Student Handbook

Vision Statement

All students receive an exceptional educational experience.

Mission Statement

We develop knowledgeable, confident, and responsible citizens through inspirational and innovative learning opportunities.

Understand and appreciate different needs and perspectives beyond your own

Nurture a safe and supporting learning environment to enable each child to achieve his/her personal best

Inspire a life-long love of learning

Transfer knowledge to future academic and community pursuits

You will be successful and make a difference!

Pillars of Success

• Pillar 1: Learn & Succeed 

We will create learning environments, experiences, and opportunities that challenge all learners to achieve their highest potential. With aligned curriculum, data-informed instruction, evidence-based practices, and clear expectations, we will support high-quality and engaging learning for all students and staff.

• Pillar 2: Belong & Thrive

We will empower our students and staff to thrive by building supportive environments where they feel a deep sense of belonging and connection. Through opportunities for voice and leadership, we will help every Center Grove learner grow with confidence, kindness, and purpose.

• Pillar 3: Communicate & Engage

We will foster a culture where constituents feel heard, valued, and engaged by creating meaningful opportunities for participation, feedback, and connection across the Center Grove experience. Our communication with families and the broader community will be intentional and proactive, creating trust and partnership with every member of the Center Grove community.

The Board of School Trustees of the Center Grove Community School Corporation believes that the greatest resource of any civilization is its children. The progress and survival of our culture depends upon recognizing and helping to meet the needs of all children in the home, school, and community, while also teaching an appreciation of the greater community within and outside national boundaries. Therefore, in a democratic society, important responsibility rests with the public schools to encourage and direct the physical, mental, moral, and social growth of each child in the direction of his/her interests and abilities.

The Board also believes that the educational program of the district schools should accept each individual as a unique person and provide that student with a stimulating environment and with learning experiences that will lead to the best possible adjustment to life.

The Board supports an educational program directed to all students in the school system - one that will promote a desire and ability to pursue knowledge independently, one that will provide opportunities for each to learn a job skill, one that will impart knowledge of the arts and sciences, one that teaches students to accept responsibility for their actions, and one that will assist each student to reach his/her potential.

The Board believes that children need teachers who help them to learn, to develop, to change, and to grow, each according to his/ her own natural abilities. Children need creative, continually growing teachers who use vision and courage in planning improved opportunities for them, teachers who are sympathetic to the needs of children and who are willing to provide for their individual differences, and teachers who find ways of enriching their personal lives.The Board also believes that parents play an important role in the education of their children. The Board further believes that good school and parent communication is essential if the schools are to be effective. This is especially true in the Center Grove community, a community that is experiencing a rapid growth of new residents to the school district. By contributing ideas to the schools, parents and patrons can assist and support teachers and administrators in the development of programs that are in the best interest of all children.

The School Board does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or genetic information in its programs, activities or employment.

 Further, it is the policy of this Corporation to provide an equal opportunity for all students, regardless of race, color, creed, disability, religion, gender, ancestry, age, national origin, place of residence within the boundaries of the Corporation, or social or economic background, to learn through the curriculum offered in this Corporation.

Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (“ADA”), and the implementing regulations (collectively “Section 504/ADA”), no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The School Board does not discriminate in admission or access to, or participation in, or treatment, or employment in, its programs or activities. As such, the Board’s policies and practices will not discriminate against employees and students with disabilities, will provide equal opportunity for employment, and will make accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities its facilities, programs, and activities. No discrimination will be knowingly permitted against any individual with a disability on the sole basis of that disability in any of the programs, activities, policies, and/or practices in the Corporation.+

*Additional information on these and other board policies are available online at Center Grove Community School Corporation BoardDocs® Pro

All visitors must report to the main office before going to any area of the property. All visitors must sign-in at the front office using the Raptor Visitor Management System and show proper identification. Visitors must wear a pass or official form of identification that is visible to all staff and students. If parents want to talk to a teacher regarding their child, they are asked to send an email to the teacher asking for an appointment or to call the counselor’s office and ask to schedule a conference.Visitors bringing deliveries for their child should report to the office. So that instructional classroom time is not interrupted, items are delivered to students during their lunch periods and at the end of the school day.

Students will be required to remain on the school grounds from the time buses arrive in the morning until buses depart at the end of the day including the lunch periods.

Students arriving in the morning should be dropped off in the Drop Off Zones and use the inside/right lane closest to the curb, as marked at the main entrance. Students must enter and exit a vehicle from the passenger side only. Students leaving school by any means other than a bus must be picked up at the main entrance. We allow students to be dropped off no earlier than 7:30 A.M. At the end of the day, students must go directly to the main entrance and wait for their rides under the canopy. Parents/guardians picking up students during the school day from 8:00 A.M. – 2:50 P.M. must sign their children out in the office. Students not following drop off/pick up procedures or behaving unsafely can receive disciplinary consequences. Parents/guardians and visitors must stay in their car in the car rider line, and are not allowed to get out of the car to disrupt the flow of the line or student dismissal.

 A parent/guardian note for permission must be on file in the office giving the student permission to walk to and from school. At no time shall students walk across a road unless they have parental permission.

Homework refers to an assignment to be completed in class, outside of class, or at home. Well-chosen, clearly communicated homework is an integral part of the instructional process to extend classroom learning in Center Grove Schools. Challenging homework assignments help students learn. Homework that reinforces, enriches, and enhances instruction encourages families to become more involved with education. It also teaches students to work independently and to become more responsible for their own achievements.

Each student has the responsibility to develop good work and study habits. The student should clarify with the teacher any questions pertaining to instructions for homework at the appropriate time. The student should take home any materials and information needed to complete the assignment. The student should learn to budget his/her time. When study time is provided during the day, the student should take advantage of it. Long-term assignments should be planned, so they do not have to be done all at once. It is the student’s responsibility to return all work completed to the teacher by the date requested. Students must also make up work missed during an absence. 

With the assistance of their parents/guardians, students should do the following: 

1. Set aside a time in which to do assignments.

2. Find a place free from excessive noise and other distractions in which to work. 

3. Organize time so assignments can be completed in a reasonable length of time.

4. Carefully check the completed assignments. 

5. Check Skyward routinely to be aware of grades and missing assignments.

It is important for parents/guardians to support the teacher and to instill in the child an attitude that homework is an important and necessary part of the learning process. Parents/guardians should provide a quiet, well-lit place in which their child may study. Parents/guardians should encourage and support their child’s efforts and be available for questions, being careful to remember that homework is the child’s responsibility, not the parents/guardians. Parents/guardians should set aside time to review their child’s homework and to check it for accuracy and neatness as needed. Parents/guardians should check Skyward routinely to be aware of their child’s grades and missing assignments. Also, they should communicate with the teacher whenever their child has consistent difficulty with homework assignments. Finally, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to arrange for the prompt pickup of their child when requested by the school due to illness, injury, disciplinary reasons, or other concerns. If a student is not picked up in a timely manner, the school may notify the Department of Child Services (DCS).

Skyward is our student information system. Parents/Guardians and students may access information including grades, attendance, discipline and food services within Skyward. All students and parents/guardians are issued a login and a password. If you have difficulty accessing your account, please contact the Guidance Office or the Technology Help Desk at 317-882-1055.

Canvas is a learning management system utilized by all MSC teaching staff to varying degrees. Students will utilize Canvas for their courses’ daily agendas, learning modules, assignments, quizzes, and tests. Canvas should be accessed daily by students to help them keep up with their studies, especially in cases when they’re absent from school. Parents can learn more about Canvas and become a Canvas Parent Observer of their students’ courses by accessing the eLearning Resources for Parents on the Corporation’s main website: www.centergrove.k12.in.us

Students and/or parents/guardians can check the school’s website after 4:00 P.M. to find out the daily homework assignments. 

Homework Hotline Links - Center Grove Middle School Central 

Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. A student will receive an equal number of days to make up work as he/she was absent from school. Example – if a student is out one day, they have one day to make up the work when returning to school. The student may receive an “F” for work not made up within the appropriate number of days. A request for make-up work can be made on the third consecutive day a student is absent by calling the Guidance Office before 10:00 A.M. Requests received after 10:00 A.M. cannot be processed until the following school day. Assignment requests are prepared during the teacher’s preparation period; therefore, requests must be limited to extended illnesses. The make-up work is to be picked up in the Front Office before 4:00 PM. If a student’s books are in a locker that is not assigned to him/her, those books will not be available. When work is provided for students with extended absences, it is the student’s responsibility to bring all work back to school and not request additional copies. Students who are absent can also check the school’s homework web page to get assignments. A student who is absent the day of a test is expected to take the test upon returning to school. Again, students are encouraged to record daily assignments, long-term projects, and upcoming events in their agenda.

The following grading system is recommended for use: 

A 100-93              A- 92-90 
B+ 89-87              B 86-83          B- 82-80
C+ 79-77              C 76-73          C- 72-70 
D+ 69-67             D 66-63          D- 62-60            F 59 or below
S=Satisfactory 100-60      U=Unsatisfactory 59 or below 

Report cards are available to view on Skyward each nine (9) weeks. Mid-term reports will be posted on Skyward approximately 4-½ weeks into the grading period. Any parent/guardian who does not have internet access may request a paper copy of the mid-term report, 9 weeks report card, or more frequent reporting through the Counselor’s Office. Parents are urged to schedule a conference with the teacher if needed. Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory distinctions can be given for classes with student participatory expectations that do not earn letter grades. To receive a Satisfactory mark, students must earn a passing percentage (60% or greater) on the possible participation points. “Incomplete” is a temporary mark which may be given where illness or unavoidable circumstances prevented the student from completing his/her work. Such conditions shall be removed within ten (10) school days after the end of the quarter. 

Honor Roll 
The Honor Roll is a list of all students who have achieved a superior grade status and earned only satisfactory grades as required. The Honor Roll is published at the end of each nine weeks. The Honor Roll is determined by the grades earned at each 9-week grading period (both Middle School and High School). The two Honor Rolls are the following: 

• Distinguished Honor Roll requires all As (A-) 
• Honor Roll requires all As and Bs (A- and B-)

Semester Grade Averaging
The scale is as follows:

 A = 4.00                             A- = 3.67

 B+ = 3.33 B = 3.00       B- = 2.67 

 C+ = 2.33 C = 2.00      C- = 1.67

 D+ = 1.33 D = 1.00     D- = 0.67 

 F = 0 10 

Each semester is divided into two grading periods of nine weeks each. To compute the semester grade the above letter scale is used. Each nine weeks represents ½ of the semester grade.

If your child is in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade and qualifies for free or reduced lunches or textbooks, he/she may qualify for the 21st Century Scholars Program. The student must be willing to make the following pledge:

• to graduate from high school
• to work toward good grades 
• to refrain from committing any crimes or use of illegal drugs
• to apply for college or technical school admission during their senior year 
• to apply for student financial aid for college or technical school 

Upon completion of the above requirements, the student will be awarded a scholarship. If you think your child qualifies, and you have not received a letter, please call the counselor’s office. 

A student’s attendance is essential to learning – learning that includes not only factual subject matter, but also attendance habits, work habits, attitudes, and ideals. Reading the material and performing satisfactorily on tests does not compensate for the loss of insight gained during class discussion or explanation. Furthermore, every student contributes to every other student; therefore, a student who is absent short-changes him/herself. Poor attendance interrupts the process of education. It also impedes the continuity of the lessons presented, the ability of the students to understand and gain insight from the classroom experiences, and the students’ ability to establish proper work habits. Students need to come to school every day and benefit from interaction, discussion, and teacher support available during class time. Every absence, whether excused or not, interrupts the student’s understanding of the material being presented and weakens his/her interests in the continuing program.

 Research indicates that a direct correlation exists between school attendance and achievement. Higher academic achievement generally occurs for students who regularly attend classes, while excessive absences generally result in achievement below the level of expectation and/or failure. Students who have good attendance records generally achieve higher grades and enjoy school more. At the end of the year, each student’s daily attendance data is transferred to his/her permanent records. Attendance is also recorded on all students’ transcripts. Regular school attendance improves learning, establishes dependable work habits, and allows students to take full advantage of the educational opportunities necessary for their development. 

The cooperation of the student, parents, and the school is essential in providing a firm framework for the student to achieve the fundamental foundation of regular school attendance.

• 5 Days of Unexcused Absences in 10 weeks
  •  Warning Letter sent when a student has missed an accumulation of 5 days of unexcused instructional time in a 10 week timeframe.
  • School Conference and Attendance Plan - A conference with school representatives, parent/guardian and student will be held no later than 10 instructional days after 5th unexcused absence to discuss absences and develop a plan to ensure the student is in attendance at school.  
• 10 Days of School Year Accumulated Absences:  
  • Warning Letter sent when a student has missed an accumulation of 10 days of unexcused instructional time.
  • Affidavit to Prosecutor made by the school when a student has missed an accumulation of 10 days of unexcused instructional time.
  • Letter from Prosecutor sent from the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office when a student has missed 10 days of accumulated unexcused instructional time.
• 15+ Days of School Year Accumulated Absences:
  • Referral Letter sent by the school when a student has missed an accumulation of 15 days of unexcused instructional time.
  • Referral to Juvenile CC- made by the school when a student has missed an accumulation of 15+ days of unexcused instructional time. 
  • FRP Action- Family Resource Officer will meet with the parent/guardian to complete a needs assessment, read and sign compulsory attendance laws and school attendance policies, and sign an action plan.
  • Failed Action- The Family Resource Officer will send notice to the parent/guardian to report to report to an Attendance Review Hearing, and/or Parent Project or Parenting Wisely program, when and if the following has occurred: 
    • a. The parent/guardian fails to meet with a Family Resource Officer 
    • b. The student continues to miss, following the FRP meeting
• 18+ Days of School Year Accumulated Absences: 
  • Notification Served by FO sent by the school when a student has missed an accumulation of 18+ days of unexcused instructional time.
  • Long Form PCA- written by Juvenile CC when a student has missed an accumulation of 18+ days of unexcused instructional time. 
  • Charges Filed- The Family Resource Officer will file charges of parental or educational neglect against the parent/guardian, through the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Officer, when and if the following occurs: a. The parent/guardian fails to meet with a Family Resource Officer, and/or b. The parent/guardian fails to respond to attempts to notify them of escalating lost instructional time beyond the 18 day notice. 

At 15 absences (excused or unexcused), the school and parents will work with available school resources to help with student chronic absenteeism. This could involve our health coordinator, school counselor, or school administration. Students with chronic absenteeism may still be referred for truancy.

1. Parents should report attendance in Skyward via the Attendance tab before 10:00AM to verify absences and early dismissals. Directions for reporting absences on Skyward can be found on the Center Grove Community School Corporation website. Doing so verifies the student's absence but doesn’t excuse it. Only those absences listed in the Excused Section of the “Classification of Absences” section above are considered to be excused.
2. If students are late to school, students must report to the office to sign in and secure a pass to enter class.
3. Students with early dismissals will receive an Early Dismissal Pass to present to their teacher to be dismissed to the office at that time. 

Students are required to be in their class by 8:00 A.M. when class begins. Students who fail to make it into class by 8:00 AM without a note for an excused reason will be considered tardy to school. Students who are repeatedly tardy to school will meet with a counselor and/or administrator as needed and may be subject to disciplinary consequences. *NOTE: Students who ride the school bus are never considered tardy to school regardless of arrival time.

If the student has a professional appointment, he/she should bring a note to the Office the morning of the appointment, and he/she will receive an “EARLY DISMISSAL” slip to be presented to the teacher at the designated time. A Guardian/Parent must present a picture ID to sign out the student on a sheet in the Office before their departure. If the student returns before the school day ends, the student can be dropped off at the main entrance and must sign-in at the Office before returning to class.

A student who is an in-season athlete must be accounted for in the Attendance Office by 9:00 AM to be eligible to practice or play that day. The exceptions would be for a doctor’s appointment or for a family emergency. The student must have a note for a doctor’s appointment, indicating the start and end time of the appointment. A student who is unable to participate in an approved physical education class may not participate in athletics, cheerleading, or intra-murals. Students serving In School or Out of School Suspension may not participate in or attend class activities or extracurricular activities on the assigned days.

Students tardy to a class three times per semester will receive a consequence.

Truancy is the willful refusal of a student to attend school. Some examples include, but are not limited to: an absence from class without proper permission, an absence from school without prior permission from a parent, or leaving school for any reason without signing out or receiving permission from the office. The Johnson County Juvenile Probation Office will be contacted if the behavior has continued for three or more incidents. The following consequences serve as administrative guidelines for students who are truant: 

1st: Friday Evening School
2nd: One (1) day of In-School Suspension. 
3rd: Two (2) days of In School Suspension. 
4th: Three (3) days of in school suspension. 

The School Board Policy defines a habitual truant as a student who willfully refuses to attend school in defiance of parental authority for four days in one semester. Under Indiana Code 20-33-2-11, a thirteen (13) or fourteen (14) year old student who is determined to be a habitual truant may not be issued a driver’s license or learner’s permit until the age of eighteen (18). The law allows school officials to report to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

If it becomes necessary for students to withdraw from school, TWO DAYS NOTICE is requested. A “Notice of Student Withdrawal” form must be obtained in the Office. This form should be completed by a parent or guardian and returned to the Office. The form requests a reason for withdrawal and a forwarding address. The parent or guardian is also responsible for returning all books, school-issued Chromebooks, and chargers to the Office to avoid additional fees.

Parents/guardians have primary responsibility for the health care that their children receive, but school clinics are available for emergencies, injuries, and acute illnesses that arise while the student is at school. Clinic staff can assist in management of chronic illnesses and special needs with parent/guardian support. The school clinic is staffed with a Community Health Network nurse (RN or LPN) or a clinic assistant. Nurses do not make medical diagnoses, but they are skilled in assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, promotion of wellness, health counseling/education, prevention, emergency care, and referral. The clinic assistant works under the direction of an RN in the Corporation. In the event of student illness or significant injury during the school day, the nurse/assistant/designee will make every effort to contact the parent/guardian, utilizing the phone numbers listed in Skyward. If a parent/guardian is unavailable, the school will contact the emergency contact(s) as listed in Skyward. If contact information changes at any time during the school year, it is essential that phone numbers be updated in Skyward. If the student’s condition requires immediate emergency care, EMS will be activated first and then parents/guardians notified. If a student has a chronic illness and needs an emergency care plan followed at school, it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to get these plans filled out by a doctor and returned to school. An updated plan is required for each school year. Some examples of chronic illnesses are asthma, seizure, diabetes, and life-threatening allergies. Any other health-related accommodations for the school day will be initiated after the nurse receives written doctor’s orders. This includes, but is not limited to: unlimited bathroom passes, physical restrictions, PE/recess restrictions, and concussion accommodations. If a student needs a procedure during the school day, the nurse must also have a doctor’s written orders and the parent/guardian must complete a “Consent to Treat” form. This includes, but is not limited to: gastrostomy tube feedings, in and out catheterizations, wound dressing, and diabetes care.

Please do NOT send a student to school if one or more of the following symptoms are present: diarrhea*, vomiting*, skin sores*, undiagnosed body rash, sore throat with swollen lymph nodes, severe coughing, eye discharge or redness*, or temperature of 100.4° F or above. Please do NOT send a child back to school until they have been fever-free (without fever-reducing medications) and without vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours from last episode. Antibiotics that have been prescribed for eye or throat infections must have been given for 24 hours before the student 17 returns to school. This will help prevent the spread of infection to others and ensure that the student is feeling well enough to learn. Students who have had a surgery or hospital stay may be asked to provide a doctor’s note to return to school. 

*Diarrhea – A student with diarrhea that causes “accidents,” is bloody, or results in greater than two bowel movements above what the student normally experiences in a 24-hour period, defined as three or more loose or liquid stools in 24 hours, should stay home or be sent home from school.

*Vomiting – A student who vomits more than twice in the preceding 24-hour period or vomiting and a fever are present should stay home or be sent home from school. Nursing assessment and judgment will be used to determine the appropriate course of action during the school day.

*Skin sores – Skin sores that are draining fluid on an uncovered part of the body and are unable to be covered with a bandage. 

*Eye Discharge and Redness – Some students might have allergies or an eye condition that is not contagious. If a student normally does not have these eye issues, they should not be at school and they should be seen by a health-care provider. Nursing assessment and judgment will be used to determine the appropriate course of action during the school day. 

Students that have symptoms that prevent them from actively participating in school activities (e.g., excessive coughing, sore throat, emotional distress) may also be sent home at the discretion of the nurse. An illness-related early release from school is only excused when deemed necessary to be sent home by the nurse. Parents/guardians are responsible for providing their child/ren with timely transportation from school in cases of injury or illness that occur while there. All students who feel ill, or are injured, must go to the health clinic to be evaluated. There are corporation standards that determine when it is appropriate for a student to be sent home, and clinic personnel will contact parents/guardians when necessary. Any student leaving school without being evaluated and meeting this standard will be unexcused. 

Parents/Guardians have the primary responsibility in the detection, prevention and treatment of head lice through routine checks of their child’s hair and proper treatment if live lice are found. While head lice are a nuisance, they do not spread disease and are not a public health issue. Parents are encouraged to notify the nurse/clinic assistant if their child is found to have head lice. The primary goal of identification and notification of a lice infestation in the school setting is to ensure that the child receives safe and effective treatment.

Should a student present at school with a possible case of head lice, the school nurse/clinic assistant will maintain confidentiality, verify the presence of an active infestation, and bring it to the attention of the student’s parent/guardian. Presence of nits alone is not a reason to exclude a child from school. Students with live, crawling lice and nits closer than 1cm from scalp will be considered an active infestation and would require treatment or manual removal of nits. Exclusion for an active infestation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Parents will be instructed on appropriate treatment and prevention methods and asked to return to the clinic with their child after treatment for a recheck. Head lice checks are done individually and on an as-needed basis for detection and for follow up after treatment. Siblings and close contacts of students with head lice may be checked at the discretion of the nurse or clinic assistant. 

These guidelines are supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Association of School Nurses

Students who are injured at school will be assessed at the time of the injury, if they report to the clinic. If a student has a laceration possibly requiring closure, difficulty walking, extreme swelling, pain, obvious deformity, signs of concussion, or has any other sign of an emergent/urgent need for further evaluation, the nurse will determine the best course of action for the situation. This may include a call home or an EMS call. Only an X-ray can determine if a fracture has occurred. The clinics possess wheelchairs for emergency response by school staff only. Center Grove Community School Corp. cannot provide a wheelchair or any other medical supplies or devices that are necessary for student injuries or recuperation from surgeries, including crutches, dressing supplies, wraps, splints, etc. Parents should contact their health-care provider or insurance carrier if these devices are needed beyond the school’s initial response.

Center Grove Community School Corp. clinics do not stock any medications. All medication must be supplied by a parent/guardian. Medication given for the academic success of students or other medications given for acute or chronic conditions may be administered at school. Do not send once daily or every 12-hour medication to school. Once daily morning medications should be given at home unless a note is provided from the student’s physician or after discussion and approval by the clinic staff. 

The following guidelines for medication administration at school have been set up in accordance with Indiana Codes as related to education.

ALL medications (non-prescription and prescription) must be brought to the school clinic upon arrival to school where they will be stored and administered accordingly.

• Prescription medication
  • The school nurse, clinic assistant, or designee can dispense PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION with written parent/guardian permission. A parent/guardian must complete a “Request to Administer Medication” form for each medication to be administered as well as a “Consent to Treat” form. Prescription medication must be sent in the original container bearing the current pharmacy label that shows the child’s name, prescription number, date filled, physician’s name, and directions for use. All prescription medication changes and/or dosage changes must be accompanied by a physician’s statement or new prescription bottle reflecting changes. o If a medication is to be terminated before the date on the prescription, the written and dated consent of the parent/guardian is required. 
• Non-prescription medication
  • The school nurse, clinic assistant, or designee can dispense NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION with written parent/guardian permission. A parent/guardian must complete a “Request to Administer Medication” form for each medication to be administered as well as a “Consent to Treat” form. ALL medication must be sent in the original, unexpired container and labeled with the student’s name. All over-the-counter medication brought to school should be unopened prior to the nurse receiving it. No medication can be given to a student unless it is brought from home with written parent permission  (“Request to Administer Medication” and “Consent to Treat” forms). This includes cough drops, throat sprays, most eye drops, and most sprays, creams and ointments for burning or itching. Any dosage amount requested in excess of the manufacturer’s recommended dosage will not be given without a physician’s written approval.
  • The clinics have limited storage space so please be mindful of the size of bottles that are being brought into the clinic. 
• Herbal medications or supplements will not be administered during the school day unless accompanied by a physician’s order. 
• Emergency Medication (e.g. inhalers, Epi-pens)
  • Students who require the immediate availability of medication may be allowed to keep it with them rather than in the clinic only with the written permission of the prescribing physician.
  • Parents/guardians of students carrying such medications assume responsibility for assuring that a back-up medication is provided to be available in the clinic, and that the carried medication is neither outdated nor empty.
• Controlled Drugs
  • Parents assume responsibility for delivering controlled substances (e.g., Ritalin) to and from school. Controlled substances should be delivered to the school clinic by a parent/guardian. Students cannot bring in controlled substances and controlled substances will not be sent home with students.
• The school will not send home any medication with a student in grade 8 or below. Medication(s) sent to school will only be released to the student’s parent, or to an individual at least eighteen (18) years old who has been designated in writing by the student’s parent to receive the medication. Students in grades 9-12 need a parent’s written permission to take medication home. 
• All medication permits and physician statements must be filed with the school at the beginning of each school year or, at the start of medication administration, whichever comes first. Written parent consent is valid only for the period specified on the consent form and never longer than the current school year. 

References: 511 IAC 7-21-8, IC 20-34-3-18, IC 20-33-8-13

Every child living in Indiana shall be immunized against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, measles, rubella, poliomyelitis, mumps, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chicken pox and meningococcal. These requirements are determined by the Indiana State Department of Health. Contact the school clinic for clarification. 

Per Indiana law, every child enrolled in the following grades shall have the following immunizations:

K-5th Grade: 3 Hepatitis B, 5 DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis), 4 Polio, 2 Varicella, 2 MMR, 2 Hepatitis A

6th-11th Grade: 3 Hepatitis B, 5 DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis), 4 Polio, 2 Varicella, 2 MMR, 2 Hepatitis A, 1 MCV4 (Meningococcal) and 1 Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis)

12th Grade: 3 Hepatitis B, 5 DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis), 4 Polio, 2 Varicella, 2 MMR, 2 Hepatitis A, 2 MCV4 and 1 Tdap

The parent/guardian is required to furnish the school on or before the first day of school with proof of immunization. The statement of immunization must include the student name, date of birth and the month/date/year of each immunization.  If the student has a history of chicken pox, the parent/guardian must provide a written statement that indicates the child has had the disease.

A child may be exempt from immunization requirements only if the student’s physician certifies in writing that the particular immunization will be detrimental to the child’s health or, if the child’s parent/guardian submits a written religious objection to the immunization requirements. Both of these exemptions must be updated annually. Students without proof of up-to-date immunizations will not be allowed to attend school as of October 1 of the current school year until updated records are turned in to the clinic.  

If the student is in the process of completing the requirements, the parent/guardian must furnish a written physician’s statement stating the schedule for completion of the needed immunizations.

References:  IC 20-34-3-2, IC 20-34-3-3, IC 20-34-4

Hearing and Vision screenings are performed each year in compliance with Indiana state law. All students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10 will receive a hearing screening. Also, any student who has transferred into the school corporation or any student suspected of hearing defects will be screened. Hearing screenings are conducted by the corporation Speech and Language Pathologists. All students in grades 1, 3, 5 and 8 will receive a vision screening. Also, any student who has transferred into grades 1, 3, 5 and 8 or any student suspected of a visual defect will receive a vision screening. Vision screenings are conducted by the corporation nurses, clinic assistants and trained volunteers. Parental permission is not required. If, however, you do not wish for your child to be screened, you must send a written statement to the school clinic as soon as possible after the start of the school year. Students that do not pass the school screening will be referred for further evaluation and assessment by a licensed practitioner. After the exam, a physician’s report of the evaluation must be returned to the school for documentation and reporting purposes.

References: IC 20-34-3-14, IC 20-34-3-12, IC 20-19-2-8

In the event that Poison Control is consulted, the advice received shall be absolutely followed by clinic/school personnel, including emergency transport. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to provide any student-specific supplies that are needed on a regular basis at school. This includes dressing supplies for injuries beyond initial first aid, supplies of clothing, hygiene items, equipment/supplies for any type of special need, etc.

Because of the number of students that are seen in this clinic, it is necessary that we have established rules for the clinic. Respect for these rules is expected and appreciated. The rules are as follows: 

1. All students must have a hall pass before coming to the clinic. 
2. Students feeling ill will be limited to 20 minutes in the clinic. Students staying longer or going home will be at the discretion of the Health Services Staff. 
3. Clinic phones are to be used for ill students and for Health Services Staff. 
4. Only ill students will be allowed back into the clinic area. 
5. Students not adhering to these rules will be asked to leave once and may be sent to the Dean. 
6. Repeated visits to the clinic may be indicative of an attendance problem, the Dean or other school administrator will be notified.

1. Be courteous and respectful to peers, teachers, substitute teachers, staff, and guests. 
2. Skateboards, longboards, ripsticks, hoverboards, and all other wheeled toys should not be brought to school. 
3. The school dress code must be followed while on the school grounds at all times; this includes during school hours and after -school activities, unless clothing is provided by the school (ex. athletic uniforms). 
4. Electronic Equipment Policy- In accordance with Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 78 (SEA 78), student use of personal technology devices during the school day is limited to support a focused and distraction-free learning environment. Students are expected to keep all personal electronic devices (including cell phones, smartwatches, headphones, Meta glasses,  and other communication devices) powered off and stored away from the start of the school day until dismissal. Videotaping and/or audio recording of staff or students without prior administrative authorization are strictly prohibited. If students are found in possession of any prohibited electronic equipment, the item(s) will be confiscated and disciplinary action will be taken. Multiple violations will result in disciplinary consequences. Note: Students, who choose to violate this rule, do so at their own risk. Minimal administrative effort will be exercised in the event prohibited items are lost or stolen. Stolen items should be reported to the Center Grove Police Department or Johnson County Police Department. 
5. Buying and selling items for personal profit or for outside fundraisers is not permitted, and all items will be confiscated. 
6. There is no hand holding, hugging, kissing, or other types of body contact (public display of affection) during school hours or at extracurricular activities unless the activity requires body contact (e.g. dancing).
7. Do not litter in hallways, locker areas, or classrooms. 
8. Refrain from loud talking and boisterousness. 
9. Throwing snowballs on the school grounds is prohibited. 
10. Adhere to the student drop off and pick up procedures as outlined. 
11. When staying after school for an activity, stay in the designated area at all times. Students should be picked up within fifteen (15) minutes after the activity is over. Failure to comply can result in prohibition from future after school events. 
12. Aerosol cans, including breath or body spray, are not allowed at school. These items will not be returned when taken from the student. 
13. Gambling of any nature is prohibited. This includes flipping coins, shooting dice, and playing cards. 
14. Candy may be permitted only if provided by the teacher in his/her own classroom. The items must stay in that classroom. Gum is NOT considered to be a type of candy. 
15. Gum is not allowed anywhere in the building at any time. A consequence may be assigned if a student is caught chewing gum or passing it out to other students. 
16. Energy drinks and/or other caffeine-laden substances are not allowed in the school building, including the cafeteria. This excludes single-serving caffeinated sodas (i.e. Coke, Diet Coke, Pepsi, etc.), which are allowed in the cafeteria only. 
17. Water is the only liquid allowed outside the cafeteria and must be in a container that has a lid. 
18. Laser pointers are not permitted anywhere in the school building or at a school function at any time. 
19. All lockers are a privilege; if they are mistreated, students will not be able to use a locker. 
    • All students must use lockers. No backpacks can be carried. 
    • Students may only use their assigned locker. Students may not place or keep their possessions in another student’s locker. 
20. Inappropriate or disrespectful behavior with a substitute is not tolerated. 
21. Taking or displaying pictures (digital or otherwise) without the consent of the student or staff member in a situation, or which is not related to school purpose or educational function, is prohibited. Violating this rule can result in a significant consequence. This policy is in effect while on school grounds, on school transportation, or at school functions. 
22. Earbuds, headphones, air pods, and other electronic listening devices may not be worn during the school day for non instructional purposes. ONLY wired earbuds/headphones may be used during class per teacher discretion. NO wireless headphones/earbuds are to be used during the school day. 

• Center Grove requires that each student use a school issued technology device. Students are responsible for the care and bringing of the device to school fully charged each day. All school and corporation rules and procedures regarding electronic devices are still in effect and will be enforced.
• Devices are only to be used in classrooms for school related purposes at appropriate times, and always at the teacher’s discretion. 
• Misuse or abuse of the physical device or by using non-educational applications on the internet without permission from a staff member may result in the total loss of privilege of using technology device and/or a disciplinary consequence. 
• Phones and wireless headphones of any type are not included under this policy and are not allowed in any classroom during the school day. 
• Any lost, stolen, or intentionally damaged devices are not the responsibility of the school and will be billed accordingly. 
   

All students are subject to the rules and guidelines found in the Technology handbook as well as the corporation Acceptable Use Policy.

It is a student’s responsibility to monitor their lunch account balance throughout the school year. Students below the specified negative lunch account balance will not be able to purchase extra items or a la carte and will receive an alternate lunch (consisting of a sandwich, vegetable, and milk) until the balance is paid. 

1. 1. Students must carry their student IDs to lunch and present it when accessing their lunch account. If a student alters his or her ID by defacing it, cutting it, or marking out information, the cafeteria staff will not accept it as usable. 
   • If a student’s ID is lost or unusable, students may purchase a replacement in the front office for $5. 
2. Students may access only their lunch account. Students attempting to access another student’s account will be considered for disciplinary action. 
3. Students may add money to their cafeteria account by placing a check or cash in an envelope with their name on it and then dropping it off in the box outside the cafeteria before 9:30 AM. Online payments may also be done with a credit card or checking account by using the eFunds Payment System, which can be found on the Center Grove website. 
4. All students sitting at a table are responsible for keeping their table and floor area clean. 
   • If the students table area is left unkempt, students may be asked to help clean the area/cafeteria before leaving for class. 
5. Students are expected to follow procedures for throwing away trash and returning their trays. 
6. Students are not allowed to cut into the cafeteria line, and the line will close five minutes before student dismissal. 
7. When students forget part of their lunch, they should report to the cashier before going back through the line. 
8. A student must get permission from a cafeteria supervisor to leave the cafeteria and use the sign in/sign out sheet. 
9. Use common sense and manners while eating. Example: Throwing food and touching food on someone else’s tray is absolutely forbidden. 
10. Throwing or tossing items in the cafeteria is forbidden. 
11. Follow the requests of cafeteria supervisors the first time given. 
12. Students brushing their teeth should obtain a permanent pass from the school nurse. 
13. After lunch, it is the student’s responsibility to meet his/her teacher promptly back in class. 
14.  Students are not allowed to take any food or drink (except water) out of the cafeteria. 
15. Other rules may be made and announced when deemed necessary as additional privileges are granted. 
16. Any violation of cafeteria rules could result in further disciplinary action. 

Cafeteria Refund Policy: When there is a balance left in the student’s lunch account at the end of the year, the balance will be carried forward to the next school year and no refund will be made. If a student leaves Center Grove Community Schools with no younger siblings in the corporation, no refunds for the lunch account balance aggregating $10.00 or less will be made without a refund request. Refunds over $10.00 will be processed through the normal claims procedure and are subject to any applicable refund schedule. 

The USDA School Breakfast and Lunch Program: Center Grove Community Schools participates in the USDA’s National Breakfast and School Lunch Programs. All breakfast and lunch menus are planned to meet the USDA nutritional guidelines. Menus incorporate whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat and nonfat milk. Students have the choice of purchasing the regular lunch consisting of an entrée, two vegetable sides, one fruit side, and a milk. To meet a regular lunch, students must choose three full components (grain, protein, vegetable, fruit, and milk) and a minimum of ½ cups of fruit or vegetable. The students may choose from multiple entrées and sides daily. A la carte items are also available for purchase. 

Free and reduced lunch applications for financial assistance are distributed to all students the first week of school or can be picked up in the guidance office. Applications may also be completed online within Skyward Family Access. Students may qualify for breakfast, lunch, and textbook assistance, in accordance to USDA guidelines. For further information, please refer to cafeteria policies. Applications for meal and textbook assistance may be completed online within Skyward Family Access. Students may qualify for breakfast, lunch, and textbook assistance, in accordance to USDA guidelines. For further information, please refer to cafeteria policies. 

Unless specifically exempted, all assignments, quizzes, tests, and other graded work are to be the product of the individual student being evaluated. If, in the judgment of the teacher, a student uses another person’s work and presents it as his or her own, the student has committed plagiarism. The student may receive a failing grade or be considered for disciplinary action at the teacher’s discretion. Similarly, a student who allows another student to copy his/her work for purposes of the deception outlined above may receive a failing grade or be considered for disciplinary action at the teacher’s discretion.

Our school system recognizes that AI is a tool that can help us achieve our educational goals and responsible use of AI will vary depending on the context, such as the classroom activity or assignment. Students may not use AI to violate school rules or district policies. Teachers will clarify if, when, and how AI tools will be used. Students may not claim AI generated content as their own work. The use of AI to take tests, complete assignments, create multimedia projects, write papers, or complete schoolwork without permission of a teacher or administrator is strictly prohibited and constitutes cheating.

Artificial Intelligence is part of the current and future technology landscape. As such, it is important to understand how to use these tools responsibly and ethically. This is a guide to responsible and ethical use for students. 

Avoid Discrimination and Bias: 

• Recognize biases: Be aware that AI systems may carry biases based on the data they are trained on and may have inaccuracies. Avoid using AI to perpetuate discriminatory behavior or stereotypes. 
• Challenge unfair outcomes: If you notice biased or unfair outcomes from AI systems, report them to your teacher or staff member for review and corrective action. 

Critical Thinking and Validation: 

• Verify information: Be skeptical of information generated by AI systems and validate it through multiple sources. 
• Question results: Analyze and question the results provided by AI systems to ensure their accuracy and reliability. 
• Exercise critical thinking: Use AI outputs as a starting point for investigation, analysis, and critical thinking rather than relying solely on their conclusions. 

Responsible Use of AI Tools: 

• Understand limitations: Recognize the limitations of AI systems and avoid relying solely on their recommendations or decisions. 
• Use AI as a tool: Utilize AI technologies as a tool to enhance your learning and problem-solving abilities, rather than replacing your own critical thinking and creativity. 
• Be accountable: Take responsibility for your actions and decisions made with the assistance of AI systems. 
• Citations: Any AI-generated content in assignments, must be cited. Its use must be disclosed and explained. 

Respect for Privacy and Consent: 

• Obtain permission: Seek permission before using AI technologies that involve data collection or sharing. 
• Protect personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information while interacting with AI systems or platforms. This includes but is not limited to HIPAA, FERPA, IDEA, or any other identifiable information. 

Online Etiquette and Cybersecurity: 

• Be respectful: Treat AI systems and virtual agents (chatbot) with respect and use appropriate language and behavior when interacting with them. 
• Protect yourself and others: Avoid sharing harmful or misleading content generated by AI systems and report any abusive or inappropriate use of AI technologies to your teacher or staff member. 

Digital Well-being: 

• Balance screen time: Maintain a healthy balance between AI technology usage and other activities, ensuring your overall well-being.
• Take breaks: Regularly take breaks from AI technologies to engage in offline activities, socialize, and exercise.

Report Issues: 

• Report misuse: Report any instances of AI technology misuse, unethical behavior, or harmful content to your teacher, parents/guardians, or a trusted adult. 

Individual teachers and/or teams have rules that are enforced in their own classrooms. The following guidelines should be followed throughout the building: 

1. Student behavior should encourage learning through remaining alert, on-task, and cooperative.
2. Respect others at all times and use courteous language. 
3. Be in the classroom when class begins. 
4. Do not disturb others with unnecessary noise or distractions.
5. Fidget toys (and other various sensory items) must receive prior approval and can not be a classroom distraction before being used within the classroom. 
6. Whiteboards, light switches, bulletin boards, computers, phones, and other classroom equipment are to be touched only at the teacher’s request. 
7. Candy may be permitted only if provided by the teacher in his/her own classroom.
8. When a substitute teacher is present, students are expected to be courteous and respectful. Any negative behavior comments left by a substitute teacher will result in automatic disciplinary action.
9. The classroom should be left in the same condition in which it was upon arrival, unless otherwise directed by a staff member.

Our school philosophy emphasizes that education is to help students develop to their potential in an atmosphere of mutual respect, self-discipline, and student agency. Student dress is intended to encourage students to “dress for success” and to come to school prepared to participate in the educational process. We value the desire of students for self-expression, so students may choose their own dress as long as it meets the expectations below and contributes to good health, safety, positive school culture, and is non-disruptive to the learning environment of all students. 

Expectations for Student Dress:

• Maintains safety of students and property in all learning environments 
• Shoes must be worn at all times
• Face and head should be visible (except where accommodations are needed for religious beliefs or when health and safety necessitate use) 
•  Clothing worn is free of advertisements for or promotion of the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or other substances that, if used by a minor, would be illegal
• Clothing worn is free of lewd, vulgar, indecent, or violent language/images, hate speech, or gang affiliation 
• Coats intended for outdoor use, slippers, and blankets should not be worn in school 
• Clothing worn with normal movements should cover private areas, underwear/undergarments, torso, and upper/lower back. Top clothing and bottom clothing should meet. Top clothing should have two straps. No one-shoulder, off the shoulder or tube tops are allowed. If shorts are worn, they should be of appropriate length and fit (spandex shorts are not considered appropriate).

If a school designee determines an item of clothing to not meet this standard, a private conversation will take place between the student and the school designee. The goal is to address the concern and for the student to return to class as soon as possible. If there is a pattern of student dress concerns, and after parent communication, a school consequence may be given. 

1. No running, pushing, rough play, loud talking, and shouting. 
2. No food/drinks allowed to be opened/consumed in the hallway. All food/drinks brought from home or purchased during lunch must be opened or consumed in the cafeteria or designated area only. Water is permitted during the school day with the exception of designated areas (ex. Computer Lab) 
3. Any student in the hall during a class period must have an electronic pass approved by a staff member, in addition to carrying a physical pass. 
4. Students out of class without permission will be considered truant from class. 
5. Do not block the hallway by congregating in groups. 
6. Only students with permission from staff may ride the elevator. No more than two people can use the elevator with the permission of an administrator. Rules and guidelines will be reviewed before use. A doctor’s note must be on file. 
7. Students should only use the main corridor to walk to their next class in locker bays, unless their locker is located there. 
8. Cell Phones/smartwatches/wireless headphones/earbuds are to be turned off and put in lockers the entire school day. These items are not permitted during any part of the school day. This included entering in the morning and leaving the building in the afternoon. 
9. Horseplay in the hallway will result in disciplinary action. 

The harassment or threatening of other students, members of the staff, or any other individuals is not permitted. This includes any speech or action that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive learning environment. Students shall not be subjected to verbal or physical harassment, mental or physical discomfort, intimidation, embarrassment, ridicule, bullying, or demeaning activities by any other individual student or group of students. Students who experience such harassment or intimidation for any reason, including, but not limited to, racial or sexual harassment, should report the incident to a guidance counselor or school administrator immediately for investigation.

[Please see Grounds for Suspension or Expulsion]

CGCSC Board Policy 2410 - The recording of meetings such as parent/guardian-teacher conferences, case conferences (i.e., IEP meetings), meetings under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, discipline-related conferences and the like is prohibited unless it is necessary in order for a parent/guardian or authorized representative of a parent/guardian to meaningfully participate in the educational process and/or his/her child's IEP, or otherwise necessary to implement other parental rights under the IDEA, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. The audio, video and digital recording of staff or students without prior administrative authorization are strictly prohibited at any time. Please see CGCSC Board Policy 2410 for more information. 

If students are found in possession of any prohibited electronic equipment, the item(s) will be confiscated and disciplinary action will be taken.

The presence of gang and gang activities constitutes a substantial disruption of or material interference with school and school activities. A “gang” as defined in this policy is any group of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. No student on or about school property or at any school activity shall exhibit or participate in a manner identified to be associated with a gang, including the wearing and displaying of bandanas and/or any gang affiliated tags. Disruptive activities and/or the commission of illegal acts may be considered as gang related. Violation of this policy may lead to expulsion.

Bullying is prohibited and is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The State of Indiana defines “bullying” in I.C. 20-33-8-0.2 as 

•  overt, unwanted, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications or images transmitted in any manner (including digitally or electronically), physical acts committed, aggression, or any other behaviors, that are committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the targeted student and create for the targeted student an objectively hostile school environment that: (1) places the targeted student in reasonable fear of harm to the targeted student’s person or property; (2) has a substantially detrimental effect on the targeted student’s physical or mental health; (3) has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s academic performance; or (4) has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, and privileges provided by the school. 

Cyberbullying is being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful material or engaging in other forms of social cruelty using the Internet or other digital technologies. Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student or staff member occurring through use of the district Internet system or use of personal digital devices, such as cell phones, digital cameras, personal computers, and PDA’s while on campus which has the effect of 

1.  physical, emotionally or mentally harming a person; 
2. placing a person in reasonable fear of physical, emotional, or mental harm; 
3. placing a person in reasonable fear of damage or loss of personal property; or 
4. creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or staff member’s professional duties. 

School policies and procedures related to bullying “may be applied regardless of the physical location in which the bullying behavior occurred, whenever: the individual committing the bullying behavior and any of the intended targets of the bullying behavior are students attending a school within the school corporation; and disciplinary action is reasonably necessary to avoid substantial interference with school discipline or to prevent an unreasonable threat to the rights of others to a safe and peaceful learning environment.” 

Senate Enrolled Act 255 states the school should make a reasonable attempt to notify both the parent of a targeted student and the parent of an alleged perpetrator that the school is investigating a possible incident of bullying or similar misconduct before the end of the next school day after the school becomes aware of the possible incident. 

The guardians of both the alleged perpetrator and the targeted student(s) will be informed of the findings from the bullying investigation no later than the end of the next school day following the conclusion of the investigation. 

The school and/or district will determine the severity of the bullying and whether the incident merits the transfer of the victim or perpetrator to a different school within the district for the victim’s safety.

Extortion is defined as threatening, intimidating, or coercing any student for the purpose of or with the intent of obtaining money or anything of value from the student.

Student lockers are the property of the school under the jurisdiction of the Board of School Trustees. They are loaned to students. AT NO TIME SHOULD VALUABLES OR MONEY BE STORED OR LEFT IN SCHOOL LOCKERS. The school assumes no responsibility for articles lost or stolen. If it is necessary to bring valuables or large sums of money to school, please leave it in the main office for safekeeping. 

1. Use of school lockers is a privilege, not a right. 
2. STUDENTS SHOULD USE ONLY THE LOCKER ASSIGNED TO THEM. 
3. To protect your property, locker combinations should be kept confidential and not be set in advance. Locker combinations will only be changed once throughout the year in an emergency situation. 
4. Students may store sack lunches and water bottles in their lockers; additionally, individually sealed snacks are permitted when given permission by a staff member. Extra soft drinks, food, snacks or candy are NOT to be stored in lockers. 
5. Students’ valuables left in lockers are the responsibility of the student. Items stored in lockers are done so at his/her own risk. 
6. Lockers should not be slammed or kicked.
7. Writing on lockers is strictly prohibited.
8. Students should not bother or attempt to open a locker other than their own. 
9. Stickers (e.g. bumper stickers) are not allowed on lockers. 
10. Students may not tamper with lockers or locks in any way that causes locker to open without the use of a combination. 
11. Students are not allowed to use padlocks from home on school lockers. 
12.  Students will be held accountable for locker damage. 
13.  Failure to follow locker policies can result in disciplinary action. 
14. Cell phones and other electronic devices should be left in lockers for the entire school day. They should be fully powered down.
15. Backpacks/bookbags should remain in the students lockers for the entire school day

(Senate Enrolled Act 78)

In accordance with Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 78 (SEA 78), student use of personal technology devices during the school day is limited to support a focused and distraction-free learning environment. Students are expected to keep all personal electronic devices (including cell phones, smartwatches, headphones, meta glasses and other communication devices) powered off and stored away from the start of the school day until dismissal. Students who need to make transportation arrangements need to follow school specific policy. Cellphones are not to be out for any reason in any facility locker room, restroom, or area where there is an expectation of privacy. 

At no time are students to take a picture or video of an individual during the school day without the permission of that individual or the school, unless directed to do so by a teacher as part of the curriculum or for use in a school publication. 

Center Grove Schools are not responsible for devices that are lost or stolen. 

1st Offense - 2 lunch detentions (phone turned in to the office, student may pick up the phone at the end of the day) 
2nd Offense - Before or After School Detention (phone turned in to the office, student may pick up the phone at the end of the day) 
3rd Offense - Friday Evening School (phone turned in to the office, student may pick up the phone at the end of the day) 
4th Offense - ISS (phone turned in to the office, student may pick up the phone at the end of the day) 

The School Board recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical, and social implications for the entire school community. As the educational institution of this community, the schools should strive to prevent drug abuse and help drug abusers by educational, rather than punitive means. For purposes of this policy, “drugs” shall mean:

• A. all dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by Indiana statute; 
• B. all chemicals which release toxic vapors; 
• C. all alcoholic beverages; 
• D. tobacco and tobacco products; 
• E. any prescription or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy; 
• F. anabolic steroids; 
• G. any “look-alike” substances; (i.e. sugar as cocaine, creatine, energy enhancers, spices as marijuana) 
• H. any other illegal substances so designated and prohibited by law. 

The Board prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of any drug or drug paraphernalia at any time on Corporation property or at any school-related event. It further establishes a drug-free zone within 1000 feet of any facility used by the Corporation for education purposes. The Superintendent shall prepare guidelines for the identification, amelioration, and regulation of drug use in schools. Such guidelines shall: 

• A. emphasize the prevention of drug use
• B. provide for a comprehensive, age-appropriate, developmentally-based drug and alcohol education and prevention program which: 
  1. addresses the legal, social, psychological, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use; 
  2. provides information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs and alcohol; 
  3. assists students to develop skills to make responsible decisions about substance abuse and other important health issues; 
  4. promotes positive emotional skills, self-esteem, and respect for one’s body; 
  5. meets the minimal objectives as stated in the essential performance objectives for health education as established by the State’s Department of Education. 
• C. include a statement to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful; 
• D. provide standards of conduct that are applicable to all students which clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs, and alcohol by students on school premises or as a part of any school activity; 
• E. include a clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the school standards of conduct and a description of those sanctions; The sanctions may include, together with punitive action, voluntary referral to appropriate persons or agencies for screening and assessment. Such referral may only be made to qualified and properly licensed individuals or programs. 
• F. provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to students and to provide procedures to direct students and their parents/guardians to the appropriate programs; 
• G. require that all parents/guardians and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct regarding unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students; 
• H. require the notification to parents/guardians and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory; 
• I. provide a biennial review of the School Corporation’s program to determine its effectiveness and
• J. implement changes as needed and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced; 
• K. provide for student assistance program which includes guidelines for prevention activities and 
• L. programs, for referrals of students to outside treatment providers, and for cooperative follow-up after treatment has been provided; 
• M. establish means for dealing with students suspected of drug use or suspected of possessing or 
• N. distributing drugs in school and ensuring that the Corporation’s policy and administrative guidelines on Search and Seizure are complied with fully. 

The Superintendent shall establish administrative guidelines necessary to implement this policy. These guidelines and procedures will be published in the Administrative and Student Handbooks. (I.C. 20-10.1-4-9.2, Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986, 20 U.S.C. 3171 et seq., 20 U.S.C. 3224A) 

In the spring of 2000, a Community Standards Task Force issued the following statement: 

The Center Grove School Board affirms the highest traits in acceptable community standards for character and conduct for all persons associated with Center Grove Schools. Administrators, teachers, coaches, students, employees, volunteers, and visitors are expected to exhibit the highest in community standards regarding appropriate language, character, and conduct in association with any Center Grove School activity on or off-campus.

Article One: 
Profanity and vulgar language will not be tolerated. No sexually harassing language is allowed. This includes inappropriate gestures. If one has any doubt about whether a particular expression is unacceptable; he or she should choose an alternative way to communicate the idea. Another language assessment would be to determine if the word(s) or gesture(s) would be acceptable for community publication. 

Article Two: 
Persons associated with Center Grove Schools should strive to exercise respect for themselves, other people, and other people’s property. Their character should reflect personal integrity and honesty. 

Article Three: 
Sexually harassing conduct will not be allowed. It is the responsibility of administrators, teachers, employees, and parents to create a safe environment that promotes excellence in education at Center Grove Schools. This entails promoting the physical and emotional well being of all Center Grove personnel. Administrators, teachers, coaches, and adult employees must set examples for students in a mentoring environment like Center Grove Schools. It is essential that adult role models strive to maintain high standards of behavior so students may learn by example as well as by rules, what is suitable as a community standard of conduct. It is the responsibility of students to conduct themselves within the guidelines of school policies. 

Indiana Code 20-33-8-32 

(a) A student using a locker that is the property of a school corporation is presumed to have no expectation of privacy in that locker or contents. A principal reserves the right to search a student’s locker, desk, book bag, or other storage area at any time a search is necessary to maintain the integrity of the school environment and to protect other students. In such searches, the following guidelines will be observed: 

1. Authorization to open and search lockers should be given by the principal or principal’s designee. 
2. Although not legally required, attempts will be made to notify students and allow them to be present during the search. 
3. The presence of a third party is advised but not necessary.

Schools have an obligation to protect students and staff members from dangerous substances such as drugs, weapons, or other items which cause or can reasonably be foreseen to cause an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or which is forbidden by state law or school rules. A school official can search a student, his/her locker, or other property including his/her car or the car he/she is driving or riding in if the official has “reasonable suspicion” to believe that the student has violated or about to violate a school disciplinary rule. As used in this section, “reasonable suspicion for a search” means grounds sufficient to cause an adult to believe that the search of a particular person, place, or thing will lead to the discovery of evidence that the student: 

1. Has violated or is violating a rule or behavioral norm contained in the student handbook; or 
2. Has violated or is violating a particular law; or 
3. Possesses an item or substance, which presents an immediate danger of physical harm or illness to students and staff or Corporation property. 
4. Information communicated to an administrator by a teacher, parent/guardian, or other adult or student indicating that a student is using, possessing, or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, or any controlled substance. 
5. Hand-held metal detectors can be used by administrative staff, school resource officers, and other personnel trained in the usage of hand-held metal detectors to utilize such metal detectors as a part of a comprehensive program of school security and safety of students, parents/guardians, staff and visitors. (Board Policy 7440)
6. Metal detectors, both walk-through and hand-held wands, will be used only in accordance with the Superintendent’s administrative guidelines. 
7. When a school administrator has a reasonable suspicion to believe a weapon is in the possession of a person, student, staff member, parent/guardian or other visitor, walk-through and hand-held metal detectors may be used. 
    

The administration shall have the authority to require any student to submit to a chemical or mechanical test of the student’s breath or urine if the administration has reasonable suspicion to believe the student is using or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any controlled substance as defined by the school corporation policy. The administration also has the authority to require any student athlete, cheerleader, or participant in any of the listed student activities to submit to a similar test if the administration has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student has violated the athletic code of conduct. 

Reasonable suspicion may arise from the following: 

• A. The student’s physical appearance and/or odor indicate the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or any controlled substance. 
• B. Possession of drug paraphernalia, alcohol, marijuana or any other controlled substance. 
• C. Information communicated to an administrator by a teacher, parent/guardian, or other adult or student indicating that a student is using, possessing, or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, or any controlled substance. A chemical or mechanical test of the student’s breath and/or urine will be produced in accordance with the adopted procedures. If a student tests positive, disciplinary action will be taken as outlined in the school’s drug, alcohol, and tobacco policies contained in the student handbook as implicated, due the circumstances leading to the test. A student’s refusal to submit to the chemical or mechanical test will result in the administration proceeding with the appropriate disciplinary action. 

The Center Grove Police Department serves as law enforcement and a school resource officer at Center Grove Middle School. A school resource officer (SRO) is defined as a sworn officer assigned to a school on a long-term basis trained to perform three major roles: law enforcement officer; law- related counselor; and law-related educator. Please visit the school’s website for current trends, tips, services, duties, and CGPD policies.

Center Grove Police Department duties include the following: 

1. Provide law enforcement and police services to the school, school grounds and areas adjacent to the school. Investigate allegations of criminal incidents per police department policies and procedures. Enforce state and local laws and ordinances. Make appropriate referrals to juvenile authorities or other governmental agencies. 
2. Work to prevent juvenile delinquency through close contact and positive relationships with students. In addition, the SRO may monitor crime statistics and work with local patrol officers to design crime prevention strategies and develop crime prevention programs. 
3. Conduct security inspections to deter criminal or delinquent activities. These may include assisting in random searches. 
4. Establish and maintain a close partnership with school administrators in order to provide for a safe school environment. Assist school officials with their efforts to enforce Board of Education policies and procedures. It is important to note that SROs are not school disciplinarians and should not be the lead investigator for school rule violations. If an SRO observes a rules violation, they may request the assistance from an appropriate Center Grove Middle School North administrator, to further educationally related goals. If a violation of a school rule is also a criminal offense, the SRO may conduct a concurrent investigation and take the appropriate action under the policies and procedures set forth by the department. 
5. Ensure school administrator safety by being present during school searches, which may involve weapons, controlled dangerous substances or in such cases that the student’s emotional state may present a risk to the administrator. If school administrators possess reasonable suspicion to suspect that the search will provide evidence that the student violated a school policy or rule, they may request an SRO to conduct a search on their behalf, if there is substantial risk to the safety of the administrator. 
6. Assist school administrators in emergency crisis planning and building security matters. Provide a course of training for school personnel in handling crisis situations, which may arise at the school. 
7. Be visible and accessible within the school community. Attend and participate in school functions. Build working relationships with the school’s staff as well as with student and parent groups. Initiate interaction with students in the classroom and general areas of the school building. Promote the profession of police officer and be a positive role model. 
8. Develop and implement classes in law related education to support the educational efforts of the faculty. Work closely with teachers in designing and presenting law-related topics and the role of police in our society. 
9. Work with school counselors and other student support staff. Assist students and staff involved in situations where referrals to social services or outside law enforcement agencies are necessary. Assist in conflict resolution efforts.
10. Handle and care for police canines specialized in odor detection such as narcotics, weapons, or explosives. Police canines may assist the administrators in searches of the building, vehicles, and lockers. Police canines may also assist the administrators in random classroom searches. 

During random classroom searches, the administrator will instruct the students to place their personal belongings (backpacks, purses, etc.) in the hallway immediately outside their classroom. The students will return to their classroom while the canine performs a sniff of the student’s belongings. If a canine indicates to the presence of odors, that the canine is trained to alert to, that will be reasonable suspicion for the administration or SRO to conduct a search following normal procedures. During random classroom searches, officer(s) and canines(s) will be accompanied by a building-level administrator at all times.

All Center Grove staff who have reason to believe a child is a victim of abuse or neglect has a duty to immediately make a report to the Department of Child Services (DCS) or the police per Indiana Code 31-33-5. As of June 1, 2017, a new statute was added which states, “a school corporation may not establish any policy that restricts or delays the duty of an employee or individual to report suspected child abuse or neglect as required under IC 31-33.5. Per CGCC School Board policy 8462, each staff member employed by this Corporation shall be responsible for reporting abuse, abandonment, cruelty, or neglect resulting in physical or mental injury to a student by other than accidental means. If a staff member has reason to believe a child is a victim of abuse or neglect, s/he shall immediately make a report to the Department of Child Services (“DCS”) by calling the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556 and the appropriate local law enforcement agency. After making the report, the staff member shall notify the appropriate building administrator of the circumstances that led to the report that the staff member made to DCS or the police. The building administrator shall document the report and, if unable to confirm the date and time it was made and/or identify the person to whom the report was made, shall contact DCS and the police to ensure that they have received the report and an investigation has begun.

Center Grove Middle Schools will adhere to all requirements by reporting to law enforcement criminal acts that are committed on school grounds.

The following regulations are part of the requirements for physical education (PE) classes. 

1. All students must dress out from their school clothes and participate daily. 
2. Students can wear any color sweatshirt, hoodie, school appropriate T-shirt, pants or shorts. Shorts should fit and be of appropriate length. Spandex shorts are not appropriate. Leggings worn under athletic shorts are acceptable. 
3. Closed-toe athletic shoes must be worn and have laces pulled and tied tightly. No slip-ons, heel-less shoes, sandals, skateboarding shoes, or any hard-sole shoe/boots are allowed. 
4. For safety reasons, jewelry including, but not limited to, watches, rings on the fingers, toe rings, earrings, bracelets, watches, nose rings, tongue rings, necklaces and any facial piercing may not be worn in PE class. 
5. Dressing out is a compliance behavior tracked in the grade book, but does not count for a grade. Recorded grades are focused on student learning of specific PE objectives. 
6. If a student is injured, participation may include but is not limited to, such activities as walking and stretching. Parent notes are good for two days, and then the student will need a doctor’s note if further time is needed for injury or illness. Students will still be required to dress out from their school clothes on these days. If a student cannot participate in PE for a significant amount of time, his/her guidance counselor will work with the family on the most appropriate class placement for the grading period. 
7. A student refusing to participate in PE class on any given school day could eliminate a student from participating in after-school activities that day. 
8. No aerosol hairspray or aerosol deodorant is allowed. 
9. No glass containers are allowed in the locker rooms at any time.

Center Grove Middle School will afford due process rights to each student when disciplinary action against the student is contemplated. The Student Due Process law mandates and prescribes certain procedures to guarantee that students in the schools of Indiana receive fair play in disciplinary matters at the hands of school officials. The law requires that all students be fully informed of school rules in writing. Rules not disseminated properly may not be enforced through the due process procedures. 

IC 20-33-8 clarifies the position of many school employees in relationship to the students. Student teachers, teacher assistants, bus drivers, and other school corporation employees have the same authority as teachers to those under their supervision. The law defines and provides for two types of disciplinary action: suspension or expulsion. Suspension refers to the prohibiting of attendance for ten school days or less. Expulsion refers to the prohibition of school attendance for more than ten days, for the balance of a semester or a year, or any action, which prevents a student from completing their program of studies in a normal period of time. Additionally, the law allows a teacher to dismiss a student from class for one day after instructing the student where he/she is to report and when he/she may return. If a teacher dismisses a student, the student may continue to participate in all phases of the school program. The teacher must notify the parent when such action is taken.

When students misbehave, a teacher or administrator may write them a Discipline Notice. All Discipline Notices are recorded on a student behavior log. When a student receives five entries in the log, he/she will be moved to Level II. 

The team teacher will inform the parent/guardian that the student will be placed in Level II. The team will provide the parent/guardian a copy of the student behavior log. When five more entries are received, the student will move to Level III. A conference will be arranged including the student, their parents/guardians, their teachers, and an administrator. 

A student placed in Level III will be referred to the office for each subsequent misconduct. The offense will require administrative attention and may result in the removal of the student from the classroom or school. The consequence will depend upon the nature of the offense, but not limited to the following disciplinary actions: Before or After School Detention, Friday Evening School, In-School Suspension, Out-of-School Suspension or a recommendation for expulsion for the remainder of the school year. 

In Level III, students are excluded from attending all co-curricular activities, including field trips, unless supervised by a parent/guardian. Students in Level III or alternative placement due to behavior will not participate in extracurricular activities (athletics, clubs, school dances, etc.) for the remainder of the school year. 

NOTE: Discipline levels refer to offenses that are minor in nature. Those policy offenses that are significant in nature may result in a significant disciplinary consequence, without going through each discipline level. [Please see Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion]

In Level III, students are excluded from attending all co-curricular activities, including field trips, unless supervised by a parent/guardian. Students in Level III also may not participate in extracurricular activities (athletics, clubs, school dances, etc.) for the remainder of the school year. 

NOTE: Discipline levels refer to offenses that are minor in nature. Those policy offenses that are significant in nature may result in a significant disciplinary consequence, without going through each discipline level. [Please see Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion] 

The following is a brief summary of the disciplinary options that may be assigned to a student by a teacher and/or administrator:

Lunch Detention / One Period in School Suspension/Before or After School Detention – If a student has a discipline problem in a class, in the cafeteria or in the hallways, that student may receive a Discipline Notice from any CG staff member. If detention is assigned on the Discipline Notice, the staff member can assign the detention during lunch, during a class period, or before or after school. A teacher has the right to remove a student from his/her class or activity for the balance of the teacher’s supervision of the student that day. The student is assigned regular or additional work to be completed in another school setting. A removal by a teacher will be based upon a need to restore order to an atmosphere conducive to learning in the classroom or activity.

Friday Evening School – Friday Evening School is assigned by a teacher or an administrator. Students work individually on homework or additional assignments. A staff member supervises students assigned to Friday Evening School from 2:50-4:50 p.m. on the assigned date. 

In-School Suspension - In-School Suspension (ISS), for 1-5 days, is assigned by the administration. Students who are assigned ISS are given assignments from their teachers. Students receive full credit for work completed. Students who do not cooperate in ISS may be assigned an Out of School Suspension, and they may not be assigned ISS in the future. Students are not permitted to attend  or participate in extracurricular or school sponsored activities for the days assigned In-School Suspension

Out-of-School Suspension - Out-of-School Suspension (OSS), for 1 – 10 days, is assigned by the administration. Out-of-School Suspension shall be made only after the principal or designee has made a thorough investigation and has then determined that such suspension is necessary to prevent interference with an educational function or school purposes. At the discretion of middle school administration, students who are assigned to Out of School Suspension have the opportunity to complete school work they missed, either during the time of suspension or upon the student’s return, and can receive full credit for complete work. Students are not permitted to attend or participate in extracurricular or school sponsored activities for the days assigned Out of School Suspension. 

Additional Options- Other options which may be used when students misbehave include counseling with a student or group of students, assigning students additional work, rearranging class schedules and hall passing times, requiring a student to remain in school after regular school hours to do additional school work or for counseling, restricting his/her extracurricular activity, behavior contracts, or referral to law enforcement for unlawful acts.

The following constitute misconduct for which a student may be suspended from school for one to ten days or expelled from school attendance and denied credit for all activities occurring during the suspension or expulsion:

Definition of “in possession” for purposes of these rules includes the following: when the item is on their person, in their immediate possession such as in a pocket, purse, or backpack, is in a place under their exclusive control, or the student is aware the item is in a place where the student has access such as a locker. More than one student may have “constructive possession” of an item. 

1. Behavior that injures, endangers or presents a substantial risk of injury to the student or another person. 
2. Damaging or stealing school property or the property of another person or organization. 
3. Disrupting a class or other school activity. 
4. Disrespectful behavior toward staff and students. 
5. Fighting. 
6. Harassing, threatening or intimidating another person. “Harassing” behavior is behavior directed toward another person without a legitimate purpose after that person has clearly stated or shown that the behavior is unwelcome. All threats, both verbal and written, will be considered serious and potentially dangerous. Inappropriate touching can be considered under these guidelines. 
7. Possessing a knife, bullets, a dangerous device, or something that appears to be a dangerous device. “Dangerous device” means something that is readily capable of causing injury to a person and is not essential in performing a task that must be performed by a student during school or a school activity. The term includes all weapons, fireworks, a smoke or noise bomb, a handgun, a rifle, a shotgun, a stun gun, chemical mace, pepper gas, and all personal protection devices other than those that emit only sound. In addition to any 3D printed weapon or weapon like objects.
8. Consuming, possessing, offering, providing, facilitating, arranging, requesting, or being under the influence of alcohol or an alcoholic beverage, an illegal drug, a prescription drug except as authorized in a prescription by a licensed healthcare provider, any over-the-counter medication, any medication containing a stimulant such as preparations containing caffeine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine as an ingredient except as authorized in a prescription by a licensed healthcare provider, or any substance represented to be or thought by the intended recipient to be an illegal or prescription drug except as authorized above. 
9. Consuming, possessing, offering, providing, or being under the influence of a substance such as an inhalant, a solvent, or other volatile substances, contrary to safety instructions provided on labeling, a sign, or by school personnel.
10. Possessing alcohol or drug consumption paraphernalia such as rolling papers, clips, or displaying materials that promote or encourage alcohol or drug use. 
11. Possessing cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, tobacco paraphernalia, smokeless tobacco, snuff, or other tobacco product or a device such as a lighter designed primarily for use in consuming tobacco products.
    • 1st Offense - Three (3) days of In-school suspension. In addition, the student’s family must choose between receiving a tobacco/nicotine ticket or participating in the CGPD Diversion Program. 
    • 2nd Offense - Five (5) days of Out-of-School suspension and a tobacco/nicotine ticket may be issued by the Center Grove Police Department. 
    • 3rd Offense - Ten (10) days of out-of-school suspension and a recommendation for expulsion. Students may also receive a tobacco/nicotine ticket from the Center Grove Police Department. 
12. Engaging in sexual behavior and/or public display of affection. 
13. Wearing clothing, jewelry, or a hairstyle that is dangerous to the student, indecent, vulgar, profane, presents a message that is inconsistent with the educational mission of the school district, or results in disruption of an educational function. 
14. Possessing, creating or distributing information in written or other form that causes a disruption of an educational function, advocates a violation of law or a student conduct rule, is obscene or sexually explicit, is slanderous or defamatory, or invades the privacy of an identified or identifiable person. 
15. Sending, sharing, possessing, or knowingly viewing pictures, text messages, emails, or other material of a sexual, violent, or obscene nature in electronic or hard copy form. 
16. Possessing a pager or cellular phone during the school day without prior approval of the principal, (providing that possession of a pager or cellular phone at a school activity after the normal school day shall not violate this rule.) 
17. Refusing or failing to follow a directive from a school employee, including a directive to respond truthfully and completely when questioned about a school-related matter. 
18. Violating a building level student conduct rule. 
19. Violating the School District Policy on technology usage. 
20. Violating Indiana or Federal Law. 
21. Not having legal settlement in the School District. 
22. Attempting to commit an act that is a ground for suspension or expulsion. 
23. Aiding, assisting, or conspiring with another person to violate these student conduct rules or state or federal law. 
24. Failing to report the actions or plans for action of another person to a teacher or administrator where those actions or plans, if carried out, could result in harm to another person or persons, property damage, or unlawful acts. 
25. Continually and habitually truant. 
26. Continually and habitually violating school rules and disrupting the educational environment for themselves and /or others.
27. Violation of any board policy. 
28. Compromising safety within the school setting 

Students or parents concerned about whether a particular act would be a ground for suspension or expulsion are encouraged to consult with the building principal for guidance before the student engages in the act.

The grounds for suspension or expulsion listed above (1-28) apply to student conduct: 

• a. during school activities on or off campus;
• b. on school property at any time; and 
• c. while traveling to or from school or a school activity, function or event. 
• d. off school property if the behavior interferes with the daily operation of the school and/or the behavior would be considered illegal. 

In addition to grounds 1-28 listed above, a student may be suspended or expelled for engaging in unlawful activity on or off school grounds if the unlawful activity may reasonably be considered to be an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or the student’s removal is necessary to restore order or protect persons on school property. This includes any unlawful activity meeting the above criteria which takes place during weekends, holidays, other school breaks, and the summer period when a student may not be attending classes or other school functions. 

Vandalism to a school employee’s home or personal property or harassment of a school employee at any place at any time constitutes a ground for suspension or expulsion. A student committing an act that violates Indiana or Federal law at any time or place may be suspended or expelled if the unlawful act arises out of a school relationship and/or is likely to have in-school consequences. 

When a principal (or designee) determines that a student should be suspended, the following procedure will be followed: 

1. A student meeting will be held prior to the suspension. At this meeting the student will be entitled to: 
   • a. a written or oral statement of the charges: 
   • b. if the student denies the charges, a summary of the evidence against the student will be presented: and, 
   • c. the student will be provided an opportunity to explain his or her conduct. 
2. The meeting shall precede suspension of the student except where the nature of the misconduct requires immediate removal. In such situations, the meeting will follow the suspension as soon as reasonably possible following the date of the suspension. 
3. Following the suspension, the parent or guardian of a suspended student will be notified in writing. The notification will include the dates of the suspension, describe the student’s misconduct, and the action taken by the principal.

When a principal (or designee) recommends to the superintendent (or designee) that a student should be expelled from school, the following procedures will be followed: 

1. The superintendent (or designee) may conduct the expulsion meeting, or may appoint one of the following persons to conduct the expulsion meeting: a. legal counsel b. a member of the administrative staff who did not expel the student and was not involved in the events giving rise to the expulsion. 
2. An expulsion will not take place until the student and the student’s parent/guardian are asked to appear at an expulsion meeting conducted by the superintendent or the person designated above. Failure by a student or a student’s parent to appear at this meeting will be deemed a waiver of rights administratively to contest the expulsion. 
3. The request to appear at the expulsion meeting will be in writing, delivered by certified mail or by personal delivery, and contain the reasons for the expulsion and the date, time, place, and purpose of the meeting. 
4. At the expulsion meeting, the principal (or designee), will present evidence to support the charges against the student. The student or parent will have the opportunity to answer the charges against the student, and to present evidence to support the student’s position. 
5. If an expulsion meeting is held, the person conducting the expulsion meeting will make a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting, take any action found to be appropriate, and give notice of the action taken to the student and the student’s parent/guardian.

Indiana Law provides that “Whenever the expulsion takes place during the second semester, the expulsion...remains in effect for summer school and may remain in effect for the first semester of the following school year, unless otherwise modified by order of the governing body.”

An alternative to expulsion for possessing, using, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or other drugs could be enrollment in a drug education program. Center Grove Community Schools do not promote or endorse any particular drug education program over another. The drug education program should include decision-making and resisting peer pressure. The decision lies with the parents or guardians of the student involved in drug abuse to select the best program that is available. The decision to offer an alternative to expulsion is a school decision. However, the decision to select the alternative to expulsion program is a family decision, but the program must be a minimum of six to eight hours in length. The family may want to consult their family doctor, friends, or other outside agencies or organizations before making a decision in which program to enroll their child. A student will be allowed to enroll in a drug education program one time during their middle school career.

The ESP model is an alternative to expulsion program that establishes strong connection with community resources such as mental health agencies, law enforcement, prosecutor’s office, substance use disorder support, etc. It utilizes positive discipline approaches to reduce disparities in discipline. The aim is to support expelled students in re-entering an educational environment that promotes continuous learning and graduation success. ESP is at the principal or designee's discretion.

In disciplinary matters, it is the policy of the Board to treat students with disabilities no differently than students without disabilities except in cases where the misconduct is caused by the student’s disability. Students with disabilities are subject to the discipline rules adopted by the board of school trustees and may be suspended or expelled for violation(s) of student conduct rules in accordance with IC 20-33-8-34. 

*This policy is limited to the discipline of students with disability as identified under 511 IAC 7-3.

A parent, guardian, or custodian of a student less than 18 years old shall be required to participate in any disciplinary action authorized under IC 20-33-8-34, as well as the student discipline handbook of this school corporation, at the request of a school official. Parent participation includes, but is not limited to, meetings, conferences, hearings, supervising after school-home-study time, reviewing homework, and assuring regular school attendance and attendance after school if necessary. 

Upon receipt of proper notice, any parent, guardian or custodian who refuses to comply with a request from a school official to participate in the resolution of behavioral problems of a student whose conduct is repeatedly disruptive to the student’s own educational progress or to the progress of others may be referred to the Child Protective Services Division of Health and Welfare.

• School bus riding to and from school, extracurricular trips, and field trips is a privilege. All bus safety rules and policies must be demonstrated to maintain that privilege. 
• All bus riders are expected to demonstrate the same standards of conduct and citizenship as required on the school campus. 
• Drivers have the authority to direct the student in any reasonable manner to maintain order and safety.

• Bus transportation may be provided for students who live within the Center Grove Community School Corporation boundaries.
• Students living out of district or on an approved transfer are not eligible for bus transportation.

• Students are only allowed to ride the bus to/from school on their assigned bus from their assigned bus stop
• Students shall be seated immediately upon entering the bus. If assigned seating is used by the driver, the student must sit in his or her assigned seat. 
• Students shall not stand or move from place to place while the bus is in motion. 
• Loud, boisterous, or profane language shall not be tolerated. Indecent conduct, verbal abuse, use of racial/ethnic remarks, or derogatory names is also not acceptable. 
• Students shall not tease, scuffle, trip, hold, hit, or use their hands, feet, or body in any objectionable manner. 
• Students should stay in their seat until the bus has come to a full stop and the door is opened by the driver. 
• Students need permission to open windows and doors. Windows will only be opened halfway. 
• Kindergarten and Preschool students will only be released from the bus in the presence of a parent, guardian, sibling, or appropriate adult caretaker at the bus stop.
• The school bus driver has the same authority and responsibility as a teacher. 
• Safety is the primary concern in student transportation; thus, the driver and school authorities shall maintain discipline on the school bus. Students disobeying safety rules will be denied riding privileges. 
• The aisle of a school bus must be kept free of objects that could obstruct an emergency evacuation of the bus. Any large object that cannot be held on a student’s lap is not permitted on the school bus. Examples of such large objects include but are not necessarily limited to certain musical instruments, science fair and other types of projects, athletic, and PE equipment, bags, flagpoles, flowers, balloons and other such items that could pose a safety problem. 
• Students are not allowed to bring food, drinks, or chewing gum on school buses. Only water is allowed on the bus and must be in a spill-proof bottle. 
• Use of technology is permitted at the driver’s discretion. If the use of technology is allowed on the bus, the driver may withdraw that privilege if it is being abused. Taking pictures and/or video is strictly forbidden on the bus, a violation of this policy will result in an immediate loss of all electronic privileges and the student will be written up for a major offense which is at minimum a 1 day suspension from the bus. 
• Students must keep their head, hands, and feet inside the bus at all times. 
• Smoking, vaping, or the use of any tobacco product is not allowed at any time. 
• Bus drivers will prepare and practice emergency unloading with the students at least two times per school year.

• The use of video recording devices may be installed and used to assist the driver in providing for the safety and well-being of the students while on the bus. 
• Video and audio surveillance data is the property of Center Grove Community School Corporation and is not available for viewing by parents/guardians, students, or community members. 
• Video and audio surveillance data may be used during the discipline process. 

• School buses are considered school property and therefore government property. 
• Riders who cause damage to school property will be responsible for repair costs and may experience school discipline action, school suspension or expulsion, loss of riding privileges, and/or legal action.

• The following cargo is forbidden to be transported on a school bus: pets, alcohol, drugs, ammunition, explosives, firearms, knives, tobacco, nicotine-containing products, plants, or any other dangerous or objectionable materials or objects. 
• Large and/or loose items are not permitted on the bus. All items must fit in a bag or case. All items must fit on the student’s lap or between their feet on the floor. 
• The school corporation is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal belongings. 
• Drivers inspect their buses at the end of each route. If an item is left on the bus, they will keep those items and return them to the student the next day. The transportation office will not radio a bus driver while they are on a route to find out if an item was left on the bus. 
• Bus drivers may confiscate any object that has been deemed questionable and submit the item to the principal.

• Medication may be brought on the bus only if it is in its original container and is accompanied by a note from the parent. 
• Upon dismissal from the bus the medicine must be taken to the school nurse. 
• The medicine can only be brought to school, not from school, and must not be opened at any time on the bus. 
• This does not pertain to students with an IEP, as the IEP will instruct accordingly.

The following procedures shall be followed if a student violates a rule: 

Driver Consequence 

• Bus ticket – First and second minor written violation (one verbal warning minimum) *Major, or higher, violations do not require a verbal warning. 
• Assigned seat change – Driver may move student’s assigned seat to reduce undesired behaviors. 
• Bus Suspension (1 day) – First major violation (further violations will be counted as major violations. 

School Consequence 

• Bus Suspension (3-5 days) –Second major violation(further violations will be counted as major violations) 
• Bus Suspension (10-30 days) –Third major or first dangerous violation(further violations will be counted as major violations) 
• Bus Suspension (90 days) – Fourth major or first extreme violation(further violations will be counted as major violations) 
• Another ticket after the fourth major or first extreme violation will result in a 180 day bus suspension. 

* Steps in the discipline process may be skipped depending on the severity of the infraction. That determination is made by the School Principal (or designee) and the Director of Transportation. 

We must be prepared to delay school in the morning, to send students home early, or to close schools any day when required by weather or emergency conditions. Please be sure your child knows what to do in case of early dismissal or delay in starting time. Your planning is essential for the safety of your child. The School Messenger Automated Calling System, along with the following radio and television stations, are notified of emergency closings: 

Television
WTTV (Channel 4)
WISHTV(Channel 8)
WRTV (Channel 6) 
WTHR (Channel 13)
WXIN (Channel 59) 

Internet
 www.centergrove.k12.in.us 

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING - DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL UNLESS YOU HAVE NO OTHER WAY TO FIND OUT ABOUT SCHOOL CLOSING. 

INDIANA CODE states that false alarms or the pulling of an alarm as a prank is a criminal act. Charges against the student can be made to local law authorities. Students will be suspended or expelled from school based on the individual circumstances. Students may be held responsible for payment if any fire apparatus is sent to the school.

A fire drill will be conducted in accordance with state law. When the alarm sounds, everyone will leave the building in a quiet and orderly manner. Students are to remain outside the building and at least 50 feet from the building with their designated teacher until the signal to return is given.

A tornado drill will be conducted in accordance with state law. When the notification occurs, everyone should seek shelter in the designated area as indicated on the plan posted in each classroom. If the electricity is off, students and staff will be alerted with short blasts from a bullhorn. Everyone will remain in the designated area until the signal to return is given.

A lockdown/evacuation drill will be conducted in accordance with state law to prepare students and staff in case of an intruder in the building and/or a hostage situation, or in the need to evacuate the building for the safety of the students and staff. When the lockdown/evacuation notification occurs, students will follow the directions of the staff member who is in their immediate vicinity. These drills are conducted to allow the students and staff time to practice various situations and procedures which could occur. 

An earthquake drill will be conducted in accordance with state law. In the event of an earthquake, all students and staff will drop and cover, and then fire drill procedures will be followed. When the alarm sounds, everyone will leave the building in a quiet and orderly manner. Students will remain outside the building with their designated teacher until the signal to return is given.

The following counseling services are intended to guide and support the emotional and academic development of the adolescent student. The services are delivered by individual planning, small group experiences, and classroom presentations. 

1. Collaborate with administrative team when crisis situations arise 
2. Facilitate academic achievement. 
3. Link families and students to resources and opportunities for academic success and mental health, as appropriate 
4. Aid in developing realistic educational and career plans. 
5. Develop and maintain positive social relationships. 
6. Promote healthy physical and emotional growth. 
7. Assist in navigating personal, peer, and family relationships. 

Students who want to speak with a counselor or social worker may complete a request form available from Student Services. 

The Instructional Media Center (I.M.C.) provides a number of facilities and services to students at the middle schools. The Media Center is able to provide the following: 

1. A quiet, pleasant place to work, study, or relax. 
2. Up-to-date materials including books, magazines, and newspapers. 
3. Help in selecting materials for pleasure reading or for fulfilling an assignment. 4. Assistance in using the on-line public access catalog and other reference tools both electronic and paper.

Articles and books that are found should be turned in to the Main Office. It is necessary for students to accept responsibility for their own books and equipment. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY OR ITEMS OF VALUE UNATTENDED. Students are advised to put their names in books, coats, glass cases, and gym clothing. Please do not bring valuables to school. A student may report a missing item and may check the lost and found for the article. Personal items such as purses, wallets, money, or jewelry are the responsibility of students. Items remaining in the lost and found will be discarded or donated to charities at the end of June.

Students must have individual pictures taken during summer registration. The purchase of these pictures is voluntary; however, the picture must be taken for the yearbook, student records, and student I.D. card. The I.D. card is used to attend dances, to purchase lunch, and check out books in the IMC. If a student I.D. is lost, a replacement must be purchased for $5.00 in the Front Office.

The telephone is for school business and should not be used for personal calls. The office will gladly cooperate with parents to give messages to students during school hours; however, calls for students during school hours are disturbing to the school routine and should be held to a minimum. Students may be called to the telephone only in cases of extreme importance. With permission, students are allowed to make local calls during their lunch hour or after school in the Front Office. No calls are to be made during the time school is in session, unless approved by the office or classroom teacher.

Students are responsible for all curricular materials. If curricular material is lost, stolen or damaged, payment for the replacement cost of the curricular material(s) must be made in the office before students receive the curricular material. If the curricular material needed is not available, one will be ordered. When students pay for curricular material and the lost curricular material is found and returned in good condition, the student’s money is refunded. All curricular materials are checked out to the student using a number in the curricular material. When curricular materials are checked in at the end of the year, the same curricular material (which was issued) must be returned. The student’s name is to be written in ink on the inside cover for identification purposes. All other marks or damages found in curricular material are considered destruction and charges for damage will have to be paid by the student.

Students are encouraged to participate in academic competitions. These competitions include both competitions within the school and sanctioned interscholastic competitions, such as the county math contest, Hoosier Spell Bowl, and the Super Bowl. These activities are under the supervision of the academic coaches. 

Super Bowl is an academic program, which offers students an opportunity through intensive research to discover information related to a predetermined topic. The areas of focus include English, History, Mathematics, and Science. Super Bowl is open to any sixth, seventh or eighth-grade student. Students may participate in two of the four academic areas. Throughout most of the second semester, the team prepares for the final competition in May. Practices are scheduled by the subject sponsor. 

Student Council is to promote student leadership, to encourage and initiate student viewpoints, to organize elections, and to sponsor officer-training workshops. Members are elected from a designated period. Membership requirements are good leadership qualities, good character, and interest.

NJHS promotes appropriate recognition for outstanding students in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, citizenship, and service. After the fall semester of 7th and 8th grade, students with a cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher will be invited to fill out an information sheet and procure recommendations. Using this information from students, a faculty council makes selections for induction of new members. Our induction ceremony is held in the spring. Once inducted, members participate in meetings, opportunities to develop leadership skills, and service experiences. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents/guardians and students who are 18 years of age or older "eligible students" certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are: 

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the “School” receives a request for access. 

Parents/Guardians or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents/Guardians or eligible students who wish to ask the School to amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent/guardian or eligible student, the school will notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. 

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be set forth in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights. A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent/guardian or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent/guardian, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. 

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the [School] to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: 

Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Center Grove Community School Corporation, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, Center Grove Community School Corporation may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the Corporation to the contrary in accordance with Corporation procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Center Grove Community School Corporation to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include: 

•  A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production; 
• The annual yearbook; 
• Honor roll or other recognition lists; 
• 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/guardian’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 three directory information categories – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents/guardians have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.  

If you do not want Center Grove Community School Corporation to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the Corporation or your child’s school principal in writing within ten (10) days of your child’s enrollment in school. Center Grove Community School Corporation has designated the following information as directory information: 

• Student’s Name 
• Parent/Guardian Name
• Address 
• Telephone Listing 
• Electronic Mail Address 
• Photograph 
• Date and Place of Birth 
• Major Field of Study 
• Dates of Attendance 
• Grade Level 
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports 
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams • Degrees, honors and awards received 
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended

These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation’s armed forces.

Center Grove Community School Corporation (CGCSC) is committed to the effective use of technology to promote educational excellence through resource sharing, research, innovation, and communication. The "Technology System" refers to all Corporation-owned hardware, software, telecommunication resources, and cloud-based services, including internal and external networks, email systems, and authorized Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) interfaces accessed via District-provided accounts. Access to this system is a privilege, not a right, and users should have no expectation of privacy. All media produced, transmitted, or stored within the system—including email, cloud documents, and AI prompt histories—is the sole property of the Corporation. CGCSC reserves the right to inspect and monitor all aspects of the system at its discretion to ensure compliance with Board policy and state and federal law, and may revoke access or confiscate devices at any time.

While CGCSC recognizes Generative AI as a tool for innovation, students must disclose its use in any academic work. Submitting AI-generated content as original work without authorization constitutes plagiarism and a violation of academic integrity. Users are strictly prohibited from inputting Personally Identifiable Information (PII) into public AI models, and the creation or distribution of "deepfakes" (AI-generated likenesses) to harass or deceive others is a Tier 1 violation. Furthermore, in compliance with Indiana Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 78, CGCSC enforces a strict "Bell-to-Bell" personal device policy. Personal wireless communication devices, including cellular phones and smartwatches, must be powered off and stored away (e.g., in a locker or bag) so as to be inaccessible throughout the entire school day, including lunch and passing periods. Exceptions are permitted only for teacher-directed educational use, medical emergencies, or documented health care plans. Use of personal "hotspots" or VPNs to bypass the corporation's filters is strictly prohibited.

Users are responsible for safeguarding system passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) codes; sharing these credentials is considered a major security breach. Users may only utilize third-party software that has been vetted for FERPA and COPPA compliance by the District. In accordance with Indiana HB 1004 and IC 20-26-5-40.5, the Corporation maintains filtering technologies to block materials "harmful to minors" as defined in IC 35-49-2-2. Bypassing or attempting to bypass these filters is a serious violation. This policy is designed to ensure compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), ensuring that student data remains protected and that the digital environment remains safe for all users.

Noncompliance with this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include the loss of technology privileges, suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment. The Corporation establishes and enforces disciplinary measures for any individual found to be in violation of state-mandated internet filtering provisions. Users and parents/guardians agree to accept all liability for loss or damages arising out of violations, including attorney’s fees. When a student causes intentional damage to hardware or software, the Corporation reserves the right to charge the student’s guardian for the full cost of repair or replacement. By using the Technology System, users acknowledge their responsibility to report violations and abide by all local, state, and federal statutes.

Center Grove Community School Corporation (CGCSC) is committed to the effective use of technology to promote educational excellence through resource sharing, research, innovation, and communication. The "Technology System" governed by this policy includes all Corporation-owned hardware (computers, laptops, tablets, and peripheral devices), software, telecommunication resources, and cloud-based services. This includes, but is not limited to, internal and external communication networks, email systems, and authorized Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) interfaces accessed directly or indirectly from Corporation facilities or via District-provided accounts.

Access to the Technology System is a privilege, not a right. All media produced, transmitted, or stored within the system—including email, cloud documents, and AI prompt histories—remains the sole property of the Corporation. Accordingly, CGCSC reserves the right to inspect and monitor any and all aspects of the system at its discretion to ensure compliance with Board policy and state and federal law. Users should have no expectation of privacy when using Corporation resources. The Corporation reserves the right to revoke user access at any time and may confiscate any media or copies of media produced or stored via the system.

CGCSC recognizes that AI is a tool that can help us achieve our educational goals and responsible use of AI will vary depending on the context, such as the classroom activity or assignment. Students may not use AI to violate school rules or district policies. Teachers will clarify if, when, and how AI tools will be used. Students may not claim AI generated content as their own work. The use of AI to take tests, complete assignments, create multimedia projects, write papers, or complete schoolwork without permission of a teacher or administrator is strictly prohibited and constitutes cheating.

In compliance with Indiana Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 78 (2026), CGCSC adheres to a full "Bell-to-Bell" personal device policy. This mandate requires that personal wireless communication devices—including cellular telephones, smartwatches, and tablets—be powered off and stored away in a designated location (such as a locker or bag) so as to be inaccessible to students throughout the entire school day. This restriction includes passing periods and lunch hours. Exceptions are permitted only for teacher-directed educational use on sanctioned devices, medical emergencies, or to manage a student's health care as documented in a formal plan. Use of personal "hotspots" or VPNs to bypass the Corporation’s web filters is strictly prohibited. The Corporation assumes no liability for the loss, theft, or damage of personal devices brought onto school grounds.

In accordance with Indiana HB 1004 (2026) and IC 20-26-5-40.5, the Corporation maintains an Internet use policy that strictly prohibits the sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading of materials that are "harmful to minors" as defined in IC 35-49-2-2. To enforce this, the Corporation utilizes hardware and software filtering technologies to block Internet access to such materials on all Corporation-owned computers and technology-related devices. Bypassing or attempting to bypass these filters is a serious violation and will result in disciplinary measures as described in Section VIII.

Users are responsible for safeguarding their system passwords and any transactions made using those credentials. Where provided, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is mandatory, and sharing MFA codes is considered a major security breach. Users may only use third-party software or "apps" that have been formally vetted for FERPA and COPPA compliance by the District. Unauthorized access to network areas, "jailbreaking" devices, or attempting to circumvent security protocols is strictly forbidden. Any potential or actual security violations must be reported to school personnel immediately.

This policy is designed to ensure Center Grove CSC’s compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, including but not limited to:

• CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act): The District utilizes technology protection measures (filters) to block access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.

• COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act): The District acts as an agent for parents in providing consent for students under 13 to use educational software, provided that such software has been vetted for compliance with COPPA’s data retention and security standards.
• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): The District protects the privacy of student education records and ensures that technology vendors do not disclose student data without proper authorization.

Noncompliance with this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include the loss of technology privileges, suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment. In accordance with Indiana state law, the Corporation establishes and enforces disciplinary measures for any individual found to be in violation of the Internet filtering and "harmful to minors" provisions of this policy. Users may also be held personally liable for their actions, including legal action if local, state, or federal laws are violated. In consideration for providing system access, the user and their parents/guardians agree to accept all liability for loss or damages arising out of the user’s violation of these terms. When a student causes intentional damage to hardware or software, the Corporation reserves the right to charge the student’s guardian for the full cost of repair or replacement.