Sewanhaka Central High School District

Sewanhaka Central High School District

Twilight Program in partnership

with Nassau BOCES

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2014-2015

Dr. Ralph Ferrie, Superintendent of Schools

Mrs. Christine Licastri & Dr. Stephanie Scolieri, Co-Principals

Floral Park Memorial High School

210 Locust Street

Floral Park, NY 11001

516-488-9322 (office)

516-394-5079 (fax)

The Sewanhaka Central High School District Twilight Program Student Handbook provides information about expectations, policies, academic requirements and student privileges and responsibilities.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Classes run Monday & Wednesday and Tuesday & Thursday

Period 13:30-5:00

Period 25:00-6:30

Period 36:30-7:15

Marking Period Dates

Ending Date / Mailing Date
MP 1 Progress Reports / October 3, 2014 / October 3, 2014
MP 1 Report Card / November 7, 2014 / November 14, 2014
MP 2 Progress Reports / December 12, 2014 / December 12, 2014
MP 2 Report Card / January 30, 2015 / February 6, 2015
MP 3 Progress Reports / March 13, 2015 / March 13, 2015
MP 3 Report Card / April 17, 2015 / April 24, 2015
MP 4 Progress Reports / May 15, 2015 / May 15, 2015
MP 4 Report Card / June 25, 2015 / June 29, 2015

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

The student discipline section of this book is designed to be used as a guide. Administrators will issue discipline based on the situation at hand and will use this section as a guide. Sewanhaka Central High School District Twilight Program’s (SCHSDTP) discipline is reasonable, consistent, and progressive. Students who do not respond to counseling or detention, behavior or attendance contracts, in or out of school suspension, or parent conferences, and continue to violate school rules will lose their privilege to attend (SCHSDTP). Depending on the situation police will be called at the discretion of the administrator. We are committed to providing a positive and orderly learning environment for everyone. We encourage you to carefully read the information provided in this handbook and speak to a teacher, counselor, or administrator with any questions or concerns.

Arrival/Dismissal

All students must enter and exit the building through the back entrance, exit 7 (large parking lot). Attendance will be taken promptly at 3:30 pm. All students must exit promptly at the conclusion of their daily schedule.

Counseling

Students in the alternative program are obligated to participate in group and/or individual counseling sessions.

Extra-Help

Extra-help is available for students who need to complete extra work or need extra assistance.

Hall Passes

Students will be expected to remain in their classrooms for the duration of the class period. On an emergency basis, students will be allowed out of class, but must have a pass to be out of the classroom.

Attendance

Regular attendance is the key to successfully complete course work in a timely manner. Students have the responsibility for establishing and maintaining prompt and regular attendance. Students are not allowed to exceed 12 absences for a full year course or 6 for a half year course during any one school year. Excessive absences will be reviewed by administration to determine whether credit should be granted.

It is the students’ responsibility to acquire and complete all missed assignments immediately following an absence.
Parents or guardians of absent students must notify the office the day of the absence at 516-488-9322 indicating the reason for the absence.
Students who are absent for an extended period of time must notify the office immediately and submit a medical note upon return.

Leaving School Early

If a student has reason to leave school during the school day, he/she must have parental permission. This permission can be obtained with a note from the parent/guardian brought to the office prior to dismissal. If a student does not have a note, he/she must come to the office and call a parent for permission to leave the campus, verified by a school official. Upon returning to school, student must bring a parent-signed note. If a student is leaving for a doctor’s appointment, he/she must bring back a note from that doctor.

Perfect Attendance

A perfect attendance award is awarded to every student who has perfect monthly attendance.

Tardiness to Class

Students are expected to arrive to all classes punctually. Discipline for class lateness:

Three latenesses will count as illegal absence cut from class and will be processed in accordance with the cut procedure.

Truancy

First Offense and all subsequent offenses: Parents will be notified by the attendance office. Referral to the principal for action which may include: assigned detentions, parent conferences and/or suspension from school. Referral may be made to family court for civil action.

Class Cutting

Students must attend all classes without exception.

First Offense: Parents will be notified by the teacher. The student is responsible for making up work missed.
Second Offense: Referral to the dean, who will hold a parent conference with the student in attendance and assign detention.
Third Offense and all subsequent offenses: Referral to the Principal. Actions taken will include: Parent conference, assign detention, class probation warning, and student suspension. Make-up work must be submitted.

Student of the Month

Based on teacher consensus, each month a student will be presented with this award. Eligibility is based on the following criteria:

Good/perfect attendance
Good behavior in class
Positive attitude towards teachers, peers, school and community
Positive changes academically, socially, emotionally
Above 80 average (alternative only)

Classroom Behavior

Excessive talking, misbehavior, or any other activity, which disrupts the learning process or distracts students from their educational pursuits, cannot be tolerated. Every student is entitled to an education and every teacher is entitled to assist in the education of students in an orderly and safe atmosphere. Depending on the circumstance, discipline may include detention or suspension pending parent conference.

Use of Vulgar, Obscene, or Coarse Language or Nonverbal Communication

The use of vulgarities/obscenities will not be tolerated in school. Discipline may include: assigned detentions, parent and clinician notification, suspension from class or school and parent conference.

General Misconduct

Students at all times are expected to use good judgment and common sense. Respect for the rights, property and safety of others is the key to good conduct. Students must, at all times, accept directions from staff members. There is no exception to the rule--obey your teachers.

Demonstration of Affection

Kissing, hugging, embracing, and other forms of physical affection are prohibited on the school grounds and in the building.

Dress

All students should come to school neatly dressed. The specific guidelines listed below will be followed:

No Backpacks will be permitted!
An individual's dress shall not distract from the educational process.
Shirts or other attire containing vulgar, alcohol and drug-related, obscene or offensive written or graphic material are not permitted to be worn by students.
Hats cannot be worn or carried anywhere inside the school building. Students who wear hats will have them taken away and given to the dean. The hat will be returned on the last day of school in June. Hats may be returned earlier if a parent speaks to the Principal.
Heavy winter coats and jackets may not be worn in the building during school hours.
Shoes must be worn at all times for health reasons.

Identification of Oneself

All students must identify themselves when requested by school personnel. Discipline: Assigned detention, parent conference and/or suspension from school.

Arson and the Possession or Use of Explosives, Firearms and Weapons

The physical safety of all mandates that the possession or use of potentially dangerous items will be severely punished. Discipline-All Offenses: Referral to Principal, suspension, police referral.

Falsely Sounding a Fire Alarm

Persons who commit this act will be severely disciplined. Discipline/All Offenses: Police referral, Principal referral, suspension.

Fighting

Disputes between members of the school community should be settled through appropriate channels. All participants in a fight will be equally punished, unless there is a clear-cut aggressor. Discipline: Depending on the circumstances, detention, school suspension, or superintendent suspension.

Insubordination Toward School Personnel

All members of the school community should treat each other with respect at all times including off campus. A student must comply with all adult directives even if it doesn't meet with his/her approval. A student who believes that he/she has been treated unfairly may bring a grievance to the Principal or discuss the situation with one's counselor and/or parent. A student who defies a teacher, adult staff member, or security guard will be suspended.

Intimidation/Bullying

All students are to be free to attend school without worry over threats or demands whatever the reason. Students must report any demands for money, any threats, or harassment of any kind to an administrator, teacher, dean, or school psychologist as soon as this behavior occurs. Discipline: Depending on the severity of the act, one or more of the following actions may be taken:

Assigned detentions, parent conferences, suspension from school and referral to School Psychologist.
If appropriate, a police referral will be made.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct, either sexual or non-sexual, that is directed toward a person because of that person’s gender and creates an intimidating, offensive, and hostile learning environment. Sexual harassment is considered to be a form of sex discrimination, and is illegal in schools and in the workplace under existing federal and state laws. The policy at (SCHSDTP) is to provide a working and learning environment that is free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment.

Any student, who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment, either as a victim of or witness to, should bring this to the immediate attention of a teacher, dean, school psychologist, or administrator. All such complaints will be investigated promptly and fairly, and where appropriate, immediate corrective action will be taken.

Forgery, Cheating and Plagiarism

Students will be referred to administration.

Loitering or Misbehavior Off-Campus

Students shall not loiter on lawns in the neighborhood. Discipline: Depending on the circumstance, detention, suspensions, or police referral.

Possession and Use of Illegal Drugs and Alcoholic Beverages

No student shall possess these items. Discipline/All Offenses: Referral to administration, suspension, parent conference and police referral.

Water guns, Radios, Electronic Devices or Other Inappropriate Items

Students are not permitted to bring to school water guns, radios, electronic devices or other items inappropriate for a learning environment. First offense and all subsequent offenses:

The item will be taken from the student and given to the Principal.
The Principal will return the item to the parent at any time or to the student on the last day of school in June or earlier if a parental note is presented to the principal.

Smoking

Students are not permitted to smoke or hold unlit cigarettes or e-cigarettes anywhere in the building or on the school grounds. Discipline: Student suspension.

Theft and Property Damage

All members of the community must demonstrate respect for individual and community-owned property. Discipline: All Offenses: Suspension pending parent conference, restitution, police referral as required.

Use of Facilities

To live together peacefully in a community, some common understandings on the use of facilities must be maintained.

Loitering is prohibited in any hallway or washroom. Students may not sit on floors in hallways, on radiators, windowsills, or washbasins.
Loud noise-making and screaming are not conducive to study.

Discipline: First Offense: Warning. Second Offense: Assigned detentions, parents notified. Third Offense: Parent notified, suspension.

Gambling

Card playing or any other activity associated with gambling is not permitted in the building or on the school grounds. Discipline:

First Offense: Detention and suspension warning.
Second Offense: Suspension.
Third Offense: Possible superintendent suspension, police referral.

In the case of possession of betting slips, participation in pyramid schemes, or other illegal forms of gambling:

First Offense and all other offenses: Suspension from school, parent conference, possible superintendent suspension and possible police referral.

Report Child Abuse

The professional staff of public schools are mandated reporters of suspicions of child abuse and/or neglect. Failure to report such suspicions is a criminal act punishable as a misdemeanor. Educational neglect may be filed if a child is not in attendance or late on a consistent basis.

Detention

Detention will be assigned from 6:30-7:15 the day opposite physical education, for any student who breaks the code of conduct.

SIGN & RETURN

This contract provides information regarding the Sewanhaka Central School District Twilight Program. Your signature indicates that you are aware of the school format and policies, and you accept the responsibility for the successful completion of your education. By signing this contract you are also agreeing to adhere to policies and regulations set forth by the administration.

Parental Involvement

The Twilight School Program is concerned with developing a partnership between parents/guardians and staff so that we can work towards a shared goal. The Twilight staff will evaluate and monitor students’ progress on an ongoing basis. Parents/guardians are encouraged to call the office at any time to address any concerns or questions regarding their child’s progress. Your signature indicates that you are aware of the contract and agree to form a partnership to ensure your child’s success.

Student Name: ______

______

Student SignatureDate

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Parent/Guardian SignatureDate

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Daytime Telephone Number: ______

Cell Phone Number:______

Evening Telephone Number:______

Email Address:______