STUDENT HANDBOOK 2021-2022 - Farwell High School & Early College Timberland Alternative Education - Farwell Area Schools
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STUDENT HANDBOOK
2021-2022
Farwell High School & Early College
480 East Ohio Street, Farwell, MI 48622
www.farwellschools.net
989-588-9913
Timberland Alternative Education
2655 West Ludington Drive
Farwell, MI 48622
989-588-7219
1TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
Access to Equal Educational Opportunity ....................................................................................................5
Accident Reports ...........................................................................................................................................5
Adult Status....................................................................................................................................................5
Assemblies .....................................................................................................................................................5
Audio, Video, Cellphone Recording Devices ...............................................................................................5
Change of Address/ Telephone Number .......................................................................................................5
Closed Campus ..............................................................................................................................................5
Directory Information (Armed Forces/College/Selective Service) ...............................................................6
Driver's Education .........................................................................................................................................6
Driving/Student Parking ...............................................................................................................................6
Emergency Drill/Secure Mode ......................................................................................................................6
Fire Alarms and Extinguishers.......................................................................................................................6
Freedoms ........................................................................................................................................................7
Harassment/Hazing/Bullying ........................................................................................................................7
Homeless Students ........................................................................................................................................13
Hygiene .........................................................................................................................................................13
Inclement Weather Emergencies ...................................................................................................................13
Individuals with Disabilities ..........................................................................................................................13
Illness at School ............................................................................................................................................13
Lockers ..........................................................................................................................................................14
Lunch/Breakfast Period .................................................................................................................................14
Media Center Rules........................................................................................................................................14
Medications ....................................................................................................................................................14
Memorandum of Drug Free Schools..............................................................................................................15
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support...................................................................................................................15
Off-Campus and Work Activities ..................................................................................................................16
Office Phone ..................................................................................................................................................16
Guardian School Compact .............................................................................................................................16
Personal Curriculum ......................................................................................................................................17
Residency/Registration/Immunizations .........................................................................................................17
Search of Property..........................................................................................................................................17
Security ..........................................................................................................................................................17
Statement of Assurance with Federal Law ....................................................................................................17
Student Privacy and Guardian Access to Information ...................................................................................18
Student Records .............................................................................................................................................18
Student Rights ................................................................................................................................................18
Textbooks/Learning Supplies/Planners .........................................................................................................19
Title IX ...........................................................................................................................................................19
Tobacco Products on School Property ...........................................................................................................19
Tornado Drill .................................................................................................................................................19
Transfer to Farwell Timberland .....................................................................................................................19
Visitors/Guests ...............................................................................................................................................19
Withdrawal from School ................................................................................................................................19
Work Permits .................................................................................................................................................19
2ACADEMIC/GUIDANCE INFORMATION
Academic Grades ...........................................................................................................................................20
Academic Recognition ...................................................................................................................................20
Dual Enrollment .............................................................................................................................................20
Exam Exemption............................................................................................................................................21
Grade Appeal Process ....................................................................................................................................21
Grade Classification .......................................................................................................................................22
Graduation Requirements ..............................................................................................................................22
Michigan State Testing ..................................................................................................................................23
Missing/Late Work ........................................................................................................................................23
Online Consent Form .....................................................................................................................................23
National Honor Society..................................................................................................................................23
Report Cards ..................................................................................................................................................23
Scheduling and Educational Developmental Plans........................................................................................24
Special Education...........................................................................................................................................24
Testing Out.....................................................................................................................................................24
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
Attendance Information .................................................................................................................................26
Guardian Attendance Notification .................................................................................................................27
Tardy Policy ...................................................................................................................................................27
EXTRACURRICULAR INFORMATION
Clubs/Organizations.......................................................................................................................................28
Dances ............................................................................................................................................................29
STUDENT BEHAVIOR/ DISCIPLINE
Breath Test Instruments .................................................................................................................................30
Canine Contraband Detection Program .........................................................................................................30
Dismissal from Class/Choice Room ..............................................................................................................31
Dress Code/Bags ............................................................................................................................................31
Due Process Rights ........................................................................................................................................31
Responsible Thinking Process/Choice Room ................................................................................................32
Student Behavioral Expectations ...................................................................................................................32
Level Violations I, II, and III .........................................................................................................................33
TECHNOLOGY
Acceptable Use Policy ...................................................................................................................................38
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation ...............................................................................................................................................41
FORMS
Homework Request Form ..............................................................................................................................43
SAT Suite of Assessments: Consent Form ....................................................................................................44
Concussion Form ...........................................................................................................................................45
Chromebook User Agreement ......................................................................................................................47
Assurance of Notification .............................................................................................................................49
3High School Administration retains the right and privilege to issue penalties for acts of discipline not specifically stated herein
and to alter any penalties, as he/she considers necessary. Furthermore, the principal reserves the right to amend any provision
in this handbook that he/she deems to be in the best interest of the educational process.
High School Administration expects every staff member to be treated with respect and dignity just as each student should
receive the respect of the staff. A show of disrespect toward a staff member or insubordination on the part of any student will
not, under any circumstances, be tolerated.
All administrators, teachers, and staff of the high school are vested with legal authority to enforce the policies set forth by the
Board of Education. Refusal on the part of students to respect this authority at all school functions shall be considered as
insubordinate conduct and dealt with accordingly.
4GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
ACCESS TO EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
The Board of Education declares it to be the policy of this District to provide an equal opportunity for all
students, regardless of gender, religion, race, color, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status,
place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic status, and/or any other legally
protected characteristic, to learn through the curriculum offered.
As compliance officer, the superintendent has the responsibility to ensure that Federal and State regulations are
complied with and that any complaints are dealt with promptly in accordance with law. He shall also ensure
that proper notice of nondiscrimination for Title II, Title VI, and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of
the Education Amendment Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Act is
provided to students, their guardians, staff members, and the general public.
Please contact the superintendent, District Civil Rights Compliance Officer for Farwell Area Schools at 989-
588-9917.
ACCIDENT REPORTS
Any student who has an accident in school must report it to his/her teacher if it occurs in the classroom. If an
accident occurs at any other time of the school day, it should be reported to the office.
ADULT STATUS
Students reaching their 18th birthday may declare adult status. All adult status students will follow adult rules
on attendance and reporting attendance. At the request of the guardian, academic reports may still be mailed
home. Students with adult status must sign themselves out with office personnel before leaving the building and
must have administrative approval. Once signed out, the student is not allowed to return unless they provide a
doctor’s note or have administration approval 24 hours in advance. Closed campus rules will be enforced.
ASSEMBLIES
During the school year assemblies may be scheduled. These are part of our total educational program and
students not assigned elsewhere are required to attend and exhibit appropriate behavior.
AUDIO/VIDEO DEVICES
Cell Phones, Music Devices, Cameras, Audio/Video recording devices are prohibited in the classrooms
(except upon teacher approval). Cell phones can be used on silence or vibrate outside of before/after school and
during lunch. They are not permitted in halls during class times. If a device is used without permission, it may
be confiscated and turned into the office. See student discipline section for more information.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER
Students or their guardians must immediately report any change in a student’s name, home address, mailing
address, email address, or phone number to the office through Skyward or through direct contact in the office.
CLOSED CAMPUS
The school is a closed campus and doors are locked at all times. Students are not permitted off campus once
they arrive, with the only exception being off-campus courses. All students are required to sign in/out at the
school office and must have approval before leaving/entering, this includes dual students with off campus
classes. Students are prohibited from ordering delivery food during the school day, either directly from a
restaurant or through phone applications/websites. Food deliveries will either be refused, confiscated, discarded,
or at the discretion of the office staff it may be retrieved at the end of the school day. Violation of this food
delivery policy may result in student discipline (see page 48).
5DIRECTORY INFORMATION (ARMED FORCES/COLLEGE)
The Board shall, in accordance with State and Federal law, provide at least the same access to official recruiting
representatives of all of the following for the purpose of informing students of educational and career
opportunities available in the armed forces of the United States and the service academies of the armed forces of
the United State. “Armed forces of the United States” means the armed forces of the United States and their
reserve components and the United States Coast Guard. All male students age eighteen (18) or older are
required to register for the selective service. This student directory information (names, addresses, and
telephone listings) for the students enrolled in high school is also provided to other entities offering educational
or employment opportunities to those students.
DRIVER’S EDUCATION
Driver Education instruction may be held during the summer and is run through an independent vendor. When,
and if, the information becomes available, it will be provided to students. This is NOT a school provided entity.
DRIVING/ STUDENT PARKING
Students may not ride in, sit in, or drive a motorized vehicle (other than school transportation) during school
hours including lunch periods and breaks between classes without authorization from the principal and their
guardian. Guardians may not call the high school to give permission for students to leave during lunch period.
Guardians may not pick up and sign out their child during their lunch period due to the closed campus policy.
Parking on the school campus is a privilege and when students arrive at school, they are expected to exit and
lock their cars immediately and proceed on a direct route into the building.
Student parking is permitted only in their designated parking spot. All parking areas around the schools are
considered school property and any infractions will be treated accordingly. Student vehicles will not be allowed
to advertise inappropriate materials of any nature, including but not limited to alcohol products, tobacco
products, drugs, drinking, smoking, or carries phrases, innuendos, and/or pictures of a sexual nature. The
school is not responsible for theft or vandalism.
Students who plan to drive to school must register their vehicles with the high school office to receive a parking
space and sticker. Parking stickers will be furnished and must be displayed in the front window. No student
may drive an automobile to the vocational center at Mid Michigan Community College unless instructor,
principals, and guardian provide written approval in advance.
EMERGENCY DRILL/ SECURE MODE
In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary to place the school building(s) in a secure mode or lock
down. After an announcement advising everyone to lockdown or go into secure mode, all doors and outside
entrances will be locked to totally limit all movement. All traffic within and out of the building will cease on a
lock down until official personnel give further orders. The safety of students and staff will not be compromised;
therefore, this procedure will be strictly enforced. Emergency drills will be conducted throughout the year.
FIRE ALARMS AND EXTINGUISHERs
If a student witnesses a fire in the building, the student should report it to the nearest staff member. A very
serious violation of both school policy and state law occurs when false fire alarms are pulled or reported and
when a fire extinguisher is misused or abused.
FIRE DRILLS
Fire drills and/or fires are signaled by continuous blasts from the fire alarms and flashing lights. Everyone must
leave the building immediately and be at least fifty feet from the building. Teachers will direct students to exit
the building utilizing the fire exit routes that are established for each room. When evacuating, students should
stay with their assigned staff member and walk rapidly in a calm, quiet, and orderly manner.
6FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND ASSEMBLY
Students are entitled to verbally express their personal opinions. Such verbal opinions shall not interfere with
the freedom of others to express themselves. The uses of obscenities or personal attacks are prohibited. If a
student is expressing their opinion, it must be done without violation of school rules. If rules are violated they
will be treated according to school rules. All student meetings in school buildings or on school grounds may
function only as a part of the formal education process or as authorized by the principal. Students have the
freedom to assemble peacefully. Appropriate time and place shall be used for the expression of opinions and
beliefs. Conducting demonstrations that interfere with the operation of the school or with the educational
process is inappropriate and prohibited.
FREEDOM TO PUBLISH
Students are entitled to express in writing their personal opinions. The distribution of such materials may not
interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Students who edit, publish, or distribute information among
their fellow students must assume responsibility for the content of such publications. The authors must sign
such written expressions. Libel, obscenity, and personal attacks are prohibited in all publications. Unauthorized
commercial solicitation will not be allowed on school property at any time. The distribution by students in the
school buildings or on school grounds of unlawful or political material whose content reflects the special
interest of a political candidate or political organization is prohibited, except for class related assignments.
Additionally, students may not use the school copy machine for personal use.
HARRASSMENT, HAZING, BULLYING AND OTHER AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS
The Farwell Area Schools Board of Education recognizes that a school that is physically and emotionally safe
and secure for all students and staff, will be better able to promote good citizenship, increase attendance and
engagement, and supports academic achievement. The board of education expects students and staff to conduct
themselves in a manner that promotes positive relationships and school climate, with a proper regard for the
rights and welfare of other students, school staff, volunteers, and contractors.
To protect the rights of all students and staff for a safe and secure school environment, the board of education
prohibits acts of bullying, including cyberbullying, harassment, and other forms of aggression and violence.
Bullying or harassment, like other forms of aggressive and violent behaviors, interferes with both a school’s
ability to educate its students and a student’s ability to learn. All administrators, faculty, staff, guardians,
volunteers, coaches, and students are expected to refuse to tolerate bullying and harassment and will
demonstrate behavior that is respectful and civil. It is especially important for adults to model these behaviors
(even when disciplining) in order to provide positive examples for student behavior.
“Bullying” or “harassment” is any gesture or written, verbal, graphic, or physical act (including electronically
transmitted acts – i.e., cyberbullying, through the use of internet, cell phone, computer, or wireless handheld
device, currently in use or later developed and used by students) that is perceived as being dehumanizing,
intimidating, hostile, humiliating, threatening, or otherwise likely to evoke fear of physical harm or emotional
distress and may be motivated either by bias or prejudice based upon any actual or perceived characteristic,
such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression;
or a mental, physical, or sensory disability or impairment; or by any other distinguishing characteristic, or is
based upon association with another person who has or is perceived to have any distinguishing characteristic.
Bullying or harassment also include forms of retaliation against individuals who report or cooperate in an
investigation under this policy. Such behaviors are considered to be bullying or harassment whether they take
place on or off school property, at any school sponsored function, or in a school vehicle or at any time or place
where a child’s imminent safety or over-all wellbeing may be at issue.
7“Bullying” is conduct that meets all of the following criteria:
• is perceived as being dehumanizing, intimidating, hostile, humiliating, threatening, or otherwise likely to
evoke fear of physical harm or emotional distress.
• is directed at one or more students.
• is conveyed through physical, verbal, technological or emotional means.
• substantially interferes with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one or more students.
• adversely affects the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the school’s educational
programs or activities by placing the student in fear of physical harm or by causing emotional distress.
• is based on a student’s actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic (see above) or is based on an
association with another person who has or is perceived to have any of these characteristics.
“Harassment” is conduct that meets all of the following criteria:
• Repeated or continuing unwanted contact perceived as being dehumanizing, intimidating, hostile,
humiliating, threatening, or otherwise likely to evoke fear of physical harm or emotional distress.
• is directed at one or more students or staff.
• is conveyed through physical, verbal, technological or emotional means.
• substantially interferes with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one or more students or
staff.
• adversely affects the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the school district’s or public
school’s educational programs or activities because the conduct, as perceived by the student, is so
severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive as to have this effect.
• is based on a student or staff’s actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic (see above) or is based
on an association with another person who has or is perceived to have any of these characteristics.
The scope of this policy includes the prohibition of every form of bullying, harassment, and
cyberbullying/harassment, whether in the classroom, on school premises, immediately adjacent to school
premises, when a student is traveling to or from school (portal to portal), or at a school-sponsored event,
whether or not held on school premises. Bullying or harassment, including cyberbullying/ harassment, that is
not initiated at a location defined above is covered by this policy if the incident results in a potentially material
or substantial disruption of the school learning environment for one or more students or staff and/or the orderly
day-to-day operations of any school or school program.
The board of education believes that a comprehensive health education curriculum, within the Whole School,
Whole Community, Whole Child framework, helps students attain skills and knowledge vital to school success,
a productive and healthy workforce and good citizenship. Critical skills include anticipating consequences of
choices, making informed decisions, communicating effectively, resolving conflicts, and developing cultural
competency.
The board of education recognizes that in order to have the maximum impact, it is critical to provide a
minimum of annual training for school employees and volunteers who have significant contact with students on
school policies and procedures regarding bullying and harassment to help promote a positive school climate.
Training will provide school employees with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and the
necessary skills to fulfill them. (Examples of appropriate trainings include, but are not limited to, age-
appropriate strategies to prevent bullying; age-appropriate strategies for immediate, effective interventions to
stop incidents; internet safety issues as they relate to cyberbullying; and fostering an understanding of and
respect for diversity and difference).
8The board of education believes that standards for student behavior must be set through interaction among the
students, guardians and guardians, staff, and community members of the school district, producing an
atmosphere that encourages students to grow in self-discipline and their ability to respect the rights of others.
The development of this atmosphere requires respect for self and others, as well as for district and community
property on the part of students, staff, guardians, and community members.
The board of education believes that the best discipline for aggressive behavior is designed to (1) support
students in taking responsibility for their actions, (2) develop empathy, and (3) teach alternative ways to achieve
the goals and the solve problems that motivated the aggressive behavior. Staff members and volunteers who
interact with students shall role model respectful behavior and apply best practices designed to prevent
discipline problems and encourage students’ abilities to develop self-discipline and make better choices in the
future. School employees will also be held accountable for bullying or harassing behavior that is directed
toward school employees, volunteers, guardians, or students, in accordance with law and local collective
bargaining agreements.
Since bystander support of bullying and harassment can encourage these behaviors, the district prohibits both
active and passive support for acts of harassment or bullying. The staff should encourage students not to be part
of the problem; not to pass on the rumor or derogatory message; to constructively attempt to stop them; to
report them to the designated authority; and to reach out in friendship to the student who is being bullied.
Regular classroom meetings should be conducted to help promote a positive and connected classroom. Informal
classroom discussions and activities designed to provide awareness and increase student connectedness promote
a positive shift in peer norms that will support empowered bystanders. This meeting time can be used to teach
students how and when to respond to incidents of bullying and harassment. When bystanders do report or
cooperate in an investigation, they must be protected from retaliation with the same type of
procedures used to respond to bullying and harassment.
While investigating reports of bullying and harassment, consider the following questions:
• What is the history between the parties involved? Have there been past conflicts?
• Is there a power imbalance? Remember that a power imbalance is not limited to physical strength. It is
sometimes not easily recognized. If the student being bullied feels like there is a power imbalance, there
probably is.
• Has this happened before? Is the student worried it will happen again?
• Have the students dated? There are special responses for teen dating violence.
• Are any of the students involved with a gang? Gang violence has different interventions.
The board of education requires its school administrators to develop and implement procedures that ensure both
the appropriate consequences and remedial responses to a student or staff member who commits one or more
acts of bullying and harassment. The following factors, at a minimum, shall be given full consideration by
school administrators in the development of the procedures for determining appropriate consequences and
remedial measures for each act of harassment or bullying.
Factors for Determining Consequences
• Age, development, and maturity levels of the parties involved
• Degree of harm (physical and/or emotional distress)
• Surrounding circumstances
• Nature and severity of the behavior(s)
• Incidences of past or continuing pattern(s) of behavior
• Is there a current plan in place to support improved behavior?
9• Relationship between the parties involved
• Context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred
• Consideration of the required 7 factors outlined in MCL 380.1310d.
• Behavioral Individualized Education Program (IEP)- Does the student that is perpetuating the bullying
behavior have a plan that identifies problem behaviors and how to address them, and is that plan being
followed?
Note: In order to ensure students’ perception of fair and impartial treatment, a student’s academic or athletic
status is not a legitimate factor for determining consequences. Consequences must be perceived as fair and
impartial.
Factors for Determining Remedial Measures
Personal
• Life skill competencies
• Experiential deficiencies
• Social relationships
• Strengths
• Talents
• Traits
• Interests
• Hobbies
• Extra-curricular activities
• Classroom participation
• Academic performance
Environmental
• School culture
• School climate and lack of connectedness
• Student-staff relationships and staff behavior toward the student
• Level of consistency in staff responses to bullying or harassing behaviors
• Level of consistency in application or severity of consequences given to students
• Staff-staff relationships witnessed by students
• General staff management of classrooms and other educational environments
• Staff ability to prevent and de-escalate difficult or inflammatory situations
• Social-emotional and behavioral supports
• Social relationships
• Community activities
• Neighborhood culture
• Family situation
• Range and number of opportunities (beyond academics and athletics) for student engagement,
involvement, and recognition for achievement
Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for a student or staff member who engages in one or more acts
of bullying or harassment may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or
expulsion, in the case of a student, or suspension or termination in the case of an employee, as set forth in the
10board of education’s approved code of student conduct or employee handbook. School employees will also be
held accountable for bullying or harassing behavior directed toward school employees, volunteers, guardians, or
students.
Consequences for a student who commits an act of bullying and harassment shall vary in method and severity
according to the nature of the behavior, the developmental age of the student, and the student’s history of
problem behaviors and performance, and must be consistent with the Board of Education’s approved code of
student conduct. Remedial measures shall be designed to: correct the problem behavior; prevent another
occurrence of the behavior; and protect the victim of the act. Effective discipline should employ a school-wide
approach to adopt a rubric of bullying offenses and the associated consequences. The consequences and
remedial measures may include, but are not limited to, the examples listed below:
Examples of Consequences
• Admonishment
• Participation in a guided reflection process designed to teach alternative behavior
• Temporary removal from the classroom
• Transfer of student exhibiting bullying or harassing behavior from same classroom as student being
bullied.
• Loss of privileges
• Classroom or administrative detention
• Referral to disciplinarian
• In-school suspension during the school week or the weekend, for students
• Out-of-school suspension
• Legal action
• Expulsion or termination
Examples of Remedial Measures
Strategies for Individual Behavioral Change:
• Framing the aggressive behavior as a failed attempt to solve a real problem or reach a goal. The adult
assists the misbehaving student to find a better way to solve the problem or meet the goal.
• Restitution and restoration
• Transformative conferencing/restorative justice practices
• Supervised peer support group
• Corrective instruction or other relevant learning or service experience
• Supportive discipline to increase accountability for the bullying offense
• Supportive interventions, including participation of an Intervention and Referral Services team, peer
mediation, etc.
• Behavioral assessment or evaluation, including, but not limited to, a referral to a Child Study Team, as
appropriate
• Behavioral management plan, with benchmarks that are closely monitored
• Involvement of school disciplinarian
• Student counseling
• Guardian conferences
• Student treatment
• Student therapy
Strategies for Environmental Change (Classroom, School Building, or School District):
11• Activities or strategies designed to help the student who engaged in bullying or harassment reflect on the
offending behavior, maintaining an emotionally neutral and strength-based approach
• Implementation of school-wide positive behavioral supports (PBIS) and multitiered systems of support
(MTSS)
• School and community surveys or other strategies for determining the conditions contributing to school
culture and climate, including harassment, intimidation, or bullying
• Improvement in School culture and climate, conditions for learning and instructional pedagogy
(incorporation of brain-compatible strategies)
• Adoption of research-based, comprehensive health education curriculum that includes bullying
prevention and needed skills
• Modifications of schedules
• Adjustments in hallway traffic
• Modifications in student routes or patterns traveling to and from school
• Increased supervision and targeted use of monitors (e.g., hallway, cafeteria, bus)
• General professional development programs for certificated and noncertificated staff
• Professional development plans for all staff
• Disciplinary action and/or additional professional development for school staff or volunteers who may
not have appropriately addressed the issue
• Guardian conferences
• Referral to family counseling
• Increased involvement of guardian-teacher organizations
• Increased involvement of community-based organizations
• Increased opportunities for guardian input and engagement in school initiatives and activities
• Development of a general bullying/harassment response plan
• Peer support groups
• Increase communication with and involvement of law enforcement (e.g., school resource officer,
juvenile officer)
• Engage in community awareness events and planning sessions
The board of education requires the principal and/or the principal’s designee at each school to be responsible for
receiving complaints alleging violations of this policy. All school staff and volunteers are required to report
alleged violations of this policy to the principal or the principal’s designee. All other members of the school
community, including students, guardians, and visitors, are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation
of this policy. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action shall not be based solely on
the basis of an anonymous report.
The board of education requires the principal and/or the principal’s designee to be responsible for determining
whether an alleged act constitutes a violation of this policy. In so doing, the principal and/or the principal’s
designee shall conduct a prompt, thorough, and complete investigation of each alleged incident. The
investigation is to be completed within three school days after a report or complaint is made. The guardians of
the students involved shall receive written notice from the school on the outcome of the investigation (in
compliance with current privacy laws and regulations). All reports on instances of bullying and/or harassment
must be recorded by the school for annual data review.
The board of education prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying or
harassment or cooperates in an investigation. The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person
who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the administrator after consideration of the nature,
severity, and circumstances of the act.
12The board of education prohibits any person from falsely accusing another as a means of bullying or
harassment. The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person found to have falsely accused
another as a means of bullying or harassment may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and
including suspension or expulsion. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee found
to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment shall be in accordance with district
policies, procedures, and agreements.
The board of education requires school officials to annually disseminate the policy to all school staff, students,
and guardians, along with a statement explaining that it applies to all applicable acts of harassment and bullying
that occur on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or on a school bus. The chief school administrator
shall develop an annual process for discussing the school district policy on harassment and bullying with
students and staff.
HOMELESS STUDENTS
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, every local educational agency is required to designate a liaison for homeless
children and youth. The liaison coordinates services to ensure that homeless children and youths enroll in
school and have the opportunity to succeed academically. The Act provides rights and services to youth
experiencing homelessness, which includes: sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic
hardship, or a similar reason; staying in motels, trailer parks, or camp grounds due to the lack of an adequate
alternative; staying in shelters or transitional housing; or sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings,
substandard housing, or similar settings. Visit or call the high school office for more information.
HYGIENE
A neat, clean personal appearance is important to the individual and contributes to a pleasant atmosphere in the
school. A hygiene code is established to teach the importance of grooming, health, and hygiene, as well as
prevent potential disruptions to the educational environment. The student (and guardian) share in the
responsibility for proper grooming of the student. Students must be dressed and groomed in a manner that will
not be a health or safety hazard to themselves or others. All staff will enforce proper student hygiene in all areas
of the school environment. Specific religious customs may be accommodated at the discretion of administration.
INCLEMENT WEATHER EMERGENCIES
If it becomes necessary to cancel school or alter school hours due to a weather emergency, the information will
be broadcast over the school messenger system to notify families as well as local news and/or radio. The
decision to cancel after school and evening activities will be made as early as possible in the afternoon.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
The American’s with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide that no
individual will be discriminated against on the basis of a disability. This protection applies not just to the
student, but also to all individuals who have access to the district’s programs and facilities. A student can access
special education services through the proper evaluation procedures. Guardian involvement in this procedure is
important and required by Federal (IDEA) and State law. For more information, contact the office.
ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
Any student, who, during the school day, becomes ill or has need of first aid treatment, should report
immediately to the nearest staff member. If the student is still ill after a period of time, the guardians will be
contacted and arrangements will be made for the student to go home. In emergency situations, the school will
call for emergency medical personnel and ambulances if deemed necessary. All costs for transportation and
treatment are the responsibility of the guardian.
13LOCKERS
Individual lockers and combinations are assigned to all students. Lockers are to be locked at all times. Students
cannot pass out the combination or share lockers. Any locks placed on lockers will be removed. Lockers are
subject to search at any time. Students should not keep money or other valuables in school lockers or locker
rooms and the school is not responsible valuables left in lockers. Mistreatment of student lockers will result in
disciplinary action. Administration approval required for all items posted on lockers and no graffiti or unrelated
school posters or inappropriate items are allowed. Students will be expected to pay for any damage to lockers
and will be subject to discipline related to destruction of school property.
LUNCH/BREAKFAST PERIOD
Farwell High School has a closed campus policy for lunch. Students will not ride in, sit in, or drive vehicles
during the lunch period. Guardians may not call the high school to give permission for students to leave during
lunch period. Students can bring their lunches/breakfasts or participate in the hot lunch program, but they make
not order for food deliveries. Students are to remain in designated areas during these periods. Students who
leave the school grounds during lunchtime will be violating the closed campus rule and are not permitted back
onto campus even with guardian permission. Farwell Area Schools also participates in the Federal School
Lunch Program. The program provides free or reduced cost lunch/breakfast for low-income families. An
application is provided for families in the high school office.
MEDIA CENTER RULES AND REGULATIONS
No food or drinks are allowed in the media center or any computer labs. All other school rules apply, in
addition to enforcing the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). All books/equipment must be checked-out through the
barcode system and turned in at the set due date or the accounts will be disabled, which includes the computer
access. Upon exit, log-off the computer (power off if last hour of the day), return chair and clean up your area
(no glitter or glue allowed).
MEDICATIONS
The medications and/or treatments, which may be administered by office personnel, are defined online in the
board policies. In those circumstances where a student must take prescribed medication during the school day,
the following guidelines are to be observed: Guardians should determine with their physician’s counsel whether
the medication schedule can be adjusted to avoid administering during school hours.
• The Medication Request and Authorization Form must be filed with the respective building principal
before the student will be allowed to begin taking any medication during school.
• The building administrator shall designate the staff member(s) authorized to administer the medication
or required treatment. Those individuals must have received training on administering the medication or
treatment prior to servicing the student, except in an emergency situation.
• Authorization for the Possession and Use of Asthma Inhalers or Other Emergency Medication form shall
be completed and signed by a physician and the guardians authorizing the student use of a metered dose
or dry powdered inhaler, or prescribed emergency medication at school, on district transportation and
school activities. The building principal must receive this form if one is assigned to the building.
Notice of this authorization shall be delivered to the staff members and transportation personnel to
whom the student is assigned.
• Students may possess and self-administer prescribed emergency medication or a metered dose or dry
powder inhaler for relief of asthma, or before exercise to prevent onset of asthma symptoms, while at
school, on school-sponsored transportation, or at any school-sponsored activity in accord with the
Superintendent’s guidelines if there is written approval from the student’s physician or other health care
provider and guardian to possess and use the inhaler and the building administrator has received a copy
of the written approvals.
14• All medications to be administered during school hours must be registered with the principal’s office,
properly secured, and provided in the exact dosage prescribed. Any unused medication unclaimed by
the guardian will be destroyed by administrative personnel when a prescription is no longer to be
administered or at the end of a school year.
MEMORANDUM REGARDING SCHOOL BOARD POLICY ON DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS
In accordance with Federal Law, the School Board prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of
drugs on school grounds, in school or school-approved vehicles, or at any school-related event. Drugs include
any alcoholic beverage and controlled substance as defined by State statute or substance that could be
considered a “look-a-like” controlled substance. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all students.
Any student who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with due process and
as specified in the student handbook, up to and including expulsion from school. When required by State law,
the district will also notify law enforcement officials.
MULTI-TIER SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT
Tier 1:
Teacher watch list – weekly communication for grades/attendance
Student-teacher and guardian-teacher communication
Privileges based on grades/behaviors
Data based scheduling
Tier 2:
Removal from non-core elective classes to repeat core classes
Student/guardian/teacher meeting for academic/behavior contract
IGNITE – after school; free; includes dinner & transportation
Team courses with math and English
Loss of extracurricular/privileges
Classroom accommodations
Connection that Count
Positive cost cards
Concern referral
Tier 3:
IGNITE – free summer school; includes food & transportation
Weekly academic monitoring messenger sent home
Pre-Algebra (three trimesters of math)
Daily living &/or recycling courses
Alternative education environment
ELA – three trimesters of English
Youth intervention specialist
Guardian meetings – as needed
Advanced placement/dual
Curriculum modifications
Social worker supports
Mediation agreement
MI Works Support
Reduced schedule
Ten16 support
Guided academics
MRS Support
Behavior plan
Teacher mentor
Peer to peer
Test out
15OFF CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL OR WORK ACTIVITIES
“Off-Campus Educational or Work Activities” includes any activity or class not taking place in the Farwell
High School building, such as dual enrollment programs, cooperative education programs, work-study
programs, and vocational programs. Students may lose driving privileges and are subject to disciplinary action
if they drive during non-scheduled class, activity, or work times and/or transport passengers that are not
involved in their off-campus classes or activities. When off-campus educational/work activities are not in
session, students must return to the high school, students must report immediately to the office before going to
the media center with a pass. Students must present pass to a media specialist or an attending adult and they
must remain at the specified location for the duration of the time. Other locations may be approved or assigned
by an administrator in writing. Students who do not comply with the guidelines and expectations for off-campus
activities will be subject to a loss of participation in off-campus opportunities.
OFFICE PHONE
Telephones are available in the school for student to use when they are not in class and for emergency use only,
no personal calls will be allowed. Students will not be called to the office during any class time for a phone
call, except in the case of an emergency.
GUARDIAN SCHOOL COMPACT
The high school staff, students and guardians of the Farwell community, agree that this compact outlines how
the guardians, the entire school staff, and the students will share the responsibility for improved student
achievement and the means by which the school and guardians will build and develop a partnership that will
help students achieve the state’s high standards.
School Responsibilities - The Farwell Staff will:
1. Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that
supports students in meeting the State’s achievement standards.
2. Provide guardians with updated information on their student’s progress. Each teacher will provide
updated student information through Skyward and guardian conferences. We will initiate a guardian
communication at the first signs of a pattern of behavior that interferes with student learning.
3. Set high expectations for staff, students and guardians by ensuring challenging curriculum,
implementing programs targeted at increasing student achievement and committing to recruit, retain, and
train qualified staff.
4. Provide guardians opportunities to participate in their student’s education with committees, surveys and
meetings.
5. Provide guardians reasonable access to staff.
Guardian Responsibilities - Guardians will support our student’s learning in the following ways:
1. Establish routines to support my student’s success in school:
o appropriate sleep
o monitor attendance
o homework & studying
o nutrition & hygiene
2. Communicate the significance of success in school & its relationship with success in life to my student.
3. Getting involved in the educational process during the school year.
4. Ensure that my student attends school on a regular basis and arrives at school on time.
5. Make sure that my student homework is completed and returned to school on time.
6. Stay informed about my student’s education and communicate with the school regularly as needed for
my student’s success.
16Student Responsibilities - Students will share the responsibility to improve our academic achievement and
achieve the state’s high learning standards. Specifically, we will:
1. Attend school regularly and arrive at school on time
2. Complete all daily homework and return it to school on time.
3. Model the school’s Code of Conduct.
4. Be responsible for giving my family members all school information.
5. Consistently plan a portion of every day for a period of uninterrupted studying and homework time.
PERSONAL CURRICULUM (PC)
In January 2007, the Michigan legislature passed laws related to new high school graduation requirements.
These new requirements are called the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC.) The intent of the new MMC
requirements is to improve the quality of education for all students. Farwell High School recognizes that some
students have special talents and interests that warrant additions to the curriculum. Other students may have
disabilities that require accommodations to keep the MMC meaningful and fair. If you believe your student
needs a Personal Curriculum, you must make a written request for consideration for a PC. Once a request has
been made, a team is formed to determine what curriculum changes are appropriate. For more information,
please contact the high school counselor.
RESIDENCY/ REGISTRATION / IMMUNIZATIONS
Students entering Farwell Area Schools may enroll only if current legal requirements for residency in the
district are met. Generally, the person(s) having legal custody must reside in the school district. A “power of
attorney” is sufficient for enrollment. A birth certificate and immunization record that follows state standards is
also required. The Michigan requires certain immunizations for all students and no student may begin school
without proof of the required state immunizations.
SEARCH OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
It is the policy of the Farwell Area School Board that school authorities in the interest of security, maintenance,
health and safety may inspect school properties at any time. To ensure the safety of all persons that visit or
attend Farwell Area Schools, the administration reserves the unrestricted right to search any seize any and all
property assigned to a student at any time, for any reason, with or without notice to the student or his/her
guardian. This includes, but is not limited, any belongings, lockers, articles, and/or motor vehicles that occupy
the school premises in which there is reasonable suspicion to believe that there may be weapons, drugs, or other
contraband that could potentially cause a safety hazard.
SECURITY
Video Cameras have been installed in Farwell Area Schools to increase safety and security. All staff and
visitors should wear an ID badge. Guest must sign in at the office and wear a guest badge. It is also
recommended that all students were their school ID badge. A replacement cost of $5.00 is charged for a new
badge.
STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE OF FEDERAL LAW COMPLIANCE
The Farwell Area Schools Board of Education complies with all Federal laws and regulations prohibiting
discrimination and with all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education, including, but
not limited to: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of
1967; Title XI of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1972, as amended; Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA) of 1970, as amended; and Section 402 of the
Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. It is the policy of the Farwell Area Schools Board
of Education that no person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, sex,
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