TO THE STUDENT & PARENT/GUARDIAN:

Welcome to Elkins High School, where we are dedicated to the education of the whole student through the use of effective schools research, a drug-free environment, assertive discipline, a positive climate, and High Schools That Work initiatives in cooperation with the Randolph County Vocational-Technical Center. We believe that, at EHS, you will find the opportunity for growth socially as well as educationally. The policies and procedures contained in this handbook have been carefully prepared to help you adjust to and become an integral part of EHS. As any guide, it only serves as a framework about which you should plan your activities. It is not possible to cover every situation in great detail, but only to give you the essentials upon which to start. In the absence of specific instructions, you should comply with the spirit of good citizenship; and when in doubt, talk it over with your teachers or administrators. The ultimate goal of education is to produce responsible citizens who can function effectively in a democratic society. The process of education emphasizes individual rights balanced with responsibility as well as the necessity for social order. Success at EHS and later in life depends directly on our efforts in working together towards these goals. You, the student, are the most important part of your school. Be honest, carry your fair share of the load, and work hard at achieving your goals. Again, welcome to EHS! We look forward to an exciting and meaningful year ahead.

Sincerely,

Thomas E. Pritt, Principal

Terry Gainer, Asst. Principal

ATTENDANCE

Students will be considered truant except for the following legally defined absences: (1) personal illness, (2) death in the immediate family, (3) medical appointments, (4) religious observances and (5) school approved activities. All attendance records will be maintained on the student's computer record. When a student is absent, he is responsible for bringing to school a written note explaining the reason for the absence. Failure to present a note (before first period) to the designated collector, within two days of the student's return, automatically makes the absence unexcused. The note should include the following:

1. Student's full name 

2. Student's ID number

3. Date/times of absence 

4. Reason

5. Parent of guardian signature

After 3 consecutive absences for illness a student may be required to bring a doctor's excuse and a note/letter from parent/guardian to the excuse recorder within 2 days following the absence. Otherwise, the absence will be considered unexcused. If medical appointments have to be made during school time, the student should be in school before and after the appointment, if possible. Keeping or taking a child out of school when there is no legitimate reason is considered to be an unexcused absence. After 5 absences have been accumulated, the student will be reported to the county attendance officer, and the school will notify the parents by certified mail. It will be the student's responsibility to show valid excuses for the absences. If this is not done, the attendance officer may file a complaint of truancy in Magistrate Court. According to WV state law, the department of motor vehicles will be notified if a student holding a valid permit or license, violates the attendance policy Licenses or permits could be revoked for excessive absences. Arrangements for make-up work must be initiated by the student to the teacher on the first day that the student returns to that class. The teacher may then complete the written make-up work contract specifying what work will be done and when the work will be due. Failure on the part of the student to initiate the contract or comply with the contract will result in grades of zero for the said work.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

In order for a teacher to assess the knowledge and progress of students, academic honesty is necessary. Therefore, it is the responsibility of both the student and the teacher to prevent situations where cheating of any form, including plagiarism, will occur. Cheating is defined as:

1. Viewing information dishonestly during any form of a formal evaluation.

2. Communicating in class with another student during a test, quiz, or at any time when completing independent work.

3. Copying or enabling the copying of independent work.

4. Providing information to another student about examinations in written or verbal form before or after an examination.

5. The removal of examination materials from the classroom before or after an exam.

Plagiarism is defined as using ideas, words (written or oral), or artistic productions of another as one's original effort or without giving due credit. Examples are:

1. Using materials for research papers and essays which have not been given due credit.

2. Using other students' work on a test, quiz, or homework as one's own work.

3. Any other act deemed to be dishonest by the teacher.

Any student who is involved with academic dishonesty will receive one or more of the following penalties:

1. Two days ISS.

2. Consideration for loss of credit.

3. A grade of zero for the work on which the student cheated.

4. Work reassigned at the convenience of the teacher toassure an honest evaluation of the student's work. (A drop of a letter grade may be given.)

5. Parent notification and/or conference.

6. Teacher arrangements for a different evaluation situation for any student.

7. A student may be barred or removed from the "National Honor Society."

ACCELERATION AND TESTING OUT POLICY

According to Senate Bill 300, students will be given the opportunity to test out of any required course in which the student is not currently enrolled. A "Request to Test" form must be submitted at the county office. Refer to County Policy FHACA.

ACTIVITIES AND ASSEMBLIES

Many opportunities will be provided for students to expand their knowledge through special assemblies and extra-curricular activities. Upon entering the auditorium or gymnasium, students should find a seat within the area specified for his/her grade level, and show respect for the people involved in presenting the program by remaining quiet throughout the assembly. Students who disrupt the assembly by being disrespectful will be dismissed from the assembly and placed on *social probation for a period of time based on the discretion of the administration. Should the student body exhibit disrespect as group, the assembly will be canceled and the students will be sent back to their regular classes. A student will be placed on social probation for:

1. Inappropriate behavior at school activities, school assemblies, field trips and extra curricular events.

2. Disrespect to faculty or staff- 2^nd offense within a term.

3. Fighting.

4. Destruction of school property.

5. Placement in Alternative Learning Center.

6. Other offenses deemed applicable by the administration. *Social probation-students are prohibited from attending field trips, extra curricular activities and other activities.

ADMISSION OF SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED STUDENTS IN WV PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Prior to the admission of any student into any public school in the state, the student's parent/guardian must affirm in writing whether the student is currently under suspension or expulsion from any public or private school in WV or any other state. Any student who has been suspended or expelled from another school, either public or private in WV or any other state, may not be admitted to any public school in WV until the period of suspension or expulsion has expired.

ADVISOR/ADVISEE PROGRAM

In order to assist students in career planning and selection of majors, EHS and RCVTC have developed this program. Students will meet with their advisors to discuss academic and school related issues pertinent to the individual student. Advisor/Advisee sessions are held during the activity period and attendance is required.

CLOSED CAMPUS

EHS IS A CLOSED CAMPUS. Students are required to remain on campus from the time they arrive in the morning until they leave at the end of the school day. All parking lots and Midland School property are OFF-LIMITS during the day. Students violating this policy will lose parking privileges for the remainder of the semester.

COLLEGE COURSES

EHS students who meet college admissions requirements may enroll in college courses. Students who need only senior English to complete the graduation requirements may be granted permission by the principal to waive the senior year at high school. Eligible students may enroll in college on a part-time basis but must attend high school to complete the graduation requirements. For every 5 three-hour college course enrolled, the student may be excused from one instructional period taken at EHS.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

The EHS staff believes that all students have a right to a safe, drug-free environment. Any student caught selling or distributing controlled substances or items represented as controlled substances will be referred to the Randolph County Board of Education with a recommendation for a full year's expulsion from school. Students under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be disciplined according to WV Safe Schools Act and suspended 9 days for the first offense. The Randolph County Board of Education recognizes substance use and abuse among youth to be a serious problem. Randolph County Schools accepts the responsibility to work with the home and community to create a school environment free of substance use and abuse. The primary purpose of the school regarding substance use is to educate students in grades K-12 to make decisions to avoid the use of drugs and alcohol. This is done through the regular programs of curriculum and counseling, and consists of a plan that includes objectives for behavior, a plan for implementation, and a method for evaluation. The Board of Education recognizes these responsibilities cannot be fulfilled by the schools alone. The assistance of community agencies such as the family, law enforcement officials, churches, health services, mental health agencies, treatment facilities, and other concerned citizens is solicited. Substance may be defined as any type of alcohol or drug(s) unaccompanied by a physician's statement. Possession or use of a substance any time on school property is considered an illegal act. A student having possession or using a substance will be suspended or expelled, and will be required to be rehabilitated before returning to school. Students who use or possess substance shall be subject to disciplinary action. The principal and his/her staff have the responsibility to identify students using or possessing substance. The school administrator or a teacher in the presence of another educator shall have the right to search a student or any part of school property, including students' lockers, if reasonable cause is present to suspect possession or use of a substance. The parent/guardian shall be contacted, if possible, when a student has been detected using or possessing a substance. In an emergency case of abuse when parents cannot be reached, the administration will pursue a course of action to protect the welfare of the student. Cases shall be turned over to the proper legal authority if any legal statute has been broken.

The WV Legislature finds and accepts the medical evidence that the use of smoking tobacco and smokeless tobacco may be harmful to one's health. The use of tobacco is a "health and safety issue" and not a rights issue. Possession, smoking, and use of tobacco products by students, staff and citizens is prohibited in school buildings, on school grounds and school owned vehicles at all times.

EHS DISCIPLINE POLICY

(Aligned with the WV Safe Schools Act)

Appropriate behavior, which displays respect for the rights of others and assumption of responsibility for individual actions, is expected from all students. Failure to display such behavior will result in disciplinary action which may include: expulsion, suspension, in-school suspension, noon detention, alternative learning assignments, parent conference, or other actions. When problems arise, the student should seek the involvement of counselors, teachers, and the administration to resolve the conflict. Suspension from school and/or all school activities will be utilized when behavior and attitude warrant. On any occasion, the seriousness of an offense or the discipline record of a student could immediately result in expulsion or a longer suspension. Inappropriate behavior will result in consequences listed below. Students under suspension or expulsion are not permitted on school property or school buses. They may not attend or participate in any extracurricular activities. Noncompliance with the policy may result in additional suspension days (up to 10 days) and/or trespassing charges. Every student at EHS will receive a copy of this handbook and any other changes or additions. Therefore, each will be held responsible. Not knowing, or "I was not told", will NOT be accepted as an excuse.

TERMS TO BE DEFINED:

CONTRABAND-Any object that is illegal to have on school property. This also includes any item that might interfere with instruction. Objects such as, but not limited to, the following are examples of contraband: paint balls, spray cans, lighters, squirt guns, laser pointers, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and weapons.

RESTRICTED AREA-Any area not used by students during the normal school day or that a student is not scheduled to be in including , but not limited to, the vocational building, parking lots, mezzanine and stairways up to the mezzanine, back and sides of the school building, and staff work areas.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION(ISS)-A restricted environment within the school with work provided. This counts as a day of attendance. It is the students' responsibility to approach teachers and get assignments before the day they are to report to ISS.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)-This counts as an unexcused absence from school.

It is important to understand that the following policy and procedures are only a guideline. It may and can be changed. There may be "grey" areas that need to be treated differently. Some situations may not exactly fit a given rule. Some situations may not even be addressed. When this guideline is not working for an individual student, other options can be used. Students who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act may not be subject to these policies. Violations of this assertive discipline plan will be accumulated for EHS and the Randolph County Vocational Technical Center together.

ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE-ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

THE FOLLOWING OFFENSES ARE PROHIBITED AT EHS:

1. Running or obstructing the halls.

2. Excessive affection in halls or on campus.

3. Improper conduct toward others.

4. Radios, recorders, "boom boxes", beepers, cellular phones, squirt guns, paint balls, spray cans, lighters, skateboards, or anything that would interfere with instruction. (These objects will be confiscated and may be returned to the student at the end of the school day.)

1^st Offense-Lunch detention

2^nd Offense-1 day ISS

3^rd Offense-2 days ISS

1^st Offense-Cost of repair plus 3 days OSS

2^nd Offense-Pay cost of repair plus 5 days OSS and a referral to the Board of Education for possible further action.

6. Skipping school (MORE THAN 1 BLOCK)

Each offense-2 days ISS plus parental contact, notification of attendance officer.

7. Skipping class (In addition to not going to class, this includes leaving class without permission or leaving before being 

dismissed.) Being tardy more than 10 minutes.

8. Leaving campus without permission.

Each offense-1 day ISS.

1^st Offense-2 days ISS, or 2 days OSS, depending on severity, and parental contact.

2^nd Offense-2 days OSS, parent must come to school with returning student.

3^rd Offense-Meeting with central office staff.

1^st Offense-6-10 days OSS, possible recommendation for expulsion

2^nd Offense-10 days OSS and recommendation for expulsion.

12. Rough-housing/no throwing snowballs, food, or other objects.

13. Disruption of class.

14. Violation of restricted areas. (Parking areas are "off limits" to everyone except when arriving and leaving.

1^st Offense-1 day ISS.

2^nd Offense-2 days ISS.

3^rd Offense-1 day OSS or 1 day parent shadowing.

16. Stalking or *sexual harassment.

17. Use of profane or abusive language towards a school employee.

1^st Offense-5 days OSS or less. Possible referral for expulsion.

2^nd Offense-6-10 days OSS. Possible referral for expulsion.

3^rd Offense-10 days OSS and referral for expulsion consideration.

(*Sexual harassment-legal authority will be notified.)

1^st Offense-1 day ISS.

Subsequent Offenses-2 days ISS.

19. Internet misuse, including accessing Hot Mail and/or

prohibited Web sites.

1^st Offense-Loss of Internet privileges.

2^nd Offense-3 days of OSS.

20. Students may not habitually violate school rules.*

*A habitual offender is defined as a student who has accumulated a combination of 10 ISS or OSS violations. That student will be referred to the Board of Education for possible expulsion or alternate placement. A parent conference will be scheduled when the total offenses reaches 8. If behavior is severe enough, the student may be immediately suspended from school, pending board action.

21. Stealing from students or staff.

Each Offense-Return, replace or pay the cost of stolen item, plus 1-10 days OSS and legal authorities may be notified. May also be referred for expulsion.

Each offense-3 days OSS and referral to legal authorities.

not be permitted.

1^st Offense-Up to Nine days OSS, plus recommendation for expulsion.

Offense-As of 6/14/99 this policy is under review. Policy will be made available at a future date.

26. Students may not physically assault a school employee or another student.

27. Students may not sell narcotic drugs on school grounds or at a school sponsored function.

Offense-Automatic OSS until Board of Education hearing, confiscation of contraband, request for expulsion (12 mos.).

28. EHS prohibits any gang activity, gang paraphernalia, and gang related attire.

Consideration for immediate suspension and/or expulsion.

29. Failure to wear student I. D.

Offense-1 day Lunch Detention.

30. Misuse of machinery, equipment and/or failure to follow

safety procedures.

1^st Offense-1 day of ISS

2^nd Offense-loss of privilege to use equipment.

Students who have moved through teacher's disciplinary procedure for classroom related violations and have been referred to the principal may be disciplined by detention or suspension in a manner deemed appropriate by the principal or his designee. Any violation described or not described in this policy will be referred to the principal or his designee and the discretion of the administration will determine the consequences for that offense.

DRESS STANDARDS

EHS respects the expectations of parents/guardians, future employers, and taxpayers that we will teach attire, hygiene, and acceptable dress for school and the workplace. This also enhances an effective learning climate. Students are expected to wear non-distracting, non-disruptive clothing. Students are expected to refrain from wearing apparel which advertises illegal drugs or displays nudity or profanity, either directly or by implication. The current trend in offensive T-shirts puts schools in an unenviable position of censoring clothing. Rather than draw our own conclusion, we will only draw a line at the boundaries determined to be legal by the federal courts. Simply put, the courts have supported prohibiting clothing that contains comments or designs that are obscene, lewd, or vulgar, regardless of whether the expression was disruptive or not. To illustrate what the courts have viewed as dress code violations, here are some examples: Coed Naked, Big Johnson, Hooters, Dr. Zogg, etc. This clothing is prohibited on school grounds. Dress should be in good taste with cleanliness, health, and modesty as our goals. Students will not wear sunglasses, hats or any item about the head inside the building. Neglect for compliance with our dress code can be viewed as disrespect. Students wearing inappropriate clothing may be sent home.

DRIVING AND PARKING PROCEDURES

Randolph County Schools provide bus service for all students. Being authorized to drive a private vehicle on school grounds is a privilege. Students must abide by stipulations outlined in the parking agreement signed by both the student and the parent. Unauthorized driving, reckless driving, and excessive speed will not be allowed. Before a permit will be issued, the student must present the following documents to the school person who is issuing the tag:

1. Valid drivers license.

2. Valid registration for primary vehicle.

3. Valid insurance statement for primary vehicle.

4. Signed parental consent form.

Parking must comply with the following school regulations:

1. Student drivers must purchase their own permit at a cost of $20 per semester.

2. Permits must be displayed on rear-view mirror.

3. Students must park in designated areas.

4. Students given authorization to park at school will not go to the parking area until the designated time to leave school grounds without permission from a principal.

5. If a vehicle is used to leave school for a reason that is not authorized, the student will forfeit his parking privilege.

6. Money collected will be used for parking lot maintenance.

7. Students in automobiles on school property are subject to the same behavior expectations as outlined for students in the building.

8. Any student demonstrating unsafe driving practices will lose parking privileges for a period deemed appropriate by the administration. Continued non-compliance of parking rules or safety violations will result in towing of vehicle and/or confiscation of parking tag.

DUAL CREDIT

EHS offers a dual credit program through Fairmont State College. Students may be charged fees deemed necessary by the college offering the course. Refer to County Policy HFC for details. Candidates must successfully pass a pre-registration exam for Fairmont State College. A charge of $50 plus books is the responsibility of the student.

DRIVER'S LICENSE ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION

Attendance Verification Forms must be completed at the school level and the county level. Verification forms will only be processed at the school level on Mondays. Students should pickup completed forms the following Monday or Tuesday in the school office.

A student who has 10 consecutive or 15 accumulated unexcused absences during a school year shall not be verified for a license or an instruction permit. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall be notified of this fact and shall send notice that the license or instruction permit of such student shall be rescinded. This student may still be enrolled in school but has lost this privilege because of unexcused absences. Suspension or expulsion from school or imprisonment in a jail or a penitentiary is not a circumstance beyond the control of the student, and therefore, will count as an unexcused absence. To reinstate a license/permit, a student must go through a semester with no unexcused absences and must be passing all classes.

EARLY DISMISSALS

All dismissals are unexcused truancies unless all of the following applies:

1. The dismissal must be for a legally defined absence.

2. In all situations, BEFORE YOU LEAVE, you must get permission from the school's central office staff AND have permission from home.

3. Only those students who are 18 or over and who are independent/ emancipated and do not live at home with a family member will be permitted to present their own excuse.

FOR EARLY DISMISSALS THAT ARE KNOWN IN ADVANCE:

1. A note from home with the parent/guardian signature and phone number MUST be presented to the designated recorder by the student for verification before first period the day the student is to leave early.

2. The note will be stamped and the student will present that note to the teacher during the period in which they are to leave. We also require that the students sign out in the office as they are leaving.

3. That note becomes the student's off campus pass.

4. Upon return, that note is turned in to the office.

5. Periods missed will appear on the next day's announcements

FOR EARLY DISMISSALS THAT ARE NOT KNOWN IN ADVANCE:

1. Contact with the approval from the parent/guardian must be obtained before the school can release a student.

2. When a student signs out, an office administrator's initials must also accompany the sign out.

3. The student has 2 days upon his return to school to present

a written note from home to the appropriate person for verification. The note needs to be presented to this person before first period.

All students are responsible for completing missed classwork, homework, tests, etc. Teachers may opt to use a make-up written contract on these assignments.

FINAL EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING

(Secondary Schools) File: HFA

Student examinations may be administered to all students. Students who have missed three (3) or fewer days in a class and have a passing or above in that class may elect not to take the final exam. Students selecting to take the exam for the experience but not for grading purposes must notify their teachers a week in advance of the exam. Students missing six (6) or more days during the course term and are passing, must take and successfully pass a comprehensive examination to receive credit for the course. Mid-term and/or final grades will be determined using the following:

1. A minimum of nine (9) grades should be recorded for each student each quarter. (4 ˝ weeks will constitute a quarter.)

2. Mid-term and final exams are to be counted 20% of the respective grade.

Mid-term grades will be computed as follows: (9 weeks average

X 4 + mid-term exam grade) /5=grade.

Final grades will be computed as follows: (average of two 9 weeks grades x 4 = final exam/5-final grade.

3. Final grades for those students not taking exams during the course term will be determined by the average of the two mid-term grades.

4. Yearly grades determined by averaging the two semester grades will be used in grades 7 and 8 only, not in grades 9-12.

The following absences may be claimed by any student upon proper verification for an exemption and shall not count towards the total number of absences for examination purposes only.

Exemptions will be made solely on the following criteria:

1. School sponsored activities which have prior administrative approval. (Note: Upon return to the next class meeting, the student must be prepared for that day.) Documented injuries incurred through participation in a school activity shall not penalize the student.

2. Religious holidays. These holidays require administrative approval.

3. Death in the immediate family (mother, father, brother, sister, grandparent, child, spouse, and/or legal guardian.) Limited to 3 days without prior administrative approval.

4. Court subpoenas/other conditions that are deemed extreme by  the building level administrator.

5. Hospitalization.

In addition, a verified excuse will be required from any student missing any days which occur during the 5-day period prior to the semester exams. If this excuse is not produced, the student may forfeit his exam exemption. In order to qualify for these exemptions, the student must fill out an appeal form. This appeal form should include the dates requested and the reason for the absence. AN EXCUSE MUST HAVE BEEN PLACED ON FILE IN THE OFFICE WITHIN TWO (2) DAYS OF THE ABSENCE TO QUALIFY FOR THIS EXEMPTION.

GRADING & REPORTING SECONDARY PROGRESS

County Policy GPA-The grading system used in the Randolph County Schools is intended to convey to professional personnel in the system and to the parents information of the progress and achievement of students. Since the grading process affects the student's future as well as his/her present status, care must be exercised in the methodology used in the grade determination, as well as the mechanics of grading, recording and reporting student progress. This policy and the county policy entitled "Final Examinations and Grading Policy", File HFA will be used on a basis for grade determination for all Randolph County students. A grade point average (GPA) will be used in reporting student progress in Randolph County. The letter grade A earns 4.0, a B earns 3.0, a C earns 2.0, a D earns 1.0 and an F earns 0 points. Grades received for college courses for high school credit shall be designated as honors courses and will have the weighted value. Specified upper level offerings in some programs of study will be recognized as honors courses appropriate for weighting and will have the weighted values. (Pending a change in board policy.) An annual review of the weighted offerings will be conducted to determine the removal from or addition to the weighted offerings. The purpose of the higher weighting is to encourage students to take more difficult courses and to be able to maintain a high class ranking even though their grade may be less than an A. The weighted grade point system applies to both class rank and honor roll eligibility. The regular 4.0 scale will be used for honors courses to determine eligibility for extracurricular activities. To convert the currently used numerical grading system into a grade point average configuration the following equivalencies will be used:

NUMERICAL GRADE LETTER GRADE GPA WEIGHTED GPA*

94-100 A 4.0 5.0

85- 93 B 3.0 4.0

75-84 C 2.0 3.0

70-74 D 1.0 2.0

69-Below F 0.0 0.0

To determine an overall GPA, each class grade shall be equated to a GPA. The subject GPA grades are to be averaged by adding them and dividing by the total number of subjects, thereby giving the students GPA for purposes of this policy. In order to be eligible for participation in extracurricular activities, a student must maintain a 2.0 non-weighted average. If a student does not maintain a 2.0 average for the second semester, he/she may attend summer school to raise the GPA, provided summer school is available. For purposes of computing the GPA after summer school, all the student's grades from the second semester, plus his/her grade from summer school will be used to determine the GPA. A student who has not achieved a 2.0 GPA for the previous semester or course term may have his/her eligibility reinstated at mid-semester or midterm if the student has attained at least a 2.0 GPA for the most recent grading period. In the case of special needs students, if grades are given, all grades received from placements in regular classrooms shall be included when computing the GPA. Handicapped students placed in ungraded programs will be eligible if their records indicate that they are making satisfactory progress in meeting the objectives of their IEP. In order to participate in interscholastic activities, students must also meet the requirements of the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission and Randolph County Board of Education policies. The following items shall be considered:

1. Both students and the parents of children who may fail or who are failing should receive notification of that status so that every opportunity to correct the situation may be afforded them prior to the arrival of a failing report card. Parents shall be notified in writing at the end of 5 weeks of a student's pending failure for any 9 week grading period. Senior counselors will be responsible for giving 2 status reports in regard to graduation to parents and students during their senior year, one during the month of  September and the other at the end of March. Senior students who are scheduled to graduate in any year and who have failed to complete the necessary course requirements for graduation will be notified as soon as possible of their denial of a diploma and presented with future options for completion.

2. Grades earned as a result of academic achievement may not be reduced as a form of penalty nor as means to enforce other regulations.

Report cards will be sent home following examination days. The specific distribution dates will be established by the Superintendent at the beginning of each school year.

*Weighted grades may not be in effect beginning with the class of 2004.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

WV State Code requires a minimum of 23 credits for graduation. The basic requirements for graduation for present seniors and juniors are

English-4 units Math-2 units

Science-2 units PE/Health-2 units

Social Studies-3 units Electives-10 units

English-4 units Math-3 units

Science-3 units PE/Health-2 units

Social Studies-3 units Fine Arts-1 unit

Career Major-4 units Senior Project- ˝ unit

Work-based learning- ˝ unit Computer Tech.-1 unit

(Class of 2002-75 hours) (Class of 2003-100 hours)

For specific course requirements for each area, check with the Guidance Office. Beginning with the freshmen class of 2000, students must complete ˝ credit course in Career Majors. This course can be used as a substitute for one half of a required elective.

HONORS/ADVANCED CLASSES

Students enrolling in advanced courses will be required to complete additional work beyond what is required for the regular curriculum. Not only will tests and other evaluation procedures be more demanding; but also each course will require at least 1 project. Students taking honors courses are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement (AP) exam for that particular course. These tests are given at a cost of approximately $74 per course, with a deposit of $20. Inquire with your teacher about registration.

HOMEWORK REQUEST

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)

ISS is an alternative to suspending students from the school environment. ISS is a highly structured environment that provides disciplinary consequences for actions more serious than those normally handled through classroom steps and lunch detention, but less serious than those calling for out-of-school suspension. Failure to report to ISS results in 2 days of OSS for each day of ISS missed. Students who are tardy to ISS (up to 10 minutes) will serve that day plus the morning of the following day. Students who report to school late on days they have ISS are to report directly to ISS after signing in. With a verifiable excuse their day will be reassigned. This will be done only one time. All other days in which a student reports late to school and has ISS will carry a penalty of 2 additional days of ISS. One other feature of ISS is important to note. Once a student has committed 5 offenses resulting in ISS, some other deterrent is needed. After these 5 offenses are served, any other offenses normally resulting in ISS will become an OSS. These students are said to have "maxed out" of ISS days. Students, with a parent's permission, may choose OSS days in lieu of ISS days at a rate of 2 OSS for 1 ISS. Students who leave ISS after completing the lunch detention phase and are not disruptive will receive 1 day of OSS. If a student and parent choose OSS instead of ISS, it will still count toward "maxing out". When a student requests to take days out of school once they are already in ISS, they must remain in ISS until a parent is contacted and the parent agrees to OSS.

Misbehaving in ISS or not following established rules or directives by the ISS monitor will result in 2 days OSS. Any ATTENDANCE VIOLATIONS (except tardies) that result in ISS consequences will "max out" after 5 offenses per year. Attendance violations are separate from discipline violations. During the last 5 days of each semester, every effort will be made to only assign ISS, rather than OSS, even if a student has "maxed out".

INTERNET USE

Access to the Internet at EHS and the receipt of a K12.access, e-mail account is a PRIVILEGE, not a RIGHT. Access is given to any Elkins High student with a student identification number, or employee. Each user, as well as a minor's parents or guardian, voluntarily agrees to release, hold harmless, defend and indemnify, Elkins High School, its principal, teachers and staff and agents, for and against all claims, actions, charges, losses or damages which arise out of the user's use of the Internet from Elkins High School, including but not limited to negligence, personal injury, wrongful death, property loss or damage, delays, no-deliveries, mis-deliveries of data, or service interruptions. Each user acknowledges that the information available from other websites may not be accurate. Use of any of the information obtained via the Internet is at the user's own risk. Elkins High School makes no warranty of any kind, either express or implied, regarding the quality, accuracy or validity of the data on the Internet.

Elkins High School Acceptable Use Policy

• •Students will use school-provided Internet access with direct teacher permission and supervision.
• •Students will not post personal information, such as pictures, addresses, telephone number, parents' names, and home or work addresses/telephone numbers will not be published by the students or school.
• •Students who receive information or messages that make them uncomfortable will immediately report the occurrence to the supervising teacher.
• •Students will never agree to meet with someone they encounter online without prior permission of their parents/guardians.
• •Students will follow the schools established rules for going online.
• •Students will not attempt to access private or personal materials, information, or files of others. Students may view published web pages and cite information obtained from them appropriately.
• •Students will not vandalize, damage, or disable the work of another individual or organization.
• •Students will not access, manipulate, alter or attempt to damage, disable or destroy technology or computer files.
• •Students can copy only material for which they have permission.
• •Students will not access, create or distribute harassing, pornographic, obscene, racist, sexually explicit, or threatening material, imagery or language.
• •Students will not use school provided Internet access for illegal purposes or for non-approved commercial purposes.
• •Students will use only K-12 access accounts for e-mail. No e-mail accounts, such as Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, or other commercially sponsored e-mail may be used.

Consequences of Unacceptable Use

Violations of the school use policies will result in a loss of access to electronic resources for the remainder of the student's career in Elkins High School and Randolph County Schools. Such loss may result in the inability of the student to successfully complete the curriculum learning outcomes and IGO's.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students have 2 days upon return from an absence to request make-up work. THIS IS A STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY. Failure to complete the make-up assignments will result in a grade or zero. Students have one school day to make up work for each day of absence unless a special make-up work contract is written between the teacher and students. Make-up work will be arranged with the individual teacher.

MEDICATION

All medication must be checked in at the office along with a note from the parent stating times medication should be taken. This policy applies to both prescription and non-prescription drugs. Students will come to the office whenever it is time to take the medication. All prescription drugs must be in their original container. If a student is to take prescription medication that must be administered during school hours by school staff or under the supervision of school staff for an extended period of time (e.g., more than two weeks, they must fill out a Physician Order Form. This form is available in our school office. This applies also to any prescription medication to be administered during school hours as needed for a life threatening situation due to a severe allergy or serious chronic health condition (e.g., Epi-Pen, glucagon, etc.)

OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)

When on OSS, students are not permitted on school property. They are denied bus privileges, cannot attend or participate in any extra curricular or social activities. Consequence may result in additional OSS and/or trespassing charges.

POLICE (USE OF)

It is the belief of the EHS staff that the responsibility for dealing with student discipline violations rest with us. Thus, we will make every effort to handle such problems with school administrators, according to policies and procedures established by the county and school. However, when violations of state law, federal law, or municipal ordinances occur, or when students or parents refuse to work within the established policies, or where the security of person or property appears in jeopardy, we will not hesitate to initiate arrest and prosecution proceedings.

PROFICIENCY & WARRANTY CERTIFICATE (Policy 2444.2)

The Board of Education believes schools should be accountable for the academic performance of their students. One means of verifying a student's academic performance is through the issuing of a certificate of proficiency to all eligible high school graduates. This certificate will provide a verification of the student's performance and serve as a warranty or guarantee that students are capable of accomplishing tasks at levels indicated on the certificate of proficiency. This certificate of proficiency is a curricular issue not a graduation issue. Furthermore, issuing it should not require extensive additional paperwork for school systems. Much of the required information for the certificate currently exists on many permanent records thereby allowing that document to serve as the basis for the certificate of proficiency.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE LAWS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

From the WV Attorney General's office regarding search and seizure law in pubic schools..... "searches of students, their belongings, lockers, or cars parked on school property can be conducted by educators who have an individualized "reasonable suspicion" that a student is violating the law or school rules...." A locker is jointly accessible to the student and school officials and may be subject to search at the discretion of school officials. The "less than probable cause" standard has been adopted by the United States Supreme Court and has been followed by the WV Supreme Court of Appeals. Searches by educators will be governed by this more lenient standard. The WV State Code provides educators with the right and responsibility to search if conditions warrant. The staff of EHS, in order to provide a safe, drug-free environment, will not hesitate to follow the law.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is UNWANTED or UNWELCOME behavior that makes you feel afraid, ashamed, embarrassed, angry or unsafe, or upsets you to a point that you can't learn, teach or be effective in your job. Sexual harassment is illegal under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 for students and employees. It is also illegal for employees to be sexually harassed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended).

Sexual harassment is ...

• •Illegal,
• •Exerting your power over another person,
• •Forcing yourself on someone who does not want your sexual attention,
• •Getting gratification at another person's expense,
• •Abusing power over another person, and
• •Violating other person's rights.

Sexual Harassing Behaviors include ...

• •Sexual rumors,
• •Sexual name calling,
• •Touching/grabbing/pinching,
• •Inappropriate comments about one's body,
• •Dirty stories or jokes,
• •Dehumanizing graffiti,

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• •Threats/demands,
• •Suggestive or obscene letters/notes,
• •Overly personal conversation,
• •Display of suggestive pictures, cartoons or objects, and
• •Assault or attempted assault.

STUDENT I. D. CARDS

Every EHS student will be issued an I.D. card with the student's picture, name, and lunch code. The initial card is issued without charge. Lost or stolen cards will be replaced, but with a charge of $10. A replacement fee of $5 will be charged for damaged cards, if you present the card. This card will be used for identification, lunch records, admission to extra-curricular activities, library checkout, assemblies, and field trips.

1. All students must wear their student I.D. card at all times while on school premises. The I.D. card is to be worn only on a lanyard around the neck.

2. Student I. D. cards will be checked by the 1^st block teacher. Students who forget their I. D. will be provided with a temporary card by the 1^st block teacher. This card must be returned to the 1^st block teacher at the end of the day.

3. Students will be excused for one I.D. violation per month. Any additional offenses and/or failure to display will result in lunch detention. Failure to report to lunch detention will result in 1 day of OSS.

4. I.D. cards cannot be defaced. Student names and pictures must be free of any marks, labels or any other attempts to distort the name and picture. Phone numbers and bar codes may be covered. Defacing I.D. cards will result in the student paying the cost to replace the card with a new one.

5. Failure to return the temporary I.D. or letting another student use the temporary or the original I.D. will result in ISS.

  STUDENTS' RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. As a student in WV, you have basic rights and responsibilities. As a student, it is your responsibility to obey rules and regulations and to cooperate with school authorities who enforce these rules and regulations. Regardless, of race, religion, national origin, language, gender, disability, martial status, parenthood, or pregnancy, you have the right to an education and the responsibility to pursue it. The United States and WV constitutions guarantee certain freedoms and the responsibilities that go with them, including freedom of religion, speech, the press, to assemble peaceably, and to petition the government. Regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, language, gender, disability, marital status, parenthood, or pregnancy, you have the right to participate in extracurricular activities. As a student, you have the right to choose reasonable styles of dress and hair. You have certain privacy rights in your school records. The United States and WV constitutions guarantee certain protections, including protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police have the responsibility to enforce laws and the right to enter schools. If you are to be questioned by the police or by school officials in the presence of the police, you must be given the same rights as citizens outside the school.

The Randolph County Board of Education does not, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, age, or marital status, deny benefits of employment or discriminate in any edu-cational program or activity. Inquiries may be referred to Cindy Kolsun (636-9150 ext. 127), 40 Eleventh Street, Elkins, WV or Section 504 Coordinator, Joe Super (636-9170 ext. 133).

TARDY POLICY

1^st Tardy-Warning 2^nd Tardy-Warning

3^rd Tardy(and thereafter)-Lunch Detention

WARRANTY PROGRAM

Using the results of the Stanford Achievement test for grades 8, 9, 10, and 11, students performing below the 50%ile for the 8^th grade scores and below the 25%ile for grades 9, 10, and 11, will be required to enroll in a skills improvement program. Students will be placed in the program based on the level of deficiency. Parents/guardians will be notified by the school if their child has not met the county determined levels of proficiency. In addition, parents/guardians will be advised that their child may be placed into a skills improvement class and that the parent/guardian may, upon request, be involved in the placement conference. Schools will provide a skills improvement class in the areas of reading, math, and language arts. This class is not to be substituted for a student's course work required for graduation and elective credit will be given. Students performing at the appropriate level will then qualify to receive a warranty. To determine warranty status after grade 11 testing and skill improvement placement, a school may utilize a different version of the state's grade eleven test.