STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

     Instruction should occur in an environment conducive to learning because effective quality instruction requires orderly procedures and discipline.  The purpose of this handbook, as well as the enforcement of its rules, is to insure the presence of a safe, friendly, and professional environment in which students and school personnel work cooperatively toward mutually accepted goals.

PHILOSOPHY

     We believe that the basic philosophy as formulated in 1974 and revised in 1994 remains unchanged; however, we have included several additions which take into account the rapid growth in technology and the changes in societal lifestyles which have occurred since that time.  The administration and faculty recognize that students vary widely in abilities, talents, needs, and interests; therefore, we are vitally concerned with providing for these individual differences, striving to enable each student to be a productive, independent citizen in a rapidly changing complex society.  We believe the following philosophic principles underlie our commitment to provide optimum learning opportunities at Dallas County High School.

1.     The school is a primary agency in the transmission of our culture from one generation to the next, fostering the values and skills necessary to encourage loyalty to the ideas and principles of democratic government.

2.     The school should provide a learning atmosphere with opportunities to think critically, solve problems, and make responsible decisions.

3.     The school should be concerned with the well being of all students and should attempt to identify and address specific academic and social problems of students.

4.     The school, home, community, and business world should work together to provide maximum educational opportunities.

5.     Administration, faculty, and students should strive to treat each other with mutual fairness and respect.

6.     Through continuing professional education, the faculty should incorporate current materials and methods into the curriculum.

7.     Academic and extracurricular activities should be planned to involve as many students as possible.

8.     The school should foster an atmosphere of striving for excellence and pride in achievement, with appropriate rewards for such achievements.

9.     The school, home, and community should work together to ensure a safe atmosphere for students - free from violence, drugs, and alcohol.

GOALS

     We believe that the following goals set forth a course of action which conforms to the spirit and substance of our philosophy:

1.   To help students achieve a basis for sound scholarship and understanding of learning as a lifetime process

2.   To help students develop positive self-concepts which include identification of potentials and limitations

3.   To help each student develop a personal set of values and priorities

4.    To properly prepare students in the basic competency skills required for promotion, for graduation, and for independent lives as adults

5.     To aid students in acquiring the technological skills necessary to function successfully in today's society

6.     To meet the needs of all students, whether college-bound, tech-prep, military service, or the world of work

7.     To provide for the development of communication skills

8.     To encourage an awareness of and an appreciation for creative and artistic development

9.     To provide counseling, testing, and personal evaluation that will aid the students in developing realistic goals

10.  To provide a broad educational foundation by integrating extracurricular activities with standard classroom procedure

11.  To provide instruction and to encourage participation in activities that stimulate good health and physical fitness

12.   To instill in each student a sense of pride in and loyalty to his school, community, state, and nation

13.   To prepare students to make positive social, economic, and political contributions to their community

14.   To assist students in maximum development of their physical, mental, emotional, and social capabilities

15.   To provide a program for administration and faculty improvement and growth

16.   To promote a harmonious relationship among administration, faculty, and students

17.   To provide an opportunity for all students to learn

18.   To dramatically reduce the dropout rate and to encourage and work with the youth-at-risk

19.   To strengthen mathematics and science in all grades

20.   To help students to think critically, to communicate effectively, and to solve problems successfully

21.   To ensure that all students use their minds well in order to prepare for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in our modern community

22.   To ensure that all students receive a high school diploma or equivalent

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY 

     It is the policy of the Dallas County Board of Education and Dallas County High School not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, disability, religion, creed, national origin, or age.  If you have reason to believe that you have been discriminated against, you may contact Mr. Freeman Waller, Administrative Assistant, by writing him at P. O. Box 1056, Selma, Alabama 36702-1056 or by calling him at 875-3440.

TITLE IX COMPLIANCE

     Dallas County High School complies with non-discrimination regulations under Title VI and Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX, Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

     It is the official policy of the Alabama State Department of Education, Dallas County Board of Education, and Dallas County High School that no person in Alabama shall, on grounds of race, color, handicap, sex, religion, creed, or national origin be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

     Personal concerns of students can seriously limit or enhance educational development.  Schools have the responsibility to provide a guidance program and make relevant and objective information available to students in such a manner that will enhance educational development.   It is the purpose of the Guidance Department to provide counseling and/or guidance on an individual or group basis for each student in planning his/her educational needs, as well as social, personal, or emotional problems.  The doors are always open to students and parents.  All students must bring a pass to the counselor's office from class.

STUDENT RECORDS

     The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Dallas County Schools, with certain exceptions, obtain written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records.  However, Dallas County Schools may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised to the contrary in accordance with district procedures.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Dallas County Schools to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications.  Examples include:

A playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production;

The annual yearbook;

Honor roll or other recognition lists;

Graduation programs; and

Sports activity sheets, such as for football showing weight and height of team members.

     Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.  In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEA) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories--names, addresses, and telephone listings--unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent. In order for a student's photograph to be used in any way (newspaper, internet, etc.), a parent or guardian must sign a consent form each year.

     If you do not want Dallas County Schools to disclose directory information from your child's education records without your prior written consent, you must notify Dallas County High School in writing by August 31, 2006.  Dallas County Schools has designated the following information as directory information:

Student's name

Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

Address

Telephone listing

Weight and height of members of athletic teams

Electronic mail address

Photograph

Degrees, honors, and awards received

Date and place of birth

Major field of study

Dates of attendance

Grade level

The most recent educational agency or institution attended

     A cumulative record shall be kept on each student enrolled in the system.  Cumulative records shall be kept on forms approved by the State Department of Education.  Student records will be maintained by the school and will be used in making appropriate educational decisions for the student. The school principal shall be responsible for developing a plan that will ensure that such records are kept up to date and accurate.  All information regarding students and their families will be collected, maintained, and distributed under safeguards of privacy. 

     The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the students education records.  These rights are:

1.    The rights to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.  Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.  The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records will be inspected.

2.    The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.  They should write the School principal [or appropriate official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.    If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3.    The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.  One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as attorney, suitor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.  Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4.     The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:  Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.

LIBRARY

     Cards are given to incoming freshmen at Dallas County High School.  If this card is lost or destroyed, the replacement card costs only 50 cents.  Library visitors are expected to be quiet, limit their movements, use good manners and not have food, drink, or chewing gum while in the library.  Books may be checked out for a period of one week and renewed twice when necessary.  A fine of five (5) cents is charged for each day books are late.  If books are damaged or lost, students will be expected to pay for replacements.  Audio-visual materials and projectors are checked out for class use and should be returned by the end of the day.  Equipment should be requested in writing one day in advance.  Internet connection is located in the library.  Students are allowed to do academic research on the Internet as needed.  Other computers are also available for students to do word processing or use other software as available.  Interlibrary loans can be arranged with the librarians from the Alabama Public Library Services.  Students are also provided cards to the Alabama Virtual Library for on-line information.  School supplies are available in the library.

     Parents/guardians of students at Dallas County High School are required to sign a consent form each year giving permission for the student to use the internet.  A student without the signed permission form will not be allowed to utilize the internet in the library or any classroom.  The school system has a procedure in place to block inappropriate websites; however, any violation of this policy will result in the sanctions of a Class III violation.

LOCKERS

     Student lockers are the property of Dallas County High School and remain at all times under the control of Dallas County High School.  Students are expected to assume full responsibility for their school locker.  Dallas County high School retains the right to inspect student lockers for any reason at any time without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

1.   All lockers will be $20.00 per year.

2.   No student is allowed to share a locker with another student.

3.    For your security, no combinations should be exchanged.

4.    The school is not responsible for items stolen from lockers.

5.    Lockers are rented on a first-come, first serve basis.

6.    Students must complete "Acknowledgement Concerning Use of Student Lockers" form

BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS

(Established by the Dallas County Board of Education)

     The primary purpose of school buses is to transport students safely.  In order to accomplish this purpose, the following guidelines must be followed when riding a school bus:

1.   OBEY THE DRIVER AT ALL TIMES.  Obeying the bus driver will eliminate most bus problems.

2.   Never stand or play in the road while waiting for the bus.

3.   Always be at the designated bus stop on time.  Do not leave the bus except at your regular stop without written permission from the administration.

4.   Make sure the bus is completely stopped before getting on or off.

5.   Never attempt to carry on a conversation with the bus driver while the bus is in motion.

6.   Keep head and hands inside the bus at all times.

7.   Always enter and leave the bus through the front door except in case of an emergency.

8.   Cross the highway in the following manner:

a.   Make sure the bus is stopped, the door is open, and the stop signal is out.

b.   Cross the highway in front of the bus, look both ways, and wait until the driver gives the clear signal.  Then proceed with caution.

9.   Never yell out or carry on a conversation with anyone along the side of the road.

10.   Cooperate with the driver at all times in leaving the bus clean, sanitary, and clear of all objects.  The bus is not to be used for eating or drinking.

11.   Violations of bus rules will be treated as any other discipline problem.

12.   FIGHTING OR MAJOR BUS PROBLEMS CAN RESULT IN SUSPENSION OF BUS PRIVILEGE.  Fighting is a Class II Offense and will be dealt with as such.

13.   Video cameras may be used on buses to help with discipline.

14.   Any action not covered will be handled on a "common sense" basis.  Each student will be given due process.  If the bus driver's request seems unreasonable, contact the administration upon returning to school.

Remember that riding the bus is a privilege that requires responsibility and cooperation.  Good manners and common sense will help provide safe bus transportation.

CARS, MOTORCYCLES, ETC.

     Students who are properly licensed, can show proof of insurance coverage, and have purchased a Vehicle Registration Permit may bring their vehicles to school provided they drive safely and park in the designated area.  All student vehicles should be parked in their area and remain there until school has been dismissed. Students are requested to lower the volume of their sound systems as they enter the parking area.   Students will not sit in automobiles after parking.  Students will remain out of and away from all vehicles during the school day.  Student vehicles may be searched upon reasonable cause.  The school is not responsible for items stolen or for damage to vehicles.  Students failing to park in the proper location will be fined.  Habitual parking in an undesignated area will result in loss of driving privileges to school.

LOADING AND UNLOADING PROCEDURES

A diagram for loading and unloading can be seen in the DCHS Student Handbook

TEXTBOOKS

     Textbooks are provided by the State of Alabama.  Students and/or parents are responsible for the proper care and safeguarding of these books when checked out to the student.  Students and/or parents are required to pay for the loss or damage in excess of that which would result from the normal use of the textbooks.  Students who owe for lost textbooks will not be issued new textbooks until the student has made payment for the lost ones.

FEE SCHEDULE

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES

     The Dallas County Board of Education believes good student attendance enhances learning.  When a student is not in school, she/he misses valuable instructional time.  For this reason, the Board equates attendance with academic achievement, and establishes policies and procedures designed to encourage and require students to be in school.

     Regular school attendance is one of the most important habits a student can form while in school.  Admission officers of colleges and universities are interested in and always request the attendance record of all prospective students.  Employers in business and industry are vitally interested in the attendance and punctuality records of students seeking employment with them.  The attendance record is a most important part of each student's permanent record.

     Each student enrolled in the Dallas County School System is required to be in school each day, regardless of the student's age.  Therefore, when a student is absent, the parent/guardian must provide the school a written explanation of the reason for each absence at the time the student returns to school.No more than three (3) parent/guardian written excuses will be accepted per semester.  Excuses beyond that number will be considered unexcused.  When a student is absent for any reason, a note of explanation is necessary WITHIN TWO (2) DAYS.  Visits to a doctor or dentist should be documented with a statement from the doctor or dentist.  This explanation should be turned in to the main office where an absentee form is issued to the student to be shown to the homeroom teacher and all classroom teachers.  The student is held accountable for all work missed due to absences.  The responsibility for arranging a time for makeup work is shared by both student and teacher. Unusual absences will be considered by the principal on an individual basis.

     According to the Dallas County Board of Education Policy Manual (July 1, 2004), students attending Dallas County  Schools will be denied promotion/credit for any grade, course, or subject in which he or she receives eleven (11) or more unexcused absences per semester or twenty-one (21) or more unexcused absences for the year.  A student with unusual circumstances, which are substantiated by a physician or other documentation by the principal, could be promoted if all requirements are met.

NOTE:     (1) Students who know that they will be absent for more than 5 days at one time

                   should see the principal.                  

              (2)  A suspension is NOT an excused absence. A suspension is an unexcused absence.
                    (see suspension rules)

              (3)  Work cannot be made up for an unexcused absence.

Excused Absences

Absences will be excused for the following reasons:

1.   Illness

2.   Death in immediate family

3.   Weather preventing attendance

4.   Legal requirements, such as subpoena or other required court appearances (does not include court appearances for speeding tickets or securing a driver's permit or license)

5.  Legal quarantine

6.  Permission granted by the principal at the request of the parent/guardian

     Students granted excused absences are permitted to make up work, tests and other assignments, activities, etc.  It shall be the responsibility of the student/parent to check with teachers and find the work, test or activities to be made up.  It is expected that the work be made up on the student's return to school.  However, where students have extended excused absences, teachers shall allow a reasonable time for make up work.  In all cases, students must make up work within 5 days from the time they return to school or receive teacher permission for an extension where there are extended excused absences for 5 days or more. Students who have family deaths may not be out of school for extended days.

Unexcused Absences

     Any absence not classified according to one of the above reasons will be coded unexcused.  Days absent due to suspension from school will be classified as unexcused.  STUDENTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO MAKE UP WORK FOR SUSPENSIONS; HOWEVER, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO OBTAIN THE WORK FROM HIS/HER TEACHER THE DAY HE/SHE RETURNS TO SCHOOL.  Teachers will be responsible for nine-week tests or final exams.  Principals will avoid if at all possible, suspending students on days they will be taking nine-week tests.  In cases where suspension during nine-week tests cannot be avoided, the principal shall allow the student to make up these tests upon their return from suspension.

Due Process

    In cases where a student is not promoted or fails to receive credit due to excessive unexcused absences, the parent/guardian may file with the Superintendent a written request for review of the conditions surrounding the student's non-promotion/non-credit.  An adverse decision from the Superintendent may be appealed to the Board.

     Information concerning the attendance expectations of students enrolled in the Dallas County School System will be given to students/parents at the beginning of each school year or at the time they enroll as a student.

     Principals will inform parents of the importance of regular attendance.  In certain cases it may become necessary to require a doctor's excuse for excused absences that exceed eleven (11) per term.

     Parents/guardians will be notified upon the student's receiving a third unexcused absence or third discipline report to the principal's office.  This notification shall stress the importance of regular attendance and/or importance of proper discipline and warning that additional unexcused absences or discipline reports in excess of three shall result in the parent/guardian being reported to proper juvenile authorities and to the District Attorney as required by Alabama Law (Act 93-672).

     Upon receipt of four or more unexcused absences or four or more discipline reports to the principal's office, the parent/guardian shall be notified that the Dallas County Board of Education will report the parent/guardian to the proper juvenile authorities and to the District Attorney as required by Alabama Law (Act 93-672)

     Upon a suspension of five consecutive days or more the student and his/her parents/guardians shall be notified that the Dallas County Board of Education will report the parent/guardian to the proper juvenile authorities and to the District Attorney as required by Alabama Law (Act 93-672)

EXAMINATION EXEMPTION POLICY

1.   Any junior or senior whose class average is at least 95 when the two nine week grades are averaged and who have NO MORE THAN 5 EXCUSED ABSENCES, 3 excused check-ins, and/or 3 excused check-outs may be exempted from the term examination should the teacher so choose.  Teachers are not required to exempt students should they wish an entire class to test.

2.    If there are particular situations regarding absences, the teacher will consult with the administration.

3.    There will be no exemptions for freshmen and sophomores.

STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL CAMPUS

     A student is not permitted to leave the school campus during regular school hours except in accordance with the following:

1.   A student's parent or guardian may come to the school in person and check his or her child out of school.  A student may not be checked out of school by persons other than his or her parent or guardian or someone specifically designated by the student's parent or guardian.

2.   A student may bring a written note signed by the student's parent or guardian and upon approval of the local school principal, or designee, may be permitted to leave the school campus.  All notes will be verified by phone by office personnel prior to the dismissal of a student. All written parental requests shall remain on file in the principal's office for the remainder of the school year. 

3.   In emergency situations the local school principal or his or her designee may permit a student to leave the school campus based on a telephone request from the student's parent or guardian.  In such instances, the principal or designee shall attempt to re-contact the student's parent or guardian by telephone to confirm the request.  Any student violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action.

4.   Any student leaving campus without permission will have committed a Class II violation will receive sanctions accordingly.

CHECK OUT PROCEDURES

     Students may check out for two reasons: 

1.  ILLNESS

2.  EMERGENCY

    All check outs must be approved by the principal or assistant principal and all teachers scheduled for the remainder of the day.  Slips must be returned to the office after approval.  A list of students checking in or out will be posted on the bulletin the following day. STUDENTS WHO CHECK TO GO TO THE DENTIST OR DOCTOR MUST BRING BACK A STATEMENT FROM THE DOCTOR OR DENTIST IN ORDER TO HAVE AN EXCUSED CHECK-OUT.

    A check out will result in an absence in the missed classes.  Students who check in after 11:00 or who check out before 11:30 will be counted absent in homeroom.  Students must be present in school 51% of the school day in order to be counted present in homeroom (See Absences). Failure to follow the check out procedure could result in ISS or suspension.

CHECK IN PROCEDURES

    All students reporting after homeroom must check in at the office immediately.  After checking in correctly, they must report to the appropriate classes.

1.   Report to homeroom teacher first with check in slip.

2.   Report to teacher of scheduled class.

3.   Show slip to teachers missed the next day.

4.   Not checking in correctly results in unexcused absences and "0" on any test taken.

WITHDRAWALS

     All students should bring their parents when requesting withdrawal.  (See the counselor.) Students will not be cleared to withdraw until all texts have been turned in and any money owed has been paid.  Students must have an official withdrawal form and their immunization certificates when they leave school.  Students living out of zone will be withdrawn immediately.

STUDENT DRESS AND APPEARANCE

     A standardized dress code of Dallas County Schools has been adopted to assure that all students are provided safe and appropriate educational opportunities which are free from unnecessary disruptions and or outside influences and to instill in students the need to dress appropriately and have respect for each other and authority.

     The way a person dresses reflects the way he or she thinks.  We want to prepare students for the world of work, and we believe a neat professional appearance is a good habit to develop in the childhood years.  A well-groomed student should come to school with an attitude that prepares him or her for neat conscientious work.  His or her attire should give him or her respect for self, fellow students, and teachers. In addition, certain requirements are related to safety issues for all students.

     This dress code will be strictly enforced. Students who have questionable or inappropriate dress will not be allowed to attend class. 

Specifics of Dress Code:

1.    All students must wear shirts, blouses, or dresses with a non-revealing neckline, such as a crew neck, jewel neck, or boat neck.  Low cut, open back, bare midriff, or clothing that allows the midriff to be exposed, are not permitted.

2. No obscene or suggestive language, illegal substance advertisements (to include alcoholic and tobacco advertisements) and/or suggestive pictures may be worn on clothing or accessories.

3. No hats, caps, head coverings, hair curlers, picks, or sunglasses may be worn in school.  Should hats or head coverings be taken by the administration, they will not be returned.(Dallas County School Board Policy)

4. Skirts, shorts, and dresses must be mid-thigh or longer. No slits or leg openings may be above mid thigh.

5. Oversized and baggy clothes will not be tolerated.  These type garments could conceal a weapon. Belts  must be worn at the waist with pants, shorts, and skirts that have belt loops.  Pants, shorts, and skirts without belt loops must be worn at the waist and should fit properly.  Pants must fit at the waist.  Pants worn too low, too long, too large, or too loose are not permitted.  Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Students violating this policy will be sent directly to ISS without warning.

6.  Pajamas or pajama style pants, snap away, and sweatpants are prohibited.  Athletic type pants may be worn only during physical education classes. (Including but not limited to, wind suit pants and soccer style shorts).

7.    Students are required to wear appropriate shoes that fit securely at all times. No bedroom shoes may be worn.

8.  Unhemmed (cut-off) shorts, shirts, or pants, inappropriate slits, or holes in clothing are not allowed.

9.    Students are prohibited from forms of dress, ear, nose, tongue, eyebrow and body jewelry, hairstyle, visible tattoos, or other adornments that draw attention to oneself in a manner that may be disruptive to the educational process.  Students are prohibited from wearing any metal chains, metal spiked apparel, or accessories.

10. Appropriate undergarments must be worn and not visible. Female students may not wear pants, shorts, or skirts with writing across the rear.

11.  Students are to wear clothing in the manner it is designed to be worn, i.e., clothing worn backwards or inside out is not allowed.  No excessively tight or revealing clothing, such as fishnet or see-through garments, may be worn. 

12.   Students are prohibited from wearing any sign, symbol, logo, or garment, which have become synonymous with any gang, cult, Satanism, or unauthorized club or organizational activity.  The wearing of any advertisement (alcohol, bars, etc.) for the promotion of products or activities prohibited by school policy or that is inflammatory and may generate negative feelings among the student body is forbidden. (ex. shirts, belts, etc. displaying the Rebel flag).

13. Students are encouraged to carry clear plastic or mesh backpacks.

    The above item serves as a minimum guide.  The principal shall have the discretion to outline other appropriate guidelines for their campus or for special occasions.

    THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ALABAMA, IN SAFE SCHOOLS FOR ALABAMA'S CHILDREN, RULED THAT A STUDENT MAY BE EXPELLED OR SUSPENDED FOR NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THE DRESS CODE. 

EMERGENCY DRILLS

     Section 36-19-4 Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, requires school officials to conduct at least one (1) fire drill each month.  In addition, the State Board of Education policy adopted October 1, 1975 directs schools to institute a program of disaster preparedness.  Therefore, during the first week of school, all students are instructed on the proper procedures for fire, tornado, and bomb threats.  Drills will be held at intervals during the school year to develop the best technique for quick evacuation of individual rooms.  All evacuation procedures are posted immediately inside each room.

FIRE THREAT

Signal:  Three short rings of the bell. 

Organization:  It is suggested that each teacher have some organization in the classroom to assist with fire drills, i.e., monitors to open and hold open the door, to check to see that everyone is out of the room, and to assist in any other way.  However, IT IS THE TEACHER'S RESPONSIBILITY to see that all students leave the room in an orderly manner.

Procedure:

1.   Stop all work immediately.

2.   Teacher signals for departure.  Students leave in a single file line.  Teacher brings roll book.

3.   Leave building by the nearest exit.

4.   Windows and doors closed and all lights out

5.   Proceed a safe distance from the building

6.   Pupils remain in line until all clear signal is given to return

7.   Pupils must move quickly and orderly at all times.

8.   Return to room in same manner and through same exit as departure.

Return signal:  Ring of the school bell

TORNADO THREAT

Signal:  Continuous ring of the bell

Students and teachers should follow plans outlined on Tornado Drill Instructions which should be posted on all bulletin boards.

BOMB THREAT

Signal:  Continuous ring of the bell

Teachers are to take students to the football stadium and be seated in an orderly fashion.  Teachers and staff are to be sure no one is left in their location of the building.  Teachers are to carry roll books and check roll upon getting to the stadium.  In case of inclement weather or threat to the stadium, students will go to the new gym or loaded  onto buses and driven away from the building.  Making a bomb threat in Alabama is a felony.

 ASBESTOS

    Dallas County High School is in complete compliance with all aspects of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).  AHERA was passed in 1986 to address the health problems posed by asbestos products in school buildings.  We have taken actions to correct whatever problems that were discovered. All Friable asbestos containing materials have been removed from all buildings.

If you wish to view the school's AHERA plan, it is available at the school office during regular school hours.

UNSAFE SCHOOL CHOICE OPTION

    A transfer option  school (TOS) in the State of Alabama is one in which for three (3) consecutive school years the school has expelled one percent (1%) of the student population or five (5) students (whichever is greater) for violent criminal offenses committed on school property during school hours or committed at school-sponsored activities.  The words "transfer option school," "TOS," or "TOS school" shall mean a "persistently dangerous school" as those words are used in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Public Law 107-110, Title IX, homicide; robbery; assault in the first and/or second degree; sexual battery (including rape) as these offenses are defined in the Criminal Code of Alabama; and use of a handgun, firearm component, explosive, knife, and other "unknown weapons".

SUMMARY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES

    The following summary of laws relate to civil liabilities and criminal penalties for violence or other misbehavior by students on school property or against school employees.  Local boards of education are required to provide notice to parents, guardians, and students.

Attendance and Conduct (16-28-12)

     Each parent/guardian or other person having control or custody of a child required to attend school who fails to require the child to enroll, to regularly attend school, or to compel the child to properly conduct himself/herself as a pupil in accordance with the written policy on school behavior adopted by the local board of education shall be guilty of a misdemeanor (may be fined up to $100 and may be sentenced to hard labor for up to 90 days).

Teacher Assault (13A-6-21)

    A person commits the crime of assault in the second degree (Class C felony) if the person assaults with intent to cause serious physical injury to a teacher or to an employee of a public education institution during or as a result of the performance of his or her duty.

Drug Dealing (6-5-72)

    A person who unlawfully sells, furnishes, or gives a controlled substance to a minor may be liable for injury or damage or both suffered by a third person caused by or resulting from the use of the controlled substance by the minor, if the sale, furnishing, or giving of the controlled substance is the proximate cause of the injury or damage.

Drugs, Alcohol, Weapons, Physical Harm, or Threatened Physical Harm (6-1-24.1)

     The school principal shall notify appropriate law enforcement officials when a person violates local board of education policies concerning drugs, alcohol, weapons, physical harm to a person, or threatened physical harm to a person.  If any criminal charge is warranted, the principal is authorized to sign the appropriate warrant.  If that person is a student, the local school system shall immediately suspend that person from attending regular classes and schedule a hearing within 5 school days.

    If a person is found to have violated a local board of education policy concerning drugs, alcohol, weapons, physical harm to a person or threatened harm to a person, the person may not be readmitted to the public schools until criminal charges, if any, have been disposed of by appropriate authorities and  the person has satisfied all other requirements imposed by the local board of education as a condition of readmission.

Weapons in Schools (13A-11-72)

     No person shall knowingly with intent to do bodily harm carry or possess a deadly weapon on the premises of a public school.  Possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to do bodily harm on the premises of a public school or school bus is a Class C felony. (Note: deadly weapons include but are not limited to hand grenade, explosive or incendiary device; a pistol, rifle, or shotgun; or a switch-blade knife, gravity knife, stiletto, sword, or dagger, or any club, baton, billy, black-jack, bludgeon, or metal knuckles).

Vandalism (6-5-380)

     The parents, guardians, or other person having control of any minor under the age of 18 with whom the minor is living and who have custody of the minor shall be liable for the actual damages sustained to school property, plus the court costs, caused by intentional, willful, or malicious act of  the minor.

Pistol Possession/Driver License (16-28-40)

    Any person over the age of 14 who is convicted of the crime of possession of a pistol on the premises of a public school, or a public school bus, shall be denied issuance of a driver's permit or license to operate a motor vehicle for 180 days from the date the person is eligible and applies for a permit or license. If a person over age 14 possesses a driver's license on the date of conviction, the driver's license will be suspended for 180 days.

Drop-Out/Driver's License (16-25-40)

     The Department of Public Safety shall deny a driver's license or learner's permit to any person under 19 who is not enrolled or has not received a diploma or certificate of graduation.  Exceptions are students who: are enrolled in a GED program, are enrolled in a secondary school, are participating in an approved job training program, are gainfully employed, are a parent of a minor or unborn child, or are the sole source of transportation for the parent.

Sexual Harassment (26-14-3)

     A student who believes that he or she has been or is being subjected to any form of sexual harassment shall immediately report the matter to a teacher, the school counselor, principal, or the Superintendent.  Any student who suspects that another student is being sexually harassed shall immediately report the information to a teacher, school counselor, principal, or the Superintendent.  A student's request to make his or her report to someone of the same sex will be granted.

CODE OF CONDUCT AND SANCTIONS