Acknowledgement / Signature Page
We acknowledge that we have received a copy of the 2015-2016
Octorara Junior High School Student Handbook.
We also understand that it is our responsibility to read this handbook and to become familiar with its contents. We have read the section on Academic Dishonesty. We also understand that medications are to be taken only in the presence of the nurse and that permission for the administration of a medication must be verified in writing with the school nurse.
Date______
Student Name (print)______
Student Signature______
Parent Signature______
This completed receipt is to be returned to your homeroom teacher. If you wish to use the Internet during the year, please read “Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet” and complete the form below.
As a parent or guardian of ______,
I have read the OASD’s “Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet.” I understand that internet access is designed for educational purposes and that the OASD has taken precautions to ensure its appropriate use. However, I also recognize that it is impossible for the OASD to restrict access to all inappropriate or controversial materials and will not hold them responsible for materials this student may acquire while connected to the internet. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting. I hereby give my permission for this student to access the internet.
Parent Name (print)______
Parent Signature ______
To accommodate special needs as required by State and federal law, certain students in your child's classroom might have the right to audio record, or to receive teacher-made audio recordings of, discussions that occur during instructional activities. These recordings could include the voice of your child. The child making the recording or for whom the recording is made will use the recording solely to support his or her ability to access and retain educational information. The recording will be destroyed when it is no longer necessary for that purpose. Recordings shall not be maintained by or otherwise considered educational records of the District for any purpose.
Please return this form with proper signatures to your homeroom teacher by September 8th, 2015.
OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
OCTORARA AREA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT/PARENT
HANDBOOK
Junior High School Office
610-593-8223
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
School Nurse
610-593-8225
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Counseling Office
610-593-8223
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Published Summer 2015
Please visit our Web Site at octorara.k12.pa.us
Octorara Junior High School
228 Highland Road ~ Atglen, PA 19310-1641
Phone 610-593-8223 ~ Fax 610-593-5185
Scott Rohrer Jon Propper
Principal Assistant Principal
August 2015
Dear Students and Parents,
We welcome you to an exciting and challenging school year. As with any new beginning, there are new friends, new teachers and new experiences waiting! Everyone at Octorara Junior High School will make every effort to help and lead you in reaching the goals you set. We encourage you, as junior high school students, to be active learners and active participants in all that you do. We want the time you spend with us to be the best it can possibly be.
Parents, we encourage your participation in the life of the school. We invite you to assist us as volunteers, chaperones, and active members of our parent organizations. Your help is genuinely appreciated as we strive to meet the needs and wishes of our students.
Students, we encourage your participation in both the academic programs and the numerous extra-curricular activities offered at Octorara Junior High School. We want you to know that we expect you to do your best, be considerate of others, show respect to all, and take pride in your work and actions.
This handbook is written for both students and parents. The information contained in this guide is designed to explain the daily operations, procedures, and opportunities at your school. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference. We adhere to this manual and the School Board Policy manual.
Have a great year!
Sincerely,
The Junior High School Staff
Octorara BRAVES
BOLD
Confident in oneself
RESPONSIBLE
Accountable for choices, actions, and attitude
AMBITIOUS
Motivated to set goals and achieve them
VIRTUOUS
Honorable in words and actions
ENERGETIC
Committed to school and community
SELFLESS
Concerned about the rights and feelings of others
Bold, Responsible, Ambitious, Virtuous, Energetic, Selfless.
The Octorara Area Junior High School is committed to encouraging and promoting positive character traits in all of our students. We hope to impress upon our students that positive character traits transcend school and stretch into the community and business organizations of which they will one day become a part. We will expose our students to the benefits of character education and encourage spirit in our school and in the community. A positive school climate results in a productive learning environment affording all students the opportunity to be successful.
MISSION
The mission of the Octorara Area School District, through a community partnership, is to empower students to lead successful lives as responsible citizens and productive members of society.
BELIEFS
- Everyone is capable of learning.
- A safe and secure environment is essential to a positive school experience.
- Everyone has value, has something to contribute, and is worthy of respect.
- Every student has the right to an education, and the school district has the responsibility to provide every student a high quality education.
- Individuals are responsible and accountable for their actions.
- The responsibility of learning is shared by students, home, school, and community.
- All students should be encouraged to realize their full potential.
- The freedom to discuss ideas is critical to a quality education.
PHILOSOPHY
Students at the junior high school differ in academic growth, interests, physical growth, social maturity, and personal adjustment. The philosophy of Octorara Junior High School is to recognize these differences in children and to give each one an equal opportunity to reach his/her own potential. We seek to accomplish this by offering programs and planning a schedule that keeps the child’s educational experience as the major goal.
We also believe that for each student to reach his/her potential, there must be communication between home and school, in order to keep the student’s interest in the forefront of any action.
Added to the fundamental skills stressed in the student’s program, there should be aesthetic, cultural and social experiences provided, as well as social values that should be passed on to the student.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
1.Student responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientiouseffort in classroom work, and conformance to school rules and regulations.
2.No student has the right to interfere with the education of his fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators and all others who are involved in the educational process.
3.Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner so as not to offend or slander others.
Students who choose not to participate in the Pledge to Allegiance shall respect others by remaining quiet and considerate. A document from a parent requesting non-participation must be submitted to the Principal.
4.It is the responsibility of the students to:
a.Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves in accord with them.
b.Be willing to volunteer information in matters relating to health, safety, and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.
c.Dress and groom themselves so as to meet fair standards of safety and health, and so as not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes.
d.Assume that until a rule is waived, altered or repealed it is in full effect.
e.Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled therein.
f.Be aware of and comply with state and local laws.
g.Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment.
h.Attend school daily, except when excused, and be on time at all classes and other school functions.
i.Make all necessary arrangements for making up work when absent from school.
j.Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by state and local school authorities.
k.Avoid inaccuracies in student newspapers or publications and indecent or obscene language.
l.Pay all financial obligations and fulfill all discipline obligations in a timely fashion. Students not fulfilling these obligations may be placed on probation and/or receive further discipline.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACTIVITIES ...... 9
ATHLETICS...... 9
1. Physical Examination...... 10
2. Attendance...... 10
3. Eligibility...... 10
4. Transportation To / From Event...... 11
5. Conduct...... 11
6. Sportsmanship...... 11
7. Additional Information...... 12
EXTRA-CURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT for ILLEGAL
SUBSTANCES ……………………………………………………13
BUILDING AND GROUNDS REGULATIONS...... 14
BULLY PREVENTION AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.15
CAFETERIA...... 16
Procedures, Free / Reduced Lunch Program
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS...... 16
CODE OF CONDUCT...... 17
COUNSELING SERVICES...... 17
DANCE REGULATIONS...... 17
DISCIPLINE POLICY...... 18
Philosophy Statement...... 18
Special Education Statement...... 18
Types of Discipline...... 18
Administrative Disciplinary Levels...... 20
Suspension...... 21
Referral to Law Enforcement Agency...... 21
Attendance...... 21
Excused Absences...... 21
Steps to Follow When Absent...... 21
Early Dismissal...... 21
Truancy...... 21
Tardiness...... 22
Class Cutting...... 22
Failing to Sign in at the Office...... 22
Leaving Class Without Permission...... 22
Leaving School Without Permission...... 22
Transportation Discipline Policy...... 23
Academic Dishonesty...... 23
Dress Code...... 24
Smoking...... 24
Student - Corporal Punishment...... 25
Electronic Devices...... 25
DRUG / ALCOHOL POLICY...... 25
EDUCATIONAL TRIPS...... 28
EMERGENCY ALERTS...... 28
EMERGENCY DISMISSAL PROCEDURES...... 28
FIELD TRIPS...... 28
FIRE DRILLS...... 28
FUND RAISING ...... 28
HALL PASSES...... 29
HEALTH SERVICES, MEDICATIONS & POLICIES...... 29
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM...... 29
INTERNET (ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY)...... 30
LIBRARY PROCEDURES...... 30
LOCKERS...... 31
LOST OR DAMAGED BOOKS / EQUIPMENT...... 31
OBLIGATIONS...... 31
PARENT – TEACHER CONFERENCES...... 31
PROMOTIONAL PRACTICES...... 31
REPORT CARDS, GRADES & HONOR ROLL...... 32
RELEASE OF IMAGES...... 32
SEARCHES...... 32
SPECIAL /GIFTED EDUCATIONAL SERVICES...... 33
SUMMER SCHOOL...... 33
STAFF AUTHORITY...... 33
TELEPHONE PROCEDURES...... 33
TITLE I SERVICES...... 33
TRANSPORTATION ...... 33
Bus discipline policy...... 34
VISITORS...... 34
WEAPONS POLICY...... 34
WITHDRAWAL...... 35
ACTIVITIES(Including clubs, plays / musicals, and any other extracurricular activities)
The school offers a wide range of activities for students to participate in during their school years. If you are interested in participating in any activities listed (see sections on “Athletics” and “Clubs and Organizations”), it is suggested that you contact the sponsor, coach, or director of that activity. It would also be helpful, if you are interested in participating in any activities listed, to listen carefully to the daily announcements for further information. We strongly urge that all students participate in our extra-curricular activities so that they can benefit from this aspect of our school program.
A student must be in school by 9:00 a.m. on the day of an event to be eligible to participate.
ATHLETICS
The school is member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and the students are eligible for interscholastic competition under the rules of this association. The athletic director is in charge of the athletic program. Listed below are the athletic teams that are currently sponsored by their respective booster clubs and the grade levels of student involvement.
Fall Sports -
Cross CountryGrade 7-8
Field HockeyGrade 7-8
Football Grade 7-8
Soccer (Boys/Girls)Grade 7-8
VolleyballGrade 7-8
Winter Sports -
WrestlingGrade 7-8
Spring Sports -
BaseballGrade 7-8
SoftballGrade 7-8
The Octorara Area Junior High School will respect the constitution of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (copies of the constitution are available in the offices of the principal and the athletic director) and the following guidelines:
Athletic Philosophy
The Octorara Area School District provides students with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of athletic and other extra-curricular programs. We are extremely proud of our students and grateful to our parents and community for their support. We have been able to achieve local and statewide recognition for excellence for our programs. We believe that participation in these activities is an integral part of the overall development of our students.
As our young people participate in sports competition, they learn lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition and how to win with dignity and lose gracefully. Through this participation, our students have the opportunity to learn many important character traits such as self- discipline, dedication, determination and cooperation that are important to success in life. Athletics play a vitally important part in the experiences that our students gain from school.
However, participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right. Because these students are in a unique position to represent our school, we expect that they will maintain certain academic and behavioral standards. Students who are not meeting these standards will not be eligible to practice and/or play until such time as these deficiencies have been addressed.
Athletic Department Position Statement: Encouraging Athletes to Participate in Multiple Sports
The Octorara Athletic Department recognizes the value of athletes participating in multiple sports activities and actively promotes this philosophy to athletes and parents. One of the missions of our athletic program is to provide a positive experience for all participants and to encourage physical, social and emotional growth. Through a beneficial sports experience we hope our student-athletes are better prepared to successfully meet the challenges of post-secondary education opportunities and ultimately are better able to provide a positive contribution as community members.
Presented in this section of the Student Handbook is information that will help you and your student/athlete as you prepare to be part of our program. This information was developed so that you will have a better understanding of our expectations from you and so that you are better prepared about what to expect from us. We encourage you to review the entire OCTORARA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK to obtain further information regarding rules and procedures for the school district.
1. What We Expect From Our Athletes:
The following have been adopted as minimum standards for the athletic department. Individual coaches may apply rules to their teams that are stricter than these. An athlete who is in violation of these rules may be penalized by having his/her playing time reduced or forfeited or be suspended from the team.
A. Sports Physical
All athletes must receive a physical exam prior to playing a sport. The school district provides physical examinations at the school prior to each sports season. These dates are announced well in advance and the exams are provided for a fee of $10.00. If a student misses the physical examination scheduled at the school, he/she will need to make arrangements to have the exam done at a private physician’s office. The physical must be done using the Octorara Area School District “Sports Screening Form” (this form is available in the high school and junior high school main offices, nurse’s office and the Athletic Director’s office). A fully completed form including all medical history information, emergency and insurance data and parent/guardian signature must be on file with the Athletic Director’s office before an athlete can participate in a sport. The physical exam must be done June 1st or after and is valid for a full calendar year from the date it was performed and must be performed by a licensed physician, licensed physician’s assistant, osteopath or certified school nurse practitioner. Therefore it is not necessary to have an exam for each season.
B. Attendance
Athletes are expected to be present and on time for all practices and games. If you will be late or miss a practice or game, you must notify the coach and receive permission in advance. Failure to do this will be considered an unexcused absence. An excused absence may be granted due to illness, death in the family or emergency. A student who will miss a practice or game because of a school sponsored activity must submit a written request to the coach at least three days prior to missing in order to be eligible for the event in question.
If a student leaves school due to illness, he/she may not return that day to practice or play in a game.
A student must be in school by 9:00 a.m. in order to practice or play in a game unless he/she has written approval from the principal or athletic director.
When attending an evening athletic event, athletes will not arrive more than 15 minutes early or depart more than 15 minutes after the contest has ended.
Athletes remaining at school for late practices or evening contests are to report to their coach and remain under their supervision until the practice or contest begins.
Athletes may not participate in more than one sport per season without the consent of both coaches.
C. Academic Performance/Eligibility
The School Board recognizes the value of athletic participation for our students and believes it to be an integral component of the program offerings that we provide. The Board also realizes that participation in athletics is a privilege. Students must maintain satisfactory performance in the classroom in order to participate on an athletic team.
Academic performance is monitored on a weekly basis (Monday through Sunday) through the office of the administrator in charge of athletics. An academic eligibility report is distributed to the coaching staff every Monday during the season. Each coach is responsible for notifying the ineligible athlete and applying intervention measures. While a student is ineligible, he/she may not accompany the team on away trips or be part of the team at home events. Once an athlete has been identified as being academically ineligible, his/her status will not change during that week unless a teacher reports to the administrator in charge of athletics that a grade has been miscalculated. In this situation the administrator in charge of athletics will approve the change and notify the coach that the athlete is eligible.
According to P.I.A.A. rules and school policy, any student athletes with two (2) or more failing grades on the weekly report the first time during a season are ineligible to participate in athletic contests. Student athletes who are determined to be ineligible on the weekly report a second time during a season may not practice or compete in contests. Student athletes who are determined to be ineligible on the weekly report a third time during a season will be dismissed from the team for the remainder of that sports season.