LHPUSD: La Honda - Pescadero Unified School District

Pescadero High School Student Handbook

GRADING POLICIES

Student report cards are issued four times a year with units awarded on a semester basis using the following grades:

A = excellent

B = good

C = average

D = passing/below average

F = not passing/no credit received.

 

"Incomplete" is a temporary grade. All incomplete grades must be made up within two weeks unless special arrangements have been made with the principal.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Each student is required to earn a minimum of 230 units of credit and to meet other standards of proficiency (e.g. senior exit project and pass the California High School Exit Exam, CAHSEE) and complete 100 hours of community service(prorated at 25 per year).

Required courses:

Subject: Units

English 40

Mathematics 30

World History10

US History 10

Government/Econ 10

Life Science10

Physical Science 10

Fine Arts/Foreign language 10

P.E. 20

State Requirements 10

HONOR ROLL

An Honor Roll recognizes outstanding academic achievement each grading period for students who achieve a GPA of at least 3.00 with no grades of D, F, I, or W/F (Withdrawal/F.)

GRADING NOTICES

Grades are mailed at the end of each quarter and semester. Only semester grades appear on a student transcript. English and Math classes are year-long classes. All other subjects are half-year courses. Both half-year courses and year-long courses are assigned 10 credits at the completion of the course. Progress reports are mailed home to parents of students in danger of failing a course in the middle of each quarter.

GPA calculator

	A	B	C	D	F
Regular Courses	4	3	2	1	0
AP Courses	5	4	3	1	0

ATTENDANCE:

Students are expected to attend school every day. They are to arrive at their assigned classes on time and prepared for the day's lessons.

Pescadero High School is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave school premises during school hours without prior authorization from a parent or guardian and consent of an administrator.

Seniors in good academic and behavioral standing may receive Senior Privilege with consent of a parent to leave campus during lunch. Forms are available in the school office.

State law holds parents legally responsible for their children's school attendance. The law provides penalties for parents who neglect this responsibility. Students with more than three unexcused absences or three unexcused tardies for 30 minutes or more will be classified as a habitual truant and parents and the proper authorities will be notified.

Students with excused or unexcused absences in excess of ten, may be subject to being dropped from a course.

NOTE: Students may only leave class with a pass signed and dated by a teacher or administrator.

CHECKOUT PROCEDURES

Students with parental permission and consent of an administrator to leave school will check out at the Office before leaving campus and will check in immediately upon returning.

WHEN A STUDENT IS ABSENT

Parents are requested to clear all student absences, giving the circumstances that led to the absence by calling 879-0274 (voice mail after school hours) OR by writing a note and sending it with the student to the Office when the student returns. The school will contact the parents when the student is absent to confirm that the student had permission to miss school.

Students must obtain a class admit slip from the Office before returning to class after an absence.

NOTE: When clearing absences, please include: student's name, your name and relationship to the student, the date(s) of absence, and the reason for the absence. Only parents or guardians may verify the reasons for a student's absence. EXCUSED ABSENCES

The school receives funding based on the number of days a student is present in school. The school does not receive funding for days a student is absent regardless of whether a student is excused or unexcused.

State code excuses absences under the following circumstance.

· Illness - A doctor's note may be required

· Quarantine directed by a doctor

· Acute or emergency medical, dental, optometry, or chiropractic treatment. A doctor's note is required upon return to school. (Elective treatment should be scheduled outside of normal school hours.)

· Attending the funeral service of an immediate family member. Funeral service absence will not be more than three days unless the service is conducted outside of California

· Jury duty

· Approved participation in a school co-curricular activity in which the student represents the school or District. These activities include athletic events, fine arts and vocational exhibits or performances, and academic competition

· Religious instruction is allowed after the student has attended the minimum school day, but is limited to four days per month

· Court appearances either as a defendant or as a subpoenaed witness

· Observation of a holiday or ceremony of the student's religion

· An employment conference when requested in writing by the parent and approved in advance by a school administrator

· Absences while the student is in juvenile hall, children's shelter, or other custodial facilities

· Personal or family emergency requiring the student's absence may be approved at the discretion of a school administrator

· Appointments, conferences, or interviews with attorneys, law enforcement officers, probation officers, or immigration officials

Makeup work

A student who is absent for an excusable reason has the right to make up work that can reasonably be provided.

Makeup work submitted within the teacher's specified time limits will be graded; however, the amount of credit awarded will be at the discretion of the teacher.

INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM

The Independent Study Program is an educational alternative for students who are required to miss from 5-20 consecutive school days due to unavoidable travel or temporary relocation. An independent study contract should be requested in order for the student to receive credit for work completed and the school to receive Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding from the state. Long-term Independent Study is also available with a written contract. All work must be completed upon the return of the student.

To enroll, contact the Office at least five school days prior to the planned departure date so that the contract can be prepared and homework assembled.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

An absence will be considered unexcused if:

· The absence justification is not on the excused list above

· The student or parent fails to clear the absence with the Office

When a student has been absent without a legal excuse or has been suspended from class(es), it is at the teacher's discretion whether or not to permit the student to complete any assignments or tests missed during the absence.

Please schedule all DMV appointments after school hours or during vacations. Absences due to a DMV appointment will not be excused.

TARDY STUDENTSStudents are expected to be in class, ready to work before the class period begins. Late students disrupt learning and repeated tardies are a disciplinary concern. Students tardy more than two times in a semester will be assigned a 30 minute detention or service to the school on the same day the tardy occurs. Subsequent tardies will also be cause for a 30-minute detention or service to the school. EMERGENCIES

In case of injury, illness, or emergency, the nearest teacher or adult should be notified immediately

VISITORS

All visitors are required to check in with the Office (Education Code 32211 and Penal Code Sections 653 G and 602). Entering campus without authorization from a school employee is strictly prohibited.

NOTE: "SAFE SCHOOL ZONE" extends the campus jurisdictional boundaries to 1,000 feet beyond the fence line of the school during regular school hours and within 60 minutes before or after the school day, and 60 minutes before or after school-sponsored activities at the school site. (Education Code 32211)

Students from other schools may NOT visit the campus or attend school with PHS students.

Parents of non-students or future students may make advance arrangements to visit the school by contacting the administration.

DISCIPLINE

Students are under the jurisdiction of the school from the time they leave home until they return home. Students are also under the jurisdiction of the school when they participate in school-sponsored activities, regardless of the time or place.

PROCEDURAL INQUIRIES Questions or concerns about rules or disciplinary procedures should be addressed immediately by contacting the teacher or administrator concerned. A formal appeal procedure is available. DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR RESULTING IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION

The school stresses self-discipline that results in caring, civil, and responsible behavior. Students who choose contrary behavior will be subject to disciplinary action.

A student may be removed from class for disruptive behavior. A student removed from more than one block in a single school day will be suspended from school for the remainder of that school day and parents will be contacted.

Written referrals for minor infractions will be handled administratively using any combination of the measures listed below:

· Assign same day detention.

· Call parent/guardian to inform of offense and detention

· Parent conference

·Suspension from class

·Suspension from school

·Behavior contract

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE PLAN

There are four categories of infraction, which range from relatively minor breaches of discipline in Level A to criminal behavior in Level D. The following chart delineates the graduated consequences of misbehavior based on these categories. The detailed A-D lists follow the discussion of consequences.

	1st Offense	2nd Offense	3rd Offense
Level A	Student Conference Student remedies situation	Detention Parent Contact	1-3 Days Suspension Parent Conference
Level B	Detention Parent Contact 1-3 Days Suspension	1-3 Days Suspension Parent Conference	3-5 Days Suspension Parent Conference Expulsion
Level C	3-5 Day Suspension Parent Conference Notify Sheriff Behavior Contract Expulsion	5 Day Suspension Parent Conference Notify Sheriff Expulsion	Expulsion Notify Sheriff
Level D	Mandatory recommendation for expulsion.

INVOLUNTARY DISCIPLINE TRANSFERSStudents may be transferred involuntarily to a continuation school for chronic disciplinary or attendance problems. INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE

Students using inappropriate language will be sent home from school for the remainder of the school day. Parents will be notified and required to meet with the school staff prior to the students return.

LEVEL A

· Disruption of class (excessive talking or laughing, leaving seat without permission, etc.)

·Dress code violation

· Gum chewing

· Horseplay/Roughhousing

·Littering

· Lying to staff

·Out of class without a pass

· Overdue library books

·Overly amorous conduct

· Possession or use of lighters or matches

·Possession of beepers, pagers, laser pointers, cell phones, or other electronic devices

·Use of radios/CD/tape players in school buildings

·Three tardies constitute a Level A offense. The consequence for a 3^rd tardy is a same day 30-minute detention. Each subsequent tardy will be grounds for a same day 30-minute detention.Â

LEVEL B

· Leaving school without permission

· Operating a vehicle on or near school grounds in an unsafe manner

·Disrespectful, obscene, vulgar language directed at any adult

· Disruptive confrontations with students

· Misuse of school property

· Gambling

· Gang clothing, symbols, or signals

· Verbal abuse of other students

· Language towards other students that is profane, vulgar, or otherwise inappropriate

· Possession or use of water balloons, squirt guns/bottles, aerosol cans

·Use or possession of any tobacco product

·Misuse of the Internet, network, or e-mail

·Misrepresenting oneself as a parent on the phone

·Campus disruption

LEVEL C

·Assault/Battery/Fighting (5-day suspension). A student will be suspended for fighting (mutual combat) when any of the following circumstances are present:Â

The student had any opportunity to physically avoid the conflict but still engaged in combat or the student contributed in any way to the build-up immediately before the combat. Contributing behavior includes, but is not limited to, arguing, challenging, posturing, taunting, gestures, signs, or cursing.

·Forgery or falsifying signatures on parents' letters or official school records

· Defiance or refusal to follow the directions of a school employee, including, verbal abuse or gestures, refusal to give legal name, refusal to serve Saturday School

· Students activating alarms when no emergency exists will be suspended for five days and will be reported to the police

· Hazing

·Possession or use of firecrackers or fireworks

· Possession, duplication, or use of school keys

·Receiving stolen property

· Harassment - sexual, racial, gender, and ethnic harassment are illegal under Education Code 212.5

·Tampering with alarm system (fire or burglar alarms) including false fire alarms

· Theft or attempted theft

·Threats or abuse (verbal or physical) toward other students or staff

·Vandalism - Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property or private property. This includes, but is not limited to, spray painting (graffiti) and breaking windows.

· Abuse of school computers resulting in damage to hardware or software

·Possession or use of pepper spray, mace or other potentially hazardous chemicals

·Causing serious physical injury to another person

· Possession of a weapon including any type of knife, or dangerous object

· Possession, use or being under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance

·Selling, offering, "hooking up" or arranging for the sale of any, alcohol, controlled substances material represented as a "look-alike" substance

· Offering, arranging for, "hooking up," negotiating to sell, or possessing drug paraphernalia

· Committing or attempting to commit robbery or extortion

·Committing or attempting arson

· Possession or use of legal mind-altering drugs. These are considered intoxicants.

· Destroying school property

· Assault/battery on any school employee

·Egregious harassment - Education Code #212.5

LEVEL D-Mandatory recommendation for expulsion (EdCode 48915(c))

· Sale, possession or furnishing a firearm.

· Brandishing a knife.

·Selling a controlled substance.

·Sexual assault or battery.

·Possession of an explosive.

NOTE: Consequences for any of the above actions in Level D will include a 5-day suspension, a parent conference, police report, and a board disciplinary hearing with a recommendation of expulsion. SUSPENSION PROCEDURE

1 A conference will be held with the student and a school administrator.

2 The student will be informed of the reasons for the proposed disciplinary action and will be given the opportunity to present the facts regarding the offense from his/her perspective.

3 Every effort will be made to contact a parent by phone.

4 Within one school day, written notification will be mailed to the parent(s) explaining the suspension.

NOTE: State law grants teacher’s access to information regarding a student's suspension for three years after the suspension.

BEHAVIORAL INELIGIBILITY

Students who are suspended for three or more days in a grading period will not be eligible to participate in co-curricular activities such as athletics, field trips, dances, etc. Behavioral ineligibility begins when the student returns from suspension and continues for six school weeks.

CONFISCATION POLICY

Any items confiscated from a student (hats, chains, clothing, CD players, phones, etc) will be released to a parent/guardian on the first violation. If items are confiscated a 2^nd time, they will not be returned until the end of the school year. The school is not responsible for the safe return of any confiscated item. Confiscated items not picked up at the end of the school year will be discarded.

DRESS STANDARDS

The PHS staff promotes a business-like campus environment yet allows a wide range of student self-expression. Students who dress inappropriately will be asked to change their clothes, which may require that they go home to do so.

Dress considered inappropriate:

· Hats and headgear worn during regular school hours, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Hoods may be worn outdoors when it is raining)

· Sunglasses worn indoors unless required for health or safety

· Garments that expose a bare midriff

· Strapless or halter tops

·Clothing that is distracting

· Obscene, vulgar, or other inappropriate words or graphics on clothing, or buttons

·Clothing with logos, slogans, brand names, or references to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco

· Dress that resembles or is associated with gangs

· Short shorts, jogging shorts, very short skirts

· Underwear worn as outerwear

Cheating and Plagiarism

Students are responsible for completing their class assignments and exams in accordance with teacher directions. Students are not permitted to use or steal ideas or writings of another individual without proper citations. Students who plagiarize or cheat on an exam or class assignment will receive a failing grade on the assignment.

SEARCHES

An administrator has the legal right to conduct a search of a student's personal items, school property, or vehicle when there is a reason to suspect the student possesses illegal or dangerous items. Additionally, the district may employ mechanical “sniffers" to detect alcohol use and specially trained dogs to detect the presence of other illicit substances.

POLICE INVOLVEMENT

The administration of Pescadero High School accepts responsibility for dealing with student behavior. However, when violations of state laws occur, or when students or parents refuse to work within the established policies of the District and school, or when the security of people or property appears to be in jeopardy, the police will be called to initiate arrest and prosecution proceedings. The following offenses require law enforcement notification:

· Assault upon any person with a deadly weapon or by force likely to cause great bodily injury. (Education Code 48902)

·A non-accidentally inflicted physical injury upon a student by another student that requires medical attention beyond the level of school-applied first aid. (Penal Code 11166)

·Actual or suspected sexual abuse or physical abuse of any minor child.

· An attack or assault or menacing of any school employee by a student. (Education Code 44014)

· A directly communicated threat by a student or any person to inflict unlawful injury upon person or property of a school employee. (Education Code 44014; Penal Code 71)

·Use, possession, or under the influence of any controlled substance, alcohol, or other intoxicants

·Possession of drug paraphernalia. (Education Code 48902)

·Possession of a weapon. (Penal Code 626.10)

LOCKERS

Students are assigned lockers to store school materials. Lockers are provided as a convenience and students are responsible for items in their lockers. The lockers are the property of LHPUSD and may be opened by staff at any time.

AUTOMOBILES ON CAMPUS

Driving to school is a privilege that may be revoked due to hazardous operation or failure to abide by school traffic or parking policies.

All students who wish to operate a vehicle on campus must present proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and must file an application in the Office.

All student drivers must park their vehicles in the designated school parking lot; however, the school/district is not responsible for damage done to automobiles parked on school property.

NOTE: Students are not allowed to go to the parking lot during school hours.

NONDISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT POLICIES

La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, disability, or age in any of its policies, procedures, or practices.

Students or parents with concerns related to any form of harassment or discrimination on campus or at school-sponsored activities should speak with an administrator as soon as a problem arises.

BUS SAFETY RULES

Riding the school bus to and from school is a privilege. Students must obey the rules or lose the privilege.

Students who ride the bus are expected to:

·Be on time at the bus stop.

·Show good manners at the bus stop. Stay near the bus stop area; stay off private property; do not disturb plants or shrubs.

·Obey the bus driver.

· Follow accepted rules of safety.

Consequences of Bus-Related Misconduct

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
Conference with student	Parent notification	Parent notification
Parent notification	Student denied bus transportation for 3-5 days.	Suspension from all bus transportation for a year.
Warning citation issued
Disciplinary action

NOTE: Bus stops are a part of school jurisdiction and all school rules apply.

ELIGIBILITY (ACADEMIC)

To be eligible to participate in the Pescadero High School co-curricular program (e.g., athletics, ASB, field trips, college visitations, class offices) a student must:

·Currently be taking a full schedule

·Have a grade point average of at least 2.0 with no F’s in the previous grading period

· Be behaviorally eligible

The Pescadero High School staff supports and encourages all students to participate on an extracurricular athletic team. Prerequisites: physical examination, proof of insurance, and a minimum 2.0 GPA in the preceding grading period with no F's.

Note: Athletes must attend at least 2 blocks of the school day in order to compete in an athletic event the same day.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Sportsmanship is winning graciously and losing without complaint. It is positive, spirited support for one's school, and treating opponents and officials with generosity, fairness, and courtesy.

The school expects all members of the community who participate as players, fans, or support personnel to be models of sportsmanship at all times.

The following behavior is unacceptable at any Pescadero High School contest:

· Denigrating an opponent's school, mascot, players, or coaches

· Using of obscenities in cheers or gestures

· Displaying negative signs

·Complaining about officials calls by voice or gesture

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Accident insurance is not provided by the school district.

 

CELL PHONES

State law allows students to have cell phones on campus but schools may regulate their use. Pescadero High School policy allows students to have cell phones but they are not to be visible or on during school hours (including lunch). Students may use their phones on campus after school hours. Students using phones during school hours will have their phones be subject to the confiscation policy.

Rationale

Phones have camera capability that may be used for cheating and other mischief. Students use phones to text messages and play games during class.

Students on phones are not as capable of responding to staff/admin direction.

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Students must log 100 hours of Community Service before graduating from Pescadero High School. Community Service is prorated at 25 hours per year for entering students. Community Service forms and regulations are available from Mr. Robinson. Community Service may only be performed at a non-profit agency.

 

COMPUTER USE

Students are required to complete and Internet Use Agreement form and turn it into the school office PRIOR to accessing the district internet on any school or home computer. The computers and the internet may only be used for school and academic related activities. Accessing social networking sites, inappropriate content and/or e-mail without prior approval will result in privileges being revoked. Laptop computers must be checked out at all times. Students must plan ahead and may not interrupt other classes to check out a laptop computer.

DANCES

Dances are organized by the Junior Class and advisors. All school rules apply and are enforced at dances. Once a person enters the dance, he/she may not leave and reenter. Breathalyzers may be utilized at dances to ensure a safe and sober environment. Guest passes are available to students who are not PHS students. Guests may not be over 20 and must be either registered at a high school or a past graduate of Pescadero High School who graduated in good standing. Guests are expected to abide by all Pescadero High School and La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District rules. Guest Pass applications are available in the school office. All guests must bring a picture ID.

 

LUNCH PROGRAM

A hot lunch program is available at each school site. A sliding scale of cost is available. Please inquire in the school office for pricing and menus if your child is interested in the hot lunch program. Applications for Free and Reduced lunches are available in the school office.

MEDICATIONS

All medications must be checked in to the school office and taken in the presence of the school secretary. Parents are required to send an explanatory note with medications instructing staff on the proper dosage and timing. No medications of any kind may be distributed by school staff to students or by students to any other students.

SAFETY/FIRE/EARTHQUAKE DRILLS

Drills are held to prepare students and staff in case of an emergency. Specific instructions are posted in each room.

STUDENT BILLS

Each student will be issued textbooks, equipment, and uniforms so they can participate in the assigned learning activities. At the end of the semester (or activity), all school property must be returned to the school. Students must return the numbered textbooks or equipment issued or they will be charged accordingly. Turning in items that do not have the assigned serial number does not clear the student of responsibility for returning the issued materials. Students are responsible for the condition of their textbook throughout the year. Students are expected to cover their books and treat them with respect. Students will be fined for lost or damaged books as follows:

Cost of replacement

Damaged binding‚ $25

Writing, $15

Water damage‚ $15-$75 (depending on severity)

Dog eared‚ $10-$20

Fines will be adjusted depending on the cost of the book.

STUDENT GOVERNMENTThe Student Government system at Pescadero High School is intended to create an organized arena to build and promote leadership and in which any student may express their concerns and expect that the student body officers to be sure they are addressed. The Associated Student Body Officers and Class Officers are elected to serve their fellow students. Meetings are held regularly and the ASB advisor, Mr. Robinson is available to answer any questions regarding Student Government opportunities. LOST AND FOUND

All lost articles should be reported to the office. All found items should be turned in to the office. Items remaining in the lost and found will be donated to charity at the end of each semester.

LIBRARY REGULATIONS

·Students will maintain quiet so others in the room may work undisturbed.

·Any student wishing to use the library during class time must bring a signed library pass from the instructor.

·Students will keep the room, books, and all materials clean and neat.

·No fines are imposed for overdue materials, but failure to renew or return these materials within 10 days past the due date will result in assignment to Saturday School.

·No food or drink is allowed in the stacks.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work Experience allows students to earn credits as they learn on the job. Students must enroll in Work Experience and hold a valid work permit to be eligible for the program. All permits must be obtained during regular school hours.