Students, Faculty and
Parents Handbook
novi quid ex Africa!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Students' and Parents' Handbook was prepared as a summary and reference guide to assist students, parents and administrators in following the Ida B. Wells Community Academy's academic and behavioral regulations. The Statement of Rights and Responsibilities is provided as a guide and should always be referred to should you have any questions. The Statement of Rights and Responsibilities contains the rules of the IBWCA learning community and presents the Standards of Behavior students, faculty, staff and administrators are expected to follow. Section I: Standards of Behavior To be a good student (and faculty member) at the Ida B. Wells Community Academy follows, among other things, a basic three-part set of rules. "Start of the School Day" Program A. At the beginning of each school day, Students and Faculty are required to participate in 1. singing the African American National Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," 2. participating in the daily ritual of "Paying Tribute to the Ancestors" and 3. reciting the IBWCA Pledge B. Students are required to practice at school, at home, at work and at play the values contained in . . .
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race. To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for and spoken for by others. To build and maintain our community together and make our sister's and brother's problems our problems and to solve them together. To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together. To make our collective vocation the building and developing our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial then we inherited it. To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. THE MWALIMU (TEACHER) — MWANAFUNZI (STUDENT) relationship is of major importance and must be understood and adhered to if an atmosphere of learning, discipline, and respect is to be created. In the final analysis, we are all students, but some of us have been students longer and have acquired a body of knowledge that must be passed on to those who are just entering formal life-studies. We call the teacher MWALIMU and the student being introduced to knowledge, we refer to as MWANAFUNZI. No institutions can advance intellectually, culturally, or politically, unless there are dedicated and sincere WALIMU with an equally committed WANAFUNZI. The Mwalimu and the Mwanafunzi are equally responsible to each other and must develop an unbreakable trust between themselves.The following points should be observed by all WALIMU (Teachers). 1. Be the example of what you teach. Your personal contradictions can wipe out years of hard work. You must be direction for the young, be what you teach, exemplifying The Seven Principles — NGUZO SABA. 2. Always impart knowledge with an eye on reality. Pull your examples from the real world that we are involved in daily. High sounding philosophy belongs in philosophy classes that divorce themselves from life. Knowledge without understanding and practical application is like owning land without being able to cultivate it. 3. Never tire of teaching. An instructor who believes in what he is teaching can teach anywhere and at anytime and is always prepared to teach; his lifestyle should be a lesson. Concentrate on the four ingredients for an African reality: to work, to study, to create, and to build. 4. The developing of the moral, spiritual, and physical well-being of the students is of the uppermost imperative. A student should never be held back — in fact, a teacher should be eager for his student to surpass him; this is a reward for doing his job well. 5. In order to develop the communal spirit to the highest, the instructor must be conscious of and concerned about the student' s well being outside the classroom. Make sure that the student has all basic needs in order to develop his mind, body, and spirit . 6. The student should be encouraged to investigate all areas of life-studies. The student should be given equal time and attention in accordance with his personal ability. Push the complimentary and cooperative aspects of learning and encourage involvement with man and nature, and independent study. Never betray a trust, and discipline should be strict, quick, and fair . 7. All teaching should be based upon tradition and reason, and be taught theoretically and scientifically, the emphasis always on Afrikan man in relation to his community — community-centered rather than man-centered; emphasizing the responsibility of the students to their community, organization, and family; always communal ism over commercialism. The following points should be observed by all WANAFUNZI ( Students ): 1. The student is the nation becoming. The good student never tires of learning. The secret of knowledge is that the good students can learn anything, anyplace, and any time. 2. The good student is committed — committed to the institution/organization, committed to his people, and committed to the acquisition of knowledge that will aid his people — therefore aiding himself. 3. The good student lives the Black Value System — Nguzo Saba — and is the example for the younger brothers and sisters . 4. The good student knows that to move from black purpose to Afrikan Reality four ingredients are needed: Work, Study, Creativity, and Building. 5. Remember that a student' s conduct outside the organization reflects the organization. To do in justice one day out of 365 days could wipe out the whole year' s work. 6. The spirit of sharing and learning; must be with the student at all times. But if he does not know any thing — there will be nothing for him to share. 7. The student must develop good study habits, always show a willingness to learn, and always be respectful to the instructor. Address all male instructors with [Mr. or Doctor] and all female instructors with [Mrs., Ms. or Doctor.]
8. Knowledge without understanding and practical application is useless
— if you do not understand something ask questions. One who continually
asks questions does not show stupidity or ignorance — he shows a thirst
for knowledge. One who nits and absorbs everything without question is
— like a sponge — with his head is full of water. Challenge your instructors
to give you all the knowledge they have.
1. Never be overawed by authority. Not at any time whatever, nor for any reason whatsoever, can any one with safety or profit permit his faculty-of-thought to take a "sabbatical," least of all when that individual's mind is exposed to the thoughts of other people. 2. Be open to conviction, but refuse to be convinced until conviction becomes a necessity. In other words, do not imprison your mind in the padded cell of the comfortable rut of your own preferred beliefs, prejudices, biases, or egocentricity. 3. Read little, think deeply — and much. Avoid acquiring the grasshopper mind. Books are highly suggestive, therefore, choose your authors with care. Take time to think through the full implications and connotations of what you read, testing its validity from as many angles as you can. Even nourishing food leads to indigestion if swallowed whole. Avoid mental indigestion at all costs. It is not to be cured merely by going to the Drug Store! 4. Seek TRUTH and pursue it, to the extent of remaking your own mind no matter what the cost, should it become necessary. Never forget that the "superstitions" of today were the "truths' of yesterday; the "truths" of today will be the "superstitions" of tomorrow. Do not allow them "permanent residence" in your mind. Seek not mere "knowledge" but UNDERSTANDING. Perchance WISDOM may follow. One thing is certain: Only when the rational mind is stilled can the ears of Understanding open to the voice of Wisdom. 5. If you must lie, lie to others; they will find you out and know you for the fool that you are. But if you lie to yourself, you are a lost fool. 6. Learn to "think beyond the thoughts of men that lean on things they see." Inevitably they become "obsessed by the perceptible to such an extent that, for them, thinking has become synoymous with repeating parrot-fashion the cast-off-thoughts of others, with less intelligence than the (so-called) "dumb" animals. On no account should you visit that Club, much less join it. 7. Make it your golden rule, never to be broken, NOT under any circumstances to consult any author on any subject until you shall first have thought deeply about it — meditative act — and shall have reached some conclusions, no matter how tentative. Remember at all times: NOTHING BELONGS TO YOU EXCEPT YOUR MIND HAS HAD A HAND IN ITS FORMULATION. The moral is obvious: ensure by every means at your disposal, that your mind is actively functioning on oiled wheels, and that it functions as your servant and not your enslaver .
8. Heed well the words of Herbert Spencer: "There is a principle which
is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments,
and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance: That Principle
is contempt prior to investigation."
First drawn up by Chief Fela Sowande at Howard University, 1969, revised at the University of Pittsburgh, 1973, and restructured at Dartmouth College, July 1975. Section II: Important Things to Remember Fire drills will be held so that students will
know the evacuation procedure. When you hear the fire alarm you should
immediately walk out of the building according to the route designated
If you find that you are having difficulty in
any of your subjects, please ask for help from your
In order to cover the subject matter expected
of students, it is essential to assign homework in most of your subjects.
Check with your teachers for the proper way to study their subjects.
If a student, (grade 6 - 8), has an average of 85 or higher with no grade lower than a 77, his/her name is published on the Honor Roll. This list is posted after each nine-week ranking period. Lockers are assigned to each student in grades six through eight at the beginning of the school year. These lockers remain the property of the School District. For good reason school officials have the right to inspect any or all lockers. If a student wishes to provide his/her own padlock, it is required that a duplicate key or the combination be on file with the homeroom teacher. A lost and found box is located in the front entrance.
Students and parents are encouraged to
When a student is absent, all work including tests
and homework assignments must be made up on the student's own time. The
normal time allotted for make-up is one day for each day
Any student receiving an incomplete on his/her
rank card will have one week (7 days) after the day rank cards are issued
to complete assigned work. However, extenuating circumstances
All students are personally responsible for their
own possessions and belongings. Students are encouraged to mark all clothing
(especially physical education material and equipment).
Students should not plan celebrations or parties
without permission from the teacher and
School dances may be held periodically during
the school year. These dances will be
Please listen to local television and radio stations. The district provides insurance forms from a private
insurer for coverage at a very reasonable
Collection of breakfast and noon lunch money will
be on Monday mornings in the cafeteria
Forms regarding the school lunch program are distributed by the office. Breakfast is available for all students. Students are expected to have their own pens,
notebooks, and paper for note taking. Student
The Student Council was organized to promote better
pupil-teacher and pupil-pupil relations.
Students are allowed to bring visitors only if
they have made arrangements with their
Tardiness and Excused During the Day Late for Class You are expected to arrive at class on time. Each
teacher is responsible for insuring that
Late for School Please report to the office where you will be
marked tardy and a pass to enter class will be
Illness or Injury During School A student who is ill or injured should immediately
report to a teacher or other adult who will
The telephone may be used by students only in
case of emergency during the school day.
Section III: Student Educational Services Elementary counseling and guidance services are available. Counselors provide services to all students. Through individual and group activities, students learn to improve their conflict resolution and communication skills, study habits, assess their academic abilities, acquire a better understanding of themselves, and learn better coping skills and problem solving behaviors. Counselors are also available as good listeners and play a supportive role to any student with concerns they wish to discuss. Private conversations with the counselor will be kept confidential. Any student can see a counselor by asking his/her teacher or by making an appointment at the office. Library books may be taken out on a weekly basis.
Students may go to the library with a
Students will be required to pay fines for overdue books. The school nurse is available to help students
with health needs Monday through Wednesday
The IBWCA Bank is designed to provide its students with a financial, economic and business experience at an early age. It is open on Friday afternoons from 12:00 until school closing at 3:30 p. m. Section IV: Standards of Good Student Behavior IBWCA stresses also a comprehensive set of behavioral standards which include student rights, responsibilities, school rules and community standards. Students should treat others as they want to be treated. Students should be good citizens of the IBWCA learning community. A good citizen of the IBWCA community:
Students
b. roughhousing, hitting; c. picking on, harassing, bullying; d. making threats; e. throwing objects such as snowballs, rocks, or food; f. running, pushing, or horseplay in classrooms or halls. Identify Yourself to Faculty, Staff and Administrators
Responsibility: Students and their parents are responsible for giving the school their correct name, address and telephone number. If asked, students must tell school faculty, staff and administrators who they are.
b. mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or the student's family; c. sex behavior and attitudes; d. illegal, anti-social, e. self-incriminating and demeaning behavior; f. critical appraisals of other individuals with whom the student has close relationships; g. relationships that are legally recognized as privileged, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers; h. income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such a program); or private family affairs not a matter of public record or subject to public observation.
supplementary materials which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any applicable program shall be available for inspection by the parents or guardians of the children.
a. verbal harassment or abuse;
Arson: causing or starting a fire or setting off an explosion, including fireworks. Assault: injuring someone on purpose. Attempt: taking action to commit a crime. Attendance: Daily attendance of all who are enrolled in the District schools is required in accordance with State law and School Board rules. Students will attend regularly scheduled classes unless officially excused. Burglary: entering an unauthorized room or building illegally, and planning to commit a crime.Criminal impersonation: identifying yourself as someone else and trying to be deceitful, or helping someone commit a fraud. Criminal mischief: vandalism, including removing, damaging, destroying, defacing, or mutilating objects, materials, or property belonging to others. Disruptive conduct: Disruptive behavior and/or appearance which interferes with the normal school program, the educational process, or the lawful activities of others is prohibited. Cooperation with school personnel: Students must obey the lawful instructions of all IBWCA district personnel. Extortion or blackmail: threatening others to gain money, property, or to get them to do something for you. Forgery: signing another person's name on a document, altering a document, or having a forged document. Off-campus events: Students at school-sponsored off-campus events shall be governed by school district rules and regulations and shall be subject to the authority of school district personnel. Reckless endangerment: creating a risky situation that might cause injury to another person. Robbery: stealing from another person by force or threatening force. Self identification: All students in IBWCA facilitiess or on school grounds, or at IBWCA-sponsored events must, upon request, identify themselves to authorized IBWCA personnel or their designee. Selling and/or possessing alcohol or other drugs: selling, trading, using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs. Smoking and/or possessing tobacco products: using or possessing tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, or tobacco in a container. Students are not permitted to smoke on school property. Using, giving, selling, or possessing cigarettes or other tobacco products is prohibited. Soliciting: talking another person into committing a crime. Trespass: entering or remaining on another person's property without permission, or refusing to leave if asked by the property owner. Theft: stealing from another person. Weapons and guns and firearms policy: NO GUNS ALLOWED.
a. Students found with any guns/firearms face
expulsion and arrest.
students. b. The IBWCA may conduct random searches of student lockers or desks to find out if students are following laws and school rules.
The Ida B. Wells Community Academy's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities constitutes the IBWCA Board of Governors Board policy on matters pertaining to students' rights and responsibilities. In any case of conflict between the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities and any other IBWCA policy or procedure, the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities shall take precedence unless specifically limited by such other Board of Governors policy. The constitutional rights assured to all citizens of the United States Constitution and the Consitituion of the State of Ohio includes the guarantee that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. Students are recognized as "Persons" under these constitutions and a system of constitutionality and legally sound procedures has been developed for the administration of discipline in the schools. 1. The hallmark of the exercise of disciplinary authority shall be fairness. 2. Before the imposition of a disciplinary action, a student shall be given an opportunity to contest any alleged facts leading to the proposed disciplinary action and to present his or her version of the facts. 1. A primary responsibility of the Ida B. Wells Community Academy and its professional staff shall be the development of an understanding and appreciation of our representative form of government, the rights and responsibilities of the individual and the legal processes whereby necessary changes are brought about. 2. IBWCA is a community and the rules and regulations of the IBWCA are the laws of that community. All those enjoying the rights of citizenship in the IBWCA community must also accept the responsibilities of citizenship. Among the responsibilities of school citizenship are respecting the laws of the community and the rights of other citizens and contributing to the fulfillment of educational purposes through cooperative conduct. 3. Young people in the United States have the right to receive a free public education, and deprivation of that right may occur only for just cause in accordance with due process of law. 4. Students have the rights of citizenship as defined in the United States Constitution and its amendments; and these rights may not be abridged, obstructed or in other ways altered except in accordance with due process of law. The First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States prohibit states from unduly infringing upon the rights of speech and expression. In the school setting this restriction on state action limits the manner and extent to which schools may regulate the speech and expression of students. In order to curtail First Amendment rights, school authorities must show that the failure to do so would create a material and substantial disruption of school work and discipline. 5. Administrators and teachers also have rights and duties. The teacher is required by law to maintain a suitable environment for learning, and administrators have the responsibility for maintaining and facilitating the educational program. 6. The principal, or his or her designee, is authorized to recommend expulsion, and to suspend or discipline students for cause. The teacher has the authority to temporarily remove students from a class or discipline students for cause. The following rules, regulations and due process procedures are designed to protect all members of the educational community in the exercise of their rights and duties. 7. Students with disabilities are subject to and shall follow the rules and regulations set forth in this Statement of Rights and Responsibilities and shall be disciplined under these policies. The policies set forth in this Statement of Rights and Responsibilities shall not restrict the rights to which these students are entitled under the disability laws. Discipline under these policies shall not be in violation of the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, or any modifications of the school's disciplinary sanctions which are set out in individual IEPs. 8. Jurisdiction: The following rules apply on campus, at Ida B. Wells Community Academy activities on and off campus, on school buses and at school bus stops. The Ida B. Wells Community Academy jurisdiction also applies to acts which start on school campus and are completed off school campus. In addition, criminal acts which occur completely off campus but which have direct and immediate affect either on Ida B. Wells Community Academy decorum or the welfare, safety or morals of students fall under the jurisdiction of the school. The commission of, or participation in, any criminal activity in school buildings, on Ida B. Wells Community Academy property, on school buses and at school bus stops, at school activities on and off campus, and acts which occur completely off campus but which have direct and immediate effect either on school decorum or the welfare, safety or morals of students is prohibited. Disciplinary action may be taken by the Ida B. Wells Community Academy regardless of whether or not criminal charges or prosecution result. Section I: Consequences of Violating Standards of Behavior Types of Sanctions and Disciplinary Actions 1. Simple discipline: Any disciplinary action against a student other than suspension or expulsion. No simple disciplinary action shall be taken in such manner as to prevent a student from accomplishing specific academic grade, level, or graduation requirement, provided that credit may not be granted for irregular attendance as described in the Secondary and Middle Level Administrative Manual. Simple disciplinary actions may include the denial of the privilege to participate in school sponsored extracurricular programs, social events and senior graduation ceremony. A student can be subject to such simple disciplinary sanctions in addition to suspension or expulsion. Prior to the imposition of simple disciplinary action, the student will be given written or oral notice of the charges against him/her, and if he/she denies them, an explanation of the evidence the administrator has, and an opportunity to present his/her side of the case will be granted. This explanation and opportunity to present facts may occur immediately after notice of the charges is given to the student. When simple discipline involves the denial of the privilege to participate in extracurricular programs, social events and senior graduation ceremony: The school principal shall endeavor to notify the parent/guardian of the student by telephone of the pending charges against the student prior to imposition of this type of simple disciplinary action. The decision of the school principal will be provided in writing to the student and his/her parent/guardian. Simple discipline involving the denial of the privilege to participate in extracurricular programs, including senior graduation ceremony, may be appealed as set forth in Paragraph 5 below. 2. Short-Term
Suspensions: Denial, without a formal hearing, of the right of school attendance
either from a single class or any full schedule of classes for a limited
period of time not to exceed five (5) school days. Short-Term Suspension:
A short-term suspension is a
A student may appeal a short-term suspension under the process set forth in Paragraph 5 below. The short-term suspension will be enforced immediately and the student shall remain away from school unless or until an informal hearing is requested. Upon receipt of a hearing request, the suspension will be delayed and the student shall be allowed back in school pending the informal hearing, except as set forth in Section 5 below. A student on short-term suspension is encouraged to contact his or her teachers regarding daily class reading and assignments. A student will be allowed to complete, for credit, class work and assignments missed during the short-term suspension. 3. Long-term Suspensions: Denial of the right of attendance from any single class or any full schedule of classes for a stated period of time greater than five (5) school days. The following limitations shall apply to all long-term suspensions:
a. No student shall be suspended from an elementary school for more than
forty-five (45) consecutive school days.
When the school administrator, the Chair of the Advisory Board, or their designee, recommends long-term suspension, a written notice shall be delivered by mail or in person to the student and his or her parent/guardian. An attempt at telephonic notification will also be made. This notice shall state:
(1) the specific charges against the student; and
For students experiencing disabilities, the written notice shall also include a copy of the Parents' Rights Handbook: and, as soon as possible, a Multidisciplinary Team meeting will be held to determine if the student's behavior is related to the disability. Within five (5) school days of receipt of this notice, the student and/or the student's parent/guardian may request a hearing in writing. If a request for hearing is not received within the five (5) day period, the student and his or her parent/guardian shall have waived his or her right to a hearing. If a hearing is requested, it shall be held as promptly as possible after receipt of the request, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Paragraph 6 below. The long-term suspension will be enforced immediately and the student shall remain away from school unless or until a hearing is requested. The submission of a written request for a hearing shall delay further imposition of any remaining portion of the suspension pending the hearing, except as set forth in Paragraph 6 below. 4. Expulsion: The denial of the right of school attendance, either from a specific school or from the District, for an indefinite period of time. No student shall be expelled unless other means of correction have failed or would not be adequate in bringing about proper conduct. In addition, the matter of an expelled student's further education shall be referred to the appropriate Instructional Division Executive Director. When the school administrator, or the Chair of the Advisory Board, recommends expulsion, a written notice shall be delivered by mail or in person to the student and his or her parent/guardian. An attempt to make telephone notification will also be made. This written notice shall state:
a. the specific charges against the student;
For students experiencing disabilities, the written notice shall also include a copy of the Parents' Rights Handbook; and, as soon as possible, a Multidisciplinary Team meeting will be held to determine if the student's behavior is related to the disability. Within five (5) school days of receipt of this notice, the student and/or the student's parent/guardian may request a hearing in writing. If a request for hearing is not received within the five (5) day period, the student and his or her parent/guardian shall have waived his or her right to a hearing. If a hearing is requested, it shall be held as promptly as possible after receipt of the request, following the procedures set forth in Paragraph 6 below. The student shall remain away from school until a hearing is requested. The submission of a written request for a hearing shall delay further imposition of any remaining portion of the expulsion, pending the hearing, except as set forth in Paragraph 6 below. Students expelled from the Akron Public Schools, as well as from the Ida B. Wells Community Academy, may apply for admission or readmission to the Ida B. Wells Community Academy by written application to the Chair of the Ida B. Wells Community Academy Advisory Board. Students must apply in writing and must document that they have met the conditions for return required by the Ida B. Wells Community Academy. Additional conditions and requirements may be set for admission at the discretion of the Chair of the Advisory Board, his/her designee, or the Board of Governors prior to consideration for admission by the Advisory Board. Upon admission to school, written conditions related to placement and attendance will be formulated. Continued permission to attend the Ida B. Wells Community Academy will depend on adherence to these written conditions. 5. Appeal procedures for short-term suspensions and simple discipline: NOTE: These appeal procedures apply to short-term suspensions and all simple discipline except the denial of participation at a student's senior graduation ceremony. Simple discipline prohibiting a student's attendance at graduation may be appealed under the procedures set forth in Paragraph 6 below.
a. After notification of the short-term suspension or simple discipline,
the student or his/her parent/guardian may request an informal hearing.
The request shall be in writing. The submission of a written request for
a hearing shall delay further imposition of any remaining portion of the
suspension, pending the informal hearing. However, a student will not be
allowed back in school or allowed to participate in school related activities
pending a hearing if, in the judgment of the school principal, the presence
of the student poses an immediate or continuing danger to himself or herself,
other persons or property, or is an ongoing threat of disruption to the
educational process. Failure to submit a written request for a hearing
until after the completion of a suspension shall constitute a waiver of
any right to such a hearing.
6. Hearing and appeal procedures for long-term suspensions, expulsions, and simple discipline prohibiting attendance at a student's senior graduation ceremony: a. Imposition of discipline pending a hearing and appeal: If a student and/or the student's parent/guardian requests a hearing in writing within five (5) school days, the suspension or expulsion shall be delayed pending the hearing and the student may return to school. However, the long-term suspension or expulsion shall not be delayed pending a hearing if, in the judgment of the school principal, the presence of the student poses an immediate or continuing danger to him or herself, other persons or property, or an ongoing threat of disruption of the educational process. In such instances, the student shall remain out of school, and related school activities, pending the hearing and appeal process. The Hearing Officer: The Hearing Officer shall be appointed by the Chair of the Advisory Board or his/her designee and shall conduct the hearing in accordance with these rules. The following procedural guidelines shall govern the hearing:
a. The parent/guardian/student may be present at the hearing and the student
may
The hearing need not be conducted according to technical rules relating to evidence and witnesses. All relevant, not unduly repetitious, evidence shall be accepted. All witnesses presenting testimony before the hearing officer shall be sworn to testify truthfully. The hearing authority shall make his/her determination solely upon the evidence presented at the hearing. A tape-recorded record shall be made of the hearing by the Ida B. Wells Community Academy. Within three (3) school days after completion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall provide a written decision upholding, modifying, or rejecting the recommended long-term suspension or expulsion. The student and his/her parent/guardian shall be provided a copy of the decision within five (5) school days after completion of the hearing. If the Hearing Officer upholds or modifies a long-term suspension or expulsion, so that suspension time remains, the suspension will be enforced immediately upon receipt by the student and parent/guardian of the Hearing Officer's decision. However, the student shall be entitled to return to school if the student or his or her parent/guardian appeal the decision under the procedures set forth in Paragraph 6(d) below. Nevertheless, where the presence of the student poses an immediate or continuing danger to him or herself, other persons or property, or an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process, then the student's suspension shall not be delayed pending an appeal. The student and his/her parent/guardian shall have five (5) school days after receipt of the written decision to appeal the decision to the Advisory Board. The request for appeal must be in writing. The letter must describe the reasons for appealing directly to the Advisory Board. The letter must be based on either a substantial and significant misunderstanding of the facts or that the student was not given due process as specified in this document. The following procedural guidelines shall govern an appeal to the Advisory Board:
1. The Board or its designee will schedule and hold a meeting to review
the matter as promptly as possible after the receipt of such an appeal.
The Advisory Board shall notify the student and his/her parent/guardian
at least three (3) school days prior to the scheduled meeting.
a. Whether the decision was arbitrary or capricious;
The Board, or its designee, shall issue a written decision within five (5) school days after the meeting. The student and his/her parent/guardian shall be provided a written copy of the decision, which shall be final and binding. Application for re-admission: In no circumstances
shall either a long-term suspension or expulsion prevent a student from
submitting an application for re-admission prior to the termination of
the sanction. Applications for re-admission shall be submitted to the Chair
of the Board of Governors.
DRAFTED: 3-28-1999
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