August 11, 2022

Leland Parents and Students,

Each year, the Leland parent/student handbook is reviewed and updated. These updates are approved by the Board of Education and it is the administration and staff’s responsibility to ensure that the rules and regulations are followed through the school year. We would like to make everyone aware of the following changes that are listed in this year’s handbook. The link to the full handbook is provided at the end of this letter and can be found on the district's website. 

1.135 Parent and School Communication - Good two-way communication between families and the school is important for student success. Important information will be communicated from the school to home via TeacherEase emails, or by phone.

- For efficient communication, it is important for parents to contact staff through their leland.1 email addresses. Staff members will respond within 1-2 school days. Personal phone numbers or social media contacts are discouraged.

Communications to the school that contain threats, profanity and vulgarity will not be tolerated, and staff will not be required to respond to any such messages. 

1.150 Lockers, Book Bags, Vehicles and Other Student Property - Students are advised to avoid bringing large amounts of money, electronic devices, or other valuables to school.  Girls should not leave purses unattended.  Students, not the school, are responsible for their personal property.  The junior high and high school students are assigned lockers.  They are to use the locker assigned to them, and keep them locked. 

-Lockers are issued to individual students.  The sharing of lockers is prohibited, and they are to be ‘locked.’  Therefore, the students are responsible for the contents of the locker issued to them..

-Students are to keep book bags in their lockers during the school day. Individuals may carry book bags with administration approval. 

2.100 Grading and Promotion - The A (90%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%) and F (59% and below) system for grades 5-12 is used to show achievement in the classroom.  Semester grades are based on a cumulative point system.  Parents have continual access to student grades through TeacherEase. School report cards are issued at the completion of a semester. Students final grades will be made up of 50% Summative assessments, 30% Formative assessments and 20% Habits of Work. 

In grades K-4, the decision to promote a student to the next grade is based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, performance on standardized tests, and other testing. Grades will be reported on a standards based system as follows: 1 (Little or No competency), 2 (Progressing Toward Target), 3 (Meets Target), 4 (Exceeds Target). School report cards will be issued at the completion of the school year. Progress reports will be shared at the end of the semester.  

In Grades 5-8, any student who receives a failing final grade in a core curriculum course will be given the option to complete the IVS summer school program in order to be promoted to the next grade level. The cost of the summer school course will be at the expense of the student. If summer school is not successfully completed, the student will not be promoted to the next grade level. The final grade is given based on the average of  both semester scores.

8th grade students that do not receive passing grades will not be allowed to participate in the school's promotional ceremony. 

6.40 Dress Code/Student Appearance - The basic responsibility for students’ appearance while attending school and school activities lies with the students and their parents/guardians.  Students are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate for an education setting while on school property and/or in attendance at school sponsored activities.  Students are to use discretion in their dress and are not permitted to wear apparel that causes disruption in the school environment.  Specific guidelines include, but are not limited to:

  • Student dress (including accessories) may not advertise, promote, or picture alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, tobacco, violent behavior, or other inappropriate images

  • Student dress (including accessories) may not display lewd, vulgar, obscene, offensive, or suggestive language or symbols, including gang symbols

  • Except for specially designated days, hats, hoods, bandannas, sweat bands, and sunglasses may not be worn in the building during the day.

  • Student attire is expected to cover them from shoulder to mid-thigh (fingertips with shoulders relaxed while standing)

  • Skirts must cover legs to lower thigh (three fingers from the top of the knee)

  • Tanks must have 2 inch straps (3 fingers) 

  • Neckline of the shirt may not be lower than 4 inches (fist) below the collarbone

  • Clothing with rips/holes may not expose skin from shoulder to mid-thigh

  • Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times

  • Clothing with hanging chains is not allowed

  • Undergarments are not to be exposed

Students failing to adhere to the dress code will be asked to change into appropriate attire immediately, or will be provided with appropriate attire for the remainder of the school day.

Discipline: Electronic Devices/Cell Phones - The intent of the cell phone rule is to promote safety and provide students with the ability to readily communicate with parents and/or family after school hours. It is not the intent to provide students with a means of entertainment or unnecessary communication.

Using a cellular telephone or electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs/video without consent, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules will result in disciplinary action. Cell phones shall be turned off and out of sight in classrooms unless: (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in the student’s IEP; or (c) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals. Students may use cell phones in the cafeteria during the lunch periods and hallways during passing periods only as long as it does not disrupt the educational environment or violate the rights of others. Teachers reserve the right to collect or have students display cell phones in plain sight at any time within the classroom or during an examination. Consequences for violation of board policy 7.194 will result in disciplinary action ranging from a warning to expulsion and will become progressive in nature for repeated offenses.

First Offense: Warning

Second Offense: Office Detention

Third Offense: Loss of Privilege for the Remainder of Semester

*Failure to hand in an electronic device/cell phone when request is made by school personnel will result in loss of privilege for the remainder of the semester.

 

The handbook rules listed above are abbreviated versions of what is outlined in our handbook. I encourage you to review our whole handbook before the start of the school year. If you have any questions or concerns with any items outlined please do not hesitate to contact me. Here is the link the the entire 22-23 parent/student handbook - 22-23 Student Handbook -

Thank you,

Chris Bickel

K-12 Principal