Essential Information

Alcohol and Tobacco

Young people are faced with many challenges. However, very few have the potential to affect your life in a more significant way than the decisions you make about alcohol and drugs. These choices will influence your health, your grades, your relationships, your job, or career, maybe even your freedom.

Alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention tips for students

Talk to your child about drugs:

• Choose like-minded friends. Pay attention to who you are hanging out with. Avoid peer pressure by hanging out with friends who also disagree with underage drinking and using drugs. Be a role model and set a positive example.
• Make Connections With Your Parents or Other Adults. As you grow up, having people you can rely on and talk to about life, its challenges, and your decisions about alcohol and drugs is very important. Someone else's life experiences can help put things in perspective.
• Follow the Family Rules About Alcohol and Drugs. Having the trust and respect of your parents is very important as you grow up and want to have more freedom. Don't let alcohol and drugs come between you and your parents.
• Get Educated About Alcohol and Drugs. Do not rely on the false information from your friends and social media. Talking with your parents about alcohol and drugs can be very helpful. It may seem like “everyone is doing it,” but they are not. Do some research from a trusted source.
• Plan Ahead. When going to a party or out with friends, you need to plan ahead in order to protect yourself. Keep a bottled drink like a soda or iced tea with you to drink at parties. People will be less likely to pressure you to drink alcohol if you're already drinking something. If you end up in a dangerous situation, get out fast. Make up code words to text a parent or trusted adult. To them, your safety is always first priority.
• Get Help. If you or someone you know needs help, call SAMHSA's National Helpline's free, confidential, 24/7, 365 days a year treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Don't wait. You don't have to be alone.

Learn how to enjoy life and the people in your life, without adding alcohol or drugs. Take responsibility for your life, your health and your safety.

As a parent, you have a major impact on your child's decision not to use tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. It's important to have conversations with your child about drug and alcohol use. Choose times when you're unlikely to be interrupted — and set aside phones. It is not recommended to have a conversation, when you're angry with your child, when you aren't prepared to answer questions, or when your child is drunk or high

Talk to your child about drugs:

• Ask about their views. Avoid lectures. Instead, listen to your child's opinions and questions about drugs. Assure your child that he or she can be honest with you.
• Discuss reasons not to use drugs. Avoid scare tactics. Emphasize how drug use can affect the things that are important to them — such as sports, driving, health and appearance.
• Know the facts. The human brain continues to develop until the age of 25. Alcohol and other drugs can impair good decision-making and cause long-term consequences to the brain.
• Consider media messages. Social media, television programs, movies, and songs can glamorize or make light of drug use. Talk about what your child sees and hears.
• Discuss ways to resist peer pressure. Brainstorm with your child about how to turn down offers of drugs. Since most kids will face peer pressure at some time, your child should have a plan for how to respond to it.

Other preventive strategies to consider:

• Know their activities. Pay attention to your child's whereabouts. Encourage him or her to get involved in adult-supervised activities.
• Establish rules and consequences. Explain your family rules and send a clear message that you disapprove underage alcohol and drug use. If your child breaks the rules, consistently enforce consequences.
• Know their friends. If your child's friends use drugs, he or she might feel pressure to experiment, too. Encourage positive friendships.
• Keep track of prescription drugs. Take an inventory of all prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home.
• Provide support. Offer praise and encouragement when your child succeeds. A strong bond between you and your child can help prevent your teen from using drugs.
• Set a good example. If you drink, do so in moderation. Use prescription drugs as directed. Don't use illicit drugs.

It's never too soon to start talking to your child about drug abuse. The conversations you have today can help your teen make healthy choices in the future.

Adapted from The Mayo Clinic

Attendance

All students are required to attend school every day of the school year. Parents are responsible for their child's daily school attendance.

Students shall be counted in attendance if they are actually present at school at the time the attendance is taken or are away from school on a school day and engaged in an educational activity that constitutes a part of the school-approved instructional program for the student (Section 1003.23, Florida Statutes).

• All students are expected to be on time and present each day school is open during the school year.
• Students may not be absent from school without permission of the principal/designee.
  • The school principal or designee is the only person authorized to excuse a student's absence.
  • Any time a student is absent from school, the parent or guardian must communicate the reason for the absence to the school. A phone call or note from a parent/guardian is a request that a student's absence be excused.
  • When a student accumulates an excessive number of absences - five (5) days in a calendar month or ten (10) days within 90 calendar days - and additional absences occur which are caused by illness, a written statement from a physician verifying that the absence was caused by an illness may be required by the principal to be submitted by the parent/guardian (School Board Policy 5200).
• Habitual tardiness is defined as six (6) or more tardies to school or to an individual class per quarter

*Goss, C. L., & Andren, K. J. (2014). Dropout prevention. The Guilford Press.; National Dropout Prevention Center (2017).

Bullying / Harassment

Section 1006.147 of Florida Statute prohibits bullying or harassment of any student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution. The District will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any type. All students and employees have the right to feel respected, secure and safe while participating in school and school-related activities. School District policy and procedures are specified in School Board Policy 5517.01.

The policy requires that:

• All incidents of bullying or harassment be reported to the designated administrator.
• All allegations of bullying or harassment are investigated in a timely manner.
• Parents of both parties (the alleged bully and the target) are notified that the investigation is occurring.
• Parents are notified of the outcome of the investigation by the school.
• Interventions and disciplinary consequences will be provided to a student who has committed an act (or acts) of bullying.
• The student who is the target of the behavior receives appropriate interventions and follow up

Bullying includes cyberbullying and means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. It is further defined as unwanted and repeated written, verbal or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting or dehumanizing gesture by a student or adult that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation. It may involve but is not limited to:

There are 4 types of bullying:

1. Verbal
2. Physical
3. Emotional
4. Cyberbullying

Harassment is any threatening, insulting or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software or written, verbal or physical conduct that 1) places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, 2) has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance or opportunities, or 3) has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school including any course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such a person and serves no legitimate purpose.

Bullying or harassment may or may not be related to race, color, national origin, ethnicity or disability. Harassment (including sexual harassment covered under Title IX) based on race, color, national origin, gender and/or disability is against the law. Discrimination based on race, color and/or national origin is against the law. Examples of conduct which may constitute bullying or harassment include:

• Graffiti containing offensive language directed towards a person or persons
• Name-calling, jokes or rumors
• A threat directed at another because of one's race, color, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or personal attributes
• Notes or cartoons related to one's race, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or personal attributes
• Racial slurs, negative stereotypes, and hostile acts based on one's personal attributes
• A physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability or personal attributes
• Other aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property which is motivated by one's race, color, national origin, ethnicity or disability

Sexual harassment consists of unwanted verbal or physical behavior with sexual connotation that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment, cause discomfort or humiliation or unreasonable interference with the individual's school performance or participation; unwelcome and repeated sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; and other inappropriate verbal, nonverbal, written, graphic, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment include:

• Touching oneself sexually or talking about one's sexual activities in front of others
• Coercing, forcing or attempting to coerce or force the touching of anyone's intimate parts
• Sexually oriented comments, jokes or gestures
• Drawings of a sexual nature, notes or cartoons of such
• Unwelcome touching, patting, pinching or physical contact other than necessary when restraining of student(s) by school personnel to avoid physical harm to persons or property
• Offensive or graphic posters or book covers
• Unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt promises of preferential treatment with regard to an individual's employment or educational status.

Bullying Prevention Tips for Students

• Are You Being Bullied?
• Always tell a trusted adult. Share the details about what is happening to a parent, teacher, or school counselor, and let them know how it made you feel. Ask them what to do to stop the bullying
• If you feel safe, tell the person who is bullying you to stop in a calm, clear voice
• Say nothing and walk away
• For cyberbullying, you should never respond in any way. Save a copy of the text or picture and show it to a trusted adult
• Stay in a group whenever possible so you are less likely to be bullied and will have others nearby to help if you are
• Do not blame yourself! No one deserves to be bullied
• Do You Bully Others?
• Stop and think about what you are doing and how it makes others feel
• Talk to an adult. Parents, teachers, school counselors and other trusted adults can help you get along with others better
• Respect yourself and treat others with the same respect you want
• Did You Witness Bullying?
• Support those who are being bullied by spending time with them, including them in activities, or by just talking to them
• Stand up to the person who is bullying, if you feel safe to do so
• Report the bullying to an adult. Kids are less likely to bully when they think it will be reported

Behavior and Bullying Awareness Guidelines

Source: Adapted from Jennifer Astles, DASA Newsletter, January 2014, TST BOCES modified by The School District of Lee County Student Services

Bullying Investigation Process Flowchart

• Conduct an Investigation
• Begin investigation within two school/working days
•  
• Complainant, accused and parents (if applicable) notified of formal written complaint and interviewed within two days
•  
• Document all interviews with parties and witnesses throughout the investigation using the Bully Complaint Report Form and Bully Witness Statement Form
•  
• Was there bullying?

Bicycle Helmets and Safety

A bicycle rider or passengers under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (Section 316.2065, Florida Statute). Bicycle helmets must be worn by anyone under the age of 16 riding or a passenger on a bicycle on School Board-owned property. Bicycles must be operated in a safe manner according to the rules of the Florida Bicycle Traffic Law (Section 316.2065, Florida Statute). A bicyclist may not wear a headset, headphone or other listening device other than a hearing aid when riding (Section 316.304, Florida Statute).

Bus Transportation

Riding the bus is a privilege. A student who violates these rules will be reported to the school principal/ designee who has authority to suspend that student from bus transportation. A bus suspension does not mean that a student is suspended from attending school. Students serving a bus suspension are still required to attend school.

• Students who receive special transportation on their IEP or 504 Plan due to their disability is suspended from the bus, the missed days will also be treated as an out of school suspension. These days also count towards the 10 cumulative days in the school year, which, if exceeded, could result in a change of placement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Under McKinney-Vento, students who are homeless have a right to transportation. Consult with the District's Homeless Liaison for more information.
• School bus drivers have the authority to monitor and control the behavior of students any time they are being transported to and from school or school functions (Section 1006.10, Florida Statutes).

These rules are in the interest of student safety and apply to all students when they are being transported on a school bus. These rules are posted in all The School District of Lee County buses:

• The driver is in full charge of the bus, and students must obey the driver.
• Students shall keep assigned seats at all times with arms and heads inside the bus and lap belt fastened.
• Eating, drinking or chewing gum will not be allowed on the school bus.
• Anything that interferes with student safety will not be permitted.
• Use of personal electronic devices is allowed with personal earbuds/headphones only.
• Students are not permitted to use an electronic device or camera to record activities ona school bus.
• Possession of all personal electronic devices on a District-operated bus, including cell phones, is at the student's own risk and the District and individual schools assume no responsibility, legal or otherwise, with regard to these items.
• Students who make false reports while riding a school bus will face disciplinary action.

Computer / Network Usage

Network Warning

The School District of Lee County, Florida considers the use of computer technology to be vital to the educational process. The District takes every precaution to ensure safe and responsible use of computer 69 network and Internet resources. The District views information retrieval over the network and on local computer workstations in the same capacity as information retrieval from reference materials identified by schools. Specifically, the District supports those materials which will enhance the research and inquiry abilities of the learner with directed guidance from faculty and staff. Acceptable uses of network and other computing resources are activities that support learning and teaching in The School District of Lee County. With such wide access to computers, social media, and people all over the world, there is also the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. There may be some material, individual contacts, or communications which are not suitable for school-aged children.

The School District of Lee County has taken precautions to manage access to inappropriate materials. The School District will make every effort to provide appropriate supervision; however, it is impossible to control all materials on a global network (Internet). The school or District cannot prevent the possibility that some users may access material that is inconsistent with the educational mission, goals, and policies of the school or District, since access to the Internet may be obtained from sites other than a school.

It is a general policy that the District’s Intranet environment and Internet access resources are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Failure to adhere to the general policy and guidelines will result in suspension or revocation of the user’s privileges of access. Unacceptable uses of the network include but are not limited to:

• Violating the conditions of the Education Code dealing with students' rights to privacy
• Using profanity, obscenity or other language which is offensive to another user
• Reposting another individual's communications without the author's prior consent
• Copying commercial software in violation of copyright law or other copyright protected material
• Using the network for financial gain or for any commercial or illegal activity
• Using the network for product advertisement, political lobbying or to unlawfully promote religion
• The malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user or any other network, which is considered vandalism and is prohibited
• Improperly using telecommunication services or technology and/or posting inappropriate information on the web, during or after school hours that may interfere with the school environment.

Dress Code and Dressing for Success

The purpose of the dress code is to encourage students to focus on the learning process without the distractions of unsuitable dress and grooming, as well as developing good habits that will lead to “dressing for success” in college and career. Students shall maintain a clean, orderly appearance at all times. The responsibility for the personal appearance of the student rests with the parent/guardian and the student. Personal appearance shall not disrupt the educational process. A student who is dressed appropriately is demonstrating a respect for self and others, as well as contributing to a safe and orderly learning environment. The following establishes the minimum acceptable standards for student dress to be interpreted and enforced by the principal or designee. Enforcement will focus on positive guidance without embarrassment to the student and should not disrupt the educational process. Principals have the authority with their staff and community, as permitted by School Board policy, to establish additional standards at individual schools. For schools with a uniform policy, refer to the school’s student handbook for additional dress code information regarding specific school standards.

• Apparel shall be adequate in both length and coverage to be considered appropriate for school.
• Pants shall be worn fastened and at the waist with no undergarments showing.
• Pants with holes, tears, etc. may not be worn if, in the principal's judgment, they may cause a disruption to the school environment.
• Shirts shall be appropriately fastened in accord with the design of the shirt. The length shall extend beyond the waist level.
• Clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner is prohibited.
• Transparent or see-through tops, tops that bare midriff, strapless, low-cut clothing or tops and outfits that provide minimum coverage or are of a suggestive nature are prohibited; halters, backless dresses or tops, tube tops, tank tops, muscle shirts or any clothing which may be distracting are prohibited.
• Any articles of clothing or jewelry that could likely cause injury - such as chains, bracelets, rings and chokers with or without spikes or studs - are prohibited. Wallet chains of any length are prohibited.
• Students must wear shoes at all times that are safe and appropriate for the learning environment.
• Apparel, emblems, insignias, badges or symbols that promote the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or any other illegal activity are prohibited.
• Apparel or symbols which may be gang-related may not be displayed on a student's person or in the student's possession.
• Gang-related tattoos, or other tattoos that may cause a substantial disruption to the educational environment as determined by the principal, are prohibited.
• Adornments that, in the principal's judgment could cause injury, be a safety risk or cause a disruption to the school environment may not be worn. Examples of prohibited adornments include, but are not limited to, hoops or rings attached to the nose, eyebrow, cheeks or lips.
• The wearing on campus of hats, caps, headgear (including hoodies) or sunglasses except in conjunction with designated school-approved uniforms or at authorized athletic practices or activities is prohibited. There may be certain exceptions for medical conditions, religious observation and physical education classes held outside. The principal will determine these exceptions.
• Any method of public display (including clothing, nail polish and other items that may be worn or carried)of an organization affiliated with controversial, obscene or illegal activities on a person may not be worn if in the principal's judgement, they may cause a substantial disruption to the school environment.
• Long / oversized coats, jackets or jerseys are prohibited.

Driver's Licence / Loss of Driving Privilege

• Per state statute (Section 322.091, Florida Statutes) driving privileges are contingent upon good attendance.
• Any student age 14 or older and accumulates 15 unexcused absences within a period of 90 calendar days are reported to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), per The Florida Legislature. Those students who fail to satisfy attendance requirements will be ineligible to obtain or maintain driving privileges (Section 322.091, Florida Statues). For information on suspension of a driver's license due to excessive absences, see Attendance Policy 5200.
• Reinstatement of driving privileges requires 30 consecutive days of attendance with no unexcused absences, per state statute (Section 322.091, Florida Statues).
• Middle school students may not drive to school.
• Students enrolled in Success Academy or Prevention Center may not drive to school.

Make-Up Work

A student who is absent and the absence is determined to be an excused absence, as defined by School Board Policy 5200, is required to make up all missed coursework. Make-up work for unexcused absences will be at the discretion of the school principal. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain assignments from the appropriate teacher(s) upon returning to class immediately following an absence. For excused absences, the student will be given the number of days absent plus one additional day to make up all work missed for full credit.

Mental Health Instruction

Three State Board of Education rules require Florida school districts to provide instruction in certain health education topics, beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. Students enrolled in grades 6 through 12 will receive instruction in mental and emotional health education and students in kindergarten through grade 12 will receive instruction on child trafficking prevention, substance use, and abuse health education. Each lesson is developmentally appropriate by grade level and progresses from year-to-year as students move to the next grade level. All instruction is in alignment with Florida State Statute 1003.42 (2)(n) and State Board of Education Rules.

Pledge of Allegiance

Florida Statute requires the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag to be recited in each school in the state of Florida at the beginning of each day;. followed by one minute of silence. Upon receipt of a written request by a parent, a student has the right not to participate in reciting the Pledge. This includes not standing and placing the right hand over the chest. (Section 1003.44, Florida Statute and HB 529 (2021))

Public Health and Safety

In the interest of public health and safety, there may be a district addendum to the Student Code of Conduct based on recommendations from national or state organizations.

• Hotlines
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and National Helpline 1-800-662-4357
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
• National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for pre-K to 12th grade students for a variety of specific reasons.

The Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act states that children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are considered homeless. http://www.fldoe.org/ policy/federal-edu-programs/title-x-homeless-edu-program-hep.stml

Florida Tax Credit Scholarship expands educational opportunities for children of families that have limited financial resources and to enable children in this state to achieve a greater level of excellence in their education. http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/ftc/

The Family Empowerment Scholarship (Educational Opportunities and Students with Unique Abilities) program provides an educational lifeline to students waiting for an opportunity to find the school that will best work for them and puts more parents in the driver's seat to determine the best educational environments for their children. http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12- scholarship-programs/fes/

Reading Scholarships Accounts are available for students in grades 3 through 5 who are enrolled in a Florida public school and scored below a Level 3 on the grade 3 or grade 4 statewide, standardized English Language Arts assessment in the prior school year. http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/reading/

Take Stock In Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida that provides a unique opportunity for low-income and at-risk students, many from minority families, to escape the cycle of poverty through education. We offer our students college scholarships, caring volunteer mentors, and hope for a better life. https://leeschoolfoundation.org/take-stock-in-children/

The Ben Carson Scholarship program awards students who have embraced high levels of academic excellence and community service with $1,000 college scholarships. https://carsonscholars.org/

The HOPE Scholarship is for students in grades kindergarten through 12 who are enrolled in a Florida public school and have been bullied, harassed, assaulted, threatened and or other violent acts to transfer to another public school or enroll in an approved private school. http://www.fldoe.org/ schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/hope/

Internet Essentials brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home so you can have greater access to homework, job opportunities, healthcare and benefits, education resources and more.

Teen Dating Violence and Abuse

It is the policy of The School District of Lee County that all students have an educational setting that is safe, secure and free from dating violence or abuse of any kind, as stated in School Board Policy 5517.03

Consistent with its intent and requirements, The School District of Lee County prohibits dating violence by any student on school property, during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, or during school sponsored-transportation (Section 1006.148, Florida Statutes)

Teen dating violence or abuse is defined as a pattern of emotional, verbal, sexual or physical abuse used by one person in a current or past dating relationship to exert power and control over another when one or both of the partners is a teenager. Abuse may include insults, coercion, social sabotage, sexual harassment, stalking, threats and/or acts of physical or sexual abuse. The abusive partner uses this pattern of violent and coercive behavior to gain power and maintain control over the dating partner. This may also include abuse, harassment and stalking via electronic devices such as cell phones and computers, and harassment through a third party, and may be physical, mental or both.

Reports of alleged acts of teen dating violence or abuse should be made to the principal or principal's designee. All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this policy. If the reporter suspects that the alleged violation of this policy constitutes a crime, the reporter will immediately report the complaint to law enforcement. All members of the school community, including students, parents, guardians, volunteers and visitors are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy.

A prompt investigation of any allegation will take place by the principal or principal's designee. If the investigation concludes the allegation is founded, the perpetrator will incur consequences consistent with the District's Code of Conduct for Students.

Instruction regarding dating violence and abuse will be provided for students in grades 7 through 12 as one of the comprehensive health components. This instruction shall have an emphasis on prevention- based education and include a teen dating violence and abuse component that includes but is not limited to the definition of dating violence and abuse, the warning signs of dating violence and abusive behavior, the characteristics of healthy relationships, measures to prevent and stop dating violence and abuse, and community resources available to victims of dating violence or abuse (Section 1003.42, Florida Statute).