CONCORD HIGH SCHOOL AND REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER

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2 CONCORD HIGH SCHOOL AND REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER June, 2012, Dear Concord High Parents and Students: Eugene Connolly Principal Andrea I. Elliot Assistant Principal Benjamin T. Greene Assistant Principal Adam J. Osburn Assistant Principal Steven B. Rothenberg Assistant Principal On behalf of the entire faculty, we would like to extend a warm welcome to Concord High School. We forward to working with you during the upcoming school year. We have worked hard to create an educatio that will be exciting and productive for each and every student. In an effort to improve our efficiency, CHS is transitioning more of our home school communicatio Already parents can view their child's grades on line, print schedules, review attendance and discipline reco balances and receive text message advising them of changes with our interscholastic events. We like to beli programs are enhancing parent, student, school communication. Concord High School offers numerous opportunities, and students are encouraged to take advantage of offerings during the course of the year. We are here to assist students and parents with all aspects of school social, co-curricular, artistic or athletic. It is the administrators and teachers responsibility to ensure that the atmosphere at Concord High Sch academically challenging, safe, and comfortable. Clearly, school should be a place where all students feel v free to express themselves while still respecting the rights of others. Students, parents, and faculty are all st creating a respectful and tolerant climate in our building. Each group s role may differ, but they are all equa the creation of a positive school environment. Students, a new school year offers a fresh start. You have an opportunity to redefine who you are and like to become. It is never too early to start dreaming about your future and how your education can help yo dreams. Please take some time to review this handbook. It was written with you in mind and hopefully address concerns regarding school programs and procedures. If you have any questions about our policies or practic addressed in this handbook, please contact the Principal s office to schedule an appointment. There is a section of the No Child Left Behind legislation that requires schools to release students b information to military recruiters. If you do not want us to release this information, please let us know, in w September 15. Enjoy your school and your time as a member of the Concord High School community. We wish you successful year. Sincerely, Gene Connolly, Principal Tom Crumrine, Assistant Principal Andrea Elliot, Assistant Principal Benjamin Greene, Assistant Principal Steve Rothenberg, Assistant Principal 170 Warren St. Concord, NH Tel. (603) Fax (603)

3 Table of Contents ACADEMIC INTEGRITY... 6 ACCEPTABLE INTERNET USE POLICY... 6 AGE OF MAJORITY (18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER)... 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NOTICES... 8 ATTENDANCE RULES & PROCEDURES... 8 AUDIO/VIDEO EQUIPMENT AUDIT PROCEDURES AUTO INSURANCE GOOD STUDENT DISCOUNT BICYCLES BULLYING: BUSES AND BUS CONDUCT CAFETERIA/STUDENT CENTER CAMERA USE CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND/OR GUARDIANSHIP CLASS RANK CLASS RANK FOR SPRING AWARDS CLUB ACCOUNTS CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS CO-CURRICULAR EXPECTATIONS CONCORD REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER CONFIDENTIALITY COUNSELING and GUIDANCE SERVICES COURSE LOAD CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS STATUS DANCES DETENTIONS DIPLOMA ACADEMY DISCIPLINARY CODE DISCIPLINARY CODE - Safe School Zone DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES DISMISSAL DRESS INFORMATION DRUG AND ALCOHOL GUIDELINES DRUG-FREE SCHOOL ZONES (RSA 193-B:2) EARLY GRADUATION ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS EMERGENCY INFORMATION EMERGENCY PROCEDURES END OF SCHOOL DAY EXAMINATIONS EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITES EXTRA HELP FALSE ALARMS FOOD AND DRINK FOOD SERVICE

4 GRADING GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS HEALTH SERVICE HOME INSTRUCTION FOR ILLNESS HOMEROOM PERIOD HOMEWORK HOMEWORK FOR EXTENDED ABSENCES HONOR ROLL IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS INDEPENDENT STUDY POLICY INFECTIOUS DISEASE POLICY INFORMATION CENTER INJURY OR ILLNESS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS SELECTION INSURANCE: HEALTH AND DENTAL KNIVES LEARNING COMMONS (formerly the Information Center) LOCKERS LOST AND FOUND MAKE-UP WORK MEDICATION NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY NEW ENGLAND COMMON ASSESSMENT PROGRAM NECAP NO SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS OFF - LIMITS AREAS PARENTAL CONFERENCES PARKING PASSES PHYSICAL EDUCATION - MEDICAL EXEMPTION POSTERS PRODUCTION AND PUBLICATION CENTER (PPC) PROGRESS REPORTS RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES AND DISPLAYS RESIDENCY SCHEDULING SCHOLARSHIPS (SENIORS) SCHOOL POLICY REGARDING STUDENTS OF DIVORCED/SEPARATED PARENTS.. 42 SENIOR PRIVILEGE SENIOR YEARBOOK PORTRAITS SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY SKATEBOARDS, SNOWBOARDS AND ROLLER BLADES SMOKING AND TOBACCO USE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS SPORTS INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS - INTRAMURAL STORES STUDENT GOVERNMENT STUDENT PAGING FOR PARENT MESSAGES AND MATERIALS STUDENT SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

5 STUDY AREAS STUDY HALLS SUMMER SCHOOL SUNGLASSES SUSPENSION TELEPHONES TESTING DATES TIDE TIME TITLE ONE GUIDELINES TRANSFER STUDENT RECORDS TRANSFER STUDENTS TO CONCORD HIGH SCHOOL VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHS/HOME PAGE RELEASE INFORMATION VISITORS WEAPONS POLICY WEB ACCESS FOR FAMILIES (POWERSCHOOL) WITHDRAWAL WORK WORKING PAPERS

6 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Students are expected to do individual work at all times unless specifically told by the teacher that group work is permissible. Cheating on an exam, essay, assignment, and homework or plagiarism (taking credit for another person s work as if it is one s own) are serious offenses. The consequence for cheating and/or plagiarism is a zero on the assignment and notification of parent/guardian, guidance counselor, and commons administrator by the teacher. A second offense will result in a more severe administrative consequence. ACCEPTABLE INTERNET USE POLICY Preamble The purpose of this policy is to serve as a statement on the appropriate and acceptable use of the Concord School District Computer Network, including the district s connection to the Internet, by the students of the Concord School District. I. Definitions The Concord School District Computer Network consists of all computers of any type, monitors, printers, permanent and portable computer peripheral devices, personal digital assistants, alphanumeric pagers and cellular phones, digital photocopiers and, in general, any hardware, software, media, or other devices that are owned or leased by the Concord School District. Any computers of any type, monitors, printers, permanent and portable computer peripheral devices, personal digital assistants, alphanumeric pagers and cellular phones, digital photocopiers and, in general any hardware, software, media or other devices that are not owned by the district but that have been permitted to be attached to the network shall be considered part of the network and shall be governed by this policy. II. Privilege The use of the Concord School District Network is a privilege and not a right. There are and will be varying degrees of access to the Concord School District Network that are and will be allowed to different learners. Some of these levels will be determined by age or grade, and some by demonstration of acceptance of responsibility. Inappropriate use will result in restriction or cancellation of access privileges and other actions as the district staff deems appropriate for violations of the school district s or school building s policies or procedures. Other actions may include verbal warnings, written warnings, in-school or out-ofschool suspensions and expulsion. III. Educational Purposes The purpose of the Concord School District Network is to enhance established school curriculum. Its purpose is to serve as a resource for improving, extending, and enriching the teaching and learning in the Concord School District. Any use by students other than for educational purposes shall not be permitted. Users are responsible for ensuring that their activities adhere to these uses and generally accepted educational standards. Inappropriate use includes all those activities prohibited to the user based on their allowed degree of access and any activity that violates the school district s or school building s policies or procedures. Uses of the network that are not considered generally accepted for educational purposes are generally those that are unlawful or offensive, which include but are not limited to: Destruction or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the district or to others; Disruption or unauthorized use of accounts, access codes, or identification numbers; Use of computer resources to defraud, harass, bully, defame, or threaten others; Use of computer resources in such a way as to intentionally or unintentionally impede the computing activities of others; Use of computer resources that violate copyright, trademark, or license agreements; Use of computer resources to violate another s privacy; Transmission of unsolicited advertising, promotional materials, or other forms of solicitation, including placing hyperlinks to non-district related web sites; Use of computer resources for commercial purposes; Inappropriate mass mailings; Tampering with software protections or restrictions placed on equipment or files; Attempting to circumvent local or network security restrictions; Altering or attempting to alter system software or hardware configurations; Installing unauthorized software programs onto the district s computers or network, and/or using such programs on the district s computers or network; 6

7 Use of computer resources outside of the network to cause material and substantial interference with the education and discipline within a school; Ignoring or disobeying policies and procedures established for specific network systems; and, Use of computer resources to access adult oriented sites that contain descriptions or depictions of a pornographic or obscene nature, or that permit access to gambling facilities over the Internet. The above list is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but rather to provide examples of inappropriate use of the district s Computer Network. The district may choose to employ filtering software and/or devices that may block certain sites or that may notify appropriate administrators and/or staff that inappropriate use is taking place within a building. Any such notification shall be investigated in accordance with Part V of this policy. IV. Investigation All investigations that relate to student conduct (policy #540), and/or sexual harassment (policy #414/521), and/or bullying (policy #539), shall also be investigated as required under those policies. Discipline actions may include those outlined under the above policies if those investigations find that violations of the policy or policies in question occurred. Investigating administrators shall be the building principal or, if designated, the assistant principal, in his or her respective building. The Chief Finance Officer shall be the investigator for the central office, maintenance, and transportation facilities. The Assistant Superintendent shall investigate the White Farm facility, and shall serve as a back-up for the building principals unable to conduct an investigation in their building. All administrators may use internal technical expertise as needed and may be authorized to use external technical expertise if deemed necessary. V. Responsibilities All users assume full liability legal, financial, and otherwise for their actions when using the Concord School District Network. All users of the network will be held fully responsible for the use of their account. Any inappropriate activities performed through the account will be considered to be the actions of the account holder. Users should report any inappropriate activity observed to the building principal or a responsible administrator immediately. The responsibility of the user is to familiarize himself/herself with and abide by the rules of the Concord School District s Acceptable Internet Use Students policy. VI. Privacy The Concord School District Network is maintained and managed by the system administrator in such a way as to insure its availability and reliability in performing its educational mission. Users have no reasonable expectation of privacy concerning any materials transferred over or stored with the Concord School District Network, even if protected by password. The Concord School District reserves the right to monitor, access, change, delete, review and/or retrieve any and all information transferred to or stored on the Network, even if such information has been deleted but is still available on the Network, and/or on district-owned media storage such as, but not limited to, diskettes, cd-roms, tapes, zip disks, or other types of data storage. Users will be expected to surrender any and all passwords needed to access this information if requested. CHS Clarification of internetworking policy The Internetworking policy explains that the Concord School District network, which includes but is not limited to: workstations, file servers, printers, is expected to be utilized for educational purposes only. For example, the school computers are not available for playing games. The policy also emphasizes that all activity on the network should not be considered private in any sense. The network, like school lockers, is owned by the district and users should have no expectation of privacy for any activity, saved or unsaved, on the network. Students are responsible for proper behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Policies, such as bullying and harassment, also apply to technology in the same manner as other educational environments. Some examples of user expectations for Concord High School students include: Keeping passwords private and not sharing them under any circumstances Not engaging in any non-educational activity (downloading and/or playing games, engaging in commercial activity) on the network Utilizing proportionate network bandwidth at all times and using extra bandwidth only when educationally appropriate Treating equipment with respect and care 7

8 Not altering or viewing the data of other system users Adhering to all copyright laws The district uses various devices to track student use of technology. Web sites visited are logged and tracked. Filters are also in place to block certain inappropriate sites. Students should speak to a teacher or to one of the media center staff if they are concerned about a site. Basic user technology knowledge A. STUDENT USER IDs: Student user IDs are a mix of student name and ID. User IDs are comprised of the student's first initial of their first name + first four letters of last name + last three digits of their student ID number. The student password is empty by default and is set upon the first login. Passwords must be five characters or more. B. STUDENT DATA: Student saved data is erased annually and not kept from year to year. Students should remove any data they want to keep by the last day of school in June. There is a quota for disk space unutilized. C. PRINTING QUOTAS: Printing quotas will be in place. Students will have an allotted number of print copies per year. Upon login, the student's reserve amount of copies will appear. Students will need to pay for copies beyond their allotment. In addition to the Concord School District network, if a student is engaging in a school sanctioned project utilizing servers off the district s network, then the acceptable use policy still applies. For example, a teacher may have students using a blog or video hosting site for a school project. Concord High School does not wish to have any parties posting materials to the internet representing Concord High School unless it has been authorized by the high school administration. The administration will endeavor to have any such materials removed, and pursue sanctions to that end as appropriate. Violations may result in a loss of access ranging from one week to the remainder of the school year. Additional disciplinary action may be determined at the building level in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved. AGE OF MAJORITY (18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER) CHS considers all students residing with a parent or guardian as being responsible to their parents. Regardless of age, all CHS students will be subject to all school policies and regulations. Behavioral expectations, school rules and designated penalties will apply to all students. CHS reserves the right to communicate with a parent of any student, regardless of the student s age, unless both the student (who must be 18 or older) and the parent submit a letter to the school stating that the student is not living at home and that there is no need to keep the parent/guardian informed and there is no other outside factor having a role in the relationship (court, etc). ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NOTICES Announcements and notices will be read and posted each day. Daily announcements are available on the Concord High School web page at Tuesday Friday announcements (CHS LIVE) are broadcast on closed circuit television for students and staff. Students responsible for preparing notices must have these approved by their faculty advisor and turned into the main office by 1:00 p.m. prior to the day of the announcement. Notices of student activities may be posted throughout the building once they have been approved by the principal s office. Daily announcements will also run in the Student Center. (See also Posters and/or Student Social Activities). ATTENDANCE RULES & PROCEDURES (Please reference School District Policy #514) Research and experience, clearly indicate that regular attendance in school leads to increased academic performance. Any absence, either for a full day or part of a day, must be with the permission of the parents, who, it is presumed, will permit absence only for good reason. (See also Summer School) I. Rationale: The policy listed below is based on the following premises: A. Learning requires both attendance and performance in class daily B. The student, the parents, and the school must share the primary responsibility for acceptable student attendance. C. It is the responsibility of the Concord School District to have a policy that satisfies state requirements. The system should be clear, concise, and equitable, requiring limited staff time to administer. 8

9 Consequences for non-compliance should be logical and reasonable, with proper due process (See Disciplinary Code - Judicial Committee). Procedures: (Please note, these procedures do not permit or allow a student to cut any class) D. Absence Limits: The maximum acceptable number of absence days per Concord High School course during a semester is eight and four for quarter courses. The maximum acceptable number of absences for one semester of a Concord Regional Technology course during a semester is five. This includes all absences unless listed in Section III Exceptions. Consequences for exceeding the attendance limit: A. Any student, who exceeds the limit of absences during the semester, is encouraged to remain in the course to earn a passing grade but will lose credit for the course. An administrator may withdraw a student from the class, assign an administrative failure (grade of 39), and assign the student to a study hall. B. If absences cause a student s academic load to drop below three courses (from the usual required five courses), the student may be requested to withdraw from school for the remainder of the semester. Students who withdraw will be required to have an exit conference with their counselor. To gain readmission, such a student will be required to meet with his/her administrator and counselor at least three weeks before the beginning of the next term to schedule classes for that term. C. Students who are under 18 years of age will be exempt from this penalty, but the school may file a Child In Need of Services petition with Concord District Court to require the student to attend classes. II. Excused and Waived Absences: School sanctioned activities do not count towards the attendance limit, nor do they require an attendance appeal. Activities include, but are not limited to: field trips, athletic dismissals for CHS teams, internships, counseling appointments within the school. Excused absences count towards the attendance limit while waived absences do not. Students, parents and guardians are often confused by the difference between excused (generally a parent/guardian code) and waived (administrator-only code) absences. In most cases if a guardian calls the commons to excuse a student as ill, that day will be excused and the student will be allowed to make up all academic work missed with no penalty provided it is done within the agreed upon time frame. Excused means, the guardian verified the absence. A waived absence which meets the criteria listed in the bullets below. A waived absence is only granted by an administrator and does not count towards the absence limit. Absence waivers will only be granted after the successful completion of an attendance appeal. Appeal meetings are offered during the last week of the semester. The meeting involves the student explaining and showing documentation relating to his or her absences. The meeting is often a discussion between the student and the administrator. The reason appeal meetings are only granted at the end of a semester is to ensure the entire semester is taken in consideration (for example a student may be out with a long-term illness for five days and be truant for an additional five days). Examples of commonly waived absences are: Long-term illness: If a student is absent four (4) or more consecutive days, due to a long-term illness, he/she must present a doctor s note to the appropriate administrator in order to have the days exempted. Chronic Illness: Likewise, in case of a chronic (intermittent, long-term) illness (e.g. asthma, migraines, frequent orthopedic visitations, counseling appointments) defined by a doctor in a letter to the school nurse and presented to the appropriate administrator, days absent beyond the first two (2) do not count towards the attendance limit. A death in the immediate family or of a close friend. An absence note must be presented to the appropriate administrator to have the days waived. Suspensions will not count toward the attendance limit. Religious holidays will not count toward the attendance limit. A maximum of two (2) documented college visits per semester during junior and senior year. College visit forms are available in each commons. Documented court appearances. III. Home Notification: School Attendance and Class Attendance A. School Attendance: 9

10 1. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class or study hall. Parents are asked to notify the school of a student s absence prior to 8:00 a.m. The school will attempt to call a parent of any student who has NOT been called in absent from school. Communication by telephone is sufficient to report an absence. If you do not report an absence by telephone, students must bring a note to their commons from their parent/guardian reporting/explaining their absence. Students with an unverified absence (UNV) for a class have two school days after the day of the infraction to correct the attendance. After that time the UNV becomes a cut and a consequence will be administered. B. Class Attendance: 1. Each teacher posts their daily attendance to a school-wide system. Students, parents or guardians will be notified upon the 5th absence in a quarter long course and upon the 5 th and 9th absence in each class that is semester or year long (Refer to CRTC handbook for attendance rules for CRTC classes.) Attendance information is also available at our Powerschool website, which can be accessed via the CHS homepage. If any of these absences have not been with their knowledge, parents should call the commons. The appropriate administrative program assistant will attempt to meet with the student and may require the student to obtain attendance verification from his/her teachers and to establish a plan for improved attendance. Once a plan to improve attendance has been developed by the program assistant or administrator, the parent/guardian will be contacted to ensure the requirements are met. 2. Students with chronic attendance problems will be identified as early in a term as possible. School officials will use available resources to help the student improve attendance, including counseling, conferences with teachers or parents, and disciplinary action. Parents/guardians who feel their student needs closer control over class attendance should contact the commons administrator. IV. Truancy/Cuts: These guidelines should not be interpreted to mean that students have allowable cuts from class or days off from school. On the contrary, these guidelines state that the school will accept no more than 8 absences in any class per semester with the expectation that all absences are for legitimate reasons. If a student cuts class and exceeds the attendance policy, credit may not be awarded for that class. Exceeding that limit will result in the consequences stated below. Students who are absent for unjustified reasons (truancy or cutting) will be subject to the following: A. A student cutting a portion of a class will receive a consequence from the program assistant. Students may NOT make up work for academic credit. Detention has priority over all other appointments including sports and employment B. Any student who is absent from school without parental consent will be considered truant. The commons administrator/administrative program assistant will assign In-School Suspension (ISS), Out of School Suspension (OSS), community service, or other consequence deemed appropriate. C. In both cases, the absences will count towards the attendance limit of eight (8) and the student will lose credit for all work missed. D. Persistent cutting or truancy will result in required parent/guardian conferences and possible suspension from school. E. If the reason given by parent/guardian allowing their son/daughter to be absent or dismissed from school is not accepted by school administration, then the opportunity for make-up will be denied. VII Tardiness to Class: A. If a student is tardy to class, the results will be as follows: 1. first tardy - warning 2. second tardy teacher consequence 3. third tardy student stays in class but teacher makes written referral to the commons. B. ONE THIRD RULE: For ninety (90) minute classes, students who miss more than thirty (30) minutes of a class will be considered absent. For forty-five (45) minute classes (skinny block), students who miss more than fifteen (15) minutes of a class will be considered absent, and the consequences for absence shall apply. Chronic tardiness can result in stricter parameters. 10

11 VIII. Tardiness to School: A. Students who arrive at school after the beginning of their first academic class or study hall of the day must first report to their commons and sign in. A note written by a parent will be necessary. If the reason for tardiness is legitimate as determined by the administrator, the student will receive an excused tardy slip. Unexcused tardiness will result in disciplinary action. Failure to sign into the commons will result in detention. If tardiness continues, a parent/guardian conference may be requested. IX. Dismissals: A. After arriving at school, students may not leave prior to the completion of their last regularly scheduled class or study hall unless the school nurse or the commons secretary has properly dismissed them. The school is considered liable for safety of students during school hours. STUDENTS MAY NOT LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS FOR LUNCH, except to go to Pizza Fina to purchase food or beverages and return immediately to campus. No loitering is allowed. B. Any student wishing to be dismissed for any reason must first present a dated parental note giving reasons for the dismissal and a current parent phone number to their commons secretary on the day of the dismissal. C. Students needing to be dismissed from school due to illness or injury are required to see a school nurse. They will contact a parent/guardian or other adult designated by parent on emergency information sheet. A student who leaves without going to the school nurse will be considered truant from school. Students should not call home requesting a parent/guardian dismissal without first going to see a school nurse. D. Upon returning to school from a dismissal, students must report to their commons and check in. X. Appeals: The attendance policy holds students, teachers, parents, and the school accountable for attendance. It is not our intent to penalize students for unusual or extenuating circumstances. If a student has been responsible for his/her attendance and has exceeded the acceptable number of absences due to circumstances beyond his/her control, the student should bring this to the attention of their commons administrator. Appeals may be made to the commons administrator who will meet with the student and his/her parents. If parents are not satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, they may appeal to the principal. AUDIO/VIDEO EQUIPMENT Personal uudio equipment (ipods/mp3 players) may be used in a classroom or study hall ONLY at the discretion of the teacher. Before you take audio equipment out of your book bag, ask your teacher for permission. Students may use audio equipment responsibly during their open and lunch periods. Audio equipment is expected to be for personal use only; headphones are required, speakers are prohibited and volume is expected to remain at a reasonable level that will not disrupt others. Respect for the learning environment of all students should govern the use of all electronic equipment. These items may be confiscated if misused. Portable video players are not allowed in any form. If used, they will be confiscated. Recording audio or video at school is expressly disallowed without teacher or administrator permission and an approved and defined purpose. Students are encouraged to register all electronic devices with the School Resource Officer. AUDIT PROCEDURES The reasons for auditing a course would be to improve a student s preparation for the next sequential course, to participate in courses to determine interest for future study, or to experiment in various areas of the high school curriculum. Following are some general guidelines to define the term audit for Concord High School students: A. A student auditing a course will receive no credit for the course, however, the audited course will show on the student s transcript. The student s work will be evaluated, but AU will be entered on the transcript and will not impact the student s GPA. B. The student may not have previously taken the course. C. The student must also be enrolled in the minimum course load for his/her grade. D. Auditing a course means that the student is expected to attend every class, complete all assigned work, and take all exams along with other students. Upon the advice of the teacher, excessive absences or a lack of effort on the part of the student will cause the the student to be removed from class and the course to be removed from the student s transcript. 11

12 E. The student must decide to audit the course before the beginning of the semester or during the drop/add time. After choosing to audit a course, a student may not later decide to change his/her mind and expect credit for the course. F. The student must complete a form that will show approval from the teacher, the guidance counselor, a parent, and the curriculum facilitator. AUTO INSURANCE GOOD STUDENT DISCOUNT Students should remember that many insurance companies offer a reduction in insurance rates to students in good academic standing. Before insuring a car, check with the insurance company. This is one of the many advantages of a good academic standing. Forms can be validated at the Student Services office - E205. BICYCLES Because of limited space and potential danger, riding bicycles on school grounds is not permitted. There are bicycle racks on school grounds where bicycles are to be parked and locked. Since tires are almost as attractive as the entire bike, we strongly recommend two chain locks are used. Bicycles are not permitted inside the building unless the principal has given special permission. BULLYING: Concord School District Policy #539: Student Safety and Violence Prevention I. General Statement of Policy The Concord School District is committed to providing all students with a safe school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect. The District believes that protecting against and addressing bullying is critical for: creating and maintaining a safe, secure and positive school climate and culture; supporting academic achievement; increasing school engagement; respecting the rights of all individuals and groups; and building community. This policy is intended to protect all students and school-aged persons on Concord School District grounds and participating in District functions, regardless whether such student or school-aged person is a student within the District. The Superintendent or designee is responsible for ensuring that the Student Safety and Violence Prevention Bullying policy is implemented. This policy is intended to comply with RSA 193 F, which specifically prohibits all forms bullying, and cyberbullying. Such conduct shall not be tolerated and is prohibited by this policy. II. Definitions Bullying is defined as a single significant incident or pattern of incidents involving a written, verbal, or physical act, or gesture, or any combination thereof directed at another pupil or any electronic communication that: 1. Physically harms a student or damages the student s property; 2. Causes emotional distress to a student; 3. Interferes with a student s educational opportunities; 4. Creates a hostile educational environment; or 5. Substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or a school-sponsored activity or event. Bullying includes: 1. Actions motivated by an imbalance of power based on a student s actual or perceived personal characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs, or 2. Actions motivated by the student s association with another person and based on the other person s characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs. Cyberbullying is defined as any conduct which is prohibited by this policy that is undertaken through the use of electronic devices. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, computers, pagers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, videogames, and websites. Retaliation/Reprisal is defined as any form of prohibited conduct by a student directed against another student for reporting or filing a complaint, for aiding or encouraging the filing of a report or complaint, for cooperating in an investigation under this policy, or for taking action consistent with this policy. III. Statement of Prohibition 12

13 All forms of bullying, cyberbullying and retaliation as defined under this policy shall not be tolerated and are hereby prohibited. The District reserves the right to address all forms of prohibited conduct and, if necessary, impose discipline for such misconduct that: 1. Occurs on, or is delivered to school property or a school-sponsored activity or event on or off school property; or 2. Occurs off of school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity or event, if the conduct: a. Interferes with a student s educational opportunities; b. Substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or a school-sponsored activity or event. False Reporting A student found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused another of bullying may face discipline or other consequences, ranging from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion. Reprisal or Retaliation The District shall discipline and take appropriate action against any student who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such bullying. The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a student who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the Principal after consideration of the nature, severity and circumstances of the act, in accordance with law and applicable Board policies. Any student found to have engaged in reprisal or retaliation in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. IV. Plan to Protect Students from Retaliation If the alleged victim or any witness expresses to the Principal or other staff member that he/she believes he/she may have been retaliated against, the Principal or designee shall develop a plan to protect that student from possible retaliation. V. Internal Reporting Procedures At each school, the Principal or designee is initially responsible for receiving oral or written reports of violations of this policy. Student Reporting Any student who believes he or she has been the victim of bullying should report the alleged acts immediately to the Principal. If the student is more comfortable reporting the alleged act to a person other than the Principal, the student may tell any District employee about the alleged bullying. Forms for such reporting will be available throughout each school. Staff Reporting Any school employee, or designated volunteer under District Policy # 890 or employee of a company under contract with the District or a school in the District who has witnessed, receives a report of, or has reliable information that a student has been subjected to bullying, shall report such incident to the Principal, or his/her designee, as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after observing the incident or receiving the information. The Principal may designate, in writing, an additional person to receive such reports. The Principal shall conduct the investigation according to administrative guidelines. The District shall make available forms for reporting incidents of bullying and shall encourage the use of these forms. The forms shall be available in the Principal s office in each building and from the Superintendent s office. Students or parents who believe that bullying is occurring should report the information to the Principal or designee in a timely manner. VI. Parent Communication Initial Notice to Parent The Principal or designee shall report an incident of bullying to the parents of a student who has been reported as a victim and to the parents of a student who has been reported as a perpetrator of bullying within 48 hours of receiving the incident report. Such notification may be made by telephone, writing or personal conference. The date, time, method, and location (if applicable) of such notification and communication shall be noted in the report. All notifications shall be consistent with the student privacy rights under the applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Waiver of Notification Requirement The Superintendent or designee may, within a 48 hour time period, grant the Principal a waiver from the requirement that the parents of the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator be notified of the filing of a report. A 13

14 waiver may only be granted if the Superintendent or designee deems such a waiver to be in the best interest of the victim or perpetrator. Any waiver granted shall be in writing. VII. Investigation The Principal or designee shall promptly investigate all reports of bullying within five (5) school days of receiving a report. The Superintendent may grant in writing an extension of the time period for the investigation for up to an additional seven (7) school days, if necessary, and shall notify, where appropriate, all parties of such extension in writing. VIII. Reporting Substantiated Incidents to the Superintendent The principal shall forward all substantiated reports of bullying to the Superintendent. IX. Report to Parents upon Completion of Investigation The Principal or designee shall provide a report of the findings of the investigation to the parents of a student who has been reported as a victim and to the parents of a student who has been reported as a perpetrator of bullying within ten (10) school days of completion of the investigation. Such report shall explain the actions taken by the District and shall be made in accordance with applicable state and federal law, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). This report should be documented in writing. The Superintendent may grant in writing an extension of the time period for providing such report for up to an additional seven (7) school days, if necessary. The Principal shall notify, where appropriate, all parties of the granting of the extension in writing. X. Discipline and Remediation Plan All disciplinary and remedial action shall be taken in accordance with the law and the following procedures. Disciplinary Action of Substantiated Bullying If an investigation concludes that a student has engaged in bullying conduct prohibited by this policy, the student shall be subject to appropriate discipline and remediation, ranging from positive behavioral interventions up to and including long or short term suspension or expulsion. Bullying behavior can take many forms and can vary dramatically in seriousness and impact on the targeted individual and other students. Accordingly, there is no single, appropriate response to substantiated acts of bullying. While conduct that rises to the level of bullying as defined above will generally warrant disciplinary action against the perpetrator, the extent of disciplinary action is a matter for the professional discretion of the school Principal or designee. Any such disciplinary or remedial action shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent future occurrences of such behavior, protect the victim, provide support and assistance to the victim and perpetrator, and prevent the likelihood of retaliation. Non Disciplinary Action of Substantiated Bullying When acts of bullying are identified early and/or when such acts do not reasonably require a severe disciplinary response, students should be counseled as to the definition of bullying, its prohibition, and their duty to avoid any conduct that could be considered bullying. Peer mediation may not be considered as a remedial action as an imbalance of power may make the process intimidating for the victim and exacerbate the problem. XI. Distribution and Notice of Policy In addition to the distribution and notification polices below, all staff, students, and parents or guardians are reminded that it is necessary to follow these steps to prevent bullying at school: 1. Report bullying when it occurs; 2. Talk about bullying at home and in school; 3. Inform the school immediately if someone is being bullied or is bullying other students; and 4. Cooperate fully with school personnel in identifying and resolving incidents. Staff and Designated Volunteers The Superintendent or designee shall provide notice to students, staff, and designated volunteers of this policy through appropriate references in the student and employee handbooks, or through other reasonable means. The Superintendent or designee shall also make all contractors contracting with the District aware of this policy. Students Students shall participate in an annual education program which sets out expectations for student behavior and emphasizes an understanding bullying, the District s prohibition of such conduct, and the reasons why the conduct is destructive, unacceptable, and shall lead to discipline. 14

15 Parents The Superintendent or designee shall provide notice to parents or guardians of this policy through appropriate references in the student handbooks, or through other reasonable means. The Superintendent or designee shall inform parents and guardians of strategies to help prevent bullying at school. XII. Training and Periodic Assessment Staff and Volunteers The Superintendent or designee shall develop appropriate methods of discussing the meaning, substance, and application of this policy and the importance of promoting a positive school climate with staff and designated volunteers to minimize the occurrence of bullying. The District shall train staff and designated volunteers annually on how to effectively prevent and respond to any conduct covered by this policy. Assessment The School District will conduct periodic, district-wide assessment of this policy. XIII. Other District Policies While this policy is intended to protect students from actions of other students, the acts of other persons within the school system are regulated by a series of other District policies, including the following policies: Non- Discrimination (#160, #412, and #571), Sexual Harassment (#414 and #521), Code of Student Conduct (#540), Safe School Zone (#520), Child Abuse and Neglect (#432 and #537), Student Conduct on Buses (#541.4 and #711.1),and Acceptable Internet Use Students (#542). Adopted August 6, 2001 Revised November 1, 2010 BUSES AND BUS CONDUCT Upon payment of a $25 rider fee, students who live more than two miles from Concord High School are eligible to ride a Concord School District bus to school. The bus will bring students to school by 7:30 a.m. There will be transportation available at 2:42 p.m. All bus students are required to have a bus pass. Riding the bus is a privilege which carries with it the responsibility for proper behavior. Students who violate bus rules may lose their riding privileges. Since the bus is an extension of the school, all school rules apply while students are on the bus. Bus information and passes may be obtained from the Office of the Director of Transportation at CAFETERIA/STUDENT CENTER The cafeteria is a multi-purpose room serving as an eating area and a socializing area for full time Concord High School students only. People with concerns or suggestions regarding the cafeteria service should contact the Director of Food Services at Students are expected to deposit all trash in the containers provided and leave tables clear of debris. Not cleaning up after one s self will result in community service, at times completed immediately. Any student(s) wishing to use the Student Center after-school must have approved supervision. CAMERA USE Unauthorized camera use including cell phone cameras has become a significant issue in our society. Camera use is not permitted at Concord High School unless it is authorized by school personnel. Unauthorized use of a camera will result in the confiscation of the device for the remainder of the day at a minimum. In certain instances administration may require that parents come to school to retrieve the camera. Media recorded at Concord High School is under the express control of school administration. Students need to be aware that depending upon the degree of disruption caused to the school additional administrative discipline may be assigned. CAMPUS AREA PROTOCOLS: (RED, YELLOW, AND GREEN AREAS) The Concord High School campus is divided up into three distinct zones for students. Green Zones are areas that include the Student Center and Courtyard,. In a Green zone, students are allowed to spend their open periods and may use their cell phones or talk responsibly. Yellow zones are transition areas through which students pass but may not congregate. These include the gym lobby, commons locker areas, and Learning Commons (library) hallway. Red areas are academic areas including classrooms, hallways outside of classrooms, Main Street, Learning Commons (library), computer labs, study halls, and areas in which structured activities are taking place. Students may not use cell phones in Red and Yellow areas except during passing time. 15

16 Campus expectation: Students who congregate outdoors in the courtyard during their open periods and lunch time may chat with friends in a non-disruptive fashion, use their cell phones responsibly, and play hacky sack and other games that do not pose a threat to others. Students may not engage in activities that involve projectiles (Frisbee, balls, etc.) CELL PHONES: Students may have cell phones on school property. The use of these devices must not interfere with academics or constitute a threat to health and safety. Cell phones may be appropriately used during student s free time (open periods and lunch) and passing time and not during class time, study hall or school related events. Cell phones must be turned completely off during classes and in other places of learning such as prep rooms, the media center, study halls and computer labs. Cell phone usage of any sort during class time, whether in the classroom or outside the classroom will be considered a classroom violation. Upon request, teachers may temporarily hold or ask students to keep cell phones visible. Cell phones should only be used in public spaces (Green Areas). Cell phones must be turned off in all areas during safety or emergency drills. A CHS student who violates the cell phone policy will have their phone confiscated and brought to their commons and a parent will be required to come to school to retrieve the school from administration. If a sending school student has their phone confiscated during their time at CHS, that phone should be brought to the CRTC office. Students who chronically violate the cell phone rule may be subject to additional school consequences. Due to the large number of problematic cell phone confiscations, students are not to use their phones as clocks. Students refusing to turn over their cell phones will be suspended out of school immediately for insubordination and may remain suspended until a meeting between the student, parent and administrator takes place. Parents of students who have chronic cell phones use issues should be aware that they are able to contact their cell phone provider and disable their student s cell phone during school hours. CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND/OR GUARDIANSHIP Parents or students must inform the office of Student Services in E205 or the principal s secretary of any changes of address and/or telephone number. If there is a change in guardianship during the school year, please notify the Student Services Office. CLASS RANK Rank-in-class, important to many colleges, is obtained by rank ordering the cumulative averages of all students in a class. At Concord High School, all courses are included except color guard, ROPE, and any non-graded Pass/Fail courses. All courses are equally weighted. Class rank will be calculated at the conclusion of each semester beginning after the spring semester of freshman year. Official ranks are published in August and February; while dynamic ranks are updated regularly to adjust for enrollment and grade changes. CLASS RANK FOR SPRING AWARDS The top ten (10) students in grades 10, 11, and 12 and the position of Senior Class Valedictorian will be determined by the cumulative Numerical Grade Average (NGA, similar to GPA but on a 100 point scale) calculated at the end of the fall semester. For a senior to receive Top 10 recognition he or she needs to have (1) at least 80% of his or her transcript credits must be numeric (not pass/fail) grades and (2) at least two fully enrolled semesters completed at CHS. CLUB ACCOUNTS The Main Office will maintain a record for each club or organization. Please refer to the Concord School District operational procedures for student activities accounts. The records are audited at the end of each fiscal year; therefore, the following guidelines must be observed: All fundraisers must be approved by the principal. Requests for checks should be submitted with appropriate paperwork to the financial secretary in the main office five days prior to payment. Please plan accordingly. All money received or collected must be in the principal s office prior to 1:00 p.m. every day for bank deposit. 16

17 Money collected at events during the weekend must be given to the administrator/advisor present at the event. No money should leave the building and be taken home under any circumstances. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS A variety of clubs and organizations are available at Concord High School. Every student has the opportunity, and is encouraged to participate actively, in these clubs and organizations. A list of club advisors will be published early in the school year. Students who wish to form a new club or organization are requested to contact the administrator in charge of co-curricular activities. Clubs and organizations available to CHS students are listed on the CHS website at CO-CURRICULAR EXPECTATIONS The mission of the Concord School District is to enable every student to acquire and demonstrate skills, knowledge and attitudes essential to being a responsible world citizen committed to personal, family, and community well being. I. The co-curricular program at Concord High School includes the following: A. All interscholastic athletic teams B. The performing arts program (non-credit bearing) C. Student government and the Senate D. All clubs II. The following set of co-curricular expectations is designed to: A. Uphold the educational value of programs where each individual contributes to the whole for the success of the group/team. B. Ensure students perform at peak levels, developing self and group/team discipline. C. Prepare students for real life (e.g. living within the law and contributing to their community). D. Reflect our school s high standards. E. Ensure that students participating in co-curricular programs serve as good representatives of our school district and demonstrate appropriate representation through their character, sportsmanship, team work, mutual respect and trust. III. Additional Activity specific expectations Each co-curricular program may have additional expectations that are added to this document as an addendum. These Co-Curricular Expectations and attachments are in force from the first day that the program begins (first practice, meeting, rehearsal, tryout, audition) through the conclusion of the season/program or the awards program (if applicable), whichever comes last. IV. Co-Curricular Advisor s Roles A. Teaching, advising and coaching students to meet the co-curricular expectations listed above. V. Behavioral Expectations: Students who participate in Concord High School co-curricular programs are expected to adhere to high standards, physically and socially. The following behaviors constitute violations of these expectations: Illegal use or possession of tobacco in any form Illegal use or possession of alcoholic beverages Illegal use or possession of drugs and/or mood altering substances Gambling on any Concord High School events Vandalism Stealing Bullying and/or harassing others Being convicted of misdemeanors or felonies Gross misconduct including, but not limited to: assault on an advisor/coach, judge/official, participant/opponent or spectator; leaving an activity in anger during the activity or interrupting the flow of the activity with inappropriate behavior and/or obscene language; demonstrating dishonesty in connection with the co-curricular program; directing threats and/or gestures at the advisors/coaches, judges/officials and/or spectators. 17

18 Hazing and team/activity initiations involving hazing. Concord High School interprets hazing as any act whether physical, mental, emotional or psychological, which subjects another person, voluntarily or involuntarily, to anything that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass, or intimidate him/her, or which may in any fashion compromise his/her inherent dignity as a person. In addition, any requirement by a member of an organization which compels another member to participate in an activity which is against school policy or state/federal law will be defined as hazing. A. Students who need confidential assistance or support concerning any of the behaviors listed above may contact their guidance counselor and/or the Student Assistance Program counselor. VI. Violations of Behavior Expectations will result in the following: A. First Violation: For the longer of fourteen (14) calendar days or the period of time necessary to meet the following conditions, the student s participation in his/her co-curricular program will be limited as described in the following conditions: (1) the student cannot participate in games, scrimmages, competitions, performances, votes, etc. in the co-curricular program; (2) the student must practice and/or attend meetings; (3) the student must attend a meeting with his/her parent and the guidance counselor to cooperatively develop a plan to determine the extent to which this behavior is problematic; and (4) the student must complete not less than 10 hours of community service. The Director of Physical Education and Sports and the assistant principal responsible for Co-Curricular Programs must approve the community service proposed and confirm that the four conditions have been met. There are certain clubs with stricter violation protocols (per approval from administration); student must be notified of those protocols at the beginning of their involvement in the club. B. Second Violation (Within the same school year): The student will be suspended from participating in all co-curricular programs for the longer of sixty (60) calendar days within the school year or such time period as is needed to regain eligibility to participate in co curricular programs by presenting, receiving approval of, and completing a remediation plan. The Co- Curricular Review Committee (definition in Section VII) must approve this plan. C. Third Violation (During the course of the student s career at Concord High School): The student is suspended from participating in all co-curricular programs for the remainder of the school year. Students who participate in Concord High School co-curricular activities are expected not to attend gatherings at which alcohol or drugs are being illegally consumed. If Concord High School officials receive information from the police or another reliable source that a student has attended such a gathering, the student and his/her parent or legal guardian will meet with a counselor to review the health, safety, legal, and social risks associated with under-aged drinking and illegal drug use. During the meeting, the student and his/her parent or legal guardian will work cooperatively to determine any appropriate follow up to the meeting. VII. Academic and School Attendance Expectations A. Academic Performance: Students who wish to participate in Concord High School co-curricular programs must be scheduled for at least five (5) academic courses each semester. In order to be eligible for a Concord High School co-curricular program, a student must have passed a minimum of four (4) units of work at the end of the previous marking period (quarter grade) and achieve grades of at least 70 in three of these. Eligibility status is determined on the day that official report cards are distributed to students. An incomplete is not considered a passing grade for purposes of eligibility. With the exception of Interscholastic Athletics (NHIAA rule prohibits), students may use summer school to improve a failing 4th quarter grade to a passing one to be eligible for a co-curricular program the 1st quarter of the next school year. All students may use summer school to improve a passing 4th quarter grade to 70 or above to be eligible for any co-curricular program for the 1st quarter of the next school year. B. School Attendance: Students who participate in Concord High School co-curricular activities are expected to attend school on the day of a meeting, practice, contest or performance. Any student who does not attend school by his/her first scheduled class for reasons of sickness or truancy will not be eligible to participate in any scheduled meeting, practice, contest or performance on the date. If the violation becomes known at a later date, it will be enforced at the next meeting, practice, contest or performance following the disclosure. Repeated violations would be considered gross misconduct (refer to section I. A. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS). The Director of Physical Education and Sports or the assistant principal responsible for Co-Curricular Programs may grant exceptions to this expectation for extenuating circumstances. 18

19 C. School Suspension/In-School Suspension: Any student suspended from school or issued an in-school suspension assignment will not be able to participate in or attend any co-curricular program, game, performance, practice, and/or meeting on the day of the suspension or in-school suspension assignment. VIII. Co-Curricular Review Committee: The Concord High School Co-Curricular Review Committee is comprised of the following individuals: The student s present coach or advisor The Director of Physical Education and Sports or the assistant principal responsible for Co-Curricular Programs A Concord High School administrator Two students appointed by the Director of Physical Education and Sports or the assistant principal responsible for Co-Curricular Programs CHS School Resource Officer, if any A guidance counselor or the CHS Student Assistance Counselor IX. Appeal Process A. A student and/or his/her parents/legal guardians may appeal to the principal only a limitation on extra curricular program participation resulting from a First Violation of fourteen (14) calendar days under Section I or any consequence imposed under Section II. B. A student and/or his/her parents/legal guardians may appeal a suspension resulting from a subsequent violation under Section I to the principal, the superintendent, and the school board, in this order. CONCORD REGIONAL TECHNICAL CENTER Concord High School offers a variety of career preparation programs to assist students in the development of skills and attitudes that can be applied to a work situation or post secondary opportunities upon graduation. The specific courses that are available are listed below. For details students should speak to their guidance counselors or contact the Career & Technical Education office at Automotive Technology Construction Technology Cosmetology Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Teacher Preparation Graphic Arts and Digital Communication Health Science & Technology Fire Science ( ) Information Technology The following expectations are unique to CRTC students: ATTENDANCE: CRTC student are allowed five absences per semester. Students who exceed this number may lose credit in the course. Students should meet with the CRTC Director to account for their absences and if needed, establish a plan to be able to earn credits back. DELAYED OPENING: In the event of a delayed opening, school will commence at 9:45 a.m. Only sending school students attending Block C (approximately 11:00AM) will attend if sending school transportation is available. Attendance will be taken at that time. DRIVING TO CRTC: Students must complete a "CRTC Permission to Drive" form in order to drive and park at CHS. With the approved permission form, a student may park at the Memorial Field parking lot. This form is obtained from the CRTC office and must have the signatures of the program instructor and director on it before presenting it to the sending school administrator. A current insurance certificate, which lists students as insured driver, and a copy of student's driver's license must also be on file at CRTC. Driving without proper permission will result in suspension. Repeated offenses may result in removal from program. Sending school students who choose to attend CRTC classes on days when their own schools are not in session may drive without permission ahead of time. DROP POLICY: Once a student is enrolled in a program, she/he will be allowed to drop only for necessary and compelling reasons. Such a decision must be made with the approval of a guidance counselor and CRTC director. To avoid a grade penalty, the drop must be made within the first (10) days of the start of first semester. Drops between days will result in a W and drops after (20) days will result in a WF (withdrawal failure) and a 39 19

20 calculated in GPA. CRTC does not offer partial credit unless the Director is petitioned due to extenuating circumstances CONFIDENTIALITY The guidance department complies with the laws pertaining to privacy of access to personal records. The 18-yearold student or the legal guardian of the student under 18 may examine the student s records by making an appointment with the counselor and must sign a special release before anyone outside the school may do so. Similarly, to protect the privacy of students, Concord High School does not distribute names or addresses of current or former students, nor do staff members provide any information to unidentifiable callers. (See also Student Records and Information) COUNSELING and GUIDANCE SERVICES The professional school counselors at Concord High School provide a full range of services to address the developmental needs of all students. Services are provided both individually and in groups. The Counseling and Guidance Department also conducts outreach programs for both parents and students and maintains communication with sending schools and community agencies. I. The Counseling and Guidance Department is committed to assisting students with all aspects of their school experience. Counselors provide orientation activities for new students, consultation with teachers and specialists, tours, workshops on college admissions and financial aid, information about PSAT/ SAT/ACT testing, and coordination of college, career and military information. Counselors assist students in the evaluation of their academic progress through program planning, scheduling classes, referral for diagnostic testing and the discussion of career and educational opportunities. II. Aware that learning is affected by all aspects of a student s world, the department is available for short term counseling, crisis intervention, and consultation and referral to outside resources to help students with personal difficulties. Students can feel confident that trained counselors are bound by professional ethics to distinguish personal confidential matters and ensure privacy and assistance. III. Counselors are available during all periods of the school day on an appointment basis. Students should schedule an appointment at least a day before they want to see a counselor. During busy periods, it is necessary to schedule an appointment even earlier. If there is an emergency, it is always possible for a student to see a counselor at once. It is very important for students to keep their appointments so as not to keep other students needlessly waiting. Whenever possible, students should meet with counselors during study hall, open periods or lunch. VI. Guidance Counselors return to school two weeks prior to the beginning of the school year. Please contact the Student Services office , ext. 6051, to arrange an appointment during this time. COURSE LOAD A. Students must be scheduled for at least five (5) academic courses each semester. Independent study will be considered as part of a senior s minimum course load, however, it will not be considered as part of a junior s minimum course load. The appropriate administrator must approve any exception. The Community Athletic Certificate, CHS Sport and Community Service Credit do not count towards a student s course load. B. Once a student has been scheduled, he/she will be permitted to change only for necessary and compelling reasons. Such a change must be made with the approval of a guidance counselor and commons administrator. To avoid a grade penalty, the change must be made within the first ten (10) days of the semester if a course is to be added or within 20 days if a course is to be dropped. Drops after 20 days will result in a WF (withdrawal failure) and a 39 calculated into GPA. C. Students enrolled in fewer than five units of study per semester will be considered part-time students and will be allowed on school grounds only when attending classes. D. The school reports both enrollment and attendance for social security purposes. For a positive report, students must be enrolled in at least five courses and must be attending school regularly. E. Classes are scheduled from 7:45-2:42 every day. Schedules will not be modified to accommodate student work schedules. CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS STATUS 20