published: Friday, November 16, 2012

SBHC adapting rules in the Student Code of Conduct handbook

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- Members of the school board voted to approve several school board rule changes Tuesday night. A third and final public hearing is needed before they are incorporated.

Most of the changes are merely formalities. For example, school meal and nutrition policies used to be overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state Board of Education. The state shifted that responsibility to Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The change in the rules simply reflects that adjustment.

Two new rules deal with possible concussions to student athletes.

Rule 5.60 regarding student injuries adds the paragraph, "A student who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury shall be immediately removed from physical activity." The Health Services Manual guidelines are to be followed.

Rule 5.80 requires students suspected of sustaining a concussion will be immediately removed from a game or practice session.

The athlete will not be allowed to return to the field without a clearance from appropriate medical personnel. Parents will have to file a informed consent regarding concussions annually.

Rule 4.71 expands to include virtual school students in extracurricular activities.

It states a "full-time Florida Virtual School student is eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at the school he/she would be assigned, or could choose to attend under District enrollment policies. The student must meet all Florida Statutes and academic and conduct requirements of the District."

The rule already provided for students attending private school.

Rule 4.11 deals with the student progression plan. A new sentence states, "The plan shall include options for academic acceleration and early high school graduation."

New rule 4.117 follows up on Rule 4.11. It states, "A student who completes a minimum of 24 credits and meets the graduation requirements stated in the Florida statutes, in less than eight semesters or the equivalent, may elect early graduation." The District shall notify the parent, and the student who qualifies.

Procedures for the implementation of this policy are to be established.

Rule 5.00, which applies to attending athletic events and practices, states, "If a student is convicted of an on-or-off campus felony or a delinquent act which would have been a felony if committed by an adult, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, the student's participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities will be suspended for the balance of the school year."

The school principal or designee must be notified of alleged violations and conduct an investigation.

The principal determines if a violation has occurred. The student and his/her parent shall be notified in writing of a suspension.