Pierson High School Student Handbook 2015-2016

PIERSON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2015-2016 200 Jermain Avenue Sag Harbor, New York 11963 (631) 725-5302 www.sagharborschools.org

Board of Education Ms. Susan Kinsella, President Ms. Chris Tice, Vice President Ms. Stephanie Bitis Ms. Sandi Kruel Ms. Diana Kolhoff Ms. Theresa Samot Mr. Thomas Schiavoni

Administrative and Support Staff Katy Graves.……….........Superintendent Jennifer Buscemi………… Business Administrator Jeff Nichols.……………....Principal Mike Guinan.……………….Assistant Principal Brittany Miaritis………… MS Assistant Principal Eric Bramoff …………….Athletic Director and Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Barbara Bekermus…………Dir. of Pupil Personnel Services Scott Fisher……………….Technology Coordinator

This handbook belongs to: Name _________________________________

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION High School Objectives____________________________________________________________________________ Philosophy______________________________________________________________________________________ Faculty and Staff_________________________________________________________________________________ Bell Schedule____________________________________________________________________________________ Anti-Harassment / Non-Discrimination Policy__________________________________________________________

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SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES Activities, Clubs, Organizations______________________________________________________________________ Attendance For Sports/Extracurricular Activities_________________________________________________________ Attendance and Class Participation____________________________________________________________________ Dismissal_______________________________________________________________________________________ Driving and Parking Regulations_____________________________________________________________________ Emergency Closing Of School_______________________________________________________________________ Fire Drills, False Alarms & Bomb Threats______________________________________________________________ Fund Raising____________________________________________________________________________________ Honesty________________________________________________________________________________________ Leaving the Building_______________________________________________________________________________ Lockers________________________________________________________________________________________ Loss of School Material____________________________________________________________________________ Lost and Found__________________________________________________________________________________ Lunch Release___________________________________________________________________________________ National Honor Society____________________________________________________________________________ Pass System_____________________________________________________________________________________ Senior Privileges__________________________________________________________________________________ Study Hall______________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone Messages_______________________________________________________________________________ Visitors to the School______________________________________________________________________________

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GUIDANCE AND STUDENT SERVICES Community Service_______________________________________________________________________________ Early Graduation Procedure_________________________________________________________________________ Grading Policy___________________________________________________________________________________ Guidance Services________________________________________________________________________________ Honor Roll______________________________________________________________________________________ Requirements for Graduation________________________________________________________________________ Valedictorian and Salutatorian_______________________________________________________________________ Schedule Changes/Withdrawal from Courses____________________________________________________________ Student Records__________________________________________________________________________________ Work Release Program_____________________________________________________________________________

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STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND CONDUCT Bus Conduct____________________________________________________________________________________ Bus Infractions___________________________________________________________________________________ Academic Honesty Policy___________________________________________________________________________ Class Cuts_______________________________________________________________________________________ Computer Privileges, Rights and Responsibilities_________________________________________________________ Dangerous Instruments____________________________________________________________________________ Detention System_________________________________________________________________________________ Dress Code_____________________________________________________________________________________ Electronic Equipment_____________________________________________________________________________ Extracurricular Participation Policy___________________________________________________________________ Fire Alarms_____________________________________________________________________________________ Fighting________________________________________________________________________________________ Forging of Notes_________________________________________________________________________________ Gambling_______________________________________________________________________________________ Student Health Services____________________________________________________________________________ Inappropriate Behavior____________________________________________________________________________ Insubordination__________________________________________________________________________________ Library and Library Computer Lab Use________________________________________________________________

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Loitering_______________________________________________________________________________________ _ Office Detention_________________________________________________________________________________ Physical Assault__________________________________________________________________________________ Profanity_______________________________________________________________________________________ Smoking________________________________________________________________________________________ Stealing_________________________________________________________________________________________ Substance Abuse Policy____________________________________________________________________________ Suspension Policy_________________________________________________________________________________ Tardiness_______________________________________________________________________________________ Trespassing_____________________________________________________________________________________ Truancy________________________________________________________________________________________ Vandalism______________________________________________________________________________________ Waterguns and Snowballs___________________________________________________________________________ Weapons_______________________________________________________________________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTINUED

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OBJECTIVES Pierson High School, in its endeavor to attain the fulfillment of its philosophy, strives to: provide educational opportunities for the young people of Sag Harbor; provide a learning environment that is intellectually, socially, and physically stimulating; provide essential programs for required studies; provide learning opportunities in basic vocational areas; enrich individual interests and needs by offering a variety of electives in basic skills and disciplines; provide services and activities that will enhance the academic, vocational, physical, and social development of students; provide students with opportunities to make decisions about their future educational and social lives; develop in students an understanding of their responsibilities to other individuals and to society; encourage the utilization of community resources to enhance learning; and promote life long learning.

PHILOSOPHY Statement of Philosophy In our society, the public school has been given a major responsibility for the development of the attitudes and aspirations of our youth. In order to fulfill this responsibility, all segments of the community should share in providing a school environment that will enable our young people to achieve their goals.

Since, in our society, education is a right of all persons, the school should provide the opportunity for students to pursue their ambitions commensurate with their abilities. The school should provide a framework within which individuals can develop their personalities, as well as increase their knowledge and improve their skills.

The school environment must provide for a mutual and reasonable interaction among its participants. The rights and responsibilities of individuals must be respected, while intellectual freedom and individual pursuits must be encouraged. It is within such an environment that personal identities can be strengthened, individual achievement can be stimulated, and awareness of social obligations and benefits can be developed.

Although the school bears a primary responsibility for educating youth, education should not be restricted to the confines of the school, nor to the limited time span of the individual's school experience. Education is a lifelong process that should be continued at other times and in other environments. The intellectual and social experiences, and the physical and vocational skills should be extended into the community and into the world of opportunity. There is no end to education, no end to the learning initiated during the formal educational experience of students.

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ART Joseph Bartolotto Elizabeth Marchisella Peter Solow English Maria Archer Jen Bianchi Christine Farrell Terri Federico Keith Holden Gary Schulman E.N.L. Juliette Rendon Foreign Language Toby Marienfeld Rocio Gutierrez-Skoldberg Kelly Shaffer Calvin Stewart Guidance Adam Mingione Margaret Motto Home and Careers Donna Mannino Technology Doug Alnwick Library Kira McLaughlin Social Worker Lindsay Reilly School Psychologist Christina Little

HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY Music Suzanne Nicoletti Austin Remson Eric Reynolds Physical Education and Health Sue Denis Shannon Judge Daniel White Science Joseph Amato Kevin Barron Clint Schulman Rich Schumacher Robert Schumacher Social Studies Frank Atkinson-Barnes Sue Duff Sean Kelly Donnelly McGovern Jim Sloane Ruth White-Dunne Special Education Sarah Glass Amy Gleason Christian Johns Matt Shimkus Kate Sullivan Emily Tyson Math Caitlin King James Kinnier Jason LaBatti Kevin Roode Linda Sendlenski Ewa Szychowska Sharon Truland 2015-2016

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BELL SCHEDULE l ……………………………………………………………………

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to 9:41 to 10:24 to 11:07 to 11:50 to 12:33 to 1:16 to 1:59 to 2:36

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION/ANTI-HARASSMENT It is the policy of the Sag Harbor School District that no student shall be subjected to harassment by employees or students on school property or at a school function; nor shall any student be subjected to discrimination based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weights, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex by school employees or at a school function. As indicated in the NYS Dignity for All Students Act. For more information on this Act, please visit the District website.

• The New York State Dignity For All Students Act (Dignity Act) was signed into law on September 13, 2010. This legislation amended State Education Law by creating a new Article 2 – Dignity for All Students.

• The Dignity Act states that NO student shall be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students on school property or at a school function based on their actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.

Harassment may take the form of comments, name-calling, jokes, stalking, perpetuating rumors or gossip, offensive gestures or language, assault or any other behavior that is designed to annoy, intimidate or cause fear.

Bullying and/or hazing of students and staff is prohibited behavior and will not be tolerated.

“Hazing” means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a risk of emotional, physical or psychological harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, club or for any other purpose.

Bullying consists of inappropriate persistent behavior including threats, or intimidation of others, treating others cruelly, terrorizing, coercing, or habitual put downs and/or badgering of others. Bullying, similar to all forms of harassment and hazing, are prohibited behaviors.

Common characteristics of bullying: • • •

Physical – hitting, kicking, taking or damaging a victim’s property Verbal – using words to berate, hurt or humiliate Relational – maliciously spreading rumors, and/or actively excluding a person from the peer group to cause emotional harm

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SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS Students are encouraged to take part in the co-curricular activities of their choice. Students should complement their academic program with activities that will broaden their areas of interest.

Band Chorus Honor Society Model United Nations HUGS Math Team Performing Arts Robotics Student Council Quiz Bowl Newspaper Art Studio Gay-Straight Alliance

Athletics

Varsity Baseball Basketball Bowling Cheerleading Cross Country Field Hockey Football Golf Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis Track Volleyball Wrestling Junior Varsity Baseball Basketball Field Hockey Football Golf Lacrosse Softball Soccer Tennis Wrestling

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ATTENDANCE FOR SPORTS AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students who are not in school cannot participate in any practice, game or extracurricular activity that day unless permitted by the Principal.

ATTENDANCE AND CLASS PARTICIPATION Regular attendance at school is necessary for satisfactory schoolwork. All absences and lateness to school require a written excuse upon return to school. All notes shall be signed by a parent or guardian, stating the reason for the absence, and presented on the first day of the student’s return to school. Absences of five consecutive days or more may require a physician’s written excuse for readmission.

A student’s absence shall be designated EXEMPT or UNEXCUSED based on the reason(s) given for the absence or late behavior.

Reasons for EXEMPT absences will include those for college interviews, religious requirements, court appearances, school-sponsored activities, and other requests approved by the Principal. Reasons such as “overslept,” “car problems,” “missed the bus,” “personal,” “work commitments,” “baby-sitting,” and being absent due to sickness are UNEXCUSED. For credit to be granted for any course, individual student attendance may not be less than 90% of the calendar year which is considered to be 180 periods for courses which meet once a day everyday or meet two periods per day every other day. Therefore, if any student accumulates more than 18 UNEXCUSED periods absent from a class (9 for semester courses), that student will not receive credit for that class. For Science Laboratory classes, the allowable limit is 27. Please note that if a student is absent from a class for more than 15 minutes, the lateness will count as a one period absence. Also, lateness to class three times is considered a one period absence. All students late to period #1 and seniors late to period #8 must obtain a pass from the office prior to entering class.

Letters are sent home quarterly to students who have accumulated 7 or more absences in at least one course. In addition, all report cards and progress reports will list the cumulative absences for each course.

A student and his/her parents can petition the Attendance Review Committee who can modify the policy when extenuating circumstances warrant. The Attendance Review Committee is comprised of the Principal and another administrator.

DISMISSAL Students who wish to be dismissed from school must present a note from their parent or guardian to the office.

Dismissals from school shall be allowed for the following reasons only:

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Family or personal emergency Illness or medical appointment Religious holidays Court appearances Students who are dismissed during the school day shall sign out in the office before leaving the building by the main entrance.

Students who return to school from dismissal shall sign in at the Main Office as well.

Telephone requests for dismissal shall be granted only in EXTREME emergencies. A note from the parent or guardian shall be brought the next day.

It is strongly suggested that parents come to school and personally sign out their children for an emergency dismissal.

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DRIVING AND PARKING REGULATIONS The right to drive on public roads is subject in all areas of the United States to control by the government authorities. Such institutions as schools and colleges commonly feel the need to regulate automobile usage connected with them for the sake of both the students and the school. With bus transportation provided, students should usually avail themselves of this service. If spaces are available, a lottery will be run at the beginning of each semester for student spaces.

IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT FIRE LANES AND OTHER AREAS BE KEPT FREE IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES. Vehicles parked improperly or in non-designated areas may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Students parked in teachers’ parking lot without permission: 1st Offense: 1 Detention 2nd Offense: 2 Detentions No student may sit in a car or be in the parking area at any time except for those very few moments required for arrival and departure.

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL The closing of school because of bad weather or other emergencies will be announced during the early morning hours on radio stations WLNG 92.1 FM and WALK 97.5 FM. It will also be posted on the school website.

FIRE DRILLS, FALSE ALARMS, BOMB THREATS When the fire alarm sounds, students and faculty are to leave the building through designated exits. Elevators should not be used. All materials are to be left in the rooms.

It is extremely important that we achieve the greatest possible efficiency in this exercise. To do this, students are required to stay in class groups from the time they leave their class. There must be no running but all must walk briskly.

Smoke is usually far more dangerous than the flames in most types of fires. Any student who encounters a smoke-filled area should immediately get down on the floor and crawl through the area. It is important to stay close to the floor.

Any student who sets off a false alarm will be suspended and the police will be notified. Anyone setting off a false alarm may be prosecuted for this violation.

Fire Drills – Fire drills and other emergency related drills will occur during the school year.

Bomb Threats -- Any false report of a bomb or other threat of a similar nature will result in suspension from school, a Superintendent’s hearing and a report to the police.

FUND RAISING Student organizations may solicit funds or materials within the school. All fund raising activities must first be approved by the Student Council with final approval by the Principal. Requests must be submitted two weeks in advance.

HONESTY Pierson students are encouraged and expected to be truthful and honest even when it means acknowledging wrongdoing.

LEAVING THE BUILDING For safety and security reasons, a student must have the consent of an administrator to leave the building. Any student who has a valid reason for leaving the building must present evidence of this to the Principal, must sign out in the main office, and must sign back in upon his/her return. Failure to do so will result in suspension.

LOCKERS

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Lockers are assigned at the beginning of each school year. A student shall occupy only their assigned locker. The lockers are to be kept neat and clean. Lockers are school property and they may be inspected or searched at any time. Refer to the District Code of Conduct.

Lockers and desks are furnished and maintained by the School District and remain the property of the School District. Students are responsible for the cleanliness and orderliness of their lockers.

Students shall not place, keep, or maintain any article or material in or on a locker that may cause any type of disruptive activity. If students wish to hang pictures in their lockers, they must be appropriate in nature. Any sexually suggestive or drug related pictures, as well as advertisements for alcoholic beverages, are not permitted. If a student has any of these in his/her locker, an administrator will request that these items be removed. This constitutes a warning. If a second violation occurs, disciplinary action will be taken.

A reminder to all students: Keep your lockers locked and do not give your combination to anyone.

LOSS OF SCHOOL MATERIAL Students are responsible for textbooks and must ensure proper care. Any book lost or defaced will result in the student paying for said item; payment should be made to the School District.

LOST AND FOUND Students should check for lost clothing, books and other articles in the office.

LUNCH RELEASE Seniors are permitted to leave the building to go out for lunch during the specified lunch times. For those who wish to stay at the school, the cafeteria is available. Appropriate behavior is required of students whether they are on or off campus during lunch.

Students who return from lunch late for their next class will face the following consequences: First & Second Time Late…………Detention Three or More Times Late…………Loss of Privilege for Two Weeks The lunch release privilege may be withdrawn due to inappropriate behavior or continual tardiness and/or lateness to school/classes.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Eligibility: All students in grades 11-12 with cumulative scholastic weighted averages of 90% or higher are eligible for selection to the National Honor Society.

Selection: All eligible students will receive application for review by the National Honor Society Faculty Committee (selected each year by the Principal). Review will focus on four areas: 1. Scholarship 2. Service 3. Leadership 4. Character After such review, students who receive the required number of points from members of the Faculty Committee will be notified of their selection to the Society.

Induction: An Induction Ceremony for new members of the National Honor Society is held during the school year.

Review: The National Honor Society Advisor will periodically review the status of Honor Society members to ensure that student performance merits continued membership in the Honor Society.

PASS SYSTEM

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Students who are in corridors at times other than the three-minute passing time between periods must have a pass. Students are expected to report to assigned classes or study halls on time. A student detained in a previous class, must have a pass from that teacher to be admitted to the next class or study hall.

Students requesting to leave a class or study hall to see another faculty member must have a note from the faculty member who has agreed to see them. This note must be signed and approved by the class or study hall teacher before students are permitted to leave their regularly scheduled class or study hall. In addition, the teacher of the scheduled class must give his/her permission. Students in blocked classes should not request passes at the mid point of the double period when other students who are not in blocked classes are passing. Students who wish to see the nurse must report to class to get a pass BEFORE going to the nurse.

SENIOR PRIVILEGES By virtue of their advanced standing and maturity, seniors may earn privileges that are not applicable to students in other grades. As with all privileges, these can be revoked if a student’s academic and behavior status is not satisfactory.  Seniors have the option of arriving to school before the start of their first class if they do not have a regularly scheduled first period class. Likewise they may leave after they have finished all their classes for the day, unless required to remain for Academic Support.  During times that seniors are not assigned to regularly scheduled classes, they will be assigned to study halls.

Attendance is taken in study hall and seniors are responsible for being there. Seniors who fail or are in jeopardy of failing a course must spend all unassigned time in study halls until the situation is rectified.

STUDY HALL Appropriate behavior is expected in study hall as defined by school behavior codes. Students will at all times remain quiet in supervised study unless directly addressed by the teacher. Students will work on constructive tasks during the time they are in the supervised study.

Attendance is taken in study halls. When a study hall student is in any other area of the school, he/she must be in possession of a pass approved by the study hall teacher.

TELEPHONE MESSAGES Since the number of office staff and phones is limited, parents are requested to refrain from trying to deliver routine messages to their children by phone. In emergencies, messages will be delivered. The office phone is for school use. A phone is available in the main office for student use.

VISTORS TO THE SCHOOL All visitors to the school must check in at the front office as soon as they have entered the building. Students are not permitted to bring younger members of their family to school. Refer to the District Code of Conduct for additional information regarding visitors to the school during and after the school day.

GUIDANCE AND STUDENT SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICE In order to graduate from Pierson, each student has to give evidence that he or she has provided service to the community. This requirement may be met by helping out with an event or project sponsored by a community organization, or it can be something that the student arranges on his/her own with the community service advisor. Ten hours of service are required. A student may need to participate in several activities in order to contribute this amount of time.

It is the student’s responsibility to get in writing a statement giving a name for the event or project, the date, time of his/her participation, and the signature of an adult community leader (printed out if not legible) who was in charge at the time. This should be turned in to the community service advisor as soon as possible. Community service must be completed by June 10 of the graduation year.

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EARLY GRADUATION PROCEDURE A student shall be eligible for early graduation following the completion of all requirements for graduation. The District, upon request from the student’s parent/legal guardian, may choose to grant the student a high school diploma prior to his/her completion of the eighth semester. All applications for early graduation must be approved by the Principal.

GRADING POLICY Report cards are issued four times a year. There are four interim reports as well. The final grade is computed by averaging the fourquarter grades. Mid term and final exams are combined and comprise a 5 th grade (20%) when they are administered. Not all classes include a mid term or final.

Students must pass the course in order to receive credit. Students passing the Regents Examination but not passing the course will receive Regents credit but not credit toward graduation. Below is the grading system.

GRADE WEIGHING

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Pierson High School weights courses to determine each student’s GPA & class rank although the weighted grade does not appear on the report card.

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Weighting is determined in the following manner:

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All courses have a base value of 1.0.  Courses bearing Regents Exams are weighted with a factor of 1.05, under the following conditions: The weighting factor is assigned when the student passes the Regents Exam. Failure to pass the exam leaves the weight at 1.0.

Subject areas sequences having only one Regents Exam (e.g., global history, foreign language) will have the factor applied to all courses in the sequence when the exam is passed.

Subject areas having more than one exam will have the factor applied to each course in which an exam is passed.

•

Honors courses are weighted with a factor of 1.08 and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses are weighted with a factor of 1.1 under the following guidelines:

 

The weighting factor is assigned when the student takes the AP Exam.

If the exam is not attempted, the weight remains at the base value of the course (1.0 or 1.05).

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GUIDANCE SERVICES The guidance counselors assist students in maximizing their learning experiences while providing specifically for their future needs.

The counselors help each student to think through his/her problems or concerns and plan accordingly. The student must make his/her own decisions. The counselors will try to assist the student in making wise decisions and plans.

Students are urged to see a counselor when questions or problems arise. A student does not need to have a “serious” problem in order to benefit from guidance services. The purpose of guidance services is to help each student grow in self-understanding, to make wise, practical decisions, and to do increasingly effective planning. Students should make an appointment with the guidance office to see a counselor. Appointments may be made with the guidance secretary.

Bulletin boards and electronic monitors throughout the school display information on scholarships, work and college information, testing programs, and other pertinent material.

Each student will be assigned to a counselor who will help with educational, personal, and occupational choices and decisions.

Parents with questions and concerns should call their son/daughter’s counselor at 725-5302 x711.

PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL All subjects including Physical Education must average 90 with no grade below an 85.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION The Board of Education minimum standards and the New York State Regents minimum standards are required for graduation from high school.

All school programs have one main purpose even though they provide a variety of experiences to students. This purpose is to help all students develop and acquire the skills, abilities, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to work towards high school graduation and success in the workplace or further education. Student eligibility for a diploma will be determined by the High School Principal on the basis of the official high school record. Students who meet the requirements may be issued a diploma. Any student who does not meet the requirements for a diploma will not be permitted to participate in graduation.

All students must meet New York State Department of Education requirements, based on the year they first entered 9 th grade. Refer to the Counseling Center for additional information.

A student must also complete ten hours of approved community service. The service must be completed during grades 9-12. The deadline for completion of service and submission of paperwork is June 10 of the graduation year.

DETERMINING VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN To validate who has earned the highest (valedictorian) and the second highest (salutatorian) ranks in a graduating class, students’ grades are re-averaged at the end of the first semester of the year in which the class graduates. Such determination is final and no adjustment thereafter will take place.

In order to be eligible to be the Valedictorian or Salutatorian, a graduating senior must have spent at least four semesters at Pierson High School. A grade conversion chart will be applied to grades of students who transfer from a school that uses an alternative grading method.

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SCHEDULE CHANGES/WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSES If a change occurs in a student’s program, a written notice signed by a counselor will be given to each teacher involved. No withdrawal or admission to class should take place until this written notification has been received. The teacher obtains the drop/add form through the guidance office. Parents’ approval in writing will be obtained for all but minor changes, and will be filed in the student’s cumulative folder.

Students must carry a minimum of [6] unit courses per semester in addition to physical education, unless an abbreviated schedule is approved by the Principal in advance.

Once the school year starts, a student who wishes to change his/her program should obtain a “drop” or “add” form from the guidance office. On this form, the student should show the change(s) desired, get written comments and recommendations from the teacher(s) affected by the change, and have a parent sign the completed form prior to submitting it to his/her counselor.

All program changes should take place within the first two weeks of each semester. Students dropping a course after this period with a cumulative average below 65%/F will receive a WF (Withdrew with an F) on their permanent transcript. Students wishing to appeal should schedule an appointment with the Principal.

STUDENT RECORDS Individual student records are on file in the school. They are open to review upon written request. This request must be signed by both the student and a parent (excepting students 18 years or older may sign the request only). The Principal will act on this request within two school days.

A student’s permanent record will be transferred as the student advances in the school system. The individual records from each school will be kept at that particular school.

WORK RELEASE PROGRAM The work release program is designed to provide an opportunity for students to work part-time while they continue their formal education. This part-time work need not be related to the specific occupational goal of the student.

Seniors may be released early, schedule permitting, by obtaining a work-release form from the guidance office and having it signed by both parent and employer. When it is returned to the guidance office, the student’s schedule will be adjusted to accommodate the work release.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND CONDUCT The Sag Harbor School District is committed to promoting safe and healthy learning environments where students are secure in their pursuit of educational success, free from the distracting incidence of violent behaviors in class, the carrying of weapons, fighting, physical assaults and other behaviors that impede learning.

They should be secure as well from the emergencies that sometimes arise from outside the school in the forms of organized violence, natural disasters and technological malfunctions.

Toward those ends, the Sag Harbor School Board has adopted a Code of Conduct governing the behavior of students, staff and visitors to the district, and safety plans for responding to school emergencies consistent with the requirements of the SAVE legislation (Chapter 181 of the Laws of NY 2000).

Copies of the District Code of Conduct, District-wide School Safety Plan and summary of the Building Level Emergency Response Plan are available in the District Office. A plain language summary of the District Code of Conduct is made available to parents at the beginning of each school year.

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BUS CONDUCT Students are to conduct themselves in an orderly manner while waiting for the bus. Students are to board the bus one at a time, go directly to their seats, and remain seated until they get off the bus. Smoking is prohibited.

Students are to speak, not shout, while on the bus.

No objects are to be thrown in the bus or out of the bus window. Students are to assist the bus driver in keeping the bus neat and clean.

Students are to ride the bus to which they have been assigned, and get on and off the bus only at assigned stops.

Students are to obey the bus driver at all times.

Hands, heads, or other body parts are not to protrude from the bus windows.

All school rules apply while students are on the bus.

BUS INFRACTIONS Written reports of violations are given by the driver or bus manager to the Assistant Principal. Chronic or serious infractions will result in suspension from bus transportation. As in school, fights, vandalism, and substance abuse are serious infractions and will result in suspension. Other actions that constitute safety hazards will result in suspension from bus transportation.

When a child is suspended from riding a bus, IT BECOMES THE PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO TRANSPORT THE CHILD. Suspension shall begin the school day following the day of notification of suspension is sent to the pupil’s parents.

Repeated serious misbehavior on the bus may result in suspension of transportation privileges for an extended time.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: Students are responsible for the integrity of their own work. A student’s name on an exercise or assessment (homework, report, notebook, performance, project, quiz, examination or research paper etc.) is taken as an assurance that the work submitted is the direct result of the student’s own thoughts, stated in his or her own words, and produced without the assistance of others. Any violation of this standard is regarded as cheating.

Cheating is defined as actions including, but not limited to, copying in testing situations, using unauthorized help sheets, illegally obtaining tests or individual test questions, providing test questions and/or answers to another student, and all forms of unauthorized collusion as well as copying any document(s) without giving proper credit, copying another student’s work, allowing one’s own work to be copied, purchasing or downloading any work written by another, and copying and paraphrasing another’s ideas without giving proper credit (plagiarism).

Consequences for cheating are the following. On any assessment (as defined above) the student will receive a zero, the parent or guardian will be contacted by the teacher, and the incident will be documented in the student’s file. On any external assessment (SAT, ACT, RCT, AP, IB, Regents’ Examinations, etc.) the administering entity protocols are applicable.

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CLASS CUTS All students are expected to adhere to their schedule. Failure to do so without a signed handbook will result in the following: First Class Cut…………………………1 School Detention Second Class Cut………………………2 School Detentions Third Class Cut………………………..In School Suspension Any student who is found to be cutting class will receive a zero for that period. This will also be counted as an unexcused absence and may affect the class participation portion of the quarterly report card grade. Excessive cutting may result in loss of credit as explained in the Attendance Policy.

Any student who cuts a class and cannot produce proof of his/her whereabouts in the building will be considered as leaving the building without permission.

COMPUTER PRIVILEGES, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The use of the District’s computer resources is a privilege. It is expected that all individuals utilizing the District’s computers and networks will undertake responsibility for their actions and words; and will, furthermore, respect the rights and privileges of other network users. The following actions are not permitted:

            

Sharing your password or account number with anyone Using impersonation, anonymity or pseudonyms Leaving your account open and unattended (You have full responsibility for the use of your account, and you will be held responsible for any policy violations that are traced to your account.)

Damaging, abusing or breaking the hardware, software or the network Plagiarizing or using copyrighted material without permission. (Do not quote personal communications, software, art, music or any other media without the original author’s prior consent.)

Using the computers for illegal activities or for commercial gain Sending, using or displaying inappropriate language, pictures or any other type of communication, including profanity, pornography or inflammatory speech Disrespecting the rights and property of others Improperly accessing, destroying or misusing files or data of others Attempting to work in or modify the Network Operating System Exploring or changing any system files Intentionally wasting limited resources Installing or attempting to install software, which only designated employees are allowed to do

Users must familiarize themselves with these responsibilities. Failure to adhere to them may result in the loss of network and/or computer privileges, suspension and possible legal actions. The District Code of Conduct mandates additional consequences for vandalism and threats made against others. There are criminal laws related to the misuse of computers.

Students who violate these laws may face criminal prosecution.

DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS Dangerous instruments, including but not limited to knives, guns, ammunition, pellet guns, box cutters, razor blades and the like, are not to be brought to school. Any such items will be confiscated and may be turned over to the police.

Incendiary devices, such as firecrackers, smoke bombs, and stink bombs are illegal and are not allowed in school. Students possessing or using any of these items will be subject to disciplinary action as per the code of conduct. Parents will be notified and the police may be contacted. A Superintendent’s hearing may be convened, the result of which could be removal from school for an extended period of time. See the District Code of Conduct for additional information. New York State and federal law mandates periods of suspension for students who bring weapons to school

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DETENTION SYSTEM Detention is unnecessary in most cases and can easily be avoided by adhering to rules in the school. However, as in all schools, there will be those who, for one reason or another, choose not to conform to reasonable rules and detention will be assigned to them.

1. Students must attend detention and be punctual.

If a student fails to serve the assigned school detention, he/she will accrue a detention day in addition to the one missed. In any case the original detention given by the teacher MUST be served irrespective of the number of school detentions a student receives.

If a subsequent detention is missed, a suspension will be assigned. Students remain responsible for serving the missed detention.

DRESS CODE All students, administrators, teachers and staff are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions. A student’s responsibility to come to school dressed appropriately rests with each student, his/her parents, the building administration, faculty and staff. Students and parents have the right to determine school dress providing the attire complies with requirements for health and safety, and does not interfere with the educational process. Furthermore, it is expected that dress reflect current community standards and deportment. Clothing and attire that bear an expression or insignia that can be interpreted as obscene or libelous, which advocate racial or religious prejudice, or are disruptive, are forbidden. Examples of unacceptable school attire, although not limited to the following, include:

        

Clothing or jewelry with markings of tobacco, alcohol or drugs Clothing or jewelry that convey messages of nudity, lewdness, profanity, bias, violence and/or pose a physical danger Short-shorts/short skirts and/or clothing that expose bare midriffs Torn, transparent (see through), and fishnet clothing that inappropriately exposes undergarments or skin Pants that are worn beneath the waist or which expose undergarments Gang-related clothing or paraphernalia Head coverings worn in the classroom Clothing which bear expressions or insignia which are obscene, libelous or disruptive Items that denigrate others on account of race, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability

The Board of Education requires students to wear appropriate protective gear in certain classes, (e.g., family and consumer science, technology, physical education).

In addition to the above guidelines, the school administration reserves the right to make determinations regarding appropriateness of attire on an individual basis.

The Board of Education authorizes the administration to take action in instances where individual dress does not meet the stated requirements.

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ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Cell phones are permitted in school. Students may use their devices before the start of 1st period, in the hallways, during lunch and after school. Once inside a classroom, cell phones/electronic devices must be turned off and stored in a location not visible to the teacher. Cell phones/electronic devices may be used for educational purposes in the classroom with teacher permission. If a cellphone/electronic device rings, vibrates or is used without teacher permission in a classroom, a faculty or staff member may confiscate the device. Refusal to surrender your cell phone/electronic device when asked is considered insubordinate and will result in disciplinary consequences up to and including suspension.

First Offense: the device will be held in the Administrative office until the end of the school day.

Second Offense: the device will remain in the office until the end of the school day and one after school detention will be assigned.

Third Offense: the device will remain in the office for five school days and the student will be assigned one day of in school suspension.

ELIGIBILITY POLICY FOR CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The Board of Education has adopted an eligibility policy. Copies of this policy are available in the main office.

FIRE ALARMS AND BOMB THREATS Setting off a false alarm or making a false bomb threat is a safety hazard. Any student who sets off a false alarm or makes a bomb threat will be suspended and charges may be filed. The matter may also be referred to the Superintendent of Schools for further disciplinary action or the police will be notified. Anyone setting off a false alarm may be prosecuted for this violation as well.

FIGHTING Fighting will not be tolerated on school property or in the school vicinity. Fights occurring on the way to and from school or during lunch will be considered to fall under this policy. Students who are involved in fights will be suspended. The District Code of Conduct mandates a minimum period of suspension for students involved in a violent incident.

FORGING OF NOTES A student who forges any type of note or pass will be issued a suspension for the first offense.

GAMBLING No gambling is permitted on school property. A student will be issued a warning for the first offense and a school detention for the second offense. A suspension will be issued for a third offense for gambling.

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STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES The school nurse monitors the health of all students in the school and is the liaison between the school and various health agencies.

All students are required to have an updated emergency card on file in the Health Office. This card should be filled out completely and signed by the parent or guardian. The Health Office should be advised of any changes in address, phone numbers, and emergency contact person(s).

The school nurse will provide emergency care for students involved in accidents or unexpected medical situations.

Administration of Medicine in School If a student needs to take medication during the school day, he or she must follow these rules: • • • •

Bring a note from his or her parent which gives the nurse permission to store the medication for the student’s use, releasing the Board and its employees of liability for the administration of medication.

Give the nurse a doctor’s note with instructions about dosage, times given, etc.

Bring a copy of the prescription.

An adult must bring the medication to school in the original container.

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR-DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION The school premises are not an appropriate environment for the display of certain types of affection that include, but are not limited to, kissing, caressing, or embracing. Students will be issued an office detention after an initial warning for the first offense. A parent conference will be held if an additional problem occurs. If there are any further incidents, a one-day suspension will be issued.

INSUBORDINATION Students are encouraged and expected to conduct themselves in a reasonable manner. Students are expected to follow requests and directives of staff members. Failure to do so will be considered insubordination. Possible consequences include detention, in-school suspension and out-of-school suspension.

LIBRARY and LIBRARY COMPUTER LAB USE The Library and Library Computer Lab is available for student use during study hall, lunch, and Academic Support. When visiting the Library, each student must have a signed planner to the library from a staff member. Study Hall visits will be used to complete assignments or request support in the Library.

LOITERING There will be no loitering in the halls or bathrooms.

First Offense……………………………………Warning Second Offense…………………………………Office Detention Repeated Offense……………………………Suspension OFFICE DETENTION An administrator will assign office detention. Some infractions resulting in detention include excessive tardiness, inappropriate displays of affection, disruptive behavior in the halls, etc. Office detention will be from 2:35 to 3:05 p.m.

PHYSICAL ASSAULT/VERBAL THREATS/HARASSMENT

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DIRECTED AT A STAFF MEMBER OR STUDENT Incidents involving physical assault, verbal threats, and harassment of any type are not permitted. The penalty ranges from one to five days of out-of-school suspension and possible referral to the Superintendent’s office and the Board of Education for further action. Prosecution may result.

PROFANITY Students are encouraged to respect themselves, to treat others respectfully and are expected to use appropriate language, both in the classroom and in the corridors. Profanity is not to be used, and it is not considered to be appropriate in school. Students using profanity will be referred to the office. A minimum of one-day in-school suspension may be issued.

SMOKING No student is allowed to smoke or chew tobacco inside the building or on school grounds. Any student who violates the smoking policy will be subject to the following: First Offense ……………………………… In School Suspension and Referral to the student assistance counselor Second Offense ………………………… Out of School Suspension or Saturday Detention Counseling and referral services are available for students who need help in breaking a smoking habit. Please see the Guidance Department.

STEALING Stealing is a very serious offense. Students found guilty of stealing face a minimum two-day suspension. Prosecution may result.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY Use or possession of alcohol or other drugs is prohibited. A student shall not buy, possess (on his/her person, on school property, or at any school-sponsored event), use, or be under the influence of any mind-altering substance, including but not limited to alcohol, narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, steroids, cocaine, barbiturates, marijuana, tobacco, LSD, PCP, look-a-likes, substances referred to as “designer drugs,” or any counterfeit substance which is used as a controlled substance.

Furthermore, a student shall not knowingly be in the presence of any person or location where there is any mind-altering substance, including, but not limited to those substances listed in the above paragraph.

So as to provide for the health and safety of individual students, and those of the school community, any person exhibiting any behavior, conduct, personal or physical characteristics indicative of having used or consumed any mind-altering substance, will be immediately sent to the school personnel. The findings of the medical personnel will be made known at once to the Principal.

The Principal will prohibit any individual suspected of using a mind-altering substance from participating in any school, or school associated activities. The Principal will contact the individual’s parent/guardian, and when appropriate, the law enforcement agencies.

The disciplinary actions relative to violations of these policies pertaining to the use, or possession of mind-altering substances are as follows: First Offense: Five days out-of-school suspension, and an assessment/evaluation by a Counselor.

Second Offense: Five days out-of-school suspension, and referral to the Superintendent of Schools for further disciplinary action, and a meeting of the student and parents with a Counselor prior to allowing the student’s return to school.

Any student who sells illegal substances as defined in the District Code of Conduct will be suspended out of school for five days and referred to the Superintendent of Schools for future disciplinary action. A report will be made to the police.

Drug Paraphernalia/Alcohol Beverage Containers: A student shall not possess on his/her person or on school property (i.e., locker, desk, etc.) or at any school event any type of device or product that can be used for any substance abusing activity. This policy includes but is not limited to any container used to hold an alcoholic beverage or other items, such as pipes, rolling papers, clips, etc.

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The disciplinary actions relative to violations of the school policy pertaining to drug paraphernalia/ alcoholic beverage containers are as follows: First Offense: Immediate contact with parent/guardian and a three-day suspension. The appropriate law enforcement agencies may be contacted. An assessment referral to a Substance Abuse Counselor may be recommended.

Second Offense: Immediate contact with parent/guardian and a five-day suspension.

The appropriate law agencies will be contacted.

Referral to the School Board for further disciplinary action. An assessment evaluation referral to a Substance Abuse Counselor will be required prior to the student’s return to school.

Substance Abuse and Paraphernalia Policy for School Activities, Clubs, and Organizations: The disciplinary actions stated in the substance abuse and paraphernalia policy pertain to all school functions, whether on school property or at another school, facility, or transportation to and from the same.

Any individual in violation of the above policy will not be allowed to attend or participate in that particular event. The coach, chaperon, or person in charge must make every attempt to have the violator’s parent/guardian pick him/her up. The person violating any of the policies is liable to the actions of the host facility, law enforcement agencies, as well as to the disciplinary actions as stated under the Sag Harbor Union Free District’s Substance Abuse and Drug Paraphernalia/Alcoholic Beverage Container Policy.

Medications and Prescribed Drugs: All students must leave all medications and prescribed drugs in the nurse’s office of the school building.

Any student found taking or possessing any over-the-counter or prescribed medication without office knowledge may be handled under the disciplinary actions as stated in the Sag Harbor Union Free School District’s Substance Abuse and Drug Paraphernalia Policy.

SUSPENSION POLICY Pierson High School is intended to be a reasonable place for everyone. Any individual or group of students seeing themselves above the rules will face appropriate consequences. Commonsense, self-discipline, respect, and understanding are the keys to providing an environment for learning.

Please refer to the District Code of Conduct for state mandated periods of suspension for acts of misbehavior.

Suspension will be issued by a high school administrator when it is deemed appropriate. When a student is suspended during the school day, attempts will be made to notify parents before sending the student home. Following verbal notification, a letter confirming the suspension will be mailed home. Students are not permitted on school grounds for the duration of an out of school suspension.

TARDINESS It is very important to be on time for school. This is primarily for two reasons:

 

You need to be in class so you do not miss work.

You distract others when you enter late.

Since, occasionally, circumstances beyond your control can happen, all students will be permitted three tardies each semester without any disciplinary consequences. After that, detention will be assigned. Lateness of fifteen minutes or more is considered an absence from class.

TRESPASSING Misbehavior and mischievous behavior on school grounds after hours will be treated as trespassing. Persons who are banned from school grounds will be charged with trespassing if they are present.

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TRUANCY Absences from school without parent permission will not be authorized by the school. If a student is truant from school, he/she will be issued a one-day in school suspension. Unexcused absences from three classes or more in a day is considered truancy.

VANDALISM Willful destruction or misuse of school property (books, desks, chairs, etc.) is prohibited. Those apprehended will pay for the damage and face suspension. Vandalism is considered a violent act under state law ant the District Code of Conduct.

WATERGUNS AND SNOWBALLS No waterguns are permitted in school because their use and possession may create a dangerous situation. Waterguns will be confiscated. Use of waterguns will result in confiscation of the watergun and possible suspension of the student from school.

Snowball throwing can be dangerous. Students who throw snowballs on school property will face disciplinary action by the administration.

WEAPONS State and Federal law and the District Code of Conduct mandates severe penalties for a student who brings a weapon to school.

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