2007- 2008 High School Student Handbook
Note: You can download a PDF version of this handbook at the end of this document!
WELCOME TO ALEXANDER HIGH SCHOOL
The Board of Education of the Alexander Local School District has adopted numerous policies governing the operation of its schools and the conduct of its students. While this Handbook provides information about some of these policies, students and parents are subject to all policies of the Board of Education, as they now exist or as they are hereinafter adopted or amended, whether or not these policies are referenced in this Handbook.
It is the policy of the Alexander Local School District that students and parents be given a copy of this handbook, which includes mandatory student standards of conduct and disciplinary sanctions for violation of such standards. At the beginning of each school year, student standards of conduct shall be reviewed with every student.
It is the policy of Alexander Local School District to offer educational programs, services, activities and employment practices without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex , handicap or age.
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
2007 - 2008 school year. I hope that this year will be an exciting year for you, both academically and socially. Many questions you might have regarding the high school can be answered in the following pages. Please read carefully, and you will better understand the procedures, rules and expectations of students at Alexander High School. May this school year be one of the most rewarding in your school career.
Sincerely,
Frank Doudna, Ed D.
Principal
DISTRICT & SCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT
Alexander Local School District embraces quality education as its highest priority and seeks to provide students with experiences that promote respect, responsibility and the necessary skills to become productive citizens who engage in life-long learning.
The mission of Alexander High School is to provide a positive learning environment that inspires students to achieve through a variety of instructional methods.
ALEXANDER LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
2007 – 2008
School Calendar
2007 Aug 20 Teacher Work Day
Aug 21 Teacher In-Service Day
Aug 22 Waiver Day(No Students)
Aug 23 First Day for Students
Sept 3 No School – Labor Day
Oct 19 End of 1st Quarter(42)
Nov 2 Waiver Day(No Students)
Nov 9 No Classes -P/T Conferences
Nov 22 No School-Thanksgiving Day
Nov 23 No School-Vacation Day
Nov 26 No Classes – Vacation Day
Dec 20 Waiver Day(No Students)
Dec 20 End of 2nd Quarter(40)
Dec 21 No Classes - Winter Break
Begins
2008 Jan 2 School Resumes
Jan 18 Waiver Day(No Students)
Jan 21 No School -M.L. King Day
Feb 15 No Classes – P/T Conferences
Feb 18 No School -President’s Day
Mar 20 End of 3rd Quarter(54)
Mar 21 No Classes – Vacation Day
Mar 24 No School - Spring Break
Begins
Mar 31 School Resumes
May 26 No Classes-Memorial Day
May 28 Last Day for Students
May 28 End of 4th Quarter(42)
May 29 Teacher Work Day
If the number of calamity days to be made up exceeds 10, set vacation time may be used.
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
All serious accidents and illness at school must be reported to the teacher in charge and then to the clinic. The nurse on duty will use professional judgment as to the seriousness of the illness or injury, and every effort will be made to contact parents. Students are not to leave the school grounds and not be taken home unless authorized by parents.
INFORM THE OFFICE IF YOU CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER. IT COULD BE VERY IMPORTANT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. By law emergency medical forms, which are requested at the start of each school year, are kept on file in the office.
ACTIVITIES (DAY and NIGHT)
Students attending school related activities such as school dances, athletic events, plays, etc., are subject to all school regulations and are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times. Any student involved in disorderly conduct, possession of alcohol, drugs, fighting, smoking or possession of tobacco products, improper dress, etc, will be subject to strict discipline according to our Parent/Student Handbook. Class advisors, student leaders, and faculty members involved in school‑related activities are to work closely with the administration in charge of the student activity. These activities are essential components of school life. We will not allow a few unruly students to spoil these activities for the majority of our students who have the right to enjoy themselves.
School Rules for Dances
1. Students pay an admission to be admitted to a school dance.
2. Once a student leaves the dance, he/she will not be re‑admitted.
3. All school and state laws pertaining to users or possession of alcohol, tobacco products or other harmful drugs are in effect.
4. Proper conduct is required at all times.
5. School dances will be
chaperoned by advisor(s) and at least 2 other adults plus 2 uniformed police officers.
6. Guests will be admitted to dances
during the school year but they must be high school students, not 8th graders or below. Guests must secure permission from the principal’s office prior to the beginning of the dance. NO EXCEPTIONS.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Students arriving between 7:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. must report to the cafeteria. No students may go to classrooms before 7:45 a.m. Students are expected to leave the building immediately upon being dismissed unless permission is obtained from the office or unless you are taking part in a school function. No student may remain after school or ride a different bus without a note from his/her parent and initialed by the office.
ANNOUNCEMENTS (PA)
Only approved students can make announcements. All announcements must have prior teacher and administrative approval.
ASSEMBLIES
Students are to conduct themselves in a respectful and appreciative manner at assemblies. Appropriate applause is welcomed. Inappropriate yelling, noises, catcalls, etc. are not permitted. At pep rallies, inappropriate signs and homemade clothing (T-shirts) are not permitted. Cheering should be directed at the team, not for special classes.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
The Alexander Local Board of Education has adopted the Athens County School Attendance Program as developed by the Juvenile Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Athens County. The program states in relevant part: The main purpose of this program is to establish the mechanics of procedures to be followed in school attendance and to adopt a uniform attendance program for all school children of Athens County.
The mechanics begin with a first notice being sent by the school principal to the appropriate attendance officer when a child accumulates five (5) days of unexcused absences. Upon receipt of this first notice, the attendance officer, as compelled by law, Section 3321.19 Ohio Revised Code, notifies the child and the child's parents of the compulsory attendance laws and warns that if an additional five (5) unexcused absences are accumulated that further action will be taken. If the child accumulates an additional five (5) days, a second notice is mailed to the attendance officer by the school principal. The attendance officer then may either file an unruly child complaint in the Juvenile Court or request the Juvenile Court to notify the child and the child's parents to be present at an administrative hearing at a place and before a hearing officer to be designated by the school.
At the administrative hearing, which is held at the child's home school, the hearing officer advises the child of the legal definition of an unruly child, the possible legal consequence of being found to be unruly and advisement of the child's constitutional rights. The hearing officer, also, advises the parent that "failure to send a child to school is a crime for which the parent can be required to post a $500.00 bond. Additional violations could result in the parent being sentenced to up to 10 days in the Athens County Jail." If the matter is disposed of at the conference level, then the child does not have to appear in Court
Habitual Truant: Any child who is absent without “legitimate excuse for absence from the public school the child is supposed to attend” for five or more consecutive school days, seven or more school days in one school month, or 12 or more school days in a school year.
Chronic Truant: Any child of age who is absent without” legitimate excuse for absence from the public school the child is to attend” for seven or more consecutive school days, ten or more school days in one school month, or 15 or more school days in a school year.
The Missing Person Law now in effect in Ohio requires that schools notify parents when their child is absent. Parents should call the school if their child is going to be absent on any given day.
- Parent or guardian must write a signed excuse giving student's name, date, days of absence and reason for absence, upon the students return.
- Students must present excuse to the office.
- Credit will not be given for work missed
during an unexcused absence.
- Students must be in attendance on the day of an activity before attending or participating.
- Unexcused absence is defined as any absences not recognized in statue but requested by the parents. Unexcused absences may include, but are not limited to shopping, getting a haircut, missing the bus, and leaving school grounds for lunch.
- Five unexcused absences will be reported to the attendance officer.
Attendance
For the purpose of Alexander High School, absences shall be classified as follows:
1. The high school schedule is divided into periods in addition to homeroom. Absences will be counted accordingly.
2. Students are permitted eight (8) absences per period per year with a parent note. Thereafter, all absences other than medical or otherwise authorized by the principal will be deemed unexcused absences.
3. Students arriving after 8:05 are considered
tardy and must report to the office with a note from a parent or guardian or doctor explaining the reason for tardiness. Tardiness will be classified as follows:
- Students checking in after 8:05 will be given an AM tardy.
- Students checking out between 2:30-2:45 will be given a PM tardy.
- Missing more than 15 minutes of a class period will result in the student being marked absent for that class.
Accumulation of 4 non-medical tardies in any one grading period will result in a detention. Accumulation of additional tardies will result in more serious consequences, including referral to Athens County Juvenile Court.
Tardiness
Tardy to second through eighth period classes shall result in a warning for the first offense and a detention for each additional offense each nine weeks. This will be handled by the classroom teacher.
Repeated tardiness may result in a parent-teacher-principal conference and/or other disciplinary actions.
Student Attendance Policy – Loss of Grades for Excessive Absence
Alexander School District has a commitment to providing a quality education to its students. To achieve this goal, students must consistently be in attendance at school. Excessive absences, even if the absences are excused, cannot be tolerated.
Continuity in the learning process is seriously disrupted by a student's excessive absences. Make-up work cannot be adequately substituted for classroom work. Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more, and are more employable after leaving high school. The lack of good attendance causes students not to reach their potential, and these students frequently experience difficulty in school. Missing more than 15 minutes of a class is considered an absence.
Therefore, to ensure the highest level of student success, Alexander Local School District has instituted the following policy with respect to excessive student absence. The consequences contained in this policy are in addition to any other consequences in Board policy for violation of attendance rules.
No Credit Policy
1. Any high school student who is absent for seven or more days of unauthorized absences during a semester may receive no passing grades for those courses taken during that semester.
2. A medically excused absence is defined as an absence documented by a medical professional. A note from a parent, or from any other non-medical professional, does not constitute a medically excused absence.
3. For purposes of this policy, the following will not be considered as absences: school field trips, college visits, participation in school athletic contests, assemblies, school-sponsored extracurricular activities, and educational options.
4. A warning letter will be sent to a student's home after four days of unauthorized excused absences in any one semester. After seven or more days of unauthorized excused absences during a semester, a letter will be sent home stating that the student may not be receiving passing grades for any courses during that semester.
Right of Appeal
1. A student who receives no passing grades for semester courses under this policy may appeal to the Principal if the absences were the result of unusual or extenuating circumstances. Circumstances which may be considered in any appeal include:
a. Unusual family emergencies or circumstances
b. Actual grades earned in courses
c. Nature and number of absences
d. Previous attendance history
2. In order to appeal a no-passing grades determination, the student or student's parent or guardian must file a written appeal with the Principal within ten days of the date the letter was sent to the student's home indicating that the student had accumulated seven or more days of unauthorized absences. The appeal must state the reason why the student's absences warrant special consideration.
3. The appeal will be considered by the Principal who may uphold the no-passing determination, reverse the no-passing determination, or extend the number of allowable absences. The decision of the Principal is final.
4. Students are responsible for coming to class during an appeal, and also after losing passing grades for semester classes. Loss of passing grade does not relieve a student from the responsibility to attend school, and will have no effect on any other penalties established for truancy by law or by Board policy.
Attendance: Half Day
State law requires that students be scheduled for a full day of school except under the following conditions: (1) the student is enrolled in an approved work program, (2) the student is enrolled and taking classes given at Ohio University and/or Hocking College. A full day is defined as 5 ½ hours and lunch, or 7 periods.
AUDITING CLASSES
Students may choose to audit (take for no credit) any ¼ credit non-required elective. This would include school service, PE leadership, and any physical education course following completion of the required ½ credit. Students auditing classes must have prior principal approval to do so.
AWARD OF MERIT ELIGIBILITY
The requirements listed below have been adopted for the “Award of Merit”. This certificate will be awarded by the Ohio State Board of Education to all those who meet the criteria specified in A and C or B and C below.
A. COLLEGE PRE-CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
Complete the following minimum requirements:
- English – four (4) units. May include one (1) unit of fundamentals of speech.
- Mathematics – three (3) units. Must include one (1) unit of Algebra and one (1) unit of Geometry.
- Science – three (3) units. Must include two (2) units from among biology, chemistry and physics.
- Social Studies – three (3) units. Must include two (2) units of history and one-half(1/2) unit of civics or government.
- Foreign Language – three (3) units. Must include no less than two (2) units of any language for which credit is sought, i.e., three (3) units of one language or two (2) units of two languages.
- Complete two (2) units from one or more of the following or two (2) additional units from one or more of the areas listed in items A. 1 through A. 5 above.
- Business
- Computer Science
- Visual or Performing Arts
Courses taken as part of the post-secondary option apply to the criteria for the “Award of Merit”.
1. Complete a career technical occupational preparation program.
- Complete the following curriculum requirements:
- English—four (4) units
- Mathematics –three (3) units
- Science—two (2) units
- Social Studies—three (3) units
Applied academics credits earned via career-technical education shall apply to the criteria for the “Award of Merit”.
- Complete two (2) units from one or more of the following or two (2) additional units from one or more of the areas listed in items B. 2 above.
- Business
- Computer Science
- Foreign Language
- Visual or Performing Arts
C. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA(APPLIED TO BOTH CURRICULA)
- Maintain above average attendance for grades 9 through 12(compared to a rolling four-year state average). For 2007 the four-year state average is 94.32 percent attendance.
- Demonstrate outstanding achievement in the curriculum as evidenced by one of the following:
- earning the equivalent of an overall grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for grades 9 through 12
- earning the equivalent of an overall grade point average of 3.25 on a four scale for grades 11 and 12 or ranking in the top 25% of the class, whichever is more inclusive
3. Participate in co-curricular, extra-curricular or community activities in accordance with procedures established by the District Board of Education.
- Demonstrate outstanding citizenship/character traits in accordance with criteria established by the Board of Education.
BUS POLICY
Bus transportation is provided as an assistance to and a privilege for our students. For safety's sake, students who travel by bus are expected to observe the following guidelines on the way to and from school:
Bus Rules
All students should know their bus number, arrival, and departure times.
1. Pupils shall arrive at the bus stop before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
2. Pupils must wait in a location clear of traffic and away from the bus stops.
3. Behavior at the school bus stop must not endanger any person or any property.
4. Pupils must go directly to their assigned seats, or to any available seat if no seat has been assigned.
5. Pupils must remain seated, keeping aisles and exits clear.
6. Pupils must observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully; pupils must not distract the driver through misbehavior.
7. Pupils must not use profane language.
8. Pupils must not eat or drink on the bus except as required for medical reasons.
9. Pupils must not use tobacco on the bus.
10. Pupils must not have alcohol or drugs in their possession on the bus except for prescription medication required for a student.
11. Pupils must not throw or pass objects on, from or into the bus.
12. Pupils may keep with them at their seats those objects that can be held in their laps. Larger items may be stored, so long as a clear aisle to the exit door is maintained at all times and so long as each student can remain seated (no standees).
13. Pupils must leave or board the bus at locations to which they have been assigned unless they have a note to do otherwise signed by a parent or guardian and authorized by the school administration.
14. Pupils must not extend any part of their bodies out of the bus windows.
15. While waiting for the bus and while on the bus, pupils must conform their behavior to all of the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
16. Pupils must not engage in any behavior that interferes with the safe, orderly and efficient operation of the bus.
17. Students are not allowed to bring animals, balloons, or glass containers on the bus.
Bus Behavior Management Program
Minor Offense; Behavior within a driver’s control
- Verbal warning
- Reassign bus seats as needed.
- Private conference with student.
- Parent/Guardian courtesy letter.
.
Bus Safety Intervention:
1. Parent/Guardian courtesy letter sent home after 3 offenses recorded by bus driver.
2. First referral to the office: The student will receive one day bus suspension.
3. Second referral to the office: The student will be suspended from the bus for 3 days.
4. Third referral to the office: The student will be suspended from the bus for 5 days.
5. Fourth referral to the office: The student will be suspended from the bus for 10 days.
6. Fifth referral to the office: Removal from the bus for the remainder of the year.
7. “If severity dictates, any of the progressive steps may be bypassed.”
CLASS ACCELERATION
Either through a class acceleration plan, an educational options program, or the regular educational program, 18‑year‑old students may have the opportunity to complete their high school graduation requirements before the regularly scheduled time.
Requests for acceleration will be made to the building principal. The principal may seek input from the parents, teachers, counselors, psychologists, and administrators, after which he or she will make a decision based on the most developmentally appropriate educational program for each individual student.
CLASS SCHEDULES AND PROCEDURES
Schedule Changes During The First Two Weeks Of A Semester
Any request for a schedule change during the first two weeks of the semester shall be made to the guidance counselor. The counselor may seek input from parents, teachers, psychologist, and administrators, after which he or she will make a decision based on the most developmentally appropriate educational placement for each individual student.
The following may be some of the reasons for requesting a schedule change: a course failed which is a prerequisite for another course; and/or inappropriate class placement.
Class Withdrawals In A Semester
Students desiring to withdraw from a class,
without penalty, must do so no later than one week after the first mid‑term progress reports are sent out each semester. A withdrawal after this time will result in an “F” for the course. Students in a year course can withdraw only during this period in the 1st semester without penalty.
CLOSED CAMPUS
We have a closed campus policy. Students must stay on the school grounds from the time they arrive until dismissal.
Students must bring a written parental request to the office in order to leave the grounds for any reason. All students leaving school are to be signed out by their parent or guardian in the office.
COLLEGE VISITS
A student may be excused to visit a two or four year college providing he or she completes the necessary form available in the office. Juniors are permitted 2 days and seniors 3 days. No college visits may be taken after April 30.
COMMENCEMENT
Only those students who have completed all requirements for high school graduation before the day of commencement will be allowed to participate in the commencement exercises at Alexander High School. Students with outstanding fees will not be permitted to graduate. Students who are not eligible to be graduated with their own class will be allowed to participate in the first commencement following completion of the requirements for graduation.
Dress Code for Commencement
1. No jeans.
2. Boys wear dress slacks, dress shoes (no
sneakers), and dress shirts. (Ties optional)
3. Girls wear dresses, skirts, or slacks and
blouses, and dress shoes
COPY MACHINE USE
Students will not be permitted to use the copying machines in the office workroom. The only exceptions to this are office aides and special education assistants and teacher aides.
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
Any request to take a course by correspondence shall be made to the building principal. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools must accredit the selected course curriculum.
The principal may seek input from the parents, teachers, counselors, psychologist and administrators, after which he or she will make a decision based on the most developmentally appropriate educational program for each individual student.
In order to maintain the most appropriate placement for each student, course work may be taken for remediation and/or acceleration. However, a student must attempt the course prior to taking it by correspondence unless there are extenuating circumstances. A student may earn no more than four (4) credits toward a diploma by completing correspondence courses. A student may earn no more than two (2) credits through correspondence courses during one (1) academic year.
DELAYING OR CLOSING SCHOOL
The following procedures will be used when making a decision to delay or cancel school because of adverse weather conditions:
1. The superintendent will announce as early as possible to local radio when school will be delayed or closed due to inclement weather.
2. When it is questionable whether school should be canceled, the superintendent will delay the start of school. Delays maybe in increments of 1 or 2 hours, or may result in cancellation.
3. If school has already begun and weather conditions change drastically and it appears best to dismiss school early, the radio stations will be notified, bus drivers called, and students will be taken home as soon as possible.
4. It shall be the bus drivers' decision whether to use the short route schedules. Their decisions will be based on the road conditions of their particular routes.
It is suggested that parents make some preparation with their children regarding what to do or where to go in the event that school is dismissed early.
Because of limited phone lines, parents and employees are asked to listen to the radio stations or check the school website (alexanderschools.org), or the school information line for delays, closings or early dismissals rather than to call the school, principal or superintendent.
CRITERIA FOR DIPLOMA WITH HONORS
Depending on whether a student is completing a college preparatory or career-technical education curriculum, honors diploma requirements differ slightly. The student must meet the requirements for the regular diploma plus criteria for honors listed below.
The student who completes the college preparatory curriculum in high school must meet any eight of the following nine criteria: a. four units of English
b. three units of mathematics that include algebra 1, algebra II, and geometry or complete a three year sequence of courses that contain equivalent content c. at least three units of science that include instructional emphasis on the physical, life, and earth and space sciences
d. three units of social studies e. either three units of one foreign language or two units each of two foreign languages f. one unit of fine arts g. either one unit of business/technology and two additional units in (a) through (f) above or earn three additional units, in (a) through (f) above. h. maintain an overall high school grade point average of at least 3.5 on a four-point scale up to the last grading period of the senior year i. obtain a composite score of 27 on the American College Testing(ACT) tests or an equivalent composite score of 1210 on the Scholastic Assessment Tests(SAT)
The student who completes an intensive career-technical education curriculum in the high school must meet any nine of the following ten criteria: a. four units of English which may include one unit of applied communication b. three units of mathematics which should include algebra and geometry or a sequence of courses that contain equivalent content c. three units of science that develop concepts for physical, life and earth and space sciences d. three units of social studies e. two units of a foreign language; or two units of business/technology; or one unit of each f. three units in the student’s vocational or technical education curriculum g. two additional units in (a) through (f) above, or in fine arts h. maintain an overall high school grade point average if at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 point scale up to the last grading period of the senior year i. Complete a career passport that reflects achievement of the occupational benchmark established for the Ohio Vocational Competency Assessment or the equivalent j. obtain a composite score of 27 on the ACT tests or an equivalent composite score of 1210 on the Scholastic Assessment Tests(SAT).
HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC DIPLOMA WITH HONORS FOR GRADUATING CLASSES OF 2011 AND BEYOND
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