Holcomb

High School

 

2007-2008

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

 

 

 

 

Table of contents

 

WELCOME ……………………………………………………………………………………….3

BOARD OF EDUCATION………………………………………………………………………3

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION………………………....................................................................... 3

MISSION STATEMENT.......................................................................................................................... 3

GOALS:  GRADES 9-12........................................................................................................................... 3

STUDENT TO STUDENT........................................................................................................................ 4

GENERAL INFORMATION.................................................................................................................... 4

ARRIVAL TIME AND BUILDING HOURS...................................................................................... 4

DAILY SCHEDULE.................................................................................................................................. 5

BREAKFAST............................................................................................................................................... 5

LUNCH PERIOD...................................................................................................................................... 5

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES.............................................................................................................. 5

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS...................................................................................................................... 5

HALL PASSES........................................................................................................................................... 6

LOCKS AND LOCKERS......................................................................................................................... 6

PERSONAL PROPERTY........................................................................................................................ 6

STUDENT DRESS POLICY.................................................................................................................... 7

1 TO 1 LAPTOP INITIATIVE................................................................................................................. 8

FINALS........................................................................................................................................................ 8

SCREENING DEVICES........................................................................................................................... 9

TRANSPORTATION............................................................................................................................... 9

BUS CONDUCT........................................................................................................................................ 9

STUDENT TELEPHONE USE.............................................................................................................. 9

SCHOOL VISITORS............................................................................................................................... 10

MEDICATION......................................................................................................................................... 10

EMERGENCIES...................................................................................................................................... 10

INSURANCE........................................................................................................................................... 11

COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES................................................................................................ 11

PERFECT ATTENDANCE................................................................................................................... 11

REQUEST TO EXCUSE STUDENTS................................................................................................. 11

ATTENDANCE POLICY...................................................................................................................... 12

ABSENCES BY DEFINITION.......................................................................................................... 12

ABSENCE NOTIFICATION AND FOLLOW-UP PROCEDURES............................................ 13

FUNERALS.............................................................................................................................................. 13

TARDINESS............................................................................................................................................. 13

 

ACADEMIC INFORMATION.............................................................................................................. 14

STUDY HABITS...................................................................................................................................... 14

GRADES AND GRADING.................................................................................................................. 14

HONOR ROLL........................................................................................................................................ 15

ELIGIBILITY............................................................................................................................................. 15

LIBRARY PROCEDURES.................................................................................................................... 16

ACADEMIC INFORMATION.............................................................................................................. 16

ENROLLMENT....................................................................................................................................... 16

CLASS SCHEDULE............................................................................................................................... 16

SCHEDULE CHANGES....................................................................................................................... 16

CLASS MEMBERSHIP.......................................................................................................................... 16

CLASS CREDIT....................................................................................................................................... 16

INCOMPLETE GRADES...................................................................................................................... 17

COLLEGE CREDIT PROGRAM......................................................................................................... 17

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................... 17

KANSAS QUALIFIED ADMISSIONS CURRICULUM................................................................ 18

KANSAS SCHOLARS CURRICULUM - STATE SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIPS............. 18

GRADUATION CEREMONY PARTICIPATION......................................................................... 18

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL..................................................................................................... 18

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST..................................................................................................................... 18

BEHAVIORS AND DISCIPLINE........................................................................................................ 19

STUDENT CONDUCT.......................................................................................................................... 19

ASSEMBLY BEHAVIOR....................................................................................................................... 19

OUT-OF-SCHOOL BEHAVIOR.......................................................................................................... 19

DESCRIPTIONS OF SERIOUS MISCONDUCT............................................................................. 20

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL.................................................................................................................. 20

ASSAULT.............................................................................................................................................. 20

FIGHTING............................................................................................................................................. 20

GANG AFFILIATION......................................................................................................................... 20

HARASSMENT................................................................................................................................... 20

INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE...................................................................................................... 20

TOBACCO............................................................................................................................................ 20

BULLYING............................................................................................................................................ 20

POSSESSION OF UNNECESSARY ARTICLES.......................................................................... 20

EXTORTION........................................................................................................................................ 21

ARSON.................................................................................................................................................. 21

DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY................................................................................................... 21

THEFT................................................................................................................................................... 21

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A REASONABLE REQUEST.................................................. 21

    MINOR DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS…………………………………………………… 21

AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION......................................................................................................... 21

MISCELLANEOUS RULES................................................................................................................. 21

SATURDAY SCHOOL.......................................................................................................................... 22

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SATURDAY SCHOOL ………………………………………….. .22

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION................................................................................................................ 22

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION..................................................................................................... 23

EXTENDED SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION............................................................................ 23

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES................................................................................................... 23

SCHOOL SPIRIT..................................................................................................................................... 23

AFTER SCHOOL EVENTS.................................................................................................................. 23

MASCOT -- LONGHORNS................................................................................................................... 24

SCHOOL SONG........................................................................................................................................ 24

SCHOOL FIGHT SONG......................................................................................................................... 24

 

 

An Equal Employment/Educational Opportunity Agency

 

Unified School District No. 363 does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, handicap, religion, or age in admission or access, or treatment of employment in its programs or activities.  Any questions regarding the school's compliance with Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 may be directed to the Superintendent of Schools, who can be reached at (620) 277-2629, 204 Wiley, Holcomb, Kansas 67851, or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education.
WELCOME

 

                This HANDBOOK is designed to serve as a guide to Holcomb High School (HHS) students, parents, and patrons.  It should be kept as a ready reference.

 

                To accomplish our Mission Statement, all our schools must function under certain guidelines and regulations.  We expect everyone attending Holcomb High School or being a part of it as a parent or guardian to recognize these regulations, to understand them, and to abide by them.  It is also important for students and their parents to become acquainted with Holcomb's routines, services, and activities, which are outlined in this HANDBOOK.

 

                All of the policies in this handbook have been reviewed by the USD 363 Board of Education and are part of the Board of Education policies.

 

                Preparing young adults to become responsible and productive citizens is the primary aim of education at Holcomb High School.  By offering role models, a wealth of educational materials, effective and individualized teaching strategies, a variety of extra-curricular activities, a democratic atmosphere, and an opportunity to set goals and to exercise responsible behavior, the administration and the staff hope to foster and to encourage educational excellence that will lead to a rewarding and meaningful educational experience for each and every student.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

                                Mike Pfeifer                          Tom Shuetz

                                Janet Sharp                            Tim Miller

                                Jon Becker                             Jay Powers

                                Julie Chamberlain

                                                                               

 

ADMINISTRATION

Bob O’Connor, Superintendent U.S.D. #363  

Jarrod Stoppel, High School Principal

Chad Krug, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

Randy Ackerman, Instructional Technology Coordinator

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The mission of Holcomb Unified School District #363 is to provide an opportunity for all students to acquire skills needed to become productive and successful citizens.

GOALS

 

                To provide a safe learning environment where students will have the opportunity to learn, to develop, and to practice those academic skills and inter-personal skills needed to be productive and successful citizens in a changing democratic society.

 

                To strive for varied and flexible instructional and learning procedures that individual learning styles require for creative thinking and high self-esteem.

 

                To provide systems of communication for parents, students and staff to better understand the school goals.

 

 

 

STUDENT TO STUDENT

(By a student)

 

       Since going from grade school to middle school to high school is a somewhat traumatic experience, the need to have a few helpful hints and reminders has once again arisen.

 

 

1.             Pick and choose "friends" carefully - don't find yourself caught up in a crowd less than desirable to you just to be "popular".

 

2.             Honesty is the best policy, but be aware others may not be as honest as you - lockers are your own personal property; don't even trust your "best friend" with your combination.

 

3.             Conduct is a measure of maturity - at H.H.S you will be treated according to your actions.                          

 

4.             Peer pressure - During your years in the middle school and high school, you will encounter unmeasurable amounts of peer pressure, which only you can deal with.  This pressure can easily control your common sense, so be aware of your actions.

 

5.             Being "in style" with the clothes you wear seems important, but it is not necessary to ask your parents to spend a fortune.

 

6.             The teachers are not here to baby-sit you, but instead are here to teach you.

 

7.             Punctuality is another sign of maturity.  Make an attempt to be on time to school and to every class.

 

8.             Remember to respect your teachers regardless of your feelings toward them.

 

9.             Be prepared to encounter "hassles" at some point and deal with them with common sense.

 

10.           Above all, judge each encounter using YOUR OWN common sense.

 

11.           If you have a problem, there are a lot of adults here willing to help if you will only ask.

 

12.           Work out problems while they are small.

 

13.           Communicate with Teachers.

 

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

This handbook is subject to amendment at the school board's discretion.

 

ARRIVAL TIME AND BUILDING HOURS

 

                The buildings will be open to students 7:45 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Students are not to be in the buildings before 7:45 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.   All arrival times before 7:35 a.m., except for additional instruction, need to be approved in the office.  Upon entering, students are to go to the commons area and remain there until the 8:00 a.m. bell.  School begins each day at 8:10 a.m. Buses are scheduled to arrive by 8:00 a.m.  STUDENTS WHO DO NOT RIDE THE BUS ARE NOT TO ARRIVE BEFORE 7:45 A.M. other than those eating breakfast or seeking additional instruction.               

 

                If a teacher has requested a student to go to his/her room, the student should report directly to that area, then he/she should report directly to first class at 8:10 a.m. Students are not to be in the building after 4:00 p.m. unless they are serving detention, are in a supervised activity or getting assistance from a teacher.

 

DAILY SCHEDULE

 

8:10   -   9:00                 1st Period

9:04   -   9:54                 2nd Period

9:58   -  10:47                3rd Period

10:51   -  11:40              4th Period

11:40   -  12:04              Group 1 Lunch

12:09   -  12:33              Group 1 Homeroom – 5th Period

11:40   -  12:04              Group 2 Homeroom – 5th Period

12:09   -  12:33              Group 2 Lunch

12:37   -   1:27               6th Period

1:31   -   2:21                 7th Period

2:25   -   3:15                 8th Period

                                                                                     

 

BREAKFAST

               

                Breakfast will be served from 7:45 to 8:00 a.m. for those students who wish to eat.

LUNCH PERIOD

 

                Holcomb High School operates what is commonly known as a Closed Lunch Period.  A closed lunch period requires all students to remain at school for lunch.  No exceptions are made except for those who have medical reasons which are substantiated by a doctor's written excuse.  A student may either purchase a hot lunch, bring his/her lunch, or have their parent/guardian bring them in a lunch provided it is checked in at the office.  Parents may only bring in lunch for their son/daughter.  The USD 363 food service program provides patrons the opportunity to have their child bring a sack lunch from home instead of eating a school meal. The meal that is provided from home shall not be a commercial fast food meal brought in the vendor’s bag or box according to food service regulations.  Students who have been at an appointment and bring a commercial sack lunch to school will not permitted to eat this lunch in the school cafeteria. 

 

                Lunch is a time to relax and enjoy your meal.  Your respect and proper treatment of the people and property involved will make lunch time more pleasant.

 

The lunch procedure is as follows:

 

1.        If you are eating a hot lunch you are to remain in line until served. If you are just getting milk, go directly to the cashier.

 

2.        Lunch cards are required daily in order to eat school lunches.

 

3.        You are to avoid loud talking or excessive noise of any kind while in the cafeteria.

 

4.        Thermos containers, canned pop, and plastic containers are permitted in sack lunches.  Glass containers are not permitted.

 

5.        You are to stay in one seat while in the cafeteria.

 

6.        Out of school guests will not be allowed on school grounds during lunch unless prior approval is obtained from the office.

 

7.        Students are not to charge lunches. 

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

 

                No student may interfere with the rights and privileges of others.  Every student will follow rules and regulations governing student behavior which have been established by the faculty, administration Holcomb High School, and the School Board of U.S.D. #363.  Students will follow all the rules in the Student Handbook as well as individual classroom policies and regulations as provided by the teacher.  Teachers are to be treated with respect and students should be courteous to their fellow classmates.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

 

                Substitute teachers are to be treated with the same respect as a regular teacher and every effort should be made by all students to ensure a productive learning environment is taking place when a substitute is here.  Students failing to cooperate with a substitute teacher or attempt to take advantage of that teacher will be sent directly to the office and discipline will be handled by the principal resulting in more than the normal consequence for the action.   

HALL PASSES

 

                Students are to be issued hall passes whenever the student is permitted to leave a class not at a regular passing period.  It must be presented upon arrival at the designated area, and upon return.  A student should insist on a pass if he/she is allowed to leave the room.

 

Students out of class during class periods without a duly authorized pass are subject to school discipline.  This will be determined by the circumstances and may only be a conference or it could mean detention or loss of pass privileges.

 

                Misuse of hall passes, which means going to a location for which the pass was not issued or being gone for a period of time longer than is reasonably needed for the errand, will result in detention the first time, and on the second offense, a loss of pass privileges for an extended time.

LOCKS AND LOCKERS

 

1.             School locks and lockers are the property of the school district and are under the joint control of the assigned student and the building administrators.

 

2.             Every student must use the locker assigned.

 

3.             Lockers should be kept clean and neatly arranged at all times.

 

4.             One student will be assigned to each hall locker. Students are not to share lockers.

 

5.             Lock combinations are not to be given to others. This is the only certain way for a student to protect his/her belongings.  Students are not to trade locks or combinations.

 

6.             Only school locks may be used.

 

7.             All students using the locker room facilities must maintain a locked locker and keep personal belongings locked up during class and activities.  Anything left outside in the locker room area after school will be thrown away or brought to the office.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

 

                Each student should assume the responsibility of taking care of his own possessions.  The school district does not carry insurance on students' personal property items.  Since each student is provided storage space, there should be a minimum of lost and misplaced articles.  The following suggestions are made to help prevent losses and to aid in the recovery of lost items.

 

1.             PLACE YOUR NAME in or on all of your books, briefcases, purses, billfolds, and wearing apparel, so that such articles may be identified and returned when found.

                            

2.             Walkmans, radios, CD players, I-Pods, pagers, pocket video games, cellular phones and other electronic devices will not be allowed at any time during the school day.   Students are not to carry these devices with them from the time they enter the building until after students have been dismissed from school. 

·          1st Offense:    Kept by the office the rest of the day.

·          2nd Offense:  Kept by the office the rest of the day, parents contacted, 2 week check in.

·          3rd Offense:    Kept by the office the rest of the day, parents contacted and a separate discipline contract

developed (verbal or through student information system letter).

 

3.             Do not carry purses or other unnecessary possessions from class to class. The more items you carry, the easier it will be to lose or misplace one.  Do not bring unnecessary items to school.

 

4.             Take care of your books and other possessions. Do not leave them in classrooms, in locker rooms, or in the hallways.

 

5.             BRING NO MORE MONEY TO SCHOOL THAN IS NECESSARY. If you must bring a large sum of money, you may check it in the office.

 

6.                    Students in physical education should lock all possessions in their lockers during class.

 

7.                    If you lose something, check daily in the office.  If a valuable item is lost, report it to the office or to a teacher immediately.   Take found items to the office.

 

8.                    Students will be allowed to carry only the school issued laptop bag from class to class.  Students will be permitted to carry their classroom supplies, notebooks, etc. in their laptop bag but should not carry textbooks inside the bag.  Students will not be allowed to carry book bags from class to class.

 

STUDENT DRESS POLICY

 

Appearance does affect the learning atmosphere of a school.  Neatness, decency and good taste are emphasized as guidelines for acceptable dress.