TABLE OF CONTENTS Non-Discrimination Policy Purpose & Use of Handbook Welcome Message from Administrator Mission Statement Goals Admission of Student Policy Tuition General Attendance Policy Early Dismissal Home School Communications Parental Rights to School Records Court Orders Records & Transcripts Academic Policies Field Trip Policy General Discipline Policy Dress Code Miscellaneous Administration of Medicine Policy Administration of Epinephrine Policy Compliance with Law   NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY  Saint Francis School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and  activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School.  St. Francis School does not discriminate on the basis  of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. PURPOSE AND USE OF HANDBOOK  The Handbook exists to foster the efficient operation of St. Francis School. To meet this objective, the school administration is given flexibility and the ability to exercise discretion. In appropriate circumstances, the Principal has the discretion to take actions other than those specified in the Handbook. This Handbook is not intended and should not be considered to create any additional rights for students or parents/guardians. "St. Francis School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges." PEACE AND WELCOME ! St. Francis Roman Catholic School, located in Hackensack, New Jersey, opened on September 24th, 1967. The school community is served by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars. There is a certified administrator and faculty on the staff. The school was accredited by the Middle States Association on April 3rd, 1992. The St. Francis School community is a blending of different cultures, backgrounds, and personalities, united by a love of God. It is our philosophy that self-discipline and a positive self-image are personal attributes which allow a child to become an independent thinker and a proactive Christian. By offering a diversified and comprehensive curriculum, we become instrumental in developing, not only the minds, but the hearts and social consciousness of the students. St. Francis School is part of St. Francis Parish. The Chief Administrator of the parish is the Pastor and the administrator of the school is the Principal. Both work closely together to oversee and run the school. There is an Advisory Board that helps set school policy. MISSION STATEMENT  The school community of Saint Francis of Assisi emphasizes love and respect for all.  It is through this love and respect that we take pride in human dignity and welcome the diverse nature of each other.  It is our intention that the faith which we proclaim, reflects the Good News of Jesus Christ, and factors the qualities of self-worth, purpose and confidence. GOALS to fully integrate all technology into the curriculum to create an extensive Learning Media Center continue to seek other sources for financial funding ADMISSION OF STUDENTS POLICY Whenever available spaces are limited in any given grade level, preference will be given to registered, practicing parishioners of St. Francis Parish. There is a waiting list for one academic year only. Registration is required for the succeeding academic year. Technical Requirements A birth certificate must be submitted for proof of age. The Pre-Kindergarten child must be four years old on or before September 30th. The Kindergarten child must be five years old on or before September 30th. The First grade child must be six years old on or before September 30th.  Immunization Requirements All documents must be brought to school prior to the start of school. DPT - minimum of 4 doses of DPT, one dose of which shall be on or after the fourth birthday. OPV - a minimum of 3 doses, provided at least one dose is given on or after the fourth birthday. HIB - all children attending Pre-K and are under 5 years of age must have age appropriate documentation of HIB vaccine. Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine - Every child born on or after January 1, 1996, shall have received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Measles vaccine - every child born on or after 1/1/90, shall have received 2 doses of live measles-containing vaccine prior to school entrance for Kindergarten or first grade. First dose must be on or after first birthday and the second dose shall not be administered less than one month after the first dose. Rubella vaccine - administered on or after the first birthday; children who were immunized before the first birthday are to be reimmunized.  Mumps vaccine - one dose administered on or after the first birthday; children who were immunized before the first birthday are to be reimmunized. Varicella virus vaccine - Every child born on or after January 1, 1998 shall have received one dose of varicella vaccine administered on or after the first birthday, prior to school entrance for the first time into a Kindergarten or Grade 1. Every child in preschool shall have received at least one dose of a varicella containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday. Children who present either documented laboratory evidence, a physician's statement, or a parental statement of previous varicella disease, shall not be required to receive varicella vaccine. Health Requirements New students should have a complete physical before applying for admission. Admission Requirements The following credentials should be presented at the time of registration: Catholic Applicants: Birth and Baptismal Certificates Non-Catholic Applicants: Birth Certificate Non-immigrant Students: Non-immigrant Students, the SEVIS Process, and F-1 (student) Visa: A non-immigrant student is one who enters the United States legally to acquire an education or as a dependent of a non-immigrant adult with a temporary work or study visa. Every non-immigrant student who wishes to attend St. Francis School must complete the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System application process to obtain an F-1 (student) visa. All: Certificates of vaccination and immunization as required by the Hackensack Board of Health. Registration for the Pre-K and Kindergarten programs is held the last week of January. Re-registration for returning students is held in February. Transfer of Students Students transferring from another school must have an official transcript and a most recent report card from the sending school. Previous health records are required. An interview, submission of standardized test scores, if applicable, and a letter from a former teacher is required. Students are not accepted during the final year before graduation unless they are transferring from another Catholic school or moving into the area. TUITION Fees All registration, book and software fees are non-refundable. Tuition Obligation Tuition is payable in full when you register or anytime thereafter.  Some families like to pay in full and not have to worry about it  for the rest of the year.  You may also pay tuition monthly.  However, if you choose the monthly schedule of payments, we do expect you to pay monthly and on time.   Bills will not be sent out monthly, but a coupon book will be given to each family.  You  are asked to pick it up at the office.  The payments are due on the 1st of each month, July through April.  A contract must be signed by you to indicate that you will honor your commitment.  If you fall more than two months behind in payments, the school reverses the right to withdraw services. Any unpaid balances owed to the school at the end of the year will be given to a collection agency.  If a student withdraws or is expelled, the remaining tuition balance will be refunded. No student will be allowed to take mid-term exams or final exams if tuition is not current. Tuition installment payments are due and payable on the first of the month (July - April) Any payment not received by the 7th of that month, will be subject to a $25 delinquency fee. If that payment is still unpaid the first of the following month, an additional $25 delinquency fee will be added.  ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance  Prompt, regular attendance is absolutely essential to academic success.  The parent/guardian is expected to foster these good  habits in the student, both for the benefit of the student's current academic achievement and to encourage mature adult behavior in the future. Absence  When a child is absent from school, a note from parent/guardian to the homeroom teacher is required upon returning to school,  explaining the reason for the absence.  Those who are absent for five or more consecutive days must bring a physician's note. All absentee notes must be written by the parent/ guardian. Notes written by a student and signed by a parent are not acceptable.  Absence for long periods of time for vacations and family social obligations may result in the possibility of retention depending upon a student's academic performance.  Parents are advised to notify the school before 9:00 a.m. if their child will be absent. Absence from school and Participation in school activities  If a student is absent from school because of illness or disciplinary action, she/he will not be permitted to take part in  extracurricular or athletic activities that afternoon or evening.  If a student is absent from school for a reason other than illness or  disciplinary action, the school reserves the right to make an individual judgment regarding same-day extracurricular and athletic participation. Tardiness  Students who are late must report to the secretary for a late slip.  Any more than three unexcused latenesses will prevent a student from being on the honor roll for that marking period. Truancy  A student who deliberately avoids coming to school, contrary to the wishes of his/her parents/guardian, is considered truant.   Habitual truancy will be reported to the Attendance Officer of the child's district of residence.  A student who is chronically truant will be subject to discipline. Supervision  The school's responsibility for supervision of students in grades K - 8 begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. and Pre-K begins  at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.  For children properly enrolled in the school's extended care program, the school's responsibility for supervision begins at 3:00 p.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. EARLY DISMISSAL  Request for early dismissal of a student must be made in writing by the parent/guardian and must be given to the school office.  Teachers have been advised not to accept verbal requests .  Routine dental or medical appointments for students should be scheduled for after school hours.  After approval, the parent/guardian must first report to the office at which time the  parent/guardian must sign the log book.  No student may leave the premises early without their parent/guardian.  Early dismissal during the year will be 12:00 p.m. dismissals.  The annual calendar will indicate if the After School Program is in session.  The annual and monthly calendars indicate all holidays and vacation periods. Emergency Closings  A phone relay by the school office and/or class parents is the means of notification for unplanned emergency early dismissals or closings. There are no delayed openings. HOME SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS  Appointments with School Personnel  Parents who wish to meet with the Principal, a teacher, or any member of the school staff must contact the office to arrange a  mutually convenient meeting time.  For the sake of good order in the school, parents may not approach staff members during the school day without arranging an appointment beforehand.  Staff members who wish to communicate with the parents of a student may do so by phone, letter or a mutually convenient  appointment.  Teachers will not schedule an appointment at times that could conflict with teaching or supervisory duties.  When appointments are made, both the parent and the staff member should be aware of the purpose of the conference so that all concerned may be appropriately prepares. Regular Communication with All Parents Each Wednesday a letter is sent home to families from the Principal.  The intent of this letter is to keep families informed of all  school events so that each family will have a better understanding of what is happening in the school.  All other important  material will be sent home with this letter:  monthly calendars, announcements, etc.  Only for unusual reasons will anything go  home any other day.  Families should be alert to look for the "Wednesday Letter" and should ask for it if a student forgets to bring it home. Children bringing cash to school  Money that is sent to school should be places in a sealed envelope and identified with the child's name and room, the amount enclosed and its purpose. Home School Association  The Home School Association is an organization of pastor, principal, faculty and school parents formed in order to facilitate communication and cooperation between school and the home in matters of purpose, policy and procedure. PARENTAL RIGHTS TO SCHOOL RECORDS St. Francis School abides by the provisions of applicable law with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents.  In the absence of  a court order to the contrary and upon request, the school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the student's essential academic records. COURT ORDERS  If there is a court order specifying the rights and responsibilities of an individual parents, it is the responsibility of the custodial  parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order.  The custodial parent may wish to supply the Principal with  the "custody section" of the divorce decree if it contains information which may be useful to the school in fulfilling its obligations. ACADEMIC POLICIES Curriculum Students in grades K - 8 are required to complete courses in religion, language arts, reading, math, science and social studies.  Additional courses in physical education, music, art and computer are also included in the curriculum. A foreign language is offered in grades 6 - 8.  Homework assignments are part of the learning experience and are given on a daily basis in grades  1-8.  Homework provides  practice and drill that reinforces classroom learning and provides opportunities for independent study, research, and creative  thinking.  Students work is expected to be complete and neat.  Computers may be used, on occasion, to complete assignments. Acceptable Use Policy for Technology  An Acceptable Use Agreement for Technology should be signed by students and their parents whenever computer use includes access to telecommunications services (internet, e-mail, etc.) in school.  Religious Education and Religious Services The non-Catholic student is welcomed at St. Francis School.  The non-Catholic student is expected to understand and agree that  the school exists to educate in the framework of Catholic values.  Non-Catholic students must participate in the religion classes and liturgical services scheduled for students during the school year.  Progress Reports Progress reports will be sent home 6 weeks prior to the end of the marking period in grades 4 - 8. Report Cards  Letter grades are used in grades 1 - 3 and numerical grades are given in grades 4 - 8. Code  A+  (97 - 100)              C+  (78 - 82)  A    (92 - 96)                C    (73 - 77)  B+  (88 - 91)                D    (70 - 72)  B   (83 - 87)                 U   below 70  The report card envelope must be signed in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd marking period. Students who receive a U in 2 major subjects must attend summer school or be tutored before being promoted to the next grade.  No mid-term or final exams may be taken if the tuition is not current. In order for a student to receive first honors, he/she must achieve a 93% grade or better in all major subjects and the Personal  Development grades must be all S's. In order for a student to receive second honors, he/she must achieve a 89% grade or better in all major subjects and the Personal Development grades must be all S's.  Each marking period, one student from grade 1 - 8 may be chosen to receive an outstanding effort award indicating that he/she  has put forth extraordinary effort in his/her subjects and has all S's on the Personal Development part of the report card. RECORDS AND TRANSCRIPTS Viewing Records A Parent/guardian has the right to view his/her student's a) academic record, b) academic standardized test results, c) health  records and d) emergency sheet (emergency phone numbers, etc.).  These records can be made available upon request. Government Records  Records attached to publicly funded services provided through the local Board of Education such as Child Study Team Reviews,  Comp Ed., Speech, ESL, etc. are the property of the Board.  A parent/guardian who wishes to examine these records or to procure additional copies for his/her own use may apply to the Board.  The school is not permitted to distribute this information to anyone, not even to a parent/guardian. Transcripts  Transcripts of academic and health records are not given directly to parent/guardian in the event of a transfer.  A request for  transfer must be submitted in writing by a parent/guardian.  Transcripts will be sent directly from school to school when the  sending school receives an official written request from the receiving school.  If the parent/guardian does not submit a request for  transfer that includes an authorization to send a transcript, the receiving school must secure permission from the parent/guardian to request the transcripts from the "sending" school.  FIELD TRIPS POLICY  On occasion, St. Francis School will sponsor and conduct field trips for the educational enrichment of the students.  Participation  in field trips is a privilege.  No student may participate in a field trip unless a signed parent/guardian permission slip for the  specific event is submitted to the school.  The permission slip for is provided by the school. GENERAL DISCIPLINE POLICY  A spirit of Christ-like charity, respect for authority and mutual cooperation are essential elements of the learning environment at  St. Francis School.  Students are expected to act with courtesy and respect toward one another and toward all members of the  staff.  They must take seriously their obligation to develop lifetime habits of self-control and concern for the well-being of others.   Home and school will work together to help students learn and live the qualities of responsible behavior and the elements of good citizenship.  A student who chooses to disrupt the good order of the school or to violate a policy or regulation will have to accept the  consequences of those irresponsible choices.  Appropriate discipline is within the discretion of the Principal.  Accountability for  uncooperative, disruptive or unsafe behavior may take any of the following forms:  misconduct referrals or warnings; punishment  assignments; denial of privileges; detention; in-school suspension; out-of-school suspension; or expulsion.  Actions which violate the law, threaten or cause harm to other students or staff members, disrupt or impede the welfare or progress  of the school community, or bring discredit to the school will not be tolerated.  Such actions or other severe violations of school  rules may result in immediate expulsion.  If a student persists in violating basic obligations of courtesy, consideration, respect,  cooperation or safety, a Principal/Parent/Student conference will be scheduled.  All subsequent discipline, counseling,  consultation and corrective action plans will be viewed as positive Home School efforts to help the student improve behavior.  If  these cooperative efforts of parents and school staff prove ineffective, the student will be subject to expulsion or may be denied readmittance to the school. General Rules Respect all faculty and official support personnel. Follow directions the first time they are given Keep hands, feet and objects to oneself. Use appropriate language at all times. Respect one another.  Do not fight. Wear proper uniform at all times. Keep school property inside and outside free of litter. Defacing school property is prohibited. Chewing gum is not permitted on school property. At dismissal:  Go directly to cars or leave the school property. If rides do not arrive on time, report to the school office. Use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs is prohibited. Consequences:  Immediate referral to the Principal, with the possibility of suspension or expulsion depending on the severity of the misconduct. Outside Rules Follow directions of supervisors. Play in assigned areas only. Use equipment properly. Do not throw harmful objects. Food is not permitted outside. Speak courteously and respectfully at all times. Include all classmates in the play activity. Lavatory Rules Keep area free of paper. Leave lavatory promptly after use. Cafeteria Rules Follow directions of staff. Speak in soft voices, conversation tone.  Do not yell. All food is to be eaten at tables. Throwing of food is prohibited.  Clean up table and floor space after eating. Walk at all times.  Do not run. Remain seated until individually dismissed. Leaving the cafeteria without an adult escort is not permitted. Hallway/Stairs Rules Follow directions of the staff. Always walk; don't run. Stay to the right. Observe silence.  When necessary, use a soft voice. Assembly Rules Wait in silence. Use good manners for a public gathering. Give full attention and cooperation to the presenter. Fire Drill Rules Observe silence. Walk quickly in a single line. Keep arms at sides. Appropriate action will be taken by staff and/or Principal if a student does not adhere to the rules. DRESS CODE Uniforms All students in grades K - 8 are required to wear the regulation school uniform. Boys in grades K - 4 wear navy pants, white school shirt, navy tie, and a navy button down sweater with the school logo.  Girls in  grades K - 4 wear a plaid tunic, white Peter Pan collar blouse, red tie, a navy button down sweater with school logo, and navy or white knee socks. Boys in grades 5 - 8 wear navy pants, white school shirt, striped tie, and a navy long sleeve V-neck sweater with the school logo.  Girls in grades 5 - 8 wear a plaid kilt, white button collar blouse, a navy long sleeve V-neck sweater with school logo, and navy or white knee socks.  Black or brown tie shoes or loafers are the uniform shoes for boys and girls. Shoes must have flat heels and soles.  The gym uniform for both boys and girls is a navy sweat suit with the school logo, navy tee shirt with logo, navy shorts, white socks, and sneakers.  The regular uniform is worn at activities unless otherwise directed.  The gym uniform is to be worn on gym day.  A white knit shirt with the school logo may be worn from the first day of school to October 15th and from May 15th until the end of school.  Boys should not wear earrings and girls should not wear nail polish or make-up, Large hoops or dangling earrings are inappropriate when worn with school uniform.  Bracelets and chains should not be worn on gym days as they can be a safety hazard.  Students should not wear good jewelry to school as the school is not responsible for any lost jewelry. Haircuts Students appearance should be neat at all times.  Boys hair should not cover the ear or be over the collar and so ponytails are not acceptable.  PARENTS WILL BE CALLED TO BRING THE PROPER UNIFORM TO SCHOOL IF STUDENTS FAIL TO FOLLOW THE DRESS CODE. MISCELLANEOUS Fire Drills Fire drills are conducted two times each month.  Escape plans are posted inside each classroom. Insurance  Students are covered by school insurance during school time and all school sponsored activities.  This is a secondary insurance.   Therefore, in the event of need the parents insurance is primary.  Insurance forms are available in the school office. Liturgies  Students in grades 2 - 8 participate in at least one Mass per month.  Parents/guardians are invited to attend.  Parents/guardians are reminded of their obligation to foster a spirit of religious observance in the family. Lost and Found All clothing and other items found on school property are kept in the office lost and found box for a two week period.   Announcements are made over the intercom on a weekly basis.  Items not claimed within the allotted time are discarded. Identification should be placed on every item a student owns. Lunch Program There is a hot lunch program which is staffed by volunteers and is organized by the Home School Association.  Lunch prices for  the year are sent home with the summer letter.  Students may bring their own lunch.  Milk, juice and dessert may be purchased. Parent Volunteers  St. Francis School considers its parent/guardian volunteer as a very special resource.  Parents are encouraged to help in  classrooms, with programs and extracurricular activities.  Please call the office if you have time or skills you can share to make our school a better place for students to learn and grow. Pictures Individual student pictures will be taken in the first semester.  These must be prepaid.  The 8th grade graduation pictures will be taken in the winter. Safety and Parking  Students enter the building on South Main Street.  There is no parking on the school side of the street.  Cars should stop in front  of the school and students should immediately enter the school.  Grades 1 - 8 assemble in the gym and grades Pre-K and  Kindergarten assemble in the hallway.  At dismissal, all students are dismissed through the Holt Street exit.  Cars may park in the  street or in the Recreation Center parking lot for a short period to pick-up their children.  Safety Patrol students are stationed in various areas to help students exit school. Safety Patrol  Members of grades 6 - 8 are selected to serve as the Safety Patrol.  All students are to follow directions given by the Safety Patrol  regarding crossing streets and other safety regulations.  Safety Patrol members are assigned posts at Holt Street and Broadway. Birthdays Students' birthdays are to be celebrated at home. Students may bring in cupcakes or donuts. Students may not have a large birthday cake, pizza party, or balloons. These festivities are reserved for home celebrations. School Hours Opening                7:30 a.m.  Pre-K3  Full day students                               7:55 a.m.   Students in grades Pre-K4 - 8 proceed to classroom.                               9:00 a.m.  Pre-K3 Morning session  Lunch                  11:00 a.m.   Kindergarten & Grade 1                              11:30 a.m.   Pre-Kindergarten                              11:40 a.m.   Grades 2, 3, & 4                              12:15 p.m.   Grades 5, 6, 7, & 8  Dismissal               3:00 p.m.   All grades Secretary There is a full time secretary in the office to assist the principal. Security of the School Building  In compliance with safety regulations, all entrances to the school are locked during school hours.  No one is admitted into the  building except through the PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE.  Students are forbidden to admit anyone into the building.  Total cooperation is necessary to insure our students' safety. Student Government  St. Francis School has a very active and effective Student Council.  The purpose of the Council is to provide first hand experience  for students in the methods and procedures of democratic government.  In addition, the Student Council sponsors special activities in the areas of academics, sports and fund raising.  Student Council elections are held in May. Substitute Teachers Every student will periodically be taught by a substitute teacher.  The most common reason for using substitute teachers occurs  when the regular teacher is ill.  However, substitutes are also used when regular teachers are on leave for personal business,  professional training, or family emergency.  Students are expected to follow all school rules.  Any misconduct will be dealt with according to the usual policy. Telephone Calls  If an emergency arises students may report to the office for permission to use the phone.  Children MAY NOT call home for  forgotten gym items or homework.  We are trying to instill in them a sense of responsibility and an awareness that they must come to school prepared. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE POLICY  St. Francis School strongly discourages the administration of either prescription or non-prescription medication in school or on  field trips.  However, if it is absolutely essential that a student receive medication while under school supervision, the following procedures apply: 1)  A parent/guardian should come to the school and personally administer the medication.  2)  If this is not possible, the school nurse or the Principal (or his/her designee) will administer the medication under the following conditions: A.  The medication must be given to the school nurse or the Principal by the parent/guardian; B.  The medication must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container;  C.  The parent/guardian and the student's physician must complete and sign an "Authorization to Administer Medication in School" form.  This form is available from the school. ADMINISTRATION OF EPINEPHRINE POLICY As permitted by New Jersey law, the school shall follow the orders of a physician or advanced practice nurse for emergency  administration of epinephrine via epi-pen for anaphylaxis. Parents/Guardians Authorization and Agreements Regarding Liability  Written authorization for administration of epi-pen must be received from the parent or guardian of the student.  The  parents/guardians of the student shall be notified that upon administration of the epi-pen in accordance with procedure below as  provided by law, the school and its employees or agents shall have not liability for any injury arising from administration of the  epi-pen to the student.  The parents/guardians of the student shall indemnify and hold harmless the school and its employees or agents for any such injury, as provided by law.  Administration of the Epi-Pen by the School The school nurse shall have primary responsibility for administration of the epi-pen.  In the absence of the school nurse, another  school employee -- designated and trained in administration of the epi-pen by the school nurse pursuant to New Jersey law -- may administer the epi-pen. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect New Jersey State law requires that any person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child may have been subjected to  abuse or neglect, must make a report to the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. Asbestos Management Plan  The School's Asbestos Management Plan is on file in the school office, as required by the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).  This document is available for examination upon request.  Use, Possession and Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substances Definitions: Controlled Dangerous Substances are defined in sections I through V of the NJ Criminal Code.  They include but are not limited to:  marijuana, heroin and anabolic steroids.  The term controlled dangerous substance shall also include alcohol. Under the Influence:   A student is judged to be under the influence whenever he/she exhibits physical or physiological symptoms  (including but not limited to unsteady walk, dilated pupils, slurred speech, erratic or uncharacteristic emotional reactions) which are commonly associated with the use of controlled dangerous substances. Possession is defined ad knowingly or purposely obtaining or possessing, actively or *constructively, a controlled dangerous substance or drug paraphernalia: a)  on or off school property; b)  on the person; c)  in an accessory (including but not limited to purse, book bag, gym bag or knapsack);  d)  in a locker or desk; and e)  in a privately or school-owned vehicle. *Constructive possession refers to a student who intends or has the capacity to exercise control over the drug/paraphernalia even if  he/she does not have physical possession of the item.  For example, who hides drugs on school property or asks a classmate to hold drugs for him/her, constructively possesses the drugs. Distribution is defined as sharing, selling or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance a)  on or off school property; b)  with or without receiving payment; and c)  to individuals enrolled or not enrolled in the school. Possession with Intent to Distribute applies regardless of whether or not a student intended a)  to receive payment; b) to distribute the controlled dangerous substance to an individual enrolled or not enrolled in the school; and  c)  to distribute the controlled dangerous substance on or off school property. Policy: 1)  A student shall be considered in violation of school policy if he/she is observed a)  to be under the influence, b)  in possession, c)  engaged in distribution, or d)  have possession of a controlled dangerous substance. 2)  Such a student shall be subject to the following provisions and to the general discipline policy stated in this handbook. a) When a student is identified as being "under the influence" or "In possession" of a controlled dangerous substance, the principal MAY refer the matter to local law enforcement officials.  b)  When a student is identified as "distributing" or "in possession with intent to distribute" a controlled dangerous substance, the principal MUST refer the matter to local law enforcement officials. 3)  A student suspected of violating the policy governing controlled dangerous substances will immediately be placed under  suspension for an indefinite period.  The student and parents/guardians shall be given a reasonable opportunity to respond to the allegation as quickly as possible. 4)  If the principal determines that there a)  was no violation of policy, the student will be permitted to return to school.  b)  was a violation of policy, the principal may discipline the student according to the general discipline policy stated in this Handbook up to and including expulsion. 5)  The principal may require the student to participate in an appropriate treatment or counseling program as a condition of the student's eventual return to the school.  6)  When violation of this policy involves "distribution" or "possession" with intent to distribute", the discipline imposed will normally be expulsion.