student/family handbook message to parents€¦ · kelly long hs special education aide kiza armour...
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STUDENT/FAMILY HANDBOOK
MESSAGE TO PARENTS Dear Parent, As part of your child’s transition back to school, we have provided a Student/Family Handbook for each student. In the handbook, we have addressed everything from Acceptable internet usage to Work Release Policies and feel it is very important that you sit down with your child(ren) to read the handbook so you and your family will be aware of the rules and procedures of Pittsfield Middle High School. Once you have done this, please both you and your child(ren) sign, detach the form below and return it to the school. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Bob Bickford, Principal ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I/We have read and understand the PMHS Student/FamilyHandbook. If I/we have any questions or concerns, I/we will write or call the school for further clarification.
Student Signature Date
Parent/Guardian Signature Date Student’s Name (please print) Please tell us: How would you prefer to receive communication from Pittsfield Middle High School? Please choose all that apply: _____ E-mail to __________________________ _____ Phone call to ______________________ e-mail address phone number _____ Written Material Sent home with student _____ Written Material Mailed Home _____ School Website Do you have internet access? Y or N Below are times and places with internet accessibility Pittsfield Middle High School library – regular business hours 8am - 4pm PYW (Pittsfield Youth Workshop) – Mon – Fri 3 – 6pm Josiah Carpenter Library- Mon – Thurs 2-7pm; Fri & Sat 10am-1pm
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Pittsfield Middle High School
23 Oneida Street Pittsfield, New Hampshire 03263
(603) 435-6701
Fax (603) 435-7087 www.pittsfield.k12.nh.us
Superintendent of Schools –John Freeman, Ph.D. [email protected]
Principal – Robert Bickford [email protected]
Director of Student Services – Lois Stevens [email protected]
Guidance Director (10-12)– Leslie Bergevin [email protected]
District Administrator/Grant Project Manager – Tobi Chassie [email protected]
Athletic Director – Peter Tuttle [email protected]
Guidance Counselor 7-9-Jeff Martel [email protected]
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PITTSFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AND FAMILY HANDBOOK
2012-2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION MESSAGE TO PARENTS 1 SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 MISSION STATEMENTS 7 PROFESSIONAL STAFF LIST 8 SCHOOL WIDE TEAMS 9 DEPARTMENT TEAMS 9 SCHOOL CALENDAR 10 LIST OF CO-CURRICULAR STUDENT ACTIVITIES 11 DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE 12 DELAYED OPENING SCHEDULE 12 GRADE REPORTING SCHEDULE 13 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 13 SCHOOL POLICIES ACCEPTABLE INTERNET USE 15 ADVISORY 16 ADVISORY (CHANGE OF ADVISOR PROCEDURES) 17 ALTERNATIVE LEARNING PLANS 17 ANNOUNCEMENTS/DAILY BULLETIN 17 ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES 17 ATTENDANCE/TRUANCY PROTOCOL 18 BICYCLES 19 CAFETERIA PROCEDURES 19 CELL PHONES 20 CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 20 CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY 21 COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/COMPLAINTS COMMUNICATIONS SEQUENCE 21 COMMUNITY SERVICE 22 COMPETENCY BASED ASSESSMENTS 22 CONCORD REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER 23 COPYRIGHT PROTECTION 23 COURSE SYLLABUS 24 DRESS CODE 24 EARLY DISMISSALS, DELAYED OPENINGS AND SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS 24 EARLY GRADUATION – HIGH SCHOOL 24 EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS (MIDDLE SCHOOL) 25 EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 26 FIELD TRIPS 26 FIRE DRILL REGULATIONS 26 FOOD AND DRINK POLICY 26 GRADES AND GRADING 27 GRADUATION 29 GRADUATION HONORS 29 GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT 29 HALL PASS SYSTEM 30 HEALTH EDUCATION AND EXCEPTION FROM INSTRUCTION 31 HEALTH OFFICE 31 HOMELESS STUDENTS 32 HOMEWORK 32 INQUIRY BASED LEARNING 33 INSURANCE COVERAGE 33 LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER 34 LOCKERS 34 NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY 34 9th PERIOD MATH 35
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NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY 35 OPEN CAMPUS 36 PARKING 36 PERSONAL LEARNING PLAN 36 PETS IN SCHOOL 37 RUBRICS 37 SAFETY DRILL 37 SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES 38 SCHOLARSHIPS 39 SEARCHES/INSPECTIONS 39 SENIOR PRIVILEGE 39 SIGNATURES 39 SPECIAL EDUCATION 40 STUDENT CENTERED LEARNING 41 STUDENT FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS 41 STUDENT LED CONFERENCES 41 STUDENT RECORDS 41 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 43 STUDY HALLS 43 SYLLABUS 44 TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS IN PRIVATE VEHICLES 44 21ST CENTURY LEARNING EXPECTATIONS 44 VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE 44 VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL AND OTHER ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 44 VISITORS 44 VOLUNTEERS AND PUBLIC SERVICE 45 WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS 45 WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL 45 WORK RELEASE POLICY 45 STUDENT CONDUCT CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE 46 BEHAVIOR MATRIX 46 LEVEL ONE MISCONDUCT 49 LEVEL TWO MISCONDUCT 49 LEVEL THREE MISCONDUCT 49 LEVEL FOUR MISCONDUCT 50 LEVEL FIVE MISCONDUCT 50 LEVEL SIX MISCONDUCT 50 ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE BY STUDENTS 51 BULLYING 51 BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS 52 CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY 53 CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM 53 CLASS CUTS 53 DANCE CODE 53 DEMERIT SYSTEM 54 DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES FOR SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSION 54 DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE 55 HAZING POLICY 55 PLANNING ROOM 55 PROFANITY, BELLIGERENCE AND INSUBORDINATION 56 SATURDAY/WEDNESDAY MORNING DETENTION 56 SEXUAL HARASSMENT 56 VANDALISM 57 VIOLENCE 57 WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS IMPLEMENTS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY 57 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 58 DISCIPLINE REFERRAL FORM 59
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SAMPLE STUDENT PROBLEM REPORT 61 SAMPLE TRANSPORTATION DISCIPLINE NOTICE 63 SAMPLE PMHS APPLICATION PARKING PERMIT 64
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Pittsfield School District Draft
Mission
The mission of the Pittsfield Schools is to develop, maintain, and continually improve a cohesive educational program so that our children and youth reach the academic, civic, and social standards established by the State of New Hampshire and adopted by our school board. To this end, our faculty and staff resolve to engage our children and youth in dynamic learning that is personalized, monitored, and adjusted to promote growth in each and every learner. We, students and parents, educators and community members, commit to a comprehensive system of support that ensures that our graduates possess direction in life, sound academic skills, commitment to hard work, an ethic of involved citizenship, and thoughtful plans for the next phase of their lives.
Vision
Our schools are…
• Academically diverse; we value the role of academic disciplines, which enable us to understand our world and express our ideas.
• Academically integrated; we appreciate the connections between and among disciplines.
• Caring and respectful communities; we value strong, healthy, compassionate interpersonal relationships.
• Cooperative and collaborative; we work in teams; we cultivate a sense of connectedness and community.
• Diverse social organizations; we recognize, appreciate, and celebrate individual differences.
• Future oriented; we are aware of the needs of our students; we engage in the present as we prepare for the future.
• Intellectually engaging; we seek deep understanding rather than superficial knowing.
• Personalized; we address the unique learning preferences, talents, and aspirations of each student.
• Rigorous; we hold ourselves and our children to high standards.
• Safe places in every regard; physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually; we recognize that basic human needs must be satisfied for healthy development to occur.
• Welcoming and well-maintained to maximize learning and support a positive, healthy climate; we take great pride in our schools.
The children, youth, and adults of our school community are…
• Active learners; we accept responsibility for our own learning; we are engaged seekers of knowledge and skills.
• Bold and passionate; we express our ideas and thoughts without fear of ridicule or reprisal; we support and encourage each other to take intellectual and creative risks.
• Confident; we know our own individual strengths and limitations; we are comfortable with who we are while we strive to build our strengths and face our challenges.
• Critical thinkers and effective problem solvers; we recognize the unpredictability and challenges of life; we are thoughtful and reflective while we are equipped with strategies for addressing our challenges.
• Curious and Self-motivated; we have a thirst for learning, for knowledge, for skills; we ask thoughtful questions; we pursue our interests with the support of our peers and colleagues.
• Deeply aware of the world outside of Pittsfield; we seek to understand and appreciate those who are different from ourselves.
• Effective communicators; we are both direct and respectful; we are skillful speakers and listeners, readers and writers; we value open communication in our relationships and collaborations.
• Hard working; we believe that effort and persistence are keys to success; we make the most of our talents by hard work and practice.
• Healthy; we live our lives in a responsible manner and seek long-term physical and emotional health.
• Respectful, responsible advocates; we know how to stand up for ourselves and for causes that are important to ourselves.
• Responsible; we have a strong sense of positive social values and morality; we exhibit ethical behavior in a variety of settings; we hold ourselves accountable for our actions and the resulting outcomes and consequences.
• Socially engaged; we are active and responsible citizens; we participate in our democratic processes; we work to benefit the community around us.
• Strong leaders and responsible followers; we recognize the needs to develop skills and attitudes that support responsible, productive group membership and learn to serve in a variety of group roles.
• Thoughtful planners; we are forward-thinking and recognize the long-term impact of our decisions; we know how to plan the work and work the plan.
Our graduates are young people who are…
• Capable leaders; they understand how to lead and are prepared to assume leadership roles when needed.
• Critical thinkers and creative problem solvers; they are thoughtful pursuers of truth equipped with strategies to identify and address challenges they will face; they are open-minded.
• Culturally aware; they appreciate people and cultures different from their own.
• Curious and adventurous; they value learning and pursue personal interests.
• Effective communicators; they are skillful speakers and listeners, readers and writers; they are courteous in their interactions with others.
• Emotionally and physically healthy; they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make responsible decisions for their own long-term health.
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing conditions and situations; they are prepared to adjust strategies when needed.
• Globally aware; they understand global issues.
• Responsible for themselves; they accept consequences and results that follow from their decisions; they are accountable.
• Self-directed and self-reliant; they initiate, follow-through, and persevere; they plan and consider costs and benefits of their actions.
• Technologically skilled; they responsibly use new technologies; they adjust strategies in a changing environment.
• Understanding of American history and traditions; they understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
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PROFESSIONAL STAFF PMHS Administration Paraprofessional Instructional Support Staff Robert Bickford Principal Richard Bertolami HS/MS Youth Specialist Leslie Bergevin Guidance Director Shirley Budget HS/MS Flex Sp. Edu. Aide Lois Stevens Director of Student Services Christine Comstock-Burke HS Special Education Aide Jeff Martel Guidance Counselor Claire Drew HS Special Education Aide Peter Tuttle Athletic Director TBA MS Special Education Aide Brenda Fraser MS Special Education Aide
Linda Stasiak MS Special Education Aide Rebecca McHugh HS/MS Flex Prog 7-12 Jeannie LeGrow HS Special Education Aide High School Faculty Kelly Long HS Special Education Aide Kiza Armour Science Tanya O’Brien HS Special Education Aide Anne Banks Special Educ Math Grades 9-12 Tara Pinto MS/HS Special Education Aide Jennifer Massey Business Education Brian Quinn HS Special Education Aide Derek Hamilton Social Studies Pam Rogers HS Special Education Aide Denise Mason Science Liz Smith HS Special Education Aide Ronda Fernald Special Educ English Grades 9-12 Emil (Joe) Tucker HS Special Education Aide Christie Dunlavey Science Katherine Loud English Jenny Wellington English Stanley Smith Mathematics Secretarial Staff Paul Strickhart Mathematics Sandra Flanagan Administrative Assistant to Principal Sheila Ward ELO Coordinator Gloria Krochmal Receptionist/Secretary Joyce Roberts Guidance Secretary Louise Sawyer Attendance/Planning Room Middle School Faculty Cheryl Hodgdon Student Services Secretary Alexandra Briggs Social Studies Jessica Bickford Case Manager Grade 7 Custodial Staff Terry Littlefield Case Manager Grade 8 James Dawson Head Custodian Chris Davitt English Frederick Gallant Custodian Brian Pinto Mathematics Martin Keel Custodian Joshua Shawver Science Brian Mott Custodian Linda Schou English Language Arts John Perkins Custodian MS & HS Shared Staff Food Service Staff Joan Fossum Family & Consumer Science Kevin Crossan Food Service Director Richard Anthony Physical Education Michelle Hill Cashier Warren Billings World Languages Maryann Pouliot Server Joan Fossum Health Education Saydie Durgan Deli Paul Sherwood Technology Education Pamela Williams Speech Pathologist Jennifer Massey Computer Science Pittsfield School Board MaryAnn Hatab Library Media Specialist Mary Paradise Board Member Jane Johnson Social Worker Nicole Manteau Secretary William Mitchell Art Gary Mullen Board Member Melissa Pazdon School Psychologies Michael Wolfe Vice Chairperson Caitlin Potter Occupational Therapist Clayton Wood Chairperson Melissa Heath School Nurse Renee D’Allesandro School Nurse SAU #51 Administration & Staff Amy Morse Music John Freeman, PhD Superintendent of Schools Pamela Williams Speech Pathologist Sheila Burnette Admin Assistant to Superintendent Sally Blanchette Financial Manager Tobi Chassie District Admin/DLSC Project Manager Susan Bradley DLSC Project Manager/OOD/PK Coor
Chris Teague Rob Hanson Katrina Bartoszak Carin Kilar
Literacy Coordinator Curriculum Coordinator IT Manager Technology Integrator
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2012-2013 SCHOOL-WIDE TEAMS
7/8 Team
9/10 Team
11/12 Team
Math
Brian Pinto
Paul Strickhart
Stan Smith Science
Joshua Shawver
Kiza Amour
Denise Mason
Science
Christie Dunlavey
Media Specialist
Maryann Hatab
Language Arts
Chris Davitt
Katherine Loud
Jenny Keller Social Studies
Alexandra Briggs*
Derek Hamilton
Alissa Heppler*
SpEd
Jessica Bickford
Rebecca McHugh SpEd
Anne Banks*
Dual Enrollment – Online Coordinator
Sarah Carri
Unified Arts Team: Reading
Linda Schou Math
Kim Putman
PE
Rick Anthony* FACS/Health
Joan Fossum
World Languages
Warren Billings Bus. Ed./ICT
Jennifer Massey
Art
Bill Mitchell Tech Ed
Paul Sherwood
Music Amy Morse *Team Leader
DEPARTMENT TEAMS
Math, Science and Technology Arts and Humanities Kiza Armour, Department Head Sheila Ward, Department Head Denise Mason Alissa Heppler Christie Dunlavey Alexandra Briggs Joshua Shawver Derek Hamilton Jessica Bickford Katherine Loud Anne Banks Warren Billings Jenn Massey Jenny Wellington Stan Smith Chris Davitt Paul Strickhart William Mitchell Brian Pinto MaryAnn Hatab Kim Putman Linda Schou Rick Anthony Amy Morse Paul Sherwood Sarah Carri Joan Fossum
Department heads will assure that there is an agenda for each meeting that includes “special education information, questions or concerns”, and that a copy of the minutes is sent electronically to the Principal, Director of Guidance, and Director of Student Services.
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PITTSFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR 2012-2013
AUG / SEP 2012 21 M T W T F
TW TW 29 30 X 08/27 & 28 - Orientation/Teacher Wrksp X 4 5 6 7 8/29 - First Day of School
10 11 12 13 14 08/31 & 09/3 - Labor Day Weekend 17 18 ER 20 21 09/03 - Labor Day Holiday 24 25 26 27 28 09/19 - Early Release - PES
LS PMHS 09/5, 12, 19, 26
FEBRUARY 2013 16 M T W T F
1 4 5 6 7 8
11 12 13 14 15 02/20 - PMHS Progress Reports 18 19 ER 21 22 02/20 - Early Release - PES X X X X 02/25 - 03/01 - Winter Vacation
LS PMHS 02/6, 13, 20
OCTOBER 2012 21 M T W T F 10/04 - PMHS Progress Reports 1 2 3 4 TW 10/05 - Teacher Workshop (NEA) X 9 10 11 12 10/08 - Columbus Day
15 16 17 18 19 10/24 - Early Release - PES 22 23 ER 25 26 29 30 31
LS PMHS 10/3, 10, 17, 24, 31
MARCH 2013 20 M T W T F
X 4 5 6 7 8
11 12 13 14 15 03/20 - Early Release - PES 18 19 ER 21 22 3/29 - End of 3rd Quarter 25 26 27 28 29 LS PMHS 03/6, 13, 20, 27
NOVEMBER 2012 17 M T W T F 11/2 - End of 1st Quarter
1 2 11/12 - 20 - PMHS Student Led Conferences 5 6 7 8 P/T 11/9 - P/T Conferences/No school X 13 14 15 16 11/12 - Veteran's Day
19 20 X X X 11/21 - 11/23 - Thanksgiving Break 26 27 ER 29 30 11/28 - Early Release - PES LS
PMHS 11/7, 14, 28
APRIL 2013 16 M T W T F 1 2 3 4 5 04/08-04/19 - PMHS Student Led Conferences 8 9 10 11 P/T 04/12 - P/T Conferences/No School
15 16 ER 18 19 04/17 - Early Release - PES X X X X X 04/22 - 04/26 - Spring Vacation
29 30 LS PMHS 04/3, 10, 17
DECEMBER 2012 15 M T W T F 3 4 5 6 7 12/07 - PMHS Progress Reports
10 11 12 13 14 17 18 ER 20 21 12/19 - Early Release - PES X X X X X 12/24 - 1/1 - Holiday Break X
LS PMHS 12/5, 12, 19
MAY 2013 22 M T W T F
1 2 3 05/03 - PMHS Progress Reports 6 7 8 9 10
13 14 15 16 17 20 21 ER 23 24 05/22 - Early Release - PES X 28 29 30 31 05/27 - Memorial Day
LS PMHS 05/1, 8, 15, 22, 29 JANUARY 2013 21
M T W T F X 2 3 4 01/1 - New Year's Day
7 8 9 10 11 01/18 - End of 2nd Quarter 14 15 16 17 18 01/21 - Martin Luther King Day
X 22 ER 24 25 01/23 - Early Release - PES 28 29 30 31 LS PMHS 01/02, 9, 16, 23, 30
JUNE 2013 11 M T W T F
3 4 5 6 7 06/15 - Tentative High School Graduation 10 11 12 13 14 06/17 - Tentative Last Day of School ER 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28
LS PMHS 06/5, 12
Instructional days 180 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Aug. 31 - Sept. 3 Labor Day Weekend Holiday September 3 Labor Day October 8 Columbus Day November 12 Veterans Day Nov 21 - 23 Thanksgiving Holiday Dec 24 - Jan 1 Holiday Vacation January 1 New Year's Day January 21 Martin Luther King Day Feb 25 - Mar 1 Winter Vacation April 22 - 26 Spring Vacation May 27 Memorial Day
OTHER DAYS August 29 First Day of School for Students TW Teacher Workshop Days; No Students ER Early Release Days - PES ONLY LS Late Start Wednesday - PMHS ONLY P/T Parent/Teacher Conferences X School Vacation Days June 15 Tentative High School Graduation June 17 Tentative Last Day of School Snow Days Each snow day will advance the last day of school by one day.
Adopted: May 10, 2012
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CO-CURRICULAR STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Student activities are often the most memorable and enjoyable time of your high school years, but you must join and work at doing your part. Student activities do not happen without regular participation. CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS
ADVISOR CLASS ADVISORS
Art Club Bill Mitchell & Claire Drew Grade 7/Class of 2017 Drama club Ann Banks/Jeannie Legrow J. Bickford Environmental Club Josh Shawver Grade 8/Class of 2016 National Honor Society Stan Smith S. Hopkins & C. Hodgdon School Newspaper Brian Pinto & Chris Davitt Grade 9/Class of 2015 Ski Club (MS/HS) Paul Strickhart T. O’Brien & J. Keller Yearbook Jenn Massey Grade 10/Class of 2014 Co-op Program Teacher (GED) Maryann Hatab A. Banks & J. Massey Color Guard Sheila Ward Grade 11/Class of 2013 Outing Club Stan Smith R. Anthony & T. Pinto Webmaster Jenn Massey Grade 12/Class 2012 A. Heppler & K. Loud PMHS Site Council Student Council/IMPACT Student Members Faculty Members Team Leader Grade 7-TBA Issac Soto, Grade 8 Matthew Kubat, Grade 9
Derek Hamilton Alexandra Briggs Jenny Wellington
Alexandra Briggs (7/8) Anne Banks (9/10) Alissa Heppler (11/12)
Morgan Corliss, Grade 10 Maxwell Tuttle, Grade 11
Rick Anthony (U/A) Derek Hamilton (Site Council)
Elizabeth Cyr, Grade 12 Rebekah Adams, Student Council
IMPACT Student Members Thomas Williams, Co-Chair
Kiza Armour (STEM) Sheila Ward (Arts & Humanities)
Kyle Hamel, Advisory Council Madison Johnson, IMPACT Team
Chase Gaudette, Co-Chair Colby Clark
Advisory Council
Noah Manteau, Principal Appointee Anna Colon-Pagan Sheila Ward, Co-Chair Brynne Gaudette Ronda Fernald, Co-Chair Community Members Travis Guest Student Members Joan Tyrell Madison Johnson TBA Jason Darrah Ross Morse
Cameron Quigley Krystal Small
Faculty Members Derek Hamilton, 9/10 Team, Co-Chair
Richard Anthony, Unified Arts Team Jessica Bickford, 7/8 Team Jenny Wellington, 11/12 Team
Alexandra Briggs, Member at Large Sheila Ward, Member at Large Bob Bickford, Non-Voting Member Lois Stevens, Non-Voting Member
ATHLETIC COACHES FALL Coach Winter Coach Spring Coach MS Boys Soccer Rick Anthony MS Boys Basketball Rick Anthony MS Softball Tara Pinto
MS Girls Soccer Steve Langevin MS Girls Basketball Alexandra Briggs MS Baseball Steve Manteau
MS Volleyball Jess Bickford JV Boys Basketball Gary Colby JV Baseball Jason Bolduc JV Boys Soccer Norm Tuttle JV Girls Basketball Peter Tuttle Varsity Softball Nick Semales JV Girls Soccer Tara Pinto V. Boys Basketball Jason Darrah Varsity Baseball Rob Stockman Varsity Boys Soccer Derek Hamilton V. Girls Basketball Steve Langevin Varsity Girls Soccer Peter Tuttle Varsity Volleyball Paul Strickhart
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DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE
2012-2013
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Wednesday
Gr. 7-8
Gr. 9-12
Grades 7-8
Gr. 9-12
1 7:57 AM
1 7:57 AM Adv. 7:57 AM
8:52 AM
8:52 AM
8:03 AM
2 8:55 AM
2 8:55 AM A 8:06 AM
90 Min. Delayed Opening
9:50 AM
9:50 AM
8:45 AM
3 9:53 AM
3 9:53 AM B 8:48 AM
10:48 AM
10:48 AM
9:27 AM
Lunch-4 10:51 AM
Adv-4 10:51 AM 1 9:30 AM
1 9:30 AM
11:16 AM
11:24 AM
10:10 AM
10:10 AM
Adv-5 11:19 AM
Lunch-5 11:27 AM 2 10:13 AM
2 10:13 AM
11:52 AM
11:52 AM
10:53 AM
10:53 AM
6 11:55 AM
6 11:55 AM 3 10:56 AM
3 10:56AM
12:50 PM
12:50 PM
11:36 AM
11:36 AM
7 12:53 PM
7 12:53 PM Lunch-4 11:39 AM
Adv-4 11:39AM
1:48 PM
1:48 PM
12:04 PM
12:09 PM
8 1:51 PM
8 1:51 PM Adv-5 12:07 PM
Lunch-5 12:12 PM
2:46 PM
2:46 PM
12:37 PM
12:37 PM
9 2:55 PM
9 2:55 PM 6 12:40 PM
6 12:40 PM
3:50 PM
3:50 PM
1:20 PM
1:20 PM
7 1:23 PM
7 1:23 PM
2:03 PM
2:03 PM
8 2:06 PM
8 2:06 PM
2:46 PM
2:46 PM
9 2:55 PM
9 2:55 PM
3:50 PM
3:50 PM 1st Voc. Bus Dismissed -
2nd Voc. Bus Dismissed - 1st Voc Bus returns to Period 4 classes - 2nd Voc Bus returns -
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GRADE REPORTING SCHEDULE
2012-2013 Teacher Submissions – 8 AM October 4, 2011 Progress Reports - First Quarter October 7, 2011 First Quarter Ends October 28, 2011 Report Cards - First Quarter Grades November 4, 2011 Teacher Submissions - 8AM December 6, 2011 Progress Reports - Second Quarter December 9, 2011 Second Quarter Ends January 20, 2012 Report Cards - Second Quarter Grades January 27, 2012 Progress Reports - Third Quarter February 24, 2012 Third Quarter Ends April 6, 2012 Report Cards - Third Quarter Grades April 13, 2012 Progress Reports May 11, 2012 Fourth Quarter Ends June 14, 2012 Report Cards - Fourth Quarter & Final Grades June 22, 2012
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (High School)
Total Credits Curriculum Area Prescribed Courses 1/2 Arts Education 1/2 credit (music or art) * see below 1/2 Information & Communication
Technologies 1/2 credit
4 English/Language Arts 4 credits 3 Mathematics 3 credits of course work to include algebraic
concepts (Algebra I) 3 Science 1 credit (Biology)
1 credit (Physical Science) 1 credit science electives (1/2 credit of Earth Science is strongly recommended)
3 Social Studies 1 credit (Geo-Political Studies) 1/2 credit (American Government) 1/2 credit (Economics) 1 credit (U.S. History)
1 Physical Education 1 credit (grade 9 and 10 1/2 credit) 1/2 Health Education 1/2 credit HE 1 & 1/2 credit HE 2 5 1/2 Open Electives Credits selected from any of the
course offerings 1/4 Community Service 1/4 credit (37.5 hours) 21 1/4
*Graphic Arts I at the Concord Regional Technology Center is included. To earn 1/4 credit of Community Service a student must be involved in an approved activity for 37.5 hours. (See also Community Service.) Class Standing is also affected by accumulated credits as follows:
Freshman = Less than 5.25 Credits Sophomore = 5.25 – 10.5 Credits Junior = 10.5 – 15.75 Credits Senior = More than 15.75
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PART III
OPERATING GUIDELINES & PROCEDURES
ACCEPTABLE INTERNET USE PROCEDURES The following regulations reflect Pittsfield School Board policy regarding the use of computers and the access to Acceptable Internet Use Procedures School District Services The School District provides resources for teaching and learning, communication services, and business data services by maintaining access to local, regional, national, and international sources of information. The School District information resources will be used by members of the school community with respect for the public trust through which they have been provided and in accordance with policy and regulations established by the School District. These procedures do not attempt to articulate all required for proscribed behavior by its users. Successful operation of the network requires that all users conduct themselves in a responsible, decent, ethical, and polite manner while using the network. The user is ultimately responsible for his/her actions in accessing network services. Guidelines
1. Access to the networks and to the information technology environment within the District is a privilege and must be treated as such by all users of the network and its associated systems.
2. Information networks will be used for the purposes of research, education, and school-related business and operations.
3. Any system which requires password access or for which the District requires an account, such as the Internet, will only be used by the authorized user. Account owners are ultimately responsible for all activity under their accounts.
4. The resources of the District are limited. All users must exercise prudence in the shared use of this resource. 5. All communications and information accessible via any District network should be treated as private property.
Unacceptable Use The District has the right to take disciplinary action, remove computer and networking privileges, and/or take legal action for any activity characterized as unethical and unacceptable. Such disciplinary action may include penalties up to suspension or expulsion for students and up to termination for employees. Unacceptable use activities constitute, but are not limited to, any activity through which any user:
1. Violates such matters as institutional or third-party copyright, license agreements, or other contracts. The unauthorized use of and/or copying of software is illegal.
2. Interferes with or disrupts other network users, services, or equipment. 3. Seeks to gain or gains unauthorized access to information resources. 4. Uses or knowingly allows another to use any computer or computer system to devise or execute a scheme to
defraud or obtain money, property, services, or other things of value by false pretenses, promises, or representations.
5. Destroys, alters, dismantles, or otherwise interferes with the integrity of computer based information and/or information resources.
6. Invades the privacy of individuals or entities. 7. Uses the network for commercial or political activity. 8. Installs unauthorized software for use on District computers. 9. Uses a network to access inappropriate materials. 10. Submits, publishes, or displays any defamatory, inaccurate, racially offensive, abusive, obscene, profane,
sexually oriented, or threatening materials or messages either publicly or privately. 11. Uses a District network for illegal harassing, vandalizing, inappropriate, or obscene purposes, or in support of
such activities. 12. School owned technology is to be used for school related work only and is not to be used for personal use.
Unauthorized use of school owned technology, including, but not limited to, downloading unauthorized software could result in disciplinary action.
District Rights The District reserves the right to:
1. Monitor all activity. 2. Make determinations on whether specific uses of a network are consistent with these acceptable use
procedures. 3. Log network use and monitor storage disk space utilization by users. 4. Determine what is appropriate use. 5. Remove a user’s access to the network at any time it is determined that the user engaged in unauthorized
activity or violated these acceptable use procedures. 6. Cooperate fully with any investigation concerning or relating to the District’s network activity.
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School District Code of Conduct Use of the Internet by students and staff of the District shall be in support of education and research that is consistent with the mission of the District. Internet use is limited to those persons who have been issued District-approved accounts. Use will be in accordance with the District’s Acceptable Use Procedures and Code of Conduct.
1. Protect your Internet log from information from others. 2. Respect the privacy of users. Do not use others’ passwords. 3. Be ethical and courteous. Do not send hate, harassing, or obscene mail, discriminatory remarks, or demonstrate
other antisocial behaviors. 4. Maintain the integrity of files and data. Do not modify or copy files and/or data of other users without their
consent. 5. Treat information created by others as the private property of the creator. Respect copyrights. 6. Use any network in a way that does not disrupt its use by others. 7. Do not destroy, modify, or abuse the hardware or software in any way. 8. Do not develop or pass on programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system and/or
damage the software components of a computer or computing system, such as viruses, worms, “chain” messages, etc.
9. Do not use the Internet to access or process pornographic or otherwise inappropriate material. 10. Do not use the Internet for commercial purposes. 11. Students must provide their school ID when requesting their password to be reset.
The District reserves the right to remove a user’s account if it is determined that the user is engaged in unauthorized activity or is violating this Code of Conduct. School District Internet Access Release Form As a condition of my right to use the School District network resources, including access to the Internet, I understand and agree to the following:
1. To abide by the District Acceptable Use Procedures and Code of Conduct. 2. That District administrators and staff have the right to review any material stored on District computers in files
and to edit or remove any material which they, in their sole discretion, believe may be unlawful, obscene, abusive, or otherwise objectionable, and I hereby waive any right of privacy which I may otherwise have to such material.
3. That the School District will not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental or consequential damages due to information gained and/or obtained via use of the District’s network resources.
4. That the School District does not warrant that the functions of any District network, or any network accessible through District resources, will meet any specific requirements you may have, or that the network resources will be error-free or uninterrupted.
5. That the School District shall not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental or consequential (including lost data or information) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use District networks and resources.
6. That the use of the District networks, including access to public networks, is a privilege which may be revoked by network administrators at any time for violation of the Acceptable Use Procedures and Code of Conduct. The School District will be the sole arbiter of what constitutes violation of the Acceptable Use Procedures or Code of Conduct.
7. In consideration for the privilege of using the School District network resources and in consideration for having access to the public networks, I hereby release the School District, its operators, and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my use, or inability to use, the District network resources. Name of User: School: Assignment (grade/subject/position/etc.): Home Phone: I hereby certify that I will abide by the conditions set forth in this document, the Acceptable Use Procedures and the Code of Conduct. Signature of User: Signature of Parent/Guardian (for students under age of 18) Date: Authorized Staff Member Signature: Date: See Board Policy EGA & EGA-R for more information.
ADVISORY
The Advisory Statement of Purpose reads: “Advisories provide time for students and staff to connect through shared experiences encouraging personal, social, and academic growth.” Advisory activities might include teambuilding,
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community service, learning skills to improve academic success, taking time to plan and work toward individual and group goals, and preparing for future career paths. In addition to working in advisory groups, activities may also take place that bring all members of a grade level or across grade levels together. It is a time when advisors can work one-on-one with students in acquiring good study skills including using a planner, budgeting time, managing short and long term projects, preparing for exams, or on other academic-related skills and assignments. Advisors will be aware of their students’ assignments and academic progress and will work with students so they can achieve the highest possible level of academic success. Middle School: All middle school students will be assigned to an advisory group as seventh graders and will work with that group of students and their advisor during their middle school years. The advisory groups will meet each day after lunch for thirty (30) minutes. Progress will be reported as 1, 2, 3 or 4 for this class. High School: Students will be assigned to an advisory group as ninth graders and will spend the next four years working with that group of students and advisor. Advisory is scheduled for all high school students during the period before lunch. No senior release will be accepted during this period. Progress will be reported as 1, 2, 3 or 4 for this class and ¼ credit will be assigned at the successful completion of each advisory year.
ADVISORY
CHANGE OF ADVISOR PROCEDURES If a student of an advisor feels there needs to be a change in placement for a student the following process has been developed.
1. The Student or Advisor will speak to the chair(s) of the Advisory Council about their concerns. They should be prepared to state their problem, including possible suggestions to improve the situation.
2. The Advisory chair(s) will discuss and research the concern with the student, teacher or other students involved.
3. The student and advisor (with the support of the Advisory Council chair(s), if requested) will brainstorm possible solutions to the situation and write a plan documenting their agreement.
4. The changes will be implemented for 2-3 weeks 5. The Advisory Council chair(s) will meet with involved members and parent(s) if the changes have not
been successful. The purpose of this meeting will be to determine if new changes need to be implemented or if other options need to be discussed.
6. If the plan is successful then the Student and Advisor will be encouraged to check in again with the Advisory chair(s) if the concerns return.
7. This plan will then be approved by the principal. If necessary a student will be moved to another Advisor.
ALTERNATIVE LEARNING PLANS In an effort to reduce the number of students who do not complete the requirements to graduate from high school and earn a diploma, the Board establishes a program for alternative learning plans for students to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. Alternative learning plans may include, but are not limited to, independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, online courses/distance education, or opportunities approved by the Superintendant or his/her designee in conjunction with Board policies. Alternative Learning Plan components will be determined thorough a team consisting of the student, school personnel, parent/guardian and other appropriate people based on the individual student need. The Director of Guidance will assist students and parents with development of Alternative Learning Plans.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/DAILY BULLETIN Notices for the day will be read by Advisors during Advisory, they will also be posted on the daily Panther Page for all staff and faculty to read and posted on the website. All announcements should be turned in the day prior to the announcement, via e-mail to the Administrative Assistant. All announcements are subject to the approval of the administration.
ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES Good school attendance is essential for personal and academic growth. PMHS students are expected to attend school every day.
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Arriving At School: Bus students may enter the building when dropped off by the bus. Non-bus students should arrive no earlier than 7:30 A.M. Students are to remain in assigned areas (main lobby, cafeteria, outside) until 7:50 A.M., and are not permitted to leave school grounds. At this time a bell will signal and students will go to their lockers and proceed to their period 1 class. Students must arrive at their period 1 class no later than 7:57 A.M. or they will be marked as tardy to school. Absence Procedure: Parents should call the school between 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. to inform the school if their child will be absent. If parents do not notify the school of their child's absence, phone calls will be made to the home and/or the parent's place of employment to verify the absence. Students are responsible for all work missed during a period of absence and must make all arrangements to complete this work promptly. For each day missed, including suspensions, students have one day to complete make-up work. The teacher will decide what make-up work is appropriate. Doctor's notes are NOT automatically waived. Students with chronic medical conditions, extended illnesses or unusual circumstances will request a meeting with the administration.
ATTENDANCE/TRUANCY PROTOCOL
Regular school attendance is essential for continuous learning and academic success. or unusual circumstances will request a meeting with the administration. l attendance of all children between the ages of six and eighteen years. A new state law (RSA 189:34) adopted in July of 2010 defines truancy as ten half days (five full days) of unexcused absences during a school year. The Pittsfield School District revised Policy JH in accordance with the law and determined the following excused absences:
1. Illness; 2. Recovery from an accident; 3. Required court attendance; 4. Medical and dental appointments; 5. Death in the immediate family; 6. Observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday 7. Such other good cause as may be acceptable to the Principal or permitted by law;
Any absence that has not been excused for any of these reasons will be considered an unexcused absence. In the event that a child will be absent from school due to illness or other legal reason, parents or caregivers are requested to call the school office (435-8432) by 8:30 a.m. on the day of absence or as early as possible when such an absence is known about in advance. The purpose of this call is to ensure student safety as well as communicate the reason for absence. Notice may be provided outside of regular school hours by leaving a voicemail message.
In the event that notice is not provided, our office staff will make every effort to reach the parent or caregiver – either at work or at home – to ensure that the absent child is safe. When a student is absent and no parent calls or returns a call from the school, the absence will be considered unexcused. Early Dismissal from School: Students who need to be dismissed from school prior to the end of the day must present a note from a parent or guardian to the Attendance Secretary before the start of classes on the day of the dismissal. Phone calls alone will not be acceptable. The note must contain the reason for the dismissal, the date and time of dismissal, a phone number and a signature of a parent or guardian. The Attendance Secretary will issue an early dismissal slip to the student who is then responsible for obtaining the signature of the teacher whose class the student leaves. The student is responsible for leaving the dismissal slip with the Attendance Secretary and for signing out before leaving the building. Students who are determined to be ill will remain in school until the parents/guardians are contacted. If the parents/guardians are not home and cannot be contacted, the student will remain in school. Parents are urged to make appointments either during school vacation times or after school. Note: Students leaving school without permission will be considered truant and in violation of school policy. Late/Tardy to School: Students are expected to be in their first period class by 7:57 A.M. Arrival after that time will be considered late to school. If a student arrives after 7:57 A.M., he/she is required to report immediately to the attendance office to get an admit slip. If a bus arrives at school late, the students riding that bus are required to report to the Attendance Secretary for an admit slip. However, this lateness will not count as tardiness or be recorded on a student's record.
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Lateness to school will generally not be excused except for a dentist or doctor appointment with a note signed by the dentist or doctor at the time the student is tardy. In this case, the student will not be counted late. Reasons indicating car trouble, overslept, or family obligations will not be excused. A parent signature on a note explaining the tardiness will not necessarily excuse the tardiness. Saturday morning detention (SMD) or Wednesday mornings detention (WMD) will be assigned to all students who are late to school as follows: 1. First lateness each quarter: Warning 2. Second lateness each quarter: One demerit 3. Third lateness each quarter: Two demerits/ 4. Fourth and any additional tardies each quarter: SMD/WMD Late/Tardy to Class: Students are expected to arrive at their classes on time. Three minutes is provided between classes for students to pass from one class to the next. Beyond this three minute period students will be charged with class tardy. Excessive tardiness may result in a class cut, or be recorded as absent from the class for the day.
BICYCLES For safety reasons, students who bring bicycles to school are to park them at the bike rack. Students are not to ride bicycles on school grounds during the school day. Students are advised to lock their bikes while at the bike racks. It is recommended that students wear helmets while riding a bicycle to and from school.
CAFETERIA PROCEDURES
The 2012– 2013 school year is upon us and Café Services/Fresh Picks is pleased to once again manage your school’s Food Service Program. Café Services is a locally owned and operated company dedicated to serving delicious, wholesome, quality meals that meet the latest nutritional guidelines. As a refresher, here are some of the features your children enjoy through your district’s partnership with Café Services: 1.) Menus: The High School and Middle School have the following stations offering a variety of daily lunch choices. Signature Café featuring “Home Made” Entrees, “Build it Bars” and “Tossed to Order” Entrée Salads; Market Fresh which features a daily selection of Entrée Salads as well as Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits; Formaggio’s Pizza featuring quality Fresh Baked Pizza made with whole grain dough and low fat cheeses; Café Express offers Hot “Grab and Go” Sandwiches and the Downtown Deli serves “Made to Order” Deli Sandwiches. We also operate a separate Snack and Beverage “à la carte” area. Café Services is also open prior to school each day to provide a complete nutritious breakfast featuring our Café Express Hot “Grab and Go” Breakfast Sandwiches, Fresh Baked Bagels and assorted breakfast items. Market Fresh offers Breakfast Parfaits and Fruit Cups.
2.) Local Purchasing and Green Initiatives - Café Services will continue its strong Farm to School Program, and will buy directly from local farms and food producers as much as is possible. We are always looking to build new relationships with local farmers and environmentally conscious groups – please feel free to contact your Food Service Director.
3.) Meal Assistance Program: The meal assistance program is a federally funded program that provides reduced and free meals to families that meet the income guidelines. Applications for this program can be obtained from the school at any time during the school year. Complete the application (only one application per household is required) and return it to your child’s school. You will then be notified of the benefit level for which you qualify. You can apply or reapply at any time during the school year should your financial situation change. The program is operated in strict confidence and all students go through the same checkout process eliminating any distinction between students that are participating in the program and those who are not. 4.) Automated Point of Sale System (POS) The Pittsfield School District has an automated point of sale system from “Nutrikids”. Parents will have 2 methods to fund their student’s account. Option 1. You may set-up an online account using a Credit/Debit card to make deposits into your child’s account. Transactions are processed through Heartland utilizing the industry leader in e-commerce security of VeriSign. There is a $1.75 per deposit fee for MySchoolBucks. The district is hoping to free up our cafeteria workers from having to count cash and allow them to focus instead on preparing healthy and tasty meals. Please note that you can find the directions for this procedure listed below this letter. If you do not know your student’s I.D. number to create and access this account, it is available by calling the school. For instructions and information on MySchoolBucks, sign on instructions are included at the bottom of this letter or look for it under the “Fresh Picks Café” link on the Pittsfield District website. Option 2. You may send a check with your child made payable to the Pittsfield Lunch Program. Please make sure to include the child’s name in the memo line. We encourage parents to either utilize the online payment method or to send in a check with your student(s) - cash will also be accepted however this does slow the lines. This automated system will help increase the speed of service and allow students additional time for a more relaxing dining experience. An additional
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benefit of using this automated system is that you will be able to go online and view your child’s account balance as well as the activity that has taken place. Prepaid monies can be used for any purchases in the cafeteria, but at any time parents may contact the school food service supervisor and request that prepaid monies be used only for meal purchases. You can do this through a ‘note’ file that opens when your child’s account is accessed online. 4.) Credit Procedure: In the event students forget or misplace their lunch money or their lunch, or do not have sufficient funds in their student account, a nutritious meal will be provided to them and charged to their account. At no time will a student be allowed to charge al a carte items. Parents will be notified and expected to address the situation immediately. If it is determined this process is being abused and an excessive negative balance accumulates, the account will be turned off and your child be listed as a cash only student, and steps will be taken to collect outstanding funds. Please keep in mind that these monies owed are due to the school district and not Café Services. Please let us know if there are any extenuating circumstances that would prevent you from maintaining a positive lunch account balance. 5.) Student Allergy / Special Needs Identification: If your student has an allergy or special need when it comes to food, please contact your school nurse and have her forward any pertinent information to the food service director. Those needs can then be entered into your student’s account and will be identified by the POS when the student’s I.D. number is entered.
Pittsfield School District Food Service Director:
Kevin Crossan Phone # 603-435-6030
Pricing Lunch Breakfast Full Price Reduced Adult Full Price Reduced Adult
Middle School $2.70 .40 $3.50 $1.75 .30 $2.25 High School $2.70 .40 $3.50 $1.75 .30 $2.25 High School Meal Deal $2.00 .30 $2.75
Breakfast with breakfast sandwich A la carte Milk $ .60
“This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination,
write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800)795-3272 or (202) 720-6382(TTY).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
CELL PHONES (AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES)
Students are permitted to carry and use cell phones in limited circumstances. However, should problems arise; the faculty and administration reserve the right to impose restrictions and/or a ban for individual students, classes, or the whole school. The cafeteria and main lobby of the school next to the school office is the only area where cell phones, and other similar electronic devises, can be used for students that do not have open campus privileges. Students with open campus privileges have permission to use their cell phone in open campus areas as well. Students are advised that cell phones are to be turned off during class time. It is inappropriate for these devices to activate and disrupt instruction. If pagers or cell phones cause a disruption to the instructional program, the teacher or an administrator may confiscate the pager or cell phone for the remainder of the day, and/or prohibit its further use during school hours. If the student has more than one cell phone offense and they are found out of assigned area with their cell phone, the parent will be called to pick up the cell phone
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Class Functions and Co-Curricular Activities: A list of available clubs and organizations is indicated in Part II of this handbook. All students are encouraged to get involved in some aspect of school life beyond the regular classroom. All requests to hold class, club, or organization activities must be submitted to and approved by the Principal who is responsible for facilitating all such organizations. Copies of minutes of all class, club, and committee meetings are to be submitted to the Principal and made available to students, teachers, parents, administrators and others upon request.
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The Pittsfield Administration will avoid scheduling school co-curricular events on Sundays whenever possible. If an event must be scheduled on a Sunday there will be no penalties for any students who cannot attend. Athletic Programs: Participation in our athletic programs is an important part of student life. All students are encouraged to take part in these activities. Athletes are ambassadors for the school. Their actions and conduct are closely watched by the community and directly reflect on the school. A separate student athletic handbook will be presented to each student participating in athletics. A list of athletic program offerings is listed on page nine of this handbook.
CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY
Participation in certain co-curricular activities demands a large segment of a student’s out-of-school time. It is necessary for students to demonstrate that they can afford to spend the time necessary for participation in these activities. These activities include:
1. Athletics 2. Designated co-curricular clubs and student organizations, i.e. those co-curricular activities that are provided
with a paid advisor and that meet on a regular basis for a significant portion of the school year.
The guidelines indicated below apply to all participation on athletic teams and designated co-curricular activities.
1. Any student participating in a co-curricular/extra-curricular activity is required to be Approaching Expectations on progress reports in all courses, with a minimum of four credits.
2. A student is on academic probation if they are Substantially Below Expectations at the time of any official school report (progress report or report card in one course). The student will be eligible to participate pending the completion of a competency recovery plan within four weeks of the progress report. (See competency recovery plan.)
3. A student will be ineligible to participate in co-curricular/extracurricular activities if they are Substantially Below Expectations in two or more courses at progress report or report card time, until the next reporting out period.
2012-2013 School Year
LEVEL Rubric Score
LETTER NUMERICAL PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTORS FOR ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Exceeds expectations
4.0-3.50
A
100-90
The student consistently exceeds the performance standards for the grade-level. Student is receiving credit. The student demonstrates the ability to synthesize, reflect, conduct, and manage skills and content consistently and independently.
Meets Expectations
3.49--2.50
B
89.9-75
The student consistently meets the performance standards for the grade-level. Student is receiving credit. The student demonstrates the ability to apply, generalize, and extend key concepts, processes, and skills consistently and independently.
Approaching Expectations
2.49-1.5
C
74.9-65
The student is progressing toward meeting the performance standard for the grade-level. The student is not receiving credit. The student is beginning to grasp key concepts, processes, and skills for the grade-level, but demonstrates inconsistent understanding and application of concepts.
Substantially Below Expectations
1.49-1.0
F
64.99-55
The student is not demonstrating an understanding of grade-level key concepts, processes and skills and requires additional time and support, and/or has not shown sufficient evidence.
Not Assessed NA The standard has not been assessed.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/COMPLAINTS COMMUNICATIONS SEQUENCE In order to avoid any misunderstandings, student and/or parental questions, suggestions, or complaints should be made in the following order:
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1. Teacher and/or Staff Member 2. Principal 3. Superintendent 4. School Board
If after discussing the situation with the teacher or staff member and the issue is not resolved to the student and/or families’ satisfaction, then the issue should be brought to the attention and discussed with the school administration. If the student and/or their family are still not satisfied with the outcome of the situation, then the matter should be brought to the Superintendent’s attention. Only if the matter is not resolved through the first three steps should it be brought to the attention of the Pittsfield School Board.
COMMUNITY SERVICE (High School)
Completing 37.5 hours of community service awards each student with one-quarter credit towards graduation. Community service is therefore considered part of the PMHS course of studies. It is a course that is required for a student to graduate from Pittsfield High School. The requirements for this course must be completed independently or in groups by all students. The PMHS Principal is considered to be the teacher of the course because s/he must approve, and in some cases pre-approve, all community service work. Advisors will regularly monitor student completion of community service and through advisory will report on a quarterly basis. Guidelines for Community Service Course Work: 1. Community service is work performed in service to your community while enrolled in school grades 7 through 12 at
PMHS. 2. Generally students are required to perform at least three different kinds or types of service. 3. Generally the maximum amount of work time that will be credited to one particular type of service is 15 hours. 4. The most common type of service is performed under the direction of a non-profit community group or service
organization. Special projects designed by one or more students can also be used, but these require pre-approval by the principal.
5. Work performed in the normal course of being a member of an organization will not count as community service, nor will work performed solely to attain a rank or an award solely within an organization.
6. Simply working for someone for free does not qualify as community service. Work performed solely for the benefit of family or friends will not be counted.
7. A service performed for an individual or business requires pre-approval by the advisor. Approval will be based on whether or not there is some intrinsic reason why this work should be considered service to your community.
8. To receive credit for community service, a student must complete a Community Service Verification Form, (obtained from their advisor), sign it, and have it signed by the person supervising the service and turn it in to their advisor.
COMPETENCY BASED ASSESSMENT (CBA)
High schools across the state have been required to move to a new assessment process in order to determine how high school students earn credits toward their diploma. This new assessment process is call Competency Based Assessment (CBA) and requires that a high school credit will be earned by a student when they have demonstrated mastery of required competencies for a course, as approved by certified school personnel.
The CBA process is a three-tiered approach to assessment: 1) looking at student work in relation to the written, approved, standard of performance, 2) professional judgment of trained, experienced teachers, and 3) Exemplars of student work in the area being assessed. A CBA gives a picture of student learning over time, takes advantage of student strengths, initiative, and learning styles, and is concise and portable. Competency Based Assessment will be implemented during the 2012-2013 school year. Ed 306.27 High School Curriculum, Credits, Graduation Requirements, and Co-curricular Program. (d) By the 2008-2009 school year, the local school board shall require that a high school credit can be earned by demonstrating mastery of required competencies for the course, as approved by certified school personnel.
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As the high school moves forward with this requirement competency based assessments (CBA’s) need to be developed for every course that we award high school credit for. Every course offered at PMHS, core content or not, must have CBA’s developed and implemented. More information can be found at http://www.education.nh.gov/innovations/hs_redesign/index.htm
CONCORD REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER Bus service is provided to and from the Concord Regional Technology Center (CRTC). Any student who misses the CRTC bus is to report to the attendance secretary immediately. Students who miss the CRTC bus will not be allowed to sign out of the building. They will be assigned to a study hall. Students are not allowed to drive to the CRT Center for any reason. We place a good deal of trust in our CRTC students. We expect them to be mature enough to leave our school, travel to Concord, and return to school without incident. Our CRTC students should be models of responsibility and representatives of our school. Any student whose actions call into question their ability to meet our expectations for responsibility may have their enrollment in the Center discontinued.
COPYRIGHT PROTECTION
“A copyright is a legal creation that provides the creator of literature, design, art, or any other product of one’s intellect, skill, or creativity the right to control how that work or art or literature will be used. The author owns the copyright and has exclusive rights over control and use of their work.” Copyright laws provide protection; rights include the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, adapt, and perform. Copyright materials can include worksheets, paintings, photographs, music, poetry, etc. Beginning in 1989, it has not been necessary to include the copyright symbol (©) to indicate that a copyright exists; it is always safe to assume that a copyright does exist. “There are two ways to copy the work of an author without permission:
A. If the work is in the ‘public domain.’ This means that the copyright has expired and the work can be copied without restriction…
B. If the ‘fair use rule’ applies. This means that ‘if you are using only a small portion of another’s work and the use is to benefit the public and it is used in a non-competitive manner, there is probably no copyright violation… When applying the ‘fair use rule:’
1. Don’t be a glutton. The more you take, the less fair your ‘use’ becomes. The teacher who regularly and routinely copies from a copyright protected math worksheet booklet is violating a copyright. The teacher who inadvertently copied one page of the workbook for a one-time use is probably not violating the copyright. Numbers do matter. Copying one page from a 100-page workbook doesn’t violate the copyright. Copying 80-90 pages of a 100 page workbook is a violation.
2. Copying vs. creating. Your intended use of the material copied is crucial to determining your fair use. Verbatim copying is a copyright violation. If you are using copyright protected work to create something new, you are not violating the copyright.
3. Commercial benefit. Without the express permission of the author, as a rule, you cannot use another person’s copyrighted work product for your commercial gain and his commercial detriment. For example, a teacher who copies math worksheets from a publisher without permission is impairing the publisher from a commercial benefit; i.e., the sale of the worksheet.
4. Mentioning the author’s name. Merely acknowledging the author does not excuse your copying. Some hold the mistaken belief that they can freely copy the protected work of another simply by attributing the copied material to the author. Acknowledgement and fair use are not the same.
5. Quality vs. quantity. If you copy the most important excerpt of a work, the less likely your use will be considered fair use. For example, if you copy a key chapter from a book and that chapter was the heart of the book, more pivotal than the remaining chapters, more fascinating and essential than the rest, your copying could diminish sales of that book.”
(Adapted and printed by permission of Jeffrey P. Murray) See Board Policy EGAD
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COURSE SYLLABUS
A syllabus will be provided for each class. It will contain the subjects covered within the class and will state how the course will be assessed.
DRESS CODE Any item of clothing that presents a hazard, any item that is considered to be against sound and proper health and safety rules, and any clothing which is disruptive and/or deemed inappropriate for school will not be allowed. Items of clothing that use words or symbols which threaten, intimidate, promote alcohol or drug use, encourage illegal activity, cause violence, or substantially disrupt the educational process are prohibited. Pajamas and other sleepwear are prohibited. Shirts, blouses, and wide strap tank tops (straps need to be at least 2 inches wide) must cover the entire torso at all times with no cleavage or abdomen showing. No strapless garments will be permitted, with the exception of prom or homecoming formal/semi-formal attire. Skirts, shorts, and dresses must be of an appropriate length. Garments will be measured by asking the student to place a standard 3”x5” card on the knee. The garment must be within five inches of the knee. No undergarments should be visible above the waistband of the outer clothing. Students will be sent home and/or asked to change said item of clothing. Students are not allowed to wear hats, bandanas, or any other head coverings in school. The assigning of demerits and/or detention may also occur.
EARLY DISMISSALS, DELAYED OPENINGS AND SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations of school for snow or other emergencies will normally be made by 6:00 a.m. and called in to the media as indicated in the last paragraph of this section. All days that are canceled during the school year must be made up later in the year as indicated on the school calendar. Early Dismissal Notification due to emergency or adverse weather conditions will be announced as indicated in the last paragraph of this section. Buses will be available to transport bus students home. Early dismissal will normally not occur before 1:15 P.M. (unless the decision to dismiss early is made prior to 10:30 A.M.) in order to accommodate students from the Concord Regional Technology Center. Delayed Openings will occur when weather conditions and forecast warrant. The media will announce the delayed opening as a ninety minute delay. If a delayed opening is announced, school will start ninety minutes later than scheduled. School bus schedules and arrivals at school will also be scheduled for 90 minutes later than normal. Class Schedules which endeavor to include all classes for shortened periods of time will be initiated on days when there are delayed openings and early dismissals. Concord Regional Technology Center: Students will be transported to Concord when school is delayed as follows: When school is delayed, only the second vocational bus will operate. Students who take the first vocational bus will be assigned to a study hall during Vocational Technical Center time. Concord Regional Technology Center Cancellation may occur independent of PMHS. If the Concord Regional Technology Center cancels school because of bad weather conditions in Concord, Pittsfield vocational students who have obtained prior parental permission, may be allowed to sign out of school if the road and weather conditions in Pittsfield are acceptable. If a significant number of PMHS vocational students elect to stay on campus, the administration will close the library so that these students may have a supervised study hall. If Concord Vocational Technical Center cancels school because of bad weather conditions in Concord, and the Pittsfield Administration decides that it is unsafe to allow students to sign out to leave campus, the administration will close the library and announce that all vocational students are to report to the library for a study hall. During these conditions NO students will be allowed to sign out of school. Cancellations, Delayed Opening and Late Start announcements due to emergencies or adverse weather conditions are broadcast on: WMUR - Channel 9 and WMUR.com and on radio, WOKQ 97.5 in Dover and WZID 95.7 in Manchester. If conditions dictate and school is canceled after a delayed opening is announced, the no-school announcement will be made by the same radio stations. Please do not call the school for “no-school” information. Cancellation information will also be posted on the school website http://pittsfield-nh.com/sau/
EARLY GRADUATION
(High School) The Pittsfield School Board has approved a policy for early graduation which provides that the high school principal shall approve requests which are determined to meet all state and local graduation requirements and indicate that early graduation is related to career and/or educational plans of the student. Parental involvement is required for students under the age of 18.
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Students contemplating early graduation must first discuss these plans with the principal. If, in the opinion of the principal, parent, and student, this option is feasible, the following process should occur:
• The student will submit a written request to the guidance office detailing why early graduation is being considered, explaining how graduation requirements will be met, and indicating future plans.
• The parent/guardian will submit to the guidance department written approval of his/her child’s request. • Upon receipt from guidance, the principal will forward the requests to the superintendent of schools with the
school’s recommendation. The superintendent will grant or deny the request. • The student and parent/guardian will receive written notification from the guidance department. • Students who are approved to graduate early are invited to attend all senior class activities and to march in the
graduation ceremony with their graduating class. It is recommended that requests be submitted by the end of the sophomore year but no later than one semester prior to the completion of coursework. Students graduating at the end of their junior year will remain members of the junior class for the purpose of class rank. Students who choose the early graduation option waive eligibility for valedictorian and salutatorian and awards based on four (4) years of high school academics.
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS (Middle School)
To prepare students for the transition to high school, the Middle School Team has developed certain expectations and guidelines. Students who are aware of expectations are statistically more successful throughout the year. As the New Year begins, the Middle School Team would like you to be aware of some of the expectations we have of our students. Academically, we expect students to arrive in class on time and prepared to work (with textbook, pen or pencil, notebook and work). Socially, we expect students to treat each other (and adults) with courtesy and respect, be polite, and to follow directions and classroom expectations. Individual teachers have specific expectations or areas of focus (please see course overviews for specifics). Briefly, some of them are: English- Students will work on skills to improve their reading, writing, and speaking/listening abilities. All students will need a notebook, a 3-ring binder that they can share with another class, and a pen/pencil for everyday use. Social Studies: All students will need a composition notebook, a 3-ring binder with paper that they can share with another class, highlighter, ruler and a pen/pencil for everyday use. Homework will be assigned, but on nights that students do not have homework they are expected to be working on their projects or reviewing their notes for tests/quizzes. Math: students should have a ruler, protractor, compass and calculator of their own. They need a 3-ring binder, pencil and a blue or black pen. There will be homework and long-term projects. Science: students are required to have a separate notebook and a three ring binder. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis and is due at the beginning of each class. Physical Education: all students are required to change into appropriate clothing for each physical education class. Corporation, integrity, respect, and quality sportsmanship are expected behaviors in every class. Behavioral Expectations
• Prior to the start of each school day, students will remain in the cafeteria, main lobby (7:30 a.m.), or outdoors unless given a pass by a specific teacher.
• Students will address adults with the proper title (Mrs. /Ms. /Mr.). • Students will speak in a respectful tone. • Students will arrive in class on time and prepared with book, pen/pencil, homework, agenda book, assignment. • During class, students will clear work area of everything except what is needed to complete current assignment. • Students will drink only water in clear bottle during class. NO food, gum, candy, or other drinks are allowed. If
these items are brought to class, they will be thrown away. • Students will follow teacher directions when they are given. • Students will follow the middle school classroom expectations • Students will pay attention to class learning activities. Note writing is not permitted. Notes will be confiscated. • Students will be courteous to others - NO name calling, NO inappropriate language.
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• Students will raise hands and wait to be called on. • Students will leave backpacks in their lockers.
Academic Expectations • Students are expected to complete their own assignments. • The middle school will follow the competency-based assessment and evaluation system (grading) at Pittsfield
Middle High School, which is founded on common expectations for high levels of student learning.
EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
PMHS encourages students to pursue extended learning opportunities (ELO) as a means of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction or study that is outside the traditional classroom methodology. Extended learning opportunities may include, but are not limited to, independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, online courses/distance education, or other opportunities approved by the Principal, in conjunction with Pittsfield School Board policies. The purpose of extended learning opportunities is to provide educational experiences that are meaningful and relevant, and that provide students with opportunities to explore and achieve at high levels. In order to maximize student achievement and meet diverse pathways for learning, this policy permits students to employ extended learning opportunities that are stimulating and intellectually challenging, and that enable students to fulfill or exceed the expectations set forth by State minimum standards and applicable board policies. Extended learning opportunities may be taken for core or elective credit or may be taken to supplement regular academic courses. Extended learning opportunities may also be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements for advanced classes. If the extended learning opportunity is taken for credit, the provisions of Policy IHBI, Alternative Credit Options, will apply. The granting of credit shall be based on a student’s mastery of course competencies, as defined by Policies ILBA, Assessment of Educational Programs and ILBAA, High School Competency Assessments. Highly qualified teachers must authorize the granting of credit for learning accomplished through extended learning opportunities by approving required competencies and assessing the mastery of the approved competencies. For more information on Extended Learning Opportunities contact the school’s Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips provide supplemental educational opportunities not available in the classroom. Students are expected to attend. Field trips are an assignment for which credit is awarded. Those not attending will receive no credit. Since students represent not only themselves but also the school and the community, our expectations of their behavior are high. In addition to previously outlined classroom behaviors, we expect the students to: Stay together in assigned groups with assigned leaders; Maintain a low noise level. Be listening during performances, plays, presentations, etc.; Follow established bus rules. Avoid drawing negative attention; Follow the rules of the site being visited. Inappropriate behaviors may result in application of consequences from the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline and/or loss of permission to attend any future field trip(s). If the student has any financial obligation to the school, he/she may not attend any extracurricular activities until the obligation is paid, or if other acceptable arrangements are made.
FIRE DRILL REGULATIONS Directions for building evacuation during fire drills are posted in each room. Students should learn these directions for each of their classrooms. The fire signal is a loud series of blasts on the fire alarm horn. A fire drill is a serious and vital part of the school procedure. Students should move rapidly in an orderly manner. DO NOT RUN. If a regular exit is blocked, the nearest alternative exit should be used. The first student to reach the corridor and exit doors should hold them open until all students have left that area. Students will line up at a considerable distance outside the building until the signal to return is given. Students will return to the building when directed to do so by announcement. The same route should be used to return to class when the drill is terminated, and students will return directly to the classroom from which they exited the building at the beginning of the drill.
FOOD AND DRINK POLICY • Individual teachers have agreed to accept responsibility for food and drink in their rooms.
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• No food or drink is allowed in the library, computer lab or in the lecture hall. No water, food or drink is allowed in the science room during experiments.
• It is permissible to eat in the halls if finished before class.
GRADES AND GRADING
COMPENTENCY BASED REPORTING AND ASSESSEMENT SYSTEM Statement of Purpose
The competency-based assessment and evaluation system (grading) at Pittsfield Middle High School is founded on common expectations for high levels of student learning. At Pittsfield Middle High School, each course has a set of established core competencies that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do as a result of completing the course’s learning requirements. The purpose of this document is to provide structure and expectations to ensure common and systematic competency-based assessment practices are used in all courses by all teachers at the middle high school. These practices will be related directly to state learning goals, and competencies shall be used to assign credit and report on student progress.
Definitions Pittsfield Middle High School educators use two-broad types of assessments: Formative Assessments: Formative assessments are ongoing checks of student understanding that guide instruction. A formative assessment is a form of “practice” and does not count more than 20% in the evaluation system. Examples include:
• Skill checks (quizzes used for practices or reinforcement; classroom openers) • Writing drafts • Teacher questions during instruction • Worksheets • Informal observations • Pre-testing • Peer or self reflections • Homework
Summative Assessments: A summative assessment measures a student’s understanding of the concepts, skills, and knowledge within a course competency. It is heavily weighted in the evaluation system. Examples include:
• Written, oral, and performance tasks • Tests • Writings (term papers, essays, stories, etc.) • Projects • Presentations and exhibitions of learning • Problem-based/ inquiry learning tasks
* At the beginning of every course, teachers will provide each student with a syllabus outlining the evaluation practices and expectations. Mastery: When a student can demonstrate an understanding of the pre-determined expectations within a course competency. Rolling Progress: There will be progress reports issued approximately every 9 weeks. At any point in time when a progress report is issued, the evaluation/grade listed is a “snap shot” of the student’s current level in a course. In previous years, grades were averaged for a final course grade, however now, each evaluation/grade in a course is a report out of student progress, which can change until mastery of the course has been demonstrated. The final course report card will be issued at the conclusion of the course. This grade does not become final until the student has mastered all competencies at the proficient level in a course.
Statement of Procedure Assessment/Evaluation, Philosophies and Expectations
1. At the beginning of a course (semester and yearlong), teachers shall provide to students and parents a written course overview/syllabus.
2. Teachers shall discuss methods of evaluations, assessments and rubrics with students at the beginning of each course and throughout the semester/year.
3. Prior to administering each summative assessment, teachers shall provide students with a written overview/rubric describing the assessment in clear, easily understandable language.
4. Teachers, with student insight when appropriate, will develop quality assessments.
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5. Students will communicate their progress towards mastery in the fall and spring at Student Led Conferences. 6. Teachers will communicate student progress towards mastery through PowerSchool and progress reports sent home
approximately every 9 weeks. 7. Students and parents can access student progress at any time using PowerSchool.
Course Evaluation/Assessment Calculation 1. Mastery of course competencies shall be the basis for awarding course credit. 2. For all courses, summative assessments are worth at least 80% and formative assessments are worth at most
20%. 3. Only when a student has mastered all course competencies, the final course grade will be calculated by
averaging the individual course competencies. 4. At any point in time when a progress report is issued, the evaluation/grade listed is a “snap shot” of the student’s
current level in a course. In previous years, grades were averaged for a final course grade, however now, each evaluation/grade in a course is a report out of student progress, which can change until mastery of the course has been demonstrated.
5. Students are encouraged to recover missed competencies throughout the course and not wait until the end of a course/course failure.
6. The transcript will report only final course grades. Upon request for a transcript, a copy of the most recent progress report will be used.
7. Effort and participation shall not be included in progress reports, but shall be reported separately, unless they are an approved part of a competency (example: Regular participation in physical activity is identified nationally as a core competency and thus is included in the PMHS Physical Education competencies).
8. If teachers and students identify gaps in learning, additional practice will be provided. 9. Traditional extra credit is not an appropriate measure of student learning and will not be assigned or included in
grade calculation. 10. Rubrics and the corresponding numerical point scale (see table below) will be used to assess student progress
and mastery. 11. A Mid-Term/Final Summative Assessment time will occur twice a year and will be used to prepare students for
college, give an opportunity to show mastery of competencies, and/or develop competency recovery plans. Mid-Terms and Finals will not carry extra weight as years previous.
Middle School Promotion Ceremony: For any 8th grade student that fails a class for the year he/she will not be permitted to participate in the 8th grade promotion ceremony. This includes unified arts classes. Grade point average for class rank is determined on 4.0 scale (High School):
• Marks for each quarter and final course grades are given the appropriate non-weighted numerical value and then multiplied by the potential credit for each course to determine grade points earned.
• A “1” earns a zero and is still counted in the sum total of quarter and final marks. • Mid-term and final exam grades are included in the calculation of final course grades but are not used separately
in the calculation of GPA. • Satisfactory and unsatisfactory courses will not be computed. • The grade points are totaled and divided by the total number of potential credits to determine the grade point
average. Grade point average is calculated for each year, and a cumulative grade point average is maintained. Class members are placed in order from highest to lowest cumulative grade point average to determine each student's rank in class.
• Upon enrollment, grades for students transferring in from other school districts are converted to the un-weighted Pittsfield High School grading system. Transfer students must be enrolled for their entire senior year in order to be considered for salutatorian or valedictorian designation and other academic awards.
Please note that many colleges and universities use their own formulas to recalculate grade point averages for admissions and scholarship consideration. Program of Studies Requirements (High School): A minimum of 5 courses (4 for seniors eligible for senior privileges) must be taken each semester unless a student has permission from the principal. Students who do not earn credit for required courses may be allowed competency recovery or may be required to take the course during the next school year. Progress Reports will be issued approximately 5 to 8 school days after the closing date of each quarter. See the reporting schedule in Part II of this handbook or on the school calendar.
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21st Century Learning Expectation grades are rated from 4 (proficient with distinction) to 1 (substantially below proficient). The final report card, which is mailed home to students and parents several days after the last scheduled final exam day, will indicate the final examination grade, final course grade, and credits received when the course is completed. Parents are strongly encouraged to use the Agenda Book to check on their student’s assignments and work. To foster responsibility in the student, the duty of checking on grades between report cards and progress reports lies with each student.
GRADUATION (High School)
Graduation is the highlight of a successful educational experience at PMHS. It is a formal occasion. Graduation consists of Baccalaureate, the Senior Awards Ceremony, and Commencement. Only Baccalaureate is optional; the Senior Awards Ceremony, Commencement Practice, and Commencement are required of all graduating seniors. All graduation requirements must be met prior to commencement rehearsals. Seniors who have not met all graduation requirements will not be allowed to practice or participate in graduation exercises. Seniors who have not completed their community service or have outstanding financial obligations will not be allowed to attend the senior class trip, prom or practice in graduation exercises, until all outstanding obligations are met or if other acceptable arrangements are made. We urge parental support and cooperation in making graduation a happy and meaningful event in the life of their child. The decorum of the audience during each graduation ceremony should be just as dignified as that of the graduates.
GRADUATION HONORS (High School)
Students who have maintained a 3.0 average on a 4.0 scale throughout their high school career will be presented gold honor cords to wear at Commencement. Members of the National Honor Society will each be awarded an NHS stole and tassel to wear at Commencement. Two students who have completed predominantly college preparatory courses and have achieved highest grade point averages will be honored as valedictorian and salutatorian. Preliminary eligibility for graduation honors will be determined after third quarter of the senior year. Valedictorian and salutatorian will be notified of their status two weeks prior to graduation.
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT Mission: The mission of the Pittsfield Middle High School Guidance Department is to provide a comprehensive, developmental guidance program that encourages the development of direction in life, sound academic skills, commitment to hard work, an ethic of involved citizenship, and thoughtful plans for the next phase of each student’s life. Philosophy: The PMHS Guidance Department promotes academic, career and personal/social growth of all students through a variety of programs and services. Guidance activities encourage the recognition and development of individual interests, abilities and skills to be applied by responsible citizens in work, interpersonal and civic relationships. School Counselors serve as advocates for students regardless of age, gender, race, disability, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic status in helping them to successfully meet the demands of a rapidly changing society. They are actively engaged in establishing and maintaining a safe, caring and intellectually stimulating educational environment. Clear and challenging academic and career goals encourage students to do well in middle school, high school and beyond. The guidance department works with parents, advisors, faculty and students to explore and develop academic plans that lead to well-matched, attainable college and career options. Class withdrawals: It is essential that students devote sufficient time to planning their schedules so that withdrawals are avoided. High School students are responsible for all courses for which they register unless they officially withdraw through the guidance office within the first five scheduled days of the class. . No course credit will be issued unless all course competencies are met. Students under 18 years old are required to have a parent's signature to drop a course. Each request for withdrawal will be considered on its own merit and according to the educational needs of the student as well as the minimum standards for school approval set by the NH Department of Education. Minimum program: Students should register for a minimum of 5.25 credits each school year to earn the necessary credits to be promoted to the next grade, remain on track for graduation, and to provide a sound foundation for pursuing post-secondary plans. Students should be aware of and consider enrollment and academic eligibility requirements pertaining to co-curricular activities. Registrations should not include more than one study period per day. Seniors who qualify for senior privilege may, with administrative approval, be waived from the 5.25 credit minimum program requirement.
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Class standing: Students are required to accumulate a specific number of credits and courses in order to be considered for promotion from one grade to another. Class standing requirements are as follows:
Sophomore = 5.25 credits Junior = 10.5 credits Senior = 15.75 credits or more
In addition, students need to have passed their grade level English course. It is recommended that students accumulate community service hours as follows:
10 hours by the end of Sophomore year; 20+ hours by the end of Junior year; Total Required: 37.5 hours (1/4 credit)
Diploma: A comprehensive Pittsfield High School diploma will be awarded to each student who meets the minimum graduation requirements (21.25 credits). Only students who complete the requirements for a Pittsfield High School diploma or certificate of attendance are eligible for participation in graduation ceremonies. .A Pittsfield School District Diploma, which requires only the 20 minimum credits required by the State of New Hampshire, is also provided for students with approved Alternative Learning Plans. Students receiving the Pittsfield School District Diploma are not eligible to participate in Pittsfield High School graduation ceremonies. Students with questions about the district diploma, GED information or Alternative Learning Plans should contact the Guidance Director. Transcripts: All official transcripts will be processed through the Guidance Department. Please see the Guidance Secretary for an official transcript. Online Learning Opportunities: Virtual High School offers students have the opportunity to select from a full catalog (http://www.govhs.org/Pages/Academics-Catalog) of semester-length and full-year courses including Advanced Placement (AP) and Pre-AP courses that are not otherwise offered at Pittsfield Middle High School. Course selection and enrollment is handled through the Guidance Office and the Dual Enrollment/On-Line Coordinator. Courses are taught over the Internet and offer an opportunity to engage in unique collaboration with peers from around the world. A limited number of seats are available each semester; students interested in enrolling in VHS classes must be highly motivated and demonstrate strong writing and time management skills classes. Other opportunities for online learning are available through the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (www.VLACS.org) and eStart, which allows high school students to take courses through the Community College System of New Hampshire and earn credit for college and high school. VLACS course descriptions are provided in the Pittsfield Middle High School Course Offerings book, however, the VLACS online course catalog is frequently updated and students may wish to check for changes in course offerings. In addition to courses that can be taken for credit through VLACS, competency recovery plans for classes at Pittsfield Middle High School may include work in one or more VLACS classes. Odysseyware online classes are also used in developing competency recovery plans, and in some circumstances, highly qualified teachers can assign and monitor Odysseyware classes for full credit. Students may be assigned a priority time for work in Odysseyware during the school day. Odysseyware can also be accessed outside the building, though only a limited number of students can be logged on at one time. Because online classes do not match the learning styles of all students, it is strongly recommended that students complete a pre-assessment through the Guidance Office or the Dual Enrollment/On-Line Coordinator before registering for online classes, and review their credit status and postsecondary plans to ensure that completing selected courses will support their goals. VLACS high school classes are available to residents of New Hampshire at o cost, and Pittsfield Middle High School provides Odysseyware and Virtual High School opportunities at no cost to students. Students and families are responsible for tuition for dual enrollment courses for college credit. Financial assistance for qualifying students is available through the Guidance Department.
HALL PASS SYSTEM A hall pass is required of students for all routine errands or business, i.e. nurse's office, lavatory, getting a drink, etc. Whether or not a student is given permission to leave the room is the teacher's decision. Hall passes are also required in the following situations: • For a student to be excused from another teacher's regularly scheduled classroom. Whether or not the pass is
honored will be at the discretion of the teacher in whose class the student belongs. No verbal orders will be accepted.
• For an individual student who wishes to go to the library from class.
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• For a student in a study hall who wishes to go to another area of the building to work or confer with a teacher. The student must bring a pass to study hall from the subject teacher.
* Students with open campus privileges are not required to have a hall pass but MUST have their open campus id visible at all times.
HEALTH EDUCATION AND EXCEPTION FROM INSTRUCTION
Parents /guardians have the right to inspect the health education curriculum and may do so by contacting the principal to make those arrangements. Parents/guardians who wish to have their child opt-out of such instruction are required to make their request in writing to the principal and state the particular unit of curriculum or lesson of instruction in which the student is not to participate. Opt-out requests must be submitted annually and are valid only for the school year with they are submitted. Please see Board policy IHAM for more information.
HEALTH OFFICE The Health Office is available to anyone requiring medical attention. • Students must receive a pass from their teacher to the Health Office. • Students will be sent from the Health Office to class if symptoms do not require dismissal from school. Medication During School Hours: New Hampshire State Policy advises that physician prescribed medication should be taken at home either before school or after school. In cases where a student requires medication during the school day, the following procedures must be followed: • A written statement must be on file from the physician detailing the amount of medication the student is to receive,
the method of administration and the time it is to be given. • A signed request form must be submitted to the Health Office authorizing the school nurse, principal or designee to
administer the medication. The request form also releases the school from liability when administering medication. Request forms are available in the Health Office.
• The medication must be presented in a properly labeled container from the prescribing pharmacy. No container improperly labeled will be accepted.
• No student will be given prescription medication without the physician's statement and the Parental Release Form on file in the Health Office.
• Students who use asthma inhalers and/or epinephrine auto-injectors are allowed to possess and use these medications in school if they have written approval from the parent and physician. Also there must be written physician verification that the student has the knowledge and skills to safely possess and use an asthma inhaler and/or epinephrine auto-injector in a school setting.
• Students in grades 7 - 12 must, by regulation, have physician prescribed medication kept in the Health Office and be assisted by the school nurse, principal, or designee when taking medication except as indicated in the paragraph above. All students must have a physician's signed statement on file in the Health Office when taking prescribed medication during school hours.
• No over the counter, non-prescription medication (including Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough medicines, etc.) can be administered to your child at school without a signed Parental Consent Form. These forms are available in the Health Office.
• The non-prescription medication should be delivered to the school nurse directly. It should be in the original container, and should include the student’s name, name of medication, and reason and times it should be given.
Health Clinic: Since September 1999, doctors from NH/Dartmouth Family Practice Residence Program at Concord Hospital have been providing medical care on site at PMHS to students whose parents have given consent. The Health Clinic is called P.A.T.C.H. (Pre-adolescent to Teen Center for Health). Services provided include immunizations, sports physicals, sick care, health education, injury prevention, assessment and referrals to other services if needed. Students with no medical provider are especially encouraged to use P.A.T.C.H. services. The P.A.T.C.H. coordinator can help families find a doctor in the community and also help qualified families apply for health insurance.
HOMELESS STUDENTS
If you and/or your family live in any of the following situations:
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• In a shelter, motel, vehicle or campground • On the street • In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or • Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing
Then, you have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Educations Assistance Act. When you move, or if you are in any of the circumstances described above, you should do the following:
• Contact the school district's local liaison or the building representative for homeless education (see below) for help in enrolling in a new school or arranging to continue in your former school. (Or, someone at a shelter, social services office, or the school can direct you to the person you need to contact.)
• Tell your teachers anything that you think they need to know to help you in school. • Ask the local liaison or building representative for homeless education about assistance that you may be entitled
to, and resources that may be available to you. Pittsfield School District Liaison and Pittsfield Elementary School Representative: Mike Curtin, Guidance Counselor; PMHS Building Representative: Jeff Martel, Guidance Counselor.
HOMEWORK
The PMHS endorses a policy of providing students with homework on a regular basis. It is believed that homework provides opportunities to practice and reinforce classroom learning, enhances the student's understanding of the subject, and increases skill mastery. Successful completion of homework assignments requires the assumption of certain responsibilities and cooperation between students, teachers and parents.
Student Responsibility 1. It is the student's responsibility to know the date that assignments are due and to ask for clarification of any other
pertinent details necessary for the successful completion of the assignment. 2. Students are required to note assignments in assignment books as prescribed by general practices followed at each
grade/level and as indicted by individual teachers. 3. Students are required to complete assignments to the best of their ability in a timely and legible manner. 4. When a student is absent from school one or two days due to illness, it is the student's responsibility to secure
homework assignments from another student or see the teacher for make-up work upon returning to school. All assignments missed must be made up according to individual teacher's classroom procedures.
5. Students are advised to attend to general homework guidelines as taught by faculty members and indicated in the Teacher's Responsibility section of this policy statement.
Teacher/School Responsibility 1. Each teacher will explain homework expectations relative to his/her class during the first week of classes each year
and review these expectations periodically. 2. Teachers will provide students with information about the relative value of homework, due date(s), and other
expectations in writing at the beginning of the school year. 3. When a student is absent for an extended period (3 days or more), the guidance office will expedite a request for
homework at parent/teacher request. 4. Additional guidelines for teachers in making homework and other assignments are as follows:
• Preparing and distributing a written document at the beginning of each year/course containing a clear statement of expectations
• Providing homework that will reinforce, enrich, or give practice related to academic skills • Providing assignments clearly and at the appropriate level of difficulty, which can be completed within reasonable
time limits. • Evaluating assigned homework in a timely and appropriate manner and returning it to the student • Being aware of other demands on the student's time • Encouraging each student to spend time reading and studying independent of assigned work • Making certain that the purpose of each assignment is clear to the student and providing adequate direction so
that a student will be able to proceed independently with the completion of homework • Notification to parents in a timely manner by phone and/or in writing regarding the completion of homework and
other assignments.
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• Cooperation with team members, colleagues, and/or administrators in communication with parents and/or students about student successes and concerns relative to homework completion.
5. Homework guidelines which teachers will share with students in developing good study habits should include but not necessarily be limited to the following: • Have a definite time and location for study every day. • Select a quiet place, away from disturbance. • Concentrate-give all your attention to the work at hand. • Organize the contents, relating details to major topics. • Take notes on important points. • On long term assignments, organize early enough so that you can have a conference with the teacher before the
project is due. • Use an assignment book and write down each assignment accurately as given. • Use a definite method of studying. Survey the lesson as a whole and review it by parts and learn the main
points. Finally, review the whole lesson rapidly. Make written outlines for difficult and lengthy lessons. • Memorization: learn the contents as a whole and go over it rapidly first, then more carefully again and again until
it is firmly and accurately fixed in your memory. • Reading: look for central ideas in every paragraph and concentrate on remembering these ideas.
Parent/School Responsibility
• Parents will provide daily opportunities for their children to complete homework assignments by providing an
appropriate time and location within the home for this purpose. • Parents will communicate with teachers on a regular basis regarding the progress of their child with respect to both
homework and other school assignments. Such communication may be either teacher or parent initiated. • Parents will communicate with their children on a regular basis regarding the completion of homework and other
school assignments. • Parents will regularly examine their children's agenda book or planner as a strategy to keep informed about student
progress with respect to homework and other school assignments. Homework for Sick Students: When a student is absent from school due to illness, homework assignments may be sent home with another student. The main office will, upon request, expedite a request for school work if a student is absent for three or more days. The assignments will take 24 hours to process, giving teachers time to process this request.
INQUIRY BASED LEARNING
Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is a student-centered and teacher-guided instructional approach that engages students in posing and answering real-world questions. IBL builds on children’s natural curiosity so that they learn by investigating ideas alone and with others, explaining the evidence they collect and demonstrating the knowledge and skills they have gained publicly. IBL complements traditional instruction by providing a vehicle for extending and applying the learning of students in a way that connects with their interests and challenges them to acquire and analyze information, develop and support propositions, provide solutions, and create products that demonstrate their thinking and make their learning visible. The benefits of IBL include the:
• Practice of problem-solving and critical thinking skills • Deepening of connections to disciplinary content • Transfer of concepts to new problems and questions • Development of self-directed learning skills • Promotion of student ownership, engagement, and interest
INSURANCE COVERAGE All students have the opportunity to purchase an insurance plan covering medical and hospital bills resulting from accident or injury while: • going directly to school or returning directly from school. • at school or participating at school sponsored and supervised events. • participating in interscholastic sports.
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The school offers a comprehensive low-cost plan as a service to parents. Details of the plan will be presented in a brochure from the insurance company, which is sent home the first week of school. Inexpensive rates are only available at the beginning of the school year. The Pittsfield School District, its employees and its agents, will not be held liable for injuries or illnesses incurred while attending school or school functions, nor will the District assume responsibility for payment of financial obligations resulting from such injuries or illnesses.
LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
The library is an Academic Resource Center and should be used as such. Students should respect their peers' learning environment by conducting themselves in a manner conducive to learning. The following rules are guidelines regarding behavior:
1. Students may come to the library instead of study hall but should report directly to the library. It is the student's responsibility to sign only him/her self in for attendance. Tardy students will not be admitted to the library without a written pass.
2. Students with failing grades should report to their supervised instructional study halls. If you need to use library resources during study hall, please bring a note from the assigning teacher. You can always come with your class or be sent from a class to use the library. Study halls are not a punishment, but a scheduled place to quietly work with extra guidance from the study hall teacher.
3. Talking is permitted in the library but should be kept low so as not to disturb others. Anybody being too disruptive will be instructed to quiet down. If the noise persists, students will lose their library privileges.
4. Students must ask permission to leave the library during the period. Students must sign in and out on the Travel Log, and get a written pass from the librarian. (Written passes are not required for the bathroom or water fountain across the hall).
5. Computers are to be used for academic purposes only. Game playing, e-mailing friends, chat rooms and instant messenger ARE NOT ALLOWED.
6. The library has adequate supplies for student use while in the library. Be sure to return all materials where they belong.
7. No foods, drinks, or candies are allowed in the library. 8. Sleeping is never allowed in the library.
LOCKERS
• At the beginning of the school year, each student may be assigned desks, storage areas and a locker to keep books,
lunch, outdoor clothing, and other materials needed for school. Middle school hall lockers will be assigned by the advisors. High school hall lockers will be assigned by the Advisors.
• All students will be assigned a combination lock to use with their locker. No other locks will be permitted on student lockers. Lockers must be locked at all times when not being accessed by the student it is assigned to. DO NOT SHARE LOCKERS.
• The administration and teachers are not responsible for the loss of money or property kept in lockers, desks and storage areas. Large sums of money and other valuables should never be brought to school. Students are required to keep lockers clean and neat at all times. Decals, stickers or other markings are prohibited both on the inside and outside of lockers.
• All lockers, desks and storage areas made available for student use on school premises are the property of the School District. Lockers are made available for student use in storing school supplies and personal items necessary for school. Lockers are not to be used to store items which cause an interference with school purposes or which are forbidden by state law or school rules.
• The student's use of the locker does not lessen the School District's ownership or control of the locker. The School District retains the right to periodically inspect the locker and its contents to insure that the locker is being used in accordance with its intended purpose to, eliminate fire or other hazards, maintain sanitary conditions, attempt to locate lost or stolen material, and to prevent use of the locker to store prohibited or dangerous materials such as weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, contraband or any other material not specifically related to school purposes or an educational function of the School District.
• In the event that any weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, contraband or other material not specifically related to school purposes is uncovered during an inspection of the locker being used by a student, the student shall be deemed to have consented to the removal of any such item(s) from the locker.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
(High School) A faculty council selects students to the National Honor Society. Selection is based on scholarship, leadership, service and character. The selection procedure is as follows:
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After the first semester grades are recorded, the NHS advisor will review the school records of all sophomores, juniors, and seniors to see if they meet the scholarship requirements of the society. Freshmen are not eligible. To meet the scholarship requirements a student must have a cumulative average of 3.0 out of 4.0 or 85 out of 100. A student may not have a grade of D or below in any course in the last quarter before selection. Students who are eligible scholastically will be notified and informed that they are eligible for membership. A list of these students will also be sent to the faculty council. Students who wish to be considered for selection must obtain and fill out the Student Activity Information Form. This is not an application. It is merely a form to provide information concerning the student's qualities of leadership, service and character. The deadline for returning the form will be announced and posted on the NHS bulletin board. Only those students who return the form on time will be candidates for selection. Pittsfield High faculty members will be invited to make comments on the candidates. The Student Activity Information Form will be reviewed by the faculty council, along with the faculty comments and any other verifiable information about each candidate. The faculty council will use the selection criteria for leadership, service and scholarship when considering the student's eligibility. A copy of the selection criteria can be obtained from the NHS advisor or from the guidance department. The faculty council will notify all candidates whether they have been selected or not. Sophomore and junior candidates who are not selected may be eligible the following year provided they meet the published requirements.
9TH PERIOD MATH
9th Period will run Monday through Thursday from 2:55pm through 3:50pm. This program is offered as academic support for 7-12 grade students in regularly scheduled math classes. A math certified teacher is scheduled for 9th period.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreement with the Pittsfield School District are hereby notified that the District does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, marital status, age and/or sexual orientation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries or complaints concerning the School District’s compliance with the District’s Non-Discrimination policy or written regulations implementing Title VI (discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin), Title IX (sex discrimination), and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act is directed to contact the following:
Director of Guidance Pittsfield Middle High School 23 Oneida Street Pittsfield, NH 03263
The Director of Guidance has been designated by the Pittsfield School District to coordinate the Districts' efforts to comply with the Districts' above-stated Non-Discrimination policy and regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, The Americans with Disabilities Act, and State Law. Grievance Procedures: Although individuals with grievances are encouraged to file their complaints with the Non-Discrimination Coordinator, the following agencies also process complaints with respect to unlawful harassment: 1. United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region I, J. W. McCormack Post Office and
Courthouse, Room 222, Boston, MA 02109, Tel: (617) 223-9662 (voice), (617) 223-9695 (TDD). Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the adverse action.
2. New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, 33 Capitol Street, Concord, NH 03301-6397, Tel: (603) 271-3658. Complaints must be filed within 300 days of the adverse action.
3. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02114, Tel: (617) 565-3200 (voice), (617) 565-3204 (TDD). Complaints must be filed within 300 days of the adverse action.
4. New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, 163 Loudon Road, Concord, NH 03301, Tel: (603) 271-2767. Complaints must be filed within 360 days of the adverse action.
Each of these agencies can conduct impartial investigations, facilitate conciliation, make a determination as to whether harassment occurred, and take such other steps as may be within its jurisdiction.
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For additional information refer to School Board Policy ACA which is located in the Office of the Principal and at the SAU #51 office.
OPEN CAMPUS PRIVILEGES All high school students, in grades 9-12*, in good academic and deportment standing, have Open Campus privileges when they have a free period (study hall, lunch, before school, etc.). Students will be given a map that distinguished the sections of the school they are allowed to access during OCP. The yellow sections = open campus privileges; pink sections = no access; blue sections = pass through areas, no stopping. Students with open campus privileges have permission to use their cell phone in open campus areas as well. Students that do not meet the weekly academic standards of at least a 2.5 rubric score or higher will lose their Open Campus Privilege for at least 1 week. Students who are written- up would lose their Open Campus privileges as follows: 200 Offense= 1 week 300 Offense= TBD by Administration 400 Offense= TBD by Administration 500 Offense= TBD by Administration Students who lose their Open Campus privileges would have to report to their assigned study hall/areas. Students are required to wear student ID cards in a visible location while using open campus privileges. *Freshmen would be eligible for Open Campus at the beginning of 2nd quarter.
PARKING (High School)
Student parking at PMHS is a privilege. There is limited student parking space available. All student vehicles must be registered with the Attendance Secretary. They must be displayed so they are visible in the windshield. Failure to do so could result in a parking ticket and fine and/or the vehicle being towed at the student’s expense. Parking permits are issued to individual students and are not transferable to other vehicles or other students. Oneida Street is a one-way traffic flow from 7:15 A.M. to 8:15 A.M. and from 2:15 P.M. to 3:15 P.M. The traffic pattern to be used is to enter on Oneida Street and exit out Berry Avenue. Off road and unregistered vehicles are not permitted on school grounds at anytime. The student parking is opposite the gym on Berry Avenue. Students are to park in this area only. Students may not remain in their vehicles or stand in the vicinity of the parking area. Students must obtain permission to go to their vehicles during the school day and must be escorted to and from the parking lot while school is in session. Careless driving, excessive speed, discourtesy for other persons or vehicles, failure to park properly, remaining in a parked vehicle, and loitering in the area are sufficient reasons to refuse permission for a student to use the parking area. Vehicles on school property are subject to inspection and/or search by school personnel if there is reasonable suspicion that the vehicle contains evidence of illegal activity or substances, or there is evidence of a violation of school rules. (See Also Appendix VI, Application for Parking Permit).
PERSONAL LEARNING PLAN
Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) are a tool to provide students in grades 7 through 12 with a structured process for discovering their aptitudes and abilities and for creating a plan of action to achieve their aspirations. PLPs address the unique strengths, interests, and priorities of students with the guidance and support of their advisors, teachers, and families. PLPs address the “whole child” by focusing on academic, social, personal, and career areas. The plan is comprised of four stages. Stage 1 – Mapping, focuses on students’ exploring the concept of Who am I? Stage 2 – Career and College Exploration and Goal setting, guides students in building a dream they believe in and assisting them in developing the action steps that will help make it happen. Stage 3 – Professional Portfolio, Self-Advocacy, and Resources, provides students’ with skills to implement their action plans and encourages them to continue planning the road to their success. Stage 4 – the “final frontier”, assists students in the final phases of preparing for their college experience, entering into the workforce, and other post graduate plans.
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PETS IN SCHOOL
Due to potential allergic reactions of staff and/or students, household pets should not be brought into the school building.
RUBRICS
A rubric is an assessment tool used to measure students' work. It is a scoring guide to evaluate a student's performance based on the full range of expectations. A rubric is a working guide for students and teachers, usually handed out prior to the assignment or class beginning in order to get students thinking about the expectations.
SAFETY DRILL
There are six (6) different types of building safety drills. They are as follows: 1. Building evacuation 2. Safety alert 3. Soft Lock Down 4. Shelter in place 5. Drop and cover 6. Reverse evacuation Whether an actual emergency exists or a practice drill is being conducted, all students are required to follow the supervisor’s directions. The administration will announce drills and give directions over the public address system. Teachers are the immediate supervisors of students in the classrooms and students are to follow the teacher’s directions during all emergency drills. The general procedures for the safety drills are as follows: BUILDING EVACUATION: To evacuate the building for fire or other emergency situations. • The fire drill alarm will be activated • Students are to leave the building in a quick, quiet and orderly manner • Follow the directions for exit posted in your classroom • Do not stop for belongings • Go to the designated area outside with the rest of your class and teacher • Teachers will take attendance and send to the command post SAFETY ALERT: To protect students and staff from dangerous situations i.e.: Intruder in building & severe weather conditions. • An announcement will be made that a “ Safety Alert” is in progress • Students should report to the nearest classroom • Teachers will lock doors and direct all windows to be closed • Lights and all equipment will be turned off • Everyone is to stay away from doors and windows, move to an interior wall, and sit in a safe location • There is to be NO noise and NO one is to leave the room for any reason • Await further instructions over the public address system
SOFT LOCK DOWN: The purpose of a soft lock down is to have all students and staff in their assigned classrooms and to remain there until the situation that required the soft lockdown is over. A soft lock down will be employed when containment of students and staff is necessary, but instruction may continue.
• All students that are not in their assigned classroom are to report to study hall immediately. • All faculty and staff that are assigned to students are to report to their assigned room immediately. • All exterior doors to the school are to be locked and all classroom doors with students inside are to be locked
(where possible). • The Superintendent, Pittsfield Police Department, Pittsfield Fire Department, the Marston Transportation
Company, and principal of the unaffected school are to be notified that the school is in a soft lock down by the principal or his/her designee.
• Attendance should be taken and any un-accounted for students or staff are to be reported to the office via telephone. Un-accounted for students would be any student who is assigned to a class and is not present.
• Be prepared to follow instructions that may be provided in person, over the intercom, and/or through the school email system. All communication will be by an administrator or his/her designee.
• All faculty and staff that are not assigned to students at the time of a soft lock down are to report to the office for further instructions.
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• Once all students are in their assigned classrooms, they are to remain there until it is announced that the soft lockdown is over. There will be no passing to the next class during a soft lock down.
• If there is a need for a student to leave a classroom during a soft lockdown, the office is to be contacted and a staff member will be sent to the room to escort the student.
• If a soft lock down is announced during a passing period or other time when students are not specifically assigned to a classroom, then they are to report to their next assigned classroom. For those who are next assigned to an out of the building location, they are to report to the library; they are not to leave the building.
SHELTER IN PLACE: To protect students from exposure to severe weather conditions, hazardous materials emergency, etc. • Students will follow announcement on public address system • Everyone will move to classrooms and make them as safe as possible by closing doors and sealing gaps with tape,
close and tape all windows, OR • Moving to an interior hallway away from windows, closing all classrooms, and emergency fire doors, sit against interior
wall quietly. • Teachers will take attendance and make note of any missing students • Emergency bathroom use only – use buddy system • Await further instructions DROP & COVER: To protect students in immediate danger from severe unpredicted weather conditions (tornado-earthquake) When “DROP & COVER” command is given: • DROP and take cover under a desk, table, etc. and face away from windows • COVER your eyes by leaning your face against your arm • HOLD onto the table or desk legs REVERSE EVACUATION: To move students back inside the building when an emergency condition exists. • At announcement or on teacher direction, students will move back inside the school building in a quick and orderly
manner • Students will go to an empty classroom, gym or area directed by the teacher in charge • Teacher will take attendance • Wait for further instructions over the public address system
SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES Philosophy of a Safety Program: The fundamental purpose of a safety program is to prevent students from being injured. To achieve this, a safe working environment must be created and safety instruction and evaluation must be an integral part of the course work, through which the students will come to realize that they are responsible for their own safety in and out of school. Responsibility of Students: While some of the school regulations are to teach acceptable standards of conduct, most are for the safety reasons. Often students realize that a particular act is dangerous, but then may not be aware of the degree of danger or the consequences of the act. It is the student's responsibility to follow the school, classroom and laboratory regulations. General Behavior Expectations: • Students should not gather along a street where buses enter or exit school property. • Students must enter the building through the cafeteria entrance or the main entrance only. • Students may not smoke anywhere on school property. • Textbooks are loaned to students and should be returned in acceptable condition. The student will be held
financially responsible for all lost or damaged books. All textbooks must be covered. • All food and drink is to be consumed in the cafeteria or outside picnic area. • When the fire alarm sounds, students should evacuate the building in an orderly, quiet manner following the posted
instructions and directions of those in charge. • Students will register their vehicles with the attendance secretary to receive a parking permit for the student parking
area (see Appendix VI). • Skateboards may be brought to school, but must be secured in the student's locker until school is dismissed. • Students must have a hall pass when out of an assigned area. • Notices or posters must be approved by advisors and an administrator before being displayed.
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• Students may not participate in afternoon or evening co-curricular activities, including dances, games or practices, if the student has not been in attendance for the normal school day.
• Public displays of affection are inappropriate in school or on school grounds. • Students are not allowed to wear hats, bandanas, sweat bands, or other head coverings in school. • Laser pens / pointers or other laser devices are prohibited at school or at school sponsored events.
SCHOLARSHIPS (High School)
All students wishing to be considered for scholarship awards presented by the Pittsfield High School Scholarship Funds must file an application. Applications are available in the guidance office. Deadline will be established on a yearly basis. The guidance office also maintains a file of additional scholarships available to PMHS students. Seniors are encouraged to the guidance office message board on a regular basis to receive up to date information related to scholarships.
SEARCHES / INSPECTIONS The principal or their designee may inspect school property as required for routine administrative purposes. School officials may conduct a search when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will reveal a violation of school rules or produce evidence of unlawful activity. Personnel conducting the search shall have the authority to detain the student and preserve any contraband seized. Searches of a cursory nature may be conducted, including a visual inspection and/or a request that students empty pockets, purses, and other belongings. Students failing to cooperate with these measures will have their parents contacted immediately to inform them of the student’s refusal and stressing possible police involvement in the incident. Any student who flees to avoid a search may be assumed guilty of the suspected offense indicated as the reason for the search. Any person finding a substance / item which is illegal or in violation of school rules will deliver it to the principal or their designee immediately. If the item is illegal the school administration will notify the superintendent and the local police will be notified and will take possession of the item.
SENIOR PRIVILEGES (High School)
Qualifications: • Only a student in the twelfth grade is eligible. • Student must meet academic standards in order to be eligible for senior privilege. • Proficient or better on NECAP (and/or NWEA) testing junior year (starting with the PMHS Class of 2012) Rules: • Changes may be made to senior privileges by administration at progress report time; this includes loss of privileges
and awarding of privileges. • Senior privilege is only possible during study halls and lunch. It does NOT apply for Advisories. • The student must return to school in time for the next scheduled class. • Students leaving school must sign out with the Attendance Secretary and must do it prior to the beginning of the next
period. • Once signed out, the student must leave the school campus. • Responsible behavior is to be shown at all times while off campus. This refers to anything from leaving the parking
lot to conduct at a downtown store. All school rules are in effect while off-campus during senior privilege. • Upon returning to school, the student must sign in with the Attendance Secretary and report to the scheduled class. • If a student breaks one of the rules, eligibility for release will be suspended until the next marking period when
eligibility is decided. The student will also face the consequences for any infraction of the school rules. • If it is determined that participation in senior privilege is interfering with a student’s academic performance, that
student’s continued participation in senior privilege will be reviewed and subject to revocation. • Senior privilege may be revoked for excessive absences and/or for not meeting the expectations of Senior Privilege. • Must meet the weekly eligibility standards for Open Campus. If a Senior has lost their Open Campus privileges for the
week, they also lose Senior Privileges
The fourth quarter of the junior year determines eligibility for the first quarter of the senior year. This privilege begins the Monday of the first full week of school.
SIGNATURES Whenever a signature is required for an absence, dismissal note, progress report, or field trip permission, that signature must be that of a parent or legal guardian. Students cannot sign for themselves unless they are 18 years of age and are
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living on their own - apart from their parents. Students who are 18 years of age may sign release forms controlling their educational records.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Special education programs and services are available to students with disabilities. A parent, teacher, or student may contact the Director of Student Services to determine a student's eligibility for services.
Notice of Rights Pursuant To RSA 186(C) (16) (B).
The Statue of Limitations for Special Education Cases. The state and federal special education laws (New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated chapter 186-C and Title 20, United States Code, Sections 1400-1415) require that the school district offers a "free appropriate public education" to all educationally disabled children. These statutes define educationally disabled children as children suffering from certain enumerated disabilities who are between the ages of three and twenty-one and who have not yet obtained a high school diploma. A "free appropriate public education" consists of specially designed instruction and educationally related consultation with the student's parents. If you suspect that your child is educationally disabled and qualifies for such special services, you may make a written referral requesting that the school district determine your child's eligibility. Such referrals should be addressed to Director of Student Services, Pittsfield Middle High School, 23 Oneida Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263. The special education laws confer many rights and obligations upon parents and school districts regarding the educationally disabled children. These include, but are not limited to, the following which are listed in Title 20, United States Code, Section 1415(b). 1. Parents may examine all relevant records with respect to the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of
the child, and the provision of a free appropriate public education. 2. Parents may obtain an independent educational evaluation. 3. The school district must adopt procedures to protect the rights of the child whenever the parents of the child are
unknown or unavailable or whenever the child is a ward of the state. Such procedures may include the assignment of an individual who is not an employee of the school district or the state department of education to act as a surrogate for the child's parents or guardian.
4. The school district must give the child's parents or guardian prior written notice whenever the district proposes to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child or the provision of a free and appropriate public education. The school district must adopt procedures designed to assure that this notice fully informs the parents or legal guardian in their native language of all procedures available under Section 1415 unless it is clearly not feasible to do so.
5. The school district must adopt procedures which include the opportunity to present complaints with respect to any matter relating to the identification, evaluation, placement of the child, or the provision of free appropriate public education to such child.
6. Whenever a school district receives such a complaint, the child's parents or guardian shall have the opportunity for an impartial due process hearing officer appointed by the state department of education. The hearing officer shall not be an employee of any agency involved with the education or care of the child. The administrative hearing officer's decision may be appealed to US District Court or the New Hampshire Superior Court.
State law established short deadlines for requesting an administrative hearing and appealing the hearing officer's decision to the courts. According to New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Section 186-C:16-b, which became effective on May 1, 1992: 1. Any action seeking to enforce special education rights under state or federal law shall be commenced by requesting
an administrative hearing from the state department within 2 (two) years of the date on which the alleged violation was or reasonably should have been discovered. However, any action against a school district to recover the costs of a unilateral special placement shall be commenced by requesting an administrative hearing from the state department of education within 90 (ninety) days of the unilateral placement.
2. Where the parent, legal guardian, or surrogate parent has not been given proper notice of special education rights pursuant to Title 20, United States Code, Section 1415(b), including notice of the time limitations in NH Revised Statutes Annotated Section 186-C:16-b, such limitations shall run from the time notice of those rights is properly given. The state department of education shall make available a model notice of rights which school districts may use as one means of complying with this notice requirement.
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3. An appeal from the state department of education administrative hearing officer's decision to a court of competent jurisdiction shall be commenced within 120 (one hundred and twenty) days from receipt of the decision. All such decisions shall be sent certified mail, return receipt requested.
4. Any action under Title 20, United States Code, Section 1415(e), seeking reimbursement from the school district for attorney fees related to a request for an administrative hearing, shall be commenced within 120 (one hundred twenty) days from receipt of the state department of education administrative hearing officer's decision.
5. Where a unilateral placement has been made without the school district of residence being offered a reasonable opportunity to evaluate the child and to develop an individualized education plan, reimbursement may not be sought from the school district for any costs incurred until the school district is given an opportunity to evaluate the child and to develop an individualized education plan.
For additional information regarding special education and the special education laws, please contact Tobi Chassie, Director of Student Services, Pittsfield Middle High School, 23 Oneida Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263, (603) 435-6701.
Section 504 – Rehabilitation Act Of 1973
Section 504 of the above act prohibits discrimination against handicapped individuals by school programs and requires that handicapped students be provided a Free Appropriate Public Education. This includes a barrier free environment for all pupils and personnel in the district. Parents, students, and teachers are advised to report any concerns regarding these matters to the Director of Student Services.
STUDENT CENTERED LEARNING
Student-centered learning holds the student at its center instead of the teacher. As students take on the role of “pro-active learner,” they are challenged to become aware of their needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles as the teacher takes on the role of “coach or facilitator” of learning. This classroom teaching method acknowledges student voice as central to the learning experience for every learner. This is similar to the way athletes learn to play a sport or musicians, an instrument. The teacher acts as a coach, briefly explaining new ideas and skills and then sets up effective learning activities and practice sessions so the students can develop knowledge and proficiency at their own pace. The students are the workers while the teacher coaches them and monitors their progress. Like athletes and musicians the students demonstrate what they have learned in a public performance.
STUDENT FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS Books and/or Money Owed: All school property assigned to students must be appropriately recorded. Textbooks must be numbered and assigned to students. The practice of having classroom sets of textbooks that are available for student use without being assigned to students is not a responsible method of managing the resources made available to us. Any missing school property is to be reported to the principal in writing. Include the name of the student, the item missing (ex: textbook name, publisher, edition and book number), the condition of the item when assigned to the student and the replacement cost. A student will not be allowed to attend or participate in any extra-curricular activity while owing monies for lost or damaged books, supplies, equipment and/or school property. This includes participation in athletic activities, school dances, outside of school time field trips, graduation, etc. Students who claim a financial hardship must meet with the principal and provide a written plan on providing reimbursement to the school.
STUDENT LED CONFERENCES
A student-led conference is an opportunity for students to give a presentation that articulates the student’s academic, personal, and social growth as outlined in their personal learning plan which is contained in their personal portfolio. During the presentation, students play the lead role in the conversation about their learning and are supported by their advisors.
STUDENT RECORDS
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible student”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:
• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a
request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
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• The right to request the amendment of the student’s educational records, which the parent or eligible student believes
are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right of a hearing.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records,
except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605
Notification of Rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) PPRA affords parents and students who are 18 or emancipated minors ("eligible students") certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to: • Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected
areas ("protected information survey") if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) –
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent; 2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student's family; 3. Sex behavior or attitudes; 4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; 5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships; 6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; 7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or 8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
• Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; 2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance,
administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
• Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
1. Protected information surveys of students;
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2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
The Pittsfield School District has developed and adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. Pittsfield School District will directly notify parents and eligible students of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Pittsfield School District will also directly notify parents and eligible students, such as through U.S. Mail or email, at least annually at the start of each school year of the specific or approximate dates of the following activities and provide an opportunity to opt a student out of participating in: • Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution. • Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED. • Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above. Parents/eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
STUDENT RECORDS
(High School)
Junior and Senior Parents: Section 9528 of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is titled Armed Forces Recruiter Access to Students and Student Recruiting Information. This section gives armed service representatives access to junior and senior students' names, addresses and telephone listings. Parents may request in writing that this data not be released on the high school's information lists. A request to not release your junior or senior student's information should include their full name and date of birth. The written request should be sent to Leslie Bergevin, Guidance Director, Pittsfield High School, 23 Oneida Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263, by October 1st or within 30 days of registering for school.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
PMHS provides services for identification and early intervention with students having academic, behavioral, or other problems which may interfere with a successful school experience. In some instances, parents/guardians may know of conditions at home which, while not currently affecting school performance, present a risk factor requiring assistance. Parents/guardians are encouraged to make use of these services as part of the Pre-referral Intervention process prior to requesting a referral to the Special Education Team. Further information about programs available at the school may be obtained by contacting the Director of Student Services.
STUDY HALLS A study hall is an assigned class scheduled to facilitate learning. Attendance is required, and students are expected to bring material so they are prepared to study. Study halls provide students the opportunity to complete assignments, readings, research, homework, and projects during the school day. The atmosphere in the study hall must be quiet and purposeful. No activity will be allowed which interferes with another student’s right to quiet and uninterrupted study time. Students may elect to go to the library. Students are encouraged to use good judgment regarding their use of study hall time. • Students should report to study halls on time, with school-work to do. • Students are expected to stay in their assigned seats. After attendance is taken and all passes are signed, the study
hall supervisor may dismiss students who have passes. Students not leaving the study hall will remain in their assigned seats.
• Any activity which could interfere with another student's right to quiet and uninterrupted study time will not be permitted. Students who consistently fail to observe the rights of others will be removed to the Planning Room. No walkman devices, or games, etc., are permitted in study hall.
• One student at a time will be allowed to leave the study hall with a bathroom pass. * Assistance with assignments or homework is available from the study hall supervisor.
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* Students, without Open Campus privileges, should remain in study hall unless they have a pass from a teacher. Students should not just assume it is alright to go to a classroom and possibly interrupt instruction. Students should attain pass before their study hall period.
* It is an expectation that every classroom and its furnishing are used with respect. I.e. do not sit or lie on tables, leave classroom arrangement as you found it, etc. This includes cleaning up all food and drink garbage.
* Be respectful of those trying to use the study hall as a study hall, keep conversations quiet, so not to disturb others. * Passes must be written when students leave the study hall, unless the student has Open Campus privileges. * This is not a cell phone zone; students may be given a pass, if study hall supervisor feels it is appropriate.
SYLLABUS A syllabus will be provided for each class. It will contain the subjects covered within the class and will state how the course will be assessed.
TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS IN PRIVATE VEHICLES
The Board forbids employees from transporting students with private vehicles, except their own children, to and from school, on field trips, to athletic events or other school functions, without prior written approval of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Individuals providing unauthorized student transportation do so at their own expense and liability. In order to obtain written permission to transport students on an incidental basis to a school authorized activity the employee must provide a copy of a valid driver’s license; the vehicle must have a valid NH inspection sticker and proof of minimum auto insurance with minimum liability limits of $100,000/$300,000. A second adult must be in the vehicle anytime there is written permission to transport a student and the driver must have written permission of the parent/guardian to transport each child to be transported. See Policy EEAG for more information.
21ST CENTURY LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
During the summer of 2012, the rubrics for the 21st Century Learning Expectations were re-evaluated and will be introduced to the student body at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year. The rubrics will be fully implemented during the second quarter of the school year.
VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE
The Pittsfield School Board authorizes, through Policy ECAF, the use of video and audio surveillance equipment on district property to ensure the health welfare and safety of all students, staff, visitors, District property and to safeguard District buildings, grounds and equipment. The Superintendent has authorized the placement and locations of all surveillance devices. Placement of surveillance devices will be based on the presumption and belief that students, staff and visitors have no reasonable expectation of privacy in areas or at events that occur in plain view.
VLACS, VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL AND OTHER ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Students have the opportunity to select from a full catalog (http://www.govhs.org/Pages/Academics-Catalog) of semester-length and full-year courses including Advanced Placement (AP) and Pre-AP courses that are not otherwise offered at Pittsfield Middle High School. Course selection and enrollment is handled through the Guidance Office and the VHS Site Coordinator. Courses are taught entirely over the Internet and offer an opportunity to engage in unique collaboration opportunities with peers from around the world. A limited number of seats are available each semester; students interested in enrolling in VHS classes must be highly motivated and demonstrate strong writing and time management skills. Because online classes do not match the learning styles of all students, it is strongly recommended that students complete a pre-assessment through the Guidance Office or the site coordinator before registering for VHS classes. Other opportunities for online learning are available through the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (www.VLACS.org) and eStart, which allows high school students to take courses through the Community College System of New Hampshire and earn credit for college and high school. Credit will not be granted for any online courses which have not been pre-approved by school administration, and students are responsible for any tuition fees.
VISITORS
All visitors must enter the building through the main entrance in the front of the school and report to the receptionist in the main office to obtain permission to visit in the school. Once permission is obtained to enter the building, the visitor will be issued a visitor’s pass. The pass must be displayed at all times while in the building.
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Students are not to open or leave open any entrance to the building for any purpose. Students encountering visitors without an authorized pass should direct them to the main office to gain permission to be in the building and a visitor’s pass. Students wanting to bring visitors to school must receive prior written approval from the Principal at least one day before the day of the visit. Student visitors are generally not allowed. There must be a legitimate educational reason for the visit. Student requests for visitors for social/family or personal reasons will generally be denied. Only high school age students will be allowed to visit. There will be a limit to the number of visitors allowed per day and a limit to the number of visits allowed. The school administration has the right to refuse a visitor pass to any student visitor. The sponsor student will be responsible for his/her guest following all rules and procedures of the school. Visitors are not allowed at school events that are designed for the PMHS community and not for the community at large (ie. Field day, Spirit Day, etc).
VOLUNTEERS AND PUBLIC SERVICE
Students serving as firefighters, explorers and emergency medical personnel must observe the following procedure: * The adult responsible for directing the service shall provide the principal with a roster of students being considered for
participation. * The roster may be amended from time to time. Such amendments must be filed with the principal. * Each student shall deliver to the principal a release to participate in the service. The release must be signed by the
student's legal guardian (if a minor) or by the student (if an adult). The release will indicate: 1) the service participated in; 2) a clear indication that the student and/or guardian have (has) read these regulations and understand(s) them; 3) a formal indication that the District is absolved of any liability relating to participation in the service, including, but
not limited to, travel to and from the place of providing the service, anything which occurs while providing the service and academic loss resulting from such participation.
* Participation in the service during any marking period will be allowed by the principal when the student's academic standing is as good as that required for participation in inter-scholastics activities.
WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS
It is essential that students devote sufficient time to planning their schedules so that withdrawals are avoided. Students are responsible for all courses for which they register unless they officially withdraw through the guidance office. A withdrawal will result in no credit. No student may withdraw from courses needed to meet program or graduation requirements. Students under 18 years old are required to have a parent's signature to drop a course. Students are responsible for all the requirements of any course in which they are registered unless the student officially withdraws through the guidance office. Students will not be allowed to withdraw from a course during its' first week. Students who withdraw from a course during the second or third week of the course will be allowed to do so only after official consultation with the teacher and obtaining the parent’s permission on the appropriate form. Any withdrawal after the third week of a course will require the principal's signature. Students who withdraw from a course after the third week of the course will receive and no credit. A student who withdraws from a particular course may not re-register for the same course during the same academic year. Each request for withdrawal will be considered on its own merit and benefit to the educational needs of the student.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
The following process is to be followed: • Report to guidance office and obtain withdrawal form and transfer sheet. • Present withdrawal form to all teachers when returning books and other school material and obtain the teacher's
signature. (Parents and/or students are financially responsible for all non-returned items.) • Return the completed form to Guidance.
WORK RELEASE POLICY
Students 16 years or older may apply to the Coordinator of Student Services for release from school if the student has received no marks less than "C" during the previous marking period. The student applying for such a release will need to meet the criteria established by the School Board and maintain marks which are "C" or better at all times.
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PART IV
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT & DISCIPLINE INTRODUCTION The purpose of this disciplinary system is to create an optimum learning environment which will meet the needs of all students. Its focus allows teachers to teach and students to learn, grow and become responsible citizens in the community. It is the school's intent to allow students to make choices and use judgment regarding their education and behavior. With this in mind, the following is an outline of unacceptable behaviors and the consequences associated with those behaviors. This type of format should provide the necessary information for students to make appropriate decisions. Students, parents, teachers, and the School Board share the responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and teaching. Every student has the right to learn while every teacher has the right to teach. Appropriate conduct encourages interaction with others which is beneficial to the learning and teaching process. Inappropriate conduct is detrimental to the individual involved and others. Important to any effective discipline system is having students and staff aware that certain student conduct has been determined to be misconduct, and the prescribed disciplinary responses associated with each act of misconduct. In this manner, students, staff and parents may realize which types of student conduct are unacceptable and understand the consequences of such conduct. The School Board has adopted this Code of Student Conduct and Discipline which applies to conduct that occurs while students are in attendance at school, while students are going to school from home and from school to home, and to conduct at other times which impacts on the School District. During the 2008-2009 school year, students and staff worked collaboratively to develop and implement behavioral expectations for the Pittsfield Middle High School community. Known as Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), the following matrix is the result of that collaboration and defines expectations for all members of the PMHS community:
PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL BEHAVIOR MATRIX
Area
Be Respectful Be Responsible Be Safe Contribute to Community
Arrival/ Dismissal
Keep hallways quiet Arrive on time Refrain from Public Displays of Affection (P.D.A.) Take off hats/ hoods
Clean up after yourself Use electronics responsibly Use cell phones in designated areas Leave snow alone Stay in designated areas
Stay out of doorways & stairways Allow flow of traffic Respect others’ personal space Remain quiet
Keep front walk to school clear Return lost & found items to main office
Hallways Keep traffic moving Remain quiet between classes Refrain from P.D.A. Use electronics responsibly Keep hallways quiet Take off hats/hoods
Arrive to class on time Go where you need to go without loitering Use appropriate language Clean after yourself Use cell phones in designated areas
Be careful of others One locker per student Refrain from horseplay Respect others’ personal space
Warn others of liquid spills or hazardous areas Be courteous Be respectful Use appropriate language Respect all property
Bathrooms/ Locker Rooms
Clean up after yourself- flush toilets, throw away paper towels These are “Judgment Free Areas-” please be respectful of others using these facilities Use cell phones in designated areas Help keep the facilities graffiti free Value everyone’s belongings & privacy Refrain from P.D.A.
Keep all belongings in your own locker and keep it locked Wash hands every time after using the facilities Take care of your own trash Help keep area clean Only use facilities for intended purposes Be caring of others in need of assistance Report graffiti to staff
Be aware of any potential hazards- such as water spills, blocked sinks, clogged toilets, etc. Use shower and shower area safely
Help keep facilities clean and graffiti free Report any potential hazards to staff Be caring of others in need of assistance
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PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL BEHAVIOR MATRIX
Cafeteria Be nice to others Use appropriate language Keep volume of electronic devices low Use cell phones in designated areas Use good manners (observe personal space, voice level, courtesy in line, taking turns)
Clean up after yourself Be prepared in line (food choice, money) Be accountable for your own actions Use cafeteria only at designated times
Walk, don’t run Keep hands and feet to self Sit on benches appropriately
Provide a comfortable atmosphere for all Place trash in proper receptacles Talk with everyone, be inclusive, and reach out to people who need it Keep voices at an appropriate level
After-School Activities
Use appropriate language Display good sportsmanship Follow the rules Appropriate voice level Show consideration for others Be on time Bring what you need Work hard Do your best
Clean up after yourself Stay in designated areas Use appropriate language Maintain academic standards Remember your things
Have fun Display good sportsmanship Follow school rules & laws Use the proper gear Refrain from use of illegal substances
Participate Cheer at the games Be kind Dress appropriately Respect your school & other school property Display good sportsmanship Help with fundraisers
Emergency Drills
Follow instructions Listen to the adults Stay calm Stay in the nearest designated area
Be serious Look after your peers Follow all procedures Encourage positive behavior of peers Use common sense Leave things where they are Find a place-stay there Refrain from using any electronic devices
Move with purpose but safely Respect others’ personal space Be organized Walk, don’t run Stay calm & quiet Shut the windows Follow procedures Refrain from horseplay Stay in the nearest designated area
Stay on school grounds Take drills seriously Stay out of the way of emergency personnel & equipment Help others Stay calm
Field Trips Use appropriate language Speak at an appropriate volume and at appropriate times Show consideration and appreciation for hosts, chaperones and presenters Listen attentively Treat the places you go appropriately Refrain from P.D.A.
Remember to bring what you need. Be on time Listen to your chaperones and guides Ask permission before going somewhere or doing something Leave every place you go better than you found it
Stay with the group as assigned. Use the buddy system Know the location and time to meet, and how to contact your chaperone Be prepared for weather and other conditions where you are going
Represent the Pittsfield school and community well Smile and have fun! Display a genuine interest in the destination and the material Use the knowledge you gain and your experiences within the community Ask questions to learn more
Outside Park in designated areas Be aware that classes may be going on & be considerate to the learning process Use appropriate language and a courteous voice tone Show consideration of others entering & exiting parking lot area Clean up after yourself- throw all trash in appropriate receptacles Value other people’s property
Dress appropriately for weather conditions for scheduled outdoor activities Return all borrowed items to where they belong Refrain from P.D.A. Leave snow alone
Follow all rules of the road Check twice before exiting parking spots Walking to and from school; walk facing traffic, use sidewalks when possible, and stay in single file when walking on roads Play safely and in designated areas Use designated crosswalks
Help keep area clean & graffiti free Report any potential hazards to staff Be caring of others in need of assistance Include others in activities whenever possible
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PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL BEHAVIOR MATRIX
Assemblies Show consideration for the speaker and/or performance- remain seated, quiet, appropriate responses, etc. Be attentive & engaged to speaker and/or performance Use appropriate language & tone Value everyone’s personal space & belongings Make space available on bleachers & seating areas so that everyone may sit Refrain from P.D.A.
Refrain from using any electronic devices during assembly Use cell phones in designated areas Finish all food, beverages & gum before entering assembly Be an active listener & try to learn or gain something from the experience Be on time Get involved & participate when prompted
Know your surroundings- where emergency exits are & procedures Enter & exit in an orderly fashion Use caution while entering or exiting the bleachers
Provide appropriate feedback Be prepared to participate appropriately during assemblies and in follow-up activities Display an example of positive attitude
Instructional Areas
Listen to who is speaking Be considerate in what you say Tolerate all ideas and view points Follow school as well as classroom expectations for that room Value others’ personal space
Come to class prepared and on time Be organized Recognize that teachers are there to teach, students are there to learn Make your best effort
Be aware of all safety drills and rules for that classroom Be mindful that what you say and do affects those around you Use classroom materials correctly
Lead by example Be helpful and supportive of everyone Integrate real world activities from the community into the class Be open to change
Buses Use appropriate verbal & body language Keep your voice at a reasonable volume, including when on the phone Show consideration and appreciation for the driver Treat everyone as you want to be treated Follow school as well as bus expectations
Clean up after yourself Deposit all trash in the proper place Be on time Keep the volume on your music device low enough so that only you can hear it Refrain from P.D.A. Leave things better than you found them
Remain seated while the bus is in motion Keep all body parts inside the windows of the bus Keep your hands and belongings to yourself Respect passengers’ and the driver’s space Let the driver concentrate on driving
Be a good role model Exhibit appropriate behavior to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians Help make the buses a safe and comfortable mode of transportation for everyone Be considerate of others’ comfort
Media Center Use the media center for working quietly Treat books and materials appropriately Treat everyone as you want to be treated Keep all cell phones on silent; allow others to focus Communicate in positive ways Use cell phones in designated areas Follow school as well as media center expectations
Leave all food & drinks outside or put away Return all reading material promptly and to the proper location. Use time wisely Keep the volume of your music device low enough so that only you can hear it Follow technology guidelines Ask for help when unsure of how to use or find something Leave things better than you found them
Refrain from horseplay Walk safely Keep private information private Be considerate for the well-being of others
Seek out new and interesting reading materials Share ideas about books and materials others might enjoy Make the media center a comfortable place to study with friends Help promote appropriate and effective use of the media center
We recognize that this Code of Student Conduct and Discipline cannot cover the entire scope of possible student behaviors. The administration will determine the consequences for acts or behaviors which are not defined by this document. These consequences may include administrative removal from classes, assignment to service or counseling, in-school or out-of-school suspension, or other consequences outlined within the Code.
Special Education Students may have a modification of this disciplinary code as part of their Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.). Long term suspension or expulsion of special education students will comply with state law, regulations & requirements and requires the involvement of the I.E.P. team and additional rights to a hearing. Six levels of student misconduct are set forth, and under each level of misconduct the various disciplinary responses available are also set forth.
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LEVEL ONE MISCONDUCT Level One misconduct is misconduct which: (1) impedes orderly classroom procedures, (2) infringes upon the rights of others to learn or teach, or (3) interferes with orderly operation of the classroom or school. Level One misconduct normally occurs in the classroom or its immediate environs (hallway, lavatory, etc.), but may occur outside of the classroom and school. The individual faculty member observing the misconduct or the faculty member to whom the misconduct is referred by a non-faculty staff member will handle this misconduct. At times, when Level One misconduct is recurrent, it may require the intervention of an administrator.
Types of Level One Misconduct Disciplinary Options Available For Level One Misconduct It is the expectation that all Level One misconduct will be dealt with through the individual classroom teacher plan. A record of all number one infractions will be maintained by the discipline office and copies sent to parents for each offense. * Verbal reprimand * Teacher detention * Personal conference * Behavioral contract * Telephone call to parent or guardian * Teacher and student(s) involvement with guidance counselor * Withdrawal of privileges within the classroom, hallway, cafeteria, etc. * Parent conference * Weekly progress reports * Alternative assignments * Alternative seating
LEVEL TWO MISCONDUCT
Level Two misconduct is misconduct whose frequency or seriousness disrupts the learning climate of the classroom and/or school. Level Two misconduct may also occur outside of the classroom and school. Level Two misconduct may be handled by a faculty member observing the misconduct, or may be referred to an administrator via a written disciplinary referral using established procedures. Repeated offenses may be referred to the administration.
Types of Level Two Misconduct Other Disciplinary Options Available For Level Two Misconduct * Any appropriate disciplinary option or response from Level One * Lunch time detention in the planning room. * Class schedule change * In-school suspension/out of school suspension * Parental conference * Suspension from student activities * Disciplinary probation/removal of privileges * Saturday detention * Assignment of demerits in accordance with demerit policy
LEVEL THREE MISCONDUCT Level Three misconduct is misconduct which is directed against persons or property or whose consequences may seriously endanger the health or safety of others. Such acts are considered serious. These acts may result in the intervention of law enforcement authorities. All occurrences of Level Three misconduct will be referred to the administration for disciplinary action. The administrator in charge of discipline will implement appropriate immediate consequences. Any student suspended from school for a period of three days will attend a Disciplinary Re-Entry Conference with the school principal or designate to establish conditions for re-entry. Types of Level Three Student Misconduct All offenses that are illegal acts and must be reported to the Pittsfield Police Department as required by the “Safe Schools Act.” The Pittsfield Police Department will investigate these reports and determine if the student should be brought to juvenile court. These offenses require immediate suspension.
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Disciplinary Options Available For Level Three Misconduct * Any appropriate disciplinary option from Level Two * 6 or more demerits * Removal from class * Written or personal apologies * Saturday detention * School service * In-school suspension * Out-of-school suspension * Disciplinary probation/removal of privileges * Notification of police
LEVEL FOUR MISCONDUCT Level Four misconduct is misconduct which results in violence to another person or property or which poses a direct threat to the safety of others. These acts are criminal and always require administrative action which will result in the immediate removal of the student from school, and may involve the intervention of law enforcement authorities and action by the superintendent and/or school board. Any student involved in a Level Four misconduct will be suspended out-of-school for a minimum of three days and a conference with the Superintendent of Schools prior to re-admittance will be required. Types of Level Four Misconduct Disciplinary Options Available For Level Four Misconduct * School service/restitution * Counseling/treatment * Out-of-school suspension * Other action as brought by the administration or school board * Expulsion * Notification to police and arrest
LEVEL FIVE MISCONDUCT
Types of Level Five Misconduct Level Five misconduct is misconduct which involves the possession, sale, furnishing, use or involvement of any nature with an unauthorized substance. These acts are criminal and always require administrative action that will result in the immediate removal of the student from school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities and action by the superintendent or school board. Any student involved in Level Five misconduct will be immediately suspended out-of-school until a determination can be made for appropriate placement and/or conditions of re-entry are established. Disciplinary Options Available For Level Five Misconduct * Out-of-School suspension * Expulsion * Other action by the administration or school board which results in appropriate placement * Counseling - treatment * Substance abuse evaluation-treatment * School service
LEVEL SIX MISCONDUCT
Level Six misconduct is misconduct that involves the act of bringing a firearm to school. Such an act is criminal and will always require administrative action which will result in the immediate removal of the student from school, the intervention of the law enforcement authorities and action by the superintendent and school board.
Types of Level Six Misconduct Disciplinary Options Available For Level Six Misconduct One calendar year or longer mandatory expulsion, unless the Superintendent determines, on a case by case basis, that there are extenuating circumstances, under which circumstances the Superintendent has determined that a lesser discipline should be imposed.
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ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE BY STUDENTS
The Pittsfield School District recognizes the following for alcohol and drug use by students: * that alcohol and other drug abuse affects the student population; * that alcohol and other drug addiction is a treatable illness, a view which is consistent with that of nearly all medical
and social authorities; * that early identification and treatment of alcoholism and drug addictions results in a high rate of recovery; * that a school environment provides a unique opportunity for identification of potential problems with alcohol and drugs
for students and their families and identification and referral steps will ensure anonymity of the student and his/her family;
* that the school district can and should provide effective instructions for staff, students, and parents on the symptoms and progressive nature of alcoholism and other drugs;
* that the school district can and should make effective referral of students experiencing alcohol or other drug-related problems and that the record of a student will not be jeopardized by seeking and accepting such treatment.
Regulations: * Alcoholic beverages and illegal substances will not be permitted on school property or at school functions at any time. * No student shall possess or ingest alcohol or a controlled drug, nor be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled
drug on school property or en route to or from school in a school bus, or while participating in an interscholastic event or instructional exercise sponsored by the school or en route to or from such an event or instructional exercise sponsored by the school or en route to or from such an event.
* No student shall sell or give to another student alcohol or a controlled drug on school property or en route to or from school in a school bus, or while participating in an interscholastic event or instructional exercise sponsored by the school or en route to or from such event or exercise in transportation provided by the school.
Sanctions: * Any student found to have violated the above regulations may be suspended from school by the school
administration for a period of not less than five days. Students will be required to obtain a substance abuse evaluation at their cost and share the results and recommendations with the school substance abuse counselor. All such violations will also be brought to the attention of the Superintendent for possible additional sanctions which may include an expulsion hearing before the School Board.
* Any student found to have violated the foregoing regulations may be required to participate in an approved program of education or counseling for the abuse of alcohol or other drugs as a condition of resuming attendance at school. The expense of such a program will normally be borne by the student and/or his/her family.
* Any such student found to have violated the foregoing regulations may be required to contribute service to their community in a manner prescribed by the School Board, Superintendent, Principal, or a Disciplinary Review Committee as a condition of resuming attendance at school
* Automatic referral to the Student Assistance Program. * Any such student found to have violated the above regulations may have other remedial requirements imposed by
the School Board, Superintendent, Principal, or a Disciplinary Review Committee as a condition of resuming attendance at school
* Each violation of the foregoing rules shall also be reported to the local police as deemed appropriate by the administration for possible legal action. Juveniles (persons under 21 years of age) are forbidden by statute to possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Adults (persons of the age 21 years or more) are forbidden by statute to provide alcoholic beverages to juveniles.
BULLYING
Bullying is prohibited by law (RSA 193-F) and school board policy (JICK). Bullying occurs when a student has been subjected to insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal, written, pictorial, electronic, or physical, which are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response. Factors that shall be considered when identifying the potential of bulling include: patterns of a student’s behavior; imbalance of power; context of event; gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation; severity of the incident; and the intention of the alleged bully. All school employees are required to report incidents of bullying to the school administration through the regular discipline system. Students may make reports of bulling to the school administration. All reports will be taken seriously and investigated. A copy of each report will be sent to the Superintendent of Schools. Parents of the bully and victim will be notified in a timely manner. Pupils who engage in prohibited bullying conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but may not be limited to, suspension or expulsion. Pupils or parents may appeal a building level administrative discipline decision to the local school board and may appeal a local school board decision to the State Board of Education.
RSA 193-F:2
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I. All pupils have the right to attend public schools, including chartered public schools, that are safe, secure, and peaceful environments. One of the legislature’s highest priorities is to protect our children from physical, emotional, and psychological violence by addressing the harm caused by bullying and cyberbullying in our public schools.
II. Bullying in schools has historically included actions shown to be motivated by a pupil’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry or ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability, gender, gender identity and expression, obesity, or other distinguishing personal characteristics, or based on association with any person identified in any of the above categories.
III. It is the intent of the legislature to protect our children from physical, emotional, and psychological violence by addressing bullying and cyberbullying of any kind in our public schools, for all of the historical reasons set forth in this section, and to prevent the creation of a hostile educational environment.
IV. The sole purpose of this chapter is to protect all children from bullying and cyberbullying, and no other legislative purpose is intended, nor should any other intent be construed from the enactment of this chapter.
BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS
The privilege of riding a school bus is conditioned on appropriate behavior and observance of rules. Any student who exhibits inappropriate behavior or violates established rules will be reported to an administrator and may lose transportation privileges. Complaints concerning the operation of buses should be directed to the principal. The school's discipline system is in effect on all buses, and will be enforced by the drivers. All school rules, procedures and policies are in place for all students once they are on the school bus. Inappropriate behaviors will be reported through the discipline system guidelines and consequences issued. Student Responsibilities: These types of behavior will not be tolerated on the bus: 1. Use of any drugs, including tobacco, on any bus, including charter trips. 2. Profane language, obscene gestures or excessive noise. 3. Fighting, wrestling or acts of physical aggression toward anyone. 4. Head, hands, feet, or any other part of the body or objects outside the bus. 5. Littering. 6. Throwing any objects in the bus, at the bus, or out of the bus. 7. Marking, defacing or damaging the bus, or its contents. 8. Acting in any way that creates a safety hazard for the passengers or vehicle. The students must: 1. Get off the bus only at their assigned stops. An exception will be made only with a parental note to the school in
advance and approved by the principal. 2. Ride only the bus to which they are assigned. An exception will be made only with a parental note to the school in
advance and approved by the principal. 3. Be seated promptly once they board the bus and are not permitted to change seats. 4. Use the emergency door of the bus only for emergencies. 5. Cross the street only in front of the bus. 6. Receive written permission to ride the bus, if they are not regularly assigned to a bus. 7. Students must obey the directions of the bus driver. Students will be held responsible for any and all damage they do to the bus. Student complaints concerning the operation of buses should be directed to the principal. The right of all students to ride a school bus is conditioned on their good behavior and observance of the rules and regulations. Any student who violates any of them will be reported to the school principal and may lose transportation privileges. Parent Responsibilities: 1. Parents are requested to have their children at the bus stop on time. 2. Parents are requested to submit notes in advance to the school when they wish their children not to ride their
assigned bus. 3. Parent complaints concerning the operation of buses should be directed to the principal. 4. The rules and regulations for the students’ behavior on the buses are made with the safety of the children in mind.
Parents are asked to assist the schools in insisting that their children follow them.
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School Responsibilities: 1. The school Superintendent or his representative as designated in writing has the authority to suspend the riding
privileges of students who are disciplinary problems on the bus by failing to conform to the rules and regulations established by the School Board (RSA 189:9-a).
2. If a student has been denied the right to ride a school bus for disciplinary reasons, the parent or guardian of that student has the right to appeal within 10 days of suspension to the authority that suspended this student’s right. (RSA 189:9-a).
Bus Misconduct Procedure: • Bus misconduct that breaks in-school rules and regulations as well as bus rules will be treated as school misconduct
and will be dealt with accordingly. • Bus misconduct that involves violation of the law will be reported to the police. • Students will be informed of any Transportation Discipline Notice and will be afforded a hearing with the principal or
designee prior to any disciplinary consequence. Parents will be informed of any Transportation Discipline Notice and consequence in writing.
CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students are entrusted with, and are made responsible for valuable school property such as books, furniture, laboratory equipment, athletic equipment and school facilities. Such property should be treated with the same careful attention given to one's own personal property. All textbooks assigned to students must be covered at all times. Repeated failure to cover books will result in the student being sent to the planning room, where they will make a book cover. This will result in an absence from class. At the end of the assigned use, books are to be returned with no more than normal wear. Students will be held financially responsible for excessive wear or abuse of property, for loss of property entrusted to their care, and for destruction of school property. Book numbers, locks and locker numbers will be checked periodically throughout the year. Students who have not paid for replacement of school property will be prohibited from participating in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities including athletics, field trips, dances, graduation, etc.
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM
Students are expected to do individual work at all times unless specifically told by the teacher that group work is permissible. Cheating on an exam, essay, other assignment or homework will result in no credit on that exam or assignment. Plagiarism is defined as taking credit for another person's work or passing in another's work as if it is one's own. Plagiarism is a serious offense. Ask your classroom teacher about plagiarism whenever you must do a book report, an essay, or a research paper. The minimum consequence for cheating and/or plagiarism is loss of credit for the work submitted with parent and administration notification.
CLASS CUTS The staff of PMHS is committed to providing the finest educational experiences possible to our students. Therefore, students are expected to be in their assigned classes at all times. Unauthorized absence from class is a serious violation of school rules. The student may not make up the work missed. The student's grade will be lowered for non-participation in class. Continued class cutting may result in denial of credit under the excessive absence policy. A student who cuts a class would expect the following disciplinary action:
• First offense: SMD/WMD • Second offense: 1days ISS • Repeated offenses: ISS/OSS
DANCE CODE
1. All school rules apply during dances. 2. The dance code must be posted at each dance in a conspicuous place. 3. All guests must complete PMHS Guest Permission Form and are to be signed in on a guest list which will be posted
outside the main office at least one day before the dance. a. No more than one guest for each PMHS student. b. Anyone whose name does not appear on the list will not be admitted. c. If you bring a guest, you are to arrive and leave with that guest. d. You are responsible for the actions of your guest.
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e. No guests over the age of twenty will be permitted to attend school dances or other school sponsored social activities.
4. Only students and guests in grades 7-12 will be allowed in the dance unless approved by the advisor in charge of the dance.
5. Once anyone leaves the dance, that person will not be allowed back in. 6. Anyone suspected of alcohol/drug use will not be admitted to the dance. 7. Students are either to be inside the building or off school grounds. 8. No admittance 1 hour after the start of the dance unless approved by the advisor in charge of the dance. 9. One staff chaperone must remain in the lobby at all times specifically to check the guest list. 10. Chaperones must be stationed at each of the gym doors. 11. No food or drink will be allowed in the gym. 12. All committees must meet with the advisors before the dance. 13. Adequate lighting is to be used at an illumination level sufficient for the chaperone to be able to distinguish detail on
and off seats as well as on the dance floor. 14. Public displays of affection are inappropriate. Offenders may be required to leave the dance. 15. All dances are to end no later than 10:00 P.M. (except the Prom and Homecoming Dance). 16. Clean-up must take place directly after the dance. 17. There will be no middle school students at high school dances and not high school students at middle school dances. 18. Attendance to school on the day of the dance or last day of school before the dance is mandatory or you will not be admitted to the dance.
DEMERIT SYSTEM • A demerit is a recorded unit representing an incident of unacceptable behavior either in the class, building, or on the
school grounds. The written statement will explain the behavior exhibited a statement of previously earned demerits and further disciplinary action if the behavior is not relinquished. A copy will be retained in the student's disciplinary file and a copy will be mailed home to the student's parent/guardian.
• Students or parents who wish to discuss a situation are encouraged to contact the teacher involved and schedule a conference. If the teacher and student/parent are unable to resolve differences, the parents may appeal the matter to the administration.
• After a given number of demerits, the student will be assigned Saturday Morning Detention (SMD) and/or Wednesday Morning Detention as follows:
Demerit Standards: • 3-4 Demerits = 1 ½ hour of SMD or WMD • 5-6 Demerits = 3 hours of SMD or 2 WMD A demerit may be removed in the following two ways: 1. The student may request the removal of demerits from the administration or planning room supervisor, if the student
has not earned any demerits for four (4) consecutive school attendance weeks or if the student has increased their overall academic average by one grade level in a marking period.
2. The administration or planning room supervisor will remove demerits equal to the extent of Saturday Morning Detention or Wednesday Morning Detention served.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES FOR SUSPENSION AND EXPULSIONS
School Board Policy JICD, which addresses student discipline as well as the disciplinary procedures for suspensions and/or expulsions, and special education procedures for student discipline, is available for inspection at the SAU #51 Office as well as the PMHS administration office.
DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE
• PMHS is a drug-free work place. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a
controlled substance is prohibited in the work place. Staff and students who violate the above prohibition are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or enrollment.
• If a student is suspected of substance abuse they will be sent to the school nurse for examination. This exam may include (if the student is cooperative) observation, testing and recording of eye response, motor skills, speech patterns, blood pressure, and alcohol breathalyzer test.
• If the nurse determines that the student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, she will notify the administration or designee who will:
1. Contact parents
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2. Implement Discipline Plan 3. Provide information about available substance abuse treatment 4. Contact with parents and student for involvement in a substance abuse prevention program as a condition of
returning to school.
HAZING POLICY Hazing is defined as any conduct, coercion or intimidation used as a method of initiation into a student organization or team, which is likely to endanger the physical or mental health of any students. Examples of Hazing: 1. Destroy or steal property; 2. Be tied up, taped or confined in a small space; 3. Be paddled, whipped, beaten, kicked or beat up others; 4. Do embarrassing, painful or dangerous acts; 5. Be kidnapped or transported and abandoned; 6. Consume spicy or disgusting concoctions; 7. Be deprived of sleep, food or hygiene; 8. Engage in or simulate sexual acts; 9. Participate in drinking contests; or 10. Be tattooed or pierced. Reporting Requirements: It is a crime to participate in hazing of another student, knowingly submit to hazing, or be present at or have direct knowledge of hazing, and fail to report such hazing to law enforcement or school authorities. Every member of the school community must report hazing to the school administration. In addition, the school is required by law to report to the local police any hazing reported to it or of which it becomes aware. Keep in mind that, under law, the implied or even express consent of any person toward whom any act of hazing is directed is not a defense to hazing. Consequences of Hazing: Hazing will not be tolerated at our school. Offending students will suffer appropriate disciplinary action including the possibility of suspension or expulsion.
PLANNING ROOM
The Planning Room is the designated area where students report after being removed from class for exhibiting inappropriate behaviors. This monitored area is a quiet place for students to evaluate their behavior and to develop a plan for change. The student will be supplied a printed form to be completed describing what happened and why. Specifically, the student will detail the inappropriate behavior and why it is considered a problem. The student will also state an alternate course of action that will be considered more appropriate (What can I do next time?). The planning room supervisor will assist the student with the process. Once the plan is completed it is submitted to the teacher outside of class time. The plan must be acceptable to the teacher and approved in writing prior to the student re-entering the class. If the plan is not acceptable to the teacher, the student will return to the planning room for that period the following day to re-write the plan. Although the planning room supervisor will provide additional assistance, the responsibility for developing an acceptable plan remains with the student. If the second plan is still unacceptable, the administration will conference with the student and teacher. A copy of the planning form (Problem Report) is located in the appendix of this handbook. Students who fail to conduct themselves appropriately in the Planning Room, or students who are sent to the Planning Room multiple times in one day, will be suspended out of school.
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PROFANITY, BELLIGERENCE AND INSUBORDINATION
Students are expected to accord all teachers and staff the respect that their position of authority requires. Profanity, belligerence, or insubordination is among the most serious offenses against school rules. Final determination of sanctions to be imposed will be at the discretion of the administration. They may result in: • First offense – up to 3 days ISS/OSS. • Second offense – up to 5 day ISS/OSS. • Third offense – up to 10 day OSS with the possibility of a letter to Superintendent requesting an extension.
SATURDAY/WEDNESDAY MORNING DETENTION The PMHS has adopted SMD/WMD as a consequence to discourage inappropriate actions in the classroom and in the school environment. A student may earn SMD/WMD through the demerit system or for violating certain school policies outlined in other parts of this handbook. The SMD will take place from 8:00 A. M. to 11:00 am each Saturday (with the exception of holidays and vacations). WMD will take place Wednesday mornings during the delayed opening time each week. If transportation is needed it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide transportation to and from SMD. Students who misbehave at SMD/WMD will be removed immediately and will earn an ISS. Students who fail to report to an assigned SMD/WMD will not be allowed to return to classes until the parent has contacted a school administrator and discussed the situation. Penalties for skipping SMD/WMD are as follows:
1st Skip – Reschedule SMD/WMD, plus 1 SMD/WMD 2nd Skip – Reschedule SMD/WMD, plus ISS 3rd Skip – Reschedule SMD/WMD, plus 2 ISS 4th Skip – Multiple day ISS, possible OSS plus re-entry conference
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
It is the policy of the Pittsfield School District to provide educational environments in which all members of this academic community may work and learn in an atmosphere of respect for the dignity and worth of all its members. Such an environment is one that is free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is not only illegal but also unacceptable and impermissible conduct, which will not be tolerated. All members of the Pittsfield School District are expected and instructed to contribute to an atmosphere free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of an employee or student by any other employee or student, or by anyone a student or employee may interact with in order to fulfill job or school responsibilities, is a violation of the policy and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It occurs in a variety of situations, which share a common element: the inappropriate introduction of sexual harassment of comments into the work or learning situation. Often, sexual harassment involves relationships of unequal power, and contains elements of coercion - as when compliance with request for sexual favors becomes a criterion for granting work, study, or grading benefits. However, sexual harassment may also involve relationships among equals, as when repeated sexual advances or demeaning verbal behavior have a harmful effect on a person's ability to function in the educational environment. For the purposes of this policy, sexual harassment is described as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other physical conduct and expressive behavior of a sexual nature when: Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term condition of an individual's employment or academic standing, or Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting that individual, or; Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's performance or creating an intimidating or offensive environment. Examples of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment are: • Verbal or written harassment or abuse, • Subtle pressure for sexual activity, • Sexist remarks about an individual's clothing, body, or sexual activities, • Unnecessary touching, patting or pinching, Leering or ogling of an individual's body, • Constant brushing against an individual's body.
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• Demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning one's jobs, grades, letters of recommendation, etc.,
• Physical assault. Individuals should make reports of sexual harassment to any faculty member or administrator. Individuals shall not be reprimanded or discriminated against in any way for initiating any inquiry or complaint. The rights of an individual against whom a complaint is brought will also be protected. Procedures for prompt corrective action through mediation and persuasion and, when necessary, through discipline consistent with due process are considered to be an essential part of the District's effort to eliminate harassment in all educational environments.
VANDALISM
1. Any vandalism that takes place on school property will be paid for by the Pittsfield student body, unless the person(s) responsible come forth or are discovered by the teaching staff, administration or student body. In such cases, when any individual damages or destroys district property, i.e. student lockers, that person shall be liable to pay compensation to the school district.
2. Payment of vandalism not determined to be the responsibility of an individual shall be shared equally by all classes, grades 7-12, by having the cost deducted from their class treasury. Class treasurers should obtain this information at the beginning of each new school year and relate information to all class members at the first class meeting of the new school year.
3. Payment will include cost of materials and labor. 4. Vandalism that takes place at any event sponsored by an organization is the responsibility of the organization and will
be deducted from their profit in the same manner as outlined in number three. 5. Vandalism will be immediately reported to the police department. Parents will be notified and suspension will occur in
accordance with the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline.
VIOLENCE Students must never resort to physical confrontation to resolve their differences. Fighting for any reason will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action including the possibility of suspension or expulsion, loss of athletic or co-curricular activity privileges, school service, parental conference, behavior probation or other disciplinary action as may be deemed appropriate. Fighting includes without implied limitation the throwing of punches or a serious physical struggle. Likewise, threatening another will not be tolerated. Threatening includes any behavior that purposely places or attempts to place another in fear of imminent bodily injury or physical contact.
WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS IMPLEMENTS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
No one may carry or possess on school property: knives of all types; guns (including BB, pellet and starting pistols); sharp instruments such as ice picks, screwdrivers and pieces of metal sharpened to a point; inflammable fluids; mace; pepper gas; explosives and items specifically made for hitting or throwing such as brass knuckles, black jacks and martial arts weapons. Toys and novelty items such as rubber knives and toy guns (including water guns) are also prohibited on school property. Although such items usually do not pose a physical threat, their presence could be disruptive and, in some cases, could be used to threaten others. Punishment for bringing look-alike weapons to school could include suspension or expulsion, depending on the situation. If there is a school related event or activity, that a novelty item may need to be used, the student and/or faculty member needs to receive prior written approval from the principal. For additional information please refer to School Board Policy JICI which is located in the Office of the Principal and at the SAU 51 office.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Demerit - A Demerit is a numerical designation given to denote a quality of misconduct the accumulation of which
requires disciplinary action. Detention - Detention is the obligation of a student to remain after the conclusion of the regular school day or report
to school on Saturday or Wednesday morning. No student may receive a detention unless the student has been informed of the reasons for the detention and has been given the opportunity to respond before the detention becomes effective. Teachers may assign students to after school detention as a result of academic or behavioral problems. Students will be given 24 hours notice of the detention. The purpose of this time is to conference with the student to resolve problems in the classroom. Parents will be notified if students fail to report to a teacher's detention.
Disciplinary Probation - Removal of privileges is a disciplinary action which, if invoked, prevents the student from participating in those activities which are privileged, such as extra-curricular activities, attendance at social school events and other functions, the use of certain school facilities and/ or other sanctions designated by the administration.
Expulsion - Expulsion is exclusion from school by the School Board for a period exceeding 20 (twenty) school days and may be a permanent expulsion from the school roster. All expulsions require a formal hearing before the School Board.
Firearms - For the purpose of this Code, the term firearm means: Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a
projectile; The frame or receiver of any such weapon; Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer, or Any destructive device, which means any explosive, incendiary or poisonous gas bomb, grenade, rocket,
mine or similar device. Formal Hearing - A formal hearing is a hearing held before the School Board. A formal hearing is required in all
expulsion actions. Informal Hearing - A student suspended for more than 3 days, may require a conference with the principal or his
designee prior to re-entry to school. The student's parent(s)/guardian(s) should be present at that conference. A student suspended by the Superintendent requires a conference with the Superintendent or his designee prior to re-entry to school. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the issues related to the suspension and to establish conditions for re-entry.
Suspension - Suspension is exclusion from classes (in-school) or from school entirely (out-of-school) for a specified number of days. Prior to the suspension students will be informed of the cause of the suspension. Written notice will be mailed to the parents or guardians. In-School suspension will be supervised in the planning room. Students will have access to the regular and special education curriculum. Student class-work and assignments will be available as well as special work assigned by the In-School Suspension Supervisor. Students are expected to be productively involved with their class-work while in the planning room. Students who do not successfully complete the day of in-school suspension due to discipline problems or failure to complete assignments may repeat the day of in-school suspension the next school day, in cases involving out-of-school suspension attempts will be made to notify the parents by telephone. Students should realize that any violation of school rules is unacceptable and that valuable classroom instruction is being missed because of negative behavior. Out-of-school suspensions are considered an absence from class. When Out-Of-School suspension exceeds three (3) school days, the student and parents or guardians shall have the opportunity for an informal hearing before the Principal or Superintendent to determine if the student is ready for re-entry and to establish conditions for re-entry. (See Informal Hearings.)
Unauthorized Substance - Any substance included in the definition of the word drugs including, but not limited to, alcohol or alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, unauthorized use of legal drugs, or any substance represented to be such substance.
Weapons - For the purposes of this code, weapon includes, but is not limited to, firearms or replicas of firearms, knives or replicas of knives, metal knuckles or replicas of metal knuckles, straight razors or razors of any type, razor blades, cutting instruments of any nature, including those individually fabricated, explosives, mace, noxious and/or irritating or poisonous gasses, poisons, drugs or other items fashioned with the intent to use, sell, harm, threaten or harass students, staff members, parents or guardians or others legally upon School District premises.
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DISCIPLINE REFERRAL FORM
Student Name: Date: Time: Referred By: Location: Behavior Exhibited (please be as descriptive as possible, provide all details, do not include other student names): Other: Administrative Action: _____ Demerits ____ Violation Code _____ Loss of Privilege ____ Teacher to Parent Contact
_____ Time in Planning Room _____ Other
Parent Phone Contact (please Initial) _____ Date: _______ Time: ______ Parent Letter (please Initial) ______ Date: _______ Time: ______ ___ Sat or Wed Morning Detention Date:____ Time: ____ #Hrs____
____ In-School Suspension Date:________________________
_____ Out-of-School Suspension Date:_______________________
Pittsfield Middle High School 23 Oneida Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263 603-435-6701 Fax 603-435-7087
http://pittsfield-nh.com/pmhs/
Accredited by
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Level Violation Definition Examples 100 Classroom Disturbance Any behavior that disrupts class lessons 101 Classroom Tardiness More than three minutes late to class 102 Disrespectful Speech or Action Disrespectful speech or action directed towards another 103 Violation of Procedures-Café, Hallways, Field
Trips, or Extracurricular Activities Any behavior that violates school wide expectations for Café, Hallways, Field Trips or Extracurricular Activities
104 Horseplay Physical contact non aggressive behavior that may result in injury
105 Not Following Directions Failure to comply with expectations 106 Dress Code Violated, Corrected Any violation of school dress code (defined in the school
handbook)
107 Public Displays of Affection, Corrected Any prolonged display of affection 108 Non Threatening Harassment Any behavior that causes an individual to feel
uncomfortable and continues after requested to stop
109 Violation of Digital or Telecommunications Minor violation of electronic use expectations Using cell phones outside of designated area, computers without permission, or playing games on internet/computer
110 Other level 100 violations Any behavior not listed but consistent with level 100 offense
200 Lying Any misrepresentation of the truth 201 Bus Misconduct Any behavior that violates school wide exceptions for buses 202 School Tardiness Arrive to school after school has started (7:57) 203 Breaching Building Security Any behavior that puts the school community at risk 204 Class Cut Failure to report or remain in assigned instructional area 205 Insubordination/belligerence Refusal to follow a reasonable request 206 Failure to Report to Assigned Teacher Detention Does not attend assigned teacher detention 207 Leaving School Grounds without Permission Leaving School grounds without permission 208 Driving Violations Unsafe operations of motor vehicle 209 Out of Assigned Area Failure to report or remain 210 Inappropriate Language Use of profanity, using racial, ethnic, gender, and/or
religious slurs
211 Cut Saturday Morning Detention Failure to report to Saturday Morning Detention 212 Unwanted physical contact 213 Unsafe Behavior Any behavior that may result in injury Tipping in chairs, pulling chars out from another student,
propping open doors, leaning out windows
214 Unauthorized possession of another’s property Unauthorized possession of another’s property less than $50.00
215 Digital or Telecommunication Violation Major violations of electronic use of expectations Giving out computer passwords, looking up websites that are not allowed, repeat offenders of 110 violations
216 Public Display of Affection, refusal to correct Any prolonged display of affection and refusal to correct Prolonged kissing, hugging, etc. 217 Dress Code Violation, refusal to correct Any violation of school dress code (defined in the school
handbook) and refusal to correct
218 Other Level 200 Any other behavior not listed but consistent with level 200 offense or any repetitive 100 level offense
300 Fighting Mutual physical contact with the harmful intent 301 Threatening Harassment Threats aimed at another with harmful intent Written threats, stalking 302 Obscene or Threatening Digital or
Telecommunications Use of digital or telecommunications in obscene or threatening manner
Making threatening calls, taking pictures without permission
303 Alterations or Misuse of Documents Misrepresentations of written documents Plagiarism, forgery 304 Academic Dishonesty Cheating Copying from another student, using cheat sheets 305 Sexual Harassment Any sexually oriented behavior that causes an individual to
feel uncomfortable and continues after being asked to stop Inappropriate sexual gestures, sexually orientated comments
306 Profanity directed toward staff Use of profanity toward or about staff 307 Insubordination/belligerence Refusal to follow a reasonable request 2nd request 308 Safety Violations Any action that threatens the safety of people and/or the
school facility Use of pyrotechnics (fireworks, smoke bombs, etc.)
309 Telecommunications Continued violations of 100 and 200 level 310 Other Level 300 Any other behavior not listed but consistent with a 300 level
offense
400 Extortion Coercion of another through use of intimidation Threatening to cause physical or mental harm for personal gain 401 Bomb threat/False Alarm Any threat of violence designed to cause mass hysteria 402 Possession of Weapons (other than firearms) Possession of any weapons (excluding firearms) on school
property Knives, slingshots, etc.
403 Assault and Battery Physical contact with intent to harm Restraining someone against their will 404 Vandalism Willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property 405 Theft and/or Possession of Stolen Property The deliberate taking of another’s property greater than or
equal to $50.00 Taking something that doesn’t belong to you
406 Arson Willful or malicious burning of property 407 Endangerment Conduct that is harmful and reckless and likely to cause
grievous bodily harm
408 Other level 400 violation Any behavior not listed but consistent with a 400 level offense
500 Use of unauthorized Substance* (500a Alcohol) (500b Tobacco) (500c Drugs) 501 Furnishing Substance to Others +* (501a Alcohol) (501b Tobacco) (501c Drugs) 502 Selling Substance* (502a Alcohol) (502b Tobacco) (502c Drugs) 503 Possession of Substance* (503a Alcohol) (503b Tobacco) (503c Drugs) 504 Involvement of a Substance* (504a Alcohol) (504b Tobacco) (504c Drugs) 505 Possession, Use, or Sale of Items* (505a Alcohol) (505b Tobacco) (505c Drugs) 600 Possessions of a Firearm at School Automatic Expulsion
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SAMPLE STUDENT PROBLEM REPORT
Student Name: Date: Class Period: Directions: This form must be properly completed before the student is readmitted to class. To the best of your
ability, answer the following questions completely, using complete sentences, correct spelling, correct grammar and correct punctuation. Once you have completed all necessary information, you must take the form to the teacher who removed you from class. If the teacher does not approve the form, you must report to the planning room the next day during that class period to correct any missing or inaccurate information. Keep in mind that this is a problem report. Clearly state what problem you had. Also, be advised that days missed from class completing this form count as absences and cannot be waived.
1. Who was involved in your problem? 2. What did you do to get involved in this situation? 3. Where were you when this happened? Be specific. 4. Carefully describe your actions and reactions to the situation. 5. Did anyone else see you and your problem? Explain. 6. What was your behavior problem? Explain.
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7. What can you do next time if this situation occurs again? 8. Other than demerits received, what were the consequences of your actions? Student Signature _____ Approve _____ Disapprove Teacher Signature Date Teacher Comments: ____________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________
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PITTSFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAMPLE TRANSPORTATION DISCIPLINE NOTICE
Student's Name: ___________________ Bus Driver/Route: _________________ Date: __________ Time: __________ School: ____________________________
O School bus rules or regulations violated #: ________________ F Explanation: _______________________________________________ F ____________________________________________________________ E ____________________________________________________________ N ____________________________________________________________ S ____________________________________________________________ E ____________________________________________________________
****************************************************************************************************** A T ____________________________________________________________ C A ____________________________________________________________ T K ____________________________________________________________ I E ____________________________________________________________ O N ____________________________________________________________ N ____________________________________________________________ _______________________________ ______________________________ Signature of Principal/Designee Signature of Bus Driver *****************************************************************************************************
STATE LAW 189:9A - Pupils Prohibited for Disciplinary Reasons. Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 189:6-8, the superintendent, or his representative as designated in writing, is authorized to suspend the right of pupils from riding in a school bus where said pupils fail to conform to the reasonable rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the school board. Any suspension to continue beyond 20 school days must be approved by the school board. Said suspension shall not begin until the next school day following the day notification of suspension is sent to the pupil's parent or legal guardian. I. If the pupil has been denied the right to ride a school bus for disciplinary reasons the parent or
guardian of that pupil has a right to appeal within 10 days of suspension to the authority that suspended this pupil's right.
II. Until the appeal is heard, or if the suspension of pupil's rights to ride the school bus is upheld, it shall be the parents' or guardians' responsibility to provide transportation to and from for that pupil for the period of the suspension.
(Adopted: March, 1985) (Amended: January 25, 1990)
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PITTSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL SAMPLE APPLICATION FOR PARKING PERMIT
STUDENTS WHO WISH TO PARK A VEHICLE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY MUST APPLY FOR AND BE ISSUED A PARKING PERMIT FROM THE PMHS OFFICE.
PARKING RULES
Student parking at Pittsfield Middle High School is a privilege. There is limited parking space available and permits will be issued to seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen until the limit of spaces is reached. All student vehicles must be registered with the Attendance Secretary. They must be displayed so they are visible in the windshield. Failure to do so could result in a parking ticket and fine and/or the vehicle being towed at the students' expense. Parking permits are issued to individual students and are not transferable to other vehicles or other students. Oneida Street is a one way traffic flow from 7:15 AM to 8:15 AM and from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM. The traffic pattern to be used is in on Oneida Street and out on Berry Avenue. Off road and unregistered vehicles are not permitted on school grounds at anytime. The student parking is opposite the gum on Berry Avenue. Students are to park in these areas only. No students are to park along Oneida Street parking area, as this is reserved for staff. Students are to park perpendicular to the Berry Avenue black top one row deep. Students may not remain in their vehicles or stand in the vicinity of the parking area. Students must obtain permission to go to their vehicles during the school day. Careless driving, excessive speed, discourtesy for other persons or vehicles, failure to park properly, remaining in a parked vehicle, and loitering in the area are sufficient reasons to refuse permission for a student to use the parking area. Vehicles on school property are subject to inspection/search by school personnel if there is reasonable suspicion that the vehicle contains evidence of illegal activity or substances or a violation of school rules. STUDENT NAME: ____________________________________________ GRADE: _________ MAKE & MODEL OF VEHICLE: _______________________________________________________ DESCRIPTION (color/2-4 door/pick-up, etc.): _____________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ LICENSE PLATE NUMBER: _________________________________________ VEHICLE REGISTERED TO: __________________________________________________________ I have read and understand the above rules for parking at PMHS. ____________________________________________________ ____________________ Student Signature Date