Attendance/ Tardy Issues

Q What do I need to do if I am absent?

A Have a parent/guardian call the attendance office (433-2400). Note that having a parent call in does not necessarily mean that the absence will be excused. Parents may send a note to school to verify an absence. Notes should be turned in to the attendance clerk in the main office. We may call your parent/guardian to get verbal verification if there is a question about the authenticity of the note. Our attendance clerk is Mrs. Johnson (Jeanne). She is in the office right across from Ms. Meier's office. If you are late to school, you must stop by her desk to get a pass to class.

Q Where do I go if I am late to school or to class?

A Students who are tardy to school must report to Mrs. Johnson (Jeanne) in the office. She will give you a pass to class. If you are tardy to class, you should report to the class. Students who are more than 5 minutes tardy are considered absent for that period. If you are in the office, a counselor's office, etc. and are late to class, be sure to get a pass back to class. Once the bell rings to start class., you are not allowed to be in the hallway without a pass.

Q When I have'an appointment (doctor, dentist, etc.) during the school day, what procedure do I need to follow?

A While it is best to make appointments during non-school hours, we realize that sometimes that can't be arranged. If you must leave school for an appointment, you must have a parent/guardian call (or write a note) to excuse you from school into their care PRIOR to your leaving school. Our school is a closed campus, meaning that during school hours you are not allowed to leave the school unless you have a specific reason and permission from your parent/guardian and the school to leave. This includes during lunch time.

Discipline/Counseling Questions:

Q Who is my counselor?

A Mr. Howard (last names beginning with A-G)
Mrs. Zierke (H-N)
Mrs. Donna Hall-Berry (O-Z)
Ms. Kathryn Johnson (students with special needs)

Q Who is my administrator?

A Principal = Ms. Meier
Assistant Principals = Ms. Johnson, Mr. Allen, and. Mr. Blau
Administrative Assistants (administer most discipline) = Mr. McGraw and Mr. Madlock

Q If I have a problem, who can I talk to?

A There are a number of people who you can talk to if you have a problem: . Teachers, counselors, administrators, other school staff . Success Street nurse/counselor . Upward Bound/Talent Search, Gear Up! Staff

Q What happens if I get into a fight?

A If you get into a physical fight, you get suspended or, depending on the circmnstances, expelled from school. Fighting back (returning a punch, pushing down, etc.) is not considered self-defense. If you think there is going to be a problem with another student (or even with someone outside of our school), talk to an adult. They will probably be able to help you, or guide you to an appropriate resource such as the School Resource Officer, to help you avoid a physical confrontation. Verbal attacks I arguments are also punishable. Think before you act and talk.

Q What kind of discipline is used if I get into trouble?

A Discipline ranges from counseling or verbal warnings to suspension or, in extreme cases, expulsion.

Q What do I do if I hear a rumor?

A Rmnors are hurtful, and many aren't even true. The best thing you can do if you hear a rumor is to not repeat it. If the rumor relates to someone physically hurting himself/herself or someone else, you should report it to a teacher, a counselor or an administrator.

Miscellaneous Questions:

Q Where do I pay my fees?

A Fees should be paid in the business office -- the office window on your left as you enter the school from the main entrance (across from the Commons). Change is usually not available in the business office unless you are paying fees. The business officer manager is Mrs. Shankle. Her assistant is Mrs. Coan. You may also purchase a variety of merchandise from the business office, including pencils, pens, paper, dance tickets, Activity Passes, parking passes, etc.

D What is an Activity Pass and what are the benefits?

A An Activity Pass is a pass to admit you to school activities such as sports and plays. The pass is available in the business office. The cost is $40.

Q What is the Student of the Month award?

A Each month a student from each grade level (9, 10, 11, 12) is selected as "'Student of the Month." Teachers nominate students based on positive qualities such as responsibility, respect, etc. The nominations are sent to a committee (school staff and Partners in Education representatives) who select the Student of the Month. SOM winners and their parents are invited to lunch off-campus with the Partners in Education and are awarded a plaque. Also, pictures of winners are posted beside the auditorium and are shown on the district cable television station.

Q What happens if I fail a class?

A The first thing is to be proactive.

• If your grade begins to slip in a class, talk to your teacher to fInd out if there is anything you can study or do to improve your grade.
• See your counselor to make a plan to improve your grade.
• If you don't have a learning lab, ask your team teachers or counselor to try to change your schedule so you can be in one.
• Go to the Learning Center (beside the Media Center) to get help.
• Get a study buddy from your class to help you study for tests or to answer questions about homework.
• Attend homework assistance sessions after school

If, after seeking help, you still fail the class, you may have to repeat it. If the class is required to graduate (e.g., English, Algebra, Science), you will have to take it over again. If it is a non-required class, work with your counselor to determine what is the best route for you to take.

Q What do I do if I get sick during school?

A If you get sick, get a pass from your teacher to go to the Nurse's Office or go to the main office

Q When can I go to my locker?

A You will have 4-5 minutes between classes to go to your locker, visit the restroom, etc. Passing time is not to stand in the hallway to visit with friends.

Q Where do I get a pass?

A Passes are included in your student planner. You must have a pass signed by a teacher to be in the hallway or to be any other place except with your assigned class.

Q What if I lose my planner?

A If you lose your student planner, you must purchase anew one in the office from Ms. Brackin. It will probably cost about $5.00.

Q Can I use my cell phone at school?

A Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight during the school day. If a cell phone is visible (e.g., if you are talking on them or if you have them clipped to your clothes, backpack, purse, etc.) it will be taken from you. Yau may pick up the phone after school. Repeated offenses of this rule may result in the phone being kept until a parent comes in to meet with an administrator to pick up the phone.

Q What do I do if my locker is jammed or doesn't work?

A If your locker doesn't work, see Mrs. Coan in the business office for assistance. o If you forget your locker combination, see Mrs. Coan in the business office. NEVER share your locker or your locker combination. Remember that lockers are school property and should be treated as such.

Q What do I do if I need to change my schedule?

ASchedule changes are discouraged unless you have a valid reason for changing. If you would like to discuss your schedule, see your counselor (or for students with special needs, see Ms. Johnson or your roster teacher).

Q What do I do if I need to use the restroom during class?

A Students are encouraged to use the restroom during passing time. If you must use the restroom during a class, your should request a pass (use your planner) from your teacher.

Q Where do I pay for lunch?

A Students may pay for lunch directly to the cafeteria. You will need to enter your lunch number at the checkout area. DO NOT SHARE YOUR LUNCH NUMBER. Students who need to sign up for Free or Reduced lunch should stop by the business office for a form.