2016 - 2017 Federal Hocking Middle/High School Handbook
Welcome To Federal Hocking Middle/High School
Dear Fellow Students,
Welcome to Federal Hocking Middle/High School. We pride ourselves as a community of learners that builds democratic citizens and life-long learners. Or, as our superintendent says, our graduates are “people that you would like to have as your neighbor.”
This handbook is a product of our community. Every year the handbook process begins with students reviewing and revising the handbook. Then our site-based committee, made up of teachers, parents, and students, reviews the handbook. Finally, our entire teaching staff reviews the handbook before sending it to the superintendent and Board of Education for final approval. In this way everyone gets to contribute to our shared standards of how we learn and work together.
We encourage you to read this handbook in order to understand how our school works. There is a lot of good material in here that will help you have a better high school experience. Some of the important things this handbook includes are rules and regulations, important information about your rights and responsibilities, and other information you might need to know. Not everything you may need is in this handbook. Final judgment on all issues goes through the school administration and you should ask them if you have questions. We hope you find this handbook helpful throughout your year.
Sincerely,
The FHHS Student Council and Student Trustees
FEDERAL HOCKING LOCAL SCHOOLS
Our Mission The Federal Hocking School District uses a progressive approach to help all young people become productive and engaged citizens. Our graduates will be creative thinkers and problem solvers, able to make positive choices about their careers, education, and community.
Operating Principles In order to fulfill our mission, we embrace the following operating principles:
As an education community, we know children learn well when:
· They are actively engaged in a variety of tasks including exploration, play, reading, research, conversation, and invention;
· They are in an environment where they feel safe and supported, where their social, emotional, and physical health needs are met, and where they are not afraid to fail knowing they will be given more chances to succeed;
· They have a personal connection to or interest in what they are learning and can see how it applies in the world in which they live;
· They are encouraged to think for themselves, to reflect upon their work, to make appropriate choices and to build connections to prior learning;
· They receive ongoing feedback, see and share models of expected outcomes, feel competent and not overwhelmed, and are provided with time for monitored practice;
· They are exposed to a wide variety of learning experiences, materials, technologies, and environments.
Contents
Section 1: Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Community Membership
Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Nondiscrimination policy p. 4 Community Membership and Student Leadership Opportunities p. 5 School Constitution p. 6 - 9
Section 2: General Information
Clubs, Sports, Breakfast p. 10 Lunch Time p. 11 Grades p. 12 - 13 Attendance & Absence Policy p. 13 Miscellaneous Information (college visits, school cancellation) p. 13-18 Cell Phone Policy p. 15 National Honor Society p. 19
Section 3: Student Code of Conduct
Point system & Discipline Chart p. 20 - 22 Regulated Items p. 22 Removal from class, Emergency Removal, Suspension p. 23 Tardies, Bus Transportation p. 24 Dress Code p. 25 Tobacco Policy, Code of Conduct Effective Times p. 26 Definitions p. 26 - 27 Student Property & Responsibility p. 27
Section One: Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Community Membership
STUDENT RIGHTS
Students at Federal Hocking have a number of rights as members of our learning community. These include the right to:
· attend a school with a great deal of student democracy · be free from harassment of any kind · due process · be involved in creating your own class schedule · active participation within clubs, committees, curricular, and extracurricular activities · become a member of Student Council and Student Trustees · start a club · elect class officers · start a petition · discuss issues or questions with staff members · invite a person(s) outside of our school to a school dance under certain regulations · send a letter to the editor of the school paper · be notified of any disciplinary action · appeal any disciplinary action
RESPONSIBILITIES Additionally, students share a wide range of responsibilities as members of the Federal Hocking learning community. Among these are included the responsibility to:
· demonstrate respect for fellow students, school facilities, faculty, and staff · respect lunch privileges · report issues violations of the Student Code of Conduct to staff members · be involved when the Student Council rewrites student handbook every year
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY Discrimination towards students or staff on the basis of race, nationality, origin, gender, sexual preference, or handicapping condition is not tolerated on the premises of Federal Hocking Middle/High School. The Federal Hocking learning community values diversity in all its forms and believes in respecting the rights of individuals. If there are any issues regarding discrimination, please do not hesitate to speak to the principal or other staff members.
COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
Students at Federal Hocking have a variety of ways of exercising their rights and responsibilities as a member of the community. We believe that these are more than just words and that students learn best how to be a member of a democratic community through exercising their democratic obligations. For that reason there is an active student government, students share in the selection of staff members, students serve on the site based committee, there is a free press, and there is a school constitution that protects these rights and sets out these obligations. Each of these is outlined below.
Student Trustees and Student Council
Student Trustees (open to ninth through twelfth grade students) are in charge of all student activities, including scheduling all student events and fundraisers, approving all club requests, overseeing the School Constitution, and consulting with the principal and staff on issues of student concern. This means that all fundraisers, dances, and meetings are approved through the Student Trustees and therefore not scheduled on the same dates. Members of the Student Council are selected through an election process that goes on every spring. The decisions of the Student Council are carried out by the Student Trustees. In the spring, following an application process, the seniors in Student Trustees will select the members of the Trustees for the following year according to the School Constitution.
Site-Based Committee
The Site-Based Committee discusses issues of concern in the school and makes recommendations to the faculty on various issues. Two student members are on the Site-Based Committee. These members are chosen by the Student Trustees.
Technology Committee
The Technology Committee consists of six people including one student member who is the president of the 3D Interactive Club. The Technology Committee reviews and recommends all technology and computer purchases and develops a technology plan for the school.
Teacher and Staff Selection Committees
Students at Federal Hocking share in the interviewing and recommending of candidates for teaching and staff positions when vacancies occur. When there is an opening, a committee of students is formed that interviews prospective candidates and makes a recommendation to the principal as to who should be hired. Forms will be provided by Trustees through advisory for all students interested in serving on these selection committees and committee members will be chosen from these applications.
School Constitution The School Constitution was drafted and approved by the student body during the 1998-1999 school year and has been amended by the student body several times. It is a living document, meaning that you may at any time propose a change to the Constitution in order to better meet the needs of our school. Please read it carefully and consider how you can contribute to our school by being a democratically active citizen.
School Board Liaisons Two students, one junior and one senior, serve as non-voting members of our school board. Students interested in this position apply through the Student Trustees.
Federal Hocking High School Student Constitution
Preamble We, the student body of Federal Hocking High School, in order to establish a more organized Student Government and student body, declare this to be our Constitution. Herein are the stated student rights, responsibilities, and the organization of the Student Government. The purpose of this government is to provide a set standard for the current and future student bodies and student governments of Federal Hocking High School. Only the elected Federal Hocking School Board and Federal Hocking High School, by majority vote, have the power to abolish or amend this document by mutual agreement.
Article I Section 1: The Make-up of the Student Government
The Student Government is made up of two parts. The first part is the Student Council which consists of five representatives from the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes, (20) and one representative from each club and organization within the school. They will meet regularly to make decisions based on the requests and well-being of the student body and staff. The Student Trustees will meet daily to carry out the decisions made by the Student Council.
Section 2: Election Policy
All elections within the school will follow the outlined process. 1. All votes must be tallied in the presence of one administrator, or adult office staff, one teacher or class advisor, and a member of the Student Trustees. 2. Each person involved in the tallying of the ballots must sign the tally sheet stating that to the best of their knowledge all votes were counted accurately and reflect the opinion of the student body. 3. All ballots and tally sheets must be kept for 90 days after the election and may be reviewed by a class advisor or staff member upon the request to the school principal or Student Council.
Section 3: Election of the Student Council
The election process of the Student Council and class officers will proceed as follows: 1. All those wanting to run for class officer or student council will pick up a petition from a class advisor or from a student council officer or advisor. 2. Class officers must write an essay explaining why they want to be an officer and get at least 25 signatures on a petition from members of their class. Student council candidates must submit a petition with at least 25 signatures from members of their class. 3. Petitions and essays are due the first week of May. Elections will be held the second week of May. All names are put on a uniform ballot, and students vote only for officers of their class and student council representatives from their class. 4. Students vote for their class only, and vote for one person for President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Students vote for five people running for student council. 5. The ballots are counted according to Section 2 above. 6. The results of the election will be announced the next school day. 7. If a class President cannot fulfill his/her duties, then the Vice-President assumes the Presidency. For all other vacancies, a re-vote will take place within four weeks. 8. Freshmen elections will be held in the fall, following the same procedures as the other elections. Petitions will be handed out the first week of school and the Student Council will hold elections during the second week of school during lunch.
Section 4: Election Process of the Student Trustees
The election policy of the Student Trustees, the smaller body of government, will be the same as that detailed in Section 2 and will follow the following process. 1. In early May, the current Student Trustees will pass out applications to all those interested in being a Student Trustee. You do not have to be a member of the Student Council in order to run for Student Trustees. All Student Trustees are automatically put into Student Council. 2. After those who are interested must fill out the application form completely, the Senior members of the current Student Trustees will review all of the forms. When the Senior members of the Student Trustees have reviewed the forms, they will then have a secret ballot to come to a final decision about which students they feel best fit the requirements of being a trustee. There will be a minimum of two students and a maximum of five students that will represent each class. Those who have been selected will be notified before the end of May that school year. 3. At the beginning of the school year, the Trustees will meet to decide what offices and what officers will guide the rest of the body. It is up to the Council and Trustees to decide if they want to have officers. During this time, the Trustees will make plans to start out the new school year. 4. The Student Trustees are also included in the Student Council and their decisions.
Article II Section 1: Powers and Rights of the Student Council and Trustees
1. The Student Trustees have the power to run elections of Student Council officers and Homecoming K2 the Athletic Handbook. 2. A. The Student Council and Trustees have the power to add or dismiss members of the Student Council or Trustees as needed. A member may be dismissed if there is: a. An attendance problem without an excused note. A member may not miss more than 3-5 unexcused days in order to keep his/her position in Student Council. Unexcused absences from the Trustees is equivalent to unexcused absences from a regular school day, and unexcused absences from the Council is equivalent to unexcused absences from meetings. b. Or if they slow down the progression of the group. Members may not harass, intentionally hurt, or repeatedly undermine the decisions of the group without following the outlined procedures for change. If there is a possibility of harassment, a temporary suspension will be put into place while the elected school board decides if there is indeed a case of harassment. 2. B. If a member wishes to resign from the Student Council, he/she must fill out a resignation form. In order to resign, there must be a one week notice. The notice should be a simple letter and signed by the member wishing to resign. 3. The Student Council as a whole, or the Student Trustees, have the right to hold out-of-school work sessions throughout the year in order to hold leadership-building workshops and to attend business that requires more attention than allowed in school. It is required, though, that they attend at least two conferences, one in the fall and on in the spring. The Student Trustees must notify the teaching staff about all retreats two weeks before holding a retreat. It is the responsibility of the representatives to collect their make-up work. 4. The Student Trustees have the power to approve and schedule club and class meetings and form a calendar on which club and class information is recorded. The Student Council and/or Trustees have the right to approve a club or class’s request for meetings, fund raisers, or dances. The only possible way the Student Trustees can deny a club or class’s request for a meeting, fund raiser, or dance is if it disturbs an earlier request by another club or class. A club or class must fill out a request form to prevent any possibilities of having its request disapproved. Request forms are located in the office, or the club or class officers can go to the Student Trustees for a form.
Section 2: The clubs, classes, and members of Federal Hocking High School also have rights and powers
1. Any and all students have the right to request the formation of a specific club that does not affect the well-being of the staff and students. A club cannot promote drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or harassment of the staff and students. The student(s) must have a responsible adult supervisor who would be willing to be the leader of that club. The selected leader would need to meet with both the principal and the Trustees for an interview. The student(s) would also have to have a petition with at least 25 other signatures stating that there is an interest in the club. These signatures do not have to be members wanting to participate in the club. 2. Students have the right to join any club they choose. However, the club has the power to dismiss members as mentioned in the Rights and Powers of the Student Council. 3. Clubs and classes have the responsibility of electing any officers that they wish to have. Clubs and classes are not required to have any officers.
Section 3: Every student at Federal Hocking High School has rights
1. Students are able to be on committees to interview adults applying for a teaching position at Federal Hocking High School. All interviewing committees will consist of 6-7 students upon request of a teacher or of interest by the student. 2. Every student has the right to start a petition in the school. Those starting the petition must meet with the Student Council after at least 60 others have signed the petition. 3. Students and staff have the right to speak to each other at the appropriate time and place to discuss disagreements or questions. The appropriate times would be after class or when both parties feel the time is right. If further problems occur, then either the student or teacher can sign up for mediation. See “Conflict Resolution” 4. Students have the right to request changes to this Constitution as needed, pending the Student Body and School Board approval. 5. Every student has the right to try out for any extracurricular activities, including all sports as long as they are able to maintain the proper academics and behavioral code which is stated in the Athletic Handbook. 6. The students have the right to invite a person(s) outside of our school to a high school dance. The person(s) must be attending high school. The Federal Hocking High School principal has the right to contact the principal of those signed up to attend to check on the behavior of the person(s). All requests must be made prior to the day of the dance. If students are signed up the day or night of the dance in the front office, then they will not be admitted into the dance.
Section 4: Every Student at Federal Hocking High School has Responsibilities
1. Every student has the responsibility of demonstrating and respecting: fellow students, the school facilities, and the faculty and staff at Federal Hocking. 2. Every student has the responsibility of showing up to school and class on time and being faithful to your attendance at school. 3. Last, but not least, every student has the responsibility for knowing both your rights and responsibilities. This means reading your handbook and understanding the content of what you have read.
Article III Section 1: Conflict Resolution
The student body has the power to have a group of Peer Mediators in order to create a more positive atmosphere in our school. Mediations will allow for conversations between students and staff or students and students in order to have conflict resolution. All students interested in becoming a Peer Mediator must go through training prior to selection.
Article IV Section 1: Amending this Constitution
Steps to amend this Constitution are as follows: 1. A written proposal is drafted describing the amendment. 2. The proposal must be signed by 25% of the student body. 3. The proposal then goes to the Student Council, and if it is approved it goes to the Faculty. 4. Faculty may endorse the proposal, but they cannot stop the proposal. If they find that the proposal violates any law or Board policy they will refer it to the school administration which may request that the proposal be revised. 5. The entire student body during an election called for such purpose votes on the proposal. 6. If the amendment passes by a majority vote of the entire student body, it will be added to the Constitution the following year.
Section Two: General Information about Federal Hocking MS/HS
Clubs and Organizations
We encourage all students to be involved in some type of activity during the school year. Below is a list of the clubs and organizations throughout the school, along with the clubs/organizations advisor:
Band Mock Trial Yearbook Student Trustees/Council FFA 3DI Club Art Club Drama Club Business Professionals of America FCCLA Spanish Club Film Club The Shield Adventure Club Cooking Club Math Club Quiz Bowl Math Counts
How to Form a Club or Student Organization If there is a club/organization not listed that you would like to start you must follow these steps: First, find a faculty advisor. Second, write a detailed proposal including who the advisor is, why the club should be started, what the club would do and how often you would meet. Third, present the proposal to the principal for approval. After the proposal is approved, a petition needs to be signed by 25 students supporting the formation of the club. These students do not have to be potential members of your club. Present the approved proposal and signed petition to the Student Trustees. If it is not approved, you may revise your proposal and resubmit it. If the club plans to raise money, a budget needs to be submitted to the School Treasurer.
Sports All students are encouraged to join sports. The following is a list of all of the sports available to the student body: Golf, Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Track, and Cheerleading. To uninhibitedly participate on athletic team you must maintain your academic eligibility, which means keeping a 2.0 GPA or higher in your academic subjects and passing 3 of your 4 classes. No student whose GPA is below 1.67 will be eligible to participate. If your GPA is below a 2.0 but above a 1.67 you may be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, but if and only if all work assignments are completed as reviewed on weekly basis. Additionally, students with more than 20 demerit points will not be allowed to participate unless they have an approved behavior contract. For additional information on athletics, see the handbook you will be given by your coach or the Athletic Director.
Breakfast (FREE) at FHMS/HS Breakfast (A good choice!) will still be free and provided for students to eat each morning. Middle school students will head to the cafeteria in the morning and eat breakfast in the MS Commons. High school students will again eat in advisory, but can head to the breakfast line in the morning if they are looking for a ‘hot’ breakfast option. Either way, breakfast is a good way to start the day and allows you to get the nutrients needed to start the day off right!
Lunch (also FREE) Time at the High School Lunch time is special at Federal Hocking. Our lunch is scheduled for one hour for juniors and seniors, unless tutoring is required by a teacher. Freshmen and sophomores have a thirty minute lunch, spending the first half of lunch in academic tutoring. They can, however, have an hour lunch if they have an A – B average in their core academic classes. Students in middle school have a half hour for lunch and a half hour of exploratory.
An hour long lunch is a privilege, not a right, and to help you keep this privilege you should follow a few simple rules.
1. All lunches purchased at school must be eaten in the cafeteria area. You may not charge your lunch. Do not bring your trays or food into classrooms unless given permission by a teacher. The exception to this is that any student who brings a lunch to school or has purchased an ala carte item may eat in the commons area. You should make sure you throw away all trash from lunch in the large garbage cans so this privilege is continued.
2. During lunch you may use the school resources in a number of areas. While these change during the year, for the most part the following areas are open for you, some being designated as ‘quiet areas’ for study. These include the following:
a. Quiet Areas: The library, computer labs, resource or tutoring rooms. b. Other Areas: The gym, the courtyard when weather permits and a teacher is present, the commons area, and cafeteria.
3. The halls are to be quiet and not have students congregating in them.
4. Areas off limits during lunch include any outside area other than the courtyard any classroom that is not opened by a teacher. High school students should not be in the middle school.
5. During lunch the guidance counselor, the principal, and many teachers are available to meet with you and take care of any business or school work. Use this resource wisely.
6. If you are behind on work or need to make up a quiz students may be assigned lunch time tutoring by teachers or the administration. Failure to attend such tutoring sessions is treated as skipping a class. You may bring your hot lunch to assigned tutoring.
That’s it, very simple and straightforward. Most students have no trouble handling the responsibility of lunch time, but if you do you will be assigned lunch detention and lose this valuable privilege.
Food Rules for Federal Hocking Students There are some food rules that apply to all students at all times, they are as follows:
1. Energy drinks (i.e. Red Bull, Full Throttle, Amp, Monster, Rock Star and any similar drink) are not permitted at any time during the school day. Such drinks will be confiscated by the staff and disposed of. The students and staff believe these drinks are not healthy and impair the learning processes at the school. 2. Food, drinks, and/or gum are not allowed in the library or either gym at any time.
3. Food, drinks, and/or gum are allowed in classrooms only with teacher permission. This is totally at the discretion of the teacher or teaching teams.
Grades, Grading Periods, and Make-Up Work
Student work is graded on the following scale:
90% -100%= A (Excellent Work) (90-92=A-) 80% -89%= B (Above Average Work) (80-82=B-; 87-89=B+) 70% -79%= C (Average Work) (70-72=C-; 77-79=C+) 60% -69%= D (More work needed in this area/should seek help) (60-62=D-; 67-69=D+) Below 60%= F (Quality of work not acceptable)
If you have been absent due to an excused absence, it is your responsibility to see your teacher to make up the work you missed. For every excused absence, you have one day to make up the work. If those days fall at the end of the grading period, and you are unable to complete the work prior to the posting of grades, you will receive an “I” (incomplete). If you do not make up the work within two weeks of the end of the grading period, you will receive the grade earned including zeros for the missing work.
Students may not make up work missed due to unexcused absences or if they have been suspended from school. Once grades are entered on the report card they may not be changed for any reason other than teacher error in computing grades (with the exception of grades of “I”). Make up work may be figured in for final grades, but cannot result in the changing of a grade entered for the previous grading period.
Grades come out every six weeks. That way, you get plenty of feedback on how well you are doing in all your classes. There are also midterms, which come out halfway through each six-week grading period to let you know how you are doing in each of your classes.
Grade Point Average Calculation To calculate a grade point average, (1) multiply the course credit by the appropriate grade-point equivalent (GPE) to determine the grade points earned in each course, (2) add the grade points earned in each course to calculate a total, and (3) divide this sum by the total number of credits taken to determine the grade-point average. In the example below, 11.667 grade points ÷ 4 credits = 2.917 grade point average. Grade point equivalents:
Example: Course Credit Grade Multiply GPE Total English 10 1 credit B+ x 3.333 = 3.333 points American Stud. 10 1 credit C x 2.000 = 2.000 points Graphic Design 1 credit B- x 2.667 = 2.667 g points Practical Law 1 credit A- x 3.667 = 3.667 points Total 4 credits 11.667 points
Absences, Attendance, Late Arrival, Early Dismissal One of the best ways to do well in school is to make sure you are here. There are several acceptable reasons for an excused absence, they include the following: 1. Illness with a parents’ note or a doctor’s note. 2. Death of a relative. 3. Religious observances. 4. Legal business including court appearances. 5. School activities such as college visits, field trips, or class assignments. 6. Family activities that have received prior approval by the principal for absences. 7. An emergency which in the judgment of the principal is a sufficient cause for an absence from school. If you are going to be absent from school you need to have your parent/guardian call the school to notify us of your absence. When you return to school you must bring a note from your parent or guardian explaining your absence even if the absence is unexcused. You have three days to bring in a note or the absence will be considered unexcused. The note is important because it provides a written documentation that your parent is aware of your absence. If you are absent, the first five parent note absences are marked excused at the discretion of the principal. Thereafter absences may be marked unexcused other than medical/legal absences. Make up work is not permitted when student are unexcused. Students who miss six or more days in a semester may be required to have a parent meeting with the county truant officer. Students missing more than 10 days in any one semester will not be given any academic credit for that semester. Doctors, dentists, legal activities, college visits, and field trips do not count against your 10 day limit per semester. Additionally, students who have five consecutive unexcused absences, 7 unexcused absences in one month, or twelve unexcused absences per year may go to juvenile court. If you arrive late to school you must first report to the attendance office to check in. Remember if you drive to school a car trouble is not excused. If you are repeatedly late to school you will receive consequences as outlined in the Code of Conduct. If you need to leave school early, you must bring a note to the office at the beginning of the day for that dismissal to be approved. Acceptable reasons include doctor and other appointments and business that cannot be conducted after school. Students may not dismiss themselves from school. You must report to the office to check out if you are on early dismissal.
College VisitsJuniors and seniors may use up to three (3) days to visit prospective colleges. Visiting a prospective college is the best way to get an idea of whether or not it’s a good fit for you! To use a college day:
1. Call the Office of Admissions at the college or university you would like to visit. Arrange for a campus tour and interviews with admissions or financial aid counselors, heads of departments, or coaches you would like to see.
2. At least three days prior to the college visit, bring a note from your parent/guardian to Mrs. Buchman including which colleges/universities you will be visiting and the date of the visits.
3. Upon return to school, bring a verification slip signed by an admissions representative from the college/university you visited. Turn in the verification slip to Mrs. Buchman in order for the absence to be counted as a college day excused absence.
Entering School Students enter school through the high school doors. Upon entering, students should head to advisory where free breakfast will be provided.
Announcements Announcements are read every morning on the PA and must be approved by the principal. All student meetings must be approved by the Student Trustees. All announcements must be turned in to the office by 3:00 p.m. the prior day.
Library You can find many resources in our library including a computer lab, reference materials, and leisure reading materials. Book fairs and special events are held each year in the library. Visit the library if you are looking for a quiet place to read or study, to research, to use a computer, and/or to use the Ellison lettering machine.
Internships Internships are one of the great programs at FHHS and are open to all juniors and seniors. Internships allow you to leave school during the day and earn credit while getting on the job experience. Students have interned in doctors’ offices, law offices, construction companies, engineering firms, schools, and many others. For more information stop in and see the Internship Coordinator, Mr. Green. (And remember to do well in your courses during your freshman and sophomore years so you have room in your junior/senior schedule to do an internship.)
Universities/Post-secondary Options You might be interested in attending a university class while going to high school, which is the "Post-secondary Options" program. If you would like more information about universities see Mrs. Buchman in the Guidance Office.
Vocational Education For students interested in pursuing a vocational area, Tri-County Career Center is the place to go. Programs at Tri-County include medical technologies, computers, law enforcement, electronics, horticulture, farm mechanics, welding, drafting, carpentry, accounting, and many others. For more information about Tri-County see our guidance counselor, Mrs. Buchman.
Medication If it is necessary that you take medication during the school day, you need to bring the medicine, in its original container, along with a note from the doctor stating the proper dosage and times of administration to the school secretary. You will be dismissed at the proper time to take your medication. At the end of the year you must collect the unused portion of your medication or it will be thrown away.
Locker use and Student Responsibility If your property is stolen from the school, the school is not responsible for it, because you are issued a locker at the beginning of your freshman year and it has a lock on it. You are also advised to use your locker. You are also responsible for any books, calculators, etc. that you are issued and will be charged the replacement cost of any items you damage or lose.
Cell Phones/Music Devices Cell phones and music devices may only be used during passing time and lunch time by all students. Cell phones and music devices must be put away during class time, unless permitted by a teacher. Any cell phone/music device observed during class time (including rest room breaks), whether in use or not, will be confiscated and subject to the following consequences:
1. First infraction: Phone is confiscated and held until the end the day. It will then be turned into the office the following school day to be held one entire school day. It can be picked up at the end of that day. 2. Second infraction: Phone is kept in office during school hours for 5 school days. Each day it must be turned into office upon arrival to school (or 7:50 am) and can be picked up at 2:40 pm. 3. Third infraction: Phone is kept in the office during school hours for the rest of the semester. Each day it must be turned into office upon arrival to school (or 7:50 am) and can be picked up at 2:40 pm.
**If this policy is not followed, the cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the office for the duration of the issued consequence.
**Cell Phone Usage During State Exams and/or End of Course Exams: If a student is found using their cell phone during state exams and/or end of course exams, regardless of the reason, the student’s cell phone will be confiscated for the remainder of the week or possibly longer. Due to test security, the normal cell phone policy will not be followed.
Book Bags Book bags are permitted in classrooms with teacher consent. If book bags are not allowed, students will be given time to go lockers during class changes. Book bags may not be left unattended at any time, such as lying in the halls during lunch time or left on the stage in the high school gym. Any unattended book bag will be put in the lost and found.
Bathroom Use Students should use the bathroom during class breaks. Use of the bathrooms during class time is up to the discretion of the teacher, who may have a system for recording such use.
Organizing Student Events
If you would like to organize a dance, fundraiser, or a class meeting, this needs to be approved by Student Trustees. You need to make a write-up of your event and submit it to Student Trustees to be approved. You also need to fill out a building usage form and turn it in to Mr. Bonner after your event has been approved by Student Trustees.
"No School" Announcements Some days throughout the year due to the weather school is canceled. This decision is usually made prior to 6:00 a.m. and will be announced both on the school phone system, option #6 and over the following local TV/Radio stations: · WATH/WXTQ radio - 970 AM/105.5 FM · WAIS/WSEO radio- 107.7/105.0 FM · WXIL · WSAZ Channel 3 - TV · WTAP Channel 15 - TV
We will also send phone announcements on school closings, so make sure we have your correct phone number.
Computer Compatibility
Often students like to do work at home and then bring it to school to work on it or print it. Problems occur because the high school does not have all of the same software as you. So, if you are planning on working back and forth from home and school, these are the programs you should be using:
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Adobe Creative Suite 3 (PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, Flash, Illustrator, Fireworks) Open Office and NeoOffice (both of these are free programs) Adobe InDesign CS2
Please understand that all of these programs aren't available on all computers. Your best bet is to stick with Microsoft Office. If you need to bring in your work on a storage device your best bet is a USB, pen, or flash drive. For guaranteed Microsoft compatibility you are advised to save all documents in “rich text” format. Computers are a great tool and we have many of them for your use. In order that you are protected, an Acceptable Use Policy is in effect at FH. Every student will be given a copy of the policy and must return it signed in order to have access to our excellent system.
Visitors Because of the type of school we are and as a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, we receive many visitors during the school year to observe our school. All of these visits are arranged and coordinated by students. Please treat our guests with respect and show them what a great school we are. We do not allow students to bring friends or relatives to school as it distracts from the work going on in classes.
Santa Tree
Each year Federal Hocking is involved in the Santa Tree program. This project is organized by the Athens County Children Services to help children in this area that will not have Christmas without the help of the community. Each advisory chooses a child off of the Christmas tree at the Athens Mall and provides Christmas for that child. In some cases advisories will also adopt additional needy children in the community to purchase gifts for. There is no limit on how many children each advisory can adopt but we do cap the amount spent per child. Once child/children are chosen the advisory spends the next few weeks doing fundraisers such as bake sales, donations, a moving yard sale, and anything else they can think of to do to raise money for their angel child. All fundraisers must be approved. The advisory will then take a day to purchase their gifts, but this day should be no later than December 15. Each advisory is responsible for wrapping the gifts they have purchased by the last day before Christmas break. The presents will then be given to the Athens County Children Services on the last day before Christmas break during the holiday assembly.
Phone The phones in the office are for official school business and may only be used by students when given permission by the office staff. The pay phone for student use may be used before or after school. It may also be used during school if permission is granted by the office staff.
Lockers Lockers are issued to each student so you can store your belongings safely during the school day. Our advice is to use the lockers, that way you don’t have to worry about any of your things being lost. You may not trade lockers, share lockers, or use a locker to conceal any regulated or prohibited item. Lockers are school property and may be opened and searched at any time.
Guidance Office The Guidance Office is located in the main office and there you will find our guidance counselor, Amy Buchman. Mrs. Buchman is anxious to help you and is a great person to go to when you have a problem. Remember that she has to help every student in the school, so it is a good idea to make an appointment with her. Just drop off a note to her before school or during class changes and she will get to you. She is also usually available during lunch for you just to drop in and see her. Of course if it is an emergency, she can always see you right away.
Field Trips Teachers often plan field trips to enhance what is going on in class. You must attend field trips that are part of your class. However, you may not be allowed to go if you are not doing well in your other classes. Also, only field trips approved and arranged by the school are allowed as excused absences.
Footwear and Mobility Only gym shoes are allowed on the gym floors at all times. Further, students may not wear shoes with wheels and remember, skateboards are not allowed at school.
Advisory Your advisory is a place to do the obvious – get advice. Advisory meets at the start of every day, Connections on Monday, extended advisory on Wednesday, and SSR Friday. During these times students work on college searches, senior projects, portfolios, meet with recruiters for vocational schools, perform community service, and just get to know one another. Your advisor will help you with your schedule, tracking your discipline, be the person you should go to if you need help or assistance, and can steer you to a wide range of school resources. The Lancer Cup goes to the most outstanding advisory each year based on participation in school events, various contests, and contribution to the school. The Lancer Cup is engraved with the names of all the members of the Advisory and students also receive a number of prizes for winning the cup. During advisory the entire school will participate in Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) and school-wide literacy program. We believe if students read well you will do better in all your classes. So we are setting aside time for students to practice reading. So bring a good book and enjoy.
Website The school website is available to post school related information. If you have something of interest (deadlines, sports scores, etc.) please get them to our technology office. The school website is www.fhlancers.com; the district website is www.fedhock.com.
Graduation and Grade Promotion Requirements for graduation are a part of district policy and are handed out to students when they begin high school scheduling. Being promoted from grade to grade depends upon your academic success at each grade level and is determined by the school administration. For promotion from grades seven and eight to the next grade students are required to pass courses in core areas (math, science, and humanities) and prepare and present a Gateway Portfolio.
Driving Privileges Driving to school is a privilege, and to keep that privilege just drive safely and come to school on time. As a courtesy, the front two rows in the parking lot are reserved for faculty, staff and visitors. You may lose your driving privileges if you operate your vehicle in an unsafe manner either in the parking lot or on your way to or from school or if you are late to or absent from school too often. All school rules apply to you in your car while it is on school grounds.
FEDERAL HOCKING HIGH SCHOOL – NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
The Federal Hocking Lancers Chapter of the National Honor Society is a nationally affiliated organization sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. To be eligible for election to membership, candidates must be juniors or seniors and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above. Membership is based on total evaluation of scholarship, character, leadership, and service.
SELECTION PROCEDURE1. Eligible students (minimum 3.5 GPA) are notified by letter. 2. Candidates are asked to fill out and return the “Student Activity Information Form” by the assigned deadline. 3. The entire high school faculty evaluates each candidate on character, leadership, and service. 4. A five member faculty council votes on membership after reviewing all materials related to the application.
Guidelines for Faculty Selection ProcessCharacter· Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
Leadership
Service
Scholarship
Section Three: Student Code of Conduct Attending Federal Hocking should be an educational and enjoyable experience. You are now young adults who should know how to act and behave in a manner that is respectful to yourselves and the people around you. At FH, students are not expected to misbehave; but for those who feel the need to take a walk on the wild side, here are our rules and consequences.
Point System At FH, all disciplinary actions are based on a point system. Points can result in the following consequences: 1. Lunch detention(s) 2. In-school suspension 3. Disciplinary/Emergency removal 4. Out-of-school suspension 5. Administrative hearing 6. Expulsion 7. Placement on an alternative school plan
Points lead to the following actions:
4 pts. = (MS) a minimum of one lunch detention
5 pts. = (HS) a minimum of two lunch detentions
8 pts. = (MS) a minimum of two lunch detentions
10 pts. = (HS) a minimum of three lunch detentions 12 pts. = (MS) a minimum of three lunch detentions 15 pts. = a minimum of one week of lunch detentions
16 pts. = (MS) a minimum of one week of lunch detentions
20 pts. = (MS & HS) a minimum of one day of in-school suspension. Students earning more than 20 points will not be eligible to participate in any extra-curricular activities unless a parent meeting is held and there is an approval of a behavior contract
25 pts. = (MS & HS) two days in-school suspension 30 pts. = (MS & HS) three days in-school suspension 35 pts. = (MS & HS) 5 days in-school suspension 40 pts. = (MS & HS) out-of-school suspension until an expulsion hearing can be arranged; or other disciplinary action
1. Lunch Detention: Lunch detention will be held each day in a pre-determined classroom. Students will spend the entire hour there including eating their lunch. Lunch detentions can only be assigned by the administration.
2. Failure to serve Lunch Detentions: If a student fails to serve a lunch detention, they will be assigned an additional to the lunch detention that must be served. If a second lunch detention is skipped, that student will be assigned to one day of ISS. The student will still be required to serve the lunch detention(s) at the next opportunity. Skipping multiple lunch detentions could result in further disciplinary actions.
3. In-school suspension: This was created in an effort to keep offending students up-to-date with their academic work and their attendance. In-school suspensions will be served in the high school. The students will check in to the office when they arrive to school and will be required to spend the day in a specified classroom. At this time they will be assigned work and will not be permitted to interact with other students. Lunch will be eaten in this room and adequate bathroom breaks provided. If a student demonstrates that they cannot behave during the in-school suspension, further and more serious disciplinary action will be taken including out-of-school suspensions.
4. Appeals: If a student feels he/she has unfairly had a Restitution Plan rejected, an appeal may be made. Appeals may be submitted in writing, to the Principal, stating why the student believes his/her plan should have been accepted. A hearing will be held on the appeal within one school day. The student must continue to serve detention while waiting for the appeal. Appeals will be heard by a committee made up of two students appointed by Student Trustees, one teacher appointed by the Principal, and one teacher requested by the student filing the appeal. The appealing student’s advisor will also be invited to the appeal meeting. The appeal committee should hear from the student, the teacher(s) involved, and any other party they choose. Their decision on the appeal is final.
5. Reduction of Points: A school administrator or the teacher who assigned the demerit points may, at his/her discretion, remove the points given for Class One Violations.
6. Behavior versus Academic Concerns: Demerit points are to be given for behavior issues only. Academic concerns, such as the failure to turn in work should be addressed through lunch tutoring or other means.
*Note: Any of the above violations may, based on severity, be elevated to a higher class of violation
Regulated Items There are certain things that you cannot have at F.H.H.S. This makes it possible for you to learn in a hazard-free environment. These are: · Chemical, smoke or odor causing devices, mace, pepper spray, or irritants · Tobacco, vapor pens, or electronic cigarettes · Flammables (such as lighters) · Dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices · Weapons or items that may be used as a weapon · Skateboards or other wheeled transportation devices · Any illegal substance, item, or device Removal From Class Every student has the right to learn, and to not have that learning interrupted by the actions of other students. If a student is so disruptive that a teacher has to stop class and remove that student, one of three actions will be taken:
Emergency Removal If a student is considered a threat to the school or other students, then an emergency removal for up to ten school days will come into effect. The student will be removed from school immediately and only allowed to return after a hearing with the Superintendent. A written notice must be given to the student prior to the hearing.
Out-of-School Suspension The Superintendent or principal may suspend a student from school no more than ten (10) days. If there is less than 10 days left of school, the suspension can carry over to the following school year. The superintendent or principal must supply a written notice to the student of reasons for suspension. Also, the student is provided with the opportunity to appear at an informal hearing with school officials. When you are suspended from school, you may not make up work you miss. Additionally, if you are suspended, expelled, or otherwise removed from school you may not attend any events at school during any time of the day without authorization from the building principal. When you return from any suspension, you must come with a parent and meet with the school administration for a re-entry conference. You may not make up any work you miss while you are suspended or expelled from school.
Expulsion An expulsion follows the same guidelines as suspension in addition to the following information. Only the superintendent can expel a student for up to 180 days on the recommendation of the school administration. If a student has been suspended pending expulsion, a hearing must take place. If a student is expelled, his or her guardians must be notified of the expulsion.
Tardies Be in your assigned advisory and class when the tardy bell rings. If you are not, you are tardy unless you have a valid excuse (car breakdowns and oversleeping are not valid excuses).
Consequences of unexcused tardies:
· 3 tardies - 1 after school detention · 6 tardies – 2 after school detention · 9 tardies – 3 after school detentions · 10 tardies - Principal meeting with student and parent · For every tardy after 10 - 1 lunch detention
*Note: If you are repeatedly tardy to school and you drive to school, you will lose your driving privileges.
Also, when second semester has started and you only have received 5 or less tardies in the first semester, your tardies are dissolved and you start with a clean slate for the second semester.
Appeals Process A student and his/her guardian may appeal an expulsion or suspension to the board of education or its designee. The student and guardian may be granted a hearing before the board and if requested by the student, the hearing can be held publicly. If the board has a majority vote, the board can change or modify the suspension or expulsion. The decision of the board may also be appealed under Chapter 250 b. of the Revised Code. There is also a record of all hearings taken place.
BUS TRANSPORTATION Bus transportation is provided as assistance to our students. Questions regarding bus transportation may be directed to the district transportation supervisor by calling 662-6691 ext. 115. By Ohio law, all students are to be assigned seats and are required to sit in those seats. Seat assignment is left to the discretion of the driver, transportation supervisor, or the building administrator.
Misbehavior on the bus may result in the loss of bus riding privileges. A student may have bus transportation privileges suspended and the length of suspension will be determined by the seriousness of the misconduct, the disciplinary record of the student, and any factors deemed relevant by the administration. Immediate removal from the bus may occur if a pupil’s presence poses a danger to persons or property or a threat to the safe operation of the bus. Misbehavior on the bus may also result in any penalties and procedures described in the Student Code of Conduct.
In addition, students who have arranged to ride a different bus home must bring in a written note and turn that in to the office before school starts. Students will not be permitted to phone home for permission to ride another bus unless, in very rare occasions, the principal deems it an emergency situation.
Dress Code
Students at FHHS should dress in a respectful way. Before leaving in the morning if you have to think twice about what you are wearing, the clothing is probably inappropriate. Remember if you would not wear it working at Kroger, you should not wear it to school.
A. Final judgment on all dress code items rests with the staff and administration. B. Hats with brims, sweatbands, and bandanas, sunglasses, etc. are not to be worn in the school buildings. Only hats without brims may be worn. C. Clothing that bears reference to drugs, sex, alcohol, gangs, is intended or interpreted as ‘hate speech’ (advocating violence or discrimination against any group of individuals) or that has obscene, suggestive or profane statements or pictures is not permitted. D. Clothing that might reasonably be considered indiscreet, immodest, or too casual for school will not be permitted. a. A student's midriff / stomach must be covered at all times. b. Tops may not be low cut or revealing, ‘cleavage’ should not be visible. Additionally tops must cover the point of the shoulder and half way to the neck and be fitted under the arms. If a student’s top is judged to be inappropriate, s/he will be provided with a tee shirt to wear and will turn in the inappropriate attire to be held in the office. c. Muscle shirts, tank tops, and mesh shirts may be worn only with a shirt with sleeves over the top of them. d. Shorts, dresses, and skirts must be an appropriate length above a student’s kneecap. Additionally, no flesh is to be showing above this line (example: jeans with holes in them 2” above the kneecap will not be allowed). Leggings should be worn as hosiery (with clothing worn over) and opaque leggings will be permitted under pants with holes above the 2” is such holes are not overly suggestive. e. Appropriate pants must be worn. Pants that must be constantly pulled up, pants that fall down and pants that show undergarments are not permissible. f. No pajama-like clothing. g. Underwear is not to be visible at any time. h. When dressing for gym class, uniforms are required. i. The dress code applies at all times during the school days for everyone (including field trips and spirit week costumes).
E. Refusal to comply with any dress code will result in an immediate suspension from school for one full day.
Tobacco, Vapor Pens, and Electronic Cigarettes Please be aware that the Ohio Revised Code was changed in regard to procedures regarding tobacco related offenses. Although the Revised Code allows for schools to have measures in place in addition to those in the code, it will be the practice at Federal Hocking High School to follow the procedures outlined in both the school handbook and by the Athens County Prosecutor, which are as follows: 1. Charges will be filed and sent to the Athens County Prosecutor’s office. 2. You and your parents may be required to attend Juvenile Court. A minimum fine and court costs will be assessed at around $190. 3. After the first offense, each succeeding offense will result in charges being filed and more severe consequences with the court. 4. At Federal Hocking, you will receive 20 demerits for a Class Three Violation and the subsequent consequent will be issued.
*Note: Juvenile court sets and may change the amount of the fines in accordance with Ohio Law.
Consequences of using/in possession of Tobacco, Vapor Pens, or Electronic Cigarettes:
· Upon request, surrender item immediately · Confiscation, impoundment or destruction of item · May be judged to be a Class Three Offense as per the FH Code of Conduct · Repeated use may lead to emergency removal, suspension, or recommendation for expulsion
Code of Conduct Effective Times The Code of Conduct is in effect during all school hours, whenever you are on any school trip or activity, and any time you are on school property for any reason. Additionally, it is also in effect when you are walking to or from a bus stop or at the bus stop.
DEFINITIONS Plagiarism: A student shall not pass off ideas or words from any other source as his/her own. This includes turning in work that was done by another student, copying another student’s work, copying items from the internet or other source, or using anything that is not your own. Additionally, if you allow another student to use your work you shall be deemed to have been involved in plagiarism as well.
Profanity: A student shall not use any language, either written or verbal, which may be considered profane, indecent, obscene, vile, or abusive. This shall include use of obscene gestures, pictures, signs or publications.
Forgery: A student shall not, in writing, use the name of another person, or falsify times, dates, grades, addresses, or other data on school forms or correspondence directed to or from the school.
Insubordination: Students are expected to demonstrate a positive attitude in carrying out reasonable rules or directions given by school personnel. Any student who fails to comply with the reasonable request of school personnel or demonstrates a defiant attitude toward staff may be found insubordinate.
Hazing: Any act of coercing another, including the victim, to submit to any form of initiation into any student organization or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing physical, mental, or emotional harm to any person shall be considered as hazing. These acts are against the law and are inconsistent with the educational process and thus are prohibited at all times.
Harassment: Pressuring, intimidating, frightening, or embarrassing another by your actions, comments, or gestures. (See nondiscrimination policy at the beginning of the handbook.)
Student Property and Responsibility
Students are responsible for taking care of their own personal property as well as any school property that is issued to them or provide for their use (books, computers, calculators, etc.). The school does not accept any responsibility for any of your personal property that you may bring to school. Think twice about what you bring to school or loan to others. Students should also understand that any item they bring on school property, from an automobile to a mobile phone, may be searched by school authorities at any time. This is for the safety and security of all students and staff, and is a clearly established right in civil code, known as “in loco parentis.” Federal Hocking High School Chromebook Guide
Q. What is a Chromebook? A. “Chromebooks are mobile devices designed specifically for people who live on the web. With a comfortable, full-sized keyboard, large display and clickable trackpad, all-day battery life, lightweight and built-in ability to connect to Wi-Fi and mobile broadband networks, the Chromebook is ideal for anytime, anywhere access to the web. They provide a faster, safer, more secure online experience for people who live on the web, without all the time-consuming, often confusing, high level of maintenance required by typical computers.” (“Google”) Q. What kind of software does a Chromebook run? A. “Chromebooks run millions of web-based applications, or web apps, that open right in the browser. Q. How are these web-based applications managed? A. Each Chromebook we provide to students will be a managed device. Members of Federal Hocking Technology Department will maintain devices through our Google Apps for Education domain. As such, the school can pre-install web-applications as well as block specific web-applications from a centralized management console. Q. What devices can I connect to a Chromebook? A. Chromebooks can connect to:
Q. Can the Chromebook be used anywhere at anytime? A. Yes, as long as you have a WiFi signal to access the web. All rules in the Appropriate Use Policy (G.a.i.) apply for both home and school use. Q. Is there antivirus built into it? A. It is not necessary to have antivirus software on Chromebooks because there are no running programs for viruses to infect. Q. Battery life? A. Chromebooks have a rated battery life of up to 9 hours and 15 minutes of battery life with HD display. . . Battery life will vary and the maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage.” However, we do expect that students charge them each evening to ensure maximum performance during the school day.
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