STUDENT HANDBOOK

SCHOOL YEAR 2015-2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES3-6

DISCIPLINE6-9

SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS9

CELL PHONE POLICY9-10

DRESS CODE POLICY10-12

DRIVING/PARKING PROCEDURES12-13

CAFETERIA PROCEDURES13-14

MEDIA CENTER PROCEDURES14-15

FINANCE PROCEDURES15

HEALTH SERVICES/NURSE15-16

SCHOOL COUNSELING16-18

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY FOR NHS18-19

STUDENT ACTIVITIES/CLUBS19-20

STUDENT ATHLETE CONDUCT20

LOCKER PROCEDURES21

OFFICE TELEPHONE USAGE21

HALLWAY TRAFFIC/LOST AND FOUND21

STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK UP21-22

VISITORS IN THE SCHOOL BUILDING22

EVACUATION PROCEDURES22

INCLEMENT WEATHER23

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

LAWFUL ABSENCES

Reasons for lawful absences prescribed in the Code of Maryland Regulation (COMAR) 13A.08.01.03 include the following:

  • Death in the immediate family
  • Illness of the student
  • Court summons
  • Hazardous weather conditions
  • Work approved or sponsored by the school
  • Observance of a religious holiday
  • State emergency
  • Suspension
  • Lack of authorized transportation. This shall not include students denied authorized transportation for disciplinary reasons.
  • Other emergency or set of circumstances which, in the judgment of the principal or designee, constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school.

UNLAWFUL ABSENCES

An absence, including for any portion of the day, for any reason other than those cited as lawful are presumed to be unlawful and may constitute truancy. Five or more unlawful days per semester may result in course failure or loss of course credit. Course credit may be withheld for an individual class should a student be absent from the class five or more days unlawfully. This decision may be appealed to the Attendance Review Committee one week prior to the end of the semester. Make-up work shall not be given to students who have been unlawfully absent, nor shall students be allowed to make up mid-term or final exams in the event of an unlawful absence.

STUDENT TRIP PROCEDURE (VACATION REQUESTS)

(Excluding emergency situations, medical emergencies and funerals)

Vacations or trips may be considered a legal excuse if the principal has given prior approval. Two weeks prior notice, in writing is required. The principal or designee may approve up to five days per year for a trip. If approved, the absences are lawful. The student is to request make-up work from teachers upon returning to school. Work will not be provided in advance of the trip. If the trip is not approved, the absences are unlawful. Any requested trip for students who have missed more than 10 days (excused or unexcused) in a semester may not be approved. Visits to college campuses may be approved as an educational trip with documentation provided by the college of the visit. Requests for approved absences for extra curricular activities such as participating in performances and competitions not affiliated with KIHS will be handled on an individual basis based on the merits of the request.

TARDINESS

A student is considered tardy to school if he/she is not present at the time the school day begins, provided that he/she is in attendance before the close of that school day/half-day. A student is considered tardy to class or a scheduled activity if they are not in the required room and seat when the bell rings. Tardiness is recorded and is cumulative. Students must be in attendance all day to participate in performances, practices, and sports events/competitions.

Students are expected to be seated in their first period by 8:00AM at the main campus and 7:45AM at the annex. Students reporting to school after 8:00AM must report to the attendance or main office to sign in. The student will be given a pass to class indicating excused or unexcused.

Each teacher is responsible for having a policy in place for tardiness to class and for assigning an appropriate consequence. Habitual tardiness to class may result in a referral to the appropriate administrator for disciplinary consequences.

EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURE

When a student needs to leave school early for doctor’s visits, appointment, etc., the student is to go to the attendance or main office before first period with a note from the parent guardian. After verification of the note, the student will receive an early dismissal pass. At the time of dismissal, the student reports to the attendance office/main office to sign out.

PROCEDURES TO VERIFY ATTENDANCE/TARDINESS

Upon returning to school from an absence, a student has one (1) week to bring a written note from his/her parent/guardian stating the reason for absence and turn the note into the attendance office/secretary. The note should contain the student’s name, date(s) of absence, reason for absence(s), and the parent/guardian’s signature. Under certain circumstances, administrators may require a doctor’s note. After five (5) school days, an unlawful absence cannot be changed to a lawful absence.

If a student is absent, the parent/guardian should call the school on our toll free line (877-604-2070) between 8:00AM and 1:00PM on the day of the absence to justify a lawful absence and present a written note on the day of the student’s return to school. Students will be allowed a combination of five (5) personal (parent) notes and parent call-ins per semester. Additional call-ins without submitting lawful documentation will be considered unlawful. A doctor’s note is considered lawful documentation.

After 3:00PM, the school’s automated calling system will begin calling parents of students whose absence has not been verified.

CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT ATTENDING SCHOOL

Beginning with the sixth (6) absence of the school year (lawful or unlawful), you may be subject to one or more of the following consequences: parent conferences, probationary periods, written contracts, after-school study sessions, Saturday school, removal of school privileges including parking permit, restriction of extracurricular activities, referral to outside agencies, and other appropriate school-based interventions.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Perfect attendance is identified as no absences from school, excused or unexcused, and no excused or unexcused tardiness or lateness.

MAKE-UP WORK REQUIREMENTS

The make-up policy for short-term (no more than three consecutive days) lawful absences is; the student/parent/guardian must request missed assignments upon return to school. The student is given one day for each consecutive absence up to a maximum of three (3) days to turn in all make-up work. All make-up work will be graded in accordance with the regular classroom grading policy and must be completed within the established time period.

The make-up policy for extended lawful absences (more than three consecutive days) will be determined on a case-by-case basis with the teacher and Academic Dean or his/her designee.

Make-up work shall not be given to students who have been unlawfully absent, nor shall students be allowed to make up mid-term or final exams in the event of an unlawful absence.

DISCIPLINE

EXPECTATIONS – Students are expected to behave in a courteous, cooperative manner toward each other and toward all others in the school setting at all times. Most violations of this standard of conduct can be handled within the classroom and/or with the intervention of school counselors and assistant principals. Disciplinary consequences may include parent conferences, after school detention, in-school suspension, and Saturday school or out-of-school suspension. Severe violations are handled as required with the implementation of suspension, extended suspension, recommendation for placement in the alternative school, and/or a recommendation for expulsion from school.

SUSPENSION – During a period of suspension a student is not allowed on school property unless given approval by the principal. Days of suspension are considered to be lawful absences and a student may request and receive make-up work. Work missed while on suspension will be made up in accordance with our make-up policy.

Prior to returning to school from out-of-school suspension, a student, accompanied by his or her parent(s)/guardian(s), may be asked to attend a re-admittance conference with the appropriate assistant principal.

Once a student has been suspended three times, the pupil services team, will meet to consider further action including the possibility of recommendation for an alternative placement.

EXTENDED SUSPENSION – At the request of the principal, the superintendent may suspend a student for periods longer than ten (10) days. This is usually requested in cases when an intervention plan must be developed prior to the re-admittance of a student.

During a period of extended suspension a student is not allowed on school property unless given permission by the principal. Days of extended suspension are considered to be lawful absences and a student may request and receive make-up work.

Prior to returning to school from an extended suspension, a student, accompanied by her or his parent(s)/guardian(s), must attend a re-admittance conference with appropriate school staff. The purpose of this conference is to develop a plan, which will meet the student’s needs and eliminate the need for future suspension(s).

EXPULSION – At the recommendation of the principal, the superintendent may expel a student from school for the remainder of the school year with the loss of course credits. During a period of expulsion a student is not allowed on school property unless the principal gives permission. Prior to returning to school from a period of expulsion, a student, accompanied by his or her parent(s) or guardian(s), must attend a hearing before an appropriate panel of school personnel. The purpose of this hearing is to provide the student and the parent(s) or guardian(s) with the opportunity to discuss interventions which have occurred during the period of expulsion and to provide evidence that the student’s behavior has changed and that he or she is now capable of benefiting from attending school. The recommendations of this panel will be submitted to the superintendent.

The principal may suspend students immediately for up to ten days for a major offense. The following offenses shall be considered cause for recommendation for extended suspension or expulsion and may result in referral to legal authorities:

  • Theft – taking personal or public property
  • Weapons or explosive devices – possession, use or having a representation thereof
  • Vandalism – injury to, defacement, or destruction of property
  • Arson – False Emergencies or Alarms
  • Sexual activity
  • Repeated occurrences of inappropriate behavior/continual noncompliance
  • Physical/verbal assault and/or abuse; intimidation and harassment/hazing/bullying
  • Fighting
  • Gang related activity
  • Drug/alcohol possession or use of/distribution of/possession of paraphernalia
  • Inciting/participating in a disturbance
  • Possession of pornographic materials or accessing pornography on the computer
  • Misuse of the Internet/computers

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION – Students are reminded that the school is a place of work and they are to conduct themselves appropriately. Displays of inappropriate affection in the hallways, classrooms, school grounds and events can be disruptive to the learning environment. In being respectful to all students, appropriate conduct is required. To maintain a respectful environment, disciplinary action may be necessary.

CLEAN AIR REQUIREMENTS – Aerosol cans and glass containers are not permitted in school and students are asked to not apply perfume, cologne, lotions or powders in the classrooms as it may affect students and staff with respiratory problems such as asthma. Misuse of these items may result in disciplinary action.

STUDENT SEARCH AND SEIZURE – Any school administrator may conduct a reasonable search of a student on the school premises if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the student possesses an item, which constitutes a criminal offense under Maryland State Law and Board of Education Policy. Any school administrator may conduct a search of any part of the physical plant of the school including student’s lockers.

USE OF DRUG/EXPLOSIVES DETECTION DOGS POLICY – The Attorney General has determined that use of drug/explosive detecting dogs in schools does not offend either an individual’s rights under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution or the Bylaws of the Maryland State Board of Education. Therefore, the Queen Anne’s County Board of Education authorizes use of drug-detecting dogs in the schools; primarily for the purpose of deterrence, not criminal prosecution.

The appropriate law enforcement agency shall be notified immediately by school administrators in all instances of alleged sexual assault or other assault requiring outside (non-school based) medical attention; in all instances of alleged possession or recovery of firearms, explosives or other weapons or any threats involving the use of such items.

SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS

All school and county policies are in effect while students are on the bus. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for the behavior and safety of their children until the time of boarding the bus in the morning, and from departing the bus at the end of the school day. Once the child enters the school bus, the authority to manage student conduct lies with the bus driver and the school administration. Behavior or activity jeopardizing safe operation of the school bus or interfering with the welfare of other vehicle occupants is prohibited. The school bus operator will report to administration conduct appearing to require disciplinary action in writing. Students must ride his/her assigned bus unless approval has been given by the administration. Such approval will only be given when the student presents a note from the parent and when it is an emergency situation.

CELL PHONE POLICY

The Board of Education adopted a new cell phone policy that took effect on January 25, 2010. Below are the highlights of the policy. The entire policy can be accessed on our website, kihigh.org and in the QAC Calendar/Handbook.

High School students may possess Smart/Cell phones during the school day in accordance with the following regulations:

  • Written authorization from the parent/legal custodian or eligible student (18 years and older) to a school administrator indicating that the student is in possession of the phone. A student may not have the phone in his/her possession without this written authorization and administrative approval.
  • Prior to entering the school building, the Smart/Cell phone must be TURNED OFF and OUT OF SIGHT
  • During regular instructional hours the Smart/Cell phone must remain off, secured, and out of sight, unless a classroom teacher/administrator has given a student authorization to use the device. Once the activity is complete, the Smart/Cell phone must be turned off, secured, and removed from sight.
  • Queen Anne’s County Public Schools are not responsible for lost or theft of students’ Smart/Cell phone.
  • During regular transportation to and from school, Smart/Cell phones must be deactivated and out of sight; they must be kept in a book bag, backpack, purse, or pocket. Phones may only be used with the permission of the bus driver.
  • After regular school hours/general dismissal, Smart/Cell phones may be used if students are participating in non-academic activities – e.g. athletics, clubs, drama, etc. If students are participating in an after-school academic activity, Smart/Cell phones may only be used with the permission of the activity’s sponsor.
  • If traveling to or from a school-sponsored activity via bus, Smart/Cell phones may be used with the sponsor’s/coach’s permission.
  • Unauthorized use of Smart/Cell phones will result in disciplinary action which includes confiscation of the phone until a parent/guardian is able to pick up and meet with administration.
  • If Smart/Cell phones or their usage become disruptive after regular school hours, their possession may be prohibited.
  • Smart/Cell phones may not be used for photographing purposes.

DRESS CODE POLICY FOR STUDENTS

At KIHS we take pride in the appearance of our students. Students have the responsibility of choosing their attire and arranging their

personal appearance in a manner that is respectful, healthy, safe, clean, and appropriate to the setting. The school has the responsibility to make sure student dress does not disrupt the educational process and that the environment is comfortable for all. The administration reserves the right to exclude any items of apparel or accessories, which are disruptive to school activities.

Students are prohibited from wearing clothing which displays profane, obscene, objectionable, or overly suggestive phrases/pictures. Clothing displaying lewd, vulgar, offensive statements, slogans, pictures or symbols toward race, gender, different culture or religion, lifestyles, etc., is prohibited.

Students are prohibited from wearing clothing that promotes drugs, alcohol, tobacco and tobacco products, and/or weapons.

Students shall not wear clothing that is unduly revealing. This includes halter and tank tops, racer-back tops, half-shirts, see-through or mesh jerseys/shirts/blouses, strapless or spaghetti strap tops and tube tops. Tops with one inch straps are acceptable. T-Shirts are to be worn under basketball shirts. Back and midriff must be fully covered.

Students are not to wear head coverings of any kind in the building, unless given special permission by the administration. This includes hats, caps, sun visors, bandanas, sweatbands, do-rags, hoods, scarves, etc.