EVANGELINE PARISH SCHOOL DISTRICT
2026-2027 STUDENT HANDBOOK & REFERENCE GUIDE VISION Our vision is to create and maintain a first-rate school district and provide multiple paths for student success.
District Website: www.epsb.com Complete Policy Manual: Section J: Students
Board Approved: 07/15/2026 Revised:
Evangeline Parish Schools Cheri B. Fontenot, Superintendent
"Our Children, Our Schools, Our Future"
1123 Te Mamou Road, Ville Platte, LA 70586 Tel 337-363-6651 Fax 337-363-8086 Website: https://www.epsb.com
Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians, Welcome to the new school year! It is an honor to serve as your Superintendent and to partner with you in supporting the success and well-being of every student. Our district is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment where all students are challenged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe every child has unique strengths and the ability to achieve high levels of success when given strong instruction, high expectations, and consistent support. This Student Handbook outlines the expectations, policies, and procedures that help ensure our schools operate smoothly and fairly for all students. I encourage families to take time to review it carefully together. Understanding these guidelines helps us maintain a positive school culture and ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn without interruption. We also recognize that strong schools are built through strong partnerships. Your involvement—whether through communication with teachers, attendance at school events, or daily encouragement at home—makes a meaningful difference in student success. As we begin this school year, we remain focused on excellence, safety, and continuous improvement across all grade levels. Together, we can ensure that every student is prepared for future success in college, career, and life. On behalf of the Evangeline Parish School Board members and all school employees, I wish you a wonderful and successful school year. If you need additional information or assistance, please contact your child’s school principal or visit our district website at www.epsb.com. Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to a successful and productive school year. With appreciation,
Cheri B. Fontenot Superintendent Evangeline Parish School District
School Board Members: Lonnie Sonnier District One Jerry Bottley District Eight
Nick Chaumont District Two Kristy N. Briley District Nine
Karen Vidrine District Three
Wayne Dardeau District Four
Fannie Soileau District Ten
Monica A. Andrus District Five
Bobby M. Hamlin, Jr. President District Eleven
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
Mike W. Fontenot District Six
Calvin Leday, Jr. District Twelve
Sheila Joseph Vice President District Seven
Donald R. Anderson District Thirteen
PLEASE READ
State of Louisiana Public School Property VISITOR AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED in accordance with LA R.S. 416.10 Your local school board welcomes you to this facility, however, this is a CLOSED CAMPUS. Please report to the main office or event reception area for proper authorization. Furthermore, please be advised of the following:
DRUG FREE ZONE Within 2000 feet in accordance with LA R.S. 17:405
FIREARM FREE ZONE Within 1000 feet in accordance with LA R.S. 14:95.6, except as amended by Act 629, 2018
TOBACCO FREE PROPERTY With 200 feet of any entrance/exit in accordance with LA R.S. 17:240
PERSONS/VEHICLES SUBJECT TO SEARCH in accordance with LA R.S. 17:416.6
NO OUTSIDE FOOD or DRINKS ALLOWED except as authorized by the school Principal
WEARING OF BODY ARMOR PROHIBITED in accordance with LA R.S. 14:95.9(F)
STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICE PROHIBITED unless properly authorized in accordance with LA R.S. 17:239
UNLAWFUL SIGN REMOVAL, ALTERATION, DESTRUCTION protected in accordance with LA R.S. 17:405(D)
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE MAY BE IN USE PROPER ATTIRE REQUIRED as determined by the Principal/Administrator. Your public schools are working hard, along with the state legislature, to provide for a Safe and Drug Free learning environment. We hope your visit was pleasant! Please contact the district's Office of Child Welfare and Attendance with any concerns.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pages 5 - 13
Pages 14 - 21
Section 4: Child Nutrition Program
Section 5: Transportation
SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION REGISTRATION ●
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Age Requirements A child must be five (5) years old on or before September 30th in the year in which the child enrolls to be eligible to enter Kindergarten of any public school in Evangeline Parish. Students entering Kindergarten may be retained in Kindergarten based on failure to meet promotional criteria as outlined in state and parish pupil progression plans. A child must be 4 years old on or before September 30th of the enrollment year to be eligible for pre-Kindergarten. PreK and Kindergarten students are required to meet compulsory school attendance regulations. Currently, state statute requires all children between the ages of 5 and 18 to be enrolled in school. Upon entering a parish school, all students must present an official birth certificate, a record of up-to-date immunizations, Social Security Card, and two documents of proof of residence. All students entering school will present satisfactory evidence of having been immunized according to a schedule approved by the State Department of Health and Human resources, including Varicella (better known as Chickenpox). Additionally, any student who is entering the sixth grade or eleven years old or older entering any grade must provide satisfactory evidence of current immunization against meningococcal disease as a condition of entry. Beginning July 1, 2019, any student entering eleventh grade or who is 16 and entering any grade must provide satisfactory evidence of current immunization against meningococcal disease as a condition of school entry. (R.S.17:170.4). Annually, each student entering the district for the first time, re-entering after interrupted attendance, or when requested shall be required to verify his or her residence address as part of the registration process. Any document with a Post Office box number as an address will not be accepted. A 911 street address must be entered into the computer. Each student must establish residency by providing at least two of the following proofs of residency documents: Property tax records which indicate the location of the homestead Mortgage documents or property deed Apartment or home lease or notarized statement of the verified property owner identifying himself/herself as the property owner, describing the property, the term of the lease, and identifying the leaseholder Current utility bills showing the physical address In the case of a student living with a legal guardian, the court decree declaring the district resident to be the legal guardian of the student must be presented.
Legal Guardianship ●
Students living with a legal guardian must provide a court decree declaring the district resident to be a legal guardian of the student in addition to an official birth certificate, a record of up-to-date immunizations, Social Security Card, and two documents of residence.
NOTE: It is the parent’s responsibility to report any and all changes of address and phone number(s) to the main office of the school(s) in which their children are attending in a timely manner of obtaining such new information. Student demographic information forms are to be updated every year. Please complete the entire document. Make sure to indicate the legal guardian correctly. For Example:If married parents are the legal guardians it should read Mr. & Mrs. John Doe, or, if not married but living together as a family unit – John Doe & Jane Lane. If separated, divorced, or never married, the listed guardian should be the person who the court has assigned domiciliary custody. Otherwise, the father will likely be considered the legal guardian on the student record.
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Transferring or Exiting Schools To transfer a student to another school, the parent must: 1. Pick up and fill out an Evangeline Parish Exit Form in the school’s main office. 2. Return all books to teachers and obtain their signatures on the Exit Form. 3. Pay all fees owed, i.e. lunchroom, library. 4. Return all athletic uniforms in satisfactory condition to the coach. 5. Return the Exit Form to the main office, obtain a copy for your records, and participate in an Exit Interview. 6. If interested in transferring to a school out of zone, transfer applications are made available in the late Spring of each year.
Visitors All schools within the Evangeline Parish School System operate as closed campuses. This means no one is allowed to visit the campus without specific written permission from the office. ALL VISITORS MUST IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO THE OFFICE TO OBTAIN SUCH A PASS. No parent or other visitor will be allowed to interrupt classes. If a visitor approaches a student on campus, the student should politely tell the visitor to report to the office.
Emergency Closing of Schools In the event of an emergency such as bad weather, frozen pipes, and such, all official announcements of school closures will be made over the following radio, newspaper and television media. The school district also will make use of other communication channels such as the district website and official social media accounts to announce such closures and/or cancellations. In conjunction with the previous communication channels, the district will also utilize the “J Call” notification system. KVPI (92.5Fm) KATC(TV3) KLFY(TV10) KALB(TV5) The Ville Platte Gazette
Contact and Calendar Information The Evangeline Parish School Board serves District students at the following schools. School Principal Attendance Phone
Grade
Basile High School
A. Bertrand
K. Walker
337-432-5012
5th-12th
Bayou Chicot Elementary
K. Soileau
A. Guillory
337-461-2687
PreK-8th
Chataignier Elementary
M.Bordelon
R. Lejeune
337-885-3173
PreK-8
th
Evan. Central / Virtual
S. Manuel
M. Deville
337-363-1089
Alternative
James Stephens Montessori
K.Gray
Mamou Elementary
T. Fontenot
K. Guillot A. Berzas
337-363-4745 337-468-3123
Mascot Bearcats Demons Tigers Gators
PreK-8
th
Eagles
PreK-4
th
Bears
th
Mamou Jr. High
L. Celestine
T.Allison
337-472-2043
5 -8th
Junior Demons
Mamou High School
A. Foret
L. Chapman
337-468-5793
9th-12th
Demons
Pine Prairie High School
T. Doucet
H. Fontenot
337-599-2300
PreK-4th, 9th-12th
337-363-4280
th
Vidrine Elementary Ville Platte High School
C. Manuel
C. Thomas
S. Williams
M. Batiste
Evan. Reimagine Academy
A. Lejeune
Ville Platte Elementary
D. Ardoin
WW Stewart Elementary
T.Pitre
D. Murphy H. Romero L. Frank
Evangeline Parish School District
337-363-3387 337-363-2237 337-363-3068 337-432-6412
PreK-8 th
9 -12 th
6 -8
th
Tigers Bulldogs
th
Prek-5
Panthers
Lions th
Pups
th
Jr. Bearcats
PreK-4
6
EVANGELINE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 CALENDAR FOUR-DAY WEEK July 2026 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
January 2027 Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
2
8 83 15 87 22 91 29 95
9
H
1
2
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
10
4 79 11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
H
3
4
3
H
H 25
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
10
11
12
13
14
6
7
8
9
10
16
17
18
19
20
21
11
12
13
14
23
24
25
26
27
28
15
16
17
18
9
30
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
8
7
16 23 30
14
6
Tuesday
H 14
20
21
27
28
22
21
96
97
98
99
29
28
10 H
11
12
100
101
16
17
18
19
102
103
104
105
23
24
25
26
106
107
108
109
22
4
July 14, 2026
10.5 MONTH PROFESSIONALS (181 DAYS)
July 21, 2026
10 MONTH PROFESSIONALS (174 DAYS)
July 28, 2026
9.5 MONTH PROFESSIONALS (166 DAYS)
9 MONTH PROFESSIONALS (158 DAYS) & SUPPORTS (PARAPROFESSIONALS, LPNS, & CHILD NUTRITION PERSONNEL (156 DAYS) August 6, 2026 STUDENTS, BUS DRIVERS & BUS AIDES (152 DAYS) August 3, 2026
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAYS (PL)-(NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS)
6
August 3-5, 2026 WORKDAYS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES, EXCEPT BUS DRIVERS & BUS AIDES
13 20
WORKDAYS FOR 9 - 12 MONTH PROFESSIONALS & 12 MONTH SUPPORTS October 26, 2026 NON-WORKDAYS FOR 9 MONTH SUPPORTS - (PARAPROFESSIONALS, LPNS, CHILD January 04, 2027 NUTRITION PERSONNEL, BUS DRIVERS, & BUS AIDES)
27
STUDENT RECORDS
May 28, 2027
WORKDAY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES, EXCEPT BUS DRIVERS & BUS AIDES
HOLIDAYS (NON-WORK DAYS)
Wednesday
1
2
19 8
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
3
4
20
21
22
9
10
11
23
24
25
26
15
16
17
18
27
28
29
30
22
23
24
25
31
32
33
34
29
30
35
36
Sunday
Monday
5 12 19 26
Tuesday
1 7
Tuesday
5
Wednesday
5
110
111
112
113
9
10
11
12
114
115
116
117
16
17
18
19
118
119
120
121
22
23
24
25
123
124
125
29 H
Saturday
4
122 28
Friday
3
15
21
Thursday
2
8
14
Wednesday
30 H
26
6 13 20
Friday
Saturday
1
2
37
38
6
7
8
9
39
40
41
42
14
15
16
11
12
13 43
44
45
46
18
19
20
21
22
23
47
48
49
50
25
26
27
28
29
30
51
52
53
54
55
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
27
(HOMECOMINGS)
Friday
1 H 4
5
MAY 31, 2027 - MEMORIAL DAY
DECEMBER 21, 2026 - JANUARY 02, 2027 CHRISTMAS (EMPLOYEES RETURN TO 01/04/2027 & JUNE 18, 2027 - JUNETEENTH DAY STUDENTS RETURN 01/05/2027)
31
3 10
NOVEMBER 23-27, 2026 - THANKSGIVING DAY
H
Tuesday
FEBRUARY 9-10, 2027-MARDI GRAS FEBRUARY 15, 2027 - PRESIDENT'S DAY MARCH 26 - APRIL 2, 2027 - EASTER BREAK (INCLUDING GOOD FRIDAY)
NOVEMBER 11, 2026 - VETERANS DAY
H
April 2027
Thursday
JANUARY 18, 2027 - MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 - LABOR DAY
March 2027
October 2026 Monday
12 MONTH PROFESSIONALS & SUPPORTS (192 DAYS)
JULY 2-3, 2026 - INDEPENDENCE DAY
7
13
July 1, 2026
Saturday
5
9
15
H
Friday
4
H 15
Thursday
3
31
Monday
Sunday
Wednesday
2
8
September 2026 Sunday
7 82 14 86 21 90 28 94
February 2027
Thursday
1 2
6 81 13 85 20 89 27 93
31
August 2026 Sunday
5 80 12 84 19 88 26 92
START DATES FOR EMPLOYEES & STUDENTS
Saturday
1
EARLY DISMISSALS
(FESTIVALS)
BHS/WWSE - SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
BHS/WWSE - NOVEMBER 6, 2026
BCES/PPHS - NOVEMBER 19, 2026
BCES/PPHS - MAY 7, 2027
MHS/MJHS/VES/EC - OCTOBER 23, 2026
MHS/MES/MJHS/VES/EC - FEBRUARY 5, 2027
CES/JSM/VPES/VPHS/ERA - OCTOBER 16, 2026
CES/JSM/VPES/VPHS/ERA - OCTOBER 09, 2026
Saturday
2
3 10
H
6
7
8
9
126
127
128
129
12
13
14
15
16
17
11
130
131
132
133
134
24
18
19
20
21
22
23
135
136
137
138
31
25
26
27
28
29
30
139
140
141
142
LAST DAY FOR SENIORS - 05/06/2027 GRADUATION DATES FOR SENIORS
17 24
PPHS - 05/20/2027
VPHS - 05/20/2027
BHS - 05/21/2027
MHS - 05/21/2027
LAST DAY FOR EIGHT GRADERS - 05/18/2027 GRADUATION DATE FOR EIGHT GRADERS - 05/19/2027
GRADING PERIOD DATES FOR 2026-2027 November 2026 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
2
1
9
8
Wednesday
22
Thursday
Saturday
4
5
6
56
57
58
59
11
12
13
61
62 20
10
H
16
17
18
19
63
64
65
66
23
24
25
26
H
Friday
3
60 15
May 2027
H
H
H
14
Monday
Tuesday
27
28
3
2
21
10
9
17
16
H
30
29
Sunday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
24
23
1ST QUARTER
August 6, 2026 - October 6, 2026
1
2ND QUARTER
October 7, 2026 - December 17, 2026 39 Employment Days/38 Instructional Days
4
5
6
7
143
144
145
146
8
3RD QUARTER
January 5, 2027 - March 16, 2027
40 Employment Days/39 Instructional Days
11
12
13
14
147
148
149
150
18
19
20
21
4TH QUARTER
March 17, 2027 - May 27, 2027
40 Employment Days/39 Instructional Days
151
152
153
154
25
26
27
28
155
156
157
158
15 22
GRADING PERIODS
29
1ST
31
30
2ND
H
December 2026 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
13 20
8
Friday
Saturday
68
69
70
9
10
11
71
72
73
74
14
15
16
17
18
75
76
77
78
21
22
23
24
H 28
H
67
Thursday
4
H 27
2
H 29
H
H 30
H
3RD
June 2027 3
7
6
Wednesday
1
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
5
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
11
12
18
19
25
26
12
6
7
8
9
10
19
13
14
15
16
17 H
25
26
20
21
22
23
27
28
29
30
H 31
H
Professional Learning Days (PL) Non-Work & Non- School Day Instructional Day Holiday Records Day
24
39 Employment Days/36 Instructional Days
Saturday
7
4TH
PARENT NOTIFICATION STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS SENT HOME
ENDING DATES
WEBPAMS CLOSES (AT THE END OF EACH WORKDAY)
VERIFY GRADES
08/28/2026 (Fri) October 6, 2026 October 13, 2026 October 14, 2026 09/25/2026 (Fri) 10/30/2026 (Fri) December 17, 2026 January 8, 2027 January 13, 2027 12/04/2026 (Fri) 01/28/2027 (Th) March 16, 2027 March 23, 2027 March 25, 2027 02/26/2027 (Fri) 04/15/2027 (Th) May 27, 2027 May 20, 2027 May 25, 2027 05/12/2027 (Wed)
REPORT CARD DAYS
October 16, 2026 (Fri) January 15, 2027 (Fri) March 26, 2027 (Fri) May 27, 2027 (Th)
STUDENT INSTRUCTIONAL MINUTES - MINIMUM REQUIRED STATE MINUTES (63,720) STUDENTS' START TIME: 7:35 AM/END TIME: 3:43 PM = 434 INSTRUCTIONAL MINUTES PER DAY
152 STUDENT DAYS TIMES (X) 434 INSTRUCTIONAL MINUTES EQUALS (=) 65,968 TOTAL INSTRUCTIONAL MINUTES MINUS (-) 434 INSTRUCTIONAL MINUTES FOR TWO (2) HALF DAYS FOR FESTIVAL & HOMECOMING EQUALS (=) 65,534 INSTRUCTIONAL MINUTES MINUS (-) 63,720 MININUM REQUIRED STATE MINUTES EQUALS (=) 1814 INSTRUCTIONAL MINUTES DIVIDED BY 434 INSTRUCTIONAL MINUTES EQUALS (=) 4 EMERGENCY DAYS.
END DATE FOR 9.5 MONTH PROFESSIONALS END DATE FOR 10 MONTH PROFESSIONALS END DATE FOR 10.5 MONTH PROFESSIONALS
Board Approved March 18, 2026 February 19, 2027 (Based on instructional days)
Evangeline Parish Child Find Process In accordance with the federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), the Evangeline Parish School System must develop and implement procedures that ensure that all children within jurisdiction, ages birth to twenty-one, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services are identified, located and evaluated. Child Find also applies to children who are suspected of having a disability and are in need of special education who attend private schools, attend religious schools, who are highly mobile (e.g., migrant children), homeless children, and children who are wards of the State who reside within the local education agency’s jurisdiction. It also applies to children who may be gifted and/or talented. Procedures
Forms
Responsibility
Timeline
Conduct child find activities to locate, identify and evaluate children birth to 21 years of age, with suspected disabilities and/or who may be gifted or talented who are residing within the jurisdiction of the school district. ● Written notification to all parents in the school district ● Notices posted in school buildings and other public area describing availability of special education programs ● Developmental screening for ages 3-5 ● Local media informational campaigns ● Child Find information is provided on the Evangeline Parish School Board website ● Coordinating the distribution of information with other programs within public and nonpublic agencies ● Staff in-service education
Child Identification Form
District Special Education Staff
Ongoing
Parent Concern Form
Developmental screenings for children ages 3 to 5 years old are conducted year round at the Pupil Appraisal Center. Contact Angela Manuel at 337-363-5502 Student Progress Center Parents can monitor their child's progress, attendance, discipline, homework, and more through the Student Progress Center, an online program. To access it, visit our website at www.epsb.com/338331_2. Remember to note and securely save your username and password. If you encounter any errors, please contact your school secretary to verify the information.
Need Help with Homework? Homework Louisiana (HomeworkLa.org), a service of the State Library of Louisiana, offers FREE online tutoring and academic resources from Tutor.com for Louisiana residents from kindergarten students through adult learners. Get help in math, science, social studies, or English from a live tutor. The services can be accessed from a Louisiana public library, from your home computer, or from a mobile device.
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EVANGELINE PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM PARENT & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY
PART I.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND OBJECTIVES
The Evangeline Parish School System
agrees to implement the following statutory requirements:
A. Involve parents and family members in jointly developing the local educational agency’s Title I, Part A plan under section 1112, and the development of school support and improvement plans under section 1111(d). B. Provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools within the LEA in planning and implementing effective parent and family involvement activities. These activities must improve student academic achievement and school performance, which may include meaningful consultation with employers, business leaders, and philanthropic organizations, or individuals with expertise in effectively engaging parents and family members in education; C. Coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies to the extent feasible and appropriate, with other relevant Federal, State, and local laws and programs; D. Conduct, with the meaningful involvement of parents and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent and family engagement policy in improving the academic quality of all schools served under this part, including identifying— o
Barriers to greater participation by parents/families in activities authorized by this section (with particular attention to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background);
o
The needs of parents and family members to assist with the learning of their children, including engaging with school personnel and teachers; and
o
Strategies to support successful school and family interactions;
E. Use the findings of such evaluation to design evidence-based strategies for more effective parental and family engagement, and to revise, if necessary, the parent and family engagement policies described in this section; and F.
Involve parents in the activities of the schools, which may include establishing a parent advisory board comprised of a sufficient number and representative group of parents or family members served by the LEA to adequately represent the needs of the population. This advisory board will help develop, revise, and review the parent and family engagement policy.
PART II.
ADOPTION
This LEA’s Parental and Family Engagement Policy has been developed jointly with, and agreed on with, parents of children participating in Title I, Part A programs, as evidenced by the agenda and sign-in of the District Parent Engagement Council meeting. This policy was adopted by the __Evangeline Parish School System. The LEA will distribute this policy to all parents of participating Title I, Part A children. Student Progress Center is an online program that allows parents to view their child’s progress, attendance, discipline, homework, and more. To access the Student Progress Center, visit our website at EPSB.com. Make sure to write down and save your username and password. Contact your school secretary to verify information in the event an error is incurred.
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Parents' Bill of Rights for Public Schools A. The legislature finds all of the following: (1) That parental involvement is a significant factor in increasing student achievement. (2) That access to student information encourages greater parental involvement. B. Parents of public-school children who have not reached the age of majority shall have all of the following rights: (1) To examine the textbooks, curriculum, and supplemental material used in their child's classroom. (2) To inspect their child's school records, and to receive a copy of their child's records within ten business days of submitting a written request, either electronically or on paper. Parents shall not be required to appear in person for the purposes of requesting or validating a request for their child's school records. There shall be no charge for a parent to receive such records electronically. Any charges for a paper copy of such records shall be reasonable and set forth in the official rules and regulations of the school governing authority. School records shall include all of the following: (a) Academic records, including but not limited to results of interim or benchmark assessments. (b) Medical or health records. (c) Records of any mental health counseling. (d) Records of any vocational counseling. (e) Records of discipline. (f) Records of attendance. (g) Records associated with a child's screening for learning challenges, exceptionalities, plans for an Individualized Education Program, or Individual Accommodation Plan. (h) Any other student-specific file, document, or other materials that are maintained by the school. (3) To be notified when medical services are being offered to their child, except where emergency medical treatment is required. In cases where emergency medical treatment is required, the parent shall be notified as soon as practicable after the treatment is rendered. (4) To be notified if a criminal action is deemed to have been committed against their child or by their child. (5) To be notified if law enforcement personnel question their child, except in cases where the parent has been accused of abusing or neglecting the child. (6) To be notified if their child is taken or removed from the school campus without parental permission. (7) That the school shall not discriminate against a child based on the sincerely held religious beliefs of the child's family. (8) To receive written notice and the option to opt their child out of any surveys that include questions about any of the following: (a) The student's sexual experiences or attractions. (b) The student's family beliefs, morality, religion, or political affiliations. (c) Any mental health or psychological problems of the student or a family member. (9) To receive written notice & have options to opt their child out of instruction on topics associated with sexual activity. (10) To receive from the school the annual school calendar, no later than thirty days prior to the beginning of the school year, and to be notified in writing as soon as feasible of any revisions to such calendar. Such calendar shall be posted to the school's website and shall include, at a minimum, student attendance days and any event that requires parent or student attendance outside of normal school days or hours. (11) To receive in writing each year or to view on the school's website a comprehensive listing of any required fee and its purpose and use and a description of how economic hardships may be addressed. (12) To receive in writing each year or to view on the school's website a description of the school's required uniform for students. (13) To be informed if their child's academic performance is such that it could threaten the child's ability to be promoted to the next grade level and to be offered an in-person meeting with the child's classroom teacher and school leader to discuss any resources or strategies available to support and encourage the child's academic improvement. (14) That the school shall not discriminate against their child by teaching the child that the child is currently or destined to be oppressed or to be an oppressor based on the child's race or national origin.
C. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, a public school shall not be required to release any records or information regarding a student's medical or health records or mental health counseling records to a parent during the pendency of an investigation of child abuse or neglect conducted by any law enforcement agency or the Department of Children and Family Services where the parent is the target of the investigation, unless the parent has obtained a court order. Acts 2014, No. 699, §1; Acts 2018, No. 547, §1; Acts 2024, No. 326, §1.
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ESSA Parents Right to Know 1. At the beginning of each school year, a Local Educational Agency (LEA) that receives Title I funds must notify parents of each student attending any Title I school that the parent may request, and the agency will provide the parents upon request (and in a timely manner), information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers, including at a minimum the following: • Whether the teacher has met State qualifications for grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; • Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other professional status that the State has waived; • Whether the teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher; and • Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and if so their qualifications. 2. A school that receives Title I funds must provide to each individual parent: • Information on the level of achievement and academic growth the child, if applicable and available, has made on each of the State academic assessments required under this part; and • Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned or taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet the applicable State certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned. Compact for Student Success A School/Teacher/Parent/Student Agreement School’s Mission: The school, parents, families, and community will work together to empower all students to learn.
In order to impact student learning in the areas of language arts, math, science, and social studies, all parties agree to the following:
SCHOOL 1. Provide high quality curriculum and instruction aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and student performance expectations. 2. Provide a minimum of one parent/teacher conference. 3. Report on an ongoing basis about child’s progress (report cards, mid-semester report, etc.). 4. Provide opportunities for parental engagement (volunteer, participate, etc.) and assistance for parents to help child at home. 5. Provide a safe, orderly environment in which children can learn.
TEACHER 1. Provide rigorous activities and lessons aligned with CCSS and student performance expectations. 2. Provide high expectations for all students in an encouraging and supportive manner. 3. Provide a well disciplined and managed classroom so all students have the opportunity to learn. 4. Provide an open line of communication with parents/community.
PARENT 1. Make sure my child is punctual and attends school on a regular basis. 2. Supervise meaningful learning activities and study time. 3. Provide necessary materials my child needs for his/her success. 4. Keep open lines of communication with my child’s teacher(s) including: parent/teacher conferences, written communication, and phone contact. Utilize the Parent Command Center.
STUDENT 1. Come to school on a daily basis and arrive on time. 2. Come prepared with materials needed and ready to learn. 3. Stay attentive and actively participate in classroom activities. 4. Follow school and classroom rules and regulations.
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HOMELESS CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAM (Federal Law: McKinney-Veto Act) (State Law: LA. R.S. 17.238/Public Law 107-110) Evangeline Parish School System’s Homeless Plan The district homeless liaison, Grace Vidrine Sibley, is notified about students needing homeless services. Parents/caregivers may go to the liaison’s office or call the liaison (337) 363-7455 requesting services. Schools (teachers, secretaries, principals, guidance counselors, etc.) may also contact their curriculum coaches or designees. Curriculum coaches or designees will contact the homeless liaison. Homeless liaison does a site visit to verify the need. Students are coded in the district database. A homeless person is one who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and who has a primary nighttime residence of 1 of the 4 homeless indicators: A. Unaccompanied youths, doubled up, or tripled up B. Motels, hotels, or weekly-rate apartments C. Sheltered D. Unsheltered/FEMA Trailers (examples: children living in abandoned buildings, substandard housing, cars, parks, campgrounds without running water, throwaways, runaways, etc.) Parents are informed of services and rights (under McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act) A. School uniforms as designated by the district 1. shirts, pants, skirts, and/or shorts 2. shoes 3. jackets or coats 4. PE uniforms and other required garments 5. other garments as needed *Students who are approved have two weeks in which they may attend school in regular clothes before obtaining their uniforms* B. School supplies (as designated by schools of supplies needed for grade levels) 1. composition notebooks, highlighters, binders, pencils, colors, etc. 2. book bags 3. calculators or other supplies as needed C. Transportation Transportation is provided to home schools as needed by the district transportation system. Students remain at their schools attended at the time they become labeled homeless. Transportation is provided by the district for them to continue attending the same school. D. Assist needs of homeless Homeless students are allowed to register without needed documentation. School personnel and homeless liaison will assist with the process of obtaining necessary documentation. EPSB provides whatever services are needed. It does not limit itself to these services: 1. Birth certificate is needed 2. Lacks academic record/documentation 3. Excessive absences 4. Lacks permanent residence 5. LEP ESL services are needed 6. Migrant services are needed 7. Behavior indicating mental health counseling is needed 8. Guardianship is a problem 9. IDEA services needed 10. Health problems are indicated E. Access community support from various agencies EPSB continuously documents the progress of the process on individual student files. Homeless designation remains until the end of the school year. Reevaluation is conducted at the beginning of the next school year.
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Dispute Resolution Steps Any dispute arising in regard to school selection or enrollment will result in the parent or caregiver being given written explanation of the school’s decision on dispute and their right to appeal. The appeal will be referred to the homeless liaison in 24 hours. District homeless liaison will follow state grievance procedure expeditiously; ensure youth is enrolled immediately in school in which he or she is seeking enrollment, pending resolution of the dispute (five days). Liaison will give parents or caregivers written explanation of meeting convened, dispute decision or outcome; date; including phone number and their right/procedure to appeal to the state homeless coordinator. Louisiana PIRC promotes the educational success of children by offering services to Louisiana parents and educators. Louisiana PIRC has five specific goals: 1. Assist parents and educators in knowing and understanding the provisions of the ESSA (Every Student Succeed Act); 2. Develop effective partnerships between schools, parents, and caregivers to garner greater parental participation in education; 3. Create a supportive network of Louisiana education and family strengthening programs to promote greater resources for Louisiana families; 4. Provide technical assistance to the Louisiana Department of Education, local education agencies, and schools to promote effective parental involvement policies; 5. Provide programs and resources for parents to prepare their children for school.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT It is the policy of the Evangeline Parish School Board to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disabled condition, or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. This includes, but is not limited to, admission, educational services, and employment. There is a grievance procedure to follow when this policy has been violated, which can be found in the Evangeline Parish School Board policy manual in every principal’s office or the Evangeline Parish School Board office. Inquiries concerning application of this policy may be referred to the following persons: Katrina Ardoin, Title IX Kelli Lafleur, Special Education Director Evangeline Parish School Board 337-363-6651 1123 Te Mamou Rd. Ville Platte, LA 70586
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SECTION 2: ATTENDANCE GENERAL INFORMATION All students have the right to attend school, provided they are not suspended or expelled because of their conduct. All students shall be expected to be in attendance every student activity day. Students will be marked present or absent each day in every class. Attendance at school is an important part of every student’s success and is necessary in order to gain the greatest benefit from their educational experience. Students who are frequently absent from school miss direct instruction and regular contact with their teachers. We strongly encourage you as parents to keep in contact with school officials regarding your child’s regular attendance. State law and school board policy require that every parent, tutor, or other person residing within the state of Louisiana, having charge of any child between the ages of 5-18, shall send such child to school, unless the child graduates from high school prior to his eighteenth birthday, and shall assure the attendance of such child in regularly assigned classes during regular school hours established by the school board. Beginning in the 23-24 school year, the compulsory attendance age for the State of Louisiana will be 5-18 years of age. A student may exit from school at the age of 18 after participating in an exit interview. State law and school board policy also require that, in order to receive grades, a student must be present a minimum of 60,120 minutes per year, or 152 days, based on the 2025-2026 calendar. Students can miss no more than 13 days per year (7 days per semester) and still receive credit. For ½ credit courses and 1 semester courses, NO Credit will be awarded upon the 8th UNEXCUSED day. The parent/student is encouraged to participate in School Building Level Committee, SBLC, meetings and all other conferences requested by the school. If a student does not meet the provision, the parent/student may inquire about attendance recovery. Otherwise, the student will receive failing grades at the end of the school year. A parent may apply for an exception with the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance to determine if the student meets an extenuating circumstance provision for attendance. Despite attempts to educate parents and students on the importance of regular attendance, hundreds are referred to the District Attorney’s Office each year for TRUANCY. Please send your child(ren) to school every day. Guidelines for Recording Absences and Excuses ● Every student absence from class shall be recorded as excused or unexcused based upon the reason for absence. ● Students who are absent from any class or from school for any cause shall, upon returning to class or to school, present to the principal or his designee a note, dated and signed by a parent/guardian, stating the cause for absence and the date(s) of absence. No excuses, including doctor’s excuses, will be accepted after five days of the student’s return. ● If there is a question regarding the validity of an absence, the principal or his designee should consult with the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance. The principal shall be responsible for reporting to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance when necessary for any unexplained, unexcused, illegal, and/or habitual absence and/or tardiness. ● When a student has missed more than 13 unexcused absences and is deemed not eligible to receive grades for the semester/year, (s)he shall receive a NO GRADE (in lieu of the actual grade(s) earned) on the report card. This will be denoted in the grade book with a number grade and an (*) (such as 74*), have the letter grade of an F* appearing on the report card, along with this accompanying statement: *ATTENDANCE VIOLATION, NO CREDIT GIVEN. ● VIRTUAL and DISTANT LEARNING: Attendance in virtual and/or distant learning settings may be determined by roll call when applicable. Attendance may also be a combination of roll call and actual time signed into specific learning programs. Specific Attendance requirements will be shared with students and guardians based on individual program offerings. Questions and/or concerns regarding the tracking of attendance in virtual settings should be directed to the School’s Attendance Officer or the Office of Child Welfare and Attendance.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE -Perfect attendance means a student must be present every day, for every class hour; and has never arrived late nor left early. Signing in or out is counted as an absence when determining Perfect Attendance. SIGNING IN -Students must be on campus before the 1st entry bell rings. Students who arrive late, must sign in at the front office and get an admit slip to enter class and proceed with classes. If a student comes onto campus during school hours, he is considered “at school” and must be dressed in school uniform and must sign-in at the main office to take a test, to go to his/her locker, etc. Tardies are included as an absence when determining Perfect Attendance. A student is considered absent if he/she is not in class the entire time period.
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SIGNING OUT -In order for a student to sign out of school and to leave campus, a legal guardian or his designee must come to the main office to pick up the student and to sign the documentation sheet. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE SIGNED OUT OVER THE TELEPHONE OR BE SIGNED OUT BY ANYONE NOT ON THE APPROVED LIST. Parents should refrain from signing a student out for any reason other than for personal illness and medical appointments. No excuses are given for classes missed unless that student is ill or has a doctor’s appointment. The student must provide an excuse for any class missed and the student must make arrangements for make-up work. FIELD TRIPS -Students participating in school approved field trips or other instructional activities that necessitate their being away from school shall be considered present and shall be given the opportunity to make-up work. WORK -Students shall not be excused from school to work on any job including agriculture and domestic service, even in their own homes or for their own parents or tutors. R.S. 17:226(B). WORK PERMITS -All students under the age of 18 years must file for an employment certificate before beginning employment. Employment permits may be obtained at each school site.
HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND -Students who are unable to attend school as a result of a physical illness, accident, or treatment thereof may be provided instructional services in the home or hospital environment as appropriate. However, it is the parent’s responsibility to inform the school of the illness, apply for services with the special education department, and fill out all the necessary forms. The student’s absence will be counted as unexcused until the qualifying paperwork is turned in to the appropriate authority and a distance learning facilitator has been assigned to the case. For further information, please contact the Special Education Department at 337-363-6598. Students who qualify for homebound services are excused from attending school under the extenuating circumstances clause; however, it does not excuse students from completing make-up assignments. Students who wish to receive credit in courses must complete and turn in all assignments delivered to them by the distance learning facilitator and/or learning management systems (i.e. Edgenuity, Google Classroom).
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES Lice Policy – Any student found to have positive evidence of head lice (either live lice or nits) shall be excluded from school until he/she is nit free. Upon returning to school, the child must be accompanied by one or both parents/guardians. Before the parent is allowed to leave the campus, the child’s nit free condition shall be verified by the school personnel trained to check for such conditions. If the child is not lice/nit free, the parent shall bring the child home again for continued treatment. Scabies Policy – Any student found to have scabies shall be excluded from school and will not be readmitted without a physician’s statement confirming treatment and stating that the student is no longer contagious. Upon returning to the school, the child must be accompanied by one or both parents/guardians. In both Lice and Scabies cases, the students shall be excluded for a reasonable length of time, (3) days, per incident to seek treatment and shall be marked with a Temporarily Excused Absences under the Extenuating Circumstances clause.
TYPES OF EXCUSES DOCTOR NOTES -must be submitted within 5 days after a student returns to school. The Principal or designee is
encouraged to confirm the authenticity of doctor excuses. School nurse excuses are acceptable when the nurse recommends early departure. Chronic Illness- an application can be obtained from the school attendance clerk. Chronic illnesses require physician confirmation and are rarely issued for type 2 cases. Type 1 approvals require the parent to submit a parent note indicating the absence was due to the Chronic illness. Chronic illness forms will be reviewed and approved by the Principal and school nurse. PARENT NOTES -are limited to 5 per year and should be used when a student is absent due to illness without seeing a doctor. Parent notes must also be turned in within 5 days of the student’s return. It is recommended that the school verifies parent excuses by contacting the parent. No excuses will be accepted after five days. Parental excuses will be scrutinized for reasonableness. MENTAL HEALTH – Beginning in 2024-2025 school year, students may submit excuses by parent or health care provider up to three nonconsecutive days of absence due to mental health. Upon the second absence due to mental health related issues, the student will be referred to school or district providers for services.
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TYPES OF ABSENCES Non-exempted, Excused – absences incurred due to personal illness or serious illness in the family (documented by acceptable excuses, including parent note) which are not considered for purposes of Truancy, but are considered when determining whether or not a student is eligible to make up work and to take tests, to receive credit for work completed, and to receive credit for a course and/or school year completed. Make-up work: Students with non-exempted, excused absences will be allowed to make up 100% of the work missed. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with his/her teachers to make up work within the time limit assigned by the teacher.
*Exempted, Excused Absences – absences which are not considered for purposes of truancy and which are not considered when determining whether or not a student is eligible to make up work and to take tests, to receive credit for work completed, and to receive credit for a course and/or school year completed. Applicable notes must be approved by the Principal or Office of Child Welfare and Attendance.
Make-up work: Students with exempted, excused absences will be allowed to make up 100% of their work. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with his/her teachers to make-up work missed within the time limit assigned by the teacher.
Unexcused Absences – any absence not meeting the requirements set forth in the excused absence or
extenuating circumstances descriptions, including but not limited to absences due to any job unless it is part of an approved instructional program. Make-up work: Students shall be given failing grades for days missed. However, make-up work may be possible through attendance recovery when and where available. Suspensions – a non-exempted absence in which a student is allowed to make up his work and is eligible for consideration for 50% credit provided it is completed satisfactorily within three days from being assigned. The absence is considered when determining whether or not a student may or may not be promoted, but is not considered for purposes of truancy. Students absent from school as a result of any suspension shall be counted as absent as related to perfect attendance.
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES Exceptions to the attendance regulation shall be the enumerated extenuating circumstances below that are verified by the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance or the school principal/designee. These exempted absences do not apply in determining whether a student meets the minimum minutes of instruction required to receive credit: 1.) Extended personal physical or emotional illness as verified by a physician or nurse practitioner. 2.) Extended hospital stay as verified by a physician or dentist. 3.) Extended recuperation from an accident as verified by a physician or dentist. 4.) Extended contagious disease within a family as verified by a physician or dentist licensed in the state. 5.) Observance of special, recognized holidays of the student’s own faith. Visitation with a parent who is a member of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard of a state and 6.) such parent has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting. Excused absences in this situation shall not exceed five school days per school year. 7.) Absences verified and approved by the school principal or designee as stated below: a. prior school system-approved travel for education b. death in the immediate family (not to exceed one week) c. natural catastrophe and/or disaster
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TRUANCY LA RS 17:233 ***Parents: Attendance is taken seriously and tracked daily. On or before the student’s 3rd unlawful absence or tardy to school, the school will attempt to notify and conference with you. As parents, it is in your best interest to attend the conference and work with the school to clear any records or misconceptions that you may have about attendance and the laws that govern it. Parents should not ignore attendance letters but work to resolve any discrepancies immediately and before the student becomes TRUANT. When a student misses five (5) unexcused days or has (5) unexcused tardies to school in a semester, he/she will be
considered truant and his/her parent may be referred to the Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor and the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution or intervention. In some cases, families may be referred to the Family in Need of Services, FINS program.
STEP ONE: Prevention On or before the student’s 3rd unexcused absence or tardy (tardy being late to school or leaving early), the Principal or his/her designee shall attempt to have an in-person conference with the legal guardian in order to prevent truancy.
STEP TWO: Referral When a student/parent is referred to the Courts for Truancy, the District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the School system, may offer the parents to voluntary participate in “Families in Need of Services” (FINS) program, an Attendance Recovery Program, or a Pre-trial Intervention Parenting Class, etc. Parents are encouraged to participate in these options if available.
STEP THREE: Prosecution by the courts. DRIVING PRIVILEGES: Beginning in the Fall of 2013, youths below the age of 18 are required to provide the Department of Motor Vehicles with an Enrollment Verification Form in order to obtain a driver’s permit or driver’s license. Verification Forms can be obtained from the school office. Please be informed, without a verification form of regular attendance, a student will be denied a driver’s license. Verification forms SHALL NOT be issued if the student is Truant. Furthermore, a student’s license may be revoked if the student becomes TRUANT. Verification forms are valid for 90 days so that parents may acquire one in May for use over the summer months.
ATTENDANCE RECOVERY: Schools may offer opportunities for students to make-up lost instructional time through attendance recovery at times outside the normal instructional times. Please contact your school administrator or Attendance Office for more information.
CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM – is defined as being absent 10% of the time period from the start of the school year.
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FILE: JB Cf: IDCJ, JBD Cf: JD, JBE ATTENDANCE
In accordance with state law, it is the responsibility of every parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a child between the ages of seven (7) and eighteen (18) to enforce the attendance of his or her child at the school to which the student is assigned. Once a pupil arrives at school, he/she is expected to remain and attend each class throughout the day. A student is considered to be in attendance when he or she is physically present at a school site or is participating in an authorized school activity and is under the supervision of authorized personnel. This definition for attendance would extend to students who are homebound, assigned to and participating in drug rehabilitation programs that contain a state-approved education component, participating in school-authorized field trips or other school-approved activities, or taking a state-approved virtual course. •
Half-day attendance - A student is considered to be in attendance for one-half day when he or she (1) is physically present at a school site or is participating in an authorized school activity and (2) is under the supervision of authorized personnel for more than 25% but not more than half (26%-50%) of the student's instructional day.
•
Whole-day attendance - A student is considered to be in attendance for a whole day when he or she (1) is physically present at a school site or is participating in an authorized school activity and (2) is under the supervision of authorized personnel for more than 50% (51%-100%) of the student's instructional day.
Compulsory attendance laws and Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) regulations require high school students to be in attendance a minimum of 30,060 minutes (equivalent to 83.5 six hour school days) per semester or 60,120 minutes (equivalent to 167 six-hour school days) a school year for schools not operating on a semester basis in order to be eligible to receive credit for courses taken. Elementary students shall be in attendance a minimum of 60,120 minutes (equivalent to 167 six-hour days) a school year in order to be eligible to receive credit for courses taken. Students in danger of failing due to excessive absences may be allowed to make up missed time in class sessions held outside the regular class time, if provided for by the District. The make-up sessions must be completed before the end of the current semester and all other applicable policies must also be met. ATTENDANCE FOR REMOTE OR HYBRID INSTRUCTION During remote or hybrid instruction, students are considered to be in attendance when attendance is checked and recorded on each school day at the beginning of each class period in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:232, and Bulletin 741, Louisiana
Evangeline Parish School Board
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FILE: JB Cf: IDCJ, JBD Cf: JD, JBE Handbook for School Administrators, and one of the following requirements is met: •
The student logs into synchronous online instruction at the designated time for the course in which the student is enrolled.
•
Evidence exists that the student accessed a planned asynchronous instructional activity.
Remote instruction is an educational model in which the student and educator are not physically present in a traditional classroom environment where instruction may be facilitated by the use of computers, technology, and the internet. Hybrid instruction is instruction provided via a combination of face-to-face and remote models. JURISDICTION All students shall be under the jurisdiction of the school during normal school hours, from the time the student arrives at school each day until he or she leaves the school campus in the afternoon. In case a student rides a bus, he or she shall be under the jurisdiction of the school from the time he or she boards the bus until the student exits the bus in the afternoon. Students shall be under the jurisdiction of the school while attending any school sponsored activity either at school or away from school. This shall apply to all students, including athletic teams, pep clubs, band and other student organizations. In disciplinary matters, the Evangeline Parish School Board’s authority may extend beyond the limits set forth above, in accordance with state law.
Revised: September 6, 2023
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221, 17:226, 17:227, 17:232, 17:233; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 7-21-10, 9-6-23.
Evangeline Parish School Board
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FILE: JBE Cf: IHAD TRUANCY
The Evangeline Parish School Board recognizes truancy as absence from class or school for any portion of a period or day without permission from home or school. Students shall not be allowed to leave the campus without proper permission at any time during the school day, including before school begins, after school while waiting for their bus, or any disciplinary session which the student has been directed to attend. Students shall remain on the campus at all times unless granted permission to be off-campus, or be subject to disciplinary action. Violations of attendance laws and regulations may lead to suspension and/or expulsion from school. School personnel shall be expected to make every reasonable effort to assist a child who is habitually absent or tardy. A student shall be considered habitually absent or habitually tardy when either condition continues to exist after all reasonable efforts by any school personnel, truant officer, or other law enforcement personnel have failed to correct the condition after the fifth (5th) unexcused absence or fifth (5th) unexcused occurrence of being tardy within any school semester. Any student who is a juvenile and who is considered habitually absent from school or habitually tardy shall be reported by visiting teachers and Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance to the family or juvenile court of the parish or city as a truant child. Tardy, for the purpose of notification, shall include, but not be limited to being late to school, or leaving or checking out of school unexcused prior to the regularly scheduled dismissal time at the end of the school day. However, it shall not include reporting late to class when transferring from one class to another during the school day. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIANS The parent or legal guardian of a student shall enforce the attendance of the student at the school to which the student is assigned. The parent or legal guardian of a truant student shall ensure that the student makes up missed school work by attending afterschool tutoring sessions, weekend make-up classes, or other remediation opportunities, as determined by the School Board, until the student has caught up with his or her school work. The parent or legal guardian shall also attend meetings at the school on at least a monthly basis relative to the student's progress until the student has caught up on his or her missed school work and any assistance fair conducted by the School District that provides information on supports available to families. The principal of each school or his/her designee shall note any concerns that school personnel have relative to a child's school attendance on the back of any Supplemental Security Income form that the school receives relative to that child. With regard to any student in grades kindergarten (K) through eighth (8 th) grade who is considered habitually absent or tardy, in any case where the student is the subject of a
Evangeline Parish School Board
FILE: JBE Cf: IHAD court ordered custody or visitation plan, the parent or legal guardian who is lawfully exercising actual physical custody or visitation of the student shall be responsible for the student’s attendance at school on those days and shall be solely responsible for any absence or tardiness of the child on such days.
Revised: May, 2009 Revised: October, 2009 Revised: July 17, 2024
Ref:
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:92.2, 17:221, 17:221.1, 17:223, 17:228, 17:233; Louisiana Children’s Code, Art. 728, 730; Board minutes, 10-21-09, 7-17-24.
Evangeline Parish School Board
SECTION 3: ACADEMICS/ CURRICULUM / INTERNET USE
CURRICULUM Minimum Course Requirements for High SchoolGraduation eginning with the Freshman class of 2014:All students will have to choose oneof two diplomas tracks. B Students, with parental approval, will select aJumpStart TOPS Tech (Career Diploma)orTOPS University Diplomatrack.
Jump Start TOPS Tech (Career Diploma) Course Requirements For Students entering 9th grade in 2014-2015 and beyond.
Act 403 of the 2015 Louisiana Legislative Session takes effect with students entering 9th grade in 2014-1015and beyond. The legislation ensures students planning and preparing for an industry based career have taken a preparatory core curriculum while in high school and have every chance possible to receive TOPS Tech.
ENGLISH = 4 UNITS 1 unit 1 unit 2 Units from the following: MATH = 4 UNITS 1 Unit 3 Units from the following: Substitutions SCIENCE = 2 UNITS 1 unit 1 unit from the following SOCIAL STUDIES = 2 UNITS 1 unit from the following: 1 Unit from the following: PHYSICAL EDUC/HEALTH = 2 UNITS 1 Unit ½ unit from the following ½ unit from the following JUMP START = 9 Units
Required Credits COURSES English I English II English III, English IV, AP or IB English courses, Business English, Technical Writing, or LCTCS equivalent English credits offered by Jump Start regional teams as approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education COURSES Algebra I, Algebra I Part One, and Algebra I Part Two, or an applied or hybrid Algebra course Geometry, Math Essentials, Financial Literacy (formerly Financial Math), Business Math, Algebra II, Algebra III, Advanced Math – Functions and Statistics, Advanced Math -Pre-calculus, Pre-calculus, or comparable Louisiana Technical College courses offered by Jump Start regional teams as approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Integrated Mathematics I, II, and III may be substituted for Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, for three mathematical credits. COURSES Biology I Chemistry I, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Agriscience I and Agriscience II (one unit combined); AP or IB Science offerings; Physics COURSES U.S. History, AP U.S. History, or IB History of the Americas I Civics, Government, AP U.S. Government and Politics: Comparative, or AP U.S. Government and Politics: United States COURSES Physical Education I PE II, Marching Band, Extracurricular Sports, Cheering, or Dance Teams Health Education(JROTC I and II may be used to meet the Health Ed requirement) Jump Start course sequences, workplace experiences, and credentials as approved in Regional Jump Start proposals. TOTAL = 23 Units
A student shall complete a regionally-designed, district-designed, district-implemented series of Career and Technical Education Jump Start coursework and workplace-based learning experiences leading to a statewide or regional Jump Start credential. Each student’s Jump Start graduation pathway shall include courses and workplace experiences specific to the credential, courses related to foundational career skills requirements, and other courses (including career electives) the Jump Start regional team determines are appropriate for the career pathway. 22
TOPS University Diploma Requirements For students entering the 9th grade in 2014-2015 and beyond English = 4 Units Courses 1 Unit 1 Unit 1 Unit from the following: 1 Unit from the following: MATH = 4 UNITS 1 Unit 1 Unit 1 Unit 1 Unit from the following:
SCIENCE = 4 UNITS 1 Unit 1 Unit 2 Units from the following
English I English II English III, AP English Language Arts and Composition, IB Literature, IB Language & Literature, or IB Literature and Performance. English IV, AP English Literature and Composition, IB Literature, Language and Literature, or IB Literature and Performance. Algebra I (Integrated Mathematics I, Integrated Mathematics II, and Integrated Mathematics III may be substituted for the Algebra Geometry I, Geometry, and Algebra II sequence) Algebra II Algebra III; Advanced Math- Functions and Statistics, Advanced Math – Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus, IB Math Studies (Math Methods), Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Probability and Statistics, AP Statistics, IB Mathematics SL, or IB Mathematics HL, AP Computer Science A Biology I Chemistry I Earth Science; Environmental Science; AP Environmental Science or IB Environmental Systems; Physical Science, Agriscience I and Agriscience II (the elective course Ag I is a prerequisite for Ag II); one of Chemistry II, AP Chemistry, IB Chemistry I, or IB Chemistry II; Physics I, or IB Physics I; one of AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics, or IB Physics II, AP Physics I, AP Physics II; one of Biology II, AP Biology I, or IB Biology II; One of Biology II, Anatomy and Physiology, AP Biology, IB Biology I, or IB Biology II
SOCIAL STUDIES = 4 UNITS 1 Unit from the following: U.S. History, AP US History, IB History of the Americas I 1 Unit from the following: Government, AP US Government and Politics: Comparative, AP US Government and Politics: United States, or Civics 2 Units from the following One of Western Civilization, European History, or AP European History; one of World
Geography, AP Human Geography, or IB Geography, World History or AP World History; History of the Americas II; Government, Economics; AP Macroeconomics; AP Microeconomics; or IB Economics; African American History
FOREIGN LANGUAGE = 2 UNITS American Sign Language I, II, III, IV; IB Language ab initio: Arabic, IB Language B: Arabic; AP Foreign Language, both French Language and Culture, IB Language ab initio: French, IB Language B: French, French III, units in the same French IV; AP German Language and Culture, IB Language ab initio: German, IB Language B: language, which may German Language and Culture, IB Language ab initio: German, IB Language B: German, include the following: German III, German IV; AP Latin, IB Classical Language, Latin III, Latin IV; AP Spanish Language and Culture, IB Language ab initio: Spanish, IB Language B: Spanish, Spanish III, Spanish IV; AP Chinese Language and Culture, IB Language ab initio: Chinese, or IB Language B: Chinese, Chinese III, Chinese IV; AP Italian Language and Culture, IB Language ab initio: Italian, IB Language B: Italian, Italian III, Italian IV; AP Japanese Language and Culture, IB Language ab initio: Japanese, IB Language B: Japanese, Japanese III, Japanese IV
ELECTIVES = 3 UNITS TOTAL UNITS = 24
Electives
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GRADING Graduation Ceremony vs. Diplomas In Evangeline Parish, once a student has successfully completed the course of studies required by the state to receive a diploma, (s)he has a RIGHT to the respective diploma attached thereto. However, participation in the graduation ceremony is not a RIGHT. It is a PRIVILEGE! Participation in the graduation ceremony is a PRIVILEGE, and therefore, the privilege of graduating with one’s class on graduation day is governed by the following conditions: 1.) Successful completion of the courses of study as required by the Louisiana Department of Education. Successful completion of these courses entitles a student to the state diploma but not the privilege of participating in the graduation ceremony.
2.) Certification by the School’s administration that the student has followed fully and faithfully all of the rules and regulations in the school’s Student Handbook to such a degree that the student has earned the privilege of being an active participant in the graduation ceremony. SPECIAL NOTE: If the graduating senior, for any reason, has not followed the rules and regulations in the student handbook, their PRIVILEGE of participating in the graduation ceremonies with their class MAY BE REVOKED. The decision to revoke the privilege of participating in the graduation ceremony will be decided by the Principal of the school on a case-by-case basis.
Grading Scale and Classification of Students (Grades 9-12) Classification of students in ninth through twelfth grades will be determined at the start of each school year. For purposes of graduation, mid-year changes to an individual’s classification may occur through an SBLC meeting as determined by the Principal. Classifications are based on units earned and will be as follows:
1-12 Grading Scale
Classification of Students ( Grades 9-12)
A = 100-90 B = 89-80 C= 79-70 D = 69-60 F = 59-0
Freshmen Sophomore Junior Senior
9th grade 10th grade 11th grade 12th grade
0-4.5 credits 5-10.5 credits 11-16.5 credits 17-23/24 credits
This grading scale is to be used when calculating all grades. Evangeline Parish School Board requires a minimum of 600 points per nine-week period in each course for grades 9-12. Of the 600 points, 400 must be from 100 point formal tests given during each reporting period. In grades 1 and 2 a minimum of 300 points is required per grading period. 200 points should come from 15-50 point assessments. In grades 3-8 a minimum of 400 points is required. 300 points should come from 50-100 point assignments. An average is determined from these grades. Grades may be based on formal tests, performance tests, special assignments, written or oral reports, and daily quizzes. Teachers MUST report formal grades in the electronic grade book numerically. Numerical progress reports and report cards will show only the Letter Grade. For calculating semester averages, the letter grade assigned for the nine weeks will be given a point value based on the Alpha Grading System. Elementary (K-8) 1st 9 Weeks 2nd 9 Weeks 25% 25%
3rd 9 Weeks 25%
4th 9 Weeks 25%
= 100% (Final grade is converted to Alpha Numeric)
4th 9 Weeks 20%
Final Exam 20%
High School (9-12) Full Year Courses 1st 9 Weeks 20%
2nd 9 Weeks 20%
3rd 9 Weeks 20%
=100% (Grade converted to Alpha Numeric)
High School (9-12) Block Schedule 1st 9 Weeks 40%
2nd 9 Weeks 40%
Final Exam 20%
=100% (Final Grade converted to Alpha Numeric)
High School (9-12) Block ½ credit courses 1st 9 Weeks Final Exam 80% 20% =100% (Final Grade converted to Alpha Numeric)
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*Note: There is no required midterm exam for full year courses. If midterm exams are given it is used as a regular test as part of the 2nd 9 weeks grades. *Note: AP and Dual Enrollment Courses or weighted with an extra quality point given on final grades for grades of A-C. No extra quality points are given for final grades of D or below (See chart below).
Exemptions for Final Exams Students may be exempted from the final exam if the student has all A’s for the previous 4 nine weeks. This exemption applies to grades 9-12 students that are enrolled in a full year course only. There are no exemptions for final exams in block courses.
** For any student to participate in an extracurricular activity/organization, the candidate must have earned a 1.5 grade point average and have a passing grade in 75% of their classes during the 1st semester. Note: This scale applies to both elementary and high school.
Letter Grade A B C D F
Quality Points 3.5-4.0 2.5-3.4 1.5-2.4 0.75-1.4 0.0-.74
ALPHA Grade System K-12 (Non-AP or College) A= 4 points B= 3 points C= 2 points D= 1 point F= 0 points
Alpha Grade System (AP or College Credit) A= 5 points B= 4 points C= 3 points D= 1point F= 0 points
Schedule Changes Schedule changes are not allowed unless an extenuating circumstance or conflict of courses arises. Judgment of these requests will be made by the Principal only and with written authorization from the student’s parents. Requests for change must be made in the first three (3) days of the school semester/year.
Report Cards Progress reports will be sent home every three (3) weeks. The purpose of this report is to advise parents of the academic progress each student is making in each class. Although report card grades will be calculated numerically, they will be reported only in letter grades (i.e. A, B, C, D, and F). Report cards will be issued once every nine (9) weeks period. (See Chart below for tentative dates). It is the responsibility of the students to take these notifications home to his/her parents or guardians. However, if parents would like to keep a running record of a student’s progress, they may visit the Student Progress Center online at www.epsb.com. For further assistance or help with technical difficulties, please contact the school’s secretary.
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Office of Assessments, Accountability, and Analytics
2026-2027 Louisiana Assessment Calendar Purpose This calendar provides an overview of the statewide assessments and screeners required by federal law, state law, or the rules of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) for the 2026–2027 school year. Assessments are organized by grade band to help educators, families, and school systems locate key information about each assessment. Act 674 (2026) requires each public school governing authority to post a direct hyperlink to this statewide assessment schedule and a PDF copy of the schedule on its public website no later than ten business days after the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) posts or updates the schedule.
Kindergarten–Grade 8 Grade Level(s)
Kindergarten
Kindergarten–3
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Shaywitz Dyslexia Screener (Pearson)
K-3 Statewide Literacy and Numeracy Screeners (Amplify and Kite)
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
Subject/Content Area(s)
Dyslexia Screener
Literacy and Numeracy
Delivery Method
Teacher Survey (Online) No students
CBT
Administration Window: March 1–May 8 Make-Up: N/A Frequency: N/A Estimated Time: N/A Annual Testing Time: N/A Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:392.11); BESE Rule (Bulletin 741) Window: ● BOY: First 30 days of school ● MOY: December 1–31 ● EOY: April 1–30 ● Accommodations Final
Release Date: 00/00/00
Page 1
Grade Level(s)
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Subject/Content Area(s)
Delivery Method
Administration ○ MOY: November 1 ○ EOY: March 2 Make-Up: Within windows Frequency: 3/year Literacy Estimated Time: 7-11 minutes/student Literacy Annual Testing Time: 24-33 minutes/student Numeracy Estimated Time: 12-13 minutes/student Numeracy Annual Testing Time: 36-39 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.10); BESE Rule (Bulletin 741)
Grade 3 (for qualifying students)
Grade 3 Literacy Rescreening (Amplify)*
Literacy
CBT
Grade 3
LEAP (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
English Language Arts (ELA)
PBT or CBT (Grade 3 only)
Grades 4–5
LEAP
English Language Arts (ELA)
CBT
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
Window: Last week of school through June 30 (Minimum two-week wait between Grade 2 and 3 EOY administrations). Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: As needed Estimated Time: 11 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 22 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.10); BESE Rule (Bulletin 741) Window: ● PBT: Grade 3: April 7-9 ● CBT: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 120 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 120 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118) Window: ● CBT: April 1-May 12
Page 2
Grade Level(s)
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Subject/Content Area(s)
Delivery Method
(Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
Grades 6–8
Grades 3–5
Grades 6–8
LEAP (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
LEAP (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
LEAP (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
Administration ● Accommodations Final: March 2 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 190 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 190 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
English Language Arts (ELA)
Mathematics
Mathematics
CBT
Window: ● CBT: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 190 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 190 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
CBT
Window: ● PBT: Grade 3: April 7-9 ● CBT: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 195 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 195 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
CBT
Window: ● PBT: Grade 3: April 7-9 ● CBT: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 Make-Up: Within state testing window
Page 3
Grade Level(s)
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Subject/Content Area(s)
Delivery Method
Administration Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 210 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 210 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grades 5–8
LEAP (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
LEAP (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
LEAP (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
Science
Science
Science
CBT
Window: ● PBT: Grade 3: April 12-13 ● CBT: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 140 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 140 minutes/student Authority: State Law/BESE Rule (R.S. 17:24.4; Bulletin 118)
CBT
Window: ● PBT: Grade 3: April 12-13 ● CBT: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 160 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 160 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
CBT
Window: ● April 12-13 ● CBT: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year
Page 4
Grade Level(s)
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Subject/Content Area(s)
Delivery Method
Administration Estimated Time: 195 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 195 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
Grades 3–4
LEAP (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
Social Studies
CBT
Window: ● April 12-13 ● CBT: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 160 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 160 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118) Window: ● April 12-13 ● CBT: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 195 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 195 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
LEAP (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
Social Studies
CBT
Grade Level(s)
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Subject/Content Area(s)
Delivery Method
Grades 9–12
LEAP High School (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
Algebra I and Geometry
CBT
Grades 5–8
Grades 9–12
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
Administration Window: ● Fall: November 30-December 18 ● Accommodations Final: October 30
Page 5
Grade Level(s)
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Subject/Content Area(s)
Delivery Method
Administration ● Spring: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 ● Summer: June 21-25 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 240 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 240 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
Grades 9–12
Grades 9–12
LEAP High School (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
LEAP High School (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
Biology
Civics
CBT
Window: ● Fall: November 30-December 18 ● Accommodations Final: October 30 ● Spring: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 ● Summer: June 21-25 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 165 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 165 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
CBT
Window: ● Fall: November 30-December 18 ● Accommodations Final: October 30 ● Spring: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 ● Summer: June 21-25 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 240 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 240 minutes/student
Page 6
Grade Level(s)
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Subject/Content Area(s)
Delivery Method
Administration Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
Grades 9–12
Grades 9–12
LEAP High School (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
LEAP High School (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
U.S. History
English I and English II
CBT
Window: ● Fall: November 30-December 18 ● Accommodations Final: October 30 ● Spring: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 ● Summer: June 21-25 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 225 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 225 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
CBT
Window: ● Fall: November 30-December 18 ● Accommodations Final: October 30 ● Spring: April 1-May 12 ● Accommodations Final: March 2 ● Summer: June 21-25 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 260 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 260 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
Page 7
Grade Level(s)
Grade 11
Grades 11–12
Assessment Name (Vendor)
American College Test- ACT (ACT, Inc.)
ACT WorkKeys Accommodated (ACT, Inc.)*
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
Subject/Content Area(s)
English, Mathematics, and Reading
Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents
Delivery Method
Administration
CBT
Window: ● Window 1: February 23-26, March 1-5 Online standard time, accommodations online and paper ● Window 2: March 9-12, March 15-19 Online standard time, accommodations online and paper ● Accommodations determined by ACT Make-Up: In window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 165 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 165 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
CBT
Window: ● Fall Window 1: Sept 30, Oct 1-2; 5-9, 12 ● Fall Window 2: October 14-16, 19-23, 26 ● Spring Window 1: March 10-12, 15-19, 22 ● Spring Window 2: March 24-26, 29-31, April 1-2, 5 Make-Up: Within windows Frequency: As needed Estimated Time: 165 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 165 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118)
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Grade Level(s)
Grades 9–12
Grades 9–12
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Subject/Content Area(s)
College Level Examination Program- CLEP (College Board)*
College-level subject selected by student (e.g., English, Mathematics, Science, History, World Languages, Business, Social Sciences)
Advanced Placement- AP (College Board)*
Delivery Method
Administration
CBT
Window: Open window- Complete by May 19 Make-Up: Frequency: As needed Estimated Time: 90 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 90 minutes/student Authority: BESE (Bulletin 741–Graduation Requirements)
Advanced Placement course selected by student (e.g., English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Arts)
CBT
Window: Open window- Complete by May 19 Make-Up: Frequency: As needed Estimated Time: 180 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 180 minutes/student Authority: BESE (Bulletin 741–Graduation Requirements)
Subject/Content Area(s)
Delivery Method
Small Populations Grade Level(s)
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Grades 3–8, 11
LEAP Connect (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)*
Grades 3–8, 11
LEAP Connect (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)*
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
English Language Arts (ELA)
Math
Administration
CBT
Window: ● February 15-March 19 ● Accommodations and eligibility final January 16 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 110 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 110 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 127)
CBT
Window: ● February 15-March 19 ● Accommodations and eligibility final January 16 Make-Up: Within state testing window
Page 9
Grade Level(s)
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Subject/Content Area(s)
Delivery Method
Administration Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 105 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 105 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 127)
Grades 3–8, 11
Grades 3–8, 11
K–12
LEAP Connect (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)*
LEAP Connect (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)*
ELPT/ELPT Connect (Cambium Assessment, Inc.)*
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
Science
Social Studies
English Language Proficiency Assessment
CBT
Window: ● February 15-March 19 ● Accommodations and eligibility final January 16 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 105 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 105 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 127)
CBT
Window: ● February 15-March 19 ● Accommodations and eligibility final January 16 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 105 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 105 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 127)
CBT
Window: ● February 15-March 19 ● Accommodations and eligibility final January 16 Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time Grades K-1: 40-60 minutes/student (untimed) Annual Testing Time Grades K-1: 40-60 minutes/student (untimed) Estimated Time Grades 2-3: 60-90 minutes/student (untimed)
Page 10
Grade Level(s)
Assessment Name (Vendor)
Subject/Content Area(s)
Delivery Method
Administration Annual Testing Time Grades 2-3: 60-90 minutes/student (untimed) Estimated Time Grades 4-5: 60-100 minutes/student (untimed) Annual Testing Time Grades 4-5: 60-100 minutes/student (untimed) Estimated Time Grades 6-8: 80-140 minutes/student (untimed) Annual Testing Time Grades 6-8: 80-140 minutes/student (untimed) Estimated Time Grades 9-12: 80-152 minutes/student (untimed) Annual Testing Time Grades 9-12: 80-152 minutes/student (untimed) Authority: Federal Law (ESSA, Title III, 20 U.S.C. §§ 6801–7014); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118, Chapter 73)
K–12
Entering Grades 5 or 9
ELPS (Cambium Assessment, Inc.CAI)*
State Placement Test for LEAP (Data Recognition Corporation- DRC)*
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
English Language Proficiency Screener
Placement Assessment
CBT
Window: Open window- Within first 30 days of student’s enrollment Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time: 60-100 minutes/student (untimed) Annual Testing Time: 60-100 minutes/student (untimed) Authority: Federal Law (ESSA, Title III, 20 U.S.C. §§ 6801–7014); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118, Chapter 73)
CBT
Window: Open window- Notify DRC 30 days prior to administration Make-Up: Within state testing window Frequency: Once/year Estimated Time Grade 4: 385 minutes/student Annual Testing Time Grade 4: 385 minutes/student Estimated Time Grade 8: 400 minutes/student Annual Testing Time Grade 8: 400 minutes/student Authority: State Law (R.S. 17:24.4); BESE Rule (Bulletin 118, Chapter 77–Placement Tests)
Page 11
National and International Assessments (Selected Schools) Grade Level(s)
Grades 4, 8, and 12
Assessment Name (Vendor)
National Assessment of Educational Progress- NAEP (Educational Testing ServiceETS)*
Subject/Content Area(s)
English Language Arts (ELA) and Math
Delivery Method
CBT
Administration Window: January–March for selected schools Make-Up: N/A Frequency: Varies (biennial or as scheduled by NCES) Estimated Time: 120 minutes/student Annual Testing Time: 120 minutes/student Authority: Federal Law (Federal Law (20 U.S.C. § 9622)
* An asterisk (*) indicates that the assessment is administered only to students for whom it is applicable within the listed grade band and is not required for all students.
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
Page 12
Key Terms ACT: American College Test AP: Advanced Placement, various subjects BOY: Beginning of Year CBT: Computer-Based Test CLEP: College Level Examination Program, various subjects ELPS: English Language Proficiency Screener ELPT: English Language Proficiency Test ELPT Connect: ELPT Alternate Assessment EOY: End of Year K3 Literacy Screening: Statewide administration in mCLASS K-3 Numeracy Screening: Statewide administration in KITE LEAP Grades 3-8: ELA, mathematics, science, social studies LEAP High School: English I, English II, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, US History, Civics LEAP Connect: Alternate Assessment; grades 3-HS ELA, mathematics, science MOY: Middle of Year NAEP: National Assessment of Educational Progress PBT: Paper-Based Test Window: A range of days from which school systems or schools choose the dates and times for assessment administration ACT WorkKeys: Optional assessment that measures essential workplace skills
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
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FILE: IFBGA Cf: EBBB, EFA Cf: JCDAF, JCDAG COMPUTER ACCESS AND USE
It is the policy of the Evangeline Parish School Board to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act. The following terms shall be as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act: 1.
Minor: The term minor means any individual who has not attained the age of seventeen (17) years.
2.
Technology Protection Measure: The term technology protection measure means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are: A.
Obscene, as the term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;
B.
Child pornography, as the term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or
C.
Harmful to minors.
3.
Harmful to Minors: The term harmful to minors means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction.
4.
Sexual Act; Sexual Contact: The terms sexual act and sexual contact have meaning given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
INTERNET SAFETY The Internet is a vast, global computer network that provides access to major universities, governmental agencies, other school systems, and commercial providers of data banks. The Evangeline Parish School Board shall establish appropriate guidelines for exploring and using Internet resources within the school district to enhance learning and teaching activities. Acceptable use of these resources shall be consistent with the philosophy, goals and objectives of the Evangeline Parish School Board. The School Board shall designate a representative to provide age and grade appropriate classroom instruction regarding Internet and cell phone safety. The training provided shall be designed to promote the district's commitment to:
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The standard acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in policy IFBGA, Computer Access and Use;
2.
Student safety with regard to:
3.
A.
Safety on the Internet;
B.
Appropriate behavior while online, on social networking web sites, and in chat rooms; and
C.
Cyberbullying awareness and response.
Compliance with E-Rate requirement of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
In addition, the School Board, in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, shall develop and distribute age and grade appropriate information to each student regarding Internet and cell phone safety and online content that is a threat to school safety. The information shall include the following: •
Instruction on how to detect potential threats to school safety exhibited online, including posting on any social media platform.
•
Visual examples of possible threats.
•
The process for reporting potential threats, which shall be in accordance with the procedures referenced in policy EBBB, School and Student Safety.
Such information shall be either distributed to or explained to students and school personnel at the beginning of each school year and shall be posted on an easily accessible page of the School Board’s website and the website of each school. If information reported to a school is deemed a potential threat to school safety, the school shall present the written form and any further evidence to local law enforcement. After a student has received training, the student and parent or guardians shall sign an Acceptable Use of Computers and Internet Agreement, which shall be required before any student will be allowed to use school system computers. The student and parent/guardian’s signatures shall be legally binding on all parties and shall indicate they have read the terms and conditions carefully and understand their significance. In its continued efforts to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act, the School Board shall adopt and enforce a policy of Internet safety that incorporates the use of computer-related technology or the use of Internet service provider technology designed
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FILE: IFBGA Cf: EBBB, EFA Cf: JCDAF, JCDAG to block or filter Internet access for minors and adults to certain visual depictions, including without limitation those that are obscene, child pornographic, or harmful to minors, including without limitation sites that are excessively, violent, pervasively vulgar, or sexually harassing. Sites which contain information on the manufacturing of bombs or other incendiary devices shall also be prohibited. Only authorized persons may disable for an adult user the blocking or filtering mechanism in order to enable Internet access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, which shall include online services for legitimate scientific or educational purposes approved by the School Board, or access to online services of a newspaper with a daily circulation of at least 1,000. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the network facilitator or designated representatives. In addition to filtering requirements, the School Board shall maintain regulations which, to the extent practical: !
Prohibit access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web;
!
Address the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, such as "Instant Messaging;"
!
Prohibit unauthorized access, including what is now known as Ahacking@ and other unlawful on-line activities by minors online;
!
Prohibit unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and
!
Institutes measures designed to restrict minors' access to materials harmful to minors.
Guidelines are provided so that Internet users are aware of the responsibilities they are about to assume. Responsibilities include efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of network resources. All users, including students, employees, or any other users of School Board computers, hardware, and School Board network shall abide by all policies of the School Board and any applicable administrative regulations and procedures. COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1)
Acceptable Use - The purpose of the Internet is to support research and education in and among academic institutions by providing access to unique resources and opportunities for collaborative work. Transmission of any material in violation of any federal, state, local or School District regulations shall be prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade institutions. Use for product advertisement, political lobbying, or illegal activities shall be strictly prohibited. Subscriptions to
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FILE: IFBGA Cf: EBBB, EFA Cf: JCDAF, JCDAG listservers, bulletin boards, and on-line services must be pre-approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee. 2)
Privileges - The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use shall result in a cancellation of those privileges and may result in disciplinary or legal action by the administration, faculty, staff, or District Technology Coordinator.
3)
Netiquette - Users shall be expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
4)
!
Users shall be polite and use appropriate language. Abusive messages shall not be sent to others.
!
Users shall never reveal personal addresses or phone numbers of students or colleagues.
!
Electronic mail (e-mail), if provided, is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities must be reported to the authorities. All users should be aware that routine monitoring of the system may lead to discovery that the user has or is violating the Acceptable Use Agreement, the Student Handbook and/or the law. Routine maintenance of the system may also purge files from individual accounts.
!
The network shall not be used in a way that would disrupt the use of the network by other users (e.g. downloading huge files during prime time, sending mass e-mail messages, or annoying other users using the talk or write functions). Hardware or software shall not be destroyed, modified, or abused in any way.
!
Malicious use of the network to develop programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system and/or damage the software components of a computer or computing system shall be prohibited.
!
Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks and other antisocial behaviors shall be prohibited on the network.
!
The illegal installation of copyrighted software for use on district computers shall be prohibited.
!
Use of the network to access or process pornographic material, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the local area network (LAN) shall be prohibited.
Security - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Any suspected security problem on the Internet shall be reported to the building technology coordinator or the principal. The problem
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FILE: IFBGA Cf: EBBB, EFA Cf: JCDAF, JCDAG shall not be demonstrated to other users. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems shall be denied access to the Internet. 5)
Vandalism - Vandalism shall result in cancellation of privileges and or other disciplinary actions. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware or software data of the school system, another user, the Internet Service Provider, or other networks that are connected to Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. No software, programs, or files may be installed or downloaded by any user without the prior permission of the building technology coordinator, who must scan for appropriateness and viruses.
6)
Consequences of Misuse - School principals may suspend from school any student who accesses, sends, receives, or configures electronically any profane or language or pictures or violates the Code of Conduct for computer use, or any rules contained in the Acceptable Use Agreement.
ACCEPTABLE USE The Evangeline Parish School Board acceptable use provisions apply to all users of the Internet. Honesty, integrity, and respect for the rights of others should be evident at all times. E-mail shall be limited to teachers and whole classes only. Students shall only be identified by first names. The use of the Internet in any Evangeline Parish school must be in support of education and academic research and consistent with the educational objectives of the School Board. Neither the Evangeline Parish School Board nor any of the schools shall be responsible for any financial obligations incurred by users of the Internet. Internet activities that are permitted and encouraged: !
Investigation of topics being studied in school;
!
Investigation of opportunities outside of school related to community service, employment or further education.
The Internet user shall be held responsible for his/her actions and activities. Unacceptable uses of the network shall result in appropriate disciplinary action, including school suspension or revoking of these privileges. Terms and Conditions of Use Regulations for participation by anyone on the Internet shall include but not be not be limited to the following: 1.
Personal Privacy and Safety
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2.
3.
4.
A.
Users shall not reveal any personal contact information about themselves or any other person on the Internet.
B.
Users shall not agree to meet with someone they have met on the Internet without appropriate approval. Inappropriate contacts should be reported to school authorities immediately.
Illegal Activities A.
Users shall not transmit any material or engage in any activities in violation of any national, state, or local regulations.
B.
Users shall not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any network resources including (but not limited to) computer systems and other users’ accounts or files.
C.
Users shall not attempt to disrupt the network or network resources or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or worms or by any other means.
D.
Users shall not attempt to impersonate another individual using network resources for any reason.
Security A.
Users shall immediately notify system administrators if a possible security problem is identified. However, purposely looking for security problems may be considered an illegal attempt to gain access.
B.
Users shall only use storage media (disks, CD’s, pen drives, etc.) that have been scanned and found to be free of viruses.
C.
Users shall not attach any device to the network without prior approval by the system administrators.
D.
Users should be aware that all network traffic (including Internet usage and email) is regularly monitored for inappropriate use.
E.
Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to network resources.
Network Resources A.
Users shall only use network resources in support of the educational
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FILE: IFBGA Cf: EBBB, EFA Cf: JCDAF, JCDAG goals and objectives of the Evangeline Parish School System.
5.
6.
B.
Users shall not intentionally waste network bandwidth (listening to online radio stations, viewing streaming video, downloading large files, etc.).
C.
Users shall not use network resources for commercial purposes.
D.
Users shall not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language in network communications. This includes personally attacking or harassing another person.
E.
Users shall not display, download, or transmit any inappropriate materials (including offensive messages, images, and videos).
F.
Users shall not send or forward email “chain letters” or send annoying or unnecessary messages.
G.
Users shall not send mass email or “spam” any users (internal or external) with unauthorized communications or solicitations.
H.
Users shall respect copyrighted material and other intellectual property. Users may not duplicate or distribute electronic resources without the appropriate permissions, documentations, or citations.
Software A.
Users shall not download, store, or install any unapproved or unlicensed software on school system computers.
B.
Users shall not install any unauthorized or unlicensed school system software on their personal/home computers.
Content Filtering A.
B.
C.
7.
Precautions have been taken to eliminate inappropriate content. However, it is impossible to restrict access to all inappropriate content. Users shall immediately report to school authorities any website they access that contains inappropriate content. Users shall not attempt to bypass the district’s content filters to view inappropriate content.
Consequences of Inappropriate Use
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FILE: IFBGA Cf: EBBB, EFA Cf: JCDAF, JCDAG A.
The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in the temporary or permanent cancellation of that privilege and/or other disciplinary action (including suspension, expulsion, or legal action) as deemed appropriate by administration, faculty, and staff.
B.
Note that no information on the network (including email and personal files) is guaranteed to be private. Information relating to or in support of illegal activities must be reported to the authorities.
C.
Inappropriate use of the network may result in legal action and/or prosecution, and may require restitution for costs associated with system restoration, hardware, or software costs.
D.
Users bringing illegal and/or inappropriate materials onto the network shall be subject to disciplinary action.
ACCEPTABLE USE FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 1. Overview ○ In recognition of the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and their potential to enhance educational experiences, Evangeline Parish is committed to facilitating the responsible and effective use of AI tools within our schools. This addendum to the district’s Acceptable Use Policy outlines guidelines and expectations for the use of AI technologies. The objective of these guidelines is to ensure that all tools used to support learning, teaching, and administration are aligned with our mission and values. 2. Definitions ○ Artificial Intelligence (AI): Computer systems or software that perform tasks requiring human intelligence, including but not limited to learning, decisionmaking, and language processing. ○ Machine Learning: A subset of AI that involves computers learning from data without being explicitly programmed for specific tasks. ○ Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI’s ability to understand and generate human language. ○ Generative AI: AI technologies that can generate new content, including text, images, audio, and video, based on their training data. These tools can be used for creative and educational purposes but must be used with consideration for accuracy, appropriateness, and originality.
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FILE: IFBGA Cf: EBBB, EFA Cf: JCDAF, JCDAG 3. Access and Permissions ○ Access to approved AI tools is granted to students, faculty, and staff for educational and administrative purposes only. 4. Ethical Use ○ Users must not employ AI tools to conduct or support cheating, plagiarism, or any academic dishonesty. ○ Generative AI content that is inappropriate, offensive, or harmful is strictly prohibited. ○ Respect and courtesy must be maintained when interacting with AI systems, recognizing their impact on the learning environment. ○ Users should be aware of the potential for AI bias in tools and consider this when interpreting AI-generated information or content. The district encourages critical thinking and scrutiny of AI outputs and training data sets for large language models and other generative AI tools, promoting discussions on how biases can affect the fairness and accuracy of AI-generated content. Natural language processing functions are expected to be accessible and consistent for students of all languages and dialects. Users are encouraged to report instances of perceived bias to the technology department for further investigation. 5. Privacy, Security, and Data Protection ○ Users must be aware of data privacy concerns with AI tools, especially regarding the handling of personal and sensitive information. ○ Personally identifiable, confidential, and/or sensitive information should never be shared with an AI tool unless such sharing is explicitly approved by the district. ○
All AI tools must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and other relevant privacy laws.
○ Only district AI tools pre-approved through Clever and/or Classlink have robust security measures to protect user data from unauthorized access. NO AI TOOLS SHOULD BE UTILIZED WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE EPSD TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE PROTOCOLS ARE IN PLACE. ○ Users are expected to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of all AI tools, specifically with respect to age requirements.
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FILE: IFBGA Cf: EBBB, EFA Cf: JCDAF, JCDAG ○ The district may conduct regular security assessments of AI technologies to safeguard against vulnerabilities. 6. Academic Integrity ○ AI tools should supplement the educational process without undermining the integrity of academic work. Examples of appropriate use include generating ideas for brainstorming sessions, providing tutoring in specific subjects, and automating administrative tasks. ○ Direct submission of AI-generated work as one’s own without proper attribution or reliance on AI for completing assignments without understanding the content is prohibited. ○ Users must respect copyright laws and intellectual property rights when using AI tools. This includes not using AI to replicate or modify copyrighted materials without authorization and properly citing all sources of content, including AIgenerated content, to avoid plagiarism. 7. Monitoring and Enforcement ○
The district reserves the right to monitor the use of AI tools to ensure compliance with this policy.
○
This may include real-time monitoring of network activity and/or maintaining a log of Internet activity for later review.
○
There is no right to privacy on the district’s network or devices. All users should operate under the assumption that all online activity, including digital communications and interactions with AI tools, will be visible to the district’s system administrators.
○
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension of access to technology resources, disciplinary measures as per the student and employee handbooks, and notification of supervisors, parents, or guardians.
Revised: November, 2012 Revised: June, 2013 Revised: January 16, 2019
Ref:
Revised: March 19, 2025
47 USC 254(h) (Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:100.7, 17:280, 17:410; Board minutes, 8-12-92, 8-16-95, 4-4-07, 6-309, 6-5-13, 1-16-19., 3-19-25
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Evangeline Parish Acceptable Use of Technology Systems Agreement: Students The Evangeline Parish School Board is pleased to offer students access to the School Board's technology systems and networks, including but not limited to the Internet. Should a parent/guardian desire to prohibit their child's access to the internet, the responsibility rests on the parent/guardian to notify the school in writing within 10 days of the start of the school year. If the school does not receive notification in writing, parental permission to use the technology systems of the School Board will be assumed, and this permission shall include access to the internet and email systems, permission to publish student work to classroom websites, and permission to have unidentified photos of the student published to classroom websites. Use of the School Board's technology systems and networks, including but not limited to the Internet, will allow students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards. Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, inappropriate or potentially offensive to some people. While the intent is to make the School Board's technology systems and networks, including but not limited to the Internet, available to further technology educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. Filtering software at school sites is in use to block access to materials that are inappropriate, offensive, obscene, or pornographic. However, no filtering system is capable of blocking 100% of the inappropriate material available on the Internet. The School Board and its staff believe that the benefits to students from use of the School Board's technology systems and networks, including but not limited to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for sharing, exceed any disadvantages. Ultimately, parents and guardians of students are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the School Board supports and respects each family's right to decide whether to give permission for the use of the School Board’s technology systems and networks, including but not limited to the Internet. I have read the rules of the School Board's technology systems and networks, including but not limited to the Internet, which are stated below and I will ask my parent/guardian or an adult at my school if I do not understand what any of them mean. 1. Users must demonstrate honesty, integrity, and respect for others at all times. Appropriate manners and language are required. 2. No photographs, personal addresses, personal phone numbers, or last names will be permitted in student use of the Internet. 3. Illegal activities, including copyright or contract violations, shall not be permitted. The Internet may not be used for financial or commercial gain. Do not make copies of any copyrighted materials, programs or software. 4. Threatening, profane, or abusive messages are forbidden. 5. No activities are allowed which may damage or interrupt equipment usage or any networking system. 6. Any attempt to alter, harm or destroy the data of another user of the Internet, or any network on the Internet is forbidden. 7. No user is permitted to upload, or create a computer virus on the Internet or any networking system. 8. Resources offered by the Internet and paid for by the Board may not be willfully wasted. 9. The network is provided for students to conduct research, complete assignments, and communicate with others. Access is a privilege, not a right and entails responsibility. 10. Invading the privacy of another user, or using their account, is forbidden. 11. Posting personal messages without the author's consent is forbidden. 12. Sending or posting anonymous messages is forbidden. 13. Perusing, or otherwise accessing, or viewing, obscene or pornographic material, or using profanity in messages is expressly forbidden. 14. Product advertising, political lobbying, or sending messages involving illegal activities are not permitted. Any such use shall be reported to the teacher when evidence of such is encountered on the Internet. 15. When a security problem is detected, it shall be reported immediately to the teacher. The problem shall not be demonstrated to other users. 16. Suspension shall automatically result for a user who accesses, sends, receives or configures electronically any profane or obscene language or pictures. 17. Use or posting of information related to the school, school staff, students, images of the school, the school logo, initials or seal, in any form on the Internet or in any form of electronic communication without specific written permission of the Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall be prohibited. The posting of any such information on any website, bulletin board, chat room, email, or other messaging system without permission, or the posting or transmission of images or information in any format related to the school, staff, or students that are defamatory, abusive, pornographic, or which could be construed as threatening or impugning the character of another person is prohibited. 18. Students who violate this policy will face disciplinary action to include suspension and expulsion per the policies of the Evangeline Parish School System.
49
As access to technology and the Internet continues to grow, children are increasingly interacting with strangers online, accessing Internet pornography, and experiencing cyberbulling. This is extremely dangerous. Most parents routinely warn their children not to talk to strangers, but did you know that many video games have chat features that allow your child to converse and share images with strangers? Children may think they’re playing with other children, but the person on the other computer could be anyone. Children also have greater access to pornography, particularly on the Internet, than ever before. Research has shown that pornography can harm children for many years through adulthood. The effects of pornography can be addicting, traumatizing, and lead to unhealthy or abusive sexual relationships as children grow up. Cyberbullying also becomes a real issue as children begin using social media. Louisiana state law defines cyberbullying as “the transmission of any electronic textual, visual, written, or oral communication with the malicious and willful intent to coerce, abuse, torment, or intimidate a person under the age of eighteen”, and also includes sexually charged content such as revealing photos and messaging of a sexual nature. Louisiana has enacted strong laws to address bullying and cyberbullying by public school students (R.S. 17:416.13, Act 369 of the 2018 Regular Session, R.S. 17:100.7).
wHAT CAn PArEnTS DO?
KNOW what technology your child uses and how it works. Does the device connect to the Internet? Does game or app allow for online upgrades or purchases, or include a chat feature or multiple players? Is your child required to have an account to play the game or use the app that will include their personal information? MONITOR how your child uses technology and restrict the time they spend on the Internet by establishing ground rules. If your child interacts with strangers or accesses inappropriate material online, talk to them about the dangers of doing so and take steps to prevent it from happening again. TALK regularly with your child about how he/she uses technology and how to do so safely. Tell your child what to do if contacted by a stranger, if inappropriate materials are accessed, or if your child feels bullied. Tell your child to never share personal information or photos with stranger, and encourage open communication so that he/she feels comfortable coming to you with questions or concerns. REPORT any suspicious communications to the police and speak with school administrators about possible cyberbullying so that action can be taken.
what resources Can Help? There are many resources to support parents in protecting their child from dangerous online content and communications, including: NetSmartz.org offers information, tips, and advice for parents and educators on safe technology use. Louisianabelieves.com, the Louisiana Department of Education’s website, contains information and procedures to follow in the event that your child is experiencing bullying. (Type “bullying” in the search box.) Stopbullying.gov offers tips on how to identify and safely stand up to bullying www.fbi.gov/resources/parents, FBI resources for parents that address cyberbullying, advice for kids, social networking sites, child sexual exploitation, missing children, and more. Free Internet filters you can install at home: cleanbrowsing.org, OpenDNS Family shield (https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/), K9 Web Protection (http://www1.k9webprotection.com/), and Windows Live Family Safety (account.microsoft.com/family).
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FILE: JR Cf: IFDA STUDENT PRIVACY AND EDUCATION RECORDS The Evangeline Parish School Board acknowledges and affirms that parents, guardians, and students eighteen (18) years of age or older (eligible students) have certain rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Louisiana law with respect to the privacy, inspection, review, and disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records. DEFINITIONS 1.
Disclosure shall mean to provide or permit access to, or the release, transfer, or other communication of personally identifiable information (PII) contained in education records by any means, including oral, written, or electronic means, to any party except the party identified as the party that provided or created the record.
2.
Educational records shall be defined as records which are directly related to a student and are maintained by the Evangeline Parish School Board or school or by a person acting for the School Board or school. Excluded from the term educational records are records of instructional, supervisory or administrative personnel which are in the sole possession of the maker and are not accessible or revealed to any other individual except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record; records of a law enforcement unit of the School Board (if any); records created or received by the School Board after an individual is no longer a student in attendance and that are not directly related to the individual's attendance as a student; and grades on peer-graded papers before they are collected and recorded by a teacher.
3.
Eligible Student means a student who has reached eighteen (18) years of age or is attending an institution of postsecondary education.
4.
Legitimate educational interest shall be defined as the interest that requires regular access for purposes of adding material, periodic review, filing new student data and/or removing inadequate, ambiguous, no longer relevant data; the interest having the educational wellbeing of the student in mind for purposes of continuing, improving or changing the education program of the student and the interest in which the person has a legitimate need to know. The Superintendent shall have the authority to determine those individuals who have legitimate educational interests for purposes of this policy, except that any such authorization must be consistent with federal law (FERPA).
5.
Parent or legal guardian shall mean a student's natural parent, legal guardian, or other person or entity responsible for the student in the absence of a parent or legal guardian.
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FILE: JR Cf: IFDA 6.
Personally identifiable information shall be defined as information about an individual that may be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single individual, including but not limited to the following: A. B. C. D. E. F. G.
7.
The student's name; The name of the student's parent or other family members; The address of the student or student's family member; A personal identifier that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity such as social security number, date and place of birth, mother's maiden name, or biometric records. Race and ethnicity data. Any other information that is linked or linkable to a specific student such as medical, educational, financial, and employment information. Two (2) or more pieces of information that separately or when linked together can be used to reasonably ascertain the identity of the person.
School official shall be defined as a teacher, school principal, School Board member, counselor, attorney, accountant, human resources professional, information systems specialist, support or clerical personnel, school resource officer, authorized volunteer, or any school system employee who is authorized to perform a function or service on behalf of the Evangeline Parish School Board. A contractor, consultant, volunteer, or other party to whom a school or institution has outsourced institutional services or functions is also considered a school official provided that they are performing an institutional service or function for which the School Board would otherwise use employees and is under the direct control of the School Board with respect to the use and maintenance of education records. See 34 CFR 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B).
FERPA PRIVACY RIGHTS 1.
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within forty-five (45) days of the day the Evangeline Parish School Board receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child's or their education records should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2.
The right to request an amendment to the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the school to amend their child's or
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FILE: JR Cf: IFDA their education records should write the school principal [or appropriate school official] indicating their desire, clearly identify the part of the records they believe to be inaccurate or misleading, and specify why it should be amended. If the decision is not to amend the record as requested, the Superintendent, or designee, shall notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of his/her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 3.
The right to provide written consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) contained within the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA and Louisiana law authorize the disclosure without consent.
4.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School Board to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS To protect the privacy of its students, the Evangeline Parish School Board will utilize and assign to each student in its jurisdiction a unique student identification number in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:3914(C)(3). The student identification numbers shall not include or be based on social security numbers. STUDENT INFORMATION DISCLOSURES 1.
In accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:3914(H) and FERPA, access to student PII may be authorized by the Superintendent without parent/eligible student consent to school officials with legitimate educational interests. Disclosure of personally identifiable information from students' education records is also authorized without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets other conditions set forth below. The School Board is required to record disclosures of PII, except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student. Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures.
2.
The Superintendent is authorized to disclose PII from the education records of a student, without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student, as follows: A.
To other school officials whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests in accordance with the annual notification of FERPA rights. For contractors, the student PII may be transferred to computers operated and maintained by the contractor and the contractor shall not allow access to or release student PII to any person or entity
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Upon request, to officials of another school, school system or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, and for compliance with In accordance with the state and federal reporting requirements. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), if a student with a disability is enrolled, or is going to enroll in a private school that is not located in the geographic jurisdiction of the Evangeline Parish School Board of the parent's residence, parental consent must be obtained before any personally identifiable information about the student is released between the School Board and the private school.
C.
To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or the Louisiana Department of Education. Disclosures may be made in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with federal and State legal requirements that relate to those programs. Student information provided to School Board members, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE), or the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) shall be identifiable only by a student's identification number and aggregate data and shall be disclosed solely for the purpose of satisfying state and federal reporting requirements. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf, or as expressly authorized by statute, if applicable requirements are met.
D.
In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary for such purposes to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. Once the parent, guardian, or student of majority age has granted written consent for collection of certain data in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:3914(K), such data shall be used for purposes of processing a student’s application for admission to a Louisiana postsecondary education institution or to the Board of Regents and the office of student financial assistance, as a program under its jurisdiction, for receipt of financial aid pursuant to such consent. Failure to provide such consent may result in delays or prevent successful application for admission to a postsecondary educational institution and state and federal student aid. Consent provided under La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:3914(K) shall continue unless withdrawn in writing.
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To the Louisiana Board of Regents, and the office of student financial assistance, as a program under its jurisdiction, to be used only by staff for required grant program reporting for the purposes of providing reports to each public school governing authority on the postsecondary remediation needs, retention rates, and graduation rates for each high school under its jurisdiction and for the purpose of evaluating comparative postsecondary performance outcomes based upon student transcript data in order to develop policies designed to improve student academic achievement.
F.
To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed as authorized by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system and the system’s ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records were released.
G.
To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction, if applicable requirements are met. In no case shall a contractor be permitted to use student information to conduct predictive modeling for the purpose of limiting the educational opportunities of students.
H.
To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.
I.
To parents of an eligible student, if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes.
J.
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, subject to the requirements of federal and State law.
K.
To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to the requirements of federal and State law.
L.
To an agency caseworker or other representative of a State or local child welfare agency or tribal organization who is authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible, in accordance with State or tribal law, for the care and protection of the student in foster care placement.
M.
To the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representatives of the Food and Nutrition Service for purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of programs authorized under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, under certain conditions.
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3.
N.
Information provided in accordance with a contract between the School Board and a public or private entity which has been contracted to perform student or education services, but only to the extent provided for in such a Pursuant to La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:3913, information contract. concerning the release of PII pursuant to any contract shall be available at the School Board’s central office.
O.
Information required to be reported pursuant to Article 609 of the Louisiana Children’s Code.
A statement shall be provided notifying the student’s parent or legal guardian of exactly what items of student information will be collected and that disclosure of the student information collected shall be restricted to Louisiana postsecondary education institutions to be used for the purposes of processing applications for admission and for compliance with state and federal reporting requirements to the Board of Regents and to the office of student financial assistance, as a program under the board’s jurisdiction, to be used for the purposes of processing applications for admission and for state and federal financial aid, for required grant program reporting, for providing reports to the school governing authority on the postsecondary education remediation needs, retention rates, and graduation rates for each high school under its jurisdiction, and for evaluating comparative postsecondary education performance outcomes based on student transcript data in order to develop policies designed to improve student academic achievement. Annual notification shall be provided to the student's parent or legal guardian as to the right and process used to withdraw consent.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION Unless directed in writing otherwise by a student’s parent, legal guardian or a student who has reached the age of majority, the Evangeline Parish School Board approves a person employed in a school or person authorized by the Superintendent to provide access to certain student personally identifiable information to further a legitimate educational purpose, in accordance with FERPA and La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:3914 as follows: 1.
Information to facilitate a student’s participation in a school-sanctioned extracurricular activity, including but not limited to a sport, organization or club;
2.
Information to facilitate the operation and daily activities within district facilities, including but not limited to the display and use of student information in and around student facilities;
3.
Programs and activities related to school-sanctioned productions, events, award programs, and graduations;
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University transcript requests, scholarships, and admissions; LHSAA, NCAA, and other related sports programs or sanctioning entities;
6.
Online resources and educational tools;
7.
School photography and yearbook providers;
8.
Any other information considered “Directory Information”, to the extent allowed in FERPA.
In addition, two federal laws require School Boards receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the School Board that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. [Note: These laws are Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 USC 7908) and 10 USC 503(c).]. In accordance with federal statutory provisions, the School Board shall honor the requests of military recruiters for names, addresses and phone numbers of high school students, unless parents have specified that such information not be released to military recruiters. Opt-out procedures will be provided in the student handbook. ELECTRONIC DATA GOVERNANCE Except as provided below, no person or public or private entity shall access a public school computer system on which student information is stored. No official or employee of a public school system shall authorize access to such a computer system to any person or public or private entity except as authorized in this policy. The following persons may access a public school computer system on which student information for students at a particular school is stored: 1.
A student who has reached the age of eighteen or is judicially emancipated or emancipated by marriage and the parent or legal guardian of a student who is under the age of eighteen (18) and not emancipated. For a student who has reached the age of eighteen (18) or is emancipated, such access is limited to information about the student. For the parent or legal guardian of a student who has not reached the age of eighteen and is not emancipated, such access shall be limited to information about the student. A student who has reached the age of eighteen or is emancipated and the parent or legal guardian of a student who has not reached the age of eighteen and is not emancipated may authorize, in writing, another person to access such information.
2.
A teacher of record. Such access shall be limited to information about his/her current students.
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The school principal and school registrar. A school system employee employed at the school and designated by the principal. Such access shall be limited to student information necessary to perform his/her duties.
5.
A person authorized by the Superintendent to maintain or repair the computer system or to provide services that the school system would otherwise provide.
6.
A person authorized by the state to audit student records. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:3914(D)(2).
The following persons may access a computer system of a city, parish, or other local public school system on which student information for students from throughout the system is stored: 1.
The Superintendent of the school system.
2.
A school system employee designated by the Superintendent. Such access shall be limited to student information necessary to perform his/her duties.
3.
A person authorized by the Superintendent to maintain or repair the computer system or to provide services that the school system would otherwise provide.
4.
A person authorized by the state to audit student records. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:3914(D)(3).
Any person who is authorized to access a public school computer system, except a parent or legal guardian, shall maintain the confidentiality of any student information to which he/she has access. PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA) The Evangeline Parish School Board shall notify and permit parents/guardians/eligible students the opportunity to opt out of participation in student surveys, analyses, or evaluations that concern one or more of the following eight areas ("protected information surveys"): political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent; mental or psychological problems of the student or family; sex behavior or attitudes; illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; critical appraisals of others with whom students have close family relationships; legally recognized privileged relationships (such as lawyers, doctors, or ministers); religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs; or income (other than required by law to determine program eligibility. This requirement applies to the collection, disclosure, or use of student information for marketing purposes. Protected information survey opt-out forms shall be published in the student handbook and on the Evangeline Parish School Board's website.
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CREATION OF PROCEDURES The Evangeline Parish School Board recognizes its responsibility for establishing procedures governing the privacy of student records, consistent with federal and state laws and regulations. The School Board directs the Superintendent, or designee, to develop and maintain procedures for ensuring and exercising rights provided under this policy. Copies of implementing procedures shall be available at the School Board's central office and in each school office. Any access or disclosure and release of personally identifiable student information by the School Board and its assigns must be in accordance with federal and state law and regulations and authorized by the Superintendent. EXEMPTION This policy shall not apply to the completion or correction of required submissions to the Louisiana Department of Education or response(s) to financial audits commenced prior to the 2015-2016 school year. REQUIREMENT FOR WRITTEN CONSENT Written parental/legal guardian/eligible student consent shall be obtained prior to the release of any PII, unless the release of such PII is expressly authorized without written consent by this policy or by law. Revised: May, 2013 Revised: July, 2015 Revised: August 5, 2015 Revised: May 2, 2018 Revised: January 16, 2019
Revised: December 8, 2021
Ref:
20 USC 1232(g-i) (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act); 20 USC 1400 et seq. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act); 20 USC 7908 (Armed Forces Recruiter Access to Student Information); 34 CFR Part 99 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§9:351, 17:81, 17:112, 17:221.3, 17:3914, 44:4, 44:4.1, 44:31, 44:32; La. Civil Code Art. 131, 134, 250; Louisiana Attorney General Opinion No. 15-0103; Board minutes, 10-4-89, 11-16-94, 12-8-94, 7-21-10, 8-5-15,5-2-18, 1-16-19, 12-8-21.
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Notification of Rights Under Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law governed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). COPPA assures that children under 13 years of age do not share personal information on the Internet without the express approval of their parents. Providers must obtain consent from parents to collect information, unless they are collecting on behalf of the LEA or school and will only use the information to provide services to the LEA or school. If this is the case, then the provider can rely on consent obtained from the LEA or school. LEAs can consent on behalf of a parent for educational purposes. COPPA defines personal information as: • “A first and last name • A home or other physical address including street name and name of a city or town • Online contact information as defined in this section • A screen or user name where it functions in the same manner as online contact information, as defined in this section • A telephone number • A social security number • A persistent identifier that can be used to recognize a user over time and across different websites or online services. Such persistent identifier includes, but is not limited to, a customer number held in a cookie, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a processor or device serial number, or unique device identifier • A photograph, video, or audio file where such file contains a child’s image or voice • Geolocation information sufficient to identify street name and name of a city or town • Information concerning the child or the parents of that child that the operator collects online from the child and combines with an identifier described above.” SPECIFIC TO LOUISIANA: R.S. 17:3914 limits the sharing of student PII. When using online services without a data sharing agreement or parental consent, PII cannot be utilized I understand and acknowledge that the consent provided herein shall be valid for my child’s cumulative transcript records and shall remain in effect until notified in writing otherwise. Notification of Data Elements Designated as Directory Information by the Evangeline Parish School Board (June 2018) ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
the student’s full name, address(es), telephone number(s), date and place of birth, major field of study, schools attended, grade level and classification, and dates of attendance at Evangeline Parish schools participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees and awards received, most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, academic/school honors/recognitions, e.g. ranking at state or regional tournaments and rallies for both academic and sports honors including scholarships, student club membership, graduation information to confirm academic eligibility to college and college-level athletic teams.
The Evangeline Parish School Board has designated the before mentioned as directory information. As noted previously, any parent or student 18 years of age or older, who wishes any or all of the listed information not released, must inform in writing the principal of the school attended within the first 10 days of each semester. The Evangeline Parish School System may release the personally identifiable information from the educational records of a student to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.
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Evangeline Parish School Board Parent Permission to Publish Form Students who attend schools in the Evangeline Parish School System are occasionally asked to be a part of school and/or district publicity, publication and/or public relations activities. Evangeline Parish School System takes advantage of the benefits of modern media and technology. Students’ images, productions, writings, artwork, recognitions and/or names may appear in pictures, brochures, newsletters, newspapers, annual reports, videos, television programs, commercials, websites and/ or audiotapes. In addition, a person employed in a school or authorized by the superintendent may provide access to certain student personally identifiable information to protect the health, safety or welfare of a student or the general public; to facilitate a student’s participation in a school sanctioned extracurricular activity; to publish programs and activities; to respond to higher education/ university transcript requests; to provide information in accordance with a contact between the board and a public or private entity to provide student education services and to provide directory information to the extent allowed in FERPA. I understand and grant permission for my child’s photograph, writings, artwork, or other productions to be posted on the school, district, or state approved websites and/or other media. No address or phone number will be used with the posting. Parent Consent to Release Information for Athletic Programs, Award Publicity, Honor Lists, Online Resources, TOPS, College Scholarships, NCAA, Grants, Aid Programs, College/University Admissions, and other Uses of Student Information Some of your child’s information may be shared with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), various clubs and organizations that your child will join (BETA, FCA, FHA, etc.) local news media (Athletics, honor roll, events, and awards), event programs (football and other sporting events, music and theatrical performances, graduation and award ceremonies, etc.), online resources and educational tools (digital library resources, homework help, etc.), any postsecondary education institution(s) to which your child applies, school photography providers, and some others as detailed under “Student Privacy at https://www.epsb.com. To allow your child to appear in event programs, be recognized for awards and achievements, take pictures for ID badges, take advantage of online resources, and to ensure eligibility for TOPS, you must sign to provide your consent. EPSD will follow all local, state, and federal data security rules and only share data that is required for the purpose stated. I CONSENT to my child’s school collecting my child’s personal information and disclosing the personal information collected to: ● LOSFA and postsecondary education institution(s) (Cumulative Records required) ● University Transcript Requests for Scholarship and Admissions ● Programs for Graduations, Performances, and Award Programs ● LHSAA, NCAA and sports programs ● Clubs and Organizations ● Online Resources and Educational Tools ● Military Programs ● Faculty/Staff educational training programs, recognition programs, and events I understand and acknowledge that the consent provided herein shall be valid for my child’s cumulative transcript records as of the date of signature and shall remain valid and in effect until notified in writing otherwise. LA R.S. 17:3914 (Act 567 of the 2022 Regular Session) Requires a school district to share a student’s data for the sole purpose of evaluating state and federal programs that prepare students for postsecondary education, workforce training and employment. Please understand that: ● I am giving consent to allow Escholar, the company the state has contracted to develop unique identifiers, to share my student’s social security number with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, LWC. ● Escholar and the Louisiana Workforce Commission are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of my student's personally identifiable information in accordance with the law.
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SECTION 4: CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM Students attending the Evangeline Parish School System will have access to a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and super snack that promotes healthy eating habits. EPSS will administer a School Nutrition Program that implements nutrition standards as mandated by Federal (USDA) and State agencies (LA Department of Education) and students are encouraged to utilize these programs. Nutrient standards are the required level of calories and nutrients needed to meet the nutritional needs of a specific grade/age group. All foods and beverages sold or served at all school sites will meet the nutrition requirements and standards set forth by Federal and State regulations in conjunction with the District’s Wellness Policy.
Meal Benefits Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is an alternative to the traditional Meal Benefit application process. CEP will be offered at all thirteen(13) EPSB school sites for the 26-27 school year. Students enrolled at all EPSB schools are eligible to receive breakfast, lunch, and super snack meals at no charge, regardless of income.
The Breakfast Program Breakfast is offered daily in all schools. A healthy school breakfast is a great way to begin the school day. Research has shown that eating a nutritious breakfast may improve behavior and performance in the classroom and reduce hunger-related visits to the school nurse.
School Parties/Student Rewards The School Health and Wellness policy encourages the elimination and use of foods and beverages as rewards for student accomplishments. This enhances the recognition of students in a positive manner for their individual or collective achievements without sending mixed messages regarding healthy food choices by distributing foods of minimal nutritive value. For the safety of students, parents are encouraged to purchase foods from approved sources, such as bakeries and grocery stores for parties and celebrations. The School Health and Wellness policy also encourages foods and snacks that meet the Smart Snack Standards as per USDA guidelines. A complete Louisiana Smart Snack list and a guide for Non-Food Rewards can be found under the Child Nutrition link at www.epsb.com.
Diet Modifications Meal service to students with special dietary needs due to a disability or medical condition is provided at all school cafeterias. Federal and State regulations require a current completed Diet Prescription Form for any type of change/substitution to the menu. The Diet Prescription form must be signed by a licensed physician. A new Diet Prescription form must be provided to the school each school year and can be downloaded under the Child Nutrition link at www.epsb.com. If a student cannot have fluid milk due to a medical diagnosis, the physician must prescribe the milk substitute on the Diet Prescription Form. The following milk substitutions are available: 4 oz juice or 8 oz lactose-free milk.
Meals from Home Students may bring meals from home, however, it is at the discretion of the school Principal. The school principal has the right to investigate the contents of items brought from home for consumption. Parents are not allowed to drop off meals to students at the school gates or over fenced-in areas. Meals from home must be in compliance with Federal and State regulations, incorporate whole grains and contain nutrient based foods. Each school principal may have additional established guidelines which may not be outlined below. These guidelines may encompass sharing of food items or food brought from home for class activities or school functions. Microwaves and refrigerators are not available for student use. Parents are encouraged to pack meals according to food safety guidelines for the safety of the student. Questions regarding school meals brought from home must be directed to the school principal. Parish guidelines for food brought into the school cafeteria during meal service: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Meals should be nutritious and comparable to meals served in the cafeteria No commercial labeling or noncompliance foods No food shall be brought in fast food containers No glass containers and no cans No carbonated beverages, candy or potato chips will be allowed Consumption of competitive foods is not allowed during meal service Drinks allowed in the cafeteria: a. 100% juice b. Non-flavored noncarbonated water c. plain or flavored milk
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SECTION 5: TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION First Student Transportation Services 337-363-3373 The Evangeline Parish School Board contracts the services of First Student for the specific purpose of transporting all students to and from assigned schools. Consequently, all bus assignments and concerns should be brought to their attention. Representatives from First Student may be reached between the hours of 5:30 am and 5:00 pm. ●
● ● ●
●
All students are expected to abide by the rules of conduct established for the use of bus transportation. These rules apply to regularly scheduled bus runs plus extracurricular activities such as field trips and athletic events. Riding a bus is a privilege. Improper conduct on a bus will result in that privilege being denied. Please cooperate with your bus driver and follow the safety rules. Only regularly scheduled students should ride a bus. Students who ride a bus to school are expected to return home on the assigned bus unless they have a note from the parents signed by the principal. No “EXTRA” students are allowed to ride the bus home without permission and approval. Students are to report to the bus immediately upon dismissal from school unless otherwise instructed NOTICE: School buses may be equipped with security cameras and other safety devices to improve transportation quality.
A school bus with undisciplined passengers creates a hazardous situation. Therefore, for the safe operation of the school bus, students should be aware of and follow these safety rules: 1. Cooperate with the driver; your safety depends on it! 2. Be on time; the bus will not wait. 3. Cross the road cautiously under the direction of the driver when boarding and leaving the bus. 4. Follow the driver’s instructions when loading and unloading. 5. Remain quiet enough not to distract the driver. 6. Have written permission approved by the principal to get on/off at a different stop. 7. Remain seated on the bus at all times. 8. Keep arms, head, or other objects inside the bus at all times. 9. Refrain from throwing objects in the bus or out of the windows and doors. 10. Use emergency exits only for emergencies, and when instructed to do so. 11. Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus. 12. Avoid the use of or possession of tobacco, matches, cigarette lighters, and obscene materials. 13. No objects are allowed on the bus if prohibited by state, federal, or local school board policies. 14. Band instruments, projects, and other objects too large to be held by the passenger or stored safely under the seat are not permitted on the bus. 15. Refrain from damaging the bus in any way.
PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION Students who provide their own transportation to school must park their vehicles in a safe manner in the designated area. Upon arrival, students are to park and lock their vehicles, immediately leave the parking location, and are not to return to the parking area/vehicle unless an official grants permission. All students who drive must park in the designated parking area. Violation of the policy may result in driving privilege being revoked. Parking is a privilege and may require the purchase of a vehicle tag.
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SECTION 6: DISCIPLINE Dress Code & Personal Grooming Student dress and grooming are not to adversely affect the students’ participation in classes, school programs, and other school-related activities or detract from the learning environment of the school. Extremes in style and fit in student dress and extremes in style of grooming will not be permitted. Administrators are authorized to use their discretion in determining extremes in styles of dress and grooming and what is appropriate and suitable for school wear. The purpose of the dress code is to project an image of cleanliness and appropriateness. Students should use good judgment so that no mode of student appearance distracts from or disrupts the classroom or school decorum. No students shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, blade, symbols, sign or other things which are evidence of affiliation with drugs, alcohol, violence or gang related activities or exhibits profane or obscene language/gestures. Hair must be of natural colors. Fluorescent and/or rainbow colors are prohibited. It shall be unlawful and against School Board policy for any student or non-student to wear or possess on his/her person, at any time, body armor on any School Board property, school campus, at a school-sponsored function, on a school bus or other school transportation, or in a firearmfree zone. Body armor shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury. All students are mandated to wear the official parish uniform unless the School Dress Code Review Committee has made an exemption. A request for exemption to the policy must be made in writing to the Superintendent. The uniform top must be a collared white, gray, or navy blue polo or oxford shirt, short or long-sleeved. The parish logo will be optional on shirts. If the logo is worn, it must be displayed on the left side below the shoulder. No other emblems are allowed. Tee shirts are not part of the official uniform. Long or short sleeved undershirts of the same uniform color will be acceptable. White undershirts with or without turtlenecks will be allowed as undershirts. Spirit shirts may be worn only on spirit days as announced by the principal. The uniform bottom must be navy or khaki cotton twill. Girls will be permitted to wear navy or khaki jumpers, skirts, shorts, and skorts in all grades. Jumpers, skirts, shorts, and skorts must not exceed four inches above the bend of the knee. Capri pants are acceptable. Hip huggers are not permitted. All bottoms will be worn at the waistline with shirts tucked in. Pants or shorts must have belt loops except in grades Pre-K through third (3rd). Elastic waistbands are permitted in grades PreK-3 also. Belts shall be black, brown or of uniform colors, including white. Oversized belt buckles are not permitted (standard buckles only). Baggy or oversized clothes are not permitted. Pants shall not have pockets on lower legs or upper thighs (cargo). Standard back and side pockets are allowed. Shoes are required. Footwear should not be a safety hazard. Slides, slippers, crocs, and flip flops are not permitted. Sandals shall have a back strap. Boots are to be worn under the pant legs; pant legs must cover the top portion of boots. Socks, when worn, shall be solid black, white, or of solid uniform colors. Blue jeans are not permitted. “Slabbing” is not permitted. All jackets, including sweatshirts, shall open in the front. Flannel or button-down dress shirts may not be worn as jackets. Precautionary face mask/face coverings may be allowed and/or mandated in accordance with CDC and LDOE guidance. However, no precautionary face mask/face covering, clothing, symbols, pins, or other items displaying controlled substances; items displaying inappropriate words or pictures that may be considered derogatory; or anything intended to, or, which may, cause disruption of any school, class, or activity are allowed. Caps (baseball) are allowed in grades Pre-K through fourth (4th). Students in grades five (5) through twelve (12) will be allowed to wear caps in welding and industrial arts courses, where required. Students with medical problems will be permitted to wear caps if the principal approves. Bandannas are not permitted. “Doo” rags are not permitted. Jewelry shall not be worn during physical education activities or athletic activities. Females and males shall be allowed to wear earrings; however male students shall only be allowed to wear stud earrings. Nose rings and other body piercing shall be strictly prohibited. Well-groomed, trimmed natural-colored moustaches and beards may be permitted. Male students are not allowed to wear nail polish or makeup. Afros are to be measured from the scalp and not to exceed 2 inches. Boys’ hair is not to drop below the top of the shirt collar and must be above the eyebrows. Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, all school bags (including bookbags, bookpacks, satchels, etc.) shall be constructed of a clear plastic or mesh material in order that the contents are clearly visible except for bullet-resistant school bags as allowed for by law. Non see-through athletic bags shall only be allowed in the field house or locker room. Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, all students, where required by the local school, shall be required to dress out for physical education classes in a standard uniform. Official district-approved physical education (P.E.) uniforms consist of gray shorts and light gray T-shirts with the Evangeline Parish P.E. logo in black writing. Proper dress in P.E. shall be a factor in determining a student’s grade. Uniform deviations based on religious beliefs will require written permission or excuse from one’s minister. Any deviation to the dress code for medical, religious, handicapping and/or other extenuating circumstance can only be granted by the District’s School Dress Code Review Committee. Appeals should be made in writing to the Superintendent stating the reason for the deviation. Dress Code Violations: 1.First Offense: Contact the parent to bring proper uniform or to correct the problem. If the parent cannot be reached, the student will be assigned to clinic-designated area determined by the principal or designee. Notification will be sent to parent. 2. Second Offense: (grades 6-12) One (1) day suspension. 3. Subsequent Offenses: (grades 6-12) One (1) to nine (9) days of suspension. Students PreK-5 shall not be suspended for a uniform violation that is not tied to willful disobedience.
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FILE: JCDB STUDENT DRESS CODE
The policy of the Evangeline Parish School Board shall be that no mode of attire shall be considered proper for school wear that disrupts the classroom and/or the school's positive learning environment. In questions regarding student dress and grooming, the principal or his/her designee of each school shall make the final decision as to what is considered proper or improper dress according to the guidelines provided. The School Board desires to teach each student to use good judgment in his/her total appearance so that the attention of others is not distracted from the purpose of the school. Cleanliness and the values of the community shall be a basic consideration. NOTIFICATION The School Board shall notify the parent or guardian of each student of the dress code specifications and their effective date. If the School Board modifies the existing uniform policy, it shall notify in writing the parent or guardian of each student of the policy adoption or uniform policy modification at least sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the new or revised policy. Each school shall display any uniform selected for a reasonable period prior to the proposed effective date for wearing of the uniform. However, nothing shall prohibit the School Board from requiring a new or revised dress code or uniform policy without the required notice in the event of an emergency. For the purposes of this policy, emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage. DRESS AND PERSONAL GROOMING Student dress and grooming are not to adversely affect the students' participation in classes, school programs, other school-related activities or detract from the learning environment of the school. Extremes in style and fit in student dress and extremes in style of grooming will not be permitted. Administrators are authorized to use their discretion in determining extremes in styles of dress and grooming and what is appropriate and suitable for school wear. No student shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, blade, symbols, sign or other things which are evidence of affiliation with drugs, alcohol, violence or gang related activities or exhibits profane or obscene language/gestures. Well-groomed, trimmed natural-colored moustaches and beards may be permitted. Policies regarding dress and grooming stress the importance of reducing distractions that inhibit learning and are addressed as an attempt to enhance the learning environment. The School Board shall not discriminate against a student on the basis of a natural, protective or cultural hairstyle. Natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle shall include, but is not limited to, afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls,
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FILE: JCDB and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance. BODY ARMOR It shall be unlawful and against School Board policy for any student or non-student to wear or possess on his/her person, at any time, body armor on any School Board property, school campus, at a school-sponsored function, on a school bus or other school transportation, or in a firearm-free zone, with limited exception as enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:95.9. School-sponsored functions shall include, but not be limited to, athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities. A firearm-free zone means any area within one thousand feet of any school campus and within a school bus. Body armor shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury. UNIFORMS All students are mandated to wear the official parish uniform unless the School Dress Code Review Committee has made an exemption. A request for exemption to the policy must be made in writing to the Superintendent. The uniform top, including sweatshirts, shall be a collared white, gray, or navy blue polo or oxford shirt, short or long-sleeved. The parish logo shall be optional on shirts. If the logo is worn, it shall be displayed on the left side below the shoulder. No other emblems shall be allowed. Tee shirts shall not be part of the official uniform. Spirit shirts and spirit sweatshirts may be worn only on spirit days as announced by the principal. Principals shall approve the design and ensure appropriateness of all spirit shirts and spirit sweatshirts. White undershirts, long or short sleeves, or undershirts of the same uniform color shall be acceptable. The uniform bottom shall be navy or khaki cotton twill. Girls shall be permitted to wear navy or khaki jumpers, skirts, shorts, and skorts in all grades. Jumpers, skirts, shorts, and skorts shall not exceed four (4) inches above the bend of the knee. Capri pants shall be acceptable. Hip huggers shall not be permitted. All bottoms shall be worn at the waistline with shirts tucked in. Pants or shorts shall have belt loops except in grades PreK through third (3rd). Elastic waistbands shall be permitted in grades Pre-K through third (3rd) also. A belt shall be required with pants that have belt loops. Belts must be black, brown, or one of the uniform colors, including white. Blue jeans shall not be permitted. Oversized belt buckles shall not be permitted (standard buckles only). Baggy or oversized clothes shall not be permitted. Pants shall not have pockets on lower legs or upper thighs (cargo). Standard back and side pockets shall be allowed. Shoes shall be required. Footwear should not be a safety hazard. Slides, slippers, crocs, and flip flops shall not be permitted. Sandals shall have a back strap. Socks shall be black, white, or one of the uniform colors. Boots are to be worn under the pant legs; pant legs must cover the top portion of boots.
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FILE: JCDB
All jackets shall open in the front. Flannel or button-down dress shirts shall not be worn as jackets. While hoodies, which do not have a front opening, are not allowed, uniform sweatshirts and spirit sweatshirts are permitted. The following items shall not be allowed: clothing, symbols, pins, or other items displaying controlled substances; items displaying inappropriate words or pictures that are derogatory to any ethnic group; or anything intended to cause disruption of any school, class, or activity shall not be allowed. Caps (baseball) may be allowed in grades Pre-K through fourth (4th). Students in grades five (5) through twelve (12) shall be allowed to wear caps in welding and industrial arts courses, where required. Students with medical problems shall be permitted to wear caps if the principal approves. Bandannas shall not be permitted. “Doo” rags shall not be permitted. Jewelry shall not be worn during physical education activities or athletic activities. Females and males shall be allowed to wear earrings; however male students shall only be allowed to wear stud earrings. Nose rings and other body piercing shall be strictly prohibited. Well-groomed, trimmed natural-colored moustaches and beards may be permitted. Male students shall not be allowed to wear nail polish or makeup. Afros shall be measured from the scalp and shall not exceed two (2) inches. Long hair shall not pass the bottom of the shirt collar and must be above the eyebrows (boys only). Hair must be of natural colors. Fluorescent and/or rainbow colors shall be prohibited. PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORMS All secondary students and other students, where required by the local school, shall be required to dress out for physical education classes in a standard uniform. Exceptions can be made for religious reasons only as hereinafter stated. The standard uniform for physical education (P.E.) classes shall be as follows: •
Students must wear official district-approved P.E. uniforms, sized appropriately.
•
The uniform shall be light gray T-shirt with the Evangeline Parish P.E. logo in black writing.
•
The shorts shall be gray with a small Evangeline Parish P.E. logo in black writing.
Schools may sell uniforms to students as a service, but students shall not be required to buy uniforms from the school. Students shall not be required to purchase new uniforms each year if their present uniforms are in acceptable condition and fit properly. Proper dress in physical education class shall be a factor in determining a student's grade.
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FILE: JCDB A student shall be allowed to dress for physical education class in accordance with his/her religious beliefs, provided that he or she has a written permission or excuse from his/her minister. BOOKSACKS All schoolbags (including bookbags, backpacks, satchels, etc.) shall be constructed of a clear plastic or mesh material in order that the contents of the bag are clearly visible. Athletic bags that are not see-through shall only be allowed in the field house or locker room. APPEAL PROCESS Deviation from the above dress code for medical, religious, handicapping and/or any other extenuating circumstances can only be granted by the School Dress Code Review Committee. This committee shall be composed of the Superintendent or his/her designee, the Policy Supervisor, the Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor, the Drug Free/Violence Free Schools Supervisor, and the Special Education Director/designee. A request for an appeal hearing shall be made in writing to the Superintendent, stating the reason for the deviation. A hearing date shall be set within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the request, and an answer to the appeal shall be rendered in writing within ten (10) working days after the hearing. A copy of the decision shall also be sent to the principal of the school in question. The determination of this committee shall be final. Persons making the request for an appeal shall be prepared to present written documentation supporting their reason for the deviation. The type of documentation required shall be listed in the letter to them, which states the date of the hearing. DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS Students who violate the dress code shall be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. A student enrolled in grades prekindergarten through five shall not be suspended or expelled from school or suspended from riding on any school bus for a uniform violation that is not tied to willful disregard of school policies. Revised: August, 2010 Revised: October, 2010 Revised: October 21, 2015 Revised: May 2, 2018 Ref:
Revised: August 17, 2022 Revised: September 6, 2023 Revised: February 7, 2024 Board Approved: November 19, 2025
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:95.9, 17:81, 17:111, 17:416, 17:416.7; Scott v. Board of Education, 304 N.Y.S.S. 2d 601 (1969); Karr v. Schmidt; 460 F. 2d 609 (5th Cir. 1972); Board minutes, 5-5-10, 10-21-15, 5-2-18, 8-17-22, 9-6-23, 2-7-24.
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BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS -The classroom is a place for learning. The teacher has full authority and responsibility for the students in the classroom. Each teacher will have specific classroom rules that the student is expected to obey. Refer to each teacher’s written list of rules concerning sleeping in class, throwing objects, completing punish work during class time, coming to class without books and materials, being tardy, wearing caps, destroying school or teacher’s property (bulletin boards, desks, books, etc.), dancing, combing hair or grooming himself in any way, showing disrespect or discourtesy to the teacher or other students by being sassy, rude, or showing disrespectful expressions or gestures. HALL & STAIRWAYS EXPECTATIONS -These areas of the school are subject to congestion and problems occur when students remain in these areas. To prevent any problems, the students should keep to the right of the hall or stairways at all times. Some behaviors which are considered unacceptable and /or dangerous in these areas are yelling (anything above a normal speaking tone), spitting, throwing objects, running, pushing, shoving others, slamming locker doors and/or slamming books onto the floor, and sliding down the stair railings. LIBRARY EXPECTATIONS -The library should be a place for quiet study, research or leisure reading. Students may obtain permission to go to the library by requesting this from one of their teachers who will give them a library pass. Upon entering the library, the student presents the pass to the librarian who will indicate the time of arrival. Before leaving the library, the student must get a pass to return to class with the departure time indicated by the librarian. Ask about your school’s specific procedures as each school may have unique procedures. All library material should be treated with respect. Defacing this property in any manner will not be tolerated. If a library book is lost or defaced, it must be replaced by the student. The students must pay the replacement cost of the book. Students will use the library at recess and lunch times with written permission of the classroom teacher specifying the need .Anyone not reading, studying, or using the library resources will be asked to leave. This is not a place to visit with friends. RESTROOM EXPECTATIONS -Restrooms are used by a large number of students during the day. Therefore, it is necessary that all students help to maintain cleanliness and sanitary conditions. Students should not loiter in the restrooms. Toilet tissue and other sanitary aids should be properly disposed of by each student so that other students do not encounter unsanitary conditions. The walls and restroom doors should not be written on or defaced in any way. EXTRACURRICULAR EVENTS -All of the school rules that govern student’s behavior apply to students attending ball games or other extracurricular events. Any infraction of the rules that occur at these events will be subject to disciplinary action the next school day or the day the infraction is reported. Students should always be extra courteous and helpful to visitors from the community and from other schools who come to our campus. The impression that students make on visitors shapes the image that the community and other schools have of what our school is. School rules apply to all students riding to and from extracurricular and co-curricular events away from campus. If a student is with an organized school group, he is not to have visitors if the group stops to eat on the way home after attending a school activity. Extracurricular Activities/Organization Requirements Grade Requirements -An elementary candidate for any extracurricular activity/organization must have had a “C” average and passing grades in 75% of the subjects taken for the previous semester’s work. A high school candidate for any extracurricular activity/organization must have had a “C” average and have passed at least 6 (or 75%) of the courses taken during the previous semester for eligibility. Students will need to refer to the current LHSAA handbook for more specific information. The final grades on the report card for the fall semester will be checked. The final grades on the report card for the spring semester will also be checked to determine eligibility for the next school year. Any uniform needed to participate in these groups must be paid for by the club member. You are to strictly follow the guidelines of the particular group or be dismissed from the group. You must attend and/or participate in all activities required by your club/organization sponsor. See the organization’s sponsor for complete rules and requirements. Sponsors must be staff members. There cannot be any practice without the supervision of the sponsor(s). Sponsors may request termination of membership with proper documentation submitted to the principal. NOTE: There must be a staff member representative accompanying these groups on all trips. Parents can help chaperone, but a staff member must ride with the group.
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Individual school handbooks, where applicable, will specify extracurricular activities being offered, the selection criteria, rules, and regulations specific to each program, event, team, organization, etc. LEAVING CAMPUS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY -The Evangeline Parish School Board, through its agents, is responsible for the safety of students enrolled in the public schools in Evangeline Parish. Therefore, the Evangeline Parish School Board declares the following policy: After arrival at school, no student is to be allowed to leave school grounds without the parent or another approved adult signing the student out of school in person. All campuses within Evangeline Parish School System are CLOSED CAMPUSES and all students must eat in the cafeteria or bring a lunch. The only exception will be if a student is on a special diet, and in this case, the school will require a doctor’s excuse on file. LOCKER EXPECTATIONS -Lockers and combinations will be issued to students at the beginning of the school year. Lockers should be kept locked at all times. Students are cautioned against telling their combinations to other students. Students are responsible for keeping their assigned locker clean both inside and outside. Damages caused by misuse of tape, etc. will be charged to the student responsible. Any locker malfunction should be reported to the proper authority. Students are cautioned against keeping money or other valuables in their lockers. Lockers are not private—they will be subjected to periodic searches for health and safety reasons. MEDICATIONS - All medication must be brought into the principal’s office by the parent for further instructions. The medication policy adopted by the Evangeline Parish School Board will be followed by all students and parents. This policy reflects a recently passed state legislation for the safe administration of medication in Louisiana schools. Students are NOT ALLOWED to have any medication in their possession on the school grounds or school buses. This includes prescriptions and over- the-counter medications (even cough drops). No medication will be given at school without an order from the physician and a release form signed by his/her parent or legal guardian. Prescription and nonprescription medication must be brought to school in an original and properly labeled container. If a parent does not wish to follow the policy provisions, he/she may come to school and administer the medication him/herself. PARENT / TEACHER COMMUNICATION - Teachers should communicate/ notify parents of any interventions being provided to students who are at risk of failure. The notification must be written, signed, and kept on file at school. This documented evidence must be presented to SBLC before retaining a student. Teachers should make themselves available during planning time for the purpose of communicating with parents, with phone-calls, or by email. Behavior concerns should meet the same standard of communication as academic concerns. STUDENT SEARCHES -The School Board is the exclusive owner of any public school building and any desk or locker utilized by any student contained therein or any other area that may be set-aside for the personal use of the students. The acceptance and use of locker facilities, desks, etc. or the parking of privately owned vehicles on school campus by students shall constitute consent by the student to the search of such locker facilities, desks or vehicles by authorized school personnel. Any teacher, principal, administrator or school security personnel may search the person of a student or his personal effects when based on attendant circumstances at the time of the search, there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the search will reveal evidence that the student has violated the law, School Board policy, or a school rule. Random searches with a metal detector of a student or his personal effects and random searches of school grounds using drug detection dogs may be conducted at any time. No actions taken pursuant to this policy by a teacher, principal, administrator, or school security guard employed by the School Board shall be taken maliciously or with willful and deliberate intent to harass, embarrass or intimidate any student. TELEPHONE AVAILABILITY -Students will not use the office phone for personal calls except in an emergency and with staff permission. Under no circumstance, except serious emergencies, (example: death in family or an auto accident) can a student receive a telephone message at school. If an emergency arises at home, a parent should come to the school to speak to the student and/or check him/her out of school. Students are prohibited from using any other phone on campus, except the main office phone. The school provides students with access to telephone services during extra-curricular activities. Unauthorized use of phones by students will result in disciplinary action. Cell phones are prohibited on school campus (see additional statements of policy on page 63)
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EPSB Code of Conduct Framework: “All public schools shall endeavor to address student behavior with a focus on evidence based interventions and supports. Schools shall endeavor to prioritize classroom- and school-based interventions in lieu of out-of-school disciplinary removals to address student misconduct in order to minimize the loss of academic instructional time.” RS 17:416 Evangeline Parish School Board recognizes the need for reasonable control and discipline over the conduct of students under its jurisdiction and seeks to use a progressive discipline approach. Discipline within each school of the district will be under the supervision of the principal. The principal has the authority and the duty to hold students accountable for their conduct. Teachers should attempt to hold students accountable for their actions in class and elsewhere on the campus. Interventions by teachers which may be used, but not limited to, are as follows: ● Denial of special privileges ● Restorative Justice Practices ● Assignment of special extra duties ● Assignment of reasonable written or oral work ● Detention and/or clinic ● Parent conference with principal or his designee Students removed from class or referred to the office for behavioral intervention: K-5 minimum 30 minute removal (unless return agreed upon by teacher) with minimum of 1 statutory intervention 6-12 no return to the same class period (unless return agreed upon by teacher) with minimum of 1 statutory intervention (aa) Conferencing with the principal or his designee. (bb) Referral to counseling. (cc) Peer mediation. (dd) Referral to the school building level committee. (ee) Restorative justice practices. (ff) Loss of privileges. (gg) Detention. (hh) In-school suspension. (1-10 days) (ii) Out-of-school suspension (1-10 days) (jj) Initiation of expulsion hearings. (kk) Assignment Referral for assignment to an alternative school setting. (mm) Any other disciplinary measure authorized by the principal with the concurrence of the teacher or the school building level committee pursuant to law and board policy. The Principal/designee MAY require a parent conference before a student can return to class. If so, the school shall provide written notice of the conference which may be conducted in-person, by phone, or using virtual means. The District may adopt a policy mandating after-school or Saturday “intervention sessions”.
Statement of Cause for Suspension (In-school, Alternate-site, Out-of-school) Suspension and expulsion from school is generally a disciplinary action of last resort. Suspension could result from any serious action that threatens or endangers the safety or education of the student or other students. Suspension may result immediately if the behavior is determined to be significant enough to warrant such or for multiple minor infractions. Suspension will likely occur if other disciplinary actions have failed to rectify the problem behavior. A copy of the Louisiana Department of Education’s School Behavior Report can be found online at www.doe.louisiana.gov. Prior to any out-of-school suspension, assignment to alternative placement, or expulsion, the school principal, or his designee, shall advise the student in question of the particular misconduct of which he is accused as well as the student shall be given an opportunity at that time to explain his version of the facts to the school principal or his designee. In each case of out-of-school suspension, assignment to alternative placement, or expulsion, the school principal, or his designee, shall contact, by telephone at the telephone number shown on the student's registration card or by electronic communication or a certified letter sent to the address shown on the student's registration card, the parent or legal guardian of the student in question giving notice of the out-of-school suspension, assignment to alternative placement, or expulsion, the reasons therefor, and establishing a date and time for a conference with the principal or his designee as a requirement for readmitting the student. In the case of expulsion, the contact with the parent or guardian shall include a certified letter or other form of written notice receipt.
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“ A student suspended for damages to any property belonging to the school system or to property contracted to the school system or any property on school grounds owned by a school employee or student shall not be readmitted until payment in full has been made for such damage, an alternative restitution arrangement has been executed, an alternative payment plan has been arranged, or until directed by the superintendent of schools.” “In carrying out the provisions of this Section, school employees and administrators shall account for and abide by any relevant provisions contained in the Individualized Education Program [IEP], Behavior Intervention Plan [BIP], or Section 504 Plan, as well as the general requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA].” pon the recommendation by a principal for the expulsion of any student as authorized by Subsection B, of this Section or a U school board's code of conduct, a hearing shall be conducted by the superintendent or his designee within fifteen school days to determine the facts of the case and make a finding of whether or not the student is guilty of conduct warranting a recommendation of expulsion. The school board must provide written notice of the hearing to the student and his parent or legal guardian, and such notice shall advise the student and his parent or legal guardian of their rights to have legal representation present. Until such hearing takes place the student shall remain suspended from the school with access to classwork and the opportunity to earn academic credit. At such hearing the student may be represented by any person of his choice. A student who is expelled or suspended for longer than ten days shall be provided with academic instruction at an alternative setting in accordance with R.S. 17:416.2. In suspension cases, the student may appeal in writing to the Superintendent to have the suspension reviewed. The Superintendent may uphold, modify, or reserve the suspension. Regarding an expulsion hearing decision, whether it be suspension or expulsion, the student may appeal the decision to the School Board within 5 days of receiving written results. The School Board may uphold, modify, or reverse the decision. If the School Board’s decision is unfavorable, the student may appeal to the District Court within 10 school days from receipt of the Board’s decision. A student having been assigned a long term suspension or expulsion may appeal in writing to the Superintendent for early re-entry into school. However, if granted, as with a standard re-entry, a written probationary return agreement shall include a provision that upon the school principal or superintendent of schools making a determination that the student has violated any term or condition agreed to, the student’s probationary re-entry may be revoked. If revoked, the student shall be immediately removed from the school premises without the benefit of any hearing or other procedure applicable to student out-of-school suspensions and expulsions and returned to the school system's alternative school setting.
Statement of Cause for Expulsion The following infractionsSHALLresult in recommendedexpulsion from school: Possession of a firearm Students in grades 6-12 shall be expelled a minimum period of four (4) complete school semesters. Students in grades K-5 shall be expelled a minimum period of two (2) complete school semesters. Possession of a knife(blade length of 2.5 or moreinches) Students in grades 6-12 shall be expelled a minimum period of four (4) complete school semesters. th Students in grades K-5, may be recommended for expulsion and shall be upon the 4 infraction. Possession of any other type of weapon which can cause bodily harm Possession of or intent to distribute drugs Students in grades 6-12 shall be expelled a minimum period of four (4) complete school semesters. Students in grades K-5 shall be expelled for a minimum of two (2) complete school semesters.
Three (3) suspensions. hreats of bodily harm, assaults, or battery on employees or other students(any attack on an T employee must be reported tolaw enforcement). Threats of bodily harm or property damage whether spoken, written, or otherwise implied to include bomb threats. Bullying – as defined by a pattern of behavior in accordance with statute. Any other serious offense that warrants a recommendation for expulsion. o pupil expelled for firearm, knife, or dangerous weapon or instrumentality or drug related offense shall be admitted or N readmitted to schools on probationary basis until the pupil produces written documentation he and his parent/legal guardian have enrolled and participated or is participating in a rehabilitation/counseling program related to the reason(s) for expulsion. **“The provisions of the above Section herein related to mandatory recommendation for expulsion shallnotbe applied to virtual instruction received by a student in the student's home.” A listing of rights to which parent and student are entitled in the event of a recommendation of expulsion. Such rights include: • the right to counsel; • the right to review and ask questions regarding School Board documentation; • the right to present evidence of the student’s innocence; • the right to an attorney; • the right to call witnesses to testify at the hearing; • the right to appeal to the School Board; and • the right to question the School Board’s witnesses; • the right to appeal to the District Court
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ue process rights of students allow for a fair, impartial hearing to be conducted by the Superintendent or his designee. The D student may have legal counsel present during the hearing. The parent will be notified in person or by certified mail of the time and location of the hearing. The Superintendent will make every reasonable effort to schedule the hearing within fifteen (15) days. The Superintendent has five (5) days from the time of the hearing to render a decision. Parents may appeal the Superintendent’s decision to the Evangeline Parish School Board within five days of receipt of the hearing results letter.
Additional Statement of Policy 1. Discipline policy applies to all school-sponsored activities. 2. E lectronic Devices –All electronic devicesare bannedfrom Evangeline Parish School Campuses(including but not limited toradios, jam boxes, laser pointers,DVD players, cell phones, iPods, Smart watches, E-cigarettes, Vaping devices etc.). In the event that this type of contraband is confiscated, the child’s parent/guardian will be contacted to pick up the confiscated item at school. On the first violation, the item will be confiscated, the parent will be required to pick up the item at school after signing a receipt of policy notification, and the student will face a mandatory (1) day suspension. On the second violation, the item will be confiscated and held until the end of the year, and the student will be suspended 3-10 days. The same procedures will be followed on each subsequent violation as the second violation. 3. T obacco/Smoking/VAPES –Student shall be suspendedout of school for a minimum of 3 days on the first offense but any student in grades six through twelve found guilty of being in possession of tobacco, alcohol, or vaping product on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event, may be recommended for expulsion. Student Smoking / Use of Tobacco 4. A student may be suspended from riding a school bus for misconduct. The length of the suspension will be determined by the principal. 5. In cases involving damage, theft, etc., a student may be indefinitely suspended until restitution has been made or arrangements for restitution have been approved through the Superintendent’s office. 6. C orporal punishment – Corporal punishment may be used by the principal or his designee. This punishment must be carried out inthe presence of a staff memberwho serves as a witness.If the use of corporal punishment is approved by the parent, the parent must agree to such annually in writing using theLDOE’s officialform. 7. A ny student convicted of a felony or who is incarcerated in a juvenile institution for an act which, if committed by an adult, would have constituted a felony, may be expelled by the Parish School Board for a time as it may determine, provided any such expulsion will require the vote of two-thirds of the elected members of the Board. 8. P arents and students should keep in mind that the school grounds are not exempt from local, state, and federal law. The school grounds are an extension of the community and criminal charges may be filed when a law/ordinance is violated. s a part of the emergency procedures in place in our schools, any student who poses an imminent risk of injury to A him/herself or others may be physically restrained and/or placed in seclusion by school staff in accordance with School Board policies. These could occur along with other emergency actions such as calling the police. Significant violations of the law including assaults on students and staff will be reported to the police. As soon as possible after any such incident the parents or guardian will be informed when any of these actions have occurred.
hile each school’s PBIS team establishes minor and major infractions, multiple minor infractions could constitute a major. W Furthermore, any single minor infraction, based on the individual circumstances of the incident, could rise to the level of a major. Disciplinarians are encouraged to use their discretion in the administering of disciplinary action as applicable to the incident based on thorough investigations. In doing so, disciplinary interventions should be fair, consistent, and progressive to the greatest extent possible.
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FILE: JCDAE Cf: JD STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The Evangeline Parish School Board shall prohibit students from having in their possession any personal electronic device, including any mobile telephone service device (e.g. cell phones, smart watches, earphones, headphones, camera phones), any other electronic telecommunication device, or other electronic devices, including but not limited to laser pointers, beepers, cameras, video tape recorder, audio recorder, digital recorder of any kind, iPODs, tape players, CD players, video games, MP3 players, Palm Pilots, and their contents, while in any elementary or secondary school building, or on the grounds thereof, or in any school bus used to transport public school students to and from school. These provisions include all school sponsored activities. Devices discovered in the possession of students shall be confiscated. Refusal to relinquish a device constitutes willful disobedience and shall be handled accordingly. Any student in pre-kindergarten through grade four (4) found to be in possession of a working electronic device shall be immediately referred to the administration. Disciplinary action may include suspension or other actions as deemed appropriated by the principal or his/her designee. First offense of a working device constitutes a conference and a signed contract by parent/guardian. Subsequent offenses shall follow the discipline procedures for grades five (5) through twelve (12). Students, in grades 5-12, are now permitted to bring cell phones to school; however, these devices must remain turned-off during school hours and while on school buses. Phones should be securely stored and must not be in a student’s possession or use during these times. This policy aims to strike a balance between the convenience of having a cell phone and the necessity of maintaining a focused learning environment. While students may bring their phones to school, it is not required. We have taken appropriate measures to ensure that all schools are equipped with secure storage options. Students who misuse/violate the cell phone/technology devices policy will be disciplined accordingly. Schools will provide secure storage options, but they will not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen phones. The school shall not be responsible for confiscated items if not picked up by parent within ten (10) days of the last day of school. The School Board shall not be responsible for any electronic devices, including cell phones, lost or damaged while on School Board property. A properly authorized medical device worn by a student shall not be considered to be in violation of this policy.
Evangeline Parish School Board
FILE: JCDAE Cf: JD OFFENSES First offense for possession: PBIS Restoration and Warning Second offense: In-school Clinic Third offense: One-day suspension (In-school for possession) Fourth offense: Two-day suspension Fifth offense: Recommendation for Expulsion Electronic Devices shall not be used on buses to and from school. Parent/guardian shall pick up the electronic devices at school, and sign referrals and the District’s electronic device contract. School Principals shall have the discretion to assign one to nine suspension days or recommend a disciplinary hearing for situations that come before them for disciplinary action. They will determine the length of suspension, whether it is one or more days, if an electronic device has been used. Any student who misuses electronic devices shall be disciplined, as appropriate, which could result in consequences beyond those for improper possession. For example, creating videos of fights, etc. shall be cause to increase penalties for violators or a recommendation for disciplinary hearings.
Revised: October, 2010 Revised: August 7, 2024
Ref: 5-
2-07, 5-5-10, 8-7-2024. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:239, 17:416, 17:416.1; Board minutes, 4-20-94, 2-3-99,
Evangeline Parish School Board
FILE: JCDAA Cf: EB. JCDAB STUDENT SMOKING, TOBACCO AND MARIJUANA USE
Student possession or use of any tobacco product, smokeless tobacco, or marijuana products in any form, or any smoking object/device, including but not limited to electronic cigarettes, advanced personal vaporizers, vape pens, vape mods and similar devices, shall be prohibited on and in all Evangeline Parish School Board property and vehicles, and at all school-sponsored or school-approved functions. A student found to be in possession or use of any tobacco or marijuana product, smokeless tobacco, or any smoking object/device, including but not limited to electronic cigarettes, advanced personal vaporized, vape pens, vape mods, and similar devices, will be suspended for a minimum out of school suspension of (3) three days. In the event of an electronic cigarette, advanced personal vaporizer, vape pen, vape meds, or similar device is suspected of containing a controlled substance, follow the JCDAB (Student Alcohol and Drug Use) policy guidelines. All types of electronic cigarettes and those listed above must be turned in to local law enforcement and may be subject to testing for illegal substances. School Board property shall include any elementary or secondary school grounds or buildings, any portable buildings, field houses, stadiums, equipment storage areas, vacant land, or any other property owned, operated, or leased by the School Board. Violations shall subject the student to appropriate disciplinary action as outlined in the School Board’s Discipline Handbook.
Revised: December 13, 2017 Revised: November 16, 2022 Revised: December 19, 2022 Revised: July 17, 2024
Ref:
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:240, 17:416, 40:1291.1, 40:1291.2, 40:1291.3, 40:1291.11, 40:1291.21; Board minutes, 7-21-10, 12-13-17, 11-16-22, 12-19-22, 7-17-24.
Evangeline Parish School Board
2025-2026 DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND SUSPECTED DISABILITIES Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act of 2004
PLACEMENT IN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL SETTING – AUTHORITY OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL – (A) CASE-BY-CASE DETERMINATION - School personnel may consider any unique circumstances on a case-by-case basis when determining whether to order a change in placement for a child with a disability who violates a code of student conduct. (B)
AUTHORITY – School personnel under this subsection may remove a child with a disability who violates a code of student conduct from their current placement to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting, another setting, or suspension, for not more than 10 school days (to the extent such alternatives are applied to children without disabilities).
(C)
ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY – If school personnel seek to order a change in placement that would exceed 10 school days and the behavior that gave rise to the violation of the school code is determined not to be a manifestation of the child’s disability pursuant to subparagraph (E), the relevant disciplinary procedures applicable to children without disabilities may be applied to the child in the same manner and for the same duration in which the procedures would be applied to children without disabilities, except as provided in section 612(a)(1) although it may be provided in an interim alternative educational setting.
(D)
SERVICES – A child with a disability who is removed from the child’s current placement under subparagraph (G) (irrespective of whether the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the child’s disability) or subparagraph (C) shall – continue to receive educational services, as provided in section 612(a)(1), so as to enable the child to continue to participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting, and to progress toward meeting the goals set out in the child’s IEP; and receive, as appropriate, a functional behavioral assessment, behavioral intervention services and modifications, that are designed to address the behavior violation so that it does not recur.
(i) (ii) (E) (i)
(I) (II) (ii)
(E) (i)
MANIFESTATION DETERMINATION IN GENERAL – Except as provided in subparagraph (B), within 10 school days of any decision to change the placement of a child with a disability because of a violation of the code of student conduct, the local educational agency, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP Team (as determined by the parent and the local educational agency) shall review all relevant information in the student’s file, including the child’s IEP, any teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parents to determine if the conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the child’s disability; or if the conduct in question was the direct result of the local educational agency’s failure to implement the IEP. MANIFESTATION – If the local educational agency, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP Team determine that either sub-clause (I) or (II) of clause (I) is applicable for the child, the conduct shall be determined to be a manifestation of the child’s disability. DETERMINATION THAT BEHAVIOR WAS A MANIFESTATION – If the local educational agency, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP Team make the determination that the conduct was a manifestation of the child’s disability, the IEP Team shallconduct a functional behavioral assessment, and implement a behavioral intervention plan for such child, provided that the local educational agency had not conducted such assessment prior to such determination before the behavior that resulted in a change in placement described in subparagraph (C) or (G);
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(ii)
in the situation where a behavioral intervention plan has been developed, review the behavioral intervention plan if the child already has such a behavioral intervention plan, and modify it, as necessary, to address the behavior; and (iii) except as provided in subparagraph (G), return the child to the placement from which the child was removed, unless the parent and the local educational agency agree to a change of placement as part of the modification of the behavioral intervention plan. (G) SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES – School personnel may remove a student to an interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days without regard to whether the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the child’s disability, in cases where a child – (i) carries or possesses a weapon to or at school, on school premises, or to or at a school function under the jurisdiction of a State or local educational agency; (ii) knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance, while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of a State or local educational agency; or (iii) has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school premises, or a school function under the jurisdiction of a State or local educational agency. (H) NOTIFICATION – Not later than the date on which the decision to take disciplinary action is made, the local educational agency shall notify the parents of that decision, and of all procedural safeguards accorded under this section. (1) DETERMINATION OF SETTING – The interim alternative educational setting in subparagraphs (C) and (G) of paragraph (1) shall be determined by the IEP Team. (2) APPEAL – (A) IN GENERAL – The parent of a child with a disability who disagrees with any decision regarding placement, or the manifestation determination under this subsection, or a local educational agency that believes that maintaining the current placement of the child is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or to others, may request a hearing. (B) AUTHORITY OF HEARING OFFICER – (i) IN GENERAL – A hearing officer shall hear, and make a determination regarding, an appeal requested under subparagraph (A). (ii)
(3)
(4)
CHANGE OF PLACEMENT ORDER – In making the determination under clause (I), the hearing officer may order a change in placement of a child with a disability. In such situations, the hearing officer may – (I) return a child with a disability to the placement from which the child was removed; or (II) order a change in placement of a child with a disability to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days if the hearing officer determines that maintaining the current placement of such child is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or to others. PLACEMENT DURING APPEALS – When an appeal under paragraph (3) has been requested by either the parent or the local educational agency – (A) the child shall remain in the interim alternative educational setting pending the decision of the hearing officer or until the expiration of the time period provided for in paragraph (1)(C), whichever occurs first, unless the parent and the State or local educational agency agree otherwise; and (B) the State or local educational agency shall arrange for an expedited hearing, which shall occur within 20 school days of the date the hearing is requested and shall result in a determination within 10 school days after the hearing. PROTECTIONS FOR CHILDREN NOT YET ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND RELATED SERVICES – (A)
(B)
IN GENERAL – A child who has not been determined to be eligible for special education and related services under this part and who has engaged in behavior that violates a code of student conduct, may assert any of the protections provided for in this part if the local educational agency had knowledge (as determined in accordance with this paragraph) that the child was a child with a disability before the behavior that precipitated the disciplinary action occurred. BASIS OF KNOWLEDGE - A local educational agency shall be deemed to have knowledge that a child is a child with a disability if, before the behavior that precipitated the disciplinary action occurred –
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(i)
the parent of the child has expressed concern in writing to supervisory or administrative personnel of the appropriate educational agency, or a teacher of the child, that the child is in need of special education and related services; (ii) the parent of the child has requested an evaluation of the child pursuant to section 614(a)(1)(B); or (iii) the teacher of the child, or other personnel of the local educational agency, has expressed specific concerns about a pattern of behavior demonstrated by the child, directly to the director of special education of such agency or to other supervisory personnel of the agency. (C) EXCEPTION – A local educational agency shall not be deemed to have knowledge that the child is a child with a disability if the parent of the child has not allowed an evaluation of the child pursuant to section 614 or has refused services under this part or the child has been evaluated and it was determined that the child was not a child with a disability under this part. (D) CONDITIONS THAT APPLY IF NO BASIS OF KNOWLEDGE – (i) IN GENERAL - If a local educational agency does not have knowledge that a child is a child with a disability (in accordance with subparagraph (B) or (C)) prior to taking disciplinary measures against the child, the child may be subjected to disciplinary measures applied to children without disabilities who engaged in comparable behaviors consistent with clause (ii). 2 LIMITATIONS – If a request is made for an evaluation of a child during the time period in which this subsection, the evaluation shall be conducted in the subsection, the evaluation shall be conducted in an expedited manner. If the child is determined to be a child with a disability, taking into consideration information from the evaluation conducted by the agency and information provided by the parents, the agency shall provide special education and related services in accordance with this part, except that, pending the results of the evaluation, the child shall remain in the educational placement determined by school authorities. (5) REFERRAL TO AND ACTION BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES – (A) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION – Nothing in this part shall be construed to prohibit an agency from reporting a crime committed by a child with a disability to appropriate authorities or to prevent State law enforcement and judicial authorities from exercising their responsibilities with regard to the application of Federal and State law to crimes committed by a child with a disability. (B) TRANSMITTAL OF RECORDS – An agency reporting a crime committed by a child with a disability shall ensure that copies of the special education and disciplinary records of the child are transmitted for consideration by the appropriate authorities to whom the agency reports the crime. (6) DEFINITIONS – In this subsection: (A) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – The term ‘controlled substance’ means a drug or other substance identified under schedule I, II, III, IV, or V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812(c)). (B) ILLEGAL DRUG – The term ‘illegal drug’ means a controlled substance but does not include a controlled substance that is legally possessed or used under the supervision of a licensed health-care professional or that is legally possessed or used under any other authority under that Act or under any other provision of Federal law. (C) WEAPON – The term ‘weapon’ has the meaning given the term ‘dangerous weapon’ under section 930(g)(2) of title 18, United States Code. (D) SERIOUS BODILY INJURY – The term ‘serious bodily injury’ has the meaning given the term ‘serious bodily injury’ under paragraph (3) of subsection (h) of section 1365 of title 18, United States Code. (1) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION – Nothing in this title shall be construed to restrict or limit the rights, procedures, and remedies available under the Constitution, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or other Federal laws protecting the rights of children with disabilities, except that before the filing of a civil action under such laws seeking relief that is also available under this part, the procedures under subsections (f) and (g) shall be exhausted to the same extent as would be required had the action been brought under this part. (m) TRANSFER OF PARENTAL RIGHTS AT AGE OF MAJORITY – (1) IN GENERAL – A State that receives amounts from a grant under this part may provide that, when a child with a disability reaches the age of majority under State law (except for a child with a disability who has been determined to be incompetent under State law) –
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(A) the agency shall provide any notice required by this section to both the individual and the parents; (B) all other rights accorded to parents under this part transfer to the child; (C) the agency shall notify the individual and the parents of the transfer of rights; and (D) all rights accorded to parents under this part transfer to children who are incarcerated in an adult or juvenile Federal, State, or local correctional institution. (2) SPECIAL RULE – If, under State law, a child with a disability who has reached the age of majority under State law, who has not been determined to be incompetent, but who is determined not to have the ability to provide informed consent with respect to the educational program of the child, the State shall establish procedures for appointing the parent of the child, or if the parent is not available, another appropriate individual, to represent the educational interest of the child throughout the period of eligibility of the child under this part. (n) ELECTRONIC MAIL – A parent of a child with a disability may elect to receive notices required under this section by an electronic mail (e-mail) communication, if the agency makes such option available. (o) SEPARATE COMPLAINT – Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a parent from filing a separate due process complaint on an issue separate from a due process complaint already filed.
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Behavioral Health Support For Students This policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for providing mental health assessments, referral services, and optional mental health screenings for students within the Evangeline Parish School Board.Policy:JGCF- Behavioral Health Support ForStudents
1. Mental Health Assessments ● E ligibility & Authorization:Public schools must providea mental health assessment to students in grades 3 through 12, provided it is annually authorized by a parent or legal guardian. ● Timeline & Coordination:These assessments must beoffered within the school year (ideally during the first semester) at a time and location determined by the school principal or designee. ● Cost:Assessments are provided to eligible studentsat no cost to the School Board. ● Providers:Assessments must be conducted by a licensedbehavioral health provider, which includes: 1. Mental health professionals licensed under Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. 2. Behavioral health service providers licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health.
2. Referral for Assessment and Treatment ● Identification:The School Board maintains rules tohelp personnel identify signs of behavioral or emotional challenges in students. Each school must designate a specific employee to identify community support services and facilitate student referrals. ● Intervention Protocol:Following a student'ssecondsuspensionin a school year, the principal (or designee) and the designated employee must consult. If the behavior stems from behavioral or emotional challenges, they must schedule a conference with the parent or guardian to discuss counseling and support service referrals. ● Annual Reporting:By July 1st each year, the SchoolBoard must submit data from the previous school year to the Louisiana Department of Education and the House and Senate committees on education. The report must detail the number of students identified, conferences scheduled, and referrals made.
3. Mental Health Screenings ● O ptional Program:If approved and funded by the Board,schools may offer mental health screenings for students in grades K–12 during the first semester. ● Consent Requirements:Screenings require strict, writtenparental consent unless the student is an emancipated minor or has reached the age of majority. The specific screening tool used must be disclosed on the consent form and accessible on the school/district website. ● Results & Confidentiality:* If a potential conditionis flagged, the school will notify the parent/guardian (or adult/emancipated student) and provide a list of school or community resources. ○ Screening results are strictly confidential. Collected screening data must be destroyed within 30 days of notifying the family, and no metadata may be collected. ● Restrictions & Liability:Screening results cannot be used to make decisions regarding student instruction, academic opportunities, or discipline. Additionally, there is no cause of action against the School Board or its employees regarding screening results.
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School Use of Crisis Intervention Evangeline Parish School District follows La.R.S. 17:416.21, applicable Louisiana Department of Education regulations, and School Board policy, guidelines, and procedures regarding the use of crisis intervention, including the proper use of seclusion and restraint when necessary to de-escalate a situation in which a student poses an imminent risk of harm to self or others. Evangeline Parish School District uses various interventions, strategies, and supports to address individual student needs, including positive behavioral supports and sensory rooms or other calming spaces intentionally designed to help comfort and stabilize the student so that they may return to the classroom or daily activities. Schools follow adopted policies, guidelines, procedures, and documentation requirements to promote student safety in accordance with required practices. The Evangeline Parish School Board’s Seclusion and Restraint Guidelines and Procedures provide guidance on the proper use of crisis intervention plans as well as seclusion and physical restraint safety, reporting, and notification requirements in accordance with regulations and guidance from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana Department of Education. These guidelines can be accessed on the Evangeline Parish School Board district website at www.epsb.com: Click on 'Departments,' then select 'Special Education Department,' and finally choose 'Seclusion & Restraint Guidelines.' Paper versions may be requested through your child’s school.
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Pursuant to R.S. 17:416.1 as amended by Act 268 of the 2023 Louisiana Regular Session: “The use of any form of corporal punishment is prohibited in any public school unless the student's parent or legal guardian provides written consent for the use of corporal punishment in a document created by the state Department of Education solely for such purpose. Such consent applies only to the school year in which it is given. No form of corporal punishment shall be administered to a student with an exceptionality as defined in R.S. 17:1942 or to a student who has been determined to be eligible for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and has an Individual Accommodation Plan. However, the parent or legal guardian of a student who is gifted and talented and has no other exceptionality may authorize the use of corporal punishment as otherwise provided by this Paragraph.”
This form may be completed by a parent or guardian to provide consent for the administration of corporal punishment during the current school year. PARENT / GUARDIAN CONSENT I ______________________________________ (parent’s name) provide consent for the _________________________ (school system) to administer corporal punishment to my child _______________________ (child’s name).
Signed:
_______________________________________
Phone number: _______________________________________ Email Address: _______________________________________ Date: ______________________________________________
Revised 7/31/2023
TEACHER BILL OF RIGHTS §416.18. Teacher Bill of Rights A. Respecting the authority of teachers is essential to creating an environment conducive to learning, effective instruction in the classroom, and proper administration of city, parish, and other local public schools. To maintain and protect that authority, it is important that teachers, administrators, parents, and students are fully informed of the various rights conferred upon teachers pursuant to this Section, which are: (1) A teacher has the right to teach free from the fear of frivolous lawsuits, including the right to qualified immunity and to legal defense, and to indemnification by the employing school board, pursuant to R.S. 17:416.1 (C), 416.4, 416.5, and 416.11, for actions taken in the performance of duties of the teacher’s employment. (2) A teacher has the right to appropriately discipline students in accordance with R S. 17:223 through 416.16 and any city, parish, or other local public school board regulation. (3) A teacher has the right to remove any persistently disruptive student from his classroom when the student’s behavior prevents the orderly instruction of other students or when the student displays impudent or defiant behavior and to place the student in the custody of the principal or his designee pursuant to R.S. 17:416 (A)(1)(c). (4) A teacher has the right to have his or her professional judgment and discretion respected by school and district administrators in any disciplinary action taken by the teacher in accordance with school and district policy and with R.S.17:416(A)(1)(c). (5) A teacher has the right to teach in a safe, secure, and orderly environment that is conducive to learning and free from recognized dangers or hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious injury in accordance with R.S. 17:416.9 and 416.16. (6) A teacher has the right to be treated with civility and respect as provided in R.S. 17:416.12. (7) A teacher has the right to communicate with and to request the participation of parents in appropriate student disciplinary decisions pursuant to R.S. 17:235.1 and 416(A). (8) A teacher has the right to be free from excessively burdensome disciplinary paperwork. A beginning teacher has the right to receive leadership and support in accordance with R.S. 17:3881, including the assignment of a qualified, experienced mentor who commits to helping him become a competent, confident professional in the classroom and offers support and assistance as needed to meet performance standards and professional expectations. (9) A teacher has the right to be afforded time during the school day or week collaborate with other teachers. B. No city, parish, or other local public school board shall establish policies that prevent teachers from exercising the rights provided in this Section or in any other provision included in R. S. 17:416 through 426.16. C. The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to supersede any other state law, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education policy, or city, parish, or other local public school board policy enacted or adopted relative to the discipline of students. D. Each city, parish, or other local school board shall provide a copy of this Section to all teachers at the beginning of each school year. Each such school board also shall post a copy of the rights provided in this Section in a prominent place in every school and administrative building it operates and provide such a copy to parents or legal guardians of all children attending such schools in a form and manner approved by the school board. Each city, parish, or other local public school board and every school under its jurisdiction that maintains an Internet website shall post on such website a copy of the Teacher Bill of Rights required by this Section.
Pupil Progression Plan – The Evangeline Parish School System’s Pupil Progression Plan can be viewed at the school’s office, central office, or online at www.epsb.com .
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Teacher’s Shield Act ACT 539 / HB 283
he Evangeline Parish School Board is committed to maintaining a safe and orderly learning T environment for all students and employees. ny student who commits or is formally accused of committing an act of assault or battery against a A teacher, administrator, school employee, bus operator, volunteer, or other authorized school personnel may be immediately removed from school and subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Louisiana law, School Board policy, and due process requirements. tudents found to have committed an act of assault or battery against a school employee may be S subject to: ● ● ● ●
uspension from school; S Recommendation for expulsion; Placement in an alternative educational setting when required by law; Additional disciplinary consequences as provided by School Board policy and Louisiana law.
he School Board will investigate all reported incidents involving violence against school employees. T Threats, intimidation, physical aggression, or any conduct that interferes with the safety of the school environment will not be tolerated. Teacher’s Shield Act
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FILE: JD Cf: BD, IDDF, IHAD Cf: JBE, JCD, JDA Cf: JDD, JDE DISCIPLINE
It is the purpose of the Evangeline Parish School Board to operate the schools in a manner that will provide an orderly process of education and that will provide for the welfare and safety of all students who attend these schools. The school's primary goal is to educate, not discipline; however, when the behavior of the individual student comes in conflict with rights of others, corrective actions may be necessary both for the benefit of that individual and the school as a whole. The Evangeline Parish School Board shall endeavor to address student behavior with a focus on evidence-based interventions and supports, and to prioritize classroom- and school-based interventions in lieu of out-of-school disciplinary removals to address student misconduct in order to minimize the loss of academic instructional time. Every teacher and other school employee shall endeavor to hold each student accountable for his/her behavior in school, or on the playgrounds of the school, on any school bus, on the street or while going to or returning from school, during intermission or recess, or at any school sponsored activity or function. To assist the teacher, the School Board shall establish regulations for the use of disciplinary measures within the schools and continually monitor and appraise their usefulness. Discipline shall be administered uniformly, consistently, and in a nondiscriminatory manner, in accordance with the School Board’s Student Code of Conduct. Principals shall have both the authority and the duty to take disciplinary action whenever the behavior of any student(s) materially interferes with or substantially disrupts the maintenance of a proper atmosphere for learning within the classroom or other parts of the school. However, no student shall be disciplined in any manner by the School Board or school administrator, teacher, or other school employee for the use of force upon another person when it can be reasonably concluded that the use of such force more probably than not was committed solely for the purpose of preventing a forcible offense against the student or a forcible offense provided that the force used shall be reasonable and apparently necessary to prevent such offense. A student who is the aggressor or who brings on a difficulty cannot claim the right stated above to defend himself/herself.
Each teacher may take disciplinary action to correct a student who violates school rules or who interferes with an orderly education process. No principal or administrator shall prohibit or discourage a teacher from taking disciplinary action, recommending disciplinary action, or completing a form to initiate disciplinary action against a student who violates school policy or who interferes with an orderly education process. No principal or administrator shall retaliate or take adverse employment action against a teacher for taking disciplinary action against a student if the disciplinary action that the teacher takes is in accordance with School Board policy.
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FILE: JD Cf: BD, IDDF, IHAD Cf: JBE, JCD, JDA Cf: JDD, JDE Disciplinary action by a school employee may include, but is not limited to: 1.
Oral or written reprimands.
2.
Referral for a counseling session which shall include but shall not be limited to conflict resolution, social responsibility, family responsibility, peer mediation, and stress management.
3.
Written notification of parents of disruptive or unacceptable behavior, a copy of which shall be provided to the principal.
4.
Other disciplinary measures approved by the principal and faculty of the school and in compliance with School Board policy.
VIRTUAL DISCIPLINE In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Evangeline Parish School System has made virtual classes available to students. Students may also be required to attend school virtually when schools are closed due to inclement weather or other unanticipated emergencies. The Evangeline Parish School Board adopts this Virtual Discipline policy in order to clarify expectations for student conduct in the virtual classroom and to provide notice of the possible consequences of inappropriate conduct in the virtual classroom. Regardless of the model of instruction, student conduct is governed at all times by La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:416 and the Student Code of Conduct. Virtual instruction shall mean instruction provided to a student through an electronic delivery medium including but not limited to electronic learning platforms that connect a student in a remote location to classroom instruction. Conduct that is unacceptable in the physical classroom is, under most circumstances, equally unacceptable in the virtual classroom. While students and parents normally have an expectation of privacy in their home, conduct that occurs in front of a camera and in view of peers and teachers in the virtual classroom may subject students to disciplinary action. The context in which student behavior occurs is important, however, and will be taken into consideration by School and District administrators in determining whether there has been a violation of the Code of Conduct, the severity of the infraction, and the appropriate penalty, if any, under the circumstances. Privacy and the Virtual Classroom Students and parents, typically, have a reasonable expectation of privacy with regard to what takes place in their home outside of the view of teachers and peers in the virtual classroom. In order to ensure that students and teachers are able to work and learn in a safe and orderly virtual environment, it is imperative that students have a quiet, well-lit "classroom" space free, to the extent possible, from toys, images, messages, personal
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FILE: JD Cf: BD, IDDF, IHAD Cf: JBE, JCD, JDA Cf: JDD, JDE property, or other items that may distract from teaching and learning or that may subject the student to disciplinary action if possessed on school busses, in the regular classroom, at school-sponsored events, or on school property. Students should be cautioned that the virtual classroom is for instruction and for engaging with peers and teachers for educational purposes. Students must not handle or display items, toys, messages, images, or personal property or engage in conduct unrelated to the lessons taking place. Students who engage in conduct in the virtual classroom that violates the Student Code of Conduct and this Virtual Discipline policy may be subject to discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and this policy. School and/or district officials may be required, as mandatory reporters, to alert local law enforcement and/or the Department of Children and Family Services if they observe conduct, messages, images, or objects that raise legitimate concern for the safety and well-being of students in the virtual classroom. This may include students handling weapons in the virtual classroom, even if it is subsequently learned that the weapon is a toy or facsimile, as it is not always possible to determine remotely whether the weapon is real or not. Conduct in the Virtual Classroom Students are responsible for all content posted through their online account(s). Students are prohibited from sharing their online account username or password or using the username or password of another student. Students may be required to have their computer camera turned on when virtual classes are in session. Following is a non-exclusive list of behaviors that are prohibited in the virtual classroom and that may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and this policy: •
• • • • • • • •
Antagonistic, harassing, or discriminatory language of any kind with regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, intelligence, age, orientation, disability-, socioeconomic status or any other legally protected characteristic or activity Bullying and/or cyberbullying Use of obscene, degrading or profane language (written, verbal, pictures, drawings, audio, video) Displaying pornography, nudity or images of nudity Committing lewd or sexual acts Handling or displaying weapons, including toy or facsimile weapons* Any criminal or other illegal activity encouraging the unlawful use, possession, manufacture or distribution of tobacco, drugs or alcohol* Illegal posting, distribution, upload or download of copyrighted work of any kind Sharing assignments, questions/answers, or any other action that would violate any expectations or rules relative to academic honesty
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FILE: JD Cf: BD, IDDF, IHAD Cf: JBE, JCD, JDA Cf: JDD, JDE • • • • •
Posting personally identifiable information in any format other than via private message Indecent dress or disrobing Interference with the instructional audio or video Use or display of illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco or tobacco products, or gaping devices* Violations of the Board's/School's Acceptable Use policy or Device Contract
Consequences of Inappropriate Online Conduct Parents and students must be aware that conduct that is unacceptable and disruptive in the regular classroom environment is, typically, unacceptable in the virtual classroom. The School Board recognizes, however, that virtual learning is likely a new experience for students and families, and that the context in which student conduct occurs must be taken into account in determining the appropriate penalty, if any, imposed for violations of the Student Code of Conduct in the virtual classroom. Student conduct that occurs in the virtual classroom may be subject to progressive discipline which, depending on the seriousness of the conduct at issue, may include an initial verbal warning and consultation with the student's parent or guardian prior to any formal disciplinary action. The seriousness of the conduct at issue will dictate the actions of administrators and the nature of the penalty ultimately imposed. For example, a student may be subject to a severe penalty, even for a first offense, depending on the seriousness of the conduct at issue. Some factors that administrators will likely take into account in determining the penalty to be imposed, if any, for conduct that occurs in the virtual classroom may include: • • • • •
• •
Age of the student Whether the conduct disrupted learning in the virtual classroom Whether the conduct was violent or threatening in any way Whether the conduct was illegal Whether the conduct interfered with the rights of teachers and/or students to work and learn in a safe and orderly environment free from inappropriate images, messages, language or behavior Whether the student has committed prohibited conduct in the past Whether the student has received prior warnings or discipline for similar conduct
*Conduct in the virtual classroom related to the display or handling of weapons or drugs, or other conduct that raises legitimate concerns about the safety and welfare of a student, must be reported immediately to the School Principal and/or School Resource Officer in order to assess whether the matter must be reported to local law enforcement and/or the Department of Children and Family Services.
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FILE: JD Cf: BD, IDDF, IHAD Cf: JBE, JCD, JDA Cf: JDD, JDE STUDENT REMOVAL FROM CLASSROOM When a student’s behavior prevents the orderly instruction of other students, poses an immediate threat to the safety of students or the teacher, or when a student violates the school’s code of conduct the teacher shall have the student immediately removed from his/her classroom and placed in custody of the principal or his/her designee. Any student removed from class in kindergarten through grade five shall not be permitted to return to class for at least thirty (30) minutes unless agreed to by the teacher initiating the disciplinary action. A student removed from class in grades six through twelve shall not be permitted to return to class during the same class period, unless agreed to by the teacher initiating the disciplinary action. Whenever a teacher is struck by a student, the student, in addition to any other discipline given, shall be permanently removed from the teacher's classroom, unless the teacher objects, or unless the principal, with the concurrence of the building level committee, finds the striking incident to be entirely inadvertent. Upon the student being removed from class and sent to the principal's office, the principal or designee shall advise the student of the particular misconduct of which he is accused as well as the basis for such accusation, and the student shall be given an opportunity at that time to explain his/her version of the facts. The principal or his/her designee then shall conduct a counseling session with the student as may be appropriate to establish a course of action, consistent with School Board policy to identify and correct the behavior for which the student is being disciplined. Once removed, the student shall not be readmitted to the classroom until the principal has implemented at least one of the following disciplinary measures: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
13.
Conferencing with the principal or his/her designee. Referral to counseling. Peer mediation. Referral to the school building level committee. Restorative justice practices. Loss of privileges Detention In-school suspension Out-of-school suspension Initiation of expulsion hearings Referral for assignment to an alternative setting Requiring the completion of all assigned school work and homework that would have been assigned and completed by the student during the period of out-of-school suspension. Any other disciplinary measure authorized by the principal with the concurrence of the teacher or building level committee.
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FILE: JD Cf: BD, IDDF, IHAD Cf: JBE, JCD, JDA Cf: JDD, JDE Parental Notification The principal or his/her designee shall provide oral or written notification to the parent or legal guardian of any student removed from the classroom. Such notification shall include a description of any disciplinary action taken. When a student has been removed from a classroom, the teacher or the principal or his/her designee may require the parent, or legal guardian of the student to have a conference with the teacher or the principal or his/her designee before the student is readmitted. Such conference may be in person or by telephone or other virtual means. Upon the student’s third removal from the same classroom, the teacher and principal shall discuss the disruptive behavior patterns of the student and the potentially appropriate disciplinary measure before the principal implements a disciplinary measure. In addition, a conference between the teacher or other appropriate school employee and the student’s parent, or legal guardian is required prior to the student being readmitted to that same classroom. Such conference may be in person or by telephone or other virtual means. If such conference is required by the school, the school shall give written notice to the parent. For students who experience multiple behavioral incidents or disciplinary referrals, a principal or his designee shall consider a referral of the matter to an appropriate school building level committee. If the disruptive behavior persists, the teacher may request that the principal transfer the student into another setting. PARENT CONFERENCES In any case where a teacher, principal, or other school employee is authorized to require the parent or legal guardian of a student to attend a conference or meeting regarding the student’s behavior, and after notice, the parent or legal guardian willfully refuses to attend, the principal, or his/her designee, shall file a complaint, in accordance with statutory provisions, with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction. Notice of the conference, specifying the time and date of the conference, shall be given by contacting the parent, or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the student’s registration card or by sending a certified letter to the address shown on the student’s registration card. REPORTS TO PRINCIPAL Any teacher or other school employee may report to the principal any student who acts in a disorderly manner or is in violation of school rules, or any misconduct or violation of school rules by a student who may or may not be known to the teacher or employee. Incidents of alleged discipline violations shall be reported on the School Behavior Report/School Bus Behavior Report form provided by the Louisiana Department of Education. The forms shall be submitted in accordance with procedures outlined by the
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FILE: JD Cf: BD, IDDF, IHAD Cf: JBE, JCD, JDA Cf: JDD, JDE School District, the Superintendent, and school system personnel. The principal shall review and act upon such information submitted, to determine if suspension or other disciplinary action is necessary. Should the principal fail to act on any report of misconduct or school violation, he/she shall explain the reasons for doing so to the Superintendent or his/her designee and to the teacher or school employee, student, parent, or legal guardian reporting the violation. DELINQUENT STUDENTS Students who regularly disrupt the normal school environment shall be considered as delinquent, and may be reported by appropriate school personnel to the juvenile court. Any student that exhibits disruptive behavior, an incorrigible attitude, or any other discipline problems in general may be recommended by the principal for expulsion, assignment to an appropriate alternative educational placement, or transfer to adult education if the student is: 1.
Seventeen (17) years of age or older with less than five (5) units of credit toward graduation;
2.
Eighteen (18) years of age or older with less than ten (10) units of credit toward graduation; or
3.
Nineteen (19) years of age or older with less than fifteen (15) units of credit toward graduation.
RECUSAL OF ADMINISTRATOR IN DISCIPLINE MATTERS Any school administrator or administrator's designee who is required to make a recommendation, decide an issue, or take action in a matter involving the discipline of a student shall recuse himself/herself whenever a member of the immediate family of the administrator or administrator's designee is involved in any manner in the discipline matter. In case of recusal, the action to be taken shall be done so by the Superintendent or an impartial designee of the Superintendent. Immediate family means the individual's children, brothers, sisters, parents, and spouse and the children, brothers, sisters, and parents of the spouse. DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES OR EXCEPTIONALITIES Discipline of students with disabilities or exceptionalities, or an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Individualized Accommodation Plan, shall be to the extent allowed by applicable state or federal law and regulations or the provisions of the student’s specific plan.
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FILE: JD Cf: BD, IDDF, IHAD Cf: JBE, JCD, JDA Cf: JDD, JDE DEFINITIONS Out-of-school suspension means the removal of a student from all classes of instruction on public school grounds and all other school-sponsored activities. In-school suspension means removing a student from his/her normal classroom setting but maintaining him under supervision within the school. Students participating in inschool suspension shall receive credit for work performed during the in-school suspension. However, any student who fails to comply fully with the rules for in-school suspension may be subject to immediate out-of-school suspension. Detention shall mean activities, assignments, or work held before the normal school day, after the normal school day, or on weekends. Failure or refusal by a student to participate in assigned detention may subject the student to immediate out-of-school suspension. Assignments, activities, or work which may be assigned during detention include, but are not limited to, counseling, homework assignments, behavior modification program, or other activities aimed at improving the behavior and conduct of the student. Expulsion (unless otherwise defined as a permanent expulsion by law) shall mean the removal of a student from school for at least one school semester. During an expulsion the Superintendent shall place the student in an alternative school or in an alternative educational placement. Firearm means any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, submachine gun, blackpowder weapon, or assault rifle that is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition or from which a shot or projectile is discharged by an explosive.
Revised: November, 2012 Revised: March 12, 2014 Revised: December 9, 2020
Revised: July, 2021 Revised: August 17, 2022 Revised: July 17, 2024
Ref: 42 USC 12112 et seq. (Equal Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:223, 17:224, 17:233, 17:239, 17:252, 17:416, 17:416.1, 17:416.13; Regulations for Implementation of the Exceptional Children's Act, Bulletin 1706, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 10-21-09, 3-1214, 12-9-20, 8-17-22, 7-17-24.
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LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SCHOOL BEHAVIOR REPORT In accordance with R. S. 17:416(A) the purpose of this report is to inform parents/guardians of a behavior incident on the school campus, in the classroom, cafeteria, gymnasium, auditorium, elsewhere at the school or during school-related activities, and of subsequent disciplinary action taken by school officials. Because this or other incidents may jeopardize the safety, well-being or education of other students, parents are urged to discuss the incident and possible implications with the student to prevent further occurrences. Name of Student:
Phone:
Name of Teacher/Staff:
Teacher/Staff/Location:
Name of Principal:
School:
Check One:
Date of Incident:
Regular Education
504
Grade/Section:
Time:
Location:
Special Education
Time Code:
01 Before School on Grounds, 02 During Class, 03 Between Classes, 04 After Normal School Hours & Supervised, 05 To/From School, 06 At Bus Stop or Transfer Station, 07 During School Extracurricular/Assembly Event, 08 Recess, Club, Free Time, 09 Homeroom, 10 Breakfast/Lunch
Location Code:
01 Classroom, 02 Restroom, 03 Lunchroom, 04 Hallway, 05 Playground, 07 At Bus Stop or Transfer Station, 08 Parking Lot, 09 Locker Room, 10 Cell Phone, 11 Internet, 12 To or From School, 13 School Sponsored Event, 14 Home, 98 Offsite Program, 99 Other
INFRACTION/REASON CODES (Check all that apply) 01.
Willful disobedience
02.
Treats an authority with disrespect
03.
Makes an unfounded charge against authority
04.
Uses profane and/or obscene language
05.
Commits immoral or vicious practices
06.
Conduct or habits injurious to his/her associates
07.
Uses or possesses any controlled dangerous substances governed by the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law, in any form
08.
Uses or possesses electronic vapor products, tobacco, lighter, or matches
09.
Uses or possesses alcoholic beverages
10.
Disturbs the school or habitually violates any rule
11.
12.
13.
14.
Cuts, defaces, or injures 17. any part of public school buildings/vandalism 18. Writes profane and/or obscene language or draws obscene pictures 19.
Possesses weapon (s) as defined in Section 921 of 20. Title 18 of the U.S. Code. Use of code 13 requires additional submission of the Weapon Type code. 21. Possesses firearms (not 30. prohibited by federal law), knives, or other implements, which may be used as weapons, 31. the careless use of which might inflict harm or injury (Excludes pocket knives with a blade length 33. < 2 ½“ - refer to code 31).
15.
Throws missiles liable to injure others
16.
Instigates or participates 35. in fights while under school supervision
34.
Violates traffic and safety regulations Leaves school premises or classroom without permission Is habitually tardy and/ or absent
36.
Cyber Bullying (complete Bullying Form and Bullying Investigation Form)
37.
False Alarm/Bomb Threat
38.
Forgery
39. Takes another’s property 40. or possessions without 41. permission Commits any other serious offense
42. Discharge or use of weapon(s) prohibited by 43. federal law 44. Possesses pocket knife or blade cutter with a 45. blade length < 2 ½” 46. Use of OTC medication in a manner other than prescribed or authorized 47. Possession of Body Armor
Bullying/Harrassment (complete Bullying Form and Bullying Investigation Form)
Gambling Public Indecency Obscene behavior or Possession of Obscene/ Pornographic Material Unauthorized use of Technology Improper dress Academic dishonesty Trespassing Violation Failure to Serve Assigned Consequence Misusing Internet/ Violates electronic/ technology policy
48.
Sexual Harassment
49.
False Report
50.
Crime of Violence (per R.S. 14:2B)
REMARKS/DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT:
(REVISED 9/15/2023)
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SCHOOL BEHAVIOR REPORT ACTION(S) TAKEN BY TEACHER OR OTHER SCHOOL EMPLOYEE The student named above is hereby reported for inappropriate behavior as indicated in this report. This is the student’s 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th (circle one) or other cumulative behavioral referral(s). I have taken the following action(s): 011
Referred to Office
022
Therapeutic Removal
030
Restorative Practices Implemented
012
Referred to Counselor
025
Intervention Room
173
Conference with Parents or Guardians
013
Referred to Social Worker
080
Assigned Remedial Work
175
Conference with Principal
014
Referred to SBLC
120
Student Conference
999
Other Action
018
Secondary Referral (PBIS)
140
Student Reprimand
019
Tertiary Referral (PBIS)
160
Loss of Privileges
Contact Parent/Guardian?
N Date:
Y
Time:
Phone Call
Letter
Time:
Conference Date:
RECOMMENDATION(S) BY TEACHER OR OTHER SCHOOL EMPLOYEE: Signature of School Employee:
Date:
ACTION(S) TAKEN BY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR The student named above is hereby reported for inappropriate behavior as indicated in this report. This is the student’s 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th (circle one) or other cumulative behavioral referral(s). I have taken the following action(s): 000
No Action – only use if no reportable action was taken
014
Referred to School Building Level Committee (SBLC)
080
Assigned Remedial Work
001
Expulsion Recommendation
016
Court Referral Date:
120
Student Conference Date:
002
Suspension Out of School from to
017
Enforcement Referral (Arrest Resulted Y N)
140
Student Reprimand
160
Loss of Privileges
004
Suspension In School from
020
TOR (Time Out Room)
173
006
Suspension Alternative Site from to
030
Restorative Practices Implemented
Conference w/ Parents or Guardians on: Conference w/ Principal on:
Referred to Counselor
In School Detention from
175
012
040
013
Referral to Social Worker
043
After School Detention from
to
180
045
Weekend Detention from
to
Corporal Punishment (if checked, complete “Corporal Punishment” Incidence Checklist)
999
Other Action(s):
Perpetrator: Serious Bodily Injury Contact Parent/Guardian?
Y
to
Y
N Medical Treatment N Date:
SIS Primary Infraction/Reason Code Entered:
Time:
Y
to
N Victim: Serious Bodily Injury Phone Call
Letter
Signature of Principal:
Y
N Medical Treatment
Conference Date:
Y
N
Time: Date:
COMMENTS BY STUDENT AND/OR PARENT/GUARDIAN:
Signature of Student:
Signature of Parent/Guardian:
Current Date:
Check appropriate blocks as copies of the document are supplied: Parent/Guardian
School’s Pupil File
Employee Filing this Report
Principal
NOTE: The principal shall return a completed copy of this form to the staff member who initiated the referral within 48 hours (excluding non-work days) of the time it was submitted to the principal. Attachments: Provide copies of all documents related to the behavior of the student named above and prepared by the employee submitting this referral. (REVISED 9/15/2023)
In accordance with LA R.S. 413.13 HARASSMENT AND BULLYING ARE CONSIDERED SERIOUS OFFENSES AND ARE CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION. Notice to Parents and Students – Relative to Bullying Incident Investigation/ Bullying Prevention Conference In an effort to prevent bullying, this information is being shared with the student and parent at the start of the school year. If a student is advised of unacceptable behavior in the presence of the principal and his parents, and continues the same behavior, he may be suspended and/or recommended for expulsion. The Evangeline Parish School Board is committed to maintaining a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment so that no student feels threatened while in school or participating in school-related activities. Students and their parents/guardians shall be notified that the school, school bus, and all other school environments are to be safe and secure for all. Therefore, all statements or actions of a bullying, cyberbullying, intimidating, threatening, harassing, hazing, terrorizing, or any other violent nature made on campus, at school-sponsored activities, on school buses, at school bus stops, and en-route from home to the bus stop and from the bus stop home shall not be tolerated. Even if made in a joking manner, these statements or actions threatening other students, school personnel, or school property shall be unacceptable. All students, teachers, and other school employees shall take responsible measures within the scope of their individual authority to prevent violations of this policy. It is important that the student/parent understand what constitutes bullying and what should be done to report bullying. Acts of Bullying are not condoned nor will they be tolerated. Bullying investigations often result in the determination that the alleged behavior does not meet the definition of bullying but may well violate other prohibited behaviors in the code of conduct. Oftentimes joking, picking, and even fighting do not meet the definition of bullying. All inappropriate behaviors will be addressed. It is very important that inappropriate behaviors be reported in a timely manner. Initial reports of alleged bullying may be reported orally but a written report needs to be submitted within TWO days. The consequences of bullying could be as extreme as suspension and/or expulsion and in some cases criminal charges. Therefore, we recognize the importance of defining bullying to students and parents. Louisiana law defines Bullying as: "A PATTERN of any one or more of the following: (a) Gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures and making faces. (b) Written, electronic, or verbal communications, including but not limited to calling names, threatening harm, taunting, malicious teasing, or spreading untrue rumors. Electronic communication includes but is not limited to a communication or image transmitted by email, instant message, text message, blog, or social networking website through the use of a telephone, mobile phone, pager, computer, or other electronic device. (c) Physical acts, including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, choking, damaging personal property, or unauthorized use of personal property. (d) Repeatedly and purposefully shunning or excluding from activities. "The PATTERN of behavior must have the effect of physically harming a student, placing the student in reasonable fear of physical harm, damaging a student's property, placing the student in reasonable fear of damage to the student's property, or must be sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough to either create an intimidating or threatening educational environment, have the effect of substantially interfering with a student's performance in school, or have the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school". In an effort to prevent bullying, whether intentional or not, the school administration may ask the parent and student to participate in a prevention conference if deemed appropriate. The purpose of the Bullying Prevention Conference is to have an open discussion about the definition of bullying and any possible alleged incidents. The intent of the conference is to prevent a continuation of behaviors that may later constitute bullying. Reporting Procedures Any student who believes he or she has been the victim of bullying, intimidation, threatening or violent behavior, harassment, hazing, or terrorizing by a student, teacher, administrator or other school personnel, or by any other person who is participating in, observing or otherwise engaged in activities including sporting events and other extracurricular activities, under the auspices of the school district or a school within the school system, is encouraged to immediately report the alleged acts to any appropriate school official using the state issued form. The length of any disciplinary action, while taking into account the seriousness of and the number of infractions committed, will be determined by the administration. A suspension may range from one (1) to ten (10) days. Any student who has been suspended must attend a re-entry meeting with the parent before they will be allowed to attend any classes unless modified by the school administration. When a student is suspended from school, he must be informed of the charges against him, and he must be given the opportunity to respond to the charges. The parent must be notified of the charges resulting in the suspension. If he cannot be reached by telephone, the school must send the appropriate notice as soon as possible. Parents will be notified by certified mail upon the third suspension or by signing the referral making such notification, giving warning that the fourth suspension may result in an expulsion. An appeal of suspension may be made to the Superintendent. A student whose presence in or about a school poses a continued danger to person or property or an ongoing threat of disruption will be immediately removed from the school premises without the benefit of the procedure described above. However, proper notification must follow. Should a parent wish to discuss the findings, the principal will meet with the parent. If the parent is dissatisfied, he may appeal the decision to the Superintendent. Students may be re-assigned to Evangeline Central’s Alternative Program for an alternate-site suspension or expulsion.
In accordance with LA R.S. 416.12 “When any public school student is speaking with any public school system employee while on school property or at a school sponsored event, such student shall address and respond to such public school system employee by using the respectful terms "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Ma'am" or "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir", as appropriate, or "Yes, Miss, Mrs., or Ms. (Surname)" and "No, Miss, Mrs., or Ms. (Surname)" or "Yes, Mr. (Surname)" and "No, Mr. (Surname)", as appropriate, each such title to be followed by the appropriate surname.
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Evangeline Parish Schools Notice to Parents and Students – Relative to Bullying Incident Investigation/ Bullying Prevention Conference In an effort to prevent bullying, this information is being shared with the student and parent at the start of the school year. If a student is advised of unacceptable behavior in the presence of the principal and his parents, and continues the same behavior, he may be suspended and/or recommended for expulsion. The Evangeline Parish School Board is committed to maintaining a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment so that no student feels threatened while in school or participating in school-related activities. Students and their parents/guardians shall be notified that the school, school bus, and all other school environments are to be safe and secure for all. Therefore, all statements or actions of a bullying, cyberbullying, intimidating, threatening, harassing, hazing, terrorizing, or any other violent nature made on campus, at school-sponsored activities, on school buses, at school bus stops, and in route from home to the bus stop and from the bus stop home shall not be tolerated. Even if made in a joking manner, these statements or actions threatening other students, school personnel, or school property shall be unacceptable. All students, teachers, and other school employees shall take responsible measures within the scope of their individual authority to prevent violations of this policy. It is important that the student/parent understand what constitutes bullying and what should be done to report bullying. Acts of Bullying are not condoned nor will they be tolerated. Bullying investigations often result in the determination that the alleged behavior does not meet the definition of bullying but may well violate other prohibited behaviors in the code of conduct. Often times joking, picking, and even fighting do not meet the definition of bullying. All inappropriate behaviors will be addressed. It is very important that inappropriate behaviors be reported in a timely manner. Initial reports of alleged bullying may be reported orally but a written report needs to be submitted within TWO days on the Louisiana state Bullying Report Form. The consequences of bullying could be as extreme as suspension and/or expulsion and in some cases criminal charges. Therefore, we recognize the importance of defining bullying to students and parents.
Louisiana law defines Bullying as: "A PATTERN of any one or more of the following: (a) Gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures and making faces. (b) Written, electronic, or verbal communications, including but not limited to calling names, threatening harm, taunting, malicious teasing, or spreading untrue rumors. Electronic communication includes but is not limited to a communication or image transmitted by email, instant message, text message, blog, or social networking website through the use of a telephone, mobile phone, pager, computer, or other electronic device. (c) Physical acts, including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, choking, damaging personal property, or unauthorized use of personal property. (d) Repeatedly and purposefully shunning or excluding from activities. "The PATTERN of behavior must have the effect of physically harming a student, placing the student in reasonable fear of physical harm, damaging a student's property, placing the student in reasonable fear of damage to the student's property, or must be sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough to either create an intimidating or threatening educational environment, have the effect of substantially interfering with a student's performance in school, or have the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school". In an effort to prevent bullying, whether intentional or not, the school administration may ask the parent and student to participate in a prevention conference if deemed appropriate. The purpose of the Bullying Prevention Conference is to have an open discussion about the definition of bullying and any alleged incidents. The intent of the conference is to prevent a continuation of behaviors that may later constitute bullying.
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BULLYING REPORT FORM Instructions: Complete this form, responding only to the questions that you feel comfortable answering and are able to report accurately. Submit this form to the principal or other school employee. This form may be completed by the person reporting the incident or by the school employee to whom the incident is being reported. Person Reporting the Incident:
Date of Report:
Person Reporting the Incident: Student
Parent/Guardian
School Employee
Chaperone
Description of Incident (Include the names of those involved and as much detail as possible: what, where, when, how, etc.)
List the name(s) of any witnesses to the incident.
I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. Signature of Person Filing Report
Date
Received by : Name
Position
Date
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POST OFFICE BOX 94064 | BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9064 | 1.877.453.2721 | WWW.LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM
FILE: JCDAF Cf: EBBB, IFBGA, JAA Cf: JCD, JCEA, JD, JDD BULLYING AND HAZING
The Evangeline Parish School Board is committed to maintaining a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment so that no student is subject to bullying, hazing, or similar behavior while in school or participating in school-related activities. Students and their parents or legal guardians shall be notified that the school, school bus, and all other school environments are to be safe and secure for all. Therefore, all statements or actions of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior made on campus, at school-sponsored activities, or events, on school buses, at school bus stops, and on the way to and from school shall not be tolerated. Even if made in a joking manner, these statements or actions of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior towards other students or school personnel shall be unacceptable. All students, teachers, and other school employees shall take responsible measures within the scope of their individual authority to prevent violations of this policy. BULLYING Bullying shall mean: 1.
A pattern of any one or more of the following: A.
Gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures and making faces.
B.
Written, electronic, or verbal communications, including but not limited to calling names, threatening harm, taunting, malicious teasing, or spreading untrue rumors. Electronic communication includes but is not limited to a communication or image transmitted by email, instant message, text message, blog, or social networking website through the use of a telephone, mobile phone, pager, computer, or other electronic device.
C.
Physical acts, including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, choking, damaging personal property, or unauthorized use of personal property.
D.
Repeatedly and purposefully shunning or excluding from activities.
2.
Where the pattern of behavior as enumerated above is exhibited toward a student, more than once, by another student or group of students and occurs, or is received by, a student while on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related function or activity, at any designated school bus stop, in any other school bus or any other school or private vehicle used to transport students to and from schools, or any school-sponsored activity or event.
3.
The pattern of behavior as provided above shall have the effect of physically
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FILE: JCDAF Cf: EBBB, IFBGA, JAA Cf: JCD, JCEA, JD, JDD harming a student, placing the student in reasonable fear of physical harm, damaging a student's property, placing the student in reasonable fear of damage to the student's property, or shall be sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough to either create an intimidating or threatening educational environment, have the effect of substantially interfering with a student's performance in school, or have the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. Each elementary and secondary school shall institute a program to prohibit and prevent bullying. The program shall: 1. Define bullying as provided above. 2. Ensure each student, each student's parent or legal guardian, and each school administrator, teacher, counselor, bus operator, school employee, and volunteer is aware of his/her duties and responsibilities relative to preventing and stopping bullying. 3. Provide for a process for reporting and investigating alleged incidents of bullying. 4. Provide for appropriate discipline of a student found guilty of bullying. 5. Provide for appropriate remedies for a student found to have been bullied. 6. Provide for procedures for investigating and reporting each school administrator, teacher, counselor, bus operator, and school employee for failure to act as provided. HAZING Hazing shall mean any knowing behavior, whether by commission or omission, of any student to encourage, direct, order, or participate in any activity which subjects another student to potential physical, mental, or psychological harm for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, continued membership in, or acceptance by existing members of any organization or extracurricular activity at a public elementary or secondary school, whether such behavior is planned or occurs on or off school property, including any school bus and school bus stop. Hazing does not mean any adult-directed and school-sanctioned athletic program practice or event or military training program. Any solicitation to engage in hazing, and the aiding and abetting another person who engages in hazing shall be prohibited. The consent, stated or implied, of the hazing victim shall not be a defense in determining disciplinary action. NOTICE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS The School Board shall inform each student, orally and in writing, at the required
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FILE: JCDAF Cf: EBBB, IFBGA, JAA Cf: JCD, JCEA, JD, JDD orientation conducted at the beginning of each school year, of the prohibition against bullying, hazing, or similar behavior of a student by another student; the nature and consequences of such actions; including the potential criminal consequences and loss of driver's license, and the proper process and procedure for reporting any incidents involving such prohibited actions. A copy of the written notice shall also be delivered to each student's parent or legal guardian. REPORTING The principal or his/her designee shall be authorized to receive complaints alleging violation of this policy. All employees, parents, volunteers, or any other school personnel shall report alleged violations to the principal or his/her designee. Any written or oral report of an act of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior shall be considered an official means of reporting such act(s). Complaints, reports, and investigative reports of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior shall remain confidential, with limited exception of state or federal law. The reporting of incidents of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior shall be made on the Bullying Report form, which shall include an affirmation of truth. Any bullying, hazing, or similar behavior report submitted, regardless of recipient, shall use this form, but additional information may be provided. The form shall be available on the website of each public elementary and secondary school. Students and Parents Any student who believes that he/she has been, or is currently, the victim of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior, or any student, or any parent or legal guardian, who witnesses bullying, hazing, or similar behavior or has good reason to believe bullying, hazing, or similar behavior is taking place, may report the situation to a school official, who in turn shall report the situation to the principal or his/her designee. A student, or parent or legal guardian, may also report concerns regarding bullying, hazing, or similar behavior to a teacher, counselor, other school employee, or to any chaperone supervising a school function or activity. Any report shall remain confidential. School Personnel Any school employee, whether full- or part-time, and any chaperone supervising a school function or activity, who witnesses or learns of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior, immediately shall report the incident to the principal or his/her designee. Verbal reports shall be submitted by the employee or chaperone on the same day as the employee or chaperone witnessed or otherwise learned of the incident, and a written report shall be filed no later than two (2) days thereafter. All other members of the school community, including students, parents or legal guardians, volunteers, and visitors shall be encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy to the principal or his/her designee.
Evangeline Parish School Board
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FILE: JCDAF Cf: EBBB, IFBGA, JAA Cf: JCD, JCEA, JD, JDD False Reports Intentionally making false reports about bullying, hazing, or similar behavior to school officials shall be prohibited conduct and shall result in appropriate disciplinary measures as determined by the School Board. INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE Investigations of any reports of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior of a student shall be in accordance with the following: 1.
Timing The school shall begin an investigation of any complaint that is properly reported and that alleges the prohibited conduct the next business or school day after the report is received by the principal or his/her designee. The investigation shall be completed as expeditiously as possible, but not later than ten (10) school days after the date the written report of the incident is submitted to the principal or his/her designee. If additional information is received after the end of the ten-day period, the school principal or his/her designee shall amend all documents and reports required to reflect such information.
2.
Scope of Investigation An investigation shall include documented interviews of the reporter, the alleged victim, the alleged bully or offender, and any witnesses, and shall include obtaining oral, visual or written evidence, including, but not limited to statements, writings, recordings, electronic messages, and photographs. Interviews shall be conducted privately, separately, and confidentially. Unless necessary for the purpose of the investigation, the alleged offender and alleged victim shall not be interviewed together. The principal or his/her designee shall collect and evaluate all facts using the Bullying Investigation form.
3.
Parental Notification Upon receiving a report of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior, the school shall notify the parent or legal guardian of each involved student no later than the following business or school day. Delivery of notice to the parents or legal guardians by an involved student shall not constitute the required parental notice. Before any student under the age of eighteen (18) is interviewed, his/her parent or legal guardian shall be notified by the principal or his/her designee of the allegations made and shall have the opportunity to attend any interviews with their child conducted as part of the investigation.
Evangeline Parish School Board
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FILE: JCDAF Cf: EBBB, IFBGA, JAA Cf: JCD, JCEA, JD, JDD All meetings with the parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim and the parents or legal guardians of the alleged perpetrator shall be in compliance with the following: A.
Separate meetings shall be held with the parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim and the parents or legal guardians of the alleged perpetrator.
B.
Parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim and of the alleged perpetrator shall be informed of the potential consequences, penalties, and counseling options.
In any case where a teacher, principal, or other school employee is authorized to require the parent or legal guardian of a student who is under the age of eighteen (18) and not judicially emancipated or emancipated by marriage to attend a conference or meeting regarding the student's behavior and, after notice, the parent, or legal guardian willfully refuses to attend, the principal or his/her designee shall file a complaint, pursuant to Louisiana Children’s Code, Article 730 or Article 731, with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction. The principal may also file a complaint on the grounds the student is a truant or has willfully and repeatedly violated school rules, or any other applicable ground when, in his/her judgment, doing so is in the best interests of the student. 4.
Documentation At the conclusion of an investigation of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior, and after meeting with the parents or legal guardians of each involved student, the principal or his/her designee or School Board shall: A.
Prepare a written report containing the findings of the investigation, including input from the involved students’ parents or legal guardians, and the decision by the principal or his/her designee or school system official. The document shall be placed in the school records of each involved student.
B.
Promptly notify the reporter/complainant of the findings of the investigation and whether remedial action has been taken, if such release of information does not violate the law.
C.
Keep reports/complaints and investigative reports confidential, except where disclosure is required to be made by applicable federal laws, rules, or regulations or by state law.
D.
Maintain reports/complaints and investigative reports for three (3) years.
E.
As applicable, provide a copy of any reports and investigative documents to the School Board for disciplinary measures, or to the Louisiana
Evangeline Parish School Board
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FILE: JCDAF Cf: EBBB, IFBGA, JAA Cf: JCD, JCEA, JD, JDD Department of Education, as necessary. F.
As applicable, provide a copy of any reports and investigative documents to the appropriate law enforcement officials.
During the pendency of an investigation, the school district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the alleged victim, students, teachers, administrators or other school personnel pending completion of the investigation. Handling Evidence Whenever an employee/administrator receives notice of a bullying or hazing, or similar behavior, any physical evidence of the act/communication shall be secured in the building administrator’s office with as little physical contact as possible. If the act/communication is in the form of graffiti, the area shall be sealed off by the building administrator. Photographs shall be taken as soon as possible. Student/public exposure shall be as minimal as possible. Graffiti shall not be removed until law enforcement has properly examined the area. APPEAL If the school principal or his/her designee does not take timely and effective action in any bullying incident, the student, parent or legal guardian, or school employee may report, in writing, the incident to the School Board. The School Board shall begin an investigation of any properly reported complaint that alleges prohibited conduct the next business day during which school is in session after the report is received by the School Board. If the School Board does not take timely and effective action, the student, parent or legal guardian, or other school employee may report any bullying incident to the Louisiana Department of Education. DISCIPLINARY ACTION Once a report has been received at a school, and a school principal or his/her designee has determined that an act of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior has occurred, and after having met with the parent or legal guardian of the student involved, the principal or his/her designee, or applicable school official shall take prompt and appropriate disciplinary action against the student, and report criminal conduct to law enforcement. Counseling and/or other interventions may also be recommended. Students may be disciplined for off-campus bullying, hazing, or similar behavior the same as if the improper conduct occurred on campus, if the actions of the offender substantially interfere with the education opportunities or educational programs of the student victim and/or adversely affects the ability of the student victim to participate in or benefit from the school’s education programs or activities.
Evangeline Parish School Board
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FILE: JCDAF Cf: EBBB, IFBGA, JAA Cf: JCD, JCEA, JD, JDD PARENTAL RELIEF If a parent, legal guardian, teacher, or other school official has made four (4) or more reports of separate instances of bullying, and no investigation pursuant to state law or this policy has occurred, the parent or legal guardian of the alleged victim may request that the student be transferred to another school operated by the School Board. Such request shall be filed with the Superintendent. Upon receipt of the request to transfer the student to another school, the School Board shall make a seat available at another school under its jurisdiction within ten (10) school days of the parent or legal guardian's request for a transfer. If the School Board has no other school under its jurisdiction serving the grade level of the alleged victim, within fifteen (15) school days of receiving the request, the Superintendent shall: 1.
Inform the student and his/her parent or legal guardian and facilitate the student's enrollment in a statewide virtual school.
2.
Offer the student a placement in a full-time virtual program or virtual school under the School Board’s jurisdiction.
3.
Enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Superintendent or director of another governing authority to secure a placement and provide for the transfer of the student to a school serving the grade level of the student, in accordance with statutory provisions.
If no seat or other placement is made available within thirty (30) calendar days of the receipt of the request by the Superintendent, the parent or legal guardian may request a hearing with the School Board, which shall be public or private at the option of the parent or legal guardian. The School Board shall grant the hearing at the next scheduled meeting or within sixty (60) calendar days, whichever is sooner. At the end of any school year, the parent or legal guardian may make a request to the School Board to transfer the student back to the original school. The School Board shall make a seat available at the original school that the student attended. No other schools shall qualify for transfer under this provision. FAILURE TO ACT Any teacher, counselor, bus operator, administrator, or other school employee, whether full- or part-time, who witnesses bullying or who receives a report of bullying from an alleged victim, and who fails to report the incident to a school official shall be investigated by the School Board. Upon finding a reasonable expectation that the individual failed to act, the School Board shall suspend the individual without pay. The length of the suspension shall be determined by the School Board based on the severity of the bullying inflicted on the victim. The School Board shall report each finding of a failure to report and the length of suspension issued to each employee who failed to report to the State
Evangeline Parish School Board
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FILE: JCDAF Cf: EBBB, IFBGA, JAA Cf: JCD, JCEA, JD, JDD Department of Education. Any school administrator or official who fails to notify a parent or legal guardian of a report of bullying, timely investigate a report of bullying, take prompt and appropriate disciplinary action against any person that was determined to have engaged in bullying, or report criminal conduct to the appropriate law enforcement official shall be investigated by the School Board. Upon finding a reasonable expectation that the individual failed to act, the School Board shall suspend the individual without pay. The length of the suspension shall be determined by the School Board based on the severity of the bullying inflicted on the victim. The School Board shall report each finding of a failure to report bullying and the length of suspension issued to the employee who failed to report to the State Department of Education. The report shall be submitted by August first annually. TRAINING The School Board shall provide a minimum of four (4) hours of training for all new employees who have contact with students and two (2) hours of training each subsequent year for all school employees who have contact with students, including bus drivers, with respect to bullying, in accordance with state statutory provisions. RETALIATION Retaliation against any person who reports bullying, hazing, or similar behavior in good faith, who is thought to have reported such conduct, who files a complaint, or who otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior is prohibited conduct and subject to disciplinary action. CHILD ABUSE The provisions of this policy shall not be interpreted to conflict with or supersede the provisions requiring mandatory reporting pursuant to Louisiana Children's Code, Art. 609 and as enforced through La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:403. Revised: November, 2012 Revised: August, 2013 Revised: May 2, 2018
Ref:
Revised: November 14, 2018 Revised: August 17, 2022
20 USC 1232(g-i) (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:40.3, 14:40.7, 14:40.8, 14:403, 17:105, 17:105.1, 17:183, 17:416, 17:416.1, 17:416.13, 17:416.14; La. Children’s Code, Art. 609, 730, 731; Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education, 119 S. Ct. 1661 (1991); Board minutes, 7-21-10, 5-218, 11-14-18, 8-17-22.
Evangeline Parish School Board
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Ivy Daniels Act Implementation Guidance for Act 782 (2026) The Louisiana Legislature enacted Act 782 of the 2026 Regular Session, known as the Ivy Daniels Act, to protect children from crimes involving the creation, possession, dissemination, or sale of improper images created by artificial intelligence. The Act creates enhanced criminal penalties and establishes requirements for annual dissemination of information to students and parents regarding these offenses and their consequences. This provides implementation guidance for compliance with R.S. 17:416.20.1. Purpose The purpose of this guidance is to assist local education agencies (LEAs), charter schools, and school administrators in implementing the statutory requirements of Act 782 and ensuring that students and families understand the serious legal, educational, and safety consequences of AI-generated image offenses. school threats. Statutory Requirements Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the principal of each public school shall disseminate information regarding the crime and consequences of unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another created by artificial intelligence as provided in R.S. 14:73.14 and unlawful possession of images of another created by artificial intelligence as provided in R.S. 14:73.14.1. The information shall be provided: ● During the first five (5) days of each school year; ● To all students enrolled in grades six (6) and above; and ● To each student's parent or legal guardian. Schools may incorporate the required information into existing orientation programs, student handbook reviews, registration activities, advisory periods, or other annual school safety activities. Parent Acknowledgment Requirement The Act requires schools to provide the information to each student's parent or legal guardian in writing, on a form with a signature line acknowledging receipt and understanding of the information. Schools shall: ● Obtain signed acknowledgments from parents or legal guardians; ● Maintain documentation demonstrating compliance; and ● Retain records in accordance with local records retention policies. Electronic acknowledgment systems may be utilized when permitted by local policy.
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
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Age-Appropriate Communication The information provided must be: ● Age appropriate; ● Grade appropriate; and ● Developed with consideration for students participating in special education programs or other specialized educational settings. Schools should ensure that materials are accessible to all students and families, including those who require accommodations, language supports, or alternative communication methods. Information To Be Provided At a minimum, schools shall communicate that: The following acts are criminal offenses under Louisiana law: ● Disseminate or sell, with intent to coerce, harass, intimidate, or maliciously disseminate or sell any video or still image created by artificial intelligence that depicts another person who is totally nude or in a state of undress so as to expose private areas when the person disseminating the video or still image knows or has reason to know that the person is not licensed or authorized to disseminate or sell such video or still image. LA. R.S. 14:73.14 ● Possession of any video or still image created by artificial intelligence that depicts another person who is under the age of seventeen years and is totally nude or in a state of undress so as to expose private areas when the person possessing the video or still image knows or has reason to know that the person is not licensed or authorized to possess such video or still image. LA. R.S. 14:73.14.1 Criminal penalties for violation A violation of LA. R.S. 14:73.14 provides for imprisonment of the offender with or without hard labor for not more than one year, a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or both. When the depicted person is under the age of seventeen years, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than five years, and at least one year of the sentence of imprisonment shall be imposed without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. If the offender is an educator and the victim is a student, the offender may be imprisoned for an additional two years with or without hard labor, to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed. A violation of LA. R.S. 14:73.14.1 provides for imprisonment of the offender with or without hard labor for not more than five years. At least one year of the sentence of imprisonment shall be imposed without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. If the offender is an educator and the victim is a student, the offender may be imprisoned for an additional two years with or without hard labor, to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed. Offenders under the age of 14 When an offender is under the age of fourteen years, the disposition shall be governed exclusively by the provisions of Title VII of the Louisiana Children’s Code. Definition of Educator “Educator” means any administrator, coach, instructor, paraprofessional, student aide, teacher, or teacher aide at any public or non public elementary school, secondary school or high school in the state of Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
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Louisiana who is assigned, employed, or working at the school or school system where the victim is enrolled, as a student on a full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.
Juvenile Consequences Students should understand that the prohibited activity made as jokes, pranks, social media posts, text messages, verbal statements, or other online communications may result in a criminal investigation and criminal proceedings. Relationship To Existing School Safety Requirements Nothing in Act 782 replaces or supersedes existing requirements related to: ● ● ● ●
District Crisis Teams (R.S. 17:416.16); Mandatory reporting requirements (R.S. 17:409 and R.S. 17:410); School discipline policies; Student support services.
Schools shall continue to investigate, assess, document, and respond to threats consistent with state law and local policy. Recommended Implementation Practices The Louisiana Department of Education recommends that schools: ● ● ● ●
Incorporate this information into student orientation activities; Include the information concerning the Ivy Daniels Act in student handbooks; Coordinate with local law enforcement and school resource officers; Emphasize anonymous reporting systems and available student support.
Compliance Checklist Each school should verify the following: Information distributed during the first five school days. Information provided to students in grades 6-12. Information provided to parents and legal guardians. Parent acknowledgments collected and maintained. Materials provided in accessible formats when necessary. Documentation retained for monitoring purposes. School safety and threat assessment teams informed of implementation requirements. Technical Assistance The Louisiana Department of Education Safe and Healthy Schools Division will provide model informational materials and a parent acknowledgment form to assist schools in meeting the requirements of Act 782. Questions regarding implementation may be directed to: educationpolicy@la.gov The Louisiana Department of Education remains committed to supporting school systems in maintaining safe, secure, and supportive learning environments for all students and staff.
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
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Ivy Daniels Act Student Information Sheet Grades 6–8 Protecting Our Students Every student deserves a safe place to learn. Louisiana law makes it a serious crime to create, possess, share, or sell improper images of another person. What is an improper video or still image? ● A picture or video of a minor engaged in sexual conduct. ● A picture or video of a minor or adult person totally nude or with private parts exposed. The following acts are against the law, and people who commit them may face criminal charges: ● Creating or possessing any kind of material that shows a minor engaging in sexual conduct. ● Possessing or sharing a video or picture created by artificial intelligence that depicts a person under the age of 17 either totally nude or with exposed private areas of the person. ● Sexting, including possessing or sharing any video or picture created by artificial intelligence that shows another person who is either totally nude or who is in a state of undress as to expose private areas of the person. What Can Happen If a Person Violates This Law? If someone creates, has, shares, or sells materials as described above: ● ● ● ● ● ●
Law enforcement may investigate. Students may be disciplined by the school. Students may be suspended or expelled. Juvenile court action may occur. Mental health evaluations may be required. Parents may be fined or held financially responsible.
Remember: ● Creating, possessing, and distributing improper images in any manner, including by social media, even as a joke, can lead to serious consequences and criminal charges. ● Every reported incident must be investigated. ● If you are aware of this kind of incident, report it immediately to a trusted adult.
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
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Ivy Daniels Act Student Information Sheet Grades 9-12 ● A picture or video of a minor engaged in sexual conduct. ● A picture or video of a minor or adult person totally nude or with private parts exposed. ● This includes a picture or video stored on an electronic device. The following acts are against the law, and people who commit them may face criminal charges: ● Creating or possessing any kind of material that shows a minor engaging in sexual conduct. ● Possessing or sharing a video or picture created by artificial intelligence that depicts a person under the age of 17 either totally nude or with exposed private areas of the person. ● Sexting, including possessing or sharing any video or picture created by artificial intelligence that shows another person who is either totally nude or who is in a state of undress as to expose private areas of the person. What Can Happen If a Person Violates This Law? If someone creates, has, shares, or sells materials as described above: ● ● ● ● ●
Law enforcement may investigate. Students may be disciplined by the school. Students may be suspended or expelled. Juvenile court action may occur. Parents may be fined or held financially responsible.
Remember: ● Creating, possessing, and distributing improper images in any manner, including by social media, even as a joke, can lead to serious consequences and criminal charges. ● Every reported incident must be investigated. ● If you are aware of this kind of incident, report it immediately to a trusted adult. If You See Something, Say Something. Report concerns to: ● ● ● ● ●
A teacher School administrator School counselor School resource officer Trusted adult
Working together helps keep everyone safe.
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
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Ivy Daniels Act Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment Form Student Name: ____________________________________ School: _________________________________________ Grade: __________________________________________ School Year: _____________________________________ Louisiana law requires public schools to provide information regarding the crime and consequences of unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another created by artificial intelligence as provided in R.S. 14:73.14 and unlawful possession of images of another created by artificial intelligences as provided in R.S. 14:73.14.1. By signing below, I acknowledge that: ● I have received information regarding the Ivy Daniels Act (Act 782 of 2026). ● I understand the criminal, disciplinary, and financial consequences associated with unlawful dissemination, sale, and possession of images of another created by artificial intelligence. ● I have reviewed this information with my child. Parent/Guardian Name (Printed): ___________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________________Date: ___________ Student Signature (Optional): _____________ _________________________________ Date: __________ School Use Only Date Received: ___________________________________ Received By: _____________________________________
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
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If You See Something, Say Something. Report concerns to: ● ● ● ● ●
A teacher School administrator School counselor School resource officer Trusted adult
Working together helps keep everyone safe.
Louisiana Department of Education doe.louisiana.gov | P.O. Box 94064 • Baton Rouge, LA • 70804-9064
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DATING VIOLENCE Acts or incidents of dating violence at school whether they are verbal, physical, sexual or emotional will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in accordance of the student code of conduct. Definition -Teen dating violence is defined as the intentional use of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse by a person to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control another person in a dating relationship. Dating violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that one partner exerts over the other for the purpose of establishing and maintaining power and control. Warning signs of teen dating violence include: ● Excessive jealousy ● Constant checking in with you or making you check in with him or her. ● Attempts to isolate you from friends and family. ● Insulting or putting down people that you care about. ● Is too serious about the relationship too quickly. ● Has had a lot of bad prior relationships - and blames all of the problems on the previous partners. ● Is very controlling. This may include giving you orders, telling you what to wear, and trying to make all of the decisions for you. ● Blames you when he or she treats you badly by telling you all of the ways you provoked him or her. ● Does not take responsibility for own actions. ● Has an explosive temper (“blows up” a lot). ● Pressures you into sexual activity. ● Has a history of fighting, hurting animals, or brags about mistreating others. ● Believes strongly in stereotypical gender roles for males and females. ● You worry about how your partner will react to the things you say or you are afraid of provoking your partner. ● Refuses to let you end the relationship.
Reporting Procedure Any student who believes he or she has been a victim of dating violence by another student is encouraged to immediately report the incident to the counselor, principal or his or her designee. During the course of an investigation the student shall provide a written statement to the counselor, principal or designee.
Seeking Help Relative to Dating Violence and Other Reporting Options Speak with your school counselor. If you or someone you know is experiencing dating violence, call: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) Louisiana Statewide Hotline for Domestic Violence:1-888-411-1333 Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department: 337-363-2161 Ville Platte City Police: 337-363-1313 Or 911
Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act (ACT 548 / HB 392)
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please know that help is available. You are not alone, and there are people who want to support you. Louisiana 988: You can call, text 988, or chat, which will connect you directly to compassionate, trained specialists who understand local resources and can provide immediate support. Louisiana 988 Lifeline: You can learn more, find local resources, and access support by visiting louisiana988.org. • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • It is free and confidential. • Services are available to anyone in the United States.
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FILE: JCDAC Cf: JCAB, JDD Cf: JDE DANGEROUS WEAPONS
The Evangeline Parish School Board shall authorize the principal of each school to automatically suspend, and recommend expulsion for, any student found in possession of a dangerous weapon on the school grounds, on school buses and/or at any schoolsponsored event, at any time, during or after regular school hours, with limited exception as permitted by state law. If a student is detained for carrying, or the principal or designee confiscates or seizes a firearm or concealed dangerous weapon from a student while on school property, on a school bus, or at a school function, the principal or school official shall immediately report the detention of the student or seizure of the firearm or weapon to the police department or sheriff's office where the school is located and shall deliver any firearm or weapon seized to that agency. The failure of any principal or designated administrator to report the confiscation of such implement or material or the failure to retain and secure such implement or material may result in a misdemeanor. When a principal or designated administrator violates any provisions of this policy, a report on such violations shall be made by the complainant to the Superintendent. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall conduct a hearing on the alleged offense. If a student is detained for carrying a concealed weapon on campus, the principal shall immediately notify the student's parents or legal guardian. Dangerous weapon means any gas, liquid, or other substance or instrumentality, which in the manner used, is likely to produce death or great bodily harm. When the student is found in possession of a weapon, the Superintendent shall be immediately notified and the principal shall take appropriate disciplinary action. Firearm means any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, submachine gun, blackpowder weapon, or assault rifle that is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition or from which a shot or projectile is discharged by an explosive. IMITATION OR TOY WEAPONS Any object in the form of a weapon, whether it be imitation, facsimile, or a toy, shall be banned from school campuses, buses, and all school activities. The uninvited presence of an imitation, facsimile, or toy weapon on school campuses may cause confusion, fear, and disruption to the academic goals and educational process. Any student violating this policy may be suspended for a duration as determined by the principal and/or recommended for expulsion.
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FILE: JCDAC Cf: JCAB, JDD Cf: JDE FIREARM-FREE ZONES It is unlawful for a student or nonstudent to intentionally possess a firearm or dangerous weapon on school property at a school sponsored function or within 1000 feet of school property or while on a school bus at any time. The area surrounding the school campus or within 1000 feet of any such school campus, or within a school bus shall be designated firearm-free zones, wherein the possession of firearms is prohibited, except as specifically set forth in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:95.2 and 14:95.6. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark firearm-free zones which surround all schools and school property.
Revised: March 8, 2017 Revised: April 5, 2023
Ref:
20 USC 7961 (Gun-Free Requirements); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:2, 14:95, 14:95.2, 14:95.6, 17:416, 17:416.3, 32:292.1; Board minutes, 7-21-10, 3-8-17, 45-23.
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FILE: JCDAB Cf: IDBB STUDENT ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
The Evangeline Parish School Board is dedicated to providing a drug-free learning environment for the students attending public schools. The Board directs that each student shall be specifically prohibited from being under the influence of, bringing on, consuming, or having in his/her possession on a school bus, on school premises, or at a school function away from the school, any alcoholic beverages, intoxicating liquors, narcotic drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, inhalants, imitation or counterfeit controlled substances, or other controlled substance as defined by state statutes, unless dispensed by a licensed physician as allowed by law. The Superintendent shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate procedures for the detection of alcohol, drugs, or any imitation or other controlled substances. Any student found in violation of the above shall be suspended and recommended for expulsion by the principal. Any violations of criminal laws, state or federal, committed on school property shall be prosecuted as provided by law. School officials, teachers and/or Board employees shall report all violators to the principal, who in turn, shall notify the proper law enforcement agency and shall cooperate with the prosecuting attorney's office in the prosecution of charges. Any student who possesses, distributes, sells or dispenses in any manner or form whatsoever a controlled dangerous substance as defined by state law to another student or anyone else while on the school premises shall be expelled pursuant to the provisions and guidelines as set forth in state law. The principal shall immediately notify the parents or guardian, by telephone, of any student found in violation of this policy. If the parents or guardian cannot be reached by phone, the principal shall then notify them of the action by sending a letter within twentyfour (24) hours. Care shall be given to afford due process to all students. REPORTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE State law mandates that teachers and other school employees report suspected substance abuse in school. These cases shall be reported to the principal and the Substance Abuse Prevention Team in the school. The principal must report each case of possession, distributing, sales or manufacturing to the proper law enforcement authority. Reports shall also be made to the appropriate person at each school, who shall investigate, research, and report on instances or reports of possession of prohibited substances or beverages. Designated personnel shall report its findings along with the recommendation for treatment, counseling or other appropriate action to the principal. All vape-type devices that are confiscated must be turned into local law enforcement. Such confiscated vapes may be subject to testing. DRUG-FREE ZONES It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or
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FILE: JCDAB Cf: IDBB possess any controlled substances as defined by statute on or around school property or an area within 1000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus. These areas shall be designated as Drug-Free Zones. The Evangeline Parish School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug-Free Zones which surround all schools and school property. Revised: November 16, 2022 Revised: April 5, 2023
Ref:
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:403.1, 17:405, 17:416, 40:617.1, 40:961, 40:962, 40:963, 40:964, 40:967, 40:968, 40:969, 40:970, 40:971, 40:971.1; Board minutes, 9-1880, 9-19-90, 6-16-93,7-21-10, 11-16-22, 4-5-23.
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FILE: JCAB Cf: JCABA, JCABB, JCABC Cf: JCDAB, JCDAC, JGFF SCHOOL SEARCHES
The Evangeline Parish School Board is the exclusive owner of any public school building and any desk or locker utilized by any student contained therein or any other area that may be set aside for the personal use of the students. Any teacher, principal, administrator, or school security guard employed by the School Board, having a reasonable belief that any public school building, desk, locker, area or grounds of any public school contains any weapons, illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, nitrate based inhalants, stolen goods, or other items the possession of which is prohibited by any law, School Board policy, or school rule, may search either physically or with the use of metal detectors such building, desk, locker, area or grounds of said public school. Lockers that are locked shall be opened by the student upon request, or the school administrator shall be authorized to have the locker opened forcibly, when necessary. The acceptance and use of locker facilities or the parking of privately owned vehicles on school campuses by students shall constitute consent by the student/parent/legal guardian to the search of such locker facilities or vehicles by authorized school personnel. Students shall have no expectation of privacy in use of the lockers which have been assigned to them. The School Board reserves the right to inspect or search at any time lockers, desks, or any facilities, objects, or vehicles on the school campus, or other areas used by students. Any student not present during the search shall be informed of the search immediately thereafter. Students, parents, and school employees shall be notified in writing at the beginning of each school year of the School Board's authority to conduct unannounced searches of students, lockers, automobiles, school employees, and any other person or object on School Board property and at school sponsored events. Signs of high visibility informing the general public of the School Board’s authority to search shall be posted at entrances to all School Board buildings and facilities. Upon finding any prohibited items, the student shall be automatically suspended and/or recommended for expulsion by school authorities, according to School Board discipline policies and provisions. Investigative facts and/or seized items shall be immediately turned over to the proper law enforcement officials when criminal violations are indicated. WRITTEN RECORD OF SEARCH Whenever any search is conducted pursuant to this policy, as soon as is reasonably practical a written record shall be made thereof by the school administrator/designee conducting the search and such record shall include the name of the student and/or person(s) involved, the circumstances leading to the search and the results of the search. This written, dated and signed record shall be filed and maintained in the school administrator's office, and a copy of it shall be sent to the Superintendent within five (5) days. The student(s) and parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be given a written receipt for any item(s) seized and/or impounded by the school administrator/ designee.
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FILE: JCAB Cf: JCABA, JCABB, JCABC Cf: JCDAB, JCDAC, JGFF No actions taken pursuant to this policy by any teacher, principal, administrator, or school security guard employed by the School Board shall be taken maliciously or with willful and deliberate intent to harass, embarrass or intimidate any student. SEARCH OF VEHICLES The School Board shall require students who bring vehicles on campus to register those vehicles and to provide the school authorities with a consent to search of such vehicle signed by the student, parents and/or owner of the vehicle. Any vehicle parked on School Board property may be searched without consent at any time by a school administrator/designee when such school administrator/designee has articulable facts which lead the school administrator/designee to a reasonable belief that weapons, dangerous substances or elements, illegal drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, or other materials or objects the possession of which is a violation of law, School Board policy or school regulations will be found. Searches may also be conducted to assure compliance with health, safety, and/or security laws, rules, or regulations. Such searches shall be conducted in the presence of the student whenever possible. If the automobile is locked, the student shall unlock the automobile. If the student refuses to unlock the automobile, proper law enforcement officials shall be summoned and the student shall be subject to disciplinary action and may be banned from parking any vehicle on school property. Any student not present during the search shall be informed of the search immediately thereafter. USE OF CANINES The school administration is authorized to utilize canines, whose reliability and accuracy for sniffing out controlled substances, drugs, alcohol, guns, knives, weapons, or other materials or objects which are a violation of School Board policy have been established, to aid in the search for contraband or other prohibited items in school-owned property and vehicles parked on school property. Canines shall not be used to search students unless school officials have established independently that there is reasonable belief that the student possesses such items on his/her person. The canines must be accompanied by a qualified and authorized law enforcement handler who shall be responsible for the dog’s actions. An indication by the dog that drugs, alcohol, weapons, or any other item of violation is present on school property or in a vehicle shall be reasonable cause for further search by school officials. Random Searches A.
The narcotics detection dog or search team shall be used to make random searches of any school facility or surrounding area.
B.
The narcotics detection dog or search team may be used to search a student’s
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FILE: JCAB Cf: JCABA, JCABB, JCABC Cf: JCDAB, JCDAC, JGFF clothing and personal objects when these are separated from the student. At no time shall a student be asked to strip nude for purposes of a random search. C.
Random searches on school campuses shall be conducted according to a plan or schedule to be agreed upon by the appropriate School Board administrator and the responsible law enforcement officer in charge of this program. 1.
The use of the narcotics detection dog at any particular school campus shall be unannounced and without forewarning. The law enforcement official in charge of the operation shall, however, report to the principal’s office, properly identify themselves and state their purpose prior to any use of the narcotics detection dog on campus.
2.
The principal shall accompany the search team, if he/she so desires, at anytime the search is being conducted within the school campus for which he/she is responsible, unless he/she has been specifically notified by the Superintendent not to accompany the search team. The principal must, of course, accompany the search team if specifically ordered to do so by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
Procedure When Alcohol, Drugs or Contraband is Discovered During a Search A.
B.
Search of School Property 1.
If the narcotics detection dog alerts on a school locker or other property belonging to the School Board but being used by the student, the principal shall summon the student to such property. The student shall be informed of the narcotics detection dog’s alert and a search shall be conducted by the team with the aid of the narcotics detection dog handler.
2.
If alcohol, drugs, or other contraband is discovered, it shall be confiscated and the student’s parents/legal guardians notified. Offenders shall be disciplined by school personnel in accordance with School Board policy and the student’s name referred to the District Attorney’s Office for appropriate action.
Search of Property of Others Located on School Board Property 1.
If the dog alerts on an automobile or other property under the student’s control but not belonging to the School Board, the principal will summon the student to such property. The student will be informed of the narcotic detection dog’s alert. The property will be searched by the team and the narcotic detection dog’s handler. If alcohol, drugs, or contraband is discovered it shall be
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FILE: JCAB Cf: JCABA, JCABB, JCABC Cf: JCDAB, JCDAC, JGFF confiscated. Any offender shall be disciplined by school personnel in accordance with School Board policy. 2.
If both the student and the parents refuse to consent to the search of property not belonging to the School Board, the parents and the student shall be informed that the property will be searched under one or more of the following conditions: a.
Pursuant to a search warrant procured by the officer in charge of the search team or;
b.
Pursuant to the contractual agreement to agree to searches of any vehicles possessing parking permits on School Board property.
If alcohol, drugs, or contraband is discovered, it shall be confiscated and the student shall be disciplined in accordance with School Board policy and referred to the District Attorney’s Office for appropriate action. CONFISCATION Should contraband (such as weapons, illegal drugs, unauthorized telecommunication devices, or other prohibited objects) be discovered, the person conducting the search shall notify the school principal or designee who shall take appropriate action. Any contraband (legal or illegal) under the control of the school shall be retained, cataloged, and secured in such a manner as to prevent the destruction, alteration, or disappearance of it until such time as law enforcement authority either takes custody of the contraband or provides notice to the school principal that it no longer be retained. Upon proper school personnel confiscating any firearm, bomb, knife, or other implement which could be used as a weapon, or any controlled dangerous substance, the principal or designee shall report the confiscation to the proper law enforcement officials. Parents shall be notified of any item impounded. Any principal or designee failing to report any prohibited weapon or confiscated material or implement to the proper law enforcement officials or failing to properly secure any weapon or confiscated material or implement shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action as may be determined by the Superintendent and/or School Board. Non-illegal contraband, excluding electronic devices, shall be returned to the parent/guardian of the student within the first two (2) weeks after the end of the school year, unless other arrangements are made with the principal. The parent/guardian shall be responsible for making arrangements with the principal to retrieve the item(s). If the item(s) is/are not so retrieved, the principal shall convey the item(s) to a charitable entity, unless the item(s) has no practical value, in which case the principal shall dispose of the item(s).
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FILE: JCAB Cf: JCABA, JCABB, JCABC Cf: JCDAB, JCDAC, JGFF INDEMNIFICATION Indemnification of any School Board employee who is sued for damages based on any act or omission in the directing of and disciplining of school children shall be made by the Evangeline Parish School Board to the extent required by state law.
Revised: August 1, 2018
Ref:
US Constitution, Amend. IV; US Constitution, Amend. XIV, Sec. 1; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:416, 17:416.3; Moore v. Student Affairs Committee of Troy State University, 284 F.Supp. 725 (M.D. Ala. 1970); State v. Stein, 203 Kan. 638 456 P.2d (1969); New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325, 105 S. Ct. 733; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 7-2-86, 11-16-94, 8-16-95, 7-21-10, 8-1-18.
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