the bus only at their own school or at their designated stop unless written permission has been received by either the school or transportation department. Forms can be accessed from the school building office that can be provided to the transportation office.
Code of Conduct Violation Process:
First Violation: Driver verbally warns the student and may move the student to a different seat.
Second Violation: Driver issues a written warning (conduct report) to the student that must be signed by the parent and returned to the driver before the student is allowed back onto the bus.
Third Violation: Driver will issue a second written warning that is reviewed by the central transportation department and will result in a 1-day suspension of bus riding privileges. Conduct report must be signed by the parent and returned to the driver before student will be allowed back onto the bus.
Fourth Violation: Driver will issue a third written warning that is reviewed by the central transportation department and will result in a 3-day suspension of bus riding privileges. Conduct report must be signed by the parent and returned to the driver before student will be allowed back onto the bus.
Fifth Violation: Driver will issue a fourth written warning that is reviewed by the central transportation department and will result in a 5-day suspension of bus riding privileges. Conduct report must be signed by the parent and returned to the driver before student will be allowed back onto the bus.
Any further violations will result in suspension from the bus pending a hearing with the Office of Student Services for Pueblo County School District 70. A decision about further ridership privileges will be made at that hearing.
Automatic suspension of ridership privileges includes, but is not limited to;
Physical harm or threat of physical harm to the driver or other individuals on the bus.
Property damage.
Endangering other vehicles traveling with the bus on roadways.
Any other behavior that jeopardizes the welfare and safety of individuals on or around the bus.
It is important for parents and students to keep in mind that severe violations of bus code of conduct can also result in school disciplinary action as well as ridership disciplinary action. Additionally, any suspension of bus ridership on any bus means that ridership on all buses is suspended.
We hope and expect that students will have a safe and pleasurable experience riding the buses provided by the services of First Student. We encourage families to review these basic rules and regulations and support a positive educational experience.
Administrative Regulation In accordance with Policy JICA
Pueblo County School District 70 encourages individuality among our students and encourages them to celebrate their unique qualities and potential. The best manner in which our students can express their individuality and unique qualities is through exhibiting their ultimate potential academically, athletically, in fine arts, community service projects, or other similar endeavors. Some students may choose to exhibit their individuality through clothes they wear. All students are encouraged to wear clothing to school that is appropriate for the educational environment and not disruptive or distracting to their own education process or the educational process of others, including the school staff.
If, once at school, the students clothing and attire are identified as disruptive to the educational process by a building staff member, then the student will be referred to the building level administration for final review and decision. If building level administration deems the students’ attire to be disruptive to the educational process, then the students will be asked to contact their parents to create alternative solutions to the disruptive attire. The school may have options available at the facility such as a school shirt with the school emblem that the students may wear, or the school emblem that the students may wear, or the school may request that the students simply remove or cover the item that is deemed distracting such as piercings or tattoos.
The building level administration will be the final authority on the educational distractibility of the student’s attire. If building level administration asks the students to create alternatives for their attire, then the students must comply. Parents and students may discover differences between school facilities. Educational distractibility is determined by each building level administration as they have identified the educational process in each of their own facilities.
Pueblo County School District 70 believes that this type of dress code will allow students to celebrate their individuality and also provide for the larger function of the building level educational process.
Pueblo County School District 70 believes that this type of dress code will allow students to celebrate their individuality and also provide for the larger function of the building level educational process.
E-Cigarettes, Vapor Pens, and Tobacco-Free Schools
In order to promote the general health, welfare and well-being of students and staff, any vaping, e-cigarette use, smoking, chewing or any other use of any tobacco products by staff, students and members of the public is banned from all school property.
For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:
"School property" means all property owned, leased, rented or otherwise used by a school including but not limited to the following:
all indoor facilities and interior portions of any building or other structures used for students or children under the age of 21 for instruction, educational or library services, routine health care, daycare, or early childhood development services, as well as for administration, support services, maintenance, and storage. The term does not apply to buildings used primarily as residences, i.e., teacherages;
all school grounds over which the school exercises control including areas surrounding any building, playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation areas and parking areas;
all vehicles owned by the district for transporting students, staff, visitors or other persons.
At a school sanctioned activity or event.
"E-Cigarettes, Vapor Pens and Tobacco product" means
any product that contains nicotine or tobacco or is derived from tobacco and is intended to be ingested or inhaled by or applied to the skin of an individual, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff and chewing tobacco, or liquid nicotine/e-liquids; and
any electronic device that can be used to deliver nicotine to the person inhaling from the device, including but not limited to an electronic cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, pipe, vapor pens or jewels.
“Tobacco product” does not include any product that has been approved by the appropriate federal agency as a tobacco use cessation product.
"Use" means lighting, chewing, inhaling, ingesting, smoking, or vaping and tobacco product or vaping materials.
Signs will be posted in prominent places on all school properties to notify the public that smoking or other use of e-cigarettes, vapor pens or tobacco products is prohibited in accordance with state law and district policy. This policy will be published in all employee and student handbooks, posted on bulletin boards and announced in staff meetings.
Any member of the general public considered by the superintendent or designee to be in violation of this policy will be instructed to leave school district property. Employees found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Disciplinary measures for students who violate this policy will include suspension, revocation of privileges and exclusion from extracurricular activities. Repeated violations may result in suspension for a willful disobedience action from school. In accordance with state law, no student will be expelled solely for tobacco use or vaping, but may face expulsion procedures for willful disobedience or habitual disruption actions.
LEGAL REFS.: 20 U.S.C. 7971 et seq. (Federal law prohibits smoking in any indoor facility used to provide educational services to children.)
C.R.S. 18-13-121(furnishing tobacco products to minors persons under 21 years old)
C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1) (bb) (policy required prohibiting use of tobacco products on school grounds)
C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (2)(a)(I)(H) (policy required as part of safe schools plan.
C.R.S. 25-14-103.5 (tobacco use prohibited on school property)
C.R.S. 25-14-301 (Teen tobacco use prevention act)
In order to promote the general health, welfare, and well-being of students and staff, smoking, chewing, or any other use of any tobacco products and the conspicuous possession of tobacco products by students while in or on school properties, or under the school’s jurisdiction during school hours, or while participating in a school-sponsored event is prohibited.
For purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall apply:
1. “School property” shall mean all property owned, leased, rented, or otherwise used by a school including but not limited to the following:
a. All interior portions of any building or other structure used for student instruction, educational or library services, routine health care, daycare or early childhood development services as well as for administration, support services, maintenance or storage.
b. All school grounds over which the school exercises control including areas surrounding any building, playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation areas, and parking areas.
c. All vehicles used by the district for transporting students, staff, visitors, or other persons.
2. "Tobacco product" means:
a. any product that contains nicotine or tobacco or is derived from tobacco and is intended to be ingested or inhaled by or applied to the skin of an individual, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, and chewing tobacco; and
b. any electronic device that can be used to deliver nicotine to the person inhaling from the device, including but not limited to an electronic cigarette, cigar, cigarillo or pipe; and
c. any nootropic in loose leaf (designed for consumption like tobacco), pouch form, or liquid drop form.
i. Nootropics are sometimes called cognition enhancers or memory-enhancing substances. They can affect thinking and other mental functions.
d. “Tobacco product” does not include any product that has been approved by the appropriate federal agency as a tobacco use cessation product.
i. The use of tobacco cessation products at school shall be guided by the provisions set forth in policies JLCD/JLCD-R/ JLCD-E Administering Medications to Students.
3. "Use" means lighting, chewing, smoking, ingesting, inhaling, vaping, or application of any tobacco product.
Signs will be posted in prominent places on all school property to notify the public that smoking or other use of tobacco products is prohibited in accordance with state law and district policy. This policy will be published in all employee and student handbooks, posted on bulletin boards, and announced in staff meetings.
Any member of the general public considered by the superintendent or designee to be in violation of this policy will be instructed to leave school district property.
Employees found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Disciplinary measures for students who violate this policy shall include in-house detention, revocation of privileges, and exclusion from extracurricular activities. Repeated violations may result in suspension from school. In accordance with state law, no student shall be expelled solely for tobacco use.
Exemptions
Pursuant to state law no exemptions to this policy shall be granted and any previously granted exemption shall be invalid.
Any violation of this policy shall be considered as one form of open and persistent defiance of proper authority and as one form of continued willful disobedience. Such shall be grounds for suspension or expulsion in accordance with state law
Any tobacco products found in the possession of a student shall be confiscated.
LEGAL REFS.: 20 U.S.C. 7181 et seq. (Pro-Children Act of 2001 contained in No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 prohibits smoking in any indoor facility used to provide educational services to children)
C.R.S. 18-13-121
C.R.S. 22- 32-109 (1)(bb)
C.R.S. 22- 32-109.1 (2)(a)(VII) (policy required as part of safe schools plan)
C.R.S. 25-14-103.5
6 CCR 1010-6, Rule 5-306
CROSS REF.: ADC, Tobacco-Free Schools
IHAMA, Teaching about Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco
KFA, Public Conduct on School Property
JKD/JKE, Suspension/Expulsion of Students
JLCD/JLCD-R/ JLCD-E Administering Medications to Students
School personnel may not administer prescription or nonprescription medications to students unless appropriate administration cannot reasonably be accomplished outside of school hours.
Medication may be administered to students by school personnel whom a registered nurse has trained and delegated the task of administering such medication. For purposes of this policy, the term “medication” includes both prescription medication and nonprescription medication, but does not include medical marijuana.
Student possession, use, distribution, sale, or being under the influence of medication inconsistent with this policy will be considered a violation of Board policy concerning drug and alcohol involvement by students and may subject the student to disciplinary consequences, including suspension and/or expulsion, in accordance with applicable Board policy.
The administration of medical marijuana must be in accordance with the Board's policy on administration of medical marijuana to qualified students.
The term “nonprescription medication” includes but is not limited to over-the-counter medications, homeopathic and herbal medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements.
Medication may be administered to students only when the following requirements are met:
Medication must be in the original properly labeled container. If it is a prescription medication, the student’s name, name of the medication, dosage, how often it is to be administered, and name of the prescribing health care practitioner must be printed on the container.
Have received written permission from the student’s parent/guardian to administer the medication to the student and either:
written permission to administer the medication from the student’s health care practitioner with prescriptive authority under Colorado law; or
a standing medical order, if the medication is an over-the-counter medication such as Advil or Tylenol.
The parent/guardian is responsible for providing all medication to be administered to the student.
Self-administration of medication for asthma, allergies, anaphylaxis, or other prescription medication
A student with asthma, a food allergy, other severe allergies, or a related, life- threatening condition, or who is prescribed medication by a licensed health care practitioner may possess and self-administer medication to treat the student’s asthma, food or other allergy, anaphylaxis or related, life-threatening condition, or other condition for which the medication is prescribed. Self-administration of such medication may occur during school hours, at school-sponsored activities, or while in transit to and from school or a school-sponsored activity. Student possession and self-administration of such medication must be in accordance with the regulation accompanying this policy.
Authorization for a student to possess and self-administer medication to treat the student’s asthma, food or other allergy, anaphylaxis or other related, life-threatening condition, or other condition for which the medication is prescribed may be limited or revoked by the school principal after consultation with the school nurse and the student’s parent/guardian if the student demonstrates an inability to responsibly possess and self-administer such medication.
LEGAL REFS.: C.R.S. 12-38-132 (delegation of nursing tasks)
C.R.S. 22-1-119 (no liability for adverse drug reactions/side effects)
C.R.S. 22-1-119.1 (Board may adopt policy to acquire a stock supply of opiate antagonists)
C.R.S. 22-1-119.3 (3)(c), (d) (no student possession or self-administration of medical marijuana, but school districts must permit the student’s primary caregiver to administer medical marijuana to the student on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event)
C.R.S. 22-1-119.5 (Colorado Schoolchildren’s Asthma, Food Allergy, and Anaphylaxis Health Management Act)
C.R.S. 22-2-135 (Colorado School Children’s Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act)
C.R.S. 24-10-101 et seq. (Colorado Governmental Immunity Act)
1 CCR 301-68 (State Board of Education rules regarding student possession and administration of asthma, allergy and anaphylaxis management medications or other prescription medications)
6 CCR 1010-6, Rule 6.13 (requirements for health services in schools)
CROSS REFS.: JICH, Drug and Alcohol Involvement by Students
JKD/JKE, Suspension/Expulsion of Students (and Other Disciplinary Interventions)
JLCDA*, Students with Food Allergies
JLCDB*, Administration of Medical Marijuana to Qualified Students
JLCE, First Aid and Emergency Medical Care
LUNCH AND FOOD SERVICES
(Policy EFC-R)
School District 70 provides families with free and reduced-price lunch programs. Participation in this program is based on information provided by the family on forms sent home with the students. Additional forms can be requested from school offices if needed. The information on these forms is kept confidential and reviewed only by food service personnel. Eligibility guidelines for the free and reduced-price program are provided by the U.S. Office of Management and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. No discrimination will occur in School District 70 for any student including students participating in the free and reduced-price lunch program. If an application is denied, the parents/guardians may appeal this decision to the superintendent, and a hearing will be held. Procedures for the hearing will follow those prescribed in Section 9 of the National School Lunch Act as amended. For further questions please contact the district’s Food Services Office.[1] [2]
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT And GRADING/ASSESSMENT
(Policy IK, IKA)
It is the responsibility of the Board of Education to focus its attention and energy on the quality of education provided and the academic achievement of students. The Board’s goal is to improve student achievement by setting clear academic expectations for students through content standards. As a result, each student is expected to meet or exceed the academic content standards. Students who struggle meeting the content standards will be provided with extended learning opportunities and support services. The focus of these services will be to provide learning opportunities that will enhance the academic skills of the student so they reach their full potential.
The Board of Education feels that it is the responsibility of the school, staff, and students for the students’ learning. Staff is expected to create an educational environment that is challenging, encouraging and supportive of student learning. Students are expected to study and learn to the best of their ability. Students’ learning will be continuously monitored against the content standards. Information regarding student progress will be given to parents on a regular basis.
Student knowledge will be assessed through various methods, all focused on acquisition of the content standard of knowledge. All assessment methods will be a reflection of the Board adopted content standards. For further information please contact your child’s principal or review board policy IKA.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
(Policy IKF)
There have been some changes with respect to graduation requirements within the last few years. Please make specific contact with the school counselor assigned to your child to get the most current information regarding graduation credits. All high schools in the district have the ability to make site based decisions about credits and courses that grant credits. In general, each student will be required to attend high school for four years unless early graduation or senior release is granted. Students transferring into the district must meet the district graduation requirements. The final determination for granting outside credits will be made by the building principal. This includes in-district students who take courses outside of the District 70 educational system.
Students entering the district from home-schooled situations will be asked to present proof of academic progress. This proof may be in the form of a transcript from an accredited home school program, student’s work and/or any assessment that the student participated in while in the home school program. In addition, the district may administer additional testing to the student to verify the accuracy of the student’s transcripts. For further information please contact your child’s building principal.
EARLY GRADUATION
(Policy IKFA)
Early graduation is possible for students in District 70. Specific procedures must be followed and it is granted only in special circumstances. For information on the approval process please contact your child’s building counselor and/or review policy IKFA.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
(Policy JBB)
District 70 recognizes sexual harassment as behavior that is detrimental to the health welfare and safety of students and adults. As a result, this district addresses such issues aggressively and swiftly. All steps will be taken to investigate the allegations thoroughly and completely. If the allegations are found to be true all steps will be taken to end the sexual harassment immediately, even if it means removing the person instigating the harassment.
Behaviors recognized as sexual harassment are: unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal or nonverbal conduct that anyone takes to be sexually harassing, and physical conduct that is perceived by anyone to be sexually harassing behavior. In some situations the harassment may be resolved by making the harasser aware of their behavior and that it is considered to be sexually harassing. In more severe situations, more intensive corrective actions will be taken.
Sexually harassing behavior will not be tolerated by students or adults. If a student feels that their grade or academic performance is based on their participation or submission to sexually harassing conduct they need to report the sexually harassing behavior to their teacher, counselor, or principal. Students and adults reporting sexual harassment will be asked to file a formal grievance as outlined in board policy JBB-R. At that point, the building administration and the district grievance officer will perform a complete investigation. All reports will be confidential and handled in such a manner. Specific investigation procedures can be reviewed in policy JBB and JBB-R.
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
(Policy JEA)
Every child who has attained the age of 6 years and is under the age of 17 years is required to attend public school, with exceptions as provided by law. It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure their children get to school and attend regularly. School District 70 will pursue appropriate legal action if students between the ages outlined above are not attending school regularly. It is important to note that student tardies can also accumulate and be counted as truancy’s. Thus, it is important for parents to get their students to school and get them to the school on time.
ASSIGNMENT OF NEW STUDENTS TO CLASSES AND GRADE LEVELS
(Policy JGA-R)
Students transferring into the district from an accredited program will be placed into the appropriate grade level based on the information from the sending schools program. Students transferring into the district from a non-accredited educational program will participate in district designated tests and assessments in the areas of math, science, social studies, reading and writing to determine the student’s knowledge of various content standards. In addition, students and/or parents will need to submit curriculum, teacher qualifications, material/textbooks, work samples, transcripts, if available, and results from national tests taken within the last year while the student participated in the non-accredited educational program. The principal/designee will make the final placement decision after gathering all of the above information and performing an interview with the student/parents concerning the information that has been gathered. For further information please contact your child’s building principal and/or review policy JGA-R.
STUDENT ABSENCES
(Policy JH)
Students are expected to be in school and in class. Excused absences are absences for illness, injury (whether temporary or extended situations), death of family a member, and observance of a religious holiday. Parents must report the absence within 24 hours of the occurrence of the absence. In situations where an extended absence will be necessary, the parents need to communicate with the school ahead of time. It is important that parents attempt to arrange medical appointments outside of school hours. If this cannot occur, parents are expected to have their student’s absence pre-approved by building administration. Students are allowed to leave the campus if they are involved in a district approved work-study program or a school-sponsored activity of an educational nature. They are also allowed to have prearranged absences for up to three days if the absence has an educational value. These will obviously need to be prearranged with building administration and will be granted only if the student does not have unexcused absences. If the excused absences appear to be in excess, the principal/designee may require suitable proof that the absence was justified. The proof may include written statements from the student’s physician. The building principal ultimately determines which absences are excused or unexcused. If excused absences become habitual and impede the student’s academic progress then the principal may place specific stipulations on any further absences for that student. If those stipulations are violated then the student will face truancy proceedings.
Unexcused absences are considered truancies. Parents will be notified when their student has received an unexcused absence. That notification may occur orally or in writing. Appropriate penalties are outlined in the board policies and will be determined at each school. Truancy procedures will occur if a student acquires excessive unexcused absences. Students are eligible to make up the work missed because of an absence. In cases of unexcused absences, the instructor will decide how much credit, if any, will be given for make-up work. The school will may initiate truancy proceedings if a child has attained 10 unexcused absences in a school year.
Student tardiness is not desirable. Students will only be excused for tardies when accompanied by a pass given to the student by a staff member of the school. Instructors will honor all passes given to students by building staff. In all other situations the student will be considered tardy to class. Excess tardies will eventually be considered unexcused absences, and be penalized accordingly. For further information please review your child’s school handbook or contact your student’s building principal. Parents may also review board policy JH and JH-R for more information.
RELEASE TIME FOR STUDENTS
(Policy JHC)
Senior students who have three or fewer requirements to complete for graduation are eligible for release time for employment purposes. The student’s classes must be scheduled in a morning block or afternoon block section of time. The student will not be allowed to come and go from the school campus. Students and parents must request release time from the building administration. The student’s employment must be at least half time or three hours per day. All other students will comply with the districts closed campus policy, which states that all students will remain on campus throughout the school day, including lunch periods. The only exception will be in cases where building administration receives written permission from the student’s parents for the student to leave the campus.
SCREENING/TESTING OF STUDENTS
(Policy JLDAC)
Parents or guardians have the ability to inspect all instructional materials including teaching manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary materials associated with any survey, analysis or evaluation that would be considered a part of any educational program. Students are not required to participate in surveys, analysis, or evaluations that reveal the student’s or parents:
Political affiliations
Mental Health issues
Sexual behaviors or attitudes
Behaviors that are illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning
Critical appraisals of other individuals
Legally recognized confidential relationships
Income information
Parents will be given sufficient notice regarding their child’s possible participation in these activities.
MEDICAID NOTIFICATION
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION UNDER 34 CFR § 300.154(d)(2)(v)
The regulations implementing the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), afford parents of eligible students certain rights with respect to a school district’s ability to access private insurance or public benefits, such as Medicaid, to help pay for certain services that are provided at school. These rights are as follows:
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE NOTICE IN AN UNDERSTANDABLE LANGUAGE.
The school district must give you an annual written notice of your rights, which must be written in language understandable to the general public; and also provided in the native language of the parent or other mode of communication used by the parent, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so.
YOUR CHILD’S CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CANNOT BE DISCLOSE WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT. Parental consent must be obtained under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations at 34 CFR part 99 and the IDEA regulations at §300.622 before the school district discloses, for claiming purposes, your child’s personally identifiable information to the agency district responsible for the administration of the State’s public benefits or insurance program (e.g. Medicaid);
YOUR CHILD HAS A RIGHT TO SPECIAL EDUCATION AND RELATED SERVICES AT NO COST TO YOU. This means that, with regard to services required to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (“FAPE”) to an eligible child under IDEA, the school district
May not require parents to sign up for or enroll in public benefits or insurance programs in order for their child to receive FAPE;
May not require parents to incur an out-of-pocket expense such as the payment of a deductible or co-pay amount incurred in filing a claim for services provided pursuant to this part, but may pay the cost that the parents otherwise would be required to pay;
May not use a child’s benefits under a public benefits or insurance program if that use would:
Decrease available lifetime coverage or any other insured benefit;
Result in the family paying for services that would otherwise be covered by the public benefits or insurance program and that are required for the child outside of the time the child is in school;
Increase premiums or lead to the discontinuation of benefits or insurance; or
Risk loss of eligibility for home and community-based waivers, based on aggregate health-related expenditures.
YOU MAY WITHDRAW CONSENT AT ANY TIME. Once you’ve given consent for disclosure of confidential information about your child to the agency responsible for the administration of the State’s public benefits or insurance program (e.g.; Medicaid), you have a legal right under FERPA regulations to withdraw that consent whenever you wish.
IF YOU REFUSE A CONSENT, OR WITHDRAW CONSENT, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT STILL HAS TO PROVIDE REQUIRED SERVICES AT NO COST TO YOU. If you refuse to provide consent for the disclosure of personally identifiable information to the agency responsible for the administration of the State’s public benefits or insurance program (e.g., Medicaid), or, if you give consent but then later withdraw consent, that does not relieve the school district of its responsibility to ensure that all required services are provided at no cost to the parents.
CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
(JICB)
Students and their parents/guardians will be responsible for the care of all books and other school property used by the student. Any damage resulting from irresponsible behavior by the student will be the responsibility of the student and parents/guardians to correct and repair.
STUDENT NETWORK/INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (JS)
Purpose
Pueblo County School District 70 (“PSD70”) has obtained access to the Network, a regional electronic communication system, which includes Internet access. District staff has been authorized to develop regulations and agreements for the use of the Network that are in accord with the District policy statement and other District policies, including the student disciplinary code. This document contains the District Internet regulations and agreements.
PSD70 is providing students of the district with access to the Network, a regional electronic communication system, which includes Internet access.
The Network has a limited educational purpose. The term “educational purpose” includes use of the system for classroom activities, professional or career development, and limited high-quality personal research activities. All use must be in compliance with the acceptable use provisions of PSD70 and the Internet service provider.
Users may not use the Network system for commercial purposes, defined as offering or providing goods or services or purchasing goods or services for personal use. PSD70 acquisition policies will be followed for purchase of goods or services through the system for PSD70 use.
Users may not use the system for unauthorized political lobbying. Students may use the system to communicate with their elected representatives and to express their opinion on political issues in accord with state law and PSD70 District policies.
Student use of the system will also be governed by PSD70’s Code of Conduct (FILE: JICDA). All use will be in compliance with the acceptable use provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Internet service provider.
B. Responsibilities
The Superintendent, or his/her designee, will serve as the coordinator to oversee the District system.
The building Principal, or his/her designee, will serve as the building-level coordinator for the system, will approve building-level activities, ensure teachers receive proper training in the use of the system and the requirements of this policy, establish a system to ensure adequate supervision of students using the system, maintain executed user agreements, and be responsible for interpreting all PSD70 Acceptable Use Policies at the building level.
District staff is authorized to develop regulations and agreements for the use of the Network that are in accord with this policy statement and other District policies, including the student disciplinary code. These regulations can include, but are not limited to:
Acceptable use policies for students, staff and board members, and community members.
The level of access that will be provided at various grade levels.
A district Web policy.
Agreements for students, employees, and community members and informational material for parents.
C. Due process
PSD70 will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any illegal activities conducted through PSD70’s system.
In the event there is an allegation that a student has violated this policy, the student will be provided with a notice and opportunity to be heard in the manner set forth in PSD70’s Code of Conduct (FILE: JICDA).
Disciplinary actions will be tailored to meet specific concerns related to the violation and to assist the student in gaining the self-discipline necessary to behave appropriately on an electronic network. If the alleged violation also involves a violation of other provisions of the student disciplinary code, the violation will be handled in accord with the applicable provision of the code.
Any District administrator or school employee may terminate the account privileges of a student user by providing notice to the student user. Student accounts not active for more than 90 days may be removed, along with the user’s files without notice to the user.
D. Search and seizure
Student users have a limited privacy expectation in the contents of their personal files and records of their on-line activity while on the District system.
Routine maintenance and monitoring of the system may lead to discovery that the student has been or is violating this policy, PSD70’s Code of Conduct (File: JICDA), or the law.
An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that a student has violated this policy, PSD70’s Code of Conduct (FILE: JICDA), or the law. The nature of the investigation will be reasonable and in the context of the nature of the alleged violation. PSD70 is authorized to conduct an individual search.
Students should be aware that their personal files may be discoverable under CRS 24-80-101, State Archives and Public Records, CRS 24-72-201, the Colorado Open Records Act, and/or CRS 24-6-401, the Colorado Sunshine Act.
E. Academic freedom, free speech, and selection of material
Board policies on Academic Freedom and Free Speech will govern the use of the Internet.
When using the Internet for class activities, teachers will:
select material that is appropriate in light of the age of the students and that is relevant to the course objectives:
preview the materials and sites they require students’ access to determine the appropriateness of the material contained on or accessed through the site;
provide guidelines and lists of resources to assist their students in channeling their research activities effectively and properly.
Assist their students in developing the skills to ascertain the truthfulness of information, distinguish fact from opinion, and engage in discussions about controversial issues while demonstrating tolerance and respect for those who hold divergent views.
An Internet filtering system will be used by PSD70 to assist in filtering objectionable content governed by Academic Freedom and Free Speech as approved by the Superintendent and/or Board of Education. Individual Internet sites may be blocked as deemed necessary by teachers, principals, and/or administrative employees of the District.
F. Parental/guardian notification and responsibility
The District will notify the parents or guardians about the District network and the policies governing its use. Parents or guardians must sign an agreement to allow their student to have an individual account. Parents or guardians may request alternative activities for their child(ren) that do not require Internet access.
Parents or guardians have the right at any time to investigate the contents of their child(ren)’s e-mail files. Parents or guardians have the right to request the termination of their child(ren)’s individual account at any time.
PSD70’s Student Acceptable Use Policy contains restrictions on accessing inappropriate material and student use will be supervised. However, there is a wide range of material available on the Internet, some of which may not be fitting with the particular values of the families of the students. It is not practically possible for the District to monitor and enforce a wide range of social values in student use of the Internet. Further, the District recognizes that parents or guardians bear primary responsibility for transmitting their particular set of family values to their children. The District will encourage parents or guardians to specify to their child(ren) what material is and is not acceptable for their child(ren) to access through the District system. An Internet filtering system will be used by PSD70 to assist in filtering objectionable content governed by Academic Freedom and Free Speech as approved by the Superintendent and/or Board of Education.
PSD70 will provide students and parents or guardians with guidelines for student safety while using the Internet.
Parents or guardians are responsible for monitoring their student’s use of the Network if they are accessing PSD70’s system from home.
G. Access
The following levels of access will be provided:
Classroom Accounts. Elementary age students may be granted Internet access through a classroom account. Alternately, Elementary students may be provided with an individual account under special circumstances at the request of their teacher or building principal and with the approval of their parent. The Student Network/Internet Account Agreement (FILE: JICBA-E) will only be required for an individual account, which must be signed by the student and his or her parent or guardian. Parents or guardians may specifically request that their child(ren) not be provided access through the classroom account by notifying the District in writing (or whatever procedure the District uses for other permissions);
Individual Accounts for Students. Secondary students may be provided with individual Internet accounts. The Student Network/Internet Account Agreement (FILE: JICBA-E) will be required for an individual account. This agreement must be signed by the student and his or her parent or guardian with consent from the school building’s principal;
Schools and/or PSD70’s Department of Technology will establish a process that will enable staff to monitor authorized student access.
PSD70 Administration will determine the extent to which students at various grade levels will be granted access to the system.
H. Unacceptable Uses
The following uses of the system are considered unacceptable:
1. Personal safety:
a. Student users will not post personal contact information about themselves or other people. Personal contact information includes address, telephone, school address, work address, etc.;
b. Student users will agree not to meet with someone they have met on-line without their parent’s or guardian’s approval and participation;
c. Student users will promptly disclose to their teacher or other school employee any message they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
2. Illegal activities:
a. Users will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the District system or to any other computer system through the District System, or go beyond their authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another person’s account or access another person’s files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of “browsing”;
b. Users will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system performance or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are illegal;
c. Users will not use the District system to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging for a drug sale or the purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal gang activity, threatening the safety of person, etc.
3. System security:
a. Users are responsible for the use of their individual account and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their account. Under no conditions should a user provide their password to another person;
b. Users will immediately notify the system administrator if they have identified a possible security problem. Users will not go looking for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access;
c. Users will avoid the inadvertent spread of computer viruses by following the standard virus protection procedures if they download software.
4. Inappropriate language:
a. Restrictions against Inappropriate Language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on Web pages;
b. Users will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language;
c. Users will not post information that, if acted upon, could cause damage or a danger of disruption;
d. Users will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks;
e. Users will not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If a user is told by a person to stop sending them messages, they must stop;
f. Users will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.
5. Respect for privacy:
a. Users will not repost a message that was sent to them privately without permission of the person who sent them the message;
b. Users will not post private information about another person.
6. Respecting resource limits:
a. Users will use the system only for educational and professional or career development activities (no time limit), and limited, high-quality, personal research;
b. Users will not download large files unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, users will download the file at a time when the system is not being heavily used and immediately remove the file from the system computer to their personal computer.
c. Users will not post chain letters or engage in “spamming”. Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people;
d. Users will check their e-mail frequently, delete unwanted messages promptly, and stay within their e-mail quota;
e. Users will subscribe only to discussion group mail lists that are relevant to their education or professional/career development. Students may subscribe with the approval of their instructor or building principal and must unsubscribe at the end of the school year unless special arrangements are made.
7. Plagiarism and copyright infringement:
a. Users will not plagiarize works that they find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were original to the user;
b. Users will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when an individual inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies acceptable use of that work, the user should follow the expressed requirements. If the user is unsure whether or not they can use a work, they should request permission from the copyright owner.
8. Access to inappropriate material:
a. Users will not use the District system to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal or dangerous acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). For students, a special exception may be made if the purpose is to conduct research and access is approved by both the teacher or building principal and the parent or guardian. District employees may access the above material only in the context of legitimate research.
b. If a user inadvertently accesses such information, they should immediately disclose the inadvertent access in a manner specified by their school. This will protect users against an allegation that they have intentionally violated the Acceptable Use Policy.
I. PSD70 Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
1. PSD70 makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, that the functions or the services provided by or through the system will be error-free or without defect. PSD70 will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. PSD70 is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. PSD70 will not be responsible for financial
obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system. Users will indemnify and hold PSD70 harmless from any losses sustained as the result of misuse of the system by user. PSD70 will inform all users of the system about this limitation of liability and indemnification.
J. Copyright
1. Users of the system will not engage in copyright infringement. Because the extent of copyright protection of certain works accessed through the Internet or posted on the Internet is unclear, users will make a standard practice of requesting permission from the holder of the copyright if their use of the material has the potential of being considered an infringement.
SCHOOL-RELATED STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
(Policy JICEA)
The school district encourages students to express their views orally and in written form, with a degree of order that adds to the educational experience. Students can express themselves in school-sponsored publications and should observe the rules for responsible journalism. Students will not be permitted to express information that is false, obscene, libelous, slanderous or defamatory under state-law. Further, information that presents a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts, violates school rules, substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school, violates the privacy rights of others, or threatens violence to property or persons will not be permitted.
Student editors of school-sponsored publications will be responsible for determining the news, opinion, and advertising content of their publications. These individuals will be responsible for making sure the information printed meets the guidelines listed above. A publication’s advisor at each school will supervise the entire operation and production of the school-sponsored publication. This individual is responsible for teaching and encouraging free and responsible expression and professional standards of journalism. The advisor has the authority to direct and control the learning experience that publications are intended to provide when they are a part of a school class or activity for which grades or credits are given.
Expressions made by students in the school-sponsored publication are not an expression of board policy. The district and its employees shall be immune from civil or criminal penalties for any expression made or published by students. For more information please contact your child’s building principal or review policy JICEA.
STUDENT DISTRIBUTION OF NON-CURRICULAR MATERIALS
(Policy JICEC)
Students are allowed to distribute non-curricular materials if they notify the building principal at least one day in advance. In addition, the materials must not violate specific rules and regulations established by state law or district policy. The material distributed must not be obscene, libelous, slanderous or defamatory. Also, the material must not advocate illegal activities or violate the rights of others. School owned equipment and supplies will not be used for publication of the non-curricular material unless authorized as a school sponsored activity. If a student chooses to distribute non-curricular material and has made proper notification several restrictions will need to be followed. Students will need to distribute the material in areas designated by the principal and never distributed in a classroom occupied by a regularly scheduled class. The materials will need to be distributed one-half hour before school begins, during regularly scheduled lunches, and/or 15 minutes after the close of school. Any distributed items that are improperly disposed of will be the responsibility of the student distributor to remove. Finally, no student will feel compelled or coerced to accept any of the materials being distributed. Violation of any of these regulations will mean that the student distributor will face disciplinary action and the denial of the privilege to distribute future materials. For further information contact your student’s building principal and/or review policy JICEC.
STUDENT EXPRESSION RIGHTS
(Policy JICED)
Student expression is encouraged within the school environment and can come in all forms: written, oral, visual, audio, and electronic media. Students will not express information that is obscene, libelous, slanderous, defamatory, unlawful, violates the rights of others’ privacy, threatens violence, is racially challenging, or otherwise disrupts the educational environment. Students violating these rules will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in previous sections of this handbook. For more information please contact your student’s principal and/or review policy JICED.
SECRET SOCIETIES/GANG ACTIVITY
(Policy JICF)
School District 70 has no tolerance for gang activity or secret society activity. No gang symbols are acceptable at any time. These symbols may not be present in physical gestures, jewelry, clothing, accessories, notebooks, and manner of grooming that denote gang activity or membership. It will be up to the discretion of the principal to interpret gang activity and/or gang symbols. Students participating in such activity will face disciplinary action. For further information please contact your student’s building principal and/or review policy JICF.
STUDENT INTERROGATIONS SEARCHES AND ARRESTS
(Policy JIH/JIHB)
Student searches will be conducted when a school official has reasonable grounds to suspect that a student has violated either the law or Board policy. A student and/or his property will be searched if a staff member has reasonable grounds. The searches will only occur on school grounds or during a school sponsored event if the staff member suspects that the student is violating the law or board policy. Any search will respect the privacy of the student and will not be any more intrusive than necessary, considering the age and sex of the student and the nature of the suspected infraction. Whenever possible the student shall be informed of the reasons behind the search and asked for their permission to perform the search. If the student refuses to be searched then disciplinary action will occur accordingly.
After the search, an administrative report will be completed by a building level administrator outlining the reasons for the search, results, and names of students involved, including any witnesses to the search. If evidence is found that implicates the student in violations of the law or board policy, then disciplinary action and reports will occur accordingly.
Reasonable suspicion is the standard used by staff members to determine if a search is required.
Reasonable suspicion is defined as the result of having reliable information, through informants, witnesses or other observations that causes a school official to believe that the student has evidence of a violation of the law or board policy. This evidence is considered contraband. Contraband is any substance or material that is prohibited by law or board policy.
The search could be of the student’s pockets, any object in the student’s possession and/or a “pat down” of the exterior of the student’s clothing. These searches will occur with at least one but not more than three witnesses to the search, all being of the same sex of the student being searched. These individuals will not participate in the search itself. No strip searches will occur or be carried out by school personnel. Parents of the student being searched will be notified as soon as reasonably possible.
Law enforcement officials may be requested to perform a search on a student. When this occurs the search by the officer will occur under the standards outlined through criminal law. These searches will include appropriate measures as approved by the Superintendent and will use any method or technology that is commonly used by the law enforcement agency. During these searches no school employee shall assist or otherwise participate in the search unless given a direct order to participate by the law enforcement officer. If an employee is involved in the search as per direction of the law enforcement officer the search shall be conducted according to board rules and regulations outlined above. If the officer is conducting the search, a search warrant must be produced prior to the search, unless circumstances permit an exception under criminal law. These include but are not limited to; uncoerced consent by the student, probable cause under criminal standards, or the search being part of the student’s arrest. If the search is a part of the student’s arrest, then the search shall be limited to the student and their immediate surroundings.
All items obtained in the search that are considered contraband will be seized and offered as evidence in any suspension and/or expulsion proceeding. The items may also be turned over to law enforcement agencies if a violation of criminal law exists.
If law enforcement personnel wish to question a student while at school or participating in school activities, the principal or designee shall be present. If the student is under 18, his parents or legal guardian also shall be present, unless the student is emancipated as defined by state law. If a student is arrested, then the principal will request that the officer(s) observe all procedural safeguards involved as outlined by school and criminal laws and policies.
The student may appeal the search to the superintendent within 10 school days after the search occurred. The superintendent will investigate the reasons for the search and issue written findings within 5 school days after receiving the appeal. These findings shall constitute the final district decision regarding the search.
The conditions outlined in this section also include searches of vehicles on school property. If the student or owner of the vehicle refuses to allow the vehicle to be searched, then the privilege of bringing that vehicle or other vehicles on to school property will be terminated without question or hearing. Routine patrols of the parking lots and inspection of the outside of vehicles will occur regularly.
For further information please contact your student’s principal or review board policies JIH and JIHB.
STAFF USE OF PHYSICAL INTERVENTION
(Policy JKA)
When dealing with a student who is in the act of performing a wrongful act, threatening physical harm to themselves or others, possessing a weapon, or destroying property, district staff may use reasonable and appropriate physical intervention techniques on that student. These techniques will comply with all state and federal regulations regarding physical restraint of a student. Certified trainers are used to instruct staff in proper, nonviolent crisis intervention techniques. The techniques used are safe and comply with all legal guidelines. If you need more information please contact your building principal or review board policy JKA.
COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES
(Policy JII/JII-R)
Students can appeal decisions or rules made by school personnel they feel are unfair, or are in violation of board policy. Formal complaints can be initiated in written form if the complaint falls into one or more of the following areas:
Conduct of an individual
Departmental procedures
Building procedures
Board policies and regulations
Curricular programs
Civil rights
When a complaint is filed in writing, a conference will be held in 5 school days with the appropriate supervisor. Within 10 school days of the conference, the student will receive a written response from the supervisor handling the complaint. If the student is unsatisfied with these findings, then another written appeal can be made to the next level of supervisor within 10 school days. Another conference will be held and within 10 school days another written response will be given to the student. This process can be followed to the Board of Education level. If the student appeals findings to this level, then a meeting with the board will be convened within 20 school days after receiving the student’s appeal. A written response from the board will be given to the student within 10 school days. For further information please contact your student’s principal or review board policies JII or JII-R.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
(Policy JJA-1)
Students are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Participation in these activities should be considered a privilege, not a right. At the secondary level, students are allowed to organize clubs or other groups that relate to subject matter covered by the curriculum. Participation in these activities and clubs shall be voluntary and be supervised by a faculty member. Participation in these activities shall follow all board policies and rules for student conduct. Each school will develop their own guidelines for the operation of clubs and organizations within their facility. These organizations and clubs are required to open membership to all interested and/or eligible students. The faculty advisor will attend every meeting held by the club or organization, even if the meeting occurs at an off school-grounds site. For further information, please contact your student’s principal or review board policy JJ and JJA.
OPEN/LIMITED FORUM
(Policy JJA-2)
Students in grades 7 – 12 shall be permitted to organize and conduct meetings of non-curriculum-related student clubs or other groups. The school will have no connection to these clubs and organizations and will not be considered school-sponsored. Meetings of these clubs or organizations can only occur during non-instructional times so that they do not interfere with the educational processes of that school. These meetings must be scheduled with the principal, organized and conducted within the guidelines outlined by board policy and regulations. A member of the professional staff must be invited to attend every meeting or activity scheduled on the school campus. Individuals not attending school in the district, parents, school personnel or any other non-school persons are prohibited from directing, conducting, controlling or regularly attending the activities of these groups.
The building principal retains the authority to prohibit meetings, which would be unlawful or otherwise disrupt the discipline or educational process of students and staff. These groups will be provided equal access to the facilities if these guidelines are followed, and will not be discriminated against based on religious, political or philosophical content of any speech at such meetings. For further information please contact your student’s principal and/or review board policy JJAB.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY ELIGIBILITY
(Policy JJJ)
All students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities. The student must meet eligibility requirements that are outlined through the state activities agency, CHSAA, and the school facility in which the student participates in the activity. If an activity is not available at the student’s school of attendance then the student may choose to participate in that activity at another school within the district or other district in the area. When choosing, the student must pick an alternative school that offers the greatest number of activities in which the student wishes to participate. Each student that chooses to participate in extracurricular activities will receive an activities handbook that outlines all of the eligibility requirements in detail. For further information please contact your student’s building principal, athletic director or review board policy JJJ.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES REQUIREMENTS
(Policy JLC/JLCB-R)
School nursing staff maintains health records on each student in the district. These records are kept separately from other student data and always secured. Access to these files is limited. Only staff with legitimate educational interests and a reason for looking at the student’s health file can access the records. Logs will be kept on file access and reasons for log access.
Regular vision and hearing screenings occur for all students in kindergarten, first, second, third, fifth, seventh and ninth grades or students in similar age groups. Other students will be screened if concerns arise and instructional staff makes referrals. Dental screenings are also offered on occasion when community resources can be accessed.
Students are required to provide immunization records upon registering in school. Those students without such records will not be allowed to enroll or otherwise continue their participation in school. Exemptions do exist for health, religious, personal, or other reasons as provided by law. Exemption cards can be obtained from the school.
Students with communicable diseases, infectious conditions, or other illnesses of a serious nature will be referred to the school nurse and referred to the building principal for appropriate action.
For further information please contact your student’s principal or review board policy JLC/JLCB-R.
ADMINISTERING MEDICATION TO STUDENTS
(Policy JLCD)
Medications administered at school will only be administered by the School Nurse or their designee. No student shall bring medication or take medication at school without the written permission from parents and the student’s doctor and without a School Nurse or designee supervising the administration. The medications will need to be in their original container, properly labeled. If the medication is a prescription medication then the student’s name, name of the drug, dosage, time for administering, the name of the doctor and current date must be on the bottle. All medication will be kept secure at the building in a location that is supervised by office staff. For further information please contact your student’s principal and/or review board policy JLCD.
STUDENT DISMISSAL PRECAUTIONS
(Policy JLIB/JLIB-R)
Each school has outlined procedures for the dismissal of students during the school day. No student under the age of 18 shall be dismissed from school early without a request from the parents or guardians of the student. Students will not be released based on non-validated telephone calls. Children of divorced parents will only be released to parents who are on record at the school and identified through proper court proceedings and paperwork as able to have access to the child. In most cases this will be the parent who the child lives with. This parent will be considered the custodial parent. This is also the parent whom the school district holds responsible for the education, care and welfare of the child. If other arrangements and responsibilities are outlined by the courts, then the school needs current court orders on record that reflect the current court arrangements. Elementary students shall only be sent home with their parents or guardians unless they authorize another adult to pick up the student. Principals will take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of the students. For more information please contact your student’s principal and/or review board policy JLIB/JLIB-R
STUDENT BICYCLE AND AUTOMOBILE USE/PARKING
(Policy JLID/JLIE)
All means of transportation used by students shall be used in a proper and orderly manner. All vehicles and bicycles shall be parked in the designated areas outlined by school officials. Any misuse of these transportation devices will result in the removal of the privilege to use them and park them on school property.
STUDENT RECORDS/ RELEASE OF INFORMATION ON STUDENTS
(Policy JRA/JRC)
Student education records may contain information that identifies the student, academic work completed, level of achievement, attendance data, scores on standardized tests, interest inventory results, health and medical information, family background information, teacher/counselor ratings and observations and behavior reports. In addition to this formal information, teachers and other staff may disclose information made by personal observations and knowledge as it relates to the student’s educational performance.
STUDENT RECORDS/ RELEASE OF INFORMATION ON STUDENTS
(JRA/JRC-E)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Colorado law afford parents/guardians (“parents”) and students 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records, as follows:
The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 3 school days of the district receiving a request for access.
A parent or eligible student making such a request must submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) 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.
The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise violate the privacy rights of the student.
A parent or eligible student may ask the district to amend a record they believe is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise violates the privacy rights of the student by writing to the school principal (or appropriate school official) clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed and specifying why it is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise violates the privacy rights of the student.
If the principal decides not to amend the record as requested, the principal 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.
The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA and state law authorize disclosure without consent.
Whenever the district is required by law or policy to seek written consent prior to disclosing personally identifiable information regarding a student, the notice provided to the parent or eligible student shall contain the following:
· The specific records to be released
· The specific reasons for such release
· The specific identity of any person, agency, or organization requesting such information and the intended uses of the information
· The method or manner by which the records will be released
· The right to review or receive a copy of the records to be released
Parental consent shall only be valid for the specific instance for which it was given. Consent for a student to participate in any course, school activity, special education program shall not constitute the specific written consent required.
All signed consent forms shall be retained by the school district.
Disclosure of personally identifiable information can be made without consent to the following:
School officials, including teachers, working in the school at which the student is enrolled who have a specific and legitimate educational interest in the information for use in furthering a student’s academic achievement or maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment. This may include the disclosure of disciplinary information regarding conduct that posed a significant risk to the safety or well being of the student or others. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, teacher, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the Board of Education; a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
Official of another school, school system or post secondary institution that has requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. In this case, disciplinary information shall be included. The district provides a copy of the record to the eligible student or student’s parents if so requested.
In connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of financial aid.
A criminal justice agency investigating a criminal matter concerning a student enrolled, or who will enroll in the school district, when necessary to effectively serve the student prior to trial. Such information shall only include disciplinary and attendance information and shall only be shared upon certification by the criminal justice agency that the information will not be disclosed to any other party, except as specifically authorized or required by law, without the prior written consent of the student’s parent/guardian.
Educational testing and research organizations for the purpose of administering student aid programs or improving instruction or predictive tests as long as confidentiality is maintained, and such organizations are required to destroy records after they no longer are needed.
Accrediting institutions to carry out their accrediting functions.
Parents of students over 18 years of age that are dependents for federal income tax purposes.
In emergency situations to appropriate persons if the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or others.
Anyone, if required by a court order or subpoena. The district will make reasonable efforts to notify the parent or eligible student prior to complying with the subpoena or court order. The district will not provide such notice if the subpoena is issued by a federal grand jury or any other law enforcement purpose where the court has ordered non-disclosure of the existence or contents of the subpoena or information furnished.
court presiding over a legal action initiated by the school district where the education records are relevant, or initiated by a parent or eligible student where the records are relevant for the school district’s defense.
The school district may disclose group scholastic achievement data from which the individual cannot be identified without written consent of the parent or eligible student in advance of the disclosure.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
The right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the categories of directory information.
The district is permitted by law to disclose directory information without written consent of the parent or eligible student. The parent or eligible student has the right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the categories of directory information if such refusal is received in writing in the office of the principal of the school where the student is in attendance, no later than September 7, or the following Monday if September 7 is a Saturday or Sunday.
Directory information which may be released may include the student’s name, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent and previous education agency or institution attended, and other similar information. Student telephone numbers and addresses will not be disclosed pursuant to Colorado law.
The right to request that information not be provided to military recruiting officers. Names, addresses and home telephone numbers of secondary school students will be released to military recruiting officers within 90 days of the request unless a student submits a written request that such information not be released.
CUSTODIAL AND NONCUSTODIAL PARENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(Policy KBBA/KBBA-R)
Unless otherwise notified through current court order documents, the district will assume that there are no limitations regarding the issue of including both parents in educational information pertaining to their minor child. If this is not the case, then it is the responsibility of the parents to present information contrary to this assumption. Written statements by custodial parents are not accepted as the documentation needed to alter the districts process of keeping parents informed about their child’s educational progress. For further information please contact your student’s principal and/or review board policy KBBA/KBBA-R.
PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW/ FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
(Policy KDB)
The district supports the right of the public to know about programs and services of each school and the district in general. Every effort will be made to disseminate information requested as it complies with federal and state laws regarding individual privacy issues and confidentiality.
Educational Resources for Students with Disabilities.
District 70 is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and education for individuals with disabilities. To request an accommodation, please contact one of the following departments.
Pueblo School District No. 70 has a district-wide comprehensive service plan that incorporates a wide variety to services and service providers that can meet the learning/behavior/physical needs of any student in the district.
Pueblo County School District 70 abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.
AVAILABLE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR ALL STUDENTS
Pueblo County School District 70 believes and expects that we will educate all of the students who attend our school, no matter what educational needs the student may have. Based on this belief, we have provided you with a list of resources and contact information for those resources if you should have any questions.
Pueblo School District No. 70 has developed a plan to ensure that national-origin minority ELL students have equal and meaningful access to the District’s educational services.
Pueblo School District No. 70 continues to develop and refine the services to students with exceptional needs including those that need a more advanced challenge in various academic, and fine arts instruction.
RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI)
Local School Principal
As federal and state mandates continue to refine and guide instructional expectations, Pueblo School District No. 70 continues to provide various levels of academic, behavioral and physical interventions for all students. All students are eligible for intervention services and referrals can be made by teachers, parents or students for possible RTI services. Please contact your local school if you have needs in this area.
Pueblo County School District 70 offers a wide variety of career-oriented and technology-oriented options for all students. These options come in a variety of delivery systems for students while they explore their future professional and technical career options. Please check with your local principal and counseling staff for options and opportunities.
The policy aims to balance the accommodation of visitor requests with the paramount concern for student and staff welfare and the maintenance of a safe and effective learning environment.
Prioritizing Student Welfare and Safety: The core principle underlying this policy is ensuring the well-being of students. The policy explicitly states that the district "recognizes concerns for the welfare of students." This priority is the justification for the strict limitations on who can visit schools and the procedures that are required.
Limited Access: The policy does not grant open access to the public.
It specifically restricts visitors to a defined list:
Parents/Guardians of current students
Approved family members of current students (with parent/guardian approval)
Board members and district personnel on official business.
Educational guests and professionals participating in supervised enrichment programs.
Security and Accountability: The policy emphasizes the need to track and manage visitors to prevent disruptions and ensure that only authorized individuals are present. This is achieved through a mandatory check-in process and visitor identification requirements.
Discretion and Flexibility: While the policy establishes clear guidelines, it allows for some flexibility. School administrators can implement additional building procedures and have discretion regarding ID and check-in requirements at large events. This discretion must be applied "consistently to all visitors at an event."
Visitor Privileges, Not Rights: Crucially, the policy emphasizes that "visiting schools is a privilege, not a right." This wording underscores that access to school buildings can be limited, denied or revoked.
Visitor Procedures:
All visitors must report to the school office immediately upon entry.
Visitors must sign in and out.
Visitors must wear a name tag identifying them as visitors.
Visitors will be accompanied by a district employee, for all or part of their visit.
School administrators may implement additional procedures.
Exceptions: The mandatory sign-in, name tag, and escort rules may be waived during large group gatherings, such as assemblies, sporting events or parent events like open house or parent teacher conferences. However, the principal or designee has the discretion to require full visitor check in even at these events, with consistency required at each event.
Loitering: "Unauthorized persons may not loiter on school property at any time." Law enforcement may be called to enforce this.
Denial/Revocation of Visitor Privileges: The policy states that visitor privileges can be "limited, denied or revoked by the superintendent or designee or a school administrator or designee." This action can be taken for reasons pertaining to "student and/or staff health, safety, efficient school operations, maintenance of a proper educational environment, or failure to comply with this policy."
The primary aim of the school district's volunteer program is to enhance the educational experience for students and foster community engagement. The stated objectives are:
Individualized Instruction: "Assist employees in providing more individualized instruction." This highlights the program's goal to provide additional support for students who may benefit from one-on-one attention.
Instructional Enrichment: "Enrich the instructional program." Volunteers are seen as a resource to expand the scope and depth of the curriculum beyond the regular classroom setting.
Community Understanding and Involvement: "Build an understanding of school programs among interested citizens, thus stimulating widespread involvement in the district’s programs." The program aims to educate the community about school activities and encourage active participation.
Strengthening School/Community Relations: "Strengthen school/community relations." Volunteers serve as a bridge between the school and the broader community, fostering a collaborative relationship.
II. Definition and Scope of Volunteer Service
Definition: A volunteer is defined as "a person who works without pay on an occasional or regular basis at school sites or other educational facilities to support the efforts of professional personnel."
Nature of Work: Volunteers support professional staff and do not receive employee benefits. While volunteers may be covered by Workers’ Compensation and liability protection, this is not explicitly detailed within this policy.
Types of Activities: Volunteers can be involved in a wide range of tasks, including:
Working directly with students under the supervision of a licensed employee.
Providing assistance in the library, classroom, music programs, school plays, pre-kindergarten programs.
Assisting or chaperoning on field trips and similar activities.
Limitations: Volunteers are prohibited from:
Working with confidential student or staff records.
Distributing, using, discussing, or reading unapproved material to students. "Volunteers may not distribute, use, discuss, or read material to students that the Principal has not previously approved."
III. Authorization and Management of Volunteer Services
Authorization: The school board, superintendent, central office administrators, principals, assistant principals, and directors (or their designees) can accept volunteer services.
Compliance: Volunteers are required to comply with all Board and district policies and regulations.
Supervision: "Volunteers shall work with students under the immediate supervision and direction of a licensed employee." This emphasizes that volunteers are not independent educators, but rather are meant to assist under the guidance of a certified professional.
Application and Approval: All volunteers are required to:
Complete an application for volunteer service.
Receive written approval from the director of personnel or their designee.
The completed application is retained by the Department of Personnel.
Privilege: Volunteer service is designated as a privilege that can be "granted, denied, or revoked at any time at the District’s sole discretion." This highlights the district's authority to manage volunteer involvement.
IV. Background Checks
Requirement: "Since state law requires the school district to conduct background checks of all prospective employees of the district, the Board has determined that the need exists for similar background checks annually of volunteers who work with the school district’s students." This underscores the paramount concern for student safety and well-being.
Frequency: Background checks are conducted annually for volunteers working with students.
Scope of Checks: Background checks may include inquiries to:
The Colorado Department of Education.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Other law enforcement agencies.
The purpose is "to determine if there is any information on record indicating that the individual should not be working with children."
Costs: The district bears the cost of the background checks.
Compliance: Individuals who do not provide the information needed for a background check will not be added to the list of authorized volunteers.
PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY VISITORS TO SCHOOLS
(Policy KFA)
The district expects all visitors to the schools and to our activities to conduct themselves appropriately. Individuals who obstruct, disrupt, or interfere with the process of conducting the educational or extracurricular process, threaten destruction of person or property, commit illegal acts, use profanity, use tobacco, or become verbally aggressive, will be asked to leave the property and law enforcement personnel will be contacted if necessary.
Visitors to the school are required to sign in at the school building office and wear appropriate identification that acknowledges their visitor status. The only exception is when parents are invited to an assembly or classroom program.
For further information please contact your student’s building principal and/or review board policy KFA/KI.
