The Board of Education shall provide free public education to all students who are residents of the school district and who are between the ages of five (5) and 21 years and who otherwise qualify for admission under Missouri law unless otherwise required by federal law. Federal law also requires the district to provide services to resident students qualifying for special education services between the ages of three (3) and 21. Any senior qualifying for graduation at the end of the school semester and attaining age 21 during the course of the semester may complete that particular semester tuition free. Persons seeking admission to the district and its instructional programs must satisfactorily meet all residency, academic, age, immunization, discipline and other eligibility prerequisites as established by Board policy and law. Students who are homeless will be admitted in accordance with Board policy and law. Students who transfer to the district from another district will be placed in accordance with Board policy.
The minimum age for enrollment in Kindergarten is the age of five (5) as of August 1st of the year of enrollment. Any student who has been enrolled in a Kindergarten program in another state for a period of not less than sixty (60) days, and who will become five (5) during the school year in which he/she is enrolled in Kindergarten, and whose parents or guardians establish domicile in their school district, may be enrolled in Kindergarten upon the written request of the student’s parent or guardian.
The minimum age for enrollment in first grade shall be six (6) before August 1st of the year of initial enrollment if the child has completed a Kindergarten program prior to enrollment. Any six (6) year old child who has not completed a Kindergarten program prior to enrollment in the Couch School District shall be evaluated by the principal or designee. The child will be placed in the first grade if the evaluation results indicate that the child is ready for enrollment at the first grade level. If the evaluation results indicate that the child is not ready for enrollment at the first grade level, the child will be enrolled in Kindergarten.
A copy of the birth certificate, social security card, and immunization record is required at the time of admission. Students who do not have immunization records available will not be allowed to enroll until appropriate records are received. Also, students enrolling in Kindergarten or first grade must provide proof of a comprehensive vision examination by January 1st of the first year in the district, in accordance with the law.
Before a student can be admitted, to any grade 1st through 6th, written evidence must be presented that he/she has been promoted to the grade in which he/she is seeking enrollment. Home schooled students will be evaluated by the principal or designee to determine placement.
Requests for Student Records
Within two (2) business days of enrolling a student, the school official enrolling the student shall request those records required by district policy for student transfer, including discipline records, from all schools previously attended by the student within the last 12 months.
Within 48 hours of enrolling a nonresident student placed in the district pursuant to §§ 210.481-.536, RSMo., via foster homes, residential care facilities or child-placing agencies, the school official enrolling the student shall request those records required by district policy for student transfer, including discipline records, from all schools and facilities previously attended by the student; the Department of Social Services; the Department of Mental Health; the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; and any entity involved with the placement of the student within the last 24 months.
Statement of Prior Suspension, Expulsion or Criminal Offense
The Board of Education requires the parent, guardian or other person having control or charge of a child of school age to provide upon enrollment a signed statement indicating whether the student has been suspended or expelled from a public or private school in this state or any other state for an offense in violation of Board policies. In addition, the person enrolling the student must affirm that the student has not been convicted of or charged with an act listed in the "Admission Restriction" section of this policy. This registration document shall be maintained as a part of the student's scholastic record.
Students Suspended or Expelled from another District
Without the superintendent or designee permission, no student may enroll in a school in the district during a suspension or expulsion from another in-state or out-of-state school district, including a private, charter or parochial school or school district, if it is determined upon attempt to enroll that the student's conduct would have resulted in a suspension or expulsion in this district. The parent, guardian or student may request a conference with the superintendent or designee to consider if the conduct of the student would have resulted in a suspension or expulsion in this district. The superintendent or designee may make such suspension or expulsion from another district effective if it is determined that such conduct would have resulted in a suspension or expulsion in this district. If it is determined that such conduct would not have resulted in a suspension or expulsion in this district, the superintendent or designee shall not make such suspension or expulsion from another school or district effective. The superintendent or designee will consider whether the student has received the due process required by law before making any decision. A remedial conference will be held in accordance with Board policy prior to enrollment of any student following a suspension or expulsion from another school for an act of school violence as defined in § 160.261.2, RSMo. The remedial conference will be held regardless of whether such act was committed at a public or private school in this state, provided that such act shall have resulted in the suspension or expulsion of such student in the case of a private school.
Admission Restriction
In accordance with § 167.171, RSMo., no student may be readmitted or enrolled to a regular program of instruction in the school district who has been convicted of or charged with an act that if committed by an adult would be one (1) of the following:
- First degree murder under section 565.020, RSMo
- Second degree murder under section 565.021, RSMo
- Kidnapping when classed as a Class A felony under section 565.110, RSMo
- First degree assault under section 565.050, RSMo
- Forcible rape under section 566.030, RSMo
- Forcible sodomy under section 566.060, RSMo
- Robbery in the first degree under section 569.020, RSMo
- Distribution of drugs to a minor under section 195.212, RSMo
- Arson in the first degree under section 569.040, RSMo
- Statutory Rape section 566.032 RSMo
- Statutory Sodomy Section 566.062 RSMo
Nothing in this section shall prohibit the re-admittance or enrollment of any student if a charge has been dismissed or when a student has been acquitted of any of the above acts. This section does not apply to a student with a disability, as identified under state eligibility criteria, who is convicted as a result of an action related to the student’s disability. If the district maintains an alternative education program, and the district determines that the placement is appropriate, a student subject to these admissions restrictions may be admitted to such an alternative education program.
Labels: Enrollment & Attendance
Last Updated Wednesday, July 24, 2024
http://couchstudenthandbook.blogspot.com/2024/07/admissions.html
Regular attendance is important for your student’s academic success; research has shown a direct connection between attendance and academic success. Students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time for the beginning of each school day. The CES staff supports families and the effort to have good attendance. The state of Missouri mandates that 90% of students are in attendance 90% of the time.
Compulsory Attendance
Missouri State Law requires all children between 7 and 17 years of age to regularly attend a public, private, parochial, parish, home school or a combination of such schools for the duration of the entire school term. Parents, guardians or other persons having legal custody of a student may obtain a court order requiring the student to attend school until the student receives a high school diploma or its equivalent, or reaches the age of 21. In addition, the Couch R-1 School District provides educational programming for all students between the ages of five (5) and seven (7) and beginning at the age of three (3) for students qualified for special education services. The district may also provide preschool and adult education programs. Once enrolled in the district, the district expects the student to attend regularly and for the student’s parent or guardian or other adult having charge, control or custody of the student to communicate regularly and honestly with the district regarding the student’s absences. Because the Couch R-1 School District Board of Education and district staff strongly believe that regular attendance is important in gaining the most from the educational experience and because state law requires district staff to report all instances of abuse and neglect, including educational neglect, the district will make every effort to ensure students are attending school as required by law. Attendance is divided into the following categories: good attendance (5 or fewer absences), regular attendance (95 percent rate), chronic absence (attendance rate of 90 percent), severe chronic absence (attendance rate of 80 percent), and truant (unlawfully absent 20 percent of days).
Perfect Attendance
Perfect attendance shall be awarded to students missing no more than a total of three hours of school for the entire school year.
Students will be allowed the number of days missed plus two (2) to make up work after being absent. (In grades 5 and 6 it is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work from the teacher.)
Exceptions
Approved, school sponsored, out-of-school activities (field trips, sporting events, etc.) will not be counted as absences for purposes of the excessive absence regulation. Absences resulting from significant, acute or chronic medical conditions may provide the basis for an exception as approved by the administration or an appeal. Therefore, all such conditions should be verified in writing by a physician or other health care official.
Steps to Follow When Absent From School
Please make sure you read and understand the following information as it requires parents, guardians and students to be accountable for notifying the school regarding student absences.
- A parent or guardian should notify the attendance office on the day of (or before) the absence (417-938-4212).
- The office should be contacted prior to known doctor, dental, and family appointments. A student must be signed out by a parent/guardian before leaving school, and sign in upon returning to school.
- Students will be allowed one (1) day for every day missed plus two additional days to complete make-up work.
- Students absent for authorized school activities are responsible for making up all work missed.
- An absence for an authorized school activity simply allows the student the privilege of making up the work within a reasonable time (established by the teacher) and does not excuse the student from the make-up work.
- Students absent for school purposes will be required to complete the “Field Trip Approval Form” no later than two days before the event and must not owe any make-up hours.
- Students who attend school, but leave early for another school activity, may be required by their teacher to turn in any assignment due that day.
- There are no school-sanctioned class “skip” days. Students who participate in organized skip day activities will be considered truant.
Absenteeism
Excessive absenteeism is defined by Missouri Department of Educations as missing five (5) or more regular school days during a semester (for other than school sanctioned activities). CES will use the following procedures, for students in grades K-6, who are absent from school and implement the intervention strategies listed below for students who are absent five (5) or more unexcused days per semester or who’s attendance drops below 90% for the cumulative school year (including both excused and unexcused absences):
- If a student exceeds the attendance policy, missing five (5) or more unexcused days in a semester or who’s attendance drops below 90% for the cumulative school year (including both excused and unexcused absences), the student will be assigned attendance remediation and will be ineligible to attend school trips, play sports or other incentive/extracurricular events. Extreme circumstances will be dealt with by the administration, on a case-by-case basis.
- The parent/guardian will receive an automated phone call after 10:30 a.m. each time their child is absent from school.
- If a student is absent from school for four (4) days, the student’s parent/guardians will be notified in writing.
- The parent/guardian will receive a personal phone call from the office if their child is absent for (6) days.
- When a student has accumulated a total of ten (10) absences for the year, the school will set up a conference to develop an attendance plan that includes specific intervention strategies designed to improve the student’s attendance. When a student misses more than ten (10) days, the district will then contact the Children’s Division Department of Social Services. More than ten (10) absences will be a factor in determining whether a student may be retained.
Excused absences will be granted for:
- Personal illnesses or injury of a student with written confirmation by the medical provider. (A doctor’s statement, specifying the dates and times excused from school. Physician’s notes must be received by the principal or the elementary office within two days of being absent. If notes are not turned in during this time frame, absences will be considered unexcused.)
- Medical and dental appointments with written confirmation from the medical provider. (A doctor’s statement, specifying the dates and times excused from school. Physician’s notes must be received by the principal or the elementary office within two days of being absent. If notes are not turned in during this time frame, absences will be considered unexcused.)
- Death and/or funeral of family members with written confirmation by the parent. Each student will receive 3 bereavement days. (Written documentation must be provided to the elementary office within two days of the absent. If notes are not turned in during this time frame, absences will be considered unexcused.)
- Verified court appointments or related court-ordered activity. (Written documentation must be provided to the elementary office within two days of the absent. If notes are not turned in during this time frame, absences will be considered unexcused.)
- The school nurse may excuse a student for the remainder of the school day.
Attendance Remediation
Students absent five (5) or more days in a semester or who’s attendance drops below 90% for the cumulative school year (including both excused and unexcused absences), will be assigned attendance remediation. The purpose of attendance remediation is to allow students who exceed the attendance policy to make up classwork and lessons missed while absent. Attendance remediation will take place after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays for one and one-half (1.5) hours. Students will have an opportunity to make up missing assignments and receive help on homework that may have occurred due to excessive absences. Parents/Guardians are responsible for providing transportation following remediation and are to meet their child no later than 5:00 p.m. in the Elementary Parking Lot. Students who do not regularly serve the required hours will not be eligible to attend school trips, play sports or other incentive/extracurricular events. When a student misses more than ten (10) days, the district will then contact the Children’s Division Department of Social Services, even though attendance remediation has occurred.
Labels: Enrollment & Attendance
http://couchstudenthandbook.blogspot.com/2024/07/attendance.html
Perfect attendance will be awarded to those students missing no more than three total hours for the entire school year. One "FREE DAY" excused absence will be given at the end of each semester to students who miss no more than three hours in that semester.
Labels: Enrollment & Attendance
http://couchstudenthandbook.blogspot.com/2024/07/attendance-incentive-program.html
Up to three (3) days of bereavement leave will be granted on the occasion of the death of a students’ spouse, child, grandparent, grandchild, parent, sister, brother, parent-in-law, brother-in-law and sister-in-law.
Labels: Enrollment & Attendance
http://couchstudenthandbook.blogspot.com/2024/07/bereavement-days.html
Students who arrive at school any time after first period begins, including between periods, shall report to the principal’s office and obtain an admit slip. For attendance purposes, 4 tardies per quarter equal 1 absence.
Labels: Enrollment & Attendance
Last Updated Tuesday, July 23, 2024
http://couchstudenthandbook.blogspot.com/2024/07/late-arrivals.html
Students should report to the High School Office with a note from a parent or guardian on the morning following an absence. This is just so the school will know the student was not truant during the absence. Students must obtain an admit slip from the office prior to school starting the first day the student returns from an absence. Teachers will not admit a student to class, who was absent the prior day without an admit slip. Students should obtain a note from the Doctor’s office if a visit to the doctor was made during an absence if they are enrolled in the A+ program. Remember, there is no distinction between an excused or unexcused absence. Any student found to be truant will be punished accordingly.
Labels: Enrollment & Attendance
http://couchstudenthandbook.blogspot.com/2024/07/steps-to-follow-when-absent-from-school.html
The following procedure is intended to assist building administrators by establishing procedure associated with the disenrollment of students:
- The student handbooks will set forth that it is expected that a student, if the student is eighteen (18) years or older, or the parent/guardian, if the student is under the age of eighteen (18) years, will contact the building principal and inform the building principal that the student intends to withdraw from school and is not transferring to another school, going to an alternative school, or participating in home schooling. Upon receiving such information, the principal will schedule the student and parents, if they so desire to meet with the student’s counselor to discuss the reasons why the student intends to withdraw from school to allow the counselor to offer alternatives to withdrawal from school. The student, if he or she is eighteen (18) years of age or older, or the parent/guardian if the student is under the age of eighteen (18) years, will be required to complete all necessary documents regarding the student’s withdrawal from school. If the student who is eighteen (18) years or order, or the parent/guardian, for a student under the age of eighteen (18) years refuses to come to school to complete the withdrawal form, but authorities either in person or by phone the disenrollment of the student, then the student shall be dis-enrolled by the building principal.
- When a student is absent for six consecutive days, the counselor, or his or her designee, shall contact the parent/guardian or the student, if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, regarding the student’s absences. The school official who contacts the parents/guardian or student will attempt to receive information regarding the reason for the student’s absences, in order to determine whether the absence should be excused, or whether some action should be taken by the School District so that the student can return to school.
- If the student does not return to school after the student or parent/guardian is contacted by the appropriate school official, then the building principal shall send a letter to the student, if he or she is eighteen (18) years or older, or the parent/guardian if the student is under the age of eighteen (18) years, informing the student or parent/guardian that the student will be considered to have voluntarily dis-enrolled himself or herself if the student does not return to school. The disenrollment will be retroactive to the last day the student was in attendance. The student or parent/guardian will be encouraged in that letter to contact the building principal or his or her designee to discuss with them the student’s non-attendance and to provide to that individual any information regarding whether the period of absence should be considered excused.
- A student may be dis-enrolled for the semester for non-attendance if the student fails to return to school after receiving a non-attendance letter and the student or parent/guardian fails to provide to the school information as to why the student’s periods of absence should be excused.
Labels: Enrollment & Attendance
http://couchstudenthandbook.blogspot.com/2024/07/student-dis-enrollment-procedure.html
Students who are transferring to another district or who are withdrawing from the Couch R-I School District for any reason shall notify the building principal or his designee of the last day of attendance and complete necessary withdrawal procedures. Official notification concerning a student’s withdrawal from school will be issued to teachers by the appropriate administrator or counselor.
Labels: Enrollment & Attendance
http://couchstudenthandbook.blogspot.com/2024/07/student-withdrawal-from-school.html
Punctual attendance is both a sign of respect toward both the teacher and the other students in the classroom; it is also part of a student's accountability toward his/her studies. Punctual attendance is important – and not attending punctually (or being tardy) is not only discouraged, it is a violation of school policy that can’t be ignored nor tolerated. When a student is tardy to class he/she will be sent to the principal to obtain a slip to be admitted to class. Students who arrive at school any time after the first period begins, including between periods, shall report to the principal’s office and obtain an admit slip.
A student is considered tardy if he/she arrives after 7:45 a.m. Students who are tardy to school must check in at the office. Students who are tardy more than five (5) days per semester, will be required to serve noon detention for each subsequent tardy. For attendance purposes, 4 tardies per quarter equal 1 absence.
Labels: Enrollment & Attendance
http://couchstudenthandbook.blogspot.com/2024/07/tardy.html