School Policies

As a reminder, our hours are:

• School Hours: 7:40 a.m. - 2:10 p.m.
• Office Hours: 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Tardy Procedures

Each student will be given a ten minute grace period to arrive at school. Students who arrive at school after 7:55 a.m. must report to the Attendance Coordinator for a tardy slip. Students will not be permitted into the classroom without a tardy slip. Please note, students are considered late if they report to school after 7:45 a.m.

Absence Procedures

To report an absent child, call the school office or email us using this Absence Reporting Form.

Children are expected to attend school each day. If your child is ill or an emergency occurs, please contact the main office that school day at (513) 363-1000. Also, please send a note when the child returns to class.

If your child has a medical condition that may cause him/her to miss school days, please provide the school with medical documentation.

If chronic unexcused absences become an issue, then the following steps will occur:

• Two unexcused absences — The student will be assigned detention and a warning letter will be mailed to the parents.
• Three unexcused absences — The student will be assigned to an in-school suspension and a letter will be sent home to the parent.
• Four unexcused absences — A parent-conference will be held.
• Five unexcused absences — Court referral will be made.

Any student that has chronic unexcused tardies/early dismissals by parent request/absences equals up to five unexcused absences. A court referral will be made to the Hamilton Country Juvenile Court.

Leaving Early Procedures

Students are scheduled to be in school from 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. each day. Students leaving school disrupt the educational process of not only the student being pulled out but the class itself. Please refrain from pulling students out, but if it has to happen please give the school prior notice.

A student being pulled out of class early to leave school more than twice a week or four times per month without appropriate documentation, such as medical/dental or mental health appointment or a death in the family, is considered unexcused. Please be advised three unexcused early dismissal requests by a parent or guardian equals one absent day.

Student behavior that distracts bus drivers is a hazard to the vehicle's safe operation, and jeopardizes the safety and welfare of all passengers. Misbehavior while on a yellow school bus or a Metro bus can result in disciplinary action for the student or the suspension of transportation service for the student. Read more about our requirements for student behavior on buses.

All students are required to wear a uniform daily.  Any combination of blue, black or khaki bottoms and white, light blue, navy or yellow tops are permitted.

• Young men's shirts must be tucked in, a belt must be worn on the pants, and pants pulled up to the waist.
• Appropriate length for skirts, shorts and dresses (fingertip length)
• No T-shirts
• No bandannas, no scarves (hijabs are allowed), no hats, no hoods.
• All uniform attire must be free from writing.
• Jeans are not permitted.
• No jackets or coats are to be worn inside the classroom throughout the day.
• Blue, white or khaki hoodies/sweaters (without writing) are permitted

Cell phones and/or electronic devices are not to be used during school hours. Cell phones and/or electronic devices should not be seen or heard during the school day. If the cell phone or electronic device is seen or heard, the cell phone or electronic device will be taken to the office and will only be returned to a parent and/or guardian. In addition, if the cell phone or electronic device is taken a second time, the cell phone or electronic device will remain at the school until the end of the school year. Hays-Porter School will not be responsible or liable for any lost or stolen cell phones or electronic devices such as CD players, MP3 players, iPods, etc. However, if at any time cell phones become an issue and create a safety concern for the school, they will be banned from school until further notice.

Review CPS' Code of Conduct for disciplinary procedures.

Students will be required to pay a fee for consumable items. Students will be given a form at the beginning of the school year for each family to determine the amount due. The fee is used by the Board of Education to supplement each child’s educational services. School fees are mandatory and must be paid each year. Other fees may be assessed if a student damages or loses books. Please note: Students whose fees are not current will not be permitted to attend field trips. In addition, sixth-grade students whose student fees have not been paid will not be permitted to participate in the sixth-grade Recognition Ceremony. Please contact the school office staff at (513) 363-1000 to inquire about your child’s student fee balance.

Snow days and school delays are announced on our website, local TV and radio stations, CPS' mobile app, and through automated phone calls. Assume school is open unless you hear otherwise.

Learn more about CPS' severe weather and emergency closing procedures.

We welcome visits from parents and guardians. However, to protect student safety, all visitors must sign in at the main office and wear a visitor's badge. Parents/guardians who would like a conference with their child's teacher must schedule an appointment with the teacher.