Edward H. White

High School

Commander Pride

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2009 – 2010

School Colors – Green and Gold

Mascot – Commander

Jackie Simmons, Jr. – Principal

1700 Old Middleburg Road North – Jacksonville, Florida32210

Telephone (904) 693-7620 – Fax (904) 693-7639

Student Name:

Period / Class / Teacher / Room
1 (A)
2 (A)
3 (A)
4 (B)
5 (B)
6 (B)
7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2009-2010 School Calendar / 6 / Driver’s Licenses / 11 / School Advisory Council / 17
25 Book Standard / 28-32 / Edward H. White, II / 25 / Schedule Changes / 10
Absence Procedures / 11 / Electronic Devices / 13 / Scholarships / 9
Absences, Excessive / 11 / Faculty / 23-24 / School Accident Insurance / 14
Absences, Excused / 11 / Graduation Requirements, Class of 2009 / 7 / School and Office Hours / 6
Absences, Unexcused / 11 / School Bus Regulations / 12
Accelerated LearningCenter / 15 / Graduation Requirements, Class of 2010, 2011, and 2012 / 8 / School Buses / 12
Accidents and Injuries / 14 / School Clinic/Illness / 14
Activity and Athletic Buses / 12 / Guidance Department / 7 / School Visitors / 15
Administration / 5 / Library and MediaCenter / 20 / Small Learning Communities / 5
Alma Mater / 25 / Lockers / 13 / Sports and Schedules / 19
Announcements and Bulletins / 15 / Lost and Found / 13 / Student Activities / 18
Assemblies / 14 / Make-Up Work / 10 / Student Conduct / 13
Athletics / 18 / Medication / 14 / Student Debts / 15
Attendance Policies / 10 / Miscellaneous Rules/Policies / 16 / Student Government / 24
Bell Schedule / 5 / Missing More Than 5 Days? / 11 / Student I.D.’s / 14
Campus Map / 26-27 / Mission and Beliefs Statement / 3 / Student Safety Precautions / 13
Change of Address / 10 / Non-Participation in P.E. / 14 / Support Services Staff / 6
Check-Out Procedures / 11 / Parking Decals / 12 / Suspensions / 15
Clubs / 18 / Principal’s Message / 4 / Tardiness / 16
Code of Student Conduct / 15 / Project Fees / 14 / Textbooks / 15
CommunitySchool / 14 / Promotion Requirements / 7 / Transfers / 10
Consequences for Violations / 16 / Parent/Teacher/Student Assoc / 17 / Where to Go for Help / 6
Course Offerings / 21-22 / Rituals and Routines / 17 / Withdrawals / 10

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to establish a strong foundation in learning, citizenship, problem solving, and work ethics in order to challenge all students to achieve and become productive members of society.

BELIEF STATEMENTS

  • Student learning is the top priority for the school and will be the primary focus of all decisions impacting the work of the school.
  • Students need to demonstrate their understanding of essential knowledge through activities involved in problem solving and producing quality work.
  • Students learn in different ways and should be provided with a variety of instructional approaches to support their learning.
  • Each student is a valued individual with unique social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
  • All students will receive the required services and resources to help them be successful.
  • A consistent enforcement of student behavior and attendance is necessary to provide a safe and physically comfortable environment to promote student learning.
  • Teachers, administrators, parents, students, and the community share the responsibility for advancing the school’s mission and beliefs.
  • The commitment to continuous improvement is imperative if our school is going to prepare students to become confident, self-directed, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

We are excited to welcome you to a new school year at Ed White High School. During your education at EWHS, I challenge you to do your best and be your best. All of our teachers and staff will set high expectations for you, and you are encouraged and expected to meet these expectations.

I challenge you:

In academics, make a commitment to come to school every day, get to class on time, come prepared to work, and be determined to make an “A”, “B”, or “C” in every course. You need to think of D’s and F’s as unacceptable. Remember, you must have a 2.0 grade point average to graduate from high school.

In activities, get involved in some club, student organization, band, drama, or athletics. These connections will make you feel a part of the school. School is simply more fun when you are involved.

This planner will include a great deal of information about our policies, procedures, and activities. We highly recommend that each student and their parents read this handbook or refer to it for any questions you might have about Ed White.

Finally, I want you to know that the major factor in school success has to be your “attitude.” All of these changes will not make any difference if you do not have a positive attitude toward learning and education. I challenge you to get excited about learning, plan to have a fantastic experience, and to make this your most successful year ever.

Jackie Simmons, Jr., Principal

BELL SCHEDULE

Regular Day Bell Schedule
Warning Bell / 7:25
1st Period / 7:30 – 9:05
2nd Period / 9:10 – 10:40
3rd Period / 10:45 – 12:55
Lunch A / 10:45 – 11:20
Lunch B / 11:32 – 12:07
Lunch C / 12:20 – 12:55
4th Period / 1:00 – 1:45
Early Dismissal Day Bell Schedule
Warning Bell / 7:25
1st Period / 7:30 – 8:45
2nd Period / 8:50 – 10:00
3rd Period / 10:05 – 12:15
Lunch A / 10:05 – 10:40
Lunch B / 10:52 – 11:27
Lunch C / 11:40 – 12:15
4th Period / 12:20 – 1:00

ADMINISTRATION

The faculty and administration are committed to providing you with the best possible educational opportunities and environment. We are interested in your comments and suggestions. If you have any questions, or a problem, please seek the advice of a teacher, counselor, or administrator. The following is a list of the administration and other support staff. Please feel free to call us about your problems or concerns. A complete list of the entire staff and their extensions is listed on pages 23 and 24 of the handbook.

Principal / Jackie Simmons, Jr.
Assistant Principal / Joanne Williams
Assistant Principal / Leonard Chaplinski
Assistant Principal / Nancy Cohan
Assistant Principal / Jeravon Wheeler
Assistant Principal / Erica Williams

LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Discovery House (9th-12th)

Red ID

Ms. E. Williams, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Curran, Guidance Counselor

Endeavour House (9th-12th)

Green ID

Mr. Chaplinski, Assistant Principal

Mr. Bilbray, Guidance Counselor

Enterprise House (9th-12th)

OrangeID

Ms. Wheeler, Assistant Principal

Ms. Haltiwanger, Guidance Counselor

Atlantis House (9th-12th)

Yellow ID

Mrs. Cohan, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Owens, Guidance Counselor

SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF

Principal’s Secretary / Cheryl Austin
Vice Principal’s Secretary / Sandy Eibach
Bookkeeper / Lynn Ackley
Assistant Principal’s Secretary / Beverly Combs
Assistant Principal’s Secretary / Debbie Moore
Guidance Secretary / Sharon Menter
Records Clerk / Joan Hall
Media Assistant / Lori Tritt
Volunteer Program / Joanne Williams
Attendance / Gina Santiago
Data Entry Clerk / Debbie Liller
Receptionist / Toyia Bouldin
Student Activities & Athletics / John Gwynes
Community Education / Jordan Schemmel
April Lane

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

Athletics/Eligibility / Coach Gwynes
Bus Information / Mr. Chaplinski
Car Registration / Ms. Eibach
Free/Reduced Lunch Apps. / Ms. Bouldin
Illness / Student Services
Locker Assignments/Problems / Coach Gwynes
Lost and Found / Student Services
One Day Parking Permit / Ms. Eibach
Parking Decals / Ms. Eibach
Pay for Lost Books / Ms. Eibach
P.E. Concerns / P.E. Teachers
Permit to LeaveSchool / Student Services
Personal, Social Problems / Guidance
Educational, Schedule Problems / Guidance
School Activities / Coach Gwynes
School Withdrawal / Guidance
Student Insurance / Student Services
Theft / Student Services

SCHOOL/OFFICE HOURS

School Day Hours:7:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Switchboard Hours/Administrators on Duty:

Monday – Thursday7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Friday7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Teachers on Duty:

Monday – Friday7:20 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.

Community Education:

Monday – Thursday4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

2009-10 SCHOOL CALENDAR

First Day of SchoolAugust 24

Labor DaySeptember 7

ACTSeptember 12

SATOctober 10

FCAT Retake (11-Adult)October 13-17

PSATOctober 14

End of 1st QuarterOctober 23

ACTOctober 24

Teacher Planning DayOctober 26

SATNovember 7

Veterans DayNovember 11

Weather DayNovember 25

ThanksgivingNovember 26-27

SATDecember 5

ACTDecember 12

Weather DaysDecember 17-22

Winter BreakDecember 23-Jan. 1

School ResumesJanuary 4

Martin Luther King HolidayJanuary 18

End of 2nd QuarterJanuary 21

Teacher Planning DayJanuary 22

SATJanuary 23

ACTFebruary 6

FCAT Writing (10)February 9-11

President’s DayFebruary 15

FCAT SSS/Retake (9-Adult)March 9-19

SATMarch 13

End of 3rd QuarterMarch 29

Teacher Planning DayApril 1

Spring HolidayApril 2

Spring BreakApril 5-9

ACTApril 10

SATMay 1

AP ExamsMay 3-14

Weather DayMay 28

Memorial DayMay 31

SATJune 5

Last Day of SchoolJune 11

ACTJune 12

Early Dismissal Days (Dismissal at 12:15p.m.)

Sept. 9, 23Oct. 7, 14Nov. 4, 18

Dec. 9Jan.6, 20Feb.3, 17

Mar. 3, 24Apr. 14, 28

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

Policies and Procedures

Libby Curran (Discovery, Odyssey A-D)

Grace Haltiwanger (Enterprise, Odyssey E-K)

Vera Owens (Atlantis, Odyssey L-R)

Gene Bilbray (Endeavour, Odyssey S-Z)

The purpose of the Guidance Department is to help you understand yourself in relation to your potential, and to assist you in personal and educational needs. Guidance counselors are assigned to students by house, with seniors being divided by alphabetical order. Our counselors are here to help in many ways, including:

  • Helping to solve problems that you might encounter in high school.
  • Counseling individuals and groups to help them develop self-understanding and assist them in making decisions.
  • Applying for college and vocational scholarships.
  • Assisting in the selection of a career, college, vocational school, or military training program.
  • Assist students and parents in the selection of an appropriate course of study and the scheduling of classes.
  • Administering and arranging for national, state, and local aptitude and achievement tests; interpreting the results of these tests to students, parents, and teachers.
  • Referring students and parents to appropriate agencies outside the school which may well serve the needs of students.

Stop by the Guidance Office and the secretary will schedule an appointment for you to meet with your counselor as soon as possible.

PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

Freshman: Middle School Promotion

Sophomore: 5 credits including 1 English and 1 Math, and at least a 1.5 cumulative GPA.

Junior: 11 credits including 2 English and 2 Math, and at least a 1.5 cumulative GPA.

Senior: 17 credits, including 3 English and either 3 Math or 3 Science, and at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Class of 2009

Courses / General Requirements For High School Graduation (4-year)
Class of 2009
English / 4 credits (major concentration in composition and literature)
Mathematics / 3 credits (one of which must be Algebra I, one of which must be Geometry, or their equivalent)
Science / 1 credit Biology
2 credits in the physical sciences (Chemistry, Physics, or Earth/Space) [two must have a laboratory component]
Add Math/Science / 1 credit
Social Studies / 1 credit World History
1 credit American History
½ credit American Government
½ credit Economics
Foreign Language / Not required for high school graduation; required for admission into state university
Practical Career Education and/or Visual/Performing Fine Arts / 1 credit practical arts career education or exploratory career education or
1 credit performing fine arts or
½ credit in practical arts and ½ credit in performing fine arts
Life Management Skills / ½ credit
Physical Education / 1 credit (including ½ credit of Personal Fitness and ½ credit physical education elective)
Personal, Social, and Family Relationships / ½ credit
Electives / 7 credits **
TOTAL / 24 credits
State Assessment Requirements / Earn passing scores on the FCAT (grade 10)
Grade Point Average Requirements (GPA) / Earn a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

** All 9th and 10th grade students who scored a Level 1 or 2 on the FCAT Reading test must be enrolled in an Intensive Reading course.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Classes of 2010, 2011, and 2012

Courses / General Requirements For High School Graduation (4-year)
English / 4 credits (include writing requirements appropriately rigorous – not just a literature course)
Mathematics / 4 credits
1 Algebra I – required
1 Geometry – required
1 Algebra II – required
1 data analysis/statistics - recommended
Science / 4 credits
1 Biology – required
2 physical sciences – required (Chemistry, Physics, or Earth/Space) [two must have a laboratory component]
1 additional science - required
Social Studies / 3 credits
1 credit World History
1 credit American History
½ credit American Government
½ credit Economics
Foreign Language / 2 credits (consecutive courses in the same language***)
Practical Career Education and/or Visual/Performing Fine Arts / 1 credit practical arts career education or exploratory career education or
1 credit performing fine arts or
½ credit in practical arts and ½ credit in performing fine arts
Keystone Course / ½ credit
Senior Transition* / ½ credit
Capstone Project / ½ credit
Life Management Skills / ½ credit
Physical Education / 1 credit (including ½ credit of Personal Fitness and ½ credit physical education elective)
Personal, Social, and Family Relationships / Elective – not required
Electives / 5 or 5½ credits */**
Electives should be thematic/specialized courses within academy/learning community in upper division
TOTAL / 26 credits
State Assessment Requirements / Earn passing scores on the FCAT (grade 10)
Grade Point Average Requirements (GPA) / Earn a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

* Students who have taken AP, AICE, IB, DE, or EarlyCollege courses may opt out.

** All 9th and 10th grade students who scored a Level 1 or 2 on the FCAT Reading test must be enrolled in an Intensive Reading course.

*** American Sign Language may be used to meet the foreign language requirement. Postsecondary institutions outside of Florida may not accept ASL as a foreign language credit.

Academic Rigor

  • Unrestricted opportunity to take honors/AP courses
  • College credit options
  • Focus on academic achievement
  • Safety nets that provide support

Keystone Course: Career Research and Decision-Making

Students will:

  • Explore career paths in high school and beyond.
  • Demonstrate leadership, citizenship, and teamwork skills required for success in school, community, and the workplace.
  • Recognize the impact of their commitment to education.
  • Apply skill sets required to succeed.
  • Communicate effectively and comprehend oral and written communication.

Capstone Project

Students will:

  • Produce a scholarly research paper based on academic experiences.
  • Create a product as a result of the research and make a professional presentation before a group of peers, community, or business members.
  • Perform self-evaluation and reflect on academic accomplishments.
  • Showcase hard-won knowledge and skills.

Small Learning Communities

  • Create smallness out of bigness.
  • A team of teachers work with a group of students.
  • Students receive instruction over time from same instructors.
  • Students associate with a smaller cohort of students.
  • Increased academic support is provided to students.
  • A greater sense of belonging is created.
  • Attendance increases, drop-out rate decreases, and fewer discipline problems occur.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Did you know that you could be eligible for a scholarship when you take three (3) vocational courses in the same subject area? Did you know that many scholarships go unclaimed each year? Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program is the umbrella program for three state-funded scholarships based on academic achievement in high school. Bright Futures Medallion Scholars can now attend Florida Community Colleges tuition free. More information can be found online at or by calling toll-free at 1-888-827-2004.

To monitor your Bright Futures eligibility, follow the directions below:

  • Go to (this is a great website that is maintained by the State of Florida)
  • Click on “High School Academic Evaluation”
  • Click on “new student user” (in purple rectangle)
  • Follow directions to create User ID and password
  • Log on to your transcript
  • Click on “Course Summary” and look it over
  • Click on “Bright Futures Eligibility” to monitor your progress towards meting the requirements for Bright Futures.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Be a Florida resident,
  • Earn a standard high school diploma or its equivalent from a public or private high school,
  • Be accepted by and enrolled in an eligible Florida public or independent postsecondary education institution,
  • Be enrolled for at least six (6) semester credit hours, and
  • Not be found guilty of or pled nolo contendere to a felony charge.

FLORIDA ACADEMIC SCHOLARS AWARD

A student is eligible for this award if the student meets the general eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program. The requirements for this award are:

  • Maintaining a minimum unrounded weighted cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in the 19 credits identified by the Florida Board of Regents as college preparatory,
  • Has completed 75 hours of community service,
  • Has attained a score of 1270 on the SAT or 28 on the ACT tests.

This award pays 100% of tuition to a state university and $300 for books and supplies.

FLORIDA MERIT SCHOLARS AWARD

A student is eligible for a Florida Merit Scholars Award if the student meets the general eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The requirements for this award are:

  • Maintaining a minimum unrounded weighted cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the 19 credits identified by the Florida Board of Regents as college preparatory,
  • Has attained a score of 970 on the SAT or 20 on the ACT tests.

This award pays 75% of tuition to a state university or 100% to a state community college.

FLORIDA GOLD SEAL VOCATIONAL SCHOLARS AWARD

A student is eligible for a Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award if the student meets the general eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The requirements for this award are:

  • Completion of the secondary school portion of a sequential program of studies that requires at least three vocational credits (excluding on-the-job training) taken over at least two academic years, and is continuing in a planned, related, postsecondary education program.
  • Has a 440 verbal and 440 math on the SAT or ACT scores of 18 in reading, 19 in math, and 17 in English.
  • Has earned a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of at least 3.0 in the 15 credits required for high school graduation.
  • Has earned a 3.5 unweighted GPA in a minimum of 3 sequential vocational courses.

This award pays 75% of tuition to a state university.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

No course may be added or dropped after the tenth day of enrollment in any class. In addition, no course may be added or dropped during the first ten days without one of the following exceptions.

  • Administrative action becomes necessary as a result of out-of-balance class loads or change in teaching units.
  • An additional course is needed to meet graduation requirements.
  • A schedule adjustment is required due to a course completed in summer school.
  • Student doesn’t meet the prerequisites for the course.
  • Student has failed a class with the same teacher previously.
  • Student has previously passed the course with a satisfactory grade.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

When you change your residence, you should immediately notify the guidance office and provide proof of your new address and telephone number. We must be able to contact your parent or guardian by telephone in case of an emergency and by mail for sending information. Proof of address is required for all address changes.

WITHDRAWALS