High School & Junior High Handbook

VISION: We aspire to be the school district of choice, improving our community and society by opening  doors and providing opportunities for every child, every day. 

MISSION: Our mission is to provide an engaging, innovative and holistic experience that empowers all  students to become responsible, productive citizens.  

Your acknowledgement of these rules constitutes a first warning. You will be given no further warning. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these rules and the consequences of violating them. The rules herein apply to all students when on all school premises, at all school-sponsored activities, and when aboard a school bus or other Board-owned vehicle. The application of the policies in this handbook applies to all Pickerington Schools activities. 

In addition to being posted on the District’s website, our Code of Conduct can be found in the Main Office, the Guidance Office, the Media Center, and classrooms. 

The Board of Education has established policies and procedures that pertain to students, staff, and school  operations. These policies and procedures can be found via links on the District’s website. 

Pickerington Schools will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency  (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in all services, activities, and  programs available throughout the district. It is the policy of PLSD to ensure meaningful communication  with LEP students and families and to communicate information related to the education of all students. All  services needed to comply with this policy will be provided for students and their families in need of such  assistance free of charge. For assistance, please call 614-833-2110. 

Academic Integrity: Academic Dishonesty is failure to appropriately acknowledge another’s intellectual  property in one’s own work, to falsify facts or misuse information, to use unauthorized materials during  a test, quiz, or exam, or to assist or contribute to another’s academic misconduct. If a student is  concerned that their work may violate academic integrity, then it is the responsibility of the student to  confer with the teacher prior to submitting work for credit. 

Cheating: The act of deception by submitting work as one’s own. This includes, but is not limited to  copying another student’s assignment either all or in part or supplying a student with another’s  assignment (unless specifically permitted by the teacher). Cheating also includes using unauthorized  materials such as notes, books, prohibited technology, calculators, or computers during a test, quiz,  exam, or project. Students may not share information on tests, quizzes, and projects unless the teacher  has explicitly given permission to do so. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to write papers/homework…  

Plagiarism: The act of presenting the published ideas or words of another as one’s own. This includes  but is not limited to books, poems, speeches, films, TV, newspapers, magazines, and Internet media.  Using information from such sources requires proper citations and formatting in order to give credit to  the author or speaker. Furthermore, any revision or paraphrasing of the original work must also receive  correct citations. 

Forgery: The act of altering signatures, school related forms, documents, or records (either paper or  electronic form) for an academic advantage. Forging information supplied to other sources such as  athletics or colleges may have additional consequences outside the control of the high school. 

Stealing: The act of taking academic information for personal gain. Examples include, but are not limited  to, taking another student’s work without permission, taking an exam key, removing a test from a  teacher’s room without permission, obtaining electronic material from a teacher’s computer, or keeping  test booklets instead of returning them to the teacher. 

Falsification: The act of producing unauthorized, intentionally misleading information regarding a  source or creating unclaimed references for academic credit. Although the assignment may contain the  appearance of legitimate sources and citations, the actual sources of information do not exist. A student  who has been accused of academic dishonesty will be determined based upon evidence gathered by a  teacher’s or other supervisor’s observations, materials, and/or information. Concerns provided by  others, including staff or students, may also be taken into consideration. 

Pickerington Schools provide students with access to computer equipment, programs, systems, email,  internet, and other technologies. Each student must take responsibility for appropriate and lawful use of  this access. Students shall not use the school district’s equipment, systems, or network for activities that  cause harm to others or damage to their property; or that violate the law, Board policy, or the Student  Code of Conduct. The board or authorized district officials will make a good-faith judgment as to which  materials, files, information, software, communications, and other content and activities are permitted  and prohibited under the particular circumstances based on the following guidelines. Uses and activities  that are considered unacceptable and constitute a violation of this policy include, but are not limited to: illegal activities, accessing inappropriate material, inappropriate or insensitive communication, violating copyright laws, copying software, plagiarism, misuse of equipment, passwords or software, malicious  use or vandalism, and unauthorized access to the internet. The district and its staff reserve the right to  filter and monitor district devices and district internet usage at all times. (24/hours, 365/days a year) 

Pickerington Schools will use a variety of services that allow the district to monitor students' accounts, all accounts linked to that PLSD Google Account and student’s PLSD owned  Chromebooks. These services may have the ability to notify students when minor infractions occur. As well as notify PLSD administrators is a major infraction occurs or the possibility of self-harm exists. 

Please review policy 7540.03 in its entirety on the district website for additional details.  

The Pickerington Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to make accident insurance  covering children available to parent/guardian(s) at a nominal premium. Covering a child in the  program is at the discretion of the parent/guardian(s). The insurance covers accidents that occur  during school, on the way to and from school, and while attending school functions. More information  about the school insurance program can be found by visiting our website at: www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

Mock Trial, Fall Play, Spring Musical, Chorale, E-Sports, Science Olympiad, Robotics, In the Know,  Marching Band, Diversity Club, Tech Guru 

To be eligible, a student must: 

A. Maintain a grade point of 1.750 or better per grading period. 

a. Eligibility for each grading period is determined by the grades received the preceding  grading period. An athlete will be eligible or ineligible for the next grading period beginning  with the fifth school day after the end of each grading period.  Eligibility or ineligibility will  remain until the fifth school day after the end of the next grading period. 

b. For eligibility purposes, new ninth-grade students will have established their GPA if they  took any junior high school course(s) for high school credit (e.g., if a student took Spanish  only and received a “C”, their ninth-grade GPA for eligibility purposes would be 2.0). 

c. All beginning ninth-grade students must have passed 75 percent of subjects in which  enrolled and must have earned a 1.75 GPA the preceding grading period (last grading period  of eighth-grade year) to be eligible for fall activities. 

B. All students’ grades are to be checked at mid-term and at the end of the grading period.   Students in grades 9-12 must be passing in at least 5.0 credits or the equivalent at each check.  See your advisor/board policy for more specific details. 

The distribution, possession, use, or evidence of consumption of alcohol or a drug substance is  prohibited and will be dealt with severely. This includes extra-curricular events both home and away.  This policy also applies to vaping devices, caffeine tablets or powder, CBD products, look-alike substances and any other item represented to be a drug. Ohio Revised Code 3321.13 and board policy require schools to report drug- or alcohol- related suspensions of any student to the Division of Motor Vehicles.  These individuals may have their driving privilege revoked. Please refer to board policy  5611.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (O.H.S.A.A.) mandates a student must be passing five credits at the High School and 5 classes at the Junior High or the equivalent each grading  period.  A student regaining their eligibility becomes eligible no sooner than five (5) calendar days after  the conclusion of the preceding grading period as long as the grades can be verified. If the verification is  not possible, the students’ ineligibility status continues until such time as grades can be verified. The  ineligibility of a student begins on the fifth school day of the next grading period. A school day includes  faculty in service days, professional development day, calamity days, and regular attendance days, but  not holiday or school breaks. Summer school has no impact on a student’s OHSAA eligibility. 

For clarification, contact the athletic administrator or the assistant building administrator. Students on an I.E.P. should consult the athletic administrator if they have eligibility questions. 

All Pickerington Schools athletes must maintain passing grades during the school year.

A. All student athletes’ grades are to be checked at the time of interims and at the end of the  grading period.   

B. Those students declared ineligible by O.H.S.A.A. at the end of a grading period will lose their  eligibility for the next grading period beginning on the fifth school day of the next grading  period. 

C. Students must be passing in at least 5.0 credits at the High School and 5 classes at the Junior  High or the equivalent at interim. Those students declared ineligible at interim can regain their eligibility at any time once the student athlete is passing 5 credits at the High School and 5  classes at the Junior High. 

D. Students must maintain a 1.75 GPA per grading period. There is one probationary period  permitted for this standard in the student’s high school career and in the student’s Junior High  career.  

Requirements for Participation (Athletic Handbook) 

1. A physical examination is required and an Ohio High School Athletic Association physical form  must be completed and on file in the athletic office. Physicals are valid for 13 months or one  calendar school year, with the exception: if the pre-participation athletic evaluation is conducted  between May 1 and June 1, the pre-participation evaluation, signed by the medical examiner, is  valid for one calendar year plus the remainder of the current school year’s spring sport season  (ex: through June). We encourage all potential student athletes to get their physical during the  summer months. 

2. Parent/guardian(s) and the student athlete must complete the online registration and athletic  code of conduct for each student in each session of athletic participation on a yearly basis. This  must be done prior to the first day of tryouts or practices. 

3. Student athletes must attend the preseason athlete meeting each school year. Attendance  once per school year will count for all athletic seasons. 

4. Student athletes must submit to a preseason drug test each year. One test per school year will  count for all athletic seasons.

Students must follow the standards set forth by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Ohio  Capital Conference, the Pickerington Board of Education, and the Pickerington athletic department. 

Pickerington Schools has a no-cash policy; therefore, the office cannot loan money to students. 

The school operates a cafeteria, which offers students hot, nutritious lunches each school day. Students  who bring lunches from home may purchase milk in the cafeteria. Students are not permitted to go out  for lunch and then return to the building to attend classes.  In addition, students may not have outside food delivered to the building by a parent/guardian or delivery service. 

The computerized cash register system allows parent/guardian(s) to prepay for their child’s lunches in  advance. The amount of the lunch and any other items purchased will be deducted from this account. This system was designed to help speed up the lunch process and works best when parent/guardian(s) prepay for lunches. Parent/guardian(s) may monitor and add funds to their students’ accounts at www.mypaymentsplus.com.

Students are required to report to the cafeteria for lunch during their scheduled lunch period. Lunch can  be carried (brown bag) or purchased.  Purchased lunches can be class A tray type lunch or a la carte. The cleanliness of tables is the responsibility of all who sit there.  Any lunchroom disruption including  theft, leaving trash, or throwing food/trash items could be grounds for disciplinary action.  

Any change of address must be reported to the District’s Welcome Center at 614-920-6180.  Any home  phone number and/or parent/guardian work phone number change should be made by going to the  Infinite Campus Parent Portal at: www.pickerington.k12.oh.us 

In cases of divorce/separation, a copy of the final agreement of the divorce decree/separation  agreement that stipulates the custodial provisions must be provided to the school.  Any subsequent  changes to the court order or decree must also be provided to school officials. Proper identification may  be requested to address custody/student issues with building staff.  

Occasionally, Pickerington Schools closes or delays school start times or, on rare occasions, closes school  early, or moves to all virtual learning based on inclement weather or other reasons. These decisions are  made for the safety of our students. While we strive to make these decisions by 5:30 a.m., however;  there are times when that is not possible. 

We recommend that families establish family emergency plans for potential closings. Such plans should  include teaching your child where to go (home, baby sitter, neighbor’s house, etc.) if the district must  close school earlier than normal. 

If Pickerington Schools close for any reason, the district will communicate with parent/guardian(s) via  our Infinite Campus parent notification system, website, and social media. (See “Communication” for  details.) 

We also will provide information to the following local TV stations: WCMH-TV (Channel 4), WBNS-TV  (Channel 10), WSYX-TV (Channel 6), and FOX-TV (Channel 28). 

For complete information on our approach to closings and delays, visit our website at:  www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

A co-curricular and extra-curricular code of conduct has been board adopted for students participating  in non-athletic extra-curricular activities. See your advisor for more specific details. (refer to policy  2432.03) The parent/guardian and student must sign the code of conduct. 

The district and individual schools use a variety of tools and tactics to communicate with  parent/guardian(s) and the community. These tools include, but are not limited to: 

Website: The primary source of District information is our website, www.pickerington.k12.oh.us. 

Parent/guardian notification system (emails, TalkingPoints, texts, and phone calls): Pickerington Schools  uses an e-communication and telephone service through Infinite Campus to contact large groups of  households for special announcements and emergencies, such as calamity days. This system sends  emails, phone calls, and text messages to the addresses and phone numbers parent/guardian(s) have  identified as their contact preferences in Infinite Campus, the student management system. 

Parents/ and guardians are automatically enrolled as subscribers based on the contact information we  have on file through Infinite Campus, the student management system. For that reason, it is important for  parent/guardian(s) to ensure their contact information in Infinite Campus is correct. This can be done  by logging in to the online parent portal at: Parent Portal www.pickerington.k12.oh.us or by checking with your child’s building secretary to ensure we have your most up-to-date  phone numbers and email addresses. 

Parent/guardian(s) may also log on to this system to change their email and telephone contact preferences, as well as to opt-out of notifications. These messages include, but are not limited to,  information about snow/calamity days.  

Social media: Parent/guardian(s) are encouraged to follow the district and their child’s school on  Facebook and Twitter. Links to all available accounts can be found at: www.pickerington.k12.oh.us 

Newsletters: The district and many building administrators produce periodic  newsletters for parent/guardian(s). Depending on the school, these may be mailed, posted to the  building and/or district website, shared on social media, or emailed via the parent/guardian notification  system and/or utilizing a program called Smore.

Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences: These are held twice each year and are a valuable opportunity for  parents to communicate directly with their child’s teacher(s) and building administrators. 

Busing Information: Up-to-date bus routing information is made available through our Elink parent portal: Bus Information. An  account is created automatically for each student within 24 hours after a six digit student ID# assigned  by Infinite Campus. The username and password are the student ID#. This portal is also used for all bus  stop change requests. Once logged in to Elink you can choose the “Parent Communication” tab to access  the communication form for this purpose. 

The district encourages parent/guardian(s) to first work with their child’s teacher(s) to address  concerns or resolve conflicts.  If you have further concerns after meeting with the teacher(s), contact the  school’s administration. 

Proper behavior is as much a part of a quality education as anything else.  While at school and school  events, we expect our students to behave properly, i.e., in a manner that brings credit to themselves and  their school.  A complete copy of the Code of Conduct is available in the main office and by visiting the  district website at: hwww.pickerington.k12.oh.us/student-handbooks/ 

Use of the Courtyard will be at the discretion of the building administration.  

School related items, such as books, projects, lunch money, etc., may be left with the office or person at  the front desk for delivery to your student. No deliveries will be accepted for food,  balloons, flowers, etc. even if delivered by parent/guardians. The schools cannot assume responsibility  for deliveries made to students at the building. 

The district designates the following personally identifiable information contained in a student’s  education record as “directory information.” It discloses that information without prior written consent,  except for a profit-making plan or activity.  Such information includes: 

1. student’s name; 

2. telephone number(s); 

3. major field of study 

4. participation in officially recognized activities and sports; 

5. student’s height and weight, if a member of an athletic team; 

6. dates of attendance (“from and to” dates of enrollment); 

7. date of graduation; and 

8. awards received. 

Parent/guardian(s) may contact the school counselor’s office to request that the school not release any  of the above information about the student.  

Senate Bill 26 requires Ohio Public Schools to release directory information on sophomores, juniors, and  seniors to armed forces recruiters.  However, a student’s parent/guardian/custodian may submit a  written request to the school district that the information not be released. 

Please review Policy 8330 Student Records for more information on directory information and student  records. 

In general, dress styles and grooming should be moderate in nature and should not cause undue  attention to the student and/or disrupt a positive and safe learning atmosphere. Dress and grooming  styles should not:  

• divert the attention of the pupils from the primary function of the school, which is education; and • create in the minds of pupils both in this and other communities a misleading image of the student  body and school program; and 
• display slogans and logos that are offensive, racist, sexist, discriminatory, or promote practices  considered inappropriate for students.  This includes but is not limited to advertisement for alcohol,  sex, tobacco, etc.  

Addressing a student for dress code infractions may include: counseling of the student, communication  with the parent/guardian, remedying of the infraction, and/or, disciplinary measures for repeat offenders, as deemed appropriate by building administration. The building administrator reserves the right to make judgement as to what is appropriate. 

Students who drop out of school will have their names turned over to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to  have their driver’s license revoked. 

Students will not use the elevator without permission from the office.  Usually, students need access to  the elevator for a limited time period due to health concerns, surgery, or an accident. Students with  handicaps may choose one person to ride the elevator with them to assist with their needs.  An  electronic elevator key or pass will be issued to the student for the duration of this need. The key is the  property of the school and may be revoked at any time for misuse.  A $10 deposit may be charged for issuing the key. A fee will be assessed if it is lost, stolen, or not returned in a timely manner. 

Accidents can and do happen.It is essential that we are able to contact a parent/guardian or a reliable adult in the event of an emergency.  Please complete the emergency medical authorization form online. If  an emergency arises during school hours due to an illness or injury to a student, school personnel will  attempt to notify the parent/guardian.  If not successful, one of the other emergency contacts telephone  numbers listed on Infinite Campus will be called.  

During the school year, there may be changes in addresses and telephone numbers.  Updates to your  contact information can be made by logging into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal at: www.pickerington.k12.oh.us.  

If a student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of  disruption in the academic process, taking place either within a classroom or elsewhere on school  premises, the student may be removed from the curricular, extra-curricular, or co-curricular activity or  school premises on an emergency basis as dictated by board policy. 

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of the Protected Classes of race, color,  national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age (except as  authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected  Classes") in its educational programs or activities. 

On an annual basis, the District Board of Education adopts rules and regulations establishing a schedule  of fees for materials used in our courses of instruction. Consumable materials become the student’s  property. Families who are financially unable to pay for necessary materials should refer to board policy  for fee waivers.  Applications are available in the school office.  Failure to pay school fees will result in  school records (i.e., grades and credits) being held until payment is received. Note: The premiums for  the insurance coverage for Chromebooks and/or iPads (Technology Protection Plans) are not subject to  waiver or reduction. This is optional coverage that can provide up to $400 in coverage for accidental  damage or destruction of District issued Chromebooks and/or iPads. 

Student participation in a field trip requires submission of a field trip permission statement signed by  an authorized adult and a completed emergency medical form (completed online), appropriate student  behavior, and appropriate attire that presents a positive image of the school. The student code of  conduct needs to be followed on all field trips. A student’s participation on a field trip may be restricted  based on behavior.  

Parents/guardians(s) attending field trips must follow the board policy for volunteers and visitors. 

Foods and drinks are to be consumed only in the cafeteria/commons area. No food or drink is to be  taken into hallways, classrooms, courtyard, or outside without prior approval from the building administrator. Students may drink water in class. No food items are to be delivered to the schools (i.e.  fast food/pizza). 

An accumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) is maintained in the guidance office for each student.  All  graded courses are used in the calculating the G.P.A. The accumulative G.P.A. will be used to determine  class rank.  G.P.A. is calculated at the conclusion of each semester. 

• The purpose of grading is to communicate the level of mastery of course content standards to  stakeholders. 

• Teachers should provide clear and timely communication to parent/guardian(s) and students about  the grading criteria and the student’s level of mastery. 

• Student evidence of learning should be aligned with grade-level content standards. Giving students  extra credit or grades for activities (e.g., bringing in canned goods, classroom materials,  parent/guardian(s) signatures, or participating in non-curricular activities) do not show evidence of  learning. 

• The grading system ensures consistency and equity across grade levels, content areas, and schools.

• The grading system measures, reports, and documents academic progress and achievement  separately from work habits, character traits, attendance, and behaviors, so that educators and other  stakeholders can accurately determine the difference between learning needs and behavioral or  work-habit needs. 

• The grading system is not used as a form of punishment, control, or compliance.

• Re-teaching and reassessment are a part of the instructional cycle. 

Seventh through twelfth grade students will receive report cards each quarter (9 weeks) through the  parent information system. 

Semester and yearly averages are computed on a four-point scale.   

(A+ will not be used, allowing A to be a perfect score)

WEIGHTED GRADE SYSTEM  

Weighted credit is determined by multiplying regular credit by the following factors: Honors/Pre-AP 1.125, articulation agreements 1.1875, and AP/CCP 1.25. 

In keeping with the tradition of recognizing academic excellence at graduation, the approved lists of  regalia (cords, medals, stoles, and administrator approved pins) are the only items that will be permitted  to adorn the graduation gown. Any additional items worn by students will result in the student being  asked to remove those items prior to the ceremony in order to participate.  

The following is the approved list of cords, medals, and stoles:  

• Decom Decori - purple (North)/white (Central) cord, red cord & medal 
• Optima Supra - red cord & medal 
• Distinguished Scholar - medal only 
• National Honors Society (NHS) - Gold Cord 
• National Art Honors Society – Rainbow Cord 
• National Spanish Honor Society – Red/Yellow Cord 
• Student Council – Stole 
• Class Officer – Stole 

Pins for school programs/organizations are permitted. (All pins must be approved by school  administration prior to graduation.)

Commencement is an extra-curricular ceremony conducted by Pickerington Schools to honor its  graduating students.  Participating in the commencement exercise is a privilege and not a right. Students are expected to behave in a manner befitting the dignity and importance of this event.  All fees must be  paid in full in order to participate in the commencement ceremony. Those not wishing to conform to  behavioral expectations may desire to receive their diploma in an alternative setting. 

Undergraduates who misbehave during the graduation ceremony will be subject to school discipline.  Misbehavior at commencement exercises violates the Code of Conduct. 

To graduate from a Pickerington high school the student must: 

1. Complete the school year of the year in which they graduate. (Attend until the last scheduled  regular school day unless other arrangements have been made or otherwise approved by District  administration.) 

2. Students must earn 20 credits to graduate.  Specific requirements for subject areas are outlined in  board policy. To receive a diploma, students must meet the testing and curriculum requirements in  effect at the time they completed the high school curriculum.  Date of diploma indicates graduation  requirements in effect at that time.  This will apply unless modified by state law. 

3. If the student has no outstanding un-served discipline, including but not limited to school  suspension, out-of-school suspension and expulsion, the Superintendent, at their discretion, has the authority to waive this graduation requirement regarding student  (senior) attendance until the last regularly scheduled school day. 

4. Successfully complete the curriculum of the high school or the Individualized Education Program  (IEP) developed for the student pursuant to State law.  Successful completion of the curriculum or  IEP includes completion of the school year in the year, which the student is to graduate, and having  serving any outstanding discipline that has been ordered by school personnel. 

5. Have all outstanding fees and/or debts paid to the school in order to receive their diploma. 

A student who needs to move about the building is required to have a proper hall pass from their teacher and move immediately to the designated area.  A student’s hall pass use can be restricted at the  discretion of the building administrator.  

If your student has a health concern or a medical diagnosis, please provide the school nurse medical the  most up to date documentation from your student’s health care provider. Mutual understanding about  health concerns will help us to provide better care for your student while at school. Please update your  student’s medical information at the start of every school year and as necessary when health status and  diagnosis change. 

School personnel will provide basic first aid and care for student injuries and illnesses that occur during  the school day. If an emergency arises during school hours due to an illness or injury, school personnel  will attempt to notify the parent/guardian.  If unsuccessful, one of the emergency contacts listed in Infinite Campus will be contacted. Once the parent/guardian is notified, it is expected that your student is picked up from school in a timely manner.   

Please ensure that your contact information is correct. Updates to your contact information can be  made by logging into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal at:  

https://pickeringtonoh.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/pickerington.jsp

SCHOOL HEALTH CLINIC 

The school health clinic is available to students who may become ill or injured during the school day. Ill  or injured students should report to the school health clinic prior to contacting the parent/guardian.  It  is important to keep your student home from school if they have an elevated temperature above 100.0  or a contagious disease like chickenpox, flu, vomiting, diarrhea, colds, strep throat and “pinkeye.” Students who are present at school with signs or symptoms of illness will be sent home and must be  fever and symptom-free for 24  hours prior to returning to school.  

SCREENINGS 

Hearing and vision screenings are conducted according to the Ohio Department of Health guidelines for  students in grades: kindergarten, first, third, fifth, ninth and eleventh grade and all new students to the  school district.  Vision screenings will be conducted for all seventh-grade students.  The parent/guardian  will be notified if their student does not pass the screening.  

IMMUNIZATIONS 

State required immunizations or exemptions must be on file within the first 14 days of school  attendance per Ohio Law and district policy.  Any student who does not meet the minimum state required immunizations or exemptions will be excluded. Please submit your student’s up-to-date  immunization record to the school health clinic.  

MEDICATION 

Medication prescribed by a health care provider: State of Ohio law and district policy require that  students requiring administration of prescription medication during the school day must have a  completed Medical Authorization Form on file in the school health clinic. This form must be completed  by the prescribing health care provider, signed by the parent/guardian, and must be provided to the  health team prior to administration of the medication to the student. This form is located in our school  health clinics and on our district website.  

Additionally, the medication must be presented to school personnel by the parent/guardian in its  original container with the pharmacy label.  The pharmacy label must include the student’s name,  provider’s name, name of the medication, dosage to be given, and time to be administered. Any change  from the original order must be provided in writing from the student’s prescribing provider. 

FDA-approved non-prescription medication: If non-prescription medications are required to be given at  school, the parent/guardian must sign the non-prescription medication form for their student. The  medication must be in the original sealed container and accompanied by a completed non-prescription  medication form with the student’s name, name of the medication, dosage to be given, time to be given,  date to be started, and date to be discontinued.  The non-prescription medication form can be found in  the school health clinic or on the district website.  

All non-prescription medication (including cough drops) must be stored in a school clinic. Dosages  exceeding manufacturer’s will require a medication authorization form completed by a treating health care provider. 

Students are not permitted to transport medications to and from school. All medications are to be  delivered to school by the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must pick up any unused medications  before the end of the school year or the medications will be discarded.  

We recognize academic achievement with three honor rolls:   

Distinguished Honor Roll 3.750 -– 5.000 

High Honor Roll 3.250 -– 3.749 

Honor Roll 3.000 -– 3.249 

The yearlong G.P.A. will be an arithmetic average of the student’s G.P.A. in each of the first three (3)  grading periods that school year. 

High school students can gain state recognition for exceeding Ohio’s graduation requirements through  an honors diploma. Students challenge themselves by taking and succeeding at high-level coursework  and in real-world experiences.   

For more information please visit: Ohio Department of Education – Honors Diploma Information

Applications are available to students online: Honors Diploma Student Application 

For High School students: Replacement I.D. Cards are available at a cost of $5.00 to the student. For Junior High students: See your building administrator for further replacement instructions. I.D.  cards may be needed for entrance into a school building and/or sporting events.  

1. Students who will receive a quarter or semester grade of “I” will be changed to the appropriate grade when the work is completed. 

2. When computing final GPAs and end of the grading period GPAs, all “I” (incompletes) will compute  to an F. If all work is not submitted within 10 school days after the end of the grading period, “I”  incompletes will convert to an F. 

3. All students with “I” will be omitted from the nine-week/twelve-week honor rolls. 4. After the due date, any grading period incomplete will result in a final grade and a semester average  of “I” at the end of the course. In the case of a final grade incomplete, the following will happen.  

A. The teacher will provide information to counselors and administrators regarding resolution of  the incomplete work and deadlines for submission. 

B. A comment will be made on the grade card. 

C. After the allotted time, the final grade of an “I” will be changed to an F. 

Interim reports will be available half way through each grading period. The Parent Portal of Infinite  Campus enables parent/guardian(s) to access their child’s grades.  It is available to all  parent/guardian(s) by using their user name and password; therefore, paper interims are NOT  distributed. If parent/guardian(s) do not have Internet access, they may request a paper interim. Parent/guardian(s) may contact their teacher to request a progress report.  The teacher will then print a  progress report and give it to the student. The interim report may be in writing, in conference, or by  telephone.   

School lockers are available upon request due to limited availability. The lockers are school property and  are provided to students for the safekeeping of school items and personal items necessary for school.  No  other items are to be kept in the lockers.  Lockers and the contents of the locker are subject to random  searches at any time by school personnel and/or law enforcement officers.  Students are urged to keep  their lockers locked at all times and not give their combination to anyone.  The school is not responsible  for lost or stolen articles.  Students may not decorate their lockers with drug/alcohol/tobacco  advertisements, slogans, inappropriate pictures, or anything that is difficult to remove or a violation.   Fees may be charged for damage to lockers. 

Students shall not loiter in areas of the school building unless asked to do so by staff or assigned by their  schedule. This includes restrooms, hallways, commons, and/or cafeteria. Students shall not remain in  the school or on school property after the conclusion of the school day unless they are under  the direct supervision of a staff member or coach.  Students must exit the building no later than 30  minutes from the end of the school day. If a student fails to exit the building after a request by a staff  member, they may be disciplined for insubordination.   

Students will be permitted to receive credit for make-up work.  Students who are absent on the day  before a pre-announced quiz, test, or project will be required to take the quiz/test or present the project  on the scheduled date unless new material was covered during the absence.  Homework assigned before  the absence is due upon the student’s return. The amount of time permitted to complete make-up work  will be determined cooperatively by the teacher and student, but will not exceed the number of absent  days.  Students having in-school study (I.S.S.) and out-of-school suspension (O.S.S.) will be permitted to  make-up all work missed. 

Parent/guardian(s) may request homework assignments for their child on the second day of an absence.   In order for the office to have the necessary lead-time to acquire these assignments, the request must be  made before 10:00 a.m.  Homework will be ready for pick-up at the end of the day.  Parent/guardian(s) must be aware of the individual homework request policy for their child’s teachers.  This policy may  vary somewhat by school. 

The media center is open during most school hours.  Students wishing to visit the media center during  their study halls will be permitted to do so.  However, the media specialist will determine the number of  students permitted to attend each period based on the media center’s schedule of classes.  There are  many resources found in the media center including books, Internet access, periodicals, and newspapers.   The online card catalog gives students the availability of materials at all school buildings in the district.   The availability of materials at Pickerington Public Library, as well as Columbus Public Library, can also  be checked through the on-line gateway catalog. 

The library media center rules are ”made’ so that students will respect the rights of others, and so that it  is an educational area of learning.  The use of the media center is a privilege. 

Students who edit, publish, and/or wish to distribute non-school-sponsored handwritten, printed, or  duplicated material(s) to their fellow students must secure permission in advance from the school building administrator.  Upon approval of the building administrator, students may seek  approval to post on the district PeachJar site.  

Each of our schools extends an invitation to each family to join their parent-teacher organization.  Please  check notices sent home with your child concerning the various activities the PTO will conduct  throughout the school year.   

You are encouraged to schedule a conference at any time to discuss your child’s progress.  This is  perhaps one of the best means of communication for the child, the parent/guardian(s), and the school personnel. 

Preplanned parent/guardian-teacher conferences are held in the fall and winter and can be found on  the school district calendar.  These conferences are very important to both parent/guardian(s) and  teachers. Parent/guardian(s) will have the opportunity to know and understand more fully the  progress of your child in school. The conference enables teachers to better understand each child and  parent/guardian(s)’ expectations.  Parent/guardian(s) are urged to make every effort to schedule a  conference during the scheduled days.  Information regarding conferences is sent home with students  approximately two weeks before the conference dates. If schools are doing virtual, a parent/guardian can request an in person.  

The board recognizes that students might desire to drive their own vehicles to school.  In compliance  with state law, student drivers under age 17 are not permitted to transport more than one person who is  not a family member unless the driver is accompanied by their parent, guardian, or custodian.   Students are discouraged from transporting other students to and from student activities, events, and  programs.

Licensed student drivers who elect to drive to school must secure a parking permit.  A $15 fee is  required.  If a student loses a pass, a replacement fee of one-half the regular fee will be charged.  Only  one (1) replacement permit will be issued per school year. Students will occupy only one parking spot (no angle parking).  Faculty and visitors must park in their designated areas.  Handicapped areas are  clearly marked.  Students going to the parking lot during the school day without permission from the  office may receive discipline. Discipline may be issued to students who park in unauthorized or  handicapped parking areas. 

Having an automobile on school property is considered consent by the student to a search of their vehicle by school officials if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the automobile  contains items that may be a threat to the safety or security of the student, others, or property.  The  police and drug dog may be used for assistance in this area. 

The school is not responsible for damage, theft, or vandalism to vehicles parked in the lot.  Students  who park in areas designated as visitors, staff, and/or handicapped without prior permission, or  students who are not driving properly, may be subject to discipline. Parking passes can be revoked by an  administrator when deemed necessary.  Students who violate parking registration procedures may have  their car impounded at owner’s expense. 

Students in grades 7-12 may take elective courses on a pass/fail basis based on the following guidelines. Courses eligible for the pass/fail option are identified on the pass/fail registration form. The student, their parent/guardian, and the teacher must complete and sign a pass/fail registration form. Interested students may secure this form in the Counselor's office. 

1. "Electives" are defined on the pass/fail registration form that students must complete. 

2. Students in grades 9-12 may take up to one (1) elective credit per year as Pass/Fail (in addition to P.E.) in all areas excluding core classes and foreign languages. PE classes may always be taken pass/fail and may be an additional pass/fail class beyond the student's pass/fail course selection. 

3. Foreign Languages will only be considered an “elective” and eligible for pass/fail if, after a  student has completed at least two years of a foreign language and wants to attempt a different  foreign language. 

4. Registration for a pass/fail course must be made during the first four (4) weeks of a course. Should a student decide later to take the course as a grade option (A, B, C, D, F), they must do so by the end of the final grading period. For students choosing the grade option (A, B, C, D, F), only the final grade will be changed. If a student elects to change a pass/fail course to a letter grade, this will count as their one pass/fail selection for the school year. 

5. The procedure for adding or dropping a course shall also apply to pass/fail courses. 

6. A grade of satisfactory (pass) or unsatisfactory (fail) will be given for progress in each grading period. The teacher should record all letter grades as usual in their grade book. Pass/fail will be recorded only on grade cards and permanent record cards. 

7. Given extenuating circumstances, pass/fail grading may be utilized in grades 6-8 as determined by the building administrator in consultation with the teaching staff and by approval of the Superintendent/designee for all classes that are not for high school credit. 

8. English Learners (EL) students (K-12) may take any class pass/fail as long as recommended by the appropriate teaching staff and by approval of the Superintendent/designee. 

Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) is a process supported by the Ohio Department of  Education and Pickerington Local School District to promote and maximize academic achievement and  behavioral competence (B.P. 5630.01). It is a three-tiered system of support for helping all students  achieve important social-emotional and learning goals. We know that when we create learning  environments that are student–centered, efficient and stable, our students excel in their learning. As part  of PBIS, we will establish and explicitly teach clear rules and behavior expectations to students. We  encourage and acknowledge desired behaviors. The expectations for all student behavior are clear In  common areas throughout our building and in parking lots and playgrounds. Our school rules provide a  safer school environment and allow more time for instruction. We apply consistent consequences and  positive reinforcement for all students. By detailing every expected behavior and teaching students in a  positive, proactive way, we provide common language for everyone in our district, including students,  teachers, front office staff, and paraprofessionals.  

We believe having common vision and values, language and experiences allows our school community to  build and sustain environments where students can succeed and grow. This framework provides clear  expectations for student behavior, outlines specific methods and strategies to encourage social skills,  and a menu of corrective strategies when misconduct occurs. 

Annual Notice of Board Policy 5630.01 

For purposes of this policy, "personal communication device” (PCD) includes, but not limited  to, computers, tablets (e.g., iPad-like devices), electronic readers ("e-readers”; e.g., Kindle-like devices),  cell phones, smartwatches, smartphones (e.g., iPhones, Android devices, Windows Mobile devices, etc.) not owned by the district. 

Students in grades 7-12 may use PCDs before and after school, during their lunch break, in between classes as long as they do not create a distraction, disruption or otherwise interfere with the educational environment, during after school activities (e.g., extra-curricular activities), or at school-related functions. Use of PCDs, except those approved by a teacher or administrator, at any other time is prohibited and they must be powered completely off (i.e., not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight. Educational environment is defined as district properties including fields, buildings, and district provided transportation. Students should not loan out personal devices or district devices assigned to the student. The district is not responsible for items that have been loaned out, lost and/or not-returned.

Students are discouraged from bringing valuable items to school. If brought to school, these items  remain the responsibility of the student. Such items can be lost or damaged.  The school cannot assume  responsibility for losses or damages. Skateboards, scooters, hover boards, and roller blades/skates are  NOT permitted. 

If a student finds an item that does not belong to them, they must immediately turn it in  to a staff member. 

Students must have the approval of their teacher, building administrator or office staff before  making a telephone call.  Telephone calls should be limited to emergency situations unless approved  otherwise. All student communication should be made from the classroom or office phone. Parent/guardian(s) are discouraged from directly communicating with their children during the school  day. 

Students in physical education classes may be required to wear appropriate attire: shorts, sweat suit,  gym shoes, etc.  Failure to dress for class may result in failing the class. The physical education teacher  will distribute information regarding appropriate attire, and course requirements, at the beginning of  each semester.  Students may opt to take physical education as a pass/fail course and must follow the guidelines as established by the Physical Education Department.  Students are responsible for their  clothes and personal items. A combination lock is needed for physical education lockers.  The school will  not be responsible for lost or stolen items. 

The district frequently has the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments of our students, including  award recipients, participants in unique classroom projects, involvement in fine arts programs, athletics,  and other activities worth recognizing and promoting. 

Sometimes, this recognition appears on district and school websites, in print publications, and in  district-controlled social media, including Facebook and Twitter feeds. This recognition may include  photos of students, as well as their names, school, grade and teacher’s name. It also may include pictures  or other representations of students’ artistic work, including visual and written pieces. We also occasionally will have members of the local media visiting our buildings to cover special  events and unique approaches to education being offered by our teachers. Media access to students does not happen within our schools without district knowledge and supervision, and we do not provide direct access to students when the media is covering stories or topics that might be considered controversial or negative. 

Most parent/guardian(s) enjoy seeing their children included in the day-to-day celebration of all the  great things happening in our schools. For that reason, default consent and release for this type of  recognition is granted to the district. However, we know there are a few parent/guardian(s) who  prefer that their children be excluded from such acknowledgement and recognition. 

Action is only required by parent/guardian(s) who wish to deny this consent. We require those  parent/guardian(s) to inform us, in writing, of their desire to have their children excluded from district managed recognition by downloading a form available on the district website, filling it out, and  returning it to their child’s school. Parent/guardian(s) are asked to do this by September 1 each fall to  ensure we have a current list of students whose activities should not be publicly acknowledged by the  district on the website, on social media, or in other public forums. 

The schools operate a quiet study time (Q.S.T.)/detention program.  This discipline option is used is at  the discretion of the building administrator/designee.  Proper behavior is required of  those who are assigned; it is after school time period of quiet study --– all students are expected to have  ample schoolwork to do.   If a student is late to Q.S.T., they may not be permitted to stay and may  receive additional consequences.  If a student fails to serve Q.S.T. assigned hours, more discipline may  result. 

Students must use the restroom closest to the classroom from which they are excused.  Students feeling  ill must report to the clinic or office and not remain in the restroom.  Disciplinary action may result if  proper procedures are not followed. 

Please report all safety issues to the office.  Students who feel uncomfortable reporting this information  to the office may see a teacher or a counselor.  Additionally, concerns can be reported to the Safer Ohio  School Tipline by calling 844-723-3764. Calls to the Safer Ohio School Tipline can be made  anonymously. 

Fire exits for each classroom are prominently posted.  Students are expected to know the exit routes  from each classroom and exit procedures.  Periodic drills are held throughout the school year.  

Students are to leave all books and personal effects (except purses) in the classroom.  Students are  expected to take all drills seriously and exit the building in an orderly manner.  All students must stay  with the adult in charge. Leaving the reporting area (i.e. sitting in cars or leaving the property, etc.)  will result in disciplinary action.  

Several types of emergency/safety drills are conducted throughout the year, including fire, tornado,  medical and school intruder drills.  These drills are held to acquaint students with proper  emergency/safety procedures and evacuation routes.  Each student will be instructed of their responsibilities during these drills. 

Only school-approved fundraisers are permitted at school.  No personal sales are permitted. All school  fundraisers must have prior administrative approval.   

Refer to Board Policy 5421: Grading & Assessment 

School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. They  lead, advocate, and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students by connecting their school  counseling program to the school’s academic mission and school improvement plan. They uphold the  ethical and professional standards of the American School Counseling Association and promote the  development of the school counseling program based on the following areas of the National Model:  define, deliver, manage, and assess. 

School counselors deliver developmentally appropriate activities and services directly (instruction,  appraisal and advisement, and counseling) to students and indirectly (consultation, collaboration, and  referrals) for students. These activities and services help students develop the mindsets and behaviors  for student success and seek to improve achievement, attendance and discipline. Through the school  counseling program, school counselors ensure equitable academic, career and social/emotional  development opportunities for all students.

Student behavior at school-sponsored events relates directly to the individual, the entire student body, and the community.  Students with inappropriate behavior at school-sponsored events will be subject to  school disciplinary action (student handbook applies). 

Students from other schools are permitted to attend dances at the high schools as a guest, with an  approved form signed by the guest’s school administrator and parent/guardian. High school guest must  be in grades 9-12 and/or no more than 20 years of age.  Students leaving the dance will not be permitted  to return.  Students are not permitted to remain in the parking lot or outside the building while dances  are going on. 

Dances/Teen Nights – While most after-school activities are open to the general public, junior high  school dances/teen nights are for RV/LV students only.  The following rules apply to teen nights and  dances: 

1. Attire should be in good taste and comply with the school dress standards. The administrators have the discretion to decide what is and is not appropriate. 

2. School rules apply during teen night.  Failure to abide by school rules may result in disciplinary  action and removal from future dances.  

3. Students are not permitted to leave without being signed out by an adult. 

4. Teen Night – Students are expected to have transportation home at that time.  Students found  waiting for transportation after a reasonable time period of 15 minutes will be excluded from  attending the next scheduled dance.  Repeat offenders will be excluded from remaining dances  scheduled during the school year.  

5. High school students are not permitted to attend junior high teen night dances. 6. Junior high students are not permitted to attend high school dances.  

7. Any student who has been assigned OSS, ISS, or who are on principal’s probation, may be excluded  from attending. 

School authorities are charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the safety and well-being of the  students in their care. In the discharge of that responsibility, school authorities may search the person or  property, including any district-owned technology, vehicles of a student, with or without the student'’s  consent, whenever they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a  violation of law or of school rules. The extent of the search will be governed by the seriousness of the  alleged infraction and the student'’s age. Any unattended belongings will be searched to determine  ownership and to confirm the item or its contents are not dangerous. Please refer to board policy for  additional details. Any items found during a search may be used as evidence.  

Although social media can be useful for many purposes, care must be taken to maintain an atmosphere  of respect consistent with the behavior expected of students in school as outlined in federal and/or  state law, Board policy and school rules. Social media is defined as any form of online publication or  presence that allows end users to engage in multi-directional conversations in or around the content  on the Internet. Students are personally responsible for the content they publish online. Because  digital content lives in perpetuity, anything you publish will be public for a long time. Use common  sense and adhere to the social media for students policy when posting content online. The Social Media  for Students Policy applies to the use of social networking in the classroom as well. The same rules and  policies that govern student conduct at school apply to social networking activity when social  networking is used in conjunction with a class assignment or other school activities. Any social media  post that interferes with the educational process or creates a disruption within the school  environment may result in school discipline. 

Please refer to board policy 7540.03A Social Media Policy (Students) 

Study hall is a place for quiet study.  Students are expected to take material to work on during study hall.   Attendance in study hall is the same as a class. Students who drop a class may be assigned to a study hall  instead of lunch and/or commons period. 

Surveillance cameras are mounted in and around various locations on school grounds. Students may be  recorded at any time.  Please refer to board policy 7440.01 on the district’s website for additional  guidelines on video and electronic monitoring. 

There are two types of suspensions used in the buildings: in-school suspension (I.S.S.) and out-of-school  suspension (O.S.S.). Students assigned to I.S.S. are removed from the mainstream of the student  population.  It shall be used within the structure of the disciplinary code and the nature of the offense.  This study time is to be served in a designated area.  Academic work may be made up provided the  student abides by the rules and completes the work assigned. Failure to serve I.S.S. and/or to follow  established guidelines will result in an Out-of-School Suspension. A tardy to I.S.S. is a violation of I.S.S.  rules and may result in an O.S.S.  A student assigned to I.S.S. must attend as instructed.  Any un-served  days due to an excused absence will be made up upon the student’s return. 

A student suspended out-of-school will be permitted to do make-up work and receive 100% credit for  work completed during their suspension.  Students will not be penalized for missed work that cannot be  duplicated outside of the classroom.  Teachers may use a different assignment to determine mastery of  the missing assignment. Suspended students are not to be on any Pickerington Schools property or to  attend/participate at school events (home or away) on the days they are suspended.  If school is  cancelled during a suspended day, the suspension is extended by the number of days missed.

If you believe you have been discriminated against, please inform the building administrator.   Then, if not satisfied, the complaint should be forwarded to the district’s Title IX and/or Section 504  Coordinator, who can be reached at 614-833-2110 or 90 East Street, Pickerington, Ohio.  If not  satisfactorily settled at this level, the complaint may be made to the District’s Title IX compliance  officer(s), who will act as the district’s final mediator. Please refer to district policies on discrimination  for additional guidance. 

Under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the rights accorded to a parent/guardian,  which would include permission and consent, transfer to a student who turns 18 or enters an institution  of post-secondary education. This would include all dual enrollment classes offered by the district in  cooperation with a college or university.  Parent/guardian(s) still maintain the right to access student  records as long as the student is a dependent student for tax purposes.   

Eighteen-year-old students are accountable for their own behaviors and actions. Compliance with the  rules of the school including attendance will be addressed directly with the 18-year-old student.   Correspondence from the school will be sent directly with the 18-year-old student.  

It is the expectation of the student to keep their parent/guardian informed. If you have any  questions about the transfer of rights, please contact your building building administrator.

Visitors, particularly parents/guardians, are welcome at school. To properly monitor the safety of  students and staff, each visitor must report to the school office upon entering the building to sign in and  provide proper identification to receive a visitor’s badge.  Any visitor without a visitor/volunteer badge will be asked to return to the office.  If parent/guardian(s) wish to meet with a staff member or observe  a classroom, they should call to schedule an appointment and must complete the required form(s).  All  confidentiality rules apply when visiting our classrooms or observing students in our schools.  

Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance by contacting the school office.   Parent/guardian(s) are welcome to visit our school for special programs and class observations.  Students are not permitted to invite friends or relatives to school during the school day.   

Students are not to invite visitors to see them at school at any time.  The student may only have a visitor  to school if that visitor is accompanied by their parent/guardian(s). All visitors to any school must first  stop at the office, sign in and pickup a visitor’s pass that they must keep with them at all times while in  the building.  Do not report directly to the classroom, lunchroom, or playground during school hours.   This is done for the safety of all students. Additional guidelines regarding visitors in school can be found  on the district website under policies: 9150 and 9150 AG. 

It is the policy of the Pickerington Board of Education that all vocational programs are available to students without regard to race, religion, sex, economic status, national origin, age, handicap, or sexual  orientation. 

All persons volunteering within Pickerington Schools must submit a Volunteer Application and sign a  Volunteer Code of Conduct form. These forms are available in all of our school offices and on the district  website.  All volunteers (both new and current) having unsupervised access to children on a regular  basis must have a background check. 

Please refer to board policy 9150: School Visitors and administrative guideline 9150 AG: School Visitors  for additional details. 

Please notify the school office before withdrawing a child from school.  Office personnel will explain the  procedures that must be followed.  

All awards must be picked up in the guidance office by the student’s last day or they will be discarded.

We believe that regular, punctual attendance to school is essential if our students are to receive maximum benefit from the educational program we offer.  Success in school is directly related to attendance habits, and developing a regular pattern of good attendance is crucial for future success.

Our Board of Education policies on student attendance and absences from school follow all statutes and regulations of both the Ohio Administrative Code and the federal Missing Child Act.  Together, our local policy and these pieces of legislation outline each aspect of your child’s attendance to school.

First and foremost, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian(s) to ensure their children have regular school attendance.  Additionally, in the event a student is absent from school for any reason, it is the responsibility to notify the school. The specific policies related to our elementary and middle school attendance program are described below. Questions should be addressed to your school’s office.

Please refer to policy 5200 on attendance for information on habitual absences, tardies, preplanned absences, and procedures for addressing truancy.

When a child will be absent from or tardy to school, parent/guardian(s) must notify the school no later than 10:00 a.m. the morning of the absence. An answering machine is available 24 hours a day for reporting a student absence or tardy. If school office personnel have not been notified of an absence, we will place a telephone call either to the home or to the parent/guardian’s place of employment.

Absences from school are classified as either excused or unexcused.  Students will be permitted to make up and receive credit for work missed. The State of Ohio permits us to excuse a child’s absence for the following reasons:

1. Illness (doctor‘s excuse may be required)
2. Illness inside the immediate family that necessitates the presence of the child
3. Death of a relative (limited to 3 days)
4. Observation of religious holidays consistent with their religious beliefs (Notification must be submitted at least one day prior to the absence )
5. Medical or dental appointment (usually a partial day)
6. Quarantine for contagious disease (as verified by a medical professional)
7. College visitation (three approved days allowed/must complete pre-approval form)
8. Emergency circumstances (eg. court appearance, required meeting with social services agency, student required to travel with a parent/guardian.)
9. Absences due to a student’s placement in foster care or changes in foster care placement or any court proceedings related to their foster care status
10. Absences due to circumstances impacted by homelessness

All other absences will be counted as unexcused.  Excessive absences may result in a phone call from school, written notification from school, or a referral to the District attendance/truant officer.  In addition, further absences illness may result in the child being placed on Needs Medical Excuse status.  Students placed on N.M.E. restrictions must produce a note from their physician for the absence to be excused.  Without this medical note, the absence will remain unexcused.

Once a student gets to school, they are expected to stay the entire day or until that student is dismissed. Each student leaving school property during school hours will be required to have written communication from the parent/guardian. Please note that for security purposes, students will NOT be dismissed to parent/guardian(s) following school events held during the regular school day. Parent/guardian(s0 wanting to take their child out of school early must follow the regular sign out procedures. Any student leaving early will be counted absent for that portion of the day.

Vacation days are noted in the annual school calendar. It is the expectation of the Board that families do everything possible to plan their vacations during these times. If this is not possible, arrangements must be made in advance through the office. All work missed must be completed and turned in on the day of return to school. Scheduling vacations during established testing windows is strongly discouraged. Vacations are unexcused absences.

A student who will be out of the country for an extended period of time will be withdrawn from the district.  Upon their return to Pickerington they will need to provide the Welcome Center proof of residency to be re-enrolled and continue their education in Pickerington Schools.

Publicly funded transportation is a service provided under the direction of the Pickerington Board of Education, which should be regarded as a privilege by students. It is expected that those who ride the school buses will always conduct themselves as good passengers. All students who ride a school bus are subject to these regulations while riding to and from school or on special trips.

The superintendent/designee is authorized to deny transportation to a student.  A student must be given a written notice of the intended suspension.  The student shall have the opportunity to appear informally before the superintendent or superintendent’s designee before the suspension is imposed.  Students are also subject to emergency removal from the bus for other disciplines. If emergency removal is imposed, a hearing will be held within three (3) school days of the initial removal.  The notice shall also include the reasons for removal.  Students may be suspended for up to one (1) year.

1. Parent/guardian(s) are responsible for the safety of their student before pick up and after drop off.
2. Students must be at the designated bus stops five (5) minutes before arrival time. In the evenings when school is dismissed students have sufficient time to board their assigned bus. After the bus drivers have been notified that it is clear to leave, they are instructed to close the bus doors.
3. Students must cross approximately ten (10) feet in front (only) of the bus. Students must follow the driver’s hand signals when crossing the street.
4. When boarding, students must go directly to an available or assigned seat so the bus may safely resume motion.
5. Students must remain seated at all times, keeping aisles and exits clear. Students shall not move from seat to seat.
6. No standing on the seats or sitting on the backs of seats.
7. Unauthorized touching or hitting, along with tripping and spitting, or making physical threats to a student or bus driver or any other person, will not be permitted and will generally result in a suspension for a minimum of three (3) days.
8. A student shall not use abusive, obscene, profane, or offensive language, gestures, or signs toward the bus driver, bus monitor, another student, school employee, or adult.
9. Students are not permitted to smoke, otherwise use, possess, buy, sell, attempt to sell, distribute, or burn tobacco in any form, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, clove cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, and any other form of tobacco. Ohio law prohibits pupils from smoking and/or using and/or possessing tobacco in any area under the control of the school district or at any activity supervised by any school in that district.
10. Students are not permitted to use matches or cigarette lighters. A student shall not burn or attempt to burn any part of any school bus or objects therein, or any other property belonging to another person or to the Pickerington Schools.
11. Eating, drinking, and gum chewing on the bus is not permitted at any time, except as required for medical reasons.
12. Students will ride only on assigned buses and are not permitted to get off other than at the assigned bus stop without prior administrative approval.
13. Throwing litter on the bus or out the windows, or throwing anything at the bus, is prohibited and may result in suspension from the bus.
14. Students will keep all parts of their body inside the bus.
15. At no time are students allowed to tamper with the emergency exit door or windows. A suspension will be given.
16. Vandalism of buses, such as cutting seats, poking holes, etc., shall not be permitted. Parents/guardian(s) will be financially responsible for any damage done by their children.
17. Students must promptly obey the bus driver’s instructions the first time they are given and refrain from talking back. If a student fails to comply with reasonable requests or directives of any school employee or bus driver, it will be considered insubordination. The bus is an extension of the classroom with equal expectations for behavior.
18. Absolute quiet must be maintained at all railroad crossings until the bus is across the tracks and at other points of danger as specified by the bus driver.
19. Spitting is not permitted.
20. Except as required by state or federal disability laws, animals of any size will not be transported on a school bus.
21. A student is not permitted to possess, transmit, or conceal a dangerous weapon, dangerous instrument, or “look-alike” counterfeit weapon or instrument. Look-alike weapons could include, but are not limited to, starter pistols, stun guns, or any object a reasonable person might consider, under the circumstances, to be a weapon or dangerous instrument such as firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, knives, or mace.
22. A student is not permitted to possess, solicit, use, conceal, sell, offer to sell, be under the influence of, show evidence of consumption, supply, or transmit narcotics, other illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages, counterfeit controlled substances or “look-alike” controlled substances. A lookalike controlled substance could include but is not limited to anything that a reasonable person would believe to be a controlled substance because of its similarity in shape, size, color, marking, labeling, packaging, distribution, or the price for which it is sold or offered for sale. Possession includes, but is not limited to, retention on the student’s person, or in a purse, wallet, locker, desk, or vehicle on school property or vehicle used for school purposes. Included in the prohibition are any substances represented as a controlled substance, such as non-alcoholic beers, steroids, tobacco products, e-cigarettes/vaporizers, and drug paraphernalia.
23. Noise on the bus shall always be kept to a minimum at all times to ensure safe operation of the bus.
24. Students wishing to ride a different bus for one trip must have a note signed by the parent/guardian(s) and by the building administrator/designee. This will be done only in emergencies, not for convenience.
25. Students may carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps. Absolutely no glass containers or aerosol cans will be permitted on any school bus. Balloons, lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks, basketballs, and skateboards are not permitted on the bus. Baseball bats, tennis rackets, and athletic equipment are permitted when transported in appropriate bags/covers.
26. Students may possess wireless communication devices (WCDs) on the school bus. Students may use WCDs while on the school bus. However, distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated. The bus driver or District staff member (e.g. teacher, activity sponsor, advisor, coach) has the right to ask any student to turn off their device. Students are prohibited from using WCDs to capture, record, or transmit the words (i.e. audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/videos) of any student, staff member, or other person without express prior notice and explicit consent for the capture, recording, or transmission of such words or images. Failure to comply may result in a bus suspension.
27. Students must comply with all provisions and requirements of the Student Code of Conduct. Students who have been given a misconduct slip must have said slip signed and returned to their bus driver the next time they board the bus. Failure to do so may result in a bus suspension until the signed misconduct slip has been returned.

Good conduct is based on respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students are expected to conduct themselves in such a way that the rights of others are not violated. Pickerington Schools students will conform with school regulations and accept directions from authorized school personnel. The Pickerington Board of Education will not tolerate violent, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior by its students and will vigorously enforce related policies and the Ohio Revised Code.

A student who fails to comply with the Student Code of Conduct, established school rules, or with any reasonable request made by school personnel when subject to the authority of the Board of Education will be subject to the approved student discipline regulations. The superintendent/designee shall develop regulations that establish strategies to address student misbehavior. Strategies shall encompass efforts ranging from prevention to intervention.

Each year (or when entering during the year), students and parent/guardian(s) will receive information on where to access the rules and regulations to which they are subject. These discipline regulations apply to conduct while school is in session; at school-sponsored activities; on school premises; off school premises at any interscholastic competition, extracurricular activity, or any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or controlled by the Board of Education; in any vehicle whose use is controlled or organized or arranged by the school; when the student is within the school district’s off-premises institutional authority; or at any time when the student is subject to the authority of the Board of Education or school personnel.

In addition, a student may be subject to school disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion for harassment, vandalism, physical abuse, or other harmful or disruptive behavior toward school personnel during non-school hours. The information will include the types of conduct that will make them subject to suspension, expulsion, removal from school, or other forms of disciplinary action. The Board directs the administration to make all students and parent/guardian(s) aware of the Student Code of Conduct, which is designed to encourage positive appropriate behavior, and the fact that any violations of the Student Code of Conduct are subject to the consequences outlined therein.

If a student violates this policy or the Code of Conduct, school personnel, students, or parent/guardian(s) should report the student to the appropriate building administrator. The administration cooperates in any prosecution pursuant to the criminal laws of the state of Ohio and local ordinances.

Student attendance at after-school co-curricular events is a privilege. Any pupil may be removed from such events for engaging in disruptive conduct, for violation of the Student Code of Conduct, or for conduct posing a danger to persons or property. Any student removed from co-curricular events may be barred from attendance at future events for the remainder of the school year.

During the time of suspension (not to include in-school study), expulsion, or removal, the parent, guardian, or custodian of the student (or the student aged 18 or older) is responsible for the student.  While suspended, expelled, permanently excluded, or removed from school, students are not permitted to attend curricular or extracurricular activities or to be on school premises for any reason unless a prior appointment has been made with school officials.

The Board may seek the permanent exclusion of a student aged 16 or older who is either convicted in criminal court or adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court of any of the following offenses that occur on school grounds or at a school function:

• illegal conveyance or possession of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance, carrying a concealed weapon, aggravated trafficking, trafficking in drugs, trafficking involving the possession of a bulk amount of a controlled substance or the sale of a controlled substance; and/or
• aggravated murder, murder, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, felonious or aggravated assault, rape, gross sexual imposition or felonious sexual penetration, if the victim is a District employee.

In the event of student misconduct, one or more of the following procedures may be administered or other discipline imposed as deemed appropriate by the school administration. The options listed below will be determined by the building administrator. The following list of actions is not specific to the order of assignment.

Conference: A conference involving any combination of student(s), parent/guardian(s), teachers, counselor, and administrator.

Detention: A thirty (30) minute period before, during, or after school. Detentions must be served within two school days. If not, the student may be issued a second detention. Failure to serve that detention could lead to other corrective measures.

Office time out: Students may be assigned an amount of time to be spent in the office or other designated area.

Emergency removal: Students may be removed from class/school as per board policy and the ORC.

In-school study: In-school study shall be used within the structure of the Student Code of Conduct, depending upon the nature of the offense. Students assigned to in-school study are removed from the mainstream of the student population to a designated area. Academic work may be made up provided the student abides by the rules and completes the work assigned.

In School Suspension/Out of School Suspension/Expulsion: When students are suspended in-school, out-of-school or expelled, they have the opportunity to complete all work assigned and receive full credit. Students will not be penalized for missed work that cannot be duplicated outside of the classroom. Teachers may use a different assignment to determine mastery of the missed assignment. Suspended or expelled students may not be on school property or attend/participate school events, home or away, on the days they are suspended/expelled. Additional guidance regarding discipline can be found in district policies located on the district’s website.

Pathways to Success Program: The Pathways for Success Program is an after-school alternative placement for students that can be assigned by the Superintendent/designee. 

The suspension and expulsion of students with disabilities will be in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, the Ohio Revised Code, and the 2008 Operating Standards for Ohio Educational Agencies serving Children with Disabilities (Rules 3301-51-01 to 3301- 51-09 and 3301-51-11 of the Ohio Administrative Code).