Hanson Memorial High School

Hanson Memorial High School

Home of the Fighting Tigers

2015-2016

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

Do not be content to live a MEDIOCRE CHRISTIAN LIFE:

walk with determination along the path of holiness.

Pope Francis

MISSION STATEMENT

Hanson Memorial High School is a Roman Catholic school dedicated to academic excellence in the formation of a Christ-centered individual, equipped to use the gifts of soul, mind, and body in positive contributions to Church, family, and society.

OBSERVANCE OF SCHOOL REGULATIONS

Students are responsible for being familiar with all regulations in this handbook. The handbook is published electronically only; however, each family is encouraged to print a copy or access the Hanson website posting of the handbook to answer questions regarding regulations.

The rules are made for the sole purpose of creating an environment conducive to the spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical and social development of each student.

It is impossible in any handbook to include all the details of what is appropriate and inappropriate conduct. Please know that the administration is committed to impartially mediating all student discipline issues, but we are often hindered by incomplete student versions of events and situations or selective truths. Our exhaustive efforts to preserve the integrity of the school’s values are aided by Hanson Memorial High students conducting themselves at all times in a Christian manner. Parents, too, must respect and support our disciplinary decisions. We examine each situation carefully, and the degree to which parents support our needs, they also assure that we fulfill the school’s mission. and enhance the environment of the school.

Any conduct which violates the published regulations, deviates from what is generally considered good behavior, or is contrary to Christian ideals is subject to appropriate disciplinary action by authorized school personnel.

Realizing that not everything can be covered in a handbook such as this, the Administration reserves the right to interpret any rule in the handbook or to make a judgment on any situation that might occur which is not covered in this handbook.

PERMISSION TO PUBLISH INFORMATION

This is to certify that I/we, individually and as parent(s)/guardian(s) of

______, hereby grant permission to Hanson and/or its employees, agents or responsible persons to publish information, including, but not limited to names, picture, biographies, accomplishments, and extra-curricular activities of Hanson High School.

I have read, am familiar with, and understand the contents of the student/parent handbook. Please sign and return this page on Monday, August 10, 2015.

Parent’s Signature

Student’s Signature

Date of Signature

HANSON MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

UNDER THE AUSPCIES OF

THE DIOCESE OF LAFAYETTE

APPROVED BY:

THE LOUISIANA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

ACCREDITED BY:

THE SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS

COUNCIL ON ACCREDITATION AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

MEMBER OF

THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL EXECUTIVES

THE LOUISIANA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

THE LOUISIANA HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Observance of School Regulations Signature Sheet

Accreditation and Membership

SCHOOL DETAILS

Historical Perspective 1

Mission/Beliefs 2

Religious Formation 3

Dates 5

Faculty/Staff 6

Bell Schedule 7

DIOCESE OF LAFAYETTE POLICIES 8

Parent Cooperation Statement 8

Admission Policy 8

Safe Environment 9

Social Media Policy 10

Delinquent School Accounts 11

Un-wed Pregnancies 12

HANSON-ST. JOHN ADVISORY COUNCIL POLICIES 12

Admission Policy 12

Tuition Costs and Policy 13

Family Participation Plan 14

Drug Policy 14

Behavior Code 16

Code of Courtesy 16

Acceptable Use Policy--The Internet 17

Publication Policy 18

Solicitation Policy 19

Advisory Council Members 19

CURRICULUM 20

Religion Department 20

Academic Regulations 21

LA CORE 4 23

TOPS Core Curriculum 24

Grading System 25

Summer School 26

Report Cards 26

Testing 27

School policies 27

registration 27

Senior Class Ring Policy 27

Graduation Requirements 27

Valedictorian/Salutation Honors 28

Distinguished Graduates 28

Diplomas/Transcripts 28

Honor Roll 28

Medication 29

Messages/Telephone Usage 29

Deliveries/Lunches 29

Cafeteria 29

Announcement/Bulletin Boards 30

Emergency Drills 30

Student Insurance 30

Change of Address/Phone Number 30

Withdrawals 30

Accelerated Reader Honor Code 31

DRESS CODE 32

Uniforms/Grooming 32

ID Card/Agenda 33

ATTENDANCE 34

regulations 34

Check-in/Check-out 34

Cutting Class 34

Tardies 35

Absences 35

DISCIPLINE 36

Threats of Violence 36

Search and Seizure 36

Severe Offenses 37

Electronic Devices 38

School Activities 38

Transportation 38

Enforcement Policy 39

Violations Cards 39

Administrative Detention 39

Suspension 39

Expulsion 40

BUILDING REGULATIONS 40

Off-limit Areas 40

Parking 40

Care of Building and Grounds 40

Hall Traffic 40

Cafeteria 41

Lockers 41

STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND AWARDS 41

Homecoming 42

National Honor Society 42

Student Council 44

Student Council Members 47

Office Holding Policy 47

Academic Letter 48

Drama Letter 48

Awards 49

SOCIAL EVENTS 51

Policy 51

General Rules 51

Specific Rules 52

Chaperones 53

ATHLETICS 54

Jackets 54

Activities 54

Lettering Criteria 54

ATHLETICS WARNING AND NOTIFICATION OF RISK 56

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Hanson Memorial High School is celebrating its 87th anniversary opening its doors to the youth of Franklin since 1925. The people of Franklin are indebted to the late Minnie Hanson Conolly that the people of Franklin are indebted for the school presented to them in memory of their father, Albert Hanson, and her brother, Eddie Hanson. In 1931, Mrs. Conolly established an endowment fund dedicated to facility upkeep that would help keep tuition at a minimum. The addition of a library and cafeteria building in the early fifties and the construction of a gym/science structure in 1962 completed the needed facilities for the school. The late Mrs. J. C. Blevins continued the work begun by her generous aunt, and today her Blevins-Kemper descendants carry on the family’s dedication to Catholic education and Hanson Memorial High School.

In the spring of 1967, the Christian Brothers, after forty years of dedicated work in the education of boys in Franklin, withdrew from the faculty at Hanson because of a greater need in other areas of the Province. In August 1967, St. John Academy and Hanson Memorial High School were consolidated and Hanson opened its doors as a junior and senior coeducational high school. The Marianites of Holy Cross, who had been at St. John since 1871, agreed to become a part of Hanson’s staff. With this restructuring, a new era in Catholic education in Franklin was begun and has proved to be an important and valuable part of the community. Dedicated laymen and women presently staff the school.

Currently, Hanson Memorial High School educates students in grades six through twelve. In 1999 a successful Capital Campaign raised nearly one million dollars. That money was used to build a modern eight room “junior high wing” to the school. This fall a new state of the art library will be complete, dedicated to Fr. Oniell Landry in late June, the library shows the continued support for Catholic education in Franklin. Today, Hanson Memorial is run by dedicated laymen and women of Franklin and surrounding areas.

THE FIGHTING TIGER

The Fighting Tiger has long been a symbol of the excellence of Hanson Memorial High School. Hanson seeks to produce students with intelligence, strength and fearless commitment, like their tiger mascot. Add the qualities of Christian faith, charity, self-respect and love of neighbor, which is reinforced at Hanson and the result, is young adults ready to make their way in a world full of challenges.

HANSON FIGHT SONG

Come on and fight them you Tigers

and show them your might

Don’t ever doubt you can beat them

but fight all the way

When you’re behind face them squarely

you’ll come out on top!! On Top!!!!

For Hanson we’ll fight them

come on Tigers FIGHT!!!!!!!!

OUR MISSION

Mission Statement

Vision Statement

The underlying, controlling reality of Hanson Memorial High School is Jesus Christ. Hanson is a Roman Catholic school and therefore seeks to fulfill the education mission of the Church as set forth by the Catholic Bishops. With Jesus Christ as its center, and in partnership with the family, Hanson Memorial High School is, and traditionally has always been, committed to preparing individuals to fulfill their spiritual, intellectual, physical and social potential in service to Church, family, and community.

OUR BELIEFS

Implementation Plan

In light of Hanson’s mission to educate the whole person, and in the belief that each individual is a child of God, we adhere to the following values:

A. Spiritual Growth

· We value and encourage each student’s faith life by teaching Christian values and doctrine. We take every opportunity to acknowledge God as the main support of life.

· Catholicism is made a living experience in our school by fostering an atmosphere in which faith, love and concern of others is evident.

· The dignity of each student is recognized. We encourage an awareness of that dignity to help each student maintain a healthy self-concept.

· All members of our school community are educated in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

B. Intellectual Growth

· In our school community, each student is provided with the knowledge, skills and critical thinking ability needed to meet the challenge of higher education and to become a productive member of society.

· Our school community encourages our students to strive for academic excellence.

· We strive to broaden and enrich the interest, perspectives, and life of our school community by exposing our students to the appreciation of arts and culture.

C. Emotional/Social Growth

· An atmosphere of trust, honesty, mutual respect, and reverence for others and for self is fostered in our school community.

· Students are taught to take responsibility for their choices and accept the resulting consequences.

D. Physical Growth

· Our school community encourages students to understand the physical body as God’s gift and temple, and they are encouraged to respect the physical body-their own and others.

· Students are provided with an organized, on-going program of physical education, as well as extracurricular activities, to assist with healthy development of the body.

RELIGIOUS FORMATION PROGRAM

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Hanson Memorial High has a twofold Religious Formation Program: a responsibility to teach the ongoing revelation of the Message of Jesus as entrusted to His Church and a responsibility to assist the internalization of that teaching into the everyday life style of both students and faculty. Scripture teaches us that faith without work is useless, and work without faith is blind. With these two facts in mind, Hanson Memorial High approaches the religious formation of its students and faculty.

The maturity brought on by Vatican II has challenged the teaching of religion. Society has also changed, and our approaches to our presentation must change also. Being mindful of the progress made, the Religious Formation Department wishes to utilize as many methods of teaching, including discussion, lecture, films, projects, prayer services, guest speakers, etc. All of these methods will be centered on a prepared daily lesson plan.

MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Service Hours for Students are required for graduation from Hanson Memorial High School. In order for your child to receive a Hanson Memorial Diploma, they must complete a minimum of forty hours of community service by graduation, 10 hours per year, turned in yearly.

The service hours must take place at a non-profit organization. Helping family members is NOT considered valid. It is important for your child to get documentation of the hours they accomplished and bring it to school so we can keep track. I hope you will assist us in helping your child become a strong Christian in our community. Students will be required to perform additional service hours for disciplinary reasons.

Family Participation Program will provide for needs and services which help the schools fulfill its missions. You may volunteer at either or both schools, as we promote unity between Hanson and St. John. Each family is required to provide 20 hours of service or pay $300. The service hours are logged between April 1 and March 31. We call families who fully support out schools to an abundance of participation to continue the rich traditions of Hanson and St. John.

GUIDELINES

In order to facilitate a more profitable and rewarding year, and in order to avoid any misunderstanding about our purpose in the serious task of religious formation, we would like to outline the mutual responsibilities of both the student and the teacher at Hanson Memorial High School.

The Christian formation at Hanson is of central importance; without it, Hanson Memorial cannot really exist. Any student wishing to attend Hanson, therefore, will accept the following:

1. Since the religion courses are of central importance and are required credits for graduation, any student who fails to pass any religion course for the entire year will not be allowed to graduate with a Hanson Memorial High School diploma, unless he/she successfully completes summer school or repeats that religion course the next school year. This requires repeating the religion class in addition to taking the required course. Junior High students will be required to receive approved summer school tutoring. If a student fails, a meeting will be held with the student and school administration.

2. Attendance at school Mass and other liturgical services is required of all students. Non- excused absence from Mass will result in disciplinary action. Students of all denominations are required to take the specified religion courses offered by Hanson Memorial High School.

3. All students are to attend the school retreats designed specifically for their class. The senior overnight retreat is optional. Any student not attending this retreat is required to attend school.

4. The faculty of Hanson Memorial High is called upon to take part in all school religious functions by their presence and their active participation.

5. Our Pastors support our school in many ways. Their presence and help will be sought for school Masses, Penance services, and other occasions.

6. Teachers’ examples and their teaching to foster a Christian atmosphere of charity and understanding and to uphold the teachings and customs of the Roman Catholic Church.