Ballard High School
Freshman Orientation
2013/2014
Welcome!
Attendance
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Regular attendance at school is a prerequisite for academic success.
All students at Ballard High School are expected to be present in
their classes every school day unless legally absent for the following
valid reasons in accordance with Kentucky State Law:
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death in the immediate family
illness of the student
quarantine
court summons
work or school activity approved by school
observance of a religious holiday
state emergency
suspension
Educational leave forms are available in the attendance office and
can be filled out and turned in to the principal for consideration.
Attendance
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When absent:
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Parent/guardian should notify the school in the morning by calling the
attendance office at 485-8606.
Students are to provide a suitable note explaining their absence within
48 hours of their return to school.
Notes must include the signature of the parent/guardians and a
telephone number at which they may be reached.
Class participation grades are adversely affected by a student’s
absence.
Excessive absences or cuts may result in the loss of the right to
participate in athletics and co-curricular functions.
THERE IS NEVER A TIME DURING THE REGULAR SCHOOL
TERM WHEN A STUDENT “DOES NOT HAVE TO GO TO
SCHOOL” WITHOUT FOLLOWING JCPS ATTENDANCE
POLICIES.
Dress Code
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Shorts & skirts must be knee length and worn at waist level covering undergarments.
(NO SAGGING)
Clothing that is exceedingly tight is not permitted
Sleeveless shirts, low cut blouses, pajamas and blankets are not permitted.
Clothing that exposes shoulders, midriff, or cleavage is not permitted.
Ripped or torn garments exposing bare skin are not permissible. See-through
garments (mesh, net) are unacceptable.
Hats and headwear, with or without bills, including wave caps, sweatbands,
bandanas, and scarves are not to be worn and will be confiscated if not corrected.
Sunglasses are not permitted.
Shoes must be worn at all times. House shoes and slippers are not permitted.
Clothing with messages about, or advertisements for tobacco products, alcohol,
drugs, weapons, sexually suggestive material, violent material or any other material
of an offensive nature may not be worn during the school day or at school functions.
Items from other high schools, with their names or symbols, are not
permitted.
Any other issues not addressed above that are considered to be inappropriate,
distracting or disruptive will be handled at the discretion of the administrators.
Students violating the dress code will be given an opportunity to correct the
infraction, and/or be removed from the regular classroom until the violation is
corrected. Repeated violations will result in school-level consequences, to be
determined by school administrators.
Tardy Policy
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ALL UNEXCUSED TARDIES TO SCHOOL AND CLASSES RESULT IN
DETENTION
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DETENTION IS AFTER SCHOOL MONDAY – THURSDAY.
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FAILURE TO ATTEND WILL RESULT IN SATURDAY SCHOOL.
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EXCESSIVE TARDIES WILL RESULT IN A STOP ASSIGNMENT OR
SATURDAY SCHOOL IN LIEU OF DETENTION.
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FAILURE TO ATTEND SATURDAY SCHOOL WITHOUT PRIOR
APPROVAL, OR A VALID EXCUSE WILL BE CONSIDERED
INSUBORDINATE BEHAVIOR AND WILL RESULT IN A STOP
ASSIGNMENT OR A SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL.
Cell Phone Policy
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Student cell phone use is prohibited during the instructional
day from 7:40 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.
If a student uses a cell phone for ANY reason (talking, checking
time, photos, texting, sharing, internet, etc.) during the school day,
the phone and all of its working parts - including the memory card will be confiscated for 10 days and nights including weekends.
If an administrator becomes involved because the student refuses to
surrender the phone and all of its parts to a teacher, it will result in
a 3-day student suspension for insubordination. Any failure by a
student to immediately comply with the teacher or administrator will
result in a 3-day suspension for insubordinate behavior.
Ballard High School reserves the right to confiscate cell phones for
up to 30 consecutive days. In instances where a student continually
violates this rule, beginning with the 3rd offense, the phone shall
be confiscated for 30 days. If a student refuses to provide his/her
phone for a 30 day time period, a long-term suspension (6-10 days)
shall be considered as the consequence.
High School Graduation
Requirements
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English – 4 credits (years)
Math – 4 credits (Must be in a math class all 4 years)
and must pass senior math course
Science – 3 credits
Social Studies – 3 credits
Health/PE – 1 credit
Humanities – 1 credit
Electives – 6 + credits
Total to graduate – 22 credits (You should have more)
Grading and Credits
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Each class is worth 1 credit from
Aug. - May (each semester ½ credit)
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Grades are cumulative
1st and 2nd 6-weeks progress report
3rd 6-weeks report card (transcript)
Students need to earn:
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5.0 credits = 10th grade
11.0 credits = 11th grade
16.0 credits = 12th grade
22.0 credits = graduate
Tutoring
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Math Tutoring
 Mrs.
Eschels, Room N235
 Monday – Wednesday 2:30 – 3:00
 During Lunch
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Science Tutoring
 Mrs.
Fields, Room S105
 Monday and Thursday 2:30 – 3:00
Athletic Eligibility
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Eligibility for the school year:
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Be on grade level the first day of the school year.
A student ineligible on the first day of school for not being on grade level will
remain ineligible for the entire school year.
Maintaining eligibility during the school year:
Student-athlete grades will be checked weekly.
A D or lower in any one class or a G.P.A. of less that 2.0 results in study skills
and/or tutoring sessions with a subject area teacher.
 Study skills must be attended until the cumulative grade or G.P.A. is at or above
the required level.
 After four weeks
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After fifth week
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he/she will be suspended from athletic participation (practices and games) for at least
one week
athletic suspension will continue on a weekly basis until the grade requirements have
been met.
More than one failing grade
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suspended from participating in games until the grades in those classes improve to the
required level.
Useful Websites
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www.jefferson.kyschools.us
 District website
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www.ballardhs.com
Ballard Counseling Website
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www.ballardpta-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
 PTSA Electronic weekly newsletter