Brandywine High School

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—2

Brandywine High School 1400 Foulk Road Wilmington, DE 19803 479-1600 479-1604 (FAX) BRANDYWINE HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Brandywine High School is to develop intellectually inquisitive, mentally astute, and personally self-confident, responsible adults. The learning foundations built at Brandywine High School will serve as a fundamental component of a lifelong educational structure. This will be accomplished through a comprehensive program providing broad educational opportunities, presented by a professional teaching and support staff committed to helping all students find the path to a better future.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT STAFF Mr. Jeffrey (Jeff) Byrem, Principal Ms. Hinda Tanzer, Assistant Principal Mr. Cordie Greenlea, Assistant Principal Ms. Cheryl Beeson, Administrative Assistant to the Principal—479-1600 Ms. Carol Adams, Administrative Assistant, Attendance—479-1611 Ms. Janice Steffin, Administrative Assistant, Guidance —479-1609 Ms. Annette Marks, School Nurse—479-1602 Wellness Center—477-6750

BRANDYWINE HIGH SCHOOL ALMA MATER Brandywine we sing to thee, Hymns of praise and loyalty. Sons and daughters, Staunch and true, Follow ’neath the white and blue. Forth we march to bring thee fame, Spirits light and hearts aflame; Rich in truth we’ll always be, Brandywine we sing to thee.

MASCOT—Bulldog

SCHOOL COLORS—Blue and White

The Brandywine School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in the actions, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504.

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—3

WE ARE FAMILY

TO: THE PARENTS AND STUDENTS OF THE BRANDYWINE HIGH SCHOOL FAMILY FROM: JEFF BYREM, PRINCIPAL At Brandywine High School, we are growing a family! We are a family made up of students, parents, faculty, and staff, and as members of the BHS Family, we all have a responsibility to: 9 Honor and support teaching and learning, 9 Show compassion and respect for all other members of our BHS Family, 9 Know and follow our school rules and procedures, 9 Respect school property and the property of others, 9 Participate and/or support extra-curricular activities, and 9 Make positive contributions to the overall spirit and reputation of Brandywine High School. As a member of the Brandywine High School Family, you represent part of a 50 year tradition of excellence. This Student Parent Handbook is filled with useful information about school rules and procedures, athletics and activities, grading and promotion, and the answers to many other frequently asked questions. Please review the contents of this handbook, as well as the Brandywine School District’s Students’ Code of Conduct and the BHS Program of Study Guide (which will be distributed prior to the Winter Break). These three documents will answer most questions you may have about Brandywine High School. If you have questions that are not answered by these documents, please check out our new Website (http://bsd.schoolwires.com/brandywine/), contact us by phone at 479-1600, or e-mail me at [email protected]. Good communication between family members is essential. The Home Access Center (HAC) allows parents to check their children’s attendance, discipline incidents, interim reports, report cards, transportation information, and registration information (home address, home phone numbers, etc.). When teachers use the eSchool Gradebook, parents can also check their children’s grades and whether or not they have completed assignments, and to this end, I have encouraged all BHS teachers to utilize the on- line Gradebook. All of this information can be accessed via the HAC at https://hac.doe.k12.de.us/HomeAccess/. Usernames and initial passwords needed to access HAC are mailed to families from the District. If you have not received this information, please e-mail a request for a HAC username and password to our attendance secretary ([email protected]). She will arrange to have the needed information sent to you electronically. As we begin our 50th year in the pursuit of excellence, I’m looking forward to a year of exciting challenges and good times. It is my wish that each member of our Brandywine High School Family will have the best school year imaginable. Go Bulldogs!

FOR AN INDEX TO THE CONTENTS OF THIS HANDBOOK—SEE PAGE 16

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—4

BHS FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES (excused or unexcused) for more than 13 classes of a High expectations are placed upon all members of the Brandywine course will not receive credit for that course. High School Family. Each of us represents all of us and the 3. The BSD Student Code of Conduct requires students to be following is what we believe students should expect of themselves: given one class absence for every two unexcused lates to 1. Challenge yourself to do your very best work every day; be the same class. Students who are habitually late to school engaged in all class activities. run the risk of not receiving credit for their first period class. 2. Be polite and respectful to every member of our school 4. If a student or parent believes there were circumstances family. beyond the student’s control that were the reason for excessive absences during a semester, an individual may 3. Dress appropriately for school. appeal the decision to deny credit for a course. Days of 4. Be present in school every day and on time, unless you are suspension are not considered extenuating circumstances. legally excused. Both the teacher and principal must agree to grant an appeal. 5. Be present in and on time to all assigned classes. 5. Absences due to school activities shall be excluded from 6. Go to each and every class mentally prepared to work and the charged absences from class (e.g., driver education road with materials needed to do work. lessons, musical sectional classes, school conducted field trip 7. If you are in the halls during class time, maintain quiet so that experiences, early dismissal for athletic or other school others may learn; students should ask for restroom passes events). only when an emergency is apparent. 8. Keep moving in the halls between classes because stopping PROCEDURES—ABSENCE FROM to socialize clogs the halls and prevents others from getting SCHOOL to class on time. On the day after an absence, students shall deliver a note signed 9. Be familiar with and follow the Student Code of Conduct. by a parent or guardian to the attendance office. The note shall contain: 10. Be a GOODWILL AMBASSADOR for your school in the community, especially when you wear a uniform that 1. The student's legal name. represents all of us—cheer for our school or team; don’t 2. The date(s) of the absence(s). cheer against the other school or team 3. The reason for the absence. 4. A phone number where the parent can be reached. ADULT SUPERVISION A student who fails to bring a note signed by a parent or guardian Adult members of the BHS Family accept the responsibility for on the first or second day of his/her return to school following an supervision of students. Students should expect and are entitled to absence shall have the absence defined as unexcused. supervision and direction from any BHS Family adult. Adults are expected to respectfully issue appropriate directions to students In accordance with the compulsory attendance laws of the State of when such directions are necessary. Students are expected to Delaware, the Brandywine School District has adopted a set of comply with those directions without exception. regulations governing whether or not an absence is excused or unexcused. Under the provisions of the Delaware Code, only the following reasons are considered “necessary and legal ATTENDANCE POLICIES absences,” or as we refer to them… Good attendance is closely related to success in school and at work. Our school, district, and State attendance policies are EXCUSED ABSENCES: intended to help students develop good attendance habits that will 1. Illness of a child attested, if necessary, by a physician’s be of value to them in the World of Work. certificate. With block scheduling, regular attendance and punctuality are 2. Contagious disease within the home of a pupil VERY IMPORTANT! Please read and know the following: 3. Death in the immediate family or of a close friend 1. Parents are encouraged to check the Home Access 4. Legal business Center (HAC) on a regular basis to check their child’s 5. Observance of a religious holiday school attendance. Staffing limitations may not allow us to 6. Remedial health care call home to verify every absence, but HAC does provide the opportunity for parents at their convenience to verify 7. Pre-arranged absence to visit a college or university, to attendance. participate in other educational experiences, and/or other emergency situations as determined by the school principal. 2. Students in grades 9 through 12 are expected to attend all 8. Suspension classes. State law requires students to attend a minimum of 85% of each class to receive credit. A student absent Continues on next page…

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—3

Absences for other reasons are classified as “unexcused.” A similar circumstances will be listed as unexcused—this is student whose absence is unexcused shall receive a failing consistent with District guidelines. grade (i.e., zero, “F,” “U”) for all assignments missed or tests given • A student who is late to school because of an appointment during the period of the unexcused absence. with a doctor, dentist, lab, or because of required attendance Following an “excused absence” from school or class, the time in court must provide a written note upon arrival to school from allowance for making up missed work or tests is equal to the the individual with whom the appointment was held. number of school days or number of class meetings missed due to • If a student is late because of a personal illness, it will be the absence. A teacher may extend the time allowance for making considered as an excused late when verified by a note from up the work missed if the specific circumstances of the situation home. If a personal health problem exists that causes the merit such action. student to be late frequently, a doctor’s note should be In all cases, the student is responsible for initiating make-up supplied for the student’s file. work and for turning in assignments. If a student arrives at school after the 7:35 a.m. bell, s/he shall Students must attend at least two periods in the school day to enter the building by the front door where s/he will be issued a be marked present and to be eligible to participate in athletic pass to class. An unexcused tardy will be recorded on the contests or practices scheduled for that day. student’s record by the Attendance Secretary. Students who have entered the building before 7:35 but who are late to class will be TRUANCY recorded tardy unexcused by the classroom teacher. There have been changes in Delaware law regarding truancy: NOTE: We are no longer rotating our daily schedule. Two lates after a total of three unexcused absences in a year, students to school (i.e. late to the first period class) equals one must be reported as being truant. After a total of thirty unexcused absence. Repeated lates to school increase the likelihood that absences in a year, the District is obligated to report parents for a student will exceed the allowable absences and be denied prosecution, and if the student is over the age of sixteen, the credit for their first period class. student will be reported for prosecution as well. Interventionists will talk with students who have a problem coming to school on time about the consequences of repeated LATE TO CLASS AND “CUTS” lates; the interventionist will also notify the parent of the problem. If Students should report immediately to scheduled classes and the problem persists, the interventionist will refer the matter to the should be in the room when the late bell rings. Teachers will appropriate administrator, who will speak with the student and the establish procedures that encourage students to come to class on parent. The administrator will make a determination as to time. Teachers will notify a parent if their child is repeatedly late to whether the lateness is a discipline matter or is being caused class. by a factor outside of school. If it is an outside factor, the Being late more than ten minutes will be recorded as a “cut” administrator may refer the student to the School Counseling (i.e. an unexcused absence)—the amount of time is a change from Office; however, if the administrator determines that being late previous practice. Cutting class is considered a serious to school is a failure on the part of the student to honor the violation of our BHS Family Guidelines. Students who cut class expectation to come to school on time, continued lates to are not allowed to make up missed work. Teachers will notify a school will be considered a matter of defiance and will be dealt parent if their child cuts class. with according the Student Code of Conduct. If after parents have been notified, lateness and cutting class continues, the matter will be referred to the appropriate EARLY DISMISSAL FOR PERSONAL administrator and/or interventionist. If being late to class and/or REASONS class cutting continues after discussions among the teacher, On the day that the student makes a request to be excused early parent, student, and administrator or interventionist, such for personal reasons, the student should present a note from the behavior will be considered defiance and appropriate parent to the Attendance Secretary in the Main Office. This should consequences provided by the Student Code of Conduct may be be done prior to the beginning of school and no later than applied. 8:30 A.M. The note must include: PROCEDURES—LATE TO SCHOOL a. The student's legal name Students who arrive after the 7:35 A.M. bell are considered late, b. The reason for the early dismissal request, and and in order to be excused, students must provide documentation of an acceptable reason: c. A phone number where the parent can be contacted for verification—if the dismissal cannot be verified, the • A parental note of explanation does not automatically excuse request may not be honored. lateness. Such reasons as car trouble, personal business, Continues on next page… heavy traffic, family responsibilities, etc. while understandable, Early dismissal requests are to be for legal reasons defined in the are not acceptable excuses, and lateness caused by these or Delaware Code. These reasons are: death or funeral, legal

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—4

business, remedial health, and/or emergency situations. Early GRADING: STUDENT dismissal requests for other reasons should be referred to an RESPONSIBILITIES administrator for action. Students have the responsibility to ask questions about information Students are asked to schedule doctor and dentist appointments they do not understand in the grading system. before or after the school day. If unable to do so, please provide a Students have the responsibility to meet the performance return to school note from the doctor or dentist. Also, if a student standards of each class as established by the teacher. has business with the court system, ask for a return to school note prior to leaving court. Students are expected to submit these notes Students have the responsibility to carry printed information to the attendance secretary on the following school day. regarding their academic progress (report cards and interim reports) to their parents or guardians. EARLY DISMISSAL FOR SCHOOL- INTERIM/PROGRESS REPORTS SPONSORED ACTIVITIES Interim reports allow staff members to inform parents of a student’s Students who have early dismissals for school-related trips are not academic status at approximately the middle of each marking counted as absent from school. These students are responsible for period. Ideally, all students should receive a progress report, and obtaining assignments and other information from teachers whose teachers are strongly recommended to provide each student with at classes will be missed. Students are expected to contact those least one comment relative to his/her progress. Interim reports are teachers prior to the date of the absence. given to students when students are failing to make progress or are Teachers may refuse to excuse a student if the student's academic not complete work assignments. Every student who is working at a progress will be seriously jeopardized by the absence. In such “D” or “F” level of achievement or who has “dropped” two grades in cases the teacher shall confer with the activity sponsor to articulate any marking period, even if that student is still receiving a passing the reason for the refusal and to consider possible alternatives to grade, should receive an interim report. the refusal. It is expected that teachers will have contacted the The following comments are used by teachers on interim reports: student’s parent regarding the student’s academic progress. C Commendation ATTENDANCE SECRETARY PD Performance Declining The Attendance Secretary is very willing to help and assist parents BP Working Below Potential and students with information regarding questions of attendance. DF Danger of Failing The Attendance Secretary can be reached at F Failing [email protected] or at 479-1611. Parents of students who have experienced attendance concerns in the past are Parents may expect a personal communication from teachers at encouraged to maintain good communications with the Attendance any time during a marking period when a student’s progress is not Secretary so that she can assist them in this extremely important meeting course expectations, especially if the student is in danger area. of failing.

GRADING: STUDENT RIGHTS NOTICE OF DANGER OF FAILING— Students have the right to receive a written copy of a teacher's SENIORS grading policy at the beginning of each course. Parents/Guardians of seniors whose grades indicate possible Students have the right to receive a grade based on the teacher’s failure at the end of the first, second or third marking periods will be grading policy. notified in writing. School counselors will monitor seniors’ progress toward graduation and will meet with them to discuss any Students have the right to receive periodic progress reports at possibility of failure. Counselors will mail warnings of potential designated times during each marking period. failure to graduate to seniors by May 1. Final notification to Students have the right to be notified if they are not making seniors will be given to students prior to commencement rehearsal progress toward a satisfactory grade—the Home Access Center is if their academic deficiencies will not permit graduation. an excellent tool for this purpose. Progress reports and other communications with teachers will be GRADING GUIDELINES made in a timely manner so that the student, parent and teacher Grading is the process used to identify a symbol, a grade, which is can work together to make progress toward a satisfactory grade for used to communicate student performance to the student, parents, the marking period. and other end users of grades (e.g. college admissions officers). Each teacher is responsible for providing a grading policy so that students and parents will know what is measured in the teacher’s class, as well as how what is measured is converted to a grade. Continues on next page…

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—5

Parents, students, and teachers should keep in mind that it is very The calculation of weighted GPA involves dividing the total difficult to have a single letter represent specific strengths and number of quality points earned for courses taken, including points weaknesses of student performance, academic achievement, added to weight the grade, by the number of credits of courses in effort, or behavior; therefore, other forms of communication— which the student has been enrolled. The resulting number, taken phone calls, e-mails, face-to-face meetings, and eSchool—are very to three (3) decimal places, will be used to determine each important. student’s weighted GPA. Weighted GPA’s will be used to Letter grades will be used on report cards to designate student determine class rank and graduation honors. achievement based upon teachers’ grading policies. CALCULATING FINAL GRADES GRADING SCALE To calculate final grades for 1-credit semester courses: 1st, double the quality point value of each marking period A Excellent 93 – 100 grade B Very Good 85 – 92 2nd, count the final examination’s quality points at face value C Satisfactory 77 – 84 3rd, total the quality points D Poor 70 – 76 4th, divide by 5 to calculate the GPA of 1-credit semester F Failure Below 70 (NO CREDIT) courses; divide by 10 for 2-credit, all-year courses and for Other Symbols: A/B, all-year, 1-credit courses O Outstanding 5th, refer to the GPA/Final Grade Conversion table I Incomplete—work must be completed To calculate final grades for 2-credit, all-year courses and for 1- S Satisfactory credit, all-year, A/B courses M Medical—excused due to medical reason 1st, double the quality point value of each marking period grade (multiplier of 2) U Unsatisfactory 2nd, count the quality points of the mid-year and final W Withdrawal—withdrew from class examinations at face value (multiplier of 1) X Audit 3rd, total the quality points N No Grade 4th, divide by 10 to calculate the GPA 5th, refer to the GPA/Final Grade Conversion table GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) AND RANK IN CLASS GPA/FINAL GRADE A 4.0 quality point grading system is used to determine final CONVERSION TABLE grades: Total Quality GPA Final A = 4 quality points Points Grade B = 3 quality points 35 - 40 (3.50 - 4.00) A C = 2 quality points 25 - 34 (2.50 - 3.40) B D = 1 quality point 15 - 24 (1.50 - 2.40) C F = 0 quality points 8 - 14 (0.80 - 1.40) D 0 - 7 (0.00 - 0.70) F Grade point average (GPA) will be calculated and reported as an unweighted GPA with a maximum of 4.0. Only final course grades are used in the calculation of a student’s GPA. Weighted GPA is used to determine class rank. Calculating the weighted GPA incorporates a system that reflects a student’s choice of challenging courses. It also provides an incentive for students to select more challenging courses. The following weights will be added to the quality points earned in AP, Fast Math courses, and Honors courses: 1.0 quality point added to each AP course 0.75 quality point added to each FAST Math course 0.50 quality point added to each Honors course Continues in next column…

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—6

OTHER GRADE-RELATED PRACTICES ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Before grades are recorded for a marking period, teachers have a Cheating, helping another to cheat, or plagiarism are examples of responsibility to inform each student of the grade the student has academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty is a violation of the earned according to the guidelines in the teacher’s published BSD Code of Student Conduct. Consequences depend upon the grading policy. number of incidents and range from requiring a parent conference Students have a responsibility to monitor their own performance to issuance of a failing grade for a marking period. over the course of a marking period. If a student believes an error may have been made in the grade calculation or believes the COURSE SELECTION AND CHANGES grading policy was not followed, the student has the responsibility The courses students request will be guided largely by their plans to notify the teacher of this concern before the grade is recorded. for the future. Students should work with school counselors to Once alerted, the teacher will investigate the concerns and make investigate possible careers and to determine the courses needed corrections, if appropriate. to pursue those careers. The course selection process for the Students are encouraged to discuss with their school counselors 2010-11 school year will begin before the 2008 winter break. any unresolved issues related to grading. Administrators and school counselors will do their best to provide Students enrolled in 1 credit semester courses cannot be students with a schedule that meets student requests; however, exempted from taking the final examination. sometimes the computer-generated course matrix cannot resolve schedule conflicts and/or not enough students have requested a A student enrolled in 2 credit, all-year course may be exempted course. The administration reserves the right to cancel any course from taking the final examination with teacher approval, because of insufficient enrollment. provided the student has achieved “A’s” in each marking period and on the midyear examination. Once a schedule is set, it may be impossible to honor a course change request. Student change requests will only be considered Incomplete marking period grades should be made up within two for the following reasons: weeks following the end of each marking period (medical problems • Correction of a clerical or computer error excepted) or the grade will be changed to “F”. • Documented inappropriate placement If an incomplete final grade is based on failure to complete one or • Verifiable physical or emotional concern more predetermined basic course requirements (such as a term paper, final examination or notebook), the incomplete must be Course change procedure—students will be expected to discuss resolved by the last student day of the year, or the grade must be the change with a school counselor, who will determine if the changed to “F”. change is possible. Requests for change must be made by the end of the second week of classes in each semester. Parents A student who has passed a course academically but who has and the teachers involved must approve the change. The student is failed to meet the attendance requirements will receive a final responsible for returning all books or other course materials to the grade of “W.” The student will be allowed to take a Summer teacher of the dropped course. School, make-up-credit course, if offered. Students who have met the attendance requirements but ACADEMIC CHALLENGE received a final grade of “F” will be allowed to take a Summer Courses in core subjects (English, math, science, and history/social School make-up-credit course, if offered. studies) are aligned with State Standards. There are also courses Students who have not met the attendance requirement and offered in the core subjects at the Honors and Advanced who received a final grade of “F” can only take an original-credit, Placement (AP) level that have elevated academic expectations. Summer School course, if offered. AP courses are intended to provide a more rigorous and in-depth study of subject matter and should engage students in intense HONOR ROLL discussion and thought. College admissions officers know that In order to recognize students who demonstrate a high level of students who have successfully completed AP courses and exams achievement during a marking period, the following honors are are usually well-qualified and prepared for college work. established: Honors courses are intended to challenge students to reason, Distinguished Honor Roll 3.75 GPA analyze, and understand at a level that exceeds the level expected Honor Roll 3.0 to 3.74 GPA by State Standards. These courses prepare students for college Grades of “D,” “F,” “U,” and “I” will eliminate students from honor and for post-secondary technical and vocational training. rolls. A "C" will eliminate students from the distinguished honor roll. Students should select courses according to their career and/or An Incomplete (“I”) grade, which is changed to a letter grade, college goals. Students should be taking the most challenging makes honor roll possible. Final judgment on grades for students courses available to them. Doing so provides a greater array of eligible for placement on an honor roll should be withheld until an post-secondary opportunities and allows students to maximize “Incomplete” has been removed. his/her intellectual capacity and self-confidence. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—7

Mandated by the Delaware Department of Education and the Brandywine High School will be using a block scheduling model Brandywine School District, the following credits are required in the beginning with the 2008-09 school year. Students will generally listed content areas: take four, one-credit courses each semester, and each course will FOR THE CLASS OF 2009 AND THE CLASS OF 2010 be at least 84 minutes in length. Some AP and honors courses are English 4 two-credit courses. These courses will extend over two semesters. Social Studies/History 3 (1 credit in US History is required) Block scheduling offers students several advantages over a 6, 7 or Mathematics 3 8 period day. It allows students to concentrate on only four courses Science 3 at a time, and the longer class periods allow for more in-depth Health 0.5 instruction. Certain science, fine art, and technical course lab Physical Education 1 activities can be completed during a single period instead of Electives 7.5 splitting the activities over two different days. Total Credits Required 22 Students can earn eight credits each year instead of the seven CHANGES FOR THE CLASS OF 2011 AND SUBSEQUENT CLASSES: previously possible. This allows students to accelerate course Mathematics 4 sequences and to take courses in addition to required core courses Pathway Electives 3 and pathway courses. Electives 3.5 SUMMER SCHOOL Total Credits Required 22 At the discretion of the district, summer school or the opportunity to complete correspondence courses may be available for students PROMOTION who have failed required courses during the previous school year. Title 14 of the Delaware Code specifies the following requirements There will be substantial charges for summer school sessions and for promotion: correspondence courses, which must be paid prior to beginning a Promotion to 10th Grade: 5 or more credits earned. course. Students wishing to attend summer school at another area Promotion to 11th Grade: 10 or more credits earned. high school for a failed course must request permission from the Promotion to 12th Grade: 15 or more credits earned and enroll- appropriate BHS school counselor before enrolling in the session. ment in any courses needed to meet graduation SCHOOL COUNSELING requirements (or scheduled for such courses in either 1st or The primary goal of the School Counseling Department at 2nd semester). Brandywine High School is to provide the support that each student English courses must be taken in sequence. In block scheduling, may need in order to become a successful graduate. This support two English courses may be taken in the same year, but not during takes many forms. Counselors help students make informed the same semester. There is an exception to this rule: by law, 11th decisions about educational plans and career choices, and work grade English and 12th grade English (only) may be taken during with seniors in the preparation of college and other applications. the same semester. They serve as important liaisons among parents, students, and Students may be reclassified at the end of each semester. teachers and monitor student academic progress. They identify services students may require to help them deal with challenges CREDITS CARRIED EACH YEAR outside of school. Students are expected to enroll in 8 credits each year for the first Coordinating testing, including the Delaware Student Testing three years. It is advised that seniors also enroll in 8 credits in their Program, is another important function for school counselors. last year; however, exceptions can be made for seniors who do not Various tests are recommended for college-bound students—the need a full credit load to graduate, pending approval of a parent (if Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) in October, the the senior is under 18 years old) and the Principal. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the American College Test (ACT), and the 18 different Advanced Placement tests (AP) administered CAREER PATHWAYS in May. A career pathway is composed of three sequential, elective, one- Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their children’s credit courses. The courses must be logically linked and lead to a counselors to discuss the full range of services available to possible career or post-secondary area of study. Pathways must be students. Students are assigned to specific counselors by last approved by the Brandywine School District and the Delaware name, and parents may contact their child's counselor by dialing Department of Education. Pathway courses may not include core 479-1609 or by e-mailing to the addresses listed on the following courses that are required for graduation. Students in the class of page. Individual meetings with a counselor are available to all 2011 and in the graduating classes that follow must select and students. complete a pathway in order to graduate. Questions about STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS TO pathways should be directed to our school counselors. SCHOOL COUNSELORS BLOCK SCHEDULING Students whose last names begin with A to C are assigned to: Bruce Davis [email protected]

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—8

Students whose last names begin with D to Ho are assigned to: HALL PASSES/AGENDA BOOKS Tomica Fletcher [email protected] In order for a student to leave a classroom, he/she must request Students whose last names begin with Hr to Mo are assigned to: and be given permission to leave by the teacher. No student should Amanda Nersasian [email protected] be in the hall during regularly scheduled class time without a signed pass from a BHS teacher or staff member. Students whose last names begin with Mu to Sq are assigned to: Agenda books are back! These books will be used as passes— Keenan Dorsey [email protected] there is space in the back of these books that will serve this Students whose last names begin with Sr to Z are assigned to: purpose. Students are to have their agenda books with them at Lisa Buck [email protected] all times and are expected to use them for hall passes. The other essential purpose of agenda books is as a tool to help DAILY SCHEDULES students be organized. Homework and other assignments, dates of Students are expected to report to school no earlier than 7:15 a.m. athletic and other school events, as well as family and other and are expected to be in their assigned classroom when the bell personal events can be recorded in agenda books. rings at 7:34 a.m. The regular schedule is listed below. Periods will not rotate. Special schedules are in place for early dismissal and CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS one and two-hour late starts—all four classes will meet on these Brandywine High School students have a tradition of enjoying their days. lunch and the company of friends in a quiet and relaxed Unless authorized for early dismissal, students are to remain on atmosphere. There are a few expectations we have for students campus until the end of the last period at 2:14 p.m. Teachers may, during lunch that are in keeping with expectations that we have for at their own discretion, provide additional time for students beyond all members of the BHS Family: respect for others, respect for the 2:45 p.m. end of the teaching day. school property and the property of others, and know and follow Regular Daily Bell Schedule for 2008-2009 school rules and procedures. Specifically, we ask that students take their proper turn in the lunch line, observe good table 7:25 Warning Bell manners, and put all refuse in the receptacles provided. 7:30 School Day Begins * Students assigned to specific lunch periods shall not to be in the 7:34 - 9:08 Period 1 ** halls during that period or in unauthorized areas of the school. 9:08 – 9:13 Class Change Food is not to be taken from the cafeteria area. 9:13 - 10:37 Period 2 10:37 – 10:42 Class Change STUDENT DRIVERS Students with a valid driver's license are given the privilege of 10:42 - 12:42 Period 3/Lunch driving cars to and from school. Students shall leave their car upon A Lunch 10:42 – 11:12 arrival in the parking lot and shall not return to the car until they B Lunch 11:12 – 11:42 leave school for the day, at which time they will leave the grounds C Lunch 11:42 – 12:12 promptly. Students are not permitted in their car at any time during the school day without permission. D Lunch 12:12 – 12:42 12:42 – 12:47 Class Change HOMEROOMS = PERIOD 1 12:47 - 2:14 Period 4 Classroom time in Period 1 is longer than the other three periods 2:19 Bus Warning Bell because it will function as students’ home rooms. At 7:35, students will be asked to stand and respectfully honor recitation of the 2:20 Buses Depart Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Announcements will * Students move to period 1 classes. follow, and some mornings there will be specific tasks that must be ** Students arriving to school after 7:34 will be marked late to accomplished, such as distributing materials that need to go home school; students who are in school prior to 7:34 but who arrive to parents. to period 1 classes after 7:34 will be marked late to class. WORK PERMITS If students under the age of 18 wish to obtain employment, Law requires they obtain Child Labor Work Permits. Students seeking employment may obtain a work permit in the Main Office and should complete the form as instructed.

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—9

PERSONAL APPEARANCE purchased for use on cold days—it is expected that students will The world of work requires that employees meet certain standards dress appropriately on cold days; we will not make exceptions to of dress. One of the important roles of high school is to prepare the Code of Dress on cold days for outerwear.) students for adult life, and providing guidelines for personal y Repeated and willful violation of the Code of Dress will be appearance and expecting students to meet them are one of the considered defiance and will be dealt with as directed by the ways we prepare our students for adult life. As a school, we also Brandywine School District’s Student Code of Conduct. have the responsibility to make sure the clothing that students wear FROM THE PREVIOUS CODE OF DRESS AND CONTINUING FOR THE 2008- does not interfere with the educational process in our school. 09 SCHOOL YEAR: As long as their decisions are within the guidelines, students have y All clothing should be neat, clean, and in a condition of good the right to choose their own style of dress. Brandywine High repair. School believes it is important for students to take pride in their appearance because how they dress reflects upon themselves, y Shirts or other tops that leave the midriff bare are NOT their family, and their school. permitted. Students whose appearance does not meet the Code of Dress y Wearing clothing as outerwear that is designed to be worn as guidelines may be asked to have appropriate clothing brought to undergarments is NOT permitted. school or may be sent home in order to change into appropriate y Pajamas or other sleepwear are NOT permitted as outerwear. school attire. The guidelines have evolved over several years. y Spandex shorts are NOT permitted as outer garments. During the 2007-08 school year, the BHS Code of Dress was y Hats, bandannas, scarves, wave caps, visors or any other type discussed by the Student Council and the year-end, School of head coverings, including hoods on hoodies, are NOT Success Conference that included parents, students, faculty and permitted. Hoodies may be warn, but the hoods may not be up staff. Based upon these and other discussions, the following over the head. guidelines have been established for the 2008-09 school year: NOTE: Head coverings worn for religious reasons are excluded from this requirement. CODE OF DRESS NOTE: Having a “bad hair day” does not justify an exception to this NEW WORDING FOR 2008-09: policy. Students are expected to be prepared for school, which y Clothing that is revealing enough to be a distraction is NOT includes appropriate personal appearance. permitted. This would include clothing that is excessively tight- fitting and clothing that exposes too much of a student’s body; NOTE: Hoodies are permitted in school, but the hoods may not be this includes tops that reveal cleavage. up over the head. NOTE: Teachers may refer students to the office if the teacher y Clothing with suggestive or derogatory pictures or phrases, or thinks the clothing may be in violation of the Code of Dress. If in clothing advertising or advocating the use of alcohol, tobacco, or the opinion of an administrator, the distracting nature of an drugs are NOT permitted. article of clothing interferes with the educational process, the y Any garments or accessories not listed above that would be student will be asked to go home to dress appropriately or will be distractions to the orderly educational process are not asked to arrange for appropriate attire to be brought to school. permissible. Students may not be admitted to class until they are properly Students may be required to follow specific dress standards in attired. shop classes and laboratories. Classroom teachers will explain y Shorts that are too short (including team uniform shorts) are these standards. As a part of the Physical Education program, NOT permitted. As defined by the Student Council, any garment students need athletic shoes and elastic waistband shorts. It is that exposes more than half of the thigh is too short. suggested that students purchase a BHS PE shirt. The student’s NOTE: Determining if the shorts are too short will be the last name should appear on the back shoulder area in permanent responsibility of a building administrator or a dean of students. marker. Students must also provide their own combination lock for securing their clothing. y All slacks/pants/jeans must be worn with the waistband or belt at the waist. Pants with the waistband worn low, especially pants worn below the buttocks, are NOT permitted. STUDENT PICTURES Student identification pictures are taken early in September and y Shirts and tops must have sleeves on each of which there is returned later that month. The ID pictures are to be used for at least one seam. This is a clarification recommended by the entrance at various school functions including school dances. Student Council. Purchasing student pictures is a voluntary decision made jointly by y Outer Wear (winter coats, jackets, heavy-weight hoodies, etc.) the student and parents. is NOT permitted in the halls or classrooms during the school TELEPHONE AND CELLPHONE USE day (7:35 to 2:10). In cases of emergency, students may request use of the phone in NOTE: Because some of our classrooms are cool in the winter, it the Main Office. is strongly recommended that sweatshirts and/or sweaters be

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—10

According to the Brandywine School District Student Code of recover the devices. For this reason, we advise that students Conduct, cell phones or other communication devices are NOT to NOT bring MP3 players and similar devices to school. If they be used by students in school during the school day. choose to do so, we strongly advise that they are vigilant in Under no circumstances should parents call minding those devices. The Brandywine School District is not liable for the loss or or text their children via cell phones during damage of electronic devices; therefore, the time required to the school day. operate a school will take precedence over investigations into the loss or theft of electronic devices. Parents who do so put their child at risk of violating the Code of Conduct. There have been a number of instances over the past two years when parents have called/texted their children EVACUATION PROCEDURES during the school day. These instances have resulted in The quick and orderly evacuation of the school building during an students refusing to put their phones away, which has emergency can reduce injury and prevent a major catastrophe. To resulted in their being suspended for defiance. Please do not facilitate this orderly evacuation, a system of emergency place your child in this situation. In addition, the Code of evacuation routes for each room or area has been defined and Conduct permits us to confiscate the phone and require that a posted in each location. Periodically, but monthly at a minimum, parent come to school to claim it. practice evacuations are held to ensure that everyone is Parents who need to contact their children during the school day knowledgeable about the emergency routes. should call the school office at 479-1600. During evacuation drills: Because their small size and the failure of many students to mind y Teachers will guide and direct students to follow the their belongings, cell phone theft is an increasingly common established procedures including prescribed evacuation routes problem in American high schools. Once taken, our experience is and designated emergency exits. that we seldom identify the thief and almost never recover the y Once out of the building in designated assembly sites, students phones. For this reason, we advise that students NOT bring cell shall assemble around their teacher and stay clear of driveways phones to school. If they must do so, we strongly advise that they and fire lanes. are vigilant in minding their phones. The Brandywine School District is not liable for the loss or y Students will accompany their teacher back to the classroom damage of electronic devices; therefore, the time required to when the fire drill or actual emergency is over operate a school will take precedence over investigations into the loss or theft of electronic devices. HOMEWORK It is expected that students will be given homework. The purpose of MP3 PLAYER USE homework includes providing drill or practice on a principle or skill The following is a change in previous practice: already taught, real-life application of knowledge and skills, obtaining information with which students should be familiar, and/or Students will be permitted to listen to MP3 players and related developing knowledge of community resources. electronic devices using earphones prior to 7:34 and after 2:14 each day. Students will also be allowed to listen to said devices All assignments for students should stem from real instructional during lunch. needs and should be assigned with consideration for the educational readiness of individual students. Homework should be There will be a zero tolerance policy on the part of the reasonable in amount, and students should know that their school administration for students who violate individual teacher’s rules studies are important! about the use of these devices during class time. Teachers have the right to ban the use of such devices in their classrooms; students do NOT have the right to challenge a teacher on this LOST AND FOUND matter for any reason. Items that are left in the Cafeteria will be placed in a lost and found bin on the loading dock. Items found elsewhere in the school will be Increasing the opportunities for students to use these devices in taken to the Main Office. Students who have lost items may come school is NOT an endorsement of their use. It is a privilege that is to the Main Office between classes or at the end of the school day being extended to students, which is associated with each to see if the item has been turned in. Students should obtain student’s responsibility to follow the established school rules as permission from an administrator or interventionist to check the lost well as the rules established by teachers, which may vary from and found bin. Periodically, items not claimed will be donated, after classroom to classroom. appropriate warning, to a local charity. Continued in next column… As with cell phones, the small size of MP3 players and the failure of BUS TRANSPORTATION many students to mind their belongings has resulted in an increase Transportation is available for all students legally residing in the in the theft of these devices in American high schools. Once taken, Brandywine High School feeder pattern. Students are expected to our experience is that we seldom identify the thief and almost never follow acceptable rules of conduct. They should remain seated, be

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—11

reasonably quiet, and be obedient to the driver while being emergency information on file in order to provide optimum transported to and from school. Any student who deviates from care and protection for our students. If parents change their this desired behavior is creating a safety hazard for him/her and the telephone number, address, or emergency numbers, it is critical other students and may have their bus privileges suspended. The that the school nurse know immediately in order to ensure proper bus driver has the same authority over students as does a care for students. classroom teacher, which means that bus drivers may use reasonable forms of disciplinary action. THE WELLNESS CENTER AT If you have and questions about bus transportation, please call the BRANDYWINE HIGH SCHOOL BSD Transportation Department at 762-7181. The Wellness Center at Brandywine High School, in conjunction Activity buses are provided for students who participate in with students’ family doctors, provides our students with a way to programs after the regular school day and who are provided easily access free healthcare when they are at school. passes by the appropriate teacher, advisor, or coach. Generally, All students are encouraged to enroll with the Wellness buses traveling to Wilmington, Claymont and the Suburbs leave Center. school at 4:15 pm, 5:15 pm, and 6:00 pm. Students are advised to In order to benefit from this exceptional service, students must check with their athletic or activity sponsor. have a signed consent form from their parents. The Wellness Center is staffed with a full-time nurse practitioner, social worker, STUDENTS’ HEALTH and administrative assistant, and has access to limited services of Because our students' health is extremely important to us, students a physician and nutritionist. Contact the Wellness Center at 477- are asked to: 6750 for more information. y Dress properly in accordance with weather conditions. y Remain home under proper supervision when ill. Doing so PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS & will reduce the possibility of other members of the BHS IMMUNIZATIONS Family becoming infected. Delaware State Law requires a student new to a school to present evidence that they have had a physical examination within the 12 THE SCHOOL NURSE months prior to registration. Students must also have evidence of The school nurse is charged with taking care of health-related all required immunizations in order to register in public school. The problems and needs that occur during normal school hours. following are the required immunizations: Injuries or other conditions occurring outside the school day are the y DTP or DT—four (4) doses. If the 4th dose was received responsibility of the family; therefore, the school nurse is not before the 4th birthday, a 5th dose is required. A student permitted to act as a substitute for a doctor or emergency room. who received the 1st dose of Td (adult) after the 7th birthday Parents are strongly encouraged to deal immediately with injuries may meet the requirement with only three doses of Td and illness that occur to their children outside of school, so that (adult). A booster dose of Td (adult) is recommended at these conditions do not become more serious. ten-year intervals for all students after the last DTP or DT During the school year, health screening is provided for selected dose was administered. students. This screening includes vision, hearing, and speech as y ORAL POLIO or POLIO VIRUS—four (4) doses. If the 3rd well as orthopedic screening. When conditions are found that merit dose was given on or after the 4th birthday, a 4th dose is attention, parents are notified. not required. Only a school nurse is permitted to administer medications during y MEASLES—two (2) doses. The 1st dose should be school hours. State Board of Education policy requires a parent’s administered on or after the age of 12 months. The 2nd note authorizing administration of medications by the school nurse. dose given after the 4th birthday. The combination of Medications prescribed by a doctor must be sent in the original vaccines measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) may be used to container with the proper labeling along with a note from the parent meet this requirement. stating the time of the last dose, and the time for the dose that is to y MUMPS—one (1) dose administered after the age of 12 be administered at school. In addition, the student must not carry months. any controlled medicine, such as Ritalin, to school. An adult should hand-carry these medicines to the nurse and provide the nurse with y RUBELLA—one (1) dose administered after the age of 12 an exact count of the number of pills in the container. months. Continues on next page… Continues in the next column… y HEPATITIS B—three (3) doses beginning in the 1999 – An emergency treatment card will be given to all students for their 2000 school year with kindergarten and grade seven. Each parents to complete at the beginning of the school year or upon year, a grade will be added so that by the year 2004-2005, registration of new students. It is vitally important that this card be all students will be required to have the vaccine. returned to the nurse immediately because the nurse must have

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—12

y MANTOUX TUBERCULIN SKIN TEST – all new school COMPUTER & INTERNET enterers must show proof (skin test in millimeters) of a ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT Mantoux tuberculin skin test within the past 12 months. Internet access is a privilege available to students at Brandywine Note: multi-puncture skin tests will not be accepted. High School. The goal in providing this service is to promote Failure to comply with the Delaware State Law regarding the educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, examinations and immunizations will result in a student being and communication. Students and parents will be asked to sign an excluded from school. Acceptable Use Agreement. By signing the Agreement, parents and students agree that the use of the computer and Internet is for STUDENT LOCKERS educational purposes only. They are also acknowledging that Each student will be assigned a locker s/he will use for the entire improper use of the computer and Internet shall result in a year. A student may go to his/her locker before school, during class revocation of this privilege. changes, and at the end of school. Students should not share their locker or locker combination with anyone, as this practice VISITORS compromises the security of their locker. Students should Parents and community members are encouraged to visit the periodically clean their lockers of unnecessary materials. school whenever possible. Only through close contact between As stated in the Code of Student Conduct, students have the right home and school can adequate support be given to students. All to privacy in their personal possessions; however, the locker visitors are required to register at the desk in the Main Office upon continues to be the property of the school and is not to be used to arrival at the school. store illegal materials that could be considered as jeopardizing the health, safety, and welfare of others, and to this end, lockers may STUDENT ANNOUNCERS be inspected if there is “reasonable cause.” Student announcers are responsible for reading the morning announcements. Announcers are rotated on a weekly basis. MEDIA CENTER SERVICES Students who are interested should see the teacher assigned Media Centers are collections of books, magazines, pamphlets, responsibility for morning announcements. Announcers should be audio, and videotapes, filmstrips, slides, phonograph records, able to read well in a well-modulated voice and must be prompt microfilm, and microfiche, all of which is catalogued and arranged and reliable. according to specific systems. The BHS Media Center allows students to: STUDY HALLS 1. Select resource materials for an assignment. Until further notice, study halls are NOT being scheduled. 2. Use resource materials for working on an assignment. SCHOOL STORE 3. Charge out materials for home study. The BHS School Store is a student-operated enterprise affiliated 4. Work in a quiet study atmosphere. with the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and 5. Read or view materials for personal enjoyment. managed by a faculty advisor. The School Store is open prior to and after the school day. It may be open during lunch for the sale TEXTBOOK & MEDIA CENTER of non-food related items. It offers various school supplies, treats (before and after school only), and BHS spirit related clothing. MATERIALS All textbooks and Media Center materials are loaned to students for the duration of the period used. Students have the responsibility to STUDENT BEHAVIOR AT LARGE care for these materials. All loses will be paid for at replacement GROUP ASSEMBLIES cost, and the cost of damages to texts are determined in light of Informational assemblies are held during the year for various known, “normal wear and tear.” grades and classes. Students are expected to sit where they are All student obligations must be met before report cards are requested to sit. They are also expected to listen quietly and issued. respectfully and to applaud appropriately. Students shall not leave an assembly unless dismissed by the person chairing the program. Seniors who have not cleared all obligations will not receive a diploma. Students are asked to remember that the impression they make on guest speakers and guests is the impression of BHS students those individuals will take with them when they leave. We must all remember that expectations are placed upon all members of the Brandywine High School Family—each of us represents all of us.

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—13

PEP RALLIES & SCHOOL SPIRIT Vocal Music: Chorale and Combined Choir—Ms. Kennedy One or more pep rallies are may be scheduled during a school Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)—Ms. Sudler- year. Fall or spring pep rallies will be held in the stadium, and all Lawrence students will be expected to attend. If a winter pep rally is held, it Drama Productions: Fall Play, Spring Musical, One-Act Play will be held in the Gymnasium. Unfortunately, the size of the Festival—Ms. Jolly Gymnasium does not allow all students to attend; therefore, Key Club—Ms. Wilt freshman may not attend the winter pep rallies. Leo Club—Ms. Speechley At these events and at sporting events, students are encouraged to cheer loudly for their school, student groups, and athletic teams. Math League (9th Grade)—Ms. Yoder Students are discouraged from cheering against opponents. Math League (10th, 11th, 12th)—Ms. Kidder Students are expected to avoid behaviors that are examples of Mock Trial—Ms. Leonard poor sportsmanship: booing, extremely derogative language directed at specific opponents or officials, and profanity. National Art Honor Society—Ms. Walton/Ms. Littleton For the past two years, a class spirit award has been awarded National Honor Society—Ms. Bartolozzi each year to the class that accumulates the most points in a year- The Brandywine Line (student newspaper/must be enrolled in long series of school and spirit-related activities. The Student Journalism) Council has the primary responsibility, supported by all other Odyssey of the Mind— advisor position open members of the BHS Family, to plan and run school spirit activities Pep Club—Ms. Williams S.A.V.E (Environmental Club)—Mr. Stein DANCES Occasionally, a BHS group will sponsor a dance as a fund raiser. Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America There is a well attended Homecoming Dance each fall and a (FCCLA)—Ms. Zellis Senior Prom each May. All school dances have limited access— Future Educators of America—Mr. Strobach dances are for Brandywine High School students and their dates Science Olympiad—Ms. Guy only. A BHS student can bring only one guest student with signed Ski Club—Mr. Houck approval from an administrator and is responsible for the guest’s welfare and conduct during the school dance. Students who leave Spanish Honor Society— advisor position open a dance will not be readmitted, and any student arriving after 9:00 Student Council—Mr. Rivera p.m. will not be admitted. A student who works and cannot arrive Technology Student Association (TSA)—advisor position open by 9:00 p.m. must obtain permission from an administrator prior to WBHS Morning Announcers—Ms. Sudler-Lawrence the day of the dance. The Azurean (Yearbook; must be enrolled in Yearbook)—Mr. Shea BHS CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES There are many opportunities at Brandywine High School for students to become involved with clubs and activities. In order to PROCEDURES FOR learn more about BHS clubs and activities, students are ORGANIZING CLUBS encouraged to speak with the appropriate advisors and with 1. Each club or organization must have a faculty advisor or students who are members of the listed activities. Teachers and sponsor. staff who volunteer their talent and time in support of student 2. Membership may not be denied to any student because of interests sponsor many of the following clubs and activities. As staff race, religion, nationality, or sex, and should reflect the racial and student interests change, student activities may also change; composition of the school if at all possible. however, all of the following activities were available during the 3. Club membership may require special qualifications for previous school year. Keep in mind that the following list is subject membership if such qualifications relate directly to the purpose to change each year. of the club. Art Club—Ms. Walton/Ms. Littleton 4. Clubs or associations must have a constitution and/or by-laws Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Jazz submitted for review to the Athletics and Activities Committee. Band—Mr. Satcher After the review, the committee will make a recommendation to Brandywine High School Gay-Straight Alliance—advisor the school principal. position open 5. Clubs or organizations will meet before or after school hours, Business Professionals of America (BPA)—advisor position unless that club or organization has previously been allocated a open class period to meet. Cheerleading—Ms. Tabron Chess Club—Mr. Strobach

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—14

CHEERLEADING Athletic eligibility is governed by regulations established by the Cheerleading combines the activities of a physical sport as well as Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA). Coaches and "dance" and "leadership" in building enthusiasm at athletic events. the Athletic Director have the responsibility to assure that all To be eligible to represent the school in any cheerleading activity, a athletes meet eligibility requirements; however, it is strongly qualified physician must examine the student. A certificate to this suggested that parents and students also make themselves effect, together with the parent or guardian's consent, shall be familiar with DIAA eligibility requirements. The DIAA handbook presented to the cheerleading sponsor at the beginning of the can be downloaded from the following site: activity. If chosen for the cheerleading squad, the student is http://www.doe.state.de.us/programs/diaa/files/diaa_handbook.pdf expected to follow all rules and regulations of the squad, attend scheduled practices, and cheer at athletic contests during the ATHLETIC TEAM MANAGERS & school year. Selections to the Cheerleading Squad are based on STATISTICIANS the advisors’ ratings. Academic requirements for Cheerleading are Team manager and statistician positions are available for students the same as for athletes. interested in aiding the interscholastic athletic program. Students assist the coaching staff by helping to issue and care for INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS equipment, keeping score at games, and helping with team Interscholastic athletics are an integral part of Brandywine High statistics. Students who might not otherwise be interested or able School, which is a member of Flight B of the Blue Hen Conference. to participate in athletic competition are urged to consider being a Brandywine competes in the following areas by season: manager or statistician as a way of getting involved in the sports FALL (Varsity and Junior Varsity) program. Academic requirements for managers and statisticians are the same as those for athletes. BOYS GIRLS Football Field Hockey THE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT Soccer Cross Country A positive and productive school family is realized when students Cross Country Volleyball act in a manner that shows respect for themselves, their peers, the WINTER (Varsity and Junior Varsity) school staff, and the process of teaching and learning. The BOYS GIRLS Brandywine School District’s Code of Conduct identifies and Basketball Basketball describes both appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. It also Swimming/Diving Swimming/Diving identifies and describes student rights and responsibilities. Indoor Track Indoor Track The Code of Conduct is designed to be fair and impartial, to Wrestling respect the rights of students, and to match specific code violations SPRING (Varsity and Junior Varsity) with appropriate consequences. BOYS GIRLS Initial behavioral incidents are best resolved at the classroom level Baseball Softball by teachers. Teacher/parent contacts through school progress Tennis Tennis reports, informal teacher notes, phone calls, and e-mails are Track Track effective means of helping students to alter their behavior. Golf Golf Repeated incidents or more serious incidents require referral to the Lacrosse Lacrosse administrative team and may result in detention, suspension, or Soccer expulsion. Certain violations of the Code of Conduct also violate State Laws ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY and will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Participation in Interscholastic Athletics is open to any interested Parents and students have a responsibility to be familiar with the student who has sufficient athletic skills to be selected for contents of the Code of Conduct. Brandywine’s highly competitive teams and who meets the requirements for athletic eligibility. To be eligible to practice or OUT-OF-SCHOOL CONDUCT represent Brandywine High School in an interscholastic athletic The Code of Conduct also applies to out-of-school conduct of a contest, students must be examined by a qualified physician student if the District believes the student presents a threat to the after May 1st preceding the year of competition. A certificate to health, safety or welfare of other students and staff. In such cases, this effect, together with the parent or guardian's consent, shall be the District may take appropriate action including expulsion. presented to the head coach of the sport before beginning the athletic activity. Continues on the next page… The form for the physical examination and parent's permission may The purpose of this policy is to exclude students from schools in be obtained from the school nurse, the head coach of the sport, the the Brandywine School District who have been charged with or Wellness Center at Brandywine High School, or the Athletic convicted of serious crimes that suggest the student is a potential Director.

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—15

threat to the health and safety of students and staff. Such out-of- Questionnaires are referred to the Dean of Students who will school conduct shall include, but is not limited to: determine if further intervention is necessary. y Acts of violence that are punishable by law When the questionnaire is completed, students are expected to y Sexual offenses that are punishable by law work on course work. The following behaviors are not permitted in the Time Out Room: y The sale and transfer of drugs or alcohol that would constitute an offense punishable by law a. Talking b. Sleeping ADMINISTRATIVE DETENTION c. Drinking or eating Administrative detention is the detainment of a student after school d. Refusal to do school work hours as a consequence for unacceptable behavior. Administrative e. Using headphones or electrical devices detentions are assigned by building administrators or their designees and occur from 2:30–4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, f. Arriving more than 5 minutes after the teacher on duty Wednesdays and Thursdays. has been notified the student has been sent to the Time Out Room Teachers may also issue detentions and will be responsible for establishing procedures specific to these detentions. If a student commits 3 violations of required A.A. behavior on a given day, or if a student has been sent out of two classes in one Students are entitled to 24 hours notice when detentions are day, the teacher on duty shall notify the student’s administrator who assigned. Students must serve assigned detentions on the will deal with the student’s behavior accordingly. designated day unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the appropriate assistant principal. If a student fails to The teacher on duty in the Time Out Room will issue no hall serve a detention given by a teacher, the student will be referred to passes. All students who are sent to A.A. during the third period the office and assigned an administrative detention. (lunch) will eat lunch during D lunch.

Students are expected to work silently during detention. It is SUSPENSION & EXPULSION expected that students will bring work and texts in order to Suspension is the exclusion of a pupil from school for a short and complete course work during detention. If a student persists in definite period of time as a consequence for violations of the Code unacceptable behavior during detention, he/she will be referred to of Conduct. The intent of suspension is to serve as a deterrent. an administrator who will issue further consequences within the parameters set by the Code of Conduct. Especially serious violations of the Code of Conduct may result in a recommendation for expulsion (e.g. possession and distribution of REMOVING A STUDENT alcohol or illegal drugs, weapons offenses, physical conflict with staff, serious assaults on students). Repeated violations of the FROM CLASS Code of Conduct may also result in a recommendation for Students and parent should be aware that removal of a student expulsion. from class by a teacher for the remainder of a period is permissible when a student’s behavior is disruptive to classroom learning and Expulsion is the exclusion of a pupil from school on a permanent informal resolution within the classroom has proven impractical.. basis or for a significant period of time. The Brandywine School District’s Code of Student Conduct defines behaviors for which If the behavior presents an immediate physical danger to the students can be recommended for expulsion. teacher or other students, an administrator or interventionist may be called to remove the student from the room. If a student refuses a request to leave the room from an administrator or interventionist, the School Resource Officer (SRO) may be contacted. The SRO is empowered to use whatever tactics are necessary to remove the student from the room.

TIME OUT ROOM RULES & PROCEDURES Room 101 has been designated as the Time Out Room (formerly referred to as the A.A. Room). Students who have disrupted class are sent to the Time Out Room for the remainder of the class period. Students will be expected to answer questions in writing about what occurred prior to being sent to the Time Out Room, what the student might have done differently, and what the student believes s/he needs to do upon returning to the class on the following day.

BHS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK—16

INDEX Homework 10 Absence from School 2 Honor Roll 6 Academic Challenge 6 Immunizations 11 Academic Dishonesty 6 Interim Reports 4 Acceptable Use Agreement —Computers and Internet 11 Internet—Acceptable Use Agreement 12 Administrative Detention 15 Interscholastic Athletics 14 Adult Supervision 2 Large Group Assemblies 13 Agenda Books 8 Late to Class 3 Athletic Eligibility 14 Late to School 3 Athletic Eligibility 14 Lost and Found 10 Athletics 14 Media Center 12 Attendance Policies 2 MP3 Player Use 10 Attendance Secretary 4 Notice of Danger of Failing—Seniors 4 Bell Schedule 8 Organizing Clubs—Procedures 13 BHS Clubs and Activities 13 Pathways 7 BHS Family Responsibilities 2 Pep Rallies 13 Block Scheduling 7 Personal Appearance 9 Bus Transportation 11 Physical Examinations 11 Cafeteria Expectations 8 Procedures—Absence from School 2 Career Pathways 7 Procedures—Late to School 3 Cell Phone Use 10 Progress Reports 4 Cheerleading 14 Promotion 7 Class Cuts 3 Rank in Class 5 Code of Conduct 2 Removing a Student from Class 15 Code of Dress 9 Removing a Student from Class 15 Code of Student Conduct 14 Responsibilities, BHS Family 2 Code of Student Conduct 14 School Counseling 7 Computers—Acceptable Use Agreement 12 School Nurse 11 Course Changes 6 School Spirit 13 Course Selection 6 School Store 12 Credits Carried Each Year 7 Student Announcers 12 Daily Schedules 8 Student Assignments to Counselors 8 Daily Schedules 8 Student Drivers 8 Dances 13 Student Lockers 12 Detention 15 Student Pictures 9 Dress Code 9 Students’ Health 11 Early Dismissal for Personal Reasons 3 Study Halls 12 Early Dismissal for School-Sponsored Activities 4 Summer School 7 Eligibility 14 Suspension 15 Evacuation Procedures 10 Team Managers 14 Excused Absences 2 Team Statistician 14 Expulsion 15 Telephone Use 10 Final Grades, Calculating 5 Time Out Room—rules and procedures 16 GPA 5 Transportation 11 GPA/Final Grade Conversion Table 5 Truancy 3 Grade Point Average 5 Visitors 12 Grade-Related Practices 6 Wellness Center 11 Grading Guidelines 4 Work Permits 8 Grading Scale 5 Grading: Student Responsibilities 4 Grading: Student Rights 4 Graduation Requirements 7 HAC 2 Hall Passes 8 Home Access Center 2 Homeroom 8