A Reference Guide of the Bakersfield City School District

Conduct and DisciplineSigns stating “Tobacco use is prohibited” are prominently displayed at all entrances to school property. In addition todisciplinary measures for students and staff, any other person who violates the district’s policy on tobacco-free schoolsshall be informed of the district’s tobacco-free schools policy and asked to refrain from smoking. If the person fails tocomply this request, the Superintendent or designee may: (1) direct the person to leave school property; (2) request locallaw enforcement assistance in removing the person from school premises; and (3) when individuals repeatedly violate thetobacco-free schools policy, prohibit them from entering district property for a specified period of time.It is important for school staff, students, and parents/guardians to be informed about early warning signs which mayindicate alcohol and other drug use and about appropriate agencies offering intervention programs, counseling, referral,and other student assistance programs. Consider the following signs which may indicate alcohol or other drug use.Signs in the Home: (a) loss of interest in family activities; (b) disrespect for family rules; (c) withdrawal fromresponsibilities; (d) verbally or physically abusive; (e) sudden increase or decrease in appetite; (f) disappearance ofvaluable items or money; (g) not coming home on time; (h) not telling you where they are going; (i) constant excuses forbehavior; (j) spending a lot of time in their rooms; (k) lies about activities; (l) finding the following: cigarette rollingpapers, pipes, roach clips, small glass vials, plastic baggies, remnants of drugs (seeds, etc.)Signs at school: (a) sudden drop in grades; (b) truancy; (c) loss of interest in learning; (d) sleeping in class; (e) poor workperformance; (f) not doing homework; (g) defiant of authority; (h) poor attitude towards sports or other extracurricularactivities; (i) reduced memory and attention span; (j) not informing you of teacher meetings, open houses, etc.Physical and Emotional signs: (a) changes friends; (b) smell of alcohol or marijuana on breath or body; (c)unexplainable mood swings and behavior; (d) negative, argumentative, paranoid or confused, destructive, anxious; (e)over-reacts to criticism, acts rebellious; (f) sharing few, if any, of their personal problems; (g) doesn't seem as happy asthey used to be; (h) overly tired or hyperactive; (i) drastic weight loss or gain; (j) unhappy or depressed; (k) cheats, steals;(l) always needs money, or has excessive amounts of money; (m) sloppiness in appearance (Source: U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).Any student who is using alcohol or drugs is encouraged to discuss the matter with his/her parent/guardian or with a staffmember. Students who disclose their use of alcohol or other drugs when seeking help from a intervention or recoveryprogram shall, not be disciplined for such use.Board Policy 300.4; Tobacco-Free SchoolsBoard Policy 603.10; Alcohol and other DrugsGraduation Participation PolicyPrincipals may include students for the graduation exercises according to the following:AttendanceNo more than 19 days of willful/intentional absence from schoolBehaviorIf not suspended or excluded at the end of the school yearAcademic-Eighth-grade cumulative G.P.A. at or above 2.0 average for the 1st semester and 2nd semester monitoring(Students below a 2.0 G.P.A. will be on a non-participation list.)-Constitution test - passing gradePossession or Use of Laser Pointers and Permanent MarkersNo student shall posses a laser pointer on school premises unless the principal has determined, in advance of thepossession, that the laser pointer is for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose. No person shall direct thebeam from a laser pointer into the eyes of another person. Permanent markers, such as “magic markers,” are commonlyused in acts of vandalism. Student possession of a permanent marker is also prohibited.Board Policy 601.1; Penal Code 417.2756