Charlestown High School
1 Pirate Place
Charlestown, IN 47111
Telephone Number: 812-256-3328
Fax Number: 812-256-7274
School Number: 0821
SAT/ACT CEEB code 150490
Student Handbook
2015-2016
Student Achievement
Pirate Pride
This handbook belongs to:
NAME______
ADDRESS______
CITY/TOWN ______ZIP CODE______
PHONE ______I.D. NUMBER______
TABLE OF CONTENTSMessage From the Principals…………………………….. / 4
Vision………………………………………………………. / 5
Mission Statement………………………………………. / 5
Belief Statements…………………………………………………. / 6
Moto………………………………………………………... / 6
Policy of Nondiscrimination……………………………… / 6
School Board and Administration……………………….. / 3
Authority of Staff…………………………………………. / 3
Charlestown High School Staff and Email Addresses….. / 6-8
Health Services……………………………………………. / 9-11
School Schedules and Times……………………………… / 11-12
Student Records and Personal Information…………….. / 13-15
General School Information……………………………… / 16-20
General Academics………………………………………... / 20-24
Grades and Evaluations…………………………………... / 24-27
Graduation………………………………………………… / 25
Charlestown High School Student Assistant Programs... / 8-9
Student Activities…………………………………………. / 27-29
Attendance………………………………………………… / 29-34
Student Conduct and Safety……………………………… / 34-38
Disciplinary Actions………………………………………. / 38-40
Food Services……………………………………………… / 40-41
Transportation…………………………………………….. / 41-42
Floor Plan………………………………………………………… / 43-44
SCHOOL BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION
School Board: Christina Gilkey, Mark Pavey, Teresa Zollman, Teresa Bottorff-Perkins, C. Anthony (Tony) Hall, Nancy Kraft, Jerry White
Dr. Andrew Melin, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Travis Haire, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Sandra Lewis, Legal Counsel
Dr. Thomas Dykiel, Chief Financial Officer
Greater Clark County Schools (1010)
2112 Utica Sellersburg Rd.
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Telephone Number: 812-283-0701
Fax Number: 812-288-4804
CHARLESTOWN HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Mark Laughner…………………………………..Principal
John Rowland………………………………Assistant Principal
GUIDANCE
Lori Stinson……………………………….Guidance Counselor
Khris Harris………………………………Guidance Counselor
Athletic Director: Chad Gilbert School Resource Officer: Kevin Fisher
AUTHORITY OF STAFF
The administrative staff, teachers, and paraprofessionals of this school are vested with legal public authority. Refusal on the part of a student to respect this authority shall be considered insubordinate conduct and dealt with accordingly.
CHARLESTOWN HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK
This handbook serves as an abbreviated version of Greater Clark County Schools Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook and Student Discipline Policy. In the event there is a discrepancy between language contained in this student handbook and GCCS Policies or Indiana law, as amended, relating to students’ rights and responsibilities, the state law and/or GCCS Policy language controls.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPALS
Welcome students and families to Charlestown High School and the 2015-2016 school year.
I am honored to serve as your principal and hope that your experience here at Charlestown High School will be one that you value well into the future.
We are very excited about this coming school year and the opportunity to work with the students of the Charlestown community. Last year was a very successful year with Charlestown High School continuing the tradition of making sure each and every student gets a quality education. This past year was full of great accomplishments, such as the opening of the College and Career Readiness Center and the accomplishment of six of our seniors graduating with not only a high school diploma from Charlestown but also an Associate’s Degree from Ivy Tech College. As we move into the 2015-2016 school year we want to continue our focus on “College and Career” readiness by offering our students opportunities to job shadow and complete internships with local business partners and also increase the number of students earning an Associate’s Degree in our Early College High School program.
We are very proud of the direction we are headed and proud to be a part of the Charlestown community. We appreciate the support that the community gives to both our academic and extra-curricular programs and because of the support within these programs, I would encourage every student to get involved in some activity whether it is tutoring after school or one of our many successful sports programs.
Parents, please make sure you take advantage of the Power School portal that allows you to track your child’s academic progress online and please remember that if you ever have a concern or question about a school related issue that you can call us at 812-256-3328.
Once again, welcome to Charlestown High School and let’s have a Great Year.
Sincerely,
Mark LaughnerJohn Rowland
Principal Assistant Principal
VISION
Greater Clark County Schools will be the premier provider of education and a valued asset of the community.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Greater Clark County Schools is to guide students toward their maximum intellectual, social, cultural, and physical potential by using all available resources to support the educational process. To that end, Greater Clark County Schools is committed to cooperating with students, parents, businesses and the community at large to provide a nurturing, safe and orderly learning environment that promotes success for all students.
“Building a Bridge to Tomorrow”
The Charlestown High School community is dedicated to providing quality opportunities for all students to learn and develop while striving to reach their own levels of individual excellence as they prepare for their future in an ever-changing society. A safe and orderly environment, utilizing the continuous support of the entire school community, will best provide these opportunities.
Charlestown High School students can best meet their achievement needs and goals when all members of the school community are committed to establishing a consistent framework of communication, varied teaching strategies, appropriate curriculum, teamwork, collaboration, offerings in the latest technology, and recognizing the importance of ethical behavior and self-motivation in the development of individual life skills.
Foundations of our bridge include the following beliefs:
All students can learn, grow, and develop.
Communication is most effective when it includes on-going interaction among all members of the school community.
The school community best supports students when quality teamwork, collegiality, and collaboration are utilized in working relationships.
A safe and orderly school climate is best developed when there is a consistent and fair approach to discipline and expectations of behavior.
Basic competencies in life skills and communication technologies are essential ingredients for student success in all post-secondary life choices.
Teachers can best assist learning, growth, and development when they provide quality instruction that includes a diverse array of motivating, creative, and varied teaching strategies that reach all learning styles.
BELIEF STATEMENTS
Acknowledging the ability of all children to learn and in challenging to achieve at their highest level
Cooperating with the home and the community to encourage positive character development
Learning as a lifelong process
Making education the foundation that will develop productive members of society
Preparing students to function responsibly in a culturally diverse world
Promoting partnerships for education that are open and inclusive
Providing a safe and orderly environment that fosters quality teaching and learning
MOTO
Student Achievement and Pirate Pride
POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION
It is the policy of Greater Clark County Schools to maintain and operate a learning environment free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender, age, race, disability, family status, national origin, or religion. No person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination on such basis under any educational or student activity.
CHARLESTOWN HIGH SCHOOL STAFF AND EMAIL ADDRESSES
School Website: http;//www2.gcs.k12.in.us/chs
Principal: Mark Laughner…………………
Assistant Principal: John Rowland…..………
Counselor: Lori Stinson………………………
Counselor: Khris Harris………………..………
SRO: Kevin Fisher………….……………...…
STAFF:
Berry, Barbara: English…………………………
Caperton, Joanne:Science……………………
Carroll, Kim:Physical Education……………
Cassady, Erin: Family &Consumer Science…
Cloyd, David: Science…………………………
Crabtree, Kevin: Math……………………...…
Crawford, Sara: English,……...……………
Curtis, Heather: Math……………...…………
Dolbeare, LeAnne: English…………………
Finch, Rolandan: Business………………………
Gagel, Kim: English………………………
Halter, Bill: Social Studies………………………
Hayden, Nate: Music……….…………………
Jenkins, Dawn: English…..……………………
Kimmel, Donna: Special Needs………………
Kruer, Paula: Special Needs……………..……
Levins, Scott: Science…….……………………
McCutcheon, Alma: World Language..…
Null, David: Math………………………...………
Null, Jeanne: College Career Center……………
Ortman, Andrew: Tech……………………...…
Padgett, Bob: World Language………………
Peters, Jeanette: Math……………………………
Peterson, Daniel: Music………………………
Ramer, Becky: Vocational Auto Shop…………
Reagann, Cheryl:Science…………………...…
Renn, Lara: Math…………………………………
Stewart, Brian: Math……….…………………
Tolliver, Adam: Social Studies…………….…
VonAlmen, Brenda: Media Specialist……
Webb, Mike: Business………………………..…
Weber, Lisa: English/Art………………………
Wiles, Dana: English….………………………
Williams, Addie: Math………………………
HEALTH OFFICE:
Tucker, Linda: Nurse Practitioner………………
Cardwell, Kelli: Registered Nurse……………
Hewitt, Tessa: Health Assistant………………
SECRETARIES/PARA-PROFESSIONALS
Lyons, Debbie: Administrative Assistant
(Main Office)......
Hammond, Jane: Treasurer
(Main Office)……………
Jones, Holli: Guidance Secretary
(Guidance Office)………………
Whitler, Debbie: Attendance Secretary
(Student Services Office)…...…
Grayson, Nicole:
Student Services..……………………......
Bottorff, Anne:AthleticSecretary……………
Braunecker, Michelle………………………
Coots, Sharon: Media Clerk……………………
Jones, Brenda……………….…………………
Knoebel, Paula………………………………
Lochner, Nancy…………………………..……
McCawley, Shelby………………………..…
Chism, Sarah……………………………..…..…
Morgan, Alicia…………………………………
CAFETERIA:
Blanton, Cindy…………………………..……
*After time of printing, some staff have been added and e-mail address will not be included.
CHARLESTOWN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS/SUPPORTS (PBIS)
Charlestown High School has adopted learning and behavior expectations for students that are aligned with the following “Code of Ethics” or “Pirate Pride Code”.
- PERSISTENCE: Student is able to presence through challenges and problem solve
- RESPECTFULNESS: Student is accepting and demonstrates service to others, has a positive attitude and communicates clearly.
- INITIATIVE: Student is a self starter and a critical thinker.
- DEPENDABILITY: Student is reliable and demonstrates responsibility and teamwork. Student demonstrates academic readiness.
- EFFICICENCY: Student is organized, punctual, and demonstrates self management.
TEACHER/STUDENT/PARENT CONFERENCES
If a parent/student wishes to confer with his/her instructors, conferences may be arranged before or after school. Students and parents are encouraged to talk with their teachers about the improvement of their classroom progress or any other problem which may be confronting them. Parents can call or e-mail the student’s guidance counselors and/or teacher to arrange a conference. An attempt will be made to answer all questions in regarding to the educational progress of the student.
SMART PROGRAM
Students who exhibit excessive Absence or Tardiness may be referred to the SMART PROGRAM.
HEALTH SERVICES
REGISTERED SCHOOL NURSE/HEALTH ASSISTANT
The services of a registered nurse are available to all students as needed. The School Nurse and Health Office Staff will assist with medication, immunization records, illness and other health services.
INJURY AND ILLNESS
A student who becomes ill during the school day should obtain a pass from the teacher to go to the health office. The Health Office Staff may determine whether or not the student should remain in school or be sent home. A student may be released from school after proper parental permission has been obtained.
If an injury is suspected, the student should report to the health office for treatment. If medical attention is deemed necessary by the Health Office Staff, school procedure and policy will be followed to ensure the comfort and welfare of the student.
The Parent/Guardian is expected to notify the Health Office Staff with any changes to their contact information in order to be reached on such occasions.
IMMUNIZATION
The Indiana State Department of Health requires that all students comply with the rules set forth as follows:
- Parents must provide documentation of all required immunizations: Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Hepatitis, Varicella, and Meningitis. These immunizations must be properly documented and kept current or have an annual authorized exemption on file.
More information is available on GCCS website.
- Students may not be permitted to attend school beyond the first day without furnishing a written statement of immunization that includes the month, date, and year of each required immunization or without complying with the rules for immunization exemption.
USE OF MEDICATION
In the circumstances where a student must take any medication (either prescribed or over the counter) during the school day, the following guidelines must be observed:
- A completed and signed parent/physician form must be brought or faxed to the health office before any medication is given.
- All medication must be brought in the original container, properly labeled with the students name and dosage instructions.
- All medications are kept in a secure place in a locked cabinet or container in the health office or other established area as decided by Health Office Staff.
- Students may only carry medication if deemed a chronic condition and the proper parent/physician from for self administration is on file.
- Medication will be dispensed by the School Nurse, Health Office Staff or other trained school personnel.
- Medications not retrieved by the parent/guardian at the end of the school year will be disposed of.
- New Parent/Physician forms are required each school year and may be obtained on the GCCS website or in the health office.
HEARING SCREENINGS
Students in Grade 10 are screened for hearing loss. Parents will be contacted if the screening indicates a possible hearing loss. Please notify the principal in writing if you have any objections to your child being tested.
SCHOOL CALENDAR/SCHEDULE AND TIMES
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:30 – 8:00 “O” Period for faculty
8:05 – 8:15Passing from Cafeteria to Class - 8:13 Warning Bell
8:15 – 9:00Period 1
9:00 – 9:05 Passing
9:05 – 9:50Period 2
9:50 – 9:55Passing
9:55 – 10:40Period 3
10:40-11:10IMPACT PERIOD
11:10-11:15Passing to 1st Lunch or 4th Period
1st lunch 2nd lunch
11:10 – 11:40 Lunch11:10 – 11:15 Passing
11:40 – 11:45 Passing11:15 – 12:00 Period 4
11:45 – 12:30 Period 412:00 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 12:35Passing
12:35 – 1:20Period 5
1:20 – 1:25Passing
1:25 – 2:10Period 6
2:10 – 2:15 Passing
2:15 – 3:00 Period 7
3:00 End of Teacher Day
2 HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE
10:05Passing from Cafeteria to Class – 10:13 Warning Bell
10:15 – 10:48Period 1
10:48 – 10:53 Passing
10:53 – 11:25 Period 2
11:25 - 12:32Period 3/Lunch/Passing
1st Lunch2nd Lunch
11:25 - 11:55 Lunch 11:25 – 11:30 Passing
11:55 – 12:00 Passing 11:30 – 12:02 Class
12:00 – 12:32 Class 12:02 – 12:32 Lunch
12:32 – 12:37 Passing
12:37 – 1:09 Period 4
1:09 – 1:14Passing
1:14 – 1:46Period 5
1:46– 1:51Passing
1:51 – 2:23 Period 6
2:23 – 2:28Passing
2:28 – 3:00 Period 7
FINAL TEST SCHEDULE
Charlestown High School will implement a final exam/test schedule at the end of each semester.
SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION
Announcements concerning school closing because of weather or other emergencies will be carried on all local television stations along with the Greater Clark County Schools website
BEFORE SCHOOL HOURS
The main entrance door opens at 7:15am. Upon arrival, students are to go to the cafeteria. At 8:05am students are permitted to locker areas and classrooms. Classes begin at 8:15am.
AFTER SCHOOL HOURS
All students are encouraged to become involved in extracurricular school activities. Unless students are involved in a supervised activity after school, they are expected to leave the building immediately after the last bell. The building is closed to students at 3:30pm.
STUDENT RECORDS AND PERSONAL INFORMATION
ENROLLING IN THE SCHOOL
Students are expected to enroll in the school corporation in which they have legal settlement, unless other arrangements have been approved. Students that are new to the school are required to enroll with their parents or legal guardian. Enrollments are by appointment only. Parents must call to schedule an appointment. When enrolling, the parents will need to bring:
A.A birth certificate or similar document
- Court papers allocating parental rights (if needed)
- Custody (if needed)
- Proof of residency
- Proof of immunizations
- Current IEP (if Special Needs)
- Transcript from former school
PERMANENT RECORDS AND TRANSCRIPTS
A permanent record is maintained on each student documenting a student’s academic progress each year of their education at Charlestown High School. Contained in this record are courses taken, grades earned, standardized test scores, days present and days absent, immunization records, and any other pertinent information.
Transcripts provide post secondary educational institutions, the military, apprenticeship programs, and prospective employers with relevant information regarding a student’s educational achievement. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the institution or organization as requested and cannot be hand carried. Direct all transcript request to the guidance secretary.
3RD PARTY LEGAL SETTLEMENT
When a student does not reside with a parent or legal guardian, a student is required to have a 3rd Party Legal Settlement document. This document confirms that the person who is responsible for the student is responsible for educational requirements of the student. This includes the welfare of the student, including school attendance and the financial obligations of the student as they relate to the school.
LEGAL RIGHTS OF BIOLOGICAL PARENTS
Biological parents have equal access to all educational records of their student. Unless a parent supplies a court document that prevents access, each biological parent will have equal access to all educational records.
WITHDRAWING INFORMATION-TRANSFERRING OUT OF THE CORPORATION
Students transferring to another school must have parents notify the guidance department and make arrangements to fill out and sign a transfer/withdraw form. This form starts the process for parents and student to return books, pay fees, transfer school records, and other important procedures. This must be done before official transcripts can be sent. Students who have been withdrawn for disciplinary or attendance reasons will be notified in writing and upon return to Charlestown, a conference with an administrator will be required.
Under Indiana law (20-33-2-9), any student who is at least sixteen (16) years of age but is not yet eighteen (18) years of age and can show hardship for financial reasons, has an extended illness or through court order, may withdraw from school prior to graduation. This requires an Exit interview with the student, the parent or guardian and the principal. Parent or guardian consent and principal approval of the withdraw must be given.
The principal is also required to provide to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles the name of any student under the age of eighteen (18) who withdraws from school for revocation of the student’s driver’s license. The student also may not be able to obtain an employment certificate needed to obtain a job.