Cedar Ridge High School A Red Wolf Learning Community

Transcription

1 Cedar Ridge High School A Red Wolf Learning Community Parent/Student Handbook Dr. John Wheeler Principal

2 Table of Contents Message from the Principal Page 3 Pyramid of Interventions Page 5 Motto, Vision, Mission Statement Page 6 Daily Bell Schedule Page 7 Announcements, Classroom Visitors, Dismissal Page 8 Arrival to School, Tardy Policy, Student Pick-up Page 9 Bus Regulations Page 10 Prohibited Articles Page 10 Cell Phone Policy Page 10 Telephone Usage, Deliveries to School Page 11 Student Services Page 11 Inclement Weather Page 12 Special Education Services Page 12 OSHA Guideline Page 13 Attendance Policy Page 13 Student Dress Code Page 14 Student Parking Page 15 Athletics, Extra-Curricular Activities Page 16 Fire Drills Page 17 Grading Policy, Exam Procedures Page 18 Academic Integrity, Debts to the School Page 18 Lunch/Cafeteria Page 18 Lockers Page 18 In School Suspension Page 19 Driver Education Page 19 Medication Policy Page 20 Medical Emergency Cards Page 21 Tobacco Free Schools Page 21 Gang Activity/Involvement Page 21 Parent/Guardian Involvement/Resources Page 22 Military Recruitment Page 23 Contact Information Page 24 Student Code of Conduct Page 25 Parent/Guardian/Student Signature Page Page 47 2

3 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Welcome to Cedar Ridge High School, home of the Red Wolves. Fully accredited by AdvancED, the faculty and staff of Cedar Ridge High School believes in our efforts to maintain high standards of excellence for each and every student. At CRHS, we strive to carry out the mission of our school: To create respectful, confident, and capable citizens who will continue to learn, serve, compete and contribute to an ever-changing global society. While we continue to educate students of varying abilities and backgrounds, we believe that all students can learn and reach high levels of achievement. While the school year will bring several new and exciting challenges, we will continue our focus on success for all students through teacher collaboration, community involvement, and high student performance for students, teachers, staff, administrators through the sustainment of our Professional Learning Communities. This student handbook has been prepared to serve as a resource for both students and parents/guardians. The handbook emphasizes the basic expectations, rules, and policies governing the way students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders should interact within our school community. Please review all information very carefully and use it as a valuable source of information to help ensure overall success. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at (919) John Wheeler, Ed.D. Principal 3

4 Student Handbook Planner Student Name: Advisor: Fall: Class Room # Teacher Name 1 st Block 2 nd Block 3 rd Block 4 th Block Spring: Class Room # Teacher Name 1 st Block 2 nd Block 3 rd Block 4 th Block This handbook contains Cedar Ridge High School s rules, policies, and regulations. Each student will receive one copy and is responsible for its entire contents. Failure to read this booklet is an unacceptable reason for not following the rules and regulations. If you have any questions, please discuss them with your principal, teacher, counselor, parent, or advisor. Students should have this handbook at all times during the instructional day. Replacement cost is $

5 Please review the Cedar Ridge High School Pyramid of Interventions included above. Staff members work very diligently in their classrooms, Professional Learning Communities, and advisory groups to challenge, motivate, and assist students as they strive for academic excellence. Please support all recommended interventions and encourage your son or daughter to take advantage of all available educational opportunities for success at Cedar Ridge High School. 5

6 Motto Vision Building a Tradition of Excellence by Creating Responsible, High-Achieving Students equipped with 21 st century skills. Cedar Ridge High School fosters a technology-rich environment where all students utilize 21 st century skills to reach their full potential. Mission Statement Cedar Ridge High School will strive to create respectful, confident, and capable citizens who will continue to learn, serve, compete and contribute to an everchanging global society. Cedar Ridge High School is committed to: Ensuring a safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment Providing equal educational opportunities for all Establishing a cooperative relationship between community, home, and school We believe in the development of each student by: Modeling lifelong learning Engaging students in quality work Providing and using current technology Having resources available as needed Accreditation Cedar Ridge High School is fully accredited by AdvancED, the unified organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), and National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE). The accreditation means that Cedar Ridge High School has met and/or surpassed a strict set of national standards for educational excellence. 6

7 CRHS DAILY BELL SCHEDULE All CRHS students will be assigned an adult advisor who will assist individuals in planning schedules, checking records, and registering for courses. Students are encouraged to maintain close contact with their advisor throughout their high school career. Regular Advisory Group meetings will also be scheduled on designated days, as the following schedule will be used. 8:00 8:35 Cafeteria/Media Center Open 8:35 Halls Open 8:40 Warning Bell 8:45 Tardy Bell 8:45 10:15 1 st Block 10:20 10:45 Advisory/Plus Period 10:50 12:50 2 nd Block/Lunch 12:55 2:15 3 rd Block 2:20 3:45 4 th Block 7

8 GENERAL INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS Intercom announcements are made every morning. Students should listen and view these announcements carefully since most items are related to opportunities for students to participate in school activities. Additional announcements are included in the daily Red Wolf Tracker which first block teachers are asked to read aloud or post in their classrooms each morning. We conclude the morning announcements with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. RESTRICTED CONTACT WITH A STUDENT It is the parent/legal guardian's responsibility to inform and provide the school with current documentation if anyone is legally restricted from contact with a student. CLASSROOM VISITORS Cedar Ridge High School encourages parent/guardian involvement in their child's educational experience. Parents/guardians who wish to visit a classroom should contact one of the building administrators in advance to arrange the visitation. You will be asked to present a picture I.D. when checking in at the main office desk before signing in to Ident-A-Kid, the security station located just inside the main office. As a general rule, only parents/legal guardians are permitted to visit a student on campus during the instructional day. Individuals who do not attend Cedar Ridge High School may not be on school grounds during hours of operation for any reason without the permission of the building principal or assistant principal. BUILDING ENTRANCE BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER THE SCHOOL DAY Any time a parent/guardian or visitor enters the building before, during, or after the school day, he/she is required to sign in at the main office signing into the security station Ident-A-Kid. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe learning environment for the students and staff at Cedar Ridge High School. DISMISSAL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY A student planning to check out of school early during the school day must bring a note signed by their parent/guardian on the day he/she will sign out. This note should be given to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the class period affected by their early departure. Note to Parents/Guardians: Please do not ask to release your son/daughter early without a written note unless you are coming to the school to sign them out yourself. A student leaving for a school-sponsored activity is responsible for notifying his/her teacher(s). A student must have a hall pass from a teacher to sign out between classes or during lunch. Should a student become ill while at school, the school nurse will contact a parent/guardian to take the student home or secure permission for the student to leave campus. 8

9 Please report to the office if you must pick up your child during the school day. You may be asked to sign into Ident-A-Kid indicating your relationship to the child and will be asked to show a picture I.D. The student will be called out of class by the office staff. A parent/guardian must provide a written note if someone other than the parent/guardian has been given permission to pick their child up from school before 3:45 p.m. This regulation is for the safety of your child. Parents/guardians or authorized individuals will need to sign the student out at the main office prior to the student being released from his/her classroom in order to protect instructional time. ARRIVAL Classes begin promptly at 8:45 a.m. Students must be dropped off in front of the school. Please note that students should not be dropped off in the bus parking lot and student parking lot. Students may not enter the school building until 8:00 a.m. with authorization from a staff member. Between 8:00 a.m. and 8:35 a.m., students will be required to stay in the cafeteria, courtyard, or auditorium and gym lobby areas unless they have a note to visit the media center or a teacher s classroom. Students will have the option to purchase a light breakfast during this time. Between 8:00 a.m. and 8:35 a.m., students are encouraged to eat breakfast, socialize with friends and review school work. TARDY TO SCHOOL POLICY The purpose of a tardy policy is to encourage promptness to class and to eliminate unnecessary disruptions to the instructional period. A class tardy refers to a student not being inside the classroom preparing for the opening activity when the tardy bell stops ringing. A more restrictive regulation may be imposed at the discretion of the individual classroom teacher. It is the responsibility of the student to arrive on time for school and class. Excessive or unexcused tardies are considered a disciplinary problem and will be handled through school disciplinary action. Unexcused and/or multiple tardies will result in a detention assignment, ISS, OSS, and/or the loss of parking privileges. Students who are tardy to class (unexcused) during the day will be assigned to stay before or after school with that teacher on a day selected by the teacher. Failure to stay for detention on designated days will result in ISS or OSS being assigned. STUDENT PICK-UP Students who will be picked up are to wait for their ride in front of the school. To ensure student safety, students remaining at school after normal hours for clubs, sports, or other activities are required to stay in their designated areas. Students not staying for supervised after school activities should be picked up by 4:15 p.m. Office staff will not be able to call students to the main office notifying them that their ride is present. Parents/guardians are encouraged to schedule drop-off and pick-up with their child prior to the activity and/or day(s) in question. 9

10 BUS REGULATIONS Students who ride the bus home should gather their personal items and load the bus immediately after the 3:45 p.m. dismissal bell. Requests to ride a bus to which a student is not assigned must be in writing, signed by the parent/guardian, and presented to the principal or assistant principal for validation by 8:45 a.m. of the day in question. The note should include the reason for the request. Requests will be granted by an administrator for hardship cases only. Riding any school bus is a privilege. Improper conduct or failure to comply with established bus guidelines may result in that privilege being denied. Bus discipline referrals will be used by the bus driver to record any rule infractions or problems. Parents will be notified of further disciplinary action by a school administrator. PROHIBITED ARTICLES ON CAMPUS Articles that could reasonably be expected to disrupt the normal educational process or that could be expected to create safety hazards should not be brought to school. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: ipod s, MP3 players, radios, CD players, pagers, electronic games, ear or headphones, skateboards, playing cards of any type, tape players, weapons or objects that could be used as weapons, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, matches, lighters, tobacco products, glass bottles, water shooting devices, laser pointers, large chains connected to wallets or clothing, bandanas or any other gang related items. Any student found in possession of the above mentioned items may face disciplinary consequences. CELL PHONE POLICY The Orange County Board of Education has as its highest priority a strong commitment to preserving an atmosphere that enhances the learning process in schools. Therefore, to avoid disruption to instruction, the use of electronic devices, including, but not limited to cellular telephones, pagers, and other portable communication devices (PCD s) are allowed only with the restrictions outlined below. The use and/or possession of cellular telephone is a privilege the Orange County Board of Education extends to high school students only before and after the official school day subject to regulations developed by the Superintendent. The school day for high school is defined as the hours between 8:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Cell phones are strictly prohibited for use during the school day. During the school day, all cell phones must be out of sight and turned off there are no exceptions to this policy. 10

11 Students violating this policy and the associated regulations shall be deemed to have created a disruption to the instructional environment and are subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Please see the Orange County Schools Code of Student Conduct. Students must ensure that all cell phones remain turned off and not visible when being transported to and from home by district owned vehicles; i.e., school buses. The school bus is viewed as an extension of the school and therefore, all regulations apply. Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their cell telephones and other PCD s. The Orange County Board of Education shall not assume responsibility or liability for the theft, loss or damage to a student s cellular telephone or other PCD s and does not assume responsibility for the unauthorized use of any device. Using portable communication devices to reproduce images of tests, access unauthorized school information or to assist students in any aspect of their instructional program in a manner that violates any school board policy, district or school code of conduct, is deemed inappropriate and will result in academic and/or disciplinary consequences. TELEPHONE USAGE Students will be permitted to use the school telephone in the front office or the nurse s office only in case of an emergency. Please review the Orange County Schools (OCS) cellular phone policy. DELIVERIES OF FLOWERS, BALLOONS AND OTHER ITEMS The school will not be responsible for and will not accept flowers, balloons, food from outside vendors, and similar items delivered to students during the school day. Thank you in advance for assisting us in protecting the instructional day. STUDENT SERVICES There are a number of staff members at CRHS who work at providing student services in the form of transition programs, new enrollments, and overseeing student behavior management. They are also involved in course counseling and are consulted about new curriculum developments. These individuals meet regularly as the Student Services Team. The social worker and psychologist are available for confidential discussions with students on an individual or group basis, as well as with parents/guardians. The Career Development Coordinator (CDC) is able to offer counseling and support for students regarding their career choices. To ensure confidentiality and to facilitate communication, all students are placed in an advisory group and assigned an adult advisor. There are four guidance counselors at CRHS and conferences with counselors should be scheduled in advance. Parents/guardians who wish to speak with one of the grade level counselors should call the guidance office at (919) ext to make an appointment. Listed below are members of the Student Services Team: 11

12 DJ Pappas Elizabeth Tricomi Lucas Paulsen Tammy Havekost Jennifer Pepin Avis Barnes Susan Leete Candice Gidcumb Students whose last name begins with A-D Students whose last name begins with E-L Students whose last name begins with M-R Students whose last name begins with S-Z School Nurse School Social Worker School Psychologist Exceptional Children Facilitator INCLEMENT WEATHER In the case of inclement weather, it may be necessary to close schools. When the decision is made to close schools for the day, it will be relayed to students and parents/guardians as quickly as possible. Please do not telephone school offices, the weather bureau, radio or telephone stations. Announcements will reach the public on one of the following radio or television stations. School closing information will also be listed on the district website, an Alert Now message will be sent home to all students, and a message will be sent out on The Loop. Radio Television WQRB-Burlington 1150 AM WTVD-Durham (11) WCHL-Chapel Hill 1360 WFMY-Greensboro (2) AM WPTF-Raleigh 680 AM WRAL-Raleigh (5) WRAL-Raleigh FM WNCN-Raleigh (17) WRDU-Raleigh FM WYLF-Raleigh (22) WUNC-Chapel Hill 91.5 FM WYLT-Raleigh 96.1 FM SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES IDEA: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) applies to children ages 3-21 who are determined by a multidisciplinary team to be eligible within specified categories of disability and who need education and special services. IDEA requires the development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the student. Parents who need additional information about any of these programs should contact the Counseling Office at (919) ext SECTION 504: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, protects any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. Accommodation must be provided for students protected under section

13 ENGLISH LANGUAGE (ELL) LEARNER CLASSES: The goal of the ELL curriculum is to enable students who are English language learners to function in mainstream classes with content from works written in English. OSHA GUIDELINE We are required by federal law to maintain an Asbestos Hazard Management Plan under the Hazard Emergency Response Act. The plan is housed in the office for your inspection and information. The plan will show that there is no friable/dangerous asbestos in the building. ATTENDANCE POLICY Cedar Ridge High School will adhere to the Orange County Schools Attendance Policy. When a student returns to school following an absence, he/she should submit a note of explanation that is signed by a parent/guardian to the attendance office for the absence(s). Failure to submit appropriate documentation within two school days after returning from the absence will result in the absence being recorded as unexcused and may result in a denial of one's attendance appeal. In accordance with the Compulsory Attendance Law of North Carolina, Cedar Ridge High School, and Board of Education Policy, regular attendance of every student is essential. Orange County Schools recognizes the importance of regular attendance and prompt arrival to school. The Orange County Schools Board of Education attendance policy states: To be counted present, a student must be in attendance at least one-half of the instructional day. This shall include attendance at official school activities at a place other than school with the approval of the principal. As specified under NC State Board of Education Policy 16 NCAC 6E.0102, policy defining excused absences, an absence is excused if the following conditions exist: (1) Illness or injury which prevents the student from being physically able to attend school (2) The local health officer or the State Board of Health orders the isolation of the student (3) Death of a member of the immediate family (4) Medical, dental, or other appointment with a health care provider that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours (5) The student is a party to or under subpoena as a witness in the proceedings of a court or administrative tribunal (6) The student is absent due to a religious observance in accordance with local school board policy (7) Participation in a valid educational opportunity, such as travel with prior approval (8) School-related activities include field trips sponsored by the school, school-initiated and scheduled activities, and athletic events If absences are determined by the school to be excessive, validation, such as a note from a doctor, may be required. Assignments missed during excused absences and 13

14 during out-of-school suspensions may be completed by students, with the teacher deciding the due dates. Please note that it is the responsibility of the student for finding out what assignments are due and completing them within the specified time period. Students who miss any class for any reason are responsible for making up all work in a conscientious and timely manner agreed upon by the teacher. Students participating in extra-curricular activities must be present in school on the day of the activity for at least 50% of the instructional day, which is designated as 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Students who miss class because of school related activities should not be counted absent; however, they are responsible for any missed work. Parents/guardians should contact the principal at least two weeks in advance if a student will be absent from school for extended or isolated educational experiences. Students are required to take responsibility for their learning by maintaining their own records of attendance to class and for making up work for individual teachers. Parents are encouraged to monitor interim reports and report cards. STUDENT DRESS CODE (Also See Orange County Schools Board of Education Student Discipline Code of Conduct). No student s appearance or clothing will be acceptable if it is deemed disruptive, provocative, indecent, vulgar, or obscene, or if it endangers the health or safety of the student or others. Items listed below shall apply to all students: Hats, sweatbands (or other head coverings) or sunglasses are not to be worn inside school buildings. No bandanas or gang-related clothing or styles are permitted before, during or after school hours, or at any school-sponsored/school related function. Any adornment such as chains or spikes that could be perceived as or used as a weapon, and any symbols, styles or attire frequently associated with intimidation, violence or violent groups will not be permitted. Students are not to wear halter tops, tank tops or clothing that reveals underclothes or lack thereof, see-through clothes, undershirts or clothing bearing lewd/vulgar or offensive themes/remarks (including tee-shirts advertising alcohol or tobacco products). Sleeveless blouses are permissible if undergarments do not show the chest area and underarms are not exposed. Clothing must be worn appropriately (nothing inside-out or backwards, no rolled up pant legs, no shirts worn half on and half off, or unfastened bib overalls; belts must be buckled and worn at the waist line). Clothing must not reveal midriff, backs, cleavage, or the chest/torso area. Shirts and/or blouses must cover the waist and go past the waistline. Coats must fit and be appropriate for the season. 14

15 No sagging pants are allowed. A belt is required if pants do not remain at the waist. Tight clothing such as knit or spandex bicycle/biker pants or overly tight pants are not allowed. Skirts, dresses, and/or shorts may be no higher than mid-thigh. Proper footwear is required. Shoes that have laces must be laced, tied and fit properly. No bedroom slippers or shower shoes are allowed. The listing of inappropriate attire is not inclusive but attempts to specify types of attire that are unacceptable at school and school functions. Other inappropriate attire including accessories shall be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by a staff member. Please note that any staff member may determine the appropriateness of the attire. If it is in question, students will be required to change clothes (parents/guardians may be called to bring another set of clothes to the school). Individuals who repeatedly fail to comply with the dress code may be subject to disciplinary consequences including ISS or OSS. STUDENT PARKING Students must have a valid North Carolina driver s license to apply for a CRHS parking permit. Students should not drive more than 5 miles per hour while on CRHS property. Student drivers are required to obtain and display a school parking permit and must park in their assigned space only. All students should park in their designated parking space at all times. No student shall be allowed to park in designated visitor or staff parking areas. Towing will be enforced. All student drivers must have permission from a school administrator to leave the building and enter the student parking lot during the instructional day of 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Students cannot re-enter the parking lot on the same day without administrative approval after leaving the parking lot before the completion of their school day. Students leaving campus during school hours, unless it is at the end of their school day, must have a pass indicating permission to leave campus from the main office. Students who violate the parking regulations will face disciplinary action and/or surrender their parking privileges. Students are not to loiter in the student parking lot after school. There is a $75 charge for parking permits or replacement permits ($45 per semester). Any transfer of a parking permit shall render it invalid, and the vehicle will be considered illegally parked. Only students with valid parking permits may park in the student parking lot during the instructional day at Cedar Ridge High School. Student drivers who accumulate multiple tardies/absences to school will face a suspension or denial of driving/parking privileges on the CRHS campus. Refer to additional parking regulations distributed with purchase of parking permit. 15

16 ATHLETICS Regulations require that all students must be eligible prior to dressing or participating in any interscholastic contest, whether or not the sport is sponsored by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Only those students listed on the eligibility forms are covered by catastrophe insurance. No student shall be listed on the form unless and until documents substantiating eligibility are on file in the school. A copy should be on file at the school prior to the first regular season contest including Endowment games. Any student proposed for a contest is eligible at the school to which the local board of education assigns him within the unit of residence of a parent or legal custodian within this state. When two boards of education within North Carolina by mutual agreement assign a student to a different school, he/she becomes immediately eligible for athletic participation, relative to the qualifications above. A student is eligible at his assigned school if he/she has attended school within that administrative unit the previous two semesters. Legal documents signed by a judge (ward of court) or social services (orphanage/foster home) are required to be submitted along with eligibility forms pertaining to students in these circumstances. It shall be the responsibility of the principal to see that no ineligible or noncertified player participates. ATTENDANCE FOR ATHLETICS AND/OR EXTRA- CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES A student-athlete must have been in attendance for at least 85 percent of the previous semester at an approved high school. Any student must be in membership to be able to make up days missed while in membership (days missed while not in membership may not be made up for athletic eligibility). Students participating in athletics and/or extra-curricular activities must be present in school for at least 50% of the instructional day on the day of the activity. The instructional day at CRHS is defined as 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. A student-athlete must, at the time of any game in which he or she participates, be a regularly enrolled member of the school s student body, according to local policy. If there is no local policy, regularly enrolled is defined as enrolled for at least one half of the minimum load. The student must be counted present for at least 50% of the day on the day of the contest/activity. A student-athlete must be enrolled within the first 15 days and in regular attendance for the present semester to be eligible for athletics. A student whose family has moved into a school district shall immediately assume the same status in the new district as that from which he moved. 16

17 SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ATHLETICS A student must have passed a minimum load of work during the preceding semester to be eligible at any time during the present semester. The semester is normally considered half of the academic year. All students must also meet local promotion standards, set by the LEA and/or the local school. A minimum load is defined as five courses in the traditional school schedule and three courses for schools on the block format. If the school is on an A/B form of block scheduling, a student must pass six of eight courses during what would traditionally be defined as a semester. Credit may not be awarded for office assistance, teacher assistance or laboratory assistance. No work previously passed by a student may be submitted as part of a minimum load. Summer school work used to make up part of the minimum load must be applied to the most recent semester. Credit for summer work is a determination of the LEA. A student, upon first entering 9 th grade, is academically eligible for competition on high school teams. A student who is not academically eligible at the beginning of the semester is not eligible at any time during the semester. (Exception: a student who receives an incomplete which causes him or her to fail to meet minimum scholastic requirements is ineligible until the course is satisfactorily completed, and eligibility is restored immediately). MEDICAL EXAMINATION FOR ATHLETICS In order to be eligible for practice or participation in interscholastic athletic contests, a player must receive a medical examination once every 365 days by a duly licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician s assistant. Students absent from athletic practice for five or more days due to illness or injury shall receive a medical release by a physician licensed to practice medicine before being readmitted to practice or contests. FIRE DRILLS State regulations require fire drills throughout the school year to prevent accidents that could result in injury. Adherence to rules is vital for safety. An exit plan is posted in each room. When the alarm is sounded, students need to move swiftly to the designated exit without talking. A signal will be given to indicate the completion of the fire drill and a direct return to class. Students who fail to adhere to all safety procedures and teacher directions during any emergency drill will be subject to disciplinary consequences. 17

18 GRADING POLICY Teachers at CRHS use the following system for assignment of final student grades: Numerical Range Letter Grade A B C D 69-0 F 65 Failure due to excessive absences EXAM PROCEDURES All final exams count 25% of a student s final grade for each course. Only seniors may be exempt from non-state mandated assessments if they have a 93% or higher for the semester average and have not violated the Orange County Schools Attendance Policy throughout the duration of the course. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Any student who engages in or attempts to engage in cheating, plagiarism, or falsification will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including OSS and/or academic penalty of a zero grade for the assignment. DEBTS TO THE SCHOOL Students are responsible for all books, materials, software, hardware, calculators, sports equipment, and any other instructional materials issued to them by the school. Any damage to school property through actions other than the normal wear and tear of everyday use will cause the student to be financially responsible for the repair and/or replacement of damaged items. Parents/guardians of students may also be held liable for any damaged or lost items. Students are encouraged to repay any financial obligation(s) to the school. Students who owe the school cannot obtain a parking permit, participate in the graduation ceremony, or participate in or attend extra-curricular activities. LUNCH/CAFETERIA Lunch will be scheduled during three different time slots. Students are required to remain in the cafeteria/courtyard during the scheduled lunch period. No student should be in the academic hallways, walkways, or parking lots during lunch. Students may not bring food out of the cafeteria/courtyard during any time of the instructional day, before or after school. Food from outside restaurants should not be brought into the cafeteria or delivered to the school. Due to security concerns, only parents/guardians may visit students during their designated lunch block, after signing in at the main office. LOCKER PROCEDURES Students may request a lock and locker from their advisor for the current school year. Locks must be turned in at the end of the school year. Failure to do so will result in a $5.00 replacement fee. 18

19 Cedar Ridge High School locks are the only locks permitted on school lockers. Students are NOT to bring and/or switch a CRHS lock for their own lock. Students are not to give their combination to anyone. Students should not use the locker for inappropriate items already not allowed on campus Please note that Cedar Ridge High School will not be held responsible for items not secured in a locker. Lockers are property of Cedar Ridge High School and are subject to search at any time. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) In-School Suspension (ISS) is conducted Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The ISS program is an alternative form of discipline in which the student maintains classroom assignments and remains in school but is isolated from other school activities. The purpose of this program is to hold students accountable for their actions while keeping them in the academic environment when deemed as an appropriate consequence by the administration. The decision to assign a student to in-school suspension will be made by the principal or assistant principal based on the seriousness of the offense. Failure to attend ISS or follow any of the rules of the in-school suspension program may result in out-of-school suspension (OSS). When misbehavior continues after an assignment to in-school suspension, the student may also be placed on out-of-school suspension. Any student that is placed in ISS may not participate in school sponsored extracurricular activities or athletic events during the time of the ISS assignment. Students placed in detention by an administrator may also lose extra-curricular privileges. DRIVER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE This certificate states that you have completed 30 hours of classroom, six hours of drug and alcohol prevention, and six hours of Behind The Wheel training. You will use this certificate to obtain a Driver Eligibility Certificate from your school and Level 1 Learner s Permit from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. HOW LONG IS THE DRIVER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE VALID? This certificate is valid as long as you need it. After getting your permit or driver license, file the certificate with your important papers for future use. DRIVER ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE As of August 1, 1998 persons less than 18 years of age applying for a permit or license must have this certificate. This certificate states that the student is passing at least five of six courses in a regular schedule, or three of four courses in a block schedule, and is currently enrolled in school. The certificate may be picked up 48 hours after being dropped off at school. It is valid for 30 days, and then must be renewed if you do not obtain a learner s permit within that time. There will be a $5 charge for each replacement eligibility certificate. 19

20 WHERE DO I GET MY DRIVER ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE? Student who wish to obtain their driver eligibility certificate must see the receptionist in the main office. Neither the lead Driver Education teacher, nor the instructors issue this certificate. Check with your Guidance Department or school secretary for the contact. ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS MEDICATION POLICY The following information is a condensed version of the Orange County Schools Medication Policy which addresses student use and/or possession of any type of prescription medication and over-the-counter medication (such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.) This also includes any kind of creams, ointments, cough drops and eye/ear drops at school. Students are allowed to use medication at school for the following reasons: 1. To sustain attendance 2. To manage a chronic health problem 3. To meet a special health care need 4. To treat an emergency health condition Medication Check-in Procedures Parents are required to bring medication directly to the school office. Medication will be counted (if applicable) and checked in by the office staff or school nurse. Medication must be in a properly labeled container from the pharmacy OR in the original container for over-the-counter medications. (Most pharmacies will give you an extra labeled container if you ask.) A completed Physician Request for Medication To Be Given Form must accompany the medication and have signatures of the parent/guardian and doctor on it. The following information must be present on the Physician Request for Medication To Be Given Form: 1. Date 2. Name of student 3. Name and dosage of medication 4. Time to be given 5. Purpose of medication 6. Possible side effects 7. Date of completion A change in dosage or time requires written instructions and signature from the doctor. Additional doses (such as forgotten early morning doses) can only be given if the doctor has given written instructions for that dose on the Physician Request for Medication To Be Given Form. Self-Administered Medication Students with severe asthma or allergies may be allowed, (with approval of doctor, 20

21 parent/guardian and school nurse), to keep his/her medication in their possession. The Asthma Self-Medication Authorization Form must be completed and signed by the physician, parent/guardian and student. The student must always demonstrate responsibility when carrying the medication. Administration of Emergency Medications by the School Nurse The school nurse is authorized by medical standing orders to give Epinephrine, Benadryl and Syrup of Ipecac in certain emergency situations. These would most commonly include severe breathing difficulty or hives from a bee sting or other allergen-producing source. In addition, Syrup of Ipecac may be given to induce vomiting after the ingestion of a poison or drug overdose. (This would only be given after consulting with the Poison Control Center). For questions on the above policy information, contact the school nurse through the main office. MEDICAL EMERGENCY CARDS A completed emergency card is requested every fall for each student for the purpose of having current information on file when it is necessary to contact you. The emergency and health information on the card is available to school staff as necessary, to work with your student. Accurate and up-to-date information makes it possible for school personnel to provide proper emergency care according to your wishes. Should your telephone number or place of residence change during the school year, be sure to notify the office staff at the school. In case of a medical emergency or illness, school personnel will attempt to notify you immediately. It is your responsibility to make arrangements for the proper care and transportation of your child if he/she should meet with an accident or become too ill to remain in school. These arrangements include designating friends or relatives who would be available to pick up and care for your child in the event we are unable to reach you. Including their names on the emergency card allows us to contact them and release the student to their care. If the emergency is of an urgent nature, school staff will call 911. A copy of the emergency card will be given to the ambulance attendant. TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOLS All Orange County Schools facilities are tobacco-free environments. This includes all school buildings, grounds, and vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. GANG ACTIVITY/INVOLVEMENT Please refer to the Orange County Schools Code of Conduct for the revised gang activity/involvement policy. The first defense in protecting the students of Cedar Ridge High School against gang influence is intervention. Just as we warn our students against the dangers of smoking, alcohol and drugs, we must take similar precautions and talk to our students about the dangers of gang involvement. That is, making our students aware that gang association of any kind can be harmful and will not be tolerated on school grounds. Parents/guardians should be alarmed and take appropriate action if a child exhibits one or more of the following warning signs: 21

22 Graffiti on belongings, such as notebooks, jackets, clothing or room Tattoos or ink drawings of gang symbols on skin Sudden increase in material possessions (If parent didn't buy it and the youth doesn't work, how did they get it?) Consistent wearing of same color combinations, which also matches friends clothing colors. Also the consistent wearing of sports team apparel. Look for writings on the bill of caps or the changing of colors of the original apparel Secrecy about activities or time away from home New and strange friends or associates Clothing representing specifically to one side, either right or left, such as hats tilted or pants legs rolled up Major changes in social habits (e.g., low school grades, lack of interest in school activities, change of peer groups) Involvement in drugs: sales, possession, or use Adopting a street name or moniker Possession or use of weapons Wearing bandanas or other similar colored items PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT There is no substitute for parent/guardian involvement. Show an active, sincere interest in your children's lives. Encourage and support positive activities, monitor their whereabouts when not involved in organized activities, and enforce curfews. Know your children's friends, know their parents, and encourage the practice of notifying each other if anything unusual occurs with your child or anyone else's child. It is often useful to plan constructive activities through schools, community groups, and churches. Confront your child if you suspect gang involvement. Ignoring or delaying will only increase the chance and severity of later problems. Seek help from school counselors, social service agencies, ministers, or law enforcement, and take a strong stand against gang activity. If you suspect gang involvement, examine your child's room and belongings for gang symbols, drug paraphernalia, and weapons. Finding several different items of gang paraphernalia, drugs, or weapons is cause for immediate action. 22

23 PARENT INTERNET RESOURCES United States Department of Education: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Orange County Schools: Cedar Ridge High School: MILITARY RECRUITMENT Federal law requires that any school system receiving federal funds must provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of high school students to institutions of higher education and military recruiters upon request, unless parents or legal guardians have advised the school that they do not want their student s information disclosed without their prior written approval. If you do not wish Orange County Schools to disclose your student s name, home address, and telephone number to institutions of higher education and/or military recruiters without your prior written consent, you must submit a letter to that effect, addressed to the principal, by October 12,

24 CONTACT INFORMATION Attendance Appointments to see an administrator Appointments to see a guidance counselor Athletics Attendance Appeals Campus Security Career & Post-Secondary Options Change of Address Changing Schools Distance Learning Driver Eligibility Illness/Immunizations IB Program Lockers Lost & Found Media Center NC Wise Parking Permits School Bus Information School Lunch Information Senior Class Information Student Activities/Clubs Student Government Association Student Newspaper Testing End Of Course Exams Testing PLAN, ACT Testing VOCAT Exams Yearbook Mrs. Brown Mrs. Wilkinson Mrs. Riley Coach Simmons Mrs. Boyd Deputy Daniel Guidance Counselor Mrs. Brown Mrs. Brown Guidance Counselor Mr. Yarbrough Mrs. Pepin Mrs. Medlin Mr. Yarbrough Mrs. Bradley Mrs. Bradley Mrs. Brown Mrs. Kimball Mr. Yarbrough Mrs. Lewis Mrs. Donaldson Ms. Boyd Mr. Felicelli Mrs. Stephenson Mr. Yarbrough Mrs. Boyd Mrs. Smith Mrs. Dodson 24

25 STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT (As of 6/18/2012) We believe that all students can interact appropriately while at school. Therefore, we will not allow any student to disrupt instructional presentation and/or prevent other students from learning. The principal or assistant principal will review each instance of student misbehavior and decide on the most appropriate discipline (parental conference, detention, in-school suspension (ISS), out-of-school suspension (OSS), etc. The Orange County Schools Code of Conduct shall remain in effect at all school sponsored functions, whether on CRHS property or not. Students who participate in athletics, extra-curricular and cocurricular activities are held accountable for their actions at a higher standard than other students. An additional Code of Conduct applies at all times to any Orange County School secondary student who participates in athletics, extra-curricular or co-curricular activities in the school district. VIOLATIONS OF THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Rule 1 Minor Infractions of Classroom Rules: Teachers will follow a classroom discipline procedure to include: warning, parents/guardian contact, afterschool detention, isolation and referral to office for assignment of ISS or OSS. Unnecessary objects which detract from the learning process or pose safety hazards, including but not limited to lighters, matches, toys, etc. should not be brought to school. disciplinary action up to 1 day OSS. disciplinary action up to 3 days OSS. disciplinary action up to 10 days OSS. Rule 2 Dress Code: The Orange County Board of Education respects a student s right to choose his or her style of dress or appearance. The Board of Education requires students to appear at school fully clothed and groomed in an appropriate manner consistent with the establishment and continuance of a proper atmosphere for learning. Good grooming promotes pride and good behavior. Students are expected to adhere to standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirement of a good safe school environment. If a student s dress or lack of cleanliness is such that it constitutes a threat to health or safety, the principal or principal s designee may require the student and student s parent or guardian to take appropriate action to remedy the situation. In addition, if a student s dress or appearance is so unusual, inappropriate or lacking in cleanliness that it clearly disrupts class or learning activities, the student may be required to change his or her clothing. Appropriate action may include having a parent/guardian bring appropriate clothes to school or sending a student home to change into more appropriate attire. Principals will maintain guidelines to assist students in determining appropriate dress and appearance for school. A copy of this policy will be distributed to all students each year. 25

26 Reasonable accommodations will be made by the school principal or principal s designee for those students who, because of a sincerely held religious belief or medical reason, request in advance a waiver of a particular guideline for dress or appearance. Reasonable accommodations shall be made by the principal to accommodate students involved in special duties, activities, or projects approved by the school. This would include but not be limited to: athletics, career-technical education classes and projects, special events, or other activities that would allow for non-conforming dress on a school campus. Items listed below shall apply to all students: No student s appearance or clothing will be acceptable if it is deemed disruptive, provocative, indecent, vulgar, or obscene, or if it endangers the health or safety of the student or others. Hats, sweatbands (or other head coverings) or sunglasses are not to be worn inside school buildings. No bandanas or gang-related clothing or styles are permitted before, during or after school hours, or at any school-sponsored/school related function. Any adornment such as chains or spikes that reasonably could be perceived as or used as a weapon, and any symbols, styles or attire frequently associated with intimidation, violence or violent groups will not be permitted. Students are not to wear halter tops, tank tops or clothing that reveals underclothes or lack thereof, see-through clothes, undershirts or clothing bearing lewd/vulgar or offensive themes/remarks (including tee-shirts advertising alcohol or tobacco products). Sleeveless blouses are permissible if undergarments do not show the chest area and underarms are not exposed. Clothing must be worn appropriately (nothing inside-out or backwards, no rolled up pant legs, no shirts worn half on and half off, or unfastened bib overalls; belts must be buckled and worn at the waist line). Clothing must not reveal midriff, backs, cleavage, or the chest/torso area. Shirts and blouses must cover the waist and go past the waistline. Coats must fit and be appropriate for the season. No sagging pants are allowed. A belt is required if pants do not remain at the waist. Tight clothing such as knit or spandex bicycle/biker pants or overly tight pants are not allowed. Skirts, dresses, and/or shorts may be no higher than mid-thigh. Proper footwear is required. Shoes that have laces must be laced, tied and fit properly. No bedroom slippers or shower shoes are allowed. For elementary schools, high heels and platform shoes are dangerous for young students and are prohibited. Students are not able to walk well in them and may trip when trying to run. Flip-flops and backless sandals present similar problems and are prohibited. Shoes that are firmly attached to the feet are required. 26