Name _________________________________
Address ______________________________
City/Town ____________________ Zip__________
Home Phone__________________ Locker #______

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It is my pleasure to welcome you for the 2008-2009 school year at
Forest Park High School. I am looking forward to another exciting, challenging, and successful school year.
Please acquaint yourself with the information found in this agenda by reading it carefully and thoroughly. Your perusal and understanding of the school rules, regulations and policies is essential to helping us provide a safe and positive school climate in which you can achieve your maximum.
The first step in your pursuit of excellence is to believe that you are capable of achieving any goal you set for yourself. I encourage you to do your best, persevere, be prepared, be diligent, work hard, accept responsibility for your actions, use self-control and be proud of your accomplishments. Doing this will not only assist you in your pursuit for a high school diploma and build character, but also open doors of opportunity in the future. Throughout the year, your teachers, counselors, administrators and other school staff members will be available to assist you in attaining excellence in whatever and wherever you attempt to excel: academics, athletics, clubs, leadership, or community service. Please take advantage of the resources available to you.
I look forward to the opportunity to work all of you - students, parents, faculty and staff - to make the school year a success for all students.
Sincerely,
Eric V. Brent
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Principal: ................................................................................ Eric Brent
Assistant Principal: .............................................................. Ike Alberts
Assistant Principal:…………………………………………..Susan Elliott
Assista nt Principal:………………………………………Christi Feemster
Assistant Principal: ............................................................. Emily Utter
Activities Director:............................................................ Jerry Mobley
Guidance Director:………………………………………………Josh Miller
S ecurity Director:………………………………………………….Jeff Price
Warning Bell .................................................................................... 7:25
First Period .............................................................................. 7:30-8:30
Second Period/Third Period ................................................. 8:35-10:05
Fourth Period/Fifth Period .................................................. 10:10-12:25
Sixth/Seventh Period ............................................................ 12:30-2:00
A LUNCH B LUNCH C LUNCH D LUNCH
10:10-10:40 Lunch Class Class Class
10:45-11:15 Class Lunch Class Class
11:20-11:50 Class Class Lunch Class
11:55-12:25 Class Class Class Lunch
2 HOUR DELAY CLASS SCHEDULE
Warning ............................................................................................ 9:25
First Period ............................................................................ 9:30-10:05
Fourth/Fifth Period .............................................................. 10:10-12:25
Second/Third Period ............................................................ 12:30-1:10
Sixth/Seventh Period .............................................................. 1:15-2:00
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The school must seek to protect the rights of all young persons and to provide an education commensurate with their abilities, interests, values and goals. The school must provide safeguards for the health, safety and rights of the individual student. In establishing an orderly school environment, the school has the right to expect reasonable and selfdisciplined behavior from each student and that students will assume responsibility for learning and exhibit conduct that does not infringe upon the rights of another. The Prince William County School Board holds all students responsible for appropriate conduct as defined in the Prince
William County Code of Behavior.
Students are responsible for:
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Appropriate conduct in compliance with the Code of Behavior
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Accepting responsibility for learning, developing adequate study habits, and completing class assignments and/or requirements
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Being prepared each day with class materials and supplies
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Regular school attendance
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Reporting to school/class on time
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Contributing to a climate of acceptance and mutual respect within the school so that the hopes and ambitions of all individuals may be realized
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Maintaining an atmosphere in which learning and extracurricular activities take place for the growth and pleasure of all involved
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Complying with the dress code of the school
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Wise and careful use of school supplies
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Strict compliance with any rules or regulations of the local school, the
County School Board or the state and federal government
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Knowing and adhering to the Code of Behavior
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Reimbursement to the School Board for any actual breakage or destruction of property owned by or under the control of the School
Board
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Knowing promotion, literacy passport, and graduation requirements as published in the Course Catalog
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Reporting weapons and substance abuse violations.
FOR A COMPLETE EXPLANATION OF POLICIES GOVERNING
STUDENT CONDUCT, PARENTS AND STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO
CONSULT THE PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY CODE OF BEHAVIOR.
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Within two days of returning to school, the student must present a written note, stating the reason for the absence, signed and dated by the parent/guardian. All notes should be submitted to the Attendance Office.
Notes submitted after two days must be approved by an Alpha
Administrator. Absences are classified as excused based on the following reasons:
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Personal illness of the student
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Medical and dental appointments for the student
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Death of immediate family member
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Observation of a religious holiday
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Reasons of extenuating circumstances to be judged by the principal/designee
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Student participation in school-sponsored activities taking place during school hours
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Required court appearance
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Approved pre-arranged absences
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Parents are requested to call the attendance office when their child is absent from school
Absences will be classified as unexcused based on the following reasons:
1. All-day truancy
2. Class truancy
3. Missing a ride or a bus/traffic/car trouble
4. Disapproved prearranged absence
5. Failure to produce an appropriate explanation for an absence.
Unexcused absences will result in the following: a. A reasonable effort will be made to notify by telephone the parent(s) of any pupil who fails to report to school on a regularly scheduled day and for whom no prior notice has been received. b. After three unexcused absences within any grading period, a phone call and/or letter shall be completed in order to inform the parent(s) of the absences, and to notify them that five unexcused absences may constitute failure for the grading period in which the absences occur and that excessive absences (excused or unexcused) may result in failure for the course. c. Parents will be contacted when a student reaches five unexcused absences in a class informing the parent(s) of the student‘s failure for the grading period. At the discretion of the Alpha Administrator,
Saturday School or detention may be offered to students to make up an unexcused absence to avoid failure. d. Virginia State Law requires that all students missing 15 consecutive days be withdrawn from school. A parent conference is required to re-enroll.
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In addition, further disciplinary action may be taken as a result of any unexcused absences. A student will receive a grade of zero (0) for any graded work missed because of unexcused absences.
The student reports directly to the Attendance Office, located on 2nd Street between the Commons and Enclosed
Cafeteria, for a tardy slip. If the student has a dated, signed note from parent/guardian with a valid excuse, he/she will receive an excused pass. This pass must then be shown to the student‘s teacher to be admitted to class and presented to other teachers whose classes were missed. If the student does not bring a written valid note, he/she must still report to the Attendance Office and receive an unexcused tardy pass to be admitted to class.
A student has two days to submit a written explanation for an excused tardy. A student is considered unexcused unless a signed excuse is brought from the parent/guardian within two days and presented to the
Attendance Office for verification. An excused tardy pass for the classes missed will then be issued.
Types of excused tardies are:
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All items for excusing absences as listed on page 6.
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Emergency situations arising from unusual weather conditions.
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All tardies from late buses.
Students who fail to be in their seats and ready to work when the bell sounds are considered tardy and must sign the tardy book .
Unexcused tardies to classes will result in the following:
When a student receives the first two unexcused tardies, the teacher will give the student a verbal warning.
On the third ( 3 ) unexcused tardy, the student will receive a failing grade of
64 for the period to be averaged with other grades for the day.
On the fourth ( 4 ) unexcused tardy, the student and parent will be notified that the student will receive detention and a failing grade of 64 for the period to be averaged with other grades for the day.
On the fifth ( 5 ) unexcused tardy, the student may be assigned Saturday
Detention . The student and parent will be notified that the student may fail at the discretion of the Alpha Administrator.
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A student accumulating excessive tardies (excused or unexcused) will be subject to further disciplinary action, including loss of parking and driving privileges to school .
The student presents a note requesting the early dismissal to the
Attendance Office before 7:20. The request must include the reason for leaving, time of requested dismissal, and parent/guardian‘s signature and telephone number for verification. An early dismissal will be written for the student only after verbal verification by parent or the person designated as the emergency contact has been received. The student must show the early dismissal pass to all teachers whose classes are missed.
A student who leaves school without checking out in the Attendance
Office will receive an unexcused absence for each class missed and will be subject to disciplinary action.
The student must present a note to his/her Administrator‘s Office or attendance office at least one week prior to the absence. The request must include the reason and dates of absences, parent/gua rdian‘s signature and telephone number for verification. Once verified, the student must present the approved request to all of his/her teachers for their signature.
The bell schedule will be adjusted accordingly and students that regularly follow a reduced schedule will be expected to remain in class according to the adjusted bell schedule. This applies to all COE, marketing and other students with reduced schedules.
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The student must get a pass from the teacher and report to the clinic. Parents will be contacted if the student needs to go home. A student who leaves school without permission is subject to disciplinary action.
All students are expected to dress out and participate unless they have made arrangements with their teacher. Exceptions may be made if a student brings a note signed by parent/guardian stating the reason and gives it to the physical education teacher. For prolonged illness or injury, a doctor‘s note is required.
Failure to dress out will result in a verbal warning by the teacher on the first unexcused non-dress. The second unexcused non-dress will result in the student “0” for the day and parental notification. The third unexcused non-dress in any activity could result in failure for that activity unit and disciplinary action.
Homework may be requested when a student is absent for three or more consecutive days.
The office of the student‘s Alpha Administrator should be contacted by 9:00 a.m. to receive work after 2:00 p.m. the following day . Work will be available for pick up in the front office until
4:00 p.m. each day. If access to the student‘s locker is required, please provide the locker number, combination and location (hallway).
A student who is absent from school for excused reasons will be responsible for contacting the teachers within two days after returning to school to make arrangements to complete missed work.
If a student‘s last name, address, telephone number, or parent‘s work telephone number, or any emergency information changes during the school year, he/she must contact the Attendance Office where he/she will receive a Change of Address form. The Change of Address form must be returned to the Attendance Office as soon as possible. It is important that records are kept up-to-date in case of an emergency.
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DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Students shall be appropriately dressed for school to meet basic standards of health, hygiene, safety, and decency. Students who come to school without meeting these standards or whose appearance is deemed disruptive to the normal school operation will be removed from class, required to remove offensive item(s), change into something appropriate or excluded from school. Extreme or repeated violations may result in more serious corrective measures including suspension.
The following items are examples of improper dress. They include, but are not limited to:
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Head coverings - headbands (other than ones used to hold back hair), hats, scarves, ear warmers, bandannas, caps, hoods, visors or any other type of head covering worn by students (male or female) in the building. Upon arrival to school students must place these items in their lockers and they must remain there until dismissal time.
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Clothing with profane language, suggestive or offensive signs, slogans or graphics. Offensive graphics are anything that disrupts the instructional environment. Graphics promoting drug, alcohol or tobacco use, depicting violence, death and dying, weapons, or any other graphics determined to be offensive are improper.
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Clothing which is too revealing, allows undergarments to be visible, is excessively tight, see-through, exposes bare midriff, low necklines, sagging or low-cut pants, tube tops, halter tops, backless blouses or blouses with only tie in the back.
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The hemline of shorts, skirts, or dresses which does not exceed 4 inches above the kneecap of the student while standing erect is considered excessively short. For skirts or dresses with slits, the hemline will be considered to begin at the top of the slit.
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ALL TOPS (blouses, shirts, dresses, etc.) MUST HAVE at least 3” width at the shoulders or another top with sleeves must be worn over or under them. Any other clothing items long trench coats or bulky, oversized coats are not permitted within the school building.
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Sunglasses or bare feet (shoes must be worn at all times). Pajamas
& slippers are NOT permitted.
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Jewelry or other items that could be regarded or used as a weapon
(i.e. studded belts and necklaces, dog choke chains, wallet chains, pointed rings, etc.).
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Clothing and accessories that represent gang, cult or occult membership/activity and/or promotes violence.
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School personnel cannot administer any medication until a form signed by the parent is on file in the clinic. This form can be obtained from the physician or the clinic. All medication, prescription and over the counter, must be brought to the school in the original container and kept in the clinic. School personnel will not be responsible for locating and/or reminding students when medication must be taken. Any medication left in the clinic at the close of the school year will be discarded on the last day of school.
A student is required to take appropriate care of and not damage or deface school property, such as, but not limited to, lockers, books, furniture, tools, computers, cabinets, etc. A student who loses or damages school property or equipment will be required to pay to correct or replace lost or damaged item(s).
Verified acts of vandalism will result in school and/or court action, as well as a request for restitution. The law allows schools to collect money from the parent/guardian to pay for damages.
Classroom teachers will issue the necessary textbooks to the student. The student is responsible for the proper care and return of issued materials. Fees for lost or damaged materials will be charged.
The building must be evacuated when the fire alarm sounds. Students should exit quickly and quietly through the door designated by the teacher.
Once outside, students must move away from the building, meet and remain with their teacher.
Pulling a false alarm will result in severe school disciplinary action and prosecution by the Fire Marshal.
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Forest Park has two cafeterias where a student may purchase and eat lunch or eat lunch prepared at home. No food or beverages other than water will be taken from and/or consumed outside the cafeteria area . Clear water bottles can be carried in school.
If purchasing food, a student is to stand in a single line, have money out, and know what to order so all students will have ample time to eat during their lunch periods.
Cutting in line is not permitted.
Students must be respectful of other students and strive to keep their conversations at a reasonable and acceptable level. Students with lunch trays must sit at tables and are not permitted to sit on the floor or in the hallways.
When a student has finished eating, trash and trays are to be removed from the table and will be returned to the designated area.
Seniors are allowed to enjoy the courtyard during lunch; however, they must insure that the area is kept clean. Failure to do so may result in loss of use of courtyard.
A student is not to leave the cafeteria area prior to the bell. The student must remain within the blue doors.
Breakfast is served in the Enclosed Cafeteria from 7:00 to 7:20. All food must be consumed in the Enclosed Cafeteria. No food or beverages other than water are allowed in the classrooms.
Students who violate the above procedures are subject to disciplinary action.
Students shall help to maintain a clean and healthful school environment by properly disposing of trash while in the cafeteria, classrooms, hallways, and elsewhere in the school and on school grounds, buses, bus stops, and at school-related activities.
***CHEWING GUM IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING***
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Any student in the hall must have an official pass completed by a teacher, administrator, or guidance counselor. This applies to student aides, television production crews, and yearbook and newspaper staff members, as well as to any other student who is in the halls. Only one student’s name will be on a pass. The pass should be kept visible for confirmation by hall monitors and members of the staff.
Daily bus service is provided for all students living in excess of one mile from school. Riding the bus is a privilege that may be revoked if the student does not obey rules of conduct and instructions of bus driver.
Students must ride their assigned bus. A courtesy bus pass (to allow a student to ride a bus other than their regular bus) is occasionally granted by Security upon written request from the parent . Students and parents should refer to the Code of Behavior for additional information.
Students who wish to drive must register their car with the school‘s Safety and Security Office and purchase a parking permit by the third week of
September. The parking permit will cost $50.00. While on school property, the permit must be displayed in the windshield of the vehicle and students must abide by the rules noted on the registration form .
Students and Parents are reminded that driving is a privilege. Any vehicle without a permit may be towed at the owner‘s expense and the student will be referred to the Alpha Administrator for disciplinary action. A student driver is responsible for the proper operation of his/her vehicle. A student who drives to school and who is chronically tardy, excused or unexcused, as well as a student who violates other attendance procedures, will have driving privileges revoked. A personal transportation problem (flat tire, missed ride, etc.) is NOT a valid reason to issue an excused tardy/absence.
WARNING: Taking students off school grounds without parental permission is against the law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Student drivers who violate this law by taking other students (who have not officially checked out) off school grounds, face possible referral to Prince William County Police in addition to loss of parking and driving privileges and school disciplinary action.
RESTRICTED AREAS
During the school day, the parking lots, student vehicles and the wooded areas around the school are off-limits. Students must get permission from an administrator before entering these areas.
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TELEPHONES
A student will be allowed to use the office telephones with an official pass and permission from office staff . Pay telephones are for student use only before or after school hours . A student may not use the pay phones while school is in session.
LOCKERS
Lockers are issued by first period teachers upon receipt of one completed emergency card. Each student will have his/her own personal locker.
Students must not share their locker or give the combination to anyone.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Students will be held responsible for items that they have at school or at school-related activities. Student desks and lockers are the property of the school, and school officials reserve the right to search them. Lockers or desks may be searched to repossess school property or to locate materials that are not permitted in school. Students, their belongings, and items under their control (including cars) may be searched under certain circumstances as described in Regulation 737-1. The school system reserves the right to use trained dogs in searches. The student’s individual right to privacy and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure is balanced by the school‘s responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all persons within the school community. Should illegal materials be found during a search, law enforcement officials will be notified. If a student refuses to be searched when the administration has reasonable suspicion that the student possesses or has in his or her control prohibited items as defined in the regulation, parents and/or authorities will be contacted and the student may be subject to disciplinary action.
SCHOOL STORE
Forest Park’s school store, the Bruin’s Den, is located near the Roosevelt
Room on 3rd Street. The Bruin’s Den stocks a variety of school supplies, spirit wear, and candy items for purchase before school and during lunch.
LOST AND FOUND
The Lost and Found Department is located in the Main Office. Check before school, after school, or during lunch.
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Electronic Entertainment Devices Students shall not have radios, CD players, Walkmans, TV‘s, computer games, audio or video recording devices, or other electronic devices on school property without express consent of the school principal/designee. Students may not record (audio or video) classroom activities without permission of the principal/designee.
Communication Devices (Wireless)
Students may possess wireless communication devices (cell phones, etc.) on school grounds provided that the devices are not visible and are not activated from 7:00am to 2:00pm.
Also, a student should not bring expensive items (such as jewelry) or large sums of money to school. Items of value (such as purses) should not be left in lockers.
School Division staff does not assume responsibility for the security of communication and/or electronic devices that are brought onto school property.
All visitors must report to the main office first to receive a visitor‘s pass. Regulation 501-6, Paragraph 3, states you MUST provide and leave photo ID and badge must be visible at all times.
We thank you for your cooperation. This is for the safety of your student.
Parents are always welcome at Forest Park High School. We ask that an appointment be made 24 hours in advance to see a teacher or to visit a classroom. Parents are asked to help minimize interruption to the instructional day as they visit the school.
However, as a general rule, students from other schools will not be issued a visitor‘s pass
. Extenuating circumstances may be presented to an administrator for review.
Students are not permitted to stay after school unless they are involved in a supervised activity. When staying after, students should report to the activity/supervisor by 2:10 and remain there until they are dismissed. Upon dismissal, they are to immediately vacate school property or wait in the front lobby for their transportation. Students who are riding the activity bus MUST have an Activity Bus Pass from their supervising teacher and should sign up for the bus beginning at 4:15 in the music hallway. A voice announcement will be made prior to sign up . A student who violates after school regulations may be placed on social probation or receive other disciplinary action.
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In order to participate in any extra-curricular activity, a student must attend school for at least one half day, or two block periods that day. Exemptions must be approved by the Principal or the Director of Activities.
A student participating in athletics, cheerleading, marching band, or drill team must have earned at least five credits and earned a grade minimum of three D’s and two C’s at the end of the nine-week grading period.
Credits earned, as a teacher‘s aide, do not count toward eligibility. In order to remain eligible, the grade requirement must be maintained for each nine-weeks grading period, except for the second and fourth nine weeks when the semester and yearly grades are used. The administration has the authority to prohibit any student’s participation in any activity on the basis of poor citizenship.
Students must also have an Athletic Participation / Parental Consent /
Physical Examination Form completed and on file. This physical examination will allow a student to participate during all three seasons of the school year. The examination forms are available in the front office or from the Activities Director.
Most of the clubs, activities, and classes have fundraising activities during the school year. These must be approved in advance, and all funds raised are dispersed according to the financial guidelines established by the school division. Students may not sell fundraising items in school unless they are for a school-related activity.
A student participating in or attending an after school/evening activity must make transportation arrangements to leave school grounds within thirty minutes after the activity ends. Arrangements for pick-up should be made before attending the activity as opposed to calling parents after the activity.
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Art Club
Baseball
Basketball
Cheerleading
Chess Club
Color Guard/Winter Guard
Computer/Math Club
Concert Band
Concert Choir
Crew Club
Cross Country
Dance Team
DECA
Drama Club
FBLA
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Field Hockey
FHA
Football
Forensics and Debate
French Club
Freshman Class
Bruins (Drill Team)
German Club
Golf
Gymnastics
Indoor Track
It‘s Academic
Junior Class
Key Club
Lacrosse
Latin Club and Honor Society
Learn and Serve
Literary Magazine
Marching Band
Model United Nations
National French Honor Society
National German Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
National Honor Society
Newspaper
Orchestra
Quill & Scroll
S.A.D.D.
S.C.A.
Science/Technology Club
Spanish Club
Step Team
Softball
Soccer
Sophomore Class
SWAT
Swim Club
Technology Student Association
Theatre Sports
T.V. Club
Teen Counseling
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
Wrestling
Yearbook
Young Democrats
Young Republicans
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Good citizenship and mature behavior are expected at all assemblies and activities even though it is realized that many after-school activities do include a competitive atmosphere. A student must abide by good sportsmanship at all times.
The spectator should:
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Realize that he/she represents the school just as definitely as does the member of a team, and therefore, has an obligation to be a true sportsman, encouraging through his behavior the practice of good sportsmanship by others.
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Recognize that good sportsmanship is more important than victory by approving and applauding good team play, individual skill, and outstanding examples of sportsmanship and fair play exhibited by either team.
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Recognize that since the primary purpose of interschool athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being of the players through the medium of contests, victory or defeat is in reality of secondary importance.
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Treat visiting teams and officials as guests, extending to them every courtesy.
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Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
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Respect the judgment and integrity of officials, realizing that their decisions are based upon game conditions as they observe them.
In addition to the rules and regulations of the Code of Behavior, students are expected to comply with rules established by their schools and with the rules of the sports, clubs, and activities in which they participate.
Violators are subject to corrective action as described in the Code of
Behavior or as stated in the school‘s handbook. Whether suspended from school or not, students can be placed on Social Probation.
Social Probation prohibits participation and attendance in sports, clubs, or other school-sponsored activities for violations of the rules of the team or activity, even if the violation occurs off school grounds and outside the school day. This includes, but is not limited to, violations of team training rules related to the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances.
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1.
The media center will be open Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
A student may come into the media center without a pass before and after school. At all other times, a student must have a pass signed by a classroom teacher or administrator. When entering the media center, the student should leave his/her pass at the circulation desk. Five minutes before the period ends, the student should have his/her pass signed by a librarian and return it to the classroom teacher for verification.
Books may be checked out from the media center for a two (2) week period, with renewal as needed.
Reference books and magazines may be checked out for overnight use only at the end of the school day, 2:00 p.m.
Overdue notices will be sent to students if books are not returned on time. These students will not be able to check out any more books until the overdue books are returned.
Library Services:
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Books for research and checkout
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Current magazines available to read and check out
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Students may use the Internet for research. Students must conform to the Prince William County Schools Acceptable
Use Policy.
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Photo copier, 10 cents a page (black & white)
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Word processing available in the library lab
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Earthwalk system available to show computer programs to large groups.
Due to the limited number of computers in the main library area, please confine computer use to library programs only. Word processing is available in the computer labs.
Students are expressly forbidden to load personal property software on computers.
Students are not to access e-mail or chat rooms in the library.
Students using the media center must be respectful of other students right to work in a quiet and orderly environment. Failure to respect library rules will result in dismissal from the media center and possible disciplinary action
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The members of the guidance and counseling staff at Forest Park High
School provide services which are designed to address three major elements in student development: educational, personal, and career.
These services include assistance with the following: education, planning, interpretation of test scores, information regarding occupations and careers, personal counseling, financial aid information, college applications, and any other questions or concerns a student may present.
Josh Miller
Brenda Duncan
Kay Fortenberry
Jaime Petersen
Rose Miller
Mike Nerenberg
Kim Bryson
Catherine Blake
Linda Bryant
A student may see a guidance secretary to make an appointment with his/her guidance counselor. Students may make these appointments before and after school and during lunch. The student will be given a pass for the appropriate time.
A student should not be sent to the guidance and counseling department without an appointment unless it is an emergency.
Before and after school, a student may see his/her guidance counselor without an appointment. In cases of emergency, a student may come to guidance at any time.
The Career Center is designed to provide students with information that will assist them in planning for the future. A library of information about occupations, colleges, military programs, financial aid, and scholarships is available.
A computerized search service (Bridges) assists students in making individual college and career choices. In addition, the center utilizes a videocassette system, which provides additional information on college and career choices.
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The Career Center schedules visits by speakers from both colleges and career institutions and provides classroom and evening programs for the vocational, military, and college bound student.
A popular service available at the Career Center is the job bulletin -board, which lists work opportunities for students seeking part-time, full-time, and summer employment.
Students may make appointments to meet with the Career Counselor and to use the Career Center before school, during lunch, after school, or during class periods. Parents are welcome to use the services of the
Career Center and may do so by calling for an appointment.
NOTE: All college, NCAA, and scholarship applications must be logged in with the registrar or guidance secretaries on a Forest Park
High School Transcript Request Form to assure complete reporting of academic information to the colleges. Please allow 10 working days for the application to be processed.
(According to County
Regulation 790-2, the first three transcripts issued by the school of record are free. Additional transcripts issued are $2.00 per copy).
SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICY
All schedule changes/adjustments where to be made by June 13.
Any class dropped after the first grading period will be recorded on the student
‘ s record as withdrawn/passing (WP) or withdrawn/failing (WF).
The student will not receive credit for the class. Any class dropped after the first semester will be recorded as a failure (F) for the year.
SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS/EXEMPTION POLICY
Double-period examinations of approximately two hours in length are required in all subject areas each semester. Each examination constitutes twenty percent of the semester grade. However, a student failing to take/complete the semester examination or culminating activity will receive a zero for the exam and a failing grade for the semester .
Make-up examinations will be given only to those students who have prior approval of the school administrator.
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There are no exemptions from first semester examinations. Juniors and seniors who have an A average first semester and an A average second semester may be exempt from the second semester exam. Students enrolled in semester, one-half credit courses, may not be exempt.
Students may also be exempt from the final exam if he/she passes the
End of Course Standards of Learning test. If the student elects to take the final exam, the exam grade must be calculated in the second semester.
GRADE LEVEL
The requirements for membership in grades 9 - 12 are as follows:
9th grade - successful completion of grade eight
10th grade - 6 units of credit, 3 units must be required courses
11th grade - 11 units of credit, 6 units must be required courses
12th grade - 16 units of credit, 9 units must be required courses
CARNEGIE UNIT OF CREDIT
Each student must accumulate 140 hours of instruction to be eligible for a Carnegie unit of credit.
A numerical grading system from 0-100 will be used for averaging grades within a nine-week marking period. A student must complete 65% of the work within a grading period in order to receive credit for the grading period.
A Excellent 100-93 4.0
B+ Very Good 92-90 3.4
B Good 89-84
C+ Above Average 83-81
3.0
2.4
C Average 80-74
D+ Below Average 73-71
D
F
Poor
Failure
70-65
64 and below
2.0
1.4
1.0
0
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If a student fails to complete assignments due to extenuating circumstances, a teacher may assign a grade of incomplete for the marking period. The assignments must be completed within three weeks after the conclusion of the marking period. If the incomplete work has not been submitted to the teacher within the designated, three-week period, the grade will automatically be changed to an F by the data clerk.
Students are responsible for neither giving nor receiving assistance
(written, oral, or otherwise) on tests, examinations, final evaluations or class/homework assignments that are to be graded as the work of a single individual. Cheating includes the giving or receiving of a computer file, program, part of a program, or other computer-based information without specific teacher direction or approval. Cheating also includes the violation of testing protocol, plagiarism and the Honor Code Pledge .
Cheating encompasses any violation of rules where the violation was done dishonestly.
The following procedures are in effect for students involved in any form of cheating:
First Offense: The student shall receive a zero (0) for the particular assignment, exam, test, or final exam, etc. The parent will be contacted, and then a discipline referral will be submitted. Detention or
Out of School Suspension will be assigned.
Subsequent Offenses: The student shall receive a zero (0) for the particular assignment, exam test, or final exam, etc., and the student shall be suspended from school until a conference is held with the parent, student, and the school administration.
Plagiarism: Students are responsible for giving due recognition of sources from which material is quoted, summarized or paraphrased, as well as to persons from whom assistance has been received.
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A student may earn an academic letter based on the criteria listed below:
 A student shall be enrolled in at least six classes that carry a
Carnegie unit of credit. All classes that carry a Carnegie unit of credit shall be used in computing the yearly average.

A student shall earn a grade point average for the year of 3.5
(non-rounded) or higher.

A student shall earn a grade equivalent to 3.0 or better for the year in each class. That is, no student is eligible for an academic letter if he or she earns a grade lower than a grade equivalent to 3.0 for the year.
 All grades used to determine academic letter status are averaged on a yearly basis.
 Final grades used to determine academic letter status shall be earned in a Prince William County public school.
All classes receiving a Carnegie unit credit will be used to determine honor roll status. The grades are averaged at the end of each nine-week period.
In order to be eligible for the school honor roll, a student must have earned a B or better average in each class. In order to be eligible for the principal
‘ s honor roll, a student must earn an A in each class.
A student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior with a cumulative
GPA of 3.5 or better in order to be considered for membership.
Students who meet this criterion will be given an application to be filled out and returned to the advisor. The advisor will present the applications, faculty input based on personal knowledge of the students, and other pertinent information to a five-member faculty selection committee. This committee will determine if the student should be inducted based on the additional criteria of leadership, service, and character. The advisor will notify the students that have been selected for membership.
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FIRST SEMESTER
First 9 weeks
9/2/08 -11/3/08
Second 9 weeks
11/5/08-1/23/09
SECOND SEMESTER
Third 9 weeks
1/27/09-4/3/09
Fourth 9 Weeks
4/14/09-6/17/09
Interims Report Cards
October 13
December 15
March 6
May 22
November 10
February 2
April 20
Mailed on
June 24
May 4
WEEK 1
Morning Session Afternoon Session
8:00 AM
Govt/Politics:U.S.
12:00 PM
French Language
May 5
May 6
Computer Science A
Computer Science AB
Spanish Language
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Statistics
May 7
English Literature French Literature
May 8
US History
European History
Studio Art
(Portfolios due)
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WEEK 2
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
May 16
Morning
Session
Afternoon Session
Biology
Music Theory
Chemistry
Environmental
Science
Physics B
Psychology
English Literature
Macroeconomics
Spanish Literature
Art History
Latin Literature
*Students wishing to take exams that are scheduled for the same time slot should ask their Counselor to contact AP Services.
Students are required to complete 22 units of credit for the standard diploma and 24 units of credit for the advanced studies diploma. In addition, student s must earn the appropriate number of verified units of credit.
The requirements for a standard or advanced studies diploma shall include one credit in fine, performing, or practical arts. The requirements for a standard high school diploma shall, however, include at least two sequential electives and may include a concentration of courses selected from a variety of options. Sequential electives such as Art I and Art II may also be used for this requirement.
The following charts illustrate the types of diplomas available, the number of standard and verified units of credit needed to receive the diploma, and the courses needed to receive each diploma.
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Type of diploma: Standard
Standard Units needed: 22
Verified Units needed: 6
Courses needed:
English: 4 units (English 9, 10, 11, 12)
Mathematics: 3 units (including two course selections from among
Algebra I, Geometry, or higher)
Science: 3 units (must include two different disciplines from among
Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
Social Studies: 3 units (World History from 1500, U.S. and Virginia
History, U. S. and Virginia Government)
Health and Physical Education: 2 units (Health and PE. I and II)
Fine or Practical Arts: 1 unit
Electives: 6 units, to include at least 2 sequential electives
Locally awarded verified units of credit in history/social sciences and science are available to eleventh and twelfth grade students who entered ninth grade for the first time in 2004 or 2005 and are pursuing the
Standard Diploma. Specific criteria have been developed for the awarding of these credits. Students may not earn more than four locally awarded verified units of credit.
Students must earn six verified units of credit as follows in order to earn a
Standard Diploma: a. English - two b. Mathematics - one c. Laboratory Science - one d. History and Social Sciences - one e. Student Selected Test - one
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Type of diploma: Advanced Studies
Standard Units needed: 24
Verified Units Needed: 9
Courses needed:
English: 4 units (English 9, 10, 11, 12)
Mathematics: 4 units (including 3 different course selections from Algebra
I, Geometry, Algebra II or higher)
Science: 4 units (must include 3 disciplines from among Earth Science,
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
Social Studies: 4 units (World History from 1500, World Geography, U.S. and Virginia History, U.S. and Virginia Government)
Health and Physical Education: 2 units (Health and P.E. I and II)
Foreign Language: 3 units of one language or two years each of two languages
Fine or Practical Arts: 1 unit
Electives: 1 or 2 units (depends on the amount of foreign language taken)
Students completing the requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma must earn the standard units of credit outlined above and nine verified units of credit as follows: a. English –two b. Mathematics
–two c. Lab Sciences
–two d. History and Social Sciences –two e. Student Selected --one
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TEST DATES
**CEEB Code - 472-468**
Scholastic Aptitude Test
Test Dates for SATI and SAT II. Postmark date for
(Both tests may not be taken on the same day.) Separate registration required. regular registration and requests for special testing arrangements
Late registration deadline. Requires additional late fee.
Registration forms postmarked later will be returned.
Oct. 4
Nov. 1
SAT I/II
SAT I/II
September 9
September 26
September 16
October 10
Dec. 6
Jan. 24
March 14
May 2
June 6
SAT I/II
SAT I/II
SAT I
SAT I/II
SAT I/II
November 5
December 26
February 10
March 31
May 5
November 18
January 6
February 24
April 9
May 15
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) Test Date
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
ACT Test
September 13, 2008
October 25, 2008
December 13, 2008
February 7, 2009
April 4, 2009
June 13, 2009
ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE TEST (ASVAB Test)
TBD
STANDARDS OF LEARNING (SOL)
October 2008 Senior English Writing Retakes
December/January Retakes
May/June 2009 End or Course All Subjects
29

In addition to principals, counselors, and teachers, Forest Park has additional staff members to assist students.
Social Worker/Visiting Teacher: Mark DeAngelo/Guidance
Works with school, home and community in helping students alleviate personal and social adjustment problems.
Safety and Security Specialists: Jeff Price, Taylor Bean, Bill Brooks and
Todd Stevens will assist in all areas of safety, theft, and security, relevant to students and the school.
Community Resource Officer: Rob Berkebile/Front
Office
( This is a member of the Prince William County Police Department assigned to the school .) Helps students in any manner relating to laws, legal rights and responsibilities.
Public Health Nurse/Aide: Gina Bellamy/Diane Lewis/Clinic
Provides immediate emergency medical attention and counsels students on health-related issues.
School Psychologist: Theresa Grant /Guidance
Assists the students with psychological evaluation, consultation, and counseling.
Substance Abuse Specialist:
New Horizons: Karen Stitt
Counsels students dealing with issues related to substance abuse.
Attendance Officer: Ahmad Dorsett
Works with school, home and community in helping students solve attendance problems.
Students are encouraged to contact any member of the staff if they have a problem, would like to express a concern or complaint, or if they feel their rights have been violated.
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A basic element to effective prevention of misconduct is the setting of school rules that are implemented in a consistent manner. The school has the authority to set the appropriate penalty for infractions, which may range from counseling to expulsion, depending on the severity of the infraction. The following is a summary that includes, but is not limited to the infractions and possible corrective measures that may be taken as a result of student misconduct.
Students and parents should refer to the Prince William County Code of
Behavior for a complete description/explanation of infractions and student conduct.
Conduct currently viewed as just cause for disciplinary action shall include but not be limited to any one of the following violations:

Academic dishonesty, to include cheating, plagiarism, forgery, and unethical computer use

Accumulated offenses

Any threat or attempt to

Fighting

Failure to report other violations

Failure to report to assigned classes while in school building unless excused by a bomb, to burn or to destroy school property, or property of school personnel

Battery of a teacher

Chronic failure to be
 prepared for class
Conduct dangerous to the physical well-being of others

Cult, occult and ritualistic activities

Discrimination

Dishonesty/Lying to staff

Disrespect and/or disobedience to teachers or any other staff members

Extortion, harassment or intimidation school official

Failure to report weapons

Gambling

Gang activity or expressions of gang membership

Group mob activity

Harassment, sexual


Improper use of cars/vehicles

Inappropriate public behavior
 harassment
Horseplay or display
Inappropriate student dress
(slippers, pajamas)

Inciting to riot or fight

Indecent exposure

Leaving school grounds without permission

Littering

Offenses off school grounds

Physical and verbal assault

Possession/control of electronic communication devices

Possession, display,
31

production, or distribution of indecent materials

Possession, distribution or use of weapons, looka-like weapons, or other harmful objects

Possession, distribution, use, or being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or anything that resembles drugs or alcohol

Possession of electronic entertainment devices

Possession of glass or breakable containers

Possession of laser pointer/device

Reporting to school/class tardy

Sexual misconduct

Failure to follow a reasonable request

Smoking/possession of tobacco products, lighters or matches on school buses, in the school building, on school property, or to and from school

Standing by as others violate rules

Tardiness and/or truancy

Technology misuse

Theft

Threatening and/or abusive language

Trespassing

Unauthorized sales or distributions

Use of profanity

Vandalism

Violation of fire regulations to include lighting matches, false fire report, arson, or the lighting of any flame not a part of classroom instruction

Violation of school bus rules

Violation of School
Board Policy or school regulations

Willful disruption of any classroom or school activity
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A student‘s failure to comply with school rules and regulations may result in the school taking one or more of the following actions:

Admonition

Counseling

Parent Conference

School-Community Service
Projects

Saturday Detention

Non-participation in school

Alternative Education
Programs

IMPACT

Focus on Tobacco

Social Probation

Time-Out Situation

Assigned Tasks



Student Assistance Program

Local School Probation

Out-of-School Suspension

Mediation
Detention (After School
Detention)
(OSS)
Court Action

Expulsion

No-trespass order

Night School Program

Restitution
Students are advised to seek assistance from school personnel (teachers, administrators, counselors, etc.) In order to settle disputes peacefully, without violence or the threat of violence. School personnel can assist in various ways, including counseling, mediation, and consultation with staff members trained in conflict resolution.
Any potential incident may be referred to mediation by a student, a teacher, a counselor, an assistant principal or the principal. Mediation referral forms are located in the main office and satellite office, upon request.
Fights are not mediated. Fights result in suspensions. However, students returning to school after suspension for fighting may be requested to attend mediation on the day they return.
After school detention (ASD) is held Tuesday/Thursday from 2:15 to 4:00
PM and is assigned by an administrator for minor infractions or misconduct. Students are required to have materials with them for study.
Local school probation is a suspension of student privileges, including attending/participation in after school and/or extra-curricular activities without prior approval from the student‘s Alpha Administrator.
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A student who fails to follow school rules and/or procedures may be assigned to Saturday detention A student or parent may also request
Saturday detention assignment from his/her alpha administrator to avoid failure resulting from unexcused absences or tardies. Saturday Detention is held from 8:15 - 1
1:30, and the student‘s parents must provide transportation. The student must have materials to study. Failure to serve successfully will result in OSS. Tardiness will result in additional discipline.
A student who violates school rules and/or procedures may receive out-ofschool suspension. These days are unexcused, and the student will
The student may not be on school grounds, including after-school activities, during the suspension period.
A student receiving out-of-school suspension for five days or more shall be placed on disciplinary probation for 90 calendar days. Further disciplinary infractions of any type may receive the maximum punishment for the offense.
A student who fails to follow school rules and/or procedures may be assigned to perform school/community service hours. These hours may be assigned before, during, or after school. Students are expected to perform selected tasks, as assigned by their Alpha Administrator or program supervisor.
A student, for sufficient cause, may be permanently denied the right to attend Prince William County Public Schools.
If a student transfers from Forest Park Senior High School, in compliance with Virginia Code 22.1-289, any school record related to disciplinary action taken against a student for violating school board rules or policies on school property or at school sponsored events must be included in the student’s education record which is sent to the receiving school.
According to the Code of Virginia Section 22.1-280.1, all criminal incidents, including, but not limited to, assaults, wounding, possession of weapons and controlled substances that occur on Prince William
County School property during and after school hours will be reported to the Prince William County Police department for investigation and may result in legal/court action.
34

:
Disobedience/Disrespect: No student shall disregard or disobey any reasonable request made by a school staff member. Any student who directs profanity, threats, or other forms of verbal abuse toward a school staff member shall be subject to out-of-school suspension (OSS), considered for expulsion and referred to the PWC Police for further action.
Smoking: All Prince William County Public Schools are smoke-free environments. Smoking is not permitted in any building at any time.
Students are not permitted to smoke or be in possession of tobacco products, matches or lighters, on school buses, in school buildings, or on school property. Students in violation shall receive penalties ranging from out-of-school suspension to other effective options as assigned by the principal or his designee. In addition, violators under the age of 18 may have charges filed against them with the Prince William County Police
Department by the Community Resource Officer.
Drug and Substance Abuse: Under Virginia law, Prince William School board shall expel from school attendance any student determined to have brought a controlled substance, imitation controlled substance, or marijuana onto school property or to a school-sponsored activity. A school board may, however, determine, based on the facts of the particular case that special circumstances exist and other disciplinary action is appropriate. Controlled substances are those drugs or other chemical substance, which are illegal for a person to possess. An imitation controlled substance is any material, which resembles an illegal drug or chemical substance (including marijuana), and is represented as such.
Students are subject to expulsion for possession of such substances at school, on school busses, at bus stops, and at school-related activities.
Harassment: Words, gestures, symbols, or physical contact that offend, intimidate, threaten or persecute others will not be tolerated. This includes such behavior as non-physical intimidation, posturing, or stare downs.
Harassment of students or staff for any reason is prohibited. Among other types of harassment, this includes sexual harassment as stated in
Regulation 733-3.
Bystanders: Students who, by their presence and/or actions, encourage disruption, fights, or other violations of the Code of Behavior are subject to corrective action. This includes, but is not limited to, bystanders who refuse to move or to follow other directions of school staff during disruptions, fights, etc.
Assault/Assault and Battery: The threat of a verbal or physical attack
(assault) and the use of force upon a person (battery) is expressly forbidden and will result in suspension, expulsion and/or court action.
35

In accordance with Virginia law, battery of a teacher, principal or guidance counselor will result in mandatory incarceration for a period of two days; if a gun is used, mandatory incarceration for six.
Gangs: Gang activity, recruitment and expressions of gang membership will not be tolerated. Actions, speech, gestures, clothing, symbols or other signs of gang membership or gang activity are prohibited at school and at school-related activities. Any student involved in a gang-related fight or assault shall be considered for expulsion.
Offenses Off School Grounds: Actions outside school, which have a negative impact on the school building, programs, students, or staff will not be tolerated . The School Board and staff of Prince William
County Public Schools are committed to maintaining the schools as safe and healthful places, which are free from the impact of violence, weapons, gang activity, substance abuse, and other negative influences. Students are subject to corrective measures at school, up to and including expulsion, for offenses which occur in the community or at other locations off school grounds if those offenses are connected in some way with the school. Under Virginia law, a student may be suspended or expelled if found guilty in court of manufacture, sale, gift, distribution, or possession of drugs even if the offense is not connected with school. Furthermore, the law provides that a student may be placed in an alternative educational program (alternative school, night school, homebound, etc.) if charged with a violation of law related to weapons, alcohol/drugs, or intentional injury even if the offense is not connected to school.
Trespassing: Students are considered to be trespassing if they are present at a school other than the school in which they are enrolled unless they are attending an approved school activity or have the approval of a school staff member. Students who have been suspended or expelled are not allowed on any school property (including school buses) or at any school-related activities without the permission of the school principal.
Students who are trespassing on any school property are subject to arrest and corrective action at school. All visitors must report directly to the office.
Cult, Occult and Ritualistic Activities - Cult, occult and associated ritualistic activities and recruitment for members of these groups will not be tolerated. Actions, speech, gestures, clothing, symbols or other signs of cult membership or activity are prohibited at school and at schoolrelated activities.
Group/Mob Action: Group or mob action in school or at school-related activities is strictly prohibited. Any student who participates in a groupmob action, which results in disruption or disturbance at school or schoolrelated activity, is subject to corrective action up to and including expulsion. Any student who participates in a group/mob assault on other
36

individual or groups shall be recommended for expulsion. Any two or more students with the intent of doing harm to persons, property, or the school environment may be considered a group or mob under this rule.
Weapons: The School Board and school staff takes a position of Zero
Tolerance on weapons. Students shall not have weapons, look-a-like weapons, or objects used to threaten, intimidate, or harm others on any school property, including school buses and bus stops, or at any schoolrelated activity. The possession, use, distribution or attempted distribution (by sale, gift, or otherwise) of any type of operable or inoperable weapon is expressly forbidden and will result in recommendation for expulsion.
This includes but is not limited to firearms; BB guns; pellet guns; other weapons which propel a missile; starter guns; parts of weapons which may be combined to form a weapon or destructive device; weapons accessories such as firearm mufflers and silencers; stun weapons and tazers; dirk knives; bowie knives; switchblades; ballistic knives; razors; razors blades; sling shots; spring sticks; metal knuckles; blackjacks; fighting chains; wallet chains; bicycle chains; dog choke chains; other non-jewelry chains; flailing instruments; darts and other throwing instruments with points or blades; mace; tear gas; pepper spray or other chemical agents; explosive, incendiary, or poison gasses; rockets; bullets; fireworks; fire bombs; and other explosive or destructive devices. Disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, may be taken against any student who knows of a weapon and fails to report it. If a student discovers that he or she is in possession of an object that may be considered a weapon, that student should report to an administrator or other staff member immediately.
Follow up action will take into consideration that the student voluntarily brought this to the attention of the staff. (Note: Possession of weapons on school property may be punishable as a felony under Virginia law. Certain exceptions as provided by law will not apply to student conduct.)
It should be noted that the School Board and staff have a ZERO
TOLERANCE POLICY regarding drugs, weapons, and acts of violence, which harm or endanger others. Violators are subject to severe consequences up to and including permanent expulsion from PWCPS.
Curfew - NOTICE: As of July 1, 1997, in Prince William County, everyone under the age of 18 who is not accompanied by a responsible adult is subject to a curfew which makes it unlawful to be in a public place from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Sunday through
Thursday and from 11:59 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Students may be exempted for attendance at official school functions. The law also allows for other exemptions. All young people have an obligation to know and abide by the provisions of this law. Anyone who has questions or needs further information should call 792-4636, Extension 584.
37