"Come Here; Go Anywhere!"

Each student will receive a copy of the 2013-2014 John T. HoggardHigh School Student / Parent Handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to share this handbook with his/her parents. It is also the responsibility of students and parents to read and familiarize themselves with the information contained in this handbook.There is no way to cover all of the situations that may occur during the school year; therefore, any and all areas of the John T. Hoggard High School Student/Parent Handbook are subject to change during the course of the school year. As the administration continually evaluates the environment and atmosphere of our school, additions or adjustments may be needed. If this becomes necessary, students and parents will be notified.

BELL SCHEDULES

Daily Bell Schedule

8:20 First Bell (Doors Open for Students)

8:30 – 10:05 First Period (9:55-10:05 Morning Announcements)
10:10 – 11:35Second Period

A Lunch (Senior & Freshman Homerooms)

11:35 – 12:02Lunch

12:02 – 12:29Viking Period (or Homeroom)

B Lunch (Sophomore & Junior Homerooms)

11:35 – 12:02Viking Period (or Homeroom)

12:02 – 12:29Lunch

(Bell would ring at 12:02 to move students to/from lunch)

12: 35 – 2:00Third Period
2:05 – 3:30Fourth Period

Early Release / Staff Development Bell Schedule (Sept 27, Nov 1, Dec 20, Feb 14, Mar 28)

8:20 First Bell (Doors Open for Students)

8:30 – 9:25 First Period

9:30 – 10:25Second Period

10:30 – 11:25Third Period

11:30 – 12:30Fourth Period (and announcements)

12:30 – 1:00Lunch

(Students who are not eating lunch and have transportation may leave campus at 12:30; Students eating lunch & bus riders will be dismissed from campus at 1:00 pm.)

Two Hour Delay Bell Schedule

10:20Doors Open for Students

10:30 – 11:30First Period

11:35 – 12:35Second Period

A Lunch (Senior & Freshmen Homerooms)

12:35 – 1:00Lunch

1:00 – 1:25Homeroom

B Lunch (Sophomore & Junior Homerooms)

12:35 – 1:00Homeroom

1:00 – 1:25Lunch

1:30 – 2:30Third Period

2:35 – 3:30Fourth Period

Mid -Term Exam Schedule

8:20Doors Open for Students

8:30 – 10:30 Exam Period

10:35 – 11:30 1st or 2nd Period

A Lunch (Senior & Freshman Homerooms)

11:30 – 11:55 Lunch

11:55 – 12:20 Homeroom

B Lunch (Sophomore & Junior Homerooms)

11:30 – 11:55 Homeroom

11:55 – 12:20 Lunch

12:25 – 2:25Exam Period

2:30 – 3:30 3rd or 4th Period (announcements from 3:25-3:30)

ATTENDANCE

The faculty and administration at John T. Hoggard High School desire that all students succeed. We believe that regular school attendance is necessary for student success. The need for regular attendance is especially true with the block schedule since course material is covered during one 90-day semester rather than during a 180-day school year.Attendance in school and participation in class are an integral part of academic achievement and the teaching-learning process. Regular attendance develops patterns of behavior essential to professional and personal success in life. Regular attendance by every student is mandatory: the State of North Carolina (G.S. 115C-378) requires that every child in the State between the ages of seven (or younger if enrolled) and 16 years attend school. Parents and legal guardians have the responsibility of ensuring that students attend and remain at school daily. Any parent, guardian, or other person violating the provisions of the Compulsory Attendance Law is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. (G.S. 115C-380).

  1. Attendance Records

School officials will keep an accurate record of attendance, including accurate attendance records in each class. Attendance records will be used to enforce the Compulsory Attendance Law of North Carolina.

  1. Lawful Absences

When a student must miss school, a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian must be presented to the attendance office on the day returning after an absence. An absence may be excused for the following reasons only:

  1. personal illness or injury that prevents the student from being physically able to attend school;
  2. isolation ordered by the State Board of Health;
  3. death in the immediate family
  4. a medical or dental appointment (doctor’s note required)
  5. participation under subpoena as a witness in a court or administrative proceeding;
  6. observance of an event required or suggested by the religion of the student or the religion of the student’s parents with prior approval by the principal; or
  7. participation in a valid educational opportunity, such as travel, with prior approval by the principal
  8. absence due to pregnancy and related conditions or parenting, when medically necessary

In addition, a student whose parent or legal guardian (a) is an active duty member of the uniformed services, children of military families, and (b) has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting will be granted additional absences at the discretion of the superintendent or designee to visit his or her parent or legal guardian. Five days prior to the absences, the parent or legal guardian must present to the school principal a written statement requesting the absences be lawful. The principal shall use his/her discretion on the reasonable number of days the student may be excused from school.

Extended illnesses will require a statement from a physician.

In the case of lawful absences and out of school suspensions, the student will be permitted to make up his or her work. The teacher will determine when work is to be made up. The student is responsible for finding out what assignments are due and completing them within the specified time period.

  1. Unlawful Absences

A student’s absence from school for any reason other than those listed under “Lawful Absences.”

  1. School-Related Activities

All classroom activities are important and difficult, if not impossible, to replace if missed. The following school-related activities will not be counted as absences from either class or school:

  1. field trips sponsored by the school;
  2. school-initiated and scheduled activities;
  3. athletic events requiring early dismissal from school; or
  4. in-school suspension

Assignments missed for these reasons will be completed by students. The teacher will determine when work is to be made up. The student is responsible for finding out what assignments are due and completing them within the specified time period.

Early Checkouts

Students who need to leave school before 3:30 must present a written note (phone calls will be made to verify note) from a parent at the time of checkout or be checked out by a parent in person. Notes from the parent or guardian requesting an early release from school must contain the following information:

  • Reason the student needs to sign out of school,
  • Parent’s signature,
  • Time the student needs to sign out,
  • Date for early check-out, and
  • Telephone number where the parent can be contacted

Early checkout times should be arranged to coincide with class changes as much as possible. Seniors with early out status due to reduced course load must complete an “early release” card to have on file in the office. Seniors who are released early must be off campus when the tardy bell rings for the next class or under the direct supervision of school personnel. Transportation arrangements must be made prior to opting for early release.

Students must be in attendance at least one hour of class to receive attendance credit; however habitual early checkouts (three or more in the same class) will be addressed by the administration.

The following procedure will be implemented each semester:

  1. First and Second Absences: Make up work shall be assigned by the student’s teacher as deemed appropriate. All make up work shall be completed within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the child’s teacher.
  2. Third- Tenth Absences: Make up work shall be assigned by the student’s teacher as deemed appropriate. All make up work shall be completed within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the child’s teacher. If absences are consecutive, more time may be allowed at the teacher’s discretion. Parents will be notified after the third, sixth and tenth absences. The guidance counselors and graduation coach will be notified after the sixth absence.
  3. Eleventh Absence: A student who misses more than 10 days in a semester will initially receive an incomplete for the course until requirements set by their contract are met. The student will ultimately receive a 65 and shall not be awarded course credit except by determination of the attendance committee upon careful review of the student’s records. Make up work shall be assigned by the student’s teacher as deemed appropriate. All make up work shall be completed within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the child’s teacher.
  1. When total absences (lawful and unlawful) exceed 10 days per semester, further documentation will be required (doctor’s statement, court documentation, etc.)
  2. The principal, graduation coach, and guidance counselors will develop a plan to provide the student with an opportunity to earn credits in core courses.
  3. A parent or student may appeal the failing grade before a school-based committee. The committee will present their decision to the principal who will make the final decision per NCGS §115C-288.

Once a student has reached the 10-day threshold, the student shall lose the privilege of participating in extra-curricular activities including, but not limited to, school dances, the prom, Science Olympiad and athletics.

NOTE REQUIREMENT

Upon returning from any absence, a student is required to bring a note (the day they return) signed by a parent or guardian stating both the date(s), contact information, and reason(s) for the absences. Failure to do will result in the absence being unexcused and/or punitive action.

MISSED WORK

When absences are excused or when work is to be made up for credit, it is the responsibility of the student to arrange immediately with the teacher a reasonable timetable (not less than two scheduled school days) for making up the work. Failure to meet this schedule may result in a loss of opportunity to make up the work. Teachers should remember that the student is making up work for four classes and should be reasonable in the timeline established for students to return missed work.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students graduating from John T. Hoggard High School are required to meet minimum requirements as set forth by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the New Hanover County Board of Education.

NORTH CAROLINA MINIMUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

For students who entered 9th grade for the first time prior to the 2009-2010 school year:

4Units in English: English I, II, III, IV

3Units in Mathematics: One unit must be Algebra I (4 Units for College Prep

Course of Study starting with the 2003-2004 freshmen class.)

3 Units in Social Studies: United States History, Civics & Economics, and one World History

3Units in Science: Biology, a Physical Science, and Earth Science

1Unit in Health and Physical Education

6Units of elective courses

For students who enter 9th grade for the first time in the 2009-2010 school year:

4Units in English: English I, II, III, IV

4Units in Mathematics: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and a fourth math OR Integrated Mathematics I, II, III and a fourth mathematics course to be aligned with the student’s post high school plans

3Units in Science: a physical science, Biology, an earth/ environmental science

3Units in Social Studies: Civics and Economics, US History, World History

1Health and Physical Education

2Elective credits (CTE, Arts, Second Language)

4 Elective credits (CTE, Arts, Any other subject area or cross-disciplinary courses)

With the concentrated semester block schedule at John T. Hoggard High School, students have the opportunity to complete eight (8) credits each year. Graduation requirements are proportionate with the opportunities students have to acquire credits. Seniors who complete graduation requirements by the end of the first semester of their senior year may exit with a diploma at that time. Parental approval is required. Students selecting this option will be allowed to participate in the prom, awards night, graduation exercises, etc. in the spring.

Units required for grade classification:

Freshman:Must have been promoted from the eighth grade.

Sophomore:Must have 6 units of credit including Algebra I and English Iof credit.

Junior:Must have 12 units of credit.

Senior:A student must have the potential to complete the remainingrequired courses (within their course of study) and at least 20 units of credits for graduation (within the school year).

Early Graduation

Students who satisfy graduation requirements will be eligible for graduation at the end of the first semester of their senior year. Students will be able to attend the regular commencement exercises at the end of the year. It is the responsibility of the student who graduates early to contact the school to obtain information about the prom and graduation exercises.

Financial Obligations

Seniors who owe fees or other monetary debts to the school will not be allowed to participate in prom or graduation exercises.

STUDENT RECOGNITION FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Awards and Assemblies

Hoggard will have a special ceremony near the end of the year to recognize academic success in various areas. Certificates will be presented to students for such achievements as outstanding grades, participation in essay contests, and science fairs, academic improvement, and participation in extra-curricular activities. Each department will determine the awards to be given.

Principal’s List/Honor Roll

At the end of each grading period the Data Manager will compose reports to determine student eligibility for the Principal’s List and the Honor Roll. These names will be submitted to the principal and will be posted in a designated area. The list will also be submitted to the local newspaper. Honor Roll students must have an average of 85 or higher while students on the Principal’s List must have a 93 average with no failing grade in any subject.

North Carolina Academic Scholars Program

In March of 1983 the State Board of Education approved the North Carolina Academic Scholars Program to begin in the 1983-84 school year. Students who complete the State Board of Education requirements for a well-balanced, challenging high school program will be named North Carolina Academic Scholars and receive recognition. The students who qualify for this special recognition:

  1. Will be designated by the State Board of Education as NC Academic Scholars.
  2. Will receive a seal of recognition attached to their diplomas.
  3. May receive special recognition at graduation exercises and other community events.
  4. May be considered for scholarships from the local and state business/industrial community.
  5. May use this special recognition in applying to post-secondary institutions.

Students should begin planning for the North Carolina Academic Scholars Program before they enter high school to insure that they have the most flexibility in their courses. To become North Carolina Academic Scholars, students must complete a prescribed Course of Study. It should be noted that students must have an overall four-year unweighted grade point average of 3.5 or above. For more information about this program see your guidance counselor.

Presidential Academic Fitness Awards

Hoggard High School participates in the Presidential Academic Fitness Awards. To receive this award, a senior must have a minimum overall grade-point average of 85 at the end of their seventh semester. She/he must also score in the 80th percentile (950) on a national standardized achievement test such as the SAT, and have at least 12 credits in the New Basics (which include English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, and Computer Science). Credits are not required in each of the New Basics.

NATIONAL TESTINGPROGRAMS

ACT, PLAN, WORKKEYS

North Carolina high school students are getting their ACT together. The nationally recognized college admissions and career readiness program is being administered in North Carolina high schools free of charge to students in the 2013-2014 school year. The ACT College Admissions Assessment will be given to every 11th grader on March 4, 2014. The PLAN assessment will be given to every 10th grader on October 29, 2013 and the WorkKeys assessment will be administered to 12th grade Career and Technical Education concentrators in February 2014. Both the ACT and PLAN are geared to the Common Core, the state curriculum standards initiative now accepted by 45 states and the District of Columbia. During the 2013-2014 school year, the ACT became part of North Carolina’s school accountability program.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT is a multiple-choice test currently made up of verbal, math and writing sections. The verbal section tests vocabulary, verbal reasoning, and understanding of what has been read. The math section tests the student’s ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, algebra and geometry. SAT scores are required by most college admissions boards, and the scores are helpful in comparing the preparation and ability of applicants from different high schools. Students must apply in advance, pay a test fee, and receive an admission ticket in order to take the test. All college-bound students should take this test before graduation, preferably at least once in their junior year and again in their senior year. Students should have completed geometry and should be planning to attend college before taking the SAT.The current SAT test will include higher-level math and a new emphasis on writing. It is believed that the new SAT is more closely aligned with high school curricula as well as the skills students need to succeed in college.

Test Fees and Service Fees

Test fees include a Basic Registration/Reporting Fee. This fee covers the cost of sending score reports to four colleges or scholarship programs if requested when you register, or if indicated on the Correction Form before the test date. There are separate fees for each SAT test taken as well as several service fees. To receive information on the Scholastic Aptitude Test, students should visit their guidance counselor to obtain the appropriate College Board Publication and Registration information. Currently, everything a student needs to register for the SAT can be found on the Internet at Students can also get free online resources to prepare for the test. As the number of schools and students using the Internet increases, the College Board will continue to offer more online services. Students taking the SAT may receive feedback on their test at the SAT Learning Center. Students can find out which section of their test did not count and review selected questions from the previous SATs. They can try to answer verbal and math questions, get explanations for each answer choice, and get hints for finding the correct answer. Tutorials for analogies and quantitative comparisons let students walk through the steps necessary to answer these types of questions successfully. Students can also send e-mail to test developers to ask specific questions, respond to surveys about how they liked the reading passages, and make suggestions for the SAT Learning Center. In addition, students can look for expanded SAT II Subject Tests information at