Tripoli Community High School
209 Eighth Avenue, SW
Tripoli, Iowa 50676-9662
www.tripoli.k12.ia.us
Name______
Student Handbook 2013-2014
School Phone Numbers:
Superintendent’s Office (319) 882-4201
Principal’s Office (319) 882-4202
Elementary Office (319) 882-4203
School Information Line (319) 882-4277
Administration
Troy Heller Superintendent/MS/HS Principal
Sarah Figanbaum PK-5 Principal/School Improvement Coordinator
Karen Neuendorf Special Needs Director/Assistant MS/HS Principal
Rich Gilbert Activities Director
Middle/Senior High School Faculty and Staff
Mrs. Tracy Anderson, MS/HS Special Needs Teacher / Mrs. Janet Ladage, HS Secretary/AssociateMrs. Cassidy Benschoter, MS/HS Vocal / Ms. Denise Lawrence, Instrumental Music
Mrs. Jamee Benson, Associate / Mr. Justin Liddle, Spanish/JV Girls Basketball
Mr. Will Baumann, Physical Education / Mr. Ed Marvets, Sound Technician
Mrs. Kim Block, HS Secretary / Mrs. Kara Marsh, School Counselor
Mr. Tom Blume, Health/Associate / Mr. Craig Milius, Science
Mrs. Megan Bruns, Superintendent Secretary / Mrs. Marcy Moeller, Library Associate
Mrs. Linda Buchholz, 6th/7th Grade Teacher / Mrs. Shawntelle Moore, MS/HS Lunch Supervisor
Mr. Kenneth Buhrow, Bus Driver / Mrs. Elizabeth Mugan, Math
Mrs. Carol Buls, Bus Driver / Mrs. Mary Jean Murch, School Nurse
Mrs. Paula Carlson, Science / Mr. Tom Nuss, Industrial Technology
Mr. Ray Carlson, Social Studies / Mrs. Amy Ramker, Special Needs Teacher
Mrs. Jennifer Dillon, Agriculture / Mr. Stan Savage, Head Maintenance
Ms. Nanette Droste, English / Mr. Hans Schult, Study Hall Associate
Mrs. Nancy Foelske, Paraprofessional / Mrs. Kristie Schult, Art
Mr. Rich Gilbert, Physical Education/Activities Director / Mr. Tony Sneiderman, Business
Mrs. Kallie Greenwald, ESL, TAG / Mrs. Karen Stumme, Associate
Mr. Ty Halverson, 6th Grade, 2nd CR, At-Risk Coord. / Mr. John Tiedt, Bus Driver
Mrs. Linda Heinemann, MS/HS Lunch Worker / Mrs. Tracey Toenjes, English/Spring Play
Mrs. Mary Hertel, Custodian / Ms. Tami Tomkins, Integrationist/Library (K-12)
Mr. Addam Holub, Custodian / Mr. Joe Urbanek, MS/HS Math
Mr. Matt Hoodjer, Social Studies / Mr. David Wente, Technology Director
Mrs. Marcia Judisch, Head Cook / Ms. Erin Vandersee, HS Special Needs Teacher
Mr. Tom Judisch, Drivers Education / Mr. Norm Zobel, Custodian
Board Members
Max Ambrose Jamie Dettmer, Vice President
Laurie Buhrow Ron Orf
Scott Danner, President Brittany McNeil, Business Manager
FOREWORD 5
DISTRICT/SECONDARY MISSION 6
Tripoli Community School District Calendar for 2013-2014 6
DAILY SCHEDULES 7
LATE ARRIVAL AND EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULES 7
Activity Bus 8
Assemblies 8
Dances 8
Field Trips 8
Panther Pals 9
Student Activity Tickets 9
Student Council 9
Student Funds and Fund Raising 9
Student Organizations 9
Student Pictures 10
Yearbook 10
STUDENT ATTENDANCE 10
Attendance Philosophy 10
Attendance - Student 10
Compulsory Attendance 13
Emergency Form 14
Emergency School Dismissal 14
Leaving the Building/Entering the Building 14
Senior Release 14
STUDENT HEALTH, WELL BEING, AND SAFETY 15
Asbestos Notification 15
Emergency Drills 15
Illegal Items Found in School or in Students’ Possession 15
School Day 16
Sexual Abuse and Harassment of Students by Employees 16
Student Health/Insurance Information 16
Tobacco-Free Policy 18
STUDENT RECORDS 18
STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 19
Care of School Property 19
Cheating 19
Classroom Books 19
Disciplinary Code for Tripoli Middle/Senior High School 20
Due-Process Procedures/Minor Violations/Detention 22
Driving and Parking at School 23
Dual-Enrollment Students 23
Electronic Devices/Interference in School (8:10 a.m.-3:05 p.m.) 24
Equal Educational Opportunity Policy 25
Internet Guidelines 25
Interrogation by Outside Agency 25
Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies 25
Lockers and Desks 26
Observing Family Members at School Performances During School Day 26
Payment of Fees 26
Physical Restraint 26
Posting of Information 27
Protection of Pupil’s Rights in Federal Application Surveys 27
Student Appearance and Dress 27
Student Complaints and Grievances 28
Student Publications 28
Student Searches 29
Student-To-Student Bullying and Harassment 30
Threats of Violence 32
Weapons 33
STUDENT SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT 34
AP Courses 34
Academic Eligibility Requirements for High School and Middle School Students Participating in Extra-Curricular Activities 35
Alternative Measures of Proficiency 36
Academic Letters and Certificates 36
Academic Load 36
Changing of Schedules 37
Class Loads 37
College Visits 37
Credit Outside of the Classroom 37
Credit Requirement/Graduation Requirements 37
Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 38
Diploma 39
Driver’s Education 39
Early Graduation 39
Enrollment in Classes When Class Size is Limited (Class Sizes) (Including PSEO, NICC, PLTW, and Tripoli Classes) 39
Grade Level 39
Grade Reports (Report Cards, Mid-term Reports, Conferences) 39
Grades 40
Grading Scale 40
Graduation 40
Homeroom 41
Homework 41
Honor Roll 41
Human Growth and Development 41
Iowa Communication Network (ICN) Classes 41
Open Enrollment 41
Opportunity Friday/PD Wednesdays 42
Physical Education 42
Post-Secondary Enrollment Option 42
Prerequisites 43
Registration 44
Required Course—Opt-Out Requirements 44
Semester Tests 44
Standardized Tests 45
Study Hall 45
Transfers In/Out of the District 46
MISCELLANEOUS 46
Announcements 46
Cafeteria 46
Citizenship 47
Family Night 47
Guidance 47
Homework Room 47
Inspection of Educational Records 47
Legal Status of Student 47
Library/Media Center 48
Lost and Found 48
Open-Gym During Non-School Hours 48
Safety Issues for Students 48
Passes/Planner 48
School Bus Transportation/Extra-Curricular Transportation 49
Telephone Use 50
Visitors 50
CODE OF CONDUCT 50
FOREWORD
Welcome to the 2013-14 school year at Tripoli Middle/Senior High School! The staff and administration hope your time spent here at Tripoli Middle/Senior High School will be a rewarding experience. Tripoli Middle/Senior High School is your school. Its success in providing you with a quality education depends largely on your effort and attitude.
The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint you with the policies and procedures under which this school operates. This parent/student handbook should help you become familiar with the policies necessary to the smooth functioning of our school. If you have questions or concerns about the contents, please feel free to call the Building Principal (882-4202) or stop by the MS/HS office. The contents of this handbook have been presented and approved by the Tripoli Board of Directors as part of its administrative policy.
The school reserves and retains the right to modify, eliminate, or establish school district policies, rules, regulations, and student handbook provisions as circumstances warrant, including those contained in the handbook. Students are expected to know the contents of the handbook and comply with it. Students or parents with questions or concerns may contact the high school office for information about the current enforcement of the policies, rules, regulations, or student handbook of the district.
Being a citizen of the United States of America, the State of Iowa, and of the school district community entitles students to special privileges and protections, as well as requiring the students to assume civic, economic, and social responsibilities and to participate in their country, state, and school district community in a manner that entitles them to keep these rights and privileges.
As part of the education program, students have an opportunity to learn about their rights, privileges, and responsibilities as citizens of this country, state, and school district community. As part of this learning opportunity, students are instructed in the elements of good citizenship and the role quality citizens play in their country, state, and school district community.
The Tripoli Community School District is an equal opportunity institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, disabilities, sexual orientation, and marital status in its activities, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Superintendent of Schools, Tripoli Community School District, Tripoli, IA 50676, phone (319)8824201.
Parents of students through the age of 17, students 18 years of age, and parents of students 18 years of age and older, who claim those students as dependents on the parents’ income tax returns, have the right to see cumulative records at any time. Sixth- through twelfth-grade records are kept in the high school office. Kindergarten through fifth-grade records are kept in the elementary office. Permission for access to records can be obtained from the Superintendent or the School Counselor.
Students, parents of students, or employees of the Tripoli Community School District shall have the right to file a formal complaint alleging non-compliance with regulations outlined in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Superintendent is Tripoli Community School District’s Affirmative Action Coordinator. The school district’s Level I investigator is Kara Marsh, the School Counselor, with the Superintendent being the alternate. The Level II investigator for the District is the Bremer County Sheriff. Students are educated in programs that foster knowledge of, and respect and appreciation for, the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society. Students who feel they have been discriminated against are encouraged to report it to the school district’s Affirmative Action Coordinator. Inquiries may also be directed in writing to the Directors of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO 64114, (816) 268-0550, or the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319-0146, (515) 281-5294.
Information on human growth and development curriculum, child abuse investigation procedures, resolving homeless children situations, and postsecondary enrollment options for high school students is available in the superintendent’s office.
The school district, in its educational program, has a process to assist students experiencing behavior and learning difficulties. The school principal is responsible for this process. Representatives from the Area Education Agency may also assist the school district in this process. Parents wanting access to this process should contact the Building Principal at
882-4202.
Notice that students from low-income families are eligible to have their student fees reduced or waived.
In this handbook, the word “parent” also means “guardian” unless otherwise stated.
Troy Heller
Supt./MS/HS Principal
DISTRICT/SECONDARY MISSION
THE MISSION OF THE TRIPOLI COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS TO PROVIDE A CARING, LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT PREPARES ALL STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD.
BUILDING UPON THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE PAST,
USING INNOVATIONS OF TODAY, PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE
CHALLENGES OF TOMORROW
Tripoli Community School District Calendar for 2013-2014
August 9 New Staff Workday
August 12 & 13 Staff In-service/Workdays
August 14 First Day of School
September 2 Labor Day – No School
September 4 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
September 16 TQC Teacher In-Service – No School
September 25 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
October 2 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
October 16 End of First Quarter
October 16 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
November 6 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
November 11 Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 15 No School - Teacher Comp Day
November 18 Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 20 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
November 27 Early Dismissal – 2:05/2:10
November 28-29 No School - Thanksgiving Vacation
December 20 End of Second Quarter
December 20 End of First Semester
December 20 Early Dismissal 2:05/2:10
December 21-January 2 No School - Winter Vacation for Teachers
December 21-January 5 No School - Winter Vacation for Students
January 3 TQC Teacher In-Service
January 6 School Resumes
January 6 Third Quarter Begins
February 5 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
February 17 No School - President’s Day
February 24 Parent/Teacher Conferences
March 3 Parent/Teacher Conferences
March 5 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
March 7 No School – Teacher Comp Day
March 10 End of Third Quarter
March 19 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
April 2 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
April 17-21 No School – Spring Break
April 30 Teacher In-Service – 12:45/12:50
May 9 Senior’s Last Day
May 16 End of Fourth Quarter
May 16 End of Second Semester
May 18 Graduation
Make-up Days: 1st Day—May 19, 2nd Day—May 20, May 21, May 22, May 23, April 17, April 21 2014, May27, and May 28, and appropriate days following as required.
DAILY SCHEDULES
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday Wednesday
HR 8:10-8:25 Period 1 8:10-8:54
Period 1 8:28-9:11 Period 2 8:57-9:40
Period 2 9:14-9:57 Period 3 9:43-10:26
Period 3 10:00-10:44 Period 4 10:29-11:12
Period 4 10:47-11:31 HR 11:15-11:30
Period 5 MS Lunch 11:31-11:58 Band/Chorus Lunch 11:15-11:30
MS Class 12:01-12:45 Period 5 MS Lunch 11:31-11:58
HS Class 11:34-12:17 MS Class 12:01-12:45
HS Lunch 12:17-12:45 HS Class 11:34-12:17
Period 6 12:48-1:31 HS Lunch 12:17-12:45
Period 7 1:34-2:18 Period 6 12:48-1:31
Period 8 2:21-3:05 Period 7 1:34-2:18
Period 8 2:21-3:05
HOMEROOM SCHEDULE
Monday 8:10-8:25 a.m. Reading
Tuesday 8:10-8:25 a.m. Reading
Wednesday 11:15-11:30 a.m. Reading
Thursday 8:10-8:25 a.m. Character Education Lessons
Friday (OP) No Homeroom
LATE ARRIVAL AND EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULES
Two Hour Late Start (No HR) 2:05 Dismissal/Opportunity Friday (No HR)
Period 1 10:10-10:35 Period 1 8:10-8:48
Period 2 10:38-11:03 Period 2 8:51-9:29
Period 3 11:06-11:34 Period 3 9:32-10:10
Period 5 MS Lunch 11:34-12:00 Period 4 10:13-10:51
MS Class 12:03-12:45 Period 6 10:54-11:34
HS Class 11:37-12:20 Period 5 MS Lunch 11:34-12:00
HS Lunch 12:20-12:45 MS Class 12:03-12:45
Period 4 12:48-1:21 HS Class 11:37-12:20
Period 6 1:24-1:56 HS Lunch 12:20-12:45
Period 7 1:59-2:31 Period 7 12:48-1:25
Period 8 2:34-3:05 Period 8 1:28-2:05
**“OF” 2:05-3:05
12:45 Early Dismissal (No HR)
Period 1 8:10-8:37
Period 2 8:40-9:07
Period 3 9:10-9:37
Period 4 9:40-10:07
Period 6 10:10-10:37
Period 7 10:40-11:07
Period 8 11:10-11:34
Period 5 MS Lunch 11:34-12:00
MS Class 12:03-12:45
HS Class 11:37-12:20
HS Lunch 12:20-12:45
**Please see page #42 for Opportunity Friday Rules
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Activity Bus
The school district may sponsor an activity bus to transport students to school activities. A fee may be charged to students riding the activity bus. Riding on the activity bus is a privilege that can be taken away.
Students who ride an activity bus must ride to and from the event on the bus. Students are required to ride home on the bus unless prior arrangements have been made with the principal, or the student’s parents personally appear and request to transport the student home.