TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Mission and Vision Statement…….........................................……….....................……………….……3 Staff Directory………………….........................................………........................………………………….3 Assistance Directory………….........................................………........................………………………….4 SCHOOL CALENDAR AND SCHEDULES 2010-2011 School Calendar……….…………………………………………………………………………………………..4 Bell Schedule…………..………..........................................……………........................……………………..5 Club Schedule…………………….........................................……………........................…………………….6 GENERAL INFORMATION Cafeteria………………………....................................................................................……………….......7 Career Major Clusters ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7 Collection of Debts………….................................………………………………….….…….......................…..8 Gifted & Talented……………………….........................….……………………................................………...8 Graduation Requirements……………………………………………………………………………………………………….8 Guidance & Counseling……….........................................………………………..........................………..9 Hall Passes…………….........................…………………….…….................................…………………….……9 Illness at school…………………………….........................................................………………………….…...9 Inclement Weather ……………………………………………….........................................................….……9 Individual Learning Plan(ILP)…………………………………………………………………………………………………..9 Library………….................................…………………......................………………………………………….…..10 Lockers………………………………………….................................……….............…………………………….…..10 Lost & Found………………………………………………………................................................…………….……10 Private Enterprise…………….................................…………….............……………………………………….….10 Procedure for Early Dismissals……………………..............................................……………………………...10 Public Property………………………………………………….……..............………….................................……..11 Pupil Progress Reporting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………11 School Clubs………………………..................................……………………………………………….............…….12 Seniors……………………………………………………..............................................………………………………12 Student Academic Referral……………………………………………………………………………………………………….12 Student Insurance…………………………………..................................……………..............………………….12 Student Publications…………………………………………………………..............................................………12 Textbooks………………................................…………………………………………………….............…………..13 Telephones……………………………………………………..............................................………………………..13 SITE BASE DECISION MAKING COUNCIL POLICIES Acceptable Use Policy...............................................................................................................13 Athletic Participation Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………….16 Attendance Policy....................................................................................................................16 Cell Phone Policy......................................................................................................................17 Credit Requirement Scale Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………18 Extra Curricular Eligibility………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18 Final Exam Exemption Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………….19 1 Gang Activity Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….19 Graduation Ceremony Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………..19 Green and Blue Cards Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………..20 Homecoming Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20 Homework Policy......................................................................................................................21 Independent Study Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………….23 Junior Academic Requirement Policy………………………………………………………………………………………..23 Medication Policy......................................................................................................................23 Practical Living/Vocational Studies Policy………………………………………………………………………………….23 Prom Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………24 Secondary GED Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….24 Senior Awards Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………24 Senior Class Representatives Policy………………………………………………………………………………………….24 Student Dress/Appearance Code Policy…………………………………………………………………………………….25 Student Parking Regulations Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………..26 Tardy Policy.............................................................................................................................27 Tobacco Policy.........................................................................................................................27 Underclassmen Awards Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………28 Visitor Policy…………………………………….............................................................…..………........……28 OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS Articles Prohibited at School.....................................................................................................28 Code of Conduct......................................................................................................................28 Display of Affection...................................................................................................................28 Dropping a class or changing a schedule...................................................................................28 In-School Suspension...............................................................................................................28 Student Suspension/Expulsion...................................................................................................29 Sweep Procedures....................................................................................................................29 Transportation Guidelines.........................................................................................................30 EMERGENCY INFORMATION Fire, Tornado, and Earthquake Drills..........................................................................................33 2 INTRODUCTION North Laurel High School, established in 1992, is located on Hal Rogers Parkway 1.5 miles east of Interstate 75 Exit 41. It is a four year, comprehensive high school accredited by the Kentucky Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. NLHS has approximately seventy-five certified staff members and 1350 students. The school colors are royal blue and kelly green. The mascot for NLHS is the jaguar. MISSION STATEMENT We at North Laurel High School recognize that ALL students can learn and we accept responsibility to assist them in achieving their highest level of academic excellence. VISION STATEMENT We, the faculty and staff of North Laurel High School have a unique VISION in which ALL students will be supported in achieving their individual dreams and goals. We will strive to prepare all students for their future responsibilities in life activities. Knowing that our students of today are our leaders of tomorrow, we will encourage them to reach higher standards than ever before to ensure success in life, securing a brighter future for our global society. MOTTO Success for all, no exceptions, no excuses! NORTH LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, RELIGION, MARITAL STATUS, SEX, OR HANDICAP IN EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES. STAFF DIRECTORY ADMINISTRATION Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Athletic Director Counselor Counselor Counselor Youth Service Center Director School Nurse Attendance Clerk DEPARTMENT CHAIRS Business English Fine Arts Health & Physical Education Mathematics NJROTC Science Social Studies Special Education Vocational/Consumer Science J. Michael Black Gina Sears Greg Huff James R. Durham Rachel Gaynor Amy Gaines Donna Vandy Val Reams Debbie Moore Sally Hulett Rhonda Bryant David McFadden Jim Conway Jamie Davis CDR Chris Deming/Chief Mark Acampa Penny Jessup Howard Muncy Janie Akins Eldon Harris 3 ASSISTANCE DIRECTORY Listed below are the contact persons to assist with your needs: Absences Athletics Bookkeeper Building Operations Clubs Curriculum & Instruction Custodial Services Discipline Food Services Financial Services Fund Raising Guidance Services Librarian/Media Specialists Lockers Peer Mediation Personnel High Schools That Work School-To-Work School Resource Officer Special Education Student Insurance Technology Gina Sears James R. Durham Jill Lawson J. Michael Black Gina Sears J. Michael Black/Gina Sears/Greg Huff Greg Huff J. Michael Black Gina Sears Greg Huff Rita Howard J. Michael Black Gina Sears Amy Gaines/Rachel Gaynor/Donna Vandy Kelli Gray Wilma Sears Greg Huff J. Michael Black Eldon Harris Eldon Harris Officer Mike Holliday Greg Huff Janie Akins James R. Durham J. Michael Black STUDENT ACTIVITIES CALENDAR 2011-2012 Classes Begin LABOR DAY - No Classes PD (MANDATORY) - No Classes End of 1st nine weeks Flexible Parent-Teacher Conference – No Classes Flexible PD - No Classes THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY - No Classes End of 2nd nine weeks CHRISTMAS BREAK - No Classes Classes Resume End of 3rd nine weeks Flexible PD – No Classes SPRING BREAK - No Classes Last Day for Students Graduation Closing Day for Staff 4 Aug. 10 Sept. 5 Sept. 23 Oct. 12 Nov. 8 Nov. 23 Nov. 24-25 Dec. 20 Dec. 21 – Dec. 30 Jan. 2 Mar. 2 Apr. 6 Apr. 9-13 May 11 May 12 May 14 GRADING PERIODS: 1st 9-weeks: August 10-October 12 (44 days) o Mid-term: September 9 o Parent-teacher conference: September 12: 4:30-6:00 2nd 9-weeks: October 17-December 20 (44 days) o Mid-term: November 16 o Parent-teacher conference: November 17: 4:30-6:00 o Semester exams: December 16, 19, and 20 3rd 9-weeks: January 2-March 2 (44 days) o Mid-term: February 1 o Parent-teacher conference: February 2: 4:30-6:00 4th 9-weeks: March 5 – May 11 (44 days) o Mid-term: April 3 o Parent-teacher conference: April 4: 4:30-6:00 2011-2012 Bell Schedule 9th Grade Freshmen Center 8:15 – 9:10 9:15 – 10:05 10:10 – 11:00 11:05 – 12:30 12:35 – 1:45 1:50 – 3:00 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period 4th Period (Lunch) 5th Period 6th Period 10th – 12th Grade 8:15-9:30 9:35-10:45 10:50–12:00 12:05–1:40 12:30-1:40 1:50-3:00 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period th 4 Period (10-12th - LUNCH) 4th Period 5th Period 5 CLUB SCHEDULE (Periods reflect the upper classmen schedule times.) August 31, 2011 Group A Clubs 1st Period September 14, 2011 Group B Clubs 2nd Period October 5, 2011 Group A Clubs 5th Period October 19, 2011 Group B Clubs 1st Period November 2, 2011 Group A Clubs 2nd Period November 16, 2011 Group B Clubs 5th Period January 4, 2012 Group A Clubs 1st Period January 18, 2012 Group B Clubs 2nd Period February 1, 2012 Group A Clubs 5th Period February 15, 2012 Group B Clubs 1st Period February 29, 2012 Group A Clubs 2nd Period March 14, 2012 Group B Clubs 5th Period 6 GENERAL INFORMATION CAFETERIA Each day you will go through the line and choose your own food from a hamburger/pizza line, an ala carte, or a choice buffet. You will be offered a lunch which consists of five items: a two ounce serving of meat or meat alternative; 1/4 cup of fruit and 1/2 cup of vegetables; one serving of bread; and 1/2 pint of milk. You may choose to take only three of the five items. The three of five items must be different. If you do not have the money to purchase extra food, please do not put it on your plate. Prices are subject to change pending board action. No student shall have food delivered by an outside vendor or parents during the school day. Prices for the school year are as follows: Student lunch $1.50 Reduced lunch $ .40 Student Breakfast $ .85 Reduced Breakfast $ .30 Extra Items: Extra Extra Extra Extra Extra Extra Extra Extra milk/juice meat bread pop tart vegetable fruit dessert cereal $ .25 $ .80 $ .15 $ .30 $ .50 $ .50 $ .50 $.30 The Food Service Director and the Cafeteria Manager will be glad to work with any student committees which have suggestions for the food service program at your school. CAREER MAJOR CLUSTERS & HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDY Each year you will be required to declare a career major (one of 16 general career area clusters) and to update your four-year ILP to meet specific recommendations for your selected major. You will be provided access to registration guides with sample programs of study to assist you in selecting courses that will meet both your graduation requirements and ILP requirements. The Career Major Clusters are: 1) Agriculture 2) Arts & Humanities 3) Business Education 4) Marketing Education 5) Communications 6) Construction 7) Education 8) Health Science 9) Human Services 10) Information Technology 7 11) Manufacturing 12) Public Services 13) Science & Mathematics 14) Social Sciences 15) Transportation COLLECTION OF DEBTS Any debt to the school incurred by a student will be recorded as soon as the debt is incurred. The records of a student will be held if the student has a debt to the school for lost or damaged text books, instructional materials, or equipment; lost or damaged library materials; lost or damaged athletic equipment; club or organization materials or fund raising merchandise or money not turned in; damages to school property or buildings; or any other debt to be legitimate by the Principal. Student debt records will be carried until paid. No transcripts of Student Records will be issued until ALL DEBTS ARE PAID IN FULL. In addition, no senior will be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony unless ALL DEBTS ARE PAID IN FULL. GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM The Laurel County Gifted and Talented Program will serve students in grades P-12. Gifted and talented students represent a group of pupils who have been identified as possessing demonstrated or potential ability to perform at an exceptionally high level in: - General intellectual ability - Specific academic aptitude - Creative or divergent thinking - Leadership skills - Visual or performing arts Nominations will be taken in the Spring from certified personnel. A systematic collection of data will provide the targeted population of candidates for services the following fall. Parents may nominate their child for possible inclusion in the program by completing a questionnaire that is available at your child's school. Please return this parent nomination questionnaire to your child's principal or counselor at the school within the first two weeks of school. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS The following items shall apply to the scheduling of high school students: A. All students will be in attendance six (6) hours (as outlined in policy entitled "Length of School Day for High School Students"). B. The minimum load for a full time student shall be five (5) classes per semester. Credits Required Courses Language Arts Mathematics Subject 4 4 Science Social Studies Health & PE I 3 3 ½ each English I, II, III, IV Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry & 1 Math elective Note: Must take and pass a math class each year IPEC, Biology, & 1 Science Elective U.S. History, Civics, and World History Note: Students who successfully complete NJROTC I will receive ½ credit in PE. Note: Students may take the History and Appreciation of Visual and Performing Arts course or one of the following: Drama I/Drama II; Visual Arts I, II, III, IV, or AP Studio Art; Chorus, Band, or Piano Keyboard. Arts & Humanities 1 Electives 11 8 GUIDANCE & COUNSELING North Laurel High School offers a full service guidance department. Three counselors advise the students in areas of course selection, scheduling, vocational changes, college information, college applications, financial aid, recommendations, and personal counseling. HALL PASSES Students are not permitted in the hallways during instructional time unless they are accompanied by a teacher or have a valid hall pass in their possession. Verbal permission is NOT acceptable. Students are not to be issued a hall pass during the first ten minutes of class and the last ten minutes (10/10 rule). Only one student will be allowed out of class at any time. Hall passes will be issued only if the teacher sees the need. ILLNESS AT SCHOOL If you become ill during the school day, you should go to the Youth Service Center. Do not attempt to stay in the restroom unless you have permission from a principal or other designated staff. INCLEMENT WEATHER 1. Announcements about school dismissal will be made via the district OneCall Now program. Announcements will also be made on Lexington TV stations, WLEX, CH 18, WKYT, CH. 27, and WTVQ, CH. 36, and on local radio stations, WFTG-WWEL, London, and WCTT, Corbin, after 6:00 a.m. local time. These announcements will be made periodically throughout the morning. 2. Please do not call the radio stations or any school officials since this ties up communications and makes it difficult to get the announcements out. 3. Since it is not possible to predict road conditions in advance, most school cancellations will have to be made each morning. You will be informed by the radio station in regular news releases if cancellations are known in advance. INDIVIDUAL LEARNING PLAN (ILP) In addition to credit requirements, each student must complete a four-year individual learning plan as a part of graduation requirement. The Individual Learning Plan is a plan that emphasizes academic and career development for students beginning in middle school and continues through high school. The plans serves as a tool which helps students set learning goals based on academic and career interests. The new web-enabled ILP will help secondary students better focus their coursework on individual goals as they prepare for postsecondary studies and careers. Since the ILP is now web-enabled, it provides more tools and opportunities for students. It has many features and resources that involve students on a variety of levels such as: finding careers that match their skills and interests creating education plans establishing personal goals and revisit these as they progress through school creating, maintaining and changing resumes 9 tracking and reflecting on experiences such as community service, work experience, career-planning, and extracurricular and organization activities exploring colleges and postsecondary opportunities that match their career, postsecondary and life goals connecting to the GOHigherKY.org Web site for help with college planning, tuition assistance information and applications collecting personal information like assessment results, advising activities demographics information and educational history LIBRARY INFORMATION HOURS: The library is open all day, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You are admitted on a pass from your teacher. CIRCULATION: Books, except reference books and encyclopedias are available for students to check out at any time. Reference materials must be used in the library. Books may be checked out for a period of two weeks. FINES: Ten cents (10) per day will be charged for each school day a book is overdue. Lost or damaged materials must be paid for by the student whose signature is on the card. RESPONSIBILITIES: You are to come to the library for the purpose of using the materials only. You must have your library pass signed upon entering the library and signed when you leave. Failure to follow proper procedures or the display of improper conduct may result in the loss of library privileges. LOCKERS Lockers with built-in locks will be provided for ALL students. Locker assignments will be made during the first week of school by your JAGS teacher. REMEMBER, lockers are the property of the school and are subject to search at anytime. Do not give your combination to anyone. Students who “rig” their lockers will be financially responsible for any damages caused to the lock. The cost of repairing damaged or vandalized lockers will be considered a senior debt, meaning students will not graduate until paid for. North Laurel High School is not responsible for lost or stolen items. EACH STUDENT IS ASSIGNED A LOCKER; THEREFORE, STUDENTS WHO CHOOSE TO SHARE LOCKERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS. LOST AND FOUND Articles lost or found should be reported and/or brought to the reception desk in the front office. PRIVATE ENTERPRISE Students are prohibited from engaging in private enterprise on school grounds. All fund raising activities must be sponsored by a school activity/club and must be approved by the Administration. PROCEDURE FOR EARLY DISMISSALS The school is responsible for you from the time you board the bus in the morning until you depart from the school bus in the afternoon. Likewise, the school is responsible for you upon arrival at school regardless of what means you use to get there (walking, riding with a friend, 10 driving, etc.). Upon arrival at school, by bus or other means, you may not leave the school property unless you have permission from one of the principals. The following regulations are required if you need to leave school before the end of the day: A. B. C. Your parent/guardian must come to school and sign for early dismissal. Students are to remain in class until parents arrive. You must leave the grounds immediately upon being signed out. NO DISMISSAL BY PHONE *Effective January 4, 1993, we no longer allow students to be checked out by telephone at North Laurel High School. This will apply to both students riding the bus as well as those driving to and from school. Anyone needing to check out a student from North Laurel High School will need to come into the office and sign them out. This also includes 18 year old students. Students are not permitted to check out other students including siblings. Only those persons on their emergency card will be allowed to sign students out. Proof of identification will be requested. Due to the new attendance policy, it is imperative that students remain at school the entire day. Doctor's and dentist's appointments should be made after school. Students that are checked out must bring an excuse or their absence will be unexcused. REMINDER: Limit of ten (8) days excused by parent note. PUBLIC PROPERTY The respect of public property is an individual responsibility. Any willful destruction of public property will result in payment for the damage done and possible dismissal from school. PUPIL PROGRESS REPORTING Beginning with the 1992-93 school year, the grading scale used by all Laurel County teachers (grades 4-12) to report student progress shall be: 100* A+ 83-85 B68-70 D 96-99 A 80-82 C+ 64-67 D92-95 A77-79 C Below 64 F 89-91 B+ 74-76 C86-88 B 71-73 D+ *Numbers refer to the percentage of accuracy at which the student completes assigned tasks. o Honor roll distinction will be awarded to those students earning all A's and B's. o The Principal's List requires that the student earns all A's on his/her report card. *For purposes of computing grade point average, the following 4.0 scale will be used for all courses: A B C 4.0 3.0 2.0 D F 11 1.0 0.0 However, the following weighted scale will be used for all A.P. courses. Class rank during the Junior and Senior year will be based on the weighted scale. A B C D F 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 0.0 12 SCHOOL CLUBS School clubs are an essential and important part of your life. It would be to your advantage to join a club and attend the meeting regularly. THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE OBSERVED: 1. A student may belong to no more than two clubs and should have a membership card for each club. Exception will be made for National Honor Organization. 2. Membership cards must be presented to the teacher in order to be excused from class to attend a club meeting. 3. Clubs will be divided into two groups. Group A and Group B club meetings will be held once a month. A club meeting schedule will be distributed to each teacher. Sponsors should inform the front office if their club is not meeting. 4. All fund raising activities must have prior approval from the schools and district administration. Clubs will be limited to one (1) fundraising activity for a 2-week period per year. 5. All clubs must submit a budget to the bookkeeper by mid-October. 6. Funds from defunct clubs will be transferred to the general fund after a period of one semester. SENIORS 1. Information regarding cap and gown fees and other expenses will be provided in September. Deadlines will be announced at that time. 2. Students planning to participate in the graduation ceremony MUST be in attendance the day designated for graduation practice. Any senior not at graduation practice WILL NOT be allowed to march in the graduation ceremony, unless prior approval has been granted. 3. Seniors MUST CLEAR all debts to teachers or school. Cap and gowns will not be issued until debts have been paid and all books returned. No senior will be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony unless ALL DEBTS ARE PAID. 4. Only seniors that have met ALL requirements for graduation will be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony. STUDENT ACADEMIC REFERRAL Students who do not achieve in an acceptable level in class shall be referred to the guidance office. Reasons for referral may include assignments not turned in, assignments partially completed, inattention in class, insufficient class preparation, etc. An academic intervention contact will be made at three week intervals to those parents who have a child who is failing a class. STUDENT INSURANCE Student insurance will be provided by the Laurel County Board of Education at no cost to the student. STUDENT PUBLICATIONS The preparation and publication of magazines, newspapers and other works are an important part of the learning process both from a standpoint of Journalism and English. Faculty advisors 13 shall serve as consultants of style, grammar, format and suitability of materials. However, with the foregoing stipulations, it is felt that the faculty advisors and the school administration should encourage student editors and writers to state freely their position on various matters in written school publications. Distribution of publications which are obscene or disruptive is prohibited within the school or on school property TELEPHONE CALLS Students WILL NOT be given a pass during class for permission to use the phone. The phones in the school office WILL NOT be used by the students except in cases of emergency. All other student phone calls will be made from the Youth Service Center. TEXTBOOKS Textbooks will be provided for students. It will be the responsibility of you and your parents to see that the books are not defaced, damaged, or lost. If you damage or lose a book, you will be required to pay for the replacement cost of the book immediately so that you may be issued a replacement. “Students enrolled at North Laurel High School and their parent/guardian acknowledge that upon issuance of textbooks the student assumes responsibility for the care and return of each textbook. Students will sign for the textbook when received, verifying the book number as well as the condition of the book. If textbook is lost, stolen, or damaged, student will accrue a fee to be paid to North Laurel High School.” SBDM POLICIES ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Laurel County Public Schools Access to Electronic Media Staff Acceptable Use Policy Introduction: The Laurel County School System (LCSS) provides staff and students a telecommunication network and other new technologies in order to carry out the educational business of LCSS in conducting and accessing research, and in communicating with others in regard to instructional or job related functions. Kentucky Senate Bill 230 requires that each school district adopt and implement an acceptable use policy. The purposes of the policy are to educate, to provide protection against violations of privacy, to prevent misuse of public resources, to protect against inappropriate or destructive behaviors, and to ensure that technology resources are dedicated to improving student achievement and school administration. The Board expects that staff will blend thoughtful use of such information throughout the curriculum and that the staff will provide guidance and instruction to students in the appropriate use of such resources. The LCSS’ electronic communications system has a purpose limited to educational usage. The LCSS Acceptable Use Policy will govern all use of the LCSS Electronic Communication Network. Specific expectations for appropriate Internet use shall be reflected in the District’s code of 14 acceptable behavior and discipline including appropriate orientation for staff and students. Student use of the system will also be governed by school disciplinary codes. Students and Staff are responsible for legal, ethical, and appropriate behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. The network is provided for students to conduct research and to communicate with others for instructional enhancement. Only students who submit signed permission and agreement forms by parents and students will be permitted network access. Permission forms must be submitted on a yearly basis. This signature sheet shall be kept on file as a legal, binding document. In order to modify or rescind the agreement, the student’s parent/guardian (or the student who is at least 18 years old) must provide the Superintendent/designee with a written request. Individuals who refuse to sign required acceptable use documents or who violate District rules governing the use of District technology shall be subject to loss or restriction of the privilege of using equipment, software, information access systems of other computing and telecommunications technologies. Internet The LCSS makes every attempt to keep our students and Staff safe while on the Internet. Internet access is monitored through a proxy server; software is in place to filter unacceptable or offensive sites. Although we make every effort to block inappropriate material, families should be aware that users may unexpectedly come across sites that contain sites with offensive or inappropriate material. If this happens they should report this to the proper officials immediately. Users who are found deliberately searching for this type of material and or repeatedly visiting these sites will have their Internet privilege revoked. All users must authenticate to the LCSS network and will be assigned a designated user-id login and password. This login to the Domain will authenticate each user that logs into the Laurel County Domain. Social Networking The Kentucky School Board Association and the Laurel County School District discourage Staff from creating personal social networking sites i.e.…MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc…wherein they accept or invite students to be friends or allow them access to their social networking site. Employees taking such actions do so at their own risk. Staffs who utilize social networking sites should be mindful of privacy settings which would prevent students or the public in general from accessing their (teacher’s) personal information such as status updates and photo galleries. Staff should be aware that the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Certified Personnel requires certified staff to protect the health, safety, and emotional wellbeing of students and confidentiality of student information. This Code of Ethics also extends to public online behavior including social networking. Conduct in violation of this Code must be reported to the EPSB as required by law and may form the basis for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Electronic Messaging LCSS realizes that personal email is an acceptable form of communication but this type of communication should be limited. Employees shall use electronic media in a professional manner consistent with state laws governing the behavior of school employees and with federal laws governing copyrights. Staff will employ electronic email on a daily basis at work as a primary tool for communications. Staff will be responsible for checking and reading messages daily. Electronic mail and telecommunications are not to be utilized by employees to share confidential information about students or other employees except for Administrative purposes only. An example is if student info is shared via email when a student transfers between schools. In discussing students or confidential information, Staff should be aware that email 15 generated or stored by the LCSS is subject to Open Records. Network and school administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that staff members and students are using the system responsibly. The LCSS provided email system is the only email system that is to be used on the LCSS System network. The Outlook Live e-mail provided to you by the district is a part of the Live@edu service from Microsoft. By signing this form, you accept and agree that your rights to use the Outlook Live email service, and other Live@edu services as the Kentucky Department of Education may provide, over a period of time, are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in district policy/procedure as provided and that the data stored, including Outlook Live email, are managed by the district. You also understand that the Windows Live ID can be used to access other electronic services that provide features such as online storage and instant messaging. Uses of these Microsoft services are subject to Microsoft’s standard consumer terms of use and are managed pursuant to the Windows Live Service Agreement and Microsoft Online Privacy Statement. Before you can use those Microsoft services, you must accept the Windows Live Service Agreement. If the Connection feature in Live@edu system is utilized to connect with private accounts i.e.…Gmail, Hotmail, or yahoo mail, or any other account not affiliated with Live@edu, the private email account becomes .org owned account, meaning it is owned by the LCSS, and therefore is subject to all LCBOE policies as well as the LCSS AUP. The Live@edu email system includes Instant Messaging capabilities. However, it is the position of the LCSS that this function not be utilized in the Laurel County School District. Use of the Instant Messaging is a direct violation of the LCSS AUP and will result in disciplinary action and or loss of network privileges. Telephones Telephones are a part of the telecommunications network and are considered as part of the system resources. The same procedures and regulations therefore apply, as govern other electronic media. Privacy Users of the LCSS network should be aware that information accessed, created, sent, received, or stored on the network is not private and is subject to be reviewed by network and school administrators. The District reserves the right to access and monitor all messages and files on the LCSS network. The following behaviors are NOT permitted on the district network or machines: Staff & Students Hotmail and other e-mail clients and accounts shall not be accessed from the Laurel County network. If accessed via the Live@edu connection capabilities, those accounts become owned by the LCSS and are privy to all LCBOE policies and the LCBOE AUP. Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures (this includes profanity, nudity, pornography, vulgarity, racism) or harassing or insulting messages. Depending on the nature or content, disciplinary action may be taken, and these may also be reported to Law Enforcement. 16 Engaging in practices that threaten the network (ie…loading files that may introduce a virus or File Sharing software such as Swaptor, Direct Connect WinMX Napster, eDonkey 2000, Filetopia, etc...) The preceding list is by no means exhaustive or complete. Violating copyright laws Trespassing in others folders, documents, or files or using others’ passwords Intentionally wasting limited resources Using the network for commercial purposes, i.e.… advertising a product or selling a product to make money such as a jewelry party, Avon orders, Mary Kay parties, food parties, etc… anything that generates income for an individual is prohibited. The purchasing of goods for personal use is also prohibited. Promoting or campaigning for individuals or political parties or soliciting contributions to a political campaign, party or issue Shall not violate any Federal or State regulations Purposely bypassing the proxy server General audio and visual streaming/ download/rip any music to store on computers network Stream music or radio Accessing sites to online chat rooms or software that enables online posting and receiving of real-time messages i.e.…Yahoo Instant Messenger. Although the Live@edu email client has instant messaging capabilities, instant messaging is PROHIBITED by the LCSS and its AUP. sending electronic messages anonymously sending electronic messages using another person’s name or account Accessing/playing MUD (multi-user games) via the network or any non-educational computer game whether online CD, flash drive, etc… sending mass emails (district wide emails) for non school related purposes Accessing online communities such as MySpace, Facebook, etc… access gambling sites cyber bullying is bullying Personal Electronic Devices, such as, but not limited to, cell phones, iPads, Tablets, iPods, or other personally owned electronic devices, are not to be utilized to access the Internet, personal email accounts, social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, or Twitter, or Instant Messaging, during the school day. Doing so is a direct violation of the LCSS AUP, KY SB 230, and the Child Internet Protection Act. PDAs, Blackberries, or Laptops that are brought into the LCSS with a LAN card shall not be used during the school day to access the Internet. Only computers accessing the LCCS network shall be used for accessing the Internet. Staff Laptops: Staff is responsible for their laptops when taking them home. Laptops are for professional use and should be treated as such. Staff members’ laptops shall not 17 be used as a home computer for other family members; keep in mind that student records are contained within your laptop. Telephone/Cell-Phone: Phone usage shall be planned to occur during your Planning period when you are not responsible for students. When taking students into a lab setting or allowing students on computers in a classroom, staff shall always provide adequate supervision. ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION POLICY Effective October 15, 2008, any student athlete who chooses to quit a sport after the first official practice may not participate in any capacity in another sport until the sport he/she quit is over. In a sport in which tryouts are required to make a team, the first official practice would be the first practice after the student athlete has earned a spot on the team. As outlined in the KHSAA guidelines, the first official practice dates are listed below. Sport Official Practice Date Football July 15 (No tryouts) Soccer (Boys & Girls) July 15 (First official practice after tryouts) Cross Country (Boys &Girls) July 15 (No tryouts) Golf (Boys & Girls) July 15 (No tryouts) Volleyball July 15 (First official practice after tryouts) Basketball (Boys &Girls) October 15 (First official practice after tryouts) Track (Boys & Girls) December 1 (First official practice after tryouts) Baseball February 15 (First official practice after tryouts) Softball February 15 (First official practice after tryouts) Tennis February 15 (First official practice after tryouts) ATTENDANCE POLICY – See Student Code of Acceptable Conduct CELL PHONE POLICY While cell phones may be appropriate for use during extracurricular activities, they are not appropriate for use during the school day. Ringing phones, text messaging and phone photography are disruptive to the instructional environment. Therefore, the use of cell phones or any device that acts like a cell phone is not permitted in the school building from 7:45 a.m. – 3:05 p.m. Students should secure a cell phone in a purse, pocket or locker and the phone should be turned off. Placing the phone on silent/vibrate is not acceptable. “Forgetting” to turn off the cell phone is not an excuse. Any student who refuses to surrender a telecommunications device (cell phone) when instructed by a member of the school staff will be suspended. Repeated and subsequent violations of this policy will result in stricter discipline measures and the confiscation of the phone for the remainder of the school year. Students are responsible for keeping up with devices they bring to school. The district shall not be responsible for loss, theft, or destruction of devices brought onto school property. Students shall not utilize a telecommunication or similar electronic device in a manner 18 that would violate the district’s Acceptable Use. Any use of other cell phones during school hours or inappropriate use while on school property will result in the following disciplinary action: 1st Offense: 2nd Offense: 3rd Offense: Confiscation; phone returned to the parent at the end of the day. Confiscation and phone returned to the parent after 5 school days. Confiscation and phone returned to the parent at the end of the semester. CREDIT REQUIREMENT SCALE POLICY To To To To Graduate be a Senior be a Junior be a Sophomore CREDIT REQUIREMENT SCALE Class of 2011 Class of 2012 Class of 2013 25 27 27 18 19 19 12 13 12 6 6 6 Class of 2014 27 19 12 6 This scale has been used in transition from a seven-period to a five period day. Students transferring to NLHS from an alternate schedule, block schedule, will have credits prorated accordingly, either up or down. DUAL CREDIT POLICY It is the mission of North Laurel High School to assist students to attain the highest level of academic excellence. With this thought in mind, we recommend that the council approve the following policy regarding the awarding of dual credit for students who wish to enroll in college classes offered by Somerset Community College and at Eastern Kentucky University through the EKU NOW! program. Students wishing to enroll in college courses taught at the Laurel County campus of Somerset Community College, or of Eastern Kentucky University, may do so, and may earn credit both at the college and North Laurel High School, if they meet the following criteria: Student has fulfilled all required credits for graduation Student must have written permission from parent/guardian to participate Student can provide own transportation to and from the college campus Student can enroll in a maximum of six hours of college course work (2 credits at NLHS) Additionally, the following restrictions will apply: Course must reflect the Kentucky Academic Expectations for that subject (reflected in course syllabus) The district Letter of Assurances for the Program of Studies (submitted annually to KDE) must reflect the dual credit policy 19 By adhering to these provisions, students may earn both college hours and high school credit while still enrolled at NLHS. This is an advantage for juniors and seniors who have earned all required credits, who may otherwise have to enroll in high school classes not reflected in their Individual Graduation Plan. The school can continue to receive funding for these students, to prevent any reduction of programs or resources. NLHS students who are admitted to the EKU Now! Dual Credit program will be allowed to take one course at no cost. High school seniors may take a 2nd course each semester, at no cost, if they have a composite ACT score of 24 or higher at the time of application to the program. If the high school senior has an ACT score of 21 – 23 at the time of the application to the program, the 2nd course will cost 50% of the current in-state tuition rate. (Sophomores are expected to accumulate at least 12 credits to take EKU courses as a Junior) (Juniors are expected to accumulate at least 18 credits to take EKU courses as a Senior) Attendance Percentage: Expected to be at least 95% for the current year. Students are expected to maintain a 95% attendance rate to remain in the program. Students must attend EKU dual credit course(s) even if NLHS is not in session. EKU Dual Credit students are responsible for purchasing textbooks needed for EKU courses, parking permits, associated course fees, and transportation to the EKU course site. Enrollment in an EKU course through EKU Now! establishes an academic history at EKU and any financial obligation while on campus (e.g. unpaid parking tickets, unpaid fines, etc.) will result in a hold on any further activity, such as enrollment in classes or receipt of transcripts, until such obligations are met. Because the course is offered for dual credit, the course grade(s) from each EKU Dual Credit course will be included in both high school and college GPA calculations. The grades will not be weighted. The grades from the college course(s) will appear on the student’s high school transcript as well as the student’s college transcript. The coursework from EKU will begin the student’s college transcript and will impact KEES Scholarship amount totals. Each EKU dual credit course will be awarded one high school credit. Students must receive permission from the high school principal before attempting to drop any EKU Dual Credit course. Participation in the dual credit program and adjustments to high school schedules must be approved by the high school principal. NLHS seniors may be released 5th period to attend the EKU dual credit course, if the EKU course meets during that time period. Seniors enrolled in evening EKU courses will not be allowed early release time from NLHS. Juniors must pursue evening EKU dual credit courses and will not be granted early release time from school. Seniors who have been granted early release time must report to NLHS on days that the EKU course is not scheduled to meet. Early release seniors will be assigned to work as a NLHS teacher’s aide on days that the EKU course does not meet. ** Adopted by NLHS Site Based Council March 2000 **Amended by NLHS SBDM Council – March 2011 20 CREDIT RECOVERY POLICY Goal and Requirement of the Program: The Laurel County Public Schools will assist, encourage, plan, support, and implement procedures in collaboration with the student and family to ensure that all at-risk students have the opportunity to achieve optimum educational outcomes. Students who are at-risk of dropping out of school because of being unsuccessful in classes, but who have completed at least 60 hours for a half-credit or 120 hours for a full credit of instruction in a course, will qualify for “credit recovery” status. Although the time requirement is fulfilled, they must now master the content. There is no set number of hours they must spend in credit recovery for mastery. Most credit recovery courses will be completed on the computer; however, there will be two one-half credit electives and an Earth Science full credit available which will be course content modules developed by North Laurel High School teachers. Credit Recovery will be offered after school hours using the COMPASS educational web-based computer software. Student Transcript and Grades: Students will demonstrate mastery by scoring 80% or above on all of the modules selected for a specific course plus any writing, open responses, or novels not completed during the regular class. A student will also have to make an 70% on the semester final for the class they are trying to recover. A student will receive a grade of 80 (C+) and credit for the course on their transcript. It will be figured into the student’s GPA and it will impact the student’s high school athletic eligibility. A previous course grade of “F” will remain on the student’s transcript. Students may earn the number of credits needed to reach grade level in order to graduate in four years. Course Offered: English I English III English II English IV Algebra I Geometry Data & Measurement Algebra II Integrated Science I Earth Science (teacher made) Integrated Science II Integrated Social St. I U. S. History Integrated Social St. II Consumer Education (1/2 credit - teacher made) Health (1/2 credit - teacher made) Course Completion Requirement: Students and parents will sign a contract agreeing to the terms of the credit recovery program. Students who begin a course during the school year will have until the end of summer school of that school year to complete the course. Students who begin a course during summer school will have until the end of the first semester of the following school year to complete the course. Attendance: Since the COMPASS program is web-based, some of the work could be completed at home if a student has appropriate internet access. However, all quizzes, chapter tests, and end-of-course tests must be completed in the credit recovery lab after school hours. Appointments are for two hours time slots. There will be an instructional 21 assistant and a classroom teacher in the lab each afternoon. Days will be subject specific so that students can receive help from teachers if they are struggling with specific concepts. The lab will be open from 3:30 – 5:30 Monday through Thursday each week and some selected Fridays. Deadline for completion: All work in credit recovery, including odyssey writers, portfolio pieces, research papers and novel tests must be completed one calendar week prior to the end of school in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY 1. Any student who fails to achieve a 2.0 average for any nine weeks grading period will be suspended from ALL extra-curricular activities for a period of ten school days beginning the day after such grades become available to the sponsor/coach of the extra-curricular activity. During this time the student will be banned from ANY and ALL activities, including practice sessions and trips. If he/she has achieved a cumulative 2.0 average at the end of ten days, the student will be allowed to resume full participation in his/her extra-curricular activities. If the student has not achieved a cumulative 2.0 average by the end of the tenth school day, however, that student will be banned from all participation in extra-curricular activities for the remainder of the nine weeks grading period. 2. If the student regains a cumulative 2.0 average at the end of the ten days and fails to achieve a 2.0 average by the end of the nine weeks, that student will be suspended from participation in all extra-curricular activities for the following full nine weeks grading period, without any other probationary period. 3. Any student who fails to achieve a 2.0 average during the fourth nine weeks of school will be allowed to participate in all extra-curricular activities held during the summer vacation. The student will be suspended, however, from extra-curricular activities for the first ten days of school at the beginning of the next school year. His/her scholastic average will then be evaluated by the same process as above described. 4. Teachers of all students placed on the ten day probation, shall, at the end of the probationary, meet with the Academic Eligibility Committee (three teachers, one counselor, Athletic Director, and Principal). The committee and the teachers of the probated student will determine the extra-curricular eligibility status of the student in question at the time of the committee meeting. 5. No student shall be granted more than one (1) ten day probationary period in high school (9-12 grades). 6. The school principal shall be responsible for the implementation of this policy. POINTS TO REMEMBER: The student must make a written request to the principal to appear before the Academic Eligibility Committee. The coach/sponsor must gather the grades and check eligibility. FINAL EXAM EXEMPTION POLICY With the change in the accountability and assessment system for the state of Kentucky which includes end-of-course exams, North Laurel High School will no longer offer final exam exemptions. FINAL EXAM POLICY 22 Final Exams are an important part of high school, and it is important for parents and students to prepare adequately. A final exam policy will ensure that all classes in a particular subject are teaching the critical core content, and that students are truly learning what they need to know. All students are required to take final examinations at the end of each semester. The examination grade shall be used to calculate the student’s final grade for the semester. Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, the final examination grade will be 20% of the student’s final grade for the semester. A syllabus will be given to each student with the content to be covered in each class, the grading system, and the responsibility of the student included. **Amendment adopted by NLHS SBDM Council July 2011 **Amendment adopted by NLHS SBDM Council November 2004. **Amendment adopted by NLHS SBDM Council December 1999. ** Adopted by NLHS SBDM Council February 1999 GANG ACTIVITY POLICY Any activity related to gangs or gang membership is prohibited. Signs, symbols, graffiti or the wearing of any apparel that is consistent with gang association is prohibited at North Laurel High School. The Administration may make the name of any student found in violation of this policy available to the local police department, sheriff, or State Police. GRADUATION CEREMONY POLICY Graduation is a formal ceremony which is conducted with dignity and respect. Therefore, graduates will not be allowed to put notes or signs on their graduation caps or wear buttons, corsages, etc. on their gowns. This includes wrist corsages. All students walking the graduation line at North Laurel High School will wear the assigned cap and gown. In keeping with the dignity and solemnity of the occasion, the only embellishments will be the assigned identifying stole and tassel, and the assigned symbols (cords, tassels, patches) of the following national honor organizations—Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Future Farmers of American, and National Art Honor Society. Girls will wear skirts or dresses and comfortable shoes, NO shorts, pants, tennis shoes or sunglasses. Boys will wear pants, dress shirt, dress shoes or dress boots, NO shorts, jeans, tennis shoes or sunglasses. Any student who needs help obtaining the appropriate clothing items can contact the Youth Service Center for assistance. Students will not be allowed to walk the line at graduation if they are late or absent to graduation practice. Walking the line at graduation is a PRIVILEGE, not a RIGHT! Those students who have deceased, during while enrolled as students at North Laurel High School, will be honored by placing an empty chair in the graduation row along with a single, red rose and there name will be read in the appropriate spot in the procession and a moment of silence will be observed. An honorary diploma will be presented to the family after the ceremony. 23 GREEN & BLUE CARD POLICY Green cards will be issued to students with all "A's"; blue cards will be issued to students with all "A's and B's". (Grades achieved on weighted scale will be counted.) Green and Blue cards are issued for each nine week grading period. Each teacher will sign and date the back of the Green or Blue card to signify that it has been used for that particular grading period. Green cards may be used to drop lowest test and homework grade but may NOT be used to replace a zero, portfolio piece, or final exam. Please note that blue and green cards can be used in only ONE class per nine weeks. Grades received during homebound teaching will not be considered for blue and green cards. Only grades earned at NLHS will be considered for blue and green cards. An incomplete ("I") will NOT be considered for blue and green cards. GREEN CARDS (A's) Free admission to home athletic events (Tournaments excluded). Drop lowest test grade in one class per nine weeks (Cannot be used to replace a zero, portfolio piece, or final exam). Homework pass in one class per nine weeks (Cannot be used to replace a zero). Free prom ticket for juniors (Must have 2 consecutive green cards). BLUE CARDS (A'S and B's) Free admission to home athletic events (Tournaments excluded). Homework pass in one class per nine weeks (Cannot be used to replace a zero). Adopted by NLHS Site Based Council- May 2005 Amended by NLHS Site Based Council – April 17, 2010 HOMECOMING POLICY Homecoming will be held twice during the school year, once each in football and basketball season. Festivities will be at a home event, and will be scheduled at a time when a "spirit week" would be appropriate, for example, not during testing of any kind, mid-term exams, etc. The election of homecoming queen will be pursued in the following manner: 1. The homecoming queen will be elected from the senior class. The same girl cannot be both football and basketball queen, nor can the queen serve on both courts. 2. Homecoming attendants will be elected from each class: • 5 females from the senior class • 4 females from the junior class • 3 females from the sophomore class • 2 females from the freshman class 3. Homecoming voting will take place in JAGS. The JAGS advisor will be in charge of nominations for the ballots. The name of every female student in the school will be listed by grade level. The students in a particular grade level will then vote for the (one) candidate of their choice. The top fifteen (15) students in each grade level who have a minimum 2.0 G.P.A. and are at grade level will then be put on a ballot. The students in that grade level will vote again with the candidates with the most votes winning. Once the responsible party has prepared the ballots, JAGS advisors will once again be in charge of conducting the election, counting the ballots, and turning in both the ballots and a completed tally sheet to the responsible party. 24 4. Nominations must be turned in on the date specified by the responsible parties. Tally sheets and ballots must be turned in on the date of the voting to the responsible parties. Only those nominations and ballots turned in by the specified date will be considered for either nominations or in the total count of the final vote. 5. Each student will have the opportunity to vote for the number of persons that would be eligible for election for their class. For example, students in the sophomore class would be allowed to vote for 3 (three) candidates while seniors would be allowed to vote for 5 (five) candidates. 6. Voting shall be conducted at least 10 (ten) days prior to the proposed homecoming event if possible. 7. The senior candidate who receives the majority of the votes as tallied by the responsible party will be elected as homecoming queen. 8. In the event of a tie, a second ballot with only the five attendant's names will be prepared and distributed to the senior class. The voting procedure will be the same as stated in #3 as tallied by the responsible party. 9. The responsible party will order flowers for the attendants to carry as well as boutonnieres for the escorts to wear. The athletic department will pay for these items. 10. The responsible party will also order a reasonably priced "crown" which will be given to the queen as a memento of the event. The athletic department will also pay for the crown. 11. Each attendant must have an escort. The escort must be a male enrolled at NLHS in the same grade as the attendant. The escort must meet the same 2.0 GPA and grade level standards as the queen and attendant candidates. 12. Practice for the coronation ceremony will be held at a time deemed appropriate by the responsible party. 13. Pictures will be taken on homecoming day. The responsible party will be the person who is in contact with the contracted school photographer. **Amendment adopted by NLHS Site Based Council April 1995 **Amendment adopted by NLHS Site Based Council December 1997 **Amendment adopted by NLHS Site Based Council August 2005 HOMEWORK POLICY North Laurel High School’s staff believes that homework is a valuable tool to help students make the most of their experiences in school. Therefore, general homework guidelines are listed below. In addition, each teacher will be required to provide students with the specifics of their individual homework policies. Furthermore, copies of these teacher policies will be available in the school’s administrative and guidance offices and library. INTRODUCTION: Homework reinforces student learning in class, prepares the student for new lessons, and helps the student develop responsibility and organizational skills. Homework becomes a valuable tool to expand classroom teaching, therefore, 1. Students should be prepared to do necessary homework each night. 2. Homework will be a part of the student’s grade as determined by the teacher. JUSTIFICATION FOR HOMEWORK: 1. Homework assignments are reinforcements for classroom curriculum assignments to support student learning. 2. Assigned homework will reinforce instruction accomplished in class; it will not introduce new or unfamiliar concepts or skills. 25 TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Teachers will provide clear, concise directions for the completion of homework assignments. 2. Teachers will evaluate and return homework assignments to students in a timely manner. 3. Teachers will determine the degree to which homework affects student’s grades. 4. Teachers will give students feedback on all their homework. 5. Teachers will provide instructional follow-up on all homework as needed. 6. Teachers will make sure that students understand and can explain how their homework assignments relate to what they are learning in class. 7. Teachers will keep a record of homework assignments with their lesson plans. STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Students will complete homework assignments neatly and legibly. 2. Students will turn in assignments on time. 3. Students will face the consequences of not doing completed homework on time. 4. Students will be subject to disciplinary action for repeated failure to complete homework. PARENTAL SUPPORT: Parents are urged to take an active interest in their children’s schoolwork. Homework assignments offer an opportunity for valuable interaction between parent and child in support of learning. Parents can help in the following ways: 1. Express an interest in the school work the children bring home. 2. Provide a suitable place and time for children to study, free from disturbances. 3. Supply needed materials for completing homework. 4. Check to see that homework is completed. 5. Encourage children to do their best and praise a job well done. 6. Stay in close communication with teachers. MAKE-UP WORK POLICY: Any student who is absent from school for any reason will be expected to make up all work missed during the time away from school, however, students who have unexcused absences will not receive credit for the work. 1. Homework assignment will follow the attendance policy for make-up work (one day per day absent); however, if any assignment has been made in advance, or if the due date has been long-standing, the student will be expected to turn in work at once upon returning to school from an absence. NORTH LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL DOES NOT HAVE MAKEUP DAYS AT THE END OF THE 9 WEEKS. 2. 3. 4. Regularly scheduled class time will not be used for make-up homework. In case of attendance appeal hearing - only the work made up in accordance with the make-up work policy will be counted toward the students’ grade if attendance is waived. The student is responsible to contact each teacher for make-up work. 26 INDEPENDENT STUDY POLICY 1) A student must be entering his/her senior year. 2) A student may not take more than one independent study during their high school career. 3) An independent study course will not count as a weighted course. It will be counted on the 4.0 scale. 4) A student will not be allowed to exempt out of an independent study final by using his/her blue/green cards. 5) A student cannot take consecutive simultaneously (for example, cannot take French II and AP French at the same time - be registered for French II and wanting to take an independent study in AP French). 6) The student should have taken at least two Advanced Placement (AP) classes previously. 7) The student must be under the supervision of a teacher in that subject area. 8) The student must fill out an application by July 15th. 9) The panel will meet within two weeks to hear the student's proposal. The panel will consist of: one Principal, one Counselor, one Site-Based parent, and two teachers (one in the subject area and one Site-Based teacher). Four of the five committee members must agree in order for the independent study to be granted. Adopted by NLHS Site Based Council June 1998 JUNIOR ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT POLICY All students in grade 11 shall take U.S. History or another approved social studies course and a junior-level Science class that includes Chemistry, Physics, or Earth and Space Science. (The only exception will be those students who attend vocational school.) MEDICATION POLICY All medications brought to school must be registered in the Nurse’s office immediately upon arrival to school. Proper forms and signatures must be completed. PRACTICAL LIVING/VOCATIONAL CAREERS POLICY Beginning with the class of 2008, it is recommended that students take at least one of the following electives during their freshman or sophomore year: Career Options Consumer Education Principles of Agriculture Principles of Marketing ROTC Each of these classes will provide students with the Practical Living/Vocational Studies core content which is assessed during the 10th grade. PROM POLICY Beginning in 2008, the NLHS prom will rotate between the 1st and 2nd Saturday of May. The NLHS prom will be on the 2nd Saturday of May, beginning with the 2007-2008 school year. 27 SECONDARY GED POLICY According to 740 KAR 7:150, students must meet four standards to qualify for the Secondary GED Option program offered by the Kentucky Department of Education. They must be: 16 years of age two grade levels behind the class they started high school with 4 high school credits score a 29 on the normal curve equivalent on 9th grade standardized test score in Reading, Language Arts, and Math Once they qualify for the program, they must do a minimum of 15 hours of GED preparation classes and have access to a certified teacher and be involved in one of the following areas: 1) service learning, 2) vocational education, 3) additional coursework; 4) internship; 5) cooperative learning project; and 6) any other learning activity aligned with the student's Individual Learning Plan. At the end of the year the students are included in the summer school graduation ceremony. We also must count them in our successful transition to adult life statistics for that school year. After two years of the program, we feel it is necessary to require the students to do the required 15 preparation hours per week and to have a paid job or be volunteering a minimum of 15 hours a week. SENIOR AWARDS POLICY CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW BY THE SBDM COUNCIL. ANY CHANGES OR UPDATES WILL BE ADDED AS AN ADDENDUM TO THE HANDBOOK. SENIOR CLASS REPRESENTATIVE POLICY 1. Each homeroom (advisee group) will be represented by one student selected by the group. This student must meet and maintain all criteria established. 2. Homeroom representative will then take nominations for class officers which will be voted on by the entire senior class. Class officers must meet and maintain all criteria established. 3. Senior class officers, homeroom representative, senior class sponsors, senior class counselor and principal will make up the Senior Executive Council. This council will be responsible for decisions concerning the senior class and for making recommendations to be considered. This group will meet as needed and will follow proper procedure for meetings. 4. Student members of this council must have at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of selection/nomination and maintain this average for the duration of their term in office. Members must not have a failing grade for any class. A probationary period of 2 weeks will be given if the GPA falls below 3.0. If the grade does not improve to this level, the student will be replaced by a vote of the Senior Executive Council. 5. Executive council members must attend all meetings of the council and will be excused by following the same procedure as established by the school regarding absences. 6. Council members should exhibit leadership qualities, proper interpersonal relationship skills, maturity and the willingness to work while serving on the council. While serving on the council, any member who must be disciplined by the school administration which results in Out of School Suspension, will be replaced since this reflects on the entire group. 28 7. Council members may recommend revisions of the above policy only be a 2/3 vote of the group. The recommendations should be submitted in writing to the school council for consideration. 8. A representative of the Senior Executive Council will be invited to attend school council meetings as needed. Adopted by NLHS SBDM Council, February 2006 STUDENT APPEARANCE/DRESS CODE POLICY The purpose of this dress code is to help ensure student safety and to remove any barriers or distractions to the learning process. Schools are educational institutions, and no extreme form of personal appearance will be allowed to interfere with the educational process. School authorities may limit or prohibit any extreme type or style of student dress, personal appearance, or use of wearing apparel, which, in judgment of school officials, is deemed to create a disruption of school discipline and routine. Good personal appearance is conducive to a positive learning environment. This dress code promotes grooming and hygiene, instills discipline, prevents disruption, conforms to safety guidelines, and teaches respect for authority. Proper dress by students and staff is expected at all times. All individuals are to come to school clean and neatly dressed. Apparel must meet with health and safety codes, be in good repair, and must not interfere with the educational process. SOME LIMITATIONS ARE: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. No shoes with cleats or nails, no boots with spurs. No bare feet. Any article of clothing, jewelry, body decoration, or hairstyle extreme enough to create distraction or disturb the normal routine of school shall be deemed inappropriate. No hats, caps, overcoats, hoods, or bandannas are allowed unless they are part of an approved educational activity. Shirts must cover the body to the waist and must come to the edge of the shoulder. No halters, spaghetti straps, one shoulder tops, low cut tops, or bare midriffs. No articles of clothing with wording, pictures, symbols, or graphics that, either implied or suggested, contain inappropriate language, violence, obscene or sexual connotations, alcohol, narcotics, firearms, or tobacco messages. Skirts and dress length may not exceed 3 to 4 inches above the knees. Shorts must have a MINIMUM inseam of 4 inches. Trousers/slacks/pants must be belted at the natural waist. Pants shall not be excessively long enough to cause a safety hazard. No undergarments may be exposed. Dark glasses, unless prescribed by a physician, are prohibited inside the building. Tattoos that are vulgar or display items related to drugs, alcohol, or gang symbols, or that are racially or sexually offensive are to be covered and nonvisible at all times. Garments may not have any holes that are not patched. Wearing tights, leggings, shorts, or other garments underneath pants with holes in them is not acceptable. Students will only be forbidden to wear nose, eyebrow, lip and tongue piercings 29 if they create a distraction to learning or if they create a safety hazard. All hats, sunglasses, or other inappropriate materials will be confiscated and returned at the end of the current semester. Violations of Student Appearance/Dress Code Offense Conference to expulsion 2nd Offense In school suspension to expulsion rd 3 Offense Out of school suspension to expulsion 1st STUDENT PARKING POLICY Due to limitations in space and difficulty of supervision, the following rules and regulations will govern parking for the 2011-2012 school year: 1. On campus parking is a privilege extended only to sophomore, junior, and senior students who have a valid driver’s license, current vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle insurance. 2. ANY student meeting the above criteria may purchase a parking pass for the 20112012 school year for $25. This cost will cover the entire year. 3. Students who do not purchase a parking pass will be charged a senior debt of $25 and will not graduate until paid. A $25 charge will assessed for each year the student parks without a valid parking pass. 4. Reduced fees for parking passes will be granted to the following students: a. Students with perfect attendance (to include no late check-ins, early check-outs) for the previous school year will receive the parking pass for free. b. Students with a current Green Card = $15 c. Students with a current Blue Card = $20 5. A Consent to Search form must be signed by the student before a parking permit can be purchased. 6. The parking permit must be displayed from the rear-view mirror of each vehicle. Cars without a displayed valid parking permit are subject to disciplinary measures. 7. Students are to park on the auditorium side of campus only. A designated space will be assigned when a permit is purchased. 8. Students are to park in their assigned parking spot only. Parking your vehicle in an unassigned parking spot will result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the Violation of Student Parking Regulations at the end of this section. 9. All students should be in the parking lot by 8:00 a.m. each morning. Students are to leave their car immediately after parking and enter the school. Loitering in the student parking lot before school is not permitted. Students may not return to their cars during the school day without prior approval from the school administration. 10. Students who drive to school and arrive late are subject to having their parking permit revoked without refund according to the following: a. Upon arriving late (unexcused) three (3) times – student will lose the parking permit for the remainder of the 9 weeks grading period. b. Upon arriving late (unexcused) six (6) times - parking permit will be revoked for the rest of the year. 30 11. Any student without a parking permit, driving in a disorderly or reckless manner, parking in an incorrect space or location, will be subject to the following disciplinary measures: Violation of Student Parking Regulations Warning/Conference (A warning sticker will be placed on the vehicle. A parent contact will be made via phone call or letter.) nd 2 Offense One day In-School Suspension (A second warning sticker will be placed on the vehicle. A parent contact will be made by a home visit or a certified letter.) rd 3 Offense Two days In-School Suspension and vehicle towed at owner’s expense 1st Offense TARDY POLICY STUDENTS ARE CONSIDERED TARDY IF THEY ARE NOT IN THEIR ASSIGNED PLACE WHEN THE TARDY BELL STOPS RINGING. This means when the 3rd bell rings to signify the beginning of class, students are to be in their assigned classroom. Students in the doorway or in the hallway, regardless of how close to the room, are considered tardy. When a student is tardy, a written excuse must be presented to the teacher. Tardies will be excused for the same reasons as given for absences, which are listed in the Attendance Policy of the Laurel County Board of Education. Students without a written excuse are tardy. After a student has accumulated three (3) unexcused tardies, he/she will be referred to the office of the Assistant Principal by the teacher completing the Disciplinary Office Referral (DOR) and forward to the office. The Assistant Principal will assign the discipline. When a teacher or a JAGS teacher has sent a student to the office, he/she will note that the student has been disciplined and begin accumulating the tardies again. 1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense 4th Offense DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR TARDIES One (1) day After School Detention Two (2) days After School Detention One (1) day In-School Suspension and 2 days After School Detention Two (2) days In-School Suspension and 2 days After School Detention REPEATED AND CONTINUED VIOLATIONS OF RULES AND REGULATIONS: Stricter measures may be taken when a student continues to violate the above rules and regulations. (From Laurel County Student Code of Conduct and Discipline) Rewards given by North Laurel High School for perfect attendance are for those students who have been present all day every day. (i.e. tardies and early dismissals are not allowed) TOBACCO POLICY The use of any tobacco product is prohibited in any building, on school grounds, at school sponsored events, or in any vehicle owned or operated by the Laurel County Board of Education. (See Student Code of Acceptable Conduct for disciplinary measures.) 31 UNDERCLASSMEN AWARDS POLICY At North Laurel High School, we feel that students should be honored for academic, attendance, and behavioral achievement. In order to receive an underclassmen award, students must meet the following criteria: Grades: A student must have an “A” average for each grading period (1st, 2nd, and 3rd nine weeks) and an “A” average at the posting date for mid-term grades of the 4th nine weeks. A student must also have an “A” on the semester exam. Attendance: A student must maintain an overall attendance percentage of 95% or higher for the academic school year. Discipline: A student shall have no discipline referrals for the academic school year. VISITOR POLICY Due to the crowded conditions in the classroom, student visitors are discouraged. The visits should be made by prior arrangement only. Any visitor must sign the register, and secure a pass from one of the principals. OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS ARTICLES PROHIBITED AT SCHOOL We are committed to providing a clean, safe, and cooperative learning environment. Any items that are disruptive to the learning environment are considered inappropriate. Problems arise each year because students have articles which are hazardous to the safety of others, or interfere in some way with school procedure. This includes, but is not limited to, CD and/or tape players, large radios/tape players, MP3 players, IPODS, video/DVD camcorders, camera phones, digital cameras, laptops, video games, water guns, toy guns, shaving cream, chains, water pistols, knives, curling irons, stun guns, mace, firecrackers, and glass containers. Those items will be taken from the student. NLHS will not be responsible for any of these items. Loss or theft of these items will not be handled through the administrative offices. CODE OF CONDUCT A copy of the School Conduct Code adopted by the Laurel County Board of Education may be obtained upon request in the Principals office at North Laurel High School. DISPLAY OF AFFECTION Public display of affection is considered inappropriate behavior on campus or at school sponsored activities. Kissing and hugging in the halls or classrooms will result in either InSchool Suspension or After School Detention. DROPPING A CLASS OR CHANGING A SCHEDULE Students may change a class prior to the opening of school. Guidance Counselors are available for schedule changes during the summer. No student will be allowed to change a class after school is in session without written permission of the principal or his designee. You may not drop a class after the class has been in session one week. Permission for adding or dropping a 32 class can only be done upon the written approval of the teacher involved and the administration. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION PROGRAM The In-School Suspension (ISS) Program is to be operated strictly according to these rules and regulations, and students will be held accountable for them while serving their assignments. 1. No student will be permitted to choose the day he/she is to serve an In-School Suspension. 2. Students who are absent on the day(s) he/she is to serve are to make up the day(s) the next day(s) he/she returns to school. Students who leave In-School early, i.e., sickness, early check-out, etc. will be required to serve a full day extra to make up any lost time. Students In-School Suspension will be permitted to make up tests missed while serving InSchool. REFUSAL TO SERVE/COOPERATE 1st Offense 1 day OSS nd 2 Offense 2 days OSS 3rd Offense 5 days OSS STUDENT SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS Students may be suspended and/or expelled for willful disobedience or defiance of the authority of teachers or administrators, use of profanity or vulgarity, assault and battery, or abuse of other students or school personnel, the threat of force or violence, the use or possession of alcohol or drugs, stealing, destruction or defacing school property or personal property, the carrying or use of weapons or dangerous instruments, or other incorrigible bad conduct on school property and at school sponsored activities. Students shall not be suspended until the following due process procedures have been followed: 1. The student has been given oral or written notice of the charges against him/her and the charges have been followed. 2. The student has been given an opportunity to present his/her own version of the facts relating to the charges. 3. The principal or assistant principal may suspend a student immediately without taking the two preceding steps if such action is necessary to protect persons or property, or to avoid disruption of the ongoing academic process. In such cases, the due process procedures outlined in Numbers 1 and 2 above shall follow the suspension as soon as possible, but no later than three (3) days after the beginning of the suspension. 4. The only exception is the standardized achievement tests given each spring. 5. Students are responsible for all classroom work missed while In In-School Suspension. 6. Students, who come to In-School unprepared to work, (no paper, pencil book, 33 etc...) may be assigned an extra day or days by the In-School teacher. Repeated violations of this type may be treated as refusing to cooperate with teacher. SWEEP PROCEDURES The SWEEP team, comprised of all faculty members on planning that period, will sweep the halls and restrooms. All tardy students will be taken to the student’s assigned classroom. Students tardy for 1st period will be swept to the front lobby on the first floor to receive a tardy slip from a school staff member. TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES (BOARD POLICY) BUS RIDING POLICY The following proposals have been drawn up concerning the disciplinary actions of students involved in discipline problems on school buses. More severe punishments may be administered at the discretion of the administrator involved. Other bus regulations, not specifically covered, will be governed by the minimum penalty of the category in which they are placed. Example: Burning another student with a cigarette lighter or match would fit into category D. Provision is made should driver and/or administrator request conference only for student. In addition to disciplinary action regarding bus transportation, the school authorities and/or school Board may also take action depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense. Consequences for unacceptable behaviors that are not specifically listed here, also apply to bus transportation. A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. Throwing items on bus. Refusal to follow reasonable request/insubordination. Smoking and use of tobacco. Fighting on bus. (Assault on another student or endangering the safety of other students.) Abusiveness to driver. (Verbally) Abusiveness to driver. (Physically). Changing seats while bus is in motion or having arms and / or head out of windows. Destruction of school bus. Excessive noise/ mischief/ inappropriate language and / or gestures. For violations of items A through I: 1st offense 3 days off bus nd 2 offense 5 days off bus 3rd offense 10 days off bus 4th offense 6 weeks off bus 5th offense Remainder of school year off bus Note – For damages and destruction of school bus, damages will be assessed and restitution will be required. J. Misrepresentation (notes/failure to produce notes). 34 Each offense – 3 days off bus. Unacceptable items on bus. Each offense – 3 to 10 days off bus L. Eating or drinking on school bus. Each offense – 3 days off bus If a student is suspended from one bus, he/ she is suspended from all other buses as well. A school bus suspension is not an excused absence from school. Students will be expected to be at school each day of their suspension. Students who are serving a bus suspension will be permitted to ride a bus for educational and reward field trips. The riding of a school bus in Laurel County is a privilege that is conditioned on the behavior and the observance of rules and regulations for riders. Students who violate these rules are subject to acts of discipline. It should be understood by all, that the driver has the authority to assign seats on the bus. This may be used as a matter of discipline or as a means of checking for bus seat damage. No reason needs to be given by the driver. Repeated violations can bring about permanent loss of riding privileges. The following for the most part have been mandated by the State Board of Education as safety measures for our school. K. Students Shall: 1. 1. Occupy any seat assigned by the driver 2. Be on time, the driver will not be asked to wait while you eat or get ready 3. Honor any request made by the driver 4. Refrain from smoking any substance while on the bus 5. Refrain from the use of tobacco in any form while on the bus 6. Keep head and arms in the bus at all times 7. Not cause any damage to the interior of the bus 8. Leave the bus only at home or school except by written permission signed by your parent and your principal or Director of Transportation 9. Cross road in front of bus only 10. Not throw any object on the bus at any time 11. Show respect for others along the route at all times 12. Ride only the bus to which you are assigned 13. Not ride any bus while on suspension from your assigned bus 14. Not be changing seats while the bus is in motion 15. Stop all talking and other noise when approaching a railroad crossing 16. Not disturb private property while waiting for the bus 17. Move away from the bus after unloading 18. Not exit from the rear (emergency) except in the case of an emergency 19. Wait until the bus stops before moving forward to load 20. Keep their feet on the floor 21. Keep all bulky objects in their possession 22. Report any observed damage to the bus driver or principal 23. Show respect and care for smaller children 24. Not bring any "pop" cans or bottles in the bus 25. Not use any vulgar or profane language or gestures while being transported to or from school 35 36 EMERGENCY INFORMATION FIRE, TORNADO, EARTHQUAKE, AND LOCK DOWN DRILLS Emergency evacuation, fire drills and lock down drills will be held periodically throughout the year. Tornado drills will be conducted periodically prior to and during tornado season. Earthquake drills will be held semi-annually. An exit plan will be placed near the door of each room. Procedures will be explained by your teacher. AMENDED POLICY STATEMENT OF LAUREL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION RESPECTING FIRST AMENDMENT ACTIVITIES This statement is intended as a clarification and an Amendment of The School Board's policy concerning religion in county schools as set forth in the letter of The Board's Attorney, dated December 17, 1986 (Original Policy Statement). Nothing in the Original Policy Statement was ever intended to nor shall it be construed to prohibit the following activities: 1. Religious activities of teachers and students during non-school hours. 2. Voluntary prayer or grace prior to meals if not done en masse and with classified or certified school personnel participation only in a non-leadership manner when students are involved. 3. The use of the Bible, religion in drama and music for comparative and historical purposes or studies. 4. Student-initiated and student-led prayer or study of the Bible or other religious material during school hours in which teachers are present only in a non-leadership manner. 5. The display by students and teachers of religious symbols, buttons, or jewelry on their persons. 6. Voluntary acts of Bible reading, prayer, and communication of religious beliefs by and between students and by and between classified/certified school personnel on an individual basis during non-class time during school hours. The listing of permitted activities above shall not necessarily be deemed all inclusive of constitutionally protected activities. The legitimate right of The Board to maintain proper order and discipline in the schools is recognized and reserved and the enumeration of the above items shall not be construed to abrogate such right. 37 I have received a copy of the Student Handbook as distributed by North Laurel High School. I have read and discussed this handbook with my child. _________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature ________ Date _________________________ Name of Student *Please return to your child’s homeroom teacher. 38