Student/Parent Handbook 2017-2018

535 Locust Street P.O. Box 325 Sidman, PA 15955 (814) 487-7613 www.fhrangers.org

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2017-2018

Through the efforts of the Student Assistance Program, the high school administration, and others, this handbook has been prepared for you. Its purpose is to make you aware of the opportunities available to you and the rules and regulations that govern these opportunities. Any organization that is to function smoothly must have order. It is our hope that this book can be your guide to adjust to and participate in the high school program in a manner that will be both educationally enjoyable and profitable.

THE MISSION OF THE FOREST HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS TO PROVIDE THE BEST STUDENT-CENTERED EDUCATION IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE TRADITION IS EXCELLENCE.

Nondiscriminatory Statement

The Forest Hills School District does not discriminate in educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry or any other legally protected classification. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

This handbook belongs to:

NAME______

GRADE______ACTIVITY ROOM______

TABLE OF CONTENTS

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Ambulance Policy ...... 7 Attendance Policy/Procedures ...... 7 Legal Responsibility-Attendance ...... 7 Perfect Attendance………………………………………...7 Attendance Intervention Procedures ...... 8 Cumulative Lawful Absence……………………………...8 Responsibilities of Students ...... 8-9 Tardy Procedures ...... 9 Failure Due to Attendance ...... 9-10 Early Dismissal Procedures ...... 10 Extended Absences/Vacations/Education Leave ...... 10 Attendance Procedures for After School Activities ...... 11 Attendance for Extra-Curricular Activities ...... 11 Acceptable Use Policy for Computer ...... 11 Announcements...... 11 Body Piercing Policy ...... 11-12 Cell Phones and Electronic Devices ...... 12 Distribution of Materials ...... 12 Dress Code ...... 12-13 Drop-Off and Pick-Up of Students ...... 13 English as a Second Language ...... 13 Field Trips-School Sponsored...... 14 FERPA Policy ...... 14 Hall Passes ...... 14 Hazing ...... 14 Harassment ...... 14-15 Journal/Diary Writings...... 15 Nutrition Policy ...... 15 Recording Device Policy ...... 15 Search Procedures ...... 15-16 Individual Student Lockers ...... 16 Tobacco Products Policy...... 17 Weapons Policy – Act 26 ...... 17-18 Homework Request When Absent ...... 18 Morning Procedures ...... 18 Dismissal Procedures ...... 18-19 Early Dismissal/Emergency ...... 19 School Cancellation or Delay ...... 19 Special Education…………………………………………19-20

ATHLETICS Sports ...... 20 Complaint Procedures-Extracurricular Activities ...... 20 Transportation ...... 21 2

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY Cumulative to any Friday...... 21 Report Card ...... 21 Cumulative Academic Eligibility Requirements...... 21

ACTIVITIES/CLUBS Activities/Clubs...... 22 Class Office ...... 22 Dances ...... 22-23 Spanish Honor Society Guidelines ...... 23 National Honor Society Guidelines ...... 23-24

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS School Responsibilities ...... 24 Student Responsibilities ...... 24-25 Rules and Regulations...... 25-26

DISCIPLINE Guidelines for Student Behavior ...... 26-27 Demerit System ...... 27 Rules for In-School Suspension…………………………. 28 Rules for Out-of-School Suspension…………………….. 28 Misconduct Points Guideline ...... 29 Drug or Alcohol Use-School Policy ...... 30 Action Chart-Drug/Alcohol Incidents ...... 30 Extracurricular Participation Guidelines-D/A Use ...... 31 Youth Awareness Programs ...... 31-32 Guidelines for Placement in Alternative Ed ...... 32-33

GRADING Grading & Reporting Procedures……………………… ....33-34 GPA Calculation…………………………………………. 34 Semester & Year Long Courses………………………….. 34 AP & CHS Courses………………………………………. 34 Honor Courses…………………………………………… 35 Quality Point Calculation………………………………… 35 Passing a Course………………………………………….. 35 Bonus …………………………………………………….. 35 Progress Reports………………………………………….. 35 Incomplete Grades ...... 36 Academic Recognition ...... 36-37

FOOD SERVICE Cafeteria Regulations ...... 37 Breakfast ...... 37 Lunch Payment ...... 37-38 Breakfast and Lunch Prices ...... 38 3

Suspended Meal Accounts……………………………….. 38

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Full-time FH Education Student ...... 38-39 Graduation Dress Policy ...... 39

GUIDANCE Philosophy...... 39 Scheduling...... 39 Schedule Changes ...... 40 Drop/Add Classes Policy ...... 40 School Records and Confidentiality ...... 40 Student Transfers ...... 40

LIBRARY COMPUTERIZED READING COURSE Description ...... 40

MEDICAL SERVICES Drug Testing Kits ...... 41 Nurse’s Room ...... 41 Medication ...... 41 Health Forms ...... 41 Student Accident and Dental Insurance ...... 41

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SAP ...... 41-42 Student Assistance Program Team ...... 42 Help Yourself – Help a Friend ...... 42

TRANSPORTATION Driving to School ...... 42-43 Driving Without Permission (GJCTC) ...... 43 Parking Assignments/Regulations ...... 43 Parking Lot Accident Procedures ...... 43 Bus Regulations ...... 43-44

MEDICATION DISTRIBUTION FORM ...... 45-46

BELL SCHEDULE ...... 47-51

MAP ...... 52

EXCUSE SLIP ...... 53

ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Edwin Bowser – Superintendent Mr. Lucas Jacobs – Director of Education Mr. Curt Vasas – High School Principal Mr. Brian Kostan– Assistant Principal Mr. Joe Gironda –Athletic Director/Transportation Director Mr. Joseph Evans - Standard Evening/Credit Recovery

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Mrs. Corina Long Mr. Galen George Mrs. Deborah Petrunak Mr. Robert MacTavish Mr. Fred Russell Mrs. Tracy Helsel Mr. John Bopp Dr. Richard Knavel Dr. Tim Ondrejik

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

GUIDANCE COUNSELORS Mrs. Valko Mr. Bowser

GUIDANCE SECRETARY Mrs. Fessler

LIBRARIAN Mrs. Raptosh

SCHOOL NURSE Mrs. Yuhas

SECRETARIES Mrs. Burkett and Mrs. Schrock

STUDY HALL MONITORS Mrs. Makoczy

ATTENDANCE MONITOR Mrs. Sterle

AUXILIARY AIDES Mrs. Custer and Mrs. Wolfhope

MAINT. SUPERVISORS Mr. Lester and Mr. Beyer

HEAD COOK Mrs. Mayes

STAFF ASSIGNMENTS

Mrs. Baumann ...... Learning Support; Inclusion Mr. Beyer ...... Technology Mr. Bowser ...... Guidance Counselor Mrs. Cecere ...... Art Mrs. Chimelewski ...... English Mr. Crookston ...... Science Mr. Custer ...... Band Mr. Dill ...... Social Studies Mr. Evans ...... History Mrs. B. Gdula ...... Physical Education Mrs. D. Gdula ...... Writing/Research Mr. Golden ...... Spanish Mr. Gramling……………………………..Math Mrs. Kopach ...... Learning Support; Inclusion Mr. Kovalsky ...... Gifted Support Mr. Krise ...... Math Mrs. Livermore ...... English Mrs. Makin ...... Business Technology Mrs. Mash ...... Learning Support; Inclusion Mrs. McCloskey………………………….Science Mr. Miller………………………………...Spanish Mr. Obarsky...... Science Mr. Parlock ...... Music Mr. Petrunak ...... Science Mrs. S. Petrunak ...... English Mrs. Raptosh ...... Librarian Mrs. Richardson ...... History Mrs. Roxby ...... Math Mr. Saksa ...... Learning Support; Inclusion Mrs. Smith ...... Family & Consumer Science Mr. Smith ...... Technology Mr. Strayer...... Physical Education; Safety Education Mrs. Valko ...... Guidance Counselor Mrs. Whysong ...... Math Mrs. Williamson ...... Math Mr. Wozniak ...... Physical Education; Health Ms. Yevchak ...... English Mrs. Yuhas ...... School Nurse

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

AMBULANCE POLICY The Forest Hills School District has contracted with the Forest Hills Ambulance Association to provide emergency ambulance service. In the event that it would be deemed necessary by School District personnel to have a student transported to the hospital from school in an ambulance, the cost of the ambulance service would not be encumbered by the parents/guardians.

ATTENDANCE POLICY/PROCEDURES The Forest Hills School District maintains an Attendance Monitor for the High School. A major component of this position is the monitoring of student attendance. This individual is required to contact the parent/guardian of students each day a student is absent, tardy or dismissed early from school. It is understood that work schedules for the majority of parents prohibit you from answering or returning our calls. Therefore, the Forest Hills School District has developed alternatives to alleviate this problem.

*OPTION I – If a parent/guardian prefers, they will be called at work. A Parent Contact Form will be completed in its entirety and returned to the high school main office at the beginning of each year.

*OPTION II – A parent/guardian who knows their child is sick and will not be attending school should call the high school at (814) 487-7613, ext. 1119 and leave a message.

*NOTE: In all cases of absence, a note must be sent to the school when the student returns within three days or the absence will be marked unlawful.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY-ATTENDANCE All students reporting for school in the morning are expected to remain the entire day unless properly excused. School attendance rests with the legal guardian of the student. Unexcused absence is the absence of a student for one of the following reasons: a. Absence through parental neglect b. Illegal employment c. Truancy d. Vacations/extended trips (unapproved)

PERFECT ATTENDANCE The student must be present during every period during the school day for the entire year to have Perfect Attendance for the year. The only exception is if the student is attending a School Sponsored Field Trip or Extra-Curricular Event. There will be no exceptions made to the above statement. Parent/Guardian(s) wishing to have their son/daughter eligible for Perfect Attendance should schedule various types of appointments after school hours.

ATTENDANCE INTERVENTION PROCEDURES

 Illegal Absence for students under fifteen (15) years old 1st Offense Letter sent home/Truancy Elimination Plan. 3rd Offense The school must refer the child to either: (1) a school-based or community based attendance improvement program or (2) the county children and youth (CYS) for services or possible disposition as a dependent child under the Juvenile Act. Additionally, the school may file a citation against the parent of a habitually truant child under fifteen (15) in a magisterial district court. **Children and Youth may be contacted at any point**

 Unexcused Absence for students fifteen (15) years and older 1st Offense Letter sent home/ Placed on Truancy Elimination Plan 3rd Offense The school must either: (1) refer the child to a school-based or community based attendance improvement program or (2) file a citation against the student or parent in a magisterial district court. If the child incurs additional absences after a school refers that child to an attendance improvement program or refuses to participate in an attendance improvement program, the school may refer the child to the local CYS agency for possible disposition as a dependent child. **Children and Youth may be contacted at any point**

LAW STATES A CHILD IS TRUANT AFTER RACKING UP THREE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES IN A SCHOOL YEAR. THEY ARE CONSIDERED CHRONICALLY TRUANT AFTER SIX ILLEGAL ABSENCES.

CUMULATIVE LAWFUL ABSENCES According to school code, 13-1327 Section D, a maximum of ten days of cumulative lawful absences verified by parental notification may be permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten cumulative days should require an excuse from a physician. If the required physician excuse is not provided after the allotted ten days, then absences will be recorded as illegal/unexcused.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS a. A student who is tardy shall report immediately to the main office and present an appropriate written excuse. Late bus students must report to the main office prior to reporting to 1st period. b. A written excuse from the parent or guardian is required for all absences even when a phone call has been made to the attendance monitor. A

written excuse for absences must be turned in at the main office within 3 days of the absence. c. Excuses for tardiness or early dismissal requests shall be taken to the main office as soon as the student arrives at school. d. A doctor’s excuse is required for all doctor and dental appointments. e. Students leaving school early must sign out at the main office. f. When students return to school from an early dismissal, they must sign back in at the main office. g. When students are absent from school, they may not come on school property unless they check in at the main office first. h. Students who are excused at first dismissal must leave school property immediately i. When students are absent they must, within 3 school days, provide a written excuse upon their return to school or the absence will be considered illegal.

TARDY PROCEDURES Students arriving to school between the times of 7:42 am and 8:09 am will be considered tardy. In all cases of tardiness a note must be sent to the school when the student arrives. A student will be marked tardy regardless of the reason unless a verified doctor’s excuse is turned into the school within 3 days or at the discretion of the Administration.

Examples: (Student will still be marked tardy and the tardy will still count towards his/her total)  Please excuse my child for being tardy today she was not feeling well this morning.  Please excuse my child for being tardy today the alarm did not go off this morning.  Please excuse my child for being tardy he/she missed the bus.

Note: A student who has a medical condition that may cause them to be tardy on several occasions throughout the school year must have a Doctor’s excuse on file for the tardy to be considered an excused tardy and not be count toward his/her total.

Students accumulating excessive tardies will be assessed the following:

1st Time Offender (6 tardies) 1 Day ISS 2nd Time Offender (12 tardies) 3 Days ISS, loss of driving privilege for 2 weeks. 3rd Time Offender (18 tardies) 5 Days ISS, driving privilege revoked. 4th Time Offender (24 tardies) Placed in Alternative Education

Students’ tardy accumulations beyond this may be assigned to alternative placement. NOTE: Tardies carry over from one nine weeks to another and semester to semester.

FAILURE DUE TO ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES Any student who is absent from a semester course more than 15 days per semester will fail the semester course.

Any student who is absent from a yearlong course more than 30 days will fail the yearlong course. The same applies if a student misses a specific period in a semester or yearlong course. Under Section 11.24 students who miss ten consecutive school days shall be dropped for the active membership roll unless the school is provided with evidence the excuse is legal or the school is pursuing compulsory attendance prosecution.

Any student arriving at school after 8:09 will be marked absent for that period and must turn in an excuse or the absence will be considered unlawful.

Any student absent from a specific period from a semester course more than 15 days per semester will fail the semester course and will not receive credit for that period.

Any student absent from a specific period from a yearlong course more than 30 days will fail the yearlong course and not receive credit for that period.

Exceptions for emergencies such as extended illness or hospital confinement shall be evaluated on an individual basis. Students who receive homebound instruction shall be exempt from this regulation during the period of confinement and homebound instruction.

EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURES Early dismissal is possible in the following manner: Students must bring a written excuse from home and present it to the main office prior to the start of first period. Students who do not drive and are being excused, must be picked up by their parents in the main office. All students being dismissed must sign out in the main office at the time of dismissal.

EXTENDED ABSENCES/VACATIONS/EDUCATIONAL LEAVE If a student is going on a (non-school sponsored) educational trip, the parents must contact the assistant principal. An educational field trip form must be completed prior to going on the trip. Failure to turn in the proper paper work will result in the day(s) being considered illegal absence(s). A student will be excused for a maximum of ten (10) school days per academic year. Educational trip days exceeding 10 days will be considered illegal absences. Consideration of requests will be reviewed by the assistant principal for approval/disapproval according to the following criteria: a. The trip should have a clear and significant educational purpose and component. b. At the high school level, a visitation to a college or university location is an acceptable excused reason for student absence. The school authority reserves the option to request verification of a visitation from an admissions office. c. It is the student’s responsibility to gather all missed assignments for the time he/she will be absent from school. Teachers must be given at least a three day notice for all trips exceeding (5) five days. d. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all missed assignments within (5) five school days of his/her return. e. Excessive absenteeism and failing grades will result in trips not being approved.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES-ALL AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES A student must attend school for at least four full periods to be eligible to attend or participate in any after school activity unless the student provides a Doctor’s excuse that same day. The student must present the doctor’s excuse upon arrival at school that day.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES FOR PARTICIPATING IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students participating in sports, plays, band, dances, drama, practices, etc. must be in attendance on the day of the game or activity. Exceptions will be permitted for dental and doctor’s appointments when the student provides a proper excuse from the dentist or physician to the coach or advisor on the day of the activity.

To be eligible to participate, students must be in school on the day of the activity for at least four (4) full periods.

A student who leaves school sick on the day of any event cannot participate in the event later that day unless the student provides a Doctor’s excuse that same day.

Students must attend school, as mentioned above, on Friday to participate in an event on Saturday.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR COMPUTERS The Forest Hills School District has developed an Acceptable Use Policy to provide information and guidelines for utilizing the District’s Technological/Telecommunications Systems. In order to assure the understanding of this policy regarding use of the Internet, Local Area Networks, Computers and Related Technological Telecommunications Systems used in the District, the student, parent, and sponsoring teacher must read and sign the Acceptable Use Policy document.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Students are encouraged to pay attention to the AM announcements. Announcements are usually displayed on classroom and cafeteria televisions during the school day as well.

BODY PIERCING POLICY In recent years we have seen a significant increase in the amount of students choosing to express themselves through body piercing. Although we respect one’s choice to do so, we are appropriately concerned with the safety issues surrounding this individual activity. Many of our physical education classes include group activities which subject our students to various types of contact and sometimes body contact in activities like basketball, volleyball and floor hockey. Our concern is that students with piercing may incur injuries as well as potentially cause accidental injuries to others. Therefore, we are requesting that students remove all piercing while in PE classes. In the event that students cannot remove the piercing, an alternative and appropriate physical education activity will be offered to allow them to participate in the physical education class. If you

11 are scheduling a piercing, please do so at a time when it will not affect your child’s participation in PE.

We are concerned with the safety of all our students. Your cooperation in this regard will help us ensure that our school continues to provide a safe educational environment where excellence is the tradition.

CELL PHONES, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, and ACCESSORIES Games, radios, CD’s, pagers, smart watches and tablets, etc. are not to be brought to school. The Forest Hills School District prohibits the use of restricted and unauthorized devices, as defined in the policy, by students during the academic school day. The school administration recognizes the need for cell phones but prohibits their use during the time students are in school. Such devices shall be turned off and put away from the time the student enters the building in the morning until he/she exits in the afternoon. Cell phones must be turned off and put away. All electronic violations will result in confiscation of the device. Failure to relinquish will result in an additional 3 points for disrespect and parents will be required to pick up the device. Any further violations will results in 6 demerit points and parents will be required to pick up the device.

Any student contacting a parent/guardian without approval of the Administration will receive 3 Demerit Points.

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS In order for an outside group, agency, or organization to distribute materials such as fliers within the school to our student population, the following conditions must be followed: 1. Materials and method of distribution must be approved by the school administration. 2. The group must have a connection with the students or the school. 3. It must be non-partisan information and not related to an election or labor negotiations. 4. The dispersed information does not seek to exploit students for the benefit of a profit-making organization. 5. The flyers are pre-counted and sorted for quick distribution to the intended classroom and/or student groups.

DRESS CODE Students shall dress appropriately for school and shall avoid extremes in make-up, hairstyles, clothes, etc. Student must dress in a manner that does not interfere with the educational process.

Please note the following changes for the 2017-2018 school year: No jeans with holes or tears of any kind are permitted unless tights or leggings are worn underneath.

Items NOT approved include the following: Sleeveless tops Tank tops Crop top shirts above the waist Hats See-through tops Spandex and cut-off sweats Sweatbands or wristbands Bandanas (worn or displayed anywhere) Gloves or coats/jackets Sleepwear/Pajamas Slippers Short shorts/cheerleading shorts No wallet or unconventional chains Jean Shorts with the pockets exposed No wigs except for health issues The following guidelines should be followed: a. Students are expected to dress modestly. b. The display of undergarments is not acceptable. c. Students are not permitted to wear clothing that advertises the Playboy symbol or other sexual, alcohol, drug, or tobacco products. d. Safety pins or any other pointed object may not be worn or attached to clothing. e. Skirts, dresses and shorts should be no shorter than mid-thigh. f. All shoes and sandals must be constructed that they adhere to safety and hygiene standards. g. Appropriate shoe attire must be worn for all gym classes and shop related areas.

Principals’ discretion: The administration may deem dress unacceptable if it causes a distraction or interferes with the educational process. Students will be required to comply to the school’s set standards. If they fail to do so, they will be subjected to disciplinary action.

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP OF STUDENTS For safety purposes, a specific drop-off and pick-up zone will be identified for students at the Junior-Senior High School. A car lane for drop off in the morning has been established in front of the main portion of the building. Student pick up at the end of the day will be in front of the main entrance. In order to accommodate these changes, the designated area MUST be utilized. Failure to do so could result in hazardous conditions for our students.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE The Forest Hills School District, in keeping with its goal of academic excellence, has endeavored to establish a quality ESL (English as a Second Language) program that provides a student with the best education possible. In response to this desire, and in keeping with various federal and state regulations related to the education of ESL students, the Forest Hills School District formally established and adopted District Policy #138- English as a Second Language/Bilingual Program, on July 10, 2002. The stated purpose of the policy is to enable identified success in English, specifically reading, reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening.

FIELD TRIPS/EXTRA-CURRICULAR EVENT (School Sponsored) Students must have permission forms turned in one day prior to the field trip. No forms will be accepted the day of the trip. Students must attend school a full day prior to the day of the field trip unless the student has a written excuse from a Doctor. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all missed assignments upon returning to school the next day. No student is permitted to drive to any type of school related field trip. No exceptions will be made.

FERPA POLICY The Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or the Buckley Amendment, ensures that parents and students have access to and an opportunity to challenge the content of student records. Schools may release directory information if the school designates certain information and allows the student or parents to opt out of directory information exception. Students will receive a waiver information form the first day of the new school year. Parents must complete the waiver in its entirety to avoid any directory information being sent to a third party.

HALL PASSES Students must always have a properly completed hall pass when they are in the halls during class time. No student shall be excused to another teacher’s room unless he/she has previously obtained a proper pass from said teacher. The sending teacher will determine whether or not to send the student. Students in study hall must have verbal permission from the library staff in order to use the library. This permission can be obtained by a phone call from the study hall monitor to the library. If permission is granted, a proper pass must be completed. Each student will be issued a 9 week hall pass that must be used for restrooms and locker use. The student will be responsible for maintaining this pass. If lost, only one new pass will be issued per quarter. This replacement pass will be issued at the discretion of the administration.

HAZING The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe, positive educational and extra-curricular environment for students and staff that is free from hazing. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the Forest Hills School District and are prohibited at all times. Hazing shall hereafter be defined as any intentional, knowing or reckless act, occurring on or off School District property, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in affiliation with any organization whose members are, or include students of the Forest Hills School District.

HARASSMENT The Board strives to provide a safe, positive learning climate for students in the schools. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the district to maintain an educational environment in which harassment in any form is not tolerated. The Board prohibits all forms of unlawful 14 harassment of students and third parties by all district students and staff members, contracted individuals, vendors, volunteers, and third parties in the schools. The Board encourages students and third parties who have been harassed to promptly report such incidents to the designated employees. The Board directs that complaints of harassment shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action be taken when allegations are substantiated. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the district’s legal and investigative obligations.

JOURNAL/DIARY WRITINGS Keeping a journal/diary is a technique that may sharpen language arts and writing skills. Teachers may choose not to read these items on a regular or even random basis. However, if a teacher does read your journal/diary and finds it to contain anything that may deal with abuse, neglect, harm to yourself, or harm to others, there will be no such thing as confidentiality. Your parents and/or the responsible school officials will be contacted immediately.

NUTRITION POLICY The Forest Hills Board of Education approved the Forest Hills Student Wellness Policy #246 on June 14, 2006. The policy can be found on the District’s website at www.fhrangers.org.  PDE guidelines for schools participating in the NSLP and NSBP allow no more than 10 food fundraisers each year that are exempt from meeting Smart Snack guidelines.  All packages must be sealed/wrapped.  Any baked items must be store purchased or made by a licensed baker.

RECORDING DEVICE POLICY No student shall bring a tape recorder or other audio/video recording device into a school building without the prior written consent of his/her building administrator.

No student shall record the oral communication of another student, teacher, administrator, or other school employee, nor make a videotape of such person’s activities without first advising that person of the proposed recording/taping and obtaining his/her consent to do so. Any equipment such as a camcorder that contains an audio recording capacity is also considered a recording device.

SEARCH PROCEDURES The Forest Hills School District continues to strive to make its schools the safest educational environment in which your son or daughter can learn. It is our intention to keep parents abreast of all policies and procedures. As a part of the overall educational process the following procedures have been adopted related to sniff searches of lockers, backpacks, book bags, and cars that are located on the school premises.

An administrator may seize any evidence indicating that a student is violating or has violated the law or a school rule, which the administrator may find as a result of a search of a student’s property, clothed body, or area designated for student use if the search is proper and reasonable. A student who refuses the request for a search by an 15 administrator that is proper and reasonable may be disciplined under the district’s discipline policy. Actions may include suspension or referral to the board for an expulsion hearing.

1. LOCKERS The Board reserves the right to authorize its employees to inspect a student’s locker at any time for the purpose of determining whether the locker is being improperly used for storage of contraband, a substance or object the possession of which is illegal, or any materials which pose a hazard to the safety and order of the schools. Students shall be notified at least annually concerning the contents of this policy. Locks will be provided by the district. Students who fail to lock their lockers will forfeit their right to the use of a locker. Prior to a locker search, the student shall be notified, when possible, and given an opportunity to be present.

A Locker Policy Waiver Form will be sent home with students the first day of school. a) The form will be completed by parents and returned to school. (NOTE: The form states that failure to sign and return the form in a timely manner does not relinquish parent or student responsibilities.)

2. BOOKBAGS Students who choose to carry book bags, backpacks, etc…must understand that, first and foremost, the Forest Hills School District has a responsibility to create a safe educational environment conducive to learning. Students must understand that carrying a backpack to school is a privilege given to a student, and the School District has the right to sniff search and seize any or all items that are deemed suspicious or may prove to be a threat to the welfare of students or other individuals.

3. PARKING LOT The student parking lot is an extension of the Forest Hills Junior-Senior High School. Students who are granted the privilege of parking in the parking lot must understand that, on occasion, their vehicles may be subject to a canine sniff search. Completing and signing the Forest Hills High School Permission to Drive Form, in essence, will grant the School District the right to conduct random sniff searches in identified vehicles. Students and parents must understand that these identified vehicles will be subject to search by school administrators and legal authorities, to include but not limited to the police. Students will be issued a parking pass tag after the permission to drive form is submitted.

INDIVIDUAL STUDENT LOCKERS All lockers are and shall remain the property of the school district. As such, students shall have no expectation of privacy in their lockers. Students must keep their assigned lockers closed and locked. Students are not permitted to share lockers. No student may use a locker as a depository for a substance or object which is prohibited by law or district regulations, or which constitutes a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants of the school building or the building itself. In all circumstances the contents of the locker will be considered the property of the student who is assigned to the locker. 3 Demerit points will be issued for any student failing to lock his/her locker after being warned one time. Demerits will also be issued if students share their lockers.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS POLICY The Board prohibits students from possessing and using tobacco or tobacco substitutes at any time on school property, including all district buildings, grounds, athletic facilities, and vehicles and at all school sponsored activities. In addition, the use and possession of tobacco shall be prohibited by students proceeding to and from school and/or school related or sponsored activities. The school district may initiate prosecution of any student who violates this policy; in addition, the student will accrue 6 demerit points. Under Act 145 of the 1996 Pennsylvania Crimes Code, which amends the Crimes Code (Title 18), a student convicted of possessing or using tobacco in a school building or on a school bus or school property shall be fined progressively as determined by the District Magistrate.

For the purpose of this policy, tobacco or tobacco substitutes shall be defined as a lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe; other lighted or unlighted smoking products including electronic cigarettes; vaping, and smokeless tobacco in any form.

Disclaimer: Additionally, community service may also be assigned at the discretion of the magistrate and/or school district.

WEAPONS POLICY – ACT 26 The Board recognizes the importance of providing a safe orderly school environment. Possession of weapons and/or destructive devices is strictly prohibited on any school property, at any school-sponsored activity, or on any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school sponsored activity. School property is defined as all building, facilities, and grounds on the school campus sits, school buses, and other conveyances providing transportation to or from school or school related functions or activities, school parking lots, and any facility being used for a school function or activity. Weapon includes, but is not limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchak, firearm, shotgun, rifle, and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. Destructive devices include any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket, missile, mine, or device similar to any of the devices described in this definition.

Except as otherwise provided in this policy, the Board of School Directors shall expel, for a period of not less than one year, any student who is determined to have brought and/or possessed a weapon or destructive device on any school property, at any school sponsored activity, or on any public conveyance providing transportation to a school sponsored activity. Expulsions shall be conducted pursuant to all applicable regulations. The Superintendent may recommend discipline short of expulsion on a case-by-case basis. The Superintendent shall, in the case of an exceptional student, take all steps necessary to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The provisions of this policy shall not apply to the following: (1) A weapon being used as part of a program approved by the Superintendent or Building Principal. (2) A weapon that is unloaded and is possessed by a student while traversing school property for the purpose of obtaining access to public or private lands used for lawful hunting, if the entry on school premises is authorized by school authority. 17

The school district shall report all incidents involving possession of a weapon or destructive device prohibited by this policy as follows: (1) The Superintendent or Building Principal shall report the discovery of any weapon or destructive device prohibited by this section to local law officials. (2) Superintendent shall report to the Dept. of Education all incidents relating to expulsion for possession of a weapon on school property, at any school sponsored activity, or on any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school sponsored activity. The report shall include all information as required under Section 1302-A.

HOMEWORK REQUESTS WHEN ABSENT Homework is an important component of daily lessons and attempts to provide such for absenteeism will be made. However, requests for single day absences may not be fulfilled. Multiple day requests can generally be gathered within (2) two days. Parents are asked to call the school attendance monitor at 487-7613 ext. 1119 before 9 AM when requesting homework.

When students know they will be absent for an extended period of time due to medical reasons they must make prior arrangements with their teachers for missed assignments. Homework assignments are to be picked up by the family of the absent student. This will ensure that the assignments are delivered correctly and in a timely manner.

MORNING PROCEDURES 1. Buses arriving before 7:35 a.m. will unload at the gym entrance. Students may use lavatories by the gym. 7th and 8th grade students report directly to the cafeteria. 9th through 12th grade students report to home side bleachers in the gym until 7:35 a.m. At the first bell, students will proceed to 1st period. Students are not to go to their lockers or 1st period before the 7:35 a.m. bell. 2. Buses arriving after 7:35 a.m. will unload at the main entrance. Students may use the lavatories in the vicinity of their 1st period and then proceed to 1st period. 3. All students should be in 1st period and seated prior to the tardy bell ringing. 4. Students entering 1st period after the late bell are tardy and must report to the main office to fill out a tardy slip. 5. Students who arrive on a late bus must report to the main office immediately upon entering the building before reporting to the 1st period or classes, so they will not be marked absent. 6. AM GJCTC students must report to their assigned homeroom, no later than 7:30 a.m. but not before 7:20 a.m.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES 1. First dismissal students including walkers and drivers, will be dismissed at 2:46 for the C and D wing students. At 2:48 the remainder of the building will be dismissed through the gym entrance. Van and Parent pick-up will be in front of the building. 2. When awaiting the buses, walking, or walking to cars, students must use the sidewalk until the buses have stopped. There will be no running or pushing on the bus loading walk. 3. Students may leave the building from the two main entrances located at the center of the building. 18

4. On scheduled early dismissal days, C and D wing students including drivers and walkers, will be dismissed at 12:35 p.m. At 12:37 the remainder of the building will be dismissed through the gym entrance.

EARLY DISMISSAL DUE TO EMERGENCY In the event of an unexpected early dismissal, the FHSD will use an automated emergency notification system to inform parents of the unexpected dismissal. If you wish to be informed via this system, you must complete the appropriate form and return it to the school office. On emergency dismissal days, all students will be notified of the appropriate dismissal procedure. All students must leave school property immediately after 2nd dismissal.

SCHOOL CANCELLATION OR DELAY If inclement weather necessitates a delay or cancellation, it will be announced on radio and television and the Forest Hills Automated Call System prior to the start of school. Local stations carrying cancellations are: Radio: WKYE 96 KEY, Television: WJAC TV Channel 6, WTAJ Channel 10 and WWCP Fox.

SPECIAL EDUCATION The Forest Hills School District provides a wide variety of programs to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Students participating in a special education program are provided an individually designed educational program to meet their unique educational needs. Programs are either operated by the district or provided by contract with Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8.

Educational disabilities include autism, deaf-blindness, emotional disturbance, deafness, hearing impairment, specific learning disability, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, speech or language impairment, visual impairment including blindness, and traumatic brain injury.

The Forest Hills School District has developed procedures for screening and evaluating school-aged children who are experiencing academic and/or emotional/behavioral difficulties. Special education programs include Learning Support, Speech/Language Support, Life Skills Support, Hearing Impaired Support, Visual Impairment Support, Multiple Disability Support, Autistic Support, and Emotional Support.

The Forest Hills School District strives to ensure that all students with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE). District educators are committed to individualizing and supporting students in general education classes to the maximum extent possible and to providing small group intervention when needed to meet individual needs. General and special educators work together as a team to meet the instructional needs of special learners.

Gifted education services are provided by the Forest Hills School District and focus on enrichment and/or acceleration activities that supplement the general education program. Instructional services are provided through direct instruction, consultation, and classroom 19 enrichment. Services are provided to students who qualify as mentally gifted and who demonstrate a need for Gifted Education Services.

ATHLETICS

BASEBALL Sign-ups are in the winter. Coach – Mr. Joe Carpenter BASKETBALL Sign-ups are prior to the start of the winter season. Girls’ Coach – Mrs. Carol Cecere Boys’ Coach – Mr. Dominic Vescovi CROSS COUNTRY Sign-ups are in the spring. Coach – Mr. Tom Hunter FOOTBALL Sign-ups are in the spring. Coach – Mr. Donald Bailey GOLF (Coed) Sign-ups are in the spring. Coach – Mr. Chad Cordek HOCKEY Sign-ups are held prior to the start of the season. Coach – Mr. Ethan Blough RIFLE TEAM Sign-ups are in the fall Coach – Mrs. Dianna Hupkovich SOCCER Sign-ups are in the spring for both boys and girls. Girl’s Coach – Mrs. Lari Gallaher Boy’s Coach – Mr. Nick Galczynski SOFTBALL Sign-ups are in the winter. Coach – Mr. Terry Gearhart TENNIS Sign-ups are in the spring for the girls and in the fall for the boys. Coach – Mr. John Waksmunski TRACK Sign-ups are in the winter. Girl’s Coach – Mr. Tom Hunter Boy’s Coach – Mr. Robert Petrunak VOLLEYBALL Sign-ups are in the spring/girls – winter/boys. Girl’s Coach – Mrs. Nicole Kerr Boy’s Coach – Mr. Jason Layman WRESTLING Sign-ups are prior to the start of winter season. Coach – Mr. Jake Strayer

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES-EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The Forest Hills School District, in conjunction with its extracurricular staff, will follow the six-step procedure listed below. The order of this line of communication must be followed if you elect to pursue any concern you may have with regard to the extracurricular program. 1. Head Coach/Advisor 2. Athletic Director (if related to a sports program) 3. Building Principal 4. Director of Education 5. Superintendent 6. Board of Education

TRANSPORTATION Members of all clubs, activities and athletic teams, etc., riding school buses to school events must return the same way. The only exception is a written request by the parent or guardian. In these cases, the appropriate form must be completed and received in the high school office no later than 11:00 AM of the day requested. The school district employee in charge of the event must also give permission. Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to drive to an extra-curricular activity.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

CUMULATIVE TO ANY FRIDAY The student must be passing the equivalent of at least four full credit subjects or have less than two (2) F’s. Eligibility shall be cumulative from the beginning of a grading period, shall be reported on a weekly basis, and shall be filed in the Principal’s office. After being placed on academic probation, the student is responsible to obtain a form and confirm eligibility with the Assistant Principal.

REPORT CARD Any student receiving two failing marks (F) on his/her report card, shall be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities for a period of fifteen (15) school days, beginning on the first day report cards are issued. A student shall be reinstated to that activity following fifteen days, provided the student meets all curriculum standards.

Note: Use of Final Credits at the End of the School Year (PIAA BY-LAW, ARTICLE X, Section 2) At the end of the school year, the student’s final credits in the students subjects rather than the student’s credits for the last grading period shall be used to determine the students eligibility for the next grading period. Students whose work does not meet the standards provided for in Article X, but attend summer school and correct their deficiencies, shall be eligible.

CUMULATIVE ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Where a student’s cumulative work from the beginning of a grading period does not, as of any Friday, meet the above referenced standards, said student will be issued an “academic notice”. Students who fail to meet academic eligibility standards as of the next Friday will be ineligible Sunday through Saturday of the following week.

Example: Wk. 1 Cumulative to any Friday Fri. Sat. Wk. 2 Make up timeframe Mon. Tues. Weds. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Wk. 3 Academically Ineligible Sun. Mon. Tues. Weds. Thurs. Fri. Sat.

The ineligible period will extend weekly (Sunday to Saturday) until the academic deficiencies are corrected.

ACTIVITIES/CLUBS

ACTIVITIES/CLUBS All students are encouraged to participate in at least one extracurricular activity. There are no regulations that limit the number of activities in which a student may participate. Satisfactory performance in scholastic work and in the activity is the only measuring stick for how much extracurricular participation a student should choose to do. Participation in some co-curricular clubs and organizations may be governed by the same eligibility requirements as established for athletics (see Academic Eligibility Requirements) these include:

Mock Trial Environthon Team Drama Forensics FBLA Scholastic Quiz Team Student Council Cheerleaders Indoor Majorettes Indoor Color Guard Marching Band/Color Guard/Majorettes

BAND – In order to participate in the band you must make this a course selection. An audition is also required. Contact Mr. Custer for more information. CHORUS – In order to participate in chorus you must make this a course selection. An audition is also required. Contact Mr. Parlock for more information. COLOR GUARD – Activities of this group include performing at football games and parades. Tryouts are in the spring. Contact Mr. Custer for more information. CHEERLEADING – Activities of this squad include athletic events, cheerleading contests, and pep rallies. Tryouts are in the spring. Contact the advisor for more information.

CLASS OFFICE This is an elected activity. A student must sign up in the office and complete a petition with faculty and students’ signatures. Class assemblies may be held to allow candidates to present speeches. A primary election, if needed, to determine the two candidates whose names will appear on the election ballot will be scheduled, if there are three or more candidates for any office. This election will take place in the spring or the fall.

DANCES 1. School dances are sponsored by school organizations and are restricted to Forest Hills High School students in grades 10 – 12. Guests of a FHHS student must have their school administration complete the proper permission slip and return the completed slip to the Forest Hills High School office. Photo identification must be presented at the dance. All dances are held in the cafeteria and students are restricted to the cafeteria area. 2. Students must be of high school age (grades 9-12) or under the age of 21 to attend the prom. Specific regulations for the prom will be distributed by the prom advisor at time of sign-ups.

3. A student must attend school for at least four full periods to be eligible to attend a dance. 4. Admission to regular dances is usually between $3.00 and $4.00 per person. Dances are held between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. No admittance after 7:45. (The only exception to this would be participation in an extracurricular event). 5. A sign-out sheet is posted at the door for anyone departing before 10:00 p.m. Signature and time of departure is required. 6. No re-entry is permitted once the student leaves the building. 7. There must be a minimum of FIVE teacher chaperones at the dance. Everyone attending must abide by the rules and regulations. 8. 9th grade students are permitted to attend the 5th Quarter dances only.

SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY GUIDELINES Students are considered for eligibility to the National Spanish Honor Society only after completing Spanish I, II, and III. Academic eligibility to this Society is based on the attainment of an A for the final grade of each level of Spanish study I through III. Other rules and guidelines concerning induction into the society will be explained to the eligible students at the time of their academic notification. Students in the National Spanish Honor Society are strongly encouraged to continue their study of Spanish to level IV. Induction to the Spanish Honor Society is held in November.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY GUIDELINES Students are evaluated in the following four (4) categories for NHS membership: Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service. Juniors and Seniors are eligible.

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: Students qualify as a candidate after having satisfied the following INITIAL requirements: a. A minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.51 as of the end of the previous year. b. At least 7.25 credits completed in the previous year(s) as well as maintaining at least 7.25 credits in the year of consideration. c. At least one advanced course (Article VII, Section 5) completed in Sophomore year d. At least 2 advanced courses completed in Junior and Senior years e. Advanced achievement in all class work, maintaining at least a 3.51 GPA, in all classes in the year of consideration f. No reports of cheating or violation of the District’s computer use policy in the previous year or in the year of consideration. g. No withdrawal from a class after the first 10 days of the start of class. h. No incomplete grade in a course i. No record of detention or suspension in the previous year or in the year of consideration. j. No police record outside of school in tenth-grade year, eleventh-grade year, or in the year of consideration. k. Adhere to the attendance policies of the district.

Approved Courses: AP English, Honors English (10, 11, 12), Honors Trigonometry, Honors Calculus, Computer Science/Visual Basic, CHS Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics, Spanish IV/V, AP US History, AP Calculus, Honors Algebra II, Honors Modern Civilization, Honors Government, Statistics, Organic Chemistry

Each eligible student will be asked to complete an activity form as an indication of Leadership and Service. These include: all school activities, the length of participation, any offices held or special duties, and recommendations from any out-of-school activities, i.e. church, scouts, employment. School activities will be evaluated by the activity advisor and based on the information provided on the candidate’s activity form. The evaluation takes into consideration class participation, leadership, and character in the school setting.

Selection of the new inductees is a function of the Faculty Council. Their decision is based on a possible 130 points totaled from the candidate’s GPA (maximum of 80 points), average of the teachers’ evaluations (maximum of 30 points), and activity forms (total of 20 points). Inductions are usually scheduled in November. This entire process takes approximately 6 weeks.

Specific guidelines may be obtained from the advisor.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES The school is responsible for students and student behavior during the following times: 1. During the instructional hours of the school day in school. 2. During the instructional hours of the school day on school district property. 3. On school district vehicles, whether they are owned, rented, leased, or contracted. 4. At the bus stop prior to school and immediately after disembarking the bus after school. 5. At school district events held before, during, or after school that are directly observed and supervised by school district staff.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Student responsibilities include regular attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Most of all students share with the administration and faculty a responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living.

No student has the right to interfere with the education of his fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators, support staff and all others who are involved in the educational process. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner. They should not slander or offend others. 24

It is the responsibility of the student to: a. Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves in accordance with them. b. Be willing to volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property. c. Dress and groom themselves to meet fair standards of safety and health, not to cause substantial disruption of the educational process. d. Remember that until a rule is altered, waived, or repealed, it is in full effect. e. Assist the staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled. f. Be aware of and comply with state and local laws. g. Protect and take care of the school’s property. h. Attend school daily, unless excused, and be on time for all classes and school functions. (Must return signed excuses when absent) i. Make up all schoolwork when absent or tardy. Students are responsible to make arrangements to make up assignments or tests in study hall, activities period, or any time convenient to both teacher and student. j. Satisfactorily pursue and complete the course of study prescribed by state and local school authorities. k. Avoid inaccuracies and indecent or obscene language in the student newspaper or other publications.

RULES AND REGULATIONS The following information is presented to inform all students and their parents/guardians of our policies to maintain an orderly education atmosphere. 1. Throwing snowballs is prohibited on school grounds. 2. With permission, students may use the office phone. 3. Loitering in the lavatories or hallways is not permitted. 4. Students are not permitted on the stage or in the auditorium without proper supervision. 5. No student shall be in the gym or locker room unless they are supervised. 6. No food or drink is permitted in the auditorium or gym. For safety purposes, resealable drink containers are not permitted during regular school hours unless approved by the high school administration. 7. Use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or tobacco substitutes, protein supplements and/or body enhancing substances in any form is prohibited on school property. 8. Students who become ill or injured must report at once to the nurse’s room or if the room is locked, to the main office. 9. Students are encouraged to use the transportation provided by the school district while attending school. If students drive/ride, they must be registered in the main office, and park in the school parking lot. Drivers’ dismissal is at 2:46. 10. Students shall remain on school property during the entire school day unless excused. 11. Students being picked up at dismissal time must inform the main office of such arrangements in advance. The only pick up location is the student drop off area. 12. Students shall not be excused from study hall or classrooms without a properly completed hall pass. 13. There shall be two-way, single file traffic on all stairs.

14. All hall traffic should keep to the right, two lanes in each direction, and use the right hand doors. 15. Students will not run through the halls and will not hold up hall traffic by walking slowly. 16. Lockers are to be used only by students to whom they are assigned. 17. Students are warned that valuables are not to be brought to school. If and when necessary to have these, you must keep them locked in your locker. During PE class, students must leave such possessions locked in the PE teacher’s office. 18. For safety and security purposes, students will not be permitted to return to their vehicles in the parking lot after the start of first period. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the principals.

DISCIPLINE

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR Copies of “Regulations and Guidelines on Student Rights and Responsibilities” are available for you in the library, the guidance counselors’ offices, the principal and assistant principals’ offices, and the main office. When you take these you must sign them out and be prepared to pay for new copies if you lose them. You are asked to read and ask questions of those parts you do not understand. The regulations are very explicit about guaranteeing the rights of those who want an education without interference from those who attend school because they must. To help you to attend school in peace, harmony, and tranquility, we must have rules and regulations to assure you that your education will not be disrupted by improper conduct and misbehavior of a small minority of students. As you read these guidelines, make certain that you pay particular attention to the “responsibilities section” so that your rights are not infringed upon. With regards to exclusion from school, please refer to Section 12.6, of the above mentioned “Guidelines”. These regulations are in effect now. The following may lead to an expulsion hearing if committed on school property: 1. Physical or verbal assault of a member of the faculty, staff or student body 2. Selling, supplying, distributing or attempting to distribute alcohol or drugs 3. Any action which endangers another’s life. 4. Arson 5. Instigating a riot 6. Storing, possessing, or carrying dangerous weapons 7. Conviction of a criminal felony committed 8. Bomb threats and false alarms made on or off campus

The following may lead to suspension from school: 1. Vandalism 2. Incorrigibility 3. Possession or use of alcohol, drugs, protein supplements or body enhancing substances on school grounds or at school events. 4. Truancy or unexcused absenteeism. 26

5. Tardiness 6. Cutting classes 7. Theft or cheating 8. Fighting – Citations may be filed with the magistrate (10 days OSS) 9. Disruptive behavior on school buses 10. Persistent violation of tobacco use rules and regulations 11. Deliberate defiance of school authority 12. Class disruption 13. Reckless driving on school property 14. Tampering with any of the schools signaling system, fixtures, equipment, supplies, and/or defacing the school building 15. Violation of any federal, state, or local law 16. Possession of weapons or other potentially dangerous objects (including explosive devices, such as fire crackers). Minimum 10-days OSS

Persistent, continual or excessive offenses of the above may lead to progressively longer suspensions and may be cause for student suspension or expulsion and/or placement in alternative school.

DEMERIT SYSTEM A student is assessed a certain number of points for each act of misconduct. These points are cumulative over the entire school year and will be kept on file in the assistant principal’s office and will be totaled.

1. Students will be assigned to one day ISS or one Saturday Detention when they accumulate six points for the first time. (6 demerit points) 2. Students will be assigned three days ISS/Saturday Detention when they accumulate six points for the second time. (12 demerit points) 3. Students will be assigned five days ISS/Saturday Detention when they accumulate six points for the third time. (18 demerit points) Alternative Education will be discussed at this time. 4. Students will be placed in an Alternative School setting once the student has reached a total of 24 demerit points.

*Placement in ISS can occur at any time at the discretion of Administration.

Rules for In-School Suspension

1. You must report to the designated ISS room before 7:42 AM. 2. You must follow the instructions of the ISS teacher or further disciplinary action will occur at the discretion of administration.

3. If you are absent on a day you are assigned to ISS, you must serve the time as soon as you return. 4. If you leave school early for any reason while you are in ISS, you must repeat the entire day upon your return to school. 5. Students will not be permitted to participate or attend any extra-curricular activity that day. 6. Bring all of your books, notebooks, and other materials to ISS, including pencils, pen and paper. You must have a reading counts book. 7. All assigned classwork must be completed by the end of the school day or you will be assigned another ISS day. 8. Students will not be permitted to leave the ISS room for any reason. Students will be given the opportunity to use the restroom periodically throughout the day under the supervision of the ISS teacher. 9. Students will be escorted to lunch and will eat their lunch in the ISS room. 10. Students will not be permitted to talk, sleep, eat, drink, or use any personal electronic device.

 The ISS/OSS days will count towards the attendance policy.  Extreme emergencies such as death in the family or a doctor’s excuse are the only acceptable excuses.

A student can receive out-of-school suspension for a period of three to ten days depending on the severity of the infraction.

Rules for Out-of-School Suspension

1. Any student who is suspended out of school will not be permitted to: . Attend any classes . Participate in any school-related activities . Attend any school-related events . Be in any school building . Be on school district property, on school transportation, or on property owned, leased, or used by the district 2. Any student suspended from school is responsible to make-up all school work in the required time frame. 3. In the case of a ten day suspension, the student will be given eight days out-of- school suspension and the remaining two days will be an in-school suspension to make-up work (unless it is an Act 26 violation).

MISCOUNDUCT POINTS GUIDELINE

Alcohol or Tobacco on school property See Tobacco/D&A Policy Assaulting another student 6 points/10 Days OSS Belligerent & disrespectful to staff 3 to 6 points/possible suspension Bus incidents Warning/possible bus suspension Cafeteria disruption 3 points Class disruption 3 points Cell phone/Electronic Devices See Cell Phone Policy Cheating 6 points Chewing on bus See Tobacco policy Chronic class tardiness 2 points Chronic tardiness for school See tardy policy Defacing school property 6 points + Restitution Destruction of school property 6 points + Restitution Destruction of another student’s possession 3-6 points + Restitution Disrupting educational environment 3 points to suspension Driving to school without permission See Transportation Policy Failure to relinquish item 3 points minimum Fighting (each participant) 6 points (10 day OSS/prosecution) Forged pass or excuse 3 points Sexual Harassing or Harassing a student 3 to 6 points/Possible OSS In halls without a pass 2 points Late for class after 2 warnings 3 points Legal meds in school w/o permission 6 points and OSS Leaving building without permission 6 points Not bringing in excuse after warning 2 points Not reporting to 2nd dismissal or homeroom 2 points Offensive language/gestures 3 to 6 points/Possible OSS Possession of a weapon 10 days OSS/expulsion Possession of a lighter/matches 6 points Public display of affection 2 points Reckless driving on school property See Transportation Policy Riding to school without permission See Transportation Policy Rude & defiant towards teacher 6 points to suspension Running in halls 3 to 6 points Sexual harassment 3 to 6 points Skipping class 3 points Sleeping in class 3 points Stealing 6 points to suspension Threatening a teacher/student 6 points to OSS/Expulsion Throwing food in cafeteria 6 points Truancy (skipping school) 6 points Violation of library contract 2 points *Note the Administration has the right to change or modify the Misconduct Points Guidelines at their discretion.

DRUG OR ALCOHOL USE-SCHOOL POLICY The following policy guidelines have been approved by the School Board for High School students as related to drug and/or alcohol related offenses.

Any student who has been identified as violating this policy during the school day or any school-sponsored activity shall be disciplined in accordance with our action chart. A. First time offenders shall be disciplined as determined by the administration and referred to the Student Assistance Program (SAP) team. 1. Parents will be advised that the cost of out-of-school services shall be the responsibility of the parent. 2. If a student refuses to accept the conditions listed above, that student shall immediately be eliminated from attendance at all out-of-school activities excluding Baccalaureate or Graduation for one calendar year and will receive an automatic ten-day suspension.

ACTION CHART FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL RELATED INCIDENTS

Situation Immediate action Locker Parents Involvement Disciplinary Action Other Search Notified By Police Suspicion of drug, alcohol Investigation of the Yes Yes If safety of victim Dependent upon out- Referral to SAP Team and/or steroids or body problem If warranted or student body at come of investigation enhancing supplements use risk Referral to SAP Team. Investigation by Compliance with agency Student demonstrates administration. Yes Yes If safety of victim Suspension from assessment & physical symptom of drug or student body at school for 10 days to recommendation. If or alcohol abuse Referral to school risk be effective refused, student shall be nurse immediately denied attendance to all out-of-school activities for one calendar year. Student is found with Investigation of the Yes Yes Yes Suspension from Referral to SAP Team. drugs, alcohol, inhalants, problem by school for 10 days to Compliance with agency or drug paraphernalia for principal/designee be effective assessment & the first offense (including Confiscation of drugs immediately. recommendation. If look-alike and un- or suspicious items. refused, student shall be authorized over-the- (see procedure) denied attendance to all counter drugs or controlled out-of-school activities drugs or substances) for one calendar year. Distribution or attempt to Investigation of the Yes Yes Yes Suspension from Referral to SAP Team distribute drugs or problem by school for 10 days to and formal intervention. alcohol (including look- principal/designee be effective If refused, student shall alike and unauthorized Confiscation of drugs immediately – be denied attendance at over the counter or drugs or alcohol recommend possible all out -of school or controlled substances) (see procedure) expulsion to Board of activities for one School Directors calendar year. Student is found with Investigation of the Yes Yes Yes Suspension from Referral to SAP Team drugs or alcohol for a problem by principal school for 10 days to and formal intervention. second or succeeding or designee. be effective If refused, student shall offense (including look- Confiscation of drugs immediately – be denied attendance to alike and unauthorized or alcohol. recommend possible all out of school over the counter drugs or (See procedure) expulsion to Board of activities for one controlled substances) School Directors calendar year or possible expulsion. Student self-referral Referral to SAP Team If safety of victim/student If safety of victim Not applicable unless D/A Assessment body is at risk. or student body is school policy is at risk. violated

EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES-REGARDING DRUG OR ALCOHOL USE The following policy guidelines have been approved by the School Board for the High School as related to drug and/or alcohol offenders who are participating in extracurricular activities. 1. Extracurricular activities shall include all sports, music groups, drama groups, and other school clubs and organizations that represent the high school in interscholastic competition. 2. A parent/student agreement will be put into a contract type form that all students who participate in an extracurricular activity and their parents must sign prior to the start of the extracurricular activity. 3. All athletic coaches and advisors for extracurricular activities shall include these guidelines as part of their individual activity rules and regulations. 4. Any student participant who has been identified as using drugs or alcohol while participating in an extracurricular activity shall be disciplined as follows:

First time offenders shall be disciplined and placed in an awareness program. (1) The disciplinary action will consist of a week’s suspension from the extracurricular activity that the student is a member. (a) The student will be permitted to practice for the activity but shall not be permitted to participate in a scheduled game or event for the week of disciplinary action. (b) The school suspension shall be either Saturday detention or ten days out- of-school as determined by the school administration after review of the student’s action. (2) In addition to the disciplinary action, the offender will also be required to participate in an awareness program conducted by a local agency. (3) Parents will be advised that the cost of out-of-school services shall be the responsibility of the parent. (4) If a student refuses to accept the conditions listed above, that student shall immediately be eliminated from all extracurricular activities excluding Graduation or Baccalaureate.

Second time offenders will automatically be dismissed from the extracurricular activity that he/she is participating in at the time of the offense and shall not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activity excluding Baccalaureate or Graduation for the remainder of the school year.

YOUTH AWARENESS PROGRAMS Many school districts, as part of their school’s Drug and Alcohol Policy, have required participation in a program of education for students who have been suspended for drug/alcohol involvement. In response, local agencies offer a six-week education- awareness-assessment program for school policy violators. Costs for these services are the responsibility of the parents.

The Youth Awareness Programs begin with an individual intake assessment interview with a qualified drug/alcohol counselor in order to get basic background information, an assessment of the student’s needs, and introduce the student to the program. This is followed by six group sessions (one per week) to provide information and dialogue about issues related to drugs, alcohol and their use or abuse. The student is then involved in a short individual “Exit Interview” designed to recap and summarize the program, to do a final assessment, and to make recommendations to the student, school, and/or parents.

GUIDELINES FOR PLACEMENT IN ALTERNATIVE ED The Forest Hills School District continues to strive to meet the individual needs of all students. It is the district’s goal to create a structured educational environment, which is conducive to learning. Students will be placed in an Alternative Education Program, when established methods of discipline have failed. Alternative Education students are not eligible to participate in extra-curricular events or activities while they are enrolled in the Alternative Education Program.

The following is a guideline established by the Forest Hills School District for placement of a student in an approved alternative education program.

1. Administration will follow the adopted demerit system found in the student handbook. 2. Students will be assessed a specific number of points depending on each infraction. 3. After a student obtains 12 demerit points for the year, Alternative Placement will be discussed as an option. a. Parents will be contacted. b. It will be documented on disciplinary referral sheet to be mailed to parent. 4. A student accrues 18 demerit points. a. Parental conference will be held b. Forest Hills School District Administrators will be contacted. c. Appropriate Alternative Educational Program Coordinator contacted. d. Possible placement in the Learning Lamp Alternative School for (1) nine week period and placed on Student Contract. 5. Student accrues 24 demerit points. a. Parent Conference b. Placement in appropriate alternative program will occur. c. Student may be placed out of school for at least three days or until alternative placement is arranged.

Reasons for placement in an Alternative Education Program may include, but are not limited to the following:

 Disregard for school authority, including persistent violation of school policy and rules.  Possession or use of controlled substance on school property or during school affiliated activities.

 Possession of a weapon on school property.  Misconduct that would warrant suspension or expulsion while on school property.  Incorrigibility

The minimum placement period shall be one full semester unless the Administration deems otherwise. After placement, FHSD personnel will review the student’s progress with the alternative school administration to determine whether or not continued placement is needed. If the student is found to be noncompliant with the program, such noncompliance will be considered sufficient cause for that student’s program to be terminated or the placement to be continued. In the event that termination should become necessary, such action must be viewed as irresponsibility on the part of the student. It is the board’s responsibility to provide an educational opportunity and it is the student’s responsibility to utilize the opportunity appropriately.

NOTE: Individual circumstances may deem it necessary to place a student in Alternative Education that is external from the normal procedures established by the Forest Hills School District. The Forest Hills School District and its Administration reserve the right to review each case on an individual basis and provide appropriate interventions as warranted by district policies or state and federal laws.

GRADING

GRADING & REPORTING PROCEDURES Nine week reporting periods and final average will be graded with a letter grade that will be taken from the following percentage scale: A - 92-100 Excellent B - 82-91 Above Average C - 72-81 Average D - 62-71 Below Average F - 61-55 Unsatisfactory  In Grades 10-12, the course final grade (F1) will be calculated by adding the four quarter percents and dividing by 4; then applying the current grading scale to assign a letter grade. Both the percent score and a letter grade will display on the final report card for the final course grade. Each quarter grade is calculated by assigning a point value to each assignment and dividing the number of points earned by the total number of possible points and multiplying by 100 to convert to a percent. A quarter letter grade is assigned by applying the grading scale. Both the percent score and a letter grade displays for each quarter on the progress report and the report card.

 Example: Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Final Grade (Q1) (Q2) (Q3) (Q4) (F1) Possible 100 300 150 200 points Points 90 280 150 180 earned Percent 90% 93.33% 100% 90% 93.33%

Letter grade B A A B A

Calculation 90/100=.9 280/300=.9333 150/150=1 180/200=.9 90+93+100+90= *100=90% *100=93.33% *100=100% *100=90% 373.33/4=93.33%

GRADING AND GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) CALCULATION All year long classes that meet every day will receive one (1) credit. The exception to this will be AP/CHS courses and science courses with a lab period. These courses are worth 1.5 credits. Semester courses are worth .5 (1/2) credit. Grades from other schools are not included in Forest Hills’ GPA calculation.

SEMESTER AND YEAR LONG COURSES Nine-week grades and the final course grade will be graded with a letter grade that will be taken from the following percentage scale. A - 92 - 100 is equal to 4 quality points for GPA calculation B - 82 - 91 is equal to 3 quality points for GPA calculation C - 72 - 81 is equal to 2 quality points for GPA calculation D - 62 - 71 is equal to 1 quality points for GPA calculation F - 61-Below is equal to 0 quality points for GPA calculation

Quarter Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 F1 Letter Grade B C A B B Potential .2 .2 .2 .2 .2 = 1 credit credit Quality pts 3 2 4 3 3 Calculation 3*.2=.6 2*.2=.4 4*.2=.8 3*.2=.6 3*.2=.6 GPA .6+ .4+ .8+ .6+ .6=3 3/1 = 3.0 GPA

AP AND CHS COURSES Nine-week grades and the final course grade will be graded with a letter grade that will be taken from the following percentage scale. A - 92 - 100 is equal to 5 quality points for GPA calculation B - 82 - 91 is equal to 4 quality points for GPA calculation C - 72 - 81 is equal to 3 quality points for GPA calculation D - 62 - 71 is equal to 2 quality points for GPA calculation F - 61-Below is equal to 0 quality points for GPA calculation 34

HONORS COURSES Nine-week grades and the final course grade will be graded with a letter grade that will be taken from the following percentage scale. A - 92 - 100 is equal to 4.5 quality points for GPA calculation B - 82 - 91 is equal to 3.5 quality points for GPA calculation C - 72 - 81 is equal to 2.5 quality points for GPA calculation D - 62 - 71 is equal to 1.5 quality points for GPA calculation F - 61-Below is equal to 0 quality points for GPA calculation

QUALITY POINT CALCULATION Semester courses will include three grades, the two nine week’s grades plus the final course grade. Each nine-week grade will be worth .167 and the final course grade will be worth .166 of the GPA.

Year-long courses will include four grades plus the final course grade. The four (4) nine- week grades and final course grade will each count as .2 of the GPA.

PASSING OF COURSE Students who receive three failing grades in any year-long course shall fail that subject for the year regardless of the other grades. There will be no exceptions to this regulation.

BONUS Teachers shall be mandated to offer 5% of the total grade in bonus activities. At the start of each course, a syllabus that includes course benchmarks and bonus work details, will be presented to each student. Bonus work will only be calculated when all course work is completed. Bonus work must be designed to enable all students the opportunity to achieve this option.

PROGRESS REPORTS Progress Reports will be sent home to failing students at the mid-point of each nine weeks. One copy will be sent home and one copy will be retained in the main office. The progress report that is sent home must be signed and returned within five (5) days of its issuance to the assigning class teacher. For any student who has less than 62% at the mid-point review, a parent-teacher conference will be requested by the teacher. The parent will be responsible for contacting the teacher to establish a time and date for the conference. Progress reports should be sent any time a student is in danger of failing. This may occur prior to the mid-point review or after the mid-point review. This will be at the discretion of the teacher. If any time during the course of the year a parent/guardian wishes to receive a progress report and does not have access to Power School, they may contact the Guidance Office for a report. The Guidance office will send the report home with the student once the request has been made.

INCOMPLETE GRADES 1. An incomplete (I) may be given for work not completed. Credit will not be given until work is completed. An “I” does not automatically become an “F”. A student is responsible to contact the teacher and make arrangements for make-up work. a. Student must contact the teacher involved within three (3) days after returning from an absence. A student is permitted two weeks to make up an incomplete nine-week grade. b. The teacher will present the student with a schedule of work to make up the missed assignments. A student is permitted two school days to complete the make-up work for each day missed; beginning with the day after the schedule is presented to the student. c. Student receiving an (I) from a previous nine weeks must make up all assignments in a timely manner. Failure to make up any or all assignments with in a two week period will result in the following: a. (1) Saturday Detention Day/ISS beginning at the end of the second week. b. (3) Saturday Detention Days/ISS beginning at the end of the third week. c. (5) Saturday Detention Days/ISS beginning at the end of the fourth week. d. Student receiving an (I) in any class during the (4th) nine weeks are encouraged to enroll in summer school for the class(es) needed to be made up.

ACADEMIC RECOGNITION NINE WEEKS A. Honor Roll – Parents of all students on the Honor Roll for the first time during the school year will receive a congratulatory card. B. Outstanding Students – Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 will be nominated by teachers for each grade level. At least two students will be selected from each class unless a tie causes a need for three.

END OF THIRD TERM A. Students achieving Honor Roll status for the first three consecutive nine-week periods will receive a certificate. B. Students who attain at least a 4.0 GPA at the end of the third nine-week period will receive an academic FH letter and a pin the first year and a pin for each succeeding year. (ACADEMIC ALL STARS)

HONOR ROLL A. To achieve listing on the honor roll, a quality point average of at least 3.1 is necessary. To achieve a place on the high honor roll, a quality point average of 3.7 is necessary. Highest Honor requires a 3.9 and above. In averaging nine weeks and semester grades, the following quality points are used: A=4 POINTS B=3 POINTS C=2 POINTS D=1 POINT F=0 B. Any grade below a “C” in any subject automatically excludes a student from the honor roll. (INCLUDING ADVANCED PLACEMENT) C. Any incomplete grade in any subject automatically excludes a student from the honor roll. The honor roll will be typed five days after report cards are distributed each marking period. It is the student’s responsibility to make up any incomplete work and check in the guidance office to be sure the correct grade has been 36

recorded. This must be done within a five-day period after report cards are distributed. D. Grades in all subjects except band, chorus and subjects which carry a “P” or “F” grade, are considered in computing honor roll. E. Honor roll lists will be completed each nine weeks by the High School. Nine weeks honor rolls shall be duplicated and copies posted on the bulletin board of each classroom and shall also be published in the newspaper.

FOOD SERVICE

CAFETERIA REGULATIONS 1. Students will be assigned to one lunch period which is thirty minutes in duration. Bells will ring between each lunch period. Your lunch period teacher will accompany you to the cafeteria, but it is your responsibility to get back to class on time. Running to lunch and/or leaving class early are strictly prohibited and will result in demerit points. 2. Students must not cut in line after entering the cafeteria. Repeat offenders will be disciplined appropriately. 3. After eating, you may use the lavatory closest to the cafeteria and you must return to the cafeteria within a reasonable time, until your lunch period ends. 4. When possible, books etc. should not be brought to the cafeteria, but left in the lunch period classroom or in your locker. 5. Food or drinks must not be taken from the cafeteria. 6. Since classes are in session, no loud talking is permitted in the hallways during lunch period. 7. PM Vo-Tech students will be dismissed to the buses by the lunch monitors.

BREAKFAST Breakfast may be purchased in the cafeteria between the hours of 7:10AM and 7:35AM prior to 1st period (you must report to 1st period on time). The cost of breakfast will be $1.10 regular and $.30 for those on the reduced meal plan. Cash will not be accepted at the point of breakfast service.

LUNCH PAYMENT Deposits to student lunch accounts may be made using a lunch envelope. Student’s name, pin number and grade are to be filled in. Envelopes should be dropped off in the office when entering school. Accounts will be credited prior to lunch that day. In the event a student forgets his/her money they may charge their account. The charge limit is $1.90 per student and must be paid back the next day.

Lunch accounts are accessed using a pin pad. Each student is responsible for knowing his/her pin number. Students may use their accounts only for their own purchases. Students may not purchase lunches or ala carte for friends using their account. PDE requires that a student lunch must include at least 3 of the 5 reimbursable food items offered to qualify for the student lunch price. The five reimbursable food items

37 are: meat or meat alternate, bread or bread alternate, 2 items fruit/vegetable, and fluid milk.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PRICES Breakfast: $1.10 regular and $.30 for those on the reduced meal plan. Lunch: $2.30 per day full pay $.40 qualified reduced students $.40 for additional milk and other drinks $2.70 for a second full lunch $2.10 for a second entrée

Second servings of fruits and vegetables may be purchased for $.65 (excluding potato items).

SUSPENDED MEAL ACCOUNTS In accordance with Forest Hills School District procedure, board approved on August 13, 2014, meal accounts that reach -$30 will be suspended. Students with a suspended account will need to provide a lunch from home, until payment is received. In the event no lunch is provided from home, the student will receive an alternative lunch consisting of a sandwich and milk only, at a cost of $1.00. No alternate breakfast will be provided for suspended meal accounts.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS In grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 every student shall obtain at least 26.5 units of credit as follows: 1. 4 Units of English 2. 3 Units of Science 3. 4 Units of Math 4. 3.5 Units of Social Studies 5. 2 Units of Physical Education 6. .5 Units of Health .5 Units of Humanities (Art or Music; or two hands on courses) .5 Units of Writing/Research .5 Units of Safety Education 1. 7.0 Units of Elective Full Credit Courses or Equivalent as listed in the course description booklet OR 1.0 Units of GJCTC electives if attending GJCTC 2. 1 Unit of Independent Reading (.25 units per year)

Students in the graduating class of 2019 and beyond would be required to demonstrate proficiency on three state assessments, or Keystone Exams: Literature, Algebra 1, and Biology. This can be achieved by passing the assessments at the “proficient” level or by

38 other means outlined in Chapter 4 of the Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations.

Students who are deficient in reading points or failing core subjects, will be held back from GJCTC until the deficiency is corrected.

GRADUATION DRESS POLICY Forest Hills High School graduation has maintained a tradition of excellence and dignity. Formal dress shall be a standard and enforced. Students who fail to comply will not, under any circumstances, participate in graduation ceremonies. The following dress code will be enforced. Male students must wear a dress shirt with a tie, dress pants and dress shoes. Jeans and tennis shoes are forbidden. Female students must wear dress slacks or skirts with a blouse or dress top. Absolutely no flip-flops, tennis shoes, or Adidas type sandals will be permitted. Again, students who fail to comply with this policy will not under any circumstances participate in graduation ceremonies.

GUIDANCE

PHILOSOPHY Our school provides guidance services for all students. The guidance program in Forest Hills High School is built upon the following aims: 1. To assist the individual in understanding himself through his intellectual capacities and through his social, moral and economic relationships in society. 2. To help the student understand the relationships between work and education; to utilize to their best advantage the opportunities of the school. 3. To assist the students in gaining knowledge of occupations. 4. To assist the students in the selection of a curriculum to develop social, mental, and educational abilities to a level where they will be able to direct themselves into a field of work or advanced study. This would enable the student to derive the greatest benefit and achieve maximum success and happiness. 5. Mrs. Chris Valko will be assigned all 11th and 12th grade students. Mr. James Bowser will be assigned all 9th and 10th grade students.

SCHEDULING When you make your selections for next year’s class schedule, check with your parents and be sure you are right. Classes are set according to your original selection; changing a schedule is very difficult and sometimes impossible. Therefore, no schedule changes will be made except in cases where there is a real need or problem for the student. Three days will be set-aside in the summer to make changes. It is imperative that students make necessary changes at these designated times. Students are permitted one study hall per semester.

SCHEDULE CHANGES The student will review his/her schedule and if any changes are necessary, the student and the parent will complete a “Permission to Change Schedule” sheet. The administration will review the request and then approve or deny it. Students will follow their original schedule until a change has been processed. Student schedules may not be changed for any course after the first seven days of the course, without a medical excuse or principal’s permission. The grade earned for all classes dropped after the allotted time will be recorded on the permanent transcript record as a WF.

DROP/ADD CLASSES POLICY Since student course selection plays a key role in determining the staff needs of the coming year, students will be expected to accept full responsibility for their course selections and to fulfill their commitment to these selections. Career aspirations will be reviewed by the student’s counselor. It is not expected that students will change courses once selected except in the following circumstances: summer school makeup, computer errors, schedule conflicts, elimination of study halls, and special program placements.

SCHOOL RECORDS AND CONFIDENTIALITY The educational interests of the pupil and of society require the collection, retention, and use of information about individual pupils and groups of pupils. The Board also is concerned with protecting the right of each student against an unwarranted invasion of privacy. The primary purpose of pupil record keeping shall be the educational welfare and advancement of the pupil. Confidential information “may” be revealed when the health, safety or welfare of the student or others clearly is in jeopardy. Use of the term “may” designates this as a local decision rather than a mandated one. In addition, the regulations state that the use of confidential communications in a legal proceeding is determined by the specific laws and regulations governing that particular proceeding.

STUDENT TRANSFERS When a student enters Forest Hills High School he/she must sign an AFFIRMATION OF PRIOR DISCIPLINE RECORD as stated in Act 26.

LIBRARY COMPUTERIZED READING COURSE

All students will be required to read throughout the course of the year and to verify their reading by testing on a computer in the library. A Computerized Reading Course Agreement has been developed and every student and parent/guardian will be asked to sign the agreement at the beginning of the school term. A student must pass with a minimum grade of a “D” to receive credit for the course. Seniors on work-study will lose this privilege until the deficiency is made up. Any student found to be deficient after the third nine weeks period will be automatically placed in the library during each and every study hall period until the deficiency is made up. Students may only test on computers designated by the librarian.

MEDICAL SERVICES

DRUG TESTING KITS The Forest Hills School District will make available upon parental/guardian request, a urine-screening device at no cost to the parent/guardian. This will enable a parent/guardian with a means to do an in-home screening for their children. A parent/guardian would then decide whether to pursue further diagnostic measures. In the event that positive results are confirmed by additional laboratory testing, a parent/guardian may contact the building principal/assistant principal for treatment resources through the Student Assistance Program.

NURSE’S ROOM The nurse’s room is located on the first floor. Students who become ill or sustain an injury must report at once to the nurse’s room. Students are not to be in the nurse’s office unless there is a need. If the nurse’s room is locked, students should report to the main office.

MEDICATION All medication should be administered at home. However, under unusual circumstances where a child is required to take medicine while in school, the student must comply with school policy. Under no circumstance will any student be permitted to transport medication to school, except for inhalers for asthma. Guidelines are available in the nurse’s office. *Please refer to the appendix section for the “Over the-Counter Non-Prescription and Prescription Medication” Form

HEALTH FORMS Required health forms such as medication forms, physical forms, asthma action plans, and bee sting allergy plans may be obtained from the nurse or by accessing the web site at www.fhrangers.org and clicking on Health Forms.

STUDENT ACCIDENT AND DENTAL INSURANCE Accident and dental insurance is made available to all students at a nominal cost. We strongly recommend that you consider this option, especially if you have limited or no insurance coverage.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

SAP The role of the Student Assistance Program is to: (1) identify high risk students who are having school problems due to alcohol or drug use, depression, or experiencing other health problems; (2) intervene and refer high risk students to appropriate community services; (3) offer support needed to make lifestyle adjustments; (4) offer prevention services, education, and other activities designed to promote, support, and reinforce

41 healthy life styles among students. As can be readily ascertained, the Assistance Program is an intervention strategy rather than a treatment program.

The Student Assistance Program utilizes a systematic process by which school personnel can determine which students are having problems and, subsequently, refer these students for help. The heart of the program is the Student Assistance Team, which is a group of school personnel who have been specifically trained to work with these students.

REASONS FOR REFERRAL TO SAP It may be time to refer yourself or a friend if you notice these signs: A. Drop in grades B. Cutting School C. Change in Personal Appearance D. Erratic Behavior E. Physical Symptoms – runny nose, watery eyes, frequent illness, listlessness F. Illegal Activities – theft, selling/buying drugs, extorting money, etc. G. Family Problems H. Visible signs, or talk of harming one’s self I. Signs or suspicion of drug or alcohol use

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TEAM Mr. C. Vasas Mr. B. Kostan Mr. J. Strayer Mr. J. Bowser Mrs. C. Valko Mr. S. Krise Mr. G. Wozniak Mrs. J. Chimelewski Mrs. A. Williamson Mr. J Saksa Mrs. C. Yuhas

HELP YOURSELF – HELP A FRIEND

ALCOHOL & DRUG TREATMENT Twin Lakes 1-800-452-0218 New Visions 534-1627 Cambria County Drug and Alcohol 536-5388

EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS & FAMILY DISTRESS Cambria County Mental Health Crisis Hotline 535-8531 Cambria County Mental Health Intake Center 535-8531 Cambria County Juvenile Probation 814-472-4700 CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT Cambria County Children & Youth Service 539-7454 or 1-877-268-9463

TRANSPORTATION

DRIVING TO SCHOOL All vehicles parked on school property must be registered in the main office. The following information is required:  PA DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER 42

 VEHICLE’S LICENSE NUMBER  VEHICLE’S MAKE, MODEL, COLOR  REASON FOR DRIVING  PARENTS’ SIGNATURE

Parking spaces will be assigned randomly through a lottery or on a first come, first served basis with seniors receiving priority. Administration reserves the right to assign spots at their discretion. Driving privileges will be revoked for the following reasons: 1. Driving to school without permission after (1) warning by the Administration. 2. 18 tardies 3. Reckless Driving or other school related infractions.

DRIVING WITHOUT PERMISSION (GJCTC) Any student driving to GJCTC without permission will receive one ISS and suspension of driving privilege for two weeks.

Any student riding to GJCTC with another person without permission will receive one (1) ISS and suspension of driving privilege for two weeks.

PARKING ASSIGNMENTS/REGULATIONS After completing the proper permission forms, each licensed driver will be issued a numbered parking space on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students must park in the assigned space. Failure to do so may result in a temporary loss of driving privilege. Students participating in evening activities are not permitted to park in the high school faculty lot until 3:05 and the elementary lot until 4 pm.

Under no circumstance will a student be permitted to drive to any type of extracurricular activity.

PARKING LOT ACCIDENT PROCEDURES A student(s) involved in a vehicle accident during school hours on school property should follow the procedures listed below: 1) Notify Administration (Administration will contact the parents) 2) Exchange driver’s license and insurance information with all parties involved. 3) A signed written statement describing the incident should be turned into the main office no later than the day after the accident occurred. 4) It is the obligation of the parent to notify the police in all non-reportable traffic accidents.

BUS REGULATIONS Bus students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will promote the safety of the students who ride the bus. During the bus run, the driver shall be in complete charge of all students on the bus. Any student whose behavior may jeopardize the welfare of other students may be denied the privilege of riding on the bus. Students 43 should be at the bus stop 3 to 5 minutes before it arrives. The bus driver will not wait for tardy students. To do so would cause the bus to run behind, and would adversely affect the students who are waiting for the bus, some of which may have walked a considerable distance to the bus stop.