Hand Book

 

 

School Handbook '06-'07

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES

 

The extent of the student activity program is dependent upon the interest and spirit shown by the student body. In the vast majority of cases where interest and spirit is evident, the school is able to provide the space, time, and faculty advisors to accommodate the activities.



 

Clubs

The club programs will get underway shortly after school opens once interest and the availability of club advisors are determined. Although it cannot be predicted with one hundred percent accuracy which clubs will operate, it may be of some help, especially to incoming students to know the clubs which have operated in the past. They follow:
National Honor Society Science Club
Student Council Band
School Paper Chorus
Drama Club Language Club
Yearbook Young Monadnock Cares
Business Club



 

General Election

During the second week of school, students in grades seven through twelve will nominate candidates for school office and student council. During the third week of school, students will vote on class officers and student council representatives during their lunch period over a 2-day period.



 

Student Council

The Student Council acts as an intermediary between the student body and the administration. Students having suggestions for increased awareness and/or participation of the school members should present their suggestions to the their student council representatives.



 

The National Honor Society

Eligible students are deemed eligible based first on their academic achievement (3.0 average in their junior or senior year, 3.6 in their sophomore). Membership in the society is based on the following criteria: academic achievement (B average), grade level (sophomore after third quarter), good character (demonstrate academic honesty, respect for people and property, dependability, and accept constructive criticism), leadership (being a positive role model and holding a leadership position), and service (volunteering and being active in clubs, sports or community groups).

Members of the society may leave study halls without passes providing that they inform the supervising teacher of their destination. Members may arrive at school late and leave early if they have study halls during that time and parental permission. Members may report to lunch on the first bell.



 

Interscholastic Athletics

The following interscholastic athletics are offered:

 
Varsity Boys Soccer  Junior Varsity Girls Basketball
Junior Varsity Boys Soccer  Junior High Girls Basketball
Junior High Boys Soccer  Varsity Baseball
Varsity Girls Soccer  Junior Varsity Baseball
Junior Varsity Girls Soccer  Varsity Softball
Junior High Girls Soccer  Junior Varsity Softball
Varsity Boys Basketball  Varsity Field Hockey
Junior Varsity Boys Basketball  Junior Varsity Field Hockey
Junior High Boys Basketball  Varsity Cheerleaders
Varsity Girls Basketball
The following bill passed by the New Hampshire Legislature became effective July 25, 1971:

"570:24-a" Intoxicating Beverages at Interscholastic Athletic Contests. No person shall drink, or have in his/her possession, any intoxicating beverages while in attendance as a spectator or otherwise, at any place where a school interscholastic athletic contest is being conducted. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be fined not more then fifty dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both."




 

ELIGIBILITY - INTERSCHOLASTIC
ATHLETICS


 

Following will be found pertinent extracts from the eligibility rules of the NHIAA, the governing body for interscholastic athletics in New Hampshire. Because Hinsdale High School is a member school, we must abide by the eligibility rules or risk forfeiture of contests, elimination from tournament consideration, and possibly expulsion from the NHIAA itself.

Section 1: Age of Contestants: A pupil may compete in interscholastic athletics during that school year if the student's 20th birthday is on or after September 1.

Section 2: Post Graduates: No post graduate shall represent their school in interscholastic athletics.

Section 3: Scholastic Standing (Grades 9-12): No pupil who has failed to pass in four units of work during the previous basic ranking period shall represent their school in any interscholastic contest.

Section 4: Semester Rules: A student is eligible for competition, whether he/she competes in interscholastic athletics, for no more than eight (8) consecutive semesters beyond the eighth grade. Participation by seventh and eighth graders does not count toward the eight (8) allowed semesters.

Section 5: Transfer Rule: A transfer student shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for a period of ninety (90) school days after he/she becomes a student in the school to which the transfer has been made, unless such transfer has been accompanied by a permanent change of residence on the part of the student's parents or legal guardians to the area serviced by the school to which transfer has been made.

However, a transfer shall be declared immediately eligible by the eligibility committee through the executive secretary if he/ she meets all of the following conditions:

  • The student resides with his or her parents or legal guardians in the family residence.
  • The student attends the high school serving the area of residence of his/her parents or legal guardians.
  • The principal of the transferring school provides written notification on official school stationery to the principal of the receiving school, certifying that to the best of his/her knowledge the transfer has not been for the purpose of participating in interscholastic athletics; and the principal of the receiving school likewise responds.
  • The written notification of both principals are filed with the executive secretary by the receiving school principal.
  • All other eligibility requirements are met.

Section 6: Deviation from Eligibility Rules: Any deviation from the NHIAA Eligibility Rules shall be made only with the consent of the Eligibility Committee of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Association.

Section 7: Financial Remuneration: Any student who at any time has received financial remuneration for participating in sports that are recognized by the NHIAA shall render the pupil ineligible for all high school sports from the date of discovery. Such a student shall no longer be considered an amateur athlete.

Section 8: Non-School Competition:

  • Student-athletes certified to participate in high school sports may not be a member of, nor play on any other team in the same sport, while a member of a school team and while that school team has remaining contests on its schedule or is eligible for the NHIAA tournament.
  • A player who violates this rule shall be declared ineligible for participation in any high school sport for ninety (90) school days from the date of his/her last participation in a high school sport.
  • A non-school team is deemed to be a team if it has two (2) or more of the following: (i) coaches, (ii) schedule of games, (iii) schedule of practices, (iv) uniforms, (v) awards, (vi) tournaments.
  • Competition during the summer vacation period in athletic activities of a non-professional nature by certified members of school teams shall not be considered in violation of the NHIAA eligibility regulations.

Section II: Physician's Statement: Students shall be ineligible for interscholastic athletics unless there is on file in the school a physician's statement certifying that the pupil has passed a pre-participation physical examination prior to the beginning of the pupil's high school athletic career. In every subsequent year athletes shall have an annual medical history examination pertinent to their needs.

Scholastic Standing: No student will participate in any extra-curricular or co-curricular activity who has not passed four credits for the past marking quarter. Such activities would include practices, performances, games, field trips, section rehearsals and any out of school activities. Regularly scheduled classes in band and chorus would not fall under this co-curricular policy.




 

ACADEMIC LIFE


 

Graduation Credit Requirements

Required Subjects: (12 3/4)



Open Electives: (7 Credits)
Seven (7) credits in any subject area

Total Needed for High School Graduation - 19 3/4 Credits
 

    Minimum accumulation of course credits must be acquired in the following manner:

  1. To Proceed to the Sophomore Year  -  4 Credits
  2. To Proceed to the Junior Year           -  9 Credits
  3. To Proceed to the Senior Year           -14 Credits
  4. Minimum Graduation Requirement   -19 3/4 Credit

Marking Scale
 

  1. 97 -100=A+     74-76=C
  2. 94 - 96=A        70-73=C-
  3. 90 - 93=A-       68-69=D+
  4. 87 - 89=B+      66-67=D
  5. 84 - 86=B        65=D-
  6. 80 - 83=B-       64-0=F
  7. 77 - 79=C+



 

Minimum Course Credit

Students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) must be enrolled in a minimum of five (5) subject areas in each semester.



 

Course Credits

Students planning to take courses outside of Hinsdale High School for credit towards a Hinsdale High School diploma must receive approval by principal and the Director of Guidance. No grade lower than 70%/C will be accepted for credit.



 

Guidance

The guidance department has, as its major functions; the scheduling and counseling of individual students regarding educational and career planning, and assisting students in solving their personal problems.

Students are assigned to a guidance councilor. Appointments can be made for students to meet with their counselors during study hall periods.

students are allowed to drop or add classes during the first five days of the class. Students must fill out a request form and obtain their parents signature to show approval. Requests made after one week will be considered on a case-by-case basis according to the stated reason. Approval of such requests will be granted with written permission of parents, teacher, guidance counselor, and administration.



 

Honor Roll

The high school has two honor rolls, high honors and honors. The high honor roll is attained by students who earn three "A's" and nothing below a "B" in the remaining subjects. To be on the honor roll, a student must earn a grade of "B" or better in all major subjects. Only subjects that meet five times a week are considered in compiling the honor roll.



 

Report Cards

The period of grading is arranged on a quarterly basis. Report cards will be issued approximately one week after marks close. Yearly calendar is set by the Board of Education.



 

Progress Reports

Formerly called "Warnings", progress reports can be either a warning of unsatisfactory work or a communication for outstanding work. They are issued at the midpoint of each marking period, but may be issued at any time, depending upon the urgency of the matter. The student will return the progress report to his/her subject matter teacher two school days after issuance with a parent or guardian signature.



 

Incompletes

The grade of "incomplete" is used to benefit those students who have been legitimately absent from school or class near the end of the marking period. It is felt that students who are absent at other times during the marking period have sufficient time to complete their work.

It has generally been the policy to allow two days for make-up for each day of legitimate absence from school or class. If there are extenuating circumstances related to students absence, an extension of time may be granted by the teacher. In no case should an incomplete be given if work is not made up in the two-days-for-one policy or in the time agreed upon by teacher and student in the case of extenuating circumstances. In the two cases cited, no credit is given and the grade will be averaged accordingly.

Incompletes, if not made up within two weeks of the succeeding marking period, will cause the incompletes to be changed to failing grades. There must be confide reasons offered to deviate from this policy. Incompletes are rarely allowed for the fourth and last marking period.



 

Study Hall Regulations

  1. Report to study when assigned and be on time.
  2. Take your assigned seat and do work independently.
  3. There will be no talking except with permission of the study hall supervisors.
  4. There will be no moving about except with permission of the study hall supervisors.
  5. Students will report to study hall with books and study materials in sufficient quantity to occupy them for a 50 minute period.
  6. There will be no sleeping in study hall.
  7. Locker passes will not be issued.



 

College Presentations

Although students are encouraged to meet with college representatives, the following rules must be adhered to: only seniors will be excused from classes to attend presentations, juniors may attend if they have study halls during the time of the presentations, students may not attend more then five presentations in a school year, and students must have taken or be registered to take the SAT examination to attend a presentation by a representative of a four year school.



 

Lunch Program

Each student will eat A, B or C, lunch, each being 25 minutes in length. After eating, and until the individual lunch period is over, students may go outside during good weather. If the weather is inclement, students will stay in the cafeteria.

Food and beverages may only be consumed in the cafeteria or home economics room.

Students are issued lunch cards, which are required to expedite lunch purchases. Students with cards ready will be first in the lunch line. Abuse of lunch cards will be considered as a disciplinary infraction.

All areas on and around cafeteria tables must be clean in order for students at that table to be dismissed.



 

Food And Drinks

Students will not have, and therefore not consume, food or drinks in classrooms or study halls in classrooms. Snacks may be consumed in cafeteria study halls, or at the discretion of the teacher, and provided that the areas are kept clean.



 

Dress Code

Students whose appearance interferes with the educational process by drawing undue attention of other students or school personnel, by posing a potential safety hazard to themselves or others, or by being interpreted by school personnel to be offensive in either the message that is implied or the parts of the body that are revealed will be asked to change their clothing into something more appropriate, or will be sent home to change.

Simple guidelines for school-appropriate dress are:



 

School Attendance

The primary responsibility of the school is instruction and learning. Learning cannot take place if the student is absent. In an effort to improve attendance and, thereby, improve learning, the middle school and the high school will implement the following standards:

Students may not accumulate more than 16 unexcused absences a school year (4 in a quarter) in order to obtain credit for a full year course. For classes, which don't meet every day, students may not accumulate more than 16 absence.

Student involvement in school-sponsored activities will not be considered as an absence.

Students who exceed the limits of the attendance policy will receive no credit in these classes.

This attendance policy will be similarly applied to C.V.C. courses taken by Hinsdale students.

Absences for the following reasons will not be counted towards the 16-day limit:

Notes from doctors for appointments or extended illness, for college visitations and for court appearances, must be on letterhead, signed by an appropriate official and must be turned in as soon as possible after the student's return to school.

It is assumed that any long-term illness (more than a single day) will have required a visit to the physician, where a note may be obtained, excusing the illness. It is understood that if the school places the student on suspension, the student has not voluntarily skipped school, causing an unexcused absence.

Appropriate notes for absences/tardies should be brought into the attendance office.

The principal may excuse absences for family vacations if a request, by the parent and in writing, is made before the trip and all schoolwork to be completed is obtained in advance. Because a parent approved of an absence, however does not mean that the school will always approve it.

Students who are suspended are not to participate in school activities that day or evening. Exceptions for unusual circumstances must have approval of the school administration.

At the close of the term, administration will review all absences over 4 days to determine which ones are unexcused.

If, after administration review, a student is determined to have 4 or more un excused absences, that grade will be recorded on the student's report card, along with a letter explaining that an administrative review has been completed and the student has 4 or more unexcused absences and the dates of those unexcused absences.

A student may appeal an "Attendance F" (which is a failure of the class) by supplying the appropriate documentation to the Appeals Committee, via the principal. The Attendance Review Committee (ARC) comprised of administration and staff will review individual student's attendance for action when an official appeal is lodged from the student. In extraordinary circumstances, students or parents may appeal to the ARC for relief of the attendance provisions.

Appeal Process

It is the responsibility of the parents and students to provide legitimate written notes for excused absences. The notes will be filed in the office, and will be assessed at the end of the marking quarter to determine if a student will receive an "Attendance F" for that marking quarter.



 

Detentions

Students may be issued teacher detentions, which will be served with the individual teacher. The teacher must notify a parent 24 hours in advance of the detention. The date to be served and the length of the detention will be at the teacher's discretion. The teacher should use this time to discuss the issues which led to the detention in order to prevent a recurrence of the behavior. If a student does not serve a detention, he/she will be assigned an office detention.

Office detentions will be assigned for Tuesday or Thursday afternoons. De tentions run from 2:40 until 3:30 PM. Students are expected to be on time to sit quietly. If a student does not serve an office detention, he/she will be assigned two additional detentions. If a student misses either of these, further consequences may be assigned by the administration (ISS, loss of eligibility to participate in extra curricular activities, community service).

Prior notification by parents is needed by the administration in the event a student has a time conflict with a detention.



 

In School Suspension

It is recognized that only the administration of Hinsdale High School will place students in ISS.

It is recognized that ISS is reserved for those students whose actions are serious enough to warrant removal from all their classes and school activities for a day or more.

It is recognized that ISS is reserved for those students whose consequence might otherwise be Out-Of-School Suspension.

It is recognized that ISS is meant for students who are assigned to a full day of ISS the previous day. It is not a time out room for students who are asked to leave a class for a single period.

While in ISS students are expected to follow the following rules:



 

Out of School Suspension

Students will be suspended from school for of Tenses which warrant such action according to the code of conduct. These students may be required by the principal to complete a behavior plan that includes parental participation. Any student suspended from school cannot be on school grounds at any time during the period of suspension, including before and after school. Parents will be notified by phone and in writing by the Principal when their child is suspended. A student can be suspended from one to ten days, depending on the infraction or frequency of infractions. All work may be completed for a maxi mum grade of "C". It is the responsibility of the student or parents to get the necessary materials. Upon return to school, and prior to attending classes, the parent(s) and student must meet with the principal and the student's guidance counselor.



 

Fire Drills

In the event of fire, or regularly scheduled fire drills, the alarm signal shall be two 15-second continuous soundings of the corridor bells with approximately eight seconds between soundings. Upon the sounding of the alarm, students will immediately leave their class areas and proceed quietly and quickly according to the exit plan for their specific rooms, to the outside, approximately forty feet from the building, there to await further instructions or the reentry signal, which shall be one long (15-second) sounding of the bell.

It is fundamentally necessary that during fire drills absolute quiet must be maintained. In the case of a real emergency, talking, turning around, or getting out of line might have disastrous results. Therefore, every drill should be treated as a real emergency.



 

P. A. System

P. A. announcements will be made each day at 7:55 a.m. and at 2:32 p.m. Announcements of any emergency nature will be made at any time during the day but every attempt will be made to avoid the interruption of classes.

If students wish announcements read they must obtain the signature of a faculty member on the announcement. Announcements should also include the date and dates to be read. They should be typed or written legibly and turned in to the principal well in advance of the reading.

Announcements are meant to inform the student body. Quiet should prevail when they are being read. Consider your neighbors; they may be interested if you are not.



 

News Releases

All news and publicity releases for any area of school activity must be cleared through the office. They must be countersigned by the faculty member responsible for the activity. The office will be responsible for placing the information in the hands of the publishing agent.



 

Early Dismissal From School

Seniors who are on the honor roll may be excused to work prior to the end of the school day if their schedule allows To receive this privilege, a written request from a parent or guardian must be received by the principal. Also, a statement from the employer listing the starting date of employment, the hours and days of the week the student will be employed is requested. Students may be dismissed 40 minutes prior to the employees requested starting time. This 40 minutes maybe adjusted downward depending on the location o the student's employment. It is the student's responsibility to notify the school of termination of employment, or change in work hours. If a student changes employment, student will follow the procedure described above. If students participating in the program become involved in academic or disciplinary difficulty, they may be removed from the program. For those students whose parents or guardians wish them dismissed from school early because of a dental appointment, medical appointment, home emergency o other legitimate reason, the following procedure is to be followed: A written re quest for early dismissal, signed by parent or guardian, must be brought to the office upon the student's arrival at school. The request must state the reason to dismissal along with the time for dismissal. It must also be dated. If approved, the student's name will appear on the early dismissal column on the daily bulletin. A student who leaves school without permission will be required to make up the time lost in detention at a rate of one hour for each period missed. A student who persists in leaving school without permission will be suspended until such time as a conference can be arranged with the parents.



 

Class Tardiness

  1. Teacher will issue verbal warnings where appropriate. (Student entering class as bell is ringing.)
  2. Teacher will issue one verbal warning for tardiness each quarter. The second offense will warrant a teacher detention. The third offense will result in a discipline referral and an office detention.
  3. Upon subsequent tardiness, further disciplinary referrals will be given to the office, where appropriate consequences will be issued.
  4. Any student who is more than 7 minutes late to class without a pass will be issued a discipline referral for class cutting.



 

Use of Passes

Students are to use written passes when not in class during class time. Students will be asked to show their pass to any teacher. If a student does not have a legitimate pass, the teacher will escort him/her to his/her assigned area. Subsequent abuse of the pass privilege will result in their loss.



 

Leaving School Grounds Without Permission

No student will leave the school grounds without written permission from the office. No student will leave the school building to go to the parking lot unless accompanied by a staff member. Parents will be notified if a student leaves school grounds without permission. The police will also be contacted. Any student who leaves will be assigned to ISS for three days. Any subsequent offense will result in a 3 day out of school suspension.



 

Before School

Students arriving at school before the first bell will go to the cafeteria. No student may be in another area without a written pass from a staff member which must be obtained previously. Locker rooms may be accessed after 7:45 AM.



 

Late To School

Any student arriving late to school is expected to have a written excuse note from their parent(s). The student must sign in at the office and receive a pass to enter class late. Three tardies without excuse notes will be considered one unexcused absence.



 

Make-Up Work

Students are expected to complete make-up work within two school days for each day of excused absence, tardiness, or early-dismissal. Students with extended periods of absence due to illness may be given additional time at the teacher's discretion. Requests for make-up work are asked to be given in writing to the office.



 

Visitors

Visitors are people who are not school district personnel or are not currently enrolled as students in Hinsdale. Students may not have guests. Guests may be invited by staff members.

Visitors are to sign in and out of a log book at the office, and are to wear a visitor's badge while in the building.

The administration may ask a visitor to leave. Visitors without passes will be escorted to the office by faculty or staff. The police will be contacted if a visitor refuses to leave.



 

Smoking Policy Guidelines and Procedure

There is to be no smoking or use of smokeless tobacco at any school supervised activity on or off school grounds. This is to include the school building, the parking lot, any part of the school property or adjacent grounds, or on any school provided transportation.



 

Destruction Of School and/or Private Party

Where it can be shown that damage to school property and equipment was accidental or was a result of normal use, students will not be held responsible for payment of damages. However, in those cases where damage is willful, malicious, or premeditated and/or the result of fooling around and less than reasonable judgment, the student(s) will be held responsible for the damage. Repair costs will be charged to the student(s) and his/her parents.

Individuals guilty of willful, malicious, and premeditated destruction of school or private property will be turned over to the proper legal authorities for prosecution. Destruction of school and/or private property is a cause for suspension or expulsion.



 

Care of Books and Equipment

The district spends thousands of dollars annually to see that students are provided with the necessary books, equipment, and other materials that will aid in acquiring a good education. The school expects that books, equipment, and materials loaned to the students will be given the proper care that is required and returned in good condition when recalled. Nor mal wear and tear is expected; damage beyond normal wear and tear is not and a fee will be levied, as will be the case with lost books or equipment. Responsibility is the student's.



 

Tape Players

CD Players, cell phones, and other types of electronic devices are not to be used by students in school. These items will be confiscated and kept in the office, where students may get them after school.



 

Lockers

Lockers will be assigned at the beginning of the school year. Students are reminded that a lock should be placed on their lockers, and that money or valuable items should not be left in them. Students may only use the assigned locker and are not to change or share them.



 

Health Services

Students who become ill during the day will report to the office with a written pass from their teacher. The student will be assigned to the Health Room for a short period of time. If the student, during that time, does not improve, the parent will be contacted and the student taken home. Students are required by state law to be screened for various reasons (vision, hearing, scoliosis, etc.). Students are also required to take physical examinations before participating in interscholastic athletics. Physicals and screenings will be provided by school health professionals. Parents may have these examinations conducted by their own physicians provided that written documentation, of the screening or physical, is provided to school officials.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Prescription Medication

The Hinsdale High School does not supply any over the counter medications to any student.

For prescription medication, that cannot be given at home, may be administered to a student at school once arrangements are made by the parents or guardians. The procedure is as follows:

  1. Parent shall bring medication to school and pick it up when discontinued.
  2. Parent shall bring the medication in the original container with appropriate label with the student's name, date of prescription, dosage information, pharmacy name and prescription number, and the prescribing physician.
  3. Parent signs authorization for the medication to be given at school.
  4. Parent brings in a note from the physician detailing administration instructions.
  5. 5. Any changes in medication requires a new note from the prescribing physician, detailing changes.

Non-Prescription Medications

Non-Prescription medications and cough drops (over the counter medicine) may be administered with these guidelines:

  1. Parent brings the medicine to the school in an original pharmacy (store) container (box), the medication is labeled with appropriate information and student's name.
  2. Authorization is signed by parent (forms for authorizations are available upon request from the office). Many medications can be scheduled at home. Please check with the student's physician regarding the need for medication at school or call the school nurse. No internal medicine shall be dispensed or administered to any child by school personnel except by the nurse, principal, or someone under his/her supervision, upon written order of the physician who has prescribed the medicine. Parents are to bring any medication in the original container, accompanied by a written order of the physician who prescribed the medicine and a note signed by the parents with directions.


 

Prescription & Non-Prescription Medications

Students are not to keep prescription or over the counter medicines in their lockers, purses, or knapsacks. All medicines are to be kept in the office.

No medications are to be exchanged between students.

If you are diabetic and have to take injections, do not leave your used syringe in your locker, take it home with you. Have a note signed by your attending physician that you must take insulin at school.



 

Telephone

Student Phones
A pay phone is available for student use. Students may use the phone during the school day, providing they are not late to class. No student will be permitted to leave class to make a phone call.

Due to the large number of students desiring to use the telephone, students are asked to complete calls as quickly as possible. Should students prolong telephone calls, they may be required to terminate the call.

Office Phone
The telephone in the school offices are reserved for the use of authorized persons only. Students are not permitted to use office phones except in emergency conditions, if an emergency arises, the student must first obtain permission before making the call.



 

School Dances

School dances are not to last later than 11:00 p.m. School dances are to be held on Friday nights, unless special permission is granted otherwise. Student guests to be invited are to be accepted in advance by the principal. A guest list will be kept.

School dances are to be supervised by at least two members of the faculty, with two parents as guests in attendance. If no parent will attend, dance will be cancelled. Parents acceptance of duty should be received well in advance.

No pupil is to be allowed to leave the building and return unless conditions of emergency exist.

Committees are to be fully organized under the supervision of the advisor concerned when arranging dances. The advisor must be present at the affair. Student Council rules that do not conflict with school policies will also be in effect.



 

Cheshire Center for Applied Science & Technology

Students attending the center will adhere to the following rules and procedures:

  1. Students will comply with all bus riding regulations including those regulations dealing with excessive noise, driver distraction, and general unruliness.
  2. Students will ride on the bus provided by the school district to and from the center. Individual cars may not be used unless permission is granted by the principal. Permission should be requested at least a day in advance. When permission is granted, it is for one individual only. There are to be no other passengers in the automobile.
  3. Excused absences from the center will be consistent with those at Hinsdale High School. That is, absences for reasons of poor health, or home emergencies. Missing the bus is not considered an excused absence. Unexcused absences may bring detentions or other disciplinary action.
  4. Students not returning to H.H.S. after classes at the center will be considered truant. Parents will be notified, and disciplinary procedures involving truancy will be imposed.
  5. Students will not be allowed to conduct personal business in Keene during the hours they are to be attending, or riding to and from the center.
  6. Upon returning from the center, students are to report directly to the cafeteria, so that attendance may be taken.
  7. Students with excessive absences and disciplinary records at the center will be reviewed in regard to continued attendance at the center.
  8. The H.H.S. Attendance Policy will be in effect for those students attending the center.
  9. Students suspended from the center will also be suspended from H.H.S.
  10. Students suspended from H.H.S. will also be suspended from the center.



 

Field Trips

All school rules will be in effect during field trips. Instructions from chaperones or the bus driver are to be considered in the same vein as those of teachers. Students are to remain with their group unless permission to separate is given by the accompanying teachers or chaperones. No valuables of any kind are to be left on the bus.



 

Student Rights and Due Process

It is the right of every student to attend school.

A student is entitled to full consideration under the law and also entitled to its full protection. Due Process stands as a protection of all rights. Due Process procedures assures every aggrieved student shall be fairly heard and judged.

The procedures stated herein are clearly defined to ensure consideration for student disciplinary problems and the processing of student complaints on limitations or interpretations of his/her rights.

Process for Appealing Disciplinary Consequences:

  1. Parents may appeal Disciplinary Consequences in writing to the building principal/principal's designee, staling why they are appealing such action. This document must be received by the building principal/principal's designee by 8 a.m. of the next school day in order for the parents to have a valid appeal. If this document is received by the principal/principal's designee by 8 a.m. the following school day, the student may attend school while the following appeal process is implemented.
  2. The parents must meet with the principal/principal's designee within 24 hours so that principal/principal's designee can discuss and investigate the parents' written appeal as might be necessary.
  3. The principal/principal's designee will then issue a written ruling within this 24 hour time frame to parents and superintendent.
  4. Parents may immediately contact the superintendent should they disagree with the ruling.



 

Student Responsibilities

Students at Hinsdale High School have the responsibility to respect all those rights and freedoms which are granted them by the United States Government and should not abuse those or deny them to others.

Hinsdale High School students have the responsibility to attend school and all their classes on a regular basis, to be punctual and to see that their attendance is recorded. While attending classes students have the responsibilities to be present with required materials, completed assignments and an attitude which will allow them to participate in a manner which will benefit the student and others in their classes.

Students have a responsibility to care for all school property and conduct themselves in a manner which will reflect favorably upon themselves and the school community.

Finally, students have the responsibility to display a mutual respect for all members of the Hinsdale High School community and to adhere to the rules and regulations of the Hinsdale School District and Hinsdale High School as specified in the Hinsdale High School Code of Conduct.



 

Student Behavior

Hinsdale School District Policies and Procedures dealing with unlawful and deviant student behavior will be enforceable on town properties abutting school district land. The aforementioned policies and procedures may be invoked when the welfare of students is in question and/or unlawful acts are involved.

Town properties abutting school district land are defined as follows:

  1. The athletic fields running from the high school to Brattleboro Road.
  2. Heritage Park
  3. The property running east from the high school toward the Adams property, and south to Prospect Street.

The Policies and Procedures eluded to in this document remain in effect for District owned land and buildings.

Adopted by Hinsdale School Board October 14, 1981.



 

Use of Automobiles

The privilege of driving a motor vehicle to and from school is extended to students.

Students must park within the marked lines within the Students' Parking Area and are not permitted to park in the Faculty Area, on the street, or in neighboring lots.

For the protection of vehicles and students, students are not allowed to go to their automobile during the day unless the students have office permission. The parking lots are considered to be unauthorized areas during school hours.

Also, no speeding or horseplay in automobiles will be tolerated. Upon arrival at school, all students must leave their vehicle and enter the building, no loitering in the parking lot or outside of the building is allowed.

Abuse or violation of parking lot rules will result in the loss of parking privileges and lowing when deemed necessary at the expense of the owner.



 

HINSDALE HIGH SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

Parents, school board members, the faculty and staff of Hinsdale High School are very proud of Hinsdale High School students and are interested in encouraging all students to do their best. Toward that end, the code of conduct has been collaboratively developed. It is to be used as an overview rather than as an all inclusive document. The principal will ultimately determine the severity of the consequences.



 

Level I

Misbehavior on the part of the student which disrupts orderly classroom procedures or interferes with the operation of the school. These misbehaviors are initially handled by an individual classroom teacher and generally do not require intervention by other school personnel unless the misbehaviors are of a repeated nature.



 

Level II

Misbehavior whose frequency and seriousness tend to disrupt the learning climate of the school. Also included in this level are misbehaviors which are more serious in nature than those cited in Level I but which do not represent a dire( threat to the health and safety of others. These tend to be actions of serious educational consequences and consequently require corrective action on the part of the administration.

Examples (not limited to) and Consequences

* All references to detention, unless specifically referred to as "teacher detention" indicates a 2:40-3:30 P.M. detention on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon and re quires parents to provide transportation home.



 

Level III

Acts directed against persons or property whose consequence endangering the health and safety of others in the school.

Examples (not limited to) and Consequences

  • Threatening others with serious harm
    • 1st offense - 1 day ISS
    • 2nd offense - 2 days ISS
    • 3rd offense - 3 days out-of-school suspension
    • 4th offense - 5 days out-of-school suspension
    • 5th offense 10 days out-of-school suspension and referral to the superintendent.
  • Defacing or destroying property or materials
    • 1-3 days ISS
    • Restitution
  • Throwing rocks, snowballs, or other similar objects
    • Detention
    • Repeated offense will result in I day ISS
  • Stealing or unauthorized use of student, staff, or school property
    • 1st offense - detention and restitution
    • 2nd offense - 1 day ISS and restitution
  • Gross misconduct and refusal to conform to reasonable rules: pushing, shoving, general horseplay which could result in someone being hurt
    • Teacher will tell student(s) to immediately stop behavior
    • If student(s) do not stop - teacher detention
    • Subsequent offense - detention then I day ISS
  • Use of obscene language or gestures within classroom
    • Immediate removal from class to office. Principal will assign ISS.
    • 2nd offense - 2 days ISS
    • 3rd offense - 3 days ISS
    • 4th offense - 4 days ISS
    • Subsequent offences will result in 3, 5, 10 days out-of-school suspension
    • Smoking
      • 1st offense - 3 days out-of-school suspension
      • 2nd offense - 5 days out-of-school suspension
      • 3rd offense - 10 days out-of-school suspension and referral to the superintendent.

    Police will be notified by the principal as appropriate as it is illegal to smoke in the school buildings or on school grounds.



 

Level IV

Acts which result in violence to another person or property or which pose a direct threat to the safety of others. These acts are clearly often criminal and are so serious that they ALWAYS require administrative action which results in the IM- MEDIATE removal of the student from the school and frequently intervention of law enforcement and outside authorities. Such actions may result in a request for dismissal or extended suspension on behalf of the School Board.

Examples (not limited to)

Procedures

Disciplinary Options



 

Discipline File

Discipline files will be housed in the ISS room. The files will include all copies of teacher issued detentions as well as office issued detentions. On the inside cover will be a chart which will list date assigned, infraction, level of offense, etc.



 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES

General Statement of Policy

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which violates Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the NH Law against discrimination (RSA 354-A).

It is the policy of the Hinsdale School District to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment. The school district prohibits any form of sexual harassment.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or employee of the Hinsdale School District to harass a student or employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature as defined by this policy. The school district will act to investigate all complaints, either formal or in formal, verbal or written, of sexual harassment and to discipline any student or employee who sexually harasses a student or employee of the school district.

Sexual Harassment Defined

  1. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
    1. Submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining or retaining employment, or of obtaining an education; or
    2. Submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual's employment or education; or
    3. That conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual's employment or education, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment or education environment. Any sexual harassment as defined when perpetrated on any student or employee will be treated as sexual harassment under this policy.


     

  2. Sexual harassment may include but not limited to:
    1. Verbal harassment or abuse;
    2. Subtle pressure for sexual activity;
    3. Inappropriate patting or pinching;
    4. Intentional brushing against a student's or employee's body;
    5. Demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning an individual's employment or educational status;
    6. Demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt promises of preferential treatment with regard to an individual's employment or educational status;
    7. Any sexually motivated unwelcome touching.

Reporting Procedures

Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of sexual harassment by a student or an employee of the school district, or any third person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment should report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official as designated by this policy. The school district encourages the reporting party or complainant to immediately inform the principal who will investigate according to school district policy guidelines.




 

BULLYING


 

General Statement of Policy

The board is committed to providing all pupils a safe school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect. This policy is intended to comply with RSA 193-F, which specifically identifies "bullying" as a form of pupil harassment. Conduct constituting bullying will not be tolerated, and is prohibited by this policy, in accordance with RSA 193-F.

 

Bullying Defined

Bullying is conduct which subjects a pupil to insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal or physical in nature, which are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response from the student being treated in this manner.

The superintendent will develop administrative regulations to implement this definition.

 

Reporting Procedure

Any school employee, or employee of a company under contract with a school in the district, or the district itself, who has witnessed or has reliable information that a pupil has been subjected to "bullying," as defined above, shall report such incident to the principal, or his/her designee, who shall in turn report the incident to the superintendent.

The principal is initially responsible for receiving oral or written reports of violations of this policy and for taking appropriate disciplinary action. The principal may designate, in writing, an additional person to receive such reports.

After receiving any such report, the principal shall report the incident to the superintendent. If the principal received the information verbally, he/she shall reduce the report he/she received to writing within twenty-four hours of receiving the information, and forward it to the superintendent. If the principal received the information in writing, he/she shall forward what he/she received to the superintendent within twenty-four hours of receipt.




 

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR THE INTERNET


 

Hinsdale High School is offering internet access to students in grades 7-12. Internet use is intended for research purposes, sharing information with other schools and students, and to assist students in learning communication skills which they will use in their post-graduate careers.

Network/Internet use will be monitored by school personnel. The school will review and edit any materials in user accounts as deemed necessary. Illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

The school retains the right to deny access to known security risks and those known to breach pre-set computer parameters.

The school will do its best to provide instruction and access to computer resources. But, the district and its employees are not liable for technical or other difficulties, as well as loss, damage or unavailability of materials. The school district and its employees cannot be held responsible for student use of the Internet Network.

All school rules for good behavior apply to the use of computers, just as they do in all other areas of the school.

Access to Internet services will be given to students who agree to act in a responsible manner by reading and signing this form. Parental permission is also required in the case of minor-aged students.

Violations may result in a loss of access.

Additional disciplinary action may be taken at the building level, in line with existing rules regarding inappropriate language or behavior.

Where applicable, federal law enforcement agencies may become involved.

Parents, as well as students, should be aware that the Internet is a public forum. Not all users are trustworthy and many falsely represent themselves.




 

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION


 

The School Districts of School Administrative Unit No. 38 (Hinsdale School District, Monadnock Regional School District, and the Winchester School District) do not discriminate in their educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, or handicap under the provisions of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any persons having inquiries concerning School Administrative Unit No. 38's policies of compliance with the regulations implementing these laws may contact: Director of Special Services, SAU No. 38,600 Old Homestead Highway, Swanzey, Center, NH 03446, (603) 352-6955, FAX (603) 358-6708. (rev. 7/94)

 

The School Districts of School Administrative Unit No. 38 will provide a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and its implementing regulations.




 

HINSDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT EMERGENCY POLICY


 

First Aid is given at school to protect the life and comfort of a student until authorized treatment is obtained.

It is essential for the school to have current emergency information for each student. This information should include: name of parent(s) or guardian, home and work telephone numbers, personal physician's name and telephone, allergies, health problems and authorization for emergency care.

Parents will be notified by telephone or letter when a student has a significant injury or illness. If it is impossible to contact the parents and student's physician, the school will make whatever arrangements seem necessary.

In case of an emergency at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station parents should listen to an Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) radio station to receive any recommendations for sheltering, evacuation, or other protective actions. The EBS radio stations in the Hinsdale area are:

    WKBK Keene    1220 AM
    WKNE Keene    1290 AM
    WNBX Keene    103.7 FM
    WYRY Hinsdale    104.9 FM
    WTSA Brattleboro    1450 AM/96.7FM
    WKVT Brattleboro    1490 AM/92.7 FM

If sheltering is advised, students will be sheltered in their school classrooms. If the emergency requires evacuation, the following procedures should be followed by parents of students at the school complex of Hinsdale:

  1. Students will be bussed to the Keene State College Reception Center under the supervision of their teachers or other school officials.
  2. Students will be registered at the reception center, Spaulding Gymnasium Keene State College.
  3. Parents will be evacuated with the rest of the citizens of Hinsdale. Parents of school children should go to the Keene Staging Area at the Riverside Plaza on Route 101 and Route 10 (Bradlees Department Store). From the Staging Area, parents will be given instructions on how to proceed to the Reception Center in the Spaulding Gymnasium.
  4. Parents will meet their children at the Pupil Area of Keene State College Reception Area in Spaulding Gymnasium. Pupils will be under the supervision of teachers or other responsible registration officials until released to parents.
  5. If the above is followed, it will result in less confusion and an orderly evacuation of the Town of Hinsdale.

The Hinsdale Emergency Public Information Calendar, mailed to each household in Hinsdale, contains some very useful information that parents should review with their families. This information would be helpful to the children at those times, such as vacation periods, when the children are not in school. If you do not have a calendar, contact the Hinsdale Emergency Management Director at 336-5401. He has extra copies and he can ensure that your name and address are put on the calendar mailing list.

 

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