INTRODUCTION

Students have a right to a public education by the Constitution of the State of Montana. Students also have a responsibility to join with other members of the school community in respecting the rights and responsibilities of others in that community, and in establishing a climate for learning within the school.

The following statements of student rights and responsibilities for the Hot Springs Schools are designed to enable all members of the school community; students, parents, staff, administration, and trustees to work together to educate each student to his/her potential.

EQUAL EDUCATION POLICY

As provided in the Constitution of the State of Montana, the Hot Springs School District is committed to equality of educational opportunity.

All students will have the opportunity to participate in and receive benefits of all programs and activities including, but not limited to, course offerings, graduation requirements, athletics, counseling, employment assistance, and extracurricular activities. Discrimination in education because of sex, race, creed, color, religion, national origin , age, physical or mental disability, political belief, marital or parental status; is prohibited unless upon reasonable grounds as provided by law.

Inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination should be directed to Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator Larry Markuson, Superintendent, P.O. Box 1005, Hot Springs, Montana, 751-3285

VISITORS

Visitors, especially parents, are always welcome in our school. In the interest of our students safety, all visitors are asked to check in through the office before proceeding to a classroom.

HARASSMENT

Concerns about harassment is still growing at an "explosive" rate in Montana and the nation. This includes verbal, sexual, and physical harassment. There is a policy against all forms of harassment by the Board of Trustees. Harassment is forbidden by the school laws of Montana. This includes threats, intimidation, obscene remarks or gestures, and abusive or unwanted physical contact. Consequences range from reprimand to detention, to perhaps even suspension or possible expulsion. Seriousness of the offense and/or frequency of violations will be taken into account by the administration. Any person who is harassing another should be immediately reported.

DRESS CODE

The personal appearance and dress during regular classroom and school attendance will be left to the good taste and discretion of the individual student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s). The administration and board of trustees reserve the right to determine the appropriateness of the appearance and dress.

1. No hats, or any headgear, are to be worn in the school building.

2. Odd, distracting, and disrupting extremes of dress, hair, style and/or accessories that go beyond prevailing general standards of style for teenagers, acceptable within the community, will be prohibited.

3. T-shirts or shirts displaying offensive material or advertising alcohol, drugs, or tobacco will not be acceptable dress.

4. Clothing must be worn so as to not expose undergarments or mid-section. Dresses/skirts must be at least finger tip length. Tops which are low cut, immodest, or revealing will not be allowed. Male students are not to wear tank tops or muscle shirts.