School Guidelines/Policies

CONDUCT AT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES:

All students are reminded that school-sponsored activities (athletic games, dances, field trips, etc.), whether at school or off campus and regardless of time, are under the jurisdiction of the school. Those attending such functions, or in the immediate proximity, will be expected to follow school regulations which govern proper conduct, including tobacco, alcohol, and controlled substances. Violations of school regulations will result in disciplinary action.

1. All school regulations will be enforced and violations will be referred to administration for disciplinary action.
2. All Morningside High School students must have a MHS ID card in order to attend any school event.
3. Guests must have prior approval from administration to attend any school dances where guests are permitted.
4. Students who leave an event may not re-enter.

Student Expectations

• Students will be in class and seated when the tardy bell rings.
• Respectful language, attitude and behavior are to be practiced at all times.
• Students are to wear attire that is appropriate for school.
• Students will bring necessary supplies:  pens, pencils, a three-ring binder with dividers, textbooks, and assigned materials.
• Cell phones should be turned off and put away upon entering the campus and/or classroom

(radios, beepers and other electronic devices may be collected and held in the principal’s office.

• Food, drinks, candy, and gum are to be eaten only at lunch.
• Students are to maintain a clean, safe campus.
• Students are expected to attend every class daily.
• The school campus is an inappropriate place for public displays of affection.
• Morningside is a closed campus. Students are to remain on site throughout the school day.

Prohibited items

Students may not possess the following items on school property or at school events without the explicit permission of a teacher or administrator.

Gambling devices: dice, playing cards, etc.

Dress Code

The standards below are designed to promote success and safety for our students, staff and community. The following items of dress are unsuitable for our academic environment:

1. Inappropriate dress:

• Any article of clothing, which exposes undergarments and/or posterior.
• See-through garments, pajamas, clothing with large holes, meshed tops and/or shorts exposing the body, bare midriff tops, tank tops, strapless tops, spaghetti-strap tops (Girls’ tops must have a minimum 2 inches of strap width over each shoulder.), off-the-shoulder tops, strapless tops,
• or backless tops. Basketball Jerseys without shirts, muscle shirts (Boys’ shirts must have sleeves), white t-shirts (undershirts in general) blue or red color coordinated shoelaces and belts, these items are never to be worn at school, even when worn under an over garment.
• Clothing that portrays suggestive, derogatory or insulting pictures or writing.
• Any clothing, excessive cosmetics, hairstyle or hair accessories that attract undo attention or present a disruption (examples: bandannas, scarves, handkerchiefs, do-rags, headbands, hairnets, excessive face, eye or lip make-up).
• Any article of clothing that refers to any type of alcohol, drug, or act that is illegal or hazardous to one’s health (examples: Budweiser, Corona, tobacco products, marijuana, firearms/weapons, etc.)
• Any article of clothing that in any way is suggestive and/or can be construed to have a “double” meaning.
• Any apparel with emblem, printing, drawing, etc., that creates animosity between groups or

individuals, or shows disrespect for any group, belief, or ethnicity.

• Clothing that depicts violence, hate, or death (examples: skull and crossbones, satanic symbols, firearms/weapons, etc.).
• Garments, accessories, grooming, or slogans that symbolize gang affiliation. This includes belt buckles that reflect or identify the name of a gang/group or the student’s name is not reflected; wearing more than one buckle.

1. Only Morningside High School authorized hats/caps are allowed on campus(examples: JROTC, MHS Athletic Team hats). NO hats or baseball caps are permitted to be worn in school classrooms or buildings at any time.
2. Excessively baggy and/or oversized pants and t-shirts are not permitted. Pants should not sag or be worn below the waist.
3. All clothing should be worn appropriately, as it was designed, and in the interest of avoiding health and safety problems (examples: suspenders and overalls).
4. 5.        Footwear should be safe and appropriate for normal activities. The following footwear should not be worn to school: bedroom and  chinese slippers, house shoes, flip flops, soft-soled leather moccasins, footsies, and steel-toe shoes.
5. The principal /designee shall be charged with making the determination if the manner of dress or grooming is appropriate for school.

Please remember to use common sense when dressing for school. Anything that is out of the ordinary or causes distraction in an educational setting could be considered questionable dress, and parent contact will be made. Students may need acceptable clothing to be delivered, or they may be sent home to change.

In cases of  questionable dress, which are not covered above, the administration’s decision regarding inappropriate dress will prevail. Parental cooperation is expected when home contact is made regarding violations of the established dress guidelines. Repeated violations of Dress Standards are subject to disciplinary actions.

AUTOMOBILES

Parking on campus is a privilege. Students who violate parking and speed regulations will be denied the privilege of parking on campus. In order to park in the student lot your car must be “street legal”, and have a current registration and license plate. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and must carry proof of insurance.

The following rules apply to parking:

1. MHS parking permit must be obtained from the Student Store and displayed at all times while using the student parking lot. There is no cost for this permit.
2. Students must park in designated student parking areas only.
3.  Once students have parked, they are not to loiter. Students are not allowed to use vehicles to store books, personal or school materials. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO GO TO VEHICLES BETWEEN CLASSES.
4. All vehicles are to be locked when parked.
5. All vehicles are to be driven under 8 m.p.h. in parking lot. Student vehicles shouldn’t be driven on campus (anywhere but parking lot).

BICYCLES, SKATES, AND SKATEBOARDS

Bicycles, skateboards and skates are not to be ridden on campus. Bikes are to be secure upon arrival.

Campus Security

Campus Supervisors are here for your protection and to help enforce school rules and regulations. They have the same authority and responsibility as other staff members when on the campus or at school- sponsored functions. Students are required to cooperate with them and follow their directions.

Closed Campus Policy

Morningside High School is a closed campus high school. This requires that all visitors report first to the front office. Students from other schools are not allowed to visit this campus. All visitors on campus without permission will be asked to leave. Those who refuse will be considered trespassers and dealt with accordingly.

The principal shall maintain a system to enable a parent or guardian to remove a student from campus for approved reasons. Namely, these are illness or injury, medical appointment, serious illness of a family member, death of an immediate family member or justifiable reasons such as a court appearance, observance of a religious holiday or ceremony, or other reasons considered justifiable by the assistant principal of attendance.

 

Students are to attend all scheduled classes. Students are not to leave campus during the regular school day unless they have a legal permit.  Consistent attendance directly affects the attainment of student instructional goals and expectations.

Off Campus Without Permission
 Students who are off campus during class and lottering on campus will be subject to school disciplinary measures and citation (ticket).

Permission to Leave Campus

If a student needs to leave school for a medical or dental appointment, he / she should bring a written note before school from their parent/guardian to the Attendance Office. The note should state the time the student is to leave and the reason for leaving along with a phone number where the parent can be reached for confirmation. The Attendance Office

will call to confirm the note and then issue a permit to leave campus at the time the parent/guardian comes into the attendance office to sign the student out. A release form  is given to the student and should be returned to the attendance personnel for a re-admit slip. No student will be released over the telephone.

If a student becomes ill during the school day, the nurse will issue a pass to leave after notifying the parent/guardian. Only adults listed on the emergency cards will be allowed to pick up a student.

Hall Pass Policy

 

Students will use their MHS Agendas as a hall pass. All students should take care of personal needs during lunch and passing periods. Passes are not to be issued during the first or last 15 minutes of class/period. Students out of class without a pass will be referred to Counseling or Administration for disciplinary action and are subject to citation under Inglewood Municipal CodeOut of class without a pass includes:

1. Students wondering or loitering on campus who should be in class
2. Students out of their class before the passing bell rings
3. Students loitering on campus rather than moving directly to their classes.
4. Students on minimum day or SCROC, loitering on campus
5. Students loitering on campus with a pass in an area not authorized by  the pass or exceeding reasonable allotted time.

SAFE SCHOOL PLAN

 

California public schools are required to comply with California Education Code (CEC), Section 212, dealing 11. with the preparation of Safe School Plans. These plans address violence prevention, emergency preparedness, traffic safety and crisis intervention.  Parents may learn more about the Safe School Plan from the Principal or a member of the School Safety Planning Committee, which is responsible for annually  reviewing and updating the Safe School Plan. A copy of the Safe School Plan should be available at the Main and Consolidated Office.

 

Fire Drill – Plan And Evacuation Information

Buildings               Location                                Evacuate To

A, B,C, (1,6,7,8)           1                        On grass in

E, F, G, U                                               front of the

Administration

M, N, O, Q, C, D          2                        Field Area

R, S, T                                                     behind the

Power House

H, I, J, K, L, V,             3                        On the

Service Road

104th St close

to the fence

 

*Follow directions as printed for the Fire Drill, Earthquake and other emergency/disaster drills.

 

*Lockdown- Stay in your room, lock your door, listen to PA system, Campus Supervisor directions or bell sound.

Extended Evacuation (On campus)

A,B,E,F,G,U – enter field through gate #1

(off Adult Education’s Parking Lot)

C,(2,3,4,5,10,14) D, R,S,T – enter gate #2

(behind C-14)

M, N, O, Q, X, Y – enter gate # 3 (by bleachers)

H, I, J, K, L, V, W – enter track through gate #4

(large gate past power house –before basketball

courts)

 

Evacuation (Off Campus)

Costco                                     Hollywood Park

Monroe                                   Woodworth

Worthington

Student ID Cards

 

In order to facilitate the maintenance of a safe environment, each student is issued a photo identification card. Students must carry the ID card with them whenever they are on school grounds or at school activities. The card is required to check books and other materials out of the high school library. Students must immediately report lost or stolen ID cards to the Attendance Office and make arrangements to secure a replacement. Students will be required to pay $5.00 for a replacement ID card.

 

Zero Tolerance

 

In order to maintain positive student interaction and to ensure the safety of all students at school, we have instituted the rule of ZERO TOLERANCE, which states:  Anyone who is involved in a physical fight, regardless of who “started” the fight, will be suspended. The rule of ZERO TOLERANCE also applies to:

•  Possession or use of tobacco or any controlled

substances

•  Possession of a dangerous weapon (real or imitation)

•  Threats of physical harm or terrorism

•  Sexual harassment or hate violence

 

According to Education Code 48900 (a-o), 48900..2, .3, .4, .5 and 48915 and Board policies, pupils may be suspended or recommended for expulsion who have:

• Caused, attempted to cause or threatened to cause physical injury to another person;
• Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous

object. (knife, includes penknife, pocketknife and all kinds of knives); Unlawfully offered or arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance;

• Unlawfully offered or arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance…then offered or arranged or negotiated to sell another liquid, substance, or material in lieu of the controlled substance.
• Committed robbery or extortion;
• Caused or attempted to cause, damage to school or private property;
• Stole, or attempted to steal, school or private property;
• Possessed or used tobacco; Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity; Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia;
• Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, or other school officials or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties;
• Knowingly received stolen school or private property;
• Possessed an imitation firearm;
• Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault as defined in Section 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a, or 289 of the Penal Code or committed a sexual battery as defined in Section 243.4 of the Penal Code.
• Harassed, threatened or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both

 

Caused, or attempted to cause, sexual harassment. (EC 48900.2).

Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of, hate crime as defined in Education Code section 33032.5 and Penal Code sections 422.3,422.7 or 422.75. (EC 48900.3)

Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation, directed against a pupil or group of pupils. (EC 48900.4)

These acts that lead to suspension or expulsion shall be related to school activity or attendance which occur at any time, including, but not limited to:

1. While on school grounds;

2. While going to or coming from school;

3. During the lunch period, whether on or off

    campus;

4. During, or while going or coming from a school-

    sponsored activity.

The principal shall immediately recommend a pupil’s expulsion for any of the following acts:

1. Causing serious physical injury to another person, except in self-defense.
2. Possession of any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object if of no reasonable use to the pupil at school or at a school activity off school grounds
3. Unlawful sale of any controlled substance, except for first offense for the sale of not more than one avoirdupois ounce of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis.
4. Robbery or extortion.
5. Assault or battery as defined in Sections 240 and 242 of the Penal Code, upon any school employee.

 

NOTE: Possession of drugs, weapons, look-alike drugs and weapons, or assault on a school staff member will result in a definite recommendation for expulsion. A police report will also be filed.

 

Our goal at Morningside High School is to promote

learning in a safe and secure environment. Personal

safety is a necessary prerequisite for learning. Therefore, intimidation and fighting are NO acceptable methods of conflict resolution and will be dealt with firmly. Students experiencing difficulties with interpersonal relationships are encouraged to contact Administration, teachers, counselors, campus security, or other staff members

for assistance.

 

Use of Hand-Held Metal Detectors

 

The board believes that the presence of weapons in the schools threatens the district’s ability to provide the safe and orderly learning environment to which district students and staff are entitled.  The board also believes that metal detector searches offer a reasonable means to keep weapons out of the schools and mitigate the fears of students and staff.

 

In order to deter the presence of weapons or dangerous instruments of any kind on school grounds or buildings, on school buses, or at any school-related or school-sponsored activity away from school facilities, the governing board authorizes the use of metal detectors, which use will be no more intrusive than necessary, to promote safety in school facilities while including safeguards to respect the invasion of privacy.

The governing board recognizes that school district interests in a metal detector search program, which are considered and weighted against the minimal invasion of privacy, are both substantial and compelling, including:

1. An obligation to furnish a safe, secure environment for learning;
2. Deterring the presence of weapons on school grounds;
3. The education and training of the district’s students; and
4. Maintaining discipline and order in the class-room and on school premises.

 

The governing board shall direct staff to develop and implement uniform procedures to govern the application of a metal detector search program.

 

These procedures shall ensure that school officials conduct metal detector searches in a consistent manner that minimizes or eliminates arbitrary and capricious enforcement. These procedures shall be incorporated in the school safety plan at each school.

TRANSFER TO HILLCREST CONTINUATION HIGH SCHOOL

 

Students may voluntarily transfer to HCHS if deemed appropriate by parent guardian and the administration. Students who are not on track to graduate may be involuntarily transferred at the request of the administration and in cooperation with HCHS.

Hillcrest Continuation High School offers an alternative program, which may better meet the needs of some students at HCHS. Students who voluntarily transfer may return to the high school at the beginning of the following semester with consent from the HCHS administration. Involuntary transfers are required to remain at HCHS for a minimum of two semesters. Additionally, students may be involuntarily transferred for discipline infractions and/or attendance problems.

SEX EDUCATION COURSES

 

Parents and guardians are advised that human reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases are instructional topics that are covered in some courses.

These topics are optional and require parent or guardian consent or dissent in order for pupils to participate. Schools are required to prepare and distribute a consent letter to parents or guardians of students who may be enrolled in courses in which

human reproductive organs and their functions and processes are described, illustrated or discussed. Parents and guardians shall have an opportunity to view textbooks and other instructional materials relating to these topics at specific times and locations. In the teaching of sex education, teachers are to emphasize abstinence from sexual intercourse as the only protection that is 100 percent effective against unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (aids) when transmitted sexually.

Instruction will also focus on understanding and preventing unwanted physical and verbal assault, nonconsensual sexual or physical advances, and date rape.

 

Whenever any part of the instruction in health, family life education, and sex education conflicts with the religious training and beliefs of the parent or guardian of any pupil, on written request of the parent or guardian the pupil shall be excused from the part of the instruction which conflicts with such religious training I and beliefs (including personal moral convictions).

 

ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS) EDUCATION

 

Schools are required to instruct students in grades 7 to 12 in AIDS prevention at least once in middle school and once in high school unless the parent or guardian requests that the pupil not attend such instruction. AIDS education may be covered in health, home economics, science, and social science courses. The teacher of each course must notify parents or guardians that students will receive such instruction in his or her class (C.E.C. 51550 et seq.).

 

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Occasionally, members of the news media may visit schools to cover activities such as sport competitions, school assemblies, special programs and general newsworthy events. The law provides that when members of the news media are lawfully on campus, they may interview, photograph and/or film students. However, the law also provides that any students may decline to speak to the media and may refuse to be interviewed, filmed or photographed. Also, parents have the right to

withhold permission for their children to be interviewed, filmed or photographed.

When visits from the news media are pre-arranged, schools will make every effort to notify parents in advance and to provide parents with the opportunity to authorize or to withhold permission for media access to their child. If you wish to deny the media access to interview, film or photograph your child, contact your school administrator