Student Handbook/Policies 2009-2010

New Plymouth High School

207 S. Plymouth Avenue
New Plymouth, Idaho
83655
Telephone: (208) 278-5311

  High School

 

MISSION:  Our mission is to provide equal educational opportunities while teaching to a variety of learning styles, providing information without bias, recognizing individual worth, while supporting the principles of the United States Constitution.

 

VISION:  We will make New Plymouth High School synonymous with excellence!
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2009-2010



Bell Schedule

Warning                   8:05
Period 1                   8:10- 9:00 1st Period
Period 2                   9:05-9:55 2nd Period
Period 3                 10:00-10:50 3rd Period
Period 4                 10:55-11:45 4th Period
Lunch                     11:45-12:15 LUNCH
Warning                 12:15 LUNCH
Period 5                 12:20- 1:10 6th Period
Period 6                   1:15- 2:05 7th
Period 7                   2:10- 3:00

The campus is closed except at lunch - Students may leave the campus only during release and lunch.

 

 

 

Parents, included in this handbook are the dress code and an outline of some of our discipline policies and procedures.  Please pay close attention to the Student Dress Guidelines before shopping for school clothes. We know it is sometimes hard to find appropriate school clothing but by providing this information ahead of time we hope to alleviate problems that might come up in the fall. 

DISCIPLINE POLICY
The Board of Trustees recognizes its responsibility to give all reasonable support and assistance to principals and teachers with respect to the maintenance of control and discipline in the classroom.  Toward this end, the Board will, annually, provide all teachers and parents with a copy of the district’s discipline policy.
  The Board of Trustees believes the following statements to be true:
1. Student discipline is a necessary prerequisite for learning to take place.
2.  Discipline policy and practices should have as a goal the maintenance of an orderly student body capable of self-discipline as is consistent with the student’s level of maturation.
3.  Student discipline is a shared responsibility for parents, teachers, administration, trustees, and students.
4.  The Board will not tolerate a school environment in which student discipline is lax and endangers the learning of students or threatens the physical well being of students or teachers.
5.  The Board of Trustees will support the denial of attendance and/or referral to the court system, consistent with Idaho Code, for any student who is incorrigible, habitually truant, or a threat to the safety of other students.
In short, no student shall compromise the instructional process either by interfering with another student’s right to learn or by preventing a teacher from doing his/her job.

STUDENT CONDUCT
Students who violate the rules and policies will be subject to disciplinary action.  Disciplinary action may include the following:
1.  A verbal reprimand
2.  Detention
3.  Temporary removal from class
4.  Parent contacts and/or conferences-loss of privileges (incentives, intramurals, student council participation, athletics, etc.)
5.  Written behavior modification plan
6.  Suspension in or out of school
7.  Expulsion

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS
Given the following expectations:
1.   Everyone acknowledges that school is a place for acquiring skills and knowledge.
2.   Students, parents, and staff know the written code of conduct and appropriate work ethic.
3.   Respect and consideration are shown to everyone regardless of race, religion, national origin, or gender.

The Students of New Plymouth High School have formulated the following responsibilities:
RESPECT YOURSELF: Be kind to yourself
1.    Be positive
2.    Do your best always
3.    Like who you are and have confidence in yourself
4.    Take care of yourself
5.    Be yourself
6.    Be honest with yourself and others
7.    Respect yourself and others
8.    Walk proud
9.    Show pride in the way you dress
10.    Keep yourself healthy
11.    Try to help yourself first; then get help
12.    Set high goals
13.    Do what you believe in and stand up for what is right
14.    Be on time, be prepared
15.    Stay in school
16.    Do all of your work
17.    Cool down
18.    Think first and accept consequences for your actions

RESPECT YOUR PEERS: Be kind to your peers
1.    Treat others the way you want to be treated
2.    Accept people for who they are
3.    Be a friend
4.    Respect others, and leave them alone
5.    Don’t make fun of people
6.    Don’t take advantage of people
7.    Be open minded to others
8.    Respect the decisions of others
9.    Listen to others’ problems and be concerned
10.    Listen in class
11.    Watch your language
12.    Don’t fight, be cool

 

RESPECT THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS AND HAVE PRIDE IN YOUR SCHOOL
1.    Take care of things
2.    Treat all property as if you had bought it or worked on it
3.    Don’t take what is not yours
4.    Pick up after yourself
5.    Remind others to pick up after themselves
6.    Property is here for your convenience and use-DO NOT ABUSE
7.    You spend the best part of your teenage years at school, make the school livable
8.    Have respect and pride in your school

RESPECT STAFF: Find out what is proper (handbook and rules) and act in a responsible manner

STUDENTS RIGHTS

 

ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The Board of Trustees believes that the use of electronic devices at school poses a threat to order and academic integrity.  Devices such as pagers, cell phones, iPods, or other portable media players are disruptive to the educational process and will not be allowed in class.  Violation of this policy will result in graduated consequences:

 

The school will assume no responsibility for lost, stolen, or broken electronic devices.

STUDENT DRESS GUIDLINES
The Board of Trustees believes that the parent and student should select appropriate attire for school.  Appropriate clothing for class or any school activity must be reasonable, safe, clean and decent.  An individual’s dress and personal appearance should reflect a sensitivity and respect for others.  The fact that the school will permit a wide variety of school clothing does not mean that all styles are deemed appropriate.
It is the opinion of the Board of Trustees that student attire has a direct effect upon the educational environment and upon the individual student’s ability to function at an optimum level within his/her classes.  Therefore, clothing or styles that show bare midriffs, sagging pants that reveal any undergarments, revealing tank tops, shorts that are inappropriate in length, and any inappropriate symbols or headgear of any type are not permitted.  Attire that depicts or advocates illegal substances for youth, such as tobacco, alcohol, drugs or weapons is not acceptable.  Also, clothing that has a sexual theme or connotation is not acceptable. Any manner of grooming or apparel that denotes membership in or affiliation with any unauthorized group, gang, hate group, or racial prejudice will not be allowed.

The following attire is not acceptable: (not a comprehensive list)

Failure to comply with school dress code will result in a phone call to parents with a request to bring acceptable attire to the student, or the student being referred to in-house suspension for the remainder of the day.  Dress for extracurricular activities will adhere to the same dress code and should be at least school dress or better. The respective sponsor and administration shall outline required dress for the students’ participation in activities that are in any way representative of the individual school or community.

GANG APPAREL/ACTIVITIES
The school district will not allow any individual or group to engage in any behavior that is considered disruptive, harmful, criminal, or that advocates hatred or discrimination toward other individuals, nor will any display of symbols, mode of dress, or any activity related to this type of behavior be permitted.

Students that have been found to be associating themselves in anyway with any gang will not be allowed to wear red, blue, or pink, and will be limited to certain attire.  These are just a few examples and they are constantly changing.  We stay in close contact with law enforcement professionals specializing in gang related behavior.

FIGHTING
In the event ANY student (regardless of fault) is involved in physical fighting or extreme verbal abuse, that student will be immediately suspended for at least one school day.  Verbal abuse includes, but is not limited to:  name -calling, threats, and/or degrading remarks.

VULGAR/ABUSIVE LANGUAGE
Vulgar/Abusive language will not be tolerated in our school.  Students displaying these tendencies will be disciplined.  Staff members observing
such instances will send the student to the office with a disciplinary referral.  A progression of consequences will be utilized up to and including suspension. 

 

IN-HOUSE SUSPENSION

Students assigned to In-House Suspension will immediately report to the office upon arrival to school and no later than 8:10 am.  Students will not be allowed in the general public while assigned to In-House.  Assignments will be sent by the student’s teachers for the student to complete while in In-House.  Students will be dismissed at 3:00 pm each day and will earn their way back into the regular classroom by completing the assigned tasks.

SUSPENSION at Discretion of Principal or his/her Designee
 If suspension is the consequence of a student’s misbehavior, the principal or his/her designee may suspend a student for up to five days. The superintendent or Board of Trustees may extend the suspension for an additional period of time.

Students may be suspended for the following reasons but not limited to:

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL HOURS
Students should not arrive early or remain later, unless involved in scheduled supervised activities.
7:30 A.M.                         School building opens
4:00 P.M.                         School closes
8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.     Office hours
No student is to be in the building before 7:30 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. unless supervised by a staff member.

EXTRA CURRICULAR
In order to practice or play in a scheduled game a student must be in attendance the entire day.  Arrangements must be made in advance for exceptions.  In order to be eligible for extra-curricular activities a student must:

GUIDANCE
Any student wishing to confer with the counselor should feel free to stop at the guidance center at any time and schedule an appointment.

LOCKER
The combination to a locker is given only to those using that locker and should not be known by anyone else.  Changes in combinations will cost $1.00.  Lockers should be kept neat and clean at all times and should not be slammed, kicked or otherwise abused.  Locker inspections will be made periodically.  Students who fail to care for their lockers will be subject to disciplinary action and charged for the damages.  Use of the locker is given to a student only as a convenience and the student is responsible for any and all items in the locker.

 

GYM/WEIGHT ROOM USE
Because of the possibility of injury, no student is to be in these areas without a staff member present.  This includes morning, lunch, and after school.

VALUABLES
Valuables should not be brought to school.  The school will not accept responsibility for any item taken from a person or their locker. However, if items (money or otherwise) should be brought, they should be checked in at the Office for safekeeping.
BOOKS AND OTHER SCHOOL ISSUE EQUIPMENT
Books and any other equipment which is issued to you, or which you have checked out, is to be properly cared for. The student will be required to pay for lost or damaged books and equipment. Students will also be held responsible for any damage they cause to the building or grounds.

LOST AND FOUND
Take care of your possessions and mark them so they may be identified. A lost and found department is maintained at the Office. All lost/abandoned items are donated to the Salvation Army at the end of the year.

STUDENT PASSES
Any student in the halls must have a pass – Acceptable passes are the student handbook or one provided by the teacher.

TELEPHONES
The office phones are generally not for student use except in an emergency.  Students will not be called out of class to take calls unless it is an emergency.

TRANSPORTATION AND BUS CONDUCT
This service is provided by the school district and is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen on school buses at all times. Rules for the bus conduct are posted on each bus, in the teacher’s handbook, and given out by the bus driver. These rules shall be followed by all students riding on the bus. Only students assigned to a bus will be permitted to ride the bus unless approved by the bus driver and principal, or transportation director. Students are under the direct authority of the bus driver at all times while riding the bus. Extra curricular and athletic trips are under the supervision of teacher, coach, and bus driver.  Students going to away activities must ride the bus to the activity.  After the activity end the student may be released to ride home with their parents only.

PARKING
Parking in the Moscrip lot will be free and no permit will be required.  All parking on the blacktop will be by permit only.  Permits will be auctioned the first week of school and sold to the highest bidder.  (Senior class fund raiser) A numbered permit matching the space purchased will be issued.  Failure to park as assigned will result in a parking fine of $5 per incidence. Excessive fines will result in vehicle being towed.

 

WEAPONS
The district has “zero” tolerance for possession or manufacturing of anything that has the capacity of being used as a weapon. Discipline may include suspension and expulsion.

ASSEMBLIES
We have established a tradition for being an attentive, courteous audience. We are known for our high standard of behavior during plays, sports and assemblies. This means that the responsibility for maintaining these traditions rests with each and every student within the school.

SCHOOL NURSE
The school nurse is on call at the high school.  All medication, including Tylenol, will be handed out under the guidance of the nurse.

DANCES
These are scheduled at various times throughout the school year by clubs and organizations through the Student Council. These dances are intended mainly for our students. Any student from another school needs prior approval to attend and the New Plymouth student escorting them will be responsible for their guests’ actions. All school rules, as usual, are in effect at all or any school function. At school dances students will not be permitted to go and come while the dance is underway.

PHYSICAL AFFECTION
School is not the place for public expressions of physical affection between students. While hand holding will be allowed, any other expression of affection will result in a warning being given for the first time and graduated consequences thereafter up to and including suspension.

NON-STUDENT LOITERING
To help protect student and school property from disruptive activity, school officials must have immediate knowledge of any person who are not members of the staff or student body inside a building or on the school property. Arrangements for visits by adults need to be made through the office.  All approved visitors must wear a visitor’s badge, which is available in the office.  Students not attending our school are not allowed on campus at any time without permission from the office.

EARLY GRADUATION
Any senior wanting to graduate early must apply to the board before the end of the first nine weeks.

 

ATHLETICS
Guidelines dealing with eligibility and training rules for athletics will be handed out to parents and athletes at the beginning of each athletic season during a parent/athlete/coach’s meeting. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend each meeting so they will understand the philosophy and expectations of each coach. No student will practice or check out any gear until all of the following are taken care of:
1) ASB card purchased        5) academic check made
2) physical forms in              6) signed athletic rules in file
3) interim questionnaire in  7) all money owed to the school paid
4) insurance waiver in

 

TARDIES
A tardy is defined as the appearance of a student beyond the scheduled time that a class begins.  The parent/guardian of students in the high school will be notified of the third, fourth, and fifth tardies during each semester.  The notice of the fifth tardy will inform the parent/guardian that:
A loss of credit will occur if the student is tardy a sixth time.  Students losing credit because of excess tardies will still be required to attend class. Failure to attend will be considered truancy.

SEMESTER TESTS
Semester tests will be given the last two days of each semester in all classes. Students absent three or less days in a class will be excused from the semester test in that class. Each student with 6 tardies in aggregate will take all class finals regardless of absences. Each test will be one and one-half hours long. Semester tests will not be given early.  Students missing required semester tests will receive a grade of "F" for the semester

TRUANCY
A truancy occurs when a student is absent without consent of the parent(s), guardian(s), or school officials on the basis of a class, a portion of a class, or the entire school day.  Discipline for truancies is a follows:
The first  offense:        Student is in-house suspended 1 day-parent contacted
The second offense:   Student is in-house suspended 2 days-parent conference required
The third offense:        Student declared habitually truant under the Juvenile Corrections Act and removed from class with a grade of “F”.
The fourth offense:     Parents required to attend the classes with student - student may not attend without them.

 

ABSENCES
A student gone from a class for any reason for a period of 10 minutes or longer will be marked absent.  When a student is absent, the parent needs to call the office between 8:00-4:00 and let the attendance clerk know of the absence.

SCHOOL EXCUSED ABSENCES

Any and all absences will count toward the 9 days a student is allowed other than school absences.  A school absences is one in which the school causes a student to miss a class.

HARASSMENT
Harassment will not be tolerated at New Plymouth High School. Types of harassment include, but not limited to: obscene names, dirty stories, suggestive calls or noises, dirty notes, stares, purposely bumping someone, graffiti, and hugs, grabs, or pinches. If a person feels uncomfortable or threatened as a result of an action, it is probably harassment.  Complaints from students need to be submitted on a form obtained from any staff member.   Discipline may include suspension or expulsion.

ATTENDANCE
The purpose of New Plymouth High School’s attendance policy is to place primary responsibility for attendance upon the student.
Students are expected to attend classes regularly and to be on time in order to benefit maximally from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility.  Students must be in regular attendance if they are to derive benefits from educational activities.  Continuity in the learning process is seriously disrupted by excessive absences.  In most situations, the work missed cannot be made up adequately.  Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more, and are more employable after leaving high school.  For these reasons, a student must satisfy two basic requirements in order to earn class credit:
1.    Satisfy academic requirements
2.    Exhibit good attendance habits (as stated in this policy)

This policy permits a student to accrue a total of nine (9) absences per semester per class. Absence from class for any reason including illness, or family convenience shall be counted as one of the nine days. Absences for school activities will not be counted. Except in extraordinary cases, as determined by the Principal/Attendance Review Committee, credit will not be given to any student when the student was not in attendance at least 90% of the time that subject was being taught. Students exceeding the allowable number of absences may petition the school for credit in those classes from which credit was withheld. Petition forms will show the specific days the student was absent. When the form is completed, it will be reviewed by the Attendance Review Committee.  Petitions for credit must be filed within one (1) week following the semester in which credit was withheld. Petitions submitted after this time will not be considered. Students may petition the board only 2 times in grades 7-12 unless a serious problem exists.  Anyone leaving school for an extended period of time must show proof of school attendance upon their return in order to receive credit.

MAKE UP WORK
Students that have been absent will be given the number of days absent plus one to make up work missed. Work due the first day of an absence will be due the first day back. No extra time is given for school excused absences.  Assignments given in advance with a specific due date will be due that day regardless of absences.  No extra days are given at the end of a grading period.

VIOLENCE

Threatening violence, whether written or verbal is extremely serious and will be dealt with harshly.  Possible discipline includes suspension, expulsion, and/or police charges.

PURCHASES
Students are not to make purchases for the school. When items are needed, an advisor must go to the office to get the purchase order. Advisors must sign the purchase order also. Anything purchased without a purchase order must be paid for by that person.

DROPOUTS
A request will be sent to State Transportation Department to suspend the driver’s license of any student dropping out of school as stated in Idaho Code.

 

WITHDRAWL FROM SCHOOL

Students wishing to withdraw from school must first check in with the counselor and pick up a withdrawal slip.  This slip must be presented to all the student’s teachers along with the textbook for each class.  When the slip has been signed by all of the teachers on the student’s schedule, the slip is then returned to the office for payment of bills.

CHECKING OUT
Any student that is ill, injured, or must leave school for any other reason, must report to the Office and check out.  Failure to check out will be considered truancy.  Students leaving school during lunch and not returning must call the office to explain the circumstances as to why they are not returning or they will be considered truant.  Students will need a parental note or a call from a parent to check out.  Students not able to contact parent and having no note must talk to the principal.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to graduate a student must complete the following:
8 credits of English
6 credits of Mathematics-2 in senior year begins with class of ‘12
6 credits of Science-begins with class of ‘12
2 credits of Humanities
4 credits of U.S. History
2 credits of Government (senior year)
1 credit of Health
2 credits of Physical Education/Physical Conditioning
1 credit of Social Studies (in addition to those listed above)
1 credit of Economics
1 credit of Speech
1 credit of Reading waived with a score of 225 on 8th grade ISAT
Electives to make up the total number of credits required
Satisfactory RIT score on the ISAT
46 credits required for graduation.  A maximum of 6 correspondence credits may be applied towards graduation requirements.  Students who transfer to New Plymouth during their senior year may receive a diploma if they would have been eligible for graduation in the accredited high school from which they transferred.  Attendance and conduct must be satisfactory in order to graduate.  Seniors who plan to graduate at the end of the 7th semester and meet the requirements for the numbers of units for graduation must apply to the board by the end of the first 9 weeks.  Students who wish to participate in graduation exercises must attend New Plymouth High School full-time their last semester of school.  When a student knows graduation requirements will not be met, that student will not be allowed to participate in the exercise.  Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be determined using 7 semester plus the 3rd nine weeks grades. 

FAILING A CLASS
Students failing a class may retake that class at New Plymouth High School only when class size permits.   When room is not available the guidance counselor will work with students to obtain a correspondence course, enroll the student in an alternative school, or register them in an IDLA class. 

CHEATING
Any student caught cheating will get a warning the first time and receive and “F” for the semester the second time (the second time may be a different class).

 

 

RECOMMENDED GRADING SCALE

90 -  100                                A
80 -    89                                B
70 -    79                                C
60 -    69                                D
Below 60                               F

COLLEGE VISITATION

All seniors will be given one (1) school excused day for a college visitation.  A trip permit must be picked up in the office and filled out by the student’s teachers. Upon returning the student must present proof of attendance to the school.

VISITORS

No visitors will be allowed

STUDENT TUTOR PROGRAM

Student tutors (aides) are primarily assigned to a teacher to help tutor other students in the class.  Teachers may find it necessary to use tutors to help them with the work they need to do.  Tutors that spend excessive amount of time out of the class they are assigned or who are caught using the copy machines will be reassigned.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT - District Policy JF
The Principal may suspend or recommend expulsion of a student who engages in one or more of the following specific activities while in school buildings, on school grounds, in school vehicles or during school-sponsored activities.  Suspension or expulsion shall be mandatory for serious violations in a school building or on school property.

 

 

DRUG AND ALCOHOL DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

 

SITUATION

 

ACTION

 

PARENTS

 

POLICE/SRO

 

DISCIPLINE/
REHABILITATION

 

1. Suspected of Drug/Alcohol use.

 

Discussion
Informed of help

 

Notified

 

SRO informed

 

None/Counselors,
Natural Helpers

 

2. Student volunteers information about personal use.

 

Informed of services available. Encourages to seek help.

 

Notified

 

SRO informed

 

None/Counselors,
Natural Helpers

 

3. Student has a drug or alcohol related emergency.

 

Nurse
Principal
Paramedics

 

Notified

 

SRO/Police called

 

3-5 day suspension. Extracurricular activity discipline. Assessment recommended. Counselors, Natural Helpers.

 

4. Student possess drug or alcohol related paraphernalia. No evidence of use.

 

Principal.
Paraphernalia confiscated.

 

Notified

 

SRO/Police called

 

Suspended/Day.
Extracurricular Activity Discipline.
Counselors, Natural Helpers as applicable.
Notification to Superintendent. Assessment recommended.

 

5. Student possesses, uses, under influence during school hours

 

Principal

 

Notified

 

SRO/Police Citation

 

3-5 day suspension. Extracurricular activity discipline. Assessment recommended. Counselors, Natural Helpers.

 

6. Student possesses, uses, under influence at school function on or off school property.

 

Chaperone/Advisor, Principal report

 

Notified

 

SRO/Police Citation

 

Sent home at parental expense/detained. 3-5 day suspension. Extracurricular activity discipline. Assessment recommended. Counselors, Natural Helpers.

 

7. Student possesses, uses under influence second offense or more.

 

Principal Report

 

Notified

 

SRO/Police Citation

 

5 day suspension. Extracurricular activity discipline. Assessment recommended. Hearing with board: Probation, possible expulsion. Counseling

 

8. Student is distributing drugs, alcohol or controlled substance.

 

Principal report

 

Notified

 

SRO\Police

 

Same as above