Kalmiopsis Community Arts High School

Student Handbook 2025-2026

Dear Students and Parents: Please take a few minutes with your child to become familiar with the school norms and practices summarized in the Student Handbook. Kalmiopsis Community Arts High School’s norms and practices are designed to protect the safety and the learning opportunities of all our students. The Student Handbook contains information that we hope students and their adults will find helpful. It is organized by topic alphabetically. The Student Handbook is meant to inform parents and students so that all students have equal opportunities for success at school. Parents are the child’s first and most important teacher. As a collaborative school, it is our goal to work together in community with guardians and families to support students in their endeavors at school while helping them find their place in the world. KCA welcomes families to participate in the establishment and maintenance of the school community norms.

Student Handbook Contents

Mission 4/ Vision 4/ Four Core Values 4/Values and Pedagogy 5/ Student Handbook 6/ Academics 6/Activities 11/ Philosophy of Extracurricular Activities 11/Publications 11/Clubs and Organizations 12/Student Governance 12/Student Board Representatives 12/Purchases 13/Dances 13/Athletics 13/Code of Conduct for Attendance at Athletic Events or Extracurricular Activities 14/Attendance 14/Attendance Laws 14/Attendance Decoded 14/Definitions of Attendance Codes 15/Procedures to Follow When Absent from School 16/Consequences of Absences 16/Consequences of Excessive/Unexcused Tardies 17/Automatic Drop 17/McKinney-Vento Act (Homeless Youth)17/ Behavior Expectations 18/Cheating, Plagiarism, or Forgery 18/Disruption of Mutual Respect or Classroom Agreements 18/Disruptive Acts 18 Alcohol and Drugs 19/Dress Code Policy – Staff, Students, Volunteers and Campus Visitors 19/Allowable Dress 19/Non-Allowable Dress and Grooming 20/Food and Drink 20/Freedom of Expression 20/Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying 21/Off Campus Conduct 21/Profanity, Obscenity, Vulgarity 21/Public Displays of Affection (PDA) 21/Cell Phone Guidelines 22/Electronic Devices 22/Sexual Harassment 23/Sexual Misconduct 24/Sexually Inappropriate Behavior 24/Skateboards, Rollerblades, Bicycles, Scooters, and Hoverboards 24/Small Children and Pets 24/Spitting 24/Tobacco/Vape Policy 25/Vandalism 25/Weapons 26/Discipline and Restorative Justice 26/Suspension 27/Expulsion 27/Students with chronic, serious behavior issues 27/Counseling 28/Registrar/Office Manager 28/Schedule Changes 28/Student Records 28/Transcripts 28/Procedures 28/Backpacks 28/Bulletin Boards 29/Campus Security 29/Leaving Early and Off Campus Passes 29/Open Campus 29/ Change of Address/ Phone/ Email 29/Community Class Announcements 30/Directory Information 30/End of the Day Departure 30/Hall Passes 30/Health Needs 30/Internet Use and Computer Use 30/Library 31/Lockers 31/ Lost and Found 31/Meals Program / Food at School 31/Medications 32/Medical Policy for Class Participation 32/Messages to Students 32/Motor Vehicles and Parking Policy 32/Sales/Advertising 33/School Bus 33/Search and Seizure 34/Security Cameras 34/Sex Education 34/Painting 34/Student ID 35/Office Telephone Use 35/Textbooks 35/ Visitors 35/Voicing an Objection 35/Emergency Procedures 35/Earthquake Preparedness 36/Fire Drills 36/Lock Downs 36/Secure 36/Run, Hide, Fight 36/Appropriate Use of Technology Policy 37/General Rule 37/Acceptable Uses 37/Confidentiality of Student Information 37/Internet Safety 37/Unacceptable Uses of Network 38/Internet Conduct Agreements 38/Violations 39/Appendix 39/Pandemic Teaching and Learning 39/Student Square for TRSD Students 40/Parent/Student Square Notification Settings Overview 40/Quick Guide 40 Additional Settings for Notifications 41

Mission and Vision Our mission, vision, and values are spoken to our students:

Mission

Where it’s okay to be who you are while discovering your place in the world.

Vision

Our school is a place where you can come as you are, and we’ll meet you there. We will help you embody your authentic teenage self through creative expression, wild nature, community collaborations, real-world youth leadership opportunities, and rigorous academics that will challenge any doubts that you are intelligent, capable, and creative. We want to help you step into the adult world with confidence, passion, and perspective. Our vision is to help you define your vision – who are you, what brings you joy, and where are you going from here?

Four Core Values

(1) Youth Leadership Grows Genuine Confidence – On the threshold of adulthood, teenagers deserve real-world leadership and “adulting” opportunities that let them test drive their grown-up selves. Youth voices matter and should have a seat at the table where decisions are being made, including the school boardroom, classroom, and within the larger community. Youth also have the right to make mistakes as they practice becoming leaders and adults, and we’ll be there with empathy, meaningful consequences, and tools for self-awareness and self-assessment.

(2) Creative Expression is a Human Right – Every human has the right to express themselves through song, dance, writing, performing, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and other modes of creativity. We support both the creatives who choose artistic careers, competitions, and performances, as well as those who creatively express themselves for merriment, catharsis, or just because.

(3) Rural Communities Count – Be proud of the starry night skies, towering trees, quiet places, and rushing waters of our valley. We seek to deepen our connection to place and engage in the cultural and natural history of our bioregion through botanical hiking, backpacking, monitoring our streams, counting migratory birds, learning the innovative ways our community has generated economic value in our rural region, interviewing community elders, acknowledging forgotten and suppressed histories, volunteering, and exploring other ways of being in community.

(4) Multiple Perspectives Build a Better World – A 21st-century education is civics-minded, culturally responsive, reflective, and seeks to understand the world from multiple points of view. At KCA, you will have the opportunity to practice valuing the strength of differing opinions, especially those that differ from your own, as you improve your ability to debate; critically engage with the past, present, and future; and find common ground to build a stronger community.

Values and Pedagogy

Many of the approaches implemented at Kalmiopsis Community Arts High School are pretty new to American education and have been shown by the available data to be more effective than other traditional approaches at supporting student success. In the spirit of clarity, here is a short list of terms and values that KCA employs.

Teacher-Powered School—A school collaboratively run and designed by a group of teachers. Some Teacher-Powered Schools have traditional hierarchy, but at KCA we do not have a Principal or Vice Principal; instead, our Teacher Leaders split administrative responsibilities. Teacher-Powered Schools allow teachers to exercise more autonomy, have more freedom in approaches to reach students, and hold all participants accountable to each other as a community of learning.

Arts-Integration Curriculum—An educational approach where the arts are used as a method to engage and learn, creating a blend of artistic and academic disciplines. Creative expression is a human right, and it can be used as a vehicle for fuller understanding of other areas.

Restorative Justice Disciplinary Model—A discipline model that focuses on repairing the harm and rebuilding relationships instead of punitive discipline for the harm itself. Rather than imposing consequences, the aim of Restorative Justice is to give the victim a voice and the offender an opportunity to make real amends. Students are thus held accountable for their actions while also learning the impact of their behaviors on others. The conflict resolution process always involves the victim and the offender and often may include part or all of the student community, teachers, parents, etc. More information can be found in the Restorative Justice Section of this Handbook.

Place-Based Learning—A teaching approach that uses the local community and environment as a starting point for teaching and learning. This approach fosters more connection to a greater community, encourages inquiry-based learning by engaging in real-world issues, and creates a sense of belonging to that larger community. Some examples of KCA place-based learning are our cob building intensive at the Frog Farm, our English classes using the local library, our science classes testing out the educational mini-putt at Rusk Ranch Nature Center, and more.

Experiential Learning—An approach to learning where students develop knowledge and skills through direct experience and reflection, essentially a process of learning by doing. It encourages active engagement, critical thinking/problem solving skills, and connects theory and practice.

Social-Emotional Learning—A natural developmental process through which individuals develop skills, attitudes, and behaviors to understand and manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. This is not just about developing the student as the student, but also about developing them as a whole person and providing them with the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. It’s about building self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. It requires involvement of the educators, parents, and the greater community.

Student Handbook:

Academics

The following section addresses the academic requirements to graduate from Kalmiopsis Community Arts High School. It is paired with the KCA Course Guide (forthcoming August 2025).

Your “Person”

Each student at KCA is paired with one of the five Teacher Leaders, who is known as their “Person.” A student’s Person is their academic counselor, family liaison, and advocate.

Semesters and Intensives

The school year is divided into two semesters and three intensives: Fall Intensive (four days), Fall Semester (17 weeks), Winter Intensive (seven days), Spring Semester (17 weeks), Spring Intensive (four days). An Intensive is an arts-based or field-based class that students take for the entire day (hence, “intense!”). Semesters are split into eight classes on an alternating block schedule, with four 100-minute classes offered Mondays and Wednesdays, and the remaining four 100-minute classes offered Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no school on Fridays.

KCA’s first day of school, last day of school, vacations and holidays align with other schools in the Three Rivers School District, with one additional holiday at KCA: Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October. The 2025-2026 Calendar and Fall Semester Class Schedule 2025-2026 are available online and at the front office.

Credits

Students earn a minimum of 24 credits to graduate, with each course valued at 0.5 credits per semester. A full courseload of eight classes earns 8.0 credits per year. Please note that for credit purposes, Intensives are a component of Kalmiopsis Community Class, which is a course taken each semester by the entire student body.

Graduation Requirements

Kalmiopsis Community Arts High School Graduation Requirements

Subject	Required Credits	Additional Requirements
Language Arts	4.0
Mathematics	3.0	Algebra I and above
Science	3.0	Includes 1.0 credits with a field-based inquiry or lab component
Social Sciences	3.0	Includes 0.5 credits in Civics
Health	1.0
Physical Education	1.0
World Languages and/or Career and Technical Education	1.0
Creative Arts	2.0	Includes performing, literary, and/or visual arts
Higher Education & Career Path Skills	0.5	Required beginning Class of 2027
Personal Finance Education	0.5	Required beginning Class of 2027
Electives	5.0	Includes Community Class while at KCA.
Total Minimum Credits	24.0

Revision 1.5 – August 19, 2025

Grading System

Students are assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively: quantitatively through letter grades and qualitatively through narratives.

Quantitative grading: Students earn 4 points for an A (90%-100%), 3 points for a B (80%-89%), 2 points for a C (70%-79%), and 0 points for a grade of 69% or lower. At this time, KCA is unable to offer ‘plus’ or ‘minus’ grades (A+, C-, etc). Points are averaged at the end of each semester for a Report Card GPA that reflects a student’s grades for the most recent semester only, as well as an Overall GPA that reflects all grades earned in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Pass/No Pass classes earn credits yet are not averaged into a student’s GPA.

If a student is failing a course at the conclusion of the semester, they might be eligible for a temporary grade of “Incomplete” to provide an additional amount of time to complete the requirements to pass the course; however, this is at the teacher’s discretion. Reminder: A student’s GPA is not a judgment of their intelligence, worth, or potential.

Qualitative grading: In addition to letter grades, students receive written narrative assessments for each class. Teachers write in-progress narratives in preparation for mid-semester conferences, and write final narratives that are included with report cards.

Early Grads and Early Completers

An Early Grad is a student who graduates at the end of the 11th grade after completing the minimum 24 required credits. An Early Completer is a 12th grade student who graduates at the end of the Fall Semester after completing the minimum 24 required credits. Early Graduation and Early Completion is possible at KCA with the caveat that students shouldn’t assume that meeting the minimum requirements for a goal is best practice. We strongly encourage students to continue their education at KCA until they have readied themselves for their adulthood and are prepared to leave behind their childhood and adolescence. Honest conversations with their Person, family, friends, and themselves will help KCA students determine whether a shortened high school experience is their best option.

College and Career

FALL		WINTER		SPRING
Cross Country Football Cheerleading	Volleyball Soccer	Basketball Wrestling Cheerleading Archery*	Bowling* Swimming* Equestrian* Clay target team*	Golf* Baseball Tennis	Softball Track Equestrian* (Begins in winter)

prior permission to do so has been granted. You may not “hang out” outside the building with friends in undesignated areas. If you come to an activity, you are at the activity. If there is a pressing reason for you to leave the activity, you must leave the school grounds immediately and may not return. Students are expected to be a “good audience” at these events. Disruptive or unsportsmanlike behavior will be seen as a cause for removal from the activity and may result in further consequences up to exclusion from all school-sponsored activities for the remainder of the school year.

Attendance Laws

If a student has irregular attendance, the school will contact the student and the parent by phone and/or letter to offer assistance in resolving the issues that are causing poor attendance. Restorative measures will be implemented as described below. Students with persistently unacceptable attendance habits may be put on an attendance contract and/or receive a change of placement.

Contact the Office Manager whenever your student will be absent.

Attendance Decoded

Because the law authorizes the school, not the guardian, to determine which absences may be excused, the following criteria has been established:

Excused Absence: ORS 339.065

•  Personal illness
•  Illness of an immediate family member when the student’s presence at home is necessary
•  Mental health as per HB 2191
•  Emergency situations that require the student’s absence
•  Field trips and school-approved activities
•  Medical or dental appointments; confirmation of appointments are required
•  Pre-arranged absences Definitions of Attendance Codes: Excused Absence (E): Parent/Guardian has contacted attendance office verifying that the student is absent for one of the above listed criteria. These absences still count against a student’s overall attendance rate with the state.
  School-Related (S): A student was present but involved in a school-related activity (these could include, but are not limited to, sports, club activity, other class activity, meeting with staff members, etc). Verified Absences (V): Contact has been made with parent/guardian to verify absence; however, absence does not meet the above listed criteria to be coded as an excused absence.
  Unverified Absences (U): A student’s absence was not verified by a parent/guardian as required. This includes:

•  Not arriving at school as expected by parents and school authorities.
•  Arriving at school, but not attending classes.
•  Leaving school without following the checkout procedure.
•  Missing any part or all of a scheduled class without authorization.
•  Obtaining permission to go to a campus or off-campus location, but not reporting there.
•  Being absent from class for any reason other than those reasons specifically authorized.

Attendance

Tardy (T): Not in the classroom door when the bell rings. Students should only be marked tardy if they arrive inside the classroom after the bell. Tardies may be excused with a verified/authorized pass from the office.*
Truancy (R): A student who has missed 25% or more of the instructional class time and has left school grounds without permission will be considered truant.
In the eyes of the state, there are only two types of absences: School-related absences and all other absences. ALL absences that are not school-related are factored into a student’s absenteeism rate.

Absences that count against attendance rate	School Related
● Contracted or pre-arranged absences ● Excused absences ● Unverified absences ● Verified absences ● Verified unexcused absences ● Truancy	● Office-related visits including: ○ Health room visits ○ Counseling visits ○ Office personnel visits ● School activity absences ● School field trips ● School sports absences ● Days when transitioning to alternative education sites ● Internships

*Outside of a student’s initial arrival at school, a parent cannot excuse a tardy that occurs during the school day.

Procedures to Follow When Absent from School

1. Your guardian should call, send a message via the ParentSquare app, or email the school office on the day of your absence. If that is not possible, bring a note from your guardian on the day you return to school and turn it in to the school office. The note must state your name, your guardian’s phone number, and the reason(s) for your absence and can be signed only by your guardian. The only other notes that will be accepted are from medical practitioners for extended absences (see below).

2. If the school does not receive a phone call, message, email, or a note on the day you return, your absence will be counted as unverified. All absences must be cleared within three days of your return to school. Otherwise, they will become unverified absences if the school office has received no note or phone call within that timeframe. It is essential that you take care of this. Unverified absences may result in a zero grade for all classes missed. There is no going back and taking care of these after the three days have passed. You are high school students, and it is your responsibility to get the note or remind your guardians to contact the school.

3. It is the student’s responsibility to ask teachers for missed work. For work that is missed for excused, school-related, or verified absences, you will be allowed two days for each day absent in which to make up the work assigned during the absence. Teachers may choose to extend this deadline at their discretion. Teachers may develop alternate assignments for absences. Many classes are very difficult to make up. Though teachers can design some alternative work, excessive absences in these classes may result in grade reduction and potentially credit loss.

4. For extended absences (three or more days) due to an illness or injury that is of such a nature that students are able to do their homework, homework requests will be honored. The parents/guardians should present a note from the medical practitioner and arrange to periodically pick up homework assignments. Please allow at least one school day for the homework to be prepared by the teacher. For example, if you call at 3:00 in the afternoon for homework, it will not be ready until the end of the next school day. Homework requests will not be honored for absences of one or two days.

5. If students are able, they are welcome to check the teacher’s webpage (if available) in order to stay caught up on work. (At KCA, not all teachers have a webpage.)

6. A planned absence of three or more days is a Contracted Absence. For a Contracted Absence, have your guardian email or call the office verifying the absence at least one week before the absence. The office manager will then notify teachers and staff. If at all possible, it is wise to take some of your schoolwork with you and do it before you return. Waiting until the last minute to ask for work may not be accommodated. All reasonable requests for makeup work will be considered.

Consequences of Absences

•  Work missed in an activity class such as choir, music, art, drama or PE may not be possible to make up. Make sure you understand the teacher’s policy around make-up work for activity-based classes.
•  Loss of participation points for unverified and verified absences.
•  You miss important information in your classes which may result in poor academic progress.
•  Excessive absences that are not school related could result in loss of eligibility for many activities including running for or acting as a student board representative, and may affect participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics and clubs
•  Regulations of the Josephine County Attendance Initiative will be implemented, possibly including notifying a truancy officer if warranted.
•  In addition to the sanctions that may result under Oregon Law, truancy absences will be dealt with by the attendance office and/or the administration in accordance with the restorative justice model and discipline matrix.
•  When a student is struggling with regular attendance, a collaborative meeting will be held involving the student, their family, and a school administrator. The goal of this meeting is to understand the underlying reasons for the absences, listen to the student’s perspective, and co-create a supportive attendance agreement. This agreement will include personalized steps and resources to help the student re-engage with their education. If attendance challenges continue, the school will continue to work in partnership with the family and may involve community support services to help address barriers and promote student success. Consequences of Excessive/Unexcused Tardies Student tardies will be totaled per week. The following consequences could be applied weekly:

•  3 tardies – call home
•  6 tardies – call home, community service
•  9 tardies – call home, community service, student placed on no-pass list
•  12 tardies – call home, community service, student placed on no-pass list, 1⁄2 day in-school suspension, and student may be placed on a behavior contract Skipping Class – A student that has missed 25% or more of the instructional class time without permission and has remained on campus will be marked as unverified absent. A student who comes to class but leaves without permission will also be marked as an unverified absence.

Automatic Drop

After 10 days of consecutive absences from school, a student will be automatically dropped for non-attendance unless the parent/guardian makes satisfactory arrangements for the absence. Students must be in school for more than half of the day in order to stop the count towards 10 days. As the student nears 10 days, the office manager will place a phone call home to notify the household of a pending drop so a collaborative attendance conference can be scheduled.

McKinney-Vento Act (Homeless Youth)

School-aged children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including but not limited to sharing housing with other persons due to loss of housing; and living in motels, cars, campgrounds, abandoned buildings, or transitional shelters are considered homeless and qualify under the McKinney-Vento Act. Three Rivers School District offers resources to homeless students including the following: advocacy, school/clothing/hygiene supplies, food assistance, mentoring, access to healthcare, student fee assistance, sports fee waivers, and referral services for case management and shelter/housing options. We have family advocates at each school for assistance. If we can’t provide what your student needs, we can refer you to a local community service that may be able to help. For further information, go to the Three Rivers Website: https://www.3riverssd.org/parents/homeless-foster-care-support.

Our academic and extracurricular programs thrive when all members of our school community work together to create and maintain a supportive atmosphere for learning and growth. A shared set of expectations helps us ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and feel a sense of belonging.

Rather than relying solely on rules, we emphasize community agreements rooted in mutual respect, responsibility, and accountability. These expectations reflect our commitment to upholding a learning environment where everyone’s voice matters and where disruptions are addressed through dialogue, reflection, and repair.

In addition to the expectations outlined in this handbook, students will also receive the Student Rights and Responsibilities – Standards for Student Conduct. These shared guidelines are in place not simply to be enforced, but to help us co-create a school culture where all students and staff feel safe, valued, and supported. When challenges arise, we will respond through restorative practices that prioritize understanding, relationship-building, and making things right.
*When restorative practices are not practical, more punitive measures may be taken to maintain the safety of the shared learning environment.

Cheating, Plagiarism, or Forgery

Cheating, plagiarism and forgery will not be tolerated. Students are expected to do honest work that demonstrates both their abilities and their needs for further instruction. Students should protect their integrity; it is a precious asset. Cheating includes copying all or part of other’s assignments or allowing them to copy yours. The use of generative Ai to complete assignments is prohibited. Special circumstances may occur on a case by case basis but a discussion with the teacher should precede the

Behavior Expectations

If a student is caught using such a tool. Minimum consequences for cheating could include receipt of a zero on the assignment, but discretion is left to the teacher.

Disruption of Mutual Respect or Classroom Agreements

When students demonstrate behavior that is either intentionally or unintentionally harmful, the school will view this as an opportunity to understand the root causes of the issue. The focus will be on repairing relationships, clarifying expectations, and supporting the students in expressing needs or concerns in a respectful way. A restorative conversation or circle may be facilitated to allow both the students and staff members to be heard and to co-create solutions that restore trust and support a positive learning environment.

Disruptive Acts

Students are expected to contribute to a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment. Sometimes, students may engage in behavior that reflects a need for better emotional regulation or social awareness. When a student makes a choice that is unsafe, disruptive, or harmful to the learning environment — such as setting off stink bombs, throwing objects, yelling, misusing social media during class, or engaging in excessive public displays of affection — the school will respond in a way that centers learning, reflection, and repair. Such actions will result in a restorative conversation, where students will have the opportunity to reflect on their choices, understand how others were affected, and work toward making things right. If a student is unwilling to participate in this restorative process, further interventions — including possible suspension — may be considered based on the severity and impact of the behavior.
Serious safety violations, such as intentionally pulling a fire alarm or tampering with emergency equipment (e.g., extinguishers or smoke detectors), endanger the entire community. In these cases, the student will be expected to take responsibility for the disruption and the associated costs (e.g., emergency response), and may be required to participate in a restorative conference to understand the impact and rebuild trust. Because these acts violate both school expectations and state law, authorities may be notified when necessary.
Our goal in all cases is to ensure student growth, protect community safety, and support accountability through restorative practices rather than punitive responses alone.
At any time a student displays a pattern of harmful or alarming behavior, parents will be contacted to work as a team to come up with solutions.

Alcohol and Drugs

The unlawful possession, use, sale, promotion or supply of controlled substances on or about the school premises or at any school-sponsored activity is prohibited. Students will not (knowingly) use, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, vape, alcohol, or intoxicant of any kind. The supplying or selling of any controlled substances may result in expulsion from school. Any student using a narcotic or prohibited drug may be suspended from school. Appropriate law enforcement agencies may be contacted and parents will be notified. We understand that substance use is a symptom of underlying struggle and maximum effort will be made to connect students with support. *

*When restorative practices are not practical, more punitive measures may be taken to maintain the safety of the shared learning environment.

Dress Code Policy – Staff, Students, Volunteers and Campus Visitors

The Dress Code, developed by students, to maintain learning environments that are safe, equitable, welcoming, and inclusive while recognizing that decisions about dress reflect individual expression of identity, socio-cultural norms, and economic factors. Individual styles are personal and important factors to a person’s health and well-being. Attire should not create a disruption to the teaching and learning environment.

Allowable Dress:

1. Wear whatever, but NO violent or sexual content

2. Triggering content will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Please report concern to a teacher leader.

3. NO heavy gore content or porn/hate symbols

4. NO racial slurs

5. Outfits are an expression

6. Be aware of double standards and respect inclusivity

•  Clothing, including shirts/tops, pants/bottoms and shoes are required and must be worn at all times;
•  Pants/bottoms at a minimum must cover private parts and under garments;
•  Fabric covering all private parts must not be see through;
•  See through garments must be worn with appropriate coverage underneath to cover private parts;
•  Hats and other headwear must not interfere with the line of sight to any student or staff. Hoodies must allow the student’s face to be visible to staff;
•  Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education and science labs;
•  Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms, rain boots and coats, or hiking and safety gear.

•  Non-Allowable Dress and Grooming:
• Clothing may not depict, advertise, or advocate the use of violence against others;
•  Clothing may not depict pornography, nudity, or sexual acts;
•  Clothing may not use or depict hate speech targeting groups on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation or any other protected groups;
•  Clothing, including gang identifiers, must not threaten the health or safety of any other student or staff; Students are encouraged to express themselves through their attire in a way that is respectful of the learning environment and the well-being of the school community. If a student’s clothing or grooming presents a health or safety concern, it will be addressed with care and in alignment with how other safety-related concerns are managed. Dress code conversations will be handled as minor, relationship-based interventions, not punitive ones. KCA staff will engage students in a respectful and private dialogue to explain the concern and explore options for resolving it. This may include offering choices such as wearing additional clothing, borrowing appropriate attire, or calling home for a change of clothes. We understand that situations arise where it is not economically possible to diversify student wardrobes, and the school will work with families to find just and fair solutions. All responses will aim to: Be consistent and equitable, avoid embarrassment or shaming, honor student voice and identity, and ensure fairness across all students regardless of gender, race or cultural expression.
  Our goal is to foster a school environment rooted in mutual respect, inclusion, and belonging, where students learn how their choices affect the broader community and are supported in making responsible decisions with self-awareness. Food and Drink Students have much freedom when it comes to eating during the day. Dishes should be taken back to the kitchen and rinsed and placed in the dishwasher. Students who are repeatedly observed to abandon their dishes may be restricted to eating only during designated times, and they may only be allowed to eat in the kitchen/designated eating areas.
• Freedom of Expression
• One of the basic purposes of school is to prepare students for responsible self-expression in a democratic society. Citizens in our democracy are permitted free expression under the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and under Article I, Section 8, of the Oregon Constitution. As citizens, students have the right to free expression within certain court-defined limitations; however, they must bear the consequences of such expression. Because school is a learning experience, the matter of free expression must also be viewed as a part of the learning process. Therefore, school officials may find it necessary to review student publications and speeches when they have reason to believe that students are unaware of the possible consequences of their expression. Officials may give advice on matters of libel, slander, journalistic ethics, and the possible effects of publications and/or speeches on the school.
• Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying
• Physical, written, verbal and cyber harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students or staff will not be tolerated. All students and staff are expected to treat everyone here with respect and dignity, regardless of a person’s personal appearance, ethnicity, gender, political, religious views, or sexual orientation. Teacher Leaders and staff are committed to taking any form of harassment seriously and will investigate all reports. Discipline may result in suspension or expulsion when restorative measures prove to be ineffective. Students may be asked to sign a Mutual Respect and Distance Agreement(no contact) and/or an Anti-bullying Statement. Off Campus Conduct Off-campus activities that violate the school’s code of conduct may also be the basis for restorative measures or discipline if they have the potential to disrupt or impact the safe and efficient operation of the school. Fighting off school grounds, cyber-bullying from cell phones or home computers, vandalism of a teacher’s or another student’s property off school grounds are examples of things that may impact the safe and efficient operation of the school and could result in restorative measures or discipline and possible referral to law enforcement officials.

Profanity, Obscenity, Vulgarity

Language is a powerful tool, and we encourage students to use it in ways that build up rather than break down our community. While occasional strong language may not always be disruptive, obscene, vulgar, or profane language becomes a concern when it targets, harms, or disrespects others. In those cases, it’s not just about the words themselves — it’s about the impact they have. We ask students to be mindful of their words, especially in shared spaces, and to work toward communication that reflects care, respect, and emotional awareness. Students who struggle with responsible use of language may be subject to restorative measures and further discipline depending on the severity of the situation. Students are encouraged to lead by example and redirect their peers when language becomes harmful.

Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

Our school community values a respectful and inclusive environment, where all students and staff feel safe and comfortable throughout the campus. We support healthy and caring relationships among students, while also maintaining shared expectations for public behavior that reflects mutual respect and consideration for others.

When public displays of affection become prolonged or make others uncomfortable, staff will approach the situation through a restorative lens — with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to maintaining community norms. Students will be invited into a restorative conversation to reflect on how their actions may affect the broader school environment, and to co-create agreements that support both personal expression and shared space.

If the behavior continues, families will be invited to partner with the school in a collaborative problem-solving conference, ensuring students are supported in understanding expectations and developing social-emotional skills. In cases where restorative approaches have been exhausted and the behavior persists, further interventions — such as temporary in-school reflection time — may be considered as part of a continued support plan.
Our aim is to support students in building strong, respectful relationships while contributing positively to the school community.

Cell Phone Guidelines Policy:

In accordance with Oregon state executive order No. 25-09, personal electronic devices (including but not limited to phones, personal tablets, smart watches, etc.) must be off and away from the first bell through the last bell of the school day, including during breaks and lunch, with limited exceptions (see below). Students will be asked and expected to keep their cell phones and other electronic devices stored out of sight throughout the school day.

Expectations:

•  During class time, all students are required to store their cell phones and personal electronic devices in their lockers, backpacks, and/or personal bags/purses, but not in their pockets. It is preferred that students not keep them in easily accessible locations, so as to lessen the temptation to use them.
•  Cell phones and other electronic/mobile devices are asked to be turned off throughout the entire school day.
•  It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all devices are off and away throughout the school day.
•  If communication between students and parents/guardians is necessary, students and parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with each other via the school office at 541-630-4522.

Steps for Missed Expectations:

•  1st offense: Verbal warning and reminder of the policy by school staff. Students are given one more opportunity to put the phone/device away in a backpack or locker.
•  2nd offense: Device confiscated and stored in the office until the end of the day.
•  3rd offense: Device confiscated and stored in the office until the end of the day and parents are contacted and notified.
•  Beyond 3rd offense: School to determine additional consequences as needed. Exceptions: Students with documented health conditions as defined in their IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 plan may be permitted to use a cell phone or other mobile device during the school day if required to monitor or manage their health. This use must be approved in advance by school administration and incorporated into the student’s health plan. Students with approved exceptions are expected to follow all other device storage and usage guidelines when not actively managing their health concerns.
• Electronic Devices Students will not be permitted to use personal devices for classwork or down time.To minimize disruptions and prevent the possibility of theft or damage, electronic devices (cell phones, iPads, expensive headphones, etc) are best left at home. All electronic items are highly sought after and easily stolen. Please clearly mark all valuable items with your name. There is little the school can do if your personal electronic device is stolen. We do not have the resources or time to carry out investigations. Please understand that these items are brought to school at your own risk. The school is not responsible for their replacement and limited (if any) time will be given to investigate the situation. Teachers have the authority to define where cell phones are stored and kept during class times, which may include: cell phone boxes, caddies, wall hangers, etc, to be determined by the teacher. Please keep in mind that the cell phone is your responsibility and liability, even if asked to be put in a holder during class. Student to student walkie-talkies are not allowed on campus at any time and will be confiscated. Student interference with school walkie-talkies or the phone system is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary measures. Personal bluetooth speakers are only allowed with teacher permission at designated times. Shared audio space is a community responsibility to maintain at a manageable level for everyone. Remember, some people have sensory sensitivities and cannot handle loud, complex, or sudden noises. Be mindful of your neighbor.
  Cell phones can be important tools for students to have when they are traveling or staying for after school events. Make sure that you have informed your parents, friends, work and family not to contact you during class times. Please ask your parents to contact the school office and we will get a message to you – immediately if it is an emergency and at the next break if it is not.
  In case of emergencies such as power outages or possible school closure during the school day, the school staff may grant permission for students to use their phone to contact parents. Please do not call at the sign of the first snowflake or power flicker to get permission to go home. Using your phone will be considered a violation of the policy and an appropriate follow up will take place.
• Sexual Harassment
• Sexual harassment in any form is prohibited. Sexual harassment is written, verbal, physical or cyber conduct of a sexual nature and may include requests for sexual favors or other intimidating sexual conduct directed toward another student or school personnel. Examples of behavior that may be sexual harassment include but are not limited to:

a) Describing or asking about personal sexual experiences.
b) Hazing, pranks or other intimidating behavior directed toward the victim because of the victim’s gender.
c) Verbal comments (about parts of the body, sexual acts, clothing, looks, etc.)
d) Name-calling (from “honey” to “bitch” and worse.)
e) Spreading sexual rumors.
f) Possession and/or sharing of cartoons, pictures, and items of a sexual nature, e.g. pornography.
g) Using a computer, or other electronic device, to leave sexual messages, pictures, or graffiti or to play sexually offensive computer games.
h) Sexual gestures with the hands and body.
i) Cornering, blocking, standing too close, following.
j) Conversations that are too personal.
k) Sexual graffiti.
l) Attempting to pull down someone’s pants or pulling up someone’s dress or other articles of clothing.

Anyone wishing to report instances of sexual harassment should contact Kalmiopsis Community Arts High School’s Title IX coordinator, Sara Kinstler who can be reached via email: sara@kcahs.org

Sexual Misconduct

School policy and Oregon law prohibit unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that is directed toward another person. Examples of behavior that may be sexual misconduct include but are not limited to:

a) Touching oneself sexually in front of others.
b) Pressuring another person for sexual activity.
c) Touching the private body parts of another.
d) Exposing private body parts to another person in a lewd or indecent manner. e) Sexual assault and attempted sexual assault.
f) Rape.

Sexually Inappropriate Behavior

Consensual sexual contact between two people on school grounds is inappropriate and will be dealt with according to the guidelines of the restorative justice policy and KCAs discipline matrix.

Skateboards, Rollerblades, Bicycles, Scooters, and Hoverboards

You may use skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles or scooters to get to school, but once they are here they may not be used on campus, unless they are part of an approved school activity or with direct permission from a teacher. We have such limited walking areas that it creates a serious safety hazard if used on campus. If these are used on campus without permission, they will be held in the office and released to the student at the end of the day. Repeat offenders may lose the right to bring above items on campus. When students are using skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles or scooters, they must wear a helmet. Students who repeatedly refuse to wear safety gear will lose the privilege of riding at school. Students who need safety gear are encouraged to speak to a Teacher Leader about what can be done. Sometimes, the school is able to provide gear on a case by case basis.

Small Children and Pets

You are not allowed to bring little children to school unless it has been approved by the team of Teacher Leaders and/or related to a class project. You are not allowed to bring pets to school unless the pet is part of classroom activity and there has been teacher and administrator approval. KCA is flexible and understanding. Students have brought their pet snakes and rats to school. Administration just asks for a heads up to grant awareness, and requests that students keep all live animals out of the kitchen areas. Please keep in mind that others may have fears or allergies.

Spitting

Spitting on floors, walls, sidewalks, in drinking fountain or other areas where people walk and “live” is rude and disrespectful, as well as highly unsanitary. If there is an emergency and you need to spit, use a tissue or the restroom toilet. If you are a habitual ‘spitter’, we will work with you to help you learn how to conduct yourself appropriately in shared community. This “work” will include consequences asking you to sanitize the area containing your saliva!
If we have issues with gum being spit out in drinking fountains, in classrooms, in hallways, or on the sidewalks, we will have to consider disallowing gum chewing at school. This includes taking your gum out of your mouth and sticking it under chairs and tables.

Tobacco/Vape Policy

Kalmiopsis Community Arts High School is a tobacco/vape free campus, in accordance with Oregon Law, consistent with the rest of Three Rivers School District. Possession, use, distribution and/or sale of tobacco/vape products of any kind is illegal on school property and at school sponsored activities on or off KCA/district premises, in district-owned, rented, or leased vehicles, on all district grounds, including parking lots. This includes private vehicles on school district property. This applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and to all school staff, students, parents/guardians, and visitors.

Students found in violation of this policy will receive a call home and in school suspension on the first offense. Student violations of this policy could also lead to out of school suspension. Repeated offenses may result in expulsion, depending on the context and severity of the situation. Any items confiscated will not be returned. We understand that addiction has underlying causes and we want to help.

Students using or possessing tobacco/vape products may be referred to community support. Information about community resources and/or cessation programs to help students will be provided. Attendance or completion of tobacco use education/cessation programs by students may be allowed as a substitute for, or as a part of, student discipline for possession, use, distribution, or sale of tobacco/vape products*, at the discretion of the administration.

When considering disciplinary action for a child with disabilities, the district must follow the requirements of Board policy JGDA/JGEA – Discipline of Students with Disabilities, including those involving functional behavioral assessment, change of placement, manifestation determination, and an interim alternative educational setting. Please be aware that the use of tobacco or vape products is prohibited on campus property, including inside vehicles, for all parents, guardians and visitors.

Tobacco/vape products – includes, but not limited to, any lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, spit tobacco, smokeless dip, chew or snuff in any form, and any device that can be used to deliver nicotine or cannabis in the form of a vapor or aerosol (for example, vapes, e-cigarettes, e-cigs, pod-mods, vape pens, dab pens, dab rigs, tanks, Juuls, etc.); or a component of a device or a substance in any form sold for the purpose of being vaporized or aerosolized by a device, whether the component or substance is sold or not sold separately (for example, vape juice, e-juice, cartridges, dabs, wax, shatter, resin, etc.). Other products include, but are not limited to, lighters, matches, “roll your own” products or other tobacco/vape related products.

Vandalism

Vandalism is defined as an action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property.
There is a definite line between artistic expression and vandalism of shared space. While students may be given permission to beautify and paint on the school grounds, students may not use offensive or derogatory language or imagery that would otherwise be defined as harassment or hate speech. Permission to draw or paint on school property must be obtained. Defacement of school property will be considered vandalism.

If you are involved in vandalism or defacing school property you will be expected to reimburse the school for the amount of damage, clean up damage if possible, and will be subject to restorative practices and other disciplinary action, which may include community service. Vandalism may be referred to law enforcement depending on the severity.

Weapons

Students are forbidden to bring weapons on school grounds or in the case of firearms, to bring them within 1,000 feet of school property. Guns cannot be stored on gun racks or under the seat, even for hunting purposes.
A dangerous weapon means any weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, animate or inanimate, which under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or injury.

Dangerous weapons could include, but are not limited to: Guns, gun parts, pellet guns, knives, including pocket knives, any cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade attached to a handle, any cutting edge, any blade or other sharpened or pointed instruments, bludgeons, brass knuckles, pepper sprays or other types of spray, including mace.

Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives) do not belong at school. Items carried by students who walk or ride bikes to school that are used for self defense can be checked into the office and retrieved at the end of the school day. Being found to have a weapon on one’s person will result in disciplinary procedures.

Replicas of weapons. i.e., model guns, fake dagger, toy guns etc. are prohibited and will be confiscated. If these items are used to threaten or frighten others, the situation will be treated as a dangerous weapons violation or harassment/intimidation/bullying violation depending on the circumstances.

The goal of our restorative justice and discipline procedures is to find the best possible solution for the individual student while at the same time protecting the rights of the total student group. Restorative Justice focuses on the harm done by a lack of connection and seeks to give those who have experienced harm and those who have done the harm to heal the damage to the community fabric and relationships. Discipline will be administered according to Oregon State law, Kalmiopsis Community Arts High School’s

Discipline and Restorative Justice

The goal of our restorative justice and discipline procedures is to find the best possible solution for the individual student while at the same time protecting the rights of the total student group. Restorative Justice focuses on the harm done by a lack of connection and seeks to give those who have experienced harm and those who have done the harm to heal the damage to the community fabric and relationships. Discipline will be administered according to Oregon State law, Kalmiopsis Community Arts High School’s justice policy, and when ineffective, the Kalmiopsis Community High School disciplinary matrix. Refusal to participate in the restorative justice process will cause a default to more punitive disciplinary policies implemented by more traditional public schools. Serious or repeated offenses could result in eventual expulsion. The police may be summoned on any of the behaviors prohibited by the school. The Standards of Student Conduct apply to school, school activities, school property, buses, and on and off campus school events. The major objectives of restorative justice practices are to maintain the integrity of relationships and community connection, and are to protect the rights of all students to learn and the rights of everyone to feel and be safe at school and during activities. Teachers must be able to conduct school programs free from disruption and from the kinds of harmful behavior that impedes learning. Discipline at KCAHS may include the following:

Suspension

Suspension temporarily denies you the privilege of attending your regular classes and school events. Depending on the violation and other circumstances, students may be assigned to in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension. For in-school suspension, students will spend the assigned day(s) in a specified location. In out-of-school suspension, students will not be allowed to attend school or to be on any school premises. In both cases, suspended students may not attend school activities such as games and dances on the days of the suspension. If a suspension falls on a Thursday and/or a Monday, no weekend school activities may be attended. A suspension will not exceed ten school days for any one offense. Teacher Leaders will assign suspensions. A student may be not allowed to make up the identical daily work missed while on suspension; alternative work may be provided. A student will be allowed to make up tests or complete projects (alternative or original) that were connected to work being done before the suspension.
We believe it makes the most sense to keep students at school. Students may be assigned time in school suspension. If you are assigned a detention after school, during a lunch period, or a full day, you must remain in the designated classroom or success room throughout that time, unless your detention or ISS includes community service, whereas you must follow all directions given by the supervisor. No talking to other students, laying down your head or sleeping is permitted. Students are expected to work on school work or read the entire time spent in the success room.
Students and parents will be given notice a day ahead of time. Students should gather work or speak to their teachers to retrieve their work for the day. If students do not have anything to work on, community service or reading will be assigned (books available in the library). Failure to participate will be treated as an escalation and as failure to take responsibility for the harm. Disrespect toward the supervisor will lead to a call home and possible further measures. Being tardy or truant to Detention or In-school Suspension will result in further consequences, including extension of the ISS or at home suspension. The supervisor will have discretion in whether to allow you out of the room to get your lunch, bathroom visits, or other business. Often, an essay about the issue that landed a student in ISS will be required. Students should leave their cellphone on the supervising teacher’s desk, are not allowed to use earbuds or watch videos while completing work, unless required by an IEP or 504.

Expulsion
If you consistently violate common school rules, commit gross violations, or do not correct your behavior after suspensions have been administered, you may be recommended for expulsion. Expulsion denies you the privilege of attending school, attending school activities, or being on school premises for the remainder of your expulsion. For serious offenses, such as possession of a dangerous weapon, expulsions may (and in some cases must) last for a full calendar year. The district hearings’ officer assigns expulsions. The KCA team of Teacher Leaders may recommend the expulsion of a student on the first offense for a serious breach of safety and school norms. For complete information on hearing procedures, look in your Student Rights and Responsibilities for “Minimum Standards for Student Conduct and Discipline.”

Students with chronic, serious behavior issues

The school may determine that due to chronic or serious behavior problems that are impacting the student or disrupting the education of others it is best to place the student in an alternative program or school. A conference will be held with Teacher Leaders, parents and the student prior to the placement of the student. Partnership with Juvenile Justice may also be put in place to support the student if they are a danger to themselves or others.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

KCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or age in its enrollment, hiring, educational programs, or extracurricular activities. Our nondiscrimination policy is in accordance with the Title VI Act of 1964, the Title IX Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

KCA is committed to providing access to information on this website to all individuals. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing information on this site, please contact office@kcahs.org and please indicate the nature of your accessibility needs and your contact information.

If you need to file a report of discrimination or have questions about our nondiscrimination policies please contact our Title IX Coordinator: Sara Kinstler, sara@kcahs.org, (541)630-4522, 139 S Caves Ave, Cave Junction, OR, 97523.

Counseling

Currently KCA does not have a designated mental health counselor; however, funds have been allocated and we are waiting for the release of said funds.

Project Youth +

KCA is in direct partnership with Project Youth Plus. They prepare low-income, first-generation, and under-represented youth to thrive in school, careers and life. They use resiliency development strategies personalized to meet the strengths, preferences, and challenges of each individual. Jann Taylor is our Project Youth+ representative and our Senior Seminar teacher. She is here to provide support for all the students’ futures.

Registrar/Office Manager

The Office Manager can help you if you need grade verification for car insurance, copies of records, or proof of attendance and enrollment, permission slips and bus passes.

Schedule Changes

No schedules will be changed after the second week of the semester without a compelling reason and permission of the teachers involved and your Teacher Leader.

Student Records

According to Oregon Revised Statute 376.565, all public schools are required to keep certain records relating to students. These records are available to you and/or your parents to review at any time. Contact the Office Manager if you desire to see your records. The district will, from time to time, share student directory information following district policy.

Transcripts

You may have a transcript mailed from the office. If possible, provide a stamped and addressed envelope.

Backpacks

Backpacks are convenient for carrying materials to and from school. Due to the constraints of the classrooms, backpacks present a safety issue and students are required to store them in their lockers. Students have 10-minute breaks in between classes, and our campus is small enough to accommodate student needs for retrieval of supplies from the locker bay.

Bulletin Boards

Items of special interest will be posted on the bulletin boards. Get in the habit of referring to them periodically. Permission to place flyers anywhere on campus must be obtained from the Teacher Leaders. Do not tamper with items on bulletin boards. Respect the work and property of others.

Campus Security

To help maintain campus security, outside doors will remain locked during the day. Students should use the front doors to enter the building during the school day. Fire doors should stay closed. All guests (parents, community members, etc.) should report directly to the front office to sign in and get a visitor badge. The school surveillance system is in place for safety and security. Cameras run 24 hours a day.

Procedures

Leaving Early and Off Campus Passes

If you are planning to leave school early, you must bring in a signed note or have your adult call the main office in the morning to allow time to process and verify the note. No in the moment verbal/phone passes will be permitted except in emergency situations and only by your teacher leader. Off campus passes are issued for medical, emergency, school or personal business reasons.

You must check out with the main office any time you leave or return to school. Students being signed out must be signed out by an adult. If you leave campus without a pass, you will be marked as truant to classes and progressive discipline consequences in line with our Restorative Justice and Discipline
policy will be given.

Change of Address/ Phone/ Email

It is extremely important that you keep your address, phone number and email address up-to-date by letting the main office know when any of these change. It is essential that you inform the office of changes in phone numbers. This allows us to update our records and avoid problems when trying to contact you and your parents.

Community Class Announcements

Community class happens twice a week and is required for all students. We share announcements, which include information about events, scholarships, deadlines, and other important aspects of high school. Listen so you are informed! Check out Student Square, our school website and calendar for upcoming events from your computer or by using the Student Square app.

End of the Day Departure

When you have finished your scheduled classes and club or organization activities, you must leave campus. You may not loiter in the halls, on the campus, or in the parking lot. If you are staying on campus after the end of the school day, you must be under the direct supervision of a teacher or activity supervisor.

Hall Passes

You must have a staff-issued pass to be out of class during your regularly assigned class periods. You can expect to be asked for a pass. Misuse of a pass or excessive use of passes will result in loss of the pass privilege and possible other action. You will be placed on a “Seatbelt List” list if you are in the halls without the authorized pass.

Health Needs

Students who need immediate health assistance can be taken to Lorna Byrne’s Health Center. Students who do not feel well are encouraged to call home and take the appropriate steps to care for themselves and protect others from infectious disease. KCA has covid tests, masks and lice treatment kits in case of student need.

Internet Use and Computer Use

KCA has Internet access to assist students with research and to connect our student body with others around the world. Internet access is a privilege and is only granted to students who have read, agreed to, and signed the Internet contract, which explains conditions for use. If at any time a student violates any one of those conditions, she/he will lose the privilege to access the Internet at school. This may be a major issue in some of your classes. All students will be asked to sign a computer use contract and to abide by the rules in that contract. Students who fail to do so will lose access to all computers in the building. Remember that these computers are the property of the school. KCA personnel have the right to access your accounts. Students will not be permitted to take computers home, unless there is a serious need, and this will need to be a discussion with the team of Teacher Leaders prior to taking the device home.

Library

KCA has a special relationship with the Illinois Valley branch of the Josephine County Library. We strive to get a library card in the hands of every student. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the public library in town, and classes often take walking field trips to the IV branch. KCA also has a small library of shared books stored in the ELA hall. Students are welcome to read and borrow titles from the school. We want books in students’ hands instead of gathering dust on the shelf.

Lockers

Lockers are the property of the school and are assigned to all students. Students will be assigned a combination padlock for their locker, so that it is accessible. Students will be required to put their backpacks in their lockers. Lockers are subject to inspection at any time and may be inspected upon suspicion of tobacco, vape products, alcohol, illegal drugs, and/or weapons. Lockers may be searched with or without student notification. We do not need permission to check your locker. Periodically, locker searches with police department drug dogs may occur if a building administrator suspects there are illegal substances or materials in school. Each student is issued their own locker when they come to KCA. Students are encouraged to personalize their lockers with school appropriate decoratives.

Locker Rules:

•  Your locker is to be used by the student assigned to it only. Do not share lockers with other students.
•  Keep your locker combination to yourself. If you forget your combination let the office know. They can give that information to you. Do your best to memorize your combination, or keep it somewhere safe.
•  Keep valuables at home or on your person to avoid potential loss or theft in your locker.
•  Keep the outside of your locker free from anything hanging from it.
•  Do not store food in your locker
•  Do not leave wet clothing items in your locker Lost and Found If you have lost an item, check with the Office Manager or in the lost and found. The lost and found is at the front office. Valuable items (wallets, watches, purses and cell phones, etc) will be kept in the office. Personal articles that are not claimed in a timely manner will be disposed of by donation to charitable organizations, or folded into the school resource closet.

Meals Program / Food at School

Our kitchen and cafe area is a clean, friendly place. Be respectful and clean up after yourself. Put trash in garbage cans. Failure to do so will result in being assigned to extra clean-up duty in the school. Student breakfast options are available. Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge. KCA uses our general fund to feed students. We are not USDA affiliated. We welcome community donations from businesses in town and likewise, from families. Students are never discouraged from eating when hungry.

All food will be eaten within designated areas. Food may be eaten in classrooms only with the teacher’s approval and with the teacher present. Use trash cans to dispose of used containers, and the designated compost bins for uneaten compostable food. This is important both in and out of the building. If trash becomes a problem outside, students will lose the opportunity to eat outside. Be respectful of our school and the staff. Be careful and clean up after yourself. Students who show a pattern of abandoning dishes and eating/drinking vessels, will be restricted to eating in the kitchen only during passing periods and lunch time.

Medications

The school is not allowed to dispense prescription medication unless prescribed by a physician. All prescriptions that must be taken during the school day must be turned into the office. The parent or guardian shall make all requests for the school to administer medication to a student. Requests must include the written instructions of the physician for the administration of a prescription medication to a student. A prescription label will be sufficient to meet the requirement for physician instruction. There is a form for this in the office.

For the administration of a nonprescription medication (aspirin, non-prescription cold medication), written parent permission and instructions for use must be submitted along with the medication. All medication, prescription and nonprescription, must be in the original container.
The school office will provide the ‘Authorization for Medication Administration by School Personnel’ forms for you to fill out.

For safety reasons, students should not carry medications of any kind on their person. The only exception to this rule is situations where immediate access to the medication is necessary. These cases must be approved by the office and be accompanied by physician’s approval. Sharing of medications, prescription and nonprescription, is not allowed at school and could result in suspension or expulsion.

Medical Policy for Class Participation

When a physician restricts or limits a student’s participation in class activities for treatment of an injury or illness, the teacher shall not allow the student to participate further until a doctor has issued a written release approving participation.

Messages to Students

Telephone messages to students will be taken only from guardians and employers and in emergency situations only. You should take care of personal business before or after the school day. Know where you are going after school before you leave home in the morning. The office can get more than 100 calls a day asking for students to get a message. We do not have the time or the resources to keep up with this. If messages are left at the end of the day, we cannot guarantee that you will receive the messages and this can lead to upset and confusion for all involved.

Motor Vehicles and Parking Policy

If you have a motor vehicle and would like to drive it to school, please learn and follow the rules regarding it:

•  All students who park motorized vehicles on KCA property during school hours are required to register their vehicle with their Teacher Leader.
•  Each permit must be renewed at the beginning of each school year. Each vehicle a student parks must be registered.
•  Students are to park in the designated student parking areas. The parking lots may be patrolled during the day by high school staff. No one is allowed to loiter in the parking lots. Students who need to leave early must check out from the office.
•  Students who cause damage to the school campus or other vehicles could be denied the privilege of parking on school grounds and may find themselves financially responsible for damages.
•  Please be respectful of the safety of yourself and others by driving the speed limit.
•  Students who drive are not allowed to leave the campus during the school day.

KCA and TRSD ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING LOST, STOLEN, DAMAGED, OR VANDALIZED WHILE PARKING OR DRIVING ON CAMPUS.
Parking Guidelines:

•  Park in designated student parking spaces only (not in visitor or staff marked parking)
•  Park in only one spot and off the curb.
•  Illegal substances, apparatus or weapons stored in your vehicle on campus are prohibited and students may be reported to the police and subject to school discipline.
•  KCA will not be liable for stolen or damaged vehicles or their contents. Leaving your car on campus is at your own risk. If we are able to identify who did the damage, we will aid you in obtaining insurance information from the party involved and implement discipline if it is a student.
•  You are not allowed to sit in your vehicle or have other students in your vehicle during the school day. If you transport students off campus without permission you may receive discipline and/or have your parking privilege suspended or taken away.
•  Students are not allowed to be in the parking lot during the normal school day without a pass from the office or supervision from a teacher for relevant class reasons. Students who are found to have vandalized/moved/driven/etc another person’s vehicle without permission will be subject to disciplinary consequences as per the discipline matrix. Sales/Advertising Students, staff members, and/or school facilities may not be used in a manner for advertising, selling, or promoting the interests of any community or non-school agency or organization without the prior approval of the Teacher Leaders. School Bus Riding the bus is a privilege, a service provided by the district that may be revoked at any time. Specific rules are posted on the bus. If you fail to follow these rules or other directives of the bus driver you may lose your bus privileges. When you are on the bus, you are under the direct authority of the bus driver. Bus drivers have the right to assign seats on the bus. School behavior guidelines are in effect at all times when you are being transported. Failure to follow these guidelines and requests of the driver will result in disciplinary action that will be recorded on a bus citation. Most buses will have security cameras in use during their routes.
• You must ride your assigned bus unless you receive a bus pass slip that is issued from the office upon receiving a note or message from your guardian. The office will call on all notes to verify them. You must give the office time to do that. Bring your notes to the office by noon or you may not be able to go on another bus.

Activities, Athletics, and Field Trips – The coach or advisor is responsible for student conduct and works with the bus driver. You may ride home with your parent(s) (no one else) from the event IF the parent clears this with the coach or advisor. As a participant Students are NOT allowed to transport themselves and/or other students to ANY school sponsored event.

Search and Seizure

KCA seeks to create a climate in the school that assures the safety and welfare of all. Equipment such as lockers belong to the school and you are allowed to use this equipment as a convenience. The school may search lockers at any time and insist that they be properly cared for and not used for the storage of illegal items. The rights of the individual shall always be balanced with the needs of the school. A search of a student’s person will be limited to a situation where there is reasonable suspicion that the student is hiding evidence of an illegal act or school violation. Remember: A search of a student’s locker may be conducted for any reason.

• Law enforcement officials in accordance with law may conduct a search of a student’s person or assigned student storage. This could include the use of a drug dog.
•  Illegal items seized may be turned over to law enforcement, your parents, or destroyed by the school. For further information refer to school board policy JFG Security Cameras Three Rivers Schools have security cameras in place throughout the campus. The purpose of these cameras is to help keep the students, staff, personal property, and the facilities safe. Tampering with or disabling the cameras in any way will result in consequences including but not limited to: detention, in school suspension, out of school suspension, expulsion, etc. Tampering with cameras is a serious safety issue. Sex Education State regulations require school districts to teach sex education and to give parents/guardians an opportunity to review course materials. Sexual education is taught during Health II and will normally be taken in the 10th grade. ORS 336.465 requires schools to notify parents in advance of any instruction on human sexuality or HIV and give them the opportunity to preview materials. In addition, no pupil shall be required to take or participate in any instruction on human sexuality or HIV if the pupil’s parent or guardian submits a written request to provide an alternative activity for the student. Refusal to take or participate in any class, course, assembly or school-sponsored activity on human sexuality or HIV shall not be a reason for harassment, suspension or expulsion of the pupil.

Painting

No painting on any carpeted area. Tables or hard surfaces should be used for painting to prevent spills on the carpeting that may leave a permanent stain. Some markers and paints will stain the tables and floors. Cardboard should be used underneath to prevent staining. Please check with a teacher to decide the best place to make your projects. Paint brushes must be cleaned and cups rinsed and put away. Do not leave a mess or ruin supplies.

Student ID

Students will receive one Student ID card for free each year. Students who enroll after the last picture retakes are done will have a photo taken by the office for the purpose of making an ID card. Please take care of it. Your ID can get you discounts and special offers from being a student. It can save you bucks! Keep it handy! You may also take a picture of it on your phone to use as a technology alternative to carrying the card.

Office Telephone Use

Students will be allowed to use the office or classroom phones to contact parents. In the majority of emergency situations, office staff will make the phone call for the student and discuss the issue with the party involved.

Textbooks

You will be provided textbooks to use free of charge. You are responsible for keeping them in good condition.

Visitors

Parents are welcome at KCA. All visitors, including guardians, must first come to the office and arrange the conditions of their visit. Other high school students will be allowed to visit only in very special circumstances and only if the visit has been arranged and approved by a teacher leader at least a full day ahead. This means that if you plan to bring Cousin Suzi with you on Thursday morning because she is visiting you from North Carolina but is thinking of moving here you must get that cleared by Wednesday morning. If you bring Suzi to school on Thursday without having it cleared, someone will be called to come pick her up. If no one is available to do that, she will spend the day in the office. All visitors must wear a visitor’s button when they are in the school. These passes will be given when the visitor checks in at the office.

Voicing an Objection

If a student or their adult has a concern or objection to something that has happened, the issue should first be addressed with the respective party in a professional and respectful manner. If that communication proves unproductive, a mediated conversation with both parties and the student’s person will be held to address the root issue in a restorative justice approach. If this second step still does not resolve the issue, a complaint can be filed with the KCA school board for review and follow up.

Emergency Procedures

For all emergencies: students should refrain from posting anything on social media. Posting often creates more panic and does not help resolve the issue. Texting a parent/guardian that you are safe is acceptable.

Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquake drills will be conducted to prepare students for possible tremors or aftershocks. Teachers will give basic instruction. The best procedure is this three-step process:
1. Duck: Get under a sturdy piece of furniture or a doorway. Do not duck under objects that could collapse. (If shelter isn’t available, move against an interior wall, stay low, and cover head and neck with arms.

2. Cover: Keep head and eyes protected from falling or flying objects. Cover head with hands and arms. 3. Hold: If under a piece of furniture, grab it. If it moves, move with it. Stay under the shelter until the shaking has totally stopped.

Four other points are important to remember:

•  Stay away from windows, tall bookcases, cabinets, and hanging objects such as lighting fixtures.
•  Do not hide in places such as closets; this may impede chances of being rescued.
•  Be prepared for aftershocks.
•  Stay inside until cleared to go out. Once notice has been given to exit the building. Fire Drills Drills will be scheduled once a month. All teachers will discuss exit routes and procedures with each of their classes. Students shall leave the building, if instructed to do so, in a quiet, orderly manner, go to the designated area and report to their teacher. Students not in their classrooms at the alarm shall immediately vacate the building by the closest exit and report to their classroom teachers. Everyone will wait for the all-clear signal (three bells) before returning to the building. Do not assume when you hear the fire alarm that it is a drill. Always respond as though it might be the real deal. This will ensure that safe and speedy evacuation will happen in case we do have a real fire. Lock Downs If we need to secure the building in a lockdown situation, it is essential that students respond quickly and as calmly as possible. Lockdowns will be for one of two reasons: threat from the outside or threat from the inside. Teachers will go over the procedures with students. Do not leave the building if the fire alarm goes off during a lockdown. Secure In the event of a secure procedure, designated personnel will lock the perimeter doors and business will go on as usual only within the school. No persons shall be allowed to exit or enter the building during a secure procedure.

Run, Hide, Fight

The district and school adhere to the model of Run, Hide. Fight.

•  Run: if safe to do so, students and staff should run in a safe direction and to a safe location.
•  Hide: if safer to do so, students and staff should find a safe place to lock themselves into in order to hide from the threat.
•  Fight: if necessary to do so, students and staff should fight against the threat by any means necessary.
• General Rule Internet
• Internet access and laptops for classwork are available to KCA students. Electronic networks, including the Internet, are a part of the infrastructure at KCA in order to promote modern solutions through innovation and communication. In order for KCA to be able to continue to make its computer network and Internet access available, all students must take responsibility for appropriate and lawful use of this access. Students utilizing school-provided Internet access are responsible for good online behavior. The same general rules for behavior apply to students’ use of KCA-provided computer systems. Students must understand that one student’s misuse of the network and Internet access may jeopardize the ability of all students to enjoy such access. While KCA teachers and other staff will make reasonable efforts to supervise use of network and Internet access, they must have student cooperation in exercising and promoting responsible use of this access.
• Acceptable Uses
• All use of KCA’s electronic network must be (1) in support of education and/or research, and be in furtherance of the state stated educational goals; or (2) for legitimate school business purpose. Use is a privilege, not a right. Students and staff members have no expectation of privacy in any materials that are stored, transmitted, or received via the school’s electronic network or school computers. The school reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review and store at any time and without prior notice any and all usage of the computer network and Internet access and any and all information transmitted or received in connection with such usage.
• Confidentiality of Student Information
• Personally identifiable information concerning students may not be disclosed or used in any way on the Internet without the permission of a parent or guardian or, if the student is 18 or over, the permission of the student himself/herself. Users should never give out private or confidential information about themselves or others on the Internet, particularly credit card numbers and social security numbers. A supervising teacher or administrator may authorize the release of directory information, as defined by law, for internal administrative purposes or approved educational projects and activities.

Appropriate Use of Technology Policy

Internet Safety

Each computer with Internet access shall have a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and as determined by the Superintendent or designee.
The school will also monitor the online activities of all users through direct observation and/or technological means, to ensure that no one is accessing such depictions or other material that is inappropriate. The Superintendent or designee shall enforce the use of such filtering devices. Inappropriate use is defined by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 USC Section 254 [h][7], as meaning any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:

● Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex or excretion;
depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals;

● The system administrator and/or superintendent shall monitor student Internet access.

● Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific veil as to minors.

Unacceptable Uses of Network

The following are considered unacceptable uses and constitute a violation of this policy:
1. Uses that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law, including but not limited to transmitting offensive, or harassing messages; offering for sale or use any substance the possession or use of which is prohibited by the school district’s student discipline policy; viewing, transmitting or downloading pornographic materials or materials that encourage others to violate the law; intruding into the networks or computers of others; and downloading or transmitting confidential trade secret information or copyrighted materials. Using school equipment to download music, and/or burn CDs is strictly prohibited.

2. Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property, including but not limited to, engaging in defamation (harming another’s reputation by lies); employing another’s password or some other user identifier that misleads message recipients into believing that someone other than you is communicating or otherwise using his/her access to the network or the Internet; uploading a worm, virus, other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participating in “hacking” activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or other information.

3. Uses that jeopardize the security of student access and of the computer network or other networks on the Internet.

4. Uses that are commercial transactions. Students and other users may not sell or buy anything over the Internet. Students and others should not give information to others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers.

5. Students are prohibited from joining chat rooms, or downloading instant message programs to District computers, unless it is a teacher-sponsored activity.

6. Any post on social media or submission on the internet or sent in a document or email that is deemed to be cyber harassment or bullying and that impacts the safety of students, feels like a threat or disrupts the learning at our school for anyone.

Internet Conduct Agreements

Each student and legal guardian(s) will be required to sign and return to the school at the beginning of each school year the Internet Access Conduct Agreement, found at the end of this handbook, prior to having access to the school’s computer system and/or Internet Service.

Violations

If there are violations of this policy, the student’s access will be denied, if not already provided, or withdrawn and they may be subject to additional disciplinary action. The Teacher Leaders will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated this policy and any related rules or regulations and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time with his/her decision being final.

Pandemic Teaching and Learning

In the event of a pandemic and the ever changing guidance, state and county metrics, unique characteristics of our school community and safety precautions associated with it, this handbook does not reflect all guidelines and procedures which may be necessary during different phases of teaching and learning during a pandemic. The Three Rivers School District and Three Rivers Schools administration will be providing supplemental information for the safety and welfare of our school community reflective of the fluidity of a pandemic. Here’s what you need to know:

•  School leaders and districts will be given information and guidance to design how schools will open.
•  Different schools and districts will likely come up with different plans based on what they understand is best for you and the community.
•  Your teachers will find themselves stretched to support you and your learning while meeting the public health requirements needed because of a pandemic.
•  Every school is expected to follow what the science and data tells us is the best way to learn.
  We will work closely with public health leaders to keep learning about the most important ways to keep learning safe. The requirements for how our school learning is organized might keep changing.
  We will develop blueprints which would explain how our school would open in the new year and share our plans to meet the health and safety protocols required. Your school uses Student Square to share important information about events, schedules and more. If you have not registered for Student Square and set your notification preferences yet, please complete the process today. Coaches also use this app to communicate with their team which can include important after school updates about schedules, etc.
  If you have not activated your Student Square account go to https://www.parentsquare.com/signin and register using your cell phone number. Alternatively, you may have received an email invitation.

Appendix

Student Square for TRSD Students

We encourage you to download our FREE StudentSquare app for iOS or Android onto your mobile device. This is our primary method of communication and the easiest way to receive messages and posts. Make sure you set your notification settings (see below).

iOS App Android App

Parent/Student Square Notification Settings Overview

StudentSquare allows you to customize your notifications based on type and your preferred delivery method. The Instant setting will send all post notifications in real-time. The Digest setting sends direct messages, alerts, and time-sensitive posts instantly, but sends all non-time sensitive posts at the end of the day, reducing the number of notifications you receive daily.

Quick Guide

1. On your cell or mobile device, from the Home screen tap the top Menu icon.
2. On the left menu, tap on Account and then select Notifications.
3. Activate the Notifications you want to receive with the slider on the right, then select your preferred delivery method for if you want Instant or Digest.
4. You can also make customized adjustments to how notifications appear for your device by going to your device’s Settings, selecting Notifications, and selecting StudentSquare to make changes.

Additional Settings for Notifications

You can also make customized adjustments to how notifications appear by going to your device’s Settings, selecting Notifications, and selecting the app StudentSquare.
If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Office Manager. Thank you!