Bloomsburg Area High School
Student Handbook
Audio, Video, and Photo Consent and Release 2013-2014
Please complete form and return to your homeroom teacher by the 2nd day of school.
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Student Name (Please Print) Grade
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Student’s Signature Date
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Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date
AGREEMENT FORM
STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Please read this handbook together. Sign and date the form below. Your son/daughter will be asked to show this completed form to his/her homeroom teacher during the first week of school. REMOVE THIS PAGE, COMPLETE, AND RETURN IT TO YOUR HOMEROOM TEACHER.
· I acknowledge that I have received and read this student handbook and that I will abide by the rules and regulations contained within.
· I also understand the School District’s Internet Use Guidelines and agree to comply with the “Terms and Conditions” and the “Code of Responsibility” (pg. 22-23).
· I further understand that any infringement of these regulations is unethical and a direct violation of school rules and policies that could result in disciplinary action and/or criminal proceedings.
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PLEASE PRINT Student’s Name Grade/Section
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Student’s Signature (in ink) Date
I understand that my son/daughter must carry this book at all times during the school day.
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Parent’s Signature (in ink) Date
I also have reviewed the School District’s Internet Use Guidelines (pg. 22-23) with my son/daughter and hereby give my permission for my child to have access to the Internet in school, subject to the “Terms and Conditions” and “Code of Responsibility.” However, I recognize it is impossible for the Bloomsburg Area School District and its Internet provider to restrict access to all inappropriate material, and I will not hold the school district responsible for material acquired on the network or any consequences thereof.
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PLEASE PRINT Parent’s Name
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Parent’s Signature (in ink)
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Date
This handbook is the property of the Bloomsburg Area School District. It is issued to all students to be used as an organizer and as a reference for the school rules and policies. Destruction of this student handbook or the removal of any pages (except this one) is absolutely prohibited. If this book is damaged beyond normal use or it is lost, it must be replaced at the student's expense. Contact the high school office to purchase a replacement copy for $10.00.
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STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013
Bloomsburg Area High School
1200 Railroad Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Telephone 570-784-6100
Daniel P. Bonomo Stephen D. Bressi
Principal Assistant Principal
This handbook has been designed to provide Bloomsburg Area High School students with a tool that will promote success in all academic and extracurricular activities. It includes the Code of Student Conduct, planning calendar, record of achievement, hallway passport, and other pertinent information about the high school. Since the handbook will be used by the students on a daily basis, it must be in their possession at all times.
Name: ______
Address: ______
Home Phone Number: ______
Business Number: ______Relationship ______
Business Number: ______Relationship ______
Emergency Contact #: ______Name ______
Homeroom ______Locker ______
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Justin Hummel………………………………..…………………………………....President
Mr. Brent Hock ………………………………………………….……..…………Vice President
Mrs. Sandra Rupp…… …………………….……….…………………….……………Secretary
Mrs. Bonnie Fiedler ……………………………………………………….………...... Treasurer
Mr. Tom Tobin…………………………………………………………………..……...Member
Mrs. Marianne Fogelsanger….……….…………….…………………………..……....Member
Mr. William Snavely..…..………………….………...………...……………..…….….Member
Mrs. Bonnie Crawford…………………………………….……………………..…..…Member
Mr. Norman Mael…….…..…………………….…………………….………….…...... Member
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Cosmas Curry, Superintendent
Mr. Michael Upton, Business Manager
Mr. Gary Honabach, Technology Coordinator
Ms. Donna Christensen, Director of Special Education
The Bloomsburg Area School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, or handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Acknowledgement Form – Students & Parents 0
2. Agreement Form – Students & Parents 0
A. Student Handbook 1
B. School Board Members & District Administration 1
C. From the Principal 3
D. Student Handbook & Procedures 2/3
3. Code of Student Conduct 4
4. Student Rights and Responsibilities 5/8
A. Student Rights 5
(1) Free Education 5
(2) Due Process 5
(3) Freedom of Expression 6
(4) Protection from Sexual Abuse and Harassment 6
(5) Searches and Seizures 6
(6) Student Privacy 7
(7) Flag Salute and Pledge of Allegiance 7
(8) Hair, Dress, Grooming 7/8
(9) Student Relationships 8
(10) Beepers, Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices 8/9
5. School Attendance 9
A. Truancy 9
B. Absences 9/10
C. Returning After an Absence 10
D. Excused Absences and Official Excuses 10
E. Make-up Work 11
F. Planned Absences 11
G. Early Dismissals / Appointments 11/12
H. Unexcused / Unlawful Absences 12
I. Ten or More Absences 12
J. Tardiness…………………………………………………………………………….. 12
J. Tardiness Consequence 13
6. Disciplinary Procedures 13/17
A. Disciplinary Offense 13
B. Disciplinary Action 13
C. Detention 13
D. Suspensions 14/17
E. Disciplinary Offenses and Levels……………………………………………………14/17
7. Building Procedures 17/19
A. College Visitation 17
B. Hall Passes 17
C. Lavatory Use 18
D. Locker Use 18
E. School Property 18
F. School Library 18
G. Study Hall Procedures 18/19
H. Medication…………………………………………………………………………...19
I. Illness………………………………………………………………………………...19
J. Junior Year Physical Exam…………………………………………………………..20
8. Academic Procedures 19/21
A. Academic Improvement Class 19
B. Extra-Curricular Eligibility 20
C. Plagiarism 20
D. Cheating 21
E. Keystone Exams / PSSA / Graduation Requirements 21
F. Progress Reports 21
G. Parent Portal…………………………………………………………………………21
H. Student Portal………………………………………………………………………..21
I. Report Cards…………………………………………………………………………21
J. Grading System 21
K. Honor Roll 21
9. Student Conduct Procedures & Regulations 21/26
A. Athletic/Musical Trips 21
B. Bus Conduct 21
C. Cafeteria Conduct 21/22
D. Cafeteria Policies and Services 22
E. Dances 22
F. Prom………………………………………………………………………………….22
G. Deliveries to High School Office 22
H. Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco/Inhalant Abuse 22
I. Bloomsburg Assistance, Support and Education Team (BASE) 22
J. Internet Use Guidelines “Terms & Conditions / Code of Conduct” 23/24
K. Sales and Distribution of Materials by Students 24/25
L. Senior Pranks 25
M. Student Disciplinary Withdrawal 25
N. Student Driving 25
O. Student Fund-Raising 25
P. Working Papers (Employment Certificates) 26
Q. Senior Privileges 26
10. Bell Schedules – Regular, Club, 2 Hour Delay, Early Dismissal 26/27
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
On behalf of the staff, I take pleasure in welcoming you to Bloomsburg Area High School. This student handbook is published so that all students of B.A.H.S. may have a ready reference to information which is necessary for an understanding of the daily operation of our school. It is essential that all students read the information contained in this handbook so there may be as few misunderstandings as possible. It is also strongly suggested that students share the information in this handbook with their parents. If you are in need of additional information, contact your principal, assistant principal, counselor, or a teacher for assistance.
The goal of Bloomsburg Area High School is EXCELLENCE, and the striving to reach this goal must be a cooperative effort on the part of the students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community. We earnestly solicit your cooperation in this venture and assure you that the result will be well worth the effort. Therefore, we urge you to become actively involved in your student’s studies, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, and the pride that Bloomsburg Area High Schools offers.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
The student handbook is an excellent tool that will benefit all students in several ways.
First the student handbook provides a calendar where students can record important deadlines and events, such as tests, quizzes, games, performances, etc.
The handbook also provides a section to record a cumulative account of all test and quiz scores. This provides students and parents with a current record of the student's achievement.
A section to record all homework assignments is provided to help students stay organized and to remember when assignments are due.
Located in the back of the student handbook is a hallway passport that will serve as a student pass during the school day.
One of our goals at the high school is to provide materials that will help students become successful. This student handbook is another valuable learning tool, and as with any materials provided by the school district, should be treated with care and respect.
STUDENT HANDBOOK PROCEDURES
1. Students are required to carry this book at all times.
2. The information tear-out page (front and back) located prior to page one must be completed and signed in ink by students and parents. The completed form must be turned in to homeroom teachers the first week of school.
3. The classroom teacher will direct students to record test and quiz grades in the appropriate section of the handbook.
4. The hallway passport will be used as a hall pass, and it must be filled out by the student before leaving their designated classroom.
SCHOOL COLORS SCHOOL MASCOT
Red and White Panther
ALMA MATER (W. Clair Hower)
Oh, Bloomsburg High School, Alma Mater
Always Faithful, Always True,
Your sons and daughters e'er will cherish you;
Red and White to you all hail;
See our colors waving o'er us
Proudly may they ever fly!
Bear us onward, aid, direct us.
Bid us now to do or die.
Oh, Bloomsburg High School, Alma Mater
Receive the honor we would give.
And may we strive to do our best and live
True to Bloomsburg High, all hail!
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
The staff of Bloomsburg Area High School welcomes you to another school year. We are committed to do our best to help you meet the challenges of this year's school program as we help you prepare for the ever-changing demands of society around us.
There is also the expectation that you, the student, will share in this commitment by being dedicated to your education, developing good work habits and cultivating a wholesome attitude about yourself and your school.
One of the major goals of education is to help students learn self-discipline, to know how to act and how not to act in various situations, and to accept responsibilities. Meeting the expectations of the school is part of the educational process. The purpose of this code is to make known the responsibilities of each student, so that all students may realize their full potential, and so we may be able to provide the best possible learning climate.
However, these guidelines are not intended to be all inclusive as they do not always cover every situation and every condition. Therefore, if in the judgment of the high school administration, a student's behavior is not defined in the code of student conduct, the administration will take appropriate action in the best interest of the student and the school.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Bloomsburg Area Board of School Directors has adopted a code of student conduct which includes policies governing student discipline and a listing of student rights and responsibilities as outlined in Chapter 12 of the State Board of Education regulations. A complete copy of Chapter 12, Student Rights and Responsibilities, is available in the High School Office and Library for review during the school day.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Each student is responsible for his/her learning. To be successful each student must accept his/her responsibility to:
1. Attend school regularly
2. Arrive at school on time
3. Be prepared to learn
4. Behave according to school standards of behavior
5. Be familiar with school rules and follow them
6. Dress appropriately
STUDENT RIGHTS
FREE EDUCATION
All persons residing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from the first day the child begins Kindergarten until graduation from high school or up to the age of 21, are entitled to a free and full education in the Commonwealth's public schools (Pa. Title 22, 12.1)
DUE PROCESS
The Board of School Directors believes that education is a fundamental right, and students must be afforded all appropriate elements of due process if they are to be excluded from school. In a case involving a possible expulsion, the student is entitled to a formal hearing, which is a fundamental element of due process.
1. Informal Hearings
a. When a suspension exceeds three school days, the student and parents or guardian shall be given the opportunity for an informal hearing consistent with the requirements set forth in Section 12.8(c) (relating to hearings). See Bloomsburg Area School District Policy #233.
2. The purpose of the informal hearing is to enable the student to meet with the appropriate school official to explain the circumstances surrounding the event for which the student is being suspended, to demonstrate that there is a case of mistaken identity or to show that there is some compelling reason why the student should not be suspended. The informal hearing also encourages the student's parents or guardian to meet with the principal to discuss ways by which future offenses can be avoided.
3. At the informal hearing, the following due process requirements are to be observed:
4. Notification of the reasons for the suspension in writing, given to the parents or guardian and to the student.
5. Sufficient notice of the time and place of the informal hearing.
6. A student has the right to question any witnesses present at the hearing.
7. A student has the right to speak and produce witnesses on his own behalf.
8. The district shall offer to hold the informal hearing within the first five days of suspension.
2. Formal Hearings
a. Expulsion is exclusion from school by the Board of School Directors for a period exceeding 10 school days and may be permanent expulsion from the school rolls. All expulsions require a prior formal hearing under Section 12.8.
b. A formal hearing may be held before the Board of School Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board, preferably composed of no fewer than three members of the School Board. The hearing committee's decision is advisory to the School Board where expulsion is recommended. A majority vote of the entire School Board is required to expel a student.
9. At the formal hearing, the following due process requirements are to be observed:
a. Notification of the charges in writing, sent to the parents or guardian by certified mail, and to the student.