HILLTOP HIGH SCHOOL 2014-2015
STUDENT HANDBOOK
“The Focus At Hilltop Is Academics.”
This student handbook is available on line at hth.sweetwaterschools.org All Sweetwater Union High School District Board policies and regulations can be accessed at www.sweetwaterschools.org.
Sweetwater Union High School District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination based on gender, sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or the perception of one or more of such characteristics. SUHSD Board Policy 0410.
Los programas y actividades del distrito escolar de Sweetwater Union deberán estar libres de discriminación basada en género, sexo, raza, color, religión, ascendencia, origen nacional, identificación con un grupo étnico, estado civil o discapacidad física o mental, orientación sexual o por la percepción de una o más o de dichas características. Política 0410 del Consejo de SUHSD.
HILLTOP HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
At Hilltop High School our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and academically driven community in which all students have equitable access to a quality education so they may achieve post-secondary and career goals, as well as become productive, positive citizens.
SCHOOLWIDE LEARNER OUTCOMES
Students will be motivated, helpful & self-disciplined Students will be collaborative learners Students will be creative problem solvers & effective communicators
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TABLE OF CONTENTS School Mission Statement …………………………..……………………………………. 2 Table of Contents……………………………………………………………..…………… 3-4 District and School Information………………………………………………………….... 5 Who To Ask For Help/Information……………………………………………………….. 6 Student Behavior Expectations and Guidelines Bullying , Harassment ……………………………………………………………. 7 Hazing, Sexual Harassment……………………………………………………….. 8 Challenge of Authority/Defiance………………………………………………….. 9 Clean Campus……………………………………………………………………... 9 Electronic Devices, Food, Honesty/Integrity of Students…………………………. 9 Graffiti/Vandalism…………………………………………………………………. 9 Student Dress Guidelines, Hat Policy……………………………………………… 10 Hall Passes, Prohibited Items, Searches & Seizures……………………………….. 11 Disciplinary Actions/Consequences Possible Disciplinary Actions, Detentions, Suspensions..…………………………. 12-13 Intradistrict Transfer, Expulsions………………………………………………….. 13 Attendance Office Information Attendance Policy and Procedures…………………………………………………... 14 Closed Campus…………………………………………………………………….… 14 Off Campus Permits…………………….…………………………………………… 15 Tardy Policy & Procedures………………………………………………………….. 15 Senior Ditch Day…………………………………………………………………….. 15 General Information for Students/Parents Emergency Authorization Cards…………………………………………………….. 16 Lunch and/or Breakfast……………………………………………………………… 16 Graduation Ceremony……………………………………………………………….. 16 Guests/Trespassers on Campus……………………………………………………… 16 Messages and Deliveries to students………………………………………………… 16 Transportation/Parking………………………………………………………………. 16 Withdrawal from School, No Smoking Policy………………………………………. 17 Emergency/Major Crisis General Procedures…………………………………………………………………… 18 Student Preparation…………………………………………………………………… 18 Student Retention /Release, Bus Transportation……………………………………… 19 Helicopter area & Distress Signal……………………………………………………... 19 Site Command Post Procedures……………………………………………………….. 19 Emergency Procedures………………………………………………………………… 19-20
ASB Office Information Athletic Information………………………………………………………………….. 21 Clubs and Organizations……………………………………………………………… 22 Lockers………………………………………………………………………………. 22 Lost and Found………………………………………………………………………. 22 Student ID/ASB CARDS…………………………………………………………….. 23 3
Counseling Center Information California Scholarship Federation (CSF)……………………………………………. 24 College Testing Information…………………………………………………………. 24 Community Service Requirements…………………………………………………… 24-25 Schedule Changes……………………………………………………………………. 25 Scholarship & Citizenship Grading Standards………………………………………. 26 Special Programs at Hilltop High School……………………………………………. 26 Southwestern College Courses at Hilltop High School……………………………… 27 Valedictorian & Salutatorian………………………………………………………… 27 Work Permits………………………………………………………………………… 27 Disclosure of Student Testing Data…………………………………………………. 27 Library Information Resources and Policies……………………………………………………………… 28 Hilltop High School ID Cards……………………………………………………….. 28 Library Lending Policy……………………………………………………………… 28 Textbook Fines and Fees……………………………………………………………. 28 Textbook Lending Policy…………………………………………………………….. 28-29 Nurse’s Office Information Health Info.…………………………………………………………………………… 30 Hearing Tests……………………………………………….…………………………. 30 Immunizations……….………………………………………….…………………….. 30 Medicine…………………………………………………………………………….… 30 Fight Song Alma Mater/Fight Song………………………………………………………………... 31 Map…………………………………………………………………………………….. 31
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES John McCann
Administration Center 1130 Fifth Avenue, Chula Vista, California 91911
Dr. Ed Brand…………………………………………………………………………..Superintendent . Hilltop High School 555 Claire Avenue, Chula Vista, California 91910 ASB Office: 476-4250 Counseling Center: 476-4220 Main Office: 476-4200
Mr. Ernie Zamudio ……………………………………………………… ...... Principal Ms. Leila Kashani (A-GOM) ...... Assistant Principal Mr. Ricardo Gomez (P-Z) ...... Assistant Principal Ms. Karen Hernandez (GON-O) ...... Assistant Principal Ms. Sasha Scott ……..………….....…………………………..Assistant Principal, Student Activities Ms. Rosemary Di Stefano ...... Counselor Ms. Debbie Gerlack .…………………………………………………………...……...…… Counselor Mr. Michael Kaine……………………………………………………………………..Head Counselor Ms. Martha Villalpando ...... Counselor Ms. Nancy Yamada ...... Counselor Ms. Kimberly Esparza ...... Librarian Ms. Priscilla Nueve………………………………………………………………………………Nurse Ms. Clarisa Gomez ...... School Psychologist
Hilltop High Learning Center 476-4280
Mr. Robert Freels ...... Teacher Mr. Armando Melendrez ...... Counselor Mr. Peter Hosingloy ...... Teacher Ms. Nancy Acerrio ...... Special Education Teacher
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EVER WONDERED WHO TO ASK FOR HELP OR INFORMATION ?
Subject Contact Person/Office Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Ms. Skalicky/Rm. 601 Academy of Information Technology Ms. Skalicky/Rm. 601 Afterschool Program Ms. Monica Del Rosario Associated Student Body (ASB) ASB Office Athletics Ms. Acerrio Athletic Clearance/Eligibility ASB Office Attendance Ms. Ansel Bilingual Program ______Bulletin (Daily) Ms. Knapp/Main Office Bus Transportation ASB Office Checking In/Out of School Assistant Principal Club Information ASB Office College and Career Planning Counseling Center Custodian Assistance Mr. Duenas Facilities, Use of ASB Office Finance ASB Office FLAGS Program Ms. Renteria/ Rm. 209 GATE Program and Advanced Placement Ms. Kashani Illness/Injury/Personal Problems Ms. Nueve, Nurse Library Services and Lost Books Library Lockers ASB Office Lost & Found ASB Office Lunch Program Ms. Murphy/Cafeteria Newspaper (Lance) Ms. Petersen Parking Problems Assistant Principal Personal Problems Counseling Center Scholarships Ms. Gerlack/Counseling Center School Calendar ASB Office Senior Activities ASB Office Special Education Ms. Gomez/Counseling Center Student Government ASB Office Testing Assistant Principal Transcripts Ms. Munoz/Counseling Center Work Experience Counseling Center Yearbook Ms. Petersen
PHONE NUMBERS TO DIAL DIRECT
Academy Office 476-4276 Football Office 476-4237 ASB Office 476-4250 Library 476-4230 Attendance Office 476-4204 Main Office 476-4200 Cafeteria 476-4270 PE Boys 476-4247 Counseling Center 476-4220 PE Girls 476-4248 FLAGS Office 476-4302 Yearbook Office 476-4275
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STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS/GUIDELINES
BULLYING/HARASSMENT/HAZING/ WHAT DOES BULLYING AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT HARASSMENT HAVE TO DO WITH ME? Hilltop High School believes in creating and maintaining a safe, orderly environment in which You’re a victim if someone bullies you. students can learn. We believe that all students and You need to get help by reporting it to your staff have the right to attend a campus that is safe, teacher, Assistant Principal or other staff secure, and peaceful. member of HHS. You’re a bystander if you see someone BULLYING IS REAL! BULLYING IS being bullied. You need to help the victim WRONG! get help by reporting it. You need to show others that bullying is unacceptable. You might think bullying happens only to You’re a bully if you make fun of, put little kids. The truth is that being a bully or down or deliberately hurt someone. Ask being bullied has no age limit. someone you trust to help. It takes courage Bullying is mean, cruel and disrespectful. to stop being a bully!! It’s NO WAY to treat another person. Being a bully or being bullied are not “just WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT BULLYING & natural parts of growing up.” Putting others HARASSMENT: down or hurting them, or not feeling safe As a Teen... because of what someone is doing to you, is Know your school rules. Know your rights not healthy. and responsibilities about bullying, harassment, and hazing. WHY DO PEOPLE BULLY? Check out the words, jokes and sense of They want to hurt others. humor you and your friend’s use. They like to make fun of people who are Show others that you think bullying is NOT different. OK. They like to feel powerful. Get help if you are bullied or see someone They’re trying to move attention away being bullied. from themselves. As a Parent... They think it’s funny and no big deal. Notice and talk about changes in your teen’s behavior. BULLYING/HARASSMENT CAN INCLUDE: Notice when your teen’s actions or words Hurtful words, cruel jokes or tricks. seem disrespectful of others. Verbal threats, mean looks or rude Know the rules at your teen’s school about gestures. bullying, harassment and hazing. Pushing, hitting, and pinching. As a Family... Making people do things they don’t want Stop bullying acts in your family. to do. Notice put-down humor in TV shows or Picking on or ganging up on someone. music. Ignoring or leaving people out. Writing nasty notes. Starting rumors.
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HAZING Examples of Sexual Harassment/Assault: Hazing, as described below, is a violation of the Touching, pinching and/or grabbing body parts California Education Code. If a student is guilty of Sending sexual notes or pictures, on paper hazing, he/she will be disciplined according to district policy (Board Policy 5236) and the and/or electronically California Education Code (32050). Hazing in any Writing sexual graffiti form is considered dangerous conduct and Wearing clothing with sexual images or words forbidden by California law. Making suggestive or sexual gestures, looks, “Hazing” includes any method of initiation or pre- jokes, or verbal comments (including “mooing,” initiation into a student organization or any pastime “barking” and other noises) or amusement engaged with respect to such an organization. No student shall conspire to engage Spreading sexual rumors or making sexual in hazing or commit any act that caused or is likely propositions to cause bodily danger, physical harm, personal Pulling someone else’s clothes off or pulling degradation or disgrace, resulting in physical or your own clothes off mental harm to any student(s) or other person(s). Being forced to kiss someone or do something sexual SEXUAL HARASSMENT Rape or attempted rape, including “date” rape All types of sexual harassment should be reported to school authorities immediately. Sexual harassment can be physical, verbal or visual. Any form of BULLYING/ Sexual Harassment is unwanted and HARASSMENT/HAZING/ SEXUAL unwelcome sexual behavior/attention, which HARASSMENT WILL NOT be tolerated interferes with your right to get an education or at Hilltop High School. Report any to participate in school activities. It results from conduct of a sexual nature that offends, Bullying/Peer abuse to an Assistant stigmatizes, demeans, frightens, or threatens you Principal, Counselor, and/or staff because of your sex. member. Sexual harassment can happen once or many times. Being the target of sexual harassment may make it scary to go to school or hard to concentrate. Incidents of sexual harassment may cause the target to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or threatened. Agreement isn’t needed. Sexual harassment is Hilltop High School is a designated determined by the victim and how he/she feels, not by the perpetrator’s intent. You do not have “NO PLACE FOR HATE” to get others to agree with you. School district officials are legally responsible to guarantee an education for all students in a zone. safe environment which is free from sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. Some forms of sexual harassment are also crimes and can be considered sexual assault. These should be reported to the police or district attorney so that the perpetrator(s) can be prosecuted. 8
CHALLENGE OF AUTHORITY/ DEFIANCE/DISRUPTION Consequences for violations include confiscation of the device. If confiscated and turned into the All school staff members are in a position of office, it will only be returned to a parent/ authority on campus and at all school-related guardian. Additional consequences may apply activities. Students are expected to cooperate and do for repeat offenses. what is asked of them, i.e., give name, show ID, come to the office, etc. Students who publish (in print, texts or on the 1. Direct challenges or verbal abuse toward a staff Internet) photos, videos or taped conversations member can result in automatic suspension. acquired at school or school events without 2. If the verbal abuse is considered a threat of permission of the person(s) who are subjects in bodily harm to a staff member, the result of such the photos, videos or taped conversations are action can be arrest and possible expulsion from subject to discipline to include but not limited Sweetwater Union High School District. to Saturday School, suspension and/or transfer 3. The classroom must have an environment that is to another school or school program. conducive to learning. Students must respect Hilltop High School and the Sweetwater Union the classroom and respond to the guidance from High School District accept no responsibility for the teacher. breakage, theft or loss of personal electronic items. CLEAN CAMPUS FOOD Help keep your campus clean. Place all paper, All food and drinks should be consumed in the etc., in the trash cans provided. It is the lunch areas or the cafeteria. Do not take any food or responsibility of each student to place his/her drink to a classroom. trash in the trash can during lunch and nutrition HONESTY/INTEGRITY OF STUDENT break. Students can face disciplinary actions if WORK POLICY they do not pick up their own trash. No student shall engage in any activity that involves cheating, plagiarism (the taking of ideas or writing ELECTRONIC DEVICES – STUDENT USE from another and passing them off as one's own), ON CAMPUS copying another student's homework or tests or allowing another student to copy his or her work. California Education Code (48901.5) allows school Students are subject to disciplinary consequences. districts to regulate the possession and use of GRAFFITI/VANDALISM electronic devices by students while on school 1. Any student caught scrawling graffiti, or in grounds. possession of markers and/or spray paint or Students may only use cell phones on campus etching tools, will be subject to suspension, before and after school, during lunch and prosecution and/or personal liability for passing periods. damages. Cell phones must be off and stored out of sight 2. Parents will be liable for expenses resulting in purses, backpacks or pockets when in from vandalism. classrooms. 3. Any student who defaces or destroys any Electronic devices, such as IPods, game players, property belonging to the school or any person speakers and/or headsets are prohibited at is liable for the damages. school. 4. Other possible administrative actions include police contact and transfer to another school.
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STUDENT DRESS GUIDELINES
Hilltop High has the following dress guidelines for wallet chains and jewelry or accessories with the 2013-2014 school year. Students are required to sharp studs. wear clothes that are neat in appearance and GIRLS: Half shirts, crop tops, tops which are appropriate for school (CA Title V, See. 302; backless, strapless, halter-type or have low cut SUHSD Policy 5146). Guidelines may be revised necklines, fishnet tops, see-through tops, or as needed at any time. All manner of dress is blouses/tops which drape open to reveal the subject to administrative discretion as to its midriff or navel are not permitted at school. All acceptance. shirts and blouses must be long enough to be tucked in. Tops must have straps at least 1 inch A student may not remain in the classroom or on wide and cover bras. Undergarments should not campus dressed in a manner which: be visible. Sock-like footwear and slippers are Creates a health or safety hazard for the student not appropriate and are not allowed. Constitutes a serious or unnecessary distraction to BOYS: Muscle shirts, tank tops (particularly the the learning process undershirt type) are not appropriate and are not allowed. All shirts must be long enough to be As such, the following guidelines will be enforced tucked in. Shoes and/or sturdy sandals must be on the Hilltop High School campus: worn at all times. Sock-like footwear and slippers are not appropriate and are not allowed. Any article of clothing that is worn or altered in Oversized shorts, worn with pulled up socks, showing no skin are not permitted. such a way as to identify students with non- school clubs, teams or gangs is not allowed. Hat Policy Apparel representing community organizations In accordance with California Senate Bill 310 may be worn with prior approval of the school principal or designee. and the State Education Code, Hilltop High School students may wear sun-protective Pendletons, and other shirts, worn untucked, clothing outdoors, while adhering to the loose and with top button buttoned are not allowed. following regulations:
Pants must be the appropriate size, belted at the 1. The allowed sun-protective hat ware includes: waist. Oversized, sagging or altered pants are school-designated Hilltop High or not allowed. “Lancer” hats Pajamas are not acceptable attire during the commercial, store-bought baseball hats, school day or at school events/activities. Skirts, shorts and pants must be worn so that midriffs beanies & visors that utilize common are not exposed. sports-team logos Accessories (such as jewelry, hair nets, belts, 2. Hats may be worn “outdoors” and in the and bandannas) with non-school logos, correct direction (brim forward) and may not insignias, colors or writing depicting non-school be worn inside classrooms or other campus clubs, teams or gangs are not allowed. buildings. Any clothing or accessories which advocate, 3. Hats may not be customized, personalized, or advertise or display any type of tobacco, altered to serve as a “message”. This includes alcohol, drugs, hate, violence, foul language, Old English style lettering. graffiti, or any acts which are illegal, obscene, 4. Hats worn incorrectly will be confiscated and sexual or hazardous to one's health, are not returned to student after school in the main allowed. office. Attire, including clothing, masks, jewelry and other accessories, which is a safety hazard to the wearer or others, is not allowed. This includes
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5. Non-regulation or inappropriate hats that are deemed distracting or offensive will be HALL PASSES confiscated and, upon request, returned to 1. NO hall passes will be issued during the first parents by the Assistant Principals. and last 10 minutes of class. 6. Hilltop High School hat regulations are in effect 2. NO hall passes will be given to go to lockers during the school’s instructional day, from 7:20 or vending machines. a.m. to 2:36 p.m. 3. Only one person may leave a class at a time. 7. Bandanas, headbands, “doo-rags” and any other 4. The student must be able to show ID to school head coverings not specified above are officials, teachers, or campus security when PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES. requested to do so. 5. Student aides will stay in the classroom with Students coming to school improperly dressed will the teacher to whom they have been assigned. be disciplined, loaned clean alternative clothing to 6. All student aides will have a badge by which change into and/or sent home to change. to identify themselves whenever they need to Consistent defiance of dress guidelines will result be in the halls. in further disciplinary action. 7. Failure to go directly to and from the authorized destination will be cause for PROHIBITED ITEMS disciplinary action. Explosives of any kind including stink bombs, fireworks and shells Alcohol, controlled drugs, tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and drug paraphernalia Dangerous objects, knives, pepper spray, laser pointers, stun guns, or any type of object that could be used as a weapon Obscene or pornographic materials Gambling equipment Graffiti marking pens or spray paint Backpacks with studs, safety pins or other sharp metal accessories
SEARCHES AND SEIZURES The law provides school officials with wide latitude to search students, their possessions, and automobiles, in the ongoing effort to maintain a safe and secure campus. When a school official has a “reasonable suspicion” that a student may be in possession of contraband or dangerous objects, or under the Always come to school prepared. influence of alcohol or drugs, the student will be asked to empty all pockets and provide the official access to other personal items (backpacks, lockers, cars) which may contain contraband or dangerous objects.
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DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS/CONSEQUENCES
POSSIBLE DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS The following disciplinary actions are progressive in 2. Students are expected to attend Saturday nature. Students who fail to comply with school School on the day they are assigned and each rules, regulations and/or board policies will face any Saturday thereafter until all assigned Saturday combination of these consequences. Schools have been served. 3. Students are to report to the cafeteria before Teacher Conference 8:00 a.m. No latecomers will be admitted. The teacher will talk to the student with or without 4. Students must bring schoolwork they can do parent present to establish and reinforce appropriate quietly for the duration of Saturday School. behavioral expectations. 5. Students are to stay in the assigned room for the whole time to get credit for attending Counselor Referral Saturday School. Leaving early for whatever The counselor will intervene to address ongoing reason invalidates the student’s attendance. problems. The goal, once again, is to establish 6. Failure to attend an assigned Saturday school expectations for behavior and opportunity to improve. may result in suspension. A suspension will not remove the Saturday School obligation. Referral/Conference with Assistant Principal 7. Students may attend Saturday Scholars in lieu An administrator will meet with the student and/or of Saturday School if a course they are parent, and any other school personnel as needed. enrolled in is offered.
DETENTIONS SUSPENSION 1. Detentions may be assigned by teachers or Suspension from school means removal of a pupil administrators for infraction of school rules. from the classroom and/or school. The student is 2. Teacher-assigned detentions are served with the informed that he/she is subject to suspension (five teacher in his/her classroom after school. days or less). Aside from administrators, teachers 3. Assistant Principal-assigned detentions are served may also suspend a student from class for up to in room 201 afterschool. two (2) days. The student’s parent(s) or legal 4. Students are expected to attend detention on the guardian is notified by telephone, if possible, and day they are assigned and each day thereafter until a copy of the suspension form is mailed to the all assigned detentions have been served. parents if the suspension is made by an assistant 5. If a student is assigned detention, this disciplinary principal. action shall take precedence over participation in any extracurricular activity. GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSIONS/OTHER 6. If a student is serving a detention, he or she may DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS continue to participate in extracurricular activities Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to prior to and after the designated time of detention. cause physical injury to another person 7. Failure to serve detention will result in further (including fighting) disciplinary action. Aiding and abetting a physical injury or attempted physical injury SATURDAY SCHOOL Possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing any 1. Saturday School is assigned by an administrator firearm, knife, explosive or otherwise for absences/tardies or infraction of school rules. dangerous object Saturday School is held from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 Unlawfully possessing, using, selling, or p.m. in the cafeteria. otherwise furnishing, or being under the influence of any controlled substance, an alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind
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Unlawfully offering, furnishing, arranging, or EXPULSION negotiating to sell any substance that is or represented to be a controlled substance, alcoholic Expulsion means removal of a pupil from the beverage or any intoxicant of any kind school district. A student may be recommended Committing robbery or extortion for expulsion for suspendable offenses if one or Causing or attempting to cause damage to school all of the following conditions are met: property or private property a. prolonged breaches of discipline by a student, Stealing or attempting to steal school property or or when other forms of discipline, including private property suspension, have failed to bring proper Possessing, furnishing or using tobacco conduct; or Committing an obscene act or engaging in habitual b. single acts of a severe nature; or profanity or vulgarity c. The student’s presence causes a continuing danger to other students or staff. Unlawfully possessing or unlawfully offering, arranging or negotiating to sell any drug According to Education Code, there are five acts paraphernalia of conduct which require a mandatory Disrupting school activities or otherwise defying recommendation for expulsion: the authority of school personnel engaged in the 1. Possessing, selling or furnishing a firearm. performance of their duties 2. Brandishing a knife at another person. Knowingly receiving stolen property 3. Unlawfully selling a controlled substance Possessing an imitation or "look alike" firearm listed in the Health and Safety Code. Committing sexual assault/battery or attempting to 4. Committing or attempting to commit sexual commit sexual assault assault. Harassing, threatening or intimidating a witness 5. Possession of an explosive. Engaging in or committing any form of bullying, harassment, hazing, sexual harassment, hate, violence, intimidation and/or terroristic threats
INTRADISTRICT TRANSFER (ID) A student may be transferred to another school within the Sweetwater District if he/she persists in misbehaving at Hilltop High School despite several attempts at changing his/her behavior.
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ATTENDANCE OFFICE INFORMATION ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES AR 5112.1D – The Sweetwater Union High 1. Students are expected to attend every class School District has established that it is every day. reasonable to be absent 1 day a month 2. It is the student’s responsibility to check their (equivalent to 5 days in a semester or 10 days attendance on a weekly basis. This is especially in a school year). Students who have more important prior to report cards or if the student than 5 days of excused absences per semester participates in extra-curricular activities. 10 excused absences during the year may be 3. Students with excessive absences are subject to placed under an “Excessive Excused Absence disciplinary action including assignment of Contract.” Saturday School, referral to the Student Attendance Review Board (SARB), and/or AR 5113(e) b – When a student has had 14 transfer to a district alternative program. absences in the school year for verified illness, 4. Following an absence, students must report to any further absences must be verified by a the Attendance Office and turn in a note from physician or the school Nurse. parent to excuse the absence, if the parent hasn’t called the absence in. Students are NOT 9. Students are required to attend the full day to allowed to sign their own notes. participate in afterschool activities. Students 5. Failure to excuse an absence via parent phone who are absent on a Friday cannot participate call or signed note will result in an in a school related activity on Friday or the UNEXCUSED ABSENCE and a Saturday following Saturday. School. 10. Failure to attend Saturday School will result in 6. The Attendance Office opens at 7:00 AM, non-participation at school activities such as: Monday - Friday. The phone number is Graduation ceremony, school dances, senior 476-4204. activities, other extra curricular activities 7. Students may be excused from school for the 11. Parents are encouraged to regularly contact the following reasons: attendance office to verify student attendance. a) Personal illness, appointment for medical, 12. Students who will be leaving school from 5 to dental, optometric, or chiropractic services 15 days need to contact the school attendance b) Quarantine by county or city health officer office, and submit a “Short-Term c) Participation in religious instruction or Independent Study” contract for approval at exercises least 5 days prior to the first day of the d) Attendance at funeral services for member absence. Students must make arrangements for of immediate family. One day if in class assignments with their teachers before California, three days if out-of-state. they are absent. 8. Students who are absent or truant from school must clear absences in accordance with PERFECT ATTENDANCE SUHSD Board Policy & Regulations AR 5113. To qualify for Perfect Attendance a student’s attendance record must not have any tardies or AR 5112.1C – It is the parents’ responsibility absences. Saturday School cannot be used to clear to notify the school within 10 school days to a record for the purposes of Perfect Attendance. excuse the student’s absence(s). Absences remaining unexcused 10 school days after the CLOSED CAMPUS students return to school will become truant or Campus is defined as all areas inside of the unexcused for the remainder of the school year school fencing; the parking lot is off-limits unless the student attends Saturday School to during the school day. clear the absence. 14
District policy mandates that schools in the district have closed campuses. When a student arrives at Any student leaving school during the day due to school, he/she must remain at school until the end illness must check out through the Nurse’s Office. of the school day. If a student has a valid reason to If the student calls the parent directly to request to leave during school hours, he/she must present a written notice to obtain an “Off Campus” permit go home, the parent should inform the student that from the Attendance Office or, in the case of he/she must see the nurse first to secure an illness, from the Nurse. Students without current Off-Campus Permit. emergency card information cannot be released nor have absences excused. TARDY POLICY & PROCEDURES Tardies are accumulated per grading period. The parking lot is off limits for all students during Citizenship grades for each grading period are the school day, including passing periods, nutrition averaged to determine the semester grade. Other break, lunch, and class time. Seniors on a 5 period th factors such as class participation and regular day, must display their ID card with a “No 6 ” attendance contribute to determining each student's sticker to the lunch supervisor in order to leave citizenship grade. campus at the front gate. Each student must be aware of the citizenship OFF CAMPUS PERMITS grading policies of his/her individual teachers. 1. Student delivers note from his/her Excessive tardies may result in placement on a parent/guardian to the attendance office non-privileged list for participation in extra- window before school. curricular activities, loss of locker privileges, 2. Student returns to Attendance Office to pick up Saturday detentions, and cancellation of I.D. for Off-Campus Permit during nutrition break or at students residing outside Hilltop High school lunch. boundaries. 3. Students requesting off-campus permits without a note from parent/guardian will Procedures: require a parent (authorized on the emergency 1. Students arriving late to school should go directly card) to come to the Attendance Office to to the Attendance Office. request release of the student. Requests sent 2. Tardies affect grades due to missed work or via FAX, with proper signature, will be participation in class activities during time missed. honored. Students will not be given off- 3. Students have the opportunity to make-up tardies (change tardy “T” to served detention “PQ”) and campus permits via phone requests. improve their citizenship grade by attending after 4. Students must sign out in the cafeteria as they school detention. One 20-minute detention will exit the campus. If students return to school clear one tardy. Students must be sure to turn in the same day, they must check in through the the clearance tardy slip to their teacher. Attendance Office upon return. 4. Tardy sweeps are conducted throughout the school 5. In cases of emergency, students must secure year. Students picked up in a tardy sweep are permission from Attendance Office personnel subject to Saturday School. or Assistant Principal before leaving campus. Students who leave campus without SENIOR DITCH DAY authorization from school officials are subject Every year students plan a “Senior Ditch Day” or to disciplinary action, such as Saturday School, “Ditch Days.” All students who are absent during will and truancy for periods missed. be required to follow the attendance policy and 6. Parents are encouraged to plan ahead for all regulations listed above to excuse the absence. off-campus requests. Office staff must have ample time to deliver requests to classrooms. Please consider delays that may occur due to lack of student or staff help, especially at critical times during the school day.
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GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION CARDS MESSAGES AND DELIVERIES TO Emergency Authorization listing the name of STUDENTS the physician chosen by the parent or guardian In an effort to maximize instructional time for must be completed by the parent or guardian for students and decrease classroom interruptions, we reference in case of need or emergency. This is have implemented the following policies: completed through the online registration process. If any changes in residential 1. Messages will be taken only from individuals information occur, they must be reported to the listed on the student's emergency card. If the registrar. Health changes must be reported to the person is not listed, the message will NOT be nurse. given to the student. Only persons listed on emergency cards may 2. Emergency messages ONLY will be delivered have contact with students. to students or the student sent for immediately.
LUNCH AND/OR BREAKFAST All other messages will be sent at the end or The Sweetwater Union High School District takes beginning of a period. Emergencies are part in the National School Lunch and/or School unexpected events such as: illness, accidents, Breakfast Program. Meals are served every school and deaths. Reminders of doctor’s day. Students may buy lunch for $2.25 and/or appointments and other routine information are breakfast for $1.50. Eligible students may receive NOT considered emergencies. meals free or at a reduced price. Applications are 3. Lunches, money and personal items will NOT available in the school cafeteria. be delivered. We will send for the student by call slip requesting that they come to the office GRADUATION CEREMONY between periods, or during nutrition break or PARTICIPATION lunch. Money and other valuables will be kept Participation in the graduation ceremony is a in the safe until the student picks them up. privilege. Students involved in disciplinary action 4. Balloons, flower bouquets and other gift items in the week(s) leading to graduation may lose the will NOT be allowed on campus. They will privilege of participating in the ceremony. be held in the office until the end of the school day and students notified to pick them up. Seniors who fail to serve ALL assigned 5. Homework, projects, etc., will be placed in the Saturday Schools will not be allowed to appropriate teacher's mailbox. participate in the graduation ceremony at the end of the year. Saturday Schools carry over each Please be aware that other than in an emergency year and all must be served by the end of the senior situation, we cannot promise immediate response. year. Students must meet all credit requirements, pass the California High School Exit Exam, and TRANSPORTATION/PARKING complete their community service requirement. For questions regarding bus transportation, please call the Transportation Department at the District GUESTS/TRESPASSERS ON CAMPUS Office, phone number 691-5527. Parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to If you drive a car, motorcycle or bicycle: visit the campus after registering in the office. Students are not allowed to have friends, relatives Driving to school and using student parking (other than parents/guardians) or guests (including are privileges, not rights, and can be revoked. pets) attend school with them for any part of the Anyone speeding, driving erratically or school day. Trespassers will be issued written making excessive noise will not be allowed to warnings and may be issued citations and arrested park in any school parking lots. by the police.
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Students who park on campus must park in NO SMOKING POLICY marked parking spaces in the designated In accordance with state law, the Sweetwater student parking lots (north and south ends of Union High School District has adopted a policy Claire St). which establishes all district facilities as tobacco Parking anywhere other than in the designated free environments. No smoking is allowed on student parking lots may result in driving school campuses (even when students are not privileges being revoked and/or the vehicle present), in school parking lots, at school being towed away. activities or in school buses or other district vehicles. Motorcycles/scooters must be parked in the designated area in the South parking lot. Bicycles must be walked at all times on campus. Bicycle racks are located near the ASB and the I St. parking lot. All bicycles must be locked in a bike rack.
Students are required to lock their skateboards in the skateboard rack. Students may not ride their skateboards on campus.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL 1. Parent permission is required to withdraw a student from school. 2. If the parent/guardian cannot accompany the student, the parent/guardian may call the student’s assistant principal to initiate the withdrawal procedure. The student may also bring a signed note from the parent or guardian stating the reason for withdrawal
from school.
3. Transfer releases must be obtained from the assistant principal's office and returned to the registrar after obtaining required signatures.
4. A student withdrawing from school will present to his teachers a transfer release form. Each teacher will assign the grade earned up to the date of withdrawal and sign
the form.
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EMERGENCY or MAJOR CRISIS PLAN
GENERAL PROCEDURES STUDENT PREPARATION Hilltop High conducts emergency drills each year. Students should know the following: Students and staff are trained in the procedures for A. Drop, Cover & Hold position: Drop to Earthquakes, Lockdowns, Evacuations and other knees; place hands over back of head with emergency situations. In the event of a major crisis arms over ears and lay forehead on knees. or emergency, the following plan will be initiated: B. Evacuation routes to assembly area and to whom to report. 1. Incident Commander or designee will call C. “Buddy” System: Know teacher’s “buddy” 911 and be assigned a student “buddy.” Necessary information will be shared D. During practice or emergency, the student with law enforcement. should be responsible for that person
2. Incident Commander or designee will E. If a “buddy” is injured or missing, report coordinate with CVPD and notify District immediately to teacher or Incident Office. Commander
3. LOCKDOWN/SHELTER IN PLACE Students Should Not: EVACUATION will commence. Use cell phones unless told to do so All buildings will be secured. Light matches for any reason Touch any wires PA system will be used to relay Leave their class group for any reason and/ or panic information to staff and students every 10 – 15 minutes. STUDENT RETENTION/RELEASE TV monitors and/or email will be used if 1. Students will be retained and supervised on PA system is down. campus by their teachers. Students will be If evacuated then check email on cell released when law enforcement clears the phones for updates. school. 2. Student Release will be conducted by verifying 4. Lockdown/Shelter in Place will occur upon identity of parent/guardian, signing a release direction of administration and/or law form, and locating student with assistance of enforcement. No students will be released staff. Release pickup area will be the cafeteria. nor will parents have access to campus A. Those students not picked up will be held at during this type of emergency. Parents the school site or transferred to an should wait at home until notified by school emergency center for proper care and authorities that students will be released. shelter.
5. Evacuation will occur upon direction of B. It’s important to note that many high school administration and/or law enforcement. students will simply leave campus. It will Student assembly area will be the basketball be impossible to keep records of those courts as noted on map. departures. It is also probable that many will return due to impossible conditions 6. An Off-site evacuation area will be elsewhere. announced in the event that the basketball courts are unavailable. Students will be ushered to the designated location with assistance from CVPD. Parents will be informed via Connect Ed/email.
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BUS TRANSPORTATION STUDENTS post will be maintained in a condition that 1. No bus route will be driven until the District would permit immediate occupancy and Command Post forwards to the Site Command effective functioning. Post and the vehicle operator the safe passage route provided by the officer of Disaster EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Preparedness. Bus transport students will be retained on-site pending reception of this Earthquake Drill Procedures information. (Duck, Cover & Hold) 2. Adults desiring to obtain the release of a student must show identification and be named on the When the ground begins shaking, a loud explosion Emergency Authorization Card. Upon receipt is heard/felt, or a duck, cover & hold drill begins, of a Verification of Information Card, exit everyone (students, staff, and all others present) are though the designated “Release Gate” will be to take the following protective actions: allowed. Students will not be released to any adult not listed on the Emergency INDOORS: Authorization and Verification Card. Duck: Take cover under a nearby desk or table, positioning as much of the body as STUDENTS RESIDING WITHIN WALKING possible under cover. DISTANCE Cover eyes by leaning the face against the arm. 1. No student will be released to walk home until Hold on to the table legs or side of the desk. the Site Command Post is notified that the Remain in position until the ground stops walking route is safe. shaking, objects stop falling, or the teacher 2. Students released to walk home must be indicates that this phase of the drill has ended. reminded to proceed directly home, avoid fallen power lines or other dangerous impediments. If there is no table or desk nearby, but there are 3. No student will be released to walk home chairs (such as an auditorium-style arrangement) without first “signing out”. Duck, Cover, Hold: take cover under the HELICOPTER AREA chairs, if possible, and/or between the rows of Each school site should identify a CLEAR area for chairs, dropping to the floor, holding on, and helicopter landing, measuring 100 x 100 feet. This protecting the eyes with the arm. must be clear of trees, buildings, wires, poles, or any obstruction for landing. The area must be If there is no table or chair nearby (or not marked with an “X” which can be made from any enough): white material: paint, flour, lime. Duck, Cover, Hold: take cover by dropping to the floor, against an interior wall, if possible. DISTRESS SIGNAL Select the closest safe place: between tables or Every school has an American Flag. The National against a wall. The “drop” position is Distress Signal is the Flag, flown upside-down. If preferred: on the floor, on the knees, leaning the flagpole is not standing, any vertical structure over to rest on the elbows, hands clasped can be used. behind the neck, face down for protection.
SITE COMMAND POST LOCATION OUTSIDE: A. The primary Site Command Post will be In the hallway: located in the Administrative offices of the Administrative Building. Duck, Cover, Hold: take the “drop” position B. A secondary Site Command Post will be alongside the walls. Try to avoid earthquake identified should occupation of the primary hazards such as unsecured lockers, trophy Site Command Point be impossible. Site cases, etc. Choose the closest safe place. Principals shall ensure that the secondary
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On stairs: Duck, Cover, and Hold: sit down, hold Evacuation/Fire Procedure on to handrail, and cover eyes. Teachers and students will exit the People with disabilities: classrooms as soon as possible. Teachers In a wheelchair: Remain in the chair, set brake, will know and teach the prescribed route and hold on. If you have a hard hat with you, to their students so that evacuation to the put it on. basketball courts can be swift and smooth. Teachers will line up their classes in the area With mobility impairments, but not in a according to the map. Students are to remain wheelchair: orderly and in line. Students may sit if they If sitting at onset of earthquakes, remain in desire, but they are not to stray. place, protect head with arms and hold on. Teachers will take attendance once the whole If standing, sit down or brace body to avoid class has arrived and complete the falling. Emergency Accountability Form. Teachers will remain with their classes until Lockdown/Shelter-In-Place Procedure dismissed or given other directions by administration. Everyone is to report to a classroom as fast as possible. The door is to be locked immediately. If, when locking the door, a teacher notices that any students or staff is still outside, allow them into the classroom as quickly as possible. Once everyone is in and the door is locked, the teacher will turn off the lights. Students are to remain away from windows and quiet throughout the crisis or drill.
The door is not to be opened for any reason, even if the person knocking identifies him or herself as a police officer. Teachers are responsible for the well-being and behavior of their students during the crisis or drill until dismissed or given other directions from the administration.
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ASB OFFICE INFORMATION
ATHLETIC INFORMATION ATHLETIC CLEARANCE PROCEDURES: 1. Pick up an eligibility packet in the ASB Hilltop High School has a tradition of success in Office or download it from the school athletics. Involvement in athletics contributes website. Packets are available at any time the positively to student success. We are asking both ASB Office is open beginning July 16, 2014. students and parents to participate and support our 2. Make sure you complete all information athletic program at Hilltop High School. The requested and obtain a physical following sports are offered at Hilltop High School: examination. Physical examinations are good for one year. Students should begin FALL SPORTS WINTER SPORTS the clearance process allowing sufficient (Aug. – Nov.) (Nov. – Feb.) time to schedule and complete the physical Cross Country Boys' Basketball exam. Students will not be allowed to try- Football Girls’ Basketball out for a sport without these items. Girls’ Golf Roller Hockey 3. The clearance packet must be signed by Field Hockey Boys' Soccer the Library and Counseling office. Return Girls' Volleyball Girls' Soccer all signed and completed forms to the ASB Girls’ Tennis Girls’ Water Polo Office in order to be cleared to participate. Boys' Water Polo Wrestling SPRING SPORTS (Feb. - May) Baseball 2014-2015 VARSITY COACHING STAFF Boys’ Golf Boys’ & Girls’ Lacrosse Baseball Kurt Gritts Basketball – Boys’ Sergio Gonzales Softball Basketball – Girls’ Ray Jindra Boys’ & Girls’ Swim & Dive Cross Country Mark Hedderson Boys Tennis Field Hockey Janine Dare Boys’ & Girls’ Track & Field Football Cody Roelof Boys’ Volleyball Golf – Boys’ Luke Kelley Golf – Girls’ Robyn Gossett Gymnastics Ron Mazer TO COMPETE, THE STUDENT MUST: Roller Hockey Dan Vacarro 1. Have met residency requirements. Lacrosse - Boys’ Pete Bishop 2. Be enrolled in at least twenty-five (25) Lacrosse - Girls’ Jennifer Ferrer semester periods of work: Five (5) classes Soccer - Boys’ John Salts on a traditional calendar schedule. Soccer - Girls’ Rene Ortiz 3. Have a 2.0 (“C”) average in both Softball Nancy Acerrio scholarship and citizenship and be passing a Swimming John Salts Tennis (Boys’ & Girls’) Chris Gentry minimum of four (4) classes based on the Track (Boys’ & Girls’) Ruben Ledesma most recent grade report period. Volleyball – Boys’ Tyler Reeves 4. Not compete on any outside team in the Volleyball – Girls’ Shannon Slatter same sport during the school season of the Waterpolo – Girls’ Jenna Cvitkovich sport. Waterpolo – Boys’ John Salts 5. Have a current physical examination. Wrestling Tom Juarez 6. Have current medical insurance. Student
accident insurance is available for purchase
in the ASB.
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CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS HILLTOP HIGH SCHOOL ATTEMPTS TO Within the first two months of school, many PROTECT STUDENTS’ PROPERTY BUT students and club advisors renew their club WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR VANDALISM registration forms at the ASB Office, set a date for OR THEFT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. their first meetings, and begin planning events for the year. LOCKERS
Since clubs are renewed each year, many of the Locker Agreement contracts are available in pre-existing clubs return and some new clubs form. the ASB office. Listen closely to the bulletin to find out when these 1. DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS OF VALUE IN clubs will be meeting and attend. If you have any LOCKERS, ESPECIALLY OVER questions about clubs, please stop by the ASB and WEEKENDS OR HOLIDAYS. speak with the Assistant Principal for Student 2. The school is not liable for the cost or Activities. replacement of any books or personal articles lost or damaged through theft, negligence or Academic League HTV vandalism. A.O.H.T. Humanities Club 3. A locker is to be used only by the student to A.O.I.T. Interact Club whom it is assigned. Valid “Locker AP Scholars Italian Club Agreements” must be on file in the ASB. ASB Japan Club 4. Only combination locks will be allowed on AVID KEY Club lockers. Ballet Folklorico MECHA Club 5. All students must register their locker numbers Band Multicultural Club and combinations with the ASB Office. Bible Club Music Tech Ensemble 6. Use of lockers at Hilltop High School is a Biological Society Mexican Voice & Pride privilege and is voluntary. Chess Club Newspaper Club 7. The school administration reserves the right to Chinese Club Photographers enter school lockers at any time, with Colorguard Robotics Club reasonable suspicion, to ensure a safe and Connect Crew S.H.A.P.E. secure school climate. CSF Skate Club 8. The Assistant Principal of Student Activities FLAGS SpEd Photographers will remove any lock placed on an unassigned French Club Thespian Club locker. A form must be on file in the ASB Gay/Straight Alliance Transition Club SP.ED. Office. German Club United with Uganda 9. Combination locks may be purchased from the Girls’ League Yearbook Club ASB Office for $6, or can be purchased in Glee Club Yoga Club most hardware/home supply stores. 10. No hall passes will be issued for the purpose of going to lockers. LOST AND FOUND A lost and found department is maintained in the ASB Office. All personal items may be claimed after proper identification. All lost books should be taken to the library. Physical education gear should be taken to the P.E. Office. Lost and found articles are kept for one (1) month in the ASB. Unclaimed articles are then given to charity.
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STUDENT ID/ASB CARDS All students are subject to search of pockets, 1. All students must have a Hilltop High School purses, jackets and other possessions. The I.D. card, which is provided during orientation, law provides school officials with wide free of charge. There is one makeup day after latitude to search students, their possessions school begins. and automobiles in the ongoing effort to maintain a safe and secure environment and 2. A Hilltop High School I.D. card must be facility for all students. In the event that carried at all times. inappropriate item(s), illegal substances, etc., 3. A Hilltop High School I.D. card becomes an are found in a student’s possession, parents, A.S.B. card with the purchase of a $20 ASB guardians and/or local authorities may be membership. A lost I.D. card or ASB card will contacted and the student will be subject to be replaced in the Library for a fee of $5.00. discipline based on California Ed Code and 4. An ASB card provides free admission to all Sweetwater Union High School Board home athletic events. policy. Students entering dances are subject to A Hilltop High School student I.D. card is random breathalyzer tests. It is recommended that all students bring as REQUIRED to check out textbooks and library few possessions/valuables as possible to books, to use a hall pass, vote in school elections avoid possible loss or theft. and gain admittance to school dances. Simulated and/or explicit sexual behavior including but not limited to “freaking” DANCE GUIDELINES and prolonged kissing is prohibited. Students may not reserve rooms in hotels Entrance/Departure where Hilltop High dances are held. Students must have current high school picture Students who do so will NOT be allowed to identification (ID) in order to enter the dance. attend the dance. Once students leave the dance, they may not No outside food and drinks are allowed. return. All other rules pertaining to student conduct Students must obtain their own transportation apply. Students violating rules are subject to to and from the dance. Parents must be aware discipline. of the ending time of the dance and pick up The Hilltop High/SUHSD dress policy students no later than 15 minutes after the (Policy #5146) will be enforced at all school event ends. Failure to do so will subject the dances. student to exclusion from participation in future Formal dance attire requires that students evening activities. Students should not wait wear clothing that is neither too suggestive until the event ends to arrange transportation. nor revealing.
Student Searches and Conduct at Dances Shoes are required.
Assistant Principals will NOT ISSUE DANCE CONTRACTS TO STUDENTS WITH UNSERVED SATURDAY SCHOOLS. Students must complete all Saturday School responsibilities prior to final day of ticketed sales for the event (usually the Wednesday prior to the Saturday dance.)
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COUNSELING CENTER INFORMATION
CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIP COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT FEDERATION (CSF) Guidelines for fulfilling community service requirement: California Scholarship Federation is an honorary, academic organization. Students in grades 10-12 SUSHD Board Policy #6404.1 requires a who are eligible must apply each semester. minimum of 30 hours of non-paid community Membership is determined on a point system. In service to be performed by students as part of order to be CSF eligible, a student must earn a their graduation requirements. minimum of 10 points in five subjects. An "A" = 3 points, "B" (Honors) = 2 points and "B" = 1 point. A suggested schedule for completion is: Seven of the 10 points must be from subjects in 9th grade: 10 hours List I and II. A "D" or "F" in scholarship or 10th grade: 10 hours citizenship automatically disqualifies a student 11th grade 10 hours from membership. To be a seal bearer (i.e. Life 12th grade: additional per University Member), a student must accumulate at least four Requirements semesters beginning in their sophomore year, with at least one semester of membership in their senior Students may complete the required 30 year. For more information, please contact the hours early, if they desire. CSF Advisor. New students, who enroll from out of the district, will be required to meet only the hours suggested for the grade(s) they need to complete. COLLEGE TESTING INFORMATION For example, a student entering as a 10th grader will need to complete 24 hours, the California State University (CSU): Test suggested hours for grades 10-12. Requirements: SAT Reasoning or ACT Social Science teachers at each grade level San Diego State University (SDSU): Requires will be responsible for monitoring and seniors to take the SAT Reasoning or ACT by verifying that the community service hours October have been completed for each of their
University of California (UC): Test students. Requirements: SAT Reasoning or ACT w/writing & SAT Subject (Depending upon major!) Examples of what IS community service: Volunteering with a non-profit community NOTE: Test dates and deadlines are available in service organization the Counseling Center and at: Community service club activities, not www.collegeboard.org and www.act.org. meetings
Assisting at Boys or Girls Clubs Helping at a hospital, convalescent home or orphanage Peer tutoring after school hours or on weekends Weekend campus clean-up, beautification activities
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Helping with a community team such as AYSO soccer or Little League (helping with SCHEDULE CHANGES sports events of younger children, referring, etc.) The state frameworks, which are tied to school- wide assessment, require that instruction begin on Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, locally the first day of each semester. Credits are or abroad earned for a full 18-week semester. Giving blood (2 hours of community service
allowed and OK to be done during school Student initiated schedule changes must be hours if it is a school sponsored blood drive) requested before the beginning of each semester. Donating hair to an organization that makes Once the semester begins, there will be no student wigs for cancer victims (2 hours of community initiated schedule changes for a different teacher, service allowed) elective or class period.
Examples of what IS NOT community service: Student initiated schedule changes must be Work done by student aides, such as office, completed prior to the beginning of each semester. teacher, or library aides For the first semester, students have until Service performed for a profit-making orientation to change their schedule. Requests for organization change for second semester must be made before Work during regular school hours (Exceptions: Winter Break. School sponsored blood drive, unpaid poll worker It is very important for each student to attend Service done without getting prior approval orientation in order to review his/her class from both parent/guardian and social science schedule. This will be the only opportunity to teacher change classes for first semester. What would usually be considered normal extracurricular (or co-curricular) activities, such as sports and sports related activities There will be no student initiated schedule (managers), cheerleading, participating in changes beginning the first day of school. school performance activities that are related to a class, ASB activities, etc. Working for an individual teacher (or teachers) Once school begins in July, changes will only be such as grading papers made by counselors for the purpose of balancing Service where the recipient is a family class size, per district policy. Teachers may also member or where a family member supervises make a recommendation for a class change by the service level; for example moving a student from a regular Related to a class, credit for a class, or making class to an accelerated course, or from one math of profit, defraying costs of trips, etc. level to another. Should a student receive a “D” Receiving pay for the service or “F” grade in math or foreign language on the Credit for the number of cans collected for a final report card in June, their schedule may be food drive, toys given, money collected, etc. changed to repeat that course in the fall.
Contacts for community service can be found online at: volunteersandiego.com
See your Counselor, Connect Crew, Teacher or Assistant Principal for help!
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GRADING STANDARDS FOR and extensive exposure to the business and SCHOLARSHIP AND CITIZENSHIP educational communities with job shadowing and In implementing the board policy on grading guest speakers. For information, please call 476- standards, the following guidelines shall be 4276 and ask for Ms. Skalicky or Ms. Garcia. observed: Grading ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM Letter grades will be utilized to evaluate a student’s scholarship and citizenship grades on Hilltop High School offers AP classes in Art semester report cards and progress reports: History, U.S. History, U.S. Govt, Calculus, Scholarship/Citizenship Chemistry, Biology, Economics, English Lang., A = Superior English Lit., English Comp, European History, B = Above Average French, Physics, Psychology, Spanish Language, C = Average and Spanish Literature, Statistics, World History. D = Below Average Students can receive credit for college if they pass F = Unsatisfactory Work; No Credit the AP exam with a score of 3, 4 or 5.
Scholarship grades will be based on impartial, ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL consistent observation of the quality of a student’s DETERMINATION (AVID) work and his/her mastery of course content and objectives. Students should have the opportunity This program is designed to help any student who to demonstrate this mastery through a variety of would like to go to college and wants help in channels, such as classroom participation, getting there. This program provides college homework, and tests. tutors for students in Math and English. It teaches students the college system through Cornell note- Assessment of a student’s performance should taking, SAT preparation, field trips and a variety also include a variety of performance tasks, of other college prep materials. Contact your including, but not limited to: portfolios, project counselor or Ms. Fericelli if interested. exhibitions, performances, and experiments. FLAGS (FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND Each teacher will develop a grading policy based GLOBAL STUDIES) on board regulations and will share these Hilltop High School offers the ONLY specialized guidelines with students and parents/ guardians. Foreign Language and Global Studies Program in SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT HILLTOP the Sweetwater District. The FLAGS program emphasizes the study of foreign languages and the HIGH SCHOOL appreciation of other cultures. Students are blocked in English and Social Studies classes at ACADEMY OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM each grade level. AND ACADEMY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Program offerings include: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, There are now two opportunities to become a Latin and Spanish languages member of a Career Academy that will help you Interdisciplinary teaching teams in English and get a head start on your future while in high social studies school. Both academies offer academics as their Field trips, speakers, special assemblies primary focus, ensuring eligibility into four-year Foreign exchange programs for teachers and colleges and universities. Learning extends students beyond the classroom setting with a multitude of Cultural travel/study opportunities career-related opportunities that are woven into Multicultural Faire the program, including: mentoring, internships International telecommunications 26
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE COURSES Salutatorian The salutatorian of the senior class shall be the Southwestern College (SWC) offers college student having the 2nd highest rank in the courses at Hilltop High School. This is an opportunity for students to earn college credits graduating class. The selection process is the same which are transferrable to the UC/CSU system. as above. These rankings will not necessarily All high school students who have at least a 2.0 coincide with the rankings on the transcript. grade point average are eligible. To enroll, students must first talk to their counselor. Then, students must complete the two step process for WORK PERMITS Southwestern College. All summer work permits expire at the Step 1: Complete the SWC Online Application. beginning of the new school year. Go to: http://www.swccd.edu/. Click on the E- All minors (under 18 years) must obtain a Tools link apply online, follow the instructions work permit before beginning paid and submit. employment or training. Step 2: Print the High School Special Program Entertainment permits must be accompanied Enrollment form. Complete the top portion of the by a regular work permit. form and turn it in to your counselor. (High Work Permits are available in the Main Office School Special Form.pdf) or on-line at www.sweetwaterschools.org For information, call Ms. Knapp at 476-4200. Course offerings change each year, so please See your counselor for more information. DISCLOSURE OF STUDENT TESTING DATA VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIAN The Sweetwater Union High School District has Ever wondered how the valedictorian and the authority to validate student performance on salutatorian are chosen each year? If you're college admittance tests. Validation occurs when curious, the following is an abridged version of the district receives the test results directly from District Board Policy 5127, Regulation No. the testing institution and places the results on a 5127.2. student’s transcript. This is beneficial to the student: Valedictorian 1. Facilitates the application process for college The valedictorian of the senior class shall be the admittance. Often students forget or place the student having the highest rank in his/her incorrect college code and/or incorrect student graduating class. The selection process is as identification information and the follows: college/university does not receive the results The valedictorian shall be the student who has in time to make application decisions. the highest GPA earned from 42 units based 2. Saves the student and his/her family the cost of having duplicate reports sent to the university on 7 semesters for the courses taken in 9th when data is not received. Test results will through the lst semester of the 12th grade, automatically be placed on transcripts unless a using a 4.0 scale and a 5.0 scale for UC Request to Omit Test Data form is submitted. approved weighted honors, AP and IB courses. The form can be obtained in the Counseling Center. Completed forms go to the Registrar. If a student has completed more than 42 units, he/she may eliminate excess courses that are not required for graduation. If a tie exists, the valedictorian shall be the student who has taken the highest number of
UC approved weighted honors, AP and/or IB courses in which he/she received a grade of A.
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LIBRARY INFORMATION
RESOURCES AND POLICIES IF YOUR BOOKS GET WET FOR ANY The following information is provided to help you REASON, PLEASE RETURN THEM TO THE use the resources of your library more efficiently. LIBRARY IMMEDIATELY! For further information or assistance please call (619) 476-4230 during the school day: LIBRARY/TEXTBOOK FINES AND FEES Fines for repair or replacement of library or Ms. Kimberly Esparza, Library Media Teacher, or textbook materials are assessed when materials are Ms. Marla Michel-Cuevas, Library Assistant abused during the time the student was responsible for the materials. Fines are assessed when a book HILLTOP HIGH ID CARDS is water damaged, the binding is damaged, a Current school photo identification cards are picture has been cut from the book, or damage due required to check out library materials, textbooks, to ink, crayon, or writing has occurred. and other instructional materials. A school I.D. card is also required when using the computers in Students need to report any and all unmarked the Library and in the Labs. No exceptions, please. damages to the library staff within 5 days of checking out materials. The first ID card is free. Replacement cards may be obtained in the library before school, during Report cards and transcripts may be withheld if a lunch, nutrition break, or after school for $5.00. student owes a fine for overdue or damaged materials. New students will be issued a permanent I.D. card in the library. Students must carry a valid TEXTBOOK LENDING POLICY Hilltop High School picture I.D. while on the Students are responsible for the care and school campus. preservation of all instructional materials checked
out to him/her. LIBRARY LENDING POLICY Library books may be borrowed initially for three Textbooks, workbooks, and other instructional weeks and may be renewed for an additional two materials are issued at the beginning of each weeks if another student has not requested the semester and throughout the semester as book. requested by teachers. The most current issue of all magazines does Textbooks for year classes, such as not circulate. Mathematics, English, and History, are usually Most reference books may be borrowed issued for the full school year. overnight. Textbooks for semester classes are issued at Students are encouraged to return materials as the beginning of each semester and collected soon as they have finished using them. This at the end of each semester. allows resources to be used by several students Class novels, workbooks, study guides, or during the course of the year. manuals may be issued and returned during the Students are responsible for the care and course of one semester. preservation of all instructional materials checked out to them. Take care of and preserve all materials checked Students are financially responsible for any out to you as you are financially responsible for textbooks or library books stolen from their them: lockers. Use your current ID card to check out materials. 28
Never loan your ID card to anyone else or Damage Assessment Notice never tell your ID number. Code Write your name neatly in ink in each book, as Page – $1.00 per page PAGE soon as it is checked out to you. Each textbook Marks, writing, torn has a unique barcode number and students or missing must return that textbook with the same Barcode – $5.00 BARCODE barcode. missing or Cover your books, but do NOT tape your book damaged cover to the book. No contact paper. NO RED Edge – marks $5.00 EDGE or writing CLOTH COVERS Cover – $5.00 COVER Graffiti on notebooks or book covers is marks, PROHIBITED. Teachers are instructed to writing, have periodic book checks. Violators will scratches be sent to the office. Cover – bent, $12.00 REBIND torn or Do not leave your books unattended in the missing classroom, as you are still responsible for them Lost Replacement LOST and do not loan your books to anyone. Cost PLEASE NOTE: Even if a teacher allows a Unusable – Replacement REPLACE stained, Cost student to keep books in the classroom, the mildewed, student is still responsible for his/her books. burned, Ask your teacher for textbook checkout and destroyed, return dates and return materials promptly to mold avoid loss and fines. Lost, paid, Full Refund is REFUND found, issued for items returned lost and paid for STUDENT AND PARENT usable when returned RESPONSIBILITIES in good, usable Students must return/pay for all their textbooks condition before they are allowed to participate in Overdue 10 cents per OVERDUE library books school day various school activities, including the – returned graduation ceremony. after the due date Incoming students must return/pay for their previous schools’ textbooks before the new school year begins. NOTE: Specific information about SUHSD regulations pertaining to lending and replacement of instructional materials can be found in Board Regulation 6168.1 and Board Policy 5131.1.
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NURSE’S OFFICE INFORMATION
Students who need to see the school nurse must MEDICINE obtain a nurse’s pass from the classroom teacher. Students are not permitted to go to the nurse’s No student is allowed to take prescription office between classes unless it is a medical medication at school, unless a doctor's note is on emergency. The nurse’s office is open during the file in the nurse's office and the parent has signed student’s nutrition break and lunch. Students do a permission slip. The school medicine form used not need a nurse’s pass during their nutrition break for prescriptions can be obtained from the school or their lunch. nurse or Hilltop High School website. The parent or legal guardian may come to the HEALTH INFO school to administer medication to their student, It is the parent’s responsibility to keep updated but must notify the school via the school nurse and Health information on file during on-line must show proper identification. registration. If this information changes during the year, parents are required to come in and update OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS the information with the Nurse. Parents may now give permission for the school to HEARING TESTS administer over-the-counter medications. California law mandates that all 10th grade Parents must complete and submit the Over- students have their hearing tested by a licensed The-Counter (OTC) Medication Authorization audiometrist. Generally the school nurse holds this Form. This form is completed during on-line license and performs the initial screening test. registration and is also available in the main office/nurse’s office. Students who fail the screening test will be given a threshold hearing test (a longer test) by the school nurse. If the student fails the threshold test, he/she will be referred to a medical doctor for follow-up.
IMMUNIZATIONS California law requires that an immunization record be presented to the school nurse by the parent or guardian upon registration of a student. Usually this will be the child's personal immunization record given to parents by the doctor or clinic, which shows the month, day & year the required dose was received and stamped by the doctor or clinic.
A child's California School Immunization Record (CSIR card) from another school, like any other immunization record submitted, must be reviewed to make sure all entry requirements have been met. Usually, the school nurse does this review. If a student does not meet the State of California immunization requirements, they will not be able to proceed with registration until they return with proof of immunization.
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MASCOT: Lancer
SCHOOL COLORS: Kelly Green, White and Black
SCHOOL MOTTO: "The Focus at Hilltop Is Academics"
ALMA MATER FIGHT SONG All Hail to Alma Mater! Down the field the Lancer Team goes, All Hail to Hilltop High Fighting all the way The Spirit of the Westland To score those points that mean, we'll celebrate Where Our Fond Mem'ries lie; Another victory day. Rah, rah, rah! Thy Guardian is the Mountain Hit them hard and see how they fall; Beside the Silv'ry Sea; Hilltop High will win over all. We Love Thee Alma Mater, Hail, Hail the team's all here, All Hail, All Hail to Thee! So let's give them a Lancer cheer. Fight! Fight!
SHOW YOUR SPIRIT “LANCER”
WEAR GREEN ON FRIDAYS
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