Watervliet High School

450 East Red Arrow Highway

Watervliet, Michigan 49098

(269) 463-0730

 

WHS STUDENT HANDBOOK

2019-2020

“The mission of our school is to ensure learning and high levels

of achievement for all students.”

“A staff focused on preparing all students at high academic and social levels.

A school focused on the needs of the students as well as the needs of today’s society.”

“A STEPPING STONE TO YOUR FUTURE”

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Watervliet High School Pep Song

Let's give a hail to our colors

To bright maroon and shining white.

Let's give a hail to our athletes,

To boys/girls who fight with

all their might.

(RAH! RAH!)

Let's give a hail to our coach boys/girls,

Whose teams will always reach the top.

Let's give a hail to our school boys/girls,

Whose fighting spirits ne'er stop! (RAH!)   

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS 

  I. GENERAL INFORMATION Page 6-12 Board of Education and Administration 6 Title IX – Non-Discrimination 6 Insurance 6 Family Involvement Policy 7 School Calendar  7 Tobacco Free Schools 8 Watervliet Senior High Faculty and Staff 8 School Numbers Frequently Called 8 Daily Announcements   9 Daily Schedule   9 Instructional Materials   9 Medication Procedures   9-10 Emergency Prep (Fire, Tornado, and Lockdown Drills) 10  Exams 11 Lost and Found 11 Personal Communication Devices 11 Cellular Phones 11 Scheduling Events 11    Visitors 11-12 II.SCHOOL PROPERTY Page 12-13 Books 12 Chromebooks 12 Classroom  12 Lockers 12 School Buses 12-13 Bus Regulations 13 School Phones 13 Teacher's Lounge 13 III. ATTENDANCE POLICY Page 13-16 Types of Absences 15 Pre-Arranged Absences 15 Early Sign Out 15 Extended Medical 15 Age of Majority 15 Make-Up Assignments   15 Skipping 16 Tardy Policy 16 IV. STUDENT CONDUCT Page 16-22 Assembly Conduct  16 Bathroom Conduct  16 Cafeteria Conduct  16-17 Closed Campus   17 Classroom Conduct 17 Hallway Conduct  17-18 Technology Guidelines  18 

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Parent Internet Viewer 18 Dress Code 18-19 Dance Regulations 19 Prom 19 Extra-Curricular Forfeiture 19 Field Trip Regulations/Senior Class Trip 19   Media Center Rules  20 Media Center Procedures 20 Respect To School Personnel 20 Release of Student Information 20 Speech and Assembly 20 Use of Motor Vehicles by Students   20-21 V. DISCIPLINE CODES  Page 21-25 Student Disorder 21 Out of School Suspension (OSS) 21 Restorative Discipline 22 Discipline Table 22 School Safety Legislation and Policies  25  Bullying  25 Hazing  26 VI. DETENTION, SUSPENSION Page 26-28 School Authority 26   Parent Responsibilities   27  Preface Dealing with Violations and Consequences  27 After School Detention   27 Out of School Suspension and Expulsion   27-28 Appellate Procedures 28 VII. ATHLETIC CODE ………………...SUPPLEMENT PROVIDED BY ATHLETIC DEPT. VIII.STUDENT ACTIVITIES Page 28-29 Homecoming 28-29 Winter Festival 29 Honors Convocation 29 Baccalaureate 29 Senior Night 29 Commencement 29 Performing Arts Productions   29 IX. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Page 30-31 Senior High School Band  30 Participation at Vocal and Instrumental Performances 30 Class Organizations  30 National Honor Society  30 SAC Leadership Summit 31 Student Council    31 Quiz Bowl 31 Science Club 31 Weightlifting Club 31 X. AWARDS AND PUBLICATIONS Page 31-32 WASENA  31 HOBY 31 Boys’ and Girls’ State  31 

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DAR Good Citizen Award  32 Outstanding Student Athlete Award  32 Perfect Attendance Awards 32 Academic Awards  32 Senior Honor Students  32 National Honor Society Awards  32 Outstanding Senior Boy and Senior Girl  32 SAC Academic All-Conference Team 32 Senior Scholars 32 Senior Top Ten Scholars 32  XI. ACADEMIC INFORMATION Page 33-34 Grades (G.P.A.) 33 Honor Points 33 Graduation Requirements 33-34 Class Standing 34 Community Service Policy 35 Dual Enrollment  35 NCAA Requirements  35 Testing Out  35 XII. COUNSELING DEPARTMENT Page 36-37 Registration & Changing Classes  36 Entering or Withdrawing From School  36 Credit Recovery 36 Homebound Services 36 Health 36-37 Incompletes, Conditions, and Failures    37 Report Cards  37 Progress Reports 37 Honor Roll 37 College Visits 37                      

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION  BOARD OF EDUCATION Matt Clay Andrew DeHaven Eric Laws Amanda Morlock-Fisher John Oliphant Bill Spaulding Ted Tees 

 ADMINISTRATION OFFICE Ric Seager - Superintendent Lisa LaValley– Finance Coordinator Susan Toothman – Curriculum Director Bill Tiefenbach – Instructional Technology Specialist Molly Van De Wege - Special Education Director  TITLE IX - SEX DISCRIMINATION - PUBLIC NOTICE   Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination and segregation in                           education and became effective July 21, 1975.     Please be advised that the Watervliet Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of                               sex in the educational programs or activities which it operates, and that it is required not to so                                   discriminate by Sections 901 and 902 of title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 (86                                 Stat. 373, 374:20 U.S.C. 1681, 1682) and by the regulations issued by the Secretary of the United                                 States Department of Health, Education and Welfare, on June 4, 1975 (45 C.P.R. 86. 1 et Seq).                                 This law and these regulations also prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex with respect to                               employment in educational programs and activities operated by school districts subject thereto.   "The Watervliet Public School District affirms the commitment to provide equal opportunity for                         all students in all its programs and activities with no exclusion on the bases of race, color,                                 national origin, sex, or handicap." The Title IX coordinators for Watervliet Public Schools are                           Ric Seager, Superintendent, and Susan Toothman, Director of Curriculum and State/Federal                     Programs, Red Arrow Hwy, Watervliet, MI 49098, phone (269) 463-0300.  Insurance All students are covered by a student benefit program, which is a supplement to any insurance                               which a student’s family may have. This insurance is in effect during the period of time a                                 student is in school or attending a school-sponsored activity. Students/parents must file claims                         in a manner established by the insurance company within thirty (30) days after the injury takes                               place. At the onset of an injury, students should report immediately to a staff member and an                                 Accident Report will be completed and submitted to the school office. Additional information                         regarding student insurance is available in the school office.       

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Family Involvement Policy The Watervliet School Board strongly encourages and welcomes the involvement of families in                         all of the District’s educational programs. It is recognized that families are the “first teachers” of                               their children, and that their interest and involvement in the education of their children is                             encouraged  

Watervliet Public Schools 2019-20 Calendar

August 29 TH No Students - *Staff Development Day Aug 30 & Sept 2 F, M No School - Labor Day Sept 3 T First Day of School - ½ Day for Students/Teacher PD (3 Hours) Sept 25 W Hour Early Release - Teacher PD Oct 4 F Mid Marking Period Progress Report (Marking Period #1) Oct 9 W 2 Hour Early Release - Teacher PD Oct 16 W ½ Day Elementary Only- Afternoon/Evening Conferences Oct 17 TH ½ Day Elementary Only - Evening Conferences Full Day for

MS/HS - Evening Conferences Oct 18 F ½ Day for Students & Staff Nov 1 F ½ Day for Students & Staff - Marking Period #1 Ends Nov 6 W 2 Hour Early Release - Teacher PD Nov 27 W ½ Day for Students & Staff Nov 28 & 29 TH & F No School - Thanksgiving Break Dec 6 F Mid Marking Period Progress Reports (Marking Period #2) Dec 11 W 2 Hour Early Release - Teacher PD Dec 23 - Jan 3 M - F No School - Holiday Break Jan 6 M Students Return Jan 15 W ½ Day MS/HS Students Only/Exams/Virtual Records PM Jan 16 & 17 T H & F ½ Day for All Students & Staff - MS/HS Exams Virtual Records PM/End of Semester #1

Jan 20 M No School for Students & Staff - Martin Luther King Day Feb 13 TH ½ Day Elem. Only for Students & Staff - Afternoon/Evening

conferences Full Day for MS/HS - Evening Conferences Feb 14 F ½ Day for Students & Staff - Midterm Progress Reports Mar 11 W 2 Hour Early Release - Teacher PD Mar 20 F ½ Day Elem. Students & Staff Virtual Records PM/End of 3rd

MP Apr 3 F ½ Day for Students & Staff Apr 6 - 10 M - F No School - Spring Break Apr 13 M Classes Resume Apr 29 W 2 Hour Early Release - Teacher PD May 1 F Mid Marking Period Progress Reports (Marking Period #4) May 25 M No School - Memorial Day June 3 & 4 W & TH ½ Days for all Students & Staff - HS/MS exams, Elem EOY

Parent Meetings - Virtual Records PM

June 5 F ½ Day for All Students & Staff - HS/MS Exams & Record Day/End of 2nd Semester & Last Day of School/Virtual Records PM

*IF Floating PD is not completed by Aug 22 (12 Hrs of Summer DPPD Due)

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TOBACCO FREE SCHOOLS The Watervliet School District enforces Senate Bill 459, the Tobacco-Free Schools Law, with the                           establishment of School Board Policy 7434 Use of Tobacco on School Premises. This policy                           prohibits the use of any tobacco product (including e-cigarette, vapor cigarettes, etc) by a                           visitor/volunteer on or in any school property until after 6:00 p.m. Use is also prohibited in the                                 presence of students while supervising on any school sponsored student activity off school                         grounds. Use of any tobacco product by a student is prohibited at all times.  

WATERVLIET SENIOR HIGH FACULTY AND STAFF  High School Staff  Susan Toothman, Interim Principal    Jamie Dawson, Counselor  Ken Dietz, Athletic Director  

   

Todd Bailey, CustodianTammy Hamilton, Custodian  Peggy Lloyd, Custodian 

Karla Liles, Guidance Secretary Teri Richcreek, Principal's Secretary  Nancy Scowcroft, Athletic Dir. Secretary Tracy Sheffer, Special Education Secretary Angie Gutierrez, Migrant/ELL Director 

Christina Halamka, Special Education Aide Anna Layer, Special Education Aide  Gale Morales, Media Center Aide Sandy Spaulding, Special Education Aid 

  Teaching Staff Mr. Andrews  Mrs. Brant   Mrs. Brush Mrs. Collins  Mr. Dietz Mrs. Dodge  Ms. Faultersack  Mr. Grear Mrs. GutierrezMrs. Heil Mr. Herndon  Mrs. Hollandsworth  

 

Mrs. Houseal  Mrs. Hunt  Mrs. Klann Mr. Morsaw Mrs. O’Toole  Mr. Shafer  Mrs. Sibley  Mrs. Smits  Mr. Soard  Mrs. Tein  Mr. Tremblay  Mr. Weber  Mr. Winter   

 Frequently Called Numbers Superintendent Office  463-0300    High School Office  463-0730 High School Counseling 463-0735 Middle School Office 463-0780 North School Office 463-0820    South School Office 463-0860 Athletic Department 463-0758  Bus Garage 463-0720 W-A-Y Program 463-0897 Instructional Technology 463-0793   

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 DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS Daily announcements will be made at the start of the second period. If an announcement needs                               to be made, write the announcement on a piece of paper with the day it is to be announced and                                       turn it into the office. A faculty member must sign the announcement.  DAILY SCHEDULE - CLASS TIMES  M-T-W-Th-F    1st Hour 7:55-8:48am 2nd Hour 8:53-9:50am Announcements 3rd Hour 9:55-10:48am 4th Hour 10:53-11:46am Lunch B  11:51am-12:16pm 

10:53-11:18am Lunch A  11:23am-12:16pm 5th Hour 12:21-1:18pm 6th Hour 1:23-2:20pm Advisory 2:25-2:55pm  Early Release Day  1st Hour 7:55-8:35am 2nd Hour 8:40-9:25am Announcements 3rd Hour 9:30-10:10am 4th Hour 10:15-10:55am 5th Hour 11:00-11:40am Lunch B 11:45am-12:10pm 

11:00-11:25 am  Lunch A 11:30am-12:10pm 6th Hour 12:15-12:55pm  Half Day 1st Hour  7:55-8:24am 2nd Hour 8:29-9:02am Announcements 3rd Hour  9:07-9:36am 4th Hour 9:41-10:10am 5th Hour 10:15-10:44am 6th Hour 10:49-11:18am    INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS A course syllabus will be provided in all appropriate classes that will include a list of any                                 instructional materials that have not been formally adopted by the board of education. Further                           information on course content can be gained by contacting the individual teacher or the                           principal. Information on sharing or filing a concern or complaint may be found in Board Policy                               9130 under Matters Regarding the Educational Program and/or Matters Regarding Instructional                     Materials.   MEDICATION PROCEDURES   Whenever possible, medications for students should be administered by parents/guardians at                     home. As a service to students and families, procedures have been established for the                           

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administration of medication in school. The pupil’s parent/guardian must provide the school                       with written permission and a written request to administer medications to their child. Written                           instructions from a physician, which includes the name of the pupil, name of the medication,                             dosage of the medication, method of administration, and the time the medication is to be                             administered to the pupil shall accompany the request and be kept on record by the school. All                                 medication shall be kept in a labeled container as prepared by the pharmacy, physician, or                             pharmaceutical company with the pupil’s name, the name of the medication, dosage, and the                           frequency of administration. Medications will be stored in a school location that will be locked.   Please visit the school office for information regarding the procedure. For further details, see                           Board Policy 5330 Use of Medications and/or Board Policy 5331 Students with Special Health Care                             Needs.   EMERGENCY PREPARATION  FIRE DRILLS Michigan law dictates that public schools conduct fire drills during the school year. Drills may                             be either announced or unannounced. The alarm is a continuous ringing buzzer. Students should know the exits for emergencies and fire drills. On leaving the room, windows                             should be closed, lights turned out and exit doors shut. Directions for leaving the building are                               posted near the door in each classroom. When the fire alarm sounds, students should: 

1.  Walk quickly and quietly. 2.  Be orderly. 3.  DO NOT stop at lockers. 

Leave your class in single file. After leaving the building: 1. Stay with your teacher and classmates in your assigned pod area about 100 feet 

from the building. Attendance will be taken at this time by the teacher. 2. Remain quiet as emergency instructions may be given in case of real disaster. 3. Return to assigned classroom immediately in an orderly fashion after drill when 

your teacher gives the signal. Local Fire and Rescue authorities will be immediately notified. Turning in (pulling) a false                           alarm is a criminal offense, punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. It also is a very real                               danger to all students and school employees and will result in a ten (10) day out-of-school                               suspension.  LOCKDOWN DRILLS Michigan law dictates that public schools conduct lockdown drills during the school year.                         Drills may be either announced or unannounced. Students will receive training on the different                           types of lockdowns and what actions are to be taken in the event of an announced lockdown                                 drill or lockdown incident. Local Law Enforcement authorities will be immediately notified.    TORNADO DRILLS In the event of a tornado, there will be no signal. All teachers will be notified over the PA                                     immediately. The regular school program will be maintained except that students will not be                           allowed outdoors under any circumstances. Students will be directed to an assigned shelter                         and roll call will be taken as the class arrives at the shelter area. Students will be sent back to                                       their regular classes only after an "all clear" has been received from the Central Office. Students may be released to their parents when in the best judgment of the principal the                               conditions are such that it can be accomplished in a safe and orderly manner.  

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 EXAMS The last three days of each semester will be exam days for students. Final Exams are 20% of a                                     student’s semester grade, therefore, students are expected to take their final exams. Family                         emergencies or serious illnesses must be communicated with the principal for arrangements to                         be made for students to take their final exams.  LOST AND FOUND If you come across an item that does not belong to you, out of respect for the owner, please                                     bring it to the main office and inform staff of where you found the item. If you are missing an                                       item, please inform the office immediately with knowledge of the last place you recall having                             the item. Also, check your email, as we will post descriptions of missing valuables when they                               are brought to us.  CELLULAR PHONES - For complete language of Board Policy, see 5136 Personal                       Communication Devices.  Students may utilize cellular phones during their passing time or during their lunch period.                           Prior to entering the classroom, students must turn their phones off so not to disrupt classroom                               instruction. Student cell phones should not be visible in class. However, individual teachers may                           use their own discretion in their own classroom . If a student is irresponsible and does not follow the                                     policy, the following consequences will occur: 

1. 1st Offense: Staff member will ask the student for his/her phone, student will                         provide the phone to the staff member. Staff member will bring phone to the                           office and document that this is the 1st offense and turn into the office staff.                             Student will come to the office at the end of the school day, sign the document                               and be informed that next offense will require a parent to come in and sign for                               the phone. 

2. 2nd Offense: Staff member will confiscate the student’s cell phone. Staff member                       will process the phone in the office. Parent must come in before 4pm and sign for                               the phone, where the parent will be informed that the 3rd and subsequent                         incidents will result in Out-of-School Suspension. 

3. 3rd Offense: Staff member will confiscate the student’s cell phone. Staff member                       will process the phone in the office. Parents will be contacted by the principal                           and informed that the student will serve an Out-of-School Suspension. 

4. Additional Offenses: Progressive discipline for Insubordination. Students requesting a pass during class period to use the restroom, visit the office or restroom                               will be required to leave their cell phone with the classroom teacher.  SCHEDULING EVENTS Scheduling an event must be done with the principal. Only the principal can write an event on                                 the school calendar. 

 VISITORS All visitors must report to the front office. Entrance to building during school hours requires visitors to buzz in at the front entrance. School personnel will inquire to nature of visitor’s business and buzz entrance to school foyer. Once in foyer, school personnel will buzz visitors in through office entrance. Visitors will be requested to sign in, if visiting area of the school, the visitor will be required to complete a guest pass and wear that guest pass in the building. 

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Guests are also asked to sign out when they leave, after returning to the main office prior to departure. Except under very unusual circumstances, NO student visitors from other schools will be allowed to come into the building while school is in session. 

 II. SCHOOL PROPERTY  

 BOOKS Textbooks are the property of the school. They are loaned to you for your use. Textbooks are                                 the responsibility of the students. You are responsible for any damage that occurs to them and                               will have to reimburse the school for excessive abuse. You should be sure your name is in each                                   of your books on the slip provided. At the end of the school year your books will be free of                                       debris and pencil marks and it will be determined if excessive abuse has occurred. Should a                               student lose or damage a textbook or other school property, he will be required to pay the                                 school the value of the damaged or lost object.  1:1 CHROMEBOOKS Chromebooks and their accompanied chargers are the property of the school. They are loaned to you for your use at the beginning of the school and must be returned at the end of the school year. Chromebooks may be taken home as long as there is a Chromebook Agreement signed by both parent/guardian and student. Chromebooks are the responsibility of the students. You are responsible for any damage that occurs to them and will have to reimburse the school for excessive abuse or replacement costs. Chromebooks should be returned in proper working order, clear of any stickers and the charger must also be returned. Should a student lose or damage a Chromebook or other school property, he will be required to pay the school the value of the lost object. Devices are assigned through our asset management system according to the service tag numbers on the back.  It is the responsibility of the student to bring their Chromebook fully charged to school every day. If a student forgets to charge their Chromebook, a loaner may be checked out in the Media Center only between the hours of 7:35 and 7:50 and must be returned during the advisory period by 2:45. Failure to do this could result in disciplinary action.   CLASSROOM Teachers and students are responsible for the appearance of their classroom. There will be no                             writing on or defacing of desktops. The room will be neat and orderly.    LOCKERS As per school policy, lockers are the property of the school and are assigned to students for the                                   temporary storage of school supplies, books, wraps, and other items essential to the formal                           education process. Administration has the right to search any locker or the contents of the                             locker without reason or notice (see Board Policy 5771 Search and Seizure). Students are assigned                             lockers at the start of each school year. For their own protection and security, students are                               directed to refrain from sharing their combination with anyone and encouraged not to “preset”                           their locker for easy access. In collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, WHS will                           participate in annual training operations for K-9 unit searches of lockers.   SCHOOL BUSES 

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The careful and safe transportation of pupils to and from school is one of the most important                                 responsibilities of every school system where buses operate. To carry out this responsibility it is                             necessary that bus drivers and pupils do their best at all times to maintain proper conditions on                                 the bus and observe necessary regulations. Pupil cooperation in carrying out the regulations set                           forth below will help us to provide safe and efficient transportation:  

1. Pupils must obey bus drivers promptly as they are in   complete charge of buses and pupils in transit. 2. Bus drivers have the authority to seat any and all students 3. Pupils should be at their designated stops on time. 4. Pupils should be waiting on the right hand side of the 

road prior to the approach of the bus.   5. Pupils should cross the highway in front of the bus and not in back of the bus. 6. Pupils must share and not save seats. When crowded, sit three   in a seat. 7. Everyone should keep head and arms inside the bus at all times. 8. There should be no eating of any kind nor chewing of gum while   riding the bus. 9. Nothing should be thrown inside the bus, or out of the bus windows.   10. There should be no shouting, loud talking or boisterous behavior.   At no time shall profanity or unbecoming behavior be tolerated. 11. In the interest of safety there should be no moving around or changing of seats while the                                 

bus is in motion. 12. Any student disfiguring or mutilating a bus will be required to   pay for damages.   13. No student shall be allowed to ride on any bus other than the one to which he/she has 

been assigned, unless he/she has a written permit signed by a principal or the superintendent of schools. 

14. Any pupil involved in violation of these regulations shall be   warned. If difficulty continues, that student's riding will be suspended.  

BUS REGULATIONS All school rules apply to transportation of students on any school vehicle.  Students who are                             given a bus referral will receive appropriate discipline.  Administration discretion may be used                         based on severity of infraction. If a student is on bus suspension, he/she is suspended from all                                 district vehicles. Students who are currently suspended when there is a field trip or athletic                             event may not ride transportation to that event and may not attend that event even if the                                 transportation is a charter bus hired by the district. 

 SCHOOL PHONES The office phones are to be used for school business only. Students CANNOT use the phones for personal matters as this ties up the phones preventing school use. There is a phone available in the office for students use.  TEACHER'S LOUNGE The teacher lounge is a teacher room only. STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE                           TEACHER'S LOUNGE. You must knock on the door if it is absolutely essential that you see a                                 teacher. 

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 III. ATTENDANCE POLICY 

Our attendance philosophy at WHS is the foundation for each and every student to develop the                               skill sets needed to be college and career ready. We believe there is a direct correlation between                                 school attendance and student success. Regular attendance habits lead to the following traits                         shared by successful individuals; punctuality, dependability and self-discipline. Regular                 attendance will lead to course success, which will in turn lead to students earning credit toward                               graduation. For more detailed information, see Board Policy 5200 Attendance.  Compulsory school attendance ends at age eighteen (18). We believe that the student who is                             over sixteen and in school is seriously seeking an education. When a student eighteen (18) years                               old or older demonstrates this is not the case, the student may be dropped from the regular                                 school program by the administration until it is evident that the student is willing and capable                               of seriously pursuing an education. The matter of attendance is one of shared responsibilities.   

Responsibilities:   

A.  Family responsibility: The family has the responsibility to see that the student is in school every day unless there is a legitimate excuse; to see that the student gets to school, attends all classes on time and to work cooperatively with school personnel in resolving attendance problems.   

B. Student responsibility: The student has the responsibility to attend school regularly and to attend all classes on time.   

C. Teacher responsibility: The teacher has the responsibility to accurately record and report each student’s attendance and to help notify parents when the student has accumulated excessive absences. 

D. Administration responsibility: The administration has the responsibility to work with the student, teacher, parent, and counselor to identify attendance problems and determine appropriate measures to improve attendance. 

 All absences from a class shall be counted except those for school-sponsored/sanctioned                       activities, out-of-school suspensions or a documented extended medical absence (see list on                       page 17). An attendance letter will be mailed home to inform parents of a student’s 5th, 8th and                                   10th absence in a class period. Absences after the 10th absence are to be made up. Students who                                   have not made up the required hours will be given a grade of a “Credit” if they have earned a                                       60% or higher. If a student has failed the course, the student will receive a grade of “F”.  School-sponsored activities include field trips arranged by or sponsored by the school. A student who has been absent more than 10 times in a semester and desires to earn credit for                                     the course must make up any absences beyond the ten days within the semester. This makeup                               is hour-to-hour time outside the regular school day (7:55am-2:55pm). Teachers and/or the Attendance Officer will notify students when they have missed their eleventh day and any subsequent class periods for which they must make up time. All students are responsible for scheduling their make-up time. Students will be permitted to make up time for any absences beyond ten days by doing schoolwork in school, outside the regular school day (7:55am-2:55pm). Make-up time must be made up in one-hour increments. This work will be supervised by the classroom teacher to whom the time is owed, the after-school detention supervisor, and/or the administration. A student will be required to work for one hour to make up each class period missed.   

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*Senior students who have excessive absences (anything over 10), could be in danger of losing their privilege to walk at graduation  

 

 

TYPES OF ABSENCES: Absences will be coded in the official record as follows:  Definitions and Codes 

● Truancy is 10 or more unexcused absences per semester. ● Chronic Absenteeism is missing 10% or more of school regardless of whether excused or                           

unexcused.  A Absence with family communication (this is an excused absence) UA Absence with no family communication (unexcused absence) EA Excused Absence (verified absence by family, accompanied with Doctor, Court or                     

Funeral documentation. Or if a student is sent home by school for fever, vomiting                           and/or diarrhea) 

EH Absence for a religious holiday T Tardy ESO Early Sign Out OSS Out of School Suspension  PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCES A pre-arranged absence/form must be obtained from the high school office (463-0730) by                         parental/guardian contact (note or phone) in advance of the absence to give teachers adequate                           time to prepare the assignments. Students are required to contact their classroom teacher in                           advance of the pre-arranged absence to obtain their assignments. All non-school related                       absences count towards the attendance policy.  EARLY SIGN OUT Students will not be released from school unless a parent/guardian makes contact with the                           school (note or phone) prior to the absence. All non-school related absences count toward the                             10 day total for the semester. Attendance will be marked as Early Sign Out (ESO) if the student                                   has been present for at least half of the class time, all other cases will be marked as A (Absence                                       with family communication).  EXTENDED MEDICAL Any absence for three (3) or more consecutive days must have a written doctor’s statement to be                                 exempt from the 10 day policy. All work must be made up according to the make-up                               assignments policy.   ATTENDANCE AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION: Athletics: Students must be in attendance during the full school day to participate in practices or                               competitions. Exceptions would include pre-arranged or early dismissal appointments. The                   Athletic Director will make a final decision regarding extenuating circumstances on a                       case-by-case basis. Student-Athletes arriving to first hour over 20-minutes late will not be                         

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allowed to participate in that school day in practice or competition. See WPS Student – Athlete                               Athletic Code  AGE OF MAJORITY (18 year old students): Once a student has reached his/her 18th birthday, they receive new rights of an adult. With                               those rights comes a new level of responsibility as well. Students may verify their absences and                               tardies, control their school records and represent themselves. Prior to student’s 18th birthday,                         the school will send home a letter regarding a student’s new rights and ask that the parent sign                                   and return the document acknowledging their awareness of the student’s rights. Students will be reminded that all expectations are still in effect for all students enrolled at                               WHS.  

MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS: Responsibility for making up work for an absence rests                     with the student. Make-up work must be submitted to instructional staff within the equal                           number of days absent plus one, but not to exceed ten school days. This does not include                                 prearranged absences including vacations and field trips. In these cases, all work must be                           completed upon a student’s return. Opportunity for make-up of unexplained absences will be                         at the discretion of the teacher. For out of school suspensions, students have one day after                               returning from OSS to turn in all work. 

 Parents may request that classroom work be gathered for a student only when an unexpected                             but explained absence (such as illness) has extended beyond one school day. Work requested                           from the office may be picked up between 2:00 – 4:00 pm on the school day after the request is                                       received.   

PROJECTS & PAPERS Projects and papers are due on the assigned date. Should an explained absence occur on the                               due date, project and/or paper is due upon students return. 

SKIPPING Skipping a class results in a 0 for the class period and no opportunities to make-up assignments                                 or time missed.     TARDY POLICY:   

1.  Tardiness defined: A student is considered tardy when not in the appropriate classroom 20 minutes once the bell to begin class has rung. 

2.  When the student is more than twenty minutes tardy to class the teacher is to mark the student as an unexcused absence. (UA) 

3.  Consequences for tardies per marking period:  First thru Third Tardy: Warned by teacher Fourth Tardy: After School Detention Fifth Tardy: After School Detention Sixth Tardy: Out of School Suspension *Successive tardiness after the sixth will result in progressive out of school suspensions. (OSS). 

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IV. STUDENT CONDUCT ASSEMBLY CONDUCT When assemblies (including pep assemblies) are scheduled, we expect our student body to be in                             attendance and behave in a mature, responsible manner and to extend the courtesy of their                             attention to the program. When in the auditorium, students are expected to sit upright in the                               seats. Students attending the Van Buren Technology Center may or may not be able to attend                               assemblies. Those students should be aware of this before they sign up for these classes.  BATHROOM CONDUCT Bathrooms are to be used only for their intended purposes. Loitering and congregating in the                             bathrooms is prohibited. Students using bathrooms during their scheduled class period must                       have a hall pass from their classroom teacher, and these passes will be issued by the teacher for                                   emergency cases only.  CAFETERIA CONDUCT Whether you carry your lunch or participate in the hot lunch program, students are to eat in the                                   cafeteria. THIS MEANS THAT NO FOOD OR DRINK MAY BE TAKEN FROM THE                         CAFETERIA, DOWN THE HALLS OR TO A CLASSROOM AREA. During times of                       reasonable weather conditions students may be permitted outside the building in areas                       established for congregating, but will still not be allowed to bring food with them.  As some classes are in session during lunch periods, all students must remain within the                             boundaries of the cafeteria area during this time. You may not enter into any of the classroom                                 areas without a pass from the teacher. Freshman hallway is not to be used during lunch. Cafeteria Rules: 

1.  Nothing is to be thrown in the cafeteria. Throwing food or lunch trays will result in an out of school suspension. 

2.  Students are responsible for seeing that any food that is spilled or papers on the floor by their table are cleaned up. When leaving the cafeteria, carry your tray to the wash window, place papers and bags in the trash can. 

3.  Keep your place in line and do not allow someone to cut in front of you. 4.  Talking among students while eating lunch will be in a normal conversational tone of 

voice. There will be absolutely no shouting or any type of horseplay allowed. 5.  Eating and drinking will be done in the cafeteria only. 6. Freshman hallway is not to be used during lunch. 

If any of these rules are broken, the student will be assigned an After School Detention (ASD).                                 Additional or severe offenses will result in Out of School Suspension (OSS).  CLOSED CAMPUS Once students arrive on school grounds or school property (bus) they will not be allowed to leave without permission from the office. All students are to follow the checkout procedures, which include coming to the office to sign out with prior consent from parents. Students will not be allowed to leave campus by vehicle, or foot, during lunch. No students will be allowed in any of the school parking lots during the lunch periods or any other time during the school day without staff supervision or a pass. Also, students cannot sit in vehicles in the parking lot. 

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Students are not allowed in any area on or in the North, South, and East sides of the building during the lunch periods without staff supervision or a pass.  CTE (Career Technical Education) students may leave for their afternoon responsibilities at the conclusion of fourth period, but they are not permitted to return until the end of the school day (2:55 p.m.).  CLASSROOM CONDUCT Consideration for others is the key to conduct that is characteristic of a mature student.                             Misconduct that indicates lack of consideration/respect of other students or teachers will result                         in disciplinary action and notification of the student's parents. If a student is sent to the office,                                 the student should go there directly and remain there for direction. It should be clear to all                                 students and parents that any student behaving in such a way as to be a disruptive influence                                 upon the normal operation of the school or behaving in a manner that creates a danger to the                                   health, safety, and welfare of themselves, other students, or any school employee, will be subject                             to Out-of-School Suspension (OSS). The teacher will dismiss the students, not the bell.                         Students will not line up by the door prior to dismissal.    

HALLWAY CONDUCT Students are allotted five minutes passing time between classes. Students shall reach their destination as efficiently and quietly as possible. Fighting, running, yelling, pushing, or shoving will not be tolerated. Because of the time and distance between classes, it may not be possible to return to one’s locker, so students may want to plan accordingly. Always keep to the right and never walk more than three abreast.  NO UNREASONABLE DISPLAY OF AFFECTION WILL BE ALLOWED IN SCHOOL OR ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. Any physical contact beyond the holding of hands is unacceptable. Those failing to comply will receive disciplinary consequences. A second offense will result in an out of school suspension. If the first offense is extreme / sexual in nature, a 10 day out of School Suspension (OSS) or expulsion will ensue.    TECHNOLOGY GUIDELINES 

1. Students are responsible for the proper use of all computers and related equipment. Computer hardware and programs should not be modified, abused, or destroyed. 

2. Any problems should be reported promptly to the Media Center Aide. 3. No food or drinks are allowed in any computer lab or near school issued 

Chromebooks. 4. Students shall not place material on any computer, printer, or other equipment that is 

inappropriate. 5. All student files will be stored in their school-issued Google Drive account. 6. Plagiarism is prohibited. 7. Illegal activities, such as copyright violations or using Watervliet Public Schools 

resources are prohibited. 8. Students need to be familiar with the Board policies and the Student Responsibility 

Sheet. 9. Subject matter access is at the discretion of the teacher and technology department 

through the school’s internet filter. 10. Students have “limited” access to printers and paper consumption. 

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11. Students must have a signed Acceptable Use Policy on file in the Media Center before using any computer. 

12. A student’s account and Chromebook may be revoked for violation of the signed Acceptable Use Policy. 

13. Use of obscenity, deletion or altering of others work, cheating, vandalism, to hardware and/or software, and failure to follow the Acceptable Use Policy will result in disciplinary action. 

  PARENT INTERNET VIEWER This software technology allows a parent to access your child’s information reported directly                         from teachers’ records via any Internet connection. All students are issued a unique ID number                             and PIN code for accessing current classroom information including grades, attendance, and                       future assignments. If you have not received an ID and PIN code please contact the Guidance                               Office via a written and signed letter and we will gladly send you the code.    DRESS CODE The behavior, attitudes, and general conduct of the student body are greatly influenced by the                             general standard of dress. While it is recognized that styles change, it is suggested that                             traditional values and good taste be the dress standard. Therefore, in order to create and                             maintain the best possible learning atmosphere, students are expected to be clean and neatly                           dressed.   Extremes of dress that might cause health or safety problems or possibly cause disruption or                             distraction will not be allowed. For example: No tank tops or bare midriffs, no visible                             undergarments, no casual, pajama, or lounge attire. Sleeveless shirts are not permissible. All                         shirts must have sleeves on them. Exceptions may come into play for a female student or                               staff member who wants to wear a sleeveless business/professional shirt. In this case the                           shirt must extend from the tip of the shoulder to the neckline. If a female student does                                 decide to wear a sleeveless shirt, it MUST be in a business professional manner. Students                             must pair the shirt with appropriate attire (i.e. cannot wear it with jeans, sweats, stretch                             pants, shorts etc.) If a student is found in violation of this dress code mandate, they will be                                   required to change into appropriate attire (either at school or at home). Refusal to do so will                                 result in disciplinary consequences.    Shoes must be worn at all times. Shorts are acceptable as apparel for school, but they must be in                                     good taste. Bermuda style or "jam" shorts near the knee are considered to be in good taste.                                 Short shorts, running shorts, gym shorts, or tennis shorts are not. Coats and jackets are not to                                 be worn in the classroom. Half-shirts, see-through or mesh shirts, and low cut shirts will not be                                 allowed. Printed shirts may be worn ONLY if they do not advertise or display connotations of                               drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, vulgarity, or violence. Hats and Hoods may not be worn in the                               school building at any-time. Pants will be worn at the waist. Those not complying with the                               dress code regulations: 1st offense will be sent home to change, and the class time missed will                                 be unexcused; 2nd offense will result in an After School Detention. Dignified attire is required                             for students who attend the junior-senior prom.  DANCE REGULATIONS Dances are usually held on Friday nights after football and basketball games. The sponsoring                           organization is responsible for securing a minimum of two faculty plus additional chaperones.                         They must obtain permission from the principal five (5) days prior to the activity. All costs of                                 the dance must be borne by the sponsoring organization. All dances will end at 11:00 pm. 

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1. Persons leaving the building after once entering may not return. 2. School functions are not open to the public. If a guest is being brought, it must be 

approved by the office via a guest permission slip. These will be available in the HS office. Students should understand that the degree of freedom generally allowed at a public party                           could not be permitted at a school party without bringing criticism on the good name of the                                 school and its students. The school must set a standard of conduct superior to that found in                                 public places. Students should realize this necessity and cooperate with the committee in                         charge of the party and with the chaperones.  PROM Prom for Watervliet High School is a junior/senior prom. Freshmen are not permitted to                           attend. Sophomores will be permitted to attend pending approval from the principal.                       Reminder: Prom is a privilege, not a right.   EXTRACURRICULAR FORFEITURE Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege carrying with it the responsibility of                         acceptable behavior in and out of school. Any student who is suspended or temporarily                           separated from school may not participate or attend extra-curricular activities (home or away)                         for the duration of the suspension or separation.    FIELD TRIP REGULATIONS/SENIOR CLASS TRIP All regulations governing students at school apply on field trips. The individual teacher has                           the right to impose additional regulations. Senior class trips, if taken, should only be scheduled                             during spring break or the last week of school.   MEDIA CENTER RULES: A student must have a pass to come to the media center. During regular class time a pass is                                     issued by the teacher. Lunch passes are issued by the media center personnel. Food and drinks                               are not permitted in the media center, no exceptions.  MEDIA CENTER PROCEDURES: 

1.  All books and reference materials may be checked out. Books are available for two weeks. Reference materials may be checked out overnight. 

3.  Food and drinks are not allowed in the media center. 4.  The charge for lost books will be the current replacement value. Report cards will be 

held until overdue books are cleared.  RESPECT TO SCHOOL PERSONNEL (as per School Board Policy 2111-Value Statements for Students and Staff) School personnel will be treated with respect at all times. This includes administrators,                         teachers, secretaries, bus drivers, cooks, and maintenance personnel. School personnel are                     addressed as Mr., Mrs., or Miss. Vandalism of a school employee's personal property or home,                             and physical or mental harassment of a school employee will not be tolerated. This includes                             something as simple as verbal disrespect. If any of this happens, it will result in disciplinary                               action (see consequence table). Even if such acts are committed after school hours, or via the                               internet, they violate the student code of conduct. As per school board policy, suspension or                             expulsion may result.   

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RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION The school may release "directory" information to agencies and vendors not connected with the                           school unless parents specifically request in writing to the principal by October 1 that they                             desire all information be kept private and not disclosed. Directory information includes name                         and address, date and place of birth, field of study, participation in school activities, dates of                               school attendance, honors and awards, and additional information that might typically be                       found in the yearbook. It will not include, grades in specific classes, counseling information, or                             disciplinary records.   SPEECH AND ASSEMBLY As per school board policy (Policy 5720 – Student Activism), students are entitled to verbally                             express their personal opinion. Such verbal opinions shall not interfere with the freedom of                           others to express themselves. All student meetings in school buildings or on school grounds                           may function only as a part of the formal educational process or as authorized by the principal.                                 Students have the freedom to assemble peacefully. There is an appropriate time and place for                             the expression of opinion and beliefs. Conducting demonstrations that interfere with the                       operations of the school or classroom is inappropriate and prohibited. Failure to adhere to the                             administration's request will result in disciplinary action.  USE OF MOTOR VEHICLES BY STUDENTS Bus transportation is provided for all students living more than 1 1/2 mile from the school they                                 attend. Therefore, the use of private vehicles for transportation to and from school is not                             necessary.  However, for convenience or other reasons approved by the parents, students may be permitted                           to drive to school and park cars in the lot provided for that purpose. The Board has adopted the                                     following rules governing the driving of motor vehicles by students to school. 

1. Driving to school is a privilege that should not be abused. Parents are responsible to ensure that the rules and regulations are thoroughly understood by their sons/daughters before granting permission for them to drive to school. 

2. This privilege can be suspended at any time by the Principal if any of the rules and regulations are violated or for any disciplinary action. Continued use of cars after the privilege has been revoked could lead to suspension from school. 

3. The school district shall not be held liable for any damage or loss of property pertaining to the above. 

 Vehicle Rules and Regulations: 

1.  All cars must be registered in the principal's office where a permit will be issued and a motor vehicle agreement completed by the student and parent prior to operating the vehicle on school grounds during school hours. 

2.  Cars must be used only for transportation to and from school. 3.  Cars must be locked to help prevent vandalism during the time they are in the parking 

lot. 4.  Cars may not be used by the registered student during the normal school day unless 

permission from principal has been granted in writing, such as an early dismissal. 5. All forms of reckless driving will be recorded in the principal's office and reported to 

the police so that the violator may be held accountable for his/her action. 6.  Students will park in the west parking lot ONLY. This includes before or after school 

extra-curricular activities. All vehicles must be parked between the designated yellow lines. 

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7. The Handicap parking spots are off limits to students & staff, unless a valid handicap sticker is visible.   

8.  Violators may be towed. 9.  Referral issued for illegal parking. 

 

V. DISCIPLINE CODES ASD - After School Detention OSS - Out of School Suspension  STUDENT DISORDER/DEMONSTRATION Disruption of any school activity will not be allowed. Students must meet with administration to discuss proper ways to voice concerns. Students who disrupt the school activity are subject to suspension or expulsion.  OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS) Defined as “to exclude a pupil from school for disciplinary reasons for a period of fewer than 60 school days” (MCL 380.1310d(5)).     RESTORATIVE DISCIPLINE Behavior, whether appropriate or inappropriate, is a learned behavior. We are in the business of educating. When deemed appropriate, our initial course of action to address inappropriate behaviors is to educate the student in how to appropriately act in certain situations. As a staff, we approach each incident in a proactive educational manner. When these approaches have not been effective, we then rely on our Discipline Table. If a student changes his/her behaviors through restorative discipline, then learning has occurred and the student is making better, more mature decisions; which in the end, is our goal. Please note that serious behaviors call for immediate attention from the discipline table and those consequences will be assigned immediately.  Under Michigan law, the Board of Education may authorize or order the suspension or expulsion from school of any pupil, whenever in its judgment, the interests of the school may demand it. The school will use the following seven (7) factors to consider before suspending or expelling: 

1. Age of the student 2. Discipline History of the student 3. Disability of the student 4. Seriousness of the student’s behavior 5. Safety Risk for student and of other students 6. Use of Restorative Practice for student 7. Level of interventions availed to student 

 DISCIPLINE TABLE Please click HERE to view the discipline table. 

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DISCIPLINE CODES The following violations are extremely serious and carry at least a five day Out-Of-School (OSS) suspension for the first offense. Some carry a ten day suspension with a recommendation for expulsion. Some immediately bring police action. All these violations result in immediate removal from the school grounds and involvement of parents. Alcohol-A student shall not sell, possess,  1. Parental Contact use, deliver, or be under the influence of  Suspension   any alcoholic beverage or intoxicant,  10 days OSS,  while on school grounds or off school  Evaluation by a grounds at a school activity, function or  Berrien Substance event. Abuse Agency.   

Possible expulsion. 

   2. Parental Contact    180-day expulsion 

recommended, Proof of professional counseling. 

 

Drugs, Narcotic Drugs, and Marijuana 1.  Parental Contact A student shall not sell, possess, use,  Suspension 10 purchase, deliver or be under the  days OSS influence of any drug, narcotic drugs,  by Berrien Substance marijuana, counterfeit drug, or other  Abuse Agency controlled substance as defined in the  Police Action / possible  Controlled Substances Act of 1971, being  expulsion.  MCL 335.301 et. seq. and as defined  2.  Parental Contact, 180  in other Michigan or Federal Statutes,  day expulsion  while on school grounds at a school  recommended, Proof of activity, function or event. professional counseling.  

Theft, Damage or Destruction of Private   1.  Return Stolen Property or School Property -A student  Goods/Pay for damages shall not intentionally cause or attempt  Police Action,  to cause damage to property of the school Suspension, 5-10 days or of other persons or steal or attempt to OSS. Possible expulsion. steal property of other persons at a school 2.  Return Stolen activity, function, or event. Damage caused Goods/Pay for damages to school property will be paid for by the Police Action, student and/or his/her parents at the Suspension - 10 days current cost of replacement. OSS / expulsion 

recommended. 

Assault on Another Person-A student shall  1.  10 days OSS possible  not intentionally cause or behave in such a  expulsion. way that causes physical injury to a school   employee, student or other person while on   

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the school grounds or off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event. In severe cases, expulsion will be recommended  upon the first occurrence.   False Alarm or Bomb Threat-  1.  Police Action, See Policy 5772 Weapons  Suspension, 10 days  

OSS, Possible expulsion. 2.  Police Action, Expulsion 

Arson- Criminal act of deliberately 1.  Police Action,  Setting fire to property. See Policy 5610.01 Suspension 10 days OSS Expulsion/Suspension – Required by Statute Payment of damages 

Possible expulsion   2.  Police Action,    Payment of damages,   Expulsion Firecrackers - For the safety of others, any  1. Ten (10) days OSS or student who uses firecrackers, smoke or stink, expulsion

 bombs or other incendiary devices will be.   suspended A full report will be made to the  Fire Marshall and the Police Department for  prosecution. Any damage or destruction of  property must result in the replacement or repair of the property or payment for the  damages by the student or his/her parents.  Weapons and Dangerous Instruments- 1. Confiscation of Weapons A student shall not possess, handle, or Police Action, transmit any object that can be considered Suspension, 10 days weapon while on school grounds or off OSS, or Expulsion. the school grounds, at a school activity,  function or event. 

 Possession of a gun or firearm on the school 1.  Expulsion - minimum  grounds. On year. Police action. See Policy 5610.01 Expulsion/Suspension – Required by Statute 

 Persistent Violation of Building Rules and  1.  O.S.S., up to 10 Regulations - When specified consequences days - possible expulsion. for unacceptable behavior fail to cause  change in the student's behavior. Students  suspended for chronic and persistent violation of school rules may be referred to the superintendent prior to re-admittance or for expulsion.  

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 Persistently poor academic performance 1. Recommendation for When interventions (phone calls, meeting w/ principal  expulsion. or guidance counselor etc.), have not resulted in a change in academic performance, recommendation for expulsion may  take place. Student must be failing over half (50%) of their  course work in order for this to be a possibility.  Disrespect to Staff (insults, derogatory names, intimidation,  1. 5 -10 days OSS possible  threats) expulsion Including internet verbal abuse, and obscene   gestures     Harassment of Staff (on or off school property) 1. 5-10 days OSS / possible  And/or on Internet expulsion.   SCHOOL SAFETY LEGISLATION AND REQUIRED POLICIES See Board Policy 5601.01 Expulsions/Suspensions – Required by Statute Physical Assaults: The Board shall permanently expel a student in grade six or above if the                               student commits a physical assault, as defined by MCL380.1311a(12)(B)1, against a district                       employee or against a person engaged as a volunteer or contractor for the district on school                               property, on a school bus or other school related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or                               event. Verbal Assaults: Any student in grade six or above who commits a verbal assault on school                               property, on a school bus or other school related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or                               event against a district employee or against a person engaged as a volunteer or contractor for                               the district shall be expelled by the Board for up to 180 days. The Board may modify the                                   expulsion period on a case-by-case basis.  ASSAULTS COMMITTED AGAINST OTHER STUDENTS: See Board Policy 5601.01 Expulsions/Suspensions – Required by Statute The Board shall expel a student in grade six or above for up to 180 days if the student commits a                                         physical assault, as defined by MCL3801310(3)(B)1, against another student on school property,                       on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event. The                               Board may modify the expulsion period on a case-by-case basis.  Bullying: It is the policy of Watervliet Public Schools to provide a safe and nurturing                             educational environment for all of its students. This policy is intended to protect all students                             from bullying/aggressive behavior regardless of the subject matter or motivation for such                       impermissible behavior. Bullying or other aggressive behavior toward a student, whether by                       other students, staff, or third parties, including, but not limited to, Board members, parents,                           guests, contractors, vendors, and volunteers, is strictly prohibited.  This prohibition includes                     written, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, including hazing, gestures, comments,                   threats, or actions to a student, which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm, reasonable fear                               for personal safety or personal degradation. Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating                     others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment or bullying is expected of                             administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers to provide positive examples for student behavior.                       This policy applies to all “at school” activities in the District, including activities on school                             property, in a school vehicle, and those occurring off school property if the student or employee                               

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is at any school-sponsored, school-approved or school-related activity or function, such as field                         trips or athletic events where students are under the school’s control, or where an employee is                               engaged in school business.  Misconduct occurring outside of school may also be disciplined if                           it interferes with the school environment.   Any student who believes they are being bullied                           should speak to the principal or guidance counselor as soon as possible.  The Principal or                             designee shall promptly investigate and document all complaints about bullying, aggressive or                       other behavior that may violate this policy.  The investigation must be completed as promptly                           as the circumstances permit after a report or complaint is made. If the investigation finds an                               instance of bullying or aggressive behavior has occurred, it will result in prompt and                           appropriate remedial action.  This may include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for                             employees, exclusion for parents/guardians, guests, volunteers and contractors, and removal                   from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members.  Individuals may also                             be referred to law enforcement or other appropriate officials. Retaliation or false allegations                         against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, participates in an                               investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying or aggressive behavior (as a witness                         or otherwise), or is the target of bullying or aggressive behavior being investigated, is                           prohibited and will not be tolerated.  Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of                             Board policy, independent of whether a complaint of bullying is substantiated.  Suspected                       retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying/aggressive behavior. For additional information see Board Policy 5517.01 Bullying and Other Aggressive Behavior                       Toward Students.  Hazing: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act meant to induce physical pain,                           embarrassment, humiliation, deprivation of rights, or that creates physical or mental                     discomfort, and is directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating                             with, holding office in, of maintaining membership in any organization, club, or athletic team                           sponsored or supported by the District and whose membership is totally or predominately                         other students from the District. For additional information see Board Policy 5516 Student                         Hazing.   

  

VI. DETENTION/SUSPENSION SCHOOL AUTHORITY As per school board policy, the authority of the Board of Education and the employees of the                                 school system to control the behavior of pupils are extremely broad. State statutes confer                           considerable authority in this respect on local school districts and courts have consistently                         upheld school employees in the reasonable exercise of this authority. 

1.  The legal authority of the school covers such activities as the enforcement of compulsory attendance; classification and grading of pupils; establishment of school attendance boundaries; suspension and expulsion of pupils; enforcement of the ban on 

  sororities, fraternities and other secret societies; control of pupil behavior outside of hours and away from the school site when the behavior has a deleterious effect on school; and the withholding of course credits.   

   2.  Young people do have Constitutional Rights while attending school. However, these 

rights are not coextensive with those of adults and may be modified or curtailed by school policies that are reasonably designed to adjust those rights to the needs of the school environment. 

 

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Under Michigan Law, board of education and school employees have the legal authority to make reasonable rules and regulations relative to the conduct of pupils while in attendance or in route to and from school. Michigan school law further states that school employees may use reasonable physical force as                           necessary to maintain proper discipline.   FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES The family has the responsibility to: 

1.  Develop and maintain in the student a respect for lawful procedures and the rights of others. 

2.  See that the student is punctual and has regular school attendance. 3.  Participate and assist in maintaining communications with the school. 4.  Work with school personnel, community agencies and ongoing committees and 

organizations dealing with school matters. 5.  Put forth a continuous effort to establish and maintain open communications 

with his/her student. 6.  Investigate concerns students bring home from school. 7.  Respect the feelings and ideas of school personnel and students. 8. Provide for the student's health, personal cleanliness and suitable dress.  

DEALING WITH VIOLATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES 1.  In all fairness to students, it is essential that they be informed of the                           

consequences for violations leading to After-School Detentions and OSS                 suspensions. Since it is only fair that warning be issued, the imparting of this                           information to the student will be considered fair warning. 

2.  First hour teachers will explain to their class (on the first day of school) and                             answer questions relative to student understanding of the program. In addition,                     teachers will post individual classroom rules. 

3.  Every effort will be made to notify the parent prior to the day suspension will be                               served. It is imperative in some cases that suspension begins immediately                     following the offense; therefore, it is possible that some suspensions might begin                       before the information reaches the parent. 

 AFTER SCHOOL DETENTIONS (ASD) Faculty members are permitted to detain students after school for reasons related to academic                           deficiencies or behavioral problems. After-School Detentions (ASD) of 50 minutes will be                       assigned as a consequence for inappropriate school behavior. Detention sessions begin                     promptly at 3:00 p.m. Should a student miss an assigned detention then they will be assigned                               one day of Out of School Suspension. NO RESCHEDULING DETENTIONS!   OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION Every effort will be made by the staff to solve disciplinary problems within the school setting                               and without excluding a student from school. If this cannot be done, exclusion may be                             necessary. These exclusions may fall into the following categories (MCL 380.1310d(5)): 

1. Out-of-School Suspension is to exclude a pupil from school for disciplinary reasons for a period of fewer than 60 school days. 

2. Expulsion is defined as to exclude a pupil from school for disciplinary reasons for a period of 60 or more school days. 

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Parents shall be informed and involved in any case of a student exhibiting a history of                               unacceptable conduct. Records of such involvement shall be maintained in the principal's                       office.The administration shall be responsible for documenting evidence to support any action                       of suspension or expulsion. Such documentation shall be in writing.    APPELLATE PROCEDURES Upon suspending a student, the administration shall notify the parents by telephone and shall                           expeditiously transmit a conduct referral form including: 1) the reason for disciplinary action;                         2) provision for parent conference; 3) the length of the suspension and conditions for                           re-admission. Parents may appeal the suspension to the Superintendent of Schools and through                         him to the Board of Education, which has final authority concerning all suspensions from                           school. In the event of appeal, a written notification of the final action will be transmitted to all                                   parties. Request for a Hearing 

1.  The request for a hearing must be in writing and received by the Superintendent's office within five (5) days following receipt of the decision of the Hearing Officer (Hearing Panel). 

2.  Upon receipt of a timely appeal and acceptance for a hearing, the Superintendent's office will notify the guardian or parent and student of the date, time and location of the hearing before the Board of Education and the procedures to be followed in the Board meeting. 

3.  Upon receipt of the appeal, the Superintendent will decide, based upon the record before the hearing officer (Hearing Panel), whether or not the student will remain suspended until the Board of Education makes its decision. 

4.  The Superintendent's decision concerning continued suspension will be based upon his reasonable belief that the record establishes the student to be a danger to himself or herself, to other students, teachers, school administrators or the educational process of the student's school.   

     

 VII. ATHLETIC CODE 

 WPS Student – Athlete Athletic Code represents a uniform athletic code for Middle and Senior High School athletes attending Watervliet Public Schools. All athletes, who represent Watervliet Schools, are expected to live up to the letter and spirit of these regulations. A student is considered a high school athlete the day after their eighth grade year is complete and runs through the last contest their senior year. The varsity coach for each sport is responsible for overseeing middle and high school programs, and implementing drills and strategies that are consistent with the varsity program. See Watervliet Public School Student – Athlete Athletic Code for full document details. 

VIII. STUDENT ACTIVITIES 

 HOMECOMING Every year during football season, one home game is designated as Homecoming. A queen and                             king are elected from the senior class by a plurality of the student body. They then reign over   

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HOMECOMING, cont: the festivities, which include: a parade, dance and half-time ceremony. Each class is to build a                               float for the parade, which will be judged before the half-time ceremony.   WINTER FESTIVAL Each year during basketball season, one week is chosen as the week of Winter Festival. A queen and king are chosen from the senior class by the student body. They are crowned during halftime of the home basketball game.   HONORS CONVOCATION Grades 9-11 will have their honor awards held during the school day. This is open to family and friends and will be held in the spring. During this assembly, all school awards, except athletic and musical awards, are presented.   BACCALAUREATE Baccalaureate is an annual, optional event for the graduating seniors. It is a                         non-denominational religious service conducted by local clergy and members of the senior                       class.   SENIOR NIGHT This is an evening assembly for seniors and their parents and relations. All school awards,                             athletic awards, and scholarships will be given at this assembly.    COMMENCEMENT Commencement is the graduation exercise for seniors. The graduating seniors wear their caps                         and gowns and go through a ceremony in which they receive their diplomas. Members of the                               senior class address the assembly, and the music is provided by the instrumental department.                           All requirements for graduation including those of community service must be completed for a                           student to participate. If a student has not met academic requirements (performance in class,                           attendance, behaviors, etc.) that student will lose privilege to walk at commencement.                       Commencement is a privilege, not a right.  PERFORMING ARTS PRODUCTION Each school year the Fine Arts Department may produce a fall play, a variety show, and a                                 spring musical. Participation in these productions is a privilege, carrying with it the                         responsibility of acceptable behavior in and out of school. A violation of school rules, rules of                               common sense, and violations of law may jeopardize a student's extra-curricular activities. Any                         student who is suspended from school may not participate in extracurricular activities for the                           duration of the suspension. A student must attend all classes on the day of an event in order to                                     participate in an evening practice or event. (Exceptions may only be granted by the                             teacher/advisor in consultation with the principal.) A student must be in good scholastic                         standing to be eligible for activities such as variety show, school play, and school musical.  

        

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IX. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS  SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND This class is a performing organization primarily concerned with the study of wind, brass, and                             percussion instruments and the performance of outstanding band literature. The senior high                       school band marches and plays at football games and parades.  PARTICIPATION AT VOCAL, INSTRUMENTAL & DRAMA PERFORMANCES Participating students must attend performances of each of these groups unless denied that                         privilege by the director. The director will publish a calendar of performances far enough in                             advance so that members meet activity requirements.  CLASS ORGANIZATIONS Each class elects its own officers for the purpose of dealing with the particular interests of that                                 class. For example, the juniors raise money for the prom and the seniors usually raise money                               for yearbooks. Each class assesses dues. The amount is determined by the members of a class                               during a class meeting. The dues are used to carry on class functions   NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The National Honor Society gives special recognition to students who have distinguished                       themselves in the four areas of scholarship, leadership, character, and service. The purpose of                           NHS is to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to                               promote leadership, and to encourage the development of character. New members are chosen                         each spring by a committee of five faculty members. The selection committee chooses new                           members based on the above mentioned areas.  Requirements for consideration for membership in WHS NHS are: 

● Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 is required to apply for NHS ● Minimum of 20 hours of community service is required. Ten hours may be affiliated 

with Watervliet Public Schools, with 10 hours being served in the community. ● Letter from the organization to provide community service hours with is required for 

verification of hours. It must be on organization letterhead and from someone OUTSIDE of your family. It must state hours served and description of volunteer services. This letter must accompany your application. 

● All applications MUST be filled out COMPLETELY for consideration. If the application is not fully completed, your essay will not be read. Sections 1, 2, and 3 are required for a complete application. 

● Acceptable community service examples are: mentoring, church and youth groups, homeless shelter, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, serving food at American Legion, hospital volunteer, unpaid coaching or refereeing, bingo at a nursing home, etc. If you have questions regarding hours and types of community service, bring those questions to the NHS Adviser. 

● Must be involved in at least two school activities. ● Membership is based on NHS four criteria of Academic Achievement, Character, 

Leadership and Service. ● ANY violation of the Student Handbook or Athletic Code may prohibit you from being 

inducted into NHS.  

  

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SAC LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Six students in grades 9 – 11 are chosen to represent WHS at a student workshop and a student exchange. Students are selected based on an application process and student representatives are chosen by a staff panel based on application.   STUDENT COUNCIL The Watervliet High School Student Council is the elected student government that is the main                             voice of the student body recognized by the faculty and administration. They shall coordinate                           all student activities. Committees are formed for homecoming, advising the principal, solving                       problems, and other activities for which this student group has responsibility.    QUIZ BOWL This club is open to all students who want to compete in an academic setting. As part of                                   academic challenge, quiz bowl participants practice once a week and compete in several                         tournaments during the school year. Practices are not mandatory and participants are given                         flexibility if they participate in other extra-curricular activities. Some travel and weekend                       commitments are involved.   SCIENCE CLUB Science Club is open to all students interested in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, and Physical                               Sciences. Objectives for this organization include school beautification, environmental                 awareness, and raising interest in the sciences across all academic levels through various                         activities.    WEIGHTLIFTING CLUB Weightlifting Club allows all students the opportunity to participate in a weightlifting program                         on predetermined days of the week. The Weightlifting Club will participate in power-lifting                         meets as well as host their own. The purpose of the Weightlifting Club is to help build a strong                                     competitive athletic program for all sports and offer something for students who may not                           participate in sports at all.      

X. AWARDS AND PUBLICATIONS WASENA The yearbook WASENA (named from Watervliet Senior Annual) is the year's events chronicled                         in a hardcover publication. The book includes pictures of all the high school students, faculty,                             administration, clubs, and other activities.  HOBY LEADERSHIP (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership) HOBY’s purpose is to bring together a select group of high school sophomores who have                             potential or demonstrated leadership ability. Students are introduced to distinguished leaders                     of the community from various sectors such as business, technology, education, government,                       science, and the arts. One sophomore is chosen each year to represent Watervliet High School.  BOYS' AND GIRLS' STATE Local service organizations sponsor a one-week seminar in government at Central Michigan                       University for girls and Michigan State University for boys. One boy and girl are selected from                               the junior class to attend this seminar during the first week following the conclusion of the                               school year. The purpose is to give students with leadership qualities an opportunity to gain                             practical experience with the problems of government as it operates in Michigan.  

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DAR GOOD CITIZEN AWARD The Daughters of the American Revolution present an award to a senior student exhibiting                           excellence in citizenship. Candidates for this award are judged on dependability, service,                       leadership, and patriotism. The local chapter winner is eligible for state and national honors.  OUTSTANDING STUDENT ATHLETE AWARD These awards are given to an outstanding senior boy athlete and senior girl athlete. The                             recipient is selected by an evaluation of his/her athletic participation, academic achievement                       and citizenship.   PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARDS These awards are given to students who have had perfect attendance for one school year.  ACADEMIC AWARDS Chenille Letters will be awarded to sophomores if they have maintained a 3.50 grade point                             average. Junior and/or seniors who achieve a cumulative 3.5 grade point average for the first                             time at the end of the 5th and/or 7th semester will be granted a Chenille Letter.  SENIOR HONOR STUDENTS These awards are given to seniors who have accumulated a 3.0 grade point average for their seven high school semesters.  NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY AWARDS The National Honor Society members receive gold cords at graduation for their scholastic                         achievement and wear a special hood at commencement.  OUTSTANDING SENIOR BOY AND SENIOR GIRL At commencement the recipients of the outstanding senior boy and girl awards are announced                           by the school principal. Selection is made by a vote of the high school faculty. 

 SAC ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM Five seniors are chosen to represent WHS at a luncheon in early spring. They earn this honor based on the calculation of their high school unweighted GPA in their English, Math, Science and Social Studies courses through the 1st semester of their senior year and SAT test scores. The SAC provides a formula for all participating districts. See attached form for equation.  SENIOR SCHOLARS Senior Scholars are chosen based on the SAC formula and students who have 1700 points or higher will be recognized at Senior Scholars.  SENIOR TOP 10 SCHOLARS Senior Top 10 are chosen based on the cumulative weighted GPA as of the end of the 1st Semester of the Senior year. 

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XI. ACADEMIC INFORMATION 

GRADES (G.P.A.)  

Teachers do not give grades. Students earn grades based on their academic achievements,                         attendance, and attitude. Students will receive a letter grade for each class. No letter grade will                               be given for teacher's assistant, but they will receive credit. Each A is worth 4 points, B's are                                   worth 3 points, C's are worth 2 points, D's are worth 1 point and F's are worth 0 points. Grade                                       point average is achieved by adding up all grades honor points and then dividing the total by                                 the number of classes completed.  

 

Example:  Grade  Honor Points  English  A =  4  U.S. History  C =  2  Science  B =  3  Band  B =  3  Concert Choir  B =  3  Math  B =  3   18 

18 divided by 6 = 3 (G.P.A.)  

Final senior class ranking is based on all classes attempted in the first seven semesters  Honor Points Students completing Honors, AP, Math/Science Center, and/or Early College courses will receive the following points: 

A=5 points  B=4 points  C=3 points  D=2 points  

Grade Point Average (GPA) Grade Point average is achieved by adding up all of the honor points for each class for each 

student. This total is divided by the number of classes taken by the individual student. 

 SENIOR GRADUATION SPEAKERS Senior graduation speakers are chosen using the student’s weighted Grade Point Average. The Top 5 students will be the speakers at graduation for their class.  GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS  With the start of the 2016-2017 school year, Watervliet High School implemented a six (6) period daily schedule. Each class will be required to obtain a different amount of credits, dependent upon their projected year of graduation (please see chart below).   

Class of 2020 and Beyond  Credits Available: 26.0 Total Credit Required: 24.0 

     

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The high school graduation requirements are:  

  CLASS STANDING:  

Status 

NUMBER OF CREDITS EARNED BY SEPTEMBER 1* c/o 2020 & 

Beyond Semesters of HS 

Attendance  Freshman  0 - 5.5  0 – 1 Sophomore  5.75-12  2 Junior  12.25-18.5  4 Senior  18.75+  6  *All juniors will be required to take the State Assessment as a condition for graduation.   

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COMMUNITY SERVICE POLICY Watervliet Public Schools does not require, but highly recommends that our students participate in community service. Watervliet Public Schools strongly believe in the positive impacts of community service and upon request, will provide students with opportunities to participate and complete such acts. Benefits of community service include: 

● Giving back to your community ● Feeling better about yourself; Psychological benefits ● Enhances scholarship opportunities ● Enhances college application and acceptance process ● Increases social and career networking prospects 

 Students who are interested in community service opportunities should contact the Watervliet High School main office or guidance office for further assistance. In addition, students completing 40 hours or more of verified volunteer community service during their high school tenure will receive a commemorative cord to be worn at graduation.  DUAL ENROLLMENT The State School Aid Act contains a provision that directs school districts to assist students in                               paying tuition fees for courses at Michigan public or private colleges or universities, if all of the                                 following conditions are met: 

1. Students must have earned enough credits to be in grade 11. 2. Students must qualify for state endorsement in all three-subject areas of the Michigan 

Assessment: communication arts, mathematics, and science. Students must achieve a qualifying score on an assessment tool approved by the Michigan Department of Education (see Counseling Department or click here for a copy of the list) for dual enrollment for their junior year. 

3. Students must be enrolled in both the school district and post-secondary institution during the local school district's regular academic year. 

4. The college courses must be academic courses (as opposed to "activity courses"). If you feel you qualify for dual enrollment, and you are interested in accessing the program                               contact the guidance department.  NCAA REQUIREMENTS Students who are planning on playing sports at a Division I or II College, must meet certain                                 grade and class requirements established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association                     (NCAA). It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of NCAA requirements. For more                           information see Mrs. Stasiak or check the official website. www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.  TESTING OUT Public Act 335 of 1993 requires the board of a school district to offer the opportunity for any high                                     school student to "test out" of any course. The "test out" option does not include those courses                                 students are attending. Students will need to exhibit mastery of the subject matter of the course                               by attaining a grade of not less than C+ by exhibiting mastery of the Course Content Expectations                                 through the basic assessment used in the course, which may consist of an exam, portfolio,                             performance, paper, project, or presentation. Credit earned is to be based on a "pass" grade and                               will not be included in a computation of grade point average. Credit will be counted toward                               fulfillment of a requirement for a subject area course and will be counted toward fulfillment of a                                 requirement as to course sequence. Students may not receive credit thereafter for a lower course                             in course sequence concerning the same subject area. Successfully "testing out" of a course will                             

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not count toward the number of credits required for graduation. Students interested in                         attempting to "test out" of courses should submit written requests to the guidance department no                             later than May 1st for grades 9th through 11th prior to the upcoming school year. At this point, 12th                                     graders are not eligible.    

XII. COUNSELING DEPARTMENT 

The Guidance Department offers social, vocational, academic and personal counseling.                   Students desiring to see a counselor should report to the Guidance Office. The counselor’s first                             commitment is to serve the student and information discussed in a counseling session remains                           confidential. Often the counselors have information on file to share with students or can find                             other sources or people who can provide help. College applications are processed through the                           Guidance Department; also vocational and job information is available.    REGISTRATION AND CLASS CHANGES If a student wishes to change a class after he has registered, he may do so for a valid reason                                       only. All student-initiated changes will be done the first week of class. To change a class a                                 student must first obtain permission from his counselor. No student initiated changing or                         dropping of a subject will be permitted after the first Friday that school is in session without                                 a failure being recorded against the student.  ENTERING OR WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL A student who is entering or withdrawing from Watervliet High School must report to the                             Guidance Office so that his/her record can be updated.  CREDIT RECOVERY Students who wish to work on credit recovery (summer school) must have this cleared with the                               guidance counselor. This will eliminate any duplication of classes and ensure that the credit                           earned will count toward graduation from Watervliet High School.    The school may accept credit recovery earned by a student through summer school toward                           satisfying the requirements for graduation, providing the course has been approved by the                         principal in advance of the student’s enrollment. A maximum of four units of correspondence                           credit may be accepted. Before enrolling in a credit recovery class, the student must first have                               attempted to pass the class at Watervliet High School. Students who elect to use credit recovery                               for earning lost credits MUST have all work completed by May 15 of their graduating year.   HOMEBOUND SERVICES Homebound services will be provided to Watervliet students who are unable to attend school because of a medical condition. Students who have a physician's certification that they are unable to attend school because of illness or injury are eligible, provided the student is physically capable of participating in instruction. The student must be absent five consecutive days or be expected to be absent five consecutive times in order to be eligible. Parents are responsible for contacting the school to inform the administration of a need for homebound instruction.   

HEALTH All health problems should be reported to the High School Office. If a student becomes ill at school, he/she should receive a pass from his teacher and report to the Principal's Office. If he 

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is too ill to remain in class, parents will be notified to come and pick him up. If both parents work, arrangements should be made with a neighbor in case of an emergency.   

INCOMPLETES, CONDITIONS, AND FAILURES A grade of Incomplete is given if assignments are not finished due to circumstances beyond the                               control of the student and the student has permission from their teachers. All work will be                               made-up within two weeks into the next marking period. It will be the student’s responsibility                             to see that make-up work is completed on time. When an incomplete is made-up, the student                               and teacher should make sure the change is recorded in the guidance office. Failure to complete                               requirements within the two weeks will result in a failing grade for the missing assignments                             except in the case of attendance. See Attendance Policy.  

REPORT CARDS Report cards of student progress will be given to all students at the end of each marking period.                                   All classes in which students are enrolled and the grade received will be recorded. Attendance                             will also be reported on the same form. Report cards will be issued quarterly. If there is an                                   error in a students' report card, it should immediately be reported to the  Guidance Secretary.    

PROGRESS REPORTS Teachers will send progress reports for all students. Progress reports are normally sent at the midpoint of each 9-week grading period, or at the teacher's discretion. 

HONOR ROLL The Honor Roll is determined by grade and honor points earned during a marking period. An Honor Roll student is one whose work is complete, whose grades average 3.0 or better, and who has no grade below a "C.”  COLLEGE VISITS Watervliet High School recognizes the importance of visiting colleges as part of students' decision-making process when selecting the best post-secondary option for them. To help encourage such visits, students may request up to 3 college visit days during their junior and senior year (3 days over 2 years). Parents or guardians must submit requests to the guidance counselor, in writing, no later than an entire school day before the proposed visit. The school reserves the right to deny the request or suggest an alternate date. If the request is approved, the day will not count against the student's attendance totals. However, students are still responsible to make up all the work they might miss, under the same rules as a pre-approved absence.    

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