Bolton Public Schools
Bolton High School
Student Handbook
2017-2018
Bolton High School
72 Brandy Street
Bolton, Connecticut 06043
Name: ______
Grade: ______
Table of ContentsPage
School contact information ...... 5
Mission, Vision, and Goals...... 6
Admission/Placement...... 8
Registration of New Students...... 8
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES...... 8
AGE OF MAJORITY...... 8
American with disabilities Act/Section 504 ...... 8
Athletics...... 9
Attendance ...... 10
Absence ...... 10
Chronic Absenteeism...... 10
Early Dismissal...... 10
Excused Absence ...... 11
Leaving School Grounds/Release of Student from School ...... 11
Make Up Work Due to Absence...... 11
Tardiness ...... 11
Truancy ...... 11
Unexcused Absence...... 12
Upperclassmen Privileges...... 12
AUTOMATED PHONE MESSAGING SYSTEMS...... 12
BULLYING...... 12
Cyber Bullying...... 13
Harassment...... 14
Hazing...... 14
Reports of Bullying...... 14
Sexting...... 14
Sexual Harassment...... 14
Teen Dating Violence...... 15
BUS CONDUCT...... 15
Bicycles...... 15
Cafeteria ...... 15
School Lunch Program...... 16
Cell Phones...... 17
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM...... 17
Child Abuse/ Neglect/ Physical Assault...... 17
CLASSroom Behavior...... 17
CLUBS...... 17
Code of Conduct...... 18
COMPUTER SYSTEM EXPECTATIONS...... 19
Acceptable Use policy...... 19
System Security...... 20
Personal Safety...... 20
User Rights...... 20
Illegal Activity...... 20
Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement...... 20
Cyber Bullying Policy...... 20
DANCES ...... 21
DANGEROUS WEAPONS AND INSTRUMENTS...... 21
DEFIBRILLATORS ...... 22
DISCIPLINE...... 22
Bus Suspension...... 22
Detention...... 22
Expulsion...... 22
In-School Suspension...... 23
Office Detention...... 23
Out-of-School Suspension...... 23
Police Arrest...... 23
Removal from Class...... 23
Social Probation...... 23
Suspension...... 24
Teacher Detention...... 24
dISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS...... 24
DRESS CODE...... 25
DRUGS...... 25
ELECTRONIC DEVICES...... 25
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS/ Late Openings/ early dismissal...... 26
ENGLISH Learners...... 26
Equal opportunity...... 26
ExaMS...... 26
exemption from instruction...... 27
FACILITIES...... 27
Financial commitments/ fees...... 27
Field Trips...... 28
Overnight Field Trip Policy...... 28
Fire/ safety drills...... 28
FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS...... 28
FOOD ALLERGIES...... 28
FUND-RAISING...... 29
Grading...... 29
Class Rank/GPA...... 29
Grade Level Matriculation...... 29
Loss of Credit Due to Absences...... 29
Loss of Credit Due to Tardiness...... 30
Appeals Process...... 30
Student Responsibility during Loss of Credit Period...... 30
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTs...... 30
Course Load/Credit Requirements...... 30
Academic Performance Expectations...... 31
Product Based Performance Expectations (Senior Capstone) ...... 31
GUIDANCE & COUNSELING...... 32
hallways...... 33
Health Services/ nurse...... 33
Administration of Medication ...... 33
Communicable/Infectious Disease...... 34
Emergency Card...... 34
Emergency Medical Treatment...... 34
Health Records...... 34
Immunizations...... 34
Physical Examinations...... 34
Sports Physicals...... 35
Unauthorized Possession of Medications...... 35
HOMEBOUND STUDENTS...... 35
HOMELESS STUDENTS...... 35
Homework ...... 35
honor code...... 35
HONOR rOLL...... 35
Insurance ...... 36
Library...... 36
LOCKERS...... 36
LOST AND FOUND...... 37
MAGNET SCHOOLS...... 37
MAIN OFFICE...... 37
Make-UP WORK...... 37
national honor society...... 37
online courses...... 38
Out of School Misconduct...... 38
PARENT COMMUNICATION...... 38
Parent Conferences...... 38
PASSES...... 39
PBIS...... 39
PERSONAL PROPERTY...... 39
PESTICIDE APPLICATION...... 39
POSTERS...... 39
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS...... 39
REPORT CARDS...... 39
SCHEDULE CHANGES...... 40
SCIENTIFIC RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (SRBI) ...... 40
SCHOLARSHIP/AWARDS...... 40
SCHOOL CEREMONIES/OBSERVANCES...... 41
SCHOOL DISTRICT RECORDS...... 41
SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY...... 41
SEARCH AND SEIZURE...... 41
SECLUSION ...... 42
SMOKING...... 42
STUDENT COMPLAINT...... 42
STUDENT DIRECTORY...... 42
STUDENT DRIVING AND PARKING...... 43
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS...... 44
STUDENT RECORDS...... 44
STUDENT VISITORS...... 45
STUDY HALLS...... 46
SUBSTANCE ABUSE...... 46
SUMMER SCHOOL...... 46
SURVEYS...... 46
TEACHER AND PARAPROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS...... 47
TESTING...... 47
TRANSCRIPTS...... 47
TUTORING...... 47
UPPER CLASSMEN PRIVILEGES...... 47
VACATIONS...... 48
video recording- buses and school campus...... 48
VISITORS...... 48
WEBSITE...... 48
withdrawal from school...... 48
PBIS CORE VALUES...... 50
Forms to be signed and returned
Read and Understand the Handbook
Computer System Expectation/ Usage Agreement
Photograph/ Media Release Form
Emergency Contact / Nurse Form
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Superintendent / Mrs. Kristin Heckt / (860) 643-1569Principal / Mr. Joseph Maselli / (860) 643-2768
Dean of Students / Ms. Christine Johnson / (860)643-2768
Director of Student Support
Services / Mrs. Beth Goldsnider / (860) 643-1569
Director of Instructional Technology and
Curriculum / Mrs. Sarah Malinoski / (860) 643-1569
CONTACT INFORMATION
Main Office / (860) 643-2768Fax / (860) 645-8374
Athletic Department / (860) 649-4370
Guidance Department / (860) 649-3353
Health Room (Nurse) / (860) 643-4574
Attendance /
Confidential Crisis/Suicide Hotline / 211
Sexual Assault Crisis / 1-888-999-5545
BELL SCHEDULE
Monday-Thursday-Friday / Tuesday-Wednesday (BELT)Warning / 7:27 / Warning / 7:27
A / 7:32- 8:15 / A/B / 7:32- 8:52
B / 8:19- 9:02 / C/D / 8:56-10:16
C / 9:06- 9:49 / Connections / 10:20-11:00
D / 9:54-10:37 / E/F / 11:04-12:52
E / 10:41-11:24 / First Lunch / 11:04-11:31
F / 11:28 - 12:42 / Second Lunch / 12:25-12:52
First Lunch / 11:28-11:55 / G/H / 12:56- 2:16
Second Lunch / 12:15-12:42
G / 12:46- 1:29
H / 1:33- 2:16
EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE
Schedule A / Schedule BA / 7:32- 8:15 / E / 7:32- 8:15
B / 8:20- 9:03 / F / 8:20- 9:03
C / 9:08- 9:51 / G / 9:08- 9:51
D / 9:56-11:00 / H / 9:56-11:00
First Lunch / 9:56-10:20 / First Lunch / 9:56-10:20
Second Lunch / 10:36-11:00 / Second Lunch / 10:36-11:00
TWO-HOUR DELAY OR CANCELLATION
In case of serious weather concerns, a two-hour delay or no school announcement will be made from radio and television stations between 6:00 A.M. and 7:30 A.M. Information is also posted on the school’s website: For the first two-hour delay, periods A & C will be dropped. For the second delayed opening, periods D & E will be dropped. All further delays will rotate dropping A & C and then D & E.
BOLTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT
The Bolton Public Schools provide a safe, engaging and challenging environment in which all students develop essential skills and values.
VISION STATEMENT
Educate students to become capable, ethical, healthy, responsible and thoughtful citizens.
WE BELIEVE
- Quality education is an indispensable community investment for the future of students
and society. - Quality education is a partnership that requires commitment, communication, and collaboration among the student, family, school and the community.
- All students are valued and have the right to an education that meets their academic, physical and social/emotional needs.
- It is important for students to recognize and value excellence.
- High expectations and shared accountability are essential for the success of each student.
BOLTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS/DISTRICT GOALS
- All students will apply critical thinking to the construction and critique of arguments.
- All students will read, write, produce, and speak grounded in evidence for a variety of purposes and audiences as well as utilize collaboration and digital literacy skills to enhance communication.
- All students will use a variety of research tools to access, evaluate, synthesize, and apply information effectively.
- All students will see problems as opportunities, approaching twenty-first century challenges with ethical leadership, boldness, creativity, and responsible citizenship.
BOLTON HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Bolton High School believes in the development of capable, ethical, thoughtful, and responsible citizens and is committed to providing a secure educational environment in which all students can discover and work toward achieving their maximum potential.
Bolton High School strives to foster the intellectual curiosity, creativity, and positive attitudes required for life-long learning. The cornerstone of this process is high quality instruction, which encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and the application of learned skills and knowledge.
Student achievement results from a partnership among learners, teachers, parents/guardians, administrators, and the community. Students learn to recognize and value excellence through their own accomplishments and by observing the high standards held by other members of the partnership. The establishment of challenging goals for students in all curricular and co-curricular endeavors, as well as the principles of the Bolton High School Honor Code and Bolton High School Code of Conduct, support the high expectations held for each learner. The time, talent, and resources of this partnership are devoted to the fulfillment of the Expectations for Student Learning.
PREFACE
The material covered within this student handbook is intended as a method of communicating to students and parents regarding general district information, rules and procedures and is not intended to either enlarge or diminish any Board policy, administrative regulation or negotiated agreement. Material contained herein may therefore be superseded by such Board policy, administrative regulation or negotiated agreement. Any information contained in this handbook is subject to unilateral revision or elimination from time-to-time without notice.
This booklet is written for our students and their parents. It contains required and useful information. We address students not directly as “you” but rather as “the student,” “students,” or “children.” Likewise, the term “the student’s parent” may refer to the parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume responsibility for the student. Both students and parents need to be familiar with the District’s Student Code of Conduct which is intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere conducive for learning.
The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with Board policy. Please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy that affect portions of this handbook will be made available to students and parents through newsletters, web pages, and other communications.
ADMISSION/PLACEMENT
A student seeking enrollment at BHS for the first time or following attendance in another Connecticut public school district, out-of-state attendance, private school attendance or admission through a bona fide foreign exchange program should contact the Guidance Department. A student who is transferring from non-public schools or schools outside the district will be placed at his/her current grade level pending evaluation and observation of the student. After such assessment and consultation with the parents, the Principal will determine the grade placement of the child. Non-resident students from other school districts within the state, who apply pursuant to Board of Education regulations, may enroll in particular programs or schools within the district on a space available basis, without payment of tuition, as part of the inter-district public school attendance program called Open Choice. The Regional Educational Service Centers will determine which school districts are close enough to make transportation feasible.
Parents of students attending District schools have the option to enroll their child/children in a magnet school with which the District is a nonparticipating district, if the magnet school has unused student capacity. The District will pay any tuition charges, but does not include tuition for a preschool magnet school).
Registration of new students: The school office must be notified of all student entrances and withdrawals so that records may be obtained or sent out. To register a new student, parents should call the Bolton High School office at(860) 643-2768 to schedule an appointment. Please provide a birth certificate, proof of residency, proof of required immunizations and health physical form. According to Connecticut State Law, no student may be admitted without a statement of immunization.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES
The College Board Advanced Placement program is a national program that prepares students, upon completion of the course, to take the AP examinations in May and earn college credit. Scores on the AP exams range from 1 to 5. Each college determines its own AP credit policy. Students must receive at least a score of 3 to be eligible for college credit and many schools require a score of 4 or 5. There is a fee for the AP exam. The following AP courses are available for students at BHS: AP English Literature, AP United States History, AP Government, UConn/AP European History, AP French, AP Spanish, AP Latin, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Studio Art, APMusic Theory. Additional AP courses are available through Virtual High School. Please see:
AGE OF MAJORITY
Bolton High School recognizes the rights and privileges extended to students at the age of eighteen. It also is recognized, however, that the law imposes many corresponding duties. When a student, eighteen years of age or older, elects to continue his/her education, he/she must abide by all the rules and regulations of the school. School regulations apply to all students regardless of age. The school system recognizes its responsibility to the parent regardless of the age of the student in its charge. All contacts shall continue to be maintained with the home. All actions requiring parental approval shall continue to be required, including dismissal notes, absent notes and permission slips.
AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT/SECTION 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures support for individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are provided a free and appropriate education (FAPE), and are accommodated and employed without discrimination related to their disabilities.Section 504 prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities (both students and staff members) by school districts receiving federal assistance of any kind for any program or activity. Districts may not discriminate against any person with a disability, regardless of whether the program or activity in which that person is involved receives federal funding directly.
All individuals who are disabled or “handicapped” are protected under Section 504. However, individuals who have been determined to be “handicapped” under Section 504 may not be considered disabled under IDEA. IDEA, which can be viewed as a subcategory of Section 504, provides for special programming or placement, while Section 504 protects the rights of individuals with handicaps. Under IDEA, students are qualified for services under thirteen (13) IDEA disabling conditions; specially designed individual education programs are planned for each student by Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams. Under Section 504, students with “handicaps” are entitled to special accommodations to ensure that they can participate in and benefit from public education and programs, and a 504 accommodation plan is designed for each student according to individual needs.
Section 504 is not an aspect of special education, rather, a responsibility of the comprehensive general public education system. Unlike an eligibility system based on clinic categories of disabilities, Section 504 works on a more functional premise. Under 504 [29 U.S.C. & § 706(8)] a person is considered to have a disability if that person: has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities; has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. While Section 504 provides a means for preventing discrimination against students with disabilities, this does not mean that 504 plans must focus on the disabling condition or on addressing the disability directly. Rather, 504 plans offer a means for focusing on students’ strengths, for capitalizing on what students bring to the instruction process.Should you have any questions regarding Section 504, please call either your child’s school Principal or the Director of Student Support Services.
ATHLETICS
The intent of the Bolton Public Schools’ athletic program is to provide a comprehensive, diverse, wholesome, and dynamic program consistent with the school district’s mission statement. Student athletes will learn the importance of good sportsmanship, ethical behavior, positive values, and self-worth. The Bolton Public Schools’ athletic program shall encourage cooperation between school programs and Town of Bolton recreational programs. The Bolton Public Schools’ athletic program will attempt to find options for every child who wishes to participate. Coaches work directly with the Athletic Director to ensure a consistency in team member selection, code of conduct, scheduling of games, and communication with parents. Student interscholastic activities shall be governed by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC). All coaches are certified in accordance with CIAC guidelines and are evaluated annually by the building level administration. To be eligible to compete in athletics, a student must meet the following requirements set by the Bolton Board of Education and CIAC.
- Must be under 19 years of age.
- Must not be in his/her fifth year of high school.
- Must not be playing on or with an outside team.
- Must be carrying subjects totaling at least five credits.
- Must be passing four classes which meet every day and carry one full credit towards graduation.
Student athletes may not participate in any intramural or interscholastic activity unless the student athlete and his/her parent/guardian complete the concussion education plan and sign the informed consent form. The concussion plan may consist of written materials, online training or videos, or in person training. The consent form includes a summary of the school/district’s concussion education plan and applicable school board concussion policies.
Marking period grades are used in determining scholastic eligibility regarding participation in athletics during any given marking period. To be eligible to compete in a fall sport, a student must pass four major courses or the equivalent during the previous year and receive four credits towards graduation. Makeup and/or course work completed in summer school programs will count towards the four courses/credits.
Any student athlete who has not reported to school by 11:00 A.M., will not be permitted to practice or play that afternoon or evening. In addition, a student who is dismissed from school by the nurse will not be able to participate in practice or play in that afternoon or evenings game. Exceptions to this rule will be considered only if the player’s parent explains the unusual circumstances to the Principal or his designee.
Bolton High School Sports offerings
Fall / Winter / SpringBoys & Girls Cross Country / Boys & Girls Basketball / Boys & Girls Baseball/Softball
Boys & Girls Soccer / Hockey (Co-Ed) / Golf (Co-Ed)
Girls Volleyball / Boys & Girls Indoor Track* / Boys & Girls Tennis
Football* / Cheerleading (Co-Ed) / Boys & Girls Outdoor Track
Girls Swimming and Diving* / Boys Swimming and Diving* / Unified Volleyball (Co-Ed)
Gymnastics*
Unified Basketball (Co-Ed)
Wrestling*
*Students have the opportunity to participate on a limited basis with local schools
ATTENDANCE
Connecticut state law requires parents to make sure that their children between the ages of five to eighteen attend school regularly. Daily attendance is a key factor in student success, thus any absence from school is an educational loss to the student. These rules are designed to minimize student absenteeism while providing students the opportunity to make up school work missed due to a legitimate absence.Absence means an excused absence, unexcused absence or an in-school suspension that is greater than or equal to one-half of a school day. A student is considered to be “in attendance” if present at his/her assigned school, or an activity sponsored by the school, such as a field trip, for at least half of the regular school day. A student serving an out-of-school suspension or an expulsion will always be considered absent. The parent or person having control of a child shall have the option of waiting to send the child to school until the child is six or seven years of age, upon signing an option form at the school district offices.