Fairfield High School
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Table of Contents
ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................................................... - 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS .................................................................................................................. - 5 ATTENDANCE........................................................................................................................... - 5 Make-up Work .......................................................................................................................... - 6 Vacations or other Nonemergency Trips ................................................................................... - 6 Absence due to Out of School Suspension ................................................................................. - 6 Sent Home by the School Nurse ................................................................................................ - 6 Absences and Truancy ............................................................................................................... - 6 AUTOMOBILE USE ................................................................................................................... - 7 BOOKBAGS .............................................................................................................................. - 8 BUILDING HOURS .................................................................................................................... - 8 CHEATING ................................................................................................................................ - 8 COLLEGE VISITS........................................................................................................................ - 8 COMPUTER USE ....................................................................................................................... - 8 DETENTION.............................................................................................................................. - 9 DIRECTORY INFORMATION IN STUDENT RECORDS .................................................................. - 9 DISCIPLINE/CODE OF CONDUCT............................................................................................... - 9 DRESS CODE .......................................................................................................................... - 12 Clothing ................................................................................................................................... - 13 Outerwear ............................................................................................................................... - 13 Shoes ....................................................................................................................................... - 13 Hair and Make-up ................................................................................................................... - 13 Piercings/Jewelry .................................................................................................................... - 13 DRIVER'S LICENSE REVOCATION ............................................................................................ - 13 EARLY DISMISSAL .................................................................................................................. - 14 ELECTRONIC DEVICES ............................................................................................................. - 14 - 2 - |Fairfield High School
ELIGIBILITY ............................................................................................................................ - 15 EXPULSION ............................................................................................................................ - 15 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES .............................................................................................. - 15 EXTRACURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT (GRADES 7-12) ........................................................ - 15 Requirements for all Participants: ........................................................................................... - 15 DESIGNATED EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS ....................................................................... - 16 GRADES 7 - 12 ........................................................................................................................ - 16 SUBSTANCE USE/ABUSE POLICY ............................................................................................ - 17 DESIGNATED EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPANTS (Grades 7-12)............................................. - 17 Quick-Reference Sheet ............................................................................................................ - 17 Reinstatement ......................................................................................................................... - 19 FEES ....................................................................................................................................... - 19 FIRE DRILL AND TORNADO WARNINGS.................................................................................. - 19 FOOD ..................................................................................................................................... - 20 FUNDRAISING ........................................................................................................................ - 20 GANGS................................................................................................................................... - 20 GOLD CARD ........................................................................................................................... - 20 GRADES AND POINT VALUES ................................................................................................. - 20 ADD-ON METHOD TO DETERMINE GPA & CLASS RANK ......................................................... - 20 GRADUATION ........................................................................................................................ - 22 Coursework Prior to Ninth Grade ............................................................................................ - 24 Physical Education Exemption................................................................................................. - 24 Commencement ...................................................................................................................... - 24 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ....................................................................................................... - 24 GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES ................................................................................ - 25 HALL PASSES .......................................................................................................................... - 25 HAZING/BULLYING ................................................................................................................ - 25 HOMEWORK .......................................................................................................................... - 26 HONOR ROLL BREAKFAST QUALIFICATION ............................................................................ - 26 ID CARDS ............................................................................................................................... - 26 - 3 - |Fairfield High School
IN-SCHOOL DETENTION ......................................................................................................... - 26 LEGAL EMANCIPATION .......................................................................................................... - 26 LIBRARY ................................................................................................................................. - 26 LOCKERS ................................................................................................................................ - 26 MEDICATIONS ....................................................................................................................... - 27 NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY .................................................................................................. - 27 OGT TESTING (Ohio Graduation Test) .................................................................................... - 27 Criteria for Alternative Pathway to Graduation ...................................................................... - 27 OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION .............................................................................................. - 28 PARKING................................................................................................................................ - 28 PDA – PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION ................................................................................... - 28 POSSESSION/USE OF TOBACCO/ALCOHOL/DRUGS ................................................................ - 28 POSTINGS .............................................................................................................................. - 29 PUBLICATIONS ....................................................................................................................... - 29 SATURDAY SCHOOL/EXTENDED DETENTIONS ........................................................................ - 29 SCHEDULING.......................................................................................................................... - 29 SCHOLARSHIPS ...................................................................................................................... - 29 SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS ........................................................................................................... - 29 SECURITY MONITORS ............................................................................................................ - 30 SEXUAL HARASSMENT ........................................................................................................... - 30 TARDY TO CLASS .................................................................................................................... - 30 TARDY TO SCHOOL ................................................................................................................ - 31 TEXTBOOKS ........................................................................................................................... - 31 TRANSCRIPT/SCHOLARSHIP/COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ........................................................... - 31 VISITORS................................................................................................................................ - 31 WEAPONS.............................................................................................................................. - 31 -
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FAIRFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
Student Handbook
2011 – 2012
ADMINISTRATION
Billy Smith
Chris Trentman
Austin Sanders
Larissa Smith
Principal
Assistant Principal, Class of 2013
Assistant Principal, Class of 2014
Assistant Principal, Class of 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements for the day will be made at the beginning of First Period on a regular schedule.
Give full attention to the announcements. Students are expected to stand during the playing of the
National Anthem. Students who want an announcement read need to write the announcement and
have the teacher/coach and a principal approve it on the day before it is to be read
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance by all students is very important. In many cases, inconsistent attendance is a
major reason for poor schoolwork. However, there are situations that may cause a student to miss
school. Parent or guardians are asked to notify the school, by phone, as early as possible on the day
a student is absent. Also, a note from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence is
required when the student returns to school.
Definitions of absences and excuses, both excused and unexcused, multiple tardies
A.
A student’s absence may be excused for the following reasons:
1. Personal illness
2. Illness in the family
3. Quarantine of the home
4. Death of a relative
5. Medical or dental appointment
6. Observance of a religious holiday
7. College visit
8. Traveling out of state to attend a Board-approved enrichment activity or extracurricular
activity (applies to absences of up to four days)
9. An emergency, or set of circumstances, which, in the judgment of the
Superintendent/designee, is a good and sufficient cause for absence.
Examples: court appearance, out-of-school suspension..
B.
The first seven (7) days of absence in a school year may be excused, if the absence is for
one of the above reasons, and if the parent or guardian provides a note when the student
returns to school explaining the reason for the absence. Such notes are required to be
submitted no more than THREE DAYS after the student’s return. If documentation is not
provided within this time period, the absence(s) will be deemed unexcused.
C.
If a student is absent more than seven (7) days in a school year, the additional days absent
may still be excused; however, additional documentation may be required in some
situations. In addition to the note from the parent or guardian required for any absence, the
following situations may require this specified additional documentation:
1. Personal illness - doctor’s note verifying illness
2. Illness in the family - parental note explaining the relationship and illness
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3. Death of a relative - obituary noting family relationship
4. Quarantine of the home - doctor’s note
5. College visit - school-authorized documentation of visit
6. Court appearance - documentation from court verifying appearance
Such notes are required to be submitted no more than THREE DAYS after the student’s
return. If documentation is not provided within this time period, the absence(s) will be
deemed unexcused.
D.
All other absences are unexcused.
E.
Any student who arrives after the designated starting time of a building’s school day and
before the one-half (1/2) day absence time for that building as defined herein will be
considered tardy. Three (3) unexcused tardies equal one (1) unexcused absence.
Make-up Work
A student whose absence from school is unexcused shall be permitted to make up work, except for
the student who voluntarily does not report for class as assigned or leaves school property without
authorization by school officials. It is the student’s responsibility to secure the work. The work,
when satisfactorily completed and submitted in a timely manner according to established
procedures, will be accepted for a minimum of passing credit.
Vacations or other Nonemergency Trips
The Board does not believe that students should be excused from school for vacations or other
nonemergency trips out of the District. The responsibility for such absences resides with the
parent(s), and they must not expect any work missed by their child to be re-taught by the teacher.
If the school is notified in advance of such a trip, reasonable efforts are made to prepare a general
list of assignments for the student to do while he/she is absent.
Absence due to Out of School Suspension
A student who is out of school due to suspension shall be permitted to make up work. This work,
when submitted in a timely manner according to established procedures, will be accepted for a
minimum of passing credit. The absence for out of school suspension will be an excused absence.
Sent Home by the School Nurse
Students who are sent home from school by the school nurse, due to illness, will not require a note
for the day they are dismissed.
Absences and Truancy
A.
Habitual Truant
A student with five (5) or more unexcused absences on consecutive school days, or seven
(7) or more unexcused absences in one school month, or twelve (12) or more unexcused
absences in one school year, may be considered a “habitual” truant, under Section
3321.191 of the Ohio Revised Code.
B.
Chronic Truant
A student with seven (7) or more unexcused absences on consecutive school days, or ten
(10) or more unexcused absences in one school month, or fifteen (15) or more unexcused
absences in one school year, may be considered a “chronic” truant, under Section
3321.191 of the Ohio Revised Code.
C.
Consequences
In the case of either “habitual” or “chronic” truants, the Fairfield City School District
Board of Education may:
*
assign the student to an alternative school;
*
require the student to participate in a truancy intervention program;
*
require the student to receive appropriate counseling;
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*
require the parent, guardian, or other persons having care of the student to
attend a parental involvement program adopted under Section 3313.472 or
3313.663 of the Ohio Revised Code;
*
require the parent, guardian, or other person having care of the student to attend a
truancy prevention mediation program;
*
notify the registrar of Motor Vehicles of a habitual truant under Section 3321.13
of the Ohio Revised Code; and/or
*
take legal action under Section 2919.222, 3321.20, or 3321.38 of the Ohio
Revised Code.
Students who are “habitual” truants may receive a citation to the appropriate court. The
student’s parent(s), guardian(s) or other person(s) having care of the student may also receive a
citation to the appropriate court. Students who are “chronic” truants and their parents, guardian(s)
or other person(s) having care of the student shall be cited to juvenile court as provided in Policy
JEDA.
Under Section 3321.13(b)(2), the Board authorizes the Superintendent to establish a hearing and
notification procedure for the purpose of denying a student’s driving privileges if that student of
compulsory school age has ten (10) or more unexcused absences on consecutive days, or fifteen
(15) or more unexcused absences in a term.
D.
Retention of Truant Students
Under Section 3313.609 of the Ohio Revised Code the Board is required to adopt a policy
on the retention of truant students. The Board shall prohibit the promotion of a student to
the next grade level if the student has been truant (absent without excuse) for more than
ten (10) percent of the required attendance days in the current school year, and has failed
two or more of the required curriculum subject areas in the current grade. These
provisions may be waived if the student’s principal and teacher agree, in writing, that the
student is academically prepared to be promoted to the next grade level.
There is an Attendance Incentive Program to reward and motivate all of our students to come to
school everyday. These incentives include:
•
Students who have perfect attendance for any given calendar month will be eligible for an
incentive award. Each month, eight students will be selected by drawing to receive a VIP
parking pass in the front of the building or they may opt for a $10 gift certificate to our
bookstore or local restaurants.
•
Students who have missed one day or less in a 9-week period will be eligible for a
drawing to receive $10.00 in “Fairfield Bucks”. These can be used to pay for athletic
tickets, to purchase spirit gear or books from our bookstore, or to pay for food in the
cafeteria. Gift certificates from local businesses may also be available. Fifteen students
will be selected for each 9-week period.
•
Students who have perfect attendance for the entire year will be eligible for a party that
will be held toward the end of the school year.
AUTOMOBILE USE
It is often times necessary for students to drive automobiles to school. In the interest of safety,
student driving practices will be subject to strict control. The principal shall establish rules and
regulations outlining the use and parking of vehicles by students who operate automobiles and
other motor vehicles on school property. A student’s right to drive to school may be suspended for
violation of these rules and regulations. In compliance with State law, student drivers under the
age of 17 years old are not permitted to transport more than one person who is not a family member
unless the driver is accompanied by his/her parent, guardian or custodian.
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Students are discouraged from transporting other students to and from student activities, events,
and programs. (Adopted: April 19, 2007)
BOOKBAGS
Bookbags are allowed at school, but must be kept in lockers during and between classes. They are
not allowed in classrooms or to be worn during the day.
BUILDING HOURS
Office Hours for the Senior High School will be from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Students
will be allowed to enter the building at 7:15 AM. Students will be cleared out of the
building at 3:00 unless they are with a teacher, coach, or club advisor.
CHEATING
Cheating is a serious offense and is subject to both academic and disciplinary action. The
following would classify as cheating:
1.
Cheating is enabling (selling, giving, writing, text messaging, distributing, marketing)
someone else to copy from your work or giving a copy of your work to someone else.
2.
Cheating is copying someone else's homework or letting someone copy your homework,
doing work for someone else, or taking someone else's work as your own.
3.
Cheating is copying or plagiarizing research papers, reports, compositions, etc.
4.
Cheating on tests by copying from another student or using crib notes or other aids.
5
Cheating on tests by showing intent to cheat by writing on desk, having crib notes out, or
by possessing a copy of the test.
Involvement in cheating incidents may prevent a student from holding office or being a captain in
any organization or team or being a member of honor organizations.
COLLEGE VISITS
Juniors and Seniors will be permitted three (3) college visits to institutions where they have
applied, intend to apply, or, in the opinion of the counselor, have a valid reason for such visits.
The absence will be excused and will not affect perfect attendance.
Procedure:
1.
Students must obtain an application for a college visit from the guidance office. The
name of the college to be visited, the date of the visit, and a parent signature must be
indicated on this form.
2.
The form must be signed by the teachers, a counselor, and an administrator for final
approval of the visit and submitted to the guidance office one day prior to the visit.
3.
A signed and dated statement from the college must be presented to the guidance office
upon return.
COMPUTER USE
Computer use is encouraged and made available to students for educational purposes. Board
policy EDE states: "Technology can greatly enhance the instructional program, as well as the
efficiency of the District . . . . . . All computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical,
and legal manner. Failure to adhere to this policy and any accompanying regulations may result in
the revocation of the user's access privilege." Both students and parents will be required to sign an
Internet Access Authorization and Release Form before that student will be allowed access to the
Internet through District computers.
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DETENTION
If students violate any rule or regulation, they may be assigned detention for a designated time
after school. Notification of the date is in writing and should be taken home to parents. Failure to
serve the assigned detention will result in an additional discipline.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION IN STUDENT RECORDS
The District proposes to designate the following personally identifiable information contained in a
student’s education record as “directory information”; it discloses that information without prior
written consent, except that directory information is not released for a profit-making plan or
activity. Such information includes:
1. student’s name
2. student’s address
3. student’s telephone number(s)/email address, with the exception of unlisted
telephone numbers
4. student’s date and place of birth
5. student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports
6. student’s achievement awards or honors
7. student’s weight and height, if a member of an athletic team
8. student’s major field of study
9. student’s dates of attendance (“from and to” dates of enrollment)
10. student’s date of graduation
11. student’s grade level/enrollment status
12. student’s photograph
13. videotape or photographs documenting student involvement in or attendance at
school activities for general publicity purposes. (Videotape and photographs involved in
disciplinary matters will only be released to students and/or parents/guardians of students
involved. This does not limit administrative use by school personnel.)
Within the first three weeks of each school year, the District publishes the above list, or a revised
list, of the items of directory information which it proposes to designate as directory information.
For students enrolling after the notice is published, the list is given to the student’s parent(s) or to
the eligible student at the time and place of enrollment.
After the parents or eligible students have been notified, they have two weeks in which to advise
the District in writing (a letter to the school Superintendent’s office) of any or all of the items
which they refuse to permit the District to designate as directory information about the student.
At the end of the two-week period, each student’s records are appropriately marked by the record
custodians to indicate the items which the District designates as directory information about that
student. This designation remains in effect until it is modified by the written direction of the
student’s parent(s) or the eligible student.
DISCIPLINE/CODE OF CONDUCT
It is the personal responsibility of each student to behave in a manner that is appropriate for the
educational setting and reflective of the rights of other students and teachers. Most students do not
use rules and consequences to form their behavior. They simply use common sense and do what
they know is right.
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Good conduct is based on respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students will be
expected to conduct themselves in such a way that the rights of others are not violated. The
students of the District will conform to school regulations and accept directions from authorized
school personnel.
A student who fails to comply with established school rules or with any reasonable request made
by school personnel on school property and/or at school-related events will be dealt with according
to approved student discipline regulations.
The administrative team can issue any of the following when handling behavior problems:
 DETENTIONS;
 SATURDAY SCHOOL(S)/EXTENDED DETENTION;
 IN-SCHOOL DETENTION (1 period – 5 days)
 OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION (1-10 days);
 EXPULSION.
Students will annually receive at the opening of the school year, or upon entering during the year,
written information on the rules and regulations to which they are subject. The information will
include the types of conduct that will make them liable to suspension or expulsion from school or
other forms of disciplinary action. Parents will also be informed of the conduct expected of
students. Further, the rules shall be posted in a central location in each school that is subject to the
policy.
This policy is adopted by the Board of Education of the Fairfield City School District pursuant to
S3313.661, Ohio Revised Code.
Any pupil engaging in the types of conduct, either specifically or generally, like the kinds of
conduct listed below is subject to expulsion, suspension, emergency suspension, or removal from
curricular or extracurricular activities or transportation pursuant to S3313.661, Ohio Revised Code.
This policy applies to all students while on school-owned or controlled property, in a school
vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity and also applies to misconduct that occurs off school
owned or controlled property if the misconduct is connected to school sponsored activities and to
misconduct directed at a District official or employee, or the property of such official or an
employee regardless of where the misconduct occurs.
The types of conduct prohibited by this policy are as follows:
1.
Damaging or destroying school property
2.
Damaging or destroying private property
3.
Assaulting a school employee, student, or other person, which includes both physical
assault and threats of violence, whether in verbal, written, or electronic form.
4.
Bringing/possessing a firearm (or look-alike firearm) or knife (may also result in
permanent exclusion)
5.
Fighting
6.
Chronic misbehavior which disrupts or interferes with any school activity
7.
Disregard of reasonable directions or commands by school authorities, including school
administrators and teachers
8.
Any disruption or interference with school activities
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9.
10.
11.
12.
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14.
15.
16.
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Presence in areas during school hours or outside school hours where a student has no
legitimate business without permission of school administration or a teacher
Leaving school during school hours without permission of the proper school authorities
Distribution of pamphlets, leaflets, buttons, insignia, etc., without the permission of the
proper school authorities
Demonstrations by individuals or groups causing disruption to the school program
Disrespect to a teacher or other school authority
Skipping detention
Refusing to take detention or other properly administered discipline
Falsifying of information given to school authorities in the legitimate pursuit of their job
Buying, selling, using, possessing, showing evidence of having consumed, or being under
the influence to any degree of any controlled substance (drugs, narcotics, marijuana, etc.);
or buying, selling, using, possessing, showing evidence of having consumed, or being
under the influence to any degree of any counterfeit controlled substance (any substance
that is made to look like a controlled substance, or is represented to be a controlled
substance, or that you think is a controlled substance)
Possessing drug paraphernalia
Possessing, using, showing evidence of having consumed, or being under the influence to
any degree of any alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind
Smoking or using tobacco, or possessing any substance containing tobacco
Turning in false fire, tornado, bomb, or disaster alarms and/or tampering with same
Placing of signs and slogans on school property without the permission of the proper
authorities
Extortion of a pupil or school personnel
Forgery of school-related documents
Cursing
Truancy
Cheating or plagiarizing
Hazing (doing any act or coercing another to do any act of intimidation to any student or
other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical
harm to any person)
Gambling
Tardiness
Violation of the district's medication and/or immunization policies
Engaging in sexual acts on school premises
Publication of obscene, pornographic, or defamatory material
Use of indecent or obscene language in oral or written form
Indecent exposure
Arson
Failure to abide by reasonable dress and appearance codes set forth in student handbooks
or established by administration or the Board of Education
Failure to abide by rules and regulations set forth by administration for student parking
Disobedience of driving regulations while on school property
Presence on school property with a communicable disease
Willfully aiding another person to violate school regulations
Stealing
Commission by a pupil of any crime in violation of the Ohio Criminal Code, Ohio Traffic
Code, or the Ohio Juvenile Code on school premises or while in the control or custody of
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44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
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the school district regardless of whether on or off school premises, or at a school-related
activity regardless of location
Sexual harassment
Racial or ethnic or other forms of intimidation and/or harassment
Bullying (any written or verbal expression, physical act, or gesture, or a pattern thereof,
that is intended to cause distress upon one or more persons)
Engaging in prohibited gang activities
Using electronic devices such as radios, MP3 players, recorders, televisions, video games,
cellular phones, etc., while in school during school hours unless they are being used with
teacher permission in grades 5-12, and/or during non-instructional time in grades 9-12.
Copying copyrighted software or violating copyright laws; changing school, student, or
staff computer records; exchanging reports, stealing tests or test answers; gaining access to
unauthorized internet sites; or violating the District’s Technology and Communication
Services policy
Making a bomb threat to a school building or to any premises at which a school activity is
occurring at the time of the threat or is scheduled at the time the threatened bombing is to
occur (may result in expulsion of up to one year)
Any other activity by a pupil which the pupil knows or should know will disrupt the
academic process or a curricular or extracurricular activity while on school premises or
while in the control or custody of the school district regardless of whether on or off school
premises, or while at a school-related activity regardless of location
DRESS CODE
Part of the total education of the students is learning to dress appropriately and behave
responsibly in a variety of situations. Attendance at school and school-related functions is a
specific situation, which requires the student to use good judgment. Students are expected to
dress in a manner that is appropriate to the school environment. Research has shown a
correlation between appearance and behavior, especially in the school setting.
These regulations will assist parents, students, faculty, and administrators in determining
appropriate student standards for dress and personal appearance while at school or school related
functions.
1. Parents and students maintain responsibility for following the student dress code.
2. The administrators, with the assistance of the staff, have the final responsibility of enforcing the
student dress code.
3. When any dress or grooming interferes with the cleanliness, health, welfare, safetyof students, or
disrupts the educational process, it is prohibited.
4. Sponsors and teachers of elective programs or elective activities may require stricter standards
regarding dress and personal appearance for participants in their program or
activity. The administration and/or athletic director must approve clothing for student participants
in school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
5. The dress code may be modified by an administrator for the purpose of school spirit days or
other special school-wide events.
6. Exceptions due to religious, ethnic, or cultural beliefs will be considered by the building
administration.
7. The student dress code may be reviewed annually.
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Students shall adhere to these regulations for dress and personal appearance.
Clothing
Clothing, jewelry, tattoos, or other personal items which specifically or generally contain, promote,
glorify, or refer to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sexual innuendo or sexually suggestive contents,
profane, vulgar, or lewd symbols or slogans, gangs or cults, antisocial or harassing behavior, hate,
violence, death, suicide, gore, and/or blood shall not be worn or displayed. Tattoos, which do not
conform to the requirement of this paragraph, must be covered. Clothing must be worn in a
manner that does not expose the shoulder, torso, midriff, chest, cleavage, back, buttocks or
undergarments. Clothing with rips, tears, or holes, above mid thigh, that exposes skin or
undergarments, may not be worn. Lower garments will stay, unassisted, with or without a belt, at
the top of the hipbone or above. Lower garments must be no shorter than mid-thigh and will not
expose undergarments. Formfitting Lycra or spandex may only be worn under another garment.
Pajama and house slippers are not permitted.
Outerwear
Trench coats, bubble jackets, parkas or any other heavy winter coats may not be carried between
or worn in class. Students must place these jackets and/or coats in their lockers, or specified area,
prior to the beginning of the instructional day.
Shoes
Students must wear shoes to school that are safe and appropriate for the school environment, which
includes stairs and emergency drills. Skate shoes and house slippers are prohibited.
Hair and Make-up
Excessive or extreme make-up or hairstyle is prohibited.
Piercings/Jewelry
Extreme and/or excessive piercings are prohibited. Spiked or studded jewelry and/or heavy chains
are not to be worn or carried. No jewelry that could be dangerous to persons or destructive to
school property is permitted.
Personal Items
All book bags must be stored in the student’s locker prior to the beginning of the instructional day.
Purses of reasonable size are permitted. Hats, head coverings, bandanas, and sunglasses are not to
be worn in the school and must be stored in a locker or specified area prior to the beginning of the
instructional day.
Enforcement
Staff members are expected to uniformly and consistently enforce the dress code. Violation of the
dress code may result in removal from class until the violation can be resolved and/or disciplinary
action taken. If a student is referred to the administration, the staff member observing the violation
will record the exact nature of the problem on a disciplinary form and
send the form along with the student at the time of referral.
DRIVER'S LICENSE REVOCATION
When the Superintendent of the District receives information that a student of compulsory school
age has withdrawn from school, the Superintendent must, within two weeks after the withdrawal,
notify the registrar of motor vehicles and the county juvenile judge of the student’s withdrawal
from full-time enrollment or withdrawal from an approved program to obtain an diploma or its
equivalent.
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Notification to the registrar of motor vehicles is not necessary if a student has withdrawn from
school because of a change of residence; or the student is holding an age and schooling certificate
(work permit), is regularly employed and enrolled part-time in and attending an approved program
to obtain a diploma or its equivalent.
Notification to the registrar of motor vehicles must be given in a manner required by the registrar
and notice to the county judge must be given in writing.
After receiving such information from the Superintendent, the registrar of motor vehicles is
required to suspend the temporary instruction permit or driver’s license of the student who is the
subject of the notice. If a temporary permit or license has not been issued for that student, the
registrar is prohibited from issuing a temporary permit or a license. Any denial of driving
privileges would remain in effect until the student reaches 18 or until the denial of driving
privileges is terminated for another reason allowable under the Ohio law.
In compliance with Ohio law, a student whose driving privileges have been denied can file a
petition with the juvenile court in whose jurisdiction he/she resides.
EARLY DISMISSAL
Students requesting early dismissal for special reasons should bring a note signed by a parent to the
attendance office before 9:00 a.m. The note should include the student’s identification number and
a phone number for verification. In order to be excused, it must meet one of the six reasons noted
on pages 1 and 2 under the attendance sections. Requests will not be approved without a parent's
or guardian's permission.
The student should show the early dismissal slip to the teacher upon return to class. Scheduled
early dismissals are limited to those students enrolled in a work-study program. Early dismissals
count as absences from class.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Fairfield City Schools recognizes the need for students and staff members to have available to them
the use of electronic equipment, such as a cell phone, MP3 player, etc., in certain circumstances.
However, Fairfield City Schools also recognizes the need not to disrupt the educational
environment through the use of such electronic equipment.
Students in grades 5-12 may use cellular telephones and MP3 players for educational activities
while on school property or while attending school-sponsored activities on or off school property,
given teacher permission. If teacher permission is not given, these electronic devices must be
turned off during school hours and kept out of sight in lockers, pockets, book bags, and/or purses.
Students in grades 9-12 may use cellular phones or MP3 players during non-instructional times
through the school day - between classes, lunch time, before and after school provided that such
use is done quietly and with appropriate regard for the safety of the user and others.
Electronic devices on school buses are for personal use only. For safety, students must be able to
hear the driver at all times. Any device used in a manner that compromises safety, invades privacy
of others, or causes disruption to bus service, may result in disciplinary action. In the event of a
bus emergency, the driver may direct appropriate use of electronic devices.
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This policy is intended to increase safety by facilitating parent/student communications before and
after school. It is the Board of Education’s goal to work with parents to balance the need to have
access to electronic communication devices and to maintain a proper learning environment.
Violation of the student policy will result in temporary confiscation of the device and more serious
disciplinary action if deemed necessary.
The District assumes no liability if these devices are broken, lost or stolen. Notices of this policy is
to be posted in a central location in every school building and in the student and staff handbooks.
ELIGIBILITY
Students entering grades 10-12 who wish to participate in any extra-curricular activity must pass 5
classes (which can NOT be P.E.) to be eligible each 9 weeks. Eligibility is based on academic
performance during a grading period. A GRADING PERIOD IN GRADES 10 - 12 IS NINE
WEEKS. Ineligible students may NOT become eligible by attending summer school. Exceptions
to the eligibility requirement are activities that are required by an academic class, such as band or
concert choir.
EXPULSION
Expulsion is to the maximum periods allowed by law, with possible loss of credit if applicable in
all courses. Expelled students may not be on school property or participate in and/or attend any
extracurricular activities, home or away, during the time of the expulsion.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All students are encouraged to participate outside the academic program. The extracurricular
programs provide a wide range of interests. Please refer to the Activity Guide (Athletic Office) for
a listing of all of the extracurricular activities.
EXTRACURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT (GRADES 7-12)
This code of conduct applies to all designated extracurricular participants in grades 7-12 in the
Fairfield City School District Designated Extracurricular Programs. It is in effect 365 days a year.
All participants must follow all rules and regulations the Fairfield City School District and specific
rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of each sport/activity. In addition, all team participants
must follow all rules and regulations of the O.H.S.S.A.
Participation in an extracurricular program is a privilege. All participants are to conduct
themselves in a way as to bring pride to themselves, school and community. Any participant
whose conduct is judged to reflect discredit upon themselves, the team, the school or the District
will be subject to disciplinary action.
Suspension from an extracurricular activity may be made by the athletic director, building
administrator, or Superintendent.
Requirements for all Participants:
1.
Participants must meet all academic requirements of O.H.S.A.A and the Fairfield City
School District (as applicable).
2.
Participants and parents must sign all required forms.
3.
Participants must have participation fees paid by required dates.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Participants must be in school to participate in extracurriculars as required by Fairfield
City School District.
Participants are responsible for caring for uniforms and equipment, as applicable.
Athletic participants shall not participate in a contest on an independent team, or as an
individual, in the same sport for the remainder of the season.
Participants will respect self, teammates, coaches/sponsors/advisors, opponents and
officials.
Participants will attend all calendared events including all games, practices, meetings and
other activities as required by coach/sponsor/advisor.
Any athletic participant who is injured or receives other treatment must notify coach and
trainer. A doctor’s release must be submitted to be reinstated.
Participants will serve as a role model for others.
A participant must be in control of himself/herself at all times.
Undesirable behavior will result in disciplinary action including, but not restricted to, constructive
activity associated with practice or the activity, and restriction and/or denial of participation. For
athletic programs, the coach will meet with the athletic participant, District Athletic Director and a
building administrator to determine the penalty. For extracurricular activities, a sponsor/advisor
will meet with a building administrator to determine the penalty. The decision may be appealed to
the building principal.
Undesirable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
1.
Disrespect and/or insubordination.
2.
Repeated violations of an individual coach’s/sponsor’s/advisor’s rules and regulations for
a particular extracurricular program.
3.
Disciplinary action under suspension and/or expulsion code.
4.
Knowingly remaining in an area where drugs, alcohol or illegal substances are present.
5.
Violation of the District’s Substance Use/Abuse Policy for Designated Extracurricular
Participants.
6.
Violations of federal, state or local laws.
7.
Stealing and/or possession of stolen personal property within the school environment.
8
Any other action that is detrimental to the image of the Fairfield City School District.
DESIGNATED EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS
GRADES 7 - 12
{IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS ARE SUBJECT TO SUBSTANCE USE/ABUSE POLICY
FOR PARTICIPANTS IN DESIGNATED EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS}
Designated extracurricular programs are voluntary-participation groups which award no credit or
grade for participation, are approved by the Board of Education, and follow all school policies and
regulations. Each is recognized with a Board of Education-approved coach/advisor/sponsor that is
required to provide a membership roster, collect fees, and take attendance at each calendared event.
In addition, teams participate in interscholastic competitions and are OHSAA governed.
As additional activities and teams are established and approved by the Board of Education, they
will be added to this list.
Students participating in the following extracurricular programs are subject to the Board of
Education’s Standards of Conduct for Participants in Designated Extracurricular Programs policy.
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Senior High School
Activities
African American Voices of Youth
Dance Team
Destination Imagination
Drama Club
Film Club
FREE
French Club
German Club
Interact
International Club
Junior Class Council
Marching Band
Mock Trial
National Honor Society
Peer Mediation
Pep Band
Pure Elegance
SADD
Senior Class Council
Science Olympiad
Sophomore Class Council
Spanish Club
SPAM
Step Team
Student Government
Tri-M
UNIT (Advisor under YMA)
Teams (OHSAA)
Academic Team
Baseball
Basketball
Bowling
Cheerleading
Chess
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Gymnastics
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track
Volleyball
Wrestling
SUBSTANCE USE/ABUSE POLICY
DESIGNATED EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPANTS (Grades 7-12)
Quick-Reference Sheet
Extracurricular programs (extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletics) are integral parts
of the educational experience, and student participants in these programs assume responsibility for
regulating their personal lives to be contributing program members and worthy representatives of
their schools.
Pursuant to Fairfield City Schools Board of Education policy, the following substance use/abuse
code of conduct applies to all students in designated extracurricular programs grades 7-12. For a
more comprehensive, detailed explanation of this code, please see Board Policy JFCM and Board
Regulation JFCM-R-1.
The following code of conduct is in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and for one calendar
year upon the student’s and the parent’s signing the code of conduct agreement (indicating
acceptance of the terms of the code), a requirement for participation in designated extracurricular
programs grades 7-12.
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Violations and consequences noted here are in addition to any disciplinary or legal actions that may
be taken should a violation occur in/on school property or while representing the school as a
team/club member.
First
Violation
Consequences
First
Violation
Reinstatement
Second/Subsequent
Violation(s)
Consequences
Second/Subsequent
Violation(s)
Reinstatement
Possession
and/or use
of alcohol
or drugs
• Forfeit
participation in
30% of
calendared
events
• Forfeit
leadership
position(s) for
remainder of
season
• Possible
program awards
delay
• Forfeit participation in
program(s) for one year
• Forfeit leadership
position(s) for one
calendar year
• Possible delay/forfeit of
program awards
• Professional alcohol/
drug assessment within
14 calendar days of
violation
• Enrollment in treatment
program if recommended
• Three alcohol/drug
education counseling
sessions
• Reinstatement hearing
before the Appeals Board
• NOTE: Student still
forfeits participation in
one year of calendared
events
Sale or
distribution
of alcohol
or illegal
drugs/substances
• Forfeit
participation in
program(s) for
one year
• Forfeit
leadership
position(s) for
remainder of
school career
• Forfeit
program awards
• Professional
alcohol/drug
assessment within
14 calendar days
of violation
• Enrollment in
treatment
program if
recommended
• Three
alcohol/drug
education
counseling
sessions
• Reinstatement
hearing before the
Appeals Board
• NOTE: Student
still forfeits
participation in
30% of
calendared events
if reinstated
• Professional
alcohol/drug
assessment within
14 calendar days
of violation
• Enrollment in
treatment
program if
recommended
• Three
alcohol/drug
education
counseling
sessions
• Reinstatement
hearing before the
Appeals Board
• NOTE: Student
still forfeits
participation
program(s) for
one year
• Forfeit participation
through remainder of
school career
• Forfeit leadership
position(s) for remainder
of school career
• Forfeit program awards
No means for
reinstatement
Violation
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Violation
Possession
and/or use
of tobacco
products
First
Violation
Consequences
First
Violation
Reinstatement
Second/Subsequent
Violation(s)
Consequences
Second/Subsequent
Violation(s)
Reinstatement
• Completion of
an approved
intervention or
education
program or
forfeit
participation for
one year
• Completion of
an approved
intervention or
education
program or forfeit
participation for
one year
SECOND
VIOLATION:
• Forfeit participation in
30% of calendared
events
• Forfeit leadership
position(s) for remainder
of season
• Possible program
awards delay
THIRD/SUBSEQUENT
VIOLATION(S):
• Forfeit participation in
program(s) for one year
• Forfeit leadership
position(s) for one
calendar year
• Possible delay/ forfeit
of program awards
THIRD/SUBSEQUENT
VIOL.
REINSTATEMENT
• Professional assessment
within 14 calendar days
of violation
• Enrollment in treatment
program if recommended
• Three tobacco
education counseling
sessions
• Reinstatement hearing
before the Appeals Board
• NOTE: Student still
forfeits participation in
one year of calendared
events
Participation/calendared events: Student under violation may practice and travel with the
team/club, but not dress for/compete in the specified calendared events of the extracurricular
program.
Combination of offenses: Second & subsequent offenses can be any combination of alcohol or
drug abuse violations.
Cumulative accountability: Violations are cumulative grades 7-8 and cumulative again grades 912.
Self- or parent-referral: Provisions have been made for incidents in which the student participant
or the student participant’s parent(s) refer the student for an above violation. Consult the noted
Board policy and regulation for violation, consequence and reinstatement details.
Reinstatement
The Board directs the Superintendent to develop and implement a procedure to allow for
reinstatement to an extracurricular program. Any participant who refuses to undertake the
reinstatement process is not permitted to participate further in any designated extracurricular
program(s) until such time that he/she complies with the requirements of the reinstatement.
FEES
Each student’s fees will be listed on each term’s class schedule. Notification of fees are distributed
two times a year. Students will be directed to pay their fees with a single check and give that check
to either the first period teacher or the bookkeeper. When a student pays their fees, the bookkeeper
will issue a receipt. Fees should be paid within the first two weeks of the term. Students will not
be able to participate in graduation, receive grade cards/official transcripts, or purchase/possess
parking passes if fees are unpaid.
FIRE DRILL AND TORNADO WARNINGS
Emergency procedures are posted in each room. In case of a tornado warning, students go to
designated shelter areas within the building and stay with their teacher and class.
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Quietness and orderliness are essentials for either procedure. Check these procedures for each of
your classrooms. Students tampering with alarm equipment will be suspended and may be
expelled.
FOOD
No open food containers are to be carried out of the cafeteria into hallways, locker bays, etc.
Snack items in classrooms are at the teacher’s discretion. The individual teacher’s policy on snack
items will be reflected in their classroom rules. Parties involving larger meals (i.e. pizza) must be
approved by an administrator and should be held in designated areas (i.e. community room, staff
dining room, cafeteria, office conference room). Fast food is NOT permitted to be brought into the
building at any time.
FUNDRAISING
No person shall be allowed to sell or offer for sale within the school any article or service to
employees or students, or to solicit contributions or signatures of such persons without approval of
the Principal.
GANGS
Gangs which initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of
persons, or which are disruptive to the school environment, will not be tolerated by the District.
The Board believes gangs and/or gang activity create an atmosphere where violations of district
policies and regulations, as well as State laws, may occur.
Incidents involving initiations, hazing, intimidations, and/or related activities of such group
affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or
disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to students are prohibited.
Any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang paraphernalia or exhibiting behavior or gestures
which symbolize gang membership or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or
affect the attendance of another student will be subject to disciplinary action.
GOLD CARD
The National Honor Society will award a Gold Card to all students who achieve academic
excellence each term. To earn a Gold Card, a student must have straight A's or a 4.00 GPA. A
Gold Card entitles the holder to a free or reduced admission to all extracurricular activities.
GRADES AND POINT VALUES
The Senior High School day is divided into seven class periods of approximately 45 minutes each.
Most courses are 36 weeks (two terms) in length, and the equivalent of one year's (one credit)
worth of work. Some courses, such as Health, are 9 weeks in length. Students have the
opportunity to schedule the equivalent of seven (7) classes per year.
ADD-ON METHOD TO DETERMINE GPA & CLASS RANK
High School students will still continue to earn grades that reward students’ success in
academically challenging classes. However with the add-on system, students will not be penalized
for taking elective courses that encourage exploration and will not be rewarded for taking study
halls. Study halls will not factor either negatively or positively in student’s GPA or class rank.
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When calculating grade point averages, Fairfield High School will award quality points for all
courses as follows:
Letter Grade
Grade Range
GPA Value
A+
100 - 98
4.3
A
97 - 93
4.0
A92 - 90
3.7
B+
89 - 87
3.3
B
86 - 83
3.0
B82 - 80
2.7
C+
79 - 77
2.3
C
76 - 73
2.0
C72 - 70
1.7
D+
69 - 67
1.3
D
66 - 64
1.0
F
63 - 0
0.0
For Advanced Placement or Honors courses, an additional weight of 0.03 will be added on to the
grade-point average, providing the student earns a “C” or above in their AP or Honors courses.
All grades earned at Fairfield High School will count in the calculation of grade-point average.
Grade point averages will be calculated and rounded to two decimal places (with an elevator of
.005). Courses that are audited are not counted in the GPA.
The class rank is determined by GPA. Senior Awards and recognition will be based on class rank
at the end of the third nine (9) weeks. Underclass awards will be based on class rank at the end of
the third nine (9) weeks.
Audit Option
Only students with a 4.0 GPA or higher and enrolled in at least one Honors, AP course, are eligible
for the non-credit option plan. Students may not audit a course required for graduation. Students
will need the principal’s permission to audit a weighted course. By participating in the non-credit
option plan, students may re-enroll in an elective course and receive a letter grade which will
appear on the report card and transcript. However, no point value will be assigned when
determining the GPA, class rank, or honor roll. This will allow students to take elective courses
without lowering their GPA.
Students desiring to schedule a course for audit must:
1. Limit their selection to the equivalent of two, one term or nine week courses within
the school year.
2. Select only elective courses that are not required for high school graduation.
3. Complete all coursework.
Sophomores, juniors and seniors must notify their counselor during scheduling and sign an audit
option statement. (Signatures are required of both student and parent.)
For summer school courses, non-credit permission forms must be on file with the counselor prior to
the beginning of the course.
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During the first ten days of school, sophomores, juniors and seniors have the opportunity to drop
the non-credit option and schedule the class to earn credit and quality points for the GPA, class
rank and the honor roll. If the student does not change the option within the first ten days of
school, the non-credit course will remain as permanent part of the record and may not be changed;
likewise, students may NOT elect to option a course for non-credit after attending the tenth class
meeting.
GRADUATION
The Board desires that its standards for graduation meet the Minimum Standards of the Ohio
Department of Education as well as those of the North Central Association of Colleges and
Secondary Schools, and that our high schools will compare favorably with high schools recognized
for excellence in the state. The minimum requirements for graduation from high school are as
follows:
For 2013
For 2014 and 2015
English
4 units of credit
4 units of credit
Social Studies
3 units of credit
3 units of credit
Science
3 units of credit
3 units of credit
Mathematics
3 units of credit
4 units credit
Health
½ unit of credit
½ unit of credit
PE
½ unit of credit
½ unit of credit
Pathways
½ unit of credit
½ unit of credit
Electives*
6 ½ units of credit
5 units of credit
Total:
21 units
20 ½units
For the graduating classes of 2012, 2013,and 2014 as determined by the Fairfield City School
District, Electives must include one unit or two half-units of Business/Technology, Fine Arts, or
Foreign Language. Social Studies must include one unit in American Studies, one unit in World
Studies, and one unit in American Government. Science must include one unit in Physical Science
and one unit in Biological Science.
Beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July, 1, 2010, the
following is required for graduation:
 One unit of algebra II or the equivalent of algebra II;
 Science units which reflect inquiry-based laboratory experience that engage students and
including one unit of Physical science, one unit of biology, and advanced study in one or
more of the following sciences:
o Chemistry, physics, or other physical science;
o Advanced biology or other life science;
o Astronomy, physical geology, or other earth or space science.
 One-half unit of American history and one-half unit of American government; (Fairfield
City School District will continue to require one unit in American Studies, one unit in
World Studies, and one unit in American Government.)
 The integration of economic and financial literacy academic content standards in social
studies or other courses; and
 One sequence of any combination of foreign language, fine arts, business, career-technical
education, family and consumer sciences, technology, agricultural education, or English
language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies courses not otherwise required, for a
total of five units.
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Further, students must pass all tests required by the state of Ohio for graduation unless they have
been exempted from the test based on their I.E.P. Summer school credits will be accepted toward
graduation, provided that administrative approval has been given prior to registration for the
course.
Credits obtained through the successful completion of a credit flexibility plan approved by the
Fairfield City School District will be accepted toward graduation.
The District will accept credits earned toward graduation from those schools chartered by the State
Department of Education. Nonchartered and home schooling credit will be granted in accordance
with regulations established by the Superintendent.
Students must attend through seven terms (semesters). Seniors may graduate early at the end of the
seventh term if they have met all graduation requirements and submit the appropriate paperwork.
The Superintendent may grant requests for early graduation by students who have attended less
than seven terms (semesters) and who have compelling and extenuating circumstances such that in
the opinion of the Superintendent the best interests of the respective students would not be served
by requiring completion of seven terms (semesters).
Credit is awarded for a course successfully completed during or outside of regular school hours at
an accredited postsecondary institution by a student under the Post- Secondary Enrollment Options
Program, or outside of the regular school hours at an accredited postsecondary institution by a
student not under the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program. In the latter instance, any
course fees are the responsibility of the student’s parents. High school credit awarded for a course
successfully completed under this section of the Ohio Revised Code counts toward the graduation
requirements and subject areas requirements of the District. If a course comparable to the course
successfully completed is offered by the District, then comparable credit for the completed
equivalent course shall be awarded. If no comparable course is offered, the District shall grant to
the student an appropriate number of credits in a similar subject area.
High school courses offered through correspondence courses will be accepted for credit toward
graduation only when they meet these criteria:
1. Credits earned in correspondence schools directly affiliated with state universities will
be evaluated by the school administration for students who wish to qualify for
graduation from high school.
2.
Credits earned from schools which have been established primarily for
correspondence study, rather than an institution primarily for residence study, will be
evaluated by the school administration for students who wish to qualify for graduation
from high school.
A student who is admitted to Fairfield Schools from a non-chartered school or from home
schooling must be enrolled in Fairfield Senior High School for no less than three full consecutive
semesters, excluding summer school, immediately prior to that student’s date of graduation in order
to be considered for selection as salutatorian or valedictorian for graduation purposes.
The Board assumes at the time of graduation each student has fulfilled all academic and financial
obligations.
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A good school record, scholastic and otherwise, is the best recommendation an applicant can offer,
either for college admission or for a job. A record of good personal behaviors and cooperation is
expected.
Coursework Prior to Ninth Grade
Student work completed prior to the ninth grade is applied towards graduation credit if the course is
taught by a licensed teacher and is designated by the Board as meeting the curriculum
requirements. Grades earned in such courses prior to the ninth grade will not be included in the
determination of the students’ GPA.
Physical Education Exemption
A student who, during grades 9, 10, and/or 11 of high school, has participated in interscholastic
athletics, marching band, or cheerleading for at least two full seasons is not required to complete
any physical education courses as a condition to graduate. However, the student is required to
complete one-half unit, consisting of at least 60 hours of instruction, in another course of study.
The Board directs the Superintendent to develop regulations for the implementation of this option.
Commencement
Only students who have completed all graduation requirements, including passing the Ohio
Graduation Test (OGT), will be qualified to participate in commencement. Students will need to
pass all 5 parts of the OGT in order to receive a diploma and participate in commencement. The
minimum requirement for early graduation is seven (7) terms.
Early graduation requires meeting all graduation requirements, a conference with the counselor and
permission from the student’s parents.
Early graduates will NOT receive a refund or partial refund of the parking permit fee. Early
graduates may take part in commencement to be held once a year on the date designated by the
board of education.
ALL STUDENTS MUST ATTEND GRADUATION PRACTICE. IF STUDENTS DO NOT
ATTEND GRADUATION PRACTICE, THEY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE. STUDENTS MUST PAY ALL
FINES AND FEES BEFORE RECEIVING THEIR DIPLOMA.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
A grievance is a complaint by a student that there has been a violation, misinterpretation, or unfair
application of a written rule or policy found in the Board Policy or the Student Handbook.
Procedure:
1.
The student shall discuss the grievance informally with his/her teacher or assistant
principal.
2.
If a mutually satisfactory solution is not agreed upon, the student may submit in writing a
grievance to the head principal.
3.
The head principal will confer with the involved parties and reply with an answer to the
student in a timely manner.
4.
If the student wishes to appeal the decision of the head principal, he/she may request the
head principal to contact the Central Office Administration for a conference.
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GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES
The Guidance Department provides a very important service to the total school population.
Students should consult with the counselors on all matters pertaining to school or personal
problems and future educational plans. Students are assigned to counselors on an alphabetical
basis:
A - B (Options and Life Connections)
Kelli Pater
C-F
Tracy Ashford
G-J
Linda Loughran
K - Mc (JVS/BT students)
Kira Murphy
Me - R
Jim Chilcote
S - Sr
Marilyn Coburn
Ss - Z
Russ Fox
Students may make appointments to see the counselor by signing the sheet in the Guidance Office.
Parents wishing to consult with the counselors may make appointments by calling 942-29
HALL PASSES
It is the responsibility of the teacher to issue a hall pass to the student if he/she is to be out of a
scheduled classroom during the class period. The student is responsible for presenting the affixed
Hall Pass Record as found in the school agenda book to the teacher to be permitted in the hallways
during scheduled class time.
HAZING/BULLYING
Hazing means doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of intimidation
or harassment to any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of
causing mental or physical harm to any person.
Bullying is an intentional written, verbal or physical act that a student has exhibited toward another
particular student more than once and the behavior causes both mental and/or physical harm to the
other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating,
threatening or abusive educational environment for the other student.
Permission, consent or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing and/or bullying does
not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.
Prohibited activities of any type including those activities engaged in via computer and/or
electronic communication devices are inconsistent with the educational process and are prohibited
at all times. No administrator, teacher or other employee of the District shall encourage, permit,
condone or tolerate any hazing and/or bullying activities. No student, including leaders of student
organizations, may plan, encourage or engage in any hazing and/or bullying.
Administrators, teachers and all other District employees are particularly alert to possible
conditions, circumstances or events that might include hazing and/or bullying. If hazing and/or
bullying or planned hazing and/or bullying is discovered, involved students are informed by the
discovering District employee of the prohibition contained in this policy and are required to end all
hazing and/or bullying activities immediately. All hazing and/or bullying incidents are reported
immediately to the Superintendent or designee and the appropriate discipline is administered.
- 25 - |Fairfield High School
HOMEWORK
If a student is absent, it is always preferred that the student make every attempt to secure
homework. A request for homework may be submitted through the Guidance Office in case of an
extended absence. When homework is requested, it is the responsibility of the student or parent to
pick up the homework and/or books. THE TEACHER MUST BE GIVEN 24 HOURS'
NOTICE TO PREPARE THE HOMEWORK MATERIAL. Please refer to the “Out of School
Suspension” section for homework for suspended students on page 22.
HONOR ROLL BREAKFAST QUALIFICATION
A student is invited to attend the Honor Roll Breakfast if he/she has a 3.2 or higher weighted Grade
Point Average.
ID CARDS
ID Cards will be given to students at the beginning of the student’s sophomore year or upon
enrollment of a new student. ID cards are created from the annual student picture. ID cards are
used for the library, internet, and school events.
IN-SCHOOL DETENTION
In-School Detention (ISD) is designed to try to help students recognize inappropriate behavior and
reflect on ways to prevent the behavior in the future. Class credit is granted for assignments
completed in ISD. The designated number of days must be served before the student may return to
classes. Additional penalties may be assigned when students are late or do not report.
LEGAL EMANCIPATION
If students are eighteen and NOT living with a parent or guardian, they MAY be considered legally
emancipated. In order to be recognized by the school as legally emancipated, paperwork must be
completed and filed with the District office.
LIBRARY
To use the library during study hall, report directly to the library before the tardy bell rings and
check with the librarian to see if there is space available. You may use the library during a class
period only with a pass signed by that class teacher. To use library materials outside the library,
materials must be checked out following library procedure. The library is open before and after
school for your convenience. Destruction of library books and/or equipment will result in
disciplinary action.
LOCKERS
Lockers will be assigned to sophomores and juniors at the beginning of the school year by the
office. Seniors may choose a locker on the second floor. Students are NOT permitted to share
lockers. All lockers may be checked at the end of each term and at any other time when the safety
or well-being of the student is concerned. Lockers are the property of the school and may be
searched. Students are required to purchase locks to protect valuables and personal property.
Students are required to turn locker combinations in to the front office the first week of school.
Lockers without locks will be bolted within the first 2 weeks of school.
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MEDICATIONS
Medication may only be dispensed by the school nurse or building administrator with written
permission from the student's doctor and parents. This applies to over-the-counter medication such
as aspirin, etc., as well as prescription drugs. When possible, medication should be scheduled so
that it may be taken at home and not during school hours. Students are not to carry medication or
keep it in their lockers.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
The National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes students who have exhibited within
their school and community "outstanding" leadership, service, and character. All these criteria plus
a 3.5 GPA are required.
OGT TESTING (Ohio Graduation Test)
Ohio law requires the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) to be administered to every student. Tests will
be administered in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies.
Any student who has not passed one or more of the tests is required to do so before graduation
unless that student meets the exclusions as qualified in his/her IEP or meets the criteria for the
Alternative Pathway to Graduation.
Criteria for Alternative Pathway to Graduation
1. On the one [OGT]...for which the person failed to attain the designated score, the person missed
that score by 10 points or less; Note: This means a scaled score of at least 390 on the failed OGT.
2. Has a 97 percent school attendance rate in each of the last four school years, excluding any
excused absences; Note: Excused absences are defined by local school district policy.
3. Has not been expelled from school...in any of the last four school years;
Note: The statute does not address other student disciplinary outcomes, such as suspension.
4. Has a grade point average of at least 2.5 out of 4.0, or its equivalent as designated in rules
adopted by the state board of education in the subject area of the [failed OGT]; Note: The
conversion chart can be found on the Ohio Department of Education Web site at
www.ode.state.oh.us, keyword Alternative Pathway.
5. Has completed the [state] high school curriculum requirements...in the subject area [of the failed
test];
Note: This applies to a student’s eligibility to be considered for an alternative pathway only. To
receive a diploma, the student must also satisfy school district graduation requirements.
6. Has taken advantage of any intervention programs provided by the school district or school in
the subject area [of the failed OGT]...and has a 97 percent attendance rate, excluding any excused
absences, in any of those programs that are provided at times beyond the normal school day, school
week or school year or has received comparable intervention services from a source other than the
school district or school;
Note: Students are only subject to this criterion if they were offered intervention. If so, the
attendance requirement refers to their rate of participation.
7. Holds a letter recommending graduation from each of the person's high school teachers in the
subject area [of the failed OGT]...and from the person's high school principal.
Note: If the student’s teacher from a specific course is no longer available, a person with sufficient
knowledge to make an informed recommendation may substitute.
Source: Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §3313.615
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OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
A student who is given Out of School Suspension is prohibited from school attendance, bus
privileges, and attendance at or participation in any school activity or event during the term of the
suspension. A student violating the terms of the suspension is subject to expulsion and arrest for
criminal trespass.
Students on out-of-school suspension are still enrolled in their classes; therefore, it is the student’s
responsibility to request assignments in order to stay current with their class work. Requests are
made through the Guidance Office or with the teacher directly. All satisfactorily completed work
timely submitted according to established procedures is to be accepted for a minimum of passing
credit by the teachers.
PARKING
Students who drive to school will be required to fill out an application form and pay a fee for a
parking permit. Applications for parking permits are available in the Welcome Center.
Seniors, Juniors and eligible Sophomores are permitted parking permits. The annual fee for all
parking permits is $55.00. Student parking permits are assigned on an annual basis starting with
Seniors, then Juniors, and finally Sophomores, if space is available. The permit holder may park
ONLY in the assigned area. Student parking permits must be visibly displayed inside the vehicle.
Absolutely no parking permits will be transferable to another student. Driving to school is a
privilege and not a student right. As a student driver, you will be expected to follow the school
driving policies. Students may park only in areas designated for student parking. No student is to
use the areas set aside for faculty or visitor parking. The speed limit on school property is 10 miles
per hour. Cars will be searched when there is reasonable suspicion that a controlled substance or
alcoholic beverage is present. Cars may also be searched when the safety or well-being of students
is involved.
STUDENTS WITH EXCESSIVE TARDIES COULD LOSE THEIR PARKING PRIVILEGES.
Students will not be eligible for a refund of parking fees. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE
SCHOOL DRIVING POLICIES WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND/OR
LOSS OF PARKING PRIVILEGES.
PDA – PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
At Fairfield High School, young men and women are expected to control their emotions in school.
Holding hands is acceptable behavior; kissing, making out and other public displays of affection
are inappropriate, not permissible, and subject to disciplinary action.
POSSESSION/USE OF TOBACCO/ALCOHOL/DRUGS
A new state law prohibits pupils from "smoking and/or possessing tobacco in any area under the
control of a school district or at any activity supervised by any school operated by a school
district." Discipline will be issued to students who are in possession and who also violate such
rules/laws.
The Fairfield City Schools Board of Education shall not permit any student to possess, transmit,
conceal, consume, show evidence of having consumed, use or offer for sale any alcoholic
beverages, illegal drugs, un-prescribed drugs, prescribed drugs, look-alike drugs, over-the-counter
drugs, or any mind-altering substance while on school grounds or facilities; at school-sponsored
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events; in controlled vehicles; or in other situations under the authority of the District. Students
found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion
and referral for prosecution. A reduction in penalty may be granted if student receives professional
assistance by an accredited chemical dependency assessment/treatment agency and follows the
recommendations of that agency, or if they participate in the City of Fairfield’s diversion program.
POSTINGS
Postings should be displayed on bulletin boards in the hallways. Student campaign posters may be
an exception to this rule. All postings must be approved by an administrator.
PUBLICATIONS
Publications are governed by Board Policy (IGDB). The content of student publications
(newspapers, yearbooks, etc.) should not cause a disruption of the school or invade the rights of
others. Official student publications are a part of the school curriculum and editorial control
remains with school authorities.
SATURDAY SCHOOL/EXTENDED DETENTIONS
Saturday School/Extended Detention will be used as an alternative plan to improve behavior
without having students lose instructional time. Students assigned to Saturday School will be
required to be at school from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Students assigned to Extended Detention
will be required to be at school from 2:40 until 5:40 p.m. Students who report late to Saturday
School/Extended Detention may not be permitted to enter the school/detention due to being late. If
a student does not attend or is late, the student will receive additional discipline, up to and
including out-of-school suspension.
SCHEDULING
Developing an appropriate schedule is the shared responsibility of students and parents with
guidance and assistance from teachers and counselors. Students should develop a schedule with
future years in mind.
Students will be allowed to change course requests up to the last full day of attendance in June by
meeting with the counselor. After the last day of school all schedule changes need to be handled as
follows: a letter needs to be sent from the parent to the counselor explaining the reason for the
requested change. The counselor will then meet with the student, any teachers involved, and/or the
building principal. The ultimate decision for schedule changes resides with the building principal.
Schedule changes due to the completion of course work in summer school will be an exception.
Each student should carry a minimum of six subjects each term. Schedule changes will not be
permitted except if a student has failed and/or been placed inappropriately in a class. Schedule
changes made ten (10) days into a grading period will be permitted with parent permission.
Students are permitted to drop a course to a study hall with up to 20 days into the course. After
twenty days, students dropping a course will receive a withdraw fail.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Many scholarships are available to qualified seniors. A scholarship update listing all scholarships
will be available through the Guidance Office.
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
The Board of Education encourages the teamwork of salaried staff and volunteers so that students,
their parents, and the community are offered the best possible education.
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The use of citizens as volunteers within the school program enhances the educational process not
only for students, but for the community. Volunteers provide unique talents, skills, and knowledge
that support the school in providing students with an opportunity to be successful. Further,
volunteers help promote positive public relations regarding the school and its mission.
Recruitment and selection of volunteers is done at the local building level. Interested individuals
should contact the building principal or his/her designee. The interests and abilities of the
volunteers will be considered when making assignments. It is the responsibility of the building
principal to accept and assign volunteers to the school program, in accordance with regulations
developed by the Superintendent. All volunteers are subject to the authority of the principal and
direction by the classroom teacher or other school employee.
Current and prospective volunteers who have or will have unsupervised access to children on a
regular basis will be subject to a criminal record check (BCII) and/or required to authorize release
of their military personnel records.
SECURITY MONITORS
Fairfield High School has installed cameras and video equipment to monitor buses, buildings, and
grounds. The purpose of this equipment is to assist the school in providing a safe and secure
environment for its students, staff, and the general public. The school reserves the right to use
tapes in disciplinary occurrences.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Board supports the principle of equal opportunity employment and equal educational
opportunities. All persons associated with this school system, including, but not limited to the
Board, the administration, the staff, and the students are expected to conduct themselves at all times
so as to provide an atmosphere free from sexual harassment. Any person who engages in sexual
harassment while acting as a member of the school community will be in violation of this policy.
The Board has developed complaint procedures which will be available to victims. The Board has
also identified disciplinary penalties which could be imposed for the offenders.
Definition of Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other
verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment when:
1.
Submission of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a
person’s employment or educational development;
2.
Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for
employment or education decisions affecting such individual; or
3.
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s
work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
environment.
The privacy of individuals involved will be respected, but only to the extent possible and consistent
with a full and complete investigation of any issues of sexual harassment and the fulfillment of the
purposes of this policy.
TARDY TO CLASS
Students need to be in the classroom when the bell begins to ring. Teacher's classroom procedures
will determine appropriate penalties for tardiness to class.
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TARDY TO SCHOOL
All students who are tardy to school need to check in at the attendance office. This is important
since students are counted absent until they sign in. Tardies may be excused for a doctor’s
appointment (with doctor note), a court appearance (with record from court), late bus, or for
inclement weather if deemed appropriate by the administration. All other reasons for tardiness, i.e.,
overslept, caught by train, missed ride, ride late, etc. will be considered unexcused. Tardies will
accrue over the entire year and NOT start over every 9 week period. Three unexcused tardies
will turn into 1 day of unexcused absence.
TEXTBOOKS
Most textbooks are provided without charge. Fines will be assessed for lost or damaged books
assigned to students. Some classes require workbooks and/or lab fees.
TRANSCRIPT/SCHOLARSHIP/COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
There is a one-time $4.00 charge included in Senior fees for mailing any transcript data.
VISITORS
Parents, former Fairfield students and community residents are welcome to visit with
administrative approval. Other student visitors are prohibited. Special requests from parents or
potential students who wish to visit and observe the high school must be approved by an
administrator. Teachers will be notified of the visitation in advance. All visitors are to check in
and receive a visitor’s pass at the Welcome Center. The visitor will carry a visitor’s pass which
will be returned upon completion of the visit.
Tours of the building will be scheduled after the normal school day to prevent the interruption of
instruction.
WEAPONS
No student shall knowingly convey, attempt to convey, or possess any deadly weapon or dangerous
ordnance (explosive device, ammunition, smoke bombs, fireworks, or other incendiary devices,
etc.) onto or on any property owned by or controlled by, or to any activity held under the auspices
of, a school. Individuals in violation of this are subject to Board Policy (JFCJ) and expulsion from
school for one year.
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