Purnell Swett
High School
Welcome
To
Ram
Country
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2015 - 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acceleration / 9ACT Testing / 29
Administration / 8
Advisory Council Meeting Dates & Members / 10
Asbestos Memorandum / 9
Attendance / 14
Bus Regulations / 15
Cafeteria / 15
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices / 15
Class Rankings / 23
Clubs and Sponsors / 11
Doctor Notes / 30
Dress Code / 16
Early Dismissal Bell Schedule / 7
Faculty Lounge/Workroom / 29
Field Trips / 30
Fire Drills / 29
Garrett’s Law / 60
Graduation/Promotion Requirements / 25
Guidance / 8
Hall Passes / 34
Health Screening Programs / 60
High School Grading Scale / 23
Homework / 26
Interrogations, Searches & Seizures and Metal Detectors / 19
ISS Contract / 19
Laser Pointers / 30
Learning Centers / 27
Library Services / 28
Lockers / 30
Lost and Found / 30
Medication / 30
Medication Letter / 68
Messages / 11
Non-Discrimination Statement / 30
North Carolina Academic Scholars Program / 26
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Dropout Prevention/Driver’s License Guidelines / 55
Off Limits Areas / 22
Parent Conferences / 28
Parent Notification of North Carolina Immunization Law / 60
Parking / 23
Prom/Homecoming Information / 31
PSHS Athletic Department/List of Sports / 12
PSRC Advisory Council Policy / 71
PSRC Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Complaint Procedure / 16-22
PSRC FERPA Policy / 28
PSRC Grading Scale / 23
PSRC Internet Use Agreement / 57
PSRC Notices of Nondiscrimination / 32
PSRC Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying / 33
PSRC Registered Sex Offenders Policy / 43
PSRC Release of Student and Directory Information / 62
PSRC Required Annual Health Status Update Forms / 65
PSRC School Calendar / 82
PSRC Student & Parent Grievance Procedure / 73
PSRC Visitors to the Schools Policy / 52
PSRC Word of the Week / 79
PTSA Meeting Dates & Members / 10
Purnell Swett High School Mission / 5
Purnell Swett High School Projected Outcomes / 6
Purnell Swett High School Statement of Belief / 5
Purnell Swett High School Vision / 5
Regular Bell Schedule / 6
Reproductive Health & Safety Education Parent Letter / 63
Request for Medication Administration in School / 68
Restrooms / 30
Reteach/Retest Policy / 27
Rights and Responsibilities of Students / 13
SAT Testing Dates / 28
Saturday Academy / 27
School Bus Conduct & Safety / 81
School Closings / 10
Senior Trip / 31
Severe Student Misconduct / 13
Sign-In/Sign-Out / 10
Skipping / 18
Smoking/Possession of Smoking Paraphernalia / 18
Student Book Bags / 22
Student Display of Affection / 17
Student Driving Policy/Contract / 54
Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up / 23
Student Enrollment / 9
Student Fees / 11
Support Staff / 8
Tardy Policy / 18
Telephones / 11
Tobacco-Free School Policy / 47
Transportation to and From School Sponsored/Supervised Events / 49-50
Two-hour Delay Bell Schedule / 7
Vandalism/Care of Bus Property / 51
Visitors / 51
WELCOME TO PURNELL SWETT HIGH SCHOOL
The policies and procedures contained in the handbook are designed to help the school run smoothly so that you will have a successful year at PSHS. The school administration reserves the right to change these policies when deemed necessary.
Your teachers are eager to help you prepare for a successful life, so study hard, and get involved in extracurricular activities. Remember, your success is directly related to your efforts.
PURNELL SWETT HIGH SCHOOL VISION
The vision of Purnell Swett High School is that our students have:
· A compliment of basic linguistic, mathematical, scientific, artistic, physical, and social skills;
· An inquiring and discriminating mind and desire for knowledge;
· A strong self-esteem and high personal expectation;
· A safe, secure and disciplined environment; and,
· Knowledge, skills and core values necessary to achieve personal success and to enrich the community in which they live.
PURNELL SWETT HIGH SCHOOL MISSION
Our mission at Purnell Swett High School is for every student to graduate ready – for college, for work and for life.
PURNELL SWETT HIGH SCHOOL STATEMENT OF BELIEF
It is our belief that the fundamental purpose of Purnell Swett High School is to provide a safe and orderly educational environment in which every student can learn. We believe in the worth, dignity, and uniqueness of all students and respect their right to a quality education. It is our responsibility to provide our students with learning opportunities that challenge, promote, and prepare them to be successful, contributing adults. We believe students learn best when they are engaged and know the relevance of a lesson. We believe daily lessons should foster respect for self, school, and community. We believe high expectations must be established and clearly communicated to students, staff, parents, and community.
PURNELL SWETT HIGH SCHOOL PROJECTED OUTCOMES
It is our desire that student engagement, social responsibility, sense of belonging in the school and community, and student perception of themselves as learners will decrease the dropout rate, create a significant increase in SAT scores, attendance, and student achievement.
PURNELL SWETT HIGH SCHOOL
REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE
2015 - 2016
7:56 Warning Bell
8:00 Tardy Bell
8:00- 9:30 1st Period
9:30- 9:37 Class Change
9:37- 11:07 2nd Period
11:07- 11:15 DEAR (Resource Time)
11:15- 11:22 Class Change
11:22- 1:22 3rd Period
A Lunch
11:24- 11:49 (Lunch)
11:49- 11:53 (Back to Class)
B Lunch
11:54- 12:19 (Lunch)
12:19- 12:24 (Back to Class)
C Lunch
12:26- 12:51 (Lunch)
12:51- 12:55 (Back to Class)
D Lunch
12:57- 1:22 (Lunch)
1:22- 1:30 (Back to Class)
1:30- 3:00 4th Period
3:10- 4:10 Learning Centers (Tuesday Thursday only)
PURNELL SWETT HIGH SCHOOL
2-HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE
9:56 Warning Bell
10:00 Tardy Bell
10:00- 10:37 1st Period
10:37-10:44 Class Change
10:44-11:15 2nd Period
11:15-11:22 Class Change
11:22-1:22 3rd Period
11:24-1:22 Lunches
1:22-1:30 Class Change
1:30-3:00 4th Period
PURNELL SWETT HIGH SCHOOL
EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE
7:56 Warning Bell
8:00 Tardy Bell
8:00- 9:02 1st Period
9:02- 9:09 Class Change
9:09- 10:11 2nd Period
10:11- 10:18 Class Change
10:18- 11:15 4th Period
11:15- 11:22 Class Change
11:22- 1:30 3rd Period
11:24- 1:30 Lunches
1:30 Early Dismissal
ADMINISTRATION:
Clyde Leviner Principal
Portia Brazelton Assistant Principal – Administration
Jessie McCormick Assistant Principal – Operations
Anthony Barton Assistant Principal – Instructional
GUIDANCE:
Lorna C. Harris 9th/10th Counselor (A-L)
Leslie Jacobs 9th/10th Counselor (L-Z)
Venega McArthur 11th/12th Counselor (A-J)
Demetrice McMillan 11th/12th Counselor (All L’s)
Karen Stickney 11th/12th Counselor (M-Z)
SUPPORT STAFF:
Patricia Brooks Secretary/Receptionist
Shirlease Samuel Discipline Secretary
Colette Locklear Assistant Principals’ Secretary
Cindy Oxendine Principal’s Secretary
Peggy J. Locklear Bookkeeper
Tiffany Scott Data Manager
Sabrina Dew Guidance Secretary
Kathy Locklear Guidance Technician
Julie Locklear Attendance Data Manager
David Leek ISS Instructor
Bryan Hunt ISS Instructor
Resource Officer
Stevie Thompson Resource Officer
Brenda Collins Cafeteria Manager
Stephanie Locklear Head Librarian
Dwan Locklear Librarian
Mahetta Manning-Commedo Special Populations Coordinator
Mark Deese IEA Youth Development Specialist
Brenda Cummings IEA Youth Development Specialist
Kenneth Hunt IEA Youth Development Specialist
Tammy Lowry Social Worker
Theodore McKenzie Head Custodian
Christine Hardin Exceptional Program Secretary
Don G. Chavis Information Highway
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
North Carolina General Statute 115C-366 (a4) requires that parents, guardians, or legal custodians of all students who transfer into the Public Schools of Robeson County or into another school district, provide a statement as to whether the student is, under suspension or expulsion from attendance at a private or public school in this or any other state or has been convicted of a felony in this or any other state. *This does not apply to a student who has never been enrolled in or attended a private or public school in this or any other state.
Providing false information is A CRIMINAL ACT. [General Statue 115C-366(a3).
ACCELERATION
Students who have achieved a grade of “B” or better in advanced courses (as determined by “5” or “7” in the course number level) and who wish to graduate in less than four years may do so provided:
1. The student’s parents submit a written request for early graduation to the Superintendent.
2. The student has completed four units of English and three units of math.
3. The student is informed that taking part in early graduation shall disqualify him/her from participating in the final ranking for Valedictorian and Salutatorian. However, he/she may participate in graduation exercises and shall be recognized for all previously earned honors prior to his/her early graduation.
4. The student has the approval of the school principal.
5. The student has the approval of the Superintendent.
(ASBESTOS) MEMORANDUM
TO: Parents/Guardians and Teachers of Students at Purnell Swett High School
FROM: Clyde Leviner, Principal
DATE: August 24, 2015
REF: Asbestos Management Plan As Required By The Asbestos Hazard Emergency
Response Act
The Public Schools of Robeson County, as part of the requirements of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, has submitted an Asbestos Management Plan to the North Carolina Department of Human Resources in Raleigh. This plan contains all the information as required by this Act.
You may review the management plan or obtain a copy for a minimal cost by contacting the school office or the Public Schools of Robeson County during normal working hours. Please feel free to contact my office if you wish additional clarification concerning this matter.
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS
September 22, 2015 6:00
December 8, 2015 6:00
February 23, 2016 6:00
May 10, 2016 6:00
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Denise Bullard Shavon McCants Amie Hammonds Reginald Oxendine Jr.
Kent Hunt Billenna Richardson
PTSA MEETINGS
September 22, 2015 5:30 –7:00 pm
December 8, 2015 5:30 – 7:00 pm
February 23, 2016 5:30 – 7:00 pm
May 10, 2016 5:30 – 7:00 pm
PTSA OFFICERS
Selena Chavis...... President Nicole Brooks……Secretary
Sonya Lowry……...Vice-President Bridget Jones……Treasurer
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Should school be closed due to inclement weather, the information will be reported on local Radio/TV stations.
SIGN-IN/SIGN-OUT
A student may be signed in/out by his/her parent or legal guardian. There are no phone calls to school for signing in a student.
A student will not receive a tardy if he/she is signed in by his/her parent or legal guardian.
A student may also be signed in by a parent designee only if the parent or legal guardian has filled out a permission form prior to sign in or sign out. This permission form is not sent home and must be filled out at the sign in/sign out desk.
TELEPHONES
Office phones are for business purposes. If student has an emergency then they will be allowed to use the phone. These phones are for emergencies only not to call parents to notify them of pick-up time, early dismissal, to bring money or lunch, or any other nonemergency.
MESSAGES
Although the school will cooperate fully in the delivery of emergency messages only, other messages or items cannot be delivered to students during class
STUDENT FEES
ITEM / Staff Responsible / FeeLocker Rentals / Bryan Hunt, ISS / $3.00
Lock (if lost) / Bryan Hunt, ISS / $5.00
Parking Permits / Cindy Oxendine, Office / $20.00
Breakfast/Lunch / Free / Free
Graduation Fee / Guidance / $5.00
Graduation Items / David Leek / TBA
Yearbook / David Leek / TBA
Prom / TBA
CLUBS AND SPONSORS
Club meetings and activities will be held after school.
CLUB / ADVISORSAfrican American Student Organization (AASO) / Demetrice McMillan & Venega McArthur
American Indian Science and Engineering Society / Mark Deese
Art Club / Sheila Godwin
Beta Club / Demetrice McMillan
Breakfast Buddies / Portia Brazelton
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) / Alicia Tyler
Future Farmers of America (FFA) / Kevin Buie & Harden Richards
Health Occupations Students (HOSA) / Sue Patterson & Vanessa Revels
Marching Band / Ryan Gillespie
National Art Honor Society / Shantonia Bullard
National Career and Technical Honor Society / Linda Caulder
National English Honor Society / Crystal Hester
National Honor Society / Nancy Booth
Native America Student Association (NASA) / Mark Deese & Brenda Cummings
Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society / Deborah Aringe
Science National Honor Society / Charles Jones
Student Government Association / Leslie Harris
Students Against Violence Everywhere / Karen Stickney & Venega McArthur
Yearbook / David Leek
Young Christians Association (YCA) / Wyvis Oxendine
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
We, at Purnell Swett High School, are looking forward to a great season. As a member of the Southeastern “AAAA” Conference, we offer 31 sports for men and women. This is a huge task and we will need your help to make the 2015-2016 school year a success. There are several items that you may help with.
The purpose of athletics at any school is to provide extra-curricular activities after the school day. To be successful, you must have an athletic program that students have an opportunity to participate in.
Academics must be first and athletics are just as they are stated: Extra-curricular in all respects and if kept in proper perspective, will make the high school experiences more enjoyable along with having tremendous carry over value.
In order to participate in athletics, we must follow certain regulations made by the NCHSAA. To be eligible, the following must be met:
-Must be in attendance 85% of previous semester
-Must have passed a minimum load of work and meet local promotion standards set by the LEA.
-The athlete must pass three courses per semester and must pass English to be eligible at the
beginning of the next semester or the next school year.
-A student cannot participate if his 19th birthday comes on or before
October 16, 2015.
Any student with a drug/alcohol violation according to PSRC Board Policy during this school year will not be eligible to participate in athletics for the remainder of that sport season. He/she will be eligible for participation in the next sport season. Any student who quits a team becomes ineligible to try out for another team until that season is over.
LIST OF SPORTS
Fall Winter Spring
Varsity Football Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Baseball
JV Football Girls’ and Boys’ JV Basketball JV Baseball