fortmorganhigh school

student – parent handbook

2012-2013

709 east riverview avenue

fort morgan, colorado80701

phone 970-867-5648

fax 970-867-3347

property of: ______

address: ______

phone #: ______

in case of emergency, please notify:

Name:______Phone #:______

THE INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK WAS THE MOST RECENT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME.

WATCH FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CHANGES.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Damon Mussman, PresidentDon Kembel, Director

Rogelio Segura, Vice PresidentDavid Kauffman, Director

Rob Carruth, TreasurerConnie Weingarten, Director

George Saiter, DirectorKaren Temple, Board Secretary

Ron Echols, Superintendent of Schools

Ron Pflug, Assistant Superintendent/Human Resources

Joy Perry, Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum/Assessment

FORT MORGAN HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Judy Florian, Principal

Dale Fleming, Assistant Principal/Activities Director

Richard Wildenhaus, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

district MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Morgan County School District Re-3 is to inspire creative thinking, high achievement, and life-long learning.

district vision STATEMENT

We envision 21st Century schools that:

  • Educate and graduate a student population which is confident, skilled, and well-spoken;
  • Empower students to be caring, responsible citizens and lifelong learners;
  • Provide safe and positive learning environments;
  • Cultivate staff committed to quality and excellence.

fortmorganhigh school vision statement

Within a safe and secure learning environment, we will strive to develop a sense of tolerance, unity, and pride in school and community as well as the academic and vocational skills and

attitudes needed in order to be competitive in the global society.

statement of non-Discrimination

Morgan County School District Re-3 is an Equal Opportunity Employer, subject to all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions. Morgan County School District Re-3 does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, or need for special education services.

Contact Person – Superintendent, 715 W. Platte Avenue, Fort Morgan, CO 80701 – 970-867-6110.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

FORT MORGAN HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

district MISSION STATEMENT

district vision STATEMENT

fort morgan high school vision statement

statement of non-Discrimination

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

RE-3 COMMITMENTS TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE COMMITMENT

STATE LAW REGARDING ATTENDANCE

Fort Morgan High School Attendance Policy

Truancy

FMHS Grading Procedures:

Media Center (Library) Rules and Regulations

Behavior expectations and procedures

CLOSED CAMPUS (EXCLUSIVE OF LUNCH)

OPEN CAMPUS (LUNCH ONLY)

OPEN CAMPUS LUNCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY/PLAGIARISM

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

USE OF TOBACCO

SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLERBLADES

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES

INTERNET ACCESS

Consumption of Food and Drink

Lunch Room Policies

Cafeteria / Commons

Dressing and Grooming

Student Advertisements, Bulletin Boards and Posters

Assemblies

DUE PROCESS, REASONABLE SUSPICION, SEARCH AND SEIZURE, IN LOCO PARENTIS, AND logical CONSEQUENCES

TYPES OF logical CONSEQUENCES

Reporting Threats/Inappropriate Conduct:

Student Resource Officer (SRO):

ISS Rules

progressions for discipline Infractions

RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE IN CHARACTER AND ACADEMICS

CHARACTER RECOGNITION

RENAISSANCE PROGRAM

ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE COURSE WORK

Freshman Academy

Intervention Classes

Response to Intervention (RtI)

Postsecondary options - concurrent Enrollment

EARLY GRADUATION

MINIMAL CLASS LOAD REQUIREMENTS

HONORS PASSES

INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACTS

Colorado GEAR UP

credit retrieval

REPORT CARDS

PROGRESS REPORTS

Transcript Requests

INCOMPLETE GRADES

HONOR PASS

FEES AND MATERIALS

ESL – English Language Learner Program

Morgan County School District RE-3 Migrant Education Newcomers Academy (MENA)

GUIDANCE SERVICES

GENERAL COUNSELING SERVICES

CAREER AND COLLEGE COUNSELING

TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS AND FEES

STUDENT SCHEDULES

ADDING & DROPPING CLASSES

TRANSFERS AND WITHDRAWALS

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

SPORTSMANSHIP Expectations

ACTIVITIES

student representation and student senate

Clubs and Activities

List of Clubs and Sponsors

Athletic Teams and Head Coaches

Student Activity Sticker

SCHOOL SONGS

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

NCAA ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

Student Activities Participation

student IDENTIFICATION CARDS

DANCES

STUDENT FINES

Announcements - Bulletin and P.A. System

Telephones

School Nurse

Immunizations

Medication Policy

FLOWER POLICY

Reporting a Loss/Theft

LOST AND FOUND

Student parking

Buses

Pick-up/Drop-off Areas

VISITORS

Child Abuse

Bell Schedule for 2012 - 2013

Assembly/Event Schedule

MISCELLANEOUS

Information Checklist

DAYS TO REMEMBER

NOTICE TO PARENTS

PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW

ABOUT CPIRC

ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT 1974 (FERPA)

DISTRICT POLICIES

fort morgan high school FACULTY

fort morgan high school SUPPORT STAFF

PUBLIC CONCERNS/COMPLAINTS FORM

DISTRICT PARENT CALENDAR

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A school is a community and the regulations of a school are the laws of that community. All who would enjoy the rights of an individual in this community must accept as well the responsibilities of an individual of the community. Responsibility is inherent in the exercise of every right.

A Student Has the Right To:

•Attend this school if his/her parents live in the district.

•Express his/her opinions appropriately, either verbally or in writing. Respect others’ opinions as you would hope others would respect yours.

•Expect that the school will be a safe place for all students to pursue an education.

•Be represented by an active student government.

•Expect to be treated according to the rules and expectations published in this handbook.

A Student Has the Responsibility To:

•Attend school daily, except when ill, and to be on time for all classes.

•Make a true and honest effort in all classes, completing all assignments, actively participating in class discussions and preparing for tests.

•Respect the rights of others.

•Express his/her opinions and ideas in a respectful manner so as not to offend or slander others.

•Be aware of all rules and expectations regulating student behavior and character while and conducting himself/herself in accordance with these guidelines. This is Responsibility - knowing and doing what is expected.

The District Accountability Committee has written commitment statements for Teachers, Students, Parents, and Parents of Student Athletes to promote educational excellence among all stakeholders. All students will receive these forms in their Mustang Pride classes at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year and they will be asked to read them, take them home to parents/guardians, and we are requesting all students and parents/guardians sign these commitment forms indicating that they are committed to educational excellence. Students are asked to return student and parent/guardian signed forms to their Mustang Pride teacher. All FMHS teachers, counselors, and administration will also be signing an educational excellence commitment form.

RE-3 COMMITMENTS TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE COMMITMENT

TEACHER COMMITMENT TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE:

I am committed to educational excellence in the following ways:

  • I will teach in the best way I know how and will do whatever it takes for my students to learn.
  • I will be prepared to teach each and every school day.
  • I will make sure students have access to textbooks, worksheets, and instructional resources approved by the school or district and necessary for instruction and learning in my classroom.
  • I will treat students in a fair and respectful manner and model the positive behaviors I expect from students.
  • I will make myself available to students and parents and respectfully address questions or express concerns.
  • I will establish and maintain an orderly learning environment protecting the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals in the classroom.

I am committed to educational excellence and the learning of every student.

X______

PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMITMENT TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE:

I am committed to educational excellence in the following ways:

  • I will help my child succeed at school in the best way I know how and do whatever it takes for my child to learn.
  • I will make sure my child arrives at school on time and does not leave school early unless it is absolutely necessary.
  • If my child is going to miss school, I will notify the school as soon as possible and assist my child to be responsible for work missed.
  • I will make sure my child has the personal supplies they need to succeed (pens, pencils, paper, etc.).
  • I will check my child’s homework and see that it is completed and returned to school on time.
  • I will make myself available to teachers and respectfully address questions or express concerns.
  • I will make sure my child follows the school dress code.
  • I understand that my child must follow school rules so as to protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals in the classroom.

I am committed to educational excellence and the learning of my child.

X______

STUDENT COMMITMENT TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE:

I am committed to educational excellence in the following ways:

  • I will work, think, and behave in the best way I know how and I will do whatever it takes for me and my fellow students to learn.
  • I will arrive at school and be in my classes on time with the supplies necessary to succeed (paper, pencils, books, etc.).
  • I will complete all homework assignments and ask questions in class if I do not understand something.
  • I will make myself available to parents and teachers in order to address questions or express concerns.
  • I will follow the school dress code.
  • I will always behave so as to protect the safety and rights of all individuals in the classroom.

I am committed to educational excellence and my own learning.

X______

PARENT COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS:

I am committed to excellence in athletics by supporting my child in the following ways:

  • I will not force my child to participate in athletics but will support their desire to play; organized athletics should be fun.
  • I will encourage my child to play by the rules and emphasize the importance of sportsmanship, skill development, hard work, and practice.
  • I will exhibit a positive attitude toward the game and all participants; I will not embarrass my child by yelling at players, coaches, or officials.
  • I will never yell or physically abuse my child after a game or practice and will strive to remove physical and verbal abuse from all aspects of sports.
  • I will recognize the important role of coaches; I will communicate with coaches and support coaches in positive ways.
  • I will applaud good effort in both victory and defeat and reinforce the positive aspects of athletic competition.

I am committed to excellence in athletics and the athletic participation of my child.

X______

“Character is your behavior when no one is watching.”

STATE LAW REGARDING ATTENDANCE

Colorado Revised Statutes – Article 33, Section 22-33-107

According to Colorado law, a child who has attained the age of six years and is under the age of seventeen years must be enrolled in school. A child within this age range who has four unexcused absences from a public school in any one month or ten unexcused absences from public school during any school year will be considered habitually truant. Students who fall into this category may be turned over to the District’s legal counsel for subsequent consequences. This law is referred to as the Colorado Compulsory School Attendance Law.

ATTENDANCE – DEFINITIONS AND PROCEDURES

Key factors in the success of every student are regular and prompt attendance in school. To that end, the Morgan County School District Re-3 Board of Education has established policy regarding student attendance.

FortMorganHigh School Attendance Policy

Number of Unexcused Absences Resulting in Loss of Credit for a Course

Semester Course: 9

The number of unexcused absences is based on class periods. If a student misses more than 9class periods within a given semester the student may lose credit for that class. Each loss of credit is determined based on individual class periods. Upon the 10thunexcused absence in a class, the student will lose credit for that class and be required to file an appeal stating why he/she should have the no credit (NC) removed from his/her transcripts. Official documentation may be required to be submitted to the FMHS Appeal Committee if there are any validation questions.

Types of Absences

Parent Portal Code Type of Absence

Any absence up to9 absences per class period per semester will be considered ‘discretionary absences’ and may be excused. Any absence per class period per semester totaling over9 absences will NOT be excused and may result in loss of credit, unless approved by the principal. Documentation may be required by the principal for consideration of changing an unexcused absence to an excused absence.

Excused Absences:

EXC Excused absence (Examples below)

ILL – illness

DR – Doctor

CT-E – Court Excused

FME – Family Emergency

FUNE - Funeral

EXC – Family Vacations or other absences (Only upon approval by building administration twoweeks prior to requested absence.)

TDY Excused tardy

Unexcused Absences and/or Tardies

UNX Unexcused absence

UNV Unverified

CUTCutting Class (Ditching class)

UNT Tardy unexcused - (arriving after the bell but less than

15 minutes into the class) 0.33 absence toward loss of credit

UNXTardy absent unexcused (arriving later than 15 minutes)

1.0 absence toward loss of credit

A letter will be sent to the parent/guardian in the mail when their student has 5, 9 and 10 unexcused absencesin an effort to promote good communication between the school and the parents.

Exempt Codes Which Do Not Count Toward a Loss of Credit

ACT School Activity

ISSIn School Suspension

HS-EHigh School Exempt (Extenuating circumstance used within the school by

school personnel.)

ACT School Activity

CLG College Visit (Only two college visits per semester are allowed unless prior

approval by administration for additional visits).

OFC Students is In the Main Office and/or the CounselingCenter

HBHomebound (This code is only used upon extenuating circumstances and

prior approval from the school and the District.)

SUS Out of School Suspension

EXPLANATION OF ATTENDANCE POLICY

A Statement of Belief

It is our belief that there is a clear and positive correlation between students learning and consistent and prompt attendance. Absence and tardiness are counter-productive to educational success. Students who are absent from or tardy to class infringe upon the rights of those students in attendance and their teachers by disrupting the normal flow of an instructional program and by causing teachers to unnecessarily repeat and review information and materials previously covered. Lack of consistent attendance means that students will not get the full benefit of the courses offered at FortMorganHigh School, and thus, attendance should be and will be a significant factor in the determination of a student’s grade as determined by the individual teacher.

Please take into account the TOTAL number of days your child has missed a class or classes due to very legitimate reasons such as: driver’s license appointments, college visits, medical appointments, field trips, in-school field trips, etc. Mixed with illness and other unavoidable absences, the number of days out of class can interfere with learning.

PURPOSE OF THE ATTENDANCE POLICY

The purpose of the Fort Morgan High School Attendance Policy reflects our desire to have each student attend all classes and arrive on time. Students and parents should familiarize themselves with the provisions and procedures of the policy. It is expected that parents will support the intent of the policy and encourage their children to have good attendance. Any questions should be directed to the principal or assistant principal.

Regular daily attendance is vital in order for students to succeed at FMHS. The PSD goal for student attendance set by the Colorado Department of Education is 95% or higher for daily student attendance. The responsibility of meeting this goal is shared between the student, the parent/guardian, and the school. FMHS is expected to meet or exceed this goal. Students arriving beyond the first fifteen minutes of a class will be marked absent.

THE ATTENDANCE POLICY

(BOE policy JC School Attendance Areas, JC-R School Attendance Areas (Attendance Boundaries and Bus Route Assignments , JEA Compulsory Attendance Ages, JH and JH-R Student Absences and Excuses, JH-E Written Notice to Parents and Student, JHB Truancy, JHD and JHD-Exclusions and Exemptions from School Attendance can be found on the District Website under the District Policy tab at

The number of unexcused absences permitted for each course before credit may be lost is listed below:

Semester course:9unexcused absences

Absences beyond this number may result in loss of credit for the course or courses in which the student has been absent. For seniors, loss of credit in a course may result in a failure to meet graduation requirements.

(1) Excused Absences:

An absence that has been determined excused by a legal parent/guardian will be considered an excused absence by the school. However, a doctor’s note and/or other documentation may be required by administration.

We highly recommend that students be in school at all times. However, we recognize that there are times when a student needs to be dismissed from school. Good attendance is directly related to student progress and grades. A parent/guardian must call in excusing a student in order for the absence to be counted as excused.

  • Religious Observance
  • Illness/Medical appointment (which cannot be scheduled outside of the school day) (Time the student spends in an emergency room, hospital, and/or for a doctor’s office visit e.g. medical, dentist, optometrist, and etc.)
  • Extended illness, an accident, or health issues (physician’s verification may be required)
  • Physical or neurological conditions (physician verification may be required)
  • Pregnancy and related complications (physician verification may be required) (Time the student spends in an emergency room, hospital, and/or for a doctor’s office visit e.g. pre-natal, post-natal, routine doctor visits, and/or time deemed necessary by a physician after the birth of a child.)
  • Court - Response to a legal process
  • College/Trade School/Military Visits (2 junior year, 2 senior year)
  • Attending a funeral
  • A student whose absence is due to suspension or expulsion
  • Regular appointments that cannot be scheduled outside of the school day. (Documentation may be required).

(2) Unexcused Absences: