WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2021-2022
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WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2021-2022
1401 W. Grand Ave.
Ponca City, OK 74601
School Phone: 580-767-8020
PRINCIPAL
Mrs. Stacey Sattre sattrs@pcps.us
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 6TH
Ms. Kristen Dolen dolenk@pcps.us
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 7TH
Mr. Kevin LaRue laruek@pcps.us
1
PONCA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLSDISTRICT WIDE THEME
WMS Vision:
"To be an innovative, nurturing, supportive environment, which promotes positive
self-concept and ensures social and academic success for all students."
WMS Mission:
“To promote social and academic success as well as a positive self-image in all of our
students.”
2
TABLE OF CONTENTSCHEATING 8
CHILD CUSTODY 5
ISD RULES 9 FIELD TRIPS 9
GRADING POLICY 5 DRESS CODE 9
STUDENT DISCIPLINE 9
SUMMER SCHOOL 5
BULLYING 10
HONOR ROLL GUIDELINES 5
POSSESSION AND USE OF TOBACCO 10
REPORTING ABSENCES 10
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY 5
ATTENDANCE/TRUANCY 10
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL 5
STUDENT PROMOTION/RETENTION 10
PROGRESS REPORTS 5 PROFICIENCY BASED PROMOTION 10
ABSTINENCE AND SEX EDUCATION 11
STUDENT ACCESS TO THE BUILDING 5
ADVANCED AND ACCELERATED COURSES 11
CLOSED CAMPUS 6 ACCIDENT AND STUDENT INSURANCE 11
ASBESTOS NOTICE 11
EVACUATION PROCEDURES 6
CHILD FIND 11
SEVERE WEATHER (SNOW DAYS, ETC.) 6 SMART SNACKS IN SCHOOL 12
PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY 12
TORNADO POLICY 6 SEVERE WEATHER 6
DISTRICT NOTIFICATIONS 13-17
FIRE POLICY 6
CLASS SCHEDULE
6th AND 7th GRADES
TEXTBOOKS 7
1st Period 7:55-8:45
2nd Period 8:48-9:38
LIBRARY INFORMATION 7 3rd Period 9:41-10:31
4th Period/Lunch/Advisory 10:34-12:31
5th Period 12:34-1:24
SCHOOL ID CARDS 7 6th Period 1:27-2:17
7th Period/7th Gr. Athletics 2:20-3:10
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM 7
CAFETERIA CONDUCT 7 School Calendar 2021-2022
August
ARTICLES PROHIBITED AT SCHOOL 7 18- First Day of School
September
CELL PHONES & ELECTRONIC DEVICES 7 TECHNOLOGY
CODE OF CONDUCT 7
6 -Labor Day – No School
13-Professional Day – No School
PROCEDURES FOR DISPENSING MEDICATION 8 October
8- Professional Day - No School
CLASSROOM CONDUCT 8 14- End of 1st Qtr.
15-No School
BUILDING RULES 8 7 & 12-Evening Parent Conferences
18-Fall Break – No School
OFFICE TELEPHONES 8 BICYCLES 8 November12-No School
24-26- Thanksgiving Break – No School
December
17- End of 1st Semester
20-31- Winter Break-No School
January
3-Teacher Work Day – No School
4-Second Semester Begins
17- Professional Day – No School
February
10- Evening Parent Conferences
15– Evening Parent Conferences
11– No School
14-Professional Day-No School
March
11-Professional Day-No School
14-18-Spring Break – No School
April
15-Snow Make-up Day #2
29- Snow Make-up Day #1
AVAILABILITY OF POLICY
May A COPY OF THE COMPLETE POLICY OF
20-Last Day of School THE PONCA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS
23-Teacher Workday/ Check-out Day AVAILABLE FOR PARENT AND ELIGIBLE
30-Memorial Day STUDENT REVIEW IN THE PRINCIPAL’S
OFFICE OF EACH SCHOOL, AT THE
SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE, AND ON-
LINE AT
THE DISTRICT’S WEB SITE
WWW.PCPS.US UNDER THE BOARD LINK
CHILD CUSTODY
If legal custody of a child has been awarded to one parent or another individual, it is critical that the school is notified of this situation. A
copy of the court order establishing custody should be on file in the school office.
GRADING POLICY
Grade A (90-100) Grade D (60 – 69)
Grade B (80-89) Grade F (Below 60)
Grade C (70-79)
Students will have until one week after the unit summative assessment to complete daily work. (This can be for a reduced percentage
depending on the teacher’s preference)
The student may lose the opportunity to make up the assignments after that point.
SUMMER SCHOOLSummer school was offered in June of 2021 to WMS students who were performing below grade level due to the pandemic. Moving forward,
summer school may or may not be available for WMS students.
HONOR ROLL GUIDELINES
❖ Any student with a grade point average of 4.0 will be listed on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll.
❖ Any student with a grade point average of 3.50 or above will be listed on the Principal's Honor Roll. ❖
Any student with a grade point average of 3.0 to 3.4 will be listed on the Faculty Honor Roll.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
Participation in most school-related activities requires that a student pass all subjects. (NO PASS – NO PLAY) Eligibility will be
determined on a weekly basis beginning at the end of the 4th week of each Semester. The grade issued at that time reflects the grade the
student would receive if the semester would end on the day eligibility was checked. If a student is failing one or more classes, he/she will be
placed on probation. Should the student fail one or more classes the next week, he/she will be ineligible for the following week. Weekly
eligibility runs Monday through Sunday. The O.S.S.A.A. also requires that if a student is failing two courses at the end of the semester,
he/she will be ineligible for the first six weeks of the following semester. The student must be passing all classes at the 5-week grade check
with no probationary week.
A student is required to be in class 90% of the time. On the semester plan, he/she will become ineligible with the seventh absence.
After the third absence the student and coach/sponsor will be notified. If a student reaches six absences, he/she will be required to
provide documentation (if there are extenuating circumstances), and a review will be scheduled for an appeal.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
It is the responsibility of the parents to notify the registrar at least three (3) days before the date of withdrawal. This is necessary in order for
the staff to complete the withdrawal procedure.
PROGRESS/GRADE REPORTS
The first progress report will be issued after the third week of school and every third week thereafter.
STUDENT ACCESS TO THE BUILDING AND TRANSPORTATION
Doors will open at 7:45am. Students who are car riders and walkers are to enter through the main entrance doors unless they are eating
breakfast and then they will enter through the cafeteria doors. Bus riders will enter through the gymnasium doors. If they are eating
breakfast, they will be dismissed to the cafeteria at 7:35am. Students who are not eating breakfast, will go to their 1st hour class at 7:45am.
Students may be dropped off and picked up south of the building on Grand.
Riding the bus is a privilege; students are expected to follow the rules on all busses. Failure to do so could result in loss of privileges.
CLOSED CAMPUS
We enforce a closed campus policy. Once a student arrives at school he/she is expected to remain on the school grounds for the full school
day.
If it is absolutely necessary for a student to leave before the school day is over, his/her parent, guardian, or person/persons designated on the
parent permission card must sign out through the office, in person. We will always enforce this rule. Anyone other than the parent/guardian
checking the student out may be asked to show ID. Students will not be released to persons under the age of 18.
If a student returns before the school day is over, he/she should sign in at the office. No one will be permitted to go home without the office
first contacting the parents.
A student may not be checked out during the lunch hour except by his/her parent or guardian. Students checked out for lunch are expected
to not miss class time.
EVACUATION INFORMATION
In the event of an emergency requiring the evacuation of the building, students will either walk or be transported by bus to a safe site. Please
listen to local radio stations for information. Teachers will dismiss students to parents only. Each building has developed a building evacuation
plan. A copy of the plan is kept on file in each office and at the Administration Building.STUDENT EVACUATION PROCEDURES
1. Walk quickly. DO NOT RUN!
2. Proceed to the designated exit.
3. Leave all books and materials in the classroom.
4. Be alert for any special instructions from the teacher.
5. Stay with your class!
6. Return to your classroom upon notification by the Principal or person in charge.
SEVERE WEATHER/SCHOOL CLOSING
Sometimes it is necessary to cancel school because of severe weather. When this decision is made it will be announced as early as possible.
School closures will be announced as follows:
● PCPS App push notifications
● PCPS Facebook
● PCPS Website, www.pcps.us
● Local radio stations
● Ponca City News
● Ponca City Now
● Ponca Post
● Oklahoma City & Tulsa area TV Stations
TORNADO POLICY
If the tornado warning siren blows during school hours, children will be taken to a protected area on campus for refuge. Please do not call the
school. The line must be kept open for calls from the Civil Defense and the Administration Office. Children will not be dismissed from school
until the all clear has been given by the Civil Defense officials. Two practice drills on how to take shelter in the event of a tornado will be
conducted each year.
SEVERE WEATHER
All personnel at WMS will be alerted to proceed to the designated area. Please do not rush, as only so many can enter the doorway of the
designated area at one time. Students will go all the way into the designated area to make room for other students. Students should sit down and
stay with their class while in the sheltered area.
FIRE POLICY
The alarm will be sounded in case of a fire. Students will follow instructed paths of exit. Two practice drills on how to properly exit the
building in the event of a fire will be conducted each semester.
TEXTBOOKS
Students must pay for damaged or lost books. A hold can be placed on their student account if a book is lost or damaged and has not been
paid for.
LIBRARY INFORMATION
Hours - 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Fines - $.25 per week per item
Books are checked out for a two-week period. When materials are not returned students will not be allowed to check out additional books.
Books that are lost or damaged must be replaced at student/parent expense. Lost books in the elementary schools need to be cleared up with the
librarian at West or the elementary school. To prevent theft, all students are required to use their school issued ID to check out books.
SCHOOL IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Students will be issued a student ID card. Students are required to wear their identification card at school. The first card will be issued at no
cost to the students. If the card must be replaced, the cost of the replacement will be the responsibility of the student or parent.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
In addition to the traditional school meal program, the Westport Cafe offers other items including packaged salads, a great variety of
sandwiches, snack cakes, and freshly baked desserts at reasonably low prices.
There is a “NO CHARGE” policy in place. However, a student will be allowed to charge up to (3) West Port lunches or breakfasts. Students
are told daily the balance on their accounts. All meal accounts are set up as debit accounts, not charge accounts. Monies may be deposited into
these accounts any time the cafeteria is open. Please make checks or money orders to: West Middle School Campus Mart. Please include your
student’s name and/or account number on the check. Breakfast is served before school from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. A student’s meal status (free,
reduced or full price) is the same for breakfast as it is for lunch.
CAFETERIA CONDUCTStudents are expected to behave in a mature and responsible manner while dining in the school cafeteria. Misconduct will be dealt with
as any other behavior infraction. All students will sit in their assigned tables in the cafeteria unless given permission by the principal.
This information and other valuable Child Nutrition information are available on our website. www.pcps.us/childnut/
ARTICLES PROHIBITED AT SCHOOL
Problems arise each year because students have items which may be hazardous to the safety of others, or which interfere in some way with
school procedure. Such items may include water pistols, rubber bands, cards, toys, games, skateboards, roller blades, Heelys, lasers, sharpies,
food coloring, Kool aid packets, salt packets, slime, aerosol sprays of any kind, etc. Such items may be taken from students and returned only
upon parental request.
CELL PHONES & ELECTRONIC DEVICES
**The use of electronic devices is prohibited during school from the time the student arrives on school campus and leaves school campus. This
includes: smart phones, smart watches, electronic tablets, electronic media players, etc. Students are REQUIRED to leave their cell phones
and other electronic devices TURNED OFF and in their backpacks from the time they arrive at school until they leave school campus. Students
are NOT allowed to be on their cell phone or any other electronic device during school hours; this includes common areas of the campus (ex:
auditorium, cafeteria area, outside areas of the building, restrooms, hallways, gym, classrooms, etc.) If a student violates the cell
phone/electronic device policy, the device will be taken to the office and will only be returned to a parent/guardian. This may result in an after
school detention as determined per administration and the parent must pick up the device. Further violation of this policy will result in
disciplinary action per administration. This policy has been put into place to prevent videos, pictures, texting, snap chatting, etc. on school
property. This policy will be strictly enforced.
TECHNOLOGY CODE OF CONDUCT
1. If you would not write it on paper, then do not type it or draw it with technology.
2. Be in the appropriate place at the appropriate time.
3. You are not to change any settings on any technology without permission.
4. Technology is a tool not a toy and should be used as such.
5. Keep in mind just because you can does not mean you should.
6. This is a school account and is monitored. All school personnel can see it.
• Consequence for violating the Technology Code of Conduct
1st offense: verbal warning
2nd offense: parent contact will be made and a detention assigned.
3rd offense: loss of technology for an extended period of time.
BUILDING RULES
1. Be prompt to class. You must be in the classroom when the bell rings. Students are to “Walk and Talk” to class and book bags need
to be in lockers throughout the day.
2. Students are not to leave the classroom without a pass from the teacher.
3. There is no running or scuffling in the halls.
4. Classes are not to be disturbed. If it is necessary to contact another student, go through the office.
5. Fighting is dangerous, is against the rules, and will be dealt with severely. You will be suspended from school if you fight.
6. Personal graffiti, gang related graffiti (writing on skin, clothing, books, etc.) is not appropriate and is prohibited.
7. Any and all symbols of gang participation are strictly forbidden. There is ZERO tolerance on this.
8. No weapons will be permitted; possession of anything that a police officer says is a weapon is considered a felony. We do ask police
officers to examine and identify potential weapons.
A complete copy of the Ponca City Public Schools student discipline plan may be obtained on the school website at www.pcps.us
under the School Board link
REMEMBER: Students attending any school-sponsored event are governed by the school district rules and regulations and are subject to theauthority of the school district officials.
OFFICE TELEPHONES
The office telephone is available to students only in the case of illness or other emergencies.
Teachers will send a signed pass giving permission to use the phone.
Get permission from the secretaries to use the phone.
Students must sign the telephone log before making their call.
All phone calls or messages to and from school must go through the team issued phone or office phone. Cell phone calls are prohibited
on school grounds.
BICYCLES
Bicycle racks are available by the front door of the school. It is suggested that bicycles be locked when parked. The school does not assume
responsibility for damage or loss of bicycles parked on school premises. Riding bicycles on the sidewalks or school grounds is forbidden. No
one is to loiter around the bicycle rack. Bicycles are not to be used during the school day.
CHEATING
Unless the teacher has designated the assignment as group work, all work is to be done individually. Whether you give or receive information
on tests or written assignments, the offense is the same - CHEATING! You will receive a zero for the work, and disciplinary actions will ensue.
PROCEDURES FOR DISPENSING MEDICATION
State law and Ponca City Public School Procedures strictly govern the administration of medication to students in the school setting.
Guidelines related to the administration of medication are as follows:
Prescription or non-prescription medications may be given only upon written authorization of the parent(s) or legal guardian (signed
consent form).
Medication is to be administered according to written instructions on the original container (non-prescription) or physician’s instructions
(prescriptions).
Medications must be in the original container.
Prescription label must contain directions, name of student, name of the medication, and physician name. PRN and take as directed do
not constitute physician’s instructions in the school setting (need directions such as take by mouth every 4 hours for pain).
Each prescription or non-prescription medication requires a separate authorization form and a separate medication record. All
medications will be kept in the office in a secure area.
Any medication considered a controlled substance will be counted when received at school (Ritalin, Phenobarbital, etc.). Parent(s) or
legal guardian must bring medication to the school office. When treatment is complete or at the end of the school year:
- Parent(s) or legal guardians should be notified to pick up any unused medication.
- Any medication not picked up by parent(s) or legal guardian will be destroyed.
CLASSROOM CONDUCT
It is the responsibility of the staff to provide a structured and orderly learning environment. Students will not be permitted to disrupt school in
any manner which hinders the educational opportunities of other student learning or teachers from teaching.
Students who continually disrupt the teaching/learning process will be sent to the office for discipline matters. Consequences for discipline
problems may be after school detention, in-school detention, or out-of-school suspension. The consequences depend upon the severity of the
problem and the decision of the administration.
ISD RULES
1. Do not talk to other students.
2. Do not get out of your seat.
3. Bring all materials to class that you will need to do your assignments - paper, pencil, etc.
4. No sleeping.
5. Must have a reading book.
6. There are two restroom breaks during the day.
7. Lunch will be at 11:00 A.M. The students will eat the cafeteria food. No pop or candy will be available to the students. They will eat in the
ISD room.
8. The students are not allowed to leave the classroom unsupervised at any time.
9. No throwing, spitting, flying, or scooting of objects.
10. All other school rules also apply to students in ISD. No gum, candy, swearing, etc.
11. Any violation of these rules will result in suspension for the remainder of the ISD time plus one day.
FIELD TRIPSAttendance – excused notes from a doctor and funeral leave will not be counted towards attendance eligibility of field trips. Students with
less than 90% attendance rate by the date of the field trip will be excluded from participating. Teachers will work with the parent
liaison in communicating attendance updates with parents. In extremely rare instances parents and students may appeal to the team and
principal for further consideration of attendance hardships. The principal’s decision is final. Discipline – students who have been suspended
once or placed in ISD more than once in the fall semester will not be allowed to participate in fall trips. Students who have been suspended
once or placed in ISD more than once in the spring semester will not be allowed to participate in spring trips.
DRESS CODE
The dress code is designed for all students with emphasis on good grooming, cleanliness, and proper dress. Compliance with this dress code is
a responsibility of every student, parents, and is to be enforced by every certified staff member in the secondary schools. Provisions of this code
include:
1. Shorts must be at or below the middle of the thigh.
2. Skirts and dresses must be an appropriate length that does not distract from the instructional process.
3. Students are not to wear halter tops, midriffs, racer back shirts, or tank tops, no undergarments should be showing, all tops should be two
inches wide across the shoulders.
4. All students are required to wear shoes.
5. Clothing with advertisements of alcoholic beverages, drug items, objectionable or implied slogans or pictorial images will not be worn.
6. The wearing of hats, hoods and caps will not be permitted inside the school building except for medical reasons.
7. When necessary for safety reasons, individual grooming or dress can be regulated. (No sagging pants)
8. Any attire or accessories that interfere with or disrupt the educational process may be prohibited.
9. No holes or fraying in clothing that show skin above the fingertips with hands dropped to the side.
The principal has the final say in appropriateness. Students will be provided alternative clothes or the opportunity to work in ISD
for the school day.
Additional Dress Codes as outlined in the Board of Education Policy Manual will be enforced.
www.pcps.us
BULLYING/HARASSMENT
Bullying and harassment of students will not be tolerated. Incidents should be reported immediately to a teacher, and/or principal. Reports
can be made verbally, in writing, or online at the school website. All reports of harassment, intimidation or bullying will be investigated.
Students choosing to bully or harass other students may be placed in ISD or suspended from school.
POSSESSION AND USE OF TOBACCO/TOBACCO PRODUCTS
To ensure compliance with certification requirements of Section 4116 of the Safe and Drug Free Schools Community Act of 1994, it shall
be unlawful to use or possess tobacco products in any form, including any electronic vaping devices or vaping items by students while
attending school, on school premises or at a school-sponsored activity. Any student in violation of said policy will face immediate
disciplinary action which may result in out of school suspension.
REPORTING ABSENCES
When a student is ill, or it becomes necessary for him to miss school for any other reason, it is the responsibility of the parent to call the
school at 767-8023. If a student's absence is unexcused, he must obtain an admit slip in the office.
Should a student become ill while at school, he/she will be allowed to contact a parent. The student’s parent must sign the checkout sheet in the
office when he/she comes to get the student. Only parents, legal guardians, or officially approved persons will be able to check out students. No
person under 18 will be allowed to sign out a student.
ATTENDANCE/TRUANCY
The Ponca City Public Schools, in conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office, the Ponca City Police Department, the Kay County Sheriff’s
Office, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, and the Department of Human Services, have adopted policies and
procedures with regard to school attendance. This cooperative agreement was established to ensure that the youth of this community are
provided the opportunity to receive the best possible education for their future.
Under Oklahoma law (70 O.S. S10 -105) , it is unlawful for a parent, guardian or other person having custody of a child who is over the age of
5 years and under the age of eighteen, to neglect or refuse to cause or compel such child to attend and comply with the rules of some public,
private or other school, unless other means of education are provided; and it shall be unlawful for any child who is under the age of 18, and
who has not finished 4 years of high school work, to neglect or refuse to attend and comply with the rules of some public, private or other
school, or receive an education by other means, for the full term the schools of the district are in session.
This law makes it a misdemeanor crime to fail to compel a child to attend school and provides for a fine each day that the child is absent from
school without a lawful excuse. Further, failure to compel a child to attend school may result in partial loss of financial assistance through the
Department of Human Services. Failure to comply with the laws of the State of Oklahoma may result in your criminal prosecution.The administration of West Middle School will report truancies to the District Attorney’s Office. Beginning the 2019-2020 school
year, PCPS will have a new Board approved attendance policy. Please read the following Press Release for the new Attendance
Policy.
STUDENT PROMOTION/RETENTION
Students failing four core subjects may be retained in the same grade. Special education students will be placed in the appropriate grade by
the IEP team.
PROFICIENCY BASED PROMOTION
Upon written request, a student will be given an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in one or more areas of the core curriculum. Proficiency
for advancing to the next level of study will be demonstrated by a 90% level of mastery on an assessment or demonstration. Proficiency exams
will be given twice each year at the district office. Interested persons should contact the Director of
Secondary Curriculum and Instruction.
ABSTINENCE AND SEX EDUCATION
During 6th and 7th grades, the school nurse will present to the students, curriculum related to sex education and abstinence. This material
is designed for the exclusive purpose of discussing sexual behavior and attitudes, sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV/AIDS)
and abstinence. All curriculum and materials utilized will be approved by the Board of Education.
Materials will be available for parental review a minimum of one month prior to the classroom presentation through classroom materials,
tests, videos, handouts and activities. Notification will be sent to the parent through the classroom and with publication of the parent
preview being published in the newspaper. No student shall be required to attend the sex education and abstinence programs and a
parent/guardian may in writing request that the student not participate in the program and alternative curriculum will be provided.
ADVANCED AND ACCELERATED MATH
West offers the following Accelerated Courses:
• Advanced Mathematics (6th)
• Pre-Algebra (7th—Student must have been enrolled in Advanced Math in 6th grade)
Seating is limited in these courses. Placement in accelerated or advanced coursework is determined by student scores on either STAR Math
testing or End of the Year State Math testing (OSTP).
Students need to not only show academic ability in the particular course, but a willingness and ability to do all required work and
demonstrate good attendance.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
The Ponca City Public Schools offer optional accident insurance to all students enrolled in school. Insurance is available through K&K
Insurance/Nationwide Life Insurance Company. Insurance information can be located at www.PCPS.us under District Quick Links or
available at the Board of Education upon request. The Ponca City Public School District DOES NOT provide accident coverage to students.
STUDENT INSURANCE
PCPS assumes no financial responsibility for the medical cost of an accident occurring to a student while participating in sport or
school activities. An accident insurance program is offered for parent convenience. The insurance company compensates neither the school
nor any school official. Insurance is available through the Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee
(administered by the Student Insurance Division, Dallas, TX). Packets are available upon request at each school site. Available student
insurance is as follows: 24-hour coverage or at school. Extended Dental (Extended Dental must be purchased with one of the above
coverages)
The Ponca City Public Schools Insurance does not cover accidents to students.
ASBESTOS NOTICE
As a requirement of the Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act of 1986, school officials are to annually inform parents, students, and
employees of the possibility of asbestos containing materials (ACM) in some of our schools. Some buildings have asbestos containing materials
located in walls and crawl spaces, and/or encapsulated, out of reach contact.
The district has completed an extensive asbestos removal process that has removed asbestos out of areas used by students and employees. Our
capital improvement plan has given us the opportunity to remove even more asbestos in our buildings in the last few years.
The district has a state approved operation and maintenance plan. The plan is designed to maintain the ACM where employees may be working,
or to handle an emergency such as a broken water line. Twice a year, employees of Precision Testing Laboratories inspect all of the district’s
ACM areas. Inspectors assist the district in maintaining the integrity of the encapsulation of those pipes and suspected ACM.The district has an asbestos awareness program for all custodial and maintenance personnel given annually as a part of the district’s hazard
communications policy. If additional information is needed, contact Bret Smith, Risk Manager and Asbestos Coordinator, at the Ponca City
Public School Central Office, 613 E. Grand Ave. or call 580-767-8000.
CHILD FIND
If you suspect that your child may have a disability or developmental delays, you can call Zuri Mayo, the Child Find Coordinator, at 580-
767-8037, or the Office of Special Services at 580-767-8000. If your child is 0 – 3 years of age, you will be referred to the Sooner Start of
Oklahoma. If your child is 3 – 21, the Ponca City Public Schools District is responsible for identifying, locating, and evaluating your child,
regardless of the nature or severity of disability. The evaluation will be at no cost to you. If eligibility is determined, services for your child
will be offered by our district, regardless of the severity of the disability or developmental delay.
SMART SNACKS IN SCHOOL
USDA’s “All Foods Sold in Schools” Standards
Effective July 1st, 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture is requiring all schools to meet specific standards regarding foods available
to students during the school day. These standards are modeled after the same standards for school breakfast and lunch programs. Foods must
have as the first ingredient a fruit, vegetable, a dairy product, a protein food or be a combination food that contains at least ¼ cup of fruit and/or
vegetable or contain 10% of the daily value of one the public health concern in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Calories are limited
to less than 200 for snack items. Food items must also have less than 230 mg of sodium, 35% calories from fat with no trans fats and 35% of
weight from total sugars in foods.
Beverages available to students must be restricted to unflavored low fat milk, 1% flavored milk and 100% fruit and vegetable juice. Elementary
may only serve up to eight ounces, while middle schools can serve 12 ounces and high schools can serve 20 ounces. Only sugar free soft drinks
are available at the high school level.
Fundraisers are subject to the same rules if items are sold during the established school day.
Fundraising
Fundraising Foods and beverages that meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards may be sold through fundraisers
on the school campus* during the school day*. The District will make available to parents and teachers a list of healthy fundraising ideas
[examples from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the USDA].
• Fundraising during school hours will sell only non-food items or foods and beverages that meet or exceed the Smart Snacks nutrition
standards. This may include but is not limited to, donation nights at restaurants, cookie dough, candy and pizza sales, market days, etc. (Meets
HSP Gold)]
Other Food Items Sold on School Campuses
1. Ponca City Public Schools will comply with the USDA Smart Snack in Schools rules as they affect all food and beverages sold to children at
school during the school day.
2. Ponca City Public Schools will adhere to the fundraiser exemption policy as set by the Oklahoma State Board of Education. 3. Exempt food
fundraisers are prohibited from taking place while meals under the National School Lunch, National School Breakfast, and After School
Programs are being served to students.
4. Under USA Smart Snack: Exempt Fundraisers, a school district that wishes to conduct fundraisers that are exempt from the Smart Snack
rules must adopt a written policy which shall provide for the following:
• Each school site shall designate a Smart Snacks in School Exempt Fundraiser contact person who shall be responsible for maintaining up-
to-date documentation regarding each exempt fundraiser held at the school site.
• A limit of 30 exempt fundraisers per semester may be held at each school site.
• Exempt fundraisers are prohibited from taking place while meals are served to students under the National School Lunch Program
(NLSP) or the National School Breakfast Program (NSBP) and while after-school snacks are being served to the students under the After-
School Snack Program (ASSP).
• The maximum duration of any individual exempt fundraiser shall be 14 days.
• For each individual exempt fundraiser, documentation must be kept on file at the school site showing: a. The school
organization, activity, class, or other group that benefits from the fundraiser.
b. The date(s) the fundraiser is conducted, with the duration not to exceed 14 days.
5. A summary of the guidelines can be found at: https://fnsprod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/allfoods_fundraisers.pdf
Schools are encouraged to follow these standards for class parties, but at this time standards apply to regular foods available on campus
through school sales and fundraisers.
For information regarding the Smart Snacks in School standards go to: http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/smart-snacks-school Also,
a Smart Snack calculator is available at: http://rdp.healthiergeneration.org/calc/calculator/
Parents Right-to-Know
A parent/guardian may request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s teachers. Specifically, the parent hasthe right to know:
• Whether a teacher has met state qualifications for license and certification
• Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or provisional certificate
• The baccalaureate and graduate degree majors of the teachers
Additionally, parents may request information concerning whether the students will be provided assistance from paraprofessionals and, if
so, the qualifications of the paraprofessional.
Timely notification also is required if a student receives instruction from an unqualified teacher for more than four consecutive weeks.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY
WMS Goals
• Improve reading and math advanced/proficient goals
• Improve student safety
Parental Involvement Input
• Parent surveys will be available during enrollment activities; parents will have an opportunity to provide input in the
educational opportunities for their child.
• Data from surveys will be used to identify parental and student needs/concerns.
• Areas of concern will be addressed during monthly focus meetings.
Parental Involvement Action Plan
• Provide parent access to student’s grades via Parent Portal
• On-line access to Accelerated Reader Enterprise will provide parents greater information regarding their child’s reading
scores/point goal, etc.
• Training for parents to assist their child with reading and math – Reading Plus, Wildcat Way Awards, Study Island
• Provide focus meetings to assist with educational as well as developmental concerns
Services to Parents/Students
• On-line access to grades, attendance, reading information, and textbooks
• Students have access to counselors as needed
• Counselors provide parents with community resources for assistance outside of the school day
• Bullying education, Drug education, and safety issues will be provided to students through videos, guest speakers, and
bullying workbooks
Parent Communication
• Progress reports every three weeks
• STAR Reading and STAR Math reports
• Parent Access online
• Email grades/attendance from PowerSchool
• Email daily bulletin, team newsletters, parent notes, etc.
• Website updated as needed with school calendar, p/t conference information, and special events
• RSA plans
• Pyramid of Success
• Team meetings with teachers, parents, students, and administrators
• Parent conferences
Testing Information
• STAR and OSTP results will be provided at the beginning of each school year and/or during parent conferences
PONCA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Section III–Administration, Policy 3.2-1.0It is the policy of the Board of Education that no person in Ponca City School District No. 71 shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex,
pregnancy, gender, gender expression or identity, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, or genetic
information, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or
activity in violation of any federal or state statute prohibiting such discrimination. The district also provides equal access to the Boy
Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.
The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the School District’s non-discrimination policies:
Section 504/Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator (for questions or complaints based on disability) Mrs.
Amy Swartz
Director of Special Services
613 E. Grand Ave.
Ponca City, OK 74601
(580) 767-8000
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act Coordinator (for questions or complaints based on race, color and national origin) and Age Act
Coordinator (for questions or complaints based on age), all other complaints of discrimination
Mrs. Jennifer Dye
Executive Director of Human Resources
613 E. Grand Ave.
Ponca City, OK 74601
(580) 767-8000
Title IX Coordinator (for questions or complaints based on sex, pregnancy, gender, gender expression or identity) Mr.
Bret Smith
Director of Operations
613 E. Grand Ave.
Ponca City, OK 74601
(580) 767-8000
Grievance Procedure
Any person who believes that the Ponca City Public Schools has engaged in unlawful discrimination is encouraged to file a discrimination
complaint using the District's Grievance Procedure for Filing, Processing and Resolving Complaints Alleging Discrimination (Board policy
3.2-3.0, Section III). Individuals can obtain a free copy of the Grievance Procedures from the compliance coordinator, their school principal or
the superintendent, or on the school district website, www.pcps.us under the Board of Education link.
PONCA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA
Section VII-Students, Policy 7.20)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that affords parents and
“eligible students” over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days from the day the district receives a request for access.Parents or eligible students must submit a written request to the school principal or appropriate school official that identifies the record(s) they
wish to inspect. This school administrator will make arrangements for access to the education records and will notify the parent or eligible student
of the time and place where these records may be inspected.
2. The right to request correction of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or
otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights.
Parents or eligible students may ask the district to amend a record they believe is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s
privacy rights. They must submit a written request to the school principal or appropriate school official, clearly identify the part of the record
they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights.
If the district decides not to make changes in the record as requested, the district must notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and
advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for correction. Additional information about hearing procedures will be provided to
the parent or eligible student at the time of this notification.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent
that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent (34 CFR § 99.31).
School officials with legitimate educational interests are permitted disclosure without consent. A school official is a person employed by the
district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member, including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel;
a person serving on the board; a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task, such as an attorney, auditor,
medical consultant or therapist; or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting
another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her
professional responsibility.
Upon request, the district will disclose education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or
intends to enroll.
School districts may disclose, without consent, “directory” information; however, the district must inform parents and eligible students about
directory information, allowing them a reasonable amount of time to request that the district not disclose directory information about that student.
School districts must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA by means of a special letter, inclusion in a
Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) bulletin, student handbook and/or other means left to the discretion of each school district.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the
requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5901
PONCA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Notification of Rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain
physical exams. These include the right to:
• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected
information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)– 1. Political
affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
•Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its
agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings,
or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or
otherwise distribute the information to others.
•Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution
purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.
The Ponca City Public Schools (“District”) will develop and adopt policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as
arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of
personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The District will directly notify parents of these policies at least
annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or
email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity
for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. The District will make this notification to parents at
the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For
surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and
surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an
opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement:
•Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution.
•Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
•Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
PONCA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
DIRECTORY INFORMATION NOTICE
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that the district, with certain exceptions, obtain your written
consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, the district may disclose
appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the district to the contrary in accordance
with district procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the district to include this type of information from your
child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:
• A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.
Two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories – names, addresses and telephone listings –
unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. Directory
information will not be released to outside organizations for commercial or non-commercial purposes.
If you do not want the district to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you
must notify the superintendent in writing. The district has designated the following information as "directory information," and it will disclosethat information without prior written consent: 1. The student's name; 2. The student's address; 3. The student's telephone listing; 4. The student's date and place of birth; 5. The student’s dates of attendance; 6. The student's grade level (i.e., first grade, tenth grade, etc.); 7. The student's participation in officially recognized activities and sports; 8. The student's degrees, honors and awards received; 9. The student's weight and height, if a member of an athletic team; 10. The most recent educational agency or institution attended; 11. The student’s photograph; and 12. The student’s electronic mail address. No parent or eligible student can opt out of the requirement that a student wear his or her ID badge which shows the student’s school ID number. 2.11-4.0 DISTRICT-WIDE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT (PARENT BILL OF RIGHTS) The school district is in compliance with the Parents’ Bill of Rights. Additional information is available for parents in the school policy book under Section II-Community Relations, policy 2.11-4.0 on this subject. Parents may submit written requests to obtain the specific information listed in the Parents’ Bill of Rights law during regular school hours by contacting the building principal or the superintendent. 3.22 USE OF COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES The forms of electronic and digital communications change rapidly. This policy addresses common existing forms of electronic and digital communication (email, texting, blogging, tweeting, posting, etc.) but is intended to cover any new form of electronic or digital communication which utilizes a computer, phone or other digital or electronic device. As a part of the resources available to students and employees, the district provides Internet access at each school site and at its administrative offices. The district intends for this resource to be used for educational purposes and not to be used for conduct which is harmful. This policy outlines the district's expectations regarding Internet access. The ability to access the Internet while on school property is a privilege and not a right. Access cannot be granted until an individual has completed an "Internet Access Agreement" and access may be revoked at any time. In addition to Internet access, the district also provides each student and teacher with a laptop computer. This equipment is loaned to the student for the remainder of the school year for the express purpose of increasing educational opportunities. The student/teacher is required to return the laptop at the conclusion of the school year in the same condition the laptop was issued to the student, minus normal wear and tear. In the event the laptop is damaged, lost or stolen, the student’s parent/teacher agrees to reimburse the district in accordance with the fee schedule attached to the Laptop Use Agreement. Any individual using district resources to engage in electronic or digital communications has no expectation of privacy. Further, employees and students must be cognizant of the fact that electronic or digital communications which occur on private equipment are often permanently available and may be available to school administrators. Employees and students are expected to use good judgment in all their electronic or digital communications - whether such activities occur on or off campus or whether the activity uses personal or district technology. Any electronic or digital communication which can be considered inappropriate, harassing, intimidating, threatening or bullying to an employee or student of the district - regardless of whether the activity uses district equipment or occurs during school/work hours - is strictly forbidden. Employees and students face the possibility of penalties, including student suspension and employee termination, for failing to abide by district policies when accessing and using electronic or digital communications. This policy in its entirety may be accessed from the district website, www.pcps.us under Board of Education, Policy Book Section III. Should you require a copy, please contact the Board Clerk. 3.22-1.0 INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS SAFETY AND APPROPRIATE USE It is the policy of the district to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic or digital communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 U.S.C. §254(h)]. Definition: Key terms as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act:
Access to Inappropriate Material - To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet Filters”) shall be used to block or filter
Internet (or other forms of electronic or digital communications) access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s
Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material
deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized
only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
Any individual who uses the district’s resources to access the Internet or engage in any electronic or digital communication is required to
participate in the district’s education efforts (undertaken pursuant to the Children’s Internet Protection Act) and comply with the district’s
acceptable use policy.
Supervision and Monitoring
All employees are responsible for supervising and monitoring student use of the Internet in accordance with the district's technology policies
and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. The district's IT director shall establish and implement procedures regarding technology protection
measures. No individual will be permitted to use the district's technology resources in a manner inconsistent with the district's policies.
Personal Safety
Employees and students shall not use the district’s technology resources in any manner that jeopardizes personal safety. Students and employees
must follow the district's technology policies, including the acceptable use policy which details the district's safe use standards.
3.22-2.0 PERSONAL WIRELESS DEVICES AND ELECTRONIC ACCOUNTS
It is the district's policy that students who possess a personal wireless device at the elementary and middle schools must keep that device
turned off and out of sight throughout the entire school day. No student will be permitted to access his/her personal wireless device during the
school day except with teacher permission.
Students who violate this policy will have their personal wireless device confiscated until after a parent conference, and may lose the privileges
of possessing such a device at school or school-related activities for the remainder of the school year. Students are also subject to other
disciplinary action.
Students may not use any personal wireless device to:
• send or receive answers to test questions or otherwise engaged in cheating;
• record conversations or events during the school day, on school property or at school activities; • threaten,
harass, intimidate, or bully;
• take, possess, or distribute obscene or pornographic images or photos;
• engage in lewd communications;
• violate school policies, handbook provisions, or regulations.
This policy may be read in its entirety on the district website, www.pcps.us, under Board of Education/Policy Book.
3.26 MEDICAL MARIJUANA, HEMP & CANNABIDIOL (CBD)
"Regardless of a student, employee, parent or any individual’s status as a medical marijuana license holder, marijuana is not allowed on the
premises of the district or in any school vehicle or in any personal vehicle transporting a student under any circumstances. While the use of
medical marijuana in conjunction with the possession of a medical marijuana license is legal in the State of Oklahoma, marijuana is a prohibited
controlled substance under federal law regardless of the use being for medical purposes.
Accordingly, possession of marijuana by a student, employee, parent or any individual, notwithstanding the possession of a medical marijuana
license, is strictly prohibited while on the premises of the district and in school vehicles; going to and from and attending district sponsored
functions, events, and athletic activities, including those district sponsored functions, events and/or athletic activities which occur in a location
other than the premises of the district; utilizing district equipment or transportation; and in any other instance in connection with the district
where the district reasonably deems the possession of marijuana to be illegal.
In the event that a student, employee, parent or any individual is found to possess or to have possessed marijuana in any of the instances stated
above, the district will proceed with all actions and consequences that are afforded to the district under any state or federal law, employment
contract, district policy, student handbook provision, or any other authority applicable to or adopted by the district.
This policy may be viewed in its entirety on the district website, www.pcps.us, under the Board of Education/Policy Book. 4.3
STUDENT PROMOTION AND RETENTION AND STUDENT PASS/FAILURE OF A COURSE
Introduction
This policy establishes guidelines for teachers and administrators related to student promotion and retention. It also establishes an appeal
procedure for parents who wish to challenge a retention decision.You can also read
