Table of Contents

A Message From the Superintendent

Introduction

Six Essential Systems for a Strong Learning Climate

Three Pillars

Office of Climate and Culture: Supporting Our Students and Building Community

School Attendance

JCPS Prevention and Support Services

Trauma-Informed Care

Bullying Prevention and Support

Suicide Prevention and Support

Addiction Prevention and Support

Rights and Responsibilities of Entire JCPS Community

Kentucky Administrative Regulations for Special Education Programs

Evidence-Based Best Practices to Support Student Behavior

Progressive Consequences

Interventions and Consequences

Behavior Intervention and Consequence Definitions

Progressive Consequences and Resources Pre-K Through Grade Three

Behavior Code Definitions

Jurisdiction and Application of the SSBIH

Due Process

Reporting Concerns of Improper Treatment or Abuse

Retaliation and Discrimination Prohibited

Student Searches

Suspension Procedures

Alternative Placement

Appeal Process

Bus Safety

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Appendix F

Appendix G

Student Bill of Rights

All students are required by law to attend school every day and to be on time for school and all classes. Tardiness is not just being late for school as traditionally interpreted; it is defined by law as “any amount of instructional time missed.” This includes being late to school or leaving school before classes are dismissed. Students are required to sign in on an Entry Log if they are late to school or to sign out of school on an Exit Log if they leave the building during any part of the instructional day.

Did you know that last year, nearly one out of four students in JCPS were chronically absent, meaning they missed 10 percent or more of instructional time? Why is reducing chronic absence so important?

• Students suffer academically if they miss 10 percent or more of school days.

• Studies show that students who miss too many days in kindergarten and first grade often have trouble mastering reading by the end of third grade. Attending school regularly helps students feel better about school and themselves.

• When students are absent, schools get fewer resources from the state, resulting in less funding to pay for teachers and instructional materials. Chronic absence in kindergarten predicts chronic absence the following year, so even the attendance patterns of our youngest students affect future funding.

What is chronic absenteeism? KDE defines chronic absenteeism as any student who misses 10 percent or more of their enrolled days during the academic year. Chronic absenteeism differs from truancy (only addresses unexcused absences) in that it includes missing school days for any reason—excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspended days.

• Barriers—Illness and lack of health, vision, and dental care; unsafe path to school; poor transportation; involvement with child welfare or juvenile justice; trauma

• Negative school experiences—Struggling academically or socially; bullying; lack of appropriate accommodations for disability; suspensions; negative attitude of parents due to their own school experience; incidences that trigger a traumatic experience

• Lack of engagement—Lack of culturally relevant, engaging curriculum; no meaningful relationships with adults in school; stronger ties with peers outside of school; unwelcoming school climate; failure to earn credits/no future plans; unidentified disabilities

• Misconceptions—Absences are only a problem if they are unexcused; missing two days a month doesn’t affect learning; sporadic absences are not a problem; attendance only matters in higher grades.

• Know your data—Track students who miss school for any reason. Early identification of at-risk students and trends in absenteeism will help with home communications and specific interventions. Take advantage of existing tools (e.g., Persistence to Graduation Tool) to assist you with monitoring your students.

• Communicate with home—Write or call families/caregivers as early as possible with student attendance data to raise awareness. Help with action plans to overcome barriers.

• Identify root causes—Assess prevalent reasons for absences. Create positive home and community partnerships to build support systems (e.g., health, transportation, and school climate).

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind that complaints of a stomachache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.

• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.

• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.

• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.