This handbook has been prepared for students and parents to become acquainted with our policies and procedures. We believe informed students and parents lead to a more positive and safe school environment. Occasionally during the year there will be a policy or rule change and we will notify you about these.

RUTHERFORD SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Rutherford School is to develop each student?fs personal and intellectual potential to its fullest thus empowering each to be a responsible, independent, and productive citizen.

For learning to be the primary focus of our school there are rules that students must follow. These rules are clearly written so they are understood by all. Behavior that is disruptive distracts from the instructional time and interrupts the learning of others. When a rule is broken a student will be disciplined in a fair and consistent way.

MAJORITY TO MINORITY TRANSFER POLICY-The GCSSD shall permit students from other school districts to transfer to the GCSSD if the race of the student who plans to transfer is in the minority at the GCSSD school to which he/she applies for transfer.

TRESPASSING - There is to be NO TRESPASSING on any school property when school is not in session. Trespassers will be prosecuted.

RUTHERFORD SCHOOL will not distribute materials of any kind to the students, unless they are school related.

Rules will be enforced for the benefit of all. These rules are for all students. It is left to the discretion of teachers to have rules that apply in the classroom and these are to be followed by students without question.

BE PREPARED EVERY DAY . Bring books, paper, pencil, homework, and any required materials to class. Parents need to check often to see if students have the supplies they need. It is not the responsibility of the school or teacher to furnish students with school supplies.

BE RESPECTFUL OF TEACHERS, STAFF, STUDENTS AND GUESTS IN THE SCHOOL . Being respectful of school property and property of others is demanded.

PROFANITY/OBSCENCE--The use of profanity or making obscene gestures is a serious rule violation and will not be tolerated. Children may be exposed to this at other places but school is to be a positive environment.

DO YOUR OWN WORK . When a teacher finds students cheating both the person cheating and the student helping will be sent to the office.

Students are NOT allowed to work on assignments from other subjects in class without permission from that teacher.

SCHOOL DAY - Every effort should be made to arrive at school before classes begin. Three tardies constitute one unexcused absence and work from an unexcused absence cannot be made up. All students should arrive by 7:45 and are tardy after 7:49am in Jr. High (grades 5-8) and 8:00 am in Elementary (K-4). They must go to the office for a note to enter the classroom when they are tardy.

Each year there are students who are habitually late. 1st unexcused tardy - a warning, 2nd unexcused tardy - loss of one break, 3rd unexcused tardy - loss of break or teacher discretion, 4th unexcused tardy - loss of break and parent will be contacted.

DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO are serious rule violations. Students are not to be in possession or under the influence of either. Possession or use of tobacco products by a minor is a violation of state law. The School Resource Officer will petition any minor in possession of these to juvenile court. Use of Tobacco Use of tobacco will not be allowed on campus at any time during the course of the school day or on any school sponsored activity. (The school day is considered to be from the time a student arrives on campus until he/she goes home after school.) Students also will not be allowed to be in possession of any kind of tobacco product. Chewing of tobacco or dipping will not be allowed during the school day. According to state law, any violation of the above will result in being issued a tobacco citation and appearing in court.

ZERO. TOLERANCE is the rule for weapons at school. There are to be no weapons of any kind brought to school for any reason. The school resource officer or a police officer will be notified.