Student Handbook

Academic Credit

CTE EMBEDDED HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT

All high school credit is issued by your home school and is based on the recommendation from the Ionia County Career Center.. A list of possible concurrent credits is available via this link:  https://www.ionia County Career Center (ioniaisd.org), talk with your high school counselor to see what embedded credits you are eligible for.

ARTICULATED COLLEGE CREDIT

Articulation is a process that allows students to earn free college credit for skills and knowledge mastered in their Ionia County Career Center career and technical education programs completed during high school. Articulation recognizes outstanding academic performance, eliminates needless repetition of equivalent work, saves time and money, and promotes further education. A list of current available Articulated College Credits is available via this link: https://www.ioniaisd.org/our-schools/cte/student-resources/academic-credit/ 

DIRECT CREDIT/DUAL ENROLLMENT

Career and Technical Education is intended to provide multiple avenues of success for students following a variety of career paths. For some career paths, a college degree serves as a tool for advancement. Students are not required to dual enroll while attending a CTE program at the career center. Not all programs provide an opportunity to dual enroll. The decision to dual enroll will include discussions with the CTE program instructor and Student Services Coordinator. In CTE programs that have the opportunity for students to dual enroll in college classes, the cost will be absorbed by the Ionia County Career Center so long as the following conditions are met:

The student and parent/guardian sign the dual enrollment agreement and all other dual enrollment documentation provided by the career center instructor.

All enrollment documentation and any digital documentation is completed, on time, and to the standards of the post-secondary institution of the dual enrollment college/university.

The student makes a good faith effort towards academic progress in the CTE program and the dual enrollment college class.

The student passes the dual-enrolled college class in the time frame outlined in the syllabus.

Books or materials purchased by the Ionia County Career Center will remain the property of ICISD.

If a student receives a grade lower than 2.0 GPA, enrollment in any additional dual enrollment college classes will be restricted.

Students receiving a failing grade in a dual enrollment class, student and their family will be responsible for all costs of the class: tuition and fees.

Please contact the Ionia County Career Center Student Services Coordinator with further questions or talk with your career center instructor.

All adds & drops will be final nine (9) days after the first day of the Ionia County Career Center semester.  Students will not have the option to drop a class after that point.  Should a change be wanted, students need to be in contact with their local high school counselor to request the change within the allowed window of time mentioned earlier

Every effort will be made by staff and administration to resolve problems through effective utilization of on-site and homeschool resources and personnel in cooperation with the student and his or her parent or guardian.  Students will be given an opportunity for a hearing with the principal if the student and his/her parents/guardians desire one. At that meeting, information will be shared regarding appeal procedures.

The Ionia County Career Center principal and/or designated representative will administer the disciplinary action up to and including a ten (10) day suspension.

The home school principal will be notified as quickly as possible. In cases of suspension and/or expulsion, the parents will be notified by letter and/or phone call.

Any discipline resulting in the removal of a student from class for more than 10 days will trigger a discipline hearing.  Until such time as that hearing is held, a student can be placed on an administrative suspension which will prohibit him/her from attending class until a hearing has been held.

Parents, legal guardians, or the student, if he or she is 18 years of age, have the right to appeal decisions involving or affecting the student. A request for appeal must be made to the principal of Ionia County Career Center. Matters subject to appeal are defined as, but not limited to: any disciplinary action, grades, issuance of certificates or special recognition and administrative actions. Appeals should be dealt with at the classroom instructor level initially, then proceed to the principal of Ionia County Career Center.

Excessive discipline issues may be grounds for unenrollment from your Ionia County Career Center program.

Students who have been certified as eligible for Special Education services and who are participating in technical training as a mainstreamed program are covered under these guidelines and are subject to these procedures up to and including recommendations for a ten (10) day suspension. Any offense by a special education student that would result in a recommendation for expulsion from Ionia County Career Center will be referred to the sending district.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE 

This facility employs video surveillance for security purposes. The video captured from surveillance cameras will be viewed by District personnel on a random basis and/or when problems have been brought to the attention of the District. 

Students or staff whose recorded actions are deemed to violate District policies, administrative regulations, or provisions of law may be subject to disciplinary action. A video may be used by the District as evidence in any disciplinary action brought against any student or staff member arising out of the individual’s conduct on District property. 

When appropriate, video captured may be referred to or viewed by law enforcement agencies.

RIGHT TO IMPLEMENT NEW RULES AND REGULATIONS 

The Administration has the right to implement new rules and regulations which are not stated in this handbook which are necessary to maintain and promote an appropriate environment for learning.

SUSPENSION PROCEDURES

1. The student shall be informed of the specific charges which could be the basis for disciplinary action to be taken against him/her.
2. The student will have the right to present to the school administrator any relevant information that will support his/her defense.
3. If the student is suspended by the school administrator, the administrator will:
   1. Notify the parents or guardians as soon as possible of the suspension, the reason(s) for it, and the steps necessary to insure the student's return.
   2. Notify the home school.                                         

SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

State legislation signed into law by the governor of Michigan impacts student discipline in Ionia County Career Center. Ionia County Intermediate School District and thereby the Ionia County Career Center, accordingly adopted policies to allow for these changes:

1. PA 104 requires the permanent expulsion of students in grades 6 and above who intentionally cause or attempt to cause physical harm to a teacher, volunteer or contractor in a school.  Additionally, expulsion of up to 180 days is required for students in grades 6 or above for verbal threats, bomb threats, or similar threats.
2. PA 103 allows a teacher to suspend any age student from his/her class, subject or activity for up to 1 day if the teacher "has good reason to believe" the pupil's conduct would merit suspension under the local board student code of conduct. Ionia Public Schools boards policy reads: Under Public Act 103, a teacher is authorized to immediately remove and suspend a student from a class, subject or activity when the student's behavior is so unruly, disruptive or abusive that it materially interferes with the teacher's ability to effectively teach the class, subject or activity, or the student's behavior interferes with the ability of other students to learn.
3. PA 102 requires school districts to expel a student in grade 6 or above for up to 180 days for student assault. Assault is defined as: Intentional, unauthorized physical contact or threatening words with another person which causes physical injury or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury.

BULLYING AND OTHER AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR TOWARD STUDENTS

It is the policy of the District to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for all of its students.

This Policy protects all students from bullying/aggressive behavior regardless of the subject matter or motivation for such impermissible behavior.

Bullying or other aggressive behavior toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties, including Board Members, parents, guests, contractors, vendors, and volunteers, is strictly prohibited.  This prohibition includes written, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, including hazing, gestures, comments, threats, or actions to a student, which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm, reasonable fear for personal safety or personal degradation.

Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment or bullying is expected of administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers to provide positive examples for student behavior.

This policy applies to all “at school” activities in the District, including activities on school property, in a school vehicle, and those occurring off school property, if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-

approved or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school’s control, or where an employee is engaged in school business.  Misconduct occurring outside of school may also be disciplined if it interferes with the school environment.

NOTIFICATION

Notice of this Policy will be annually circulated to and posted in conspicuous locations in all school buildings and departments within the District and discussed with students, as well as incorporated into the teacher, student, and parent/guardian handbook.  State and Federal rights posters on discrimination and harassment shall also be posted at each building.  All new hires will be required to review and sign off on this policy and the related complaint procedure.

Parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim(s), as well as of the alleged aggressor(s), shall be promptly notified of any complaint or investigation as well as the results of the investigation to the extent consistent with student confidentiality requirements.  A record of the time and form of notice or attempts at notice shall be kept in the investigation file.

To the extent appropriate and/or legally permitted, confidentiality will be maintained during the investigation process.  However, a proper investigation will, in some circumstances, require the disclosure of names and allegations.  Further, the appropriate authorities may be notified, depending on the nature of the complaint and/or the results of the investigation.

REPORTING

The District shall submit to the Department of Education a copy of this Policy.

The District shall report incidents of bullying to the Department of Education on an annual basis according to the form and procedures established by the Department of Education.

Should this Policy be amended or otherwise modified, the District shall submit a copy of the amended or modified Policy to the Department of Education no later than thirty (30) days after adopting the modification.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Superintendent is responsible to implement this Policy, and may develop further guidelines, not inconsistent with this Policy.

This Policy is not intended to and should not be interpreted to interfere with legitimate free speech rights of any individual.  However, the District reserves the right and responsibility to maintain a safe environment for students, conducive to learning and other legitimate objectives of the school program.

PROCEDURES

Any student who believes s/he has been or is the victim of bullying, hazing, or other aggressive behavior should immediately report the situation to the Principal.  The student may also report concerns to a teacher who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official.  Complaints against the building principal should be filed with the Superintendent.  Complaints against the Superintendent should be filed with the Board President.

A student may also submit a report or complaint to any of the above designated individuals through email, voicemail, regular mail or by leaving a sealed note addressed to the individual at that person’s office or desk.  The student may submit a report or complaint anonymously, but this may affect the ability to fully investigate the 

matter, when the complaining student is not available to provide additional information during the course of the investigation.

The identity of a student who reports bullying, hazing or aggressive behavior, as well as those students who provide information during an investigation will remain confidential to the extent possible and to the extent allowable by law.  Only school personnel directly involved in the investigation of the complaint or responsible for remedying any violations will be provided access to the identity of the complaining student(s) and student witnesses, and then only to the extent necessary to effectively deal with the situation.

The identity of a student who files the report or complaint will not be voluntarily shared with the alleged perpetrator(s) or the witnesses unless the student (and his/her parent/guardian) gives written permission to do so.  Any investigation report will likewise not be voluntarily produced with the names of reporting student(s) or witnesses.  However, under certain circumstances, the District may be required by law to disclose the report and/or the student(s) names.  Also, under certain circumstances, the identity of the reporting student may become obvious even without disclosure by school personnel.

Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be aggressive behavior directed toward a student.  Reports shall be made to those identified above.  While reports may be made anonymously, formal disciplinary action may not be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report without other corroborating evidence.

The Principal (or other designated administrator) shall promptly investigate and document all complaints about bullying, aggressive or other behavior that may violate this Policy.  The investigation must be completed as promptly as the circumstances permit and should be completed within three (3) school days after a report or complaint is made.

If the investigation finds an instance of bullying or aggressive behavior has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial action.  This may include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members.  Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement or other appropriate officials.

If, during an investigation of a reported act of harassment, intimidation and/or bullying/cyberbullying, the Principal or appropriate administrator believes that the reported misconduct may have created a hostile learning environment and may have constituted unlawful discriminatory harassment based on a Protected Class, the Principal will report the act of bullying and/or harassment to one of the Anti-Harassment Compliance Officers so that it may be investigated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Policy 8018 – Discriminatory Harassment of Students.

The individual responsible for conducting the investigation shall document all reported incidents and report all verified incidents of bullying, aggressive or other prohibited behavior, as well as any remedial action taken, including disciplinary actions and referrals, to the Superintendent.  The Superintendent shall submit a compiled report to the Board on an annual basis.

NON-RETALIATION/FALSE REPORTS

Retaliation or false allegations against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying or aggressive behavior (as a witness or otherwise), or is the target of the bullying or aggressive behavior being investigated, is prohibited and will not be tolerated.  Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board Policy, independent of whether a complaint of bullying is substantiated.  Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying/aggressive behavior.

Making intentionally false reports about bullying/aggressive behavior for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated.  Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.

PREVENTION/TRAINING

The Superintendent shall establish a program or other initiatives involving school staff, students, clubs or other student groups, administrators, volunteers, parents, law enforcement, community members, and other stakeholders, aimed at the prevention of bullying or other aggressive behavior.

The District shall provide, and all administrators, school employees, contracted employees and volunteers who have significant contact with students shall undertake annual training on preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying and other aggressive behavior.

The District shall provide, and capable students shall undertake, annual training on preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying, cyber bullying and other aggressive behavior.

The District shall provide and all parents or legal guardians shall be offered the opportunity to undertake annual training on preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying, cyber bullying and other aggressive behavior.

DEFINITIONS 

The following definitions are provided for guidance only.  If a student or other individual believes there has been bullying, hazing, harassment or other aggressive behavior, regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it immediately and allow the administration to determine the appropriate course of action.

“Aggressive Behavior” is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough, to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well-being.  Such behavior includes, for example, bullying, hazing, stalking, intimidation, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hitting/pushing/shoving.

“At School” is defined as in a classroom, elsewhere on school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises.  It also includes conduct using a telecommunications access device or telecommunications service provider that occurs off school premises if either owned by or under the control of the District.

“Bullying” is defined as any written, verbal, or physical acts, including cyber bullying (i.e. any electronic communication, including, but not limited to internet, telephone or cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or wireless handheld device) that, without regard to its subject matter or motivating animus, is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one (1) or more students either directly or indirectly by doing any of the following:

• Substantially interfering with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one (1) or more students;
• Adversely affecting the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the school district’s educational programs or activities by placing the student in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress;
• Having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a student’s physical or mental health; and/or;
• Causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying can be physical, verbal, psychological, or a combination of all three.  Some examples of bullying are:

• Physical – hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, pulling; taking and/or damaging personal belongings or extorting money, blocking or impeding student movement, unwelcome physical contact;
• Verbal – taunting, malicious teasing, insulting, name calling, making threats;
• Psychological – spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, coercion, or engaging in social exclusion/shunning, extortion, or intimidation.  This may occur in a number of different ways, including but not limited to notes, emails, social media postings, and graffiti.

“Harassment” includes, but is not limited to, any act which subjects an individual or group to unwanted, abusive behavior of a nonverbal, verbal, written or physical nature, often on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, marital status or disability, but may also include sexual orientation, physical characteristics (e.g., height, weight, complexion), cultural background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location (e.g., from rival school, different state, rural area, city, etc.).

“Intimidation/Menacing” includes, but is not limited to, any threat or act intended to: place a person in fear of physical injury or offensive physical contact; to substantially damage or interfere with a person's property; or to intentionally interfere with or block a person’s movement without good reason.

“Staff” includes all school employees and Board Members.

“Third Parties” include, but are not limited to, coaches, school volunteers, parents, school visitors, service contractors, vendors, or others engaged in District business, and others not directly subject to school control at inter-district or intra-district athletic competitions or other school events.

For further definition and instances that could possibly be construed as:

Harassment, see Policy 8018

Hazing, see Policy 8270

M.C.L. 380.1310B (Matt’s Safe School Law, PA 241 of 2011), PA 478 of 2014

Policies on Bullying, Michigan State Board of Education

Model Anti-Bullying Policy, Michigan State Board of Education

Attendance is the cornerstone of the technical and work-related skill training that all of our programs offer, and is a significant factor in securing and keeping a job or being accepted into advanced training. Students are expected to attend class when it is in session. Students’ Paid Points grades will be affected due to tardiness and/or absences.  All student attendance data is available for families to view in the ICISD Skyward Family Access.

Students are expected to be in attendance every day. Every absence must be documented. If the instructor receives documentation (written note, email or phone call) within 2 days of the absence, partial work ethic points may be reinstated. When a student has a documented absence, credit equivalent work will be assigned. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the assignment(s).

Students who are absent an excessive amount will have the following mandated interventions.    After 3+ absences teachers will be communicating with parents regarding student attendance.  At 5+ absences the Career Center Student Services Coordinator will be contacting parents regarding the attendance concern.  Students missing an excessive amount of school, 8+  absences, that are falling behind academically will attend Success Center each week to discuss why they have accrued the absences and to sort through what needs to take place in order to catch up academically in class.  All students assigned to Success Center or who have 8+ absences trigger communication with local school counselors so they are aware of the concern.  Students with 12  absences will meet with Ionia County Career Center representatives:  Career Center Student Services Coordinator,  Career Center Principal, the student’s parent/s and a local high school representative (if available).  The meeting will determine if the absences were warranted due to:  a medical issue, family tragedy or other extraordinary circumstances. 

A student that accrues 18 absences in a semester will be dropped at the quarter or semester end date, whichever occurs sooner,  from his or her career center class.  

Days missed due to medical needs as documented with a medical note from a healthcare provider, religious observances, absences documented with a note from a court or any school related absences as documented by local high school administration will not count towards the 18 absence rule.

TARDINESS 

Students are expected to be in the assigned instructional area by the beginning of class time. Any students arriving after that time will be considered tardy.  Each classroom has a tardy policy with specific guidelines. If a student arrives later than thirty (30) minutes after the beginning of class, or leaves more than thirty (30) minutes prior to the end of the class, it will be considered an absence.

SCHOOL RELATED ABSENCES

If you must be absent due to a required school related function (athletic competition, assembly, field trip, school-wide testing, school sporting event, job shadow, college visit or similar documented event or local school transportation not available), we must have notification from your high school.  If a school related event is deemed optional by a local administrator, then students are required to attend their Career Center Class during that event.

MAKE-UP WORK

Make-up work will be arranged between the student and teacher. It is the students' responsibility to request make-up work immediately following an absence. Make-up work must be completed within an equal number of days to the number of days of the absence. If laboratory work cannot be made up, a credit equivalent assignment will be given to the student. All students are given an opportunity to retest. The procedure for re-testing will be explained by your instructor.

The following awards are presented at the annual Award Ceremony:

• Program Award: A plaque is given to one student per program per section. Students are nominated by the instructor as the individual who represents the highest accomplishment in all areas identified through the Ionia County Career Center Paid Points. 
• Outstanding Senior Award: Certificate given to a senior student per section who has shown the highest level of technical and related academic achievement, attitude,  and attendance.
• Outstanding Junior Award:  Certificate given to a junior student per section who has shown the highest level of technical and related academic achievement, attitude, and attendance.
• Student(s) of the Month: Certificate given each month to a student who is nominated by their instructor as Student of the Month.
• Perfect Attendance: Certificate given to students who have had no absences which are other than school related. Days of suspension exclude the student from this award.
• Student Advisory: Representatives and Alternates from each program area will be honored at the awards ceremony.
• Honor Cords: Seniors will receive an honor cord if they have completed all 12 segments/PCCs of the program curriculum and have a 3.0 GPA or above each semester. 
• Golden Program Awards: Competitions will be held in each program to earn the “Golden Program Award” e.g. golden hammer, golden spatula, etc. The Golden Award will be presented to one student from each section who emerges as the competition's winner.

Breaks during the class period are a privilege that may or may not be granted by the instructor.

The Ionia County Career Center promotes the use of its computer resources to enhance learning and seeks to improve the computer literacy of its students. All students are encouraged to make use of these resources in pursuit of their educational goals. The computer resources are available to students for educational purposes only. Computers are to be utilized under the supervision of Ionia County Career Center staff. The Ionia County Intermediate School District (ICISD) network and internet access agreement for student’s form is found on the ICISD website.

Access to computer network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. The use of the computer resources is a privilege, not a right, and seeks to protect legitimate computer users by imposing sanctions on those who abuse the privilege. Any violation of this policy may result in a suspension or the revoking of some or all computer network privileges and referral for disciplinary action.

All students are assured of the right to pursue technical training in a safe environment which is free of interference caused by other students. Any offense of a criminal nature will be referred to local law enforcement. The following activities have been determined to be detrimental to a positive learning experience:

1. Arson - Use of fire to destroy or attempt to destroy property.
2. Automobile Misuse - Driving to school without permission from the home school and parent/guardian or inappropriate use of an automobile on school property. This includes parking, speeding, and unsafe driving.
3. Bus Misconduct - Not following bus rules and regulations.
4. Classroom Misconduct - Any language, behavior or dress which disrupts the orderly educational process or which limits the effectiveness of the instructor will not be tolerated. The major areas of misconduct are lack of respect for staff or other students and behavior which disrupts classroom or lab instruction.
5. Displays of Affection - Displays of affection may result in disciplinary action depending on seriousness and number of occurrences.
6. Drugs or Alcohol - Buying, selling, use, possession or being under the influence of drugs or other intoxicating substances. Students will be referred to local law enforcement officials.
7. Explosive Devices - The use or threat of use, possession, or sale of explosive devices, including firecrackers, smoke bombs, etc.
8. Extortion - Demanding money, or something of value from another person, in return for protection from violence or threat of violence.
9. False Witness (Lying) - Writing or giving false or misleading information to school officials.
10. Fighting/Assault - Any intentional unauthorized contact or physical threats which cause contact with another person and could be expected to cause physical injury.
11. Gambling - Participating in games of chance for the purpose of exchanging money.
12. Insubordination/Defiance of Authority/Disrespect - Any action which is contradictory to the rules or the specific training program. Examples: not following an instructor's directions, verbal disrespect toward staff or other students.
13. Leaving Class/Building/Site Without Permission - Leaving the assigned training area without permission.
14. Menacing or Harassment - Intentionally intimidating or threatening another person or attempting to place another person in fear of physical injury by word or conduct.
15. Obscene or Offensive Language or Gestures - Verbal or written language or gesture which is considered by any member of the staff to be objectionable, offensive or insensitive to others.
16. Theft or Destruction of Property - Any attempt to steal, damage or destroy personal or school property will result in disciplinary action including one or all of the following:
    1. Personal responsibility to repair the damage
    2. Personal responsibility to pay for it
    3. Return the missing item(s)
    4. Parent and homeschool notification
    5. Suspension
    6. Possible legal action
17. Tobacco/Nicotine/Marijuana Products - Use or possession of any these materials  or their delivery system in any form on school property, adjacent areas and work sites. Students under 21 years old may be referred to local law enforcement officials.
18. Unsafe Work Practices, Reckless Endangering - Participating in horseplay, failing to follow work practices and safety regulations which have been taught, failing to wear safety equipment.
19. Weapons - A student found to have a weapon or an instrument to be used as a weapon in his/her possession will be recommended for board expulsion. A weapon-free school zone exists at every public and private K-12 school in Michigan and includes school grounds and district vehicles which transport students. A student found in possession of a dangerous weapons in a weapon-free school zone will be recommended for board expulsion from all public schools in Michigan. A detailed description of the policy is available upon request.
20. Vaping and or vaping paraphernalia is not allowed on campus. Students under 21 in possession of either may be referred to law enforcement agencies.
21. Defensive sprays – are not allowed on campus and will be considered a safety violation.

The student's appearance should simulate a work environment and not be distracting to the educational process. Each individual program has specific requirements which will be provided by your instructor. Refusal to abide by Ionia County Career Center and/or individual program dress code will cause students to be subject to disciplinary action.

• Ionia County Career Center will provide special safety equipment in the programs where it is required for participation. Any student not wearing required safety equipment will be removed from the laboratory and given an alternative assignment.
• Lower body garments must not be shorter than fingertip length.
• The upper portion of the body must be covered from the shoulders to the top of the lower garment. Revealing and low-cut necklines, halter or tank tops, "spaghetti" straps, muscle shirts, bare midriffs and backs are not allowed.
• Excessive rips, tears, or holes in pants above the knee are not allowed.
• Physically revealing or suggestive clothing is not allowed. This includes any article of clothing that reveals undergarments (sagging or low-rise pants).
• Hats, sunglasses, hoods, sweatbands, and any other head coverings must be removed before entering the building.
• Students will not be allowed to wear any items which express messages containing profanity, have offensive slogans or pictures, are drug or gang related, express sexual messages or sexual innuendo, contain advertising for alcoholic beverages or tobacco, nicotine related images and/or verbiage or are considered by staff to be distracting to the educational process. If you aren’t old enough to buy it, you can’t wear it.

Field trips are a privilege for students. Students must abide by all school policies during transportation and during field-trip activities, and shall treat all field trip locations as though they are school grounds. Failure to abide by school rules and/or location rules during a field trip may subject the student to discipline.

Occasionally, programs will schedule field trips to employers, businesses and/or colleges in the area. If the field trips extend beyond the normal class period, sending school approval is necessary. All students who wish to attend a field trip must receive written permission from a parent or guardian with authority to give permission. Students are required to hand in to their instructor their completed field trip permission slip, a minimum of two days prior to the trip.

Students may be prohibited from attending field trips for any of the following reasons: 

• Failure to receive appropriate permission from parent/guardian or teacher 
• Failure to complete appropriate coursework 
• Behavioral or safety concerns 
• Denial of permission from administration 
• Other reasons as determined by the school

Use of electronic devices as an instructional tool will be determined and monitored by the instructor.

Personal Electronics must remain out of sight unless use is documented in the staff lesson plan. A cell phone may be taken by the instructor. If taken, the cell phone will be returned to the student when they leave their program at the end of their daily scheduled time. Cases of insubordination or repeated cell phone violations concerning personal electronics will require a parental pickup of the device from the office during office hours (7AM-3PM).

It is the policy of Ionia Intermediate School District that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender, height, weight, marital status, or disability shall be subjected to discrimination in any program, service, activity, or in employment for which it is responsible.  Inquiries related to discrimination should be directed to: HR Director 2191 Harwood Road, Ionia, MI 48846 - (616) 527-4900.

Any person wishing to inquire regarding these policies or to file a complaint should contact:

• Ionia County Career Center Principal
  • 250 E. Tuttle Rd., Ionia, MI 48846
  • 616-527-6540
• HR Director
  • 2191 Harwood Rd., Ionia, MI 48846
  • 616-527-4900

Fire, Tornado, and Lockdown Procedure Information: The Educational Center is required by law to have various emergency drills. Emergency procedures will be given by your instructor. In all emergency procedures: pay attention, observe the instructor, listen to directions and respond immediately. Silence & cooperation must be maintained during drills and emergencies

It is against the law to set off a false fire alarm. Anyone found to have set off a false alarm will be suspended from school, referred to law enforcement authorities and billed for the costs incurred by the fire department, law enforcement and the district.

No food or beverages opened or consumed in the computer labs or hallways.

VERBAL

• Written or spoken innuendos, comments, jokes, insults, threats, or disparaging remarks concerning a person's gender, national origin, religious beliefs, etc.
• Conducting a "campaign of silence" toward a fellow student, staff member, or other person associated with the district by refusing to have any form of social interaction with the person.

NONVERBAL

Placing objects, pictures, or graphic commentaries in the school environment or making insulting or threatening gestures.

Grades are issued per semester. The grades are sent to the home school and are included on student grade reports. Grades are issued on the standard A-F grading scale. Grades are available in Skyward and progress reports may be printed at any time upon student or guardian request. The four categories students are graded on are: Lab, Tests, Work Ethics and Written. Work Ethics can count for no more than 20% of a student's grade. Students and parents can view grades and print progress reports at any time via their Ionia County Career Center Skyward accounts. Students who fail to pass 1st semester in their program, will be un-enrolled for the second semester.

Students are not to leave their assigned area of the building while classes are in session. Any student, who is leaving due to illness, prearranged absence, medical appointment, or other reason, must notify the instructor and sign out in the Career Center Office. Written permission or Verbal contact with parent/guardian will be required before a student will be released by office staff. If you have an age of majority permission form filled out on file at your high school and would like to use that privilege here, we must have a copy.

For programs with classroom lockers students will be assigned lockers in appropriate areas. Student lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school. To ensure the safety of all, lockers may be inspected by school authorities for any reason at any time without notice, consent, or search warrant. Students are expected to assume full responsibility for the contents of their lockers. Illegal items (firearms, weapons, drugs, alcohol) or other possessions reasonably determined as a threat to the safety or security of others or that are considered contraband will be seized by school authorities. Items which are used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process will be confiscated.

Our mission is to provide career and technical education that prepares life-long learners for success in a changing world.

The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is an educational non-profit that exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in Career & Technical Education. As the honor society for Career & Technical Education, NTHS serves over 100,000 active members annually in both secondary and postsecondary chapters across the country.

The Ionia County Career Center recognizes and honors students for outstanding achievement in their respective career/technical programs. This recognition is achieved through a process that evaluates students based on exemplary academic performance, attendance, behavior, leadership, and attitude. Instructors will nominate students for NTHS each year. Students that choose to accept the nomination will complete the requirements and then be inducted into NTHS.

Non-Discrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity Policy

Parent involvement and communication are encouraged. We request that parents make arrangements prior to their visit. Visitors are required to check in with the Career Center Office and receive a Visitor Badge immediately upon entering the building.

Student pictures, both still and video, and names will be printed in school publications, on web sites, and given to local media on occasion. Any parent/guardian or student, if over age 18, may request that the student's name or picture not be used for publications or communication media. Such requests must be made in writing to the principal of the career center.

Student Emergency Form

All students are required to complete an emergency form. This form provides emergency and medical phone numbers, health information, medication and restrictions.

Accidents or Injuries

All accidents or injuries must be reported to your instructor immediately.

Illness

Ionia County Career Center does not have an area available for ill students. If a student becomes ill, he/she must notify the instructor and an administrator. The office will contact a parent/guardian for transportation home. Students may not go home unless office personnel are able to reach a parent, guardian or other emergency contact listed on their Student Emergency Form.

Safety

Your instructor will train you in the proper use of equipment in your area. Federal and state laws require certain devices to be worn such as hard hats, safety glasses, hair nets, proper clothing and footwear. It is essential that you follow safety practices at all times. Horseplay or unsafe actions are not permitted in any program area.  

Every year, scholarships and/or grants for both continuing education and entry into the workforce are available to seniors.  For further details, please inquire with your instructor. 

To maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities may search a student, student belongings, vehicles, student lockers, and desks under the circumstances outlined below and may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search. Student lockers and desks are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school district; however, students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers and desks. 

Students should not expect privacy regarding items placed in school property because school property is subject to search at any time by school officials. School authorities for any reason may conduct periodic general inspection of lockers and desks at any time without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

A student's failure to permit searches and seizures as provided in this policy will be considered grounds for disciplinary action. A student's person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, book bag, athletic bag) may be searched whenever a school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials. The search must also be reasonable in scope. If a properly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such findings shall be turned over to proper legal authorities for ultimate disposition.

Local law enforcement canine units may be used.

Search of the student's person or possessions will be limited to the situation where there is reasonable suspicion that the search of the student will reveal evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law and or school rules that a student is in possession of evidence of an illegal act, or a school violation.

When it is practical, the student shall be present when a search of his/her possessions (including automobiles) is conducted. Items confiscated during an inspection, investigation, or search will be held by school administration pending further investigation, or disciplinary action. The search must be reasonable in scope to the objectives of the search, not excessively intrusive in light of age/sex of pupil and nature of the infraction.

Items held or confiscated by the school will be evaluated for return to students’ parents or guardians upon completion of an investigation or a disciplinary action. Contraband or unlawful items, the possession of which violates the Guideline for Student Behavior, School District Policy, State Laws, and/or Federal Law, shall not be returned to the student or to any representative of the student; such items shall be turned over to law enforcement officials or, if not desired by such law enforcement officials, shall be destroyed by the school. Other items left unclaimed after an investigation or a disciplinary action will be disposed of by the school.

It is a violation of law and of school rules for any student or staff member to take any of the following actions toward another student or staff member, or any person associated with the school district while on district property or at any school-related event on or off district property.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

• VERBAL: Written or spoken sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, jokes of a sexual nature, sexual propositions or threats.
• NONVERBAL: Placing sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or graphic commentaries in the school environment or making sexually suggestive or insulting gestures, sounds, leering, whistling, and the like.
• PHYSICAL CONTACT: Threatened, attempted, or actual unwanted bodily contact, including patting, pinching, or pushing the body.

In the event of snow or other inclement weather, watch your local television station for Ionia County Career Center closing, check our Facebook page, and/or visit the Ionia County ISD website (www.ioniaisd.org).

Facebook

Instagram

Visit the ICISD website, www.ioniaisd.org, to view the social networking policy.

Students who have health issues are required to inform the Ionia County Career Center office at 616-527-6540. It is essential that the Career Center personnel are aware of any health issue. Persistent personal hygiene issues, including but not limited to lice and bedbugs, that are persistent may be cause for removal from some programs.

Student Advisory is made up of two students elected from each program. The morning and afternoon sections will each have a council. Membership selection will take place within the first three weeks of the school year in each program area. Officers will be elected at the first meeting.

Click here to view P.A.I.D. Points

Taking medication during school hours or during school-related activities is prohibited unless it is necessary for a student's health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child by completing the Student Emergency Form.

No school or district employee is allowed to administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed Student Emergency Form is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student is allowed to possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this procedure. 

A student may possess a prescribed insulin pump, cough drops or antacids (such as tums, Rolaids, etc.). In addition, students may possess an epinephrine auto injector (EpiPen®) and/or an asthma inhaler prescribed for immediate use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed the Student Emergency Form.

If it is necessary for a student to bring medications to school, the medication must be stored in the office for the safety of the student and others. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Ionia County Career Center Office if the medication needs special storage conditions, i.e. refrigeration. In order to facilitate a standard practice in dispensing, storage, and administration of medication, the following guidelines are to be followed:

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Parent or guardian of the student shall provide the school with written permission (completion of Student Emergency form) to store and dispense the medication. The Student Emergency form is available in the office.

Medication must be in the original container which clearly identifies the contents, the dosage, and the student’s name. 

Medication shall be under the exclusive and secured control of designated school employee(s). 

Medication shall be dispensed only in accordance with the instructions of the assigned physician.

NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Must be in the original container (aspirin bottle, cough medicine bottle, etc.).

Must be clearly identified as to the name and type of medication and dosage instruction. 

A note, signed and dated by the parent or guardian giving the student’s name, medication name and dosage instruction, specific dosage time and other necessary instructions must accompany the medication. We will not dispense any medication that has not been supplied by the parent or guardian of the student requesting medication. All medications not picked up at the end of the ICISD school year will be disposed of after July 1.

Your cumulative record is maintained electronically in the Ionia County Career Center office. You or your parents/guardians can see any of these records. Your records are closed to persons or agencies outside of the school without your written permission. Professional school personnel have the right to review your records when the need arises.

Local high school students who wish to visit Ionia County Career Center programs should arrange for those visits through their local high school counselor.

Transportation is provided to and from Ionia County Career Center by most sending schools; in addition, some schools require that students use their bus transportation. However, if the local high school allows driving or riding with other drivers then students must park in designated Ionia County Career Center student parking lot.

Parking in the back of the building, staff lots and west IPS parking lots are all prohibited.

Issues such as excessive tardies, littering, squealing of tires, loitering or sitting in vehicles, or other unsafe, disruptive, or hazardous actions may result in a loss of driving privileges and/or other disciplinary actions. Students who drive or park while on a “driving suspension” will permanently lose their driving privileges and be subject to further disciplinary action.

The school is not responsible for student vehicles, any possessions left in them, or anything attached to the vehicles. STUDENTS PARK THEIR VEHICLES ON SCHOOL PROPERTY AT THEIR OWN RISK. Students should be aware their vehicles are not protected in any way while in the parking lot, and items of value should not be left in or near the vehicle while unattended.

Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in vehicles parked on school grounds. School lots are regularly searched by contraband dogs, administration, parking lot supervisors, and police officers. Students should be aware that items and spaces on school grounds are subject to view by others. Based on the reasonable suspicion standard, vehicles parking on school grounds may be subject to search. Prohibited items discovered during the course of a search will result in discipline, including, but not limited to expulsion from school, as well as referral to law enforcement.

Unauthorized or abandoned vehicles left in the parking lot(s) will be towed away. The owner of the vehicle will be responsible for towing and storage fees. 

Work-Based Learning is the alignment of classroom and workplace learning with the application of academic, technical and employability skills in a work setting. Students can explore a career through a work-based learning experience within a business or industry.

Job Shadow: An opportunity for students to visit and observe a person in business or industry. This experience typically takes place during the students’ class period, however can range up to a full day including after school day hours. This experience is coordinated by the instructor.

Internship: An opportunity for students to explore a career by working in business or industry demonstrating the skills they learned in their program.  The duration of this experience will vary per student and is coordinated by the Work Based Learning Coordinator.  This experience can be paid or unpaid. Instructor approval is required.

For more information regarding work-based learning go to:  Work Based Learning Internship Request Form