The Clipper’s Compass The Student/Parent Handbook of Newburyport High School 2019-2020 NEWBURYPORT HIGH SCHOOL One hundred fifty-first year 1868-2020 Seventy-ninth edition 1940-1941 ~ 2019-2020 The Newburyport Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities. The Newburyport Public School System is committed to maintaining a school environment free of harassment based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. Harassment by administrators, certified and support personnel, students, vendors and other individuals at school or at school-sponsored events are unlawful and are strictly prohibited. The Newburyport Public School System requires all employees and students to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with respect to their fellow employees, students and all members of the school community. The High School 241 High Street Newburyport, Massachusetts 01950 Tel: (978) 465-4440 / Fax: (978) 465-4439 www.newburyport.k12.ma.us District’s Mission Statement The mission of the Newburyport Public Schools, the port where tradition and innovation converge, is to ensure each student achieves intellectual and personal excellence and is equipped for life experiences through a system distinguished by students, staff, and community who: - practice kindness and perseverance - celebrate each unique individual - value creativity; experiential; rigorous educational opportunities; scholarly pursuits; and life- long learning - provide the nurturing environments for emotional, social, and physical growth - understand and embrace their role as global citizens. Clipper Values Respect Kindness Innovation Perseverance Responsibility Reflection Table of Contents Introduction: Welcome and Calendars Welcome Message Daily Rotation 1st Semester Daily Rotation 2nd Semester Early Release Calendar Section 1 – Mission and School Traditions Mission Statement ............................................................................... 1.1 Expectations for Student Learning ...................................................... 1.2 Accreditation Information ................................................................... 1.3 Newburyport High School Brief History ............................................. 1.4 School Colors ................................................................................... 1.5.1 School Flag....................................................................................... 1.5.2 School Symbol ................................................................................. 1.5.3 Class Colors ..................................................................................... 1.5.4 Class Banner..................................................................................... 1.5.5 School Song ..................................................................................... 1.5.6 Class Rings ....................................................................................... 1.5.7 Color Day ......................................................................................... 1.5.8 Senior Week ..................................................................................... 1.5.9 Class Dues ........................................................................................... 1.6 Section 2 – Communication Contacting Administration and Staff ................................................... 2.1 Contacting Faculty/Staff................................................................... 2.1.1 Communication to Parents .................................................................. 2.2 School Cancellations and Delays ........................................................ 2.3 Announcements ................................................................................... 2.4 Address and Phone Changes ............................................................... 2.5 Age of Majority/Emancipation ............................................................ 2.6 Section 3 – Academics Credits and Graduation Requirements ................................................. 3.1 MCAS Graduation Requirements ........................................................ 3.2 Grading Scale ...................................................................................... 3.3 Grade Reporting .................................................................................. 3.4 Grade Contesting ................................................................................. 3.5 Semester Dates .................................................................................... 3.6 Standardized Testing Information ....................................................... 3.7 Teacher Recommendations for Course Placement .............................. 3.8 Level Recommendation Waivers......................................................... 3.9 Flex Schedule Courses ...................................................................... 3.10 Study Halls ........................................................................................ 3.11 Academic Honors and Awards .......................................................... 3.12 Honors Celebration ........................................................................ 3.12.1 Academic Keys .............................................................................. 3.12.2 Senior Scholarship Night ................................................................ 3.12.3 Underclassmen Academic Awards Assembly ................................ 3.12.4 Honor Roll ...................................................................................... 3.12.5 Graduating with Honors ................................................................. 3.12.6 Valedictorian and Salutatorian ....................................................... 3.12.7 National Honor Society ..................................................................... 3.13 Health Education ............................................................................... 3.14 Summer School ................................................................................. 3.15 Extra Help ......................................................................................... 3.16 Academic Review Council ................................................................ 3.17 Mid-Year and Final Exams ............................................................... 3.18 Section 4 – Attendance School Attendance............................................................................... 4.1 Attendance Protocol ............................................................................ 4.2 Attendance to School Events/Activities .............................................. 4.3 Attendance for Participation in Co-Curricular Activities/Athletics ..... 4.4 Attendance to Class ............................................................................. 4.5 Reporting/Documenting Excused & Unexcused Absences ................. 4.6 Maximum Number of Absences/School Warnings ............................. 4.7 Appeals Process for Credit Loss due to Attendance Violations .......... 4.8 Homework Requests ........................................................................... 4.9 Tardiness to School ........................................................................... 4.10 Tardiness to Class.............................................................................. 4.11 Vacation Policy ................................................................................. 4.12 Class Cuts .......................................................................................... 4.13 Truancy… ......................................................................................... 4.14 Dismissals ......................................................................................... 4.15 Hallway/Library Passes ..................................................................... 4.16 Section 5 – Policies and Procedures Student Rights and Responsibilities .................................................... 5.1 Dress Code .......................................................................................... 5.2 Electronic Devices............................................................................... 5.3 Use of Electronic Devices ................................................................ 5.3.1 Consequences for Inappropriate Use ................................................ 5.3.2 Lost or Stolen Devices ..................................................................... 5.3.3 Search and Seizure of Electronic Devices ........................................ 5.3.4 Acceptable Use Policy......................................................................... 5.4 Food and Drink ................................................................................... 5.5 Field Trips ........................................................................................... 5.6 Bathrooms ........................................................................................... 5.7 School-Provided Learning Resources ................................................. 5.8 Textbooks ......................................................................................... 5.8.1 Electronic Media Devices ...............................................................