Dear Parents and Students,

The faculty and staff at West Vigo High School strive to offer our students the best possible educational opportunities. We are proud to offer students a variety of curricular and extracurricular experiences so that students attain the skills to be productive citizens in a rapidly changing society.

Please contact our Counseling Office with any questions about scheduling, postsecondary school information,
financial aid, scholarships, or other areas covered in this booklet.

Go Vikings!

Mr. Ryan Easton
Principal

Vigo County School Corporation Mission Statement:

The Vigo School Corporation will equip students with life-long learning skill and prepare them to become productive and responsible citizens.

West Vigo High School Mission Statement:

West Vigo High School with the support of the community, will provide a safe and caring environment in which students will become productive citizens by acquiring academic knowledge, practical life experiences, and critical thinking skills

Mission Statement

West Vigo High School, with the support of the community, will provide a safe and caring environment in which students will become productive citizens by acquiring academic knowledge, practical life experiences, and critical skills.

School Song

(“On Wisconsin”)
On West Vigo,
On West Vigo,
On to Vic-tor-y!
We will back you all the way,
With all our Viking might,
Might, might, might!

On West Vigo,
On West Vigo,
On to Vic-tor-y!
Never let our Vikings down,
And fight, fight, fight!

School Mascot

The students at West Vigo High School are known as the “Vikings.”

School Colors 

The school colors of West Vigo High School are Green, White, and Black.

Corporation Calendars Link

THE SCHOOL DAY

 The school day begins when students arrive on school property.  Students are not to leave school grounds upon arrival without a permit to leave from an administrator, nurse, or dean.  Failure to abide by school rules and regulations will lead to disciplinary action.

Clock Schedules

Classes begin at 8:05 a.m. and continue until 3:10 p.m.  The Main Building is usually opened by 6:30 a.m.  Students who report prior to class time can go to the main gymnasium or cafeteria, or to the various offices which open at 7:30 a.m.  Students in the building after or before regular school hours are to be under the supervision of a faculty member.

The school day is divided into seven (7) class periods, a homeroom (SRT), and a lunch segment.  There is a 5-minute passing period between classes which is sufficient time for students to go to their lockers and arrive at their next class prior to the tardy bell.

The time from 8:05 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. is reserved for class work and study.  Students are not to schedule outside activities that would interfere with the time allotted to class routine.  School activities such as plays, dances, parties, etc. are not to be prepared for or performed during the school day except within the context of formal instruction.

Daily Schedule
1st hour	8:05 – 8:52
2nd Hour	8:57 – 9:44
SRT	9:49 – 10:19
3rd Hour	10:24 – 11:11
4th Hour	11:16 – 12:03
Lunch	12:03 – 12:39
5th Hour	12:42 – 1:28
6th Hour	1:33 – 2:19
7th Hour	2:24 – 3:10
Student Activity Time Schedule
1st hour	8:05 – 8:52
2nd Hour	8:57 – 9:44
3rd Hour	9:49 – 10:36
4th Hour	10:44 – 11:28
Student Activity Time	11:33 – 12:03
Lunch	12:03 – 12:39
5th Hour	12:42 – 1:28
6th Hour	1:33 – 2:19
7th Hour	2:24 – 3:10
2-Hour Delay Schedule
1st hour	10:05 – 10:40
2nd Hour	10:45 – 11:20
3rd Hour	11:25 – 12:00
Lunch	12:00 – 12:36
4th Hour	12:39 – 1:13
5th Hour	1:18 – 1:52
6th Hour	1:57 – 2:31
7th Hour	2:36 – 3:10
Early Release Schedule
1st hour	8:05 – 8:50
2nd Hour	8:55 – 9:40
3rd Hour	9:45 – 10:30
4th Hour	10:35 – 11:20
5th Hour	11:25 – 12:10
Lunch	12:10 – 12:46
6th Hour	12:49 – 1:37
7th Hour	1:42 – 2:30

The VCSC has adopted bylaws and policies for the safe and consistent education of the students of the Vigo County School Corporation. To see all of the adopted VCSC policies, please follow this link: https://go.boarddocs.com/in/vigo/Board.nsf/Public?open&id=policies#

Emergency Procedures

Fire and tornado drills will be held regularly during the school year.  Fire and tornado drill instructions are posted for each area and each classroom of the building. Make sure you are aware of the emergency plan for each classroom. Absolute quiet must prevail in the building during a drill in order that any directions given for the safety of the students may be heard and understood.  Tampering with fire alarms causing a false alarm will result in an out-of-school suspension and possibly criminal charges.

Change of Address

If for any reason you have a change of address or phone number, please notify the Guidance Office as soon as possible.

Make Up Work

Make-up work is defined as all work that is counted as a grade must be allowed to be made up in some form. It must be of equal grade value. Students have the responsibility of requesting make-up work from the teacher within three (3) days upon their return. A reasonably designated time limit will be set by the teacher as to the due date of any make-up work. Due to the emphasis on participation in physical education classes, state and local policy may override this definition. The work will be included in figuring the student’s grade. *All work assigned is due when students return to school. Students/Parents must contact the teacher to request the make-up work.

Student Lockers

All lockers made available for student use on the school premises, including lockers located in the hallways, physical education and athletic dressing rooms, are the property of the school corporation.  These lockers are made available for student use in storing school supplies and personal items necessary for use at school but the lockers are not to be used to store items which cause, or can reasonably be foreseen to cause, an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or which are forbidden by state law or school rules.  

The student’s use of the locker does not diminish the school corporation’s ownership or control of the locker.  The school corporation retains the right to inspect the locker and its contents to insure that the locker is being used in accordance with its intended purpose, and to eliminate fire or other hazards, maintain sanitary conditions, attempt to locate lost or stolen material and to prevent use of the locker to store prohibited or dangerous materials such as weapons, illegal drugs or alcohol.  If you leave your materials in another person’s locker, it will remain there.  Sharing of lockers or pegged lockers will result in an After School Detention.  The school cannot and does not assume responsibility for any loss.  All articles are brought to school at the owner’s risk.  Money and valuables should not be kept in lockers.  They may be left with the dean or principal. There will be only one student permitted to occupy a locker.  STAY IN YOUR ASSIGNED LOCKER and do not share a locker.

Posters and Signs

All posters, signs and fliers, etc. of any kind displayed must have prior approval by the school administration.  This includes locker tags/ signs as well as any kind of display of celebration.  Signs or printed materials of promotion or advertising may not be distributed to or by students in the school building, on the school grounds, on the school buses, or at any school-sponsored activity without prior approval of the VCSC and the schools administration.  Signs or the equivalent without proper authorization will be removed.

Medication at School

The student-parent guide, posted online has rules for bringing medications to school. In general, medications must be brought to school by a parent with doctor’s instructions for administration. Students are not permitted to carry any medication, over the counter or prescription, with them except in accordance with State Law.

Student Illness At School  (*The nurse is not an excuse for a tardy!)

Students who become ill during class time must secure a pass from the classroom teacher and report to their respective dean.  The dean will then issue permission to see the school nurse.  Any student requiring first aid that would necessitate taking longer than the six-minute passing period must first secure a pass from their classroom teacher also.

The dispensing of Tylenol and Band-Aids will be done on a passing period and does not require a pass. If the student is late to class a tardy will be counted.  In order to limit loss of instructional time, the following are situations that are not handled in the health room.  Teachers will not send students out of the classroom for the following situations:  

1. Splinters (we do not remove at school).
2. Alcohol for earrings or for body piercing sites.
3. Hangnails.
4. To trim fingernails.
5. Small paper cuts (Band-Aids may be given in the classroom.
6. Removal of fingernail polish.
7. To call and make appointments.
8. For medication brought from home (without a pass from the health room).
9. Lotion for dry skin.

During lunch period, students may come to the health room without a pass for medical reasons.

Media Center

The media center will be open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.  Extended hours are available for computer and internet use, tutoring, recreational reading, research, academic competitions and special presentations.  The media specialist will issue no passes during the period.    LOST OR DAMAGED MATERIALS MUST BE PAID FOR BY THE STUDENT IN WHOSE NAME THEY WERE BORROWED.

Lost and Found

Inquiries concerning misplaced articles should be directed to one of the deans. Periodically leftover material will be given to local agencies.

Visitors *All visitors will enter through the main entrance (Door #1)

All visitors to West Vigo High School are required to report immediately to the security desk, sign in and obtain a visitor’s pass.  Be prepared to show a photo ID when signing in.  Parents and patrons are always welcome.  If you are planning on participating in any activities with the students, then it is required that you have a criminal history background check on file with the school.  Due to our enrollment and school schedule, other visitors will not be issued passes unless a special need exists or they are a part of a pre-planned activity. 

Release of Directory Information

The school corporation may release certain “directory information,” which means information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed and which includes, but is not limited to, the student’s name, address, parents’ names and their home and work telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, major field of study, participation in official recognized activities and sports, height and weight of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received, teacher-selected student work with no grades displayed, pictures or video images not used in a disciplinary manner, hair and eye color, race, sex, date of birth, height, weight, grade level, and other similar information, without consent to media organizations (including radio, television, and newspaper), colleges, civic or school-related organizations, military recruiters and state or local governmental agencies.

Parents of a student less than 18 years of age or of a student who is at least 18 years of age desiring to object to disclosure of any or certain of the categories of directory information should request form JO-E (Denial of permission to Release Certain Directory Information without Prior Written Consent) from the superintendent’s office.

An objecting parent or student may use form JO-E to deny consent for release of all directory information, or he/she may selectively deny consent by circling those categories of directory information he/she does not wish released.

Building principals shall ensure that parents are informed of their right to object to the release of directory information and that they may have on file such objections at any time during the school year.

Wellness Policy

Wellness Policy: Schools are expected to follow the wellness policy guidelines for food sales at school.  In addition, the policy has certain expectations for parents in relation to food brought to school for holidays and celebrations.

VIGO COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION WELLNESS POLICY

In May of 2006, the Vigo county School Corporation adopted a Wellness Policy designed to benefit both the students and the staff of the VCSC.  The policy consists of four major components and two appendices:

1. Nutritional Component

The Vigo County School Corporation recognizes the need for adequate and nourishing food for growth, learning, and the maintenance of good health.  It further recognizes the existence of significant research which indicates that a positive relationship exists between adequate nutrition, good emotional and mental health, academic success, and good behavior.  During activities throughout the school day where food is sold, a nutritional choice should be offered (e.g. fresh fruit or vegetables).  Also, celebrations involving food should encourage the use of healthy foods and should take place at a time that will least interfere with students eating a nutritious lunch.

2. Physical Activity Component

The Vigo County School Corporation recognizes the link between food intake, energy expenditure (physical activity/exercise) and good physical health.

3. Educational Component

The Vigo County School Corporation has taken a proactive role in the area of health, nutrition, and wellness.  We encourage our teachers, faculty, and staff members to promote good health practices, and to encourage our students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

The Vigo County School Corporation promotes a quality health and physical education program, K-12.  A quality health and physical education program includes a documented, planned, and sequential curriculum for students in kindergarten through high school.  Teachers follow the Indiana Academic Standards for Health and Physical Education, as they present the curriculum in their classrooms.  The standards provide a flexible framework of health-related content and skills that the Vigo County School Corporation can use to develop, implement, and assess curricula designed to provide students with the knowledge that they need.  We will strive to meet and/or exceed the goals of the Indiana Health and Physical Education Standards.  The standards are general and apply to all levels of health and physical education from kindergarten through the high school.  (Please see Appendix B for current list of the Indiana Standards for Health and Physical Education.)

In addition to using these standards as a guide for our elementary teachers and our middle and high school health and physical education teachers, the Vigo County School Corporation works very closely with a number of community agencies, who provide supplementary resources and materials relating to health and physical education.  Every year we plan a Health-Issue In-service to provide our teachers with a professional development opportunity to help them become aware of the abundance of community resources in the area of health and physical education.  We also encourage our teachers to seek out other professional development opportunities that will help them strengthen their knowledge and teaching strategies.

It is our hope that through many initiatives, students, faculty, staff, and the entire school community becomes more aware of the importance of good health, nutrition, and wellness.  Quality health and physical education programming includes the involvement of parents, health professionals, and other concerned community members.

To access the V.C.S.C Wellness Policy in its entirety please go to:  http://www.vigoschools.org.

Vaccinations Required for School Attendance

Parents should have students immunized according to current state law and students may be excluded from school for non-compliance. A list of required vaccines is posted on the nurses’ page of the V.C.S.C. website. The only objections that the State of Indiana will accept are religious or medical objections. Contact the school nurse for more information.

Student Computer Use Policy

The Vigo County School Corporation provided network access to every VCSC student and employee, subject to the term and conditions of policy HBG in the VCSC Board Policy Handbook.  The purpose of the access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education.  Use of such resources is a privilege, not a right.  Students utilizing VCSC networks and Internet access must first have the permission of the VCSC’s professional staff.  Unauthorized or inappropriate use, including any violation of these guidelines, may result in the cancellation of the privilege, disciplinary action consistent with the Student handbook, and/or civil or criminal liability.  Parents and guardians have the option of requesting for their children alternative activities not requiring network or Internet use.  Such a request should be submitted to the building principal in writing. 

Educational Resources

The list of corporation wide adopted texts and basic core instructional materials, as well as the novel list, will be available at or near the beginning of the school year in a designated area at each school.  If a parent has a concern about instructional material(s) or book(s) selected by his/her child’s teacher for an instructional assignment, the parent must contact the teacher and present this concern in writing.  At no time during the parent concern process will the student be forced to participate in the questioned assignment.  Grading for an alternative assignment will be equivalent to that for the original assignment.

 Class/Student Council Officers/Representatives

Class/Student Council Officers/Representatives are determined by votes of the class/organization  and have been a member of the class/organization the previous year.  Candidates must be students in good standing (at a minimum not been assigned two (2) or more school extensions, two (2) or more Alternative Educational Placements, one (1) Alternative Placement or one (1) out-of –school suspension in the most previous complete trimester and the current trimester to date) as determined by the school administration.   Candidates must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be passing in a minimum of four (4) classes, be full time students, and be scheduled to complete the school year.  Officers/Representatives may be dismissed from service if found not to be in good standing (either academic or behavior) by the school administration anytime following election or for failure to attend 95% of class/organization functions, excluding doctor excuses.

Homecoming and Prom Queen and the Court (including Escorts)

Female students may be candidates for election to the positions of Queen and Queen’s Attendants.  Male students may be selected/appointed to the Queen’s Court as Escorts.  Candidates must be students in good standing (at a minimum not been assigned two (2) or more school extensions, two (2) or more Alternative Educational Placements, one (1) Alternative Placement or one (1) out-of –school suspension in the most previous complete semester and the current semester to date) as determined by the school administration.  Candidates must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, be passing in a minimum of four (4) classes and be full time students.  Candidates may be dismissed from service if found not to be in good standing (either academic or behavior) by the school administration anytime following election/selection.  A student may be elected as an attendant only one time during grades 9, 10 and 11 and then may be eligible again to be in one court their senior year.

Prom Guest Guidelines

1. Middle school age guests are not eligible to attend.
2. All high school age guests must be enrolled in a high school and the name of the high school must be noted.
3. Expelled students are not eligible to attend.
4. All high school students that do not attend a school in the Vigo County School Corporation must get an approved signed form from the principal of their home school.
5. All guests must be under the age of 21.
6. All guests not enrolled in a high school will need approval from the W.V.H.S. principal to attend.

Deliveries to School

West Vigo High School will only accept delivery of the following items. West Vigo High School will not accept delivery of flowers, gifts or food delivered by a business, such as pizza. All orders MUST be placed by staff!

1. Lunch 
2. Athletic Equipment
3. PE Clothes
4. Books
5. Money
6. Homework

School Social Event Planning

Arrangements for all school social events (time, place, chaperons, financial arrangements, clean-up, etc.) whether on or off school grounds must be approved by the principal.  Requests to schedule events should be submitted in writing as early as possible.

Fundraisers

All fund-raisers and/or solicitations must be submitted by the group or class sponsor and approved and scheduled in advance by the principal.  No fundraising programs of any type are to be conducted without the approval of the principal.

Field Trips 

Parents may be invited to attend a field trip if the school feels that such involvement is warranted or necessary. The decision of inviting parents on field trips rests with the school. Any parent attending as a participant or chaperone is subject to a criminal history check prior to such attendance.  Criminal history checks may be required yearly or at any time the principal feels that such a check is necessary.  Attendance will be approved or denied through the central office.  All school rules are in effect on a field trip. 

Student Records 

Records that are maintained by the school may only be released to parents (natural biological parents) or legal custodians under FERPA guidelines. The records are not available to grandparents, other relatives or step-parents unless those individuals are legal custodians or a legal adoption has taken place. 

Permits and Out of County Cash Tuition 

Students are required to attend the school in the district of their legal residence. If a parent wishes for a student to attend another elementary school, a permit application is required. Specific guidelines must be followed to apply for a permit. Forms are available at the elementary school and principals of both the sending and the receiving school must agree to the permit. In addition, no school bus transportation is furnished for a student on a permit. Cash Tuition for an out of county student will be waived if the student’s legal residence is in Indiana. The student is enrolled prior to “official” enrollment day in September. Any enrollments after the “official” enrollment day in September are subject to full tuition (between $5,500 – $6,500 per year).  Any student from another State will be charged the full tuition regardless of when that student enrolls in V.C.S.C.

School Video Systems  

For the protection of students and staff, each school has a video system to record certain areas of the school premises. These are for internal use and may not be released to outside agencies or individuals without specific approval and only in line with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. The Vigo County School Corporation will cooperate with law enforcement, however, if a crime is suspected and the law enforcement agency requests to view the information in line with legal requirements. 

Registered Sex Offender Policy

Vigo County School Corporation has adopted a policy prohibiting anyone listed on the sex offender registry from coming onto school property.  Sex offenders may be arrested for criminal trespass for violating this policy.  Exceptions (with Restrictions) to the policy would only be granted in specific instances and only after following the procedures for asking for such exception.

SCHOOLS OFF LIMITS

The Board of School Trustees declares that no registered sex offender  may come on the property of  the Vigo County School Corporation school except as otherwise provided in this policy and as required by State and Federal law.  If an administrator becomes aware that a sex offender is on school property, the administrator/designee shall direct the sex offender to leave the area immediately, except under limited circumstances as defined by our policy. 

To access the V.C.S.C Registered Sex Offender Policy in its entirety, please go to www.vigoschools.org

Social Media, school events and posting

Social media and websites such as Facebook or YouTube have made it very easy to post photos and information online. To protect the privacy and safety of our students and employees, we discourage individuals from publicly posting pictures taken at school events that could identify others. We advise you to get consent of the individual(s) photographed before posting them and to exercise caution about revealing personal details including names. The Vigo County School Corporation cannot be responsible for information posted online in violation of these guidelines.


Bullying Reporting
Parents, visitors and others should report bullying to the school principal or designee the same day that the incident takes place. Please fill out the bully report that is on line located on our chromebook. An investigation will take place and consequences will be assessed accordingly. Not all reported incidents fit the legal definition of bullying. For more information and a copy of the policy visit www.vigoschools.org. Due to confidentiality, the school may be limited in how much information can be given to anyone except the parent of the student’s involved. 

Harassment:

Harassment includes any UNWANTED verbal comments or physical advances, which disturb or irritate the victim. This uninvited attention, which includes sexual harassment, racial slurs, and gender identity harassment may come from peers, the staff, or anyone a student may encounter in the school setting. Complaints should be brought immediately to the attention of the administration.

Consequences may range from suspension to expulsion.

Seclusion and Restraint

The Vigo County School Corporation supports the Seclusion and Restraint plan as adopted by the Covered Bridge Special Education District. The use of such is a last resort and as a means to maintain a safe and orderly environment to the extent to preserve the safety of students and others.  The parents of the students involved will be notified verbally as soon as possible but preferably by the end of the school day when the incident took place. There are other details in the plan are available upon request. The plan will be implemented during the 2014-15 school year.

Firearms on School Property (effective July 1, 2014, SEA 229)

The State Law concerning the crime of possession of firearms on school property has changed. A person who is legally able to possess a firearm may do so if the firearm is locked in the trunk of the person’s motor vehicle or kept in the glove compartment of the person’s locked motor vehicle or stored out of plain sight in the person’s locked motor vehicle.  A person who knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly leaves the firearm in plain view in a motor vehicle that is parked in a school parking lot commits a Class A misdemeanor.

A person in possession of a firearm in a school building or at a school event or on a school bus or on school grounds outside of the person’s locked vehicle commits a Level 6 felony. Thus, weapons are not permitted on school property with the exceptions noted above by State Law. 

Students and former students of the school who are no longer students due to a disciplinary action within the past 24 months and who have a firearm on school property or events commits a Level 6 felony.

Drivers License Restriction Law

Indiana Code provides that any student 13 or 14 years old determined to be a habitual truant cannot be issued a learner’s permit or operator’s license until 18.  A habitual truant is a student who has more than ten days of unexcused absences in one school year(**).  Once a student has been designated a habitual truant, he/she has the right to due process as a periodic review to determine if the prohibition can be removed.  An operator’s license or learner’s permit may not be issued to a person less than 18 years of age who is under 

1. At least a second suspension from school for the school year.
2. An expulsion from school
3. Exclusion from school due to misconduct
4. To circumvent the above sanctions, withdraw from school before graduating.  If a person is less than 18 years of age and is under suspension, expulsion, or has withdrawn from school as described in number 4 above, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall invalidate the person’s license or permit until the earliest of the following:

1. 1. The person becomes 18 Driver’s License/Permit Restriction Policy years of age
   2. 120 days after the student is suspended
   3. 180 days after the student is expelled or excluded
   4. The suspension, expulsion, or exclusion is reversed after the person has a hearing. 

Gang Response Policy

“As required by State Statute, the Vigo County School Corporation prohibits gang activity and other such behavior in schools. Per IC 20-33-9-10.5, employees must report such activity to the principal. For more details, visit www.vigoschools.org and review the policy related to gang activity in the school”.

Dress Code Guidelines

Appropriate dress in school influences the attitude of a student toward school and schoolwork. Let us always dress in a fashion that will reflect the pride we feel in our school. Students are encouraged to use sound judgment and reflect respect for themselves and others in dress. In keeping with the goals of the school to provide a safe, healthy and nondiscriminatory environment for educating students for maximum academic and social development, the
following guidelines shall be followed.

1. Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to approximately 3 to 4 inches in length on the upper thighs (see images below). Tops must have shoulder straps wider than spaghetti straps. Shirts should meet the top of pants. Rips or tears in clothing should be lower than 3 to 4 inches in length. No sheer articles of clothing or mesh garments are to be worn without appropriate coverage underneath.
2. No winter coats, blankets, sunglasses or hoods up on sweatshirts are to be worn in the building between the first and last bell.
3. Backpacks must be placed in student lockers when entering the building and/ or with principal discretion.
4. Head coverings with no brim that don’t conceal your identity are permitted.
5. No article of clothing or accessory will be allowed that promotes, encourages, or advertises alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, violence, gang-related activities and/or sexual content. T-shirts that display the Confederate Flag or read “Interstate 420” are examples of inappropriate attire.
6. Chains, bracelets, and belts with spikes are not permitted, as well as pocket and wallet chains.
7. Specialized courses may require specialized attire.
8. Appearance must not be considered a disruption to the educational process, cause a distraction, or interfere with school purposes. The administration reserves the right to review dress in a fair and equitable manner to determine if something is appropriate or inappropriate as well as the prerogative of handling the situation as deemed necessary.

Cell Phone Policy

Vigo County School Corporation Cell Phone and other Wireless Communication Devices (WCD) Policy

*Revised May 2023

Rule XXIV:  The VCSC encourages and appreciates appropriate use of cell phones and wireless communication devices (WCD).  Inappropriate use of a cell phone or wireless communication device (WCD) may qualify a student for suspension or expulsion from school.  Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, using the cell phone/ WCD to take pictures or videos at prohibited times, displaying inappropriate images or websites, using inappropriate language in text messages, emails, or other forms of communication or using the device for bullying, harassment or intimidation.  Inappropriate use also includes sending, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, emails, or other material of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form on a cell phone, WCD, or other electronic device.

1. Students may possess a cell phone or WCD in school, on school property, at after school activities, and at school related functions, provided that it is silent and not in use during normal class hours, or as may be requested by staff members.
2. Students are permitted to use cell phones/ WCD on school property up to the bell signifying the start of the school day. Students are also permitted to use cell phones / WCD during lunch and following the final dismissal bell.  Middle school students MAY NOT use cell phones/ WCD during passing periods.  High school students MAY use cell phones/ WCD during passing periods.  Headphones/ earbuds are permitted before school, at lunch and after school.
3. Phones are silent and out of sight.  Exemptions can be given by the classroom teacher and /or administration.
4. Students shall not use cell phones or WCD to take pictures or videos during regular school hours while on school property. Cell phones / WCD may only be used to take photographs and/or videos at after school events and activities unless otherwise directed by staff.
5. Cell phones/ WCD use is prohibited in restricted areas such as restrooms and locker rooms.
6. When directed by a staff member to put a cell phone or WCD away, the student must comply or face disciplinary action. Students will be sent to the office with their cell phone. The cell phone will be confiscated for the remainder of the day. Consequences will be assessed.
7. A student possessing a cell phone or WCD shall be responsible for its care and safe keeping. The Vigo County School Corporation shall not be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones and/or WCD.
8. School Bus Rules Cell phones or WCD shall be permitted on the bus as long as they are kept in a no volume status that cannot be heard by others and the student possessing the device can still hear emergency directions. Cell phones/ WCD may be used in silent mode responsibly on the school bus.  If using headphones, one ear must be exposed in the event the driver needs to relay directions or directives.  Any inappropriate use of a cell phone or WCD will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Student/ Parent Guide and the School Cell Phone/ WCD Policy.  Examples of inappropriate use are provided in the opening paragraph of this policy.

Social Media

Social media and websites such as Instagram and YouTube have made it very easy to post photos and information online.  To protect the privacy and safety of our students and employees, we discourage individuals from publicly posting pictures taken at school events that could identify others.  We advise you to get consent of the individual(s) photographed before posting them and to exercise caution about revealing personal details including names.  The Vigo County School Corporation cannot be responsible for information posted online in violation of these guidelines.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices that are strictly for entertainment are not allowed during the regular school day without Administrative approval.  Example:  Nintendo Switch, etc

First Offense** On the first offense, the cell phone/ WCD will be confiscated.  The phone/ WCD will be made available to the student’s parent or guardian at the end of the school day and the student will be given a detention.  Additional consequences may be assessed for violations that involve bullying, harassment, intimidation or the production and/or dissemination of material that is sexual in nature.  As with dealing with any violation of Corporation or school rules, the significance of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record may impact the level of disciplinary action the school finds appropriate to impose.

Second Offense** On the second offense, the cell phone/ WCD will be confiscated.  The student will be prohibited from possessing a cell phone and/or WCD for the remainder of the school year.  The parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up the cell phone/ WCD.  The student will be given an extended day and/ or an alternative placement consequence.  Additional consequences will be assessed for continued violation and/ or camera or video use in accordance with student rights and responsibilities (suspension and expulsion may be recommended).  Additional consequences may be assessed for violations that involve bullying, harassment, intimidation or the production and/or dissemination of material that is sexual in nature.  As with dealing with any violation of Corporation or school rules, the significance of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record may impact the level of disciplinary action the school finds appropriate to impose.

Because in a number of Indiana school districts, student cell phones have been found to contain evidence of “sexual conduct” as defined by Indiana Criminal Statute at I.C. 35-42-4-4(a), it is important for parents and students to be aware of the legal consequences should this occur in our school system. The Child Abuse/Neglect Law requires school personnel to make a report to law enforcement or child protective services whenever there is reason to believe that any person/student is involved with “child exploitation” (I.C. 35-42-4- 4(b)), or “child pornography” (I.C. 35-42-4-4(c)), particularly regarding “sexual conduct” as statutorily defined. In addition, the Indiana Sex Offender Registration Statute (I.C. 35-42-4-4(c)),and the Sex Offender Registry Offense Statute (I.C. 35-42-4-4(b)) require persons convicted of or adjudicated as a juvenile delinquent for violating the Child Exploitation Statute to register as a sex offender. 

Additional consequences will be assessed for continued violation in accordance with student rights and responsibilities (suspension and expulsion may be recommended). 

As with dealing with any violation of Corporation or school rules the significance of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record may impact the level of disciplinary action the school finds appropriate to impose. 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The Vigo County School Corporation realizes that good attendance habits and punctuality allow maximum benefit for students’ education. It is difficult for students to learn if they are not in class on time every day. The partnership between each student, guardian, and school help establish self-discipline and responsibility in developing life skills and healthy habits for entry into the adult world. Guardians are asked to work with the school to eliminate unnecessary absences

Indiana Code 20-33-2-27 states: “It is unlawful for a parent to fail to ensure that his child attends school.”    

* Frequent and prolonged absences are in violation of state law.

* Attendance is taken each period of the day.

* Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may result in academic failure. 

* Students are required to make up all work missed when they are not in class, regardless of the type of absence.

9 Day Allowance

Students are permitted 9 absences in a semester. Documentation with any absence is always encouraged. After 9 absences, any day missed without medical or legal documentation will be counted as unexcused, even with parent notification. To keep you informed of your child’s absences you will be sent a Skyward notification at 5, 7, and 9 days of absences by the school office. Refer to the Progressive Discipline Policy for our plan for unexcused absences. At any point in a student’s excessive absence occurrence the school may refer the guardian to the Children’s Bureau. The student/guardian may be reported to the Department of Child Services for ten unexcused absences.

Absences

Students missing in excess of one and one-half (1.5) hours but less than three (3) hours will be counted absent for a half day. Missing three (3) or more hours will count as a full day.Guardians are required to report their child’s absence to school. Calls the day of the absence should be made by 9:00 a.m. If a call is not made the day of an absence, a note explaining the reason for the absence should be brought or emailed to the school on the first day returning from an absence. Absences will be monitored through the Principal’s office on a yearly basis.

When an absence is required, each student is expected to have an acceptable and justifiable reason for the absence. Refer to the Progressive Discipline Policy for information about excused, unexcused, and exempt absence definitions. Exempt absences must be verified prior to the absence as well as after the off-site experience has been completed.The agency/institution visited must verify the visitation.

In the event a student must be absent for a school day, the parent/guardian must report the student absent by contacting the school. School officials may call the parent/guardian for verification of a student’s absence if the parent/guardian does not contact the school.Students reporting late to school should be reported in the same manner.

In the event the student must leave school for an appointment, the parent will contact the attendance office. At that time the student will be summoned from class by the office personnel. Upon return, the student will sign in. All appointments and off-site approved absences will require written verification from the agency or office visited. Without such verification, the absence may be unexcused.

Students are required to make up all work missed when they are not in class, regardless of the type of absence. Requests for make-up work must be initiated by the student the day of their return to school.

The deadline for make-up work will be determined by the length of the absence. When obtaining the work, there will be one day of make-up for each day of absence.

Tardies

Tardiness is defined as not being in the assigned classroom (or seat – teacher’s discretion) before the bell sounds. Teachers are to advise students of any and all tardy recordings. Continuous tardies will result in disciplinary action as stated in the Discipline Policy.

Extracurricular activities

A student who is unable to attend at least half of the day will be unable to attend extracurricular functions later in the same day unless proper documentation (doctor’s note or legal form) is presented. Requests for special consideration should be directed to an administrator.

Signing out

Students are not to leave the building without permission from an administrator or other authorized office staff. Students must also have permission from parent/guardian to leave the building. Leaving the school grounds without administrative approval at any time during the school day will be considered truancy.

Perfect Attendance Program

Students earning perfect attendance each year will be recognized by the school.  Perfect attendance is defined as NO time missed outside of the classroom throughout the course of the school day unless for one of the following reasons:

• School sponsored Field Trip
• College Day
• Appearing in Court under subpoena
• Serving as Page in the Legislature
• Serving as the official representative of the school as assigned by the Principal or his/her designee

Please Note:

• Students earning an out of school suspension or who are incarcerated will not be considered for the Perfect Attendance Program.
• Hospitalizations that cause the student to miss, while unfortunate, do count against the program.
• It is up to the student to have his/her attendance reviewed in May each school year to ensure there are no errors, concerns or problems that should be addressed by the school and/ or the student prior to end of each school year.
• There are absences that do not count against the regular attendance policy, but do count against the Perfect Attendance Program. They are as follows: death (of a relative, friend, etc), suspensions from school, working elections, hospitalizations, homebound, and incarceration.

Program for Dealing With Truancies

In cooperation with the Vigo County School Corporation, Vigo County Juvenile Center, and the Office of Family and Children.

First and Second Occurrences

Step I: School officials employ the standard disciplines for truancy.

Third Occurrence

Step II: School officials meet with parent or guardian.  

Fourth Occurrence

Step III:  If the problem continues:

1. 1. Truancies involving students age 12 years and older, the matter is forwarded to the Vigo County Juvenile Center on a Truancy Face Sheet (copy of attendance history attached)
   2. Truancies involving students age 11 years and younger will be referred directly to the Office of Family and Children for investigation of educational neglect.  Use Truancy Face Sheet to report.

Fifth Occurrence

Step IV:  Probation in Place of Expulsion (PIPE):  This is a behavioral contract signed by the student, parent and school official.  It outlines expected behaviors and consequences if the contract is broken.  

Step V:  Family meets with the Probation Officer for preliminary hearing.  At the end of the       hearing, the probation officer will decide which of four options is best for the child:

1. 1. File Charges
   2. Dismiss
   3. Informal probation
   4. Refer to another agency, i.e., Office of Family & Children, Counseling, etc.

Step VI :  The probation officer notifies the school of his/her decision and a plan of action is developed to work together to correct the problem.

Step VII :  The goal being no expulsion as a result of truancy.

**  Excessive absences that are excused by parents will be referred to the Office of Family and Children for investigation.  If it is determined that these are not lawful reasons for absences, the case will be referred back to the Vigo County Juvenile Center.

The Vigo County School Corporation, in cooperation with the Juvenile Probation Department meets regularly to update the “Truancy Prevention Program” for our schools. If a student accumulates 10 absences or 4 truancy’s , the name of the student is sent to the Juvenile Probation Department. The Chief Probation Officer works with the prosecutor to enforce State Laws regarding school attendance. Parents should keep in contact with their child’s home school to provide them information when a child is too sick to come to school or is hospitalized. Your cooperation is necessary to avoid unnecessary referrals.

West Vigo Tardy Policy

It is our belief that regular and prompt attendance to school leads to both academic success and to the self-discipline necessary for lifelong success.  

Students are to be in their classroom before the bell rings or they will be counted as tardy.

All tardies to classes will be considered unexcused unless there is an accompanying pass from the dean’s office or another teacher.  Any student who is tardy to class throughout the school day 1st thru 7th hours will receive detention.

Students who are tardy to first period class are to report directly to the front office to obtain a pass and then to the dean’s office.  Students will be allowed two tardies for any reason per term to school without consequence.  The following policy will take effect upon the 3rd tardy:

3rd  Tardy–LUNCH DETENTION

4th tardy –LUNCH DETENTION

5th Tardy–AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION

6th Tardy–AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION

7th Tardy-TUESDAY EXT./PARENT CONTACT

8th Tardy- TUESDAY EXT./PARENT CONTACT

9th tardy- ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PLACEMENT

10th tardy-ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PLACEMENT

A parent conference will be arranged upon the 7th tardy.

Students must be in attendance by 11:00 am on a regular day schedule in order to attend or participate in extracurricular activities that evening after school.  On ½ days or delay schedules the student must report by the beginning of 3rd period. 

Vigo County School Corporation

Student Discipline Rules

The Vigo County School Corporation’s mission is to equip students with lifelong learning skills and prepare them to become productive and responsible citizens. Toward that end, the School Corporation desires to use progressive discipline of students in an effort to avoid interruption or disruption within educational program and activities while also pursuing restorative goals that seek to avoid exclusionary punishment, if possible. In accordance with Indiana law, administrators and staff members may take the following actions:

1. CLASSROOM CONSEQUENCE: A teacher may prescribe appropriate classroom-level correction to encourage compliance with expectations and policies.
2. REMOVAL FROM CLASS OR ACTIVITY ‑ TEACHER:
   • A middle or high school teacher may remove a student from the teacher’s class or activity for a period of up to 1 school day if the student is assigned regular or additional work to be completed in another school setting.
   • An elementary teacher may remove a student from the teacher’s classroom or activity for a period of up to one (1) school day if the student is assigned regular or additional work to be completed in another school setting
   • If a teacher removes a student from class under a) or b) above, the principal may place the student in one of the following settings: another appropriate class, another appropriate setting, or in-school suspension. The student may not be placed back into the original class until the principal has a meeting with the teacher, the student, and the student’s parents to determine an appropriate behavior plan for the student. If the parents do not attend this meeting within a reasonable time, the principal may place the student in another class or educational setting.
   • A student may also lose bus transportation privileges as a consequence. (NOTE: Loss of bus transportation for students under an IEP or Section 504 plan may be considered equal to an out of school suspension.)
3. ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT/SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL ‑ PRINCIPAL:  A school principal (or designee) may place the student in an alternative learning environment, which is the preferred consequence, or deny a student the right to attend school and/or take part in any school function for a period of up to 10 school days.
4. EXPULSION: A student may be expelled from school for a period no longer than the remainder of the current semester plus the following semester.

NOTE: Students under IEPS or Section 504 shall receive separate considerations and may not be eligible for some forms of discipline.

GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION:

The grounds for suspension or expulsion listed in Section A below apply when a student is:

1. On school grounds immediately before, during, and immediately after school hours and at any other time when the school is being used by a school group (including summer school);
2. Off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event; or
3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event.

A school activity, function, or event includes e-Learning, virtual instruction, and remote learning days.

A violation by a student listed in Sections A and B below is subject to a range of disciplinary consequences imposed by teachers or administrators intended to be progressive in nature and move to a more serious consequence with each violation of the same or similar rule. In recognizing that violations of certain rules and the resulting consequences will be dependent upon the age of the student, the number of prior violations and the severity of the violation, the principal of each building level shall develop the minimum and maximum consequences for each rule for their building that is to be approved by the board annually and published in the student handbook for each building. The appropriate consequence should be the least severe that will adequately address any danger to the student and other persons, prevent further disruption of activities, and promote student achievement.

A. Student Misconduct and/or Substantial Disobedience

Grounds for suspension or expulsion are student misconduct and/or substantial disobedience. The following rules define student misconduct and/or substantial disobedience for which a student may be suspended or expelled:

1. Using violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or other conduct constituting an interference or disruption with school purposes, or urging other students to engage in such conduct. The following enumeration is only illustrative and not limited to the type of conduct prohibited by this rule:
   • Occupying any school building, school grounds, or part thereof with intent to deprive others of its use.
   • Blocking the entrance or exits of any school building or corridor or room therein with intent to deprive others of lawful access to or from, or use of the building, corridor, or room.
   • Setting fire to or damaging any school building or school property.
   • Prevention of or attempting to prevent by physical act the convening or continued functioning of any school or education function, or of any meeting or assembly on school property.
   • Intentionally making noise or acting in any manner so as to interfere with the ability of any teacher or any other person to conduct or participate in an education function.
2. Engaging in any kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological   harm to another person or urging other students to engage in such conduct. Prohibited conduct includes coercion, harassment, hazing, or other comparable conduct.
3. Engaging in violence and/or threat of violence against any student, staff member, and/or other persons. Prohibited violent or threatening conduct includes threatening, planning, or conspiring with others to engage in a violent activity.
4. Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property, stealing or attempting to steal school property.
5. Causing or attempting to cause damage to private property, stealing or attempting to steal private property.
6. Causing or attempting to cause physical injury or behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person. Self‑defense or reasonable action undertaken on the reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect oneself and/or another person is not a violation of this rule.
7. Threatening or intimidating any person for any purpose, including obtaining money or anything of value.
8. Threatening (whether specific or general in nature) injury to persons or damage to property, regardless of whether there is a present ability to commit the act.
9. Failing to report the actions or plans of another person to a teacher or administrator where those actions or plans, if carried out, could result in harm to another person or persons or damage property when the student has information about such actions or plans.
10. Possessing, handling, or transmitting a knife or any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon, is represented to be a weapon, or looks like a weapon, including but not limited to imitation weapons or airsoft guns.
11. Possessing, using, transmitting, or being affected by any controlled substance, prescription drug, narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug (including natural hallucinogens), amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, intoxicant or depressant of any kind, or any paraphernalia used in connection with the listed substances. Also prohibited is the consumption of any of the stated substances immediately before attending school or a school function or event. THC Extract products as defined by state law are included in this rule and/or violations of the school corporation administration of medication policy are included in this rule
    • Exception to Rule 11: a student may possess and self-administer prescribed medication for the disease or condition if the student’s parent has filed a written authorization with the building principal. The written authorization must be filed annually. The written authorization must be completed by a physician and must include the following information:
      • The nature of the student’s disease or medical condition shall or may require administration of the prescribed medication during the school day.
      • The student has been instructed in how to self-administer the prescribed medication.
      • The student is authorized to possess and self-administer the prescribed medication.

This exception, however, does not apply to use of prescribed medication by anyone other than the individual to whom the prescription is written, nor does this exception permit the unlawful distribution of prescribed medication.

12. Possessing, using, or transmitting any substance which is represented to be or looks like a narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, stimulant, depressant, or intoxicant of any kind.
13. Possessing, using, transmitting, or being affected by caffeine‑based   substances other than beverages, substances containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA)*, stimulants of any kind, or any other similar over-the-counter products.
14. Possessing, using, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco or nicotine-containing products of any kind or in any form. These products include e-cigarettes, vaping devices, any type of look-alike products or other related products or devices associated with tobacco or nicotine use or electronic nicotine delivery systems.
15. Offering to sell or agreeing to purchase a controlled or banned substance or alcoholic beverages.
16. Failing to comply with directions of teachers or other school personnel during any period of time when the student is properly under their supervision, where the failure constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
17. Failing to completely and truthfully respond to questions from a staff member regarding school-related matters including potential violations of the student conduct rules or state or federal law. (NOTE: If the staff member is a uniformed law enforcement officer, the student may have the right to be silent under the U.S. and Indiana Constitutions.)
18. Accusing any person of sexual harassment, or of violating a school rule,  and/or a state or federal law without a good faith basis for such allegation.
19. Engaging in any activity forbidden by the laws of Indiana that constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
20. Aiding, assisting, agreeing or conspiring with another person to violate these student conduct rules or state or federal law.
21. Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.
22. Taking, recording, displaying and/or distributing pictures (digital or otherwise), video or audio recordings of a student or staff member without the consent of that student or staff member, including images altered through technology.
23. Possessing sexually-related materials which include images displaying uncovered breasts, genitals, or buttocks.
24. “Sexting” or using a cell phone or other personal communication device to possess or send text or email messages containing images reasonably interpreted as indecent or sexual in nature. In addition to taking any disciplinary action, phones will be confiscated and any images suspected to violate criminal laws will be referred to law enforcement authorities.
25. Engaging in pranks or other similar activity that could result in harm to another person.
26. Using or possessing gunpowder, ammunition, or an inflammable substance.
27. Violating any board policy or administrative rules that are reasonably necessary in carrying out school purposes or an educational function, including, but not limited to:
    • engaging in sexual behavior on school property
    • engaging in sexual harassment of a student or staff member
    • disobedience of administrative authority
    • willful absence or tardiness of students
    • engaging in speech or conduct, including clothing, jewelry or hair style, that is profane, indecent, lewd, vulgar, or refers to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, sex, or illegal activity
    • violation of the school corporation’s acceptable use of technology policy or rules
    • violation of the school corporation’s administration of medication policy or rules
    • possessing or using a laser pointer or similar device.
28. Possessing or using an electronic device (e.g. cellular phone, tablet computer, pager, digital camera, electronic equipment) in a manner which constitutes an interference with a school purpose or educational function, an invasion of privacy, or an act of academic dishonesty, or is profane, indecent, or obscene. In addition to being disciplined, students who use an electronic device in a manner which is inconsistent with this rule may have the device confiscated by school administration. Such device will be returned to the parent.
29. Possessing or using on school grounds during school hours an electronic device, a cellular telephone, or any other telecommunication device, including a look-a-like device, in a situation not related to a school purpose or educational function or using such device to engage in an activity that violates school rules. This rule is not violated when the student has been given clear permission from a school administrator or a designated staff member to possess or use one of the devices listed in this rule. In addition to being disciplined, students who use an electronic device in a manner which is inconsistent with this rule may have the device confiscated by school administration. Such device will be returned to the parent.
30. Any student conduct rule the school building principal establishes and gives notice to students and parents.

B. Bullying

1. Bullying committed by students toward other students is strictly prohibited. Engaging in bullying conduct described in this rule by use of data or computer software that is accessed through any computer, computer system, computer network, or cellular telephone or other wireless or cellular communication device, is also prohibited.
2. For purposes of this rule, bullying is defined as overt, unwanted, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications or images transmitted in any manner including electronically or digitally, physical acts committed, aggression, or any other similar behaviors that are committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the targeted student and create for the targeted student an objectively hostile school environment that:
   • places the targeted student in reasonable fear of harm to the targeted student’s person or property
   • has a substantially detrimental effect on the targeted student’s physical or mental health
   • has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s academic performance
   • has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, and privileges provided by the school.
3. This rule may be applied regardless of the physical location of the bullying behavior when a student committing bullying behavior and the targeted student attend a school within the school corporation and disciplinary action is reasonably necessary to avoid substantial interference with school discipline or prevent an unreasonable threat to the rights of other students to a safe and peaceful learning environment.
4. Any student or parent who has knowledge of conduct in violation of this rule or any student who feels he/she has been bullied in violation of this rule should immediately report the conduct to the principal or designee who has responsibility for all investigations of student misconduct including bullying. A student or parent may also report the conduct to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the principal or designee. This report may be made anonymously.
5. Investigation and of any remedial action that has been taken. During the investigation, the school’s priority will be the safety of the victim. The investigation may include a determination of the severity of the bullying incident(s) and whether the transfer of the alleged perpetrator or victim to another school within the school corporation is warranted.

The principal or designee shall investigate immediately all reports of bullying made pursuant to the provisions of this rule. Such investigation must include any action or appropriate responses that may be taken immediately to address the bullying conduct wherever it takes place. The parents of the alleged perpetrator and the targeted student(s) shall be notified of the reported bullying incidents within five business days of the report of such incidents and on a regular, periodic basis of the progress and the findings of the

6. The Principal or designee will be responsible for working with the school counselors and other community resources to provide information and/or follow-up services to support the targeted student and to educate the student engaging in bullying behavior on the effects of bullying and the prevention of bullying. In addition, the school administrator and school counselors will be responsible for determining if the bullying behavior is a violation of law required to be reported to law enforcement under Indiana law based upon their reasonable belief. Such determination should be made as soon as possible and once this determination is made, the report should be made immediately to law enforcement.
7. False reporting of bullying conduct as defined in this rule by a student shall be considered a violation of this rule and will result in any appropriate disciplinary action or sanctions if the investigation of the report finds it to be false.
8. A violation of this rule prohibiting bullying may result in any appropriate disciplinary action or sanction, including suspension and/or expulsion.
9. Failure by a school employee who has a responsibility to report bullying or investigate bullying or any other duty under this rule to carry out such responsibility or duty will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from employment with the school corporation.
10. Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to change the behavior of the perpetrator. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the bullying.
11. Educational outreach and training will be provided to school personnel, parents, and students concerning the identification, prevention, and intervention in bullying.
12. All schools in the corporation are encouraged to engage students, staff and parents in meaningful discussions about the negative aspects of bullying. The parent involvement may be through parent organizations already in place in each school.13. The superintendent or designee will be responsible for 13.Developing detailed administrative procedures consistent with the Indiana Department of Education guidelines for the implementation of the provisions of this rule.

C. Possessing a Firearm or A Destructive Device

1. No student shall possess, handle or transmit any firearm or a destructive device on school property
2. The following devices are considered to be a firearm under this rule:
   • any weapon that is capable of expelling, designed to expel, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by means of an explosion.

3. For purposes of this rule, a destructive device is:
   • an explosive, incendiary, or overpressure device that is configured as a bomb, a grenade, a rocket with a propellant charge of more than four ounces, a missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, a mine, a Molotov cocktail or a device that is substantially similar to an item described above, a type of weapon that may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant through a barrel that has a bore diameter of more than one-half inch, or a combination of parts designed or intended for use in the conversion of a device into a destructive device.
   • A destructive device is NOT a device that although originally designed for use as a weapon, is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device

4. The penalty for possession of a firearm or a destructive device: suspension up to 10 days and expulsion from school for at least one calendar year with the return of the student to be at the beginning of the first semester after the one year period. The superintendent may reduce the length of the expulsion if the circumstances warrant such reduction.
5. The superintendent shall immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when a student engages in behavior described in this rule.

D. Possessing A Deadly Weapon

1. No student shall possess, handle or transmit any deadly weapon on school property.
2. The following devices are considered to be deadly weapons for purposes of this rule:
   • a weapon, taser or electronic stun weapon, equipment, chemical substance, or other material that in the manner it is used, or could ordinarily be used, or is intended to be used, is readily capable of causing serious bodily injury; an animal readily capable of causing serious bodily injury and used in the commission or attempted commission of a crime; or a biological disease, virus, or organism that is capable of causing serious bodily injury.
3. The penalty for possession of a deadly weapon: up to 10 days suspension and expulsion from school for a period of up to one calendar year.
4. The superintendent may notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when a student engages in behavior described in this rule.

E. Unlawful Activity

A student may be suspended or expelled for engaging in unlawful activity on or off school grounds if 1) the unlawful activity may reasonably be considered to be an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or 2) the student’s removal is necessary to restore order or protect persons on school property. This includes any unlawful activity meeting the above criteria that takes place during weekends, holidays, other school breaks, and the summer period when a student may not be attending classes or other school functions.

F. Legal Settlement

A student may be expelled if it is determined that the student’s legal settlement is not in the attendance area of the school where the student is enrolled.

LEGAL REFERENCES:	I.C. 20-33-8	I.C. 35-31.5-2-86
	I.C. 35-47.5-2-4	I.C. 35-47-1-5

SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION PROCEDURES

SUSPENSION PROCEDURE

When a principal (or designee) determines that a student should be suspended, the following procedures will be followed:

1. A meeting will be held prior to the suspension of any student. At this meeting the student will be entitled to:
   1. a written or oral statement of the charges;
   2. if the student denies the charges, a summary of the evidence against the student will be presented; and,
   3. the student will be provided an opportunity to explain his or her conduct.
2. The meeting shall precede suspension of the student except where the nature of the misconduct requires immediate removal. In such situations, the meeting will follow the suspension as soon as reasonably possible following the date of the suspension.
3. Following the suspension, the parent or guardian of a suspended student will be notified in writing. The notification will include the dates of the suspension, describe the student’s misconduct, and the action taken by the principal. 
4. During the suspension, the student is required to complete all school work assigned during the suspension. The principal or designee will ensure the student receives notice of all assignments due during the suspension and will provide teacher contact information to the student so the student may contact the teacher if the student has any questions about the assignments. For any assignments and/or school work completed by the student during the student’s suspension period, credit will be given to the student to the same extent and in the same manner as students who are not suspended receive.

EXPULSION PROCEDURE

When a principal (or designee) recommends to the superintendent (or designee) that a student be expelled from school, the following procedures will be followed:

1. The superintendent (or designee) may conduct an expulsion meeting, or may appoint one of the following persons to conduct the expulsion meeting:
   1. legal counsel
   2. a member of the administrative staff who did not expel the student during the current school year and was not involved in the events giving rise to the expulsion.
2. An expulsion will not take place until the student and the student’s parent are given notice of their right to appear at an expulsion meeting conducted by the superintendent or the person designated above. Failure to request and to appear at this meeting will be deemed a waiver of rights administratively to contest the expulsion or to appeal it to the Superintendent.
3. The notice of the right to an expulsion meeting will be in writing, delivered by certified mail or by personal delivery, and contain the reasons for the expulsion and the procedure for requesting the meeting.
4. At the expulsion meeting, the principal (or designee), will present evidence to support the charges against the student. The student or parent will have the opportunity to answer the charges against the student, and to present evidence to support the student’s position. The student or student’s family has no right to counsel during an expulsion meeting.  
5. If an expulsion meeting is held, the person conducting the expulsion meeting will make a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting, take any action found to be appropriate, and give notice of the action taken to the student and the student’s parent.
6. The expulsion examiner shall provide to the student and parent the school corporation list of alternative education programs located in the county or in an adjacent county and of virtual charter schools in which the student may enroll during the student’s expulsion at the expulsion meeting. If no expulsion meeting is held or the student or parent do not attend the expulsion meeting, the expulsion examiner shall mail the list to the student and parent to the student’s residence.

Option 1 for school boards that hear all student expulsion appeals:

RIGHT TO APPEAL

The student or parent has the right to appeal an expulsion decision to the school board within 10 days of the receipt of notice of the action taken. The student or parent appeal to the school board must be in writing. If an appeal is properly made, the school board at the appeal hearing will consider the written summary of the expulsion meeting and the arguments of the school administration and the student and/or the student’s parent. The School Board will then take any action deemed appropriate.

Option 2 for school boards that have voted not to hear student expulsion appeals:

NO RIGHT TO APPEAL

The student or parent has no right to appeal an expulsion decision to the school board as the school board has voted not to hear student expulsion appeals.

LEGAL REFERENCE:	I.C. 20-33-8-18
	I.C. 20-33-8-19
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Vigo County School Corporation Tobacco Policy

Starting January 1, 2002, as it is illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to possess tobacco products, disciplinary action for the violation of the IC 35-46-1-10.5 (illegal possession or use of tobacco products) on school premises or school sponsored events WILL result in a referral to local law enforcement.

School Policy for possession or use will be enforced as follows:

First Offense – 1 to 3 days in-school suspension and, if under eighteen years of age, principal will report the offense to law enforcement.

The principal or designee may substitute school/community service in place of suspension for the first offense.

Second Offense – 3 to 5 days in-school suspension and, if under eighteen years of age, principal will report the offense to law enforcement.

Third (or more) Offense – 5 to 10 days suspension out of school for each violation and, if under eighteen years of age, principal will report the offense to law enforcement.

DRIVER’S LICENSE LAW

Indiana Code 20-8.1-3-17.2 provides that any student 13 or 14 years old who is determined to be a habitual truant cannot be issued a learner’s permit or an operator’s license until the age of 18.  A habitual truant is a student who willfully refuses to attend school in defiance of parental authority either three days in one term or four days in any two-term period.  Once a student has been designated habitual truant, he/she has the right to due process as well as periodic review to determine if the prohibition can be removed.

An operator’s license or learner’s permit may not be issued to a person less than 18 years of age who is under:

1. At least a second out – of – school suspension from school for the school year.
2. Third truancy from school.
3. An expulsion from school.
4. An exclusion from school due to misconduct.
5. In an effort to circumvent the above sanctions, withdraws from school before graduating.

If a person is less than 18 years of age and is under a suspension, expulsion, or has withdrawn from school as described in number 4 above, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall invalidate the person’s license or permit until the earliest of following:

1. The person becomes 18 years of age.
2. 120 days after the student is suspended.
3. 180 days after the student is expelled or excluded.
4. The suspension, expulsion or exclusion is reversed after the person has had a hearing.

DRUG/ALCOHOL – ALTERNATIVE TO EXPULSION RULES II AND III

Possession, Use, or Under the Influence

Students in violation may be offered the following, all at their own cost, in lieu* of a recommendation for expulsion:

1. Suspended from school attendance for 1 to 10 days
2. Must complete the initial drug/alcohol screening (within 24 hours)
3. Must repeat drug/alcohol screenings throughout the year as specified by the building principal or designee; and complete an education program
4. Students will also be reported to the justice system.  Failure to complete the initial screening and complete the education programming will result in expulsion from school.  If drug/alcohol screens required throughout the school year show evidence of drug/alcohol use, the expulsion will be immediately effective.  Principals or his/her designee may also assign school/community service of up to 30 hours.

VIGO COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION

TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA

File:  ___JF-R___

Additional violation will result in an expulsion from school for a period of time not less than the longest period of time allowed by policy and/or statue.

*    Parents and students will need to sign a waiver of “Right to Expulsion Hearing” for this alternative to expulsion to be offered.

1. The Vigo County School Corporation expects that principals will use their professional discretion when implementing discipline approaches with individual students.  All appeals will be at the building level.
2. Each school will develop a program to recognize students for excellent school attendance.  
3. Tardiness to school or class will be dealt with in such a way(s) so as not to negatively impact the school attendance rate.  Calls will be made to the home to encourage the student to be on time and at school each day.  Tardiness may result in loss of recess /break time or assignment to a detention or extended school day.
4. Parents/guardians are to report a student absence by calling the school prior to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.  Failure to call may result in disciplinary action.
5. After each absence the following procedures will be followed:
   1. Calls will be made to the home or parent work place each day if the school is not notified by the parent/guardian on the day of student absence.  The school will use other communication methods if there is no available home/work phone.  All efforts to contact the home will be properly documented.
   2. When possible and/or appropriate, teachers/teams are encouraged to discuss the importance of school attendance with the student.
   3. Students are allowed to make-up appropriate work missed because of any absences with the exception of absences identified as truancies. The work will be included in figuring the student’s grade.  Students/parents must contact the teacher to request the make-up work.  Elementary students will have one week to complete make-up work.  Middle and high school students have three school days after the last absence to complete make-up work.  Special circumstances may be approved by the principal.
6. On the fourth (4th) and the eighth (8th) absences, when appropriate, an attendance letter will be mailed to the home informing the parents/guardians regarding the importance of good school attendance and alerting them that serious attendance patterns may be developing.  Schools at each level (elementary, middle and high) will include in this letter pertinent information about possible consequences of continued absences.  The school will keep proper documentation of this communication.
   
7. On the tenth (10th) absence, when appropriate, the school will contact the student and the parent/guardian and develop a Probation in Place of Expulsion  (PIPE) plan that sets the expectations for improved attendance.  Schools at each level (elementary, middle and high) will again share pertinent information about possible additional consequences of continued absences.  The school will keep proper documentation of this communication.
8. On the fifteenth (15th) absence, when appropriate, in communication with the student and the parent/guardian, the school may involve Child Protective Services, the Juvenile Justice System, and recommend expulsion.  Additionally, driver’s license/permit and work permit may be revoked by the principal after the 15th absence.

The Guidance and Counseling Department consists of both the dean and counselors office. Students are assigned to a specific counselor for scheduling.  All guidance staff handle scheduling, career planning, and behavioral counseling.

All students report to the deans for attendance issues, disciplinary referrals, locker assignments, and other pertinent matters.

The administrative team will administer testing programs. Students must attain the required score in each of the tested areas in order to receive a high school diploma.  Students who are not successful in meeting the requirement will be considered for the waiver.

Additional testing opportunities at West Vigo include the PSAT (pre SAT), PLAN (pre ACT), Advanced Placement testing and the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery).

The SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests (required by select universities) and the ACT (American College Testing) are offered at off-campus testing sites.

Students have computer access to career information in our office area or from home computers through our West Vigo High School website.  The Indiana Career Explorer is administered to grades 9-12 in the classroom.  Scholarship and financial aid information is presented in a timely fashion to coincide with the state and federal deadlines.

TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING CREDITS AND FOLLOWING THE APPROPRIATE DIPLOMA TRACK, CONTACT THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT!

See WVHS Counselor’s page for graduation requirements and other information.

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Advanced Placement Courses

The Advanced Placement Program is intended to give our students the opportunity to gain college credit from selected colleges and universities.  Additionally these institutions also look favorable upon students that have completed Advanced Placement during the admission process.

Advanced Placement examinations are usually administered in May under strict guidelines from the College Entrance Examination Board through the Educational Testing Service.  Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses will have the opportunity to register for exams in the following areas:  U. S. History, Biology, Calculus, World History, English Language Composition and English Literature.

Early College

Early College High School at West Vigo gives students a head start on the rest of their lives. It allows students to earn both a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit, by taking a mixture of high school and college classes.

Dual Credit Opportunities

Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana State University, and Vincennes University offers college credit to students taking a wide variety of high school classes. Check the Curriculum Guide found on the Counselor’s page for more information.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Cumulative grade point average, based on the end of the second term of their senior year, will be used in determining valedictorian and salutatorian honors.

National Honor Society

National Honor Society applications will be offered to all students who, at the end of seven trimesters, have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and are on track to earn, at a minimum, a Core40 diploma.

Rank in Class

Rank in class is based on the cumulative grade point average and is computed at the end of each term. Cumulative grade point averages for students in a given class are placed in order from high to low with the highest Grade Point Average given the rank of 1 and the lowest Grade Point Average given the rank equal to the number of students in that class.

A student’s class rank is determined by where his/her Grade Point Average falls in the ranking. Students to be included in the class ranking will have earned at least half of their credits at an accredited high school. Foreign exchange students will not earn a class ranking. Students with a pass on their mark history cannot be included in rank. A student who may be eligible to earn Valedictorian or Salutatorian designation should work closely with his/her counselor to ensure a full schedule of classes at the school is taken each trimester. Taking courses off site or not for credit can impact the Valedictorian or Salutatorian designation.

Honor Roll

In order to attain honor roll status, a student must meet the following requirements:

1. Grade Point Averages

Exceptional Honor Roll ….  3.85-4.00
High Honor Roll …………… 3.50-3.84
Honor Roll ………………….. 3.00-3.49

The student must carry at least five (5) full credit courses (Only one of which may be Pass/Fail).

2. Students having a D, F, non-pass or incomplete grade for a given grading period will be excluded from the Honor Roll for that period only.

Society for Academic Excellence

The West Vigo Society for Academic Excellence was instituted in the Spring of 1984.  The objective of the organization is to recognize and pay tribute to the students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability.

Students qualify for membership into the Society at the completion of their second full term at West Vigo High School if they have an accumulated grade point average of 3.75 or better (figured on a 4.0 scale).

Further qualifications are available for students, who at the end of the eighth full term at West Vigo High School, have an accumulated G.P.A. of 3.5 or better.

Upon entrance to the Society, students are issued a block “W” school letter designating academic excellence along with a chevron indicating a year of qualification.  Each additional year the student qualified will gain them an additional chevron.

Grading System

The regular grading system uses symbols to report the achievement in each marking period.  The final grade for the term is the average of the reported grades plus a final examination. A student must pass a course in order to receive credit.

A  =  4.00	B  =  3.00	C   =  2.00	D  =  1.00
A- = 3.67	B- = 2.67	C-  = 1.67	D- = 0.67
B+ = 3.33	C+ = 2.33	D+ = 1.33	F = 0.00

W, Withdrawn – The student, voluntarily or involuntarily, has withdrawn from the course.

W/F – Students who withdraw voluntarily or involuntarily from a course after the drop deadline.

Glossary of Grading Terms

G.P.A. – Grade Point Average –  This is the average of the grades earned for all subjects to date for a given grading period. (This information is printed on report cards.)

Cum G.P.A. – The cumulative grade point average is for the present term and all previous terms.  It is the official G.P.A. for the corporation files, class rank, college applications, etc.  (This information is printed on report cards.)

Class Rank – Where you stand in comparison to the rest of your class based on your cumulative grade point average at the end of each term.  (This information may be obtained from your counselor.)

Repeating Courses

A student who has received a grade of “F” in a required course must repeat that course and the “F” grade will be expunged when a higher grade is earned.

A student may petition through his/her counselor the opportunity to repeat any course in which the student has earned a term grade of “C-“ or less and have placed on the permanent transcript the higher grade earned.  The lower grade should be expunged from the record.

Report Cards

Report cards will be issued through Skyward to all students as quickly as possible following the end of each six weeks-grading period.

Early Release Time

Early release time is only available to students enrolled in a Vigo County School Corporation approved Work Program.

Schedule Changes

Student schedules are considered complete when “final schedules” are presented to students/parents.  Changes will only be made within five (5) days of the beginning of the semester to resolve an error, to respond to course failures, to expunge a grade, to respond to course/diploma requirements, or to up-grade a schedule.

Credit Requirements for each grade level

Freshman 0 – 9

Sophomore 10 – 19

Junior 20 – 32

Senior 33 and above 

GRADING POLICIES REGARDING EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION

Student-Athletes and Cheerleaders

To participate in a competitive sport, a student must have parental consent, a medical examination, and have a minimum of five passing grades in full-credit courses during the previous grading period. The student must maintain passing grades in five full-credit courses to continue participation. The required Basic Physical Education course counts as one of the five required classes. All West Vigo High School student-athletes must be enrolled in at least five full-credit classes. Any student-athlete who may be considering playing in a NCAA Division I or II athletic program in college should be aware of the required high school curriculum and required college admission scores necessary to be qualified to participate; athletes should check with their counselors to be sure they are meeting the standards. Enclosed in this guide are the College Freshman Eligibility Standards for NCAA Divisions I and II.

Athletic Eligibility

Any student who participates in athletics must be passing four courses. They must have a physical on file with the Athletic Director and have a code of conduct form signed. The academic certification date for the IHSAA is the date the student receives his/her report card or 7 days from the end of the grading period, whichever one arrives first.

Athletic Participation

In order to be able to participate in interscholastic athletics, a student must have written parental consent, a medical examination, and a minimum of five passing grades in the previous grading period, in full credit courses, and verification of family accident insurance.

Students are encouraged to participate in the athletics of their choice. The coaching staff would be pleased to talk with you about their specific activity in order that you have all necessary information.

Athletic Code of Conduct

A student athlete who represents the Vigo County School Corporation must exhibit at all times the highest standards of personal behavior. Participation in athletics is a privilege requiring that a student make a commitment to practice before or after school hours with perfect or near perfect attendance, to work hard to excel, to learn cooperation and team efforts, and to exemplify good behavior both at school and away from school. Athletes are representatives of the Vigo County School Corporation and their school and always serve as role models at school and in the community. Students who cannot accept this challenge and responsibility should not become involved with the athletic program. There is a legitimate school interest and an expectation by the coaching staff of the Vigo County School Corporation that students follow the Athletic Code of Conduct at all times (beginning with the students’ attendance at their first official middle/high school sports practice following completion of grades 6/8 and continuing for 365 days each year through completion of student’s involvement in athletic events their eighth grade/senior year. Therefore, he/she should conscientiously fulfill all the rules established for the athletic program and the sports for which he/she is participating.

General Rules include, but are not limited to:

1. Use of tobacco in any form is prohibited (first offense will be “athletic suspension”, and a second offense will cause “athletic exclusion”.)
2. Possession and/or use of any substance/device/object which is, or is represented to be alcohol/drugs as identified in Rule II or III of the Student Rights and Responsibilities policy of the School Corporation is prohibited (first offense will be “athletic suspension”, additional offenses will cause “athletic exclusion”.)
3. Providing or transmitting any substance/device/object which is, or is represented to be alcohol/drugs as identified in Rule I or IV of the Student Rights and Responsibilities policy of the School Corporation will cause “athletic exclusion”.
4. Being found guilty of violating city, state, or federal codes/laws will cause a warning, or “athletic suspension” or “athletic exclusion”.
5. Reference Rule C-8-1 IHSAA By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation: “Contestants’ conduct, in and out of school, shall be such as (1) not to reflect discredit upon their school or association or (2) not to create a disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral or educational environment in the school.” Note: “It is recognized that principals, by the administrative authority vested in them by their school corporation, may exclude such contestants from representing their school”.
6. Additional rules may be established for each sport by the individual coach. Such rules must be approved by the athletic director and principal, provided in writing to the student-athlete and discussed with the student-athlete.

Athletic Suspension

The student-athlete cannot participate in twenty (20%) percent of the games/meets for the sport the student is currently, or will be, involved in until the penalty is completed (this may necessitate suspension in more than a single sport season or school year). The number of games/meets will be determined by 20% of the current or immediately next sport, whichever comes first. (clarification- not a part of the policy)- number of games/meets in the regular season will be used to determine the 20% -fractions will be rounded off in the normal manner- suspensions will extend into tournament play)

Athletic Exclusion

The student-athlete will be ineligible to participate in any athletic program for 365 days from the date of infraction.

Parent/Legal Guardian appeals will occur through normal due process channels to the building principal.

Other Items:

1. School Suspension-Any athlete placed on out-of-school suspension is not eligible to practice nor participate until the student has returned to school. This ineligibility will begin at the time the student is notified of the suspension (either orally or in writing).
2. Dress Code-student athletes are expected to be neat, clean, and well groomed for both away and home games.
3. Changing Sport in Mid-season-From the time a student’s name appears on the official eligibility list for an inter-scholastic sport, he or she may join another team, or compete in another inter-scholastic sport only with approval of the athletic director and coaches involved.

Mid-season change of teams may be permitted under the following conditions:

• • If the student presents to both coaches involved a doctor’s certificate recommending that he/she drop the first sport for reasons of health and permits participation in the second sport.
  • If both coaches involved and the athletic director agrees that a mid-season change of sports would be beneficial to the player without being unfair to the players of either team.

4. Any athlete in grades nine-twelve who is a member of a school team cannot tryout, practice, or play in a similar sports program sponsored by any other organization between the date of the first IHSAA authorized contest in that sport and the completion of that team’s school season.
   Each coach is responsible for the administration of this code for his/her activity.
5. Attendance-student athletes must arrive by 11:00 to be eligible to participate in athletic contests unless otherwise approved by the administration (ex. Doctor’s notes, funeral).

The “Title IX Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer” for the Vigo County School Corporation can be contacted in the following manner:

Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer: Dr. Thomas F. Balitewicz

Email: Thomas.Balitewicz@vigoschools.org

Telephone: 812-462-4224

Mailing Address:

Attn: Title IX Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer
Vigo County School Corporation
501 W. Olive St. West Terre Haute, IN 47885