Student Rights
The rights of individuals are preserved only by the protection and preservation of the rights of others. A student is responsible for the manner in which his/her individual rights are exercised and must accept the consequence of any actions that are committed outside the boundaries of those rights.
The Right to Learn
Each student has the right to attend school and gain an education as provided by law.
The right to learn also includes the right of classes to meet and carry on studies without disruption, whether from within the classroom or from outside. Behavior that disrupts the normal functioning of classes is an infringement on the rights of others.
A student who has been absent from school has the right to make up the work missed during any excused absence.
The Right to Free Speech and Expression
Students at Rufus King IB High School are culturally diverse. Students have the right to express opinions, to take stands, and to support causes, either publicly or privately, provided such expressions are not libelous or obscene according to current legal definition and do not interfere with the rights of others or disrupt the climate for learning in the school.
School-sponsored publications shall follow the rules for responsible journalism. Permission of the school principal is required for distribution of literature.
Notices containing information about events that will take place within the school area shall be posted in the place designated by the school principal. All notices for events, either inside school or outside, shall be approved by the principal prior to posting.
The Right to Personal Property
Students have a right to be secure in their persons, papers, and effects; however, they must refrain from bringing onto school property or to school-sponsored events any materials or items that would cause or tend to cause a disruptive activity or endanger the health and safety of students or other persons. Lockers belong to the school and may be searched by school officials. Illegal items may be seized by school administrators, and items that are used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be removed from student possession.
Students’ materials are safe only so long as their locker combinations are kept secret. Students should be cautioned not to give their locker combination to anyone else.
All students, upon receiving texts and other materials, are to enter the date, their name and homeroom, in ink, and in their own handwriting, on the label inside the front cover.
Students should be encouraged to mark their name on the inside and outside of their gym shoes and equipment with a permanent marker.
All students should report missing items immediately upon discovery that they are lost or stolen. Lost and found services are operated out of the safety office, room 130A.
The Right to be Informed of Rules
Students have the right to be informed of all policies, rules, and regulations they will be expected to follow. The basic rules shall be published and distributed to all students, parents/guardians, and other interested persons.
The Right to Privacy
Students’ right to privacy regarding school records will be protected and any disclosure information from a student’s permanent records shall be consistent with legal requirements.
The Right Regarding Student Dress
Students have the right to choose their manner of dress and personal grooming, but they are expected to dress adequately, suitable for weather conditions, and in good taste. Any attire that presents a clear danger to the student’s health and safety, causes interference with work, or creates classroom or school disruption is inappropriate. Many of you have jobs or know someone who is employed. School is your full-time job. Generally speaking, if an item cannot be worn in a work setting, it should not be worn to school.
Read more about the Rufus King Dress Code >>
The Right to Participate in Student Government
Students have the right to be represented and to air grievances, problems, and concerns through legitimate channels provided by the school. Student government exists to represent and be responsive to students’ needs. Offices shall be open to all students who meet eligibility requirements, and all students may vote for officers. The Constitution of the Student Council shall define procedural matters governing terms of office, meeting times, method of conducting meetings, make-up of the representative body, and the purpose of the organization. The Student Council has the responsibility to communicate with the student body, faculty, and administration. A faculty member advises the Student Council.
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Academics 
