Parent/Guardian Resources

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

FHS Mission Statement
We exist to partner with parents and the community to support students in becoming contributing citizens by expanding knowledge and scholarship and creating learning environments that promote academic excellence.

FHS Vision Statement
Our school community will:
● Utilize varied strategies to acknowledge each student’s progress toward achieving academic success;
● Work together in collaborative teams on curriculum, instruction, individual students, and school improvement initiatives;
● Seek and implement promising instructional strategies for improving student achievement on a continuing basis;
● Model lifelong learning through a commitment to ongoing professional development;
● Facilitate positive relationships between community members, parents, staff, students, and faculty;
● Create productive citizens by promoting a culture of kindness, fairness, responsibility, and respect;
● Integrate technology and promote its use as a means to achieve specific curricular outcomes;
● Promote the district’s vision on a daily basis.
● Prepare students for all types of post-secondary opportunities.

Alma Mater
Festus High, Our Alma Mater
Pleasant Memories Ne’er Forgot,
Heaven And Earth Thy Sons And Daughters
Will Thy Blessing Be.
And E’er The Setting Sun Shall Vanish
All Thy Glory Is Thy Lot,
Love And Loyalty Forever
Is Our Pledge To Thee.

Mascot
TIGER

School Colors
BLACK AND GOLD
 

Dr. Karl Shininger – Principal
(937-5410)
Mr. Matthew Gurnow– Assistant Principal
(937-3896)
Mrs. Tammy Van Etten- Assistant Principal
(937-3896)
Mr. Jason Therrell –Activities/Athletic Director
(937-5946)

Press 1 - Attendance
Press 2 - Discipline 9-12
Press 3 - Activities/Athletics
Press 4 - Counseling/Current Registrar of Records
Press 5 - Nurse
Press 6 - Library
Press 7 - Cafeteria
Press 8 - Dr. Shininger/Past Records

Social Media Sites
District Website
Festus Athletics at FESTUSAthletics
Like us on Facebook @FestusHighSchool

Other Important Telephone Numbers
Central Office
937-4920
Transportation
937-5716
Food Service
937-7747
Student Services
Director Cara Pellerin
937-8044
Technology
Director Josh Bauman
Coordinator of Staff and Student Wellness
Amy Horrell
638-2006 ext. 2346
Early Childhood Director
Dr. Samantha Mouser
821 American Legion Dr., Festus, MO 63028

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 1965, Title IX of the Education Amendment Act 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 persons with disabilities may be directed to the Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Denise Funston-Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/Age Act): 1500 Mid-Meadow Lane, Festus, MO 63028; Telephone: 636.937.4920: E-mail: funstondenise@festusedu.com.

Inquiries related to the R-VI employment practices may be directed to the Roy Burnside Administrative Building; Festus R-VI School District; 1515 Mid-Meadow Lane, Festus, MO 63028; Telephone: 636.937.4920; E-mail: earnhartjonathan@festusedu.com. Attention: Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Jon Earnhart.

Anyone attending meetings 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 of Civil Rights, Kansas City Office, U.S. Department of Education, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO 64114; Telephone: 816.268.0550; Fax: 816.823.1404; TDD: 877.521.2172.
Additional information can be viewed here.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (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.

Diploma Requirements
Academic Diploma
Communication Arts……………….4 Units
Social Studies……………………...3 Units
Mathematics………………………..3 Units
Science……………………………..3 Units
Fine Arts…………………………….1 Unit
Practical Arts……………………..0.5 Unit
Personal Finance………………..0.5 Unit
Physical Education……………...1.5 Units
Health……………………………..0.5 Unit
Elective Courses…………………...7 Units
TOTAL……………………………..24 Units

Honors Diploma
Communication Arts*……………….4 Units
Social Studies**……………………..3 Units
Mathematics***……………………...4 Units
Science****…………………………..4 Units
World Language*****………………..2 Units
Fine Arts……………………………...1 Units

Practical Arts……………………….0.5 Units
Personal Finance………………….0.5 Units
Physical Education………………..1.5 Units
Health……………………………….0.5 Units
Elective Courses……………………..6 Units
TOTAL………………………………..27 Units
Students following the honors curriculum must earn twenty-seven (27) units of credit in specific courses.

Any further questions regarding graduation (Missouri Options, early graduation, etc.) can be directed to the Counseling Department.

*Advanced ELA III required during the Junior year and AP English Literature & Composition required during the Senior year.
**AP US History required. All students must pass the Missouri and U.S. Constitution tests at the high school level.
***Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II are required. The fourth unit must be College Algebra, Precalculus, or AP Statistics.
****Physical Science and Biology are required. The third and fourth units must be from the following: General Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, Anatomy & Physiology, and Advanced Biology.

*****Two years required of the same language.

The following school units of credit will be established at the beginning of each year to determine grade classifications.
Freshman………………… 0-5.5 units of credit
Sophomore………………..6-10.5 units of credit
Junior……………………...11-16.5 units of credit
Senior……………………...17 units of credit

A…………….96-100

A-…………....90-95

B+……………87-89

B……………...84-86

B-……………..80-83

C+…………….77-79

C…………….74-76

C-…………….70-73

D+…………….67-69

D……………...64-66

D-……………...60-63

F………………..59 and below is failing

Students meet with their counselor in the spring to develop a carefully planned schedule. We cannot accommodate specific teacher or lunch requests. A request for a change in teacher will only be honored after other solutions have been tried first (homework plan, tutoring, meeting, etc.). No classes will be changed after Friday, August 28, 2026. In very rare instances, an appeal to the counselor/principal may be made.

If a student receives an “incomplete” grade in a course, he/she will be required to remove the deficiency within a two-week period of time from the date the grade is given. In the case of illness, the principal may extend the time. The teacher is responsible for reporting any change to the counseling office.

Progress reports are issued every 4.5 weeks of each quarter and are uploaded in Infinite Campus under “Documents”. This report includes the student’s grade at the time of the report, the reason for any lack of satisfactory progress, and possible steps the student can take to improve. Grades will continue from the point of progress until the end of the semester (referred to as a running total). Only semester grades become a part of a student’s permanent record.

All students are required to take comprehensive final exams at Festus High School and be in attendance on the days of final exams. Final exams will be the last three official days of each semester as determined by the school calendar. The dates are subject to change due to inclement weather. Finals will only be taken on the final days and follow designated scheduled times. Finals can be worth up to 10% of a semester grade and should be included as part of the semester grade. Final exams cannot be taken early. Finals cannot be made up except for a family or medical emergency, court date, funeral, or with approval from the principal prior to the absence for emergencies only.

Most students that miss at least three days of school consecutively have a medical reason for being absent. If a student is not healthy enough to attend school, more than likely the student will not be healthy enough to do school work at home. With this in mind, it is important to remember that each student who has missed school for an excusable reason will be allowed time to make-up missed work. In general, the number of days missed will equal the number of days allowed to complete work. For example, if a student misses three excused school days, the student will have three school days to complete the make-up work.

• When students miss school, students should refer to Google Classroom and email teachers directly about any missing assignments.
• If a student is going to have a planned absence for at least three days (family trip, etc.), it is the student's responsibility to get the assignments in advance of the planned absence.
• If you are on a school field trip or activity, you will receive extended time to complete your assignments or projects (one day for every absence due to a school event or field trip).

Students qualify for an academic letter by achieving a B+ or higher grade average 3.33 for the school year, with no grade below a C. Academic awards are also calculated using weighted grades.

• Summa Cum Laude (accumulated G.P.A. 4.0 or higher)
• Magna Cum Laude (accumulated G.P.A. 3.667-3.999)
• Cum Laude (accumulated G.P.A. 3.5-3.666)
• Academic Letter
• President's Award for Academic Excellence
• JCAA All Conference Academic Award

Tommy Alexander Award

Mr. FHS/Miss FHS

Scholars 100

Military Enlistment

Student of the Month

Student of the Week

Missouri Leadership Academy

Girls’ and Boys’ State

Sophomore Pilgrimage

Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership

Rotary Youth Leadership Academy

Scholars Academy

Scholar-Athlete Award

Senate Bill 603 (2018) and House Bill 1606 (2018) created 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.

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 are not 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. Work assigned on AMI days must be completed and turned in by the teacher’s due date. This reduces the need to add instructional days onto the end of the school year.

Each student is expected to attend school regularly and be on time for classes. This is necessary for a student to receive maximum benefits from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline and responsibility. There is a close relationship between poor attendance and class failure and employers hesitate to hire a student with poor attendance records. It is a legal duty of the parent/guardian to see to it that their child attends school regularly. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 15 days in jail and a fine of up to $300 for knowingly failing to see that a child attends school. Suspected problems of this nature will be referred to juvenile authorities, the Department of Children’s Services, and/or the prosecuting attorney for educational neglect.

Parents are expected to make the office aware of why students are missing school as soon as possible, as this would be considered pertinent information if needed during the appeals process. Absences from school will be counted as verified, unexcused, or excused. Verified absences (a parent or guardian calls the school) are counted as unexcused until a note is provided to the school. To record an excused absence, a parent/guardian must have sent a note on the day that the student returns to school.

The Attendance Office will notify parents by letter when a student has missed three (3), five (5), and eight (8) unexcused or verified absences per class hour. These letters are computer generated. An absence is defined as missing more than fifteen (15) minutes from a class. The letter will note the absences to date and provide notification regarding the potential for loss of credit. Failure to acknowledge and/or receive the warning letter does not negate the "no credit" status for the class.

A record of calls from parents will be held in the office, with reasons listed for absences as they are given by the parents. These should prove informative if an appeal process is started.

Excused absences are defined as absences due to extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control that can be verified with written documentation. Extenuating circumstances may be considered to extend the eighth (8th) or more class period absence provision if pre-arrangements have been made with and have been agreed upon by the building principal, a serious accident, extended serious illness, other emergency health situations, official verification of a death in a family may also extend the eighth (8th) period 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 an exception will be granted. Vacations during the regular school year are strongly discouraged and are not considered excused absences.

An Out of School Suspension (OSS) will count toward a student's total days missed: however, a single act of suspension will not take the student over the seven-day limit, so long as his/her days of suspension added to the days already missed does not exceed twelve days per semester. The student will be held at seven absences. Any further absences, after the days of suspension, would total eight or more, and may be cause for credit to be withheld. In addition, students are not allowed to make up any work missed during an out of school suspension of ten days or less.

Appeals: Students absent in excess of the seven (7) day absence limit may appeal to the assistant principal in writing, including any necessary documentation, on or before the 15th calendar day prior to the end of the semester. The committee, which will be composed of the assistant principal and two full-time members of the faculty, will determine conditions if the student has enough documentation needed to prove reasons for the absences. A ruling of credit, no credit, or probation will be assessed. Students who exceed the seven (7) day absence limit during the last fifteen days of the semester must make a written appeal to the building principal by the last day of the semester.

Please see Mrs. Van Etten if you have any questions regarding attendance guidelines.

All students will be afforded due process as guaranteed by constitutional provisions. The process will be in accordance with state law and with the provisions outlined in the district's policies and regulations regarding student attendance. The results of the appeal will be one of the following:

• Credit

The committee found that there was sufficient evidence to prove the student has missed due to circumstances beyond his/her control. Credit will be awarded immediately for any course with a passing grade.

•  No Credit

The committee found no substantiating evidence to validate the excessive number of absences. Credit is denied.

• Probation

The committee found that there was some evidence of circumstances beyond the control of the student, such that the student would not have missed excessively if those circumstances had not presented themselves. The student must now meet attendance criteria for the following semester. When the probationary period is completed successfully, the grade percentages which have been assessed for the previous semester will be restored to the student's transcript. However, if the student fails to meet attendance criteria while on probation, the student will lose the credit from the previous semester, and may put themselves in a position to lose credit for the current semester as well.

If a student loses credit already earned in any class because of excessive unexcused absenteeism (meaning that the student is withdrawn from the class or loses credit that has already accrued to date), the student 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 suspensions/expulsions. Any subsequent decisions of the Board of Education will be final.

• Transfer Students

If a student transfers to Festus High School, he/she will be expected to follow all aspects of the attendance policy. Probation from former schools will be accepted as our own. If a student transfers in with excessive absences, he/she will be made aware that they will be placed on the non-credit list and may file an appeal if an appeal is deemed appropriate.

Absences Due to Club/Youth/Select Sports
While we recognize the importance of sports, we cannot excuse absences due to a non-school sponsored event. All absences as a result of attending club, youth, or other non-school related sports/tournaments are counted toward a student’s 7 absences (see attendance policy above).

College Visit Days
Parents/Guardian must get College Days preapproved by a counselor BEFORE the visit takes place. Seniors and juniors are allotted two college visits per year.

Extracurricular/Co-Curricular Activities
A student must be in attendance all day on the day of a contest or activity unless excused by the athletic director for circumstances beyond the student's control. In the case that a student is absent or tardy to school the day an activity is scheduled (practice or performance), the student shall not be eligible to participate that day without approval in advance from the athletic director. Students must be in school a full day to practice or participate in a game or activity, this applies to all extracurricular activities. Students with one (1) or more failing grade(s) and/or excessive absences may be kept from attending non-academic field trips outside the regular school day.

Student Activities are a privilege and an extension of the classroom. Discipline for behavioral issues at a school-sponsored club or activity may result in team and/or school consequences. Please refer to the Athletic Handbook for a complete list of student athletic expectations.

School-Sanctioned or Sponsored Activities:
School-related activities are exempt from and will not count as school absences. Teachers must submit a list of students to be excused from class to the principal's office at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled event or activity.

School Grounds and Off-Limits Areas
Students are required to remain on school grounds during the entire school day. Leaving school grounds without the permission of the principal is not allowed.

Signing In and Out of School
Students will sign in at the Attendance office whenever they arrive at school after the scheduled time to begin their first class. Any student who needs to leave school prior to his/her last scheduled class must have had a parent call the office and report to the Attendance office to receive permission to sign out and leave. All requests to leave the building without proper documentation must be approved by the Principal. Leaving school without approval will be considered truancy. Students who miss more than fifteen (15) minutes of a class will be counted as absent from that class. Arriving late to school during the 1st hour will count as a tardy (less than 15 minutes late) or absence (more than 15 minutes late). On certain designated days, parents will not be allowed to call the school to give their child permission to sign out and leave.

Vacation/Trips
At the high school level, students receive a credit for each class. In order to earn that credit, there is an expectation of students being present at school. Taking vacations during the school year is strongly discouraged; however, we realize that some circumstances are unavoidable. If a student chooses to attend a vacation/trip during the school year, it must be pre-arranged with the assistant principal two weeks prior to the trip. All days missed will be counted toward the total number of allowed absences per semester. Students who go over their 7 days because of vacation, will have to go through the appeals process to recover credit. Typically, vacations are not included as approved reasons for missing school. Vacation verification forms can be found in the attendance office.

Tardy Policy
It is important for students to arrive for class on time each period. The following consequences will be in effect by SEMESTERS, not by individual class hours. The number of tardies will be calculated based on the total number of accumulated tardies per semester, not by individual class hours.

1st tardy……………...Verbal warning from the attendance office
2nd tardy……………..Verbal warning from the attendance office
3rd tardy……………...Verbal warning from the attendance office
4th tardy……………...Verbal warning from the attendance office
5th tardy………………Verbal warning from the attendance office
6th tardy………………Tuesday or Thursday 45-minute detention after school
7th tardy……………….Tuesday or Thursday 45-minute detention after school
8th tardy………………..Saturday School and all other additional offenses. Administration call

*Failure to report for an assigned detention will result in further disciplinary action. Students who arrive late in the morning will report to the Attendance Office.

Attendance Support Team
Festus High School will conduct an Attendance Support Team in conjunction with the Jefferson County Juvenile Office and Children’s Division to promote student attendance at school. The team may consist of a Jefferson County Circuit Court judge, a Children’s Division caseworker, Deputy Juvenile Officer (DJO), a school counselor, a school administrator and a Compass counselor.
Attendance Support Team will generally take place monthly from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the High School.
Students will be recommended for the Attendance Support Team based on our current attendance policy. Any student that receives “No Credit” or “Probation” through attendance appeals, will automatically be referred to the Attendance Support Team. The school counselor or administrator can also recommend a student that does not fit this criteria, but could benefit from this program.
Students will remain in the program for one full semester unless progress is not being made at which time, the juvenile office may make a referral sooner. A student can be successfully discharged if they meet all attendance requirements set forth by current school policy at the end of the semester. A student can be added in the middle of the semester if they have already violated the attendance policy during the first quarter of that semester.

Teachers will be expected to fill out a progress report for each child before each bi-monthly court hearing. Grades, missing assignments, attendance, and behavior will be included in the progress report.

If a student/parent chooses not to participate in the program, or unsuccessfully completes the program after one full semester, they will be referred to the Jefferson County Juvenile Office.

Monday, Tuesday. Thursday & Friday Schedule

Wednesday Schedule

Assembly Schedule

Mid-Day Assembly Schedule

The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school. Breakfast is offered in the cafeteria from 7:00-7:35 am. To encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced lunch is offered at a reasonable price. The lunchroom management and your fellow students will appreciate your cooperation in:

1. Depositing all lunch litter in wastebaskets.
2. Returning all trays and utensils to the dish-washing area. Trays should not be left on tables, in classrooms or restrooms.
3. Leaving the table and floor around your place in a clean condition for others.
4. No hats or book bags are allowed in the lunch line.
5. All student deposits MUST be made before 9:00 a.m. Students, be sure to put your full name, grade, and the amount of your deposit on your envelope.
6. The Festus School District offers an online payment option as another means of depositing funds into your child’s lunch account. Parents may access their child’s food service account and other pertinent school information via Parent Portal in Infinite Campus
7. A breakfast tray will cost $1.85 and a lunch tray will cost $3.20.
8. Students may charge up to $6.00, which is 2 lunches. Ala Carte charging is not allowed. If students are over the charge limit, an alternative meal will be provided. It is the student’s responsibility to deposit money and to know their balance. Students can check the student portal any time for lunch balances.
9. Free and Reduced Lunch forms are available at the main office and on the district website. Applications may be made anytime during the year.
10.  If you are not purchasing food, do not go through the lunch line.
11. Students may only use their assigned pin number.
12. Stealing will result in disciplinary action.
13. Change is not available at the cafeteria or at the offices.
14. Due to the amount of traffic in and out of our building, food deliveries for students will not be accepted.

Our custodial staff work extremely hard to be sure that you have a nice, clean place to eat. Leaving trash at the table, throwing food, deliberately leaving messes for others to clean up will be disciplined accordingly. Students who purposely throw trays and utensils away will be asked to pay restitution for the lost items. Students who purposely make a mess for others to clean up will be asked to return to the cafeteria to clean up their mess.

The cafeteria may be used before school as a place of leisure and to purchase breakfast items.

Second-Chance Breakfast
Second chance breakfast is available to students between first and second hour. There is a cart with grab-n-go breakfast items that students can take with them. Students should use their five-minute passing to purchase these items. They should not be late to class as a result of purchasing second-chance breakfast items. Students may use their lunch pin to purchase items.

Lunch Period Areas
The following areas are open to students during their lunch period:

• The cafeteria
• The gym foyer

Students are not to go to any lockers during lunch period. Students are not allowed to eat lunch in the counseling center. Students are not to be in hallways during lunch periods. Students must use the foyer restrooms only during their lunch period.
 

In 2025, the state lawmakers approved a new law prohibiting student use of personal electronic communication devices from the beginning of the school day until the end of the school day.

Definition

Personal electronic communication devices are defined as phones, smartwatches, personal laptops, tablets, wireless headphones, and other electronic personal communications devices that can access the internet, cellular data, or can connect to such devices via bluetooth. The use of personal electronic devices is prohibited during the school day.

The School Day

The beginning of the school day is defined as 7:40 a.m. and the end of the school day is 2:37 p.m. at Festus High School.
Personal Electronic Communication Devices At Festus High School students are expected to turn off all personal electronic communication devices and place them in their assigned lockers and remain unseen for the duration of the day. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, personal laptops, tablets, wireless headphones, or other devices that can connect to such devices via bluetooth. They may be removed from their lockers after the final bell to dismiss class for the day rings.
Consequences

1st Offense: Warning

2nd & 3rd Offenses: Lunch Detention

4th and 5th Offenses: After School Detention

6th (& subsequent offenses): In-School Suspension

Cell phones and cameras may not be used inside a locker room or restroom for any purpose. This means no texting, no calling and obviously no pictures. The use of cell phones, regardless if it has a built-in camera or not, is NOT PERMITTED IN THE LOCKER ROOM OR RESTROOM AT ANY TIME. No exceptions to the rule.

A violation of this rule will result in disciplinary action. If a photograph is taken, the matter may be turned over to legal authorities for possible prosecution. Should an athlete receive a call or text while he/she is in the locker room, he/she should take the phone (still in backpack, book bag, gym bag, etc.) out to the hall or outside the building before using it.

Cameras and Phones may NOT be in use or OUT IN VIEW in the locker room or restroom for any reason.

Taking nude photos of oneself and sending them to another is considered distribution of pornography and could include charges for production of pornography as well. Having nude photos of another is considered possession of pornography. In either case, a School Resource Officer will be notified. Aside from the legal issues that this can cause, students must consider that sending photos via their cell phones, internet, etc. is a digital footprint that is in cyberspace forever. Students should consider that these pictures may get into the wrong hands and be used inappropriately. In addition, when nude photos are sent to students under the age of 17, it is considered distribution of pornography of a minor. Any photos of this sort brought to our attention will be turned over to the local police. School discipline can include up to 10 days OSS with recommendation to the Superintendent’s office.

Students are responsible for information contained in written or electronic transmissions (e.g. e-mail) and any information posted on a public domain (e.g. internet, chat room, blogs, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, X, TikTok, etc.).

Inappropriate or embarrassing information or pictures should not be posted in any public domain. Students are not precluded from participation in such online social networks; however, students should be reminded that they serve as representatives of the Festus R-VI School District.

Texting, tweeting and use of other social networks to disparage or criticize other students, or other school personnel is inappropriate behavior and unbecoming of a Festus student. Any individual identified on a social networking site which depicts illegal, inappropriate behavior or interrupts the educational process will be considered in violation and subject to disciplinary action by administration.

Dress and grooming are normally the responsibility of students and parents. However, students are expected to dress appropriately and be reasonably neat and clean while at school.

1. Appropriate and acceptable clothing shall be defined as that which is not revealing, suggestive, gang-related, or disruptive to the educational process.
2. Anything that promotes, directly or indirectly, vulgar slogans or symbols, racial slurs, nudity, violence, gang symbolism, offensive language or pictures, and/or advertisements for drugs, tobacco, or alcohol will not be permitted.
3. Bandanas, sagging pants, holes in pants/shorts within three inches of the inseam, belt chains, cut-off shorts, and muscle shirts are specifically inappropriate for wearing in the school building and/or class. Back, midriff, bottom, and cleavage need to be covered during regular school hours. No low-cut tops, belly baring tops, racerback tanks, short skirts, short shorts, full-length coats, headgear, spiked chains, or spaghetti straps are allowed. As a general rule, tank top straps should be 2 fingers wide. Short length and skirt length should cover all body parts and as a general rule, should have a 3” inseam. See-through leggings should be covered with appropriate shirt or dress.
4. All undergarments should be covered at all times and should not be worn outside your clothing, this includes bandeaus.
5. Caps, hats, hoods over heads, and satin hood coverings are not to be worn in the building at any time. Repeated violations will result in confiscation of hats/caps.
6. In the day-by-day operation of the school, the administration, along with the staff, will be responsible for making the final decisions concerning dress or grooming styles which violate health or safety standards or disrupt or interfere with the educational process.
7. Dress Code rules apply to all school activities.
8. No pajamas, house slippers, or blankets are to be worn except on pajama day when approved by administration.
    

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 updated in Infinite Campus in case parents or emergency contacts need to be contacted.

If a student needs to leave school during the regular school day because of illness or injury, he or she must report to the school nurse. If the nurse determines that the student should be sent home, the parents will be called and informed of the decision. Students who are sent home are given an excused absence.

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. Students may possess and self-administer medication for the treatment of asthma, anaphylaxis, and other chronic health conditions in accordance with board policy.

If a student needs to be excused from P.E. for more than three days, they must provide 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 nurse’s office. 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.

The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student responsibility and respect for the rights of others and to ensure the orderly operation of the senior high school. It is essential that the district maintain a classroom environment that allows teachers to communicate effectively with all students in the class and allows all students in the class to learn. To assist district staff in maintaining the necessary classroom environment, the Board of Education has created a discipline code that addresses the consequences, including suspension or expulsion, for students whose conduct is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools or impairs the morale or good conduct of other students.

The comprehensive written code of conduct of the district is composed of this policy and includes, but is not limited to, the following policies, procedures and regulations: JG-R, JGA, JGB, JGD, JGE and JGF.

Prohibited Conduct
The following are descriptions of prohibited conduct and potential consequences for violations. Building-level administrators are authorized to more narrowly tailor potential consequences as appropriate for the age level of students in the building within the ranges established in this regulation. In addition to the consequences specified here, school officials will notify law enforcement and document violations in the student's discipline file pursuant to law and Board policy.

Academic Dishonesty
Cheating on tests, assignments, projects or similar activities; plagiarism; claiming credit for another person's work; fabrication of facts, sources or other supporting material; unauthorized collaboration; facilitating academic dishonesty; and other misconduct related to academics. This includes the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs to manufacture student responses, projects, essays, etc.

Arson
Starting or attempting to start a fire or causing or attempting to cause an explosion.

Assault

1. Using physical force, such as hitting, striking or pushing, to cause or attempt to cause physical injury; placing another person in apprehension of immediate physical injury; recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a grave risk of death or serious physical injury; causing physical contact with another person knowing the other person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative; or any other act that constitutes criminal assault in the third or fourth degree.
2. Knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury or death to another person, recklessly causing serious physical injury to another person, or any other act that constitutes assault in the first or second degree.

Automobile/Vehicle Misuse
Uncourteous or unsafe driving on or around district property, unregistered parking, failure to move vehicle at the request of school officials, failure to follow directions given by school officials or failure to follow established rules for parking or driving on district property. Students are not to move or be in vehicles during the school day without permission from school officials. All student motor vehicles parked on school property must be registered with the school. Appropriate action may also be taken against adults. All bus stop arm violations will be reported to authorities. Section 304.070, RSMo. allows the court to suspend the license of a driver who runs the stop arm of a school bus.

Bullying and Cyberbullying (see Board Policy JFCF)
Intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft or property damage; oral, written or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager.

Bus or Transportation Misconduct (see Board Policy JFCC)
Any offense committed by a student on transportation provided by or through the district shall be punished in the same manner as if the offense had been committed at the student's assigned school. In addition, transportation privileges may be suspended or revoked.

Dishonesty
Any act of lying, whether verbal or written, including forgery.

Disrespectful or Disruptive Conduct or Speech (see Board Policy AC if illegal harassment or discrimination is involved)          Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gesture that is directed at any person that is in violation of district policy or is otherwise rude, vulgar, defiant, considered inappropriate in educational settings or that materially and substantially disrupts classroom work, school activities or school functions. Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law. May also include, but is not limited to, inactivity in the classroom, failure to bring required materials to class, failing to participate in class, failure to follow the directions of staff, failure to complete assignments and/or misbehavior in classrooms, restrooms, school grounds or otherwise occurring on campus or at district activities.
Drugs/Alcohol (see Board policies JFCH and JHCD)

1. Possession, sale, purchase or distribution of any over-the-counter drug, herbal preparation, or imitation or synthetic drug or herbal preparation.
2. Possession of any unauthorized prescription drug, alcohol, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation or synthetic controlled substances or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act. Also, sale, purchase or distribution of any prescription drug, alcohol, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation or synthetic controlled substances or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act.
3. Use of or attendance while under the influence of or soon after consuming any unauthorized prescription drug, alcohol, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation controlled substances or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act.
4. Any acts of suspected dealing of any unauthorized prescription drug, alcohol, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation or synthetic controlled substances or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act.

Failure to Care for or Return District Property
Loss of, failure to return, or damage to district property including, but not limited to, books, computers, calculators, uniforms, and sporting and instructional equipment.

Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion or Other Disciplinary Consequences
Violating the conditions of a suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary consequence including, but not limited to, participating in or attending any district-sponsored activity or being on or near district property or the location where a district activity is held. See the section of this regulation titled, "Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion and Other Disciplinary Consequences."
As required by law, when the district considers suspending a student for an additional period of time or expelling a student for being on or within 1,000 feet of district property during a suspension, consideration shall be given to whether the student poses a threat to the safety of any child or school employee and whether the student's presence is disruptive to the educational process or undermines the effectiveness of the district's discipline policy.

False Alarms (see also "Threats or Verbal Assault")
Tampering with emergency equipment, setting off false alarms, making false reports; communicating a threat or false report for the purpose of frightening or disturbing people, disrupting the educational environment or causing the evacuation or closure of district property.

Fighting (see also, "Assault")
Mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict either verbally or by physical action.

Gambling
Betting on an uncertain outcome, regardless of stakes; engaging in any game of chance or activity in which something of real or symbolic value may be won or lost. Gambling includes, but is not limited to, betting on outcomes of activities, assignments, contests and games.

Harassment, including Sexual Harassment (see Board policy AC)

1. Use of material of a sexual nature or unwelcome verbal, written or symbolic language based on gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Examples of illegal harassment include, but are not limited to, racial jokes or comments; requests for sexual favors and other unwelcome sexual advances; graffiti; name calling; or threatening, intimidating or hostile acts based on a protected characteristic.
2. Unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature or that is based on gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Examples include, but are not limited to, touching or fondling of the genital areas, breasts or undergarments, regardless of whether the touching occurred through or under clothing; or pushing or fighting based on protected characteristics.

Hazing (see Board Policy JFCG)
Any activity that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for the purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level, student organization or district-sponsored activity. Hazing can occur even when all students involved are willing participants.

Incendiary Devices or Fireworks
Possessing, displaying or using matches, lighters or other devices used to start fires unless required as part of an educational exercise and supervised by district staff; possessing or using fireworks.

Nuisance Items                                                                                                                                                                                    Possession or use of items such as toys, games, and portable media players that are not authorized for educational purposes.

Public Display of Affection
Physical contact that is inappropriate for the school setting, school activities or on district property, including, but not limited to, kissing and groping.

Sexting and/or Possession of Sexually Explicit, Vulgar or Violent Material
Students may not possess or display, electronically or otherwise, sexually explicit, vulgar or violent material including, but not limited to, pornography or depictions of nudity, violence or explicit death or injury. This prohibition does not apply to curricular material that has been approved by district staff for its educational value. Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law.

Sexual Activity
Consensual acts of sex or consensual simulations of sex including, but not limited to, intercourse or oral or manual stimulation.

Technology Misconduct (see Board Policies EHB and KKB and Procedure EHB-AP1)

1. Attempting, regardless of success, to; gain unauthorized access to a technology system or information; use district technology to connect to other systems in evasion of the physical limitations of the remote system; copy district files without authorization; interfere with the ability of others to utilize district technology; secure a higher level of privilege without authorization; introduce computer viruses, hacking tools, or other disruptive/destructive programs onto or using district technology; or evade or disable a filtering/blocking device. Includes the abuse, misuse and misapplication of computers, telephones, and other pieces of technology, including inappropriate access to Internet sites, computer vandalism and inappropriate e-mail messages. Also includes violation of the district’s Internet use agreement or of Board policy EHB and procedure EHB-AP1.
2. Using, displaying or turning on pagers, phones, personal digital assistants, personal laptops or any other personal electronic devices during the regular school day, including class change time, mealtimes or instructional class time, unless the use is part of the instructional program, required by a district-sponsored class or activity, or otherwise permitted by the building principal.
3. Violations, other than those listed in (1) or (2) above, of Board policy EHB, procedure EHB-AP1 or any policy or procedure regulating student use of personal electronic devices.
4. Use of audio or visual recording equipment in violation of Board policy KKB.

Theft
Theft, attempted theft or knowing possession of stolen property.

Threats or Verbal Assault
Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gestures that create a reasonable fear of physical injury or property damage.

Tobacco and Tobacco Products

1. Possession of any tobacco products, electronic cigarettes or other nicotine-delivery products on district property, district transportation or at any district activity. Nicotine patches or other medications used in a tobacco cessation program may only be possessed in accordance with district policy JHCD.
2. Use of any tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or other nicotine-delivery products on district property, district transportation or at any district activity. Nicotine patches or other medications used in a tobacco cessation program may only be used in accordance with district policy JHCD.

Truancy or Tardiness (see Board Policy JED and Procedures JED-AP1 and JED-AP2)
Absence from school without the knowledge and consent of parents/guardians and/or the school administration, including leaving school without permission and/or skipping all or part of a school day; excessive non-justifiable absences, even with the consent of parents/guardians; arriving after the expected time class or school begins, as determined by the district. The district may prosecute parents/guardians for excessive absences.

Unauthorized Entry
Entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility, office, locker, or other area that is locked or not open to the general public; entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility through an unauthorized entrance; assisting unauthorized persons to enter a district facility through any entrance.

Vandalism (see Board Policy ECA)
Willful damage or the attempt to cause damage to real or personal property belonging to the district, staff or students.

Weapons (see Board Policy JFCJ)

1. Possession or use of any weapon as defined in Board policy, other than those defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921, 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2) or § 571.010, RSMo.
2. Possession or use of a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921 or any instrument or device defined in § 571.010, RSMo., or any instrument or device defined as a dangerous weapon in 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2).
3. Possession or use of ammunition or a component of a weapon.

The district maintains a gun-free school zone. Guns are not allowed on campus, in district buildings or on 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. Knives are also not allowed.

Conduct on Property Contiguous to School Premises
Under Missouri Law, the school district has the authority to enact rules and regulations governing the conduct of students, both on and off school property, so long as the rules and regulations are reasonably related to maintaining the “good order and discipline” of the district schools.

The school district will exercise its responsibility to impose discipline for any conduct that has a detrimental effect on school operations.

Removal of Students
Districts are authorized to immediately remove a pupil posing a threat to themselves or others. Prior disciplinary action may not be the sole basis for such removal. Removal of a pupil with a disability is subject to state and federal procedural rights.

Saturday School
If assigned Saturday School, students are required to attend unless they provide a doctor's excuse, funeral notice or court document. All assigned students will attend Saturday School starting promptly at 8:00 a.m. Saturday School will run from 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 10:00-12:00 a.m. based on the number of offenses. If a student does not attend or complete Saturday School, in-school suspension will automatically be assigned on the following Monday.

Student Searches
The School District will search student lockers, and other school property used by students. Such searches may include the use of drug dogs to search lockers, backpacks, purses, and cars parked on the school lot(s). Searches are necessary to maintain the welfare of our student body or to prevent discipline problems and interference with the educational process.

Suspensions
In the event that a student must be suspended from school as a result of misconduct or an offense against Board of Education policies, the principal will explain to the student exactly why he/she is being suspended and give the student an opportunity to explain his/her acts. The student and parents or guardian of the student shall have the opportunity to appeal the principal’s decision of suspension.

Students suspended from school are not permitted to be on school grounds at any time during the term of the suspension, nor may they attend school-sponsored student activities after school on any day of any suspension. Students suspended may, of course, come to school for prearranged conferences with teachers, counselors, or administrators.

No credit will be allowed for work completed while students are suspended out of school for under 10 days. Any student who is suspended for longer than ten days may begin making up work on the 11th day.

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

Long-term Suspensions and Make-up Work
Students who are suspended for longer than 10 consecutive days at any one time may make up their work for up to 70% credit on individual assignments beginning on the 11th day of the suspension IF:

• They agree to attend the after-school credit recovery program from 2:35-4:00 in Room 120.
• They maintain 95% attendance in the program during the term of their suspension.

This is a voluntary program available to long-term suspended students, and transportation is the responsibility of the student.

Tobacco Regulations
The use of tobacco products on or near school property is strictly forbidden. Use or possession of tobacco on school property will result in confiscation of the material.

Possession of Tobacco or Tobacco Products:

• First Offense: 3 days ISS
• Second Offense: 4 days ISS
• Third Offense: 5 days ISS

Use of Tobacco or Tobacco Products:

• First Offense: 3 days OSS.
• Second Offense: 5 days OSS.
• Third Offense: 10 days OSS\

School Counseling
The school counselors help students with academic, career, and personal/social development. This includes academic and testing support, selection of courses of study for each year; selection of college, technical school, or other post-high school plans; and interpretation of test results. Students needing assistance in these areas are invited to make appointments before or after school or during student preparation periods with approval of the instructor.

The Counseling Office is open from 7:15 AM until 3:15 PM. Students are welcome to check out materials or browse through materials in the office.

• Amanda Esparza (Ro-Z)--esparzaamanda@festusedu.com
• Jennifer Kline (A-D) --klinejennifer@festusedu.com
• Angie Macy (L-Ri) –macyangela@festusedu.com
• Alan Woodland (E-K)- woodlandalan@festusedu.com
• Counseling office phone number is (636) 937-5944.
• Counseling fax number is (636) 937-2066.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
• 1-800-356-5395
• 1-800-784-2433 (SUICIDE)
• 988
• Or call 911 if you or someone you know needs immediate help.

Mission and Services Overview
The mission of the Festus High School Library Media Center is to equip today’s students with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in the world of tomorrow. To support this mission, the Library Media Center is open each school day from 7:15 AM to 3:15 PM. Arrangements for access outside of these hours may be made in advance with the librarian.
Students are encouraged to make frequent use of the library's extensive resources. They may visit before and after school, during lunch, Tiger Time, or during class periods with a valid pass from their teacher.

Resources Available:

• A collection of over 10,000 print titles
• Access to more than 5,000 digital books, including ebooks and audiobooks
• 25 online research databases, with additional resources added on a regular basis

All digital materials and research tools can be accessed via the Festus High School Library Media Center webpage.

Circulation Policies:

Students are responsible for all materials they check out. While overdue fines are not assessed, students may incur charges for items that are lost or returned in damaged condition.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
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. In order to meet the educational needs, both parents and students need to read and sign the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) during online registration.

Technology
Festus High School strives to foster physical, intellectual, and social growth in all students. Recognizing the importance of technology in our world, we believe it necessary to:

• ● Incorporate technology into the instructional process to encourage problem solving, critical thinking, and global learning.
• Promote student-centered learning.
• Use technology to increase the effective use of time for both students and faculty.
• Provide appropriate technology resources for students, faculty, and staff, so that they are able to communicate with all stakeholders and maximize learning opportunities.
• Empower students and staff with technical literacy skills.
• Promote the ethical and responsible use of technology.

Therefore, all students are given access to technology and to the Internet which implies that the students must accept the responsibility to use technology in an appropriate manner.

Each student will be issued a Chromebook and will be responsible for its care and maintenance as well as for having it in his/her possession on a daily basis as a part of being prepared for class. Please refer to the 1:1 Technology Handbook for specific expectations and requirements of students with regard to the devices they will be issued.

Students are expected to have their Chromebooks charged and with them on a daily basis as a part of being prepared for class. Chromebook circulation software will document the number of times a student needs to borrow a Chromebook because it is uncharged or not at school. Students will be issued a written warning via their school email when they have borrowed a Chromebook four and five times. Students reaching six occurrences will be referred to the assistant principal’s office. Students who borrow a Chromebook because theirs needs repair are exempt.

Students who need to borrow a Chromebook for any reason should come to the Tiger Tech Team (T3) room to receive a loaner Chromebook to use for the day.
 

A program of public-supported education designed to meet the needs of a democratic society must provide for a series of learning activities for all individuals in harmony with maturity, needs, abilities, and aptitudes. The school makes available a broad program of co-curricular activities so that all students have a wide selection in choosing activities.

Co-curricular activities have commendable educational values, and if wisely chosen and effectively administered, the moral and educational tone of the school environment will be improved. The Board of Education requires all teachers to assist with the co-curricular program when directed.

You, the student, your parents, and school personnel should work together in planning your program.

The superintendent and principal must approve all co-curricular activities before allowing them a place in the school program. Both the curricular and co-curricular programs are evaluated annually.

Any student may participate in the activity program providing he/she meets the required standards as stated by the Missouri State High School Activities Association. To be eligible, a student must have passed 3.0 credits for the previous semester. Citizenship Standards are the first to be set by the association. The student must be a good school citizen as judged by the principal and faculty members. A student is not eligible when under suspension from school or any classes by his/her administrator. Any student whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon his/her school is not considered a good citizen. To be a good citizen, the student must meet the following qualifications:

2.2.1 Citizenship
Students who represent a school in interscholastic activities must be credible citizens and judged so by the proper authority. Those students whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit
upon themselves or their schools are not considered “credible citizens.” Conduct shall be satisfactory in accord with the standards of good discipline.

2.2.2 Law Enforcement
     A. A student who commits an act for which charges may be or have been filed by law enforcement authorities under any municipal ordinance, misdemeanor or felony statute shall not be eligible until all proceedings with the legal system have been conducted and any penalty “i.e. jail time, fine, court costs, etc. ) or special condition of probation (i.e. restitution, community service, counseling, etc.) has been satisfied. If law enforcement authorities determine that charges will not be filed, eligibility will be contingent upon local school policies.
     B. After a student has completed all court appearances and penalties, and has satisfied all special conditions of probation and remains under general probation only, local school authorities shall determine eligibility.
     C. Moving traffic offenses shall not affect eligibility, unless they involve drugs, alcohol, or injuries to others.

2.2.3 Local School
     A. A student who violates a local school policy is ineligible until completion of the prescribed school penalties.
     B. The eligibility of a student who is serving detention or in-school suspension shall be determined by local school authorities.
     C. A student shall not be considered eligible while serving an out-of-school suspension.
     D. If a student misses class(es) without being excused by the principal, the student shall not be considered eligible on that date. Further, the student cannot be certified eligible to participate on any subsequent date until the student attends a full day of classes.
     E. Each individual school has the authority to set more restrictive citizenship standards and shall have the authority and responsibility to judge its students under those standards.
     F. Each school shall diligently and completely investigate any issue that could affect student eligibility.

2.2.5 Student Responsibility
Each student is responsible to notify the school of any and all situations that would affect his/her eligibility under the above standards. If the student does not notify the school of the situations prior to the school’s discovery, then the student shall be ineligible for up to 365 days from discovery, pending review by the Board of Directors. Editor’s Note: See all By-Law 3.10..5, Eligible at Time of Transfer.
Below are listed many of the activities and honors at FHS:

Varsity Sports and Interscholastic Competition
Varsity Sports

Baseball

Soccer
Basketball

Tennis

Cross Country

Track

Football

Volleyball

Golf

Wrestling

Softball
 

Interscholastic Competition

Cheerleading

Pom Pon

Color Guard

Band

Choir

Speech/Debate

Scholar Bowl

Archery

All social events are for our senior high students and include grades 9, 10, 11, 12. Fines must be paid before students will be allowed to attend dances. Tickets for outside guests must be purchased by the Festus High School student they are going with. No guests 21 or over will be permitted. Guests on probation are not permitted at the dance. Guests must abide by all school rules and must provide a copy of their ID. Outside guest forms can be found in the Athletic Office and outside guests must be approved by Festus administration before coming to the dance. Any outside guests who were once Festus students must have left our school in good standing (grades, attendance, behavior).

     ● Homecoming Dance
        Grades 9 and up, Festus students and outside guests.
     ● Glow Dance or Student Council Choice
        Grades 9 and up, Festus students
     ● Junior-Senior Prom
        Grades 11 and 12: Eleventh and twelfth graders may invite a ninth or tenth grader as their guest/outside guest.

Inspirational Events

• Baccalaureate Service

            (Senior Class sponsored)

• Commencement Exercises

           (Board of Education sponsored)

Academic Team (Scholar Bowl)
Art Club
Chess Club
DECA
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
FHS Chat and Chew Book Club
French Club
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Gold & Black Pack
History Club
Key Club
Model U.N.
National Honor Society
Renaissance
Rocket Club
Spanish Club
Speech/Drama Club
Student Council
TSA
Varsity Club
Yearbook
Environmental Club
Mock Trial
Gaming Club

Student council oversees school-wide activities in Recreation, Education (Anti Bullying, CyberAwareness), Attitude (Homecoming Spirit Week), Leadership (National Leadership Week), Money (School Dances), and Service (Special Olympics/Polar Plunge). Student Council also participates in leadership trainings, Missouri Association of Student Council district, state convention, and Summer Leadership Workshop.

Membership in the National Honor Society is determined through selection by a faculty council based upon outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Each fall semester a list of students eligible for membership is submitted to the National Honor Society adviser by the Principal’s office. Seniors, juniors and sophomores who have an A- (3.667) cumulative weighted grade point average as indicated on their official transcript are eligible. These students then meet with the NHS adviser, who informs them of their scholastic eligibility, discusses the character, leadership, and service criteria, and explains the procedure to be followed for possible membership.
Students who feel they meet the other criteria for membership may obtain a Student Activity Form from one of the advisers, complete the form, and return it to an adviser, who schedules an interview of each candidate with the faculty council. Selection of new members is based upon:

1. A summary of ratings from other faculty members,
2. Information listed on the Student Activity Form (school and community activities during high school years),
3. A written essay by the candidate, and
4. Information given during the interview with the faculty council.

The selection of members is determined by a vote of the faculty council, with a majority vote in favor (three or more out of five) needed for selection as a member. Since all candidates are scholastically eligible, selection is based on the quality of character, leadership, and service shown during a candidate’s high school years. New members are inducted into the National Honor Society in a formal ceremony to which parents are invited.

Renaissance is a program of events and activities, the purpose of which is to promote, recognize, and improve academic achievement and school spirit. Renaissance involves all students, teachers, and staff members at Festus High School.

The following guidelines are used each quarter for Renaissance Rewards.

• No D’s or F’s
• Maintain 95% attendance
• No ISS, OSS or Saturday School

The Tiger King and Queen are crowned at the Junior-Senior Prom by the members of the Junior-Senior class. The candidates for the Tiger King and Queen are members of the senior class. Seniors and Juniors only vote for the Prom King and Queen. The other nominees serve as attendants.

All candidates must meet the following criteria for the year:

1. Must meet the attendance policy.
2. Pass all classes the previous semester.
3. No OSS for the current school year.
4. No citizenship violations.

This criteria for candidates will be used for Homecoming candidate selection as well.
 

All students will meet with their advisory class every Tuesday and Friday. Students will stay with their advisory class and teacher all four years of high school. The purpose of the advisory class is to help the student navigate through their four years of high school and achieve academic success.

Festus High School has achieved state recognition as an A+ school. This means that students may qualify for free tuition at any Missouri Public Community College or approved post-secondary Vocational/Technical School by meeting certain eligibility requirements. For more information, contact the A+ Coordinator in the counseling center.

As a parent of a child with a disability, you have the right to:

1. Attend individualized education program (IEP) meetings and represent 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 rights 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.

Bulletin boards are assigned to student organizations by the principal. Before posting any notices or other information, principal approval is required. Announcements are read at the start of the fifth period. They are also made available via student and parent email.

Due to the amount of traffic in and out of our building, flower deliveries, food deliveries or personal deliveries for students will not be accepted.

Any printed materials, other than school publications and routine instructional materials, may not be distributed on any school property without approval from the principal. Commercial information will not be distributed. Nothing can be hung on lockers without prior permission from the principal.

The high school will practice all emergency drills each quarter. Building evacuation, lockdowns, fire, earthquake, and tornado drills are important safety precautions. It is essential that when the first signal or instructions are given, everyone obeys promptly. Evacuation should follow prescribed routes as quickly as possible. Students are not to talk during the drills and are to remain at the designated area until the signal is given to return to the classroom.

When it becomes necessary to close schools or alter the bus schedule for such emergencies as snow, ice, storms, dense fog, or failure of sewage or water systems, the school will announce the dismissal over television, radio stations, Parent Square, and Facebook.

Food and beverages in the classroom are at the teacher’s discretion. Delivery of food is prohibited. It is disruptive to the classroom and causes an undue stress to office resources to get students their food.

Students enrolled in vocational/technical and prevocational classes at Jefferson College can ride the school bus to and from Jefferson College. The bus leaves promptly at 8:32 a.m. from Festus High School and leaves Jefferson College at about 11:15 or 11:20 a.m., returning to FHS. As attendance is taken on the bus, students who do not ride are considered absent. When students return from the college they are to report to their appropriate class scheduled at that time.

On Wednesdays only, late start students, with approval of parents and the school, may drive to Jefferson College by way of their own transportation. Daily driving permissions may be offered to students in select ATS programs. A signed permission slip must be on file in the attendance office.

Students that sign up for Jefferson College will be expected to attend every day except for special events pre-approved with the counseling center and the Jefferson College official. A student who misses the bus will report to the attendance office and will not be allowed to drive to Jefferson College.

On days that Jefferson College is not in session, students will be allowed to leave campus ONLY with parent permission. Driving to Jefferson College without Administrator permission will result in disciplinary action.

Students may check for lost items in the high school multipurpose room.

The Missouri Options Program is designated to target students who have the capabilities to complete Missouri High School Graduation Requirements, but for a variety of reasons lack the credits needed to graduate with their class and are at risk of leaving school without a high school diploma. Enrollment in the Missouri Options program is approved through an interview process and is NOT an automatic approval. Admittance into the program is determined based on, in part, attendance and behavior.

Students must be 17 years old and have a job, working at least 15 hours a week, at any approved licensed place of business in the immediate area BEFORE applying for the program. The student must take a pre-test to determine reading level. The Hi-Set requires an 11th grade reading level in order to be successful. For more information, see Ms. Esparza or the high school website about the application and contract.

Due to the construction occurring on campus, the superintendent or designee will develop a system of processing requests, such as giving priority to seniors, students who have mobility issues or students who participate in activities that occur before or after school.

Due to a city ordinance, the area in front of school on Westwind Drive (school side) is available to the public and students on a first come, first serve basis. You must be parked in a marked parking spot. Tickets will be issued to students for parking across the street from school on Westwind Drive in designated no parking areas, by fire hydrants, on both sides of North Fifth St. from Westwind Drive to Billy Porter Park. Students are not allowed to sit in vehicles. The City of Festus Police Department has and will issue parking tickets for parking in no parking zones.

All students are offered a PE locker the first week of classes. It is the students’ responsibility to keep all valuables locked up or secured with the P.E. teacher. DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN YOUR LOCKER.

Students are encouraged to change clothes for physical education class but are not required to do so. To ensure safety during class activities, students must wear lace-up athletic shoes. Slip-on shoes, sandals, Crocs, Uggs, slides, boots, or any other non-athletic footwear are not allowed. Wearing appropriate footwear is crucial for both safety and active engagement in physical education classes.

Secret clubs and gangs are prohibited at Festus High School.

Student directory information (i.e. address, phone number, parents’ names, etc.) may be released by the district (See District Policy File: JO). Should there be any changes to a student’s directory information, it is absolutely necessary to update these changes with the office. Since student safety is our number one concern, we need to be able to contact parents and/or emergency contacts as quickly as possible.

Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money, jewelry, or electronics to school. Valuables should be guarded at all times. The school district is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

All students will be assigned a locker at the beginning of the year. Students are responsible for the locker to which they are assigned and all contents within. Marking or writing anywhere on lockers is not allowed. Any items taped to the locker must be pre-approved through the principal’s office. Students may not use a locker other than the one to which they were assigned without permission of the principal or assistant principal. Sharing of lockers is not allowed. Students are responsible for books and lockers issued to them and will be required to pay for damaged, lost, or stolen books.

Summer grade reports are accessible on Infinite Campus or will be mailed upon request.

The Tiger Team Store is a retail location for students and parents to be able to purchase items they would need for the school day. We will be offering everything from school supplies to Tiger gear to show your school spirit. Students will have the opportunity to be prepared for daily assignments and learn by working in the store. The Tiger Team Store will be employed by students who will be learning the day to day operations. Theft from the Tiger Team Store will be handled by administration under the same guidelines as any other theft. In addition to consequences assigned by the administrator, anyone caught stealing will be banned from the store for the remainder of the school year.

All students will participate in Tiger Time. Tiger Time is a 25-minute period (fifth period) on Mondays and Thursdays that provides additional help and support to students in certain subjects. Students will either be assigned to certain Tiger Time classes (Academic Support) or may have the option to sign up for others (ACT Prep). Tiger Time placements change each quarter.

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.

A student involved in any school event/activity/contest MUST ride in authorized school transportation to the contest if made available unless prior alternative arrangements are made in advance and approved by the Athletic Director. Prior arrangements will only be considered by completing the ACTIVITY/ATHLETIC TRAVEL RELEASE FORM that may be picked up in the Activities/Athletic Office. At the end of the contest, players can be signed out by a guardian.

Tutors/Cadet Teachers should be at the sign out areas by the tardy bell and immediately report to your assigned classrooms. Students should not enter the halls until the bell has rung. Students are not to take food or drink into other buildings. Students are to follow the high school dress code. Tutors/Cadets should be prepared for inclement weather by bringing umbrellas, raincoats, and appropriate dress as needed. The Main Office has extra umbrellas if necessary.

Students are not permitted to bring visitors to school. Exceptions can be made by the principal in rare circumstances. Requests to bring friends or relatives cannot be granted. We require anyone coming into the building to register with our school visitor management system called "Raptor." Visitors will be required to scan their driver’s license or state issued ID which will be screened against the sex offender registry. It will also notify school personnel of any custody orders that are in effect or other situations that are flagged as a security risk. Once registered with Raptor, returning visitors simply scan their ID and print out a visitor’s pass upon each visit. This pass allows school personnel to know who is permitted to be in the building. Our staff is trained to look for the visitor badge. Visitors without badges will be escorted to the office to obtain one. We further ask that anyone visiting do so in a manner which respects the learning environment of the building.

All students transferring to another school district must check out through the Counseling Office by calling 937-5944 or by a visit from the student's parent or legal guardian, preferably 24 hours in advance of the withdrawal where withdrawal papers will be completed and all textbooks returned and fines paid. Students who are considering dropping out must first meet with the principal.