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Liberty High School
Student Handbook
Principal Pamela A. Knight
2010-2011 LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL PHONE 326-7470 NOTE: This handbook is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an agreement with students or parents regarding the contents herein. The school system reserves the right to modify policies governing the operation of the school at any time such changes are considered necessary. PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME Students and Parents: On behalf of the administration and staff, I welcome you to the 2010-2011 school year at Liberty High School. The programs at Liberty High School, in depth and variety, cover a range of activities, experiences, and successes. Liberty High School is committed to the belief that high expectations are a basic requirement for outstanding results. We believe that to provide for the development of productive citizens, good students, and good people, we must provide positive examples and create opportunities for students in academics, arts, and athletics. We believe strongly in the power of academic progress, positive achievement, and persistence. Students often have preconceived notions of their own abilities, and we make every effort to advise, teach, and lead them beyond the boundaries of their own expectations. It is essential that all students and parents read the handbook so there may be as few misunderstandings as possible. When this handbook does not give you the information you need, you should contact your principal or assistant principal for help. Students, this is your school. Make the most of what it has to offer and contribute your time and talents wisely. Academics and activities lead to success. Get involved! Your success is your parents’ success and pride. Be proud of your school and always conduct yourself in such a manner that your actions will reflect pride in yourself, your school, and your community. We all share the responsibility for the school’s reputation. The goal of Liberty High School is EXCELLENCE and striving to reach this goal must be a cooperative effort on the part of the students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community. We earnestly solicit your cooperation in this venture and assure you that the result will be well worth the effort. Therefore, I urge you to become actively involved in your student’s studies, extra-curricular activities, and the pride that Liberty High School offers. Let's show our "Mountaineer Pride"! Mrs. Pamela A. Knight, Principal Mr. Steven G. Gibson, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Mrs. Donna D. Hage, Assistant Principal CONDITIONS FOR DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION Harrison County Schools may disclose personally identifiable information from the education records of a student who is in attendance if it has given notice that information has been designated as directory information (File JR-R). "Directory Information" includes a student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. Parents who choose not to have directory information disclosed must notify the school in writing. NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability and retaliation. If you require information about this program, activity or facility in a language other than English, contact the USDA agency responsible for the program or activity, or any USDA office. To file a complaint alleging discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll free (866)632-9992 (Voice). TDD users can contact the USDA through local relay or the Federal Relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. NOTE: This handbook is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an agreement with students or parents regarding the contents herein. The school system reserves the right to modify policies governing the operation of the school at any time such changes are considered necessary. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY Learning at With society’s leap into an age of high technology, The faculty, support staff, and administrators of The school seeks to build upon the racial, cultural, religious, and economical backgrounds of the diverse student body. Each student is given the opportunity, through natural helpers and the compassion of the faculty, to obtain better moral and family values. Moreover, education must prepare all students to recognize and accept differences in others. It should help students to cope with the problems of a changing world and to become useful, productive members of society. MISSION STATEMENT Liberty High School CORE BELIEFS We believe: ? ? ? LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL PERSONNEL Mrs. Pamela A. Knight Principal Mr. Steven G. Gibson Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Mrs. Donna D. Hage Assistant Principal Mrs. Deb Ciesla Secretary Mrs. Monica Audia Secretary Mrs. Beth Moore Guidance Counselor Mrs. Diana Minutelli Guidance Counselor FACULTY AND SUPPORT STAFF Alfred, Ms. Special Ed Allen, Ms. Vocational Ed. Amodio, Mr. Tech Ed. Ashcraft, Ms. Special Ed. Bastin, Mr. Social Studies Bode, Mr. Video Journal. Brown, Ms. Choir Brunetti, Mrs. Librarian Caloccia, Mr. Tech Ed. Capozzi, Mrs. Science Carr, Mr. Vocational Ed. Cole, Mrs. Vocational Ed. Costa, Ms. Health Crim, Mrs. Art Day, Mr. Band Fischer, Mrs. English Hawkins, Ms. Special Ed. Hill, Mrs. Math Hinerman, Mrs. English Hinkle, Mrs. English Howe, Mrs. Science Hutson, Mrs. Special Ed. King, Mr. Math Kirkwood, Mrs. Math Marino, Mrs. Math Marsicano, Mrs. Math Mearns, Ms. Distance Learn. Monohan, Mr. Social Studies Mortensen, Ms. Science Newlon, Dr. Vocational Ed. Nicewarner, Mr. Health/Phy. Ed. Nutt, Mr. Health/Dr. Ed. Assistant Principal/Athletic Dir. Steve Gibson Assistant Principal Donna D. Hage One Mountaineer Drive Clarksburg, WV 26301 (304) 326-7470 http://www.harcoboe.com/libertyhighschool/
CLOSED CAMPUS Liberty operates a closed campus. Students must stay on school grounds from the time they arrive, even if the first period has not yet started, until dismissal or until they are picked up by the bus. Once a student has signed out in the office to leave, he/she must leave the campus.
The administration must know who is in the building and why they are there. ? ? ? ? LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL FOUR/FOUR PLAN FIRST SEMESTER AND SECOND SEMESTER Student Dismissal 2:55 pm Teacher Dismissal 3:05 pm TWO-HOUR DELAY 9:37 am First Bell 9:45 – 10:15 First Block 10:20 – 10:50 Second Block 10:50 First Lunch & Regular Schedule ONE-HOUR DELAY 8:37 am First Bell 8:45 – 9:45 First Block 9:50 – 10:50 Second Block 10:50 First Lunch & Regular Schedule TWO-HOUR EARLY DISMISSAL 11:50 – 12:20 Third Block 12:25 – 1:00 Fourth Block
IMPORTANT SCHOOL DATES August 19 First Day for Students (2 hour early dismissal) September 6 Labor Day (no school) September 22 Student 2-hour early dismissal September 30 End of 1 October 7 Report Cards issued October 11 Instructional Support & Enhancement Day* November 2 Election Day November 11 November 15 End of 2 November 17 Student 2-hour early dismissal November 22-26 Thanksgiving Break - No School November 29 Report Cards issued December 22 Instructional Support & Enhancement Day* December 23-Dec. 31 Christmas Recess - No School January 1 st 6 weeks grading period – 1st six weeks – No School Veteran’s Day – No School nd 6 weeks grading period – 2nd six weeks New Year’s Holiday (no school)January 3 Classes Resume January 10, 11, & 12 Semester Examinations January 12 End of 3rd 6 weeks & 1st SemesterJanuary 13 First day of Second Semester January 17 Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday (no school)January 20 Report Cards issued January 26 Student 2-hour early dismissal February 21 Instructional Support & Enhancement Day* February 24 End of 4 March 3 Report Cards issued March 23 Student 2-hour early dismissal April 7 End of 5 April 14 Report Cards issued April 21 Instructional Support & Enhancement Day* April 22-29 Spring Break - No School May 2 Classes Resume May 24, 25, 26 Semester Examinations May 27 Curriculum Development Day May 30 Memorial Day (no school) May 31 Curriculum Development Day June 1 – 3rd six weeks th 6 weeks grading period – 4th six weeks th 6 weeks grading period – 5th six weeks End of 6th 6 weeks & 2nd SemesterInstructional Support & Enhancement Day* June 2-9 Outside School Environment Days – NO School *Student attendance at school is encouraged but not required on Instructional Support & Enhancement/Faculty Senate Days. Dates are subject to change if there is an extension of the school year due to adverse weather conditions.GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
*Concentration courses are identified courses that relate to the major/cluster chosen on the 5-year plan. SEQUENCE OF REQUIRED COURSES - Courses listed are in the order in which they will be taken. 1. English A. Classes of 2009-2012 and Beyond - All PathwaysEnglish 9 English 10 English 11 English 12 SEQUENCE OF REQUIRED COURSES (continued) 2. Social Studies A. Classes of 2009-2011 - All PathwaysUnited States Studies to 1900 World Studies to 1900 20 and 21 Civics/Government B. st Centuries Class of 2012 and Beyond - All PathwaysWorld Studies to 1900 United States Studies to 1900 20 and 21 Civics for the 21 st Centuries st Century3. Science A. Skilled and Entry Pathways Classes of 2009-2011CATS 9 and two (2) credits above the CATS 9 Level Professional Pathway CATS 9 and three (3) credits above the CATS 9 Level B. Skilled Pathway Class of 2012 and BeyondPhysical Science Biology or Conceptual Biology Chemistry or Conceptual Chemistry Professional Pathway Physical Science Biology or Conceptual Biology Chemistry or Conceptual Chemistry 4 th Credit must be above Physical Science4. Mathematics A. Entry Pathway - graduation class of 2009 Classes of 2009 - 20112 of the 3 credits being Algebra I and above Entry Pathway – graduation class of 2010 Four mathematics credits are required with at least 2 of the 4 credits being Algebra I and above Skilled and Professional Pathways – graduation classes of 2009-2011 Four mathematics credits are required with at least 3 of the 4 credits must be Algebra I and above. B. Skilled Pathway Class of 2012 and BeyondAlgebra I or Algebra Support & Algebra I Geometry or Applied Geometry Conceptual Mathematics College Transition Mathematics or Algebra II Professional Pathway Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Trigonometry Pre-Calculus, or Mathematics College Courses, or AP Mathematics Courses or College Transition Mathematics Course *Students in the professional pathway and college bound students in the skilled pathway, who do not achieve the State assessment College Readiness benchmark for mathematics, shall be required to take a college transition mathematics course during their senior year. *It is the intent that students will take mathematics annually but must take at least three (3) mathematics classes in grades 9-12. SEQUENCE OF REQUIRED COURSES (continued) 5. Foreign Language – Professional Pathway Only A. Classes of 2009-2012 & Beyond 2 credits in the same foreign language 6. Physical Education and Health A. Classes of 2009-2012 & Beyond – All Pathways Physical Education Health 7. Fine Arts A. Classes of 2009-2012 & Beyond – All Pathways 1 credit of a Fine Art 8. Experiential Learning is required and must be in an area related to the student’s career cluster as reflected in the student’s Five Year Plan.9 . Elective credits are the additional offerings which meet a student’s specific needs, interests, and abilities.CLASS STATUS GUIDELINES Sophomore 6 credits Junior 13 credits Senior 20 credits The credits required for grade placement must include completion of English, science, math, and social studies from the previous grade. Students will not be promoted or moved up to the next class level until the end of each year. Students will be assigned to an A/A group based upon their credits at the beginning /ending of each school year. This status will be used for all grade level privileges. CLASS DUES Each student is responsible for paying dues to his/her homeroom teacher who is to issue a receipt at the time of payment. The amount of dues payable is: Freshman $ 7.00 Junior $10.00 Sophomore $ 7.00 Senior $10.00 Dues should be paid as soon as possible after the beginning of each school year. If dues are not paid by December 1 of the current school year, there will be a $3.00 late fee assessed. If dues are not paid for one year, the amount of dues plus the late fee will be carried to the next year. A junior who has not paid his/her dues for the freshman, sophomore and junior years is not eligible to attend the Junior/Senior Prom. A senior who has not paid his/her dues for any of the years of attendance atLiberty High School is not eligible to attend the Junior/Senior Prom or senior activities. SCHEDULE CHANGES & GUIDANCE SERVICES Schedule changes must be made within the first five days of the beginning of each term. For schedule changes and guidance services, students with last name A-K, see Mrs. Moore, and those with L-Z see Mrs. Minutelli. Changes will only be considered in classes where slots are available. Schedule changes will not be made based on personality conflicts, individual course assignments, lunch schedules, etc. When schedule changes are requested, the teachers concerned will be consulted for approval.Guidance services are available for every student at Liberty High School. Services include: assistance with educational planning; interpretation of test scores; occupational information; career information; study assistance; or help with home, school, social concerns, or any questions the student may feel needs to be discussed with the counselor. The counselors also assist seniors in applying for colleges and exploring scholarships and need-based financial aid opportunities.PARENT CONFERENCES The school will have two established evening parent-teacher conferences on Oct. 11 and Feb 21; time will be announced. Parents may wish to have conferences with one or more of their child’s teachers, counselors, or principals at times other than the scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences. Conferences are encouraged, but it is important to call the school to schedule all conferences. Teachers will not be called out of classes for individual conferences because by so doing, instruction of other students is denied. All conferences must be scheduled during the teacher’s conference period, which are listed on the school’s website.WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL Before permanently leaving school, a student should report to the guidance counselor and look at all options before making such an important decision. The parent/guardian must be contacted about this decision before any action can be taken. After conferring with a counselor, the student must complete the withdrawal process properly in the event the student should ever decide to return to this school or another school. PERSONAL PROPERTY Students are cautioned not to keep money or other valuables in their locker or in the gym dressing rooms. All valuables should be kept within sight. Liberty High School will not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items.At the beginning of each school year or any time a new student enrolls in school, an Emergency Care Card is given to the student. It is very important that parents complete this card, which includes a place for parental consent for school officials to request medical treatment of the student, as provided by law. Parents shall also be asked to supply other information that could be required in case of an emergency. Serious medical conditions should be recorded on the form, and the form should be updated as needed. It is critical that school officials know where to contact parents in the event of an emergency.MEDICATIONS The school is not authorized to distribute any medications, including aspirin. If a student brings medication to school during school hours, the medication must show the student’s name on the container and should be left in the office with directions for administering. The "Authorization for Medication Administration" form must be completed in its entirety (See Harrison County Schools Policy and Administrative Regulations Guide - Administration of Medication).LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY Any student who leaves school before the end of the school day must sign out in the office, and a school official must speak with a parent. Students attending college classes must also sign out in the office. Any student who does not properly sign out will be considered truant and subject to the Harrison County Discipline Policy.Students who must leave school for doctor or dental appointments and for other approved reasons must provide the school with an appointment card and a note signed by their parent/guardian. No student will be permitted to leave the school without a note signed by his/her parent or guardian. Students will not be excused to leave school with anyone other than a parent or guardian unless the parent or guardian personally contacts one of the building principals. Students leaving early must be signed out from the office by a parent/guardian, unless prior arrangements have been made with one of the school principals. Students will not be excused for invalid reasons. HALL TRAFFIC Students are asked to be courteous at all times and to stay to the right when walking in the halls. Students are permitted to talk freely during class changes; however, running, shouting, use of profanity, pushing or shoving, and horseplay or roughhousing is not permitted. CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY Students shall be held responsible for school and personal property. Any student who damages or destroys school or personal property shall be subject to disciplinary action and liability for the cost of restoring the property. Any student who steals school or personal property shall be subject to suspension or expulsion. Parents shall be liable for property stolen or damaged by their minor children. TEXTBOOKS The Harrison County School System will provide each student with textbooks for his/her classes. It is the responsibility of the student to take care of the books that are issued. If the book is not returned at the time the student leaves the class either during or at the end of the term, a lost book fee is assessed. It is the responsibility of the parent to see that either the textbook or fee is received by Liberty High School. Another textbook will not be issued until the book is returned or the fee is paid.USE OF TELEPHONES BY STUDENTS The office phones are always busy. Therefore, only in emergencies will students be permitted to use the office phones. Students are not to be excused from class to use the telephones. There are public pay telephones located in the front hall area. They are to be used only before school and during lunch period. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO USE THE PAY TELEPHONES DURING CLASS TIME.If a student becomes ill, office personnel will contact parents/guardians. No student will be allowed to leave school without the consent of a school official and a parent or other person designated on the Emergency Care Card on file in the office. SCHOOL MEAL PRICES (Forms for Free or Reduced Meals will be made available.) Breakfast - $0.85 Lunch - $1.40 Extra Milk - $0.35 SECOND MEALS $2.05 Pregnant Students LOCKERS Each student will be assigned a locker. A student is to use the locker assigned to him/her, and only that student is permitted to use that locker. – Please inform your counselor, nurse, principal, or other school official if you should need additional foods because of pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the nutritional needs of students. These needs will be met through the school meals program. Students are not permitted to share lockers. Any item found in the locker will be the responsibility of the person assigned to that locker. Each student is responsible for the proper care of the locker and is expected to keep it neat and clean. Only school issued locks may be used on the lockers, and a $7.00 fee to cover the cost of the lock will be charged. The purchased lock belongs to that student and can be used from freshman year through graduation.STUDENTS ARE NEVER PERMITTED TO USE A LOCKER IN THE BOYS’ OR GIRLS’ DRESSING ROOM EXCEPT FOR PHYS ED OR A SPORTS ACTIVITY. ATTENDANCE Excellent When a student has been absent upon returning to school, the student must have a note signed by a parent or guardian or a medical doctor indicating the reason for the absence(s). If a student is going to be absent for an extended period of time, the parent may call and inform the administration of this and request homework assignments. When the student returns to school, the student must have a note signed by a medical doctor indicating the reason for the absence(s). attendance is essential for a student’s successful progress in the instructional program, in proper contribution in citizenship, and in the work place. Student absenteeism affects the whole school operation. Habitually absent students quite often end up on the school dropout roll instead of the honor roll. ALL CLAIMS FOR ABSENCE VERIFICATION MUST BE DONE WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF RETURN TO SCHOOL. Any unexcused absence forfeits a student’s eligibility for any exam exemption.Liberty High School follows the Harrison County Attendance Policy, which can be obtained upon request from the school (See Harrison County Schools Policy and Administrative Regulations Guide – Attendance).ABSENCES & EXTRA-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION Any student who is absent from or late to school on a given day is not permitted to participate in any extra-curricular activity that night unless a medical or legal professional’s excuse is provided or administration has deemed weather was a factor. TARDY POLICY Liberty Habitual tardiness to class will be dealt with as a disciplinary problem. If teacher warnings and lunch detention assignments do not solve the problem, suspension from school may be necessary. The following policy will be followed for tardies: emphasizes punctuality. When a student arrives at school late, the student is absent. By Harrison County policy a student missing any part of a period is counted absent for that period. Car problems are not legitimate excuses for tardiness. Students are allowed five (5) minutes for changing classes and going to the restroom; therefore, they should not be tardy for classes. Students are not permitted to attend or participate in any school-related activity (home or away) while serving OSS until the end of the regular school day of the last day of OSS.? 1-2 Tardies Verbal Warning (Teacher documentation)? notified by teacher 3 Tardies 1 day lunch detention & parents are? 4 Tardies 3 days lunch detention? further disciplinary action 5 Tardies or more referral to administration forEMERGENCY DRILLS The school will periodically conduct emergency drills. When these occur, students should move quickly and orderly outside or to specific locations within the building. Teachers are trained in emergency evacuation procedures and will provide students with necessary instructions. FOOD/DRINKS IN CLASSROOM Food, drinks, and snacks will not be allowed in any classroom at any time or hallway. All breakfast and lunch items must be eaten in the cafeteria. Snacks purchased out of the vending machines or brought from home may not be consumed in any classroom or hallway.DISCIPLINE All students are expected to follow classroom, school, and county rules and regulations during school or at any school function (See Harrison County Schools Policy and Administrative Regulations Guide – Student Code of Conduct). The following disciplinary options may be used depending on code infraction:? Lunch Detention? Loss of Parking Permit? Loss of Assembly Privileges? After School Detention? |