Festus R6 School District

Mission Statement
“Educating all children to meet tomorrow’s challenges”

Festus R-VI School District
Policy of Non-Discrimination
It is the policy of the Festus R-VI School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs or employment practices as required by Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination act of 1975 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Inquiries related to R-VI programs and to the location of District services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by person with disabilities may be directed to Dr. Denise Funston funstondenise@festusedu.com Assistant Superintendent- Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/Age Act); 1500 Mid-Meadow Lane; Festus, MO 63028; Telephone 636-937-8044.

Inquiries related to R-VI employment practices may be directed to Mr. Jonathan Earnhart earnhartjonathan@festusedu.com the Roy Burnside Administrative Building; Festus R-VI School District; 1515 Mid-Meadow Lane; Festus, MO 63028; Attention: Mr. Earnhart Assistant Superintendent Telephone 636-937-4920.

Anyone attending meeting of the Festus R-VI Board of Education who requires auxiliary aids or services should request such services no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting by contacting:
Dr. Nicki Ruess Festus R-VI Superintendent
1515 Mid-Meadow Lane; Festus, MO 63028
Phone: 636-937-4920 Fax: 636-937-8925
Inquiries or concerns regarding civil rights compliance may also be directed to the Office for Civil Rights, Kansas City Office, U.S. Department of Education, 8930 Ward Parkway; Suite 2037; Kansas City, MO 64114; Telephone: 816-823-1404; TDD: 877-521-2172

Additional information can be viewed here.

Absences
Following an absence from school, a student should come to the office for an admit slip to enter class. An admit slip must be presented to each teacher throughout the day. A child is considered absent if they are not present for any time period between 8:50 a.m. and 3:05 p.m. for 4th & 5th grade. If a student arrives after 8:35 (4th/5th) they will be considered “Late”. If a student accumulates multiple “Lates” in a quarter, consequences may be administered. Please keep in mind time changes for "late start Wednesday."

For the safety of your child, we ask that a parent call the school by 9:00 a.m. if your child is absent (937-4750). All absences from school will require verification through a written note, doctor’s excuse, or a phone call from the parent or guardian explaining the reason(s) for the absence. Absences will be considered excused absences with written documentation from a doctor, funeral notice, or pre-approved appointments. Failure of a parent to verify an absence will result in an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences may have a negative impact on students’ grades. It is the responsibility of the student to contact each of their teachers to make the necessary arrangements to complete the work missed. Teachers will allow missed assignments to be made up in a reasonable period of time – students will have one school day for each day missed to complete and turn in the assignment. Example: If a student misses on a Thursday and Friday and returns on Monday, they would have Monday and Tuesday to complete the assignments. The “turn in” day would be on Wednesday.

If your child is absent and you would like to request homework, you must call the office before 9:00 a.m. If a request for work is submitted, the expectation is the work will be picked up between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. *Some teachers may have assignments posted in Google Classroom as well.

Academic Dishonesty (Includes Cheating, Plagiarism, and Forgery)
Plagiarism is copying or using the thoughts of another as your own without giving credit. Plagiarism is also considered cheating. Students are expected to generate original work with effort at all times. Students are considered to be cheating when they copy the work of another person or seek verbal, written or electronic assistance that has not been approved by the teacher when completing work for a class. This includes sharing or using another’s password for online assessments. If a student is caught cheating, they may receive a “zero” for the work done (This includes the student(s) who provided the information). In addition, the teacher will notify the student’s parent or guardian and may complete a referral to the office. Students will refrain from signing any other parents or guardians signature; including permission slips, discipline notices, mid-terms, etc. Refer to the Festus R-VI School District Board Policy JG-R.

Alternative Method of Instruction

The Festus R-6 School District will use Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) on days when the district closes school due to exceptional or emergency circumstances (which would include, but not be limited to: inclement weather days, utility outages, or an outbreak of contagious disease). When the district uses an AMI day, students will complete activities and assignments at home rather than making up instructional days in the classroom. This reduces the need to add instructional days onto the end of the school year. Students are expected to complete all activities and assignments.

Arrival/Dismissal
4th& 5th grade - 8:35 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students should not arrive before 8:10 a.m.
We cannot guarantee supervision of students before this time. **Wednesdays start one hour later**

**Students are released at regular times**

• All students being transported to school in the morning by private vehicle should be dropped off in the front of the building and wait in the lobby until school begins. Please refrain from making illegal U-turns in front of the building, and use the Elementary circle drive when available.

• 4th and 5th graders being picked up will be dismissed at 3:05 p.m. in the back of the building. When you come to pick up in the back, please enter through the high school parking lot on Westwind Drive. Off of Westwind Drive, you 5 will drive through the high school parking lot and enter the Intermediate Parking Lot(IPL). On entering the IPL, please stay to the right and begin circling around in front of the safety strap on the west end to head back towards the gymnasium. PLEASE DO NOT BEGIN LINING UP BEFORE 2:45! If you have any changes with your child's pick-up procedures, the sooner you notify the office (before 2:50 for 4th and 5th preferred), the better we can accommodate.

Students are to leave school grounds immediately after school. Those students involved in extracurricular activities or who have been detained after school must leave the campus following the activities or detention.

PLEASE DO NOT PICK UP YOUR CHILD BEFORE 3:05 P.M. FOR 4TH & 5TH GRADE DISMISSAL TIME UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY. WE ARE TRYING TO PROTECT STUDENT INSTRUCTIONAL TIME.
All EARLY dismissals count against attendance based on minutes missed.
 

*Transportation arrangements or changes should be made through the office only. Students should not make changes to transportation plans on their own. Parents must enter the building to sign out their child. Your child will be called out of class at that time. When picking up your child, please be prepared to show your driver’s license or picture identification.

Attendance Policy – Grades 4-5
The Festus Intermediate attendance policy is designed to help students succeed in the workplace later in life. Regular attendance helps students receive maximum benefits from instructional programs and develops habits such as punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility. It is a legal duty of the parent/guardian to see to it that their child attends school regularly. School personnel will communicate with parents and work with outside agencies, including juvenile authorities and/or the Division of Children’s Services, to develop a plan to improve attendance following excessive absences.

An absence for any reason will be counted as an absence whether excused or unexcused. When students must be absent the office should be notified by 9:00 a.m. or a phone call will be made by our automated system or other office staff. If no contact occurs, a written excuse signed by a parent, guardian, custodial parent or doctor must be presented upon returning to school. If contact is not made, a student may be deemed truant.

Extenuating circumstances may be considered if pre-arrangements have been made with and have been agreed upon by the building principal. A serious accident, extended serious illness, or other emergency health situations may also extend the absence limit, upon receipt of a physician’s written letter, and if an alternative instructional program has been completed as directed by the building principal. A request for an exception does not mean that it will be granted.

**A student who has been retained because of excessive absenteeism is permitted to appeal the decision of the Attendance Committee to the Board of Education. The appeal shall be a “contested case” hearing and shall be subject to the same procedural protections that are set forth in Board of Education policies relating to long-term suspension/expulsions. Any subsequent decision of the Board of Education will be final.**

Birthdays
Student birthdays are recognized by the staff at Festus Intermediate through daily announcements and the gift of a small token. Parents are asked to give their children gifts at home instead of having them delivered to school. If you would like to send individually wrapped, pre-packaged treats for your child to share on their birthday with the entire class, please prearrange the activity with the teacher. Sharing with only certain classmates is discouraged. Please do not send cookie cakes.

Students are not to distribute invitations to parties at school. This can be distracting to the educational process and cause unnecessary conflict.

Building and Premises
Students are to remain in the building unless accompanied by a teacher. We ask that all parents and visitors use the “buzzer system” to enter through the front door of the building. Once inside, please report directly to the office. All visitors, parents and volunteers must be approved through Raptor and receive a visitor’s pass before proceeding into the building.

Bullying/Cyberbullying
Bullying is not tolerated. School authorities will vigorously investigate accusations and will take stern disciplinary actions against those who engage in any form of bullying. If you feel your child is being bullied, please report it to the office or bus shed as appropriate. Refer to Discipline policy JFCF and JG-R1.

Bulletin Boards and Posters
The principal must approve the posting of any notices, including other information by students or student organizations.

Bus Transportation: 937-5716
District owned buses transport students to and from school. Students assigned to a bus must ride that bus as scheduled. Any permanent changes must be submitted and approved by the Transportation department. Friends are not permitted to ride with each other on different routes due to the number of rostered students established on each bus.

The following school bus safety rules are designed to protect student passengers, to enable the bus driver to operate the vehicle safely, and to help keep maintenance costs as low as possible. STUDENTS WHOSE ACTIONS THREATEN THE SAFETY OF OTHERS ON THE BUS MAY LOSE THEIR PRIVILEGE TO RIDE THE BUS.
1. Do not eat or drink on the bus.
2. Keep the bus clean.
3. Cooperate with the driver.
4. Do not damage the bus or equipment.
5. Stay in your seat. Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus.
6. The bus driver is authorized to assign seats.
7. Students are expected to be ready for the bus when it arrives at the bus stop.

Students who fail to observe the rules will be subject to immediate disciplinary action since their failure to do so may affect the safety of others. The bus driver will file a formal bus slip with the principal should there be a problem on the bus. Recurring problems will result in the student being assigned to In School Suspension or a suspension from the bus for a designated period of time.

*NOTE: Parents must assume responsibility for transporting a student on bus suspension. Any student boarding the bus during a bus suspension will have the suspension lengthened.

Cafeteria

Breakfast is served daily for 4th/5th grades 8:10-8:35 (9:10-9:35 on Wednesdays) with a Grab and Go option for those arriving at school after 8:30 AM (9:30 on Wednesdays) Lunch is as scheduled. We appreciate your cooperation in:
➢ Disposing of gum prior to entering the lunch line.
➢ Depositing litter in wastebaskets.
➢ Returning all trays and utensils to the tray return/dish-washing area.
➢ Leaving the table and floor around your place clean for others.

STUDENT CAFETERIA PROCEDURE:
1. Students enter the cafeteria and proceed through one of two serving lines.
2. Students will enter their PIN number to purchase or receive their meals.
3. Students will sit at the designated tables in the cafeteria until the teacher dismisses them.

The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school. To encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced lunch is offered at $3.05 per lunch tray. Breakfast is also offered at $1.70 per tray. Please keep in mind that energy drinks are an unhealthy beverage choice for students in their early teenage years. Caffeine in high doses stimulates their systems and can cause high blood pressure, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, dehydration, etc. Water and juice from the machines are permitted in the cafeteria. Lunch can be purchased by putting money into the student’s cafeteria account using cash, check, or through Paypal through the parent portal online. The student will receive a PIN number to use in order to purchase their meals; students must memorize this number. No food may be eaten anywhere other than in the cafeteria, unless students receive a Grab and Go breakfast. Students must clean up their trash on their tables prior to leaving the cafeteria. Food and beverages are to be eaten in the cafeteria. No open containers are allowed outside the cafeteria.

Cell Phones/SMART Watches/AirPods (earbuds)

Students may bring cell phones/watches/AirPods to school, but do so at their own risk. Phones must be turned to silent and out of sight until the end of the school day. Cell phones, Smart Watches, and AirPods (earbuds) should never be used in the building or on the school bus unless permission is granted for educational purposes by a teacher or driver. If a parent needs to contact a student, please call the office at (636) 937-4750 to leave a message for your child. Please do not call or text their personal cell phones during school hours. A student found using any of these devices during school hours without permission for any reason may result in the following: 1.) Device is taken by the teacher to be given back to the student at the end of the day. 2.) Device is sent to the office to be given back to students at the end of the day. 3.) Device is sent to the office and will require a parent or guardian to pick up from school. Inappropriate use of cell phones will be addressed and parents will be required to pick up the device if this rule is broken more than once. Additional consequences may be applied.

Class Assignments
When making class assignments, every effort is made to assign students to a setting that is most beneficial to their education. Festus Intermediate is fortunate to have an excellent teaching staff; therefore, your child will benefit from any of our teaching staff. Classroom assignments are made to create a classroom environment that best meets the needs of our students.

Clubs/Activities
Below is a list of clubs and activities and the grade level each is offered at the Intermediate. Some clubs and activities are open to everyone, whereas others are selected using certain criteria, or have limited space.
       Archery- 5th grade
      Character Council- 4th/5th grades
      Festus Fitness- 5th grade
      Honor Choir- 5th grade

Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes the educational and social purposes of the school. Students are to cooperate with and respect the rights of other students, employees, and teachers.

Controlled Substances
The use, possession, sale, or transfer of any controlled substance, drug paraphernalia or counterfeit drug while on school grounds is strictly prohibited. This policy includes all forms of drugs, alcohol, or narcotics, which may impair the student’s ability to perform in the academic setting, including the distribution of over-the-counter drugs. Any drug determined to be in violation of local, state, or federal laws, including the misuse of prescription drugs, will be confiscated.

For any of the above violations, the principal will suspend the student for 10 days and contact the superintendent. The superintendent may then take further disciplinary actions, contact the student's parents, and if appropriate, involve Student Resource Officers (SRO) or local law enforcement authorities. Refer to Discipline policy JG-R.

Counseling/ Guidance Services: Mrs. Helms (4th grade) Mr. Williams (5th grade) 937-4750

The guidance office is open from 8:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. daily. Counselors help students with academic concerns, social and emotional concerns, career information, achievement testing, and test interpretation. Students may also request counseling for social or personal problems. Students or parents may request outside counseling services through the Employee Assistance Plus Counseling Services which is free to our students and their families.

Discipline Policy
Incidents of a disciplinary nature will result in actions as outlined in the disciplinary policy (JG-R) adopted by the Festus R-VI Board of Education. Please refer to the district discipline policy in this handbook.

Discipline – Referrals to Office
School rules are established to provide a safe learning environment for all students and promote responsible school citizenship. Each classroom develops a discipline plan which includes: a list of classroom rules pertaining to the teacher’s expectations of student behaviors, rewards to the student when the student follows prescribed rules, and consequences to the student when the student does not follow prescribed rules. All classroom discipline plans are approved by the building principal. Student
classroom rules and consequences are written and posted in the classroom.

IMMEDIATE OFFICE REFERRALS
There are unacceptable behaviors that result in immediate referral and action by the principal. If a referral occurs, parents will receive a copy of the notice to be signed indicating that you have seen the notice.
❖ 5 classroom infractions in one day
❖ 20 classroom infractions in one month
❖ Alcohol/Drug Possession/Use
❖ Assault against another student
❖ Assault against a staff member
❖ Bus Misconduct
❖ Cheating/Dishonesty
❖ Continuous failure to complete assignments
❖ Disrespectful conduct/speech
❖ Failure to return Discipline Referral
❖ False Alarms/Reports/Equipment Tampering (Ex: setting off fire alarms or making bomb threats)
❖ Fighting
❖ Forgery (including Student Progress Reports/Report Cards and Permission slips)
❖ Harassment/Bullying
❖ Health Safety Violation
❖ Hitting/Shoving/Kicking
❖ Horseplay (rough-housing) physically bothering others w/ hands, arms, legs, feet or body.
❖ Insubordination
❖ Misbehaving in, or removal from, ISS
❖ No Show for Assigned Detention
❖ Obscene Language or Gestures
❖ Pepper Spray Use/Possession

❖ Possession of anything that could bring harm
❖ Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
❖ Possession/Distribution/Sale of Alcohol/ Drugs, including OTC (Over the Counter)
❖ Public Display of Affection (PDA)
❖ Sexual Harassment
❖ Stealing
❖ Threatening Others
❖ Tobacco or E-cigarette Possession/Use/Sale/Distribution
❖ Truancy
❖ Vandalism

CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVIOR GIVEN BY ADMINISTRATOR
❖ Conference with Student
❖ Conference with Parents/Guardians
❖ Bus Suspension
❖ Denial of Privilege(s)
❖ Detention- Lunch/Recess
❖ Detention- After/Before school
❖ In School Suspension (ISS)
❖ Saturday School
❖ Out of School Suspension (OSS) –Students who are suspended from school may NOT be allowed to earn credit for course work completed or assigned during the term of the suspension.
❖ Other

To ensure the lines of communication are open, a copy of the student disciplinary referral will be emailed home with the student to be signed and returned to the Intermediate office. Phone calls to parents will be made as time permits, based on the severity of the student’s actions.

Discipline - In-School-Suspension (ISS)
Only an administrator may assign In-School Suspension (ISS). Students will meet in the office to be escorted to the ISS room the beginning of each day. All work must be completed and will be collected and checked. Students will receive credit for work completed in ISS. Refusal to serve or comply with rules will result in an OSS (Out of School Suspension).

Discipline - Saturday School
Saturday School Detention is intended to serve as an alternative to suspension and as a deterrent to further student misconduct. Students will have the opportunity to work on class assignments under the supervision of a teacher. Saturday School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and is over at 12:00 noon. The privilege of participating in extra-curricular activities is denied until the Saturday School is served. Saturday School may only be assigned by an administrator.

Parents will be promptly notified through the discipline referral form and a phone call. If a student does not show for a scheduled Saturday School, ISS may be assigned.

Discipline - Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
Only an administrator may assign Out-of-School Suspension (OSS). During an OSS assignment, students may not participate in or attend school activities. Students may not earn credit for work during an out-of-school suspension of less than ten days. Students may earn credit for work during an out-of school suspension lasting longer than ten days. See policy JG-R1

*IN-SCHOOL AND OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS OF 10 DAYS OR LESS ARE NOT APPEALABLE.

Discipline- Suspensions For More Than 180 School Days and Expulsions

Only the Board may expel a student or suspend a student for more than 180 school days. The applicable procedures are outlined below. See Policy JGD.

1. Before recommending to the Board that a student be expelled or suspended for more than 180 school days, the superintendent must (a) tell the student, either orally or in writing, what misconduct he or she is accused of; (b) if the student denies the accusation, explain, either orally or in writing, the facts that form the basis of the proposed suspension/expulsion; and (c) give the student an opportunity to present his or her version of the incident.
2. If the superintendent concludes that the student has engaged in misconduct and should be expelled or suspended for more than 180 school days, the procedures described above apply unless the student has a disability. (In the case of a student with a disability, the procedures described in the policy dealing with the discipline of students with disabilities shall apply.)

Dress
All students are to dress appropriately. While respecting individuality, certain guidelines must be followed in order to maintain a good learning environment. Clothing or other attire that distracts from the instructional process, is offensive, immodest, or jeopardizes one's safety is prohibited. To minimize distractions in an educational setting, the following rules of dress and grooming have been established:

• Dress which is extreme, exhibitionist, or of immodest fit or style to the extent that it interferes with the instructional process or produces a safety hazard will not be allowed. Fishnet shirts, spaghetti straps, backless shirts, see-through blouses or shirts, or clothing that exposes a bare midriff are not permitted. This includes sleeveless shirts with large armholes. Holes in jeans, pants, skirts, or shorts must be found no higher than 4” inseam requirement used for shorts.
• Reasonable cleanliness of person and clothing is expected as a matter of health and aesthetics.
• Hats/Hoods are not to be worn in the building, unless special permission is given (spirit week, fundraisers, 504’s etc.).
• Clothing or articles, which contain racial, sexual, suggestive, or other patently offensive words, emblems, insignias, or any item that causes a disruption to the school’s daily functions or environment, are not permitted.
• Articles of clothing or other materials which advertise, promote, or suggest the use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco are not allowed in school.

• Pajama pants may only be worn on specific days (spirit days, etc.) when announced by administration and teachers.

• Pants or shorts that are designed to be worn below waist level and/or sagging are not permitted in school. Shorts or skirts that do not cover adequately will not be permitted. Shorts and skirts must have at least a 4” inseam and cover all areas required to be covered in a sitting and standing position.

Emergency School Closing
During periods of inclement weather or other emergencies, school may be canceled. When the superintendent cancels school, television stations in the St. Louis area should carry school-closing information.
In an effort to improve communication between parents and school, the Festus R-VI School District has also implemented a telephone broadcast system (Parent Square) that enables school personnel to notify all households and parents by phone within minutes of an emergency or unplanned event that causes early dismissal, school cancellation or late start. Please make sure you complete the Parent Contact Information at the beginning of the school year so that you can be registered.

*Important: Please have a PRE-ARRANGED PLACE for your child to go in case school is unexpectedly dismissed and you will not be home. Make your child aware of that plan and know their emergency numbers.

Fees and Fines
Fees and/or fines owed due to lost or damaged school property (including chrome books), lunch charges, etc. must be paid by the end of each year.

FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

(FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:

1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.
2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of a student’s privacy rights.

3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.

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

Field Trips and Special Activities
Field trips and special activities are planned throughout the school year for the educational, social, and personal benefit of students. These activities are designed to enhance the programming offered at the school. However, participation in these activities is not a given "right" of a student. Money and permission slips must be turned in to the teacher by the deadline so arrangements for transportation and admission can be made. If students are not able to attend the trip, refunds cannot be given. If the deadline is missed, students will not be able to attend the field trip. If a student does not attend an educational field trip or is absent on that day, the student may be required to do an alternative learning assignment related to the topic. Students who wish to leave the field trip with their parent/legal guardian must sign the travel release form provided by the teacher or sponsor at the event. Students are required to attend the entire field trip and will be counted absent if they choose to leave the field trip and not return to school on a bus. For the protection of our children, parents who plan to attend field trips must be pre approved by the principal and have completed an approved background check through our Raptor System inside FIS. The classroom teacher will turn in a list of names of those interested parents for approval. If you are not approved to attend the field trip, you will not be able to join the group at their destination.

Fighting
Our school has NO TOLERANCE for violence. Fighting is cause for an immediate Out-of-School Suspension. Refer to Discipline policy JG-R.

Fireworks
Fireworks are dangerous. Possession or the firing of any type of fireworks on school premises is grounds for disciplinary action. Refer to Discipline policy JG-R.

Food Services – Food Service Director, Dereon Hill 937-7747
It is the goal of the Festus R-VI Food Service Program to provide wholesome and appetizing school meals to district students. School meals contribute to good nutrition, which is vital to mental and physical growth during the formative years. The school food service program operates on a non-profit basis and is self-supporting. Local food service revenue is local district revenue used to offset program expenses. Parents are responsible for their child's balances.

Food Service Account Information

K-6 with $24.00 or more in food service charges will be informed to bring their lunch until the debt is paid. Their account will be charged the actual price of the alternate meal. Students will not be allowed to purchase ala-carte items or extra items without adequate money in their accounts to cover the cost of the items.
**Meals for the 2025-2026 school year will cost … Breakfast- $1.70, Lunch- $3.05

Parents please refrain from dropping off/delivering Restaurant/Fast Food during the school day.

Students in grades K-8 will not be allowed to accumulate more than $24.00 in food service charges. Students in grades K-8 who have accumulated $24.00 or more in food service charges will not be allowed to charge breakfast. Students will be notified to eat breakfast at home prior to coming to school until the charges are paid. Students will not be allowed to purchase ala-carte items or extra items without adequate money in their accounts to cover the cost of the items.

The Food Service Department and the child's building attendance center will work with any family having financial difficulty who expresses such and establishes an agreed upon time line to makeup payments that may be in arrears. In such instances, the student will receive a Type A regular lunch until any previously agreed upon payment is missed.

Once an agreed upon payment is missed, the student will receive an alternative meal and the student's account will be charged the actual cost of the meal. The alternative meal may consist of a peanut butter sandwich and milk.

All student money deposits should be brought to the child's school attendance center in envelopes. The envelope should have the students name, grade, teacher, and amount of money written on the outside of the envelope. Students should turn their money into the food service cashier in the morning before school begins. Payment may be made in the form of cash, check or money order, however sending cash is discouraged. The school is not responsible for money sent with your child, especially cash. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Festus R-VI Food Service.

Food Service Account & Notification Efforts
Students will be provided with their balances at the register following a sale. Students may inquire as to the status of their food service account balance anytime. Parents may access their child’s food service account and other pertinent information via the Parent Portal.  When a student has a negative account balance an automated ParentSquare message will be sent on Sunday evening for grades K-12. For grades K-8 a negative balance letter will be sent home weekly. Negative balance conversations and any correspondence of the same will be handled with discretion.

The principal of each attendance center will be notified of those students in grades K-12 with charges exceeding the credit limit. Principals are encouraged to assist in the collection of charges or to communicate any known information that may be of assistance to the Food Service Department. After three written and/or verbal notifications to parents regarding delinquent accounts with no response or deposit of funds, the Division of Family Services may be contacted.

A Free and Reduced Meal Benefit application will be offered to any child who exceeds the accumulated charge limit or who demonstrates consistent payment difficulties. A Free and Reduced Meal application may be submitted anytime during the school year.

Fund Raising
Students are not permitted to sell or distribute any fundraising items for outside groups, clubs, or activities.

Golden Paw Character Education Program
Golden Paw Criteria
• Students MUST Display Good Character to Self and Others (3 or less behavior infractions in a quarter).
• Students MUST Display Responsibility with Homework (3 or less late assignments in a quarter).
• 2.0 GPA, “C” Average or Better in all Core Classes (Students who have an “F” in a class will not qualify.)
• Attendance 95% or Better

Grading and Reporting to Parents
Festus Intermediate has running semester grades for 1st and 2nd semesters. Progress reports will be issued at the end of each quarter and at the midpoint of each quarter. We highly encourage parents/guardians to attend parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.

Parent-teacher conferences provide a better understanding of the student and are very helpful to both teacher and parent. Parents wishing to request a conference throughout the school year (beyond P/T conferences) should call the school to set up a time to meet and discuss. In addition, telephone calls to teachers will be returned as time permits, either after school or during a planning period.

Each student is encouraged to attain the highest level of achievement of which he/she is capable. Competition against his/her own grade record for self-improvement and the satisfaction that comes from performing each task well, is an important goal for each student.

Grades will be based on the following scale
A 4.0 96%-100%
A- 3.67 90%-95%
B 3.33 87%-89% 
B 3.00 84%-86% 
B- 2.67 80%-83% 
C 2.33 77%-79%
C 2.00 74%-76%
C- 1.67 70%-73% 
D 1.33 67%-69%
D 1.00 64%-66%
D- .67 60%-63%
F 0.0 0%-59%

Grade Explanations

4.0 A Exclellent

3.0 B Above Average

2.0 C Average

1.0 D Below Average

0.0 F Failing

Honor Roll is determined at the end of each grading period. Requirements are as follows: • "Honor Roll” 2.67/4.0 average or above.
All classes in which students receive a letter grade will be figured into a student's GPA. Students cannot receive a grade of “D” or “F” and still make Honor Roll.
*Students in Special Area classes will receive a “P’ (pass: 60% or higher) or “F” (fail: below 60%).

Health and Wellness

Students will be given temporary care in case of illness or injury during school hours. If your child has a medical problem, please make sure the school nurse is informed. Please notify the nurse if any changes or updates are needed during the school year. It is very important that correct telephone numbers (home, work, cell and emergency) are on file in the main office in case parents or emergency contacts need to be contacted.

Students are to be kept home if they have:

• temperature of 100 degrees or greater

• head lice

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• red, draining eyes

• sore throat accompanied by fever

• persistent, uncontrollable cough

Students cannot return to school until they have been fever, vomiting, and diarrhea free for 24 hours without the use of medications. In cases of diagnosed pink eye or strep throat, students must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school. Complying with these stipulations will ensure the protection of your child and all students. For any communicable disease, control measures and interventions will be implemented as required by law and in accordance with guidelines provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and the local county and state health departments.

Students with a known life-threatening or potentially life-threatening condition are to have an ‘Action Plan’ completed by their physician and kept on file in the nurse’s office. Some examples of these include Allergy Action Plan, Asthma Action Plan, and Seizure Action Plan. The parent must also provide any medications required as part of that plan to the school nurse. It is the parent’s responsibility to discuss the child’s condition with the appropriate school staff, including the school nurse.

Vision screenings will be conducted on students in 5th grade. A notice will be sent out prior to these screenings to reflect the approximate dates that they are to occur. Students will be excused from any screening upon receipt of a written request to the school nurse from the student’s parent/guardian.

If a student needs to be excused from P.E. for more than three days, they will require a written excuse issued by a physician. Excuses must state how long they will need to be excused from P.E. or other classes that require physical activity. Students may be required to complete alternate assignments in lieu of the activities from which they are excused due to illness or injury.

If a student requires the use of the elevator/lift due to an injury, they will need a written notice from their physician stating how long they will need the service.

No prescription medication will be given to students unless the medicine is in the original container with the prescription label, which must include the child's name, name of the medicine, dosage, time to be given/how often to be given, and doctor's name, along with signed authorization from the parent to administer the medication. We discourage the use of over-the-counter medications at school unless absolutely necessary. No over-the-counter medications will be given to students unless the medicine is in the original bottle or box that clearly states the manufacturer's instructions, along with a signed note from the parent that includes the child's name, name of medication, dosage, time to be given or how often, and length of time the child is to take medicine. All medications are to be stored in and dispensed from the health room. Only package directions will be followed on over-the-counter medications unless a signed note from a physician is provided.

In most instances students will be permitted to transport medications to school. All medications must be immediately brought to and stored in the nurse’s office. The nurse will obtain a pill count upon taking possession of the medication and a parent/guardian will be called to verify the count. It is preferred that a parent/guardian pick up medications from the health room when necessary.

Any student found with a head lice infestation will be sent home for 24 hours to be treated. (JHC-AP2). Infested students must be picked up and may not ride the bus home. Before the student will be permitted to return to class, he/she must be brought to school by a parent or guardian to be examined by the nurse. If live head lice are found, the student will be sent back home with the parent or guardian for further treatment. The student will have to be brought to school and rechecked by the nurse until approved for return to school. A student who has been identified as having nits but not a live head lice infestation will be reexamined within 5 days of the initial identification. If nits are still present, parents/guardians will again be instructed on treatment options. The process will repeat until the student is free of nits.

Homework
Festus Intermediate has a tiered missing assignment process that is meant to improve student learning by reducing the number of missing homework assignments and failing grades. Beginning after Labor Day of the first quarter of their 4th grade year through the end of their 5th grade year, students who have missing assignments will follow the interventions listed below…
Interventions for all grade levels each quarter are as follows:
*1st-2nd Missing Assignment: record in student planner, Inf. Campus, Google Classroom
*3rd-4th Missing Assignment: classroom teacher contacts parent/guardian.
*5th Missing Assignment: student will conference with counselor and make contact with parent/guardian.
*6th-7th Missing Assignment: Parent/guardian contacted by office, After-School detention assigned.
*8th-9th Missing Assignment: Parent/guardian contacted by office, additional Before/After- School detention may be assigned.
*10th Missing Assignment: Parent/guardian conference will be scheduled.
*Any additional Missing Assignments may result in an individual intervention plan being put in place.
*Points may be reduced for the following missing assignments- 1 day late: 10% off, 2 days late: 50% off, 3 or more days late: Student will receive a “0” if not turned in by the end of the quarter/semester.

Late to School

Students will be “LATE” if they are not in their classroom prior to the late bell (8:35 a.m.). Late students will sign in at the office and receive a late slip to take to the teacher. Students are considered late from 8:35 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. (Wed. 9:35-9:50).

If a student arrives after 8:35 they will be considered “Late”. If a student accumulates multiple “Lates” in a quarter, consequences (Lunch Detention, Before/After School Detention, Saturday School) may be given by administration. Please keep in mind time changes for "Late Start Wednesday."

“Late” due to the failure of a bus to make its regular run will not be counted against attendance. “Late” due to individual transportation problems will be recorded and will affect attendance records.

If you are late as a result of a medical appointment, you must bring verification of the appointment to be excused.

Lost and Found
The lost and found area is located outside the cafeteria. Clothing and other articles are placed here. If you believe you have lost items at school, check this location before reporting to the office. Items of significant value will be kept in the office. If unclaimed, articles in lost and found will be given to a charitable organization at the end of each quarter. An announcement will be made near the end of each quarter making students aware that lost & found will be emptied and they need to check for their valuables. Items kept in the office and not collected by the end of the school year, will be discarded.

Marital and Guardianship Changes
Please keep the school aware of any changes in guardianship or parental rights. This is especially necessary in cases of divorce. Your child can be released to either parent or a listed guardian unless we are notified otherwise. Divorced parents must provide a copy of the Decree of Dissolution stating custody rights.

Non-routine Pickup
If you must pick up your child early, please send a note to school with your child stating the time they will be picked up. Students will not be called to the office until the person responsible for pickup has arrived in the office. Please enter through the front doors of the building and come to the office. Students will only be released to their parents or legal guardian, unless we have written permission from the parent or their name is provided as an emergency contact in Infinite Campus. For the safety of your child, picture identification may be required for non-routine pickups. Every attempt to make arrangements for rides should be made before the end of the day.

Students are asked to make after school arrangements before coming to school. The office phones are for business use only. In an emergency, the office staff will contact parents for students. The office may take messages for students when there is an emergency; however, students are not usually called to the phone. Since the office telephone is constantly in use for school business, students are asked not to use the office telephone to call home unless there is an emergency and receive a pass from the teacher. Students MAY NOT use cell phones during school to call home, unless supervised by a teacher or office personnel.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Conferences may be scheduled with any teacher throughout the year. To alleviate frustration, the office will be glad to help arrange a conference with a staff member and encourage you to schedule the appointment ahead of time to ensure they are available. Please call 937-4750. Email contact with teachers is also encouraged. It is requested that parents contact the classroom teacher with concerns before contacting administration.

Parent Portal
Parents can access vital information such as attendance, grades, lunch account balances, etc. through Parent Portal. The link for Parent Portal can be can be accessed here.

Personal Deliveries
Personal gifts and floral deliveries are highly discouraged. These items can become a distraction to the educational environment and cannot be transported on the school bus. This does not include prearranged pre-wrapped food and drink items brought to share with the entire class.

Pets
Pets are not allowed at school, except under special circumstances and then, only with the principal and classroom teacher’s permission. When this occurs, pets should be brought to school and returned home by the parent as carrying pets or animals on the school bus is prohibited.

Playground Rules and Procedures
Weather permitting, students are given a recess each day. Decisions to have outside recess during cold weather depend upon the wind chill factor, typically above 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Students should always dress for outside recess. Only students with medical reasons or study hall assignments will be allowed to remain in the building during scheduled outside breaks. Students will have supervised free time in the classroom on days when bad weather prevents outside recess. Quiet games, talking with friends, music playing, etc., are usually allowed by the person in charge. Teachers reserve the right to withhold recess from any student not dressed appropriately for the weather. The following rules have been developed in order to have a safe and enjoyable break from the regular school routine:
1. Follow directions of teachers.
2. No re-entering the building without permission.
3. No candy, gum, or food on the playground.
4. Whistle - stop playing and look to teachers for instruction.
5. No tripping, fighting, throwing of rocks/mulch, or any other harmful activity.
6. Stay within boundaries.
7. Enter the building quietly.

Publication and Distribution of Materials

The Festus R-VI School District uses an electronic distribution, called “Peach Jar” for informational flyers, limiting paper flyers being sent home. They are delivered via email and can also be found on the district and school websites. During online registration, you will be signed up for Peach Jar with your username and password. No action is needed on your part to continue receiving the flyers. However, if you want to change the frequency that you receive emails, you will need to log in to your account to make the changes. Students will continue to bring home their grade level and classroom newsletters as well as permission slips. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our building secretary, Ms. Tracy Connor or Mr. Kevin Pope (popekevin@festusedu.com), our district communications coordinator.

Residency Process
Prior to registration, a pupil, the parent or legal guardian must establish proof of residency, or must have requested a waiver of the proof of residency. A process is defined for requesting a waiver of proof of residency, including authorizing a hearing before the local board of education. Athletic ability is prohibited as a basis for the issuance of the waiver. Submitting false information relating to residency is defined as a Class A misdemeanor. School districts are authorized to file a civil action for recovery of educational costs based upon submitted false information relating to a student's residency.

Retention Criteria
Retention may occur if a student fails two or more core courses (mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies) for the year, or in the judgment of the professional staff, it is in the best educational interest of the student. Grades, standardized tests scores, and teacher recommendations are the criteria used to evaluate performance. The school will communicate with Parents/Guardians, to include receiving prior notification and explanation concerning the retention.

School Property
All students should be proud of their school and campus, and accept the responsibility of taking care of the school’s property. Students who deface, damage, or lose school property will be required to compensate for the damage or loss, including chrome books. Chrome book Insurance is available.

Secret Organizations/Gangs

The Board of Education prohibits the organization of school-sponsored fraternities, sororities or secret organizations wherein membership is determined by members themselves rather than on the basis of free choice. The Board considers those organizations or memberships in those organizations detrimental to the good conduct and discipline of the school. Interference with the instructional program of the Festus R-VI School District by those groups will not be condoned, and no organizational activities are permitted under the sponsorship of the school district or its personnel. Refer to the Festus R-VI School District Board Policy JFCE.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is not tolerated. School authorities will vigorously investigate accusations of sexual harassment and will take stern disciplinary actions against those who engage in any form of sexual harassment in accordance with the Festus R-VI School District Discipline Policies, which may include possible Out-of-School Suspension.

STAR Student
STAR Student awards will be given out at the end of each quarter. To qualify for STAR student status, students must meet the following qualifications:
❖ Honor Roll
❖ No Classroom behavior infractions
❖ No late assignments
❖ Accelerated Reader goal met
❖ Perfect Attendance (Student cannot miss any school, which includes arriving after the starting bell or leaving before 3:20. This includes leaving field trips early.
Dog tag rewards will be given to students in 4th and 5th grades who meet each individual criterion listed above. STAR students will receive an extra tag. Students who receive STAR Student in any ONE quarter will be eligible to attend the end of the year celebration at West City Park.

Students with Disabilities (Services and Rights)
As a parent of a child with a disability, you have the right to:
1. Attend individualized education program (IEP) meetings,representing your child’s interests
2. Have an advocate or expert present at individualized education program (IEP) meetings.
3. Receive a copy of your child's evaluation, disagree with it, and request one independent educational evaluation at public expense.
4. Provide a written report from outside sources as part of the evaluation process.
5. Examine all education records pertaining to your child and be provided with a copy of the individualized education program.
6. Disagree with the decision of the individualized education program (IEP) team and pursue complaint procedures, including: filing a child complaint with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, state paid mediation, have an impartial due process hearing, and appeal the due process decision to the court.
7. Participate in reviews of the individualized education programs (IEPs) and in any decision to change any aspects of the IEP, as well as receive a written notice of action before a change in your child’s educational placement or the provision of a free and appropriate public education.
8. Have your child placed in the least restrictive environment and in a general education classroom to the greatest extent appropriate.
9. Request an accommodation to provide effective communications if you have limited English language proficiency. 10. A free appropriate public education for your child with an individualized education program designed to meet your child's unique needs, which may include, but not be limited to, special education and related services, such as assistive technology devices and services; transportation; speech pathology services; audiology services; interpreting services; psychological services, including behavioral interventions; physical therapy; occupational therapy; recreation, including therapeutic recreation; counseling services, including rehabilitation counseling; orientation and mobility services; school health services; school nurse services; social work services; parent counseling and training; and, medical services for diagnostic or evaluation purposes.
This document does not confer any right or a right, beyond those conferred by federal or state law, and is intended for informational purposes only. For additional information, contact the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Special Education at (573) 751-0699 or webreplyspeco@dese.mo.gov.

Student Property
Students are cautioned not to bring valuables to school. Students, not the school, are responsible for their personal property. Students should mark their personal belongings with their name and grade. ANY personal item brought to school is the sole responsibility of the student. Students will NOT be allowed to wear or carry purses, belt bags, etc. full time throughout the school day.

Cameras, radios, laser lights, trading cards, or ANY other items that may cause a distraction or harm, are not permitted in school. Electronics will only be allowed if approved by the student’s teacher or administration. Items that interfere with classroom instruction may be confiscated by the teacher or administration. If behavior continues, parents may be asked to make arrangements to pick these items up from the office.

Students are not permitted to buy or sell items at school unless it is a school-sponsored fundraiser. This includes any small item you may want to sell to a friend. Trading of items will not be permitted.

Students are asked not to bring skateboards to school. If they choose to do so they will need to keep the skateboard in the bike rack provided in front of the building.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention: SUICIDE AWARENESS HOTLINE 988

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youths in Missouri and is a public health concern impacting all Missouri citizens. The Festus R-VI School District is committed to maintaining a safe environment to protect the health, safety and welfare of students. For additional information refer to Board Policy JHDF. Services available to assist are as follows:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1-800-273-8255

Chad’s Coalition for Mental Health- 1-314-952-2046

Mercy Behavioral Health Services- 1-636-933-1211

Technology/Acceptable Use Policy
Technology enhances students’ educational experiences. The Festus R-VI School District’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines the use of a technological device in the school setting. This form MUST be completed as part of the on-line registration process before a student can use any technology device in the building. Any violation of the able prohibitions, or any other inappropriate or unlawful use of District-owned or personal devices, may result in a loss of computer access privileges as well as other disciplinary or legal action.

Adherence to the provisions stated within the School Board Usage Policies EHB and EHB-AP is required.
 

Textbooks/Chromebooks/Educational Resources
Textbooks are issued to students and should be handled with care at all times. Students will be responsible for any of their books and/or educational materials that are lost or damaged. Fines will vary according to book replacement cost. Chromebooks are to be used at school only and are not allowed to leave school premises (applicable for 4th/5th grade).  Students will be issued and responsible for any device which is lost or damaged. Chrome book insurance is available and recommended.

Tobacco/Nicotine Use/Possession
Tobacco/Nicotine in any form, which includes vaping and juuling, on school premises is prohibited. Possession/attempt to distribute or sell/ or use of tobacco/nicotine in any form on school property will result in the confiscation of the material and the imposition of a penalty in accordance with the policies, rules, and regulations of the school. In all incidents involving tobacco/nicotine, the principal will contact parents. 5th graders in violation of this policy will not be allowed to graduate from DARE.

Transfer of Documents (Admission/withdrawal)
School officials enrolling the pupil must request, within 2 business days, a transfer of documents from all school districts the pupil attended within the previous twelve (12) months. Any school district receiving that request shall respond within five (5) business days of receipt of that request. The request must include the disciplinary records required under this legislation. Transfer of school records is prohibited to persons not employed by the school district or another school district or to any governmental entity other than a school district, juvenile or family court, unless written permission is granted by the parent, guardian or student, if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older. Violation of this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor and a civil action is authorized based up on a district's failure to comply. The State Board of Education is authorized to establish rules relating to the enforcement of this section.

Truancy
Students absent from school without parent or guardian knowledge and consent will be considered truant. This includes any student who leaves school without written permission once they arrive in the morning. Truancy is a safety concern and will result in disciplinary action. Festus Intermediate does participate in the Jefferson County Attendance program. Students may be referred to this program if they accumulate more than 10 unexcused absences per semester.

Virtual Education

Senate Bill 603 (2018) and House Bill 1606 (2018) created new requirements for local school districts related to virtual education and access to these courses. The Festus School District has developed a system in order to be in compliance with these new laws. The following policy, IGCD Virtual Course board policy, will help students and families through the process if that is their desired path. Contact your child's school counselor if you have additional questions.

Visitors
To ensure the safety of students and staff, we ask that if you will be visiting for any reason that you please go directly to the office. Authorization needs to be issued before anyone proceeds into the building. All visitors will be given a “Visitor” badge to be wear. This procedure is in place to protect instructional time and ensure your child’s safety.

Volunteers
We invite and encourage parents to volunteer their time at the school. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mr. Kearns at 937-4750 to discuss ways in which your contributions can be most meaningful. Volunteers will be required to pass a background check through our Raptor System inside FIS.

Weapons/Firearms
For the purpose of the Gun Free School Act of 1994, a ‘weapon” means a firearm as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code. According to Section 921, the following are included within the definition:
● Any knives, including switchblade, dagger, dirk, stiletto, or bladed hand instrument.
● Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.
● The frame or receiver of any weapon described above.
● Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer.
● Any destructive device which is customarily used for attack or defense against another person including Pepper Spray); any instrument or device used to inflict physical injury to another person.
● The district maintains a gun-free school zone. Guns are not allowed on campus, in district buildings or in district vehicles, except for law enforcement officers. Due to the seriousness of guns in school and the threat of violence, fake or toy guns are not allowed. Because of the possibility of retaliation and further problems, possession of fake or toy guns will be treated as a serious offense and may result in disciplinary action. Again, knives are also not allowed.