TFHS Student Handbook

Class rank is compiled each semester from semester grades. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) determines rank in class and is one of the criteria used to determine the Valedictorian and Salutatorian. No additional weight is given to accelerated or college-prep classes. Class rank information is available through the School Counselor. To be included in the semester class rank, a student must be enrolled full-time and planning on graduating from TFHS. Late graduates, early graduates, home-schooled, and foreign exchange students are not included in class rank. Special circumstances can be appealed to the administration.

Course Selection & Planning

1. study the registration handbook carefully;
2. give special attention to guidelines for schedule planning;
3. work closely with the counselor. The counselor will assist students in the following areas:
   • post-high school career planning;
   • career information gathering; and
   • course selections.
4. students should seek advice and information from teachers and parents in planning their courses.

Course Enrollment

Enrollment for courses will be made during the spring in preparation for the next academic school year. Students and parents will be permitted to have input into course selections. The counselor and principal, with input from teachers, will determine where students are to be placed based upon academic need or graduation requirements, individual and group dynamics, and student interest. Any change must adhere to the course change guidelines set forth in this handbook.

Transfer students will be assigned specific courses at the time of enrollment. Prospective non-resident students who arrive later than ten (10) school days after the beginning of the semester will not be permitted to enroll unless state law otherwise requires their enrollment or there is room under the nonresident cap.

All full time 9-11th grade students in Thompson Falls High School must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) ½- credit bearing classes, including a minimum of three (3) core classes.  

Except as required by law where a senior may be experiencing educational disruption, must be enrolled in a minimum of five (5) ½-credit bearing high school courses, three (3) of which must be a core class. Seniors may fill their remaining schedule with a combination of teacher aide, dual-enrollment courses or unscheduled (SKIP) periods. The Board of Trustees may award credit to a student who satisfactorily completes a course in a period of time shorter or longer than typically required by law.

Senior Privilege (Skip)

Seniors are permitted an unscheduled period(s). The unscheduled period(s) must have both administrative and parent/guardian approval (meeting required). During an unscheduled period, the senior is required to leave campus. Seniors must meet the following requirements to be granted a Senior Privilege (Skip).

Course Change Policy

Montana Digital Academy & Distance Courses

Part-Time Students

Running Start

Dual Credit

Students who take a dual credit class online will receive, at minimum, an elective credit on the high school transcript for the course if the student chooses to have the course posted to the transcript. If the course is a Social Studies course, students may elect to fill the Social Studies elective credit to meet College Prep diploma requirements. Students who successfully complete College Writing may elect to fill a half credit of English 12. All dual enrollment final course grades will be posted to the TFHS transcript in addition to the college transcript.

A college placement math test is offered online through FVCC. The college placement reading and writing tests are online and will be taken once a student has completed the enrollment process. Students should contact the school counselor for placement testing and for procedures to enroll in the Dual Enrollment programs. Students must meet deadlines set by the high school to complete placement testing and registration. A Running Start agreement form must be submitted during the first week of class.

Students will take final exams during the last week of the semester. There will be a special schedule administered for two days to provide adequate time to complete exams without conflict. Seniors will take second semester final exams early prior to checkout day. Make up final exams will only be given at an alternative time with medical documentation of need or school sponsored activity. Students may not reschedule final exams, work, or final projects without teacher and administrative approval.

Students who check out early with administrative approval must remember that teachers will require work through the last day of the semester and should be sure to collect, complete, and turn in this work IN ADVANCE of leaving and comply with deadlines. Students who check out early without administrative approval will not be allowed to take final exams or make-up work.

Final Exam Schedule:

TFHS will use the following grading scale based on rounding up to the nearest tenth:

• meet all requirements to earn either a General diploma (22 credits) or College Prep diploma (24 credits)
• submit a request to the high school principal during the semester prior to graduation. For January graduation, the letter must be submitted by the end of Summer. For May graduation, the letter must be submitted by the end of Fall semester. Special circumstances may be considered.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to recommend to the Board for early graduation students who have completed the minimum requirements for graduation in less than eight semesters. District Policy 2410.

Students graduating early will not qualify as Valedictorian or Salutatorian candidates.

• General Diploma - 22 Credits 

For qualifying students with disabilities, graduation requirements may be determined by the student’s IEP team and be based upon completion of the student’s IEP goals; the student will receive a regular (general) diploma.

• College Prep Diploma - 24 Credits

Students earning a College Prep Diploma will meet the Montana University System (MUS) College Preparatory Core requirements for students entering a four-year campus. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be selected from among the College Prep graduates. To be eligible for the MUS Honor Scholarship please visit with the counselor about the MUS Rigorous Core requirements. MUS Rigorous Core includes an additional year of math and an additional year of science.

* 0.5 credit of Economics or Financial Literacy within the 2 credits of Social Studies, the 2 credits of Mathematics, or the 1 credit of Vocational/technical education is required. (Economics, Personal Finance, Consumer Math, or Career Explorations will meet this requirement.) 

It is recommended that a student pursuing a college prep diploma complete 2 years of foreign language, a course beyond Algebra II, a fourth year of lab science, and an additional one-half year of psychology or humanities.

Online Learning

Thompson Falls High School provides an online learning classroom for students who:

1. would like to enroll in a Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) foreign language;
2. wish to enroll in a Running Start Course;
3. are severely credit-deficient and need remedial courses.

(Enrollment requirements must be met prior to enrolling in online courses. Please visit with the school counselor for more information.) Students who are credit deficient may make arrangements with the principal for an alternative plan for credit recovery courses to meet graduation requirements.

The Activities Director will provide student-athletes and parents/guardians with a copy of the Athletic Handbook at the pre-season parent meetings, or upon request. It is also available on the school website. The policies include: Chain of Command, Extra-curricular Eligibility Academic Policy, School Attendance, Participation Fees, Travel, Drug/Alcohol Policy, etc.

Students must meet the Montana High School Association (MHSA) rules to participate in MHSA sanctioned sports. Refer to the Thompson Falls Schools Athletic Handbook for further information or the MHSA Handbook Article II Section 2 for all eligibility rules.

In order to obtain an excused absence to attend home athletic events as a spectator, students must submit written permission IN ADVANCE. Forms are available in the office. This policy is intended to reduce congestion at the office, keep telephone lines available, and assist teachers in class planning

Season Passes may be purchased at the office for admission to home events. Season passes do not include admission to MHSA culminating events hosted locally. Prices for season passes are as follows:

The following rules are established to promote the enjoyment of activities, and provide a safe environment for parents, participants, officials, and others who attend any school sponsored events:

1. display respect for everyone at the event;
2. drugs, alcohol and tobacco/vapor products/alternative nicotine products are prohibited;
3. follow all posted rules at each event;
4. follow all rules that are contained within board policy and school handbooks that apply towards behavior at activities;
5. at football games, children under high school age must be in the area below the paved road, adjacent to the south end of the high school gym;
6. the ambulance crew, administrators and staff on duty, football players, coaches, press, chain crew, are the only people authorized to be inside the track area during football games;
7. only the area west of the football field, away from normal spectator traffic and parking may be used to play. Students do so at their own risk and the school is not responsible for any injuries;
8. students who ride their bicycles to ball games should park them in the bicycle rack. They should not be ridden on sidewalks, track, or in areas used by the spectators and participants;
9. common sense, respect and courtesy should be used at all sporting events. Remember that walking around the court or playing field not only distracts the opposing team but also distracts our team. Please keep these types of distractions to a minimum; and
10. during games at the high school gym and/or field, individuals may play in the lawn area west of the gym in a manner that is respectful to other spectators and visitors who are entering the gym or field.

Sportsmanship is an expectation. Let the players play. Let the coaches coach. Let the officials officiate. Let the spectators be positive.

Student assemblies are contingent upon the ability of students to conduct themselves properly at all times. During school assembly students shall:

Students in attendance at school on the day of an assembly must be present at the assembly unless given permission to do otherwise. Students may lose the privilege of attending assemblies due to issues with behavior.

A student attending a nonpublic school or home school that meets the requirements under MCA § 20-5-109 may participate in extracurricular activities offered by Thompson Falls High School subject to the student’s eligibility as set out in the Athletic Handbook. The student’s academic eligibility must be verified by the head administrator of the nonpublic school or educator providing the student instruction in the home school as verified by the principal.

Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of their education — to benefit from teacher-led activities, to build each day’s learning on that of the previous day, and to grow as an individual. There is a direct relationship between school attendance and student achievement. The fewer school days students miss during the academic year, the more successful they are in the classroom. Attendance reflects a student’s dependability and is a significant factor on the student’s permanent record. Future employers are as much concerned about punctuality and dependability as they are about academic record. School success, scholarship, and job opportunities are greatly affected by a good attendance record. Many high school teachers have participation grades as part of the grade for their classes, and chronic absenteeism may negatively affect grades.

A telephone call, e-mail, or note from a parent or guardian is necessary when a student is absent or late for any reason. When a student arrives late or after an absence, the student is required to report directly to the office before going to class. All absences and tardies will be recorded in the student information system.

COVID (CO)
An absence due to COVID illness or quarantine resulting from COVID exposure.

Excused Absences (EA)
An excused absence indicates a legal absence from school with parent/guardian permission. Students and parents/guardians need to monitor the number of absences a student has to ensure they are completing the necessary coursework to earn credit. All excused absences must be cleared within 48 hours of the absence.

Montana law states that a student is excused when absent due to: Illness; Bereavement; Parent request due to instruction regarding human sexuality; or other reasons prescribed by the policies of the Board, including medical or legal appointments, or family emergencies. The work is due when the student returns unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher.

Human Sexuality Instruction Absence
A student may be absent from a class period, assembly, school function, or other instruction at the request of a parent/guardian responsible for care when the subject matter is related to human sexuality. The District will provide parents/guardians with at least 48-hours notice before such instruction is scheduled to occur.

Medical Absence (DR)
An absence for a medical appointment, counseling appointment, dental appointment, illness, or other medical needs that have been excused by a note from a healthcare provider.

Unexcused Absence (UA)
An unexcused absence is considered avoidable by the school, even though it may be approved by the parent or is an absence that hasn’t been properly cleared through the main office. The school has the final authority to accept or deny an excuse. It is the teacher’s discretion how to handle the work/quiz/test to be made up from an unexcused absence. The class syllabus will outline the teacher’s expectations for missed class work.

Examples:
Failure to sign out of the building during the school day.
Leaving school without prior notification to the office by a parent/guardian or administrator.
Avoidable absences when a student has been chronically absent.
Failure of parent/guardian to clear an absence by phone or note within 48 hours of the absence.
Truancy/Skipping – unexcused absence without proper authorization through the office.

Chronic or Excessive Absences (XA)
Any student absent for more than 10 days per semester is considered chronically absent. Parents/guardians and students will be contacted by the school. Any absences that exceed 10 days in a semester will be coded as “XA” unless they are pre-arranged. Chronic absenteeism may result in academic penalties and loss of credit. Students who miss more than 10 days of any class per semester will be handled on an individual basis by the principal. This may include forming a team to include at least the principal, parents/guardians, student, classroom teacher(s), and counselor to determine a course of action to address the absences. Students may be required to attend Study Table hours to make up for lost instructional time. Students who are chronically absent may not be able to attend school sponsored events such as ski trips, pep bus trips, college visits, etc.

Circumstances taken into consideration to determine a course of action include:

• absences due to school activity;
• absences due to illness or family emergency;
• pre-arranged absences; 
• impact of absences on classroom performance; and 
• specific class(es) missed at school and/or time of day for absences.

The work missed due to chronic or excessive absences is due within the homework make-up time frame.

For all absences excluding pre-arranged absences, to receive full credit, students have the number of days absent plus one additional day to make up assigned work for days absent (# of days absent + 1 day = # of make-up days). For example, if a student misses class on Monday, the work assigned will be due on Wednesday. If a student misses Monday and Tuesday, the work assigned will be due on Friday. For more than two consecutive days absent, students will have one week from the date of return to make up work. No work will be accepted after two weeks of the absence. Teachers may set definite due dates for long term assignments and projects. Tests, labs/class work, and long-term assignments due during an absence must be turned in on the day the student returns to school unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher. Parents/guardians are encouraged to notify the office for pre-planned absences or to request homework for absences. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the teacher regarding the work missed and to complete all work missed within the allotted time frame.
Makeup work can be obtained by: Visiting the teacher before or after school; Emailing the teacher; Consulting with classmates; Google Classroom

A student who is absent should promptly make up specific assignments missed. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.

Out-of-School Suspension (OS)
A school assigned disciplinary absence where the student is suspended from school off school grounds to include extracurricular and co-curricular activities during the suspension.

In-School Suspension (IS)
A disciplinary absence assigned by the principal where a student is assigned to in-school suspension.

Being on time is an important life lesson we are trying to teach at TFHS. After five tardies in a semester, regardless of class period, the student may have a consequence (detention). The office will notify students by their school email of detentions related to tardiness. It is the student’s responsibility to check their email regularly and to appear for assigned detentions. Failure to attend detention when assigned may result in additional detention time, meeting with the student and parent/guardian, or suspension. If tardies become habitual, the principal may create an attendance plan to help the student be more successful. Students who arrive late to school in the morning or are late following lunch must check in with the main office before reporting to class. A classroom teacher may assign an additional consequence for excessive tardiness to their class.

Tardy Excused (T)
Late to class.

Tardy with a Teacher (TT) or Tardy due to Safety Concerns (TS)
Late to class due to being with a teacher or due to unsafe driving conditions. These tardies do not count against the 5 tardies.

Skipping an assigned detention may result in a suspension.

A student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day except with permission from the principal or designee and according to the building sign-out procedures. Students will be released with a parental request in writing, for the purpose of receiving religious instruction. Unless the principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.

A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent/guardian that morning. A student who becomes ill during the school day should report to the office. The school will notify the student’s parent/guardian. When in doubt as to custodial rights, the District will rely on the most recent information available in the student’s records. A student will only be released with prior written permission from the custodial parent to a previously unauthorized adult unless an emergency situation justifies a waiver.

The immediate objective of the student code of conduct is to maintain a school climate of effective learning conditions. The ultimate objective is to establish discipline, which enhances student growth in abilities, attitudes, and habits essential for acceptable and self-controlled behavior.

State and federal law prohibit false statements, the use of vulgar language in school settings, and discriminatory acts as well regardless of the disruption. For example, the student may not, by speech or conduct, materially disrupt class work or educational programs, cause substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others, or substantially interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline. 

All students shall submit to the reasonable rules of the school. Refusal to comply with written rules and regulations established for the governing of the school shall constitute sufficient cause for a discipline consequence that may include suspension by the administration or expulsion by the Board of Trustees. A staff member or administrator has the right to hold a student accountable for the student’s behavior. The administrator may consider extenuating circumstances prior to dispensing disciplinary action. Extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• seriousness of the offense; 
• program/placement; 
• attitude and age of student; 
• pattern of conduct; 
• degree of cooperation; 
• attendance record; 
• grades; and/or 
• other educationally relevant circumstances.

Discipline offenses are divided into minor and major offenses. Listed below are the probable consequences for violating school rules in each of these categories. The principal has the responsibility to determine the best way to bring about the desired change in the student’s behavior and may, in special cases, select an option not listed. The student can also expect (1) the parent/guardian will be informed by phone for all out of school suspensions and by phone or other means for other types of suspension (2) where several options are listed the principal may choose any or all of these items (3) the student will be moved up on the discipline ladder for future offenses, and (4) a violation listed under one category may under certain circumstances be moved into a more severe category.
Teachers may assign school detentions for violations of classroom rules or school rules. The teacher will determine where the assigned detention (teacher room before or after school or lunch detention) and the time the detention to be served.

The following list of behaviors outlines activities that are never appropriate. The list may not cover all behaviors that could be considered serious violations of the student code of conduct.

Minor Offenses
1. Attendance. Truancy, Unauthorized absence, or Chronic Tardiness from class or school.
2. Dress Code. In order to help provide a safe and orderly school environment, and to prevent any disruption to the educational process, the high school will enforce a dress code. Students have limited freedom of expression. See “Dress Code” for specific language, exceptions to, and consequences for violating the rules.
3. Inappropriate Display of Affection. Physical contact that is not generally acceptable in a school setting.
4. Inappropriate Internet activity. See “Internet Use Policy” for specific language, and consequences for violating rules.
5. Inappropriate Vehicle Usage. Reckless driving, speeding, or illegal parking. Students may lose parking privileges.
6. Littering. It is prohibited to litter on school grounds or in the buildings.
7. Plagiarism/Cheating. Engaging in dishonesty in academic work, including but not limited to plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized use of artificial intelligence applications to complete school work, submitting work generated by artificial intelligence as original work, or any other form of academic dishonesty. Plagiarism is the improper use of, or failure to give credit to another person’s writing, visual or musical representation or ideas. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the completion of projects, papers, or tests is considered plagiarism. Cheating is defined as obtaining or attempting to obtain or aiding another to obtain credit for work, or any improvement in evaluation of performance, by any dishonest or deceptive means. Cheating includes but is not limited to: lying, copying from another’s test, or taking copies of exams.
8. Providing False Information. It is improper to provide false information to school officials or hindering an investigation.
9. Skateboarding. Skateboards/hoverboards cannot be used on campus because of liability issues, with the exception of the tennis court area.
10. Trespassing. Any unsupervised pupil in school buildings after school hours will be considered trespassing. Students must remain in supervised areas at all times. Students may not use the weight room or the gym without an approved supervisor. Students may not go into the wooded areas or outside buildings without permission or supervision.
11. Unauthorized Use of Telecommunication Devices. See “Telecommunication Devices” for specific language, and consequences for violating rules

Major Offenses - Major behavioral incidents may be referred to law enforcement.
* Denotes major offenses with automatic minimum disciplinary action of Out-of-School (OSS) suspension for 3 days.
**Denotes major offenses with recommendation for expulsion in a hearing in front of the Board of Trustees, but different procedures may apply to students with disabilities.

1. **Arson. Willful intent to set a fire.
2. **Assault of staff. Striking a teacher, school employee, or other person lawfully permitted by the building principal to be on the school premises.
3. *Assault or Fighting in school, on school property, or at a school. This could include pushing, pulling, tripping, etc. In addition, students at a fight and encouraging the fight will be disciplined.
4. Bullying, Harassment, Intimidation, Hazing. See “Bullying, Harassment, Intimidation, and Hazing Policy” for more information.
5. *Controlled Substance. See “Controlled Substance policy” for specific language, and consequences for violating rules.
6. Disrespect to School Personnel.
7. Disruption to the Educational Process.
8. Engaging in Any Activity Forbidden by Law.
9. *Falsely Initiating Emergency Response. False report of a threat to the safety of the school community (i.e. bomb threat, activating the fire alarm).
10. False or Fabricated Charges. Knowingly, and with malice, present false or exaggerated facts.
11. Forgery. Any signature, or the making of any false entry, or the authorization of any document used or intended to be used in connection with the operation of the school, or making a fraudulent phone call.
12. Lewd or Licentious Behavior.
13. Open Defiance of Authority. Students must, upon request, meet with an administrator. School officials have the right to talk to a student without a parent present. Refusal to comply with a staff member’s directions MCA 20-5-201.c. Continuous violation of school regulations also constitutes open defiance of authority.
14. **Possession, Use of, or Sale of Explosive Materials or Devices
15. Possession, Use of, or Sale of Inflammable Materials or Devices.
16. Profanity. This includes blasphemous, obscenity, racist remarks, prejudiced or sexist language or gestures.
17. School Safety Issue. Intent to harm (ex. Throwing rocks, reckless endangerment, improper physical contact).
18. Sexual Harassment. See “Title IX and Sexual Harassment policy” for more information.
19. Stealing, Extortion or Attempted Extortion and/or Possession of Stolen Property. Includes theft while on school-sponsored activities.
20. **Threatening and/or Verbally Abusing School Personnel. Threatening any school personnel verbally, physically, or in writing including the use of profanity directed toward school employees.
21. **Weapons. Using, possessing, or transferring any object that could reasonably be considered or used as a weapon, a look-a-like weapon, including pocket knives/multi-tool (regardless of blade length), and firearms (loaded or unloaded) on school grounds. In accordance with the Gun Free School Act, any student who brings a firearm onto school property shall be expelled for a period of not less than one calendar year unless the Board of Trustees has authorized the school administration in writing to modify the requirement for expulsion, including eliminating the requirement for expulsion, on a case-by-case basis.
22. Willful Destruction and/or Defacement of Personal/School Property. When a pupil defaces or damages school property, and the proof of such damage has been shown, the parent/guardian shall be liable for the cost of repair or replacement. Report cards, transcripts, and diplomas will be held pending payment of bills and fines. In addition, the Board may deny a high school pupil the honor of participation in the graduation exercise or exclude a high school pupil from participating in school activities. Such action shall not be taken until the trustees have investigated the incident and are reasonably certain the student was involved in the incident or infraction MCA 20-5-201(2)-(3).

The resolution for the first major will be as previously mentioned.

Second major offense in a student’s high school career may have a minimum resolution of a short-term OSS and up to long term OSS or possible expulsion.

Third major offense in a student’s high school career may have a minimum resolution of long-term OSS and up to an expulsion.

Repeated majors past the 3rd major may lead to an expulsion.

Any student who has had an expulsion hearing and incurs another major offense may result in an additional expulsion hearing and possible expulsion.

Any cumulative major offense may result in a parent conference and may include notification of law enforcement.

Teachers are charged with the responsibility of maintaining student discipline in the classrooms and are given discretionary powers for the enforcement of discipline. In addition to school wide rules, individual teachers may have classroom rules relating to drinks, food, cell phones, etc. Teachers will give each student a copy of the rules and review them as needed.

School administrators shall maintain discretionary powers to interpret the Student Handbook and issue corrective measures in each individual case and have final authority on discipline in the building. Not all misconduct is specifically mentioned (i.e. snowballs, laser pointers, matches, etc.). However, the Board of Trustees has established a set of district wide rules dealing with student safety, such as violence, drugs/alcohol/tobacco, bullying, etc. District Policy 3310.

School officials will consider the context of the situation when disciplining students. There are circumstances under which any of the violations indicated may lead to a recommendation for exclusion by way of suspension or expulsion. School officials will be considerate of a student’s rights when implementing disciplinary actions and will strive to observe the tenets of due process.

For violations of school policy or procedure, disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to:

1. advisement/warning;
2. revocation of open campus privileges; 
3. detention; 
4. loss of student privileges; 
5. restitution for damages to property; 
6. conference; 
7. temporary removal from class; 
8. notification of juvenile authorities and/or law enforcement; 
9. suspension; 
10. loss of credit; and/or 
11. expulsion

Procedures for Short Term (less than 10 days / out-of-school) / Long Term Suspension (up to 20 days)

1. Based upon the evidence presented, the building level administrator will determine the appropriate discipline to be imposed and will inform the student of the decision 
2. The building level administrator will set up an informal meeting with the student where the student will receive notice, written or oral, of what he/she is accused of doing and the evidence of the alleged infraction. At this informal hearing, the student will be given the opportunity to explain his/her version of the incident. The student may present witnesses. 
3. For all Out of School Suspensions (OSS), the parent will:
   • receive notification by phone or in person; 
   • receive copies of discipline referrals for students assigned Out of School Suspension; and 
   • be allowed to give a written response at the time of the notification regarding rationale for appealing the suspension and directions regarding how to appeal.
4. The Superintendent will be notified of Out of School suspensions. 
5. Upon a finding by the school administrator that the immediate return to school by a pupil (after a 10-day suspension) would be detrimental to the health, welfare, or safety of others or would be disruptive of the educational process, a pupil may be suspended for an additional period not to exceed another 10 school days and if the decision to impose the additional suspension does not violate the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act. 
6. A Parent Conference may be held prior to a suspended student's return to classes.

Procedures for Board Expulsion
Expulsion is any removal of a student for more than twenty (20) school days without the provision of educational services. Only the Board may expel a student from school. After the administration has investigated the alleged misconduct and made the decision to recommend an expulsion of the student to the Board, the administration shall send notice to the student and the parent of the following:

• the intent to recommend an expulsion;
• the specific charges against the student;
• what rule or regulation was broken; 
• the nature of the evidence supporting the charges; 
• the date, time and place where the hearing will be held;
• a copy of the procedure that will be followed by the Board; and 
• a reminder of the rights the student and parents have, including the right to counsel, the right to cross examine witnesses, and the right to present witnesses.

A formal hearing will be held before the Board of Trustees. This hearing must meet the following minimum requirements.

The hearing may be rescheduled by the parent/guardian by submitting a request showing good cause to the Superintendent at least 3 school days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing. The Superintendent shall determine if the request shows good cause.

Students with rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may be expelled under certain circumstances, and the District must follow all procedural requirements of those Acts, including holding a manifestation determination meeting, prior to moving forward with an expulsion.

An administrator may immediately suspend a student if there is cause to believe the student brought a firearm to school or possessed a firearm at school prior to any board hearing on a recommendation for expulsion. If there is a recommendation to expel a student for bringing a firearm to school or possessing a firearm at school, the trustees shall notify the adult student or parent/guardian of a minor student in a clear and timely manner that the student may waive his or her privacy right by requesting the hearing be held in public and may invite other individuals to attend the hearing. At a due process hearing on the recommendation for expulsion due to a student bringing a firearm to school or possessing a firearm at school, there shall be a presentation of a summary of the information leading to the allegations and an opportunity for the student to respond to the allegations. The Board of Trustees is permitted to expel a student only when the trustees determine that the student knowingly (had knowledge of the facts) brought a firearm to school or possessed a firearm at school.

The Board of Trustees is not required to expel a student who has brought a firearm or possessed a firearm at school as long as the firearm is secured in a locked container approved by the District or in a locked motor vehicle the entire time the firearm is at school unless the firearm is in use for a school-sanctioned instructional activity.

If a student is determined by trustees to not have knowingly brought or possessed a firearm at school, the student’s record will be expunged of the incident.

Students may be required to disclose high school discipline on college applications. The following is an excerpt from the University of Montana – College Application: Disciplinary History (2017 The Common Application, Inc.) (ADA form):

Common Application member colleges carefully consider all parts of your application. Information provided below will be considered in the context of the rest of your application and does not necessarily prevent you from being admitted to college. For more information on whether specific colleges choose to receive this information or how it may be considered, please contact the college directly.

A student with a disability is entitled to certain procedural safeguards required by I.D.E.A and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1974. If the disciplinary action being considered includes removal from class, the principal must contact the person responsible for special education programs at the school and conduct a review of the student's special education placement to ensure state and federal laws are followed. 

STEPS is a school-based mental health service that provides counseling for students who struggle with a variety of life difficulties. STEPS contracts with the school to provide support to qualifying students. STEPS provides individual, group, and family therapy to help aid in the student’s success in school as well as in the community. They work on a variety of issues such as: coping with grief or loss, anger management, impulse control, dealing with trauma, goal setting, adjustment to life stressors such as divorce or moving, self-esteem, confidence building, bullying, social skills, making and maintaining friendships, peer pressure, conflict resolutions, and more. Please contact STEPS or the school for more information regarding this program.

All decorations and/or posters must be approved by the organization sponsor and/or the building level administrator, and removed following the event.

The residence of the parents or legal guardian determines a minor child’s district of residence. Non-resident student applications may be made at the building level office. Individuals who are not the legal parents of a student may be requested to provide proof of authorization to enroll a student. The Board has determined that the District will permit discretionary nonresident students to attend school in the District, subject to annual approval.  The District will consider the following criteria for discretionary admission of nonresident students:  academic record, discipline record, and the current student level in the class in which the student would be admitted.  District Policy 3141.

Organizations and individuals must have the approval of the administration before materials may be posted or presented to students in any manner. This includes, but is not limited to, announcements, posters, handouts, and flyers. Material must provide information valued or needed by the school. Permission will be denied to post any material that would disrupt the educational process, violate the rights of others, invade the privacy of others, infringe on a copyright, or be obscene, vulgar, and indecent. District Policy 4331.

Student clubs or classes, school sports teams, and/or parent groups occasionally may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. A fundraising request form must be submitted to the Student Council Advisor at least 5 days before the event. The building level principal must approve all money making/fundraising projects.

Except as approved by the high school principal, fundraising by non-school groups is not permitted on school property. Please refer to District Policy 4210 for additional information.

The library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on regular days and closes at 2:10 p.m. on “Early Out” days.

Lending Services
Check Out Time - Most materials are lent for four weeks. A printed due date is included with items you borrow.

Renewals - You may renew most items twice. You may not renew an item if others are waiting to borrow it. Items may be renewed at the front desk.

The return area for books is at the high school library counter.

Requests for Materials
Placing a Hold on Materials - If an item is checked out, you may place a hold on it at the front desk. You will be notified when the item becomes available. If there is more than one hold on an item, the first person to place the hold receives it, then on down the list.

Transferring Materials Between Libraries - If you need an item located at another Thompson Falls School library, you may make a request at the front desk and it will be delivered to your school library. You will be notified when the item arrives.

Interlibrary Loans - If you cannot locate an item in our libraries, you may ask library staff to place an interlibrary loan (ILL) request. This service borrows books from other libraries. You will be notified when the item arrives. You are responsible for any charges or bills incurred from the borrowing library.

Borrowing Issues
Overdue Reminders - If an item borrowed becomes overdue, you will receive a reminder after the due date. If one month has passed and you have still not returned the item, you will be billed for the replacement cost.

Missing Items - If you believe that you have returned an item that still appears as checked out, you may request a two-month grace period to locate it. During that time, you and the library staff will look for the missing item. If it is not found after two months, you will be billed for the item's replacement cost.

Lost or Damaged items - For lost items, you will be billed for the item's replacement. Charges for damaged library materials are determined on a case-by-case basis, with fees ranging from $1 to the item's full replacement cost. Water is the most common type of damage so please protect your books well.

Library Computer Services
Computers are available to all students and staff unless the parent/guardian has requested no computer access for a student. Requests must be submitted to the librarian. Temporary computer access for visitors may be requested at the library.

Additional technologies are available for check out through the Technology Coordinator.

The TFHS shared catalog can be accessed through the school’s website.

If a student has lost an article of clothing, please report it to the office. Some items are stored by the library entrance or main floor laundry room. Periodically, the unclaimed items are washed and donated locally.

Students should either keep their valuables at home or on their person as the school district is not responsible for stolen items that occur while the pupil is at school or at school related activities.

The school is not at liberty to perform random search and seizure without "reasonable cause" in the event personal property is stolen.

Students must have a pass anytime to leave a class.

Parents may contact the district office regarding professional qualifications of teachers. The district only uses Title 1 aides that comply with federal requirements.

If a parent or guardian has any questions or concerns, then please contact the Superintendent at 406-827-3323.

The District will provide instruction to students regarding the United States Constitution and pledge of allegiance. Thompson Falls High School will recite the pledge of allegiance daily at the beginning of the first class, which may be followed by a moment of silence. Any student who, for any reason, objects to participating in the pledge exercise will be excused from participation. A student who declines to participate in the pledge may engage in any alternative form of conduct so long as that conduct does not materially or substantially disrupt the work or discipline of the school.

Each student has a right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt instructional or other activities of the school. Students may also pray in groups and discuss their religious views with other students as long as they are not disruptive or coercive. The school will not require, encourage, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity. Student prayer, even if nonsectarian or non-proselytizing, will not be broadcast over the school public address system.

Students may study religions ancillary to the studies of human history and development and various national, cultural, and ethnic groups. This study will give neither preferential nor derogatory treatment to any religion or religious belief. The inclusion of religious music, symbols, art, or writings during instruction or in school programs or performances may occur where the religious content has a historical and/or independent educational purpose consistent with the approved curriculum.

Thompson Falls Public Schools wants input from parents of the Title 1 students. Any parent of Title 1 students is invited to attend the District Title 1 Parent Advisory Committee. If you are interested, please contact Len Dorscher, K-8 Principal, at the elementary Office at 406-827-3592. Scheduled meetings of the advisory committee will be scheduled as determined by the K-8 principal.

To protect children from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. Parents of a student with a communicable or contagious disease should phone the school nurse or principal so that other students who may have been exposed to the disease can be alerted.

• FEVER - excluded from school with re-entry 24 hours after fever has subsided.
• VOMITING during the night - stay home the following day.
• STREP THROAT – Symptoms are fever and sore throat. Treatment consists of antibiotics as prescribed by a physician. Child must remain out of school until 24 hours after medication is started.
• PINKEYE – (Conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the thin, transparent outer tissue layer of the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelids. The inflammation causes redness, tearing, and occasionally the formation of a pus discharge. The student may complain of “itching or burning” eyes. The most common causes are bacteria, viruses, and allergies. If your child wakes in the morning with eyes “crusted and matted”, you should have him/her checked by a physician before sending him/her to school. Treatment consists of antibiotic eye drops or ointment obtained from a physician. The child should remain out of school until 24 hours after treatment has begun. 
• MONO - exclusion is not indicated for cases or exposed students. 
• HEAD LICE – Obtain “Nix” or “RID” from the store and follow specific instructions for treatment. Be sure to fine comb hair after treatment. It is necessary that your child be “Nit-free” before returning to school. You will need a note from the school nurse, clinic nurse, county health nurse, or any qualified professional stating your child is “Nit-free.”
• HAND, FOOT, and MOUTH DISEASE – This illness can cause painful sores in or on your mouth, and/or on the hands, feet and sometimes buttocks and legs. The illness lasts usually 7-10 days. Symptoms include fatigue, sore throat, or a high fever. In some cases, a rash appears before blisters do. The blisters may break open and crust over and usually last about a week. The disease is most likely to spread within the first week. Wash hands frequently and keep students home who have a fever or open blisters.
• RINGWORM – Ringworm appears on the arms, chest, abdomen, and more rarely, the face. It starts as a tiny red spot that slowly grows in a circular fashion, clearing in the center as it enlarges. The edges remain reddish and scaly. No scabs, pus, or crusts are formed. Treat with medications prescribed or recommended by a physician. The student is non-contagious after 1st treatment and may be in school after 1st treatment while sores are healing. 
• SCABIES – Scabies is caused by a mite too small to be seen by the naked eye. Since the mites live underneath the skin, contagion takes rather prolonged contact. All that is required for safety is washing the hands after touching a person with scabies. Typically, the scabies mite makes a white bump that causes intense itching, particularly at night. As a result of scratching, a scab appears on the skin. The scab tends to be linear rather than round. Scabies is commonly found on the backs of the hands, the webs between the fingers, the inner side of the wrist and forearms, and the chest and abdomen. It can also be found on the upper arms and legs, and the neck. It is practically never on the face, on the small of the back, between the shoulder blades, on the palms of the hands, or on the soles of the feet. It will often be found on more than one family member. Diagnosis is usually done by a physician. Treatment consists of a prescription medication with repeated application 7-10 days later. A student with scabies presents no immediate emergency and need not be kept home. 
• CHICKENPOX - Chickenpox is a highly contagious childhood illness. The child is contagious from 24 hours before the onset of fever until the drying of all crusts. Chickenpox first appears on the scalp, face, chest, and abdomen, and spreads to the arms and legs. You will see a tiny, clear blister with redness around it. The blisters rapidly form crusts and scab over. The child must stay out of school until all crusts are dry—usually 5 to 7 days. 
• FIFTH’S DISEASE - This is a very mild skin disorder caused by a virus. A fine, red rash first appears on the face like a “slapped cheek”. It then spreads to the chest, abdomen, arms and legs. It is contagious 2 to 3 days prior to the onset of the rash. It is not contagious when the rash appears, therefore the student does not need to stay out of school unless he/she has a fever. If the student does have a fever, he/she should remain out of school until 24 hours after the fever is gone. There is no specific treatment for the rash. The rash may last a week or more and will appear worse when the child is exposed to heat, cold, or sunshine.

A student who must take prescription medicine during the school day that is necessary for his or her health and well-being must have a written authorization signed by the parents and the licensed health care provider allowing the dispensation of the medication. The student must bring the medicine in its original, properly labeled container, to the school nurse.  The school nurse or school employee to whom the task is delegated pursuant to Montana law will either give the medicine at the proper times or give the student permission to take the medication as directed.  Form may be found here.

A student who has authorization to possess and self-administer medication must have completed and filed, with the office, a written order for self-administration of a medication from a licensed healthcare provider or dentist as well as written authorization from the parents for the self-administration.  The principal may authorize, in consultation with medical personnel, a student with asthma, severe allergies, or anaphylaxis, to possess and self-administer emergency medication from an epinephrine pen (EpiPen), epinephrine nasal spray, or asthma inhaler.  The written order and written authorization must be provided annually.  Contact the building secretary for an application form to take medications at school.  District Policy 3416

Parents/Guardians must do the following to enroll their student:

• present a copy of checkout sheet from previous school if transferring during the school year;
• complete the enrollment form;
• sign a release of confidential information form to request records from the sending school; 
• present a copy of the student’s immunization record; and 
• present proof of age, residency, and identity.

Students who are homeless or in foster care will be enrolled without presentation of all required documentation.

A student whose parent or guardian is being relocated to Montana under military orders may be preliminarily enrolled in classes and may apply for programs offered by the District prior to arrival and establishing residency.

In compliance with District Policy 3141, parents/guardians must do the following to enroll a non-resident student:

• comply with the above requirements for resident students; 
• complete non-resident application form; and 
• provide academic and disciplinary records

If the individual enrolling the student is not the parent, the individual may be required to provide documentation establishing the authority to enroll the student. Part-time students must declare part-time status upon entering. Students wishing to enroll part-time must have administrative approval.

Students whose home address and/or telephone change during the year should notify the office immediately.

Homeless students are entitled to transportation to their school of origin or the school where they are to be enrolled.

Students in Foster Care
Students in foster care are entitled to educational stability under Title I for the duration of their time in foster care. “Foster care” means “24-hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the child welfare agency has placement and care responsibility.” This includes, but is not limited to, placements in foster family homes, foster homes of relatives, group homes, emergency shelters, residential facilities, child care institutions, and pre-adoptive home.

The District will take efforts to ensure that a child in foster care:

• Remains in his or her school of origin (school last enrolled in at the time of placement in foster care) unless it is not in the child’s best interest; or 
• If the school of origin is not in the child’s best interest, the child must be immediately enrolled in a new school regardless of being able to produce records otherwise required.

The District will collaborate with the child welfare agency involved in a particular student’s case to make the “best interest” determination as quickly as possible. The District will also collaborate with the child welfare agency regarding the provision of transportation to the selected school for the student.

There are no general registration fees for resident students attending TFHS. Some athletic programs, shop classes and other classes may require a nominal fee.

Lockers are provided to students for their convenience to keep necessary school materials. All students will be assigned a lock. There is no fee to use a school locker or a lock but if the lock is not returned to the office at the end of the school year, the student(s) will be assessed a $5.00 replacement charge. Personal locks may not be used and will be cut off and returned to the student. Drug dogs will be used in searches of lockers on campus. The school accepts no responsibility for the safety of any items left in a locker, and further advises against leaving any valuable items in lockers if not choosing to use the lock. The school maintains the authority to issue, reassign, or deny locker privileges when necessary. Students who abuse their locker privileges, by not keeping lockers reasonably clean, by slamming locker doors, by damaging lockers or failing to treat school property appropriately will be subject to the school’s disciplinary policy, repair costs and lose their locker privileges. Lockers must be clean and free of items or pictures that refer to illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco/vapor products/alternative nicotine products, or of a profane nature. The fronts of the lockers are not to be decorated in any way unless authorized by the office. The use of tape is not allowed on lockers. No stickers may be applied to the locker (inside or outside).  All lockers will have a large magnet for student use.

Students must check out/check in with the office secretary prior to signing out of school or entering class. If the student becomes ill or has to leave school during the day, he/she must report to the office. If it is necessary for the student to leave, arrangements must be made at the office. A student may NOT leave school grounds under any circumstances until the student has checked out at the office. Failure to check out before leaving will result in TRUANCY. In addition, if a student is not returning from lunch, then a call to the office is required, with a note to follow the next morning.

Students who are eighteen or older and live at home are not classified as self-enrolled because the parents still act as guardians and provide support. These students are not allowed to excuse absences for themselves or check themselves out of school.

Students should transact all business at the school office window counter. Students are not allowed in the office except when their presence is requested by the teachers or office personnel.

Phone calls may be made in the office with permission from the office staff. Students will not be taken out of class for calls except in an emergency situation. If a student receives a call during the day, a message will be posted on the student’s locker. The student may return the call between classes, during lunch, or after school hours.

For the safety of those within the school, all visitors must report to the office to sign in. Visitors to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approval of the principal and teacher and so long as their duration or frequency does not interfere with the delivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment. District Policy 4301.

Visitors without an approved purpose from the office will be asked to leave the grounds and reported, if necessary, to local law enforcement. Recent former students, students who have been suspended/expelled from school, and young adults, when their visit is for the intent of socializing with current students are not welcome during school hours.

Students must obtain permission from the office to bring a guest to school.

A student who is going to withdraw from school must first obtain a withdrawal form from the office and have all his/her teachers sign the form, including the librarian and counselor. Parental/guardian approval must be received before the procedure is completed.

Student safety on campus and at school-related events is a high priority of the District. Although the District has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensure school safety. A student should:

• Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or other students at risk. 
• Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers. 
• Remain alert to and promptly report safety hazards, such as intruders on campus. 
• Know emergency evacuation routes and signals. 
• Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other District employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.

If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school will need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment and information about allergies to medications, etc. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information up to date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies, etc.). Please contact the office to update any information.

From time to time students, teachers and other district personnel will participate in drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students must follow the directions of teachers and others in- charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner. Teachers should exit the building with students, proceed to the meeting area, and take roll. Teachers must check for injuries and report missing students to the person in charge.

Emergency school closing information will be sent out through School Messenger (Infinite Campus) and posted to the District social media pages and the Thompson Falls School District website, www.thompsonfalls.net.

Montana State Law mandates that each student meet established immunization requirements and may not attend school unless requirements are met. Parents will be notified if a pupil is in need of one or more inoculations. A list of required vaccinations can be found at each school’s office or by contacting the school nurse. Except for those vaccinations required by law, the District will not discriminate against a student by denying or withholding educational opportunities based upon the student’s vaccination status.

Religious exemptions and conditional attendance may be used in accordance with the Immunization Law and administrative rules. The religious exemption must be notarized. The health care provider must sign medical exemptions. Persons who have any of the above exemptions may be excluded from school by health authorities during disease outbreaks. This exclusion will be in-force until the excluding authority is satisfied that the student no longer risks transmitting the disease.

Exemption forms are available at the local health department or school district.

The administration will conduct routine, random, unannounced searches of the building, including lockers, and sweeps of the high school parking lot. The school may utilize the services of a canine detection service or law enforcement to conduct the generalized searches of lockers or of vehicles parked on-campus. If contraband is suspected or found, the student and parent will be notified and the matter may be turned over to law enforcement authorities to further investigate. District Policy 3231.

Canine Procedures
In order to ensure that drugs and weapons are not being brought, used, or distributed on campus, TFHS may bring in a trained canine onto school grounds to enhance the school’s search for illegal drugs and weapons.

The following applies to all canine searches:

1. all school property is subject to search including the school parking lot. 
2. the search will take place when students are in class or off grounds. The search will not happen when students are able to watch or in the area being searched; 
3. if the canine identifies an area where drugs may be located, the area will be secured. (i.e. a lock placed on the locker or assign personnel to watch the area); 
4. Areas designated as school property will be searched by the school administrator or designee; 
5. if the area or property is not designated school property (i.e. cars), the administration may request police/sheriff’s department involvement, who will decide whether or not to obtain a search warrant while the area or property is secured in the event permission is not given to conduct a search; and 
6. searches may be conducted without prior warning to the students or parents.

Questioning of Students
Law enforcement or social service workers must contact students through the administrative office. Students will not usually be questioned or interviewed by law enforcement or other lawful authorities while at school. When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities, however, wish to question or interview a student at school or the principal requests that the student be interviewed at school:

• The principal shall verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority.
• If the interview is not at the request of the principal, the principal shall ascertain the authority of law enforcement to question or interview the student at the school. If the interview is by court order or other exigencies exist (concern about loss/damage of evidence, flight from jurisdiction, or health, safety, or welfare of the student or other students or staff), the principal has the discretion to allow the interview to take place. Otherwise, if law enforcement can reasonably interview the student at a time when the student is not in school, the principal may, absent a court order or warrant, deny the request for an immediate interview of a student.  
• The principal will make reasonable efforts to notify parents unless the officer produces a court order prohibiting the notification of the parents. 
• In the event that a parent cannot be present or cannot be reached, the principal will observe the interview. 
• Law enforcement must comply with all legal requirements regarding notification of parents and consent prior to interviewing students. 
• Social service workers may be permitted to interview students at a school consistent with Montana law. The principal will observe the meeting if the social service worker declines to notify the parents.

Students Taken into Custody
State law requires the District to permit a student to be taken into legal custody by a law enforcement officer or probation officer to comply with a lawful court order, a warrant for arrest, or a law enforcement determination that probable cause exists for the arrest. To the extent practicable, the arrest should be conducted out of the view of other students in the administration offices. A social service worker may take custody of a student with a lawful court order or under the powers of MCA § 41-3-301.

The principal will immediately notify the Superintendent and will make reasonable attempts to notify a parent unless the officer or official produces a court order prohibiting the notification of the parents. Because the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a custody action, notification will most likely be after the fact.

Service of Process
At times, law enforcement may seek to serve a student with a subpoena or other legal documents (i.e., complaint, summons). Absent a court order, the principal has the discretion to determine whether service at school is disruptive to the educational environment. If service is directed by a court or is not disruptive to the educational environment, the principal will make reasonable attempts to contact the parents regarding the service. Where the principal has determined that service would be disruptive to the educational environment, the principal will make a reasonable attempt to coordinate with law enforcement to serve the student when school is not in session. Service on a student will be accomplished out of the view of other students in the administration offices.

The District has the right to use security and surveillance video cameras on District property to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors to District property, and to safeguard District facilities and equipment.  Video cameras may be used in locations as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent.  Students may be videoed at events and practices open to the public, including but not limited to public performances, dress rehearsals, athletic practices open to the public, and athletic competitions.

Students in violation of Board policies, administrative regulations, building rules, or law shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.  Others may be referred to law enforcement agencies.

Video recordings from security and surveillance cameras may become a part of a student's educational record.  The District shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to record maintenance and retention.  Signs will be posted at various locations to inform students, staff, and members of the public that video surveillance cameras are in use.  The District will seek consent before recording students individually in the classroom.  District Policy 3600.

Special education and related services are provided to qualifying students with disabilities. Contact Mrs. Darcy Farlan or Mr. Chris Hart at the high school with referrals or questions about the identification, evaluation, or provision of services. Taylor Salmi serves as the director for Special Education Cooperative and has an office located at 206 Haley Avenue West. Call 406-827-3007 for more information. Through these individuals, parents and teachers can learn more about the process and the laws that relate to these services.

Special services are in place to assist students with disabilities who may be in need of accommodations. Assistance with class work and tests, or receiving course work in a more individualized setting, are the primary ways students are served in this program. Success in school, working at one's ability level, and acquiring lifetime learning skills to be a productive member of society are the program goals. The high school principal is the 504 Program Director.

The computers at TFHS are provided for the students to use as a tool in their academic work. Students are provided with their own user ID and directory for storing their work. Student work may be saved to the appropriate shared folder on the network or in the cloud. A password protected folder is advised.

All equipment and software must be used responsibly. Students who cause deliberate damage or change settings on the computers will have their computer privileges revoked. No software may be installed on the school’s computers.

The possession and use of cellular phones, pagers, and other electronic devices on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, or while otherwise under the supervision and control of District employees is a privilege.

The following rules apply to telecommunication devices on campus:

• at no time will any student operate a cell phone or other electronic device with video capabilities in a locker room, bathroom, or other location where such operation may violate the privacy right of another person;
• cell phones, earbuds, smart watches and other listening devices may not be worn, possessed, or used in the classrooms during instructional time including in the hallway;
• teachers will decide when technology may be used in the classroom for educational purposes only.  If a teacher does not give permission to use technology, the device usage is not allowed;
• teachers will require students to place phones in holding bins/baskets/other areas during instructional time;
• devices are allowed for educational purposes and only to enhance the classroom experience; 
• personal devices must be in silent mode while on school campuses and while riding school buses, 
• devices cannot be used to take unauthorized pictures or videos within the school or classroom. Posting of unauthorized pictures or videos on the internet may be considered a major violation of technology use; 
• Devices cannot be used to disrupt the educational and learning environment;

The school district has the right to collect and examine any device that is suspected of being involved in/used for harassment and bullying, causing classroom disruptions, or is believed to be in violation of student guidelines outlined in this handbook.

A violation will result in the device being confiscated, kept at the office, and returned to the parent/guardian. Consequences may include detentions, and ultimately suspension for repeated violations (defiance of authority).

The bus driver is in charge of all students from the time they enter the school bus until they leave it at the approved destination. He/she is responsible to report to the school principal the names of students who violate any of the bus conduct rules. The principal upon such notification may assign the appropriate school disciplinary sanctions. Willful violation of the rules by any student may result in the student being removed from the bus. Bus transportation is furnished for students at the expense of the school district.

Certain classes and clubs participate in school-sponsored field trips in order to enhance their curriculum and to enrich the lives of students. If a student wishes to participate in a field trip, he/she must present written parental permission, dress and behave as directed by the instructor and/or chaperons in charge, and travel with the group at all times unless given specific permission from the instructor in charge and the school office.

In deciding to attend a field trip, the student accepts full responsibility for his/her actions while on the trip. In addition, the student assumes all responsibility for making up missed work and seeking extra help as needed. A student may be denied attendance on a field trip if his/her behaviors warrant it or if their absence from school would further place them behind in class work or study.

The high school participates in community events during the school year (Homecoming Parade, Beautification Days, etc.). To participate in these events, students may be transported by school transportation within the community. Parents/guardians who do not want their child to participate in such events must notify the high school office.

While on campus, students are subject to all Montana motor vehicle laws. Students are not permitted to drive while school is in session except when excused from school.  Front row parking is reserved for high school staff and visitors.

Students must park properly in the parking lot to ensure safety and the maximum space for vehicles. Students who park improperly in fire lanes, no parking zones, designated visitor’s or faculty parking areas, will be disciplined (including ticketed or towed at student expense) and may lead to the loss of privileges such as parking on campus.

Parking on District property is a privilege for all students. Students may not use, transport, carry, or possess alcohol, tobacco/vapor products/alternative nicotine products, illegal drugs, marijuana, or any weapons in their vehicles on school property. While on school property, vehicles may be inspected at any time by staff, or by contractors employed by the District utilizing trained dogs, for the presence of alcohol, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or weapons. Any student seeking to park on District property shall sign the authorization form. Students who park on District property without signing the authorization form may be subject to discipline.

In the event the school has reason to believe that alcohol, tobacco/vapor products/alternative nicotine products, drugs, marijuana drug paraphernalia, or weapons are present, including by alert-trained dogs, the District is authorized to contact law enforcement to conduct a search of the interior of the student’s vehicle. A student who removes a vehicle prior to a search by law enforcement when staff have reason to believe that alcohol, tobacco/vapor products/alternative nicotine products, drugs, marijuana, drug paraphernalia or weapons are present, may be subject to discipline and is prohibited thereafter from parking on District property.

Students are required to practice proper high school parking lot etiquette with an emphasis on safety, courtesy, and following established rules. This includes following speed limits, respecting designated parking spots, and being mindful of pedestrians. It is crucial to avoid distractions while driving such as using cell phones, and to refrain from loitering or engaging in horseplay in the parking lot. Once parked, students must leave the parking lot area promptly and not congregate in cars or loiter.  Additionally students are asked to dispose of trash properly and avoid littering in the parking lot.  Failure to comply will result in loss of parking privileges.

• A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Student directories;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. 1

If you do not want Thompson Falls School District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by September 30, 2024. Thompson Falls School District has designated the following information as directory information:

1 These laws are: Section 9528 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 7908) and 10 U.S.C. § 503(c)