Dixie Heights
High School
Student Handbook
2015-2016
“Think Like A Colonel”
August 19, 2015
Dear Students and Parents:
I am proud to have joined the Dixie Heights High School team four years ago. I have enjoyed
getting to know all of the wonderful students, caring staff, and helpful community members in
this time. I am excited to work in this great district where so many unique opportunities exist
for our students. One of these great opportunities is the district’s academies where the staff will
tailor their teaching to the specific interest area of their students. These academies provide a
great avenue for students to begin learning material that will be directly applicable to their
futures.
The students at Dixie Heights will receive a first-rate education as Dixie staff members truly
care about their students and are committed to implementing a rigorous curriculum. In addition,
paralleling the district’s initiative, students at Dixie Heights get to experience real-world
connections through their classes. This special combination of ‘rigor, relevance, and
relationships’ creates a special learning environment and culture for you, the students.
Sincerely
Karen W. Hendrix, Principal
Dixie Heights High School
3010 Dixie Highway
Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017
karen.hendrix@kenton.kyschools.us
Vision for Dixie
All students, faculty, and staff treat one another with
respect and work toward a common goal of
academic achievement so that students can be
globally-competitive and self-sufficient in the real
world.
Steps to achieving vision
1- Become a distinguished school
2- Have all students college or career ready
3- Have 100% graduation rate
SCHOOL TRADITIONS
Fight Song
When the teams of Dixie fall in line
We’re going to win the game another time
For the dear old school we love so well
For the DHS we’re going to yell & yell & yell
We’re going to fight, fight, fight for every goal
Till the championship we will hold
We’re going to praise old Dixie to the sky
Rah, Rah, Rah!
School Colors…………………..Red and Gray
Yearbook………………………The Dixian
Newsletter……………………...The Dixie Dialog
School Mascot…………………..Kentucky Colonel
Nickname……………………….Colonels
DHHS Administration and Staff
Mrs. Karen Hendrix, Principal
Mr. Tom Spritzky, Assistant Principal
Mr. Matt Moore, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Lafon Benton, Associate Principal
Mr. Robbie Maddox, Counselor
Mr. Thad Dusing, Counselor
Mrs. Jennifer Eckler, Freshman Coordinator/Building Assessment Coordinator
Mrs. Bobbie Brock, Secretary (Principal)
Mrs. Hannah Sizemore, Secretary (Attendance)
Mrs. Teresa Catchen, Secretary (Bookkeeper)
Mrs. Deborah McIntosh, Secretary (Guidance)
ASSISTANCE DIRECTORY
The telephone number for Dixie Heights is 859-341-7650. Each teacher also has voicemail that can be
activated by contacting the main phone number and following the recorded directions.
The list below indicates most problems encountered by students and the place where help can be obtained.
Attendance/Discipline
Truancy/Suspensions ………………………9th Grade-Lafon Benton
10th Grade-Matt Moore
11th-12th Grade-Tom Spritzky
Athletics Director ..........................................Matt Wilhoite
Attendance Office................................
Attendance Coordinator – Hannah Sizemore
Change of Address...............................
Guidance Office - Registrar – Debbie McIntosh
Changing Schools.................................
Guidance Office
College Catalogs and Information.........
Guidance Office-Thad Dusing/Rob Maddox
Curriculum...........................................
Principal – Karen Hendrix
Assistant Principal – Tom Spritzky
Assistant Principal – Matt Moore
Associate Principal – Lafon Benton
Grades and Transcripts.........................
Guidance Office
Late Arrivals........................................
Attendance Office
Locker Problems..................................
Associate Principal – Lafon Benton
Lost and Found....................................
Secretary—Bobbie Brock
Personal Problems................................
Guidance Offices
Schedule Change.................................
Guidance Office
State Testing.......................................
Guidance – Jennifer Eckler
Student Employment...........................
Guidance Offices
Study Problems...................................
Guidance Offices
Withdrawing From School...................
Attendance Office
Guidance Offices
Site Based Council for 2015-16 School Year
Mrs. Karen Hendrix, Chairperson
Jennifer Bernzott, Teacher Representative
Roddy Stainforth, Teacher Representative
Chris Welch, Teacher Representative
Elise Schowalter, Parent Representative
Toni Blumelein, Parent Representative
Day Pattern
Dixie Heights High School
2015-2016
First Warning Bell
7:30
Second Warning Bell
7:35
1st Period
7:40-8:55 (Announcements)
2nd Period
9:00-10:10
3rd Period
10:15-12:00
4th Period
12:05-1:15
5th Period
1:20-2:30
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
#1
#2
#3
#4
10:10-10:34
10:39-11:03
11:08-11:32
11:36-12:00
(24
(24
(24
(24
minutes)
minutes)
minutes)
minutes)
(Lunch)
HONORS - ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) – COLLEGE LEVEL COURSES
This program provides academically talented students an excellent preparation for college work and the
opportunity to earn college credit while remaining enrolled in high school. The courses listed below are the
Honors and Advanced Placement offerings that are available. For eligibility requirements, please see the course
description for each course. Some courses require an assessment criteria and/or a teach recommendation. The
classes demand more work on the part of the student, including work that begins during the summer months
prior to the beginning of the class. As a result, college level courses, Honors and Advanced Placement courses
are weighted to reflect the quality and quantity of the work undertaken. The chart below shows the quality point
weights used in calculating a student’s GPA. Please know, however, that the state only weights AP courses,
not Honors or college level courses, for the purpose of calculating KEES money (Kentucky Excellence in
Education Scholarship).
Honors Courses
Spanish 3 Honors German 3 Honors Pre-Calculus Honors Intro to Calculus Honors
*Please note that English 1 & 2 Honors does not receive a weighted GPA. This course is offered on the
Standard Grading Scale.
Advancement Placement Courses
Art
US History
Spanish IV
Music Theory
Biology
American Government
German IV
Calculus AB/BC
Chemistry
European History
English Language & Composition
English Literature & Composition
Post-Secondary Courses
Northern Kentucky University Courses
Western Kentucky University (Online)
Gateway Community and Technical College
Thomas More College
GRADING SCALE
Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Percent
97 – 100
93 – 96
90 – 92
87 – 89
83 – 86
80 – 82
77 – 79
73 – 76
70 – 72
67 – 69
63 – 66
60 – 62
0-59
Unweighted GPA
4.0
4.0
4.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.0
Standard
Weighted GPA
4.0
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.7
0.0
AP/Honors/Dual Credit
Weighted GPA
5.0
5.0
4.7
4.3
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
0.0
HONOR ROLL AND DEAN’S LIST POLICY
The Honor Roll and Dean’s list will be determined for each of the first three grading periods (terms) and will be
determined using the following criteria:
HONOR ROLL
3.99 - 3.00 GPA
DEAN’S LIST
5.3 - 4.0 GPA
(Students may NOT have any grade lower than C+
Unless it is an AP course then no grade lower than C)
Graduation Requirements for the Classes of 2015 & 2016
English
-
4 credits: English I, II, III, & IV
Mathematics*
-
4 credits: Must include Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2
plus one more ½ Math credit
Science**
-
3.5 credits: Class of 2015: CSI, Biology A & B, Physical,
Earth/Space + 1 credit science elective
Class of 2016: Biology A & B, Physical,
Earth/Space + 1.5 credits science elective
Social Studies
-
3 credits: Must include Integrated Social Studies, World
Civilization & U.S. History
Health
-
1/2 credit
Physical Education
-
1/2 credit
Humanities
-
1 credit:
Practical Living
-
1/2 credit
Must include ½ credit core Humanities
class plus ½ credit of a class in Art, Music or Drama.
(Core Humanities class may be replaced by an
additional Art, Music or Drama class)
Career Exploration & Consumerism
Electives
11 credits
___________________________________________________
Total
28 credits
CREDITS NEEDED FOR PROMOTION
Senior
– 20.5 credits (including English I, II, III)
Junior
–13 credits (including English I, II)
Sophomore – 6 credits (including English I)
To be eligible to play a fall sport, students must be on grade level on the first day of the school year, according to KHSAA rules. To play
a winter or spring sport, students must be on grade level when that sport’s season begins. (Oct. 1 for swimming/diving; Oct. 15 for all
other winter sports; Feb. 15 for all spring sports.)
Other graduation requirements include:
A completed writing folder is a requirement for successful completion of the senior English course
Students in all graduation classes must complete twelve trimesters of course work, based on a six-hour instructional day.
Students will not be allowed to accelerate English classes. An English class must be taken each year.
A math class must be taken each year.
An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) must be updated every year and completed by the end of the senior year.
Proposed Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2017 and Beyond
English
-
4 credits:
English I, II, III, & IV
Mathematics
-
4 credits:
Must include Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2
plus one more ½ Math credit
Science
-
3.0 credits Integrated Science A (Physical), & B (Earth/Space),
Biology A & B, one additional credit of science
electives. (Pre College curriculum includes
Chemistry A & B)
Social Studies
-
3 credits:
Health
-
1/2 credit
Physical Education
-
1/2 credit
Humanities
-
1 credit
Includes Humanities and/or any Art, Music or Drama
class
Practical Living
-
1 credit
Business Technology and ½ credit of
additional Practical Living elective
Integrated Social Studies, World
Civilization & U.S. History
Electives
11 credits
___________________________________________________
Total
28 credits
CREDITS NEEDED FOR PROMOTION
Senior
– 20.5 credits (including English I, II, III)
Junior
–13 credits (including English I, II)
Sophomore – 6 credits (including English I)
To be eligible to play a fall sport, students must be on grade level on the first day of the school year, according to KHSAA rules. To play
a winter or spring sport, students must be on grade level when that sport’s season begins. (Oct. 1 for swimming/diving; Oct. 15 for all
other winter sports; Feb. 15 for all spring sports.)
Other graduation requirements include:
A completed writing folder is a requirement for successful completion of the senior English course.
Students in all graduation classes must complete twelve trimesters of course work, based on a six-hour instructional day.
Students will not be allowed to accelerate English classes. An English class must be taken each year.
A math class must be taken each year.
An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) must be updated every year and completed by the end of the senior year.
11
12
13
14
DUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES
At Dixie Heights, we have created several opportunities for our students to earn college credit while still in high school.
Qualified students may pursue on-campus opportunities through courses taught at Dixie Heights during the school day by
Northern Kentucky University teachers. Qualified students may also pursue off-campus opportunities, opting to take classes on
a local college campus such as Northern Kentucky University, Gateway Community and Technical College, and Thomas More
College, or supplementing their high school courses by taking an on-line course offered by a few colleges and universities.
Students have the option to take college classes for dual credit, which means receiving high school credit and college credit for
the same course, or for early college credit, which means the student takes these courses outside of the school day with grades
reflected only on the student’s college transcript.
Students in these classes are challenged to be more responsible for their learning. These courses require college tuition
payment (though usually at a greatly reduced rate) or a fee for on-line courses. Students must budget time, provide
transportation (when necessary) and provide their own resources for participation in these courses. Committed students can
enrich their high school education as well as get a head start on college through some of these opportunities.
*All off-campus or online dual credit courses must be pre-approved by the Principal prior to the start of
the college course in order for the course to count towards high school credit. Please see your
counselor for more information.
MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students must be at grade level to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities for the
academic year. If a student starts the school year below grade level, athletic eligibility can be
regained upon promotion to proper grade level. If a sport has already started while student is below
grade level but regains promotion to proper grade level, the coach will have final decision to accept
or deny membership on team.
http://www.khsaa.org/handbook/bylaws/bylaw5.pdf
***To determine eligibility for the second half of the school year, a student must have earned 3 units
(credits) the previous two terms (a term being 9 weeks).
***A student must be present on the day of an event, game, or competition. Present is defined as being in
school, or on a school activity, at least three (3) full periods of the day, with no part of the day being
unexcused.
***All students participating in extra-curricular activities are required to be present the day after, as well
as the day of, the event in which they participated. On the second unexcused absence or late arrival the
day of an event, the student will not be allowed to participate in the next event. The coach or sponsor will
be required to monitor this policy.
***Students may be excused from a class for a school related competition or activity if:
(A). Their cumulative average for that class is 85% or higher.
(B). Their cumulative average for that class is between 71% and 84% and they have the teacher’s written
permission.
(C). Students who have a cumulative average below 71% may not be excused from class.
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
*Extra-curricular opportunities may change.
BOYS GOLF
BOYS SOCCER
CHEERLEADING
CROSS COUNTRY
FOOTBALL
GIRLS GOLF
GIRLS SOCCER
VOLLEYBALL
ARCHERY
BOWLING
BOYS BASKETBALL
GIRLS BASKETBALL
SWIMMING
WRESTLING
BASEBALL
BOYS TENNIS
BOYS TRACK
GIRLS TENNIS
GIRLS TRACK
LACROSSE
SOFTBALL
BASS FISHING
ACADEMIC TEAM
AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
NATIONAL ART SOCIETY/ART CLUB
MARCHING \BAND
BETA CLUB
CHOIR
COLONELS FOR CHRIST
DRAMA
DRUG FREE CLUB
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB
FBLA
FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVERS
GALLERY CURATORS
HANNERS HEROES
HEALTH OCCUPATION STUDENTS OF
AMERICA
HISPANIC NHS
INDOOR PERCUSSION
MOCK TRIAL
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND
SOCIAL NORMS CLUB
SPEECH/DEBATE
STUDENT COUNCIL
TALENT SHOW COORDINATOR
WINTER GUARD
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DRIVER’S LICENSE LAW
The "No Pass/No Drive" statute (KRS 159.051) became law on June 25, 2007 with implementation
beginning August 1, 2007. This statute involves every public and private school (including home schools)
in Kentucky. Any sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) year old student applying for the first time for a Learner’s
Instruction Permit will be required to have a School Compliance Verification: KRS 159.051 Form (dated
1-1-12), issued and completed by the school. This form verifies that the student is compliant with the
components of the statute.
The law specifies that a student "shall" pass four (4) courses (or the equivalent) per trimester; 4/5) and
shall not accumulate six (6) or more unexcused absences in a trimester. Absences due to suspension shall
be deemed as unexcused absences.
If the student fails to meet academic and/or attendance requirements he/she will be reported as
noncompliant at the end of the trimester. Students will not be eligible to be reported as compliant until the
end of the following trimester. Additionally, if a sixteen or seventeen year-old driver drops out of school,
a report of noncompliance will be made.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All students participating in extra-curricular activities must be present the day of as well as the day
after any event in which they participate. On the second (2nd) absence or late arrival after the event, the
student will be benched from the next event. A student must be present for at least half of the school day
to participate in any games or practices that are scheduled for that day.
WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL
Students shall give notice to the Assistant Principal and Guidance when they are going to withdraw
from school. Students who are going to transfer to another school must have their parent/guardian sign a
release form in order that their school records may be sent to the new school. Students, upon withdrawal,
should report to the attendance office to check in all books, fill out the withdrawal forms and pay any fees
or fines owed.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE
To have perfect attendance, a student must be present every day and must have no late arrivals or
early dismissals. Note: Students who are absent because they are representing the school will still be
considered to have perfect attendance. They are not counted absent from school.
HALL PASSES
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Students must have a pass from a teacher to leave class at the discretion of the teacher.
STUDENT SUSPENSION
“Suspension” means an action taken by the school Principal or Assistant Principal(s) prohibiting a student
from attending school for a period of no more than ten (10) school days. The Principal or Assistant
Principal(s) may suspend for one or more of the following reasons:
1. Willful violations of school regulations.
2. Willful conduct which materially and substantially disrupts the rights of others to an
education.
3. Willful conduct which endangers the student and/or other students.
4. Willful conduct which endangers the school property.
5. Suspension can result from any tobacco and/or smoking paraphernalia violation.
.
Each suspension will include a plan for readmission. The readmission plan may include procedures for
the student’s return to school and classes, provisions for an alternative assignment, or changes in the
school’s educational setting to which the student is assigned. Alternative assignment may include makeup
work, changes in the assigned courses, changes in the time schedule, or reassignment to a different
educational setting.
Whenever a student is suspended, every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian of the student
and to report the reasons for the suspension, the length of the suspension, and the terms of readmission to
school.
Students on suspension will be denied the privilege of participation in extra-curricular activities during the
suspension period.
NOTE: In addition to all proper procedures, students may be required to make restitution for property
they damage or cause to be damaged.
STUDENT EXPULSION
An Expulsion shall be defined as an exclusion from the school for the balance of the school term or year.
Only the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, may impose an expulsion.
The Superintendent’s recommendation will be based upon the Principal’s report to the Superintendent
regarding the preliminary suspension of the student. The Superintendent will advise the parent/guardian
of his/her rights to a hearing. The hearing may be before the Superintendent or the Board of Education.
The Superintendent will also inform the parent/guardian of his/her rights to be represented by legal
counsel and to call witnesses. The decision of the Board of Education/Superintendent shall be final as
long as said decision is not arbitrary.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)
Students can be assigned to ICE from one period to multiple days. Students will spend their time in room
0406 working on school work or other assigned work in a cubicle with strict supervision. Students are not
permitted to talk, restroom breaks are scheduled and lunch is served in the room.
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REPORT CARDS
Progress Reports will be sent home at the midpoint of Trimester 1, Trimester 2, and Trimester 3. Report
Cards will be issued at the end of Trimester 1, Trimester 2, and Trimester 3. Letter grades will normally
be given for the students’ academic standing.
STUDENT DRESS CODE
The following reflects the policy of the Kenton County Board of Education and the Dixie
Heights High School Site Base Decision Making Council.
The student’s dress and grooming will be the responsibility of the individual and his/her parents within the
following guidelines:
AVOIDING PROVOCATIVE DRESS
Neither the fit, nor fabric, nor fashion of an article of clothing shall allow exposure of undergarments or
the midriff, whether the student is seated, standing, or moving. All shirts/blouses must be tucked in or
hang below the waistline. All pants must be worn at the natural waistline and underwear/panties should
not be seen at any time. No drug/alcohol, or violent/suggestive, or revealing/tight clothing will be
permitted. No hats, bandanas, or head bands/athletic sweat bands can be worn during school. Any student
breaking the dress code will be asked to call home for a change of clothing and will see an administrator
for disciplinary action. If they leave the school building they will be considered unexcused.
FURTHER MORE:
1. Students should dress in a manner that does not detract from the learning process.
2. See-through mesh shirts or blouses, tank tops, tube tops, halter or crop tops are not permissible.
3. Shorts may be worn within the Kenton County School System. Restrictions on shorts and skirts
are:
 No spandex, gym, bicycle shorts/pants, cut off sweats or boxer shorts.
 No holes or raveled edges on cut off jeans--they must be rolled or hemmed to proper length.
 When a student is standing with his/her arms down at their side, the finger tips should
determine if the shorts are too short. The finger tips should NOT lower than the shorts.
 By wearing shorts/skirts, the students are granting permission to teachers and/or administrators
to check the length of the shorts/skirts.
4. Hats or caps are not to be worn at Dixie Heights High School during school hours. Hats or caps
may be worn in the gym only during extracurricular activities. Hats/caps with obscene, crude or
rude pictures or with sayings pertaining to alcohol, drugs, or sex will not be permitted at any time.
5. Students are to wear shoes at all times and they shall fit securely through design or strapping.
6. Tight fitting skirts, shorts, or body shirts are not permitted and proper underclothing must be worn.
7. Blouses or shirts must meet skirts, slacks or pants, and midriff must not show.
8. Clothing and accessories (jewelry, belt buckles, necklaces, etc.) With obscene, crude or rude
pictures or sayings pertaining to drugs, alcohol, or sex are not permitted.
9. Cell Phones, CD Players, I Pods, MP3 players are permitted on school grounds BUT must be
turned off and put away during the school day. **Note: The use of cell phones and other
electronic media usage may be directed by teachers through school assignments.
10. Pants must be worn at the natural waist line.
19
For the full Kenton County Board of Education Dress Code, see the Kenton
County Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS / PHONE NUMBER
During the school year, many types of information are mailed to the parents of each student. Also, the
need sometimes arises to notify the parents in case of an emergency. Therefore, the school requests that
any changes in a student’s living address and/or telephone number be reported to the school immediately
in written form.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The discipline policy was developed through the cooperative efforts of students, parents, teachers, and
administrative personnel of the Kenton County School District for the following purpose:
1. To provide a concise outline of the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, and
administrative personnel in the Kenton County School District.
2. To provide certain disciplinary procedures to ensure that students at Dixie Heights may
learn in an environment conducive to learning.
3. To provide all concerned parties with information regarding regulations and
procedures affecting the educational program as it pertains to individual rights and
responsibilities.
It is with these purposes in mind that the Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline has been developed.
Each student will receive a copy of the document and is urged to read through it with their parents so that
they fully understand its implications to the education of each student.
This Code provides for consistent and equitable treatment for all students in the Kenton County District.
Students will be responsible for adherence to this code in school, at school sponsored activities, at or away
from school.
This Code provides for an annual review by the school community and the Board of Education to ensure
an effective document which meets the changing needs of the educational community.
This Code provides everyone with the opportunity to know the basic procedures which will be
followed in disciplinary matters and the meaning and explanation of each. The Code is distributed to the
students at the beginning of the year. The Principal and/or Assistant Principal(s) conduct meetings with
the student population explaining the rules and regulations. It is the students’ responsibility to read,
understand, and comply with this Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline.
20
STUDENT CONDUCT
Each teacher and administrator in the public school shall, in accordance with the rules,
regulations and by-laws of the Board of Education made and adopted pursuant to KRS
160.290, for the conduct of students, hold students to a strict account for their conduct at
school and on school sponsored trips and activities.
The various Boards of Education in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Principals of the
public schools may use teachers aides in supervisory capacities, such as hallway supervision,
lunchroom and cafeteria supervision, and other like duties, including, but not limited to,
recreational activities and athletic events, relating to supervision and control of the conduct of
the students; and while so engaged, such teacher’s aide shall have the same authority and
responsibility as is granted to and imposed by law upon teachers in the performance of the
same or similar duties.
BUS DISCIPLINE
The objective of a school bus driver is to safely transport pupils to and from school with a
minimum of risk to the pupils or driver. Problems arising within the bus may cause
distractions which in turn, jeopardize the safety and well-being of the pupils and driver.
When this does happen, prompt disciplinary action must be taken to hopefully ensure that the
situation does not occur again. Students must ride the bus assigned, getting on and off only at
their original stop. If there is a need to ride a different bus, a parent must request the change.
They may do so by sending a written note to the Assistant Principal. The note must contain
the bus number, date, a.m. or p.m., and destination. This permission to ride a different bus is
only temporary and not permanent in nature.
Pupil conduct on the bus will follow all the requirements and provisions as outlined in the
Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline. Disciplinary action removing a pupil’s
privilege to ride a bus must result from behavior serious enough to warrant suspension from
riding the bus to or from school or both. Students should know that riding a bus is a privilege
and not a right.
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USE OF FACILITY BY STUDENTS
Use of the building by student groups is permitted only when sponsored by one of the faculty
members. Whenever a teacher and student group plan to use the building at night, or on
weekends, arrangements must be made by the sponsor with the Principal.
CLOSED CAMPUS
Students are expected to stay on campus from the time of first arrival until completion of the
school day. Students who leave campus without permission will receive disciplinary action.
Parking lots are off limits while school is in session.
VISITORS
Visitors in the school or on school grounds are prohibited without permission from the office.
Social visiting in the high school is not permitted and students are instructed not to invite
friends to come to school during the school day. Interested parents are exceptions to the
above rule, but they are asked to first stop by the main office and register so that we may be
aware of their presence.
LOCKERS
Lockers will be issued to students by their 5th period teacher first trimester. The school will
provide each student a lock (some lockers may be shared with another student). Everyone is
expected to use the locker which they have been assigned. Students are responsible for
anything found in the locker. If the locker is found unlocked, the locker contents will be
emptied and taken to the Assistant Principal’s Office. Damage to or theft of students
belongings, including school textbooks and personal property, while in a school locker must
by the responsibility of the student.
HOMECOMING COURT QUALIFICATIONS
Students Must:

Be classified as a current senior

Be enrolled at Dixie at least two (3) semesters prior to the semester in which the vote
is taken.

Not have been suspended during the year the vote is taken.

Be in compliance with the schools current attendance policy.
PROM COURT QUALIFICATIONS
Students must:

Be at the proper grade level.

Be enrolled at Dixie at least two (3) semesters prior to the semester in which the vote
is taken.

Not have been suspended during the school year in which the vote is taken.

Be in compliance with the schools current attendance policy.
MR. & MISS DIXIE ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS
Students Must:

Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for all four (4) years at Dixie.
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

OR
Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for the junior and senior years, if a
transfer student from another school, at the beginning of the student’s junior year.
Have No suspensions on his/her records.
Be in compliance with the school’s current attendance policy.
Together We Will Make a Difference!!!
Attendance Handbook
2015-2016
ABSENCE POLICY
1. If a student is absent from school, we would appreciate a phone call from the parent/guardian notifying the school
of the student’s absence. Please call the attendance office at (426-4910) by 7:40 a.m. on the morning of the
absence. Calls will not be accepted from the student. In addition to the phone call, the student must bring a
written excuse signed by the parent/guardian and/or doctor when the student returns to school.
2. When a student returns to school, he/she must report to the Attendance office before 7:40 a.m. and must bring a
statement signed by the parent/guardian and/or doctor before receiving an EXCUSED absence.
3. Each student may miss three (3) days of school per trimester with a parent/guardian note. Anything after two (2)
consecutive days will require a Doctor’s Note to be EXCUSED. The doctor’s note must include all of the days
that the student was absent. No open-end notes will be taken. A student will only have ten (10) school days to
turn in notes for an absence. After ten (10) days, the absence will remain unexcused and any schoolwork for
those days will receive a grade of zero (0).
4. Students are encouraged to make up all work missed. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain missed work
from each teacher for each absence immediately upon his or her return to school. The minimum allowable time
for make-up work will be one (1) day for each day of absence. (Example: two (2) days absence – two (2) days
to make up the work). The maximum allowable time for make-up work will be one (1) week unless otherwise
arranged by the individual teacher. After the make-up date, a grade of zero (0) will be recorded for the work
missed.
5. In cases of an unexcused absence, including suspension from school, the work missed will be recorded as a
zero (0). If an absent note is not returned within ten (10) schools of their absence a grade of zero (0) will be
given for school work missed or due on those days.
6. A student who is LATE to school must report to the Attendance Office to sign-in and receive a note to class.
Almost all late arrivals to school are avoidable. Habits of punctuality and promptness are, in a measure, chief
elements in reliability. Continued late arrivals will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action:
7. Each student will be allowed two (2) late arrivals with a parent/guardian note per trimester. All other late arrivals
must have a Doctor’s Note or court documentation to be EXCUSED.
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8. If a student becomes ill during the day, the School Nurse or the Attendance Office may excuse him. An ill
student must report to the School Nurse first. If the Nurse is unavailable, then students must go to the
Attendance Office. In this situation, as in all other situations when a student leaves school, the parent/guardian
must sign the student out in the Attendance Office. Students will be allowed two (2) EXCUSED dismissals with
parent/guardian consent per trimester. If a student does not report to the Nurse or the Attendance Office and
calls to go home without permission the student will not be excused.
9. No student regardless of age may sign themselves out for unexpected dismissals without verbal parental consent.
10. Any student with 10 or more unexcused absences shall not walk in the graduation procession, or
participate in any graduation activities such as senior picnic, senior lap, senior brunch, etc.
PRE-ARRANGED EARLY DISMISSALS
A pre-arranged absence may be permitted under the following conditions:
1. Attendance at school should be the highest priority for both students and parents/guardians. The school calendar
for the next year will be made available to all students at the end of the current school year. VACATIONS AND
FAMILY TRIPS SHOULD BE SCHEDULED WHEN SCHOOL IS NOT IN SESSION. Exceptions will be
considered on an individual basis. Factors to be strongly considered are attendance and grades.
2. A 3-5 day notice shall be provided in writing from the student’s parent/guardian.
3. A student should take his/her note to the Attendance Office for approval. The student must then take the note to
each of his/her teachers. Each teacher will provide the student with his/her assignments and will give the student
a due date for this work. At the teacher’s discretion, a student may be required to turn in all of his/her work before
the day(s) of his/her absence or on the day he/she returns to school.
4. The student MUST RETURN the pre-arranged note to the Attendance Office with all of his/her teacher’s
signatures approving the absences before the pre-arranged dates are approved in the office.
5. The Attendance Office has the right to disapprove a pre-arranged absence if a student is failing a class or has
poor attendance.
OTHER ABSENCES
1. Other absences such as family emergencies and funerals will be EXCUSED on a case-by-case basis.
2. Authorized school activities will be EXCUSED.
3. Subpoenaed court appearances will be EXCUSED ONLY if a statement from the court is brought in to the
Attendance Office when returning to school.
4. Skipping school is UNEXCUSED and subject to disciplinary actions as stated in the Code of Acceptable Behavior
and Discipline.
5. Suspension from school is UNEXCUSED.
6. If placed in In-School Suspension, students will be counted present and will be allowed to make up any missed
work.
SENIORS
1. Seniors will be granted no more than two (2) college visits during the school year. College visits will be
approved ONLY when the student pre-arranges the visit and provides the Attendance Office a copy of the
itinerary from the admissions office of the college to be visited. College visits do not apply to local
colleges/universities.
2. On August 21, 2003, our Site Base Decision Making Council passed a policy that directly affect seniors. Any
senior with ten (10) or more UNEXCUSED absences for the current school year will not be permitted to
take part in any graduation activity including:
 The senior victory lap on the last day
 Senior Brunch
 Senior Picnic
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

Graduation Practice
Graduation Ceremony
Please see the Student Handbook for additional policies that were passed.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
No one on an emergency contact list will be able to pick a student up from school until the legal parent/guardian has been
contacted or a note has been sent in ahead of time.
The above policies are subject to change at any time if deemed appropriate by the school Principal
and the Site Base Decision Making Council. All Students will be notified before hand by
announcements made during school, handouts, and the school newsletter.
TRUANCY CHARGES
Any child who has been absent from school without valid excuse (unexcused absence) for three (3) or more days, or tardy
on three (3) or more days, is truant. Any child who had been reported as truant three (3) or more times is habitual truant.
Being absent for less than half of a school day shall be regarded as being tardy. After three (3) unexcused absences or
tardies Truancy Charges can be filed.
HABITUAL TRUANCY
(Juvenile Court)
May be filed on any child who has been found by the court to have been absent from school without valid excuse for three
(3) or more days during a one (1) year period or tardy for three (3) or more days on at least three (3) occasions during a
one (1) year period.
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW BY STATE
KRS 159.010 requires parent, guardians, or custodians to send their child/children to school except as provided in KRS
159.030. Each parent, guardian, or other person residing in the state and having custody, guardianship, or in charge of
any child who has entered the primary school program or any child between the ages of six (6) and sixteen (16) shall send
their child to a regular public day school for the full term that the public school of the district in which the child resides is in
session, or to the public school that the Board of Education of the district makes provision for the child to attend.
Dixie Heights High School does practice the above Truancy Policy set forth by the state. Truancy Charges will be filed on
any student that has reached the appropriate number of unexcused days, regardless of their age.
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