MISSION
Empowering all learners by engaging in college and career readiness through rigorous and relevant opportunities that foster a passion for learning and a strong work ethic in responsible and innovative citizens.

VISION STATEMENT

We pursue excellence by:

• providing a safe, rigorous, innovative and career-focused learning environment
• inspiring self-discovery
• embracing diversity and collaboration
• bridging the transition to post-secondary aspirations
• developing world-class leaders

...so learners emerge as productive, responsible citizens.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOALS

• Meet all goals and objectives in the Building School Improvement Plan.
• Improve the graduation rate to equal or exceed the state average.
• Improve the student attendance rate.
• Improve the climate at school for students by improving behaviors and reducing discipline referrals.
• Achieve and maintain the level of accreditation as a result of the NCA/AdvancED.

Joplin High School is accredited by the State of Missouri (MSIP) and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation And School Improvement (NCA-CA)

School activities will be scheduled through the faculty sponsor for each school year. Sponsors wanting to schedule activities should consult the building principal’s office regarding the school’s master calendar. When scheduling conflicts arise, the principal’s office will decide if an activity should be rescheduled. 

Joplin High School Alma Mater

Joplin High, So Dear To Me
By Josh Hudson - January 26, 2012

Truth, Honor, Loyalty. Joplin High, how dear is she!
Red, Silver, Navy, Joplin Hight we Hail to Thee!
Alma Mater, Home of Friends, Truth and Honor we’ll defend.
Eagles triumph to the end, Joplin High – so dear to me!

School Mascot & Colors
The school mascot is the Eagle and the school colors are Eagle Red (crimson), Eagle Blue (navy), and Gray/Silver.

Eagle Red: Hex code 98012E
Eagle Blue: Hex code 002D56
Gray: Hex code 8E8E8E

Joplin High School Fight Song
Music: Texas Fight
Original Lyrics: Robert L. Estes

Here we are, all as one; we’re the Eagles from Joplin High.
Give a cheer, loud and clear; Joplin Eagles will soar the sky.
On the court and on the field; watch to see just how high we fly.
So stand, cheer, be loud and clear; we’re the Eagles of Joplin High.

J (clap x3) H (clap x3) S (clap x3) JHS!
Joplin Eagles are the best!

So stand, cheer, be loud and clear; we’re the Eagles of Joplin High!

Assemblies are an important part of the educational program. While some assemblies may be entertaining, their primary aim is to provide educational experiences that cannot normally be provided in the classroom. Consequently, all students will behave in a warm and courteous manner that will cause our guests to be glad they agreed to appear at Joplin High School.

All assemblies have only a certain amount of time allotted; therefore, it is very important that students follow instructions carefully and are seated in their designated area immediately upon entering the auditorium. Students will be dismissed to assemblies by intercom after roll has been taken. At the end of the assembly, students will be given instructions and will be dismissed by sections.

ASSEMBLY SEATING ASSIGNMENTS
Students are assigned to the following seating areas during assemblies held in Kaminsky Gymnasium.

The philosophy of the Joplin Schools Board of Education shall be to develop, maintain, and, as necessary, modify an educational environment wherein each individual student within the district will be encouraged and will have the opportunity to develop his/her maximum capability intellectually, physically, socially and educationally. The goal of this board shall be to develop students who are adequately prepared to enter the next phase of their lives in a dynamic and rapidly changing society.

JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL
2104 Indiana | Joplin, MO 64804
phone: 417-625-5230 | fax: 417-625-5238
Joplin Schools website
JHS Facebook Page

FRANKLIN TECHNOLOGY CENTER
2220 Indiana | Joplin, MO 64804
phone: 417-625-5260 | fax: 417-625-5266
Franklin Tech Website
Franklin Tech Facebook Page

JHS ADMINISTRATION

FTC ADMINISTRATORS

JHS COUNSELORS

JHS SECRETARIES

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT

TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS

SCHOOL NURSES

170 Attendance Days in 2025-26
7:45am to 2:55pm Elementary School Hours
8:30am to 3:40pm Secondary School Hours

Inclement Weather Reminder:
The first six (6) inclement weather days will plan to be used as Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days. If multiple inclement weather days are used prior to February 16, that day could be used as a makeup day for student attendance.

Important Dates:
Aug. 12-13: TOPS First Year Teacher events
Aug. 14-19: Teacher Professional Development
Aug. 15: Half-day Teacher Professional Development
Aug. 20: First day of school
Sept. 1: No School – Labor Day Holiday 2025
Sept. 22: No School – Teacher Professional Development
Oct. 17: End of First Quarter
Oct. 22-23: Parent/Teacher Conferences
Oct. 24: No School
Oct. 31: Half-day for Students/Teachers
Nov. 3: No School – Teacher Professional Development
Nov. 26-28: No School – Thanksgiving Holiday 2025
Dec. 19: End of First Semester, Half-day for students
Dec. 19: Half-day Teacher Professional Development
Dec. 22-Jan. 2: Christmas Break
Jan. 5: No School – Teacher Professional Development
Jan. 6: Classes Resume – First Day of Second Semester
Jan. 19: No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday 2026
Feb. 16: No School – President’s Day (possible make-up snow day)
Mar. 5: End of Third Quarter
Mar. 6: No School – Teacher Professional Development
Mar. 16-20: No School – Spring Break
Apr. 3: No School – Good Friday Holiday 2026
Apr. 6: No School – Teacher Professional Development
May 17: JHS Graduation
May 22: Last day of School – Half-day for students
May 22: Half-day Teacher Professional Development
May 25: Memorial Day Holiday 2026
June 1: First Day of Summer School

Students are expected to demonstrate honesty and integrity while in attendance at Joplin High School. Each student is expected to do his or her own work. This includes test-taking, homework, class assignments and the original creation of essays, compositions, term papers and scientific research. Sharing work with another student during tests, on in-class essays or assignments, or on homework is considered cheating. Having access to answers or calculator or computer information constitutes intent to cheat. All work submitted by students should be a true reflection of their efforts and abilities. If submitted work is not, then the student has manifested unacceptable academic behavior. The following criteria are considered cheating:

• claiming credit for work not the product of one’s own honest effort
• providing unwarranted access to materials or information so that credit may be dishonestly claimed by others
• knowledge and toleration of either of the foregoing

Any behavior which can be defined as cheating represents a violation of mutual trust and respect essential to education at Joplin High School. Students who cheat should expect to be confronted by their teacher and/or a principal and may receive the following penalties:

• zero on the assignment
• notification of parents
• Conference to 3-day assignment to ISD

If a student is found to have cheated a second time, the student will be referred to an assistant principal. Consequences may include: Drop from the class, loss of credit and an “F” appearing on the transcript. No replacement course will be allowed.

Students graduating from a designated Missouri A+ School may qualify to receive financial assistance for tuition and fees to attend a Missouri community college or technical school or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools.

Eligibility Requirements

The student must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Sign a letter of intent prior to high school graduation
• Attend a designated A+ School for at least three years immediately prior to graduation
• Graduate with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Score proficient or advanced on the Algebra I EOC exam or a higher level DESE approved exam
• Maintain at least 95% attendance record overall for grades 9-12
• Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring/ mentoring, of which up to 25% (12 hours) may include job shadowing
• Maintain a record of "good citizen- ship" and avoidance of the unlawful use of drugs and alcohol throughout grades 9-12
• Make a good faith effort to secure all available federal postsecondary student financial assistance funds that do not require repayment

Exemption for Military Families

If the student's parent(s) is a member of the military on active duty or has retired from the military and relocated to Missouri within one year, the student is exempt from the following requirement:

• Attend a designated A+ School for at least three years immediately prior to graduation

However, the student must attend an A+ designated high school in the school year immediately preceding graduation and meet all high school eligibility requirement.

Students wishing to take an AP exam will pay an exam fee for each AP exam they wish to take. Students must pay by the required date for their test to be ordered. Students who qualify for fee assistance through AP Central may meet with the testing coordinator for consultation and a reduced fee will be assessed.

If for any reason a student fails to attend the AP testing session after a test has been ordered for them, the student will be assessed the remainder of the AP testing fee.

Joplin High School Alternative Diploma/Flex

As a result of legislation signed into law during the summer of 2009, the state of Missouri now provides for school districts with the opportunity to create alternative programming options for students in their junior and/or senior year of high school. Joplin High School offers students who enroll in the FLEX Alternative Diploma Program an opportunity to earn a high school diploma if certain requirements are met by students. Twenty-four units of credit are required for completion of the program.

Students participating in the program will be considered full-time students of the school district.

Students enrolled in the FLEX Program will:

• Be offered a non-traditional educational path towards earning a high school diploma.
• Be required to meet a 95% attendance rate.
• Have the skills necessary to pursue job opportunities through career awareness activities and job training activities.
• Successfully complete courses in order to meet minimum state diploma requirements by the end of the  student’s senior year, and acquire 24 units of credit to earn a diploma.

Credits earned by students during their 9th grade and 10th grade years will be merged with credits earned during the junior and senior year of the EAGLE FLEX program. Students will be able to earn up to 4 core/career education credits per year in a competency-based system (one each of math, science, English, social studies, and/or career education).

In addition, each year the students will be able to earn up to 5 credits of work experience based on their individual personal plan of study. Students can earn more credits per year than traditional schooling, depending on his or her ability to work in a computer aided and competency based system.

Joplin High School Alternative Diploma/ Missouri Options/ Alternative Online/ JAG

Joplin High School has established the following criteria for seniors to earn a diploma through the Missouri Option Program. These criteria have been established to maintain rigor and rele- vance while providing an opportunity to graduate to students who would not otherwise be able to earn a traditional diploma. Each student must meet the requirements of the Missouri Option Program.

Admission: students must be at least 17 years old and be behind their cohort group (class) at least one year. Cohort class is defined by the year the student began Kindergarten. In addition,

by enrolling in the Missouri Option program, students are permitted to participate in MSHAA sponsored activities (i.e. athletics, cheerleading, dance, band, choir, etc…), providing they meet eligibility requirements.

Students must meet the following criteria to complete requirements for the JHS Missouri Option program:

On Campus Required Credit Requirement

1. Earn 1/2 unit of credit in American Government* (by regular class- room instruction or computer aided instruction) and successfully pass the US Constitution Test and the Missouri Constitution Test, and Civics Test as prescribed by Missouri law. (Must successfully be completed before scheduling the HiSET exam.)
2. Earn 1/2 unit of credit in Personal Finance (by regular classroom instruction or computer aided instruction). (Must successfully be completed before scheduling the HiSET exam.)
3. Earn 1/2 unit of credit in Health/ CPR* (by regular classroom instruc- tion or computer aided instruction).
4. Earn up to 2 units of elective credit or up to 2 units of Work Related Experience (a combination of courses and work experience, community service, etc. is also applicable).
5. Take all required EOCs per graduation requirements.

IMPORTANT: to qualify for the Work Related Experience option a student must demonstrate he/she is currently employed before he/she can be scheduled as a work student. If a student is unemployed he/she can remain on campus and work toward traditional credits until he/she becomes employed in approved Work Related Experience.

NOTE: Each 60 hours of documented Work Related Experience may be counted as 1/2 unit of credit. One unit of credit is equivalent to 150 hours of approved Work Related Experience. All Work Related Experience, community service credit, etc., must be documented and approved after June 1 of the student’s 4th year of high school based on his/her cohort class.

Assurances and Further Explanation of Requirement

Students may be considered as an early graduate of JHS by December of his/her senior year if all requirements are met. However, students must apply for early graduation with the building principal and have a plan of action after studies are completed to be approved for early graduation. Students who complete requirements after December, but before May, must have an exit conference with the building principal.

In addition, students must meet the Joplin High School attendance requirements for credit and any student who does not complete all requirements for graduation will not be allowed to partici- pate in graduation exercises. In the event a student uses the Work Related Experi- ence (75 hours/.5 credit) option for credit and the student loses his/her job, he/she will need to re enroll in regular courses (or computer aided instruction) at JHS to meet requirements for participation at graduation.

NOTE: Fifth-year seniors may apply to the Missouri Option Program and be able to count approved educational experiences as prescribed by this program that were earned during his/her senior year

in an effort to work toward the Missouri Option diploma requirements. Early completion during a fifth year of high school does not require approval by the building principal. (Revised June 2015)

1. Job Shadowing (No Credit)
2. Internships (Course Code 997001)
3. Cooperative Education Programs (related to career education course)
4. Work Experience for Students with Disabilities
5. Personalized Learning Experiences (PLEs)

Personalized Learning Experiences (PLEs)

Personalized Learning Experiences involve students designing for themselves an academic experience that includes the acquisition of knowledge and skills outside of the traditional classroom.

PLE’s are designed to allow students to earn credit for rigorous, educational experiences completed outside of school. PLEs function more like an independent study with no particular number of hours of instruction or exposure to a community partner required. PLEs are competency based and are generally unpaid experiences provided for the student. Students who earn credit for PLE’s will complete at least four essential components that may be individualized to meet the particular needs of the student and  designed to fit the chosen activity. Time frames of PLE’s will vary depending upon the intensity or duration of the chosen real-world experience. Each PLE will have clearly defined deadlines for completion. All PLE’s must be proposed to the PLE Coordinator and approved by the PLE Committee.

For additional information on all customized Learning options refer to the Course Guide.

At the end of semester the class rank and the weighted class rank will be computed for students in the 11th and 12th grades. Students should be aware of the following information related to class rank.

1. The GPA is figured at the beginning of the junior year and refigured each semester hereafter.
2. Rank is not computed for 9th and 10th grades.
3. Seniors and juniors must contact the guidance office for their GPA and class rank.
4. All classes are included in computing a students’ GPA and class rank. If a student repeats a class both grades are included.
5. Definitions for recording courses on a transcript for purposes of class rank:
6. Graded credits = course taken by a student in grades 9-12 whereby a letter grade of A, B, C, D,or F is awarded. All classes taken in grades 9-12 will count towards both graduation honors and class rank.
7. Full -Time Equivalent Student = Any student who is enrolled and participating in a full schedule of classes offered during a regular school day.
8. Grade Point Average (GPA) = The Grade Point Average is an accumulative numerical average of all grades earned during high school.
9. To be eligible for final class rank a student must attend at least one full school year (two consecutive semesters - at the end of their high school career) at Joplin High School.

1. The cum laude system recognizes academic excellence at graduation with following GPA standards for levels of achievement and recognition after 8 successful semesters of high school attendance.
2. GPA Achievement Level
3. 4.2 and above = Summa Cum Laude
4. 4.0 – 4.19 = Magna Cum Laude
5. 3.85 - 3.99 = Cum Laude
6. All students that have taken a minimum of 27 (graded) credits, completed the courses listed in the college prep curriculum, and have been enrolled as a *full-time equivalent student for 8 semesters are eligible for consideration for graduation honors.

Note: Students who graduate at semester of their senior year (or before), and who do not meet the 8 semester requirements for academic honors may petition administration for a waiver of the 8 semester requirement as long as the student:

• earns at least 27 graded credits by their last semester of attendance,
• meets all of the course requirements for graduation honors, and
• is considered in good standing at the time of graduation.

Students must be credible citizens and judged so by the high school principal. Conduct shall be satisfactory in accordance with the standards of good discipline. Note: Any student who receives an F for any course on their transcript will not be eligible for graduation honors. Full-Time Equivalent Student = Any student who is enrolled and participating in a full schedule of classes offered during a regular school day.

In the event a student has taken all the courses offered in the core college prep curriculum of a particular discipline during high school, and they wish to take advanced courses beyond the present high school offerings; hence, the student can petition the principal to substitute a college course/s on an equivalent basis to high school courses in terms of hours of instruction, and the student can remain eligible for high school academic honors (Cum Laude honors)

Students have the following opportunities to recover credit that was lost due to the unsuccessful completion of a course:

Online Learning, Night School, and Summer School

Students should contact their counselor to gather specific information regarding these opportunities and/or to enroll in the program(s). Students may recover credits per semester via computer-aided instruction. Seniors who are recovering credits via computer aided instruction must have all course work requirements completed by 3:00 PM on the last day of finals for seniors.

JHS Departments, (English, social studies, science, math, business, PE, etc.) will establish an abbreviated credit recovery program directed by JHS teachers.

The criteria for students to enroll in the program must have the following conditions met.

1. Students must have a 50% class average at the end of the quarter/ semester.
2. Students who qualify should be able to earn credit in the class based on his/her record of attendance.
3. The “essential skills” of the course must be mastered and the instructor must offer approximately 10 hours of direct instruction. (5 hours on a quarter basis.)
4. The student must be present at all credit recovery “direct instruction” sessions
5. If the student masters the “essential skills” of the course a “passing” quarter grade may be earned or a “P” for passing on a semester basis.
6. Direct instruction credit recovery may not be used to maintain athletic/ activity eligibility.
7. All students participating in the credit recovery program must be pre-approved by an assistant principal and reported to the department head and night school principal at the conclusion of the program to receive credit.

A certified transcript is the official legal documentation of a student’s grades. When a student enters Joplin High School, their letter grades will be entered on a JHS transcript and thus become part of the student’s official Joplin High School transcript.

It should be noted that honors courses transferred from other schools will be weighted in accordance with honors courses offered at JHS. All final course grades earned by a student in grades 9-12 from an institution will be entered on the student’s transcript for high school credit, so long as the institution issuing the credit is determined to be accredited by the JHS administration.

An evaluation for awarding credit towards meeting Joplin High School graduation requirements will be made by determining the following:

• The student must have received a passing grade in the course.
• The course must have been taught by a teacher certified by the state to teach the subject.
• The course must have met the requirements of the State Department of Education.

If necessary the guidance counselor and/or administrator may require a course description and syllabus to ensure the course meets JHS requirements for credit to be awarded.

A maximum of two (2) units of credit by correspondence and three (3) units of credit by personalized learning experiences, with prior written approval of the high school principal, will be allowed to fulfill graduation requirements.

Students who wish to graduate early will be required to meet with a guidance counselor and submit written notification to the principal for approval with final approval dependent on the superintendent. The guidance counselor will notify the student’s parents or guardians of the student’s decision if the student is a dependent. The student will receive a diploma if they have met Joplin Schools’ graduation requirements.

The student who chooses early graduation will be allowed to participate in the spring graduation ceremonies but will be considered an alumnus for all other activities.

The Joplin High School Graduation requirements will be twenty-five (25) units of credit that must be earned between grades nine (9) and twelve (12). In addition, the Joplin Board of Education authorizes the superintendent or designee the responsibility of specific courses students must pass, the order courses are offered, and necessary prerequisite courses.

In addition to the required units of credit, students must also attend the Joplin School District, or in combination with another approved high school program, a total of eight semesters during grades nine (9) through twelve (12). Any deviation from the eight-semester attendance requirement must be approved by the Board of Education and/or the Superintendent.

Graduation requirements specific to various programs offered by the district shall be included in student handbooks and approved by the Board of Education.

Minimum high school graduation requirements contain the course requirements set by the state of Missouri and the Joplin Schools Board of Education for high school graduation. It is the goal of Joplin Schools that students completing this program will become contributing and self–sufficient citizens in our democratic society.

The minimum graduation requirements are stated in terms of the number of units of credit that must be earned in each subject area:

English 4 units of credit
Mathematics 3 units of credit
Science 3 units of credit
Social Studies 3 units of credit
Physical Education 1 unit of credit
Practical Arts 1 unit of credit
Fine Arts 1 unit of credit
Health .5 unit of credit
Personal Finance .5 unit of credit
Electives 8 units of credit

Total: 25 units of credit

TWENTY FIVE (25) UNITS OF CREDIT AND EIGHT SEMESTERS OF ATTENDANCE ARE REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION.

Required Social Studies Courses and Progression of Courses
All students will be required to complete the following social studies courses (or their equivalent) in order to earn the minimum number of social studies units of credit necessary for graduation. In addition the sequence of courses is:

World Geography .5 unit of credit Ninth Grade
World History 1 unit of credit Tenth grade
American History 1 unit of credit Eleventh Grade
American Government .5 unit of credit Twelfth Grade

In addition, each student must successfully pass an exam on the principals and provisions of the United States Constitution and Missouri Constitution as prescribed by Missouri law.

JROTC Physical Education Exception
Students will be able to utilize a Physical Education exception and may only be required to successfully complete .5 units of regular Physical Education instruction if the student enrolls and successfully completes a JROTC course/s. JROTC courses may be counted for up to one-half unit (.5) of the state required Physical Education credit.

Personal Finance – State Requirement
Personal Finance can be counted as a social science elective if taught by a Social Science instructor. In addition, it can be counted as a Practical Arts elective if taught by a practical art instructor.

To follow the Technical Preparation Curriculum, a student must complete the required curriculum and satisfactorily complete an approved vocational program.

To follow the College curriculum, a student must complete the required curriculum requirements plus additional courses which include: 

• Advanced Language Arts in the Junior and Senior years
  (college preparatory, dual credit, Advanced Placement or Humanities)
• Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II 
• Three [3] units of college preparatory science and two [2] units of the same foreign language.

Students should consult their parents and counselor regarding their selection of electives and/or curriculum.

Seniors who are recovering credits via computer aided instruction must have all course work requirements completed by 3:00 PM on the last day of finals (or 4 days before graduation) for seniors.

Participation in Graduation Ceremonies will require:

1. HS Minimum Credits Earned
2. A passing grade in all classes required for graduation
3. Meet the JHS Attendance Policy requirements
4. Completion of JHS Walking Papers & Fees
5. Be considered "in good standing"

NOTE: Students with special education needs, who have completed their fourth full year of high school, that have a special education Individualized Educa- tion Plan (IEP), may petition administration to participate in school sponsored graduation ceremonies if the IEP Team determines participation in the ceremony will enhance the student’s educational experience. The IEP team will determine if the student’s petition to participate in school sponsored graduation ceremonies meets the criteria in Kaitlyn’s Law that was signed into Missouri law in May 2009.

Definition of "In Good Standing"
A student who is considered "in good standing" is a student who is or would be able to attend the regular school program. They do not have any school consequences or pending legal matters that would or could prohibit curricular activities. The Missouri Revised Statutes Section 160.261.1 will be considered, if necessary, to determine eligibility for graduation participation.

Graduation Honor Cords
Joplin High School offers students the opportunity to earn “honor cords” to be worn at graduation. Cords are earned meeting the specific expectations of JHS organizations that are approved for issuing honor cords. Organizations who issue cords are approved by the JHS administration. In addition, cords can be earned for academic excellence in the area of state administered End of Course exams. Students may earn a set of honor cords for scoring advanced on at least two state administered End of Course exams.

Graduation Speakers
Graduation speakers, who earn the honor, must be in “good standing” at the time of graduation. Only those students who are in “good standing” in regard to meeting attendance requirements and behavior will be allowed the privilege to speak at graduation. Speakers for the Joplin High School graduation will be seniors eligible for graduation exercises who met the following qualifications:

President of the Senior Class, Student Council President, and students who rank number one, number two, and number three as measured by their final grade point average. There will be five senior speakers for graduation. In the event one or more of the elected seniors officers ranks in the top three of the class, the student ranked number four in the class (by GPA), or number five (by GPA) in the class if necessary, will be considered as graduation speakers.

Embedded Credit
Franklin Technology Center (FTC) will offer students embedded core academic credits in the areas of Mathematics, English, and Science. These core academic credits will be taught and tested in selected and approved career education courses.

An agreement between Joplin High School and FTC will allow “embedded credit” based on the following core academic courses:

• Applied Communications for English credit
• Technical Math for Math credit
• Life Science for Science credit

The career education teachers who plan to “embed” English and science competencies for credit will utilize a “project based approach” to determine whether or not the student has mastered the core academic competencies in order to earn core academic credit in the course. In the area of mathematics, career education teachers who plan to embed credit will use a minimum of 2 quarter assessments per semester with an agreed upon passing rate per assessment with the math department at Joplin High School.

IMPORTANT: In order to earn embedded core academic credit the student must successfully complete the career education course. In addition, when a student enrolls in a career education course that has been approved for embedded credit, he/she is also automatically enrolled in the core embedded courses. One-half unit of “embedded credit” could be earned by the student for the core competencies mastered at the successful completion of at least ½ of the career education program. An additional one-half unit of core academic credit could be earned by the student at the successful completion of the second half of the course. Example – Six unit programs will be able to offer the student after successful completion of the senior year of the program an additional ½ unit of math and English will also be able to be earned by the student. Students will earn both a letter grade for the career education course and a letter grade for the core academic courses.

The faculty and administration of Joplin High School believe that homework is a valuable learning experience. Homework can accomplish any or all of the following:

• reinforce academic skills introduced in the classroom
• increase learning times [time on task]
• thereby increasing student achieve- ment
• communicate the curriculum to parents
• assist the students in becoming more self-directed
• provide for different rates and styles of learning

We believe that skills and concepts are reinforced through assignments completed outside the school. Through homework, students have the opportunity for enrichment, extension and/or remediation of instructional goals and the opportunity for practice of basic skills.

Homework becomes more valuable when there is a strong partnership between home and school. A role of the home is to provide support, encouragement and a place to complete homework. A role of the school is to assign meaningful homework. Through a strong home-school partnership, homework has the potential to increase learning time, to accomplish academic goals and to advance the student’s academic skills and achievement.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students who will be absent from classes due to their participation in a school sponsored activity or pre-arranged absence should check with their teachers for make-up work before classes are missed.

Any time a student misses school (excused, unexcused, or suspended), he/ she is responsible for making up work upon their return to school. (Students suspended (OSS) may receive 100% credit for work completed.) The time allowed for make-up work will be determined by the length and nature of the absence and may vary from class to class. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up assignments from teachers following an authorized or unauthorized absence.

The point average for grades in all courses will be used to determine honor roll eligibility. Qualification for the honor roll is based on the four (4) point scale with A = 4 points, B = 3 points, and C = 2 points. A grade of D or F in any course is automatic disqualification from honor roll consideration. Two honor roll categories are identified:

Honor Roll - Students listed on the 4.00 Honor Roll must have received an A grade in all courses.

3.00 - 3.99 Honor Roll - Students listed on this Honor Roll must have a grade point average of 3.00 to 3.99.

Honor roll eligibility is determined by the grade average earned by students for a given grading period during each school year i.e. 1st semester, 2nd semester. At the end of each semester, the honor roll will be completed and sent to the local newspaper for publication.

For many years, Joplin Schools has had a distinct set of criteria to prepare students at high academic levels for those who choose to take the most challenging courses offered at JHS. The Joplin College Preparatory Curriculum was established as the standard for any student to be prepared to go on to college and compete successfully as a post secondary student.

In addition, the state of Missouri has recently updated requirements for students to be eligible to receive recognition and a certificate designating the student has earned a Missouri State College Preparatory Studies Certificate.

JOPLIN COLLEGE PREPARATORY CURRICULUM
In order for students to be eligible for Joplin High School academic honors at graduation (cum laude honor system), a student must complete the minimum graduation requirements for the Joplin School District with the following additions:

1. a. the student will complete 4 total units of English (grades 9-12) including a English III College Preparatory (CP) course and cont. English IV CP, or English Composition Dual Credit, or Advanced Placement Literature and Composition.
2. the student will complete 3 total units of math (grades 9-12) including Algebra I or higher;
3. the student will complete 3 total units of science (grades 9-12) including ninth grade science, and two units from either biology, and/or other honors level science courses.
4. the student will complete 2 total units of the same foreign language (grades 9-12).

MISSOURI COURSE ACCESS AND VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM (MOCAP)

1. MOCAP courses will only be weighted if the course is offered at JHS and is weighted for that particular school year or during the student’s tenure at JHS.
2. All MOCAP courses must be completed and a grade assessed by the MOCAP instructor by the same day that grades are due at JHS (at the end of each semester). Example: Senior’s must have MOCAP courses completed and grades assessed by the same date senior grades are due (this includes seniors vying for academic honors).
3. All MOCAP classes that are dropped must be no later than the 10th day of enrollment; otherwise the student will receive an F on his/her transcript if the class is dropped at a later date.
4. Eight full-time semesters are required for JHS graduation honors. Students who are enrolled in MOCAP must enroll through the JHS guidance office to be considered for graduation honors

MISSOURI STATE COLLEGE PREPARATORY STUDIES CERTIFICATE

Joplin Schools participates in the College Preparatory Studies Certificate Program sponsored by the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  

The state of Missouri, through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, recognizes and commends students for completing the program of college preparatory studies specified by the State Board of Education at the required level of academic achievement. The student needs to meet the course requirements and the following to qualify:

1. at least a 3.0 grade point average
2. an ACT or SAT score above the prior year’s national average on the same exam
3. at least 95 percent attendance rate in high school (grades 9-12)

The certificate is awarded in addition to the regular high school diploma granted by local school districts. This certificate was designed to recognize those students who not only exceed the state’s minimum graduation requirements, but who also demonstrate a commitment to good school attendance.

Awarding the College Preparatory Studies Certificate is voluntary on the part of school districts, and meeting the requirements is voluntary on the part of the students. Students are encouraged to use the program to encourage all students to pursue excellence in their high school studies.

To be eligible for the certificate, a student must meet these requirements.

Complete a rigorous personal plan of study cooperatively developed by the school, the student and the student’s parents. The personal plan of study should be developed around a career path or cluster and must include at least these units of credit.

Missouri State College Preparatory Studies Certificate

Joplin High School partners with Edgenuity to offer virtual courses that allow for credit recovery, summer school, hybrid and get-ahead courses. Edgenuity’s courses are developed around the Missouri Learning Standards, which combine rigorous content, direct instruction videos from expert, on-screen teachers, interactive learning tools, and resources to engage and motivate students.

GRADE POINTS AWARDED

Regular Courses
A = 4 points
B = 3 points
C = 2 points
D = 1 point
F = 0 points

FTC Dual Credit/Honors Courses
A = 4.75 points
B = 3.5 points
C = 2.5 points
D = 1 point
F = 0 points

Dual Credit
A = 4.75 points
B = 3.75 points
C = 2.75 points
D = 1 point 
F = 0 points

Advanced Placement Courses
A = 5 points
B = 4 points
C = 3 points
D = 1 point
F = 0 points

SEMESTER GRADES

JHS teachers will post up to date grades throughout the semester. Each quarter students will be issued a “Quarter Progress Report”. Grades are figured on a semester basis and quarter grades will only represent the student’s “progress” in the course mid-way through the semester.

MOCAP offers virtual online courses for students statewide. Students can take an entire course from any Internet-connected computer, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MOCAP's mission is to offer Missouri students equal access to a wide range of high-quality courses and interactive online learning that is neither time nor place dependent.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the State Board of Education oversee administration and quality assurance activities such as related content and delivery of courses. Missouri-certified teachers facilitate MOCAP courses. MOCAP provides Missouri students with equal access to a wide range of coursework, anywhere, any time. For more information, visit the Missouri Course Access Program

Online course registration for the Joplin High School online courses or the MOCAP virtual online courses follow the same timelines and procedures used in the district to place students in regular classes. If you would like additional information about online courses please contact Shelly Tarter at Roi S. Wood, or ask the building counselor or principal to contact her.

Selection to National Honor Society is a privilege, not a right. Students do not apply for membership in the NHS; instead, they provide information to be used by the JHS Faculty Council to support their candidacy for membership. Membership is granted only to those students selected by the Faculty Council at JHS. NHS is more than just an honor roll; careful consideration of leadership, service and character are also included in the selection process. The following steps are included in the selection process:

• Sophomore and Junior students’ academic records are reviewed to determine scholastic eligibility. A cumulative 3.75 GPA is required to be considered for membership. Any junior student who did not accept an invitation for NHS membership their sophomore year, will not be considered.
• A list of eligible students will be distributed to all JHS teachers. Teachers will be asked to circle any student’s name they feel should not be a candidate for membership based on the following criteria:

• Exemplifies positive attitude & demonstrates academic initiative.
• Shows leadership in the classroom and is dependable in responsibili- ties accepted.
• Observes instructions and rules and is punctual.
• Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously.
• Upholds principles of morality and ethics.
• Demonstrates the highest stan- dards of honesty and reliability.

• Faculty council will meet and consider all information from step #2. A final list of candidates will be submitted to NHS Advisors.

• Candidates on the list identified in step #3 will be notified of their eligibility and given copies of the teacher recommendation form to be distributed to their teachers for completion.

• The NHS Faculty Council will meet to calculate the points for each student. There will be a total of 210 points possible. The Faculty Council will look for a minimum of 168 points. If a 168 point minimum is not achieved, this does not mean the student is eliminated from consideration. The Student Activity Information Form will be considered. Faculty Council may also seek further discussion with a student’s teachers regarding recommendation results before a final decision is made. The Faculty Council may wish to interview candidates personally.candidates receiving a majority vote of the Faculty Council will be invited to be inducted into the chapter. Students who are selected, and their parents, will be notified of their selection and given information regarding the upcoming induction ceremony and obligations of membership in NHS.

Courses selected during registration should be considered as final. Needed schedule changes will be made during the first five (5) days of the semester only. Students who request a schedule change after the five (5) days will be enrolled in a non credit course. After ten (10) days, a student requesting a change will be dropped from the course and receive an F for that course.

Student course selection is very important. The course requests selected are for the entire school year. Students must carefully consider and select courses in consultation with their parents.

Students will have an opportunity in May to review and revise course requests. (Parents should give written approval for any changes.) After that time, the master schedule is set and schedule changes will be difficult to make. Schedule change requests are accepted during the first five days of each semester. Specific teachers, lunch shifts, and periods may not be requested.

Schedule change requests after the fifth day of the semester may be submitted for administrative consideration once the following criteria are met:

1. First Parent/Teacher/Student Conference – Parents make initial personal contact with teachers and have conferences at school.
2. Students are actively participating in class.
3. Students attend (several documented) departmental tutoring sessions before or after school for remediation.
4. Second Parent/Teacher/Student Conference – Parent and student have a conference with the teacher to discuss progress.
5. Parent (with recommendation of the teacher) makes an appointment with the administrator to discuss possible changes.)

NOTE: Schedule changes will be made if it is in the best interest of the student. Requests for reasons other than proper placement will not be honored. In addition, class size of alternate classes may limit the possibility of change.

Priority for schedule changes will be given to changes necessitated by course cancellation, failure, or irresolvable conflicts.

Students needing to change classes should first consult their counselor. Sign up in the counseling office indicating the specific reasons for the class change.

All MOCAP classes that are dropped must be no later than the 10th day of enrollment; otherwise the student will receive an F on their transcript if the class is dropped at a later date.

Students will be able to earn credit towards graduation by successfully completing the Transitions course at each grade level. Students will earn a 0.25 credit at the successful completion of each semester. Credit (CR) or No Credit (NC) will appear on the student’s transcript at the completion of the course

If you have any questions about accessibility of programs for persons with disabilities, please contact: the Executive Director of Special Services at 417-625-5290.

The student activities program at Joplin High School is designed to provide additional opportunities for students to develop abilities in areas of special interest. It is through these activities that students develop special talents, learn to work as part of a group, develop school loyalty, establish good habits of citizen- ship and develop personal responsibility.

Students need to understand that the activity programs must be of secondary importance to the regular educational program. A student’s first priority must be their classroom work. In situations where a student’s classroom performance or conduct is unsatisfactory, participation in the activities program may be limited or denied. Students are encouraged to participate in both athletic and non-athletic activities. Some of the activities offered at JHS include:

Athletic Activities:

• Football
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Wrestling
• Track
• Baseball
• Tennis
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Cross Country
• Cheerleading
• Dance Team
• Softball

Non-Athletic Activities/Clubs:

• A+ Schools Archery Band
• Book Club
• Chorale
• Constitution Team
• Creative Writing Club
• DECA
• Drama
• Comic/Film Review
• Future Business Leaders of America
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes
• FCCLA
• Future Educators of America
• Future Farmers of America
• Foreign Language Club
• Homecoming, Prom King/Queen & Attendants
• International Thespian Society
• Key Club
• Math League
• National Honor Society
• Orchestra
• Physics Club
• Prom Committee
• Speech & Debate
• Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD)
• Science Club
• Student Council
• Technology Student Association
• Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
• SkillsUSA

Joplin Schools assures that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA). This plan may be reviewed in the Student Services Department at 825 South Pearl Avenue, Joplin, Missouri. This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

Unless otherwise required by law, Joplin Schools does not accept nonresident students. A nonresident student shall be defined as a student who does not meet the requirements to be a resident student of Joplin Schools, as defined in Board policies and the law. Nonresident students admitted pursuant to the following exceptions or as otherwise mandated by law will not be required to file for a waiver of residency.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS AT JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL - POLICY AND PROCEDURES

A foreign exchange student is defined as a foreign national having a residence in a foreign country who has been granted a J-1 visa for temporary admission to the United States for the purpose of participating in an educational exchange program.

The educational placement of a foreign exchange student will be determined by the building principal, with the assistance of any additional staff required. Although it is recognized that much benefit results from the exchange program, it is necessary for the student to arrive with a level of basic skills that are consistent with those students who are currently enrolled in the High School.

Foreign exchange students living within the boundaries of the school district who have obtained a J-1 visa and who are sponsored by an organization listed on the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) Advisory List may be allowed to enroll in the district without paying tuition if approved by the building principal. Compliance with district policies and procedures is required before the district will enroll a foreign exchange student.

In the event that an exchange student requires educational services or programs above and beyond those that are regularly provided to the district students (i.e. special tutoring, special reading, etc.) district personnel may participate in the identification of the services, but cost will be provided by the agency or individuals external to the school district. In the event that unusual educational problems arise during the placement of the exchange student, it will be the responsibility of the sponsoring agency to rectify the situation.

District and building requirements for consideration and for Foreign Exchange students:

1. The district will accept foreign exchange students from sponsoring agencies approved and published by the CSIET. The district will only enroll foreign exchange students with a J-1 visa who are being sponsored by an approved agency.
2. Foreign exchange students must be proficient in both written and oral English. The district may deny enrollment to a foreign exchange student if it appears that the student will have significant communication problems.
3. Foreign exchange students must be at least 16 years old and less than 19 years old at the time of enrollment.
4. A maximum of three (3) students per semester may be enrolled at the discretion of the building principal (considerations include overall enrollment, overcrowding, etc.). The initial application for a foreign exchange student must be submitted by a sponsoring agency for consideration by the building principal and admission must be pre-approved by the building principal with the sponsoring agency.
5. The student must demonstrate adequate English skills as determined and documented by a personal interview with a Joplin High School administrative staff member.
6. Area representatives are responsible for maintaining close contact with the school and host family, and are to assist in matters of concern.
7. The student must supply to the host school, before enrollment, a file that contains a completed student application form (provided by the sponsoring agency), a complete transcript (translated into English if necessary), and a signed medical release with complete health records included.
8. Foreign exchange students must live with a host family residing within the boundaries of the district.
9. Foreign exchange organizations should file an application for the registration of a high school student with the high school principal’s office no later than May 1 prior to the start of the school year for which they are applying and no later than October 15 if applying for the second semester.
10. The CSIET approved agency will also be responsible for several other assurances that will be discussed with the building principal before final approval.

All of the adult employees of Joplin Schools have certain responsibilities to the district, and in order to carry out these responsibilities, they have certain authority to correct students when the need arises. If any student is corrected by any adult employee, whether the employee is faculty, clerical, cafeteria, custodian or bus driver, the student is expected to respectfully accept such correction.

The cafeteria serves breakfast and lunch each day school is in session for a full day. The cost for this service is listed below:

At Joplin High School, students may bring a sack lunch to school or they may purchase lunch in the cafeteria. The cafeteria at JHS provides hot lunches as well as hamburgers, sandwiches, and salads daily. Whole milk, 2% milk, chocolate milk and juices are the available beverages. Desserts are varied and include fresh fruits and cookies. Menus can be found at www.schoolcafe.com. Credit card payments may be made at www.schoolcafe.com.

Lunchtime is a time to eat, relax and enjoy the company of friends. Reasonable behavior is expected at all times. Inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated by students who do not abide by the cafeteria rules and disciplinary action should be expected. As in all other school situations, students are expected to follow the directions given by the adults who supervise the cafeteria.

Each student is responsible for returning trays and dishes to the designated areas and for disposing of trash in the containers provided. Students are expected to leave lunch tables and the surrounding area free and clear of trash. When students have finished their lunch, they are expected to return to their table where they may visit with their friends. 

FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS
Free or Reduced lunch applications are available at www.schoolcafe.com. This application should be completed by the parent or guardian annually. Parents will be notified of the student's qualification.

LUNCH SCHEDULES BY TEACHER
School lunch will be provided Monday through Friday during the fourth hour unless there is an alternative schedule being utilized. Lunch is not provided on half day schedules.

FOOD & BEVERAGES
It should be noted the administration reserves the authority to restrict food or beverages brought into the school at any time. Your cooperation will ensure a clean and comfortable environment for everyone at JHS.

FOOD & DRINK DELIVERIES
Students will not be permitted to accept food anywhere at school without administrative permission. This means food cannot be accepted anywhere at school, including the reception area, the attendance office, or the principal’s offices. However, deliveries for food will be accepted for special occasions if the event is a special activity for a club/organization or a class activity that is prearranged by the teacher/coach/sponsor. In these cases the teacher/coach/ sponsor will meet the delivery person in the proper location.

Students will not be permitted to accept deliveries for lunch/meals at school individually or in small groups. However, parents may bring lunch to their students who have special medical dietary needs. In these situations the parent will be given a visitor’s pass to meet their student in the nurse’s office. Students with special dietary needs will need to have a letter on file with the school nurse.

Every effort is made to continuously keep the building and surrounding grounds neat and presentable. Students are encouraged to help keep their school attractive. Proper disposal of paper and other trash will certainly help and is expected. Containers are provided in several convenient locations. PLEASE USE THEM. Students should report any items in need of repair to the office.

If a student or parent has a concern about a school policy or an employee, the following procedure should be followed in order to resolve the problem as quickly as possible:

1. Contact the person who you have a complaint with to discuss both sides of the story.
2. If the problem still exists, contact the principal.
3. If it is still unresolved, you should then contact central office.

Alleged acts of unfairness or any decision made by school personnel, except as otherwise provided for under student suspension and expulsion, which students and/or parents/guardians believe to be unjust or in violation of pertinent policies of the Board or individual school rules, may be appealed to the school principal or a designated representative.

The following guidelines are established for the presentation of student complaints and grievances:

The principals shall schedule a conference with the student and any staff members involved to attempt to resolve the problem. Parents/Guardians may be involved in the conference, or a later conference for parents/guardians may be scheduled at the discretion of the principal.

If the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and/or parents/ guardians, a request may be submitted for a conference with the superintendent of schools. The superintendent shall arrange a conference to consider the problem, and to inform participants of the action that will be taken.

If the student and/or parents/guardians are not satisfied with the action of the superintendent, they may submit a written request to appear before the Board of Education. Unless required by law, a hearing will be at the discretion of the Board. The decision of the Board.

If the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and/or parents/ guardians, a request may be submitted for a conference with the superintendent of schools. The superintendent shall arrange a conference to consider the problem, and to inform participants of the action that will be taken.

If the student and/or parents/guardians are not satisfied with the action of the superintendent, they may submit a written request to appear before the Board of Education. Unless required by law, a hearing will be at the discretion of the Board. The decision of the Board shall be final.

All persons are assured that they may utilize this procedure without reprisal.

School officials have a dual responsibility. They must safeguard the rights of students and even represent students in certain situations. They also must cooperate with law enforcement officers in the legitimate pursuit of their duties.

Investigations by Law Enforcement Officers
Police officers investigating a case involving an illegal act in which a student may be involved or about which the student may have information, shall contact the building principal or their designee, before any effort is made to question a student during school hours.

Contacting Parents
Investigations Related to Illegal Acts that Occur Off-Campus and are Not School Related: The principal or their designee will make a reasonable effort to contact the parent or guardian when an officer comes to question or arrest a student related to illegal acts that occur off-campus and that are not related, unless there is reason to believe that such notification would unduly interfere with the investigation or that the matter pertains to alleged child abuse. If the principal or designee is unable to reach the parent or guardian the officer should not be delayed further. However, a school official should contact the parent or guardian as soon as possible.

Investigations Related to Violations of School Policies and Rules: The principal or his/her designee may involve a police officer in investigation violations of school policies and rules, including student interviews, without first contacting the parent. However, if during the investigation, a student becomes a focal suspect to an illegal act, then it is the responsibility of the principal or designee to make a reasonable effort to contact the parent or guardian before allowing an officer to proceed with an interview.

Questioning of Students
The police officer will observe all the procedural safeguards prescribed by law and his/her agency when questioning a student. An administrator, or designee, will always be present when a student is being questioned, unless the issue pertains to child abuse.

Taking a Student from the School
The school administrator or designee will not let a police officer, or an official from Division of Family Services take a student from a school building without a valid court order, an arrest, protective custody order from DFS or permission of the parent or guardian.

Guidance and Counseling is an integral part of the high school’s total educational program. Through a variety of services and activities, students acquire a foundation on which to augment their post-secondary educational and occupational pursuits. Counselors assist students in developing realistic educational and career plans based on an understanding of themselves, their needs, interests, skills and the realities and possibilities of the worlds of education and work.

Active parental involvement in the activities of the guidance and counseling program is essential if students are to make informed choices. Parents can assist by encouraging their children to do their best in school and part-time jobs and by providing assurance that school subjects selected are tied to career choices. Parents are invited to contact their son or daugh- ter’s counselor with any concerns, ideas, and requests for assistance.

Senate Bill 638 (2016) required the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to create a website about the trauma-informed schools initiative that includes information for schools and parents regarding the trauma-informed approach and a guide for schools on how to become trauma informed schools. DESE has provided guidance to better meet the social and emotional needs of children. Questions should be addressed to Dr. M. René Yoesel, LPC at 573-751-0857 or rene.yoesel@dese.mo.gov. 

Students are assigned to a counselor as follows:

Joplin High School will sponsor school dances periodically throughout the school year. Dances will generally begin at 8:00 PM and end at 11:00 PM.

• Students will not be allowed to leave and reenter dances.
• Only currently enrolled students at Joplin High who are in good standing will be allowed to attend the dances.
• Middle school students are not allowed to attend high school dances.
• Students who are absent the day of the dance or have received out-of-school suspension will not be allowed to attend.
• Adults age 21 or older will not be admitted.
• All guests must be pre-approved by the administration before attending.

PROM
Students must meet the following guidelines to attend prom:

• All students must be currently enrolled at JHS and classified by credit as a junior or senior or the guest of a junior or senior.
• All students must be in “good standing” as declared by the administration and not currently under any out-of-school suspension.
• Adults age 21 or older will not be admitted.
• Guests must be pre-approved by the administration before attending.

The Board of Education recognizes the value of allowing individual student expression as well as the necessity of protecting student health and safety, and maintaining an atmosphere conducive to education. Student dress code procedures must be designed with the goal of balancing these competing interests.

All dress code procedures will adhere to health and safety codes and comply with applicable law. Dress that materially disrupts the educational environment will be prohibited. No procedure will impose dress and grooming rules based on gender in violation of Title IX. District procedures will specifically define ambiguous terms, and examples will be provided when practicable.

Joplin Schools believes that a strong relationship exists between what a student wears and the attitude and behavior they display. We ask all parents and students to understand that different modes of dress are appropriate for different activities, and that not all modes are suitable for school or school activities.

Students should always be well groomed and dressed appropriately for the activity in which the students are engaged. Dress and appearance must not present health or safety hazards, be indecent, disruptive, distracting, or inappropriate for the classroom. School officials will determine final decisions as to the appropriateness of dress and personal appearance.

Below are guidelines for students and parents to help them avoid attire or grooming which interfere with the learning environment. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

• Sunglasses and dark glasses are not permitted unless required by a doctor.
• Contact lenses and eye-wear that is distracting is prohibited.
• Footwear will be worn at all times. House shoes are not acceptable.
• Jewelry that is considered excessive or poses a threat to the safety of the student or others (chains, sharp objects, etc.) is not permitted.
• Tattoos that are considered inappropriate (depicting violence, drugs, gangs, sex, etc.) must be covered while in school.
• Painted faces are not permitted by any means.

The following examples of clothing are considered unacceptable and are not permitted:

• Mesh or other see-through clothing that reveals body parts or undergarments are not allowed under other provisions of this policy; clothes that expose a bare backside or waistline, exposes cleavage or undergarments; tube tops, tank tops, or other sleeveless tops or shirts with excessively large openings.
• Students may wear sleeveless garments that adequately cover undergarments. The width of shoulder straps for sleeveless shirts/tank tops must be the width of at least 2 fingers of the person wearing the garment.
• Shorts or skirts that are excessively short: mid-thigh is the accepted rule on appropriate skirt/short length. Clothing which is cut or torn above mid-thigh is not acceptable. Any hole cannot be bigger in length or width than the student ID card.
• Excessively tight or loose clothing: clothing should fit appropriately and professionally. Jeans that sag below the waistline, or excessively tight clothing are considered inappropriate for a school setting. Yoga pants and leggings are permitted as long as a shirt or another clothing item properly covers the student’s “pocket regions.” Undergarments should not be visible at all.
• Other inappropriate attire includes: gloves, pajamas, and blankets. Clothing with vulgar, profane, ethnically derogatory messages, or clothing with messages, pictures, symbols, depictions or advertisements of gangs, violent acts, illegal substances, drugs or alcoholic beverages.
• Oversized coats, gym bags, and duffle bags should be kept in lockers or other designated areas during the school day for safety reasons.

Because of safety issues, individual classes may have dress requirements that are more restrictive than those listed above.

Building administrators will determine dress code violations or if attire or related student dress code situations are likely to be disruptive or create a potential health or safety problem. Exceptions may be made in the case of appropriate team uniforms, special school events and other specific principal designated activities.

Teachers are expected to enforce this policy to protect student health and safety and maintain an atmosphere conducive to education. Students who violate the dress code are expected to make the appropriate changes immediately. Students may receive school discipline including but not limited to in-school suspension, after-school detention, or OSS depending on repetition and severity of incidents

Staff members are encouraged to communicate with students and parents/guardians for educational purposes using a variety of effective methods, including electronic communication. As with other forms of communication, staff members must maintain professional boundaries with students while using electronic communication regardless of whether the communication methods are provided by the district or the staff member uses their own personal electronic communication devices, accounts, webpages or other forms of electronic communication.

The following guidelines will be followed to determine a student’s grade classification:

• To be classified as a sophomore a student must have earned a minimum of 6 credits.
• To be classified as a junior a student must have earned a minimum of 12 credits.
• To be classified as a senior a student must have earned a minimum of 18 credits.

Students are not permitted in the halls during class periods unless they are accompanied by a teacher or have a hall pass from an authorized staff member. A standard hall pass will be used when a student leaves class as instructed by a teacher.

Students will receive a photo identification card at the beginning of the school year that they will carry with them while attending school. Please show or surrender the card whenever you are requested to do so by a staff member or school bus driver. Refusal to identify yourself, refusal to surrender your ID card or lying about your identity will be considered insubordination and will be dealt with accordingly. Students may not alter or deface their ID card in any way. The card will be used for student identification, as a hall pass, use and/or check-out of library materials, computer and computer repair, and cafeteria purchases. Lost cards will be replaced for a fee of $3.00.

The use of profanity, abusive language or abusive gestures is prohibited. Racial slurs or any degrading comments will not be tolerated.

The library provides access to a well-rounded multimedia collection of print materials and the newest developments in educational technology. Its aims include developing an appreciation and lifelong interest in reading plus integrating the media program into the curriculum.

The print collection includes fiction and non-fiction books, numerous subscriptions to periodicals and daily newspapers. Students may have up to five items at a time. Books are circulated for a two-week period. Items from special collections such as Reference are circulated for overnight only. Students are charged 10 cents per school day for overdue materials. Overdue notices are sent to individuals who do not return their books. Students who have outstanding obligations at the end of each grading period will not receive their grade reports. 

Students have access to educational technology for instant retrieval research. The library also has an automated card catalog and electronic databases to access periodicals and newspapers. Instruction on using these resources is provided to incoming ninth grade students during orientation sessions in the fall. In the ninth grade instruction is provided as needed.

The library is open from thirty minutes prior to school and thirty minutes after the end of the school day. Students have access to the library throughout the school day with a pass from a teacher and during lunch periods.

Newspapers and magazines are available through our online MoreNet resources that can be accessed through our OPAC (online JHS catalog).

Students may check out up to four items at a time for a 3-week period. Items may be renewed after the three weeks if needed. There is no reference section because these items were integrated into the non-fiction section and we do not charge late fees. Students receive weekly email notifications for any overdue and lost items. Letters are mailed out quarterly and in July for any lost library materials.

Library hours are 7:45 AM to 4:15 PM.

Gym lockers will be assigned during P.E. classes. Lockers are issued to students as a service and for your convenience, but lockers are not your property and may be searched at any time by the administration without your consent. You will be responsible for the contents of your locker. If you vandalize or abuse a locker, additional charges will be assessed. Students should not place valuable items or money in their locker. The school is not responsible for loss of items from a student’s locker.

Articles of clothing and other personal items found in and around school should be turned in to the office. You may claim lost property by identifying it. Please write your name on or in your coats and jackets. This will allow us to return lost items when they are turned in to the office.

Joplin Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap or age in educational programs, activities or employment practices. The school district is in compliance with Title IX of the education amendments. Joplin Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (See Board Policy AC:PROHIBITION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT.)

For health and safety reasons part-time students are to arrive no more than 10 minutes before class begins and must exit the building within 10 minutes of completing their last class.

Any personal property that will cause disruption in school or on the bus will not be permitted. Should these items be brought to school, they will be taken up and will be returned to you at the end of the school year or parents may come by the office to claim your property.

The school will not be responsible for personal property. This includes property brought to school for instructional projects, as well as all other personal property of students. This includes leased or rented musical instruments.

Lockers should not be considered secure for valuables.

All students are advised to check with their physical education teacher concerning the safekeeping of their belongings during gym class.

Quality:

1. Posters must be neatly designed and must positively reflect the organization.
2. Posters must be written clearly with correct spelling and grammar.
3. Posters may not include any obscenities or offensive language.

Approval:

1. Posters must be approved by the acting sponsor of the club or organization.
2. Posters must be signed on the front bottom right corner by an administrator.
3. Mass production of posters and announcements is not allowed.
4. All outside agencies and individual students must present posters to an administrator for approval.

Location/Safety:

1. Posting of posters or signs is only allowed on the bulletin boards located throughout the building.

Removal:

1. All posters and signs must be removed immediately following the date of the activity/event.

Law enforcement officials will be notified of acts of misconduct when required to do so by state statute and board policy.

Any offense which constitutes a “serious violation” as defined in this policy will be documented in the student’s permanent record (see section: Discipline Reporting and Records Administration Procedures).

Safety is a major concern of the administration. The administration reserves the right to search students, student belongings, lockers and vehicles.

Students are not allowed to sell or purchase any items at school. This includes candy, gum, fundraiser products other than those sponsored by Joplin High School, etc. Items found being offered for sale will be collected and returned when a parent comes to pick them up.

An annual student information update is required for all students enrolled in Joplin Schools and should be completed prior to the student’s first day of school. This update can be made in the student’s PowerSchool Parent Portal. Instructions are available here. Information included in the annual student update can also be edited at any time throughout the school year, especially in case of change of address or parent contact information, which should be updated immediately. It is absolutely necessary that student information be kept up-to-date so that a parent or guardian can be contacted in case of an emergency.

In order to provide students with appropriate instruction and educational services, it is necessary for the district to maintain extensive and sometimes personal information about students and families. These records must be kept confidential in accordance with law, but must also be readily available to district personnel who need the records to effectively serve district students.

The superintendent or designee will provide for the proper administration of student records in accordance with law, will develop appropriate procedures for maintaining student records and will standardize procedures for the collection and transmission of necessary information about individual students throughout the district. The building principal shall assist the superintendent in developing the student records system, maintaining and protecting the records in their building and developing protocols for releasing student education records.

The superintendent or designee will make arrangements so that all district employees are trained annually on the confidentiality of student education records, as applicable for each employee classification.

Health Information
Student health information is a type of student record that is particularly sensitive and protected by numerous state and federal laws. Student health information shall be protected from unauthorized, illegal or inappropriate disclosure by adherence to the principles of confidentiality and privacy. The information shall be protected regardless of whether the information is received orally, in writing, or electronically and regardless of the type of record or method of storage.

Directory Information
Directory information is information contained in an education record of a student that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The school district designates the following items as directory information:

High school and vocational school students

• Student’s name
• parent’s name
• address
• telephone number
• date and place of birth
• grade level
• bus assignment
• enrollment status (e.g., full-time or part-time)
• participation in school-based activities and sports
• weight and height of members of athletic teams
• dates of attendance
• degrees, honors and awards received
• artwork or coursework displayed by the district
• most recent previous school attended
• and photographs, videos, digital images and recorded sound unless such photographs, videos, digital images and recorded sound would be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy.

Parent and Eligible Student Access
All parents will have the right to inspect their child’s education records as allowed by law. As used in this policy, a “parent” includes a biological or adoptive parent, a guardian or an individual acting as a parent in the absence of a natural parent or guardian. The district will extend the same rights to either parent, regardless of divorce, custody or visitation rights, unless the district is provided with evidence that the parent’s rights to inspect records have been legally revoked. The rights of the parent transfer to the student once the student turns 18, or attends an institution of postsecondary education, in accordance with law.

If a parent or eligible student believes the education records related to the student contain information that is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy, they may ask the district to amend the record by following the appeals procedures created by the superintendent or designee. The district will annually notify parents and eligible students of their rights in accordance with law.

Law Enforcement Access
The district may report or disclose education records to law enforcement and juvenile justice authorities if the disclosure concerns law enforcement’s or juvenile justice authorities’ ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records are released. The officials and authorities to whom such information is disclosed must comply with applicable restrictions set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (b)(1)(E).

If the district reports a crime committed by a student with a disability as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the district will transmit copies of the special education and disciplinary records to the authorities to whom the district reported the crime.

Law enforcement officials also have access to directory information and may obtain access to student education records in emergency situations as allowed by law.

Otherwise, law enforcement officials must obtain a subpoena or consent from the parent or eligible student before a student’s education records will be disclosed.

Children’s Division Access
The district may disclose education records to representatives of the Children’s Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services when reporting child abuse and neglect in accordance with law. Once the CD obtains custody of a student, CD representatives may also have access to education records in accor- dance with law. CD representatives may also have access to directory information and may obtain access to student educa- tion records in emergency situations, as allowed by law.

Notification of Rights under FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) 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 the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or other- wise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the school to amend a record should write to the school principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their 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 privacy of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con-sent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer. (NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual noti- fication that it intends to forward records on request.)
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office,  U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202.

Example file name: 1st_JCPoster_SmithR

Translation: 1st (class hour) _ JCPoster (assignment name) _ Smith R (Last name and first initial)

The office telephone is a business phone and is for office use only. Students will be allowed to use the phone in their principal’s office or receptionist's desk for emergency situations only.

Urgent phone messages from parents or guardians will be delivered as soon as possible by an office representative. 

Students will not be called out of class to receive a phone call.

All parents and visitors will check in at the reception area, at both JHS and FTC. All parents and visitors will need to present a valid driver's license or state ID at the time of check in. No one will be permitted in either building without proper ID.

In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning, visitors or friends of students are not allowed at school. Parents, however, are always welcome and should check in with the receptionist upon their arrival at school.

When it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw from school, they should inform their principal’s office, their counselor, and each of their teachers as soon as this is known, telling them the expected withdrawal date. When the date has been established, they must obtain a withdrawal form from their principal’s office. All books and equipment must be in good condition to be returned to the teachers and the library. When all the requirements have been completed and all necessary signatures obtained, the form must be returned to their principal’s office where the processing will be completed. A parent or guardian must accompany the student the day they check out.