Mchs Student Handbook

MCHS STUDENT HANDBOOK

MISSION STATEMENT

MCHS is a learning community founded on strong relationships among students, faculty, staff and administration and is dedicated to challenging and motivating students through rigorous teaching to ensure their lifelong success.

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Principal…………………………………...Jim Dusso

Assistant Principal………………………..Rocky Franz

Assistant Principal/AD……………………Gene Heffington

Curriculumand Instruction……………Terry Rhodes

Guidance………………………………….Melissa Eads

Lacy Gross

Jon Mansfield

School Resource Officer………………….Mike Martin

Chris Barrier

Rackel Adams

Youth Services…………………………….Becky Kelley

Health Unit………………………………..Tonya Gilvin

SITE BASE COUNCIL

Jim Dusso…………………………………..Principal

David Ledford……………………………..Parent Member

Lisa Kosier…………………………………Parent Member

Jeff Arnett…………………………………Teacher

Pam Callahan……………………………...Teacher

Alton Stull………………………………….Teacher

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Professional Development / No School / August 9,10,13,14, 2012;
February 20, 2013
March 15, 2013
Opening Day for Staff / No School / August 15, 2012
First Day for Students / August 16, 2012
Labor Day Holiday / No School / September 3, 2012
MCHS Teacher-Parent Conferences / 6:00-8:00pm / Tues. September 18, 2012
Court Day Weekend / No School / October 12,15 2012
Election Day – PD / No School / November 6, 2012
Thanksgiving Break / No School / November 21-23, 2012
Last Day of First Semester / 84 / December 20, 2012
Christmas-New Year’s Break / No School / December 21, 2012- January 2, 2013
School Resumes / January 3, 2013
Martin Luther King Day / No School / January 21, 2013
MCHS Teacher- Parent Conferences / 6:30-8-00pm / Tues. February 5, 2013
Presidents’ Day-PD/Optional Make-up Day / No School / February 18, 2013
KEA Day/Optional Flex PD Day / No School / March 15, 2013
Spring Break/Optional Makeup Days / No School / April 1-5, 2013
Last Day for Students / 91 / May 21, 2013
Closing Day / No School / May 22, 2013
Memorial Day / No School / May 27, 2013
KCCT Testing Window / Last 2 Weeks of School

MCHS Flex Bell Schedule

Mon. / Tues. / Wed.
Optional Odd Flex / Thurs.
Optional Even Flex / Fri. / InstructionalMinutes / Non
Instructional
Minutes
7:15- 8:05 / Early Bird / Early Bird / Early
Bird / Early
Bird / Early
Bird / 50 / 10
8:15- 9:10 / 1 / 1 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 55 / 5
9:15- 10:07 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 52 / 5
10:12- 11:04 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 4 / 3 / 52 / 5
11:09- 12:01 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 52 / 5
12:06- 1:26 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 55 / 28
1:31- 2:23 / 6 / 6 / 7 / 6 / 6 / 52 / 5
2:28- 3:20 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 52 / 0

LUNCH MODULES

1st / 12:06– 12:30 / 24 min
2nd / 12:34 – 12:58 / 24 min
3rd / 1:02 – 1:26 / 24 min

OTHER TIMES

(7:50 a.m.) School opens for students, all teachers report for duties, breakfast served in café, computer labs open,

(8:00 a.m.) Buses unload

(3:20 P.M.) Computer labs open, teachers report for duties

CLUB DAY SCHEDULE

A Clubs: FFA, DECA, Pep, ROTC, Co-Ed-Y, FCCLA, Key, Engineering

B Clubs: FCA, Chess, FBLA, TSA-STLP, SERVE, French, Spanish

CLUBS

A Sept. 10Last part of 6th1:48-2:23

B Oct. 9 Last part of 2nd9:32-10:07

ANov. 13Last part of 1st8:35-9:10

BDec. 11Last part of 3rd10:29-11:04

AJan. 8Last part of 4th11:26-12:01

BFeb. 12Last part of 6th1:48-2:23

AMar. 12Last part of 2nd9:32-10:07

BApr. 16Last part of 1st8:35-9:10

Clubs will meet for 35 minutes; dismissals to meetings will be over the intercom system. Sponsors need to:

Notify Terry Rhodes by the day prior to club day if you are meeting and where.
Keep an accurate roster of all current members
Email teachers the roster within 2 days after meetings
Have students sign out and list club they are attending

If your club needs to meet at a time other than your assigned dates, please do so outside of the instructional day. If your students are not attending a club, please keep them in class.

MCHS Grading Periods

Grading Period One

Begins - August 16, 2012

Mid-Term Ends - September 13, 2012

Mid-Term Reports Go Home/ Parent-Teacher Conferences 6:00 – 8:00 pm - September 18, 2012

Ends - October 11, 2012

Progress Reports Go Home – October 17, 2012

Total Days – 40

Grading Period Two

Begins – October 16, 2012

Mid-Term Ends – November 15, 2012

Mid-Term Reports Go Home – November 16, 2012

Ends – December 20, 2012

Progress Reports Go Home – January 3, 2013

Total Days – 44

Grading Period Three

Begins – January 3, 2013

Mid-Term Ends – February 5, 2013

Mid-Term Reports Go Home/ Parent-Teacher Conferences 6:30 – 8:00 pm– February 5, 2013

Ends – March 8, 2013

Progress Reports Go Home – March 12, 2013

Total Days - 45

Grading Period Four

Begins – March 11, 2013

Mid-Term Ends – April 17, 2013

Mid-Term Reports Go Home – April 18, 2013

Ends – May 21, 2013 (tentative due to inclement weather)

Progress Reports Go Home – May 21, 2013

Total Days – 46

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT

Parents and eligible students have the opportunity to opt out of the directory information exception. Parents can request that some or all of the information considered directory by the school not be released. To make this request, you need to contact the appropriate guidance counselor. (FERPA)

FERPA Notice for Individual Learning Plan-ILP

The individual Learning Plan (ILP) is a web based tool that the schools will use with students and their parents/legal guardians. It is a comprehensive tool that allows students to compile information about their education while exploring careers and planning for their future. The ILP will contain personal data information, educational information similar to transcripts, and other related student information. This will be created while the student is at school, although accessible off site. Under the Family Education and Privacy Rights Act, a school district requires permission from the parents (until the student is 18 at which point the right belongs to the student) to share an educational file. There are a few exceptions to this requirement; for example, the district is allowed to share the educational record with institutions, including postsecondary, where a student seeks to enroll.

The Individual Learning Plan will make it possible for a student to choose to share some or all of the information with others including educational institution, even those where he or she may not be seeking to enroll, for a one time viewing of student selected information. While technically the ILP is not part of the educational record, it will contain the data also found in the educational record. If you do not wish to have your child share his or her ILP with others, as parents, (or an 18 year old student ) you may opt out if you so choose. Please advise ______by ______date.

SCHOOL LOCKERS

Locks and lockers will be provided at no expense to students. However, if a lock is lost, the student must pay the price necessary to replace the lock ($10.00). The administration reserves the right to search any student’s locker or vehicle if there is reasonable evidence that illegal drugs, weapons, or stolen property are stored there. Lockers should be kept in order without permitting papers or other objects to hang from the doors. They should remain locked at all times. No objects prohibited in school should ever be stored or kept in lockers. Security of personal property is the responsibility of the student. Students are urged to put locks on lockers and to keep them locked when not in use. The school is not responsible for lost, misplaced, or stolen items.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A medical examination is required by a PHYSICIAN before a child may participate in interscholastic athletics. An examination by a chiropractor is not acceptable for this requirement.

FEES

School districts may charge parents incidental fees associated with the instruction of their children. Parents are entitled to be informed as to what the fee money will be used for. Fees are to be charged only for “necessary school supplies”.

DEBTS

1.A student who loses or damages free textbooks is not entitled to additional free textbooks until the debt is cleared. Parents are also subject to a fine of $100 to $500. KRS 157.140 and 157.990 (a).

2.A student who fails to return material loaned to him (e.g. library books) and fails to make restitution is subject to a misdemeanor charge in juvenile court. KRS 154.070 and 208.020.

3.A student who fails to make good a bad check may be charged with theft by deception.KRS 514.040.

4.A student who fails to pay a debt (e.g. lunch charges) is subject to suit in civil court.

5.Bank loans must be paid before grades/books will be issued.

6.All seniors must pay all debts before participating in graduation.

7.Any student who has a school debt can have privileges revoked, such as parking privileges, prom, etc.

GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

Guidance personnel are employed to assist any student in the following areas: educational, social-personal, and occupational. Students desiring to set up an appointment should contact the guidance counselor from 8:15 to 8:25 a.m. or between class changes. Last name beginning with:

Lacy Gross A - G

Melissa Eads H - P

Jon Mansfield Q – Z

STUDY ISLAND CREDIT RECOVERY CLASS

Program Requirements

1.To take an academic credit recovery class (English, math, science, social studies) the student must have previously failed that academic class. (Ex. Must fail World Civilization in the regular classroom setting before you can enroll in the Word Civilization credit recovery class.) However, students may enroll in Study Island elective classes if credits are needed to be promoted to the next grade level or to graduate. (Ex. Elective classes can be traded out….a student may of failed life skills in the regular classroom setting but replaced that credit with another Study Island elective.

The maximum number of credits a student can earn during a school year is ten. (This includes Study Island, second chance, correspondence, and summer school.)
Any student using the computer inappropriately can be dismissed from the class.

SUMMER SCHEDULE CHANGES

During the summer, students with scheduling problems will have the opportunity to have a phone or personal conference with the counselors until the end of July.

Student schedules will be changed for any of these “legitimate” reasons:

The student did not request the course.
The student has previously failed the course under that teacher. A change will be made if possible.
There is a mistake in the schedule.
The student lacks the necessary prerequisites for the course.
The student failed a needed course in the spring.

** Student and parent requests for a change of course because of the teacher, will be referred to the Principal.

DROP/ADD POLICY

Any changes the student wishes to make to his/her schedule must be made the third or fourth day of the new school year. After the start of the current school year, no changes will be made to student schedules until the end of the first nine weeks.

If, at the end of the first 4 ½ weeks, the teacher and the student are in agreement that a change is necessary, the student’s schedule will then be changed to a similar credit course (i.e. students may not drop a core content class and add an elective). Students must remain on track to receive graduation requirements.

In the case of credit recovery courses, students may not drop a core content course or a required course in which they are currently enrolled and be placed in a credit recovery course. The purpose of credit recovery is to allow students to earn back credits that have been lost due to failure and to keep students on track for graduation. Credit recovery does not replace regular classroom instruction

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

After the 5thday of year long classes and the 3rdday of 18 week classes, a student may not drop a class unless he/she has a special circumstances (medical, unresolved student teacher conflicts), which are approved by the principal. The student and a parent/legal guardian must request a conference with the principal prior to granting approval. The student will not be permitted to enroll in a full credit class after the drop-add deadline. A withdrawal FAILING after the drop-add deadline will show as a failure on the transcript as an “F” for GPA purposes.

VISITOR SIGN-IN

All visitors must report to the Main Office before going anywhere else on campus. They will be signed in and issued a visitor’s pass, allowing them to be on campus. PHOTO ID WILL BE REQUIRED WHEN SIGNING IN TO THE BUILDING.

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

Officers of the Montgomery County School District Police will serve as a liaison between the school system and state and local law enforcement. The officer’s main role is to be a law enforcement presence in the school system, by enforcing state and federal law along with local ordnances, while protecting the student and staff population. The officers may also be utilized as a counselor resource on law related topics, and may assist with health and traffic classes. The officer is not to be used as a school disciplinarian, but can assist faculty in any matter deemed necessary. The officers may be contacted via e-mail, which is located on the district web page, or by phone at (859) 497-8770 ext. 2300 or 4550.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Absences and Excuses

Pupils are required to attend regularly and punctually the school in which they are enrolled.

Truancy Defined: According to KRS 600.020, paragraph 22 of the Unified Juvenile Code, “Any child who has been found by the court to have been absent from school without valid excuse for three (3) or more days during a one year period or tardy for three (3) or more days on at least three (3) occasions during a one year period” is a “habitual truant”. Absence for less than one half day shall be considered tardiness.

CO-OP Prerequisite

Juniors must maintain a ninety-five percent (95%) attendance rate during their junior year to be eligible to co-op during their senior year. Juniors who sign up for co-op during scheduling for their senior year will have their attendance checked prior to finalizing schedules by the guidance office to verify eligibility for participation. (95% attendance for a school year means 9 days or less in unexcused absences for the ENTIRE school year)

If eligible for co-op during his/her senior year, a student must maintain a ninety-five percent (95%) attendance rate in order to remain in co-op for the entire semester.

Ninety-five percent attendances will be figured on unexcused absences only. Attendance on co-op students will be checked weekly for the required 95% attendance (no more than 9 days of unexcused absences) by the attendance office and/or guidance office.

Any student participating in extra-curricular activities must be on time and present for the entire day of a scheduled event and the entire day following a scheduled event from the previous evening. Failure to do so shall result in being suspended from participating in the next scheduled event. Exemptions can be determined on an individual basis by the attendance director depending on whether the absence can be deemed as being an excused absence for good cause. (Extra-Curricular Activities are defined as any and all activities that take place beyond the length of a regular school day)

Pupils are required to attend regularly and punctually the school in which they are enrolled.

Excused Absences: an excused absence is one for which work may be made up, such as:

Participation in school-related activities, including 4-H, as approved by the Principal;

Court appearances (verification from the court shall be required for that portion of the day missed)

Medical and/or dental appointments that cannot be made after school. Such appointments shall be verified by a physician or dentist statement confirming date and time (only that portion of the day actually requiring the student to be absent from school shall be excused)

Driver's license permit or tests (verification from the examiner shall be required for that portion of the day missed);

An approved pre-arranged absence;

Other valid reasons as determined by the principal/principal designee.

ANY STUDENT WHO EXCEEDS 5 ABSENCES UNEXCUSED MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE PRINCIPAL TO PRESENT A DOCTOR’S STATEMENT FOR ANY FURTHER ABSENCES. There will be a limit of three (3) parent notes for student absences per school year. Each parent note will not excuse more than two (2) consecutive days of absences.

Students will be permitted three (3) emergency tardies per semester. A parent note must be submitted for each emergency tardy used. After emergency tardies are exhausted, any further tardies will be unexcused. THESE NOTES DO NOT COUNT AGAINST THE THREE (3) PARENT NOTES FOR ABSENCES DURING THE YEAR.

Any and all notes turned into the office must have the following information on them: first and last name of student, grade, whether the note is for an absence(s) or an emergency tardy, and date(s) it is being submitted for. Parent notes must be presented within two (2) days of return to school and will be accepted for the following:

1.Illness of the pupil;

2.Death or severe illness in the pupil's immediate family;

3.Religious holidays;

4.Other valid reasons as determined by the principal/principal designee.

Consequences for unexcused absences

After five (5) unexcused absences, parking privileges will be revoked for the remainder of the semester. The student’s parking permit must be turned in at the attendance office. Parking permits can be reinstated at the beginning of the second semester. If during the second semester a student accumulates another 4 unexcused absences, the parking permit will be revoked for the remainder of the year. The parent and student shall be warned that a referral to court for habitual truancy is imminent.

Any Student at MCHSwho exceeds nine 9 unexcused absences will not be permitted to attend prom. (This includes ALL grades 9 - 12).

AnySENIOR who exceeds 9 unexcused absences will not participate in graduation ceremony.

College and/or vocational visits must be pre-approved in advance or they will be considered unexcused visits. Visits must be pre-approved by the attendance office and students requesting the visit must have less than 9 unexcused absences

Visits to Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS)

Students trying to enter military service are authorized 2 visits to the MEPS station for processing into military service. Upon return to school, the student should provide written verification from MEPS or the recruiter that they have been to the MEPS station. Any additional visit to MEPS will require verification from the station or the recruiter making the visit stating the reason the additional visit is required (medical, administrative, etc.). Prior approval must be completed for the absence to be excused.