Digital Academy Handbook 2023-2024

In order to provide specific information about certain policies and procedures relevant to being an SWL student, this handbook was developed. It is important that you take time to read and understand the information shared within this handbook. The majority of the information in the handbook is universal and applies to all SWL students, however some information is level specific. If you have any questions regarding information within the handbook, please contact the building administrator first for clarification. Please note: if any policies or administrative guidelines referenced in this document are revised, the language in the most current policy or administrative guideline prevails. Current board policies are available on the district’s website.

The mission of Southwest Licking Local Schools is to assure that all students are prepared to be lifelong learners who possess a sense of self-worth, critical thinking abilities, and necessary life skills enabling them to solve problems, adapt to change, and be productive citizens.

The mission will be accomplished by a skilled and dedicated staff providing personalized instruction with family and community support and participation by students in safe, modern facilities where quality educational and technological materials are the standard.

The Southwest Licking School District believes that the educational process is a cooperative effort between the school, the home, and the community. Each individual student will be accepted into the educational program as a person of unique individual worth, taking into consideration his/her personal goals, capacity for learning, and growth patterns. The student will be provided with a stimulating, wholesome environment, and opportunities for learning experiences that will challenge the individual to strive toward the development of his/her highest individual potential. Since education is a lifelong process, the school system will prepare the student to become a perpetual learner in our ever-changing society.

Education must address the development of the whole child. Therefore, the schools will provide learning experiences which will contribute to the mental, physical, emotional, moral, and social development of the student. The school will provide the opportunity for the learning of basic skills such as reading and mathematics, vocational and scientific training, love of country, appreciation of the arts and humanities, creative expression, and use of leisure time. Along with this, the schools will prepare the student for a democratic way of life and citizenship. This will include developing positive values with a respect for justice, law, property, and the rights, feelings, and opinions of others.

•  Website: https://www.swl.k12.oh.us
• Facebook:
  • Southwest Licking
  • Early Learning Center
  • Kirkersville Elementary
  • Pataskala Elementary
  • Etna Elementary
  • Watkins Intermediate School
  • Watkins Middle School
  • Watkins Memorial High School
• IOS and Android Mobile App: SWL Schools
• Constant Contact: Email Notification System
• School Messenger: Phone Notification (calling and texting)

The Board of Education declares it to be the policy of this district to provide an equal opportunity for all students. Any person who believes that the school’s personnel has discriminated against a student on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, religion, gender, ancestry, age, national origin, place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic background, has the right to file a complaint with the principal.

Complaints placed in writing will be investigated and a response provided in a timely manner to the person filing the complaint. Under no circumstances will the district threaten or retaliate against anyone who raises a complaint.

Section 504 of the rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its accompanying regulations prohibit the discrimination
towards any individual on the basis of his/her disability. Accordingly, all employees of Southwest Licking Local
School District are expected to adhere to School Board policy which prohibits discrimination of the basis of a
disability. Any employee or parent who feels that he/she or his/her child has been discriminated against on the
basis of a disability should file a written complaint with the district compliance officer.

The district compliance officer for Section 504 Rehabilitation Act and his address are as follows:

Dan Davis
Director of Student Services
Southwest Licking Local Schools
927 South Street
Pataskala, Ohio 43062
740-927-3941

It is a policy of the Southwest Licking Board of Education to maintain a working and learning environment for
all its employees and students by providing fair and equitable treatment including freedom from sexual
discrimination and sexual harassment. Any employee or parent who feels that he/she or his/her child has been
subjected to sexual discrimination or sexual harassment should file a written complaint of the alleged act to the
Title IX Compliance Officer for the Southwest Licking Local School District. The written complaint should
state in detail the basis of the complaint, the names of the persons involved and the dates of the specific
complaint.

The Title IX Compliance officer for the Southwest Licking Local School District and his address are as follows.

Dan Davis
Director of Student Services
Southwest Licking Local School District
927 South Street
Pataskala, Ohio 43062
740-927-3941

The school calendar can be found here.

It is the philosophy of the Board of Education of the Southwest Licking local School District that attendance is the responsibility of the student and his/her parents/guardians. The responsibility of the School district is to provide instruction.

Frequent absences of students from learning experiences during the school year disrupt the continuity of the instructional process and result in decreased academic interest and achievement.

Ohio revised Code Section 3321.04, Compulsory Attendance Law states:

Every parent of any child of compulsory age (between 6 years and 18 years of age) who is not employed under an age and schooling certificate must send such child to a school or a special education program that conforms to the minimum standards prescribed by the State Board of Education. The child must attend for the full time the school or program is in session.

The primary responsibility for school attendance rests with the student and then with the parents/guardians. The parent/guardian is responsible for permitting only excusable absences as identified by the State Department of Education and the Southwest Licking Local School District. This includes notification to the school of the absence.

The attendance officer is an employee of the Licking County Juvenile Court and Licking County
Educational Service Center. The attendance officer is responsible to conduct investigations of student
attendance following referral by the school. The officer is charged with investigating student records,
conducting interviews with school officials, students, and parents/guardians; informing all parties of the
laws of compulsory school attendance and making appropriate referrals as necessary. This applies to any excused tardy as well.

Excused absences per Ohio Revised Code Section 3321.04 are as follows:
● Personal illness (a written physician’s statement may be required)
● Illness in the family necessitating the presence of the child
● Quarantine of the home
● Death in the family
● Necessary work home due to absence or incapacity of parent(s)/guardian(s)
● Observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday
● Such good cause as may be acceptable to the Superintendent

Southwest Licking Local School District also recognizes the following:
● Pre-arranged and pre-approved vacations (one week in advance) may be considered excused up to 65 hours (year to date) at the discretion of administration. The form can be found here.
● College visitation
● Special administrative permission (not to exceed more than two times per year)
● Court appointment

The following list of excuses is examples of, but not an exhaustive list of reasons for unexcused absence:
● Truancy
● Tardy
● Oversleeping
● Visiting
● Shopping
● Missing the school bus or ride to school
● Absent from school but able to be away from home after school hours
● Appointments other than doctor or dentist (tanning, hair etc.)
● Baby-sitting
● Job interview
● Car Trouble

To meet the attendance requirement of 910 total seat hours for the year as a participant of the SWL Digital Academy, students must be actively engaged in all courses throughout the week.  While there is some flexibility within the week, students should consider Friday at 11:59 PM each week as the end of a week.

Daily attendance will be determined by logging into Edmentum each school day.

As part of the SWL Digital Academy attendance requirements, the district will monitor total seat time through Edmentum, IXL, and other available resources. Students will also be required to complete and turn in guided notes from each section within each subject that guided notes are offered. Unit post-tests will not be unlocked until the guided notes are completed and turned in. Students will be able to work ahead as long as they are still turning in each section’s guided notes prior to moving on within the unit. 

Parents need to notify the school office several days in advance of withdrawing from school. All fees must be paid and books and materials must be returned upon withdrawal from school. In accordance with O.R.C. 3313.642, failure to pay fees and fines may result in the withholding of grades and credit.

SWL Digital Academy enrollment is open to students in grades 6-12 who attend or reside in the Southwest Licking Local School District. For more information please contact Ryan Brown,  Director of Logistics, at 740-927-3941 or email: rbrown@laca.org.

 

Who Can Enroll?

Currently, enrollment is open to students in grades 6-12 who live in the Southwest Licking School District and who are already enrolled in our school, a digital academy, online school, or are currently being homeschooled.  Students must be full-time students and enroll for a minimum of five classes, unless fewer classes are needed to meet graduation requirements.  

High school students who wish to enroll part time will need to do so through their high school counselor.  The Digital Academy is for full-time digital students in grades 6-12 only.
 

Who Should Enroll?

• Students who are already successfully learning at home but whose home-schooling is insufficiently comprehensive and requires the kind of augmentation offered by SWLDA’s formal and standards-based online curriculum.

• Students who desire to move through the curriculum at their own pace.

• Students who need additional credits for graduation.

• Students with medical issues that require a more personalized curricular approach. 

• Students who have been removed from school for disciplinary reasons but who are committed to and capable of regaining their focus on academic pursuits in the independent and solitary context of online instruction delivered in their homes.

• Students who need to recover previously failed courses and are full-time with the digital academy.  

 

Additionally, a student’s enrollment and successful participation in the school are predicated upon the following:

• The student and the student’s parent/guardian must provide supervision within the home, at all times during which the student is engaged in SWLDA’s program of study, adult supervision of such a nature as to ensure the student’s safe and responsible participation in the program.

• Occasionally, face-to-face meetings with a teacher or other staff may become necessary. In such cases, and except as otherwise agreed by SWLDA or required by law, the meetings will take place on Southwest Licking school property.

The SWLDA student must be self-motivated and have the ability to learn independently.  The student must enjoy reading, researching, and problem solving.  Without these abilities or interests success in the digital academy will be difficult.  

Students and parents are expected to communicate with the SWLDA coordinator and/or assigned hub teacher on a regular basis.  Students are required to attend the orientation meeting, standardized testing, and IEP meetings (if applicable).  We welcome parents to join us at any time for explanation, conference, or assistance.  All of these meetings will take place on Southwest Licking school property.  

For a typical class, a student needs to plan approximately 5 hours per week to stay on track with assignments (1 hour a day per class).  It is the responsibility of the student to contact SWLDA if they have a question or a need.  

High School students,  please note that Southwest Licking Digital Academy grades are not weighted.

Students are expected to maintain passing grades, keep current with their course pacing, and log the appropriate amount of seat time for each course. Failure to meet these requirements may result in a parent/student meeting and the student being withdrawn from the digital academy and enrolled in the appropriate in-person building. 

Students with 504 Plans, IEP’s or EL Services are required to attend the arranged virtual or agreed-upon in-person sessions with their services providers.  Failure to do so may result in a parent/student meeting and the student being withdrawn from the digital academy and enrolled in the appropriate in-person building.

Students will be expected to meet the following expectations each week:

1. Login to Edmentum each school day for daily attendance.

2. Complete and submit all guided notes by their due date from each course. 

3. Students must login to IXL and complete 1.67 hours/core subject/week (20 minutes/day/core subject).

4. Students must make necessary support staff aware once they are ready to take unit post-assessments.

Students will receive satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) for each course taken during the four nine-week periods. For the semester grades, each course's final course grade from the online platform will be entered as the semester grade. For yearlong courses, the semester grades are averaged together to compute the final course grade.  

	GRADING SCALE				PERCENT RANGE		POINT RANGE
	MARK	REGULAR POINT VALUE	HONORS POINT VALUE	AP POINT VALUE	STARTING %	ENDING %	STARTING POINT	ENDING POINT
	A	4.0	4.34	5.0	92.50	100	3.83	4
	A-	3.67	4.0	4.67	89.50	92.49	3.50	3.82
	B+	3.34	3.67	4.34	86.50	89.49	3.16	3.49
	B	3.0	3.34	4.0	82.50	86.49	2.83	3.15
	B-	2.67	3.0	3.67	79.50	82.49	2.50	2.82
	C+	2.34	2.67	3.34	76.50	79.49	2.16	2.49
	C	2.0	2.34	3.0	72.50	76.49	1.83	2.15
	C-	1.67	2.0	2.67	69.50	72.49	1.50	1.82
	D+	1.34	1.34	1.34	66.50	69.49	1.16	1.49
	D	1.0	1.0	1.0	62.50	66.49	0.83	1.15
	D-	0.67	0.67	0.67	59.50	62.49	0.50	0.82
	F	0.0	0.0	0.0	0	59.49	0.0	0.49

Report cards will be available on Progress Book one week after the end of the quarter, as indicated on the district calendar. 

Courses are offered on the Edmentum Courseware platform.  There are no AP/CCP/Honors courses available on Edmentum.  Edmentum courses are not NCAA approved.

The purpose of discipline is to develop self-control, character, orderliness, and respect. It is a necessary part of the educational process and school environment. The school environment includes school sponsored activities (dances, field trips, etc.). With an understanding of the purpose of discipline in a school, a better student attitude can develop. Listed below are some of the consequences (not in any order and not in total) for violations to the student code of conduct. Depending on the number of violations a student can be considered a repeat offender and the consequences will become more severe. The principal and/or assistant principal have the authority to suspend. In case of an out-of-school suspension, you will be given a written notice of the intention to suspend which will contain the reasons for the suspension, and due process will be administered. Students who are suspended from school are not permitted to attend any school activities or any school events or be on school grounds during their suspension time.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities - Students with disabilities are entitled to the rights and procedures afforded by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement At (IDEIA), and, where applicable, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Notification of Criminal Activity - School staff may report suspected criminal misconduct by a student to law enforcement, including our SRO. Law enforcement officers will be permitted to carry out necessary law enforcement functions in the schools, including removing a student from school grounds in appropriate circumstances.

Surveillance - For student safety and welfare, video surveillance cameras are placed throughout the district in buildings, on school grounds, and on buses. Actions recorded on these cameras may be used as evidence in disciplinary action and these records will remain in possession of the school / district.

This code of conduct is in effect while students are under the authority of school personnel or involved in any school activity. This includes but is not limited to school buses and property under the control of school authorities, and while at interscholastic competitions, extracurricular events, or other school activities or programs. In addition, this Code of Conduct includes:

1) Misconduct by a student that occurs off school district property but is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on school district property

2) Misconduct by a student that, regardless of where it occurs, is directed at a district official or employee or the property of an official or employee.

Student possession of these rules constitutes a first warning. No further warnings will be given. Any student who repeatedly violates the provisions of this conduct code will be subject to increasingly severe disciplinary actions and/or referral to a law enforcement agency and will be defined as a repeat offender.

When a student is being considered for an out-of-school suspension by the superintendent, principal, or another administrator:

- The student will be informed in writing of the potential suspension and the reasons for the proposed action.

- The student will be afforded an opportunity for an informal hearing to challenge the reasons for the intended suspension or to explain his/her actions.

- An attempt will be made to notify parents or guardians by telephone if a suspension is issued.

Students will be permitted to make up classwork, tests, papers, and/or major projects missed while serving an Out-Of-School Suspension for at least partial credit.

If the assignment of school discipline is served entirely in the school setting, it will not require any notice or meeting or be subject to appeal.

The pupil, parent, guardian or legal custodian may file an appeal of the administrative decision to suspend or expel a pupil to the Board of Education or designees. A notice of appeal in writing must be filed within 5 days (suspension) or 14 calendar days (expulsion) of the formal written notice of suspension or expulsion. Failure to timely file an appeal in this manner waives any right to appeal the suspension or expulsion.

The school is committed to protecting students from harm that may be connected with the school environment and also recognizes its responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement and public child welfare agencies. While the school believes these agencies should conduct their investigations off school property if possible, investigations can take place at school in some situations or if the violation being investigated occurred on school property.

Before students are questioned as witnesses or suspects in an alleged criminal violation, the building administrator will attempt to contact a parent or guardian prior to questioning and shall remain in the room during questioning.

If a student is questioned as the subject of alleged child abuse or neglect, the building administrator will and/or guidance counselor will remain in the room during questioning and attempt to make contact with the parent or guardian. If the agency investigating the alleged child abuse or neglect suspects the parent is the perpetrator, neither parent will be contacted prior to questioning, but the building administrator (or designee) will remain in the room during questioning.

If law enforcement or children’s services agency removes a student from school, the building administrator will make an attempt to notify the parent if permitted to do so.

School authorities are charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the students in their care. To that end, school authorities may search a person or property (including, but not limited to vehicles, purses, backpacks, gym bags, etc.) of a student, with or without the student’s consent, whenever they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of law or of school rules. The extent of the search will be governed by the seriousness of the alleged infraction and the student’s age.

The Watkins Memorial High School and Watkins Middle School Handbooks and Codes of Conduct apply to students enrolled in the SWL Digital Academy.  The handbooks can be found by clicking here.

It is the policy of the Southwest Licking Local Board of Education not to discriminate, in violation of federal or state law, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex or activity sponsored by the Southwest Licking School Board of Education.

A student/employee shall abide by the board’s Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Guidelines. Prohibited discrimination or harassment includes, by way of example, slurs, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual, harassing, or discriminatory nature, intimidation by threats of or actual physical violence, verbal or physical conduct commonly understood to convey hatred, contempt or prejudice or to insult or stigmatize an individual, unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, solicitation of sexual activity or reference to sexual themes in a manner discriminatory or harassing verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct, which is based on the recipient’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, veteran’s status, religion, disability, age, gender or sexual orientation.

Students who have reason to believe that harassment or discrimination has occurred should promptly report the incident to the building principal or the Civil Rights Coordinator. Employees should promptly report to a building principal (or immediate supervisor if the employee is not assigned to a building) or 18 Civil Rights Coordinator. The board’s Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Guidelines provides a complaint procedure for making a complaint of discrimination or harassment. Retaliation against any individual who files a complaint or participates in an investigation is prohibited. For further information about the board’s Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Guidelines or the applicable complaint procedures, please contact: Superintendent, 927A South Street, Pataskala, OH 43062. Phone number: (740) 927-3941.

Students are encouraged to use the Board’s computers/network and Internet connection for educational purposes. Use of such resources is a privilege, not a right. Students must conduct themselves in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Unauthorized or inappropriate use at home or at school, including any violation of these guidelines, may result in cancellation of the privilege, disciplinary action consistent with the Student Handbook, and/or civil or criminal liability. Prior to accessing the Internet at school, students must sign the Student Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Agreement. Parent permission is required for minors. Smooth operation of the Board’s Network relies upon users adhering to the following guidelines. The guidelines outlined below are provided so that users are aware of their responsibilities.

A. Students are responsible for their behavior and communication on the Internet. In using the computer network and Internet, students are not to reveal personal information such as home address or telephone number. Using a last name or any other information which might allow a person to locate a student is not permitted unless permission of a supervising teacher has been obtained.

B. Students may only access the Internet by using their assigned Internet/E-mail account. Use of another person’s account/address/password is prohibited. Students may not allow other users to utilize their passwords.

C. Students may not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, data or passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent other users on the network.

D. Students may not use the Internet to engage in “hacking” or other unlawful activities such as uploading a worm, virus, Trojan horse, bomb or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; accessing other computers, networks, or information systems.

E. Transmission of any material in violation of any State or Federal law or regulation, or Board Policy is prohibited.

F. Any use of the Internet for commercial purposes, advertising, or political lobbying is prohibited.

G. Students are expected to abide by the following generally accepted rules of network safety and etiquette:

a. Be polite, courteous, and respectful in your messages to others. Do not use obscene, profane, vulgar, sexually explicit, defamatory, or abusive language in your messages.

b. Do not transmit pictures or other information that could be used to establish your identity without prior approval of a teacher.

c. Never agree to get together with someone you “meet” on-line without prior parent approval.

d. Diligently delete old mail on a regular basis from the personal mail directory to avoid excessive use of the electronic mail disk space.

H. Use of Internet to access, process, distribute, display or print child pornography and other obscene, inappropriate and/or harmful material is prohibited. As such, the following material is prohibited: material that appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, and excretion; material that depicts, describes or represents in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and material that lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value as to minors. Offensive messages and pictures, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the Board’s computers/network (e.g. viruses) are also prohibited.

I. Malicious use of the Board’s computers/network to develop programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computer system and/or damage the software components of a computer or computing system is prohibited. Students may not use the Board’s computers/network in such a way that would disrupt their use by others. Students must avoid intentionally wasting limited resources.

J. All communications and information accessible via the Internet should be assumed to be private property (i.e. copyrighted and/or trademarked). All copyright issues regarding software, information, and attributions of authorship must be respected.

K. Students must secure prior approval from a teacher or principal before joining a Listserv (Electronic mailing lists) and should not post personal messages on bulletin boards or “Listservs.”

L. Students are prohibited from accessing or participating in online “chat rooms” or other forms of direct electronic communication (other than e-mail) without prior approval from a teacher or principal. All such authorized communications must comply with these guidelines.

M. Privacy in communication over the Internet and the Network is not guaranteed. To ensure compliance with these guidelines, the Board reserves the right to monitor, review, and inspect any directories, files and/or messages residing on or sent using the Board’s computers/network. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

N. Use of the Internet and any information procured from the Internet is at the student’s own risk. The Board is not responsible for any damage a user suffers, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions. The Board is not responsible for 27 the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. Information (including text graphics, audio, video, etc.) from Internet sources used in student papers, reports, and projects should be cited the same as references to printed materials.

O. Disclosure, use and/or dissemination of personal identification information of minors via the Internet is prohibited, except as expressly authorized by the minor student’s parent/guardian on the “Student Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Agreement Form”.

P. Proprietary rights in the design of web sites hosted on the Board’s servers remains at all times with the Board

Any use of the Southwest Licking Local Schools trademark must have prior written approval of the superintendent or designee and must be produced, manufactured, or sold under license Southwest Licking Local Schools. See www.swl.k12.oh.us for an application for use.

As required by the Ohio Revised Code, the Southwest Licking Local Schools shall be free to all school residents between six (6) and twenty-one (21) years of age.

A person between six (6) and eighteen (18) years of age is of compulsory school age.

Students entering kindergarten in the Southwest Licking School Local Schools must be five (5) years of age by August 1st of the current school year. A child under age six (6) who is enrolled in kindergarten will be considered of compulsory school age.

The Board may admit to kindergarten such children as may be ineligible by reason of age but demonstrate the ability and need to undertake a program of education. The Board will designate the necessary standards and testing programs required for such early admission.

A child is eligible for entrance into first grade if s/he attains the age of six (6) on or before September 30 of the year in which s/he applies for entrance and has completed the kindergarten program of this District or an equivalent program elsewhere and has been recommended by the teacher for advancement to the first grade. This requirement may only be waived if a request is made to and approved by the building administrator. The Superintendent shall require that each child who registers for entrance to school provide:

A. his/her birth certificate or similar documentation authorized by law as proof of age and birth date.

B. a certified copy of any custody order or decree together with any modification in such an order or decree.

If such documents are not provided, the child shall not be admitted and appropriate law enforcement authorities are to be notified.

The Superintendent shall also ensure that each child entering the District's kindergarten or first grade program for the first time has been properly screened for any medical or health problems as well as those related to hearing, vision, speech, and communications (Board Policy 5112).

Consumable instructional and supplemental supplies are necessary for instruction during the school year. The school charges parents for these supplies by assessing fees. A notice explaining these charges will be sent to parents in September. Each school is responsible for collecting these fees from its students. Parents may pay fees using an installment plan. Unpaid fees are accumulated from year to year and students are not permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony unless all fees are paid. Please send your payment to school with your child or pay with SPS EZpay. See link on the homepage of our website, www.swl.k12.oh.us. Checks should be made out to Southwest Licking Schools.

There will be a $50 fee for the digital academy.  Additional fees will be assessed for all failed courses and devices that are damaged or not returned.  Parents/guardians and students will be required to sign a waiver if borrowing a district-owned device for the school year.

If a refund is requested, regardless of who provided the original funds, the refund will be reduced or completely applied to any unpaid student fees for the student and any siblings. Any money in excess of the unpaid student fees will be refunded to the person who made the original payment.

The Southwest Licking School District follows the guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regarding all student records. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the school to include this information in certain publications. Examples include: playbills, yearbook, honor roll or other recognition lists, graduation programs and sports activity sheets. Under Ohio law, directory information includes the following: student name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, date of graduation, and awards received.

Parents who do not want directory information for their child released must contact the district office in writing and request this information not be released.

Students have the right, protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, to exercise freedom of speech. This includes the right to distribute or display, at reasonable times and places, unsponsored written material, petitions, buttons, badges, or other insignia, except expression which:

● is obscene, libelous, pervasively indecent or vulgar;

● advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law;

● constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people (threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person’s race, religion, or ethnic origin);

● presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution or display, it will cause a disruption of school or school activities, a violation of school regulations, or the commission of an unlawful act.

Electronic transmission of words or photographs that violate the above guidelines of protected speech, including those intended to harass or intimidate other people may result in disciplinary action.

The Board permits fund raising by students in school, on school property or at school-sponsored events only when the profit is going to be used for school purposes or for an activity connected with the schools.

Fundraising in school must be approved by the principal.

ATHLETICS
As a member of the Licking County League (LCL) and Ohio High School Athletic Association, Watkins Memorial High School encourages student participation in a number of interscholastic sporting activities that include: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.

EXTRA AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Extracurricular activities (athletics, marching band performances, musical, and cheerleading), while meaningful to the high school experience, are not tied to academic course credit; however, co-curricular activities are tied to academic course credit.  To help defray the costs of extra and co-curricular programs, participation fees will be charged to students. There is a family maximum, but there are no payment plans for extra and co-curricular fees. The participation fees for athletics and activities must be paid before a student can compete.  The fee is non-refundable. Additionally, the fee does not guarantee playing time, nor result in control over any conditions of the team or activities. It also does not alter the policies of Watkins Memorial High School or the Southwest Licking Board of Education, nor does it alter the district’s extra and co-curricular code of conduct or the individual team/activity rules.

EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY
The Southwest Licking Local Board of Education recognizes there is a need for academic prerequisites for participation in extracurricular activities.  IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF CREDITS EVERY NINE WEEKS TO MAINTAIN ELIGIBILITY.  It is recommended that participants in extracurricular activities take six courses, not including physical education, to maintain eligibility.   Before student-athletes change their schedules, they should confirm with their coach, the athletic director, and their counselor that changing their schedule does not jeopardize their eligibility.

Participation in extracurricular activities is not a right but a privilege that may be regulated. Therefore, all students who participate in any interscholastic or other extracurricular activities at any time must meet the following regulations from the date of enrollment or date of participation, whichever comes first. Regulations concerning drugs and alcohol will be in effect for all athletes and other extracurricular participants at all times, including summers, while enrolled as a student grades 7-12 in any school in the Southwest Licking Local School District.

Any Watkins Memorial High School student participating in interscholastic athletics or marching band must be present at least one-half of the school day to participate in practice or a contest on that day. A student absent more than half ½ day on Friday may not participate or compete with the team or group on the weekend. The one-half day is designated as before or after 10:46.  The final determination of participation will be made by the administration.

The regulations below establish academic prerequisites for extracurricular participation in this school district.

1. In order to participate in an extracurricular activity, a student must be passing 5 one-half or full-credit courses, and maintain a minimum grade point average of 1.5 for the preceding nine weeks in order to maintain eligibility for the following grading period. This is based on the final nine weeks' grade.

2. Students not meeting the 5 one-half or full credit course requirements  and the minimum grade point requirements shall be declared ineligible at the end of the grading period.  The student will be ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for the following grading period.  Students who are enrolled in a co-curricular course (marching band) will be deemed ineligible for the extracurricular portion of the course (performances at games, contests, etc.).  If a student in the marching band becomes ineligible after the first or fourth grading period, the course grade will be determined by in-class performance and assessment.  

3. The establishment of passing or failing grades and grade point averages shall be on a cumulative basis from the beginning of the current grading period.

4. For eligibility purposes, summer school grades may not be used to substitute for failing grades received the final grading period of the regular school year or for lack of enough subjects taken the preceding grading period.

CLUBS
It is hoped that students at Watkins Memorial will find interest in any of several student clubs and/or organizations established for their benefit. Below is a list of those activities in which high school students may choose to participate. Any student or faculty member who feels that a specific organization should be added to our school program should make an application to an administrator in charge of extracurricular activities for permission to organize. All organizations must have adequate faculty sponsorship, documented sufficient interest by students, sufficient funding or plans to provide funding, and approval of the principal.  Some examples of activities are: Art Collective, Ski Club, Robotics Club, Anime, Quiz Bowl/In the Know, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Play Production and Student Council

Is available at a nominal cost and is optional.  If you are insured under this plan and you are injured, you will be given a claim form from the office.  This form must be completed by your parents and presented to the doctor or hospital.  The school merely acts as a medium in supplying the insurance and assumes no liability, either for the injury or the subsequent negotiations with the company.

Students are not to remain at school after dismissal unless they are part of a school activity supervised by a teacher, advisor or coach. Any student using the building without authorization and supervision will be referred to the local police authorities. No students will be permitted to use the building when school is not in session without authorization and supervision and will be subject to school disciplinary action. Students who remain after discussion to use outdoor recreational facilities do so at their own risk. The school district assumes no responsibility for them.

The school district will NOT accept responsibility for the loss, damage, or theft of personal property. Valuable personal property should be left at home. Electronics are to be turned off, kept out of sight, and not used during the school day unless authorized by building policy. The use of any personal property that is contrary to building policy may result in disciplinary action and confiscation of the item(s). At the building leadership’s discretion, confiscated items may only be returned to a student’s parent or guardian.

During the school year, we have occasion to videotape or photograph students.  The purpose of the video recording may include classroom displays, school-wide displays, the school website (www.swl.k12.oh.us), publicity in the news media, or as part of professional development for our teaching staff.  Further, we may be teaching our students how to produce video/photographic documentation of their own work.

Please understand that the school district cannot prevent the publication of your student’s likeness and name by the local media, but it will make every effort not to use it in its own publications.  It is the district’s policy not to post a student’s last name with a picture on the district website. 

We are asking for you to acknowledge and consent to video recording and photographing of your child.  Your consent allows us to make public the pictures and videos we take, knowing that you are aware that your child may appear in these media.  If you choose to deny permission, please make your decision known to your child.  Let your child know that when these events take place, they should ask to be excused from the picture or video.

• Board Approved on April 25, 2023.