Elkhart High School Handbook
2006-2007
April 10, 2007
High School Section
KANSAS BOARD OF REGENTS RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL COURSES FOR COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS
The Kansas Board of Regents recommends the following 15 units for college preparation to any of the state’s regent schools:
- 4 Units, English
- 3 Units, Mathematics
3. 3 Units, Social Studies
4. 3 Units, Natural Science
5. 2 Units, Foreign Language
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
USD 218 and the Kansas State Department of Education have established the following graduation requirements:
1. To graduate from Elkhart High School a student must have earned a minimum of twenty-three credits including:
2. Four (4) units of English and
3. Two (2) units of Math and
4. Two (2) units of Science which will include one unit as a laboratory course and
5. One (1) unit of Health and Physical Education and
6. Three (3) units of Social Science which will include One unit of American Government, One unit of United States History, and One Elective (World History Required for Oklahoma Schools) and
7. One (1) unit of Computer Technology or equivalent and
8. One (1) unit of Life Adjustments and
9. Nine (9) units of electives.
Students participating in the graduation exercises and commencement must have earned the minimum of 23 units of credits and meet all requirements established by the Board of Education.
BONA FIDE STUDENT
Elkhart High School students must be enrolled in seven classes. There are no study halls. Elkhart High School subscribes to the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) guide- lines (Rule 14) defining a bona fide student.
HONORARY GRADUATION CERTIFICATE
In the event of the death of a senior who is on track to graduate, the family may request an honorary certificate be presented at graduation. Families of students who are classified as seniors may also request an honorary graduating certificate be awarded due to other extenuating circumstances that are beyond the control of the student. Requests shall be made in writing to the Board of Education whose decision is final.
CREDIT FOR A CLASS
Elkhart High School offers both semester and year classes. Credit will be given in one half (1/2) unit increments. Two full semesters equal one (1) full credit. College classes taken during the school day may be taken for credit toward graduation at the above rate. To earn credit, a student must complete the class with a grade of no less than 60 per cent.
CHANGING SCHEDULES OR DROPPING A CLASS
Since all regular students at EHS are required to take seven classes during a day, no student may drop a class unless permission is obtained from the parent, teacher, school counselor and principal. No subject/class may be dropped or changed after five days of class (this includes semesters), unless otherwise allowed by the building principal.
GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DEGREE
G.E.D. classes are not offered at the school; however, the G.E.D. test may be administered through Seward County Community College. The G.E.D. program is designed for students who have had to leave school before graduation. It is an equivalent, not a replacement for a high school diploma. Students with a G.E.D. may not always meet standards of employment where a standard high school diploma is required. Interested people should contact the counselor’s office.
GRADE CLASSIFICATION
Classifications of juniors and seniors will be based upon minimum credits, not on years enrolled. Participation in any activity associated with these classes will not be permitted if the minimum credits have not been earned.
Minimums are as follows:
JUNIOR.....A minimum of ten (10) credits at the beginning of the fall term must have been passed.
SENIOR.....A minimum of sixteen (16) credits at the beginning of the fall term must have been passed.
HONOR ROLL
Honor rolls are published and posted by the school at the end of each nine week grading period. To qualify for FIRST HONOR ROLL, a student must have a ninety percent cumulative average or better and receive no subject (class) percent lower than ninety per cent.
To qualify for SECOND HONOR ROLL, a student must have an eighty percent cumulative average and no subject (class) percent lower than eighty percent.
From each graduating class, the member with the highest percent average for the four years of high school will be awarded valedictorian honors. The second highest will be awarded salutatorian honors. Students must be in attendance at Elkhart High School for at least four quarter grading periods to be considered for these honors.
TOP TEN POLICY
The top ten students in the graduating class as per their grade average will be recognized at graduation. However, if more than ten students have a grade average of 92% or better, they will all be recognized.
GRADING
All students shall be graded using a percent as the basis for recorded grades. Teachers will record all grades by using percents. Grade cards and transcripts will indicate the conversion table listed below.
Grading Scale Point Scale (High School Only)
A+ 100 pluses and minuses will not be used for A 95-99 computing this scale
A- 90-94
B+ 88-89 A 4.0
B 85-87 B 3.0
B- 80-84 C 2.0
C+ 78-79 D 1.0
C 75-77
C- 70-74
D+ 68-69
D 65-67
D- 60-64
F 59 or below (no credit given for class)
Students will receive percents in all classes. The only exception will be students who enroll in high school or middle school as assistants, where a satisfactory or unsatisfactory mark will be given. Students who transfer from a class will be given the average at the time of their withdrawal. Only classes with cumulative percents will be used to compute the honor rolls.
COLLEGE CREDIT CLASSES
Students may enroll in college classes for credit via the interactive two-way television system and through Seward County Community College. They must obtain permission from the guidance office and parents. In addition, state regulations mandate that such students must be a Junior or Senior or have an IEP. Students will be expected to pay all fees and purchase their textbooks.
SCHEDULING ACTIVITY PERIODS
Only a sponsor may request an activity meeting during activity period. All activities must be on the weekly calendar.
DAILY BULLETIN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
A daily bulletin will be distributed during second hour classes. This bulletin will list attendance and various announcements. Teachers will read the bulletin to students during second hour classes. Public address announcements may be made at the end of each school day. Students and teachers may request information to be placed on the daily bulletin upon approval by the principal.
SCHOOL DAY - Building Opens at 7:30 a.m. Closes at 4:00 p.m.
Regular Bell Schedule
Warning Bell 8:05
First 8:10 - 9:03
Second 9:06 - 9:59
Third 10:02 - 10:55
Fourth 10:58 - 11:52
Lunch 11:52 - 12:25
Fifth 12:28 - 1:22
Sixth 1:25 - 2:19
Seventh 2:22 - 3:15
AWARDS
Students at EHS are cautioned about awards from outside companies that they may receive in the mail, etc. These awards sometimes turn out to be costly and of little value. In any case they are not associated with Elkhart High School unless endorsed by the school.
EHS does award students for their efforts and accomplishments. Students who excel academically are recognized on the honor roll, by academic letter and by individual awards given by teachers in subject areas. Outstanding attendance is recognized each semester. Music and art awards are offered. Athletic and activity awards are given yearly. Students who raise their averages are recognized twice a year.
The school wants to encourage positive contributions of any kind from students at all times. It is the philosophy of EHS that positive spirit and effort are part of being a student at EHS.
ACADEMIC LETTERING POLICY
To receive an academic letter at Elkhart High School, a student will have to maintain a 95% cumulative semester average in all classes. Students who letter for the first time will receive an Academic Letter. Students who letter for the second time will receive a bar (qualify for two semesters). Thereafter, a student must qualify for two semesters in order to receive an Academic Bar.
COMPUTER LABORATORY
To make the computers available to the many students who need them and to keep the machines in operation, the following rules will be enforced:
1. No student is to use the lab without a teacher present or the computer lab assistant present.
2. To get a pass to the computer lab, a student will have a signed Acceptable Use Agreement on file in the office.
3. When using the computer lab as an individual, students will sign in and out on a log that is posted in the lab.
4. No vending items are permitted in the lab, food, pop, candy, water, etc.
PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES
Elkhart High School Eligibility Policy
At regularly scheduled times throughout the year, the teachers are asked to turn into the office a list of all students who are failing. In the event a student is failing a class, he will be placed on academic probation and given one week to bring up his or her grade. Students who need help with classes will receive help if they ask for it. Students who are still failing after the second week will not participate in competition for Elkhart High School until they have brought their grades up to passing. The teachers will report each week to the principal’s office on students who are failing and the principal’s office will inform the activity sponsors on issues of student eligibility.
All students are encouraged to participate in the activities offered by EHS. To participate, students must be in good standing according to the rules of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) and the school. They also need to be full time students.
Students who are under school suspension, or who do not meet the KSHSAA minimum standards of good standing will not be allowed to participate. Students may be prohibited from participation in any school activity as part of disciplinary action by the principal.
Participation in any activity is a privilege, not necessarily a right. Students under suspension will not attend any school functions within the suspension period.
Some classes, by their nature, may require a special commitment on the part of students who enroll in them. Therefore some teachers may require students to perform some of their class duties outside the school day, ie: band performances, music concerts, finishing shop projects, etc. These requirements may influence the grade given for those classes. Furthermore, these requirements may or may not be outlined in the general policies of the building policy (or district policy) handbooks. Teachers should make sure that all students are made aware of possible requirements before committing to final enrollment in the class.
The activities Elkhart High School sponsors as a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association are Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Wrestling, Golf, Track and Field, Baseball, Fast Pitch Softball, Music, Scholastic Bowl, Spirit and Performing Groups, Student Council, Forensics, One Act Play and Interscholastic Activities.
STUDENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
All students 7th-12th grades participating in athletics and physical education programs are required to have a physical examination. Students cannot participate in any activity until a physical examination form is on file. The cost of the physical examination is the responsibility of the student.
PEP RALLIES
Pep rallies will be scheduled by the cheerleading sponsor, athletic director and approved by the principal. They will generally be scheduled 7th period and will usually last no more than 20 minutes.
SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE
Elkhart High School enjoys the privilege of an open lunch. This system demands more self-discipline along with the freedom it grants to students. We expect students to drive safely on school grounds when leaving or returning from lunch. Careless driving will not be permitted. In addition, students have the responsibility to be on time returning to fifth hour. Breakfast and lunches are available for students staying on campus during the lunch period. Meal tickets are available for purchase in the school office. Students are asked to purchase tickets before/after school or during the lunch period.
LIBRARY
The library opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m. Other times may be arranged with the librarian. The library is a quiet place where students can study and do assigned work involving the library’s special resources.
Students are admitted to the library with an appropriate pass from a teacher. The pass is given to the librarian and is returned to the student upon leaving. Permission to leave the library to visit the restroom or get a drink of water or go to their locker will be determined, as to need, by the librarian. Students should bring all materials with them when they come to the library.
The librarian is always available to help students in any type of class assignment or research. The library offers many services for students. Students are encouraged to ask for help or advice as needed.
LIBRARY CIRCULATION POLICY
Students are responsible for what they check out until it is returned. Students will be expected to pay for materials that are lost or damaged. Books are checked out for two weeks and one renewal is allowed. Reference books, magazines, reserve books and vertical files materials are used only in the library. They may be checked out during the last hour for overnight or weekend use and must be returned before school begins the following school day. Current magazines may be taken to classrooms only upon written request of the teacher and returned before the class period is over.
PURCHASES AND ORGANIZATIONAL FUNDS
Each student activity fund shall have a certified employee in charge of said fund. The monthly student activity report shall show opening and closing balances of each fund. The report shall also show total amount of deposits and expenditures. All payments from student activity funds shall be made by check co-signed by two individuals, the activity fund treasurer, and the principal or board clerk. Students who are authorized to make purchases for organizations will first have an appropriate purchase order. No purchases will be made without the approval of the sponsor and principal. Original copies of the purchase order must be returned to the office with adequate receipts. No orders will be paid for without prior authorization.
Funds raised by school organizations are under the control of the Board of Education. Individual students do not have control over such funds. Funds left by the graduating senior class will be transferred to the senior gift account to be used for future senior classes.
VENDING MACHINES USE
No outside containers are permitted in the school. Vending machines may be used before/after school and during lunch only. Teachers are not permitted to dismiss students from class to access vending machines. Vending machine items are to be consumed in student lounge area only.
TELEPHONE USE
Students may not use the phone without written permission from a teacher during class time. Please secure a pass before asking permission to use the telephone. Students are not permitted to use the telephone to order lunch or to make trivial calls. All long distance calls should be logged with the secretary. No collect calls are to be made without office personnel permission. Students may use the telephone outside of class time without a written pass.
DANCE POLICY
I. Dance Times
A. All dances will start as soon as the athletic event is over. (If there is no athletic event, the dance will start no earlier than 8:00 p.m.)
B. All dances at Elkhart High School will end at 12:00 a.m.
C. Everyone, except athletes, cheerleaders and their dates will have 30 minutes to get to the dance.
D. Once you leave a dance, you will not be allowed to return.
II. Guests/Participants
A. People attending dances at Elkhart High School will not be permitted into the dances if they are 21 years or older.
B. All alumni, regardless of age, may be permitted to attend dances at Elkhart High School, excluding prom.
C. All students will be allowed one guest to attend dances at Elkhart High School.
D. All guests must be signed up and approved by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the dance by
principal/sponsor.
E. Guests must be students in good standing from an accredited High School in grades 9-12 or graduates from an accredited high school under the age of 21.
III. Costs
A. All dances, unless otherwise stated will be $3.00 for singles and $5.00 for couples.
B. Homecoming candidates and their dates will get into that homecoming dance free.
Attendants and escorts will also get in free. (Unless specified by Student Council, attendants and escorts’ dates will have to pay.)
IV. Dress
A. Refer to “School Dress” page 10 of this handbook.
V. Drugs and Alcohol
A. Anyone attending a dance at Elkhart High School found possessing alcohol or drugs, drinking alcohol, or under the influence of alcohol will be detained and will be released to parents and/or the proper authorities. People in violation of the district drug and alcohol policy will be subject to the provisions of the policy of District 218 (See “Drug and Alcohol Policy).
JUNIOR SENIOR PROM
The following rules were adopted by the Board of Education to provide for a safe and enjoyable prom while maintaining the tradition of the prom. All students attending will abide by the following:
1. The dinner and dance will be from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
2. Juniors and Seniors of EHS may attend.
3. Juniors and Seniors may bring a guest provided they make reservations and pay for their guest’s meal and ticket to the dance at least one week in advance. The sponsors and principal must approve each guest from outside of EHS.
4. Guests must be high school students in good standing in grades 9-12 or graduates from high school under the age of 21.
5. Each student who brings a guest must be responsible for explaining to the guest what is required. A list of rules shall be printed governing the conduct of all who attend the prom. Guests will be given a copy of this list.
6. The dinner and dance are closed. There is no admittance after 7:00 p.m. Students who leave will not be readmitted.
7. According to school policy, any student found possessing alcohol/drugs, drinking alcohol or under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the prom will be detained and will be released to parents and/or proper authorities. Students found in violation of district drug and alcohol policy will be subject to the provisions of the policy of District 218 (see “Drug and Alcohol Policy).
8. Guests are subject to the same rules of behavior concerning drug and alcohol use. Guests will be detained and will be released to parents and/or proper authorities and will not be permitted to return.
9. The prom is a formal function. Dress, manners, and behavior will be appropriate for the occasion. Boys may wear a suit and tie; sports jacket, slacks and tie, or tux. Girls may wear a party dress, formal or long skirt. There will be no blue jeans, denim jackets, or t-shirts.
10. Decorations are to be left intact for the evening.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
School discipline is the guidance of conduct of students in a way that permits the orderly and efficient operation of the school to ensure the maintenance of a scholarly and disciplined atmosphere.
A. Student Rights and Due Process
Each student is guaranteed the preservation of his/her rights in any disciplinary matter. This includes the administration ensuring that the student will be informed of the charges against him/her and will have the opportunity to hear and react to the evidence and witnesses against him/her. Respect, fairness, and recognition of responsibilities for both parties must prevail in all relations. Penalties are according to the disciplinary code.
B. Definitions of Breach of Discipline
Breach of discipline is any conduct of students that interferes with the maintenance of school discipline. Acts of behavior which tend to conflict with the educational program or which are antagonistic to the welfare of other students cannot be tolerated. Breach of discipline may include, without limitation:
1. Temper tantrums that disrupt the learning environment.
2. Bully type behavior.
3. Open defiance involving refusal to conform to rules and regulations, profane or disrespectful language, loud or boisterous conduct which disturbs the orderly, efficient, and disciplined atmosphere and operation of school, refusal to comply with a request or directions of teachers, administrators, or other school personnel, including requests to identify oneself or similar actions.
4. Willful disobedience.
5. Continual breaking of rules.
6. A physical attack or threat of physical attack.
7. Personal misbehavior.
8. Display of bigotry or intolerance.
9. Criminal behavior of students or non-students.
10. Gang activity.
C. Scope of School Control
Areas in which disciplinary control of students are to be exercised are as follows:
1. While on school premises.
2. While in proximity of school premises. Conduct of students away from school grounds is
subject to school discipline if it directly affects the good order, efficiency, management,
and welfare of the school.
3. While traveling to and from activity events.
4. While engaged in school related activities.
D. Recommended Actions in Handling Breaches of Discipline
The following possible actions are authorized in cases of breach of school discipline regulations: (Counseling/intervention strategies will be used at all phases concerning discipline)
1. Reprimand, verbal or written.
2. Detention, before and/or after school (one day notification given to student).
3. Denial of privileges, exclusion from class and/or extracurricular activities.
4. Assignment to a supervised area.
5. In school suspension.
6. Saturday school.
7. Out of school suspension.
8. Placed on probation with a written contract.
9. Expulsion from school.
E. Authority
Teachers and administrators must have authority to use reasonable and appropriate means necessary to prevent breach of discipline or to stop a continuing breach of discipline. Factors to be considered are age, previous history, maturity of student, seriousness of the action requiring control, the nature of the danger to the student or the nature of danger to others. Teachers may use moderate physical force to restrain a student or break up any physical disruption between students or in self-defense.
F. Ineligibility for Student Activities
1. Students suspended from school will not attend or participate in any school-sponsored activities during the suspension except with approval from the building principal.
2. All other violations of applicable policies may result in the student being declared ineligible for attendance or participation in any activities. The athletic director, head coaches or sponsors with prior approval of the building principal, may declare ineligibility. The superintendent or the building principal may also declare ineligibility.
G. Student Vehicle Regulations
Students are to maintain safe and reasonable driving habits on school grounds. The student council and principal have developed guidelines for enforcement of safe driving and parking on school grounds. The guidelines are as follows:
1st offense.......................... Warning
2nd offense......................... Detention at 3:15
3rd offense......................... 1 week parking suspension
4th offense......................... Suspension of parking for semester
If there is a severe problem, the principal retains the right to administer immediate disciplinary action including suspension of driving privileges for an indefinite period of time. Students are not to loiter in parked cars or parking lot at any time.
Students are to park only in correctly marked parking slots and must take only one parking space. There is to be no parking in non-designated areas. Students are not to park in the yellow zones in front of the building, but may park in any other marked places except for east of the high school building. Students who park in front of the building are to park facing in.
H. Violations
1. Smoking - Smoking by students is not permitted in public schools or on school grounds in
accordance with state laws. The first offense for smoking will be a three-day in or out of school suspension and parent notification. Subsequent offenses will result in additional suspensions from school and parent conference.
2. Unexcused Absence/Tardy - Students having an unexcused absence will be assigned detention;
repeated acts may result in school suspension, out of school suspension or possible expulsion. A detention will be assigned for each unexcused tardy by the teacher or principal. Students can miss no more than ten (10) days of school per class, per semester without having extenuating circumstances.
3. Vandalism - For minor non-destructive vandalism, students will face possible suspension, and parents. Severe and/or repeated acts and malicious destruction of school buildings, property, or fixtures, may be considered grounds for expulsion. Restitution will be made for replacements(s) at market price.
4. Possession of beer, liquor, tobacco, controlled substances, drug intoxicants, depressants, stimulants, and etc.- parents will be notified of such a violation. The student will face a short-term suspension from school and the police may be notified. Severe and/or repeated acts may considered grounds for a recommended expulsion.
5. Consumption of beer, liquor, controlled substances, drugs, intoxicants, stimulants, etc.-
Students suspected of having consumed the aforementioned substances will be referred immediately to the principal. This matter will be handled according to adopted board policy on alcohol and drug use found elsewhere in this manual.
6. Larceny, robbery, unlawful assembly, malicious use of telephone, disturbing public assembly. The sheriff’s department will be notified. School personnel will cooperate fully with the requests of the department in executing state and local laws. Students could face short and long term suspensions.
7. Personal misbehavior, intimidation and/or possession of dangerous objects. Parent notification and/or consultation for specialized help, short-term suspension and parental conference. Severe and/or repeated acts may be considered grounds for a recommended expulsion.
8. Fighting, profanity, disrespectful language/gestures, insubordination to school personnel including failure to identify oneself, throwing snowballs, presence of students in areas restricted as to time and place. Since these breaches of discipline vary in degrees of seriousness, a corresponding degree of latitude will be given to school personnel in disciplining those involved. Possible action may be reprimand, parental conference and short-term suspension. Fighting may be automatic suspension for both parties. Severe and/or repeated acts will be considered grounds for recommendation for expulsion.
9. Physical attack to school personnel, threats, assault, assault and battery. Notification of parents and conference. Suspension and/or recommendation for expulsion.
10. Bullying behavior, physical attacks among students, threats, assault, and assault and battery. Notification of parents and conference. Suspension and/or recommendation for expulsion.
11. Arson - Shall result in immediate suspension and possible recommendation for expulsion and notification of police.
12. Violation of vehicle regulations - refer to “Student Vehicle Regulations.”
13. Restricted or off limit areas - Students are considered off limits if they go to parts of the school building or grounds where they are not permitted - at least at certain times without specific authorization. Such would be the case of a student in a locker room while his/her class is in the gym, etc. In general the rule holds as above and limitations do not have to be specifically stated students could be assigned detention, loss of privileges and/or short-term suspension.
14. Weapons - A student shall not knowingly possess, handle or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon on the school grounds or off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event. This policy shall include any weapon, any item being used as a weapon or destructive device, or any facsimile of a weapon. Possession of a firearm shall result in expulsion from school for a period not to extend beyond 180 days, except that the superintendent may recommend that this expulsion requirement be modified on a case-by-case basis under the provisions of JDC (Probation). As used in this policy, the term “firearm” means any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, or any firearm muffler or silencer; or any destructive device. As used in this policy, the term “destructive device” means any explosive, incendiary or poison gas: bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or other device similar to any of these devices.
15. Hazing - Kansas law prohibits “hazing.” Incidents involving initiation, hazing, intimidation, and/or related activities which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, or which affect the attendance of another student, are prohibited. If a student is found to be involved in hazing, parent notification and/or consultation for specialized help, short-term suspension and parental conference may take place. Severe and/or repeated acts may be considered grounds for a recommended expulsion.
*Elkhart High School utilizes a standardized tardy policy. For the first, second, and third tardy a student receives for any class in a nine-week grading period; the student will face disciplinary action from the teacher of that particular class. On the fourth tardy and any subsequent tardies earned for a given class within the same nine-week grading period, the office will be notified of the situation and regular disciplinary procedures will be utilized.
COLLEGE VISITATION
Each senior student will be allowed two college visitation days that must be completed by May 1st. In order to receive an excused absence for these days the student must turn in completed permission forms to the high school office before being absent and bring documentation of their visit from the proper college officials. The policy on senior sneaks will apply if these procedures are not followed.
SENIOR SNEAKS
By policy senior sneaks are prohibited. Unauthorized sneaks will bear the following penalty:
1. Seniors involved will return to regular classes for a period of time to be determined by the principal.
2. Seniors who fail to comply will not have a signed diploma.
3. Underclass students who participate in sneaks will be required to serve detentions on an hour for hour basis. The principal may also assess an additional penalty.
DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Students are expected to exercise common sense in public displays of affection. Any display of affection other than holding hands is out of place in school. The faculty has the right to correct this behavior and students will comply with courtesy.
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
All district policies regarding student behavior will be in place for any over-night trips. Additionally, when taking an over-night trip, the students’ luggage may be checked to ensure the safety of the students on the trip. In the event that a student is discovered to be breaking any of the school policies while on the trip, the sponsors of the trip will implement appropriate disciplinary measures, which could include the calling of the student’s parents to come and retrieve their child at their own expense.
The principal may take additional disciplinary measures if it is warranted by the situation.
