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Board of Trustees Policy

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Board of Trustees

Policy

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Woodlawn Preparatory SchoolA Montessori Learning Environment

Mission Statement

Woodlawn Preparatory School is committed to the development of the whole child to promote a love for life-long learning by implementing the Montessori philosophy of education and human development in a Christ-centered environment.

Goals

Empower children to cultivate curiosity, independence, and responsibility. Educate using a student-centered hands-on approach to learning. Ensure a safe environment where every child can reach his/her highest

potential. Effect children’s awareness as to their identity and purpose as a child of

God. Elicit parents and community stakeholders as partners in education. Establish a continued association with accrediting bodies. Engage in the full implementation of the Montessori Method in each

environment.

Vision

Our vision will be achieved when...

Woodlawn Preparatory School is seen as an innovative model for education in the community.

Woodlawn Preparatory School educates children from infancy through high school.

Woodlawn Preparatory School engages the community in frequent dialog and interaction regarding education in child development, Montessori practices, and joint planning of community events.

Woodlawn Preparatory School is financially sustainable through the cooperative efforts of school parents and local church and community stakeholders.

Woodlawn Preparatory School is an onsite Montessori training center.

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Beliefs

A Christian worldview is vital to an understanding of how to develop relationships as leaders in the world and local community, members of a family, and children of God.

The cooperative efforts of parents, children, and the school form the integral parts of a child’s intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual development.

The learning environment must be characterized by personal excellence in work with high levels of engagement, motivation, kindness, service, collaboration, and respect for individuality and diversity.

Through the implementation of the Montessori philosophy of education and human development, children are capable of achieving their highest potential as self-directed learners and creative problem-solvers.

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Board of Trustees Philosophy – The Community and Their School

Woodlawn Preparatory School is a community school with a Christian worldview. The board believes that accountability is a shared responsibility involving students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the Board of Trustees. The board therefore asserts these beliefs and expectations:

Students should be trained at home and by the school so that they will learn to hold themselves accountable for their own actions and decisions as maturing members of society.

Teachers should hold students accountable for achieving, within the limits of each student’s ability, the objectives of each learning experience.

The principal should hold teachers and other school employees accountable for working with diligent effort and with intelligence and imagination to achieve the objectives directly related to their job responsibilities.

The board will appoint the most capable person available to hold the position of principal and should hold the principal accountable for providing creative professional leadership and counsel in all aspects of the school program.

The board should hold itself accountable for carrying out its mandates to plan and to make policy. It should assume leadership on the identification and pursuit of appropriate goals and objectives for the school and of the resources necessary for their achievement.

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Board of Trustees Goals and Objectives

The board is committed to providing quality education for all of Woodlawn Preparatory School students, to the employment of a principal dedicated to the maintenance of an excellent school system based on defined student needs and leadership which will provide an educational climate such that school personnel can carry out the policies of the board with imagination and dedication, and to the continued evaluation and improvement of Woodlawn Preparatory School.

Accordingly, the board’s objectives are:

To interpret the educational needs and aspirations of the school community and subsequently formulate policies which appropriately stimulate the learner and the learning process.

To ensure that school will be administered by the principal and staff in accordance with board policy.

To ensure that the principal effectively carries out the goals and objectives of the school.

To maintain two-way communication with the various groups served by the school, to interpret public attitudes, to identify policies and procedures of the schools, to encourage public involvement with an understanding of the schools.

To ensure that the principal and staff develop and provide data appropriate for the management functions of planning, evaluating, executing, and monitoring adopted educational plans for Woodlawn Preparatory School.

To conduct its operations and meetings in a manner consistent with state laws and principles of sound organizational procedures.

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Policies of the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees shall make every effort to ensure that its policies conform to state and federal laws, including the provisions of the State of Mississippi and the United States Constitution.

Policies adopted by the Board of Trustees shall require annual review and revision necessitated by changing state statutes, state regulations, and system needs.

Committees representing the personnel employed by Woodlawn Preparatory School will be encouraged to participate in policy development. The principal shall be responsible for the direction of policy development.

As new policies are adopted and old ones revised, they shall be added to the policy books maintained in the Woodlawn Preparatory School office and shall be accessible to all interested parties.

Policies are guides for action by the administration, which then establishes the rules and regulations to provide specific direction for the school. Administrative policies to carry out these rules and regulations will be placed in the Woodlawn Preparatory School office.

The policies developed by the Board of Trustees, and the administrative rules and regulations developed to implement them, are designed to bring about an effective school climate. Consequently, it is assumed that all board members, school employees, parents of school children, and students will abide by them.

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School Principal

Adhering to the philosophy and objectives of the school and in accordance with state statutes and regulations, the principal is charged with carrying out and enforcing in an efficient, effective, reasonable, fair, and uniform manner, all mandated policies, rules, and regulation, and laws.

Acting with the approval of the Board of Trustees, the principal shall be the chief administrator and instructional leader of the school and is directly responsible to the Board of Trustees.

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Evaluation of Principal

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall quarterly evaluate the performance of all administrative staff reporting to him. He shall yearly report to the board on the performance of the administrative staff and make recommendations regarding their employment and salary status.

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School Year

It shall be the policy of the school to provide sufficient instructional time for the students to attain mastery of specific learning objectives at all instructional levels. Said time shall be allocated and protected to provide student engagement rates (time-on-task) which are sufficient to provide mastery. In order to insure that adequate instructional time is provided, the Board of Trustees directs the principal and his staff to incorporate the following directives into all instructional plans for the school.

A. The opening date of the school year for students shall be no earlier than August 1 and the closing date shall be no later than May 31.

B. The school year shall consist of a minimum of 145 teaching days which consist of 413 minutes of daily instruction on a four day school week schedule.

C. During the school year, a student will not be allowed to miss more than 15 days of the school year without a result of retention of grade or dismissal from enrollment.

D. Scheduled academic instructional time shall be protected from undue interruption or delay.

E. In the event that an emergency situation results in the school not meeting the minimum instructional time specified, the principal and Board of Trustees may assign a non-scheduled school day as an instructional day on the school calendar to make up actual time lost.

F. Two of the 145 days may be 60% days provided that there are 248 minutes of instruction and the remainder of the day is used for staff development or other activities related to instruction.

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School Day

Sufficient instructional time shall be given in order to give students the opportunity to master specific learning objectives. Therefore, the Board of Trustees shall authorize and establish the length of the school day which must consist of a minimum of 413 minutes of daily instruction on a four day school week schedule.

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Student Dismissal

Dismissal of SchoolNo students shall be dismissed before the regular hour except with the knowledge of the principal. School will be kept open during inclement weather unless closed by the principal.

Dismissal of Individual StudentsNo student shall be excused from school prior to the end of the school day, or into any person’s custody, without the direct approval and knowledge of the principle.

The building principal shall not excuse a student before the end of the school day without a request for early dismissal by the parent or legal guardian.

Errands by StudentsNo student shall be sent from the school grounds during school hours to perform an errand or act as a messenger from the school, its related activities or a staff member.

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School Volunteers Policy

Woodlawn Preparatory School seeks volunteers who contribute to the development of the whole child and the general welfare of the school.

Screening of Volunteers

Before a volunteer is assigned in the school, he or she will be screened.

A. Purpose of Screening

1. The screening of volunteers is crucial because of the vulnerability of the student population.

2. Screening will be used to identify volunteers who may present unacceptable risk or harm to students or to the school.

B. Methods of Screening

The school will use responsible, reasonable methods to screen volunteers. The level of screening is dependent upon the task assigned to the volunteer. The level of scrutiny in screening will increase as a volunteer’s contact with a student increases and staff supervision decreases.

Screening methods may include the following:

a. Completion of the WPS Volunteer Form

b. Interviews by appropriate WPS staff

c. Reference checks

d. Record checks

e. Orientations

f. Attendance at school trainings

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Accreditation

The principal will seek accreditation through national, state, and regional organizations. Once having obtained accreditation, the efforts and requirements to maintain accreditation will be continued yearly.

NationalThe principal shall make application to the American Montessori Society for the accreditation of Woodlawn Preparatory School.

StateThe principal shall make application to the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools for the accreditation of Woodlawn Preparatory School.

RegionalThe principal shall make application to AdvancEd (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) for the accreditation of Woodlawn Preparatory School.

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Student Records

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools, public or private, that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

Though Woodlawn Preparatory School seeks no funding from the U.S. Department of Education, the school desires to comply with the law which guarantees to parents and students the right to access education records and imposes limits upon the release of education records to others.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.

Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.

Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):

School officials with legitimate educational interest; Other schools to which a student is transferring;

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Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes; Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student; Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the

school; Accrediting organizations; To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant

to specific State law.

Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.

Ref. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99)

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Immunizations

Mississippi law provides that, “it shall be unlawful for any child to attend school, kindergarten, or similar type facility intended for the instruction of children, either public or private, unless they shall first have been vaccinated against those diseases specified by the State Health Office.” The board has the duty to require those vaccinations specified by the State Health Officer as provided by law. Application of immunization requirements will be consistent with state statute.

All students must present to the school a Certificate of Compliance regarding vaccinations.

Students who cannot have vaccinations for medical reasons should have a physician or health department official complete a certificate for that reason.

The principal is required to refuse admittance to any child who parents or legal guardian do not present a birth certificate and medical certification of proper immunizations within the time allotted.

LEGAL REF.: Miss. Code Ann. Section 37-7-301

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Birth Certificates

Only students whose cumulative records show dates of birth as verified by certified birth certificates shall be enrolled in the school.

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Student Withdrawal from School

Students withdrawing from school shall report to the principal. The principal or designee shall verify the request for withdrawal with the parents or legal guardian. Cumulative records will be kept in the school office until requested by the transferring school. No refund of previously paid tuition or fees will be given. The transfer of permanent cumulative records to the requesting school will be withheld until all fees and fines are paid.

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Exceptional Education

The staff of Woodlawn Preparatory School will endeavor to meet the needs of all children, including those with special needs, to the best that staff training and experience will allow. However, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act supports the collaboration between public school districts and the private school seeking to educate students with special needs.

The IDEA defines the legal rights of private school students to publicly funded special education services. Specifically, it states that a private institution student does not have the same legal rights to special education services as a special education student in public school.

IDEA states that local public school districts must provide the following for students educated in non-public schools:

1. Evaluate a private school student for special education if a referral has been made.

2. Determine if the student is eligible for special education.Develop an appropriate Instructional School Plan (ISP) for the child's school.

3. Consult with parents and the student’s teachers when developing an Instructional School Plan.

Once a special education evaluation has been completed and the ISP has been written, it is up to the school administrators of the public school to decide what services they will provide.

If the district decides to provide a student enrolled in a private educational setting with special education services, the district cannot use the private school's personnel to provide the services and the public school personnel must provide the services at a public facility.

School districts must assure that the process used to develop an Instructional School Plan (ISP) is consistent with the process used to develop and review an IEP for a public school special education student.

The district must also ensure that there are measurable goals and short-term objectives that address the child’s needs resulting from an identified disability.

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However, only those goals and objectives that are related to the services the district has agreed to offer to a non-public student will be written into the ISP. The district is not obligated to provide transportation from home to the child's school but can provide transportation from the school to the service site where the child is receiving district services.

At the local district’s annual review of a non-public school student’s ISP only student’s progress on services being offered by the district will be evaluated.

Because special education funding for students in private settings is so limited, students usually do not receive the same services that would be provided to them if they attended a public school. For example, a district may agree to provide an ISP student with dyslexia with 30 minutes of reading tutoring per week. However, if the child were enrolled at the public school, they might receive a daily reading support class of 55 minutes.

Currently, IDEA states that public school districts only have to provide special education services to students in private placements if the district has referred or placed the student in the setting.

Parents of students with special needs can meet with the special education director of the public school district to find out what special education services the school district is currently offering to private school students.

If a parent feels their child’s disabilities are limiting their educational progress at Woodlawn Preparatory School, the parent has the right to enroll them in their local public school where they will receive all of the services and mandates offered under IDEA.

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Field Trips

A field trip is a planned activity involving students away from the school but which remains under the jurisdiction and supervision of the school. The field trip, or off-campus tour, should provide enrichment to the classroom instructional program by offering learning experiences through resources of the community. All adults who may serve in a supervisory capacity while on field trips must comply with the Volunteer Screening Policy.

A written approval by the parent must be presented to the teacher before a student can participate in a field trip. Field trips must have the approval of the principal. Out-of-state or overnight field trips must have the approval of the board. All field trips must be supervised by classroom teachers. The required adult to student ration of 1:10 may be met using school volunteers.

Fees collected for a specific field trip may not be in excess of the actual cost of the trip, and all such fees shall be deposited in the manner described by policy.

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Parent Organizations

Any organization of parents can contribute significantly to the effective service of a school. Parent-teacher-student associations whose purpose is to support the school are encouraged. When the purpose, procedure, and proposed activities of a parent organization have been submitted to and approved by the board, use of school facilities may be permitted without expense to the organization.

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Gifts and Bequests

The board encourages the development of contributions by individuals, private foundations, public and private corporations, and other sources of financial aid for subsidizing such activities as tuition, special school projects, school supplies, educational materials, and other educational opportunities. All such activities are to meet the following criteria:

1. They are based on a certain set of goals that relate to the established goals and objectives of the school.

2. There is no expectation of quid pro quo upon the part of the contributors.

3. The execution of all contributions is to conform to state and federal laws, and the policies of the board.

The board shall accept and administer any donation that may be made to it for educational purposes.

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Visitors Policy

Persons, including parents, who have a legitimate reason for visiting the school are welcome to do so. Except on occasions when functions open to the public are being held at the school, all visitors must report to the school’s office upon arrival and receive a visitor’s permit.

Anyone discovered on school property without such a permit is subject to prosecution for trespassing.

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Building and Grounds Security

Buildings and structure of Woodlawn Preparatory School constitute one of the greatest investments of the school. Prudence dictates that this investment be protected adequately.

Security includes, but is not limited to, securing (locking) the buildings, protection from fire hazards, and faulty equipment and safe practices in the use of electrical, plumbing, and heating equipment. Records and funds should be kept in a safe, fireproof place and under lock and key when required.

The board encourages close cooperation with police and fire departments and with insurance company inspectors.

Access to school buildings and grounds outside of regular school hours shall be limited to personnel whose work requires it.

An adequate key control system shall be established which will limit access to buildings to authorized personnel and will safeguard against the potential of entrance to buildings by leaving keys in the hands of unauthorized persons.

Security alarm systems and other protective devices designed to be used as safeguards against illegal entry and vandalism shall be installed when appropriate to the individual situation. The principal or designee is responsible for the daily operation of the security alarm system and any other protective devices.

The board may employ armed or unarmed personnel to act as security for Woodlawn Preparatory School.

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Weapons on School Grounds

The board believes that the school and school functions should have an environment that is safe and conducive to learning and other educational purposed. Therefore, the possession of pistols, firearms, or other weapons on school premises or at school activities is prohibited. A specific exception exists for the director of security, the security personnel employed in the department of security, and law enforcement officials.

Any person found carrying such pistols, firearms, or weapons are subject to disciplinary and other appropriate action.

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Emergency Closing of School

The School Board of Trustees authorizes the principal to close the school in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies, which threaten the safety of the students, staff, or school property. However, the school shall operate for the required full time for the 145 days of the scholastic year.

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First Aid for Emergencies

The principal will have a planned, written program for handling emergencies resulting from accident or sudden sickness of students. The program of first aid for emergencies shall provide direction for giving immediate care, notifying parent or guardian, getting the student home, and directing the parent, where needed, to the source of treatment.

The program of first aid shall incorporate the following requirements:

1. The principal or other trained personnel shall be responsible for administering first aid.2. In all cases where the nature of an illness or injury appears in any way serious, every effort shall be made to contact the parent and/or family physician immediately. 3. A student who is ill or injured shall not be taken home unless it is known that someone is there to receive him/her.4. In extreme emergencies, the principle may make arrangements for immediate hospitalization of injured or ill students, contacting the parent or guardian in advance if at all possible.5. The teacher or other staff member to whom a student is responsible at the time an accident occurs shall make out a report providing details about the accident.

The principal shall maintain an adequate supply of standard first aid materials in the school office, which shall be made available to students.

School personnel shall not exceed the usual practice of competent first aid where required. They shall not diagnose and they shall not administer medication of any kind except as prescribed for the individual by a licensed medical doctor and pursuant to board policy.

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Accidents/Incidents

Accidents/incidents occurring during work hours involving either students or staff should be reported to the principal as soon as possible and related forms should be completed and submitted to the office the day of the accident. Any actions taken as a result of the accident/incident will be properly documented and a copy of the same will remain in the school office.

Parents of children involved in an accident/incident whether major or minor will be contacted the day of the occurrence by phone or in writing.

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Administration of Medication to Students

School personnel will only administer over-the-counter or prescription medication to students during school hours or school-sponsored activities and only upon receipt of a written parental request and a valid medical authorization. The valid medical authorization shall contain the name and purpose of the medicine, the prescribed dosage, the time or times the medicine is to be regularly administered, and the length of time for which the medication is prescribed. This information must be kept on file in the principal’s office. A daily record shall be kept on each medication administered. This record shall include the student’s name, date, medication administered, time, and signature of the school personnel who administered the medication.

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Head Lice

Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, are a common problem with school children in Mississippi. While head lice do not transmit any human disease, they are a nuisance, and require the effort of school officials and parents to control. Head lice can be controlled in schools, but not eliminated.

The following are control efforts, which may be utilized by the school:

1. School Screening During the school year, students may be screened for head lice.

Screening will be done by appropriate school staff who have been instructed in screening techniques.

2. Individual Cases Throughout the year any student suspected of having head lice

should be examined by an appropriate staff member. Care will be taken not to embarrass the student and to assure that no stigma is attached. If one child is found to be infested, the whole class may be screened.

3. Examination of infested Student and Removal If lice eggs (nits) or live louse are found, the parent will be called to

take the student home for treatment.

4. Return to School The student may return to school after appropriate treatment has

been given and there is satisfactory evidence that the student is free from nits. Treatment may be evidenced by a note from the parent describing the treatment or an empty bottle, with the label intact, of the product used.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

The Board of Trustees is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination of school employees on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin. However, as an independent religious school, the board reserves the right to distinguish the religious beliefs, creeds, and practices of its potential employees as a qualification for employment. Furthermore, the board holds that in an effort to maintain the school in teaching and practicing certain Christian beliefs, a deviation from those beliefs and practices could be grounds for termination of the employee.

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Teacher Requirements

A professional employed as a teacher shall hold a valid Mississippi teacher certificate appropriate to the position held at the time of employment. It is the teacher’s duty to maintain a valid certificate.

A professional employed as a Montessori teacher shall hold a Montessori certificate in the age level appropriate to the position held at the time of employment from a teacher training program accredited with North American Montessori Teacher’s Association. If a teacher is not certified, he or she must begin the certification training process prior to the beginning of the scheduled school year in which they will be employed.

It is preferred that a professional employed as an assistant teacher shall hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. However, the principal may determine that a candidate has obtained the requisite experience necessary to fulfill the requirements of an assistant teacher without a degree.

It is not necessary for a substitute teacher to hold a certification or degree, however, experience in classroom management and education is preferred.

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Staff Ethics

I. Introduction

By accepting employment with the Woodlawn Preparatory School, employees have a responsibility to the school, to their fellow employees, parents and community and to the students that they serve to adhere to certain standards of behavior, performance and conduct. No set of rules can address all forms of unacceptable behavior. However, generally speaking, Woodlawn Preparatory School expects each of its employees to act in a professional and responsible manner at all times. In addition, examples of some of the more obvious unacceptable behaviors that may subject an employee to disciplinary action, including termination or revocation of certification are set forth below:

II. Standards of Conduct or Behavior

The effective operation of the school requires the services of employees with integrity. To maintain and promote these essential traits, all employees of Woodlawn Preparatory School are expected to maintain exemplary standards in their school relationships. School employees shall not use or attempt to use their official positions to secure any valuable thing or benefit for themselves that would not ordinarily accrue to them in the performance of their official duties, if such thing or benefit would represent a substantial and improper influence upon them with respect to their duties.

Employee standards include the following:1) Maintenance of just and courteous professional relationships with pupils,

parents, staff members, community members and others.2) Maintenance and improvement of their own efficiency and knowledge of

developments in their fields of work through research, if applicable, and continuing professional development.

3) Transaction of all official business with the properly designated authorities of the school.

4) Placement of the welfare of children as the first and fundamental concern of the school in all actions and decisions.

5) Restraint from using school contacts and privileges to promote selfish propaganda of any kind. Employees should avoid using their positions for

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personal gain through political, social, religious, economic, or other influence. All responsibilities will be fulfilled with honesty and integrity.

6) Directing any criticism of other staff members or of any department of the school toward the improvement of the school system. Such constructive criticism is to be made directly to the administrator, who has the administrative responsibility for improving the situation.

7) Proper use and protection of all school properties, equipment, and materials.

8) Proper care and use of confidential information and student records.9) Support of the principle of due process.

10) Honor all contracts until fulfillment or release. 11) Obey local, state, and federal laws and regulations in the performance of

their job duties. 12) Implement policies of the board of trustees and the administrative rules and regulations of the school.

III. Prohibited Conduct

Although not exhaustive, any of the following types of conduct by an employee is grounds for discipline, up to and including immediate termination:

1) Violation of any board policy or administrative rule, procedure or regulation, including, but not limited to, any board policy or administrative rule, procedure or regulation concerning sexual behavior, discrimination, harassment, alcohol, illegal drugs, unlawful behavior, security or safety.

2) Violation of any applicable State Department of Education policy, rule, procedure or regulation, including, but not limited to, any violation of the Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Mississippi Educators.

3) Violation of any applicable federal, state or local statute, regulation or ordinance governing independent and private school employees.

4) Violation of any written rules or procedures published by school or supervisors to employees, provided that such rules and procedures do not violate or conflict with any board policy or administrative rule, procedure or regulation.

5) Engaging in any unlawful behavior, with the exception of minor traffic violations outside of work hours, whether on school property, on student or vendor property, during work time, while in the course of school

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business, or otherwise, and whether or not the employee is convicted for such behavior.

6) Any federal or state court felony criminal conviction, guilty plea, plea of nolo contendere/no contest, deferred prosecution, or similar criminal convictions, pleas, or deferred prosecutions rendered in foreign jurisdiction. A conviction includes any finding or admission of guilt and/or any imposition of a fine, jail sentence, probation or other penalty.

7) The school recognizes the obligation of all employees of the school to be conscious of their professional responsibility not to divulge information presented by a student, parent, a colleague, or an agency when that revelation is not in the best interest of the school. The school recognizes that within a human services organization as complex as a school, it is necessary to share information on a “need to know” basis. However, the sharing of information should only serve to assist, rectify, or resolve a situation and should never be downgraded to idle gossip or negative commentary to the media, or others within the community.

8) Employees shall not record, or cause to be recorded, with an audio or videotaping device, other employees without their knowledge, permission, or consent. However, audio or videotaping of classrooms for observation and evaluative purposes is permissible for use by school personnel only.

9) Employees are expected to participate, in a truthful manner, in any administrative investigation and share any information with the appropriate parties that may be relevant to the investigation unless the participation is against the employee’s criminal interest.

10) Any federal or state court criminal conviction, guilty plea, plea of nolo contendere/no contest, deferred prosecution, remand or prayer for judgment continued, or similar criminal convictions, pleas, deferred prosecutions rendered in foreign jurisdictions of any kind, whether felony or misdemeanor, involving minors under 18 years of age or involving public or private school funds, property, employees, visitors or students. A conviction includes any finding or admission of guilt and/or any imposition of a fine, jail sentence, probation or other penalty.

11) Being under the influence of or the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, dispensation, transportation or use of alcohol during work time or on school property; or being under the influence of or the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, dispensation, transportation or use of illegal drugs or the unlawful abuse of prescription drugs at any time.

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12) Possession of any unauthorized visible or concealed firearms, weapons orexplosives during work time or on school property or bringing such items onto school property, including but not limited to weapons for which the owner has obtained a concealed handgun or weapons permit.

13) Failure to maintain appropriate licensure or certification required: (a) for the particular job(s) or duties being performed by an employee; or (b) to

operate school property or equipment necessary for the performance of an employee's work responsibilities. 14) Failure to report an on-the-job injury or accident to an immediate supervisor as soon as the employee has knowledge of such injury. 15) Failure to observe specified school safety or security practices while on

school property, or vendor property, during work time, or while in the course of school business.

16) Awareness of a safety or security hazard with respect to school property, employees, visitors or students and not acting timely to report such hazard to appropriate administrative, supervisory or to correct such hazard where possible.

17) Awareness of damage or an accident on or involving school property, employees, visitors or students and not acting timely to report such accident or damage to appropriate administrative or supervisory officials.

18) Harassment of fellow employees, visitors, students, or a student's parent or guardian at any time, whether on school property or vendor property, during work time, while in the course of school business, or otherwise.

19) Threatening, intimidating, provoking a fight, striking or in any way fightingwith: (a) a fellow employee, visitor, student, or a student's parent or guardian at any time; or (b) with any other individual when representing the school system.

20) Gambling, betting or taking bets on school property or with students at any time.

21) Behaving indecently or engaging in immoral or abusive conduct: (a) duringwork time or while in the course of school business; or (b) on school property or with students at any time.

22) Behaving or engaging in any unethical or lascivious conduct at any time, ifthere is a reasonable and adverse relationship between the underlying conduct and the continuing ability of the employee to perform any of his/her professional functions in an effective manner.

23) Falsification, or inappropriate alteration of, or making false statements or

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misrepresentations regarding information used or contained in any employment records, including but not limited to applications for employment, time cards, leave forms, payroll data, expense records, personnel file materials, government reports, and any other like documents.

24) Falsification, or inappropriate alteration of, or making false statements ormisrepresentations regarding information used or contained in any student records, including but not limited to report cards, grades, attendance records, testing data, testing scores, drop-out summaries, transfer sheets, government reports, and any other like documents.

25) Falsification or inappropriate alteration of or making false statements ormisrepresentations regarding information used or contained in any school financial records, including but not limited to asset listings, ledgers, purchase orders, financial statements, deposit and withdrawal slips, grant data, government reports, and any other like documents.

26) Submitting false requests or claims to the board or the administration,including, but not limited to, claims or requests relating to jury duty, leave, medical claims, supplies and expense reimbursements.

27) Dishonesty or making false statements or misrepresentations regarding any school or work-related matter. 28) Insubordination, including, but not limited to continuing, intentional refusal

to cooperate in any school-related investigation or to follow and/or carry out the reasonable work related instructions, either direct or implied of a supervisor or any employee with administrative authority.

29) Interference with another employee's job performance.

30) Unauthorized use of school property at any time, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles, software, information systems, communication systems, or other school-owned, leased or rented equipment.

31) Engaging in personal business during work time, including, but not limited to, the use of school property or equipment for personal profit. 32) Unauthorized possession, removal or use of school equipment or property or use of school facilities for any purpose other than official school business. 33) Unauthorized possession, use or distribution of school keys, access codes or passwords. 34) Theft, embezzlement or misuse of school, fellow employee, student, parent,

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supplier, visitor, or school club or organization funds or property or the removal of such funds or property without authorization.

35) Deliberate sabotage, destruction or damage of board, fellow employee,student, parent, supplier, visitor, or school club or organization property or equipment, or the commission of acts intended to cause destruction or damage to such property.

36) Unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential school information or records, including but not limited to violation of the board of trustee or the State Department of Education's confidentiality policies, administrative rules, procedures and regulations with respect to personnel, student and testing data.

37) Careless or reckless driving of any vehicle or while transporting boardemployees or students, or careless or reckless driving of a school vehicle at any time whether owned, leased or rented.

38) Smoking or use of other tobacco products at any time while on schoolproperty including, but not limited to, school vehicles, whether owned, leased or rented.

39) Sleeping during work hours. 40) Failure to dress in a professional manner consistent with an employee's job duties and staff dress code. 41) Failure to notify an appropriate supervisor if required when leaving school

property before an employee's regularly scheduled quitting time or when arriving after the regularly scheduled starting time.

42) Failure to follow applicable board policies, rules, procedures or regulationsregarding the reporting or taking of absences from regularly scheduled duties, including but not limited to any rules or procedures established by school administration or its board of trustees.

43) Use of profanity, obscene, or abusive language toward, or in the presenceof any student, or of any fellow employee, visitor, or a student's parent or guardian.

44) Any form of unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact with a fellow employee, except for the purposes of self-defense.

45) Any form of unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact with a student, except for the purposes of appropriate instruction, self-defense or necessary and appropriate physical restraint.

46) Conducting or allowing a "strip" search of students by individuals other

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than federal or state public law enforcement personnel acting within the scope of their public duties (excluding reasonable requests for students to take off shoes, socks, hats or outer garments such as coats, scarves, gloves, etc.).

47) Any form of sexual, lascivious or romantic contact with or solicitation of astudent, including, but not limited to, kissing or hugging regardless of whether such activity is welcome or unwelcome.

48) Dating or attempting to date students, or engaging or attempting to engage, in any activity designed to encourage or which does encourage an inappropriate relationship with students.

49) Awareness of actual or potential: (a) unwelcome or inappropriate physicalcontact with a student by an employee except for the purposes of appropriate instruction, self-defense or necessary and appropriate physical restraint; (b) sexual, lascivious or romantic contact with or solicitation of a student by an employee, regardless of whether such activity is welcome or unwelcome; or (c) dating, attempting to date students, engaging, or attempting to engage, in any activity designed to create or which does create an improper relationship with students, and not acting to report such matters to appropriate administrative or supervisory officials and/or, where required by law, to outside officials in a timely manner.

50) Abandonment of one’s job as a contracted employee without having secured release from the school board of trustees.

IV. Warnings

Except where in the discretion of administrative personnel the conduct or performance of an employee warrants suspension without pay, nonrenewal or immediate termination, an employee should be warned about his/her unacceptable behavior. If the warning is prepared in writing, the warning should be provided to the employee, and a copy should be placed in the employee's personnel file.

The failure to give warnings, either orally or in writing, shall not prevent the discipline or termination of an employee under this policy.

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Employees may be suspended only with the approval of the school board of trustees.

V. Conflicts of Interest

Employees shall refrain from engaging in conduct that is a conflict of interest.

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Evaluation of Employees

The board recognizes that evaluation of staff is essential to improve performance and aiding employees in identifying areas for improvement and growth. The process should also serve, when necessary, as a basis for administrative decisions including, but not limited to, raises and retention of staff. All full-time employees will be subject to annual evaluation procedures by the principal. The formal performance appraisal system shall be based on the job descriptions and on-the-job performance of every employee. The principal will keep a record of the evaluations on file in the principal’s office. The principal will provide a report to the board of the summative evaluations of employees at the board’s request.

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Termination of Employment

The contract provides for termination of services of contracted teachers for cause.

The teacher may be suspended or discharged for good cause as shall be determined in the exclusive discretion of the board upon recommendation by the principal. It is specifically understood that good cause for discharge shall include but not be limited to: inadequacy of teaching, misconduct, neglect of duty, physical or mental incapacity, actions involving moral turpitude, violation of the terms of this agreement or school policy, or any conduct not in keeping with the Apostolic faith or conduct tending to reflect discredit upon the school or tending to impair the teacher’s usefulness in his/her capacity as a teacher.

All other employees will be discharged from their duties based upon the recommendation of the principal to the board after oversight and evaluation of the employee’s performance.

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Reimbursement for Training

It is understood that in the interest of certifying teachers in a Montessori program, training expenses and other accommodation expenses such as hotel, travel, and food will be required. Woodlawn Preparatory School will pay all fees and expenses associated with training as long as the teacher abides by the terms of their contract.

In the event that the teacher is discharged from or voluntarily leaves the employment of the school, he/she will be required to pay back the cost of Montessori certification training at a prorated amount according to the number of months left of contracted service.

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Employee Dress Code

Each employee of the Woodlawn Preparatory School shall be expected to give proper attention to his/her personal appearance as required by work responsibilities. The school recognizes that an appropriately dressed employee is seen as a more suitable role model. The school further recognizes that personal appearance also has a bearing on the teaching authority, confidence, and self-esteem of teachers, administrators, and staff. A professional appropriate dress influences the way staff interacts with students and positively affects the general environment. Each employee of the school will contribute to the formation of a positive, professional public image by maintaining high standards of personal appearance through appropriate dress and grooming regardless of job category.

Guidelines

1. Hair must be clean, neat and well-groomed.2. Foundation garments shall be worn and not visible with respect to color,

style, and/or fabric. No see-through or sheer clothing shall be allowed, and no skin shall be visible between pants/trousers, skirts, and shirts/blouses at any time.

3. Patches, decorations, slogans, designs, symbols, tags, marks or advertisements of beer, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or similar items or displays and/or expressions of obscenities, sexual references, or similar references deemed detrimental and disruptive to the operation of the school, education, discipline, health or welfare of students are prohibited. Clothing that has any type of drawing or words that would be vulgar, profane, suggestive, or advertising an affiliation with drugs, alcohol, violence or gang related activities is prohibited.

4. Employees who are furnished uniforms must wear them at all times.

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Male EmployeesA. Pants

1. Pants/trousers must have a hem or cuff. No cut-offs, cut-outs and/or ragged edges are permitted.

2. Pants must be sized appropriately. No hip-huggers that reveal flesh are allowed. Pants must not be excessively tight or sagging.

3. No jeans or overalls of any color or fabric are permitted, except on such days as designated by the principal.

B. Shirts1. Shirts shall not expose the midriff. Sleeveless shirts are not considered

professionally appropriate apparel.2. Casual tee shirts (faded, sheer, out of shape or inappropriately sized) are

not allowed.3. Tank tops are prohibited. 4. Shirts must be tucked in unless designed to be worn outside and of an

appropriate length so as not to expose the midriff at any time.

Female EmployeesA. Skirts/Dresses

No mini skirts, halter tops, backless, strapless, or see-through dresses shall be permitted.

B. Shirts/Blouses1. Shirts/blouses shall not expose the midriff. Sleeveless shirts/blouses are

not considered professionally appropriate apparel.2. Casual tee shirts (faded, sheer, out of shape or inappropriately sized) are

not allowed.3. Tank tops and spaghetti strap garments are prohibited when worn as a

single garment. These garments are permissible with a sleeved shirt/jacket layered on top. Camisoles, slips, and tee shirts that are intended to be worn as undergarments may not be worn as outer garments.

4. Shirts or blouses must be tucked in unless designed to be worn outside and of an appropriate length so as not to expose the midriff at any time.

Male and Female EmployeesD. Shorts

Shorts are not allowed.

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E. Warm-ups/Jogging Suits, and ShortsWarm-ups, jogging suits, wind suits and/or sweat suits, leggings, tights, and other athletic apparel are not permissible.

F. Shoes1. Footwear must be worn at all times.2. Shoes traditionally worn around the home (slippers, house shoes, or

beach slippers) or to the beach (flip-flop/shower shoe design or thongs) are not permitted.

3. Tennis shoes that are clean and in good condition may be worn.G. Accessories

1. Jewelry/accessories that may be distracting or could cause a safety hazard may not be worn. Tattoos must be covered if at all possible.

2. No hats are allowed in the building unless part of the employee’s uniform.

H. Spirit DaysThe principal may designate certain days as “school spirit” day. On special days/events or circumstances the principal may designate special attire for children and staff.

I. ExceptionsP.E. CoachesCoaches and physical education personnel may wear loose fitting athletic apparel appropriate for their gender during their physical education hours.

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Faculty Meetings

Faculty meetings are regularly scheduled. Attendance at these and other called meetings is required by all full-time contract and hourly employees, unless excused by the principal. Meetings may extend beyond the regularly scheduled work hours. Though teacher contracts make provisions for an extended workday, effort should be made to conclude staff meetings to end within the hours of a regularly scheduled workday. Advanced notice of faculty meetings will be given except in case of an emergency.

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Student Conduct

Students have a responsibility to know and to respect the rules and regulations of the school. They are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner appropriate to good citizenship.

Every teacher is authorized to hold every student to a strict accountability for any disorderly conduct in school or on the school property.

A student handbook will be provided to every student. The student handbook shall include the acceptable behavior for students and the student discipline code.

Disciplinary Objectives

The basic objectives of discipline with the school and in each classroom may be described as twofold:

1. To establish and maintain study conditions that are conducive to learning.

2. To develop, on part of all students, the habits and skills that make each student self-directive, self-disciplined, and more willing and able to assume the responsibility for proper and acceptable behavior.

Common Set of Acceptable Behaviors

Students in Woodlawn Preparatory School are expected to:

1. Attend class daily and be punctual in attendance

2. Come to class prepared and have appropriate working materials

3. Be respectful of all individuals and property

4. Refrain from profane or inflammatory statements

5. Conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner

6. Be responsible for their own work and behavior

7. Abide by the rules and regulations of the school and each classroom teacher

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Attendance and Tardiness

Good school attendance and promptness to classes are extremely important matters to Woodlawn Preparatory School. Time on task is essential if students are to succeed in their educational efforts. It is expected that all children (including 3 and 4 year olds) arrive by 7:30 am and stay until 3:30 pm each scheduled school day. Excessive student absences and/or tardiness will result in a mandatory parent review of the attendance policy and possible student withdrawal from enrollment.

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Student Dress Code

Proper attire is to be worn by all students during the school day and at all school sponsored activities to create the best environment for learning and socialization. The principal shall use these guidelines provided below in determining proper attire. Students shall not wear any other attire that the principal deems inappropriate and disruptive to the learning process.

General Uniform DressModerate hairstyles that do not divert attention from the learning process are permitted. Boys shall have their hair cut neatly above the ears and collar. Students are prohibited from wearing large distracting hair accessories or bandanas.

Students shall wear the tails of shirts or blouses properly tucked into the lower garment unless designed to be worn outside and of an appropriate length so as not to expose the midriff at any time.

Jewelry/accessories that may be distracting or could cause a safety hazard may not be worn.

Caps, hats and other head coverings shall not be worn. Students with a medical statement or religious documentation may be exempt.

Students shall not wear sunglasses or glasses with nonprescription lenses.

Specific Uniform DressAll students at Woodlawn Preparatory School will be required to wear school uniforms on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of the parent to purchase these uniforms for their child.

Girls: The uniform for girls will be a light blue buttoned down blouse or a navy or gray polo shirt paired with the Woodlawn Preparatory School plaid knee length skirt or jumper. Gray, white, or navy tights or leggings are acceptable for the colder months.

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Boys: The uniform for boys will be a light blue buttoned down shirt or a navy polo shirt paired with gray slacks or a light blue buttoned down shirt or a gray polo shirt paired with navy slacks.

Boys in the 3-6 year class may wear knee length uniform shorts or uniform slacks.Boys in the 6-9 year class and higher are required to wear uniform slacks.

Boys in the 6-9 year class will be required to wear the Woodlawn Preparatory plaid tie to chapel services with a buttoned down shirt.

Cargo pants are prohibited.

Boys will wear a black or brown belt.

Shoes: Navy, gray, black, or white tennis shoes or canvas shoes or black or brown leather shoes are acceptable. No sandals will be allowed for boys or girls.

Outerwear: All outerwear must be navy or gray. This includes coats, sweaters, cardigans, etc.

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Disciplinary Action

It is the policy of the board that corporal punishment is prohibited. Woodlawn Preparatory School’s discipline plan sets firm, consistent, positive limits and provides warmth and support for appropriate student behavior.

When a student’s behavior, speech, and/or attitudes are unacceptable and reasonable effort to bring about an improvement has not proved effective, more positive action shall be taken.

A student may be suspended or expelled in accordance with school policy and directives. All suspensions imposed or recommended by the principal shall be preceded by, and initially predicated upon, an informal due process hearing conducted by the principal. No student shall be suspended without affording him or her an opportunity to express his or her version of the incident after being advised of the charges lodged against them.

Whenever a student is suspended, the parent or legal guardian must be notified immediately. Suspension should be as brief as possible and consistent with fostering cooperation between student, parents, and school personnel.

The principal may suspend a student no longer than 2 consecutive school days per incident. Recommendations for suspensions more than 2 days are reserved for serious disciplinary offenses and shall be approved by the board.

A student may be expelled from school upon recommendation by the principal and approval by the board when multiple serious disciplinary offenses occur or a student is found to be involved in illegal or immoral behavior.

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Corporal Punishment

It is the policy of the board that corporal punishment is prohibited at Woodlawn Preparatory School. Corporal punishment is defined as punishment by striking, touching or hitting any portion of a student’s body with a paddle, ruler, hand, or other instrument or as the infliction of, or causing the infliction of physical pain on the student. It is understood that not all restricted forms of punishment are administered through physical contact. Restricted forms of non-contact punishment includes, but is not limited to, physical isolation such as standing in a corner or closet, writing assignments designed to cause physical discomfort, and the withholding of food, water, or use of the restroom. The use of corporal punishment shall be the grounds for discipline up to and including termination of employment.

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Student Use of Electronic Devices

It is recognized that parents may provide a cell phone to a student for safety or medical reasons. It is also recognized that these devices, which may be given with noble intent, can become distractions to the academic environment and therefore negatively impact instruction. In consideration of the advancement of technology and the prevalence of electronic devices in our society, the board will allow the possession of cell phones and other electronic devices at school, as outlined in this policy.

Respect for the Educational Environment

Cellular phones and electronic devices shall be turned off and kept out of sight during class time.

Electronic devices shall not be used to disrupt or distract from the educational environment.

Permission to leave class in response to an electronic device will not be granted.

With prior approval of the principal, teachers may permit the purposeful use of personal electronic devices in support of curriculum teaching and learning objectives.

Respect for Privacy

Students shall not photograph or video other individuals at school without their knowledge and consent.

Students shall neither e-mail, post to the Internet, nor electronically transmit images of other individuals taken at school without their expressed written consent.

Violations Policy

First Infraction: An employee will direct the student to turn the electronic device off and remove it from open view.

Second Infraction: An employee will confiscate the device and turn it in to the principal’s office. The principal will notify the parent to retrieve the electronic device and advise them that the third infraction will result in the termination of the right to possess an electronic device on the school campus.

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Third Infraction: An employee will confiscate the device and turn it in to the principal’s office. The principal will notify the parent to retrieve the electronic device and advise them that the student’s right to possess an electronic device on the school campus is terminated for the remainder of the school year.

Waiver of Liability

Woodlawn Preparatory School and its employees will not be responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen wireless communication or personal technology device.

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