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Loudoun County High School

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2011-2012

This Student Agenda Belongs to:

Name _______________________________________

Address _____________________________________

Town __________________ Zip Code ____________

Phone _______________________________________

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LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

415 Dry Mill Road SW

Leesburg, Virginia 20176

Website: www.lcps.org/lchs

Loudoun County High School (571) 252-2000

Loudoun County High School Fax (571) 252-2001

Attendance Call-In (571) 252-2002

Guidance Department (571) 252-2012

Athletic Department (571) 252-2010

Health Clinic (571) 252-2009

Dear Parents/Guardians:

In this handbook we have attempted to provide answers to questions concerning the policies and

procedures of Loudoun County High School. You are asked to review and discuss this handbook

with your son or daughter.

If you have any questions or if you need clarification on any of the following policies and

procedures, please contact me at (571) 252-2000.

Please note: Every student will be required to have a handbook and bring it to class. If the

handbook is lost, a new one must be purchased for $7.00.

I personally look forward to the upcoming school year and I welcome the opportunity to meet you.

Sincerely,

William E. Oblas

Principal

Loudoun County High School

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DIRECTORY

Administration

Principal Mr. William Oblas

Assistant Principals Mr. Rick Brown

Mrs. Muriel Heanue

Mr. Mark Patterson

Director of Guidance Mr. Dan Croyle

Athletic Director Mr. Ken Wright

Assistant Athletic Director Mr. Adam Wilburn

Athletic Trainer Ms. Megan Santos

Activities Coordinator Mr. Todd Hill

Guidance Counselors

Mrs. Megan Dunn Mrs. Kathie Rowley

Mr. Brett Lesher Ms. Stephanie Smerdzinski

Mrs. Joanne Nagurny

Mr. Langston West, Career Center Assistant

Mrs. Michele Fulcer, Guidance Secretary

Mrs. Betty Eisenmann, Guidance Secretary

Librarians

Mrs. Michelle Noland

Mrs. Mary Ours

Mrs. Tina Wilmoth, Library Assistant

Technology Resources

Mrs. Michelle Nicholson, Technology Resource Teacher

Mrs. Kate Craddock, Technology Assistant

Mrs. Kathy Locraft, Technology Assistant

Main Office Secretaries Mrs. Linda Rives, Bookkeeper

Mrs. Shirley Cameron, Main Office Secretary

Ms. Jessica Harden, Main Office Secretary

Mrs. Kathy Garrison, Main Office Secretary

Mrs. Shelly Kirby, Attendance Secretary

School Nurse

Mrs. Shannon Nerantzis

School Security Specialist Mrs. Melissa Burrows

School Resource Officer Mr. Drew Stanley

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Name: _________________________________________

Homeroom Number: _____________________________

Emergency Contact Number: _____________________

Class Schedule

Period Course Teacher Room

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2

3

4

5

6

7

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Lunch Shift “A” Days: Lunch Shift “B” Days:

Physical Education Information

Issuing Physical Education Teacher: Hill Holmes Hvozdovic McManus Parke

Lock Serial Number: _____________________________________________

P.E. Lock Combination: _____________________________________________

P.E. Lock Color: _____________________________________________

P.E. Lock Number: _____________________________________________

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Loudoun County High School Bell Schedule

Regular Schedule

A Day: 8:50 Warning Bell

9:00 – 10:31 Period 1

10:37 – 12:06 Period 2

12:12 – 2:12 Period 3

2:18 – 3:48 Period 4

*4:00

B Day: 8:50 Warning Bell

9:00 – 10:31 Period 5

10:37 – 12:06 Period 6

12:12 – 2:12 Period 7

2:18 – 3:48 Period 8

*4:00

Lunch Shifts:

Shift A 12:12 – 12:42

Shift B 12:42 – 1:12

Shift C 1:12 – 1:42

*All students not involved in a supervised activity must leave school property.

ONE HOUR DELAY TWO HOUR DELAY

A DAY A DAY

9:50 Warning Bell 10:50 Warning Bell

10:00 – 11:15 Period 1 11:00 – 12:00 Period 1

11:21 – 12:36 Period 2 12:06 – 1:06 Period 2

12:42 – 2:27 Period 3 1:12 – 2:42 Period 3

2:33 – 3:48 Period 4 2:48 – 3:48 Period 4

B DAY B DAY

9:50 Warning Bell 10:50 Warning Bell

10:00 – 11:15 Period 5 11:00 – 12:00 Period 5

11:21 – 12:36 Period 6 (Raider Rally) 12:06 – 1:06 Period 6 (Raider Rally)

12:42 – 2:27 Period 7 1:12 – 2:42 Period 7

2:33 – 3:48 Period 8 2:48 – 3:48 Period 8

Lunch Shifts Lunch Shifts

Shift A 12:42 – 1:12 Shift A 1:12 – 1:42

Shift B 1:12 – 1:42 Shift B 1:42 – 2:12

Shift C 1:42 – 2:12 Shift C 2:12 – 2:42

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2011 - 2012 Student Calendar

August 29 First Day of School for Students

September 5 Holiday (Labor Day)

October 10 Holiday (Columbus Day)

November 4 End of the Grading Period

November 7-8 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Days)

November 23-25 Holiday (Thanksgiving)

December 22-23/26-30 Winter Break

January 2 Winter Break (Classes Resume January 3)

January 16 Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

January 20 End of Grading Period

January 23 MOVEABLE Student Holiday* (Planning/Records/Conference Day)

February 20 Holiday (Presidents' Day)

March 30 End of Grading Period

April 2-6 Student Holiday (Spring Break)

April 9 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day)

May 28 Holiday (Memorial Day)

June 8 Last Day of School for Students/End of Grading Period

Report Card Schedule Marking Period Interim Issue Date (tentative) Report Card Issue Date

1st Quarter (11/1) October 5 and 6 November 16

2nd

Quarter (1/20) December 14 and 15 February 1

3rd

Quarter (3/30) February 29 and March 1 April 18

4th

Quarter (6/8) May 9 and 10 June 13 (mailed home)

The PSAT is scheduled to be administered on Wednesday, October 12, 2011.

Advanced Placement Testing is scheduled to be administered May 7-18, 2012.

2011 – 2012 SAT Test Dates October 1, 2011

November 5, 2011

December 3, 2011

January 28, 2012

March 10, 2012

May 5, 2012

June 2, 2012

2011 – 2012 ACT Test Dates September 10, 2011

October 22, 2011

December 10, 2011

February 11, 2012

April 14, 2012

June 9, 2012

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Loudoun County High School Mission Statement

“Loudoun County High School seeks to create an environment, which promotes learning and

growth for each student.”

Academics

Loudoun County provides outstanding educational opportunities for its students. Teachers,

counselors, and support staff are committed to helping each student become successful. It is vitally

important for each student to prepare for a successful and enjoyable high school experiences by

careful planning and goal setting. It is essential for the student to work closely with his/her

counselor and to refer to the Program of Studies booklet in order to map out a four-year plan for

graduation.

Achievement is the sole item recognized in determining the grade. Personal characteristics,

character, conduct, personality, etc. affect the grade only insofar as they are reflected in the quality

of the achievement.

Evaluation is based upon attainment of the instructional and performance objectives assigned the

student. These objectives may include daily assignments, homework, quizzes, class participation,

projects, tests, and examinations. Nine weeks grades are a composite of all evaluations made during

a marking period.

Grading

Examinations are given at the end of the first and second semesters. The examinations count 20% of

the semester grade. The grade for the year (final grade) is the average of the first and second

semester grades.

Grade Numerical Equivalent Quality Points

A+ 98-100 4.3

A 93-97 4.0

A- 90-92 3.7

B+ 87-89 3.3

B 83-86 3.0

B- 80-82 2.7

C+ 77-79 2.3

C 73-76 2.0

C- 70-72 1.7

D+ 67-69 1.3

D 63-66 1.0

D- 60-62 0.7

F 0-59 0.0

Subject Load

Students in grades 9-11 are expected to be enrolled in six or seven credit subjects or their

equivalent. Any variation requires the principal’s permission.

Dropping Subjects

A student who wishes to drop a subject may do so with permission of the parent and

principal/counselor at any time up to one week after the issuance of the report card for the course for

the first marking period. Such approved dropped courses will not appear on the scholastic record or

be calculated in the grade point average. There is no assurance that a student who drops a course

will be able to add another credit-bearing course.

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Report Cards

Each nine weeks, each student will receive a report card. If indicated on the report card, additional

comment sheets are provided by subject teachers. These report cards must be taken home to the

students’ parents or guardians. The nine-week grade is composed of all evaluations made during the

grading period. These may include daily assignments, homework, quizzes, tests, projects, class

participation, and other instructional tasks. There are four nine-week grading periods in a school

year.

At the end of each semester, examinations are given in all subjects. The semester grade is

determined by averaging the semester examination grade and the grades for two nine-week marking

periods. The final year-end grade is determined by averaging the first and second semester grades.

The final year-end grade determines whether a student passes or fails a particular course (unless the

course is only a semester in length).

Interims

At the midpoint in each marking period, interim progress reports are issued by teachers to all

students. It is the student’s responsibility to deliver the interim report to the parent. Interims

are not mailed home by the school.

Promotion

A student must have earned the minimum number of credits listed below to be promoted to the next

grade. A student’s grade level is not subject to change during the school year. Five credits are

needed to be promoted to the 10th grade, 11 credits are needed to be promoted to the 11th

grade, and

the student must be scheduled to meet all graduation requirements by the following June to be

promoted into the 12th

grade.

Honor Roll

Students who attain a B average or better (with no D’s, F’s, or Incompletes) for each nine-week

grading period will earn placement on the honor roll. The honor roll is posted in the parent

newsletter at the end of each grading period.

Eligibility for Interscholastic Competition

In order to be eligible to participate in any Virginia High School League competition, a student must

be currently enrolled in five (5) subjects for credit (or the equivalent) and must have passed five (5)

subjects for credit or the equivalent the previous semester.

Physical Education and Participation in Athletics

Physical Education and participation in athletics are two separate entities. Students are not exempt

from physical education due to participation in a sport or sports practice. Students who have a parent

note or a doctor’s note excusing participation in physical education class but not sports practice or

participation will forfeit physical education credit for each day of the excuse.

Guidance

The Guidance Office is staffed by a team of professional counselors and a career specialist. The

guidance program is designed to promote academic-educational, personal-social, and career

development. As an integral part of the school program, counseling and guidance build a

foundation for learning based on positive attitudes toward school and learning, personal

responsibility, respect for self and others, and knowledge and skills for employment. Counselors’

assignments are, for the most part, based on the first letter of the student’s last name.

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The Guidance Office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to

7:30 p.m. to allow parents/guardians the opportunity to meet with counselors and to take advantage

of the Career Resource Center.

The Career Resource Center is open to students and parents/guardian for research on colleges,

financial aid, career planning, and vocational training and opportunities. The career resource

specialist is available to offer assistance Monday through Friday.

The Guidance Office maintains a comprehensive website, which includes information about

programs and services. Please visit the Loudoun County High School website at www.lcps.org/lchs

and then select ―Guidance‖ from the menu bar. Parents and students are encouraged to take

advantage of these resources.

National Honor Society

The National Honor Society was created to promote and recognize excellence in scholarship,

leadership, service, and character. In order to be eligible for consideration, students must have

attained a 3.25 grade point average by the beginning of their junior year. Eligible students are

required to submit a list of their activities, which show they have provided service to their school

and community. Each faculty member is asked to provide information on the worthiness of each

eligible student in the areas of leadership and character. The Faculty Council then weighs all the

information received and selects students for membership in the National Honor Society. It should

be noted that in order to be selected, the candidate must be outstanding in the areas of leadership,

character, and service.

Library / Media Center

The purpose of the LCHS Library is to assist students and teachers with educational research,

personal information needs, and recreational reading. The library has almost 20,000 books,

periodicals, audio books, and video recordings. A computer network provides access to online

databases, the Internet, and school-provided software.

Students and their families may access the LCHS Virtual Library from home or school through the

LCHS Internet site. It provides access to teachers’ pathfinders, the online catalog, databases and

other links. Passwords for the databases are available in the library.

Visiting the Library

The library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Students may come before or after school without passes.

While school is in session, each student is required to have a pass in his/her agenda signed

by a teacher, unless the whole class is coming.

Lunch passes are issued by the librarians anytime during the day.

Only water is allowed in the library. No other drinks or foods are allowed.

Checking Out Materials

Nonfiction and fiction books circulate for two weeks.

Magazines circulate for one week.

Reference books circulate overnight. They may be checked out during or after the last

block of the day and returned before the next day’s first block.

All materials may be renewed, except reference books.

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Copies/Printouts

A coin-operated copier is available. Copies cost five cents each.

Computer printers, including color, may be used for school assignments without charge.

Multiple copies or class sets must be made on the coin-operated copier.

Technology/Computer Use

The information systems and Internet access available at LCHS are intended for educational

purposes only. The use of the information systems is a privilege, not a right.

The term ―information systems‖ as used herein includes, but is not limited to, the following:

hardware, software, communication lines and devices, graphing calculators, terminals, printers, CD-

ROM devices, tape drivers, scanners, and computers.

The term ―users‖ as used herein includes all staff members, students, volunteers, parents, and other

individuals using any portion of the information systems (technology resources).

The information systems are operated for the benefit of all and all users are expected to assist in the

successful operation of the facilities. Users should not do, or attempt to do, anything that might

disrupt the operation of the network or equipment and/or interfere with the learning of students.

The following guidelines are intended to help users understand appropriate use. All access to

information systems shall be pre-approved by the principal or program manager. Loudoun County

High School may restrict or terminate any user’s access, without prior notice, if such action is

deemed necessary to maintain computing availability and security for other users or the systems.

Disciplinary action also may be imposed as stated in the Loudoun County Public School Student

Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) handbook.

Responsibilities

The user exercising his/her privilege to use the Internet, as an educational resource shall also accept

responsibility for all material received under his/her account.

The purpose of Internet use at Loudoun County High School is to support research and education.

All Internet use must comply with this purpose as indicated in the LCPS Student’s Rights and

Responsibilities handbook, the LCPS Acceptable Use Agreement for Secondary Students, and the

LCHS Technology/Computer Use Policy. Users are prohibited from accessing portions of the

Internet that do not comply with these policies. Students are cautioned not to type personal

information into any Internet/www site. Note: Any infringement of this policy will result in

disciplinary action that will include, but not be limited to, termination of the user’s account.

Ethical Conduct for Electronic Users

With the use of information resources and information technology, it is the responsibility of all

users:

to recognize and honor the intellectual property of others;

to comply with legal restrictions regarding plagiarism and copyright by citing all information

sources utilized;

to restrict the use of information systems and resources to the mission or function of the school

system; the use of computer systems for personal use unrelated to the mission of the school

system or for private gain is prohibited;

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to help maintain the integrity of the school information systems; deliberate tampering or

experimentation is not allowed. It is a violation to modify config.sys, autoexec.bat, system

folder, or control panel files, or any file that would alter the workstation/system settings,

without prior approval of the instructor or program manager.

Educational Use

The information systems are intended for educational purposes. Users are responsible for the ethical

and educational use of their network accounts.

No games are to be played at any time on any school computer.

Only school-related files are to be saved on accounts. Storing commercial software and/or

games or hidden files to accounts is not permitted.

Saving to the hard disk drive is granted only by permission of the network administrator.

Student Responsibilities

The following are in accordance with policies adopted by the Loudoun County School Board

and as such are not subject to exception.

School Jurisdiction

Students are responsible for their behavior from the time they leave their house in the morning until

they return home after school. During this period of time, students are considered to be under school

jurisdiction.

Alcohol

Violation of School Board Policy (§8-35) prohibiting the possession, distribution, use, or being

under the influence of alcohol while on school property or during any school-sponsored activity at

any time is a serious infraction.

First-time violators will receive a 10-day out-of-school suspension from school. Three of the

suspension days will be an assignment to the Substance Abuse Education program sponsored by

Loudoun County Public Schools.

Second-time violators will receive in a 10-day out-of-school suspension and assignment to the

Substance Abuse Education Program.

Any further violation of this policy may result in a recommendation by the Principal for long-term

suspension from school by the Division Superintendent or expulsion.

Drugs

Violation of School Board Policy (§8-36) prohibiting the possession, distribution, use, or being

under the influence of any drug (including anabolic steroids) while on school property or during any

school-sponsored activity at any time is a serious infraction.

Violation of the substance abuse policy may result in a 10-day out-of-school suspension from school

and a referral from the Principal to the Division Superintendent for other possible action. Students

may also be assigned to the Substance Abuse Education Program for a minimum of 30 days

following the 10-day out-of-school suspension. In addition, students who violate this policy may

face possible legal action and expulsion from school.

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Weapons

Violation of School Board Policy (§8-32) prohibits possession or use of a weapon by a student

while under the control or supervision of school system personnel or on school property. Penalties

for violation of this policy include out-of-school suspension, expulsion, and possible legal action.

Tobacco

The purpose of this policy is to educate students and parents about the health risks of tobacco,

effective methods for cessation of tobacco use, and the law pertaining to underage tobacco

possession. Both student use and possession of tobacco products are prohibited on school property

or while under school jurisdiction.

Possession of tobacco products by students in violation of School Board Policy §8-37 shall result in

the following actions:

First offense Confiscation of tobacco product to be returned

to the parent upon request and student

assigned to three (3) days in in-school

restriction

Additional offenses Confiscation of tobacco product to be returned

to the parent on request and suspension of the

student for three (3) days

Use of tobacco products by students in violation of School Board Policy §8-37 shall result in the

following actions:

First offense Suspension from school for three (3) days

Additional offenses Suspension from school for five (5) days

Suspension

A student may be suspended by an administrator for behavior which interferes with the education of

others, prevents the orderly operation of the school, threatens any individual’s physical well-being,

or knowingly violates a rule for which the penalty is suspension. Such suspension shall not exceed

ten school days. Cause for suspension shall include, but shall not be limited to, any of the following:

1. willful or continued disobedience of school rules and regulations or school personnel;

2. defiance of the authority of any teacher, principal, or other person having authority in the

school (including not giving your name when requested);

3. conduct that endangers or threatens the physical well-being of other students or school

personnel;

4. physical assault upon another person, including fighting and nonconsensual touching;

5. willful damage to school property or that of another person;

6. theft or attempted theft of school property or the personal property of another person;

7. participation in unauthorized occupancy of any school property in violation of a directive,

or failure to leave promptly any school property after having been directed to do so by the

principal or other person in charge;

8. use or possession of any weapon or explosives, including fireworks, on school property;

9. violation of attendance regulations, including leaving school without permission;

10. cursing or verbal abuse of another person or directing obscene gestures to another person;

11. willful interruption or disruption of any school or part thereof;

12. any threat to bomb, burn, or damage in any manner a school building or other school

property or the property of another person;

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13. violation of the alcohol policy;

14. violation of the drug policy;

15. violation of the tobacco policy;

16. violation of the policy on beepers or portable communication devices;

17. lying or giving false information, verbally or in writing, to a school employee, including

forgery or the knowing use of forged writing;

18. failure to abide by restrictions or punishments of a lesser nature;

19. violation of any law of the Commonwealth while on school property or of any policy for

which the prescribed punishment is suspension;

20. unauthorized or illegal use of, or access to, computers, software, telecommunications, and

related technologies; any willful act that causes physical, financial, or other harm or

otherwise disrupts information technology;

21. participation in a group, mob, or gang activity that involves inciting, intimidating,

harassing, threatening, or committing an assault or other act or violence;

22. disruptive behavior;

23. other good and just cause;

24. other sufficient cause.

Present School Board Policy states that students shall be involuntarily transferred by the Division

Superintendent from one school to another when they have committed acts specified in Policy §8-

27, Subsection A, and normal disciplinary measures, including suspension from school, have failed

to correct such behavior.

Dishonesty in Assigned Work

Students are expected to do their own work on all tests, papers, projects, and other work assigned to

be done on an individual basis. Turning in the work of another student’s as one’s own, assisting with

another student on work that should be done individually, plagiarizing (copying without proper

documentation) from the Internet or other sources are all acts of dishonesty. The student who steals

or uses with consent the work of another student, assists or allows another student to use his/her

work, or cheats on a quiz, test, exam, or other assessed assignment is guilty of misrepresentation of

the truth and cheating. The one who uses the work of another fails to develop the intended skills and

knowledge, and both fail to develop personal integrity.

Any student who turns in another’s work as his/her own, who assists or gives his/her work to

another student, who plagiarizes from the Internet or other source, or who cheats on a quiz, test,

exam, or other assessed assignment shall be given a grad of zero for that work.

Fighting

Fighting creates a serious danger to the students involved, to other students, school personnel, and

school property. Fighting while under school control or supervision will not be tolerated and

disciplinary action will be taken against students who engage in or instigate fighting.

Injuries and medical bills sustained by students engaged in fighting or ―horseplay‖ will not be paid

by LCPS.

Harassment / Bullying

Harassment in any form, including bullying or hazing, creates a climate that is not conducive to

learning and is prohibited. Harassment based upon race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, or ability

will not be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any student engaging

in this type of behavior.

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Hazing means to recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or to inflict

bodily injury on a student in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or

affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a club, organization, association,

fraternity, sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student so endangered or injured

participated voluntarily in the relevant activity.

―Flagging‖ or ―panting‖ is unacceptable behavior under any circumstance while under school

authority, on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity. Any incident will

be treated as a very serious violation and will result in severe disciplinary action.

No employee or student, male or female, shall discriminate on the basis of gender; harass another

employee or student by making unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors; or engage

in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Any employee or student who believes he or

she has been subjected to sexual harassment or discrimination should file a complaint of the alleged

act immediately.

Investigation and Searches

School authorities have a responsibility to investigate suspected violations of the law or School

Board policies. Principals and their designees who have reasonable suspicion that a student is in

possession of contraband, illegal or harmful articles, or substances may search the student and his or

her personal property in accordance with Policy §8-2 of LCPS, ―Investigations and Searches.‖ Such

searches may include use of a metal detector.

A principal or designee is authorized to search any storage facility when there is reasonable

suspicion that illegal or harmful materials are stored therein. Private vehicles parked on school

property may also be subject to searches.

Students who refuse to cooperate with school investigations, including searches and breath analysis

tests, may be subject to stern disciplinary action including involuntary transfer, suspension, or

expulsion from school.

Reporting to Police

In accordance with §22.1-279.3:1 of the Code of Virginia, the principal or his or her designee shall

report violations of the law, or acts that may constitute a criminal offense, to the police department

pertaining to all alcohol and prohibited substance violations, unauthorized use or possession of any

weapon (including knives), or explosive device (or a hoax explosive device), assault, assault and

battery with bodily injury, sexual assault, bomb threats, threats against school personnel on school

property or at school-sponsored activities, and theft or attempted theft of student prescription

medications. Assault or assault and battery without bodily injury may be reported to the police at the

discretion of the principal.

General Procedures

General administrative procedures and policies are outlined below. Failure to abide by these

regulations may result in denial of the privilege involved, disciplinary action, or both.

Dress and Grooming

The primary responsibility for the proper dress and grooming of students rests with the parent or

guardian of each student. The school has the responsibility, however, to see that the cleanliness,

dress, and grooming of students does not present a danger to the health or safety of themselves or

their fellow students; does not prevent them from performing regularly required school activities;

does not cause a disruption of the orderly functioning of the school; or does not cause excessive

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wear or damage to school property. In addition, the wearing of any article of clothing that is not

appropriate, is provocative, has language that is vulgar or obscene or includes gang symbols,

promotes illegal or violent conduct such as the unlawful use of weapons, has a picture of or printed

matter that depicts tobacco, marijuana, other drugs, or any alcohol product is prohibited.

The following list of inappropriate dress will be observed by all students and will not be worn:

1. Beach attire (clothing that exposes the midriff, chest, shoulders, back or buttocks)

2. See-through clothing

3. Dark glasses or sunglasses

4. Clothing with rips or tears in inappropriate places

5. Hats, caps, visors, do-rags, or hoods

6. Scarves or similar coverings that work as head gear

7. Bandanas around neck, wrist, arm, waist (These will be confiscated and not returned)

8. Chains

9. Bare feet

10. Undergarments worn as outer garments

11. Short shorts or very short skirts (shorter than mid-thigh)

12. Clothing with improper, suggestive, obscene, vulgar, lewd, or racially inflammatory

language, messages and/or graphics

13. Clothing which advertises illegal substances such as tobacco, drugs, or alcohol

Attendance

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a compulsory attendance law for all students less than 18 years

of age. According to School Board Policy (8-17) all students have a responsibility to attend all

scheduled classes and other assigned activities unless excused by the Principal. Absence from

school for any period of time will result in the loss of learning. Students are required to find out

what work has been missed and to make up that work within a reasonable amount of time,

regardless of the reason for absence.

Absences from school are excused with appropriate documentation:

1. Personal illness

2. Death in the family

3. Medical or dental appointments

4. Court appearances

5. Religious holidays

Parents are requested to use the 24-hour attendance line (571) 252-2002 to notify the school of an

absence. Students may not call themselves in as absent—including students 18 years of age and

older. If the parent has not called the school by 10:00 a.m., the school will make every effort to call

the parent to verify the absence. Any absence not confirmed by the parent will be considered

unexcused.

Students must bring a written note signed by the parent/guardian explaining the absence or a note

from the doctor or court, if applicable. This must be presented to the Attendance Secretary before

school begins the next day the student is back in school.

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Tardy Policy

Promptness to class is essential for maintaining instructional consistency, which promotes learning.

Students who are not in class by 9:00 should sign in tardy with the attendance staff in the

foyer and receive a tardy pass to class. Proper documentation is required for an excused

tardy in the form of medical note, judicial excuse, or illness with a note from the

parent/guardian.

Tardiness is unexcused for the following reasons: overslept, running late, traffic, missed

bus, construction, car trouble, illness with no parent note and medical or judicial

appointment with no note. Please remember to ask the doctor for a medical excuse and

bring that with you if you are tardy due to a medical appointment.

If proper documentation is not provided, this is an unexcused tardy to school. If three

unexcused tardies are accumulated during a semester, the student will be assigned a day of

Saturday School.

Attendance and Activities

If a student is absent from school, he/she cannot be an active participant in a school-sponsored

activity that day. In order to participate in an extra-curricular activity on any given day, a student

must report to school no later than 9:15 a.m. Any student who leaves school during the school day

will not be permitted to return to school in the afternoon or evening to participate in an extra-

curricular activity unless he/she presents a note from the doctor or court system.

Early Dismissals

Once a student arrives on school grounds whether by walking, cycling, school bus, or private car,

he/she may not leave school grounds for any reason before the end of the day without prior written

permission from a parent/guardian or administrator. Students who need to leave school early must

present a note from his/her parent or guardian to the Attendance Secretary before school begins that

contains the following information: name of the student, the reason why the early dismissal is

needed, the time of the early dismissal, parent signature, and a phone number in which to contact the

parent who wrote the note for verification. Notes for early dismissal presented after 9:00 may be

subject to Administrator approval. Early dismissals will only be granted if written permission

from a parent is received.

The student will receive an early dismissal pass if the request is approved. The names of students

having early dismissals will appear on the daily absentee list with the time of departure noted.

Students must sign out with the attendance staff in the foyer before leaving for an early dismissal.

Failure to sign out may result in disciplinary action. Students returning to school on the same day

must sign back in before returning to class.

These procedures apply to students regardless of age. Students who are 18 years of age or older are

not exempted from dismissal rules or other school rules and regulations. Students who are 18 years

of age and older who wish to leave school early and do not have an early dismissal note must see an

administrator for approval.

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Make-Up of Work Missed Because of Absence

It is the sole responsibility of the student to find out what work has been missed and to make up

that work within the prescribed time. Whenever a student is absent, regardless of the reason for

absence, a reasonable amount of time, consistent with the length of the absence, will be given to the

student to make up any work missed. After one day’s absence, work previously assigned for that

day will be made up on the day of return or at the discretion of the teacher. Prolonged illness will

require special consideration. Upon request from the student, the teacher will provide assignments,

tests, and other work that must be made up. The teacher will inform the student when make-up work

is due. Failure to complete such make-up work within the time allowed will result in a failing grade

or zero. Work turned in within the time allowed will be graded on the same basis as other work.

Hall Passes

Any student excused from a class must use the student hall pass forms located in the Student

Agenda. The pass must be signed, dated, and timed by the excusing teacher. Students will not be

excused from study hall without a pass from a teacher or the guidance office. Students found in the

halls without properly authorized hall passes may face disciplinary consequences. Repeated

violations can result in suspensions.

If this handbook is lost, you must purchase an additional copy of $7.00

Personal Electronic Devices and Laser Pointers

Students may operate cell phones and other personal communication or electronic devices when

authorized to do so by the principal or designee.

Authorization is required whether on school property, under school control or attending a school

function or activity of any elementary, middle, high, academy, alternative or technical center school.

School officials may confiscate such devices in any instance where a student violates the provisions

of this policy. Any violation of this policy by a student may result in the student’s loss of privileges

of possessing such devices while on school property, under school control or attending any school

function or activity and may result in further disciplinary action.

Student use of such devices for unlawful or other prohibited purposes while on school property,

under school control or attending any school function or activity may result in seizure of the device

by school officials and disciplinary action, including expulsion.

Students are prohibited from possessing laser pointers while on school property, under school

control or attending any school function or activity. Any student found to possess a laser pointer in

violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and the seizure of the device by school

officials.

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Clinic Procedures

Clinic Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

When a student is too sick to remain in class, he or she is too sick to remain in school. Students

may remain in the clinic for one class period only. If a student needs to be absent from classes

for more than one period, parents will be contacted to arrange for the student to be sent home.

Students must have a pass to be seen in the clinic. Students reporting to the clinic without a pass

will be issued a tardy slip – emergencies excepted.

Students should call parents from the clinic with the nurse’s supervision and not from a

personal cell phone if he/she is too ill to remain in school.

The nurse can not treat a student without an emergency card on file.

The clinic stocks only regular adult-strength generic Tylenol (acetaminophen). In order for your

child to receive acetaminophen upon request, the emergency card must be checked off and

signed. Any student requiring chewable acetaminophen or Advil or other over-the-counter

medication must have a parent bring it from home with a completed medication form.

If your student has severe bee sting or food allergies and requires Epi-pens, please be sure you

send them to the clinic as soon as school begins with completed allergy action plan by health

care provider.

All students with asthma that need to use inhalers at school must pick up medication and inhaler

forms. Forms must be completed by your health provider and parent and returned to the nurse

as soon as possible.

If your student has diabetes, Virginia Diabetes Medical Management Plan forms must be

completed by your health care provider and reviewed by the clinic nurse prior to the 1st day of

school.

All Loudoun County Public School health forms can be found online at www.lcps.org

Information Tab › Medication at School-Parent Information › scroll down to appropriate form.

All physical education excuses authorized by parents are to be given directly to the PE teacher. All

physical education excuses authorized by a physician are to be given to the nurse.

Student Medication

A. General

All medicines should be administered to students by their parents/guardian at home if at all possible.

Medicine administered at school will strictly follow this policy. Any student who fails to follow this

policy or whose parents fail to follow this policy will be excluded from school until compliance is

assured. The principal shall determine whether or not there is compliance with the provision of this

policy.

If it is necessary that a medication be given during the school hours, the following regulations must

be followed:

Medication must be brought to school in the original container with appropriate label intact.

Parent/guardian must bring medication to the nurse, health aide, or designee. Medication will be

kept in a locked medicine area of the clinic.

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B. Prescription Medication

The nurse/health aide must have written instructions from the physician in order to administer

prescription medications. These written instructions must be completed on the Loudoun County

Public Schools Authorization for Medication Administration and include the following:

Student’s name

Name and purpose of medicine

Dosage and time of administration

End date for administering the medicine

Parent/guardian signature giving permission to administer medicine and to contact physician if

necessary

Physician’s signature

All prescription medicine must be in the original pharmacy bottle with proper label containing the

student’s name, medication, dosage, and instructions for administration. If you ask, the pharmacy

will give you an extra bottle for liquid or tablets with the proper amount of medicine for school.

C. Non-Prescription Medicine

Must be in an original package with the name of the medicine and instructions.

Must have a signed and dated note on the Loudoun County Public Schools Authorization for

Medication Administration from the parent/guardian regarding when and how much medicine

to administer.

Will be given according to the amount listed on the package for your child’s age and weight

unless the doctor’s orders on a medication form indicate differently.

D. Emergency Life Saving Measures

The parent/guardian of any student that has a condition that would require emergency, life-saving

medication or other measures must inform the principal of the condition and provide instructions

from the attending physician on measures to be taken, including administering any medication.

These instructions should cover measures to be taken while the student may be on a school bus or

other times when medicine is not immediately available.

E. Safekeeping of Medication

All medication must be kept by the school nurse or the principal in a secure, locked place known by

and accessible to any person who may have to administer life-saving medication. Students may not

carry or keep medications in their lockers, sport bags, bookbags, or on their persons. If a student has

a chronic disease or allergy that requires an emergency dose of life-saving medication to be kept on

his person at all times, a statement from the attending physician on the type of medication, dosage,

and method of administration should be provided for the school nurse. Parents may wish to leave a

second dose of this medication in the custody of the school nurse. Parents are asked to call the

school nurse if they have any questions about the administration of student medications.

F. Fever

Children who have fevers should be kept at home for at least 24 hours after fever subsides.

G. Emergency Contact Information

Emergency contact phone numbers and information should be kept up-to-date so that parents/

guardians can be reached if you are ill or injured.

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Cafeteria

Students must report directly to the cafeteria with their class at the scheduled time and remain in the

cafeteria. Lunches must be eaten in the cafeteria. Students are NOT permitted to call for take-out

food to be delivered. Students are required to dispose of trash in the appropriate containers. Students

will be released from the cafeteria when the bell rings. Students may not leave the school grounds

during the lunch period or go to any other areas of the school. Students who wish to use the library

during their lunch shift must obtain a library pass from the teacher on duty in the hallway outside

the cafeteria.

Senior Privileges

Seniors may be excused for lunch three minutes before other students at the teacher’s

discretion.

Seniors may take their lunch to Senior Court or remain in the cafeteria.

School Facilities

Loudoun County High School and the equipment it contains are provided at great expense by the

taxpayers of Loudoun County. Every student should refrain from defacing or destroying school

property. Each student should make every effort to encourage his friends and fellow students to

respect school property. We hope that everyone will develop pride in keeping our school clean and

the furniture in good repair. Any student who chooses to deface or destroy any school property is

subject to immediate suspension from school and will be responsible for restitution.

Student Lockers

All lockers (gym and hall) are provided by the school as a convenience to the student. They do not

become the exclusive property of the student. They are provided for the express purpose of keeping

clothing, books, lunches, and other materials necessary for the school day.

The principal or his designee reserves the right to enter any student locker at any time when he feels

it necessary and proper to do so.

Lockers are expected to be kept clean and neat. Writing on lockers is not permitted. At the

conclusion of the school year each locker will be opened and inspected for damage, writing, or

decals. If the locker is not left in satisfactory condition, the student will be assigned a deficiency.

Report cards will not be issued until the problem is resolved.

Students are not to tell anyone the combinations to their lockers. Large amounts of money or items

or great value should not be brought to school. The school cannot assume responsibility for items

taken from lockers.

Remember: If the combination of a locker is given to another student, the security of that

locker has been violated. New lockers or new locker combinations will not be re-assigned.

Textbooks

Textbooks are furnished free by the county. Students are completely responsible for books that are

lost or damaged and will be charged accordingly. Students must sign their names in all books which

are issued to them.

Student Parking Facilities

Parking facilities are provided at Loudoun County High school as a convenience to students who

drive to school. Parking on school grounds is a privilege that may be granted by the principal to

students who meet the following conditions:

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1. Each student must register any licensed vehicle he or she drives to school in the Security Office

and purchase a school parking permit for each vehicle each year.

2. Parking permits must be displayed on the windshield.

3. Students must park in the area designated for student parking only.

4. Once on school grounds, students will not be allowed to leave until school is dismissed or

unless permission has been obtained in the school office.

5. Students may not sit in parked vehicles or linger in the parking area.

6. Students may not return to their cars during the day without a pass from the office.

7. Traffic laws, school regulations, and normal safety procedures must be observed at all times.

8. Cars without permits are not permitted on campus.

Violations of parking rules will result in suspension or revoking of parking privileges.

Visitors

All visitors to Loudoun County High School must report directly to the main office to sign in and

receive a Visitor’s pass. Students may not bring friends from other schools to attend class with them

unless prior approval is obtained from the principal to do so. Permission will only be granted in a

case where a teacher feels that a visit by a student will be educationally beneficial to the students in

the class.

Behavioral Expectation and Disciplinary Explanations

Tips on How to Avoid a Discipline Referral:

1. If you should have a strong disagreement during a class, follow the teacher’s directions but

arrange to speak with the teacher privately after class.

2. If you are experiencing difficulty in a particular class or situation, speak privately with the

teacher and voice your concerns in a respectful manner.

3. Use the resources of your guidance counselor or assistant principal if you are experiencing

a communication or behavioral problem.

In-School Restriction

The term ―restriction‖ means that many privileges afforded during ―regular‖ class attendance are

denied.

While in ISR, students may not attend after-school functions (including athletic practices) until the

day after they complete the ISR assignment.

Saturday School

Students may be assigned Saturday School to correct inappropriate behaviors and is sometimes an

alternative to ISR or (in some cases) suspension. Saturday School is a three-hour detention held on

select Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 12:00. During Saturday School, students will complete a

discipline packet related to the infraction and work on homework assignments of their choosing.

Students who do not serve Saturday School may receive more severe consequences.

Remaining After School for an Activity

Students are to leave the school grounds immediately after school is dismissed. Students may

remain in the building for an activity or to work only if under the supervision of a teacher or

designated representative of the administration. The 4:00 bell indicates the closing of school for all

students not in supervised activities. Students will not be allowed to enter the building once the

designated activity has ended.