August 17, 2011
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to Meadowdale High School. It is our intent to provide students viable opportunities to learn, develop talents, social skills and experience good citizenship. Meadowdale offers a strong, comprehensive educational curriculum and the opportunity to excel through the International Baccalaureate Program.
Students, we expect that you will perform well and positively to prepare yourselves to become productive citizens in our global society. Parents, we thank you for entrusting your child to the Dayton Public Schools and Meadowdale High School. Please become active participants in your child’s education. We, the administration and staff, will certainly do our very best to provide the opportunities needed for all students to be successful.
This handbook has been prepared as a resource guide for Meadowdale students. It is expected that students will use it as a reference for proper school behavior and school procedures. Please carefully read the information which states Dayton Public Schools’ policies as well as specific rules for Meadowdale students. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact or visit us whenever you can do so.
Vision: An innovative district of champions where students are academically and culturally prepared by a team committed to developing critical thinkers and productive citizens ready to serve the world community.
Melanie S. Walter
Principal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter…..Melanie S. Walter, Principal 1
School Calendar………………………………………... 4-5
Introduction…………………………………………….. 6
Student Appearance….………………………………… 6
Attendance……………………………………………… 7
Reporting Absences/Early Dismissals…………………. 7
Make-up Work……………………….………………… 7
Tardiness……………………………………………….. 8
Classroom Tardy Policy………………………………... 9
ID Badges………………………………………………. 9
Lockers…………………………………………………. 9
Class Dues…………………………………………….... 10
Textbooks………………………………………………. 10
Hall Passes……………………………………………… 10
Lunch…………………………………………………… 10
Passes for Leaving School.…………………………….. 10
Electronic Devices……………………………………… 11
Hat/Headgear Policy……………………………………. 11
Extended Learning Areas (ELAs)………………………. 11
Grade Level Promotions……………………………….. 11
Requirements for Graduation..…………………………. 12
Alternative Pathways for Eligibility for Diploma……… 13
Office Visits……………………………………………. 14
Parking Passes………………………………………….. 14
Building Security……………………………………… 15
Detention……………………………………………….. 15
Extracurricular Activities……………………………… 15
Fire and Tornado Drills………………………………… 16
City-Wide Student Discipline…………………………. 16-18
The School and The Law………………………………. 18
Alma Mater……………………………………………… 20
Fight Song……………………………………………… 20
Telephone List…………………………………………… 21
Bell Schedules…………………………………………… 22
School Map……………………………………………… 23-24
2011 - 2012 Academic Calendar
FIRST QUARTER (August 17, 2011 – October 14, 2011)Monday, August 15 / Staff Development Day
Tuesday, August 16 / Teacher Work Day
Wednesday, August 17 / School Begins – First Day Students
Monday, September5 / Labor Day Holiday (Schools Closed)
Wednesday, Sept. 28 / Professional Development Day (no students)
Count Week: October 3 – 7, 2011
Wednesday, October 13 / End of First Grading Period (Pupil Days 37)
Friday, October 14 / Parent-Teacher Conference (Students Not in Attendance)
SECOND QUARTER (October 17, 2011 – December 21, 2011)
Monday, October 17 / Beginning of Second Grading Period
Monday-Friday, November 21-25 / Thanksgiving Holiday (Schools Closed)
Monday, December 21 / End of Second Grading Period
Tuesday, December 22 / Records Day / Staff Development Day
(Students Not in Attendance)
Winter Intersession: Tuesday, December 22, 2011 – Tuesday, January 3, 2012
THIRD QUARTER (January 4, 2012– March 9, 2012)
Wednesday, January 4 / Beginning of Third Grading Period
Monday, January 16 / Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday: Schools Closed
Friday, February 10 / Professional Development Day (No students)
Friday to Tuesday, February 17-21 / Winter Break (No students)
Monday, February 20 / Presidents’ Day (Schools Closed)
Friday, March 9 / End of Third Grading Period
PreK-8 Two Hour Early Dismissal
FOURTH QUARTER (March 12, 2012 – May 31, 2012)
Monday, March 12 / Beginning of Fourth Grading Period
Students and Instructional Staff return to school
Spring Break: Monday, April 2, 2012 - Friday, April 9, 2012
Monday, May 28 / Memorial Day Holiday (Schools Closed)
Friday, June 1 / Last Day for Students and Staff
Total Number of Days 2011-12 School Year
Students: 179 Teachers: 185
June 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, 2012 are designated Calamity Make-Up Days and will be used as needed.
MEADOWDALE HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
INTRODUCTION
This booklet provides information about school rules and guidelines that are important to both students and parents. The administration encourages you to be aware not only of your rights as a student, but also the rights of others. All school rules are written to reinforce the basic values of self-respect, self-discipline, and respect for one another.
The ultimate purpose of education is to help each student become an effective citizen in our democracy. To develop and accept the responsibilities of good citizenship will help us participate successfully in the world of tomorrow. Remember that your success in this school will be directly proportionate to your efforts.
STUDENT APPEARANCE
WE TAKE PRIDE IN THE APPEARANCE OF OUR STUDENTS. YOUR DRESS REFLECTS THE QUALITY OF THE SCHOOL, YOUR CONDUCT AND YOUR SCHOOL WORK. ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO DRESS AND GROOM THEMSELVES NEATLY IN CLOTHES THAT ARE SUITABLE FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. THE ADMINISTRATION RETAINS THE RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY TO PROHIBIT STYLES OF DRESS WHICH WOULD BE UNSAFE, OFFENSIVE TO OTHERS, OR WHICH MAY BE A DISRUPTIVE FACTOR WITHIN THE BUILDING. STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BE WELL-GROOMED AT SCHOOL. THE FOLLOWING DRESS CODE RULES APPLY TO ALL STUDENTS:
1. Shorts/Skirts/Skorts must be not more than 4” above the knee. IF wearing “leggings”, “jeggings” or other extremely tight pants, the top worn over these must not be more than 4” above the knee.
2. No clothing that shows bare midriff, low-riding pants and low-cut shirts.
3. No fishnet, tank-tops, spaghetti straps, back-out, bare-shoulders, see-through, extremely low-cut tops or apparel.
4. No house shoes or slippers.
5. No clothing that includes any inappropriate language (profanity and/or obscenities), gang slogans or names, displays or designs of prohibited substances, controversial events, RIP shirts.
6. No hats, caps, do-rags, or any headgear; all headgear must be removed and placed in locker upon entry to the school.
Students who are not appropriately dressed will not be permitted to attend class.
Failure to follow the dress code will result in the student having to acquire appropriate clothing and may result in further disciplinary action.
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to be in school daily except in cases of emergency or for reasons as explained in the code below. The code lists the following legal excuses for absence from school:
1. Personal Illness - Medical excuse may be requested.
2. Illness in the Family - Medical excuse may be requested.
3. Medical Appointments - Doctor’s statement is required.
4. Death of a relative.
5. Observance of religious holiday.
6. Emergencies - As approved by school administrator/s.
REPORTING ABSENCES AND REQUESTING EARLY DISMISSALS
Parents should call the Attendance Office to report absences and/or request early dismissals within the first hour of the school day. Call the Attendance Office at 542-7073.
MAKE-UP WORK
IN THE EVENT OF A STUDENT ABSENCE, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH EACH CLASSROOM TEACHER TO MAKE UP ANY WORK MISSED WHILE ABSENT. THE TEACHER SHALL STIPULATE THE TIME LIMIT TO MAKE UP ANY MISSED WORK, BUT THIS SHALL NOT EXCEED TWO (2) WEEKS AFTER THE STUDENT’S RETURN TO SCHOOL UNLESS AN EXTENSION IS GRANTED IN WRITING BY THE PRINCIPAL. WHERE THE ABSENCE IS ANTICIPATED IN ADVANCE, SUCH AS AN OPERATION, THE STUDENT SHOULD OBTAIN A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL. THIS POLICY SHALL ALSO APPLY WHEN STUDENTS ACCOMPANY THEIR PARENTS ON TRIPS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. FINAL APPROVAL IS DETERMINED BY THE BUILDING PRINCIPAL.
TARDINESS TO SCHOOL
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL ON TIME EVERYDAY. STUDENTS ARRIVING TO SCHOOL 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES AFTER SCHOOL BEGINS (10:30AM), WITHOUT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION OR A PARENT/GUARDIAN TO PERSONALLY SIGN THE STUDENT INTO SCHOOL, WILL NOT BE ADMITTED. APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION INCLUDES DOCTOR APPOINTMENT VERIFICATION SLIP OR COURT VERIFICATION. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE IN HOMEROOM BEFORE THE TARDY BELL RINGS. EXCESSIVE TARDINESS TO SCHOOL AND/OR CLASS MAY RESULT IN TEACHER CONSEQUENCES, FOLLOWED BY ADMINISTRATIVE INTERVENTION. IF THERE ARE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, A SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR WILL BE ASKED TO MAKE A DETERMINATION FOR ADMITTANCE.
UPON THE STUDENT’S 3RD TARDY TO SCHOOL WITHIN A QUARTER, A FRIDAY SCHOOL WILL BE ASSIGNED. ANY ADDITIONAL TARDY VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE QUARTER WILL RESULT IN FURTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION, INCLUDING SUSPENSIONS FROM SCHOOL.
CLASSROOM TARDY POLICY
1. Teachers will keep a record of each student’s attendance, including
tardies and absences.
2. Students are considered tardy if they are not in their classrooms once the tardy bell rings.
3. If tardy to class, students must enter the classroom QUIETLY, sign-in on the clipboard, sit in assigned seat and wait QUIETLY for the teacher to attend to him/her.
CONSEQUENCES
1. The first three (3) tardies to school or to class in a quarter will result in Level I discipline, as designated by the classroom teacher.
2. After the third (3rd) tardy to school or to class in a quarter, the student will be assigned Friday School by the Administration.
3. Repeated tardy violations move from Level I to Level II. At this point, the student may be given a 3-day suspension by the Administration.
4. Subsequent tardy violations within that quarter will result in further disciplinary actions, as outlined in the DPS Student Code of Conduct.
PURPOSE
· To promote academic success for all students.
- To reduce the number of students in the halls.
- To make students responsible for time management.
- To limit the number of interruptions to classroom instruction.
ID BADGES
All Dayton Public School high school students must wear their ID Badges at ALL TIMES. These badges are important to maintain the safety and security of our students. ID badges will be given during the first two weeks of school. If the badge is lost or stolen, the student must pay a $5.00 fee for a replacement badge. Failure to wear the ID badge will result in disciplinary action.
LOCKERS
All students must have a locker to keep their books and personal belongings. Students are not to share lockers or locker combinations. The locker fee is $3.00. When closing your locker, turn the combination knob two times past the last number and check for closure.
Meadowdale High School is not responsible for lost or stolen items, or items removed from lockers.
Lockers are the property of Dayton Public Schools. Property in the lockers may be searched if there is a reasonable suspicion.
CLASS DUES
There are many different class activities planned during the four years you will attend high school. Each year, students will pay class dues which are determined by class advisors and approved by the Administration. Class dues that are not paid will result in a financial obligation. All financial obligations must be paid prior to graduation.
TEXTBOOKS
Students will be responsible for the textbooks they are assigned. Any lost textbook will result in the assignment of a student financial obligation. Obligations must be paid prior to graduation. Transcripts will not be released on students owing obligations.
HALL PASSES
In order to ensure success, students need to be in class. Students have time between classes to obtain necessary materials and to take care of personal needs. Any student in the halls without a verifiable pass will be considered cutting class and administrative intervention will be taken. NO students will be permitted out of class during the first 10 minutes or the last 10 minutes of class.
LUNCH
Meadowdale has A CLOSED LUNCH PERIOD (students cannot leave school grounds for lunch). During assigned lunch periods, students will remain in the cafeteria area. Dining Cafeteria Regulations:
1. Food and drinks are to remain in the assigned eating areas ONLY.
2. Food/drinks cannot be brought into the building by parent/guardian for student’s consumption. No outside/restaurant food can be brought into the cafeteria.
3. Clean your area before leaving the cafeteria. Deposit trash in the provided trash containers.
4. Do not break lines.
5. Have your personal code/ID card ready to input at cash register.
6. Good manners and courtesy will be practiced.
7. The Spiral Staircase and stage are off limits.
PASSES FOR LEAVING SCHOOL
Students who need to leave the school grounds at any time during the school day must obtain an early dismissal from the school’s Main Office. Failure to follow the proper procedures will be considered truancy.
If you have a doctor’s appointment, etc., you should bring a note from home to the Main Office by 8:00 a.m. indicating the time your parent or guardian will pick you up from school. Please include a telephone number in your note where parent can be reached for verification. After verification, the office will issue an early dismissal which will allow you to leave class and school at the time requested. If you return to school, sign in at the Main Office.
Students will only be released to a parent/guardian or other persons listed on Emergency Contact. The same rule applies to students 18+ and older.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
Students should not use electronic devices, i.e., cell phones, mp3 players, or electronic games, during school hours. These items are subject to confiscation and will only be returned to students at the end of the school day. Repeat violators may be suspended or recommended for expulsion. Refusal to relinquish the electronic device will result in a 3-day suspension.
HAT AND HEADGEAR POLICY
Hats and headgear must be removed and placed in locker upon entering the building. These items are subject to confiscation and may be retained until the end of the school year.
EXTENDED LEARNING AREAS (ELAs)
The ELA exists for the purpose of extending the learning environment beyond the classroom. Students and teachers are to use these areas to enhance the learning that has been established within the classroom. Projects, group work and independent work may be conducted in these areas provided the following guidelines are met:
- Student(s) are assigned to be in these areas by their supervising teacher.
- Student(s) display behavior that does not interfere with the learning of others.
- Student(s) are given an assignment to be completed while occupying the ELA.
Loitering during class is a misuse of this area and will be treated as a disruption. Failing to report to class due to lounging will be considered a class cut. Discipline measures will follow the DPS Code of Conduct.