Groveport Madison High School 4475 S. Hamilton Road Groveport, Ohio 43125 Phone (614)836-4964 Fax (614)836-4998 Mr. Donis Toler, Principal Mr. Michael George, Athletic Director Assistant Principals, Mrs. Monique Hamilton Mr. Richard Playko Mr. Aric Thomas Mrs. Gail Wright, Guidance Counselor Guidance Department Ms. Sue Ellen James, Guidance Counselor 614-836-4967 Mr. Doug Ewart, Guidance Counselor Welcome-a special message for students and parents Whether you are a newcomer to our school or have previously attended, we hope you find this school year to be memorable and exciting. Cooperation is the key, and toward that end we suggest you read this handbook thoroughly. This handbook tells you exactly what we expect of you and what services and benefits you may expect from this school. The educational goals and issues addressed in this handbook will lead to your continued growth and success as a student. The staff at your school is committed to forming a partnership with all students and parents to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn. Much of the classroom learning experience will center around Ohio’s Academic Content Standards. These state standards will enable our teaching staff to prepare you for continued academic success during your secondary school years and beyond. Parents please take the time to review this handbook with your son or daughter in order to become acquainted with the many opportunities and responsibilities associated with being a student at Groveport Madison High School. Each student is responsible for knowing the information contained in the handbook. It is a valuable resource that you should keep available for your use throughout the year. Schools have a high concentration of people and the handbook helps outline specific measures that assist the educational process in this environment. The educational climate, safety and learning atmosphere are essential components of our school culture. It is considered a fundamental understanding by each student and his/her parents that any teacher or school official has not only the right, but the duty, to insist on good behavior. There will be “zero tolerance” for any behavior which disrupts “the teacher’s ability to teach and your fellow classmates’ ability to learn.” The staff at Groveport Madison is committed to helping all students learn while becoming lifelong learners. We are looking forward to this school year and we want to ensure that each student has a safe and rewarding educational experience. Students, if you are having difficulty in any way, please seek assistance from a teacher, counselor or administrator. We are here to help assure you have a successful year. 1 Groveport Madison High School Table of Contents Mission Statement 2 Alma Mater 3 Fight Song 3 Daily Time Schedule 3 Section I: General Information 4 Section II: Academics 11 Section III: Student Activities 14 Section IV: Attendance Policy 15 Section V: Student Parking 17 Section VI: Code of Conduct 18 Mission Statement It is the mission of the Groveport Madison Schools to promote the interests of children by advocating scholarship, good character, and service. 2 Alma Mater All hail to Groveport High School Thy praises we will sing We’ll join together hand in hand and let our voices ring. Hail, all hail to the memories We’ve shared through out the years. They’ve all meant so much to us, Our hopes, our doubts, our fears. We’ll always speak her reverent name With honor, love and praise. Fight Song Give a cheer for Groveport High School Cheer for Victory! Pledge your love and deep devotion and your loyalty! Keep on striving for the conflict, raise your honors high! Loyal are the boys and girls of Groveport High! 2009-2010 Student Daily Time Schedule Regular Schedule Early Dismissal Late Start 1st 7:35-8:17 1st 7:35-8:11 1st 9:35-10:00 2nd 8:21-9:03 2nd 8:15-8:51 2nd 10:04-10:29 3rd 9:07-9:49 3rd 8:55-9:31 3rd 10:33-10:58 4th 9:53-10:35 4th 9:35-10:11 4th 11:02-11:30 5th 10:39-11:21 5th 10:15-10:52 5th 11:34-12:02 6th 11:25-12:07 6th 10:56-11:33 6th 12:06-12:34 7th 12:11-12:53 7th 11:37-12:14 7th 12:38-1:06 8th 12:57-1:39 8th 12:18-12:54 8th 1:10-1:39 3 Daily Time Schedule 7:35 – 1:39 Section I: General Information Advertising No announcements or postings of activities will be permitted without approval of an administrator. Announcement forms are available in the office. Before and After School Students should not arrive more than 20 minutes prior to the start of the school day. All students not in an extra-curricular activity must leave the building immediately after school is complete. All students in the building beyond their regular school day must be under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Cafeteria Students are to remain in the cafeteria during their lunch period until they are dismissed by a cafeteria supervisor. Student behavior in the cafeteria should be based on courtesy and respect for the cleanliness of the facility. Students should leave the area in a condition that they would like to eat in and therefore, they should thoroughly clean their eating area before leaving. Throwing items out of the windows is unacceptable. Closed Lunch Groveport Madison High School has a closed lunch policy. Students are not permitted to leave school or school grounds during the lunch periods. A student may be excused to accompany his/her parent or guardian over the lunch period with written notification from parent or guardian. Parent or guardian must sign out the child at the attendance office prior to leaving and sign in upon returning. Cameras Possession or use of personal cameras or video equipment is prohibited unless written permission is obtained from a teacher and approved by the building principal. Cellular Phones– Text Messaging– Picture Phones– Audio Devices– Game Systems Cell phones and electronic devices are PROHIBITED during the school day. If phones/electronic devices are visible, a staff member shall confiscate them. Refusal to surrender device or 2nd offense will result in discipline. The phone/electronic device will be returned to a parent/guardian ONLY. The school day ends at 2:00pm, and electronic devices will be available for pick up 2:00pm-2:45pm Monday through Friday. In the event of an emergency parents/guardians may contact the main office at Groveport Madison High School (614-836-4964). Groveport Madison Local School District is not responsible for theft or damage of electronic devices that may occur on school property. 4 Disobedience School staff is acting “in loco parentis” which means they are allowed, by law, to direct a student as a parent would. This applies to ALL staff, not just teachers assigned to a student. If given a reasonable direction by a staff member, the student is expected to immediately comply without comment.. Bullying, Cyber Bullying and Student Intimidation All students should experience a comfortable and safe learning environment. Any student who attempts to verbally or physically bully, tease, or intimidate any student or group of students should be reported to a teacher or administrator for disciplinary action. Dress Code School district personnel have the responsibility for maintaining proper and appropriate conditions conducive to learning. Extreme variance in student attire and grooming shall not be allowed when it interferes with the educational and/or health program of this school. Certain clothing, accessories, or other aspects of appearance which are not consistent with safety, good health practices, or society norms, are disruptive to the educational process. Parents are asked to ensure that that their children comply with the school dress code. A student will be asked to correct any violation of the dress guidelines. If the violation cannot be corrected at school, the parents will then be contacted to assist in correcting the violation. If a student must go home to change, the time out of school will be counted as unexcused. Students may receive a zero on any class work missed because of inappropriate dress code violations and a lack of cooperation leading to dismissal from school. A dress code will be enforced during school hours or during school functions and/or activities.. Repeated dress code violations may result in disciplinary action. Administrators reserve the right to define appropriate dress and to determine what manner of dress or speech is inappropriate. Students should comply with the following dress guidelines during school hours, while on school property or during school functions and activities: 1. All shirts must cover the upper body. Bare midriff tops, halter tops, muscle shirts, backless shirts, etc. are not permitted. Shirts must have a modest neckline or be buttoned to a modest height. 2. All pants must fit around the waist and be properly fastened (not sagging below the hip bone). Shorts, skirts, dresses etc. must be an appropriate length. 3. Students shall not wear clothing or items that are vulgar, offensive, obscene, sexual or libelous; that denigrate others on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability; that advertise alcohol, tobacco, drug use or violence; or that are otherwise contrary to the school’s educational mission. 4. Garments that are see-through, sheer or transparent or that show undergarments are not permitted. Undergarments must not be visible. Pajamas and house slippers are not permitted. 5. Items designed as outside wear shall not be worn inside. This includes but is not limited to sunglasses, coats, jackets and visors.