Northampton County Public School 2017-2018 Student Handbook

Welcome to Northampton High School The Home of the Yellow Jackets! Dear Northampton Students and Families:

Welcome to a new and exciting year of learning at Northampton High School! I hope that your summer has been wonderful and that you are beginning to look forward to the new school year. I know that you will have many good experiences at Northampton; and if you begin the year with a determination to do your best, you will certainly find success. As with any school, there are rules and regulations which must be followed to create a safe and orderly environment so that learning can be our most treasured priority. Our expectations are high at NHS; we expect your best attitude, your best effort, and your best behavior. This student agenda book is an invaluable resource to you and your success at Northampton High School. I am requesting that you and your parent review the contents of this agenda book so that together we can make the most of your school experience. We expect that you will be familiar with the contents of this agenda book. At NHS, we expect that you will graduate on time and that you plan for further education after high school. To help you on that journey, our general expectations of you are simple:   

Be prepared and successful Be here and on time Be respectful and involved

Famous Virginian and professional tennis legend Arthur Ashe once said, “Success is a journey, not a destination.” Your success is our goal. Together we must form a relationship that is built on mutual trust and respect. Best wishes to you for a successful school year. Best wishes,

Michael S. Myers Principal

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Academic Dishonesty ............................... 13 Academic Information .............................. 24 Advanced Placement ................................. 31 After-School Activities ............................. 21 After-School Transportation ..................... 21 After-School Tutoring ............................... 21 Attendance Appeals Procedures ................. 5 Cafeteria Services ..................................... 28 Cell Phones ............................................... 11 Child Custody ........................................... 12 Citizenship ................................................ 26 Class Rank ................................................ 24 Community Service .................................. 12 Compulsory School Attendance ................. 4 Cutting Class ............................................... 9 Dances ....................................................... 21 Disciplinary Interventions ......................... 27 Dress Code Regulations ............................ 18 Dual Enrollment ........................................ 31 Early Dismissal Procedures ........................ 9 Early Graduation ....................................... 31 Electronic Devices .................................... 11 Examination Exemptions .......................... 25 Examinations............................................. 25 Fire/Emergency Drills ............................... 21 Full-Day Requirement .............................. 25 General Information .................................... 4 Grading Scale ............................................ 24 Graduation Requirements ......................... 31 Guidance and Counseling Program .......... 29 Hall Passes ................................................ 10 Hall Sweeps .............................................. 11 Health Services ......................................... 28 Homeless Assistance Act ............................ 4 Honor Roll ................................................ 24 Honor System............................................ 13 Late Arrival to School ............................... 10 Library....................................................... 30 Lockers ...................................................... 22

Lost and Found ......................................... 22 Lunch Policy ............................................. 10 Medication ................................................ 28 Minute of Silence ...................................... 26 Mission Statement....................................... 3 Non-Discrimination Statement ................... 3 Perfumes and Lotions ............................... 22 Permission to Leave School ........................ 9 Promotion Requirements .......................... 24 Requesting Homework.............................. 12 Sales/Promotions....................................... 23 Schedule Changes ..................................... 29 School Colors .............................................. 3 School Debts ............................................. 23 Senior Buy-Back Plan ................................. 5 Senior Final Examination ......................... 25 Sports and Activity Eligibility .................. 31 Sports/Activities/Clubs ............................. 23 Standards of Learning Testing .................. 25 Student Conduct ........................................ 26 Student Driving/Parking ........................... 23 Student Fees .............................................. 22 Student Grievance Procedures .................. 16 Student Information .................................. 21 Student Pledge ............................................ 3 Student Services ........................................ 28 T.E.C.H. Center ........................................ 27 Telephone Messages ................................. 11 Telephones ................................................ 11 Testing....................................................... 25 The Pledge of Allegiance .......................... 26 Transcripts................................................. 29 Transfer Students ........................................ 5 Trespass Rule ............................................ 21 Truancy Procedures .................................... 8 Vision Statement ......................................... 3 Visitation Procedures ................................ 12 Withdrawing from Classes ........................ 29

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NORTHAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK

NHS ADMINISTRATION Mr. Michael Myers Mrs. Heather Marsh Mr. Charles King, Jr.

Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal MISSION STATEMENT

Northampton County Public Schools will provide a safe, nurturing, and student centered environment to prepare future leaders for a local and global 21st Century community. STUDENT PLEDGE “We are strong. We are bold. We are the mighty blue and gold. Today we will soar to success in our home hive, because as Northampton students we have Yellow Jacket Pride.” VISION STATEMENT Educating All Students For Lifelong Success NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT Northampton County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Melinda Phillips Human Resources Supervisor/ Title IX Coordinator 757-678-5151, ext. 2013 7207 Young Street Machipongo, Virginia 23405

SCHOOL COLORS Royal Blue and Gold SCHOOL MASCOT Yellow Jacket

Keren Plowden Director of Special Programs 757-678-5151, ext. 2011 7207 Young Street Machipongo, Virginia 23405

CLASS COLORS Seniors: Gold Juniors: Purple Sophomores: Red Freshmen: Blue Faculty & Staff: White

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SCHOOL CLOSINGS School closings due to inclement weather will be announced on Channels 3, 10, and 13 and on the following radio stations: WESR (101.3 FM), WVES (99.3 FM)

GENERAL INFORMATION McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is Title X Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This legislation ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full and equal access to an appropriate public education and that they experience success in school. It requires immediate enrollment or the option to remain in the same school even when a student experiencing homelessness no longer resides in the school’s attendance zone. Homeless children and youth are defined as those children who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including those who share housing of other persons, live in motels, trailer parks, campgrounds, cars and substandard housing due to lack of alternative adequate housing. Unaccompanied youth, means youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, such as runaways and youth denied housing by their families. The Northampton County Homeless liaison is Annette Gray (678-5151, ext. 2003, [email protected]). Compulsory School Attendance Seeing that all school-age children in the division not otherwise excused from attending school receive an education, either at a public school or by means of one of the alternative methods set forth in the Code of Virginia Title 22.1-254, shall be the responsibility of the superintendent. The maximum number of absences per class a student may have at the high school level is 10 in a year. The maximum number of days a student may be absent per year at the elementary level is 10 days. Virginia law requires that all persons who have not reached their eighteenth birthday attend school in the city or county in which they reside. Compulsory school attendance is the responsibility of every parent, guardian, or other person in the Commonwealth having control or charge of any child. All children who will reach their fifth birthday, on or before September 30 of any school year, and who have not passed their eighteenth birthday, shall attend school. The school can be a public school, a private, denominational or parochial school or home school. In the case where a child is home schooled and taught by a tutor or teacher of qualifications prescribed by the Board of Education, the division’s superintendent must give prior approval. Attendance/Absence/Tardy Policy Northampton High School recognizes the relationship between positive student attendance and academic success. Absences, truancy and tardiness to school and to class result in a loss of opportunity to learn and to maximize your potential. We expect students to attend school regularly and to be on time for school. Virginia law requires schools to take specific action when students are not in attendance at school. The following are the consequences of failing to attend school: 

When a student has accumulated five (5) unexcused absences, for which the parent has provided no documentation, the principal or school attendance officer will make a reasonable effort to make direct contact with the parent. 4

    

If a student is absent an additional day (on the 6th day) after direct contact has been made with the parent, the attendance office will schedule a conference within 10 school days with the student and the parent. On the 8th unverified absence from school, the attendance clerk at the school will notify the attendance officer, who will file a referral to the Accomack-Northampton County Truancy Team. On the 10th absence, the student will be notified that he/she must make up missed time past 10 days through the buyback program. On the 12th absence, the school attendance officer will arrange a meeting with the Truancy team and/or CINS referral Students who miss fifteen (15) consecutive days during the school year are withdrawn from school.

Attendance Policy for Transfer Students Any student entering or reentering NHS after the first month of school will be assigned a maximum number of allowable absences. This number will be prorated on the basis of 10/90th of the remaining days of school for a semester course. Attendance Review Committee – Appointment and Procedures An Attendance Review Committee shall be established at each building and meet to consider extenuating circumstances. This committee will be responsible for reviewing the cases of students who will be retained or receive failing grades for the school year for exceeding the maximum number of absences. The Attendance Review Committee will review all referred cases with documentation and may recommend to the superintendent or his designee waiver of this policy if such is warranted by extenuating circumstances. The superintendent or his/her designee may accept or reject the recommendation. In cases where no waiver of the policy is granted, the student and his parent/guardian shall be notified of the Attendance Review Committee’s recommendation and his/her right to appeal to the school board. Attendance Appeal Procedures  The Attendance Review Board will meet twice a year: January 12, 2018, and May 11, 2018.  It is the responsibility of the student to submit an appeal form to the office for consideration.  The Attendance Review Board will consist of the following persons: a representative from building administrators, the school clinic and the attendance office.  The board will review the student’s absentee record, and any documentation submitted in accordance to the regulation.  The board will notify the student and the parent/guardian by mail as to the student’s credit status for the class or classes in question. Student Buy-Back Plan Purpose: To provide an avenue for (After school/ Saturday) students to make up time they have missed from school and also an avenue by which they can make 5

Rationale: Methodology:

up work. Those students who miss 10 or more days are at risk of not having enough seat time which creates the need to buy back time. Attendance is often a reason why students fall behind in course credits due to course failures and often this is the reason students do not graduate. We can offer a buy-back Saturday. The Saturday session can take place from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Students can stay from two to four hours (minimum two hours). Regardless, they must arrive at 8:00 a.m. They must sign in and sign out and must provide their own transportation.

Rule 1: Student must get approval from teacher to be eligible for the buy-back plan. The buyback from must be completed and approved by teacher and principal prior to staying back. Students are to work and be productive, not just sit there. Students must bring academic work or something to read. Rule 2: While students are doing their buy-back time, they may not use cell phones or electronic devices. All arrangements that require a phone call must be done ahead of time. This also includes no ear buds, I-Pads, video games, etc. Any student caught using an electronic device will be asked to leave and will not be able to participate in any more of these buy-back sessions. Rule 3: Students must sign in and must sign out. They may only sign in and out for themselves. Sign-ins must be legible. If the name cannot be read, no credit for time will be given. If student does not sign in, they will not receive credit. Converting buy-back hours to school attendance time: For every four hours a student makes up on Saturday, a student can apply that to four class absences in a course of which they are in danger of violating the attendance policy. Absences on the Day of a Game or Other After-School Activity  Students who are absent from school on the day of any type of activity may not participate in any extracurricular activities of the school.  Students participating in extracurricular activities must be present for at least four (4) classes of the day to be counted present for that day. Student Absences/Excuses/Dismissals Procedures for Absences and Tardiness It is the parent’s responsibility to insure that his/her child/children are present and on time every school day. If a child is absent or tardy, the parent must contact the school and provide the school with a reason for the absence or tardy. It is essential that all students are present and on time so that classes may begin and continue uninterrupted. Absences, tardies and early dismissals cause students to miss instruction and the opportunity to participate in activities that are essential to the learning process. The school administration shall endeavor to minimize or eliminate class cutting, tardies, absences and early dismissals.

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Absences, Tardies and Early Dismissals Students not physically present at the start of class shall be marked absent. Students entering class after the start of the class shall be marked tardy. High school students having more than ten (10) unexcused absences per year will receive a failing grade in that subject for the year. A numerical grade of 69 will be used as the failing grade if the student is passing the subject for the year. If the student has a numerical grade lower than 59, the actual grade shall be recorded. Elementary school students who miss in excess of ten unexcused (10) days a year will be retained in the grade.

Documentation Required for Absences Documentation is required when a student returns from an absence:  Illness for which a doctor’s note is presented.  Evidence of an appearance in court or before a state agency.  Death in the immediate family for which a note from the parent/guardian is presented. Immediate family includes parent/guardian, grandparents, siblings, in-laws, aunts, uncles and any other relative living in the household.  Absence or illness for which a parent/guardian’s note is presented with reasonable explanation for the absence.  College visitations. Absences (including out of school suspensions and family vacations) count toward the ten unexcused (10) absences per year in a class or classes at the high school level or the ten (10) unexcused days absence per year rule at the elementary school level. Parents are responsible for providing documentation for all absences. A MAXIMUM OF THREE PARENT NOTES WILL BE ACCEPTED IN ANY SEMESTER. In addition, students will be allowed a maximum of three (3) early dismissals during a semester. Additional early dismissals above three will count as unexcused with respect to promotion/retention. Finally, all documentation for absences must be submitted to the school within five days of the absences, or the absences will automatically be unexcused with respect to promotion/retention. Unexcused Absences A student who is suspended from school for a disciplinary problem will have that number of days charged against the total maximum days in the attendance policy. Examples of unexcused absences: oversleeping, truancy, missed the bus, car problems, cutting school, and suspension. Make-up Work All assignments made prior to absences are due on the first day after a student returns. Classwork assigned during the absences is the responsibility of the student. Missed classwork for absences will be made up in collaboration with the teacher and must be completed no later than one week after the student returns. Teachers may set other schedules for students having extended absences related to illness or death in the family. Failure to complete make-up work within the given time period will result in a grade of zero for that assignment.

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Truancy Procedures 22.1-279.3 of the Code of Virginia contains provisions addressing parental responsibility and involvement to promote student safety and proper student conduct. Teachers and other appropriate school-based personnel shall investigate the causes of absences and tardiness. Based on local policy, the following procedures shall be in effect: 1. Parents receive information specific to the VA Code (22.2-254) pertaining to compulsory attendance in their registration packets. The school’s attendance clerk will call the phone number provided by the parent each day that a child is absent. A log of all parent contacts (phone calls, home visits, conferences, etc.) will be recorded. On the fifth class absence for high school and the fifth day absence for elementary school, the principal’s designee will investigate the cause of absence, remind the parent of Virginia’s Compulsory Attendance Law, 22.1-254, and the local attendance/tardy policy. The parent will also be notified in writing (first notice) of the state law, school procedures, and the attendance record. Copies of the correspondence from the principal/designee to the parent and the student will be placed in the student’s cumulative folder. 2. Upon the failure of the parent/guardian to contact the school immediately, the principal’s designee will notify the school division’s Attendance monitor to contact the parent by phone and make a home visit, if necessary, to discuss the absences. The parent will also receive a second letter (second notice) upon the sixth class absence (high) or sixth day absence (elementary) which will include dates of absences, the date of the prior notice, and a notice of the Student Assistance Team (SAT) meeting to discuss the reasons for the child’s absences with the guidance counselor and the assistant principal. This meeting will be entered into the school’s data base. Other community resource personnel may be present, including a representative from Court Services, the Department of Social Services, Court Services, etc. If the parent fails to attend this meeting, the meeting will be held in the parent’s absence. The school division’s Attendance Monitor will be given documentation of all contacts with the parent. On behalf of the student, the school division’s Attendance Monitor will follow this procedure: i) Assist the parent to develop an intervention plan of action. ii) Refer the case for DIVERSION for assistance, if necessary. iii) Refer to court services to enforce Virginia’s Compulsory Attendance Law, if the interventions fail and the absences continue. 3. Upon the failure of the parent to attend the Student Assistance Team Meeting, the Attendance Monitor will again be involved. A third letter (third notice) will be sent to the parent on the seventh class absence (high school) or the seventh day absence (elementary) which will include a record of the absences and the dates of the prior notices. In addition, the Attendance Monitor may file a complaint with the juvenile and domestic relations court alleging the pupil is a child in need of supervision or institute proceedings against the parent. 4. Excessive tardies in the same class that result in failure for that subject will be treated as truancy.

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Cutting Class Any student who cuts class or skips school will be disciplined in accordance with the Code of Conduct. These days will count against his or her attendance. Permission to Leave School Northampton High School is not an open campus. We do not allow students to leave campus at will. The following procedures apply to all students at Northampton High School including students who are 18 years of age or older. If a student needs to leave school during school hours: 1. The parent must make the request or 2. The student must present a note from the parent/guardian. 3. The early dismissal note must be presented to the attendance clerk by 9:00 a.m. to be verified by telephoning the parent. 4. No notes will be accepted for a student to leave the school’s campus and return at a later time unless there is a legitimate reason (i.e., doctor/dentist appointment). All notes requesting a student’s early dismissal must contain: 1. The parent’s signature, 2. A telephone number where the parent can be contacted, 3. The student’s full name, 4. An explanation as to why a student needs to leave school early, 5. The student’s departure time from school, and 6. A statement indicating where the student is going. If your telephone has been disconnected, or the contact number provided is a long distance number and/or you cannot generally be reached, it is your responsibility to contact the school in advance of a note. If all requirements have been met, the student’s name and time of departure will be placed on the absentee notice. At the appropriate time, the student will sign out at the Attendance Office. **Please note if all requirements have not been met, your child will not be permitted to leave Northampton High School. ** Early Dismissal Procedures A student who has been granted permission to leave school early, either due to a parent request or work, the following procedures must be adhered to: 1. Proper written documentation must be in place. 2. The student must sign out at the Attendance Office and/or in the main office (in the absence of the attendance clerk) before exiting the building. 3. The student must exit the building through the front doors. 4. The student must remain in his/her class until notified by Attendance. 5. A student who has an early out for work must leave each day at the designated time. Failure to leave school grounds at your designated time will result in the revocation of your permission for an early out and may result in disciplinary action. 9

Denial of an Early Dismissal Request A request for early dismissal will be denied by administration for the following reasons: 1. You have not followed the procedures outlined above. 2. Your parent cannot be contacted to verify your request. 3. Your request to sign out from school to go to purchase lunch. Procedures for Picking up Students Parents picking up a student for early dismissal must follow the following procedures: 1. Report to the Attendance Office. 2. If the Attendance Office is closed, report to the main office. 3. You must sign the student out. 4. You must leave the building through the front doors. Late Arrival to School It is expected that all students arrive to school on time daily. School starts at 8:00 a.m. Students arriving after 8:04 a.m. are considered tardy and must do the following: 1. Bring a note from his/her parent to explain the tardiness. 2. Report to the Attendance Office, present the note, sign in, and receive a pass to enter class. 3. On the third tardy the student will be assigned lunch detention. 4. On the sixth tardy and each additional tardy, the student will be assigned after-school detention. Lunch Policy 1. Students are not allowed to leave campus during their lunch. 2. Students may not order or have food delivered from an outside vendor. 3. The parking lots are off limits during school hours without administrative approval. 4. Parents may have lunch with their student, but must make reservations with the office before 9:00 a.m. Parents are permitted to consume SCHOOL LUNCHES ONLY. PLEASE DO NOT BRING IN FAST FOODS OR OTHER RESTAURANT FOODS. Hall Passes Students are to remain in their class during the instructional period. In the event of an emergency, a student may be granted permission to leave class to go to the nurse and/or to the restroom. The following procedures must be adhered to: 1. The student must have a pass when in the hallway at all times. 2. All passes issued must be written in ink. Lock Outs/Hall Sweeps Procedures All students are expected to be in class, in their seat and ready for class instruction at the sounding of the tardy bell. To ensure compliance with this expectation and to monitor compliance with the regulations governing hall passes, hall sweeps will be conducted randomly and at the discretion of administration. 10

Hall Sweep Procedures 1. If you are in the hallway during a hall sweep, you must have a legal pass. 2. If you do not have a legal pass, you will be sent to the cafeteria to be processed. 3. First offense, you will be issued a warning, the incident is documented and a pass will be issued. 4. Second offense, you will receive an after-school detention to be served on the next day of after-school detention. 5. Failure to serve an after-school detention will result in a one-day suspension out of school. Use of Telephones in Classrooms Students are not permitted to use telephones located in the classrooms without teacher permission. All classroom telephones are to be used for emergency reasons only. Cell Phones Cell phones are to remain turned off and put away in their lockers at all times during the instructional school day. Students may not receive or make calls during school hours. Students may not have cell phones out during class or passing periods for checking time, calculating, picture taking, text messaging, incoming/outgoing calls, or for any other reason. Violators of this rule: First Offense – The device will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school year. Refusal to turn cell phone over to administration will result in a three-day out-of-school suspension. Telephone Messages Office staff will not deliver messages to students that have not been determined to be an emergency by school administration. Electronic Devices Use of electronic devices during the instructional day, such as CD players, MP 3 players, games, and the like may result in disciplinary action. With bus driver approval, students can use these electronic devices on the school bus on their ride to and from school. However, these items must be stored and cannot be used during the instructional day. No headphones or any electronic devices are allowed in a classroom. Students assume all responsibility for breakage, theft or loss. The school will not investigate or be responsible for loss or theft of any electronic devices. Violators of this rule: First Offense – The device will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school year.

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Visitation Procedures Visitors are not allowed without a scheduled appointment. Those who have business with a teacher or staff member should call for an appointment to be scheduled during a planning period/block or after 3:45 p.m. All visitors must report directly to the office for a visitor’s pass. Failure to adhere to this policy will be considered trespassing. The school policy is to accept only those visitors who have legitimate business at the school. Students may not bring students or relatives from other schools to visit. Child Custody The school division recognizes that issues related to the legal and physical custody of students are complicated and can impact the student's educational experience. Parents and legal guardians of students are strongly encouraged to stay involved with their student’s academic progress. Either parent or legal guardian may view education records and attend school functions or school meetings regarding the student unless decreed by the courts. Official notices and report cards will be sent to the parent or legal guardian with primary physical custody of the student. It is the responsibility of the parent or legal custodian with primary physical custody to provide current copies of court orders to the school. Requesting Homework A student or parent may request homework assignments when the student is absent for three days or more. If the student knows beforehand, then the student should inform the teachers a few days ahead of time to give them time to put together such work. If a student is unexpectedly out for an extended time the parent should contact his/her child’s counselor and ask the counselor to contact the teachers for assignments. Assignments will be available for the parent to pick up the following day. Community Service Graduation Requirement The Northampton County School Board mandates that all students entering 9th grade in the fall of 2007 and beyond will complete a local civics/work ethics course as part of graduation requirements. Each student is required to provide ten (10) hours of community service each year in order to graduate. A Board of Education Seal for Excellence in Civics Education will be awarded to students who earn either a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma and completes Virginia and U.S. History, and VA and U.S. Government courses with a grade of “B” or higher, and have good attendance and no disciplinary infractions, and completes 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities. Reporting Hours 1. The Guidance Department will provide a form on which students will record each volunteer activity along with the signature of the organization’s advisor. The form will also be used for pre-approval if necessary. 12

2. The student will hand in the completed form to his or her counselor. The counselor will record the information in the computer data system. Unfulfilled Hours The yearly service requirement is viewed like an annual academic requirement in that a student is expected to meet the ten hours minimal each year. Honor System The Northampton High School Honor System is based on the belief and attitude that students are responsible for their academic behavior just as administrators and faculty are responsible for academic leadership. The intent of the honor system is not to punish nor create an oppressive academic environment, but to guide by example and to foster an academic community in which the work of the students is both a spirited search for knowledge and a true and honest reflection of that effort. Our honor system is based on the realization that high school students, though not yet adults, are no longer young children. It is incumbent upon everyone in our school community to expect and demonstrate honest academic behavior; as the adage says, “Actions speak louder than words.” Acts of Academic Dishonesty Minor 1. The attempt to give or receive assistance in class during a test or quiz. 2. The use of prepared materials to assist one’s self during a test or quiz. 3. The submission of another’s work as one’s own. Major 1. The attempt to give assistance outside of class after or before a test or quiz by copying the test’s or quiz’s material in part or whole. 2. Plagiarism. 3. The submission or use of the same work more than once without first receiving permission of the instructor. 4. The submission of another’s research paper as one’s own. Definitions of Academic Dishonesty Minor 1. The attempt to give or receive assistance in class during a test or quiz. 2. Any student who verbally requests or responds to a student’s request for information, any student who requests to see or allows another student to see information, or any student who exchanges or allows to be exchanged written information during a test or quiz without the immediate verbal permission of the instructor is guilty of academic dishonesty. 3. The use of prepared materials, written or recorded, to assist one’s self during a test or quiz. 4. The submission of another’s work, such as homework, as one’s own

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Major 1. The attempt to give assistance outside of class after or before a test or quiz by copying the test’s or quiz’s material in part or whole. 2. Any student who attempts to copy test or quiz material without immediate verbal permission of the instructor for the purpose of sharing that material either orally or with written notes with another student or students is guilty of academic dishonesty. 3. Plagiarism Types of Plagiarism a) Word-for-word plagiarism: When a student copies complete sentences or paragraphs and does not document the reference. b) Paraphrasing: While not necessarily copying word-for-word, a student simply rewords the sentences and/or paragraphs of another author without documenting the reference. c) Unique phrases or terms: When a student’s research reveals another author’s original phrase or term to describe a topic and that original phrase or term is used without documenting the reference. d) Rearrangement: While not copying word-for-word or complete sentences directly, a student rearranges the words and sentences of an author without documenting the reference. e) Use of citations that one has not actually found: When a student copies relevant citations from another author’s similar research. 4. The submission or use of the same work more than once without first receiving permission of the instructor. 5. When a student resubmits his or her own material for credit in another class without first receiving the permission of the instructor. Such re-submission also applies to the rereading of the same work for credit in another class without first receiving permission of the instructor. 6. The submission of another student’s work as one’s own. When a student submits as his or her own the work of another student or person whether that work was for the specific class or not; whether the work was graded by a teacher or not. The Honor Code Committee The purpose of the Honor Code Committee is to insure that the Code’s provisions are equitably administered and that both the student and teacher are given the opportunity to defend and/or explain an accusation of academic dishonesty. The Honor Code Committee is made up of the building principal and/or designee, guidance, and the department head in whose discipline the alleged violation has occurred. The teacher of the student will also be present as a non-voting person. If a member of the committee is unable to attend, an alternate faculty member will replace him or her for that committee meeting. Honor Committee Procedure 1. Teachers will submit an explanation of any major violation of the honor code to the principal.

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2. The principal will investigate and determine if the Honor Committee needs to be convened. 3. The principal will inform the student of his/her possible infraction, discuss its implications, and explain the Committee procedure. 4. If the student decides that the Committee does not need to be convened, then the provisions of the Honor Code will simply be carried out. 5. If the principal decides that the Committee should convene, he will expeditiously call for a meeting of the members, the teacher, and student and parents of the student. 6. The principal will chair the Committee meeting. (In his/her absence, the assistant principal will chair.) 7. The teacher whose student has allegedly violated the Honor Code will present information to support the violation. 8. The student [and parents or their representatives if they choose] will present information to refute or allay the accusation. 9. During each presentation, members of the Committee may ask questions. 10. The student shall have the opportunity to present witnesses and cross-examine any of the committee’s witnesses. 11. Following the presentations and questions, the Committee will meet alone to discuss and vote on: a. Whether a violation has occurred. b. What the sanction will be if a violation has occurred. 12. A majority vote of the members decides whether a violation has occurred. Sanctions 1. A student will receive a failing grade of zero (0) for the assignment, quiz, test, paper, et cetera. 2. Suspensions from school or detentions are not considered appropriate sanctions for honor code violations, but can be administered if thought necessary by the Committee. 3. Any student who violates the Honor Code will lose their position in any honors organization. Student Recourse 1. Any student who is accused of having violated the honor system and whose violation does not lead to an Honor Committee Procedure may appeal that accusation through his or her guidance counselor. 2. The student should submit a brief written explanation of the reasons why he or she wants to appeal. 3. The counselor will in turn have a meeting with the assistant principal who, after speaking with those involved and with any assistance he or she considers appropriate, will decide whether the student’s appeal should be further examined. 4. The assistant principal may decide to have the Honor Committee meet. 5. The student may also appeal a violation and its outcome to the Board of Education.

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STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES Any student who believes he or she has been the victim of prohibited discrimination should report the alleged discrimination as soon as possible to one of the compliance officers designated in this policy or to any other school personnel. 1.

The alleged discrimination should be reported as soon as possible, and the report generally should be made within fifteen (15) school days of the occurrence.

2.

Any student who has knowledge of conduct which may constitute prohibited discrimination should report such conduct to the compliance officers designated in this policy or to any school personnel.

3.

Any employee who has knowledge of conduct, which may constitute prohibited discrimination, shall immediately report such conduct to one of the compliance officers designated in this policy.

4.

The reporting party should use the form, Report of Discrimination, JB-F, to make the complaint of discrimination.

5.

Oral reports shall also be accepted.

6.

The complaint should be filed with either the building principal or one of the compliance officers designated.

7.

The principal shall immediately forward any report of alleged prohibited discrimination to the compliance officer.

8.

Any complaint that involves the compliance officer shall be reported to the superintendent.

9.

The complaint and identity of the complainant and of the person or persons allegedly responsible for the discrimination will not be disclosed except as required by law or policy as necessary to fully investigate the complaint or as authorized by the complainant.

10.

A complainant who wishes to remain anonymous will be advised that such confidentiality may limit the school division’s ability to fully respond to the complaint.

The Investigation 1.

Upon receipt of a report of alleged prohibited discrimination, the compliance officer shall immediately authorize or undertake an investigation.

2.

School personnel may conduct the investigation or a third party designated by the school division.

3.

The investigation shall be completed as soon as practicable, which should generally be not later than 14 calendar days after receipt of the report by the compliance officer.

4.

Upon receiving the complaint, the compliance officer shall acknowledge receipt of the complaint by giving written notice that the complaint has been received to both the person complaining of discrimination and the person or persons allegedly responsible for the discrimination.

5.

Upon receiving the complaint, the compliance officer shall determine whether interim measures should be taken pending the outcome of the investigation. 16

6.

If the compliance officer determines that more than 14 days will be required to investigate the complaint, the complainant and the person or persons allegedly responsible for the discrimination will be notified of the reason for the extended investigation and of the date by which the investigation will be concluded.

Investigation Procedures 1.

The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the person or persons allegedly responsible for the discrimination, and any others who may have knowledge of the alleged discrimination or the circumstances giving rise to the complaint.

2.

The investigation may also include the inspection of any documents or information deemed relevant by the investigator.

3.

The school division shall take necessary steps to protect the complainant and others pending the completion of the investigation.

4.

Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a case-by-case determination based on all of the facts and circumstances revealed by a complete and thorough investigation.

5.

The compliance officer shall issue a written report to the superintendent upon completion of the investigation.

6.

If the complaint involves the superintendent, then the report shall be sent to the School Board.

7.

The report shall include a determination of whether the allegations are substantiated, whether this policy was violated and recommendations for corrective action, if any.

8.

All employees shall cooperate with any investigation of alleged discrimination conducted under this policy or by an appropriate state or federal agency.

Action by Superintendent 1.

Within five calendar days of receiving the compliance officer’s report, the superintendent or designee shall issue a decision regarding: (A) Whether this policy was violated, and (B) What action, if any, should be taken.

2.

This decision must be provided in writing to the complainant.

3.

If the superintendent determines that prohibited discrimination occurred, the Northampton County Public School Division shall take prompt, appropriate action to address and remedy the violation as well as prevent any recurrence.

4.

Such action may include discipline up to and including expulsion or discharge.

Appeal Procedures 1.

If the superintendent or designee determines that no prohibited discrimination occurred, the student who was allegedly subjected to discrimination may appeal this finding to the School Board within five calendar days of receiving the decision. 17

2.

Notice of appeal must be filed with the superintendent who shall forward the record to the School Board.

3.

The School Board shall make a decision within 30 calendar days of receiving the record.

4.

The School Board may ask for oral or written argument from the aggrieved party and the superintendent and any other individual the School Board deems relevant.

5.

If the superintendent or designee determines that prohibited discrimination occurred and discipline is imposed, the disciplined person may appeal the disciplinary sanction in the same manner as any other such sanction would be appealed.

Retaliation •

Retaliation against students or school personnel who report discrimination or participate in the related proceedings is prohibited.

•

The school division shall take appropriate action against any student or employee who retaliates against another student or employee who reports alleged discrimination or participates in related proceedings.

Right to Alternative Complaint Procedure •

Nothing in this policy shall deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of recourse to address concerns relating to prohibited discrimination including initiating civil action, filing a complaint with outside agencies or seeking redress under state or federal law.

False Allegations •

Students or school personnel who make false charges of discrimination shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Adopted: September 16, 2004 DRESS CODE REGULATIONS

STANDARD DRESS CODE POLICY It is the responsibility of the entire community to create and maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to teaching and learning. Everyone - students, parents, patrons, the school board, and school system staff - has the right to expect that the school environment shall be safe, healthy, and effectively managed. The entire school climate should produce security and consistency through the establishment of reasonable behavioral expectations and dress code guidelines that require mutual respect and cooperation. All students enrolled in Northampton County Public Schools are required to dress in a manner appropriate for pride and self-respect, and in a manner that will improve orderliness and proper school conduct. Therefore, students must be well-groomed and neatly dressed at all times. Clothing worn should not be hazardous to the health and safety of the student or disruptive to the learning environment of the school. 18

The Northampton County School Board believes there is a direct correlation between student dress, classroom attitudes and achievement. Students enrolled in Northampton County Schools will adhere to the standard dress code policy and guidelines established and adopted by the Northampton County School Board. Northampton County Public Schools expects all students to dress in a manner that does not interfere with the health and safety of themselves or others and that do not interfere with the educational process of the school. All students are expected to exemplify proper grooming standards that project an appropriate image for the student, the school and the division. In keeping with Northampton County Public Schools’ vision and mission, the school board, administration, and staff will continue to partner with students, families, and the community to create a safe and nurturing learning environment that empowers all students to meet high academic standards and demonstrate responsible citizenship. The new dress code is designed to provide more options for dress while encouraging students to dress for success, as will be expected of them when they enter the global economy. While the policy outlines specific guidelines, additional items or garments that disrupt the learning environment or create safety concerns may be prohibited as they arise. This policy will be reviewed on a yearly basis and any items or garments in question may be restricted until that yearly review is conducted. The division has established reasonable expectations concerning student dress. The following expectations are required of all students attending schools in Northampton County. Students shall not wear the following items: 1. Clothing, pins, jewelry, accessories or items that display messages relating to or promoting: A. the use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products B. Illegal activities C. Obscene, profane, derogatory, violent or sexually aggressive themes, designs, or pictures, D. Evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang 2. Accessories that could pose a danger or be used as a weapon. 3. Muscle shirts, halter tops, fishnet tops, strapless dresses/shirts, spaghetti straps, or other clothing that is not appropriate because of slits, rips, or holes in the garment or that reveals the midriff or torso, also includes jeans with holes. 4.

Low cut fronts, cutouts or garments that show cleavage.

5. Clothing that sags below the waistline.

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6. Hoodies on their heads while in the school buildings. 7. School issued gym shorts are to be worn only during the student’s designated gym period. 8. Skirts, shorts or skorts that are inappropriate in length as determined by the staff and building administrator. (The appropriate length for your dress, skirt, shorts, or skort is between the tip of your fingertip and 1 inch above the knee) 9. Items distracting and/or not appropriate for the classroom setting, including, but not limited to, nylon tights, leotards, biker pants, bathing suits, pajamas or underwear when worn as outer garments or clothing that exposes the underwear. 10. Leggings, jeggings, and tights unless worn beneath an appropriate outer garment. (Leggings, jeggings and tights worn as pants are absolutely not allowed!) 11. Inappropriate footwear, including, but not limited to, shower shoes, bedroom slippers, and unfastened shoes or shoes missing appropriate closures. Flip flops are not allowed at the elementary level. 12. Head coverings and accessories that are not related to or required by the student's bona fide religious practices. Examples include: do-rags, bandanas, and wave caps. 13. Items that are intended for outdoor use. Examples include, but are not limited to, sunglasses, hats, caps, and bandannas. 14. Heavy coats while in the school building. Heavy coats must be stored during the school day. 15. Glasses that are not needed for reading or sight. 16. Headphones/ear pieces, unless requested by the teacher for a class assignment. Additional Dress Code Guidelines 

Additional clothing and footwear restrictions may, for safety reasons, be required in physical education classes, career and technical education classes, and lab situations.



All students will be appropriately dressed while attending all school sponsored functions.



Appropriate attire for school, field trips, and athletic events will be decided by the school administration.



Each school principal is to enforce the school division dress code.

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To allow attire for a particular educational or school activity, the building principal has the authority to give a temporary exemption to specific provisions of the standard dress policy. This includes such school days where a specifically scheduled event allows students to wear nonstandard dress. STUDENT INFORMATION After-School Activities All students must be supervised at all times (during and after school). No student may remain after school if he or she is not assigned to a specific teacher or adult with a specific instructional and/or athletic purpose. The following procedures affect all after-school participation: 1. Students and athletes who remain after school must be under the direct supervision of a teacher, coach, or sponsor. Violators of this rule: a) First Offense–After-school detention and parent notification. b) Second Offense–Loss of after-school privileges for 30 consecutive days and parent notification. c) Third Offense–Loss of after-school privileges for one semester and parent notification. d) Subsequent violations result in the revoking of after-school privileges for an entire year and parent notification. After-School Tutoring This program is designed to help students master SOL in English, math, social studies, and science as well as to help improve overall grades. Students must sign up in advance with the teacher and must remain under teacher supervision from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. After-School Transportation Students are responsible for obtaining their own transportation home following activities. Students who fail to provide their own transportation risk losing their activity privileges. Trespass Rule Students may not remain on school grounds after school unless a staff member is supervising them. Students who stay without supervision may be charged with trespassing or put on the restriction list. Dances In the event of a school dance the principal must approve all guests. Fire/Emergency Drills Fire and other emergency drills are part of the school’s safety program.  At the sound of the first signal, all students are to leave the building in a quiet and orderly manner in their groups following the instructions of their teachers. 21

   

Students are not to take books or other supplies – unless the drill has been pre-announced to do so. Girls may take their purses. Directions for exits are posted in every classroom throughout the building. Students are to follow teacher directions. Tornado drill procedures are specific in requiring students to move to hallways and away from certain parts of the building. Hall sweeps require students to remain in classes behind locked doors and to follow specific instructions given to teachers depending on the nature of the emergency.

Lost and Found Items that are found should be turned into the main office. Students should claim their belongings ASAP by giving office personnel complete descriptions of the item(s). At the end of the semester, unclaimed items will be donated to a local thrift shop. Lockers Lockers and other storage facilities made available to students for temporary storage of their textbooks, school material, supplies, clothes, and other personal items needed for school remain under the control of the school administration. 1. Students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers. 2. School authorities or police for any reason may conduct periodic, random, general inspections of lockers at any time without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. 3. Personal locks are not to be placed on school lockers. 4. Any contraband, illegal substances, or items will be removed from the lockers by school personnel and turned over to law enforcement officers for ultimate disposition and/or prosecution. Perfumes and Lotions Many students in our school have asthma and allergies. Inhaling strong odors, such as perfume or lotion, can bring on an asthma attack. Students are not to use these products in school. Teachers will not allow students to have or use perfume or lotion in class. Student Fees A student materials fee of $25.00 is charged to each student for the purchase of tests, semester exams, computer supplies, and other instructional materials required for all students. This fee entitles the student to the use of a locker for the entire year. All students before the assignment of a locker must pay this fee. Other Student Fees Art Materials Fee

$10.00 (HS)/ $5.00 (MS) No Charge $15.00 $10.00 $2.00

Driver’s Education Fee Student Parking Permit Replacement Parking Permit Transcript Fee

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Technology Fee Lost Gym Lock

$25.00 $10.00

School Debts Students who owe debts to the school, an activity, or library fines or who owe for lost or damaged books will not be allowed to participate in the following:  VHSL activities, including athletics  Dances, prom, other school social activities  Extracurricular field trips. Sales/Promotions 1. Selling, advertising, and soliciting for private non-school groups or organizations are not allowed. 2. Not-for-profit organizations must have written administrative approval prior to posting notices. 3. All fund-raising by school organizations must have prior administrative approval. Sports/Activities/Clubs Northampton High School participates in the Group A, Region A, Division 2, Eastern Shore District VHSL Sports. The following are offered to our students: Band, Varsity and JV Baseball, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Environthon, Field Hockey, Varsity Football, JV Football, Forensics, Indoor Track, Newspaper, Boys & Girls Outdoor Track, Soccer, Scholastic Bowl, Soccer, Softball, Girls Tennis, Theater, Volleyball, Wrestling, and Yearbook. The following clubs and activities are offered at Northampton High School according to the needs and interests of our students: Co Ed Hi-Y, Drama, English as a Second Language (ESL), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Forensics, Foreign Language, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), School Newspaper, Outing, Photography, Prom, Reading, Student Government Association (SGA), Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), and National Honor Society. Club meetings are prescheduled and can be found on the school’s calendar. Student Driving /Parking Parking is a privilege on public school property. Retaining this privilege requires good behavior and attendance. The Student Parking lot is located on the southern side of the school building. Parking in the area near the CTE building and/or the area designated for administration and guests is strictly prohibited. This area is reserved for staff and visitors only. Anyone who uses the school parking lot is deemed to consent to a complete search of the vehicle by school officials and/or law enforcement personnel. The interiors of student vehicles may be inspected whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal or unauthorized materials or other evidence of illegal or otherwise prohibited activities are contained inside the vehicle. Such patrols and inspections may be conducted without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. Student drivers must adhere to the following:

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1. All drivers are required to register their car with the school and purchase a parking permit by October 7, 2017. 2. Parking permits should be displayed on the rear window of the driver’s side. 3. The student’s parking lot begins with row 4. Rows 1-3 are reserved for teachers. 4. Students must leave their vehicles and report inside the school building as soon as they arrive to school. Loitering in the student parking lot is not permitted. 5. Students may not return to their cars or be in the parking lot after school has begun without the approval of an administrator. 6. Students must adhere to safe speed limits. Failure to comply with safe speed limits will result in the loss of your driving privilege. 7. A student may not leave school grounds once they have entered onto the property. 8. Student drivers must arrive to school on time. Three (3) unexcused tardies to school will result in a loss of your driving privilege for 30 school days. 9. Illegally parked vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. 10. Parking in the AME Church’s parking lot during school hours is not permitted.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION Northampton High School utilizes a concentrated curriculum semester organization of classes (modified hybrid block schedule). Students may earn seven credits in any given year. Grading Scale A 90-100 – Excellent B 80-89 – Above Average C 70-79 – Average D 60-69 – Below Average F Below 59 – Unsatisfactory S Satisfactory

U I W WP WF

Unsatisfactory Incomplete Withdrawn Withdrawn Passing Withdrawn Failing

Honor Roll An honor roll is published at the end of each nine weeks for students who receive grades that average 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. If a student receives an “incomplete” or a grade below “C,” that student is not eligible for the honor roll during that reporting grade period. Students maintaining a 3.5 or better are placed on the Principal’s List. Promotion Requirements From Grade 9 to Grade 10 From Grade 10 to Grade 11 From Grade 11 to Grade 12 Graduation

5 Units 12 Units 19 Units 24 Units

Class Rank Class rank is computed at the end of the students’ junior year and at the end of the first semester of the senior year.

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Full-Day Requirement According to The Standards for Accrediting Secondary Schools in Virginia all students in Grades K-12 shall maintain a full-day schedule of classes (5 ½ hours). Therefore, Northampton County Schools requires all secondary students to take the equivalent of seven classes per year. Seniors may be granted permission to enroll in less than seven classes per year with written permission of the principal or designee. Testing I. Examinations The modified hybrid block schedule allows a student to complete some courses in one-half of a school year and other courses in a full year. Examinations will be given at the end of each nine (9) weeks. Exam papers will be returned to a student immediately following the first and third nine weeks exam. End-of-course final exams are kept on file in the office for a one-year period. II. Standards of Learning Testing End-of-course tests in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies shall constitute the primary evaluation of student academic achievement for the Virginia State Board of Education and therefore are of critical importance. The tests are based on the Standards of Learning (SOL) for each course, and the tests must be passed in order to receive a “verified unit of credit.” Students who achieve a passing score on an end-of-course SOL test but have a failing grade in the course, will receive a unit of credit for the end-of-course subject if the student has:  

Maintained an overall average of “60.” The student will receive a final grade of “D” in the course. Students who score 500 or above will be allowed to receive an Incomplete in the course and be given four weeks to complete any missing assignments, projects, or other assessments to achieve a final grade of “C” if earned. If work is not completed by the interim period, then the final grade converts to a “D.”

III. Examination Exemptions Any student who passes the SOL test for a given course may be exempt from the exam in that course. The SOL testing guidelines in this document states the requirements for exemptions. Make-up and re-take examinations require approval of the principal. In the event that SOL test scores are not received in a timely manner, students will be required to take the examination for that course. No SOL exemptions will be granted if scores are not received before examination dates. IV. Senior Final Examination Exemptions Exemptions from final course examinations in non-SOL courses will be allowed for seniors who have a cumulative average of B or above. A senior is defined as a student with a minimum of 20 units of credit. The teacher grants the exemption and submits a list of all senior exemptions to the administration three days prior to the examination period. Attendance at school is required of the student up to

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the examination day for which a student has an exemption. No exemptions may be granted in summer school. STUDENT CONDUCT CITIZENSHIP Explanation: One of the school’s duties is to assist parents in helping students develop responsible attitudes and behavior. This means preparing students for adult citizenship as well as preparing them for jobs and higher education. For this reason, it is important for the school to teach and evaluate citizenship, as it is to teach and evaluate academic work. The Citizenship Grade: Students will receive a citizenship grade for each class marking period. The grade will be based solely on the citizenship displayed in each teacher’s classroom. Students will receive a grade of “satisfactory,” “unsatisfactory,” or “needs improvement” based on the “Citizenship Guidelines.” The citizenship grade for each class will be shown on the student’s report card, but it will not be shown on the student’s transcript or other permanent records. The Citizenship Guidelines: The citizenship grade, (S) satisfactory, (U) unsatisfactory, or (N) needs improvement will be based on the following classroom rules for students: 1. Be on time (in room when bell rings) 2. Be prepared with books, materials, and homework 3. Focus on learning 4. Respect everyone* 5. Follow instructions immediately and politely. *Includes showing respect during Minute of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance. If a student receives an “unsatisfactory” grade in two or more of his/her classes, the following privileges will be lost until the next marking period: 1. Athletics, as participant or spectator 2. School clubs/organizations 3. Public performances including music, dance, drama and speech 4. School dances, including the prom, assemblies, and pep rallies 5. Special field trips not a part of the regular classroom work. A student who receives a third out-of-school suspension will be placed on the unsatisfactory citizenship list for the rest of the year. MINUTE OF SILENCE AND THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Virginia General Assembly has mandated a daily Minute of Silence and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. This will be observed at the beginning of the first class of each school day.

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DISCIPLINARY INTERVENTIONS Should a student’s behavior interfere with his/her learning or that of others, the following interventions may be used (see also Code of Conduct for additional information). A. Parent Contacts – Teachers will call parents to notify them of student problems and to solicit their cooperation in resolving school problems, disciplinary or otherwise. Written communication is also advised. B. Parent Conference – A parent may be requested to come to school immediately to confer with a teacher or an administrator. The student may also be requested to attend the conference. The conference is to discuss with the parent the seriousness of the problem and to secure the parents’ cooperation in solving it. As appropriate, guidance and intervention counselors may be involved in this process. C. Detention (ASD) – Detention is held after school from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Advance written notice will be mailed to the parent before a student is held after school. Failure to serve ASD in three (3) school days will result in one (1) day MLC. D. Time Out – Certain serious and/or repeated infractions may result in the student being removed from class for a short period or on an indefinite period of time by a teacher. The student may be removed on a time out, may be served in MLC, or in another classroom or other setting. E. Modified Learning Center (MLC) – A student may be sent to a different classroom environment where credit is given for the completion of assignments and attendance. Referrals are done at the discretion of the administration. Students assigned to MLC are ineligible for athletic practices, games or any other after-school activity as a participant or a spectator until MLC is served. Restriction/eligibility is reinstated at 3:45 p.m. of the last day of MLC. Refusal to serve MLC will result in suspension. F. School Probation – A student may not participate in any extracurricular activities as a participant or spectator for a given period specified by an administrator. Certain offenses may result in loss of privileges (e.g., driving and assemblies). G. Suspension – A suspended student must not return to school premises at anytime during the term of suspension. Only the principal, assistant principal, or his/her designee may suspend a student. The length of the suspension will be determined by the seriousness of the offense. At the end of the term of suspension, a parent or guardian may be required to return with student before the student can be re-admitted to school. H. CST – Referrals may be made to the Child Study Team. The CST considers all information presented and plans a course of action designed to help the student modify his/her behavior. I. Student Appeals – Students may appeal disciplinary decisions by a staff member to the principal. If a student wishes to appeal the decision of the principal, he/she must contact the Executive Director of Academic Services. J. T.E.C.H. Learning Center Referral – The principal or assistant principal may recommend a student for placement in an Alternative Education Program for continuous behavioral problems and/or academic difficulties. The T.E.C.H. Learning Center (i.e., Teach Every Child Holistically) located in Machipongo provides a small student-teacher ratio for academic and social skills development. Students who transfer to Northampton High School from the Department of Corrections or other court ordered placements will

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be required to enroll and successfully complete a Transitional Education Program at the T.E.C.H. Learning Center before enrolling at NHS. K. Use of Law Enforcement Officials – The following significant acts also constitute a violation of the law and are among those that require the assistance of law enforcement officials: Alcohol/drug use/possession* Property crimes Assault and battery Robbery Bomb threats Sex offenses Extortion Threats to do bodily harm Fighting Trespassing Homicide Use of abusive/profane language Possession of weapons Vandalism *Including tobacco and smokeless tobacco This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and other violations may be included as determined by local school board authority in collaboration with law enforcement. Seizure of Illegal Materials If a properly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such findings will be turned over to legal authorities. STUDENT SERVICES Cafeteria Services The cafeteria is open in the morning for breakfast and at lunch. Free and reduced-price meals are available for students who qualify. To apply for free or reduced meals, please return the application form given to you during homeroom/first period. Additional applications may be picked up from the main office. Health Services Northampton High School has a full-time nurse to handle illnesses and medical emergencies that occur at school. Students who become ill during school hours must report to the clinic. The nurse will determine if the student should be sent home, and she will contact the parent or guardian. All students who leave the building without nurse approval are considered to be truant and the absence is “unexcused” in accordance with the attendance policies. A student who suspects pregnancy should report her condition to the nurse. Medication Because of the potential danger from prescription, non-prescription and over-the-counter drugs, students are required immediately upon arriving at school to give the school nurse any such drugs with a note from the doctor or parent describing dispensation. Any student found in possession of prescription or non-prescription drugs will be suspended.

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Guidance and Counseling Program The Guidance department at NHS offers a comprehensive continuum of services designed to promote the academic, social and career development of all students. They provide a variety of services to students to include:      

  

Individual and small group counseling Crisis intervention Assisting with career information and choices Consultation with parents and teachers Assisting with course selections Maintain records and transcripts

 

Classroom guidance Develop and define educational goals Identifying and exploring vocational interests Exploring scholarships and grants Explaining graduation requirements

Schedule Changes or Withdrawing from Classes A student is required to maintain a full day schedule of seven classes. If a student is performing an internship and/or is participating in a work-study program, permission to enroll in fewer than seven classes may be granted. Before the school year begins, counselors will attempt to change the schedule of students who are given the same teacher and class that was previously failed provided that... A. A different teacher is available. B. The schedule change does not prevent the student from meeting a graduation requirement. C. A roster imbalance does not occur. If a student requests a change in his or her schedule, the following conditions must be adhered to:      

The student must obtain written permission from the parent. All requests must be reviewed by Guidance and/or approved by administration. Written notification of an approved change will be given to the student, the parent, and the teacher. The teacher must receive a “Student Course Change Notice” before changing a student’s status on a class roster. When a student is allowed to change courses, the teacher will prorate the grade received in the previous class and average that grade received in the new class to determine the nine weeks grade. All change requests must be made within the first two (2) weeks of the semester.

Transcripts Transcripts will be sent to two colleges free of charge. A fee of $2.00 for each additional transcript will be charged. There is a three-day processing time for students to obtain a copy of their school transcript.

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Library The Library exists to serve the student body and the faculty as a resource center, as a quiet place for concentration and study, as a relaxed atmosphere for reading magazines and newspapers, and as a place to access the Internet or use the computers for school assignments. To achieve these purposes and to be considerate of those students and teachers who wish to use the Library properly, the following policy is in effect: 1. Library regular hours are 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Students may use the Library before school, during lunch or after school. 2. Students must have a pass, pre-signed by the classroom teacher, to come to the Library from class. Students may use the Library during lunch or after school. Students staying in the Library after school must leave at 3:45 p.m. or be under the supervision of a teacher until the arrival of the late bus. 3. Students will remain in the Library until the bell rings to end the class. 4. Students should use the Library for the purposes stated above. Those who create a disturbance by excessive talking or by any other means will be asked to leave immediately and may lose their Library privileges. Borrowing Books and Materials 1. Books in the regular checkout collection and back issues of magazines may be borrowed for a period of two (2) weeks. Bringing the item in and having it renewed for an additional two-week period may extend borrowing time. 2. Reference books may be checked out for overnight only. Reference books may be picked up at the end of the last class or after 3:45 p.m. and must be returned before school begins the next school day. Fines 1. A fine of $0.10 per school day will be charged for each overdue item. 2. Students who have outstanding fees will not be allowed to borrow other books or materials until the debt is paid. Collection of Fines  Unpaid fines charged for overdue or lost books remain on the student’s account and carry over each year until paid. All fines must be paid prior to graduation. The school librarian will send a printout each year to the next grade level.  The school librarian may provide amnesty days where books can be returned and penalties/fines on books removed. Students with lost books will be allowed the privilege of checking out a book but will need to be making payments toward those fines.  Non-enrolled students and students participating in the Summer Reading Program will be charged the same fees as enrolled students. If the fee is not paid, the student will not be allowed to check out any more books.  Notices to parents are to be sent out at least once a year informing them that fees are owed. The school librarian will issue receipts to the student. This receipt can be presented at the main office to clear accounts (necessary in order to participate in sports, attend school activities and receive final report card).

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS The Program of Studies brochure lists the diploma programs. Please refer to the current brochure which lists the diploma requirements. This brochure may be obtained from the Guidance office at Northampton High School and will also be posted on the school’s Web site. Early Graduation Only students working towards a standard diploma or higher are eligible for early graduation consideration. Early graduation consideration should be made in the student’s Freshmen year. Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment Courses Northampton County Public Schools supports the enrollment of students in Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses. The following guidelines are set forth regarding these courses. Advanced Placement – Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses are required to take the subsequent Advanced Placement test as prescribed. Northampton County Public Schools will pay the cost for taking the test. Any student enrolled in an Advanced Placement course who does not take the test will not receive a weighted credit for the course. Dual Enrollment – Students must pass the community college placement test to be eligible for enrollment in Dual Enrollment courses. Northampton County Public Schools pays 50% for Dual Enrollment tuition costs each semester provided students maintain a C average or better in their specific courses each semester. Students are responsible for paying for 100% of the costs of books. The school division will not pay for any second semester Dual Enrollment course if a student’s average is below a C at the end of the first semester in that specific course. Furthermore, students who do not pay for the fall semester in full may not enroll in spring courses. In addition, the school division will not pay for any further Dual Enrollment courses if at the end of the school year a student’s average for both semesters is below a C in any given dual enrollment course. (File: IGAB) SPORTS AND ACTIVITY ELIGIBILITY MINIMUM 2.0 GPA Section 1: GPA Requirement Northampton High School students must have earned a minimum of a 2.0 GPA for the previous semester or have a cumulative 2.0 GPA average in order to participate in VHSL sports and activities or to hold office in clubs or organizations. The establishment of grades for the purpose of this rule occurs on the day that reports are distributed. A class already passed being taken again to improve a grade does not count as a class “enrolled in” for VHSL eligibility purposes. All other requirements set by the school, the VHSL, or any club constitutions must also be satisfied for participation. Students must maintain satisfactory citizenship in a majority of classes and must also satisfy all debts in order to be members of any team.

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Students may be granted a one-time one-semester probationary waiver from the 2.0 with certain requirements. The requirements include: (a) approval by a committee consisting of the principal or designee, a core teacher, the coach, and the student’s guidance counselor; (b) required tutoring of a nature and frequency as determined by the committee; (c) weekly teacher reports to the coach and counselor on academic progress; and (d) completion of an overall improvement plan devised by the committee. The eligibility committee as designated above shall be the appeals committee for consideration of any extenuating circumstances in meeting requirements. Extenuating circumstances, for example, may be considered for transfer students or students with identified handicapping conditions. Section 2: Athletics Students may participate in a wide variety of sports at Northampton. The interscholastic teams include JV and Varsity Football, JV and Varsity Girls Basketball, Soccer, Field Hockey, JV and Varsity Basketball, JV and Varsity Wrestling, JV and Varsity Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Varsity Baseball, Varsity Softball, Boys and Girls Track, Cross Country, and Cheerleading. Complete eligibility requirements for all school activities are available from the principal, athletic director, and all coaches. 1. Minimum requirements states that students be enrolled have 5 credits for coursework and must have a 2.0 overall GPA or a 2.0 in the semester prior to tryouts. Students must be debt free and have satisfactory citizenship in three of his/her four classes to be eligible to play any sport. 2. Students must show proof of a medical physical and insurance coverage prior to participation in athletics. 3. Eighth grade students are only permitted to participate in high school JV sports if they are age-wise eligible at the middle school level or if the respective sports program does not exist at the middle school. Mutual permission of the middle school and high school principal is required for any such participation. 4. Ninth and tenth grade students may be offered the opportunity to play varsity sports. 5. The Northampton High School Athletic Program is governed by Virginia High School League policies, and the eligibility of students must be certified by coaches pursuant to VHSL regulations of residence, age, scholarship, physical examination and enrollment as outlined in the current VHSL Handbook. 6. An athlete may not play two sports in one season unless the coaches involved mutually agree upon it. Section 3: Regulations 1. Students must be in attendance in school on the days of practice or games in order to participate or play in games and other activities. Exceptions may be granted for legitimate extenuating circumstances by the principal in consultation with the coach. To be counted as present, the student must be in attendance for at least one half of the school day. 2. An athlete who quits a team after 10 practice days may not become a member of another team during that same season unless there is a mutual agreement of the coaches involved. 3. Athletes who lose or abuse equipment or uniforms will be financially liable.

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4. All athletes must adhere to the individual sport eligibility rules and team policies as determined by the coach. 5. All team members must travel with the team on the team bus for all away matches. All team members must depart from school with the team on the bus. Team members may, however, get off a team bus on the way home at a location other than the school with signed parental permission and appropriate adult supervision. Team members who depart from an event with any adult other than their parent must have a pre-approved note signed by their parent and the principal. For coaches that have arranged non-school days or after-school departures when students are already home, pick-up point must be deemed safe and appropriate. 6. Students must pay for their own meals on all athletic trips. Students who need bag lunches on a travel day should notify their coach who in turn will give the cafeteria the total count and I.D. number of the student on the day prior to travel. NHS will make a small daily meal allowance available to team members who are involved in regional final activities ($5.00) and state level activities ($7.00). 7. Team jackets, other apparel, insignia, etc., may be purchased by students who are members of approved teams or clubs. The coach or sponsor coordinates such recognitions and eligibility for purchase is limited to active, current, eligible members of that team or club. Section 4: Discipline 1. A student athlete who is under penalty of disciplinary suspension from school is automatically declared ineligible for athletic competition during the suspension period. 2. Students who are assigned to MLC will not be allowed to participate in practices or games as a participant or spectator while in MLC. Eligibility will be reinstated 3:45 p.m. on the last day of MLC. 3. If an athlete receives an “unsatisfactory” grade for citizenship in two or more of his/her classes, he/she cannot participate for the marking period (see section on Citizenship). 4. The use of drugs, including alcohol, or the involvement in theft by team members during the season, while on school property or representing the school, or conviction of a violation of a public law relating to the above will result in the athlete’s dismissal from the team for the remainder of the season, and he/she will be subject to normal school disciplinary policy action. 5. Students who owe school fees, activity fees, library fines or money for lost or damaged books may not participate until all debts are cleared. 6. Ineligible students may not practice with any team.

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TO:

STUDENT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN

Please read the Student-Parent Handbook. It is your guide during the school year. After you have read the handbook, please sign below. Remove this sheet and submit to the student’s first-period teacher by September 12, 2017.

__________________________ PRINT, Parent/Guardian Name

____________________ Signature

_________ Date

__________________________ PRINT, Student Name

____________________ Signature

_________ Date

_______________ Grade

____________________ 1st Period Teacher

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