GJHS Student Handbook - Grand Junction High School

GRAND JUNCTION HIGH SCHOOL
1400 N. 5 th Street
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
101 Years of Excellence
Cover Design by Senior Ben Skinner
Student Handbook
2012 - 2013
This Handbook belongs to:
NAME____________________________________________ID#_____________
ADDRESS_________________________________________________________
CITY__________________________ZIP________PHONE__________________
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Message from the Principal:
Dear Student:
Welcome to Grand Junction High School, the Home of the Tigers! Whether you are a new or returning student,
the beginning of the school year represents an opportunity to reflect upon what you have control of – your
attitude, personal goals and actions. Remember, attitude determines altitude! As you begin the school year,
take this time to review your academic progress. Are you on track to graduate? Are you involved in cocurricular
activities? Do you participate in other activities at Grand Junction High School and in the
community?
As you look ahead to the opportunities of the school year, please consider what Aristotle said, “Success is not
an act but a habit.” You are what you repeatedly do. Success results from your dreams and aspirations,
followed up with specific goals and an action plan to accomplish those goals, and then aggressive and
purposeful implementation and revision of the plan, until the goals are achieved. As you embark on your
journey to success, I encourage you to show Tiger PRIDE in everything you do. Showing Tiger PRIDE means
–
P - ersonal responsibility. Take personal responsibility for your success. Only you can accept responsibility
for your decisions and actions.
R - espect. Respect yourself, your classmates, your teachers, and the support staff, everyone you come in
contact with on and off campus.
I - ntegrity. Do what is right, all of the time, regardless of who is watching. Understand and respect the
importance of effort, persistence, and the work process. Do your own work. Learn from it, and grow.
D - edication. Set clear goals for yourself as a student, friend, teammate, club member, for whatever role you
assume. Your goals should be SMART goals which are designed for success. They should be Specific,
Measurable, Attainable, Results-based, and Time-bound.
E – mpathy. Grand Junction High School is a diverse community. We represent many cultures, races, and
ethnicities. Clothing, music, and activity choices are expressions of these differences. We need to be tolerant
of others just as we want others to be tolerant of us. Follow the Golden Rule, “Do unto to others, as you would
have them do unto you.”
Throughout the school year, I hope you will achieve the highest potential in every endeavor. We are excited
that you join us as part of the GJHS learning community. I encourage you to give your best effort in everything
you do to make this a better school for everyone and to make this a rewarding school year for you.
Go Orange and Black! Go Tigers!
Sincerely,
Jon F. Bilbo
Principal
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Page
Grand Junction High School Mission Statement 5
Contacting the School 5
Visitors to Grand Junction High School 5
Academic Information 5
I. Performance-Based Policy 5
II. Graduation Requirements - Courses and Credits 6
III Earning Credits at GJHS 7
IV. Adding/Dropping Courses 9
V. Auditing Courses 10
VI. Late Enrollment Policy 10
VII. Grading Procedures 10
VIII. Replacement of Grades 12
IX. Recognition of Academic Excellence 12
X. Weekly Academic Eligibility Checks 16
XI. Advisory Time 16
XII. Schedule 17
Bell Schedules 19
XIII. Higher Education Admission Requirements (HEAR) 20
XIV. NCAA Eligibility 20
XV. Road to Success 21
XVI. Release Time 21
XVII. Withdrawal from School 22
Student Code of Conduct and Discipline 22
I. Code of Conduct 22
A. Philosophy 22
B. Student Behavior and Student Responsibilities 23
C. Attendance Policies 24
D. Attendance Procedures 25
E. Cheating and/or Plagiarism 26
F. Disruptive Behavior 26
G. Zero Tolerance for Violence/Threatening Behavior by Students 27
H. Tobacco Products Use 27
I. Sexual/Racial Harassment 27
J. Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 Official Notification 28
K. District #51 Grievance Procedures 28
II. Discipline 29
III. General Policies and Procedures 29
A. Bicycle Security 29
B. Books 29
C. Cafeteria/School Lunches 29
D. Cellular Telephones, Telephone Pagers, and Beepers 29
E. Change of Address 30
F. Dances 30
G. Deliveries 31
H. Dress Code 31
I. Fees 33
J. Field Trips 33
K. Financial Obligations 34
L. Fire Alarms 34
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M. Flag Salute and Pledge of Allegiance 34
N. Food/Drinks 35
O. Fund Raising Activities 35
P. Hall Passes 35
Q. Lockers 35
R. Leaving School During School Hours 35
S. Lost and Found 36
T. Parking 36
U. Positive Behavior Support 37
V. Public Display of Affection 37
W. Skateboards and Roller Blades 37
X. Sportsmanship 37
Y. Transportation 38
Z. Student Publications 38
AA. Student ID Cards/Class Dues 39
IV. Student Services 39
A. Athletics 39
B. Counseling Department 44
C. School-to-Career (STC) 44
D. Library/Media Center 44
E. Medical/Health Assistant 45
GJHS Victory Bell 46
GJHS School Song 46
Clubs and Organizations 47
GJHS Calendar 48
Pride MATRIX 49
GJHS Map 50
GJHS Parking Map 51
CSAP Language Arts Rubric 52
CSAP Math Rubric 53
Notes 54
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Grand Junction High School
Mission Statement
“AS WE PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE,
WE WILL IGNITE THEIR PASSION FOR LEARNING THROUGH
RIGOR, RELEVANCE AND RELATIONSHIPS.”
CONTACTING THE SCHOOL
Parents who wish to contact the school to discuss their student’s progress or who may have questions or concerns
regarding a school based policy or decision should contact the high school office at 254-6900. If you have a
concern regarding the following areas, please follow the listed sequence of calls.
Instructional/Classroom: Classroom Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal
Discipline: Classroom Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal
Attendance: HS Attendance Office, HS Main Office, Assistant Principal
Scheduling Concerns: Counselor, Assistant Principal, Principal
Health Concerns: HS Health Assistant, Principal
Main Office: 254-6900 Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Attendance Office: 254-6911/254-6907 Attendance Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Counseling Office: 254-6914 Counseling Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
VISITORS TO GRAND JUNCTION HIGH SCHOOL
All individuals must have a bona fide reason for visiting Grand Junction High School (GJHS). All visitors
entering the high school must sign a visitor register in the main office upon arriving at school and receive a pass
as a visitor. Visitors must display this pass prominently at all times while in the building. Any visitor found in
the building who has not reported to the main office or who is wandering the halls without an approved pass
may be prosecuted for trespass under the provisions of the Act of December 6, 1973, known as the "Crimes
Code, Section 3503(6)."
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
I. PERFORMANCE BASED POLICY
ONE DIPLOMA –MULTIPLE PATHWAYS TO ACHIEVE IT
A Mesa County Valley School District (MCVSD) #51 diploma will be awarded to all students who have
completed the graduation requirements outlined in the District’s performance based policy. This policy requires
students to complete 25 specific standards-based credits, maintain an acceptable grade point average (GPA)
AND demonstrate a proficient level as defined by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) on the 9 th and 10 th grade
Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) in math, reading, and writing, the ACT, or other alternative
assessments as specified in the GJHS Educational Planning Guide for 2012-2013.
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We believe that all students can learn. We also believe that students have different learning needs and learning
styles, and they learn at different rates and in different ways. Therefore, we have developed a system to support
and monitor student progress along the way. This system provides a variety of options for students to learn,
demonstrate what they know, and meet the graduation requirements.
The most Conventional Pathway to graduation and a diploma requires students to complete 25 specific
standards-based credits with a 2.0 or higher GPA AND demonstrate a “proficient” level as defined by No Child
Left Behind on the 9 th and 10 th grade TCAP in math, reading, and writing, the ACT, or other alternative
assessments as specified in the GJHS Educational Planning Guide for 2012-2013.
The Pathway of Distinction is our most rigorous program of study leading to a diploma, and requires students
to complete 25 specific standards-based credits with a 3.5 or higher GPA AND demonstrate an “advanced”
level as defined by No Child Left Behind on all TCAP tested areas in the 9 th and 10 th grade to include math,
reading, writing, and science, the ACT, or other alternative assessments as specified in the GJHS Educational
Planning Guide for 2012-2013.
Students who either fall below the 2.0 GPA, who do not meet the proficiency level on the TCAP assessments,
or who need an individualized study plan may seek permission to follow the Individualized Pathway and
receive a GJHS diploma.
Please carefully check the information in the Educational Planning Guide for 2012 - 2013 for additional
information on the multiple pathways to one diploma, and the 25 specific standards-based credits required for
your class. No student may participate in the GJHS Commencement Ceremony until all graduation
requirements have been met, including the Service Learning hours and reflection paper. District #51
requires all students to attend high school for eight (8) semesters, unless the student has been approved for the
Early Complete Program.
II. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - COURSES AND CREDITS
A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A Grand Junction High School diploma will be granted to all students who have met Mesa
County Valley School District's graduation requirements as indicated in the District's performance based policy
adopted by the Mesa County Valley School District (MCVSD) Board of Education. To be eligible for
graduation, GJHS students must earn the following specific 25 standards-based credits and complete 30 hours
of Service Learning and the Service Learning Reflection Paper.
Subject Area Credit Subject Area Credit
English 4.0 Personal Fitness/Wellness .5
Math 3.0 Computer Applications .5
Science 3.0 Fine Arts .5
Social Studies 3.0 Financial Literacy .5
Physical Education .5 Additional Electives 9.5
Total Credits 25.0
Service Learning 30 Hours
Please consult the Grand Junction High School Educational Planning Guide for 2012-2013 or see your
counselor for more information on your graduation requirements.
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B. SERVICE LEARNING
At GJHS, we believe that every student should dedicate some quality time to serving other students or members
of the Grand Junction community. Therefore, in addition to completing the aforementioned requirements, all
students attending GJHS must also complete a Service Learning (SL) requirement.
The focus of SL is to recognize and promote the value of serving other students or our community. It also
enables students to learn through experiences in and outside of the classroom. The components to our SL
requirement are:
1. Students must complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours of service learning instruction/ activities. The
hours may be completed during the school year or during the summer.
2. Students are required to complete eight (8) hours per year through required course work during their
freshman, junior, and senior years and the reflection paper during their senior year. This year, three of the
four major content areas will incorporate hour (8) hours of service learning into their year specific courses
as follows: freshman year – Science – GeoPhysical Science; junior year – Social Studies – U.S History;
and senior year – English – each of the 12 th grade literature electives. This progression allows students to
pick up 8 hours of service learning credit in the classroom in three of their four years in high school. These
hours of service learning are normally assignments or projects that support the existing curriculum and align
with the core national standards.
3. Students who exceed the thirty (30) hours of SL and complete one hundred (100) hours plus the additional
number of hours in their graduating class, i.e., a senior in the Class of 2013 completes 113 hours or more of
SL, will be included in the Millennium Club and recognized during their commencement ceremony. If this
is your goal, let your counselor know by March of your senior year.
4. Students will complete a final “reflection” project which demonstrates what they gained from their service
learning experience. This project could take the form of a written paper, speech, poem, artwork, or any
other acceptable means of expressing thoughts.
5. Projects outside the classroom must be approved in advance by the student’s advisor/administrator.
6. Students will submit a verification form signed by the student and the volunteer supervisor to document
completion of their hourly requirement. Periodically we will check with volunteer supervisors to verify the
accuracy of information by students for hourly credit.
7. The completion deadline for the 30 hours of service learning and the “reflections” project is not later than
the last day of make-up exams for seniors.
III. EARNING CREDITS AT GJHS
A. GENERAL
Students in the high school can earn credits toward graduation beginning in grade nine (9), with the exception
of students who take Math 1, GeoPhyscial Science, or a World Language in 8 th grade. Those students who
successfully complete one or more of those courses in the 8 th grade will be awarded a credit for each of the
courses they successfully completed. Upon entering the high school, credits are earned through the successful
completion of course requirements offered during the regular school year, or through credits transferred from
another school.
Credits are measured in Carnegie Units. All courses are established on a semester basis so that .5 unit of credit
may be earned for satisfactory completion of each course each semester. Students failing a specific required
course must make up the requirement. Additional or supplemental credits may be earned by making
arrangements in advance through your counselor. In addition to credits earned in the regular classroom, students
may earn credits through any of the following offerings:
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1. GJHS Nova Net and/or Novell Stars Courses
2. District #51/GJHS On-line Courses
3. District #51/GJHS Summer School
4. Correspondence Courses
5. Concurrent Enrollment
B. JUNIOR/SENIOR OPTIONS
Juniors and seniors at GJHS have three options, Concurrent Enrollment, High School Scholars, and ASCENT,
through which they can accelerate their ability to take college credits while attending GJHS.
1. Qualifying Criteria for Concurrent Enrollment or High School Scholars: In order to participate in either
program, juniors and seniors must:
a. Be enrolled in high school, with junior or senior standing.
b. Have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA by the end of the third quarter for the next year’s fall semester or
the end of the first quarter for the January term.
c. Have a grade of “B” or higher in at least two courses in the academic area to be taken.
d. Have an ACT English and reading score of 19 or better; or SAT verbal score of 440 or better; or PSAT
critical reading score of 44 or better AND have an ACT math score of 19 or better; or SAT math score
of 470 or better; or PSAT math score of 47 or better for math or science course.
e. Take the ACCUPLACER test to apply for specific courses if they do not meet the previously mentioned
test score requirements.
f. Submit an application to the principal through their counselor sixty (60) days prior to the start of a
semester. As a minimum, the application should include a letter from the student to the principal
indicating why he/she wishes to participate in the option, a statement from the student’s parent/guardian
indicating support for their student’s decision, a statement from the counselor/service learning
coordinator indicating the status of service learning hours and the reflection paper, a copy of the
student’s current transcript, and other information the student/counselor feel is pertinent to his/her
request.
g. Fulfill the prerequisites listed in the current Colorado Mesa University (CMU) catalog for the course
they want to take. The following must be submitted to CMU:
1) CMU Early Scholars Program Enrollment Form received 60 days prior to the term.
2) Official high school transcripts (sent directly from the high school).
3) ACT/SAT test scores.
4) $30 application fee (first time applicants only).
5) Proof of vaccinations (two measles, mumps and rubella).
6) Students should purchase any required textbooks identified for the course.
7) Payment of tuition and any fees is due to CMU by the published deadline for that term.
h. CMU classes/grades are not weighted. Only high school AP courses carry the extra quality point.
2. Concurrent Enrollment: In order to participate in the Concurrent Enrollment Option, students must meet
the above criteria and the following criteria:
a. Junior or senior status enrolled in classes to meet the Colorado Higher Education Admissions
Requirements (HEAR).
b. Enroll in up to two college courses per academic term for high school and college credit.
c. Courses taken are not offered at the student’s high school.
d. Courses taken are academic courses and exceed the high school’s curriculum.
e. Courses taken must be worth 3 credits.
f. Student’s parent or guardian is responsible for pre-payment for tuition to the college.
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g. Upon successful completion of the course with a grade of “C” or better, the School District will
reimburse the student’s parent or guardian for the tuition paid.
h. Concurrent grades will appear on the high school transcript and a CMU transcript.
3. High School Scholars: High school students who are ready for college work in one or more subject areas
and want to remain on the GJHS campus to take these courses may participate in the High School Scholars
Program offered by CMU. These courses are taught on the GJHS campus by GJHS teachers approved by
CMU. Tuition is $60.00 per credit hour or $160.00 for a three (3) credit course and $240.00 for a four
credit course. The $60.00 per credit hour fee is subject to change.
4. ASCENT Program: This program allows students to delay official high school graduation for one year, and
attend CMU/Western Colorado Community College (WCCC) during their 5 th year of high school.
ASCENT provides the opportunity for a student to delay their official high school graduation for one year in
order to enroll at CMU/WCCC in a degree or certificate program with the tuition paid for by the school
district. ASCENT students may enroll in up to 15 credit hours per semester.
See your counselor for more information on the High School Scholars and ASCENT Programs at GJHS.
C. CREDITS FOR COURSES TAKEN AT MIDDLE SCHOOL
Students may receive one high school credit for taking Math1, GeoPhysical Science, and/or World Language
taken at middle school, with the following exceptions.
1. The middle school grade must be a “C” or better to count toward high school credit.
2. A student in high school cannot use his/her middle school grade as a replacement grade for a high school
course.
3. Credit must be received from within a District #51 school, or within an accredited program including Holy
Family or Messiah Lutheran, or with a transcript from outside the district accompanied with a letter stating
the criteria of the middle school course(s) taken.
4. Parents/guardians must request their child’s middle school principal relay credit information to be placed on
the student’s high school transcripts. Parents will utilize the “Request for High School Credit” form which
may be obtained in the high school counseling department. This form allows parents and students to choose
from the following three options:
a. Option 1 – The class and the grade will appear on the high school transcript. The class will count for
credit, and the grade earned will be included in the GPA. This option could affect a student’s GPA at
the end of his/her senior year, which could affect the student’s class rank, which could affect the
student’s competitiveness for honors such as the class valedictorian.
b. Option 2 – The class and the grade will appear on the high school transcript to show the class was
taken. No credit will be given, and the grade earned will not be included in the GPA. This option
will not meet a graduation requirement.
c. Option 3 – The class and the grade will not appear on the high school transcript. No credit will be
given, and the grade earned will be not included in the GPA.
5. March 1 st of the student’s junior year (one year prior to graduation) will be the last date that a student
may add or remove a middle school credit to his or her high school transcript.
IV. ADDING/DROPPING COURSES
Students/parents should make every effort to make schedule adjustments prior to the first day of class. Valuable
information regarding class policies, procedures, and guidelines for success are presented the first day of class.
Students have the first six (6) days of a term to add or drop a course, without the drop being reflected on
the transcript. Courses dropped after the 6 th day will be recorded on the student’s transcript as either Withdraw
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Passing (WP) if the student had a passing grade at the time he/she dropped the course or a Withdraw Failing
(WF) if the student had a failing grade at the time the course was dropped. This applies to both split block and
block classes.
Students who add a new course within the first six (6) days of a term are responsible for all work presented or
completed by students from the first day of the course up to and including the day the added student joins the
class. Certain exceptions may apply. Individual circumstances will be taken into consideration with input from
teachers, counselors, and parents. The final determination will be made by an administrator.
V. AUDITING COURSES
Students at GJHS may audit courses with the permission of the teacher at the time of registration. A seat in the
class must be available. Students taking the class for credit will be given preference. Students who wish to
enroll in a class after the first six (6) days of a term may do so for the next ten (10) days on an audit basis.
However, the teacher will determine which assignments must be completed and which competencies must be
demonstrated in order for credit to be awarded. No credit will be awarded to a student who enrolls in a class
after the sixteenth (16) day of the term.
VI. LATE ENROLLMENT POLICY
Students are expected to be present for the entire school year. Attendance records begin on the first day of a
term. Students transferring from other schools should enroll within five (5) days after leaving their previous
school. Students will be placed in classes similar to those taken at their previous school. Every effort will be
made to create a complete schedule as possible.
School District #51 supports all students in their desire to attend school. Those students enrolling within the
first sixteen (16) days of a term will have the opportunity to earn credit. Teachers will determine what
assignments must be completed and which competencies must be demonstrated in order for credit to be earned.
There may be circumstances which do not allow a student to enroll prior to the sixteenth (16) day of a term.
Students are still encouraged to enroll in school and attend classes for no credit as they prepare for future terms.
There may be situations where certain exceptions may apply. Individual circumstances will be taken into
consideration, with input from teachers, counselors and parents. Case managers for Special Education and
English Language Learners (ELLs) will be consulted to determine appropriate placement and credit. The final
determination will be made by an administrator.
VII. GRADING PROCEDURES
A. GRADING PERIODS
The school year is divided into two eighteen (18) week semesters. Each semester is divided into two nine (9)
week quarters. At the end of each quarter, students will be assigned a grade that reflects their achievement
solely for that grading period.
B. COURSE SYLLABUS
Within the first five (5) days of the quarter/semester, all teachers will provide students with a course syllabus.
The syllabus will explain the general goals for the course, the specific knowledge and skills acquired as a result
of the course, the activities that will be included, and the procedures for grading. Students joining a class after
the fifth day of a quarter should ask their teacher for a class syllabus.
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C. GRADING SCALE
Except for teachers who are using a 4 point grading scale, teachers compute their grades using percentages.
Students will receive an A for superior work in the 90-100% range, a B for above average work from 80-89%, a
C for average work from 70-79%, a D for below average work from 60-69%, and an F for failing work between
0-59%. Incomplete grades may only be authorized by the principal and all incompletes convert to an “F” after 2
weeks if not adjusted by the teacher. The GPA is calculated on the 4.0 scale where A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0.
Honors classes are not weighted, but Advanced Placement (AP) courses are. Credits are issued in 0.5
increments. Courses at WCCC and Career Center earn .75 credits each 9 weeks.
D. WEIGHTED GRADE POLICY
Advanced Placement (AP) classes are calculated on a 5.0 weighted scale for grades of “C” or higher. Thus, an
“A” earns 5 points, a “B” earns 4 and a “C” earns 3 points. A grade of “D” in an AP course only earns 1 point,
as in a regular class. The extra quality point for an AP course is offered every semester.
Students do not have to take the AP exam in May to receive the weighted grade. However, students are highly
encouraged to do so. According to recent research, there is a correlation between the rate of students taking and
scoring a “3” or higher on AP exams and the rate of students graduating from college. Additionally, this year
we are participating in the 1st year of the fully funded Legacy AP Grant for math, science and English (MSE)
AP courses and students who score a “3” or higher may receive a $100.00 stipend for each AP MSE exam taken
with an earned grade of “3” or higher.
CMU courses, taken concurrently or independently, are not weighted. High School Scholars Courses are not
weighted.
E. GRADE LEVEL CLASSIFICATION
Upon entering high school, a student is classified as a freshman. The classification increases each subsequent
fall for three years. If a student has not earned the specific 25 standards-based credits necessary for graduation
by the end of the fourth year, he/she is reclassified as a 5 th year senior. Students are eligible to attend GJHS
until the year they complete the graduation requirements or the semester in which they turn 21 years of age.
F. SEMESTER TESTS
Final examinations/culminating experiences take place the end of each term/semester. Students are expected to
attend school until the end of each semester and to take semester exams on designated testing dates to be able to
earn full credit for that semester. Requests for exceptions can be made by parents/guardians for emergencies.
Any request to have a student leave before the end of the semester/school year must be submitted in writing
by a parent/guardian and approved by a school administrator. Leaving early for vacation may
jeopardize an entire semester of work.
G. STATE ASSESSMENTS
The Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) will be given annually to all freshmen and
sophomores. THIS IS A STATE MANDATED TEST. All students who earn a score of Proficient or
Advanced on the math, reading, writing, or science tests will receive a .5 elective credit per year. The ACT test
taken in April is another state mandated assessment for all juniors. These scores may be used in determining
the student’s diploma pathway, for college admissions, and for NCAA eligibility.
H. STANDARDS BASED GRADING - ACTION RESEARCH
This year a team of teachers under the supervision of one of our administrators will continue their research on
best practices in standards-based assessments, which was started two years ago. Members of this research team
may use grading scales that are different from those described above in paragraph VII. C. Teachers who
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participate in this research will describe their grading scales in the course syllabus that they will provide their
students at the beginning of the semester.
VIII. REPLACEMENT OF GRADES
When a student chooses to repeat a class that he/she has failed (including Withdraw Failing ((WF)), the
previous grade will be replaced with a designation of “NG” for no grade at the completion of the retake.
If the same class has been repeated more than once, the procedure described above will apply each time the
student repeats the class. (For example: A student took Composition Literature 9 his 9 th grade year and
received an “F” on his transcript. The student chooses to repeat the class his 10 th grade year and receives an
“F” again. His transcript will now show Composition/Literature 9 during his 9 th grade year with a “NG,” and
Composition/Literature 9 during his 10 th grade year with “F.” The student again chooses to repeat
Composition/Literature 9 his 11 th grade year, and passes the class with a “C.” His transcripts will now show
Composition/Literature 9 during his 9 th grade year with “NG,” Composition/Literature 9 during his 10 th grade
year with “NG,” and Composition/Literature 9 during his 11 th grade year with “C.”)
When a student chooses to repeat a class that he/she has passed, the previous grade may be replaced with a
designation of “NG” for no grade. By taking this option, only the second grade will be used for the credit and
the GPA. This option will increase the GPA, but will not increase the total number of credits.
When a student chooses to repeat a class that he/she has passed, the previous grade may remain as an elective
credit, while the new grade will be used to fulfill the original requirement.
By taking this option, both grades will count toward credit (one original and one elective) and both grades will
count toward the GPA. This option will have a minimal effect on the GPA, but will increase the total number
of credits.
IX. RECOGNITION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
A. SUPERINTENDENT’S SCHOLAR PROGRAM
The Superintendent’s Scholar Program is designed to challenge high school students to make the most of their
educational opportunities by striving to excel academically, and then celebrating and honoring those who
accomplish their goals.
There are two components to the program, i.e., the Superintendent’s Scholar Pin and the Awards Banquet. In
order to be classified as a Superintendent’s Scholar, a student must achieve a 4.0 GPA. Each year, we
recognize those students who earn a cumulative 4.0 GPA the previous school year, by awarding them a
Superintendent’s Scholar Pin. Sophomores receive a pin for achieving a 4.0 or higher their 9 th grade year;
juniors receive a pin for achieving a 4.0 or higher their 10 th grade year; and seniors receive a pin for achieving a
4.0 or higher their 11 th grade year. Superintendent’s Scholar Pins for underclassmen are presented at the Fall
Academic Letter Award Ceremony. Seniors receive their pins at the end of the year All School Awards
Ceremony. In the spring, the Superintendent also hosts a Superintendent’s Scholar Awards Banquet for those
seniors who have maintained a 4.0 or higher GPA for all four years of their high school career. Each award
recipient receives a plaque and a certificate. Home-schooled students are ineligible for this recognition as
are students who are enrolled less than full time. Full time status means a student is enrolled in at least
3.0 credits each semester.
B. ACADEMIC LETTER PROGRAM
1. Each year, we celebrate our students’ academic excellence by awarding an academic letter to qualified
students. Academic letters and other symbols of recognition will be presented at the Fall Academic Letter
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Award Ceremony for grades earned the previous school year for grades 9 – 11. The academic letters for the
graduating seniors will be presented at the All School Awards Ceremony at the end of the school year and
will be based on grades earned for the first three marking periods of the senior year.
2. The Academic Letter Award is based on the following criteria:
a. Full time student at GJHS, including District #51 satellite programs. Full time status means that a
student must be enrolled in at least three credits each semester.
Note: Because of a student’s part time status, it is possible to earn a Superintendent’s Scholar Pin but
not an academic letter.
b. Minimum grade point average of 3.50 for both semesters. Holding with past tradition, we also
recognize students who earn a 3.75 or higher GPA.
3. The GPA for awarding of the academic letter is based upon all courses taken the previous year, regardless of
the school attended, including in- and out-of-district transfers.
4. When determining the student’s GPA, we will count MCVSD#51 courses taken between August and July of
the academic year. District #51/GJHS summer school courses and District #51/GJHS on-line courses taken
during the summer will be applied to the previous academic year. District #51/GJHS on-line courses taken
during the year apply to that year.
5. CMU concurrent classes taken may be considered to meet the above criteria.
6. All students who earn the academic letter with a GPA from 3.5 to 3.74 for the first time will receive an
orange “G” with white and black trim and with the word “Academic” sewn on the horizontal segment of the
“G”. They will also receive a year pin. Students who earn a 3.75 or higher GPA also receive a star to
recognize the higher GPA.
7. Students who earn their 2 nd , 3 rd or 4 th academic letter will receive a year pin for each subsequent letter, and a
star for the higher GPA, if applicable.
C. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETIES
We have four approved and affiliated national honor societies at GJHS. They are: the National Honor Society,
the National Art Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the National Technical Honor Society.
1. National Honor Society.
The National Honor Society was founded in 1921 to recognize and encourage academic achievement while also
developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democratic society. In 1960, we formed the Tri-S
Chapter of the National Honor Society to recognize those students who excel in scholarship, leadership, service,
and character. The Tri-S Chapter of the National Honor Society has a long and proud tradition at GJHS. It
should be the goal of every student entering GJHS to be invited to join this honor society. Membership is by
invitation only and brings with it a prestige that lasts a lifetime.
Membership also brings with it certain responsibilities. Members are honor-bound to perform service to the
community, as well as exhibiting leadership and good moral character in their daily lives.
Membership is offered to sophomores, juniors and seniors with full-time status who have compiled a
cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and who, in the judgment of a faculty committee, have exhibited leadership in
their high school endeavors, displayed good moral character, and who have provided service to the community.
Service is judged from information requested of the student on a Student Activity Information Form. Every
qualified student should take the time to list all activities of service and review this form with parents for
completeness. Additionally, each qualified student must provide typed responses to two essay questions: Why
are you interested in becoming a NHS member? and As a NHS member, how can you contribute to the
betterment of the organization? (What suggestions do you have for service projects?). The five-member faculty
committee grants admission by majority vote. The National Honor Society Faculty Advisor sits in advisement
during these proceedings. The decisions of the faculty committee are final and not open to appeal. Once
admitted, membership is continuous unless removed by decision of the faculty committee. Revocation of
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membership may result from students failing to maintain the academic standard of a cumulative GPA of 3.5,
and actions of the student which reflect poorly on the aspects of character, service, or leadership.
Senior members of the National Honor Society who participate in our Baccalaureate Service and
Commencement Ceremony are entitled to wear the yellow and blue National Honor Society Stole with their cap
and gown.
For additional information, see the National Honor Society Advisor.
2. The National Art Honor Society:
According to the National Art Education Association (NAEA), the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) was
established in 1978 “for high school schools in grades 10-12 for the purpose of inspiring and recognizing those
students who have shown an outstanding ability in art. The NAHS strives to assist members in working toward
the attainment of their highest potential in art, and to raise awareness of art education throughout the school and
community”.
In February 2009, we applied for and were granted permission by the National Council to establish a NAHS
chapter at GJHS. The GJHS Chapter of the NAHS is designated as Chapter # 3042. According to the Chapter
Constitution, the Chapter was formed to insure and recognize those students who have shown outstanding
ability in art; foster excellence and a dedicated spirit to the pursuit of art; further creative abilities and talents of
the Society’s members, as well as the school’s entire student art enrollment; aid members in working toward the
attainment of their highest potential in an art area; increase an awareness of art in relation to other areas of the
school curriculum; and further aesthetic awareness in all aspects of the school’s total program. The selection
process for the NAHS is similar to that of the NHS.
Please see one of our art teachers for more information on this prestigious society that is for the best of the best
artists in GJHS.
3. Tri-M Music Honor Society:
The Tri-M Music Honor Society, Chapter #5664, was established to provide an appropriate method for
recognizing the music achievements of our students; strengthen our school’s music program; help society
members reach their full musical potential; motivate and recognize our society’s members’ musical and
personal achievements, credits, and grades; encourage society members to work together toward the same goal;
present inspiration and challenge to our society members; and focus public attention on our school’s music
program through community service.
The Tri-M Music Honor Society recognizes those Tigers who are enrolled in a school-sponsored music
ensemble and/or class for at least one semester; have achieved and maintained an “A” average in music for the
previous semester and at least a “B” average or the equivalent in other academic subjects; and have
demonstrated leadership, service, and character in their activities.
Please see the Orchestra Director, the Band Director, or the Vocal Music Director for more information on this
prestigious society that is for the best of the best instrumental and vocal musicians in GJHS.
4. National Technical Honor Society:
The National Technical Honor Society is the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student
achievement in career and technical education. In 2010, we activated a chapter of this honor society on
campus. This chapter encourages higher scholastic achievement, cultivates a desire for personal excellence, and
helps top students in our career and technical courses find success in today's highly competitive workplace.
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To qualify for membership, students must meet the following criteria: have completed one program of study in
either Business or Family and Consumer Science, (talk to one of the teachers to see if your completed courses
will qualify.); have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all of your courses; have a cumulative average of 3.5
or higher for technical courses from the department through which you are applying for membership; be a
member of the student leadership organization for the department (FBLA, FCCLA); and acquire two letters of
recommendation, at least one of which is from a faculty member outside of the technical program.
If you are interested in the NTHS, please see Mrs. Jane Nelms, the NTHS Advisor, or any Business or Family
and Consumer Science teacher for additional information.
NOTE: Senior members of the National Art Honor Society, the Tri-M National Music Honor Society, and the
National Technical Honor Society who participate in our Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Ceremony
are entitled to wear the color specific long cords recognized by their Society. These cords are worn with the
graduation gown and are draped around the students’ neck.
D. HONOR ROLLS
We recognize students for their academic excellence in class at the end of each nine-week marking period, by
publishing two honor rolls: the Honor Roll and the High Honor Roll. Students who earn a 3.5 to 3.74 GPA
are eligible for the Honor Roll. Students who maintain a 3.75 or higher GPA are eligible for the High Honor
Roll. Students who fail a course, earn a “D” in a course, or have incomplete or missing grades in any course,
to include band/chorus, are not qualified to receive either honor roll recognition.
E. INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
In addition to the above mentioned forms of recognition, we also recognize the Best of our Best academically
based on their GPA and performance on the TCAP, ACT, or other approved assessment. These individuals
receive district level recognition through the Pathway of Distinction Diploma. They also receive school level
recognition based on their final grade point average at the end of their four years in high school.
1. The Pathway of Distinction Diploma is a diploma with a gold seal placed on it for those students who
complete 25 required standards-based credits, maintain a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) or higher, and
demonstrate an “advanced” level on 9 th and 10 th grade TCAP in all tested areas, or demonstrate an
“advanced” performance on the NWEA Map Test, or demonstrate a composite score of “22” or above on
the ACT, or complete an alternative proficiency assessment (APA) during the junior or senior year. The
Pathway of Distinction Diploma is determined based on a student’s GPA at the end of the third marking
period of the student’s senior year.
2. At the school level, we recognize seniors based on their GPA at the end of the fourth quarter/second
semester of their senior year. Specifically, we recognize the valedictorian who is the student with the
highest grade point average at the end of his/her four years in high school and those students who earn a 4.0
grade point average (GPA), a 3.75 to 3.99 GPA, and a 3.5 to 3.74 GPA. These individuals are entitled to
wear the following regalia with their graduation cap and gown.
a. Valedictorian- White tassel, black and orange honor stole and medallion with gold ribbon.
b. Students with a 4.0 GPA and Higher-Black and orange honor stole and medallion with silver ribbon.
c. Students with a 3.75-3.99 GPA-Black and orange honor stole and medallion with orange and black
ribbon.
d. Students with a 3.5-3.74 GPA-Gold cord.
If there are two or more seniors who are tied with the highest GPA, they will share co-valedictorian honors.
We do not recognize a salutatorian.
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Additionally, the valedictorian is one of two students who present speeches to the graduating senior class at our
commencement ceremony. The other student presenter is the president of the senior class.
X. WEEKLY ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY CHECKS
A. PARENT BRIDGE
Each week between Wednesday and noon on Sunday, teachers post their grades on Parent Bridge.
Parent Bridge is a free Internet based program that allows parents/guardians to view their student’s attendance,
cumulative grades, course history, and standardized test scores from any computer with an Internet connection.
Parent Bridge also provides parents/guardians and teachers an easy way to communicate via email, and it also
provides us the capability to send out important messages and calendar events to parents/guardians.
Parents/guardians can access Parent Bridge from any computer with internet access. Due to the popularity of
Parent Bridge, and a desire to make it available to all parents, some modifications have been made in order to
offer a Limited Access Version through a partnership with City Market, School District #51, and Bresnan at all
six City Market locations throughout the Grand Valley. Through a partnership with Mesa County, a Parent
Bridge kiosk with Limited Access has also been set up at the Mesa County Health Department on 29 ½ Road.
To register for Parent Bridge, stop by the Grand Junction High School Main Office, and pick up a registration
form. You can also register for Parent Bridge by clicking on the register button on the Parent Bridge home page
(http://www.mesa.k12.co.us/Parents). Complete the registration form, and then print the form using your
browser’s print button. Sign the form and turn it in to the High School Main Office. Parent Bridge Registration
Forms are also available in the High School Main Office and the Counseling Office.
B. WEEKLY ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY CHECKS
Monday of every week, the Activities/Athletic Director will run a list from Parent Bridge of those students who
have earned a “D” or an “F” on one or more of their courses the previous week. Students who appear on this
list may be referred to mandatory structured assistance or referred to a structured study hall.
XI. ADVISORY TIME
A. What is Advisory?
The Advisory Program at Grand Junction High School (GJHS) is a short time set aside during designated weeks
for our students to positively interact with a small group of students of their grade level peers. Through grade
level specific activities and discussions under the guidance of a caring adult Advisor, students will assess their
own talents and inspirations, plan their individual paths, work collaboratively with others, and demonstrate their
learning of clear standards in a wide variety of forms.
B. Purpose
According to Osofsky, Sinner and Wolk, the authors of Changing Systems to Personalize Learning: The Power
of Advisories, effective advisory programs possess five key dimensions. The first of these dimensions is
purpose. An advisory program can be used for many purposes.
Advisory fulfills the following purposes, to
Create an environment that fosters realistic, respectful and meaningful relationships between students and
adults in small learning communities, organized by grade level.
Advise students about academic decisions and monitor academic achievement.
Foster communication between the home and the school and among members of the school community.
Implement the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Program and to model the values, morals, and ethical
standards necessary for success in high school and to assist our students to become lifelong learners.
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Provide students additional academic support.
Prepare students for life transitions including career development and postsecondary opportunities.
Promote an awareness of diversity and tolerance.
Facilitate student governance and conversations.
Undertake service learning and community service both within and outside the school.
C. Goals
The goals of the advisory program are to:
Increase student motivation,
Help students imagine their future,
Connect families to student learning,
Celebrate student achievement,
Connect each student with a caring adult,
Encourage lifelong learning,
Increase self-awareness, and
Assist students in developing and implementing their Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) in
accordance with provisions of the 2009 School Finance Act.
D. How Does Advisory Work?
Advisory allows students to explore making positive changes in their personal choices. Agendas will be used
throughout the year as both a personal planning tool and a time management tool. Each student will also
develop a portfolio which will remain in with the students’ advisor throughout their career at GJHS. The
student’s portfolio will be the repository for all of the documents the student creates during advisory, to include
each student’s Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and personal resume.
Advisory sessions will be supplemented with time for other school business (to encourage participation in
extra/co-curricular school activities), and to discuss campus-wide issues, which arise throughout the year.
E. When is Advisory?
The advisory period meets once a week for 30 minutes on designated Mondays after 2 nd period. Periodically,
advisory activities may be scheduled as assemblies to facilitate the distribution of the information.
F. Is Advisory Graded?
No. However, it will be very important to gather summative and formative data from students, parents, and
teachers throughout the school year.
XII. SCHEDULE
Grand Junction High School’s academic day is an eight (8) period day which includes both 95 minute block classes and
45 minute split block classes. There is one fifty (50) minute lunch period per day after fourth period. This year, on
Mondays, we will be using an alternate daily schedule. This schedule includes a one hour planning period for the teachers
and a 30 minute advisory period.
On Mondays, the school will open at the normal time but the actual school day will not begin until 8:05 a.m. From 7:00
to 8:00 a.m., students are free to move throughout the campus and buildings, eating breakfast, socializing, working on
homework, or participating in other acceptable activities. From 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., the teachers will meet in professional
learning teams to plan course level work. This year, on Monday there is also a thirty (30) minute Advisory Period after
the second period. This allows us to use the normal daily schedule for the remaining four days of the week. See page 19
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for the bell schedule for a normal academic day, the bell schedule for Mondays, and an AM and PM Assembly Bell
Schedule.
Students in grades 9-10 are required to be enrolled in a full eight (8) period schedule for each semester. Freshmen may
have a supervised Study Hall one period a day.
In order to be classified as a full time student, a student must take a minimum of three credits of course work per
semester. Students who do not take three credits per semester and are not a full time student may not be eligibility for
an academic letter, co-curricular activities, or other student benefits. Students should consult with their counselor if
they have a question concerning their academic status.
“No problem is insurmountable.
With a little courage, teamwork, and
determination
a person can overcome anything.”
A. Dodge
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Bell Schedules
BELL SCHEDULES
REGULAR DAY MONDAY/ADVISORY
PLC TIME 7:00 8:00
WARNING BELL 7:20 WARNING BELL 8:00
BLOCK 1 7:25 9:00 BLOCK 1 8:05 9:24
SPLIT BLOCK 1 7:25 8:10 SPLIT BLOCK 1 8:05 8:42
SPLIT BLOCK 2 8:15 9:00 SPLIT BLOCK 2 8:47 9:24
BLOCK 3 9:05 10:40 ADVISORY 9:29 9:59
SPLIT BLOCK 3 9:05 9:50 BLOCK 3 10:04 11:23
SPLIT BLOCK 4 9:55 10:40 SPLIT BLOCK 3 10:04 10:41
LUNCH 10:40 11:30 SPLIT BLOCK 4 10:46 11:23
BLOCK 5 11:35 1:10 LUNCH 11:23 12:02
SPLIT BLOCK 5 11:35 12:20 BLOCK 5 12:07 1:26
SPLIT BLOCK 6 12:25 1:10 SPLIT BLOCK 5 12:07 12:44
BLOCK 7 1:15 2:50 SPLIT BLOCK 6 12:49 1:26
SPLIT BLOCK 7 1:15 2:00 BLOCK 7 1:31 2:50
SPLIT BLOCK 8 2:05 2:50 SPLIT BLOCK 7 1:31 2:08
SPLIT BLOCK 8 2:13 2:50
BELL SCHEDULES
A.M. ACTIVITY P.M. ACTIVITY
WARNING BELL 7:20 WARNING BELL 7:20
ACTIVITY 7:25 8:25 BLOCK 1 7:25 8:50
BLOCK 1 8:30 9:51 SPLIT BLOCK 1 7:25 8:05
SPLIT BLOCK 1 8:30 9:08 SPLIT BLOCK 2 8:10 8:50
SPLIT BLOCK 2 9:13 9:51 BLOCK 3 8:55 10:20
BLOCK 3 9:56 11:17 SPLIT BLOCK 3 8:55 9:35
SPLIT BLOCK 3 9:56 10:34 SPLIT BLOCK 4 9:40 10:20
SPLIT BLOCK 4 10:39 11:17 LUNCH 10:20 11:10
LUNCH 11:17 11:58 BLOCK 5 11:15 12:40
BLOCK 5 12:03 1:24 SPLIT BLOCK 5 11:15 11:55
SPLIT BLOCK 5 12:03 12:41 SPLIT BLOCK 6 12:00 12:40
SPLIT BLOCK 6 12:46 1:24 BLOCK 7 12:45 2:10
BLOCK 7 1:29 2:50 SPLIT BLOCK 7 12:45 1:25
SPLIT BLOCK 7 1:29 2:07 SPLIT BLOCK 8 1:30 2:10
SPLIT BLOCK 8 2:12 2:50 P.M. ACTIVITY 2:10 2:50
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XIII. HIGHER EDUCATION ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS (HEAR)
Students and parents have a responsibility to develop a schedule for the four years of high school that will result
in earning a high school diploma. They are encouraged to become knowledgeable and partner with the school
in selecting a schedule to open doors to their future: enter the work force, enter the military, or attend a
technical, two-year, and four-year college. If students are interested in attending a college or university in
Colorado, students and their parents/guardians are encouraged to develop a schedule which meets the Colorado
Higher Education Admissions Requirements (HEAR) and NCAA eligibility, if a student-athlete.
For students graduating in 2013 and beyond, they must meet the following Higher Education Admission
Requirements (HEAR):
English 4 years
Mathematics (Must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
or equivalents)
4 years
Natural/Physical Sciences (two units must be lab-based) 3 years
Social Sciences (at least one unit of U.S. or World History) 3 years
World (Foreign) Language 1 year
Academic Electives 2 years
XIV. NCAA ELIGIBILITY
Students interested in participating in any sport during their freshmen year at a 4 year college or university must
meet the NCAA’s Proposition 48 academic standards to practice, compete, or receive a scholarship. These
standards found in the NCAA Bylaw 14.3 are different for Division I and Division II schools. Students should
register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at the end of the junior year. Copy and submit the Initial Eligibility
Form 1 and Final Eligibility Form 2 to your counselor by the end of the junior year for evaluation and
submission of transcripts.
Meeting eligibility requirements has nothing to do with accepting a student for college admission, but rather it
pertains to the student’s eligibility to participate in sports as a freshman. Students interested in playing sports in
college can register at www.ncaa.clearinghouse,org. Contact the NCAA at 877-262-1492 for questions or see
the Athletic Director or your counselor.
The GJHS Code for the NCAA Clearinghouse is 060-695.
Recently the NCAA announced some changes in the rules regarding software-based credit recovery, virtual,
online, independent study and correspondence courses. These types of courses, which are identified by the
NCAA Eligibility Center as nontraditional courses, must meet new guidelines in order to be used for collegebound
student-athletes who are planning to attend an NCAA Division I college or university.
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Students who are planning to attend a Division I school and participate in collegiate athletics should keep these
considerations in mind when taking online courses.
Courses that are taught through distance learning, online, credit recovery, etc. need to be comparable in
length, content and rigor to courses taught in a traditional classroom setting. Students may not skip lessons
or test out of modules. The course must be a four-year college preparatory course.
All courses must include ongoing access between the instructor and student, as well as regular interaction
for purposes of teaching, evaluating and providing assistance. This may include, for example, exchanging
of e-mails between the student and teacher, feedback on assignments, and the opportunity for the teacher to
engage the student in individual instruction.
Any course taken must have a defined time period for completion. For example, it should be clear whether
the course is meant to be taken for an entire semester or during a more condensed time frame, such as six
weeks, etc.
Nontraditional courses should be clearly identified as such on the high school transcript.
These changes apply to courses completed on or after August 1, 2010, for students first entering an NCAA
Division I college or university on or after August 1, 2010. Nontraditional courses completed prior to August 1,
2010, will be reviewed under current NCAA standards.
XV. ROAD TO SUCCESS
GJHS provides a variety of interventions to help students succeed in class. Parent Bridge and Parent-Teacher
conferences provide frequent information regarding a student’s progress. Students who are struggling should
first see their teacher for suggestions and additional help. A student-teacher-parent conference can produce
school and home strategies for improvement. Contacting the counselor for assistance may be the next step.
That may lead to additional collaboration with teachers, students, parent, student learning center instructor,
progress monitor, school psychologist, school nurse or aide, special education provider, and/or administrator.
XVI. RELEASE TIME
Only juniors and seniors may be approved for Release Time if they are not enrolled in a class and are on track
for a conventional diploma. There are times when some sophomores may have an approved release period.
Release Times are available first, second, seventh, and eighth hours, unless approved by a counselor after
consultation with an administrator. AP students may take release periods anytime during the day to
accommodate their schedule.
In order to increase the security and safety of Grand Junction High School students and staff, all students must
be present and accountable while on campus; therefore, juniors and seniors who have Release Time built into
their schedules must choose one of the following options:
A. Students who properly check into the library may study there.
B. Students may be supervised by teachers who provide an opportunity for students to be present in their
classroom.
C. Students involved in co-curricular sports with an 8 th period release may go to the locker room area if
directly supervised by a coach/teacher. Direct supervision means the coach/teacher is present in the
room/gym or area with the student.
D. Students who choose none of the first three options must be off campus during their Release Time.
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All students who request a Release Time must complete a Release Time Request Form, which is located in the
Counseling Center. This form requires student, parent, and counselor signatures. There are opportunities other
than Release Time available to you at GJHS. Keep in mind that colleges expect students to continue to be fully
engaged in academics through the conclusion of the senior year.
Seniors must fill at least 75% of daily class time during the fall semester. Second semester seniors are expected
to register for course work necessary to complete graduation requirements but must be enrolled in at least two
classes. College bound students should continue to take academic classes to meet college requirements.
Shortened schedules will reflect negatively on college admissions and scholarship opportunities and may
prevent a student from receiving an academic letter because the student may not meet the full time status
requirement.
In order to maintain athletic and co-curricular activities eligibility, students must be a full time student and
be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits of course work each semester and have no more than one “F” during
any final grading period. That would typically be six split-block classes, or three block classes. Students
attending WCCC or Career Center must be enrolled in 4 split-blocks or 2 blocks.
XVII. WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
When a student transfers in district or moves out of district, parent consent is required in person or by note. The
student must then obtain a withdrawal form from the Counseling Center and submit it to all teachers for grades,
book returns, and teacher signatures. The student will then be given a copy of the completed form to take with
him/her to facilitate admission to the receiving school.
When students withdraw from school or when the school year ends and all students check-out of school,
students must follow the same checkout procedures as those listed above for transfer students. Returning
all instructional books and materials and paying all fees and fines will expedite the transfer of school
credits/records.
Failure to properly check-out of school at the end of the school year could result in a loss of co-curricular
privileges at the beginning of the next school year.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
I. CODE OF CONDUCT
A. PHILOSOPHY
We believe that the image and reputation a school has is often determined by the behavior of its students and the
physical appearance of its campus, i.e., buildings, parking lots, lockers, etc. All of us –students, teachers,
administrators, support staff, parents, and community members – must show pride by doing our share to make
the high school a better place in which to learn and work.
We believe that every student attending Grand Junction High School has the right to undisturbed teaching and
learning, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, sex orientation, language, religion, political or
other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. We also believe that every student
attending GJHS has the right to pursue an education in a climate of mutual trust, respect, and interpersonal
concern where openness and academic honesty and integrity prevail. We also believe that this educational
environment should be safe, reassuring, and free from drugs and alcohol, violence, harmful remarks, and
vandalism.
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In order to make these beliefs a reality, we have developed school discipline policies and procedures that create
the best possible safe and healthy environment to promote learning and to protect and develop the physical,
social, intellectual, and emotional growth of each student. These policies and procedures limit the opportunity
of an individual to interfere with the educational rights of other students, as well as those of the individual.
These policies also take into consideration the developmental characteristics of the high school student.
We will create a caring environment that encourages mutual respect and cooperation, while providing
opportunities for students to make positive choices regarding their behavior. We believe that as students
develop and mature, they will develop more self-direction and self-discipline; our policies encourage that
development.
B. STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
GJHS is for students and as such, we believe that students have specific responsibilities for their own education
and for making GJHS a great high school for everyone. At GJHS, student responsibilities include: attending
school regularly, making a conscientious effort in classroom work, and conforming to school rules and
regulations. Working together with administration and the faculty, students also share a responsibility to
develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living. No student has the
right to interfere with the education of his/her fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to
respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators, support staff, and all others who are involved in the
educational process. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner.
Students are specifically responsible for:
1. Being aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conducting themselves in accordance with
them.
2. Volunteering information in matters relating to the health, safety and welfare of the school community and
the protection of school property.
3. Dressing and grooming to meet school standards.
4. Assisting the school staff in operating a safe school for all.
5. Complying with State of Colorado and local laws.
6. Exercising proper care when using district facilities and equipment.
7. Being aware that any weapon or look-a-like brought onto school property may be punishable by removal
from school for one (1) year. If you think it will get you in trouble, DO NOT bring it to school!
8. Being aware that any excessive display of affection in the school is in very poor taste and unacceptable.
9. Being aware that any student who willfully disobeys the reasonable direction of a faculty
or staff member or administrator shall be subject to disciplinary action for insubordination.
10. Making all necessary arrangements for making up work immediately when absent from school for
disciplinary reasons, for reasons of illness, for trips, or other reasons.
11. Attending school for all days of the adopted school calendar.
12. Being in class on time, prepared for academic work.
13. Contacting teachers immediately upon return from absences to receive make-up assignments and deadlines
for completing them.
14. Completing work as assigned by the teacher when a prearranged absence is approved.
15. Remaining on campus during the day. Once a student is in school and must leave campus during the day,
absences must be verified by either the attendance office or the school health office. Students must check
out with an attendance secretary before leaving.
16. Following the established school procedure when enrolling in or withdrawing from a class.
17. Informing the Counseling Office immediately of any changes in personal information (phone, address, etc.).
18. Taking an active role in developing a schedule to meet graduation requirements and re-evaluating it each
semester.
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C. ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Evidence from research suggests that missing school negatively relates to academic achievement. Students who
attend school on a regular basis achieve better grades, are more responsible, and gain more from the school
experience than those who do not attend school regularly. It is expected that students will attend school
regularly, and will be on time for classes in order to maximize the benefits they can expect from school.
“Regular” means every day. “Being on time” means a student is in the classroom seated in his/her assigned
seat, ready to begin the class by the late bell.
Colorado has a Compulsory Attendance Act which requires students to attend school until the age of seventeen
(17). Compliance with the law means every child who is under the age of 17 is required to attend public school
for at least one thousand fifty six (1,056) hours during each school year, with such exceptions as provided by
law.
1. Excused Absences:
Excused absences will be granted when a parent/guardian has communicated with the school prior to the
absence and the absence is due to: illness or injury and the student is expected to return to school within a
reasonable amount of time; unavoidable medical appointments for doctor, dentist, eye exams, physical therapy,
etc.; extended absences due to physical, mental, or emotional disabilities; pre-arranged absences (2 days per
semester) with approval of the student’s teachers and administrator; absences due to unforeseen emergences
such as sudden illness or death within the family; absences which occur when the student is temporarily in the
custody of a court or law enforcement authorities; absences when the student is participating in religious
observances approved by District #51; and participation in pre-approved school activities.
2. Unexcused Classroom Absences:
When a student is absent from school, or other school-sanctioned activities requiring attendance, with no call
or pre-communicated information from the parent/guardian as to why the absence, and the absence does
not fall under the situations mentioned in paragraph C. 1. above, the absence is considered an unexcused
absence.
A student with four (4) unexcused absences a month or ten (10) unexcused absences during a school year is
considered to be “habitually truant.” The verbiage ten unexcused absences refers to any, accrued, ten
unexcused absences during any period of the school year.
The principal may involuntarily withdraw from a course any student 17 years old or older who accumulates the
following number of unexcused absences in a course during a single academic term of the school:
a. Six (6) if the academic term is a nine (9) week block.
b. Ten (10) if the academic term is 18 weeks or more.
Students 17 years of age and over shall be subject to involuntary withdrawal from a class or classes only after
all practical alternative education options have been exhausted, a formal conference with the parents or legal
guardians has been conducted, and an alternative program of instruction for the student has been developed.
Students withdrawn involuntarily from a particular class or classes shall not be permitted to attend or re-enroll
in such classes for the remainder of the term. Students withdrawn from a single class for lack of attendance are
often put in study hall until the next term. The administrator shall take into account the student’s ability to
make up work and satisfactorily pass the class or classes prior to making a decision concerning involuntary
withdrawal.
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Students under 17 years of age shall not be subject to involuntary withdrawal from classes unless a medical
condition requires special consideration, or unless there are other grounds for exclusion from a class, such as
suspension, expulsion or denial of admission pursuant to board policy. Students under 17 years of age shall not
be expelled, suspended out-of-school or otherwise disciplined on account of truancy, but may be subject to
academic penalties other than involuntary withdrawal as specified above. We sometimes place students in inschool
suspension (ISS) because of excessive attendance related violations.
D. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
1. Excuses:
Any time a student is absent from class for non-school related activities, he/she is required to do one of the
following within two (2) days of returning to school in order for the absence to be excused:
a. Bring a note to the attendance office from a parent/guardian stating the date(s) of the absence(s) and the
reason(s).
b. Have his/her parent/guardian call the attendance office and give the date(s) of the absence(s) and the
reason(s).
Students must have a parent/guardian write a note or have a parent/guardian telephone the school before
a student will be given permission to leave school during school hours. Students must sign out with the
Attendance Office before leaving school during school hours unless they have a release. Administrators reserve
the right to review an individual's attendance and disapprove the absence if it does not meet the criteria for an
excused absence.
2. Pre-arranged Absences:
Students are permitted two days of pre-arranged absences per semester. Students must obtain approval from
their teachers and assistant principal before using the prearranged absences. Students must obtain a prearranged
absence form from the Attendance Office when they know in advance that they will be absent.
Any reason other than those specified in paragraph C. 1. above will be denoted as UPC (Unexcused
Parent/Guardian Contact).
3. Excused\Unexcused Parent Contact Absences Make-up Work Policy:
Absences are marked excused or unexcused parent contact for the purpose of class make-up credit only. Makeup
work will be accepted for credit from students with excused absences.
As a general guideline, two days for each day absent are allowed for make-up work. In situations that exceed
two days, the teacher and the student’s administrator will agree on a plan acceptable to both. It is recommended
that students arrange to receive make-up work outside of class time.
Parents/guardians may request homework for his/her student due to illness or family emergencies that are at
least three (3) consecutive school days. Homework will be available a minimum of 24 hours after the request
has been made, or by 3:00 p.m. the following school day.
4. Grand Junction High School Tardy Policy:
Academic success is dependent on punctual and regular attendance. In order to maximize instructional time and
avoid disruption to the learning environment administrators, counselors, campus liaisons, progress monitors,
teachers, students and parents must work together.
All GJHS students are expected to be on time. Details of our policy are “under revision” and will be published
upon the completion of the revision.
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E. CHEATING AND/OR PLAGIARISM
Students are expected to do their own work. Students who choose to cheat, plagiarize, or forge may either
repeat work for partial or no credit, receive a grade of zero, or receive a failing grade for the semester. This
offense violates the Student Code of Conduct and may also be subject to disciplinary action and/or
consequences.
F. DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
Colorado Law deals with providing a learning environment that is safe, disruption free, and conducive to
learning in every way. The law also covers off-campus misconduct, denial of school admission, mandatory
expulsion offenses, and gang-related problems. Every teacher has a right to teach a class without
interruptions and every student should have the opportunity to receive an education without disruptions.
Those student identified as habitually disruptive shall be placed upon an individual plan for remediation of
inappropriate behavior. On the third offense in a single school year, administrators shall seek expulsion of the
disruptive student from school for up to one calendar year.
Consistent with the policy adopted by the Board of Education, students are required to conduct themselves
within certain prescribed parameters of acceptable behavior. While in school buildings, on or near school
grounds or in proximity thereto, in school vehicles, during school-sponsored activities, students shall not:
1. Cause or attempt to cause damage to school property or steal or attempt to steal school property.
2. Cause or attempt to cause damage to private property or steal or attempt to steal private property.
3. Cause or attempt to cause physical injury to another person except in self-defense.
4. Commit any act which if committed by an adult would be robbery or assault as defined by state law.
Expulsion shall be mandatory in accordance with state law except for commission of third degree assault.
5. Violate any criminal law.
6. Violate any district or building regulations.
7. Violate the district’s policy on dangerous weapons in the schools. Expulsion shall be mandatory for
carrying, bringing, using or possessing a dangerous weapon without the authorization of the school or
school district in accordance with state law. A dangerous weapon means:
a. A firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, or a firearm facsimile;
b. Any pellet or "beebee" gun or other device, whether operational or not, designed to propel projectiles by
spring action or compressed air;
c. A fixed blade knife with a blade that measures longer than three inches in length or a spring loaded knife
or a pocket knife with a blade longer than three and one-half inches, or
d. Any object, device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, used or intended
to be used to inflict death or serious bodily injury.
In accordance with federal law, expulsion shall be for not less than one full calendar year for a student who
is determined to have brought a firearm to school. The Superintendent may modify the length of this federal
requirement for expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
Note: Students attending GJHS are prohibited from possessing a knife of any length while on school
property or attending school activities.
8. Violate the district’s alcohol use and drug abuse policies. Expulsion shall be mandatory in
accordance with state law.
9. Violate the district’s smoking and use of tobacco policy.
10. Throw any object that might cause bodily injury or damage property, whether or not the property hit by the
object is school owned.
11. Direct profanity, vulgar language or obscene gestures toward anyone, including but not limited to students,
school personnel or visitors to the school.
12. Engage in verbal abuse, i.e., name calling, ethnic or racial slurs, or derogatory statements to others that
precipitate disruption of the school program or incite violence.
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13. Inappropriate use of district electronic resources including, but not limited to, the transmission of threats,
harassment or intimidation or the transmission or receipt of indecent or obscene material.
14. Commit extortion, coercion or blackmail, which involves obtaining money or other objects of value from an
unwilling person or forcing an individual to act through the use of force or threat of force.
15. Deliberately give false information, either verbally or in writing, to a school employee.
16. Act in a scholastically dishonest way. This includes but is not limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, or
unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written works.
17. Willfully disobey or openly defy proper authority.
18. Behave in any way, which is detrimental to the welfare, safety or morals of other students or school
personnel.
Any student who violates this code will be given appropriate discipline as provided in Policy JK, Student
Discipline, and JKD/JKE, Suspension/Expulsion.
G. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR VIOLENCE/ THREATENING BEHAVIOR BY STUDENTS
GJHS has a zero tolerance policy for any acts of bullying, harassment, intimidation or violence.
Bullying is when a student is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more
other students. Negative actions refer to intentional infliction of, or attempt to inflict, injure, or humiliate
others. Bullying may be direct or indirect. Direct bullying is overt attacks on a victim while indirect bullying is
often covert in nature and frequently takes the form of social isolation and exclusion from a group.
The Grand Junction Police Department may be summoned in the event of bullying, harassment, fights, assaults,
or battery upon another person. When students are involved in threatening behavior during school hours,
including any serious verbal and written threats that could cause bodily or emotional harm, these students may
be brought to a hearing for possible expulsion. This is to ensure that the campus is a safe environment for all
students and staff who attend school, work, or visit the GJHS campus.
H. TOBACCO PRODUCTS USE
Tobacco usage on school property is addressed in Senate Bill 94-100, Tobacco Products Use on any School
Properties in Colorado Prohibition (i.e., No Smoking on Public School Campuses), and in City of Grand
Junction, Colorado, Ordinance No. 3095, An Ordinance Regulating Tobacco Products, Section 2. Possession
and Use of Tobacco Products by Minors (under 18 years of age)
In accordance with Senate Bill 94-100, Tobacco Products Use on any School Properties in Colorado Prohibition
(i.e., No Smoking on Public School Campuses), smoking or use of chewing tobacco is prohibited on any part of
the Grand Junction High School campus. This means there will be no smoking or chewing of tobacco on or
about the sidewalk on 5 th Street, on the school side of Tiger Avenue, the school property side of the east alley,
or on the lawn or any athletic field (students may not sit in or lean on their cars and smoke if their cars are
parked on the school property side of the alley) on the school campus.
According to City of Grand Junction, Colorado, Ordinance No. 3095, An Ordinance Regulating Tobacco
Products, Section 2. Possession and Use of Tobacco Products by Minors (under 18 years of age), it shall be
unlawful for any minor to knowingly possess, consume, or use, either by smoking, ingesting, absorbing, or
chewing any tobacco product.
I. SEXUAL/RACIAL HARASSMENT
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
constitutes sexual harassment. Sexual harassment as defined will not be tolerated. GJHS does not nor will not
tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. The operating
statement of belief at GJHS is to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
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J. TITLE VI, TITLE IX AND SECTION 504 OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION
It is the policy of Mesa County Valley School District #51 not to discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability in admission, access to, treatment of, or employment in its
educational programs or activities.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section
504/Americans with Disabilities Act of Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, are statutes passed by the United
States Congress to prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin (Title VI),
sex (Title IX), or disability (Section 504), by agencies receiving financial assistance. The governing regulations
cover all aspects of discrimination in schools with regard to admissions, treatment, employment, and provisions
for students, including selection and acquisition of textual materials.
The District currently has in place a grievance procedure for the handling of discrimination concerns. If you
believe that you have been discriminated against on the basis of age, race, color religion, national origin, sex, or disability,
you may make a claim that your rights have been denied. This claim or grievance may be filed with:
Compliance Officer
Title VI/Title IX/Section 504
MCVSD 51 - Emerson - 930 Ute Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 254-5100
You may also file a complaint of illegal discrimination with the Federal Office of Civil Rights, United States Department
of Education; at the same time you file the District grievance, during or after the use of the District grievance process, or
without using the District grievance process at all.
U.S. Department of Education
The Officer of Civil Rights Region VIII
1244 Speer Blvd #310
Denver, Colorado 80204
(303) 844-5695
K. DISTRICT #51 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
GJHS will use the following grievance procedure for resolution of discrimination and harassment
concerns.
1. Complaint: An individual may file a written complaint with the compliance officer charging the district,
another student, or any school employee with a violation of Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504. The
complaint shall be in writing on forms provided by the compliance officer and shall describe the nature of
the complaint. No complaint shall be received and processed by the compliance officer if filed more than 30
calendar days after the alleged conduct without permission from the superintendent of schools.
2. Investigation: Upon receipt of the complaint, the compliance officer or the compliance officer’s designee
shall conduct an investigation and no later than 15 working days following the filing of the complaint shall
render a written report.
3. Hearing: A hearing shall be held within 20 working days after the filing of a request for a
hearing. The hearing shall be informal (see Policy GBKS, Guidelines for Informal Hearings.) A student
shall be entitled to be represented by his/her parent or by an attorney.
The hearing officer shall render a written decision containing findings and recommendations within ten
working days after the conclusion of the hearing.
4. Appeal: Either the complainant, the person(s) whose conduct is in question, or the compliance officer may
appeal the decision of the hearing officers to the superintendent of schools. The Superintendent shall review
the hearing officer’s documents, findings, and recommendations and shall within 20 working days after
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eceipt, either affirm, reverse, or amend the findings and recommendations or hold a de nova hearing. The
Superintendent will render an independent decision. The decision of the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s
independent findings and recommendations shall be subject to the above conditions regarding
confidentiality and shall be final.
5. Time Limits: Stated time periods may be extended at the discretion of the superintendent of schools for
good cause shown. Time periods may also be extended by mutual agreement of all affected parties and the
compliance officer.
II. DISCIPLINE
For additional information on the Board policies on prohibitive practices, attendance, aggressive and violent
behavior, alcohol and drug use/ abuse, bullying, sexual harassment and dangerous weapons in school, see the
Mesa County Valley School District 51 Student and Parent Handbook and Calendars or copies of the Board
policies on the District website.
III. GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
A. BICYCLE SECURITY
Bicycle racks are provided for students who ride a bicycle to school. One rack is located in the fenced in area
located north of the cafeteria by the staff parking lot. The second rack is located on the sidewalk behind and
between the exterior doors leading to boys’ locker room and the weight room. Students should secure their
bicycles to these racks with an appropriate bicycle lock. GJHS assumes no responsibility for bicycles that are
not properly secured to/in the bicycle rack.
B. BOOKS
Books are for your use and must be handled with care. The life of a textbook is at least five years. We
routinely purchase new textbooks and then use those textbooks until they are replaced with a new edition.
Therefore, the depreciation cost of a textbook is the replacement cost. Therefore, if at any time you lose a book,
you are responsible for the price of replacing that book with a new book, unless determined otherwise by an
administrator.
C. CAFETERIA/SCHOOL LUNCHES
GJHS has an open campus for lunch. That means that students who wish to eat off campus may do so. Those
students who wish to remain on campus for lunch may eat in the cafeteria. Lunch is served each school day in
the cafeteria with multiple serving lines and an a la carte menu. Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch
need to see the Cafeteria Manager at the beginning of each semester. Multiple priced lunches range from $2.75
and up. Breakfast is also served from 7:00 to 7:25 a.m. Cost is $1.35 or a la carte prices.
D. CELLULAR TELEPHONES, TELEPHONE PAGERS, AND BEEPERS
1. The Board of Education recognizes that cell phones and pagers can play a vital communications role during
emergency situations. However, the ordinary use of cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices in
school situations can be disruptive to the educational environment and is not acceptable.
2. Students may carry cell phones and pagers but these devices must be turned off inside the school building
during classes, assemblies, study halls, or other instructional periods. Cell phones and pagers may be used
on campus before and after school or during passing periods.
3. Other electronic devices such as radios, portable stereos, electronic games, CD players, and
i-pods may be used before and after school and during passing periods, but they may not be used during
academic periods. This includes study halls unless approved by the study hall monitor. Students who bring
these devices to school should put them away for safekeeping during the school day. The golden rule for
these devices and cell phones and beepers is – during instructional periods - we do not want to see or
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hear them.
4. A student brings these devices to school at his/her own risk. The school shall not be responsible for lost,
stolen, or confiscated items.
5. On the first offense of an item disrupting class, the teacher may confiscate the item and the student may
pick it up from the teacher or in the main office after school. Class time will not be interrupted to retrieve a
confiscated cell phone for a student before the end of the day.
The second offense will result in parent/guardian contact, with the item given to the parent/guardian. The
third offense will result in a parent/guardian conference with an administrator and 1 day of in-school
suspension for insubordination. All subsequent offenses will result in a parent/ guardian conference with
an administrator and 3 days of in-school suspension for insubordination. Habitual disruption of the
learning environment because of more than three cell phone violations may result in out of school
suspension or more serious consequences.
6. Refusal to relinquish these devices when requested will result in disciplinary action for defiance.
7. Parents should not call their student during class/academic time. Parents calling their students during
class/academic time is a not an acceptable reason for a student to have his/her cell phone out or to use
his/her phone during class. Emergency calls should be directed to the main office, and we will insure the
student receives the information in a timely manner.
E. CHANGE OF ADDRESS
If you change street addresses within the Mesa County Valley School District, you should report the change
immediately to the counseling office so it can be changed on your records. This includes changes in telephone
numbers. If you are moving out of the district, please report the move to the Counseling Center as soon as
possible so withdrawal procedures can be explained to you and so you can start your transition out of the district
to your new school district. Returning all instructional materials and paying fees and fines will expedite your
transfer.
F. DANCES
1. General:
Traditional dances held at GJHS include the Back-to School Dance, Homecoming and Pigskin Dances in the
fall, the Blackout Dance in the winter, the Cottonball Dance in the early spring, and Prom in the spring.
2. Policies:
a. Dances at GJHS are for GJHS students in grades 9-12 and their guests under the age of 21.
b. Out of school guests must be at least high school aged. Eighth (8 th ) grade or younger students are not
allowed at GJHS dances. Out-of-school guests must also be under the age of 21.
c. Students who are not in school on the day of a dance are not permitted to attend the dance.
d. Students suspended out-of-school or expelled from school are not permitted to attend GJHS dances,
during the duration of their out-of- suspension/expulsion.
e. Students who leave the premises of the dance will not be allowed back into the dance.
f. To enter a GJHS dance, students must show their current GJHS identification (ID) card when asked by a
chaperone. ID cards issued in previous years or the student ID page from SASI are not acceptable forms
of student identification.
g. Guests must present a current school identification ID or other form of identification if not attending
another district high school. Guests must also present a GJHS Dance Guest Approval Form upon
entering the dance. Guests who do not present this form will not be permitted in the dance. A copy
of this form may be obtained in the main office. These forms will not be faxed from the main office to
another school, unless the school is out of the district.
h. GJHS students attending dances at other district high schools must complete the Dance Guest Form for
the applicable high school and return the form to the high school by the Wednesday prior to the dance.
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3. Procedures:
a. Tickets for dances may be purchased at the door before each dance with a proper, current identification
card.
b. To maintain the safety of our students and their guests, the following procedures must be followed:
1) GJHS students must show a current GJHS student identification (ID) card before purchasing tickets.
2) GJHS students must purchase a separate ticket for each individual attending the dance.
3) Students inviting out-of-school guests must have the guest complete and turn-in the GJHS Dance
Guest Approval Form to the dance sponsor not later than (NLT) the Wednesday prior to the dance.
4) Guests must show a valid student identification card or other form of current identification (a state
driver’s license is acceptable) before purchasing tickets.
5) There will be no refunds for lost, stolen, misplaced or forgotten tickets.
6) Tickets must be purchased in order to take pictures. For formal dances, students who wish to have
their picture taken and then go to dinner may do so, but they must purchase their tickets first. At the
time of purchasing the ticket, the students will be given a bright colored wrist band that allows them
go to dinner and to return to the dance venue and enter the dance after eating dinner without
purchasing another ticket. Upon returning from dinner, as students enter the dance venue, the bright
colored wrist band will be replaced with another wrist band which will be used to authorize
admittance to the dance.
G. DELIVERIES
Special deliveries, such as flowers or balloons, to students will be made to the main office. Students will be
notified to pick up the delivery after school. All efforts will be made not to interfere with the regular school
day. Parents are asked to restrict deliveries that may disrupt the educational process.
H. DRESS CODE
At Grand Junction High School, we pride ourselves in having a safe and secure learning environment that
enables all students to pursue a high quality education. Students assume a major responsibility in creating this
safe and secure environment. This responsibility is reflected in many ways. One such way is the clothing
students choose to wear to school.
The Board of Education recognizes that parents have a considerable amount of freedom in determining what
their children wear to school. However, the Board of Education also believes that students shall not wear
clothing that can be hazardous to them, that blocks or restricts movement, or is deemed disruptive or potentially
disruptive to the classroom environment and the maintenance of a safe and orderly school.
We also believe that the choice of clothing or the lack of clothing should not disrupt the educational focus of the
school or the safe and orderly environment of the school.
1. Expectations:
a. Students are expected to dress appropriately and groom themselves for school and activities in a way
that promotes personal, school, and community pride!
b. Clothing should always be neat, clean, tasteful, and modest.
c. Clothing must cover undergarments and conceal traditionally private areas of the body, including but not
limited to the stomach, buttocks, upper thighs, back and breasts. For example:
1) Shirts-should cover the stomach and back. Shoulder straps should be at least 2 to 3 fingers in width
thick. The neckline should cover cleavage at all angles (when you are bent over and if someone is
taller than you). Arm holes should be of a traditional nature.
2) Shorts-should cover the buttocks from all angles, have no less than a 7” inch inseam to reflect
modesty when climbing stairs or bleachers or bending over, and have no holes.
3) Skirts and dresses-should be at least fingertip length to reflect modesty when climbing the stairs or
bending over.
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4) Pants-should be worn above the buttocks so as to reflect modesty by not showing undergarments
when walking or bending over.
5) Shoes must be worn at all times while on the school campus.
2. Prohibited Items:
a. Clothing, hairstyles, and accessories will not be allowed that:
1). threaten the safety or welfare of any person;
2). degrade any race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability;
3). are obscene, profane or vulgar, lewd, or legally libelous;
4). promote tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or weapons;
5). are too extreme, provocative, or immodest;
6). advocate sex or sexual activity;
7). denote membership in a gang by virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attributes;
8). disrupt the teaching-learning process;
9). disrupt the safe, orderly school environment; or
10).are inappropriately sheer, tight, short, or low-cut that expose traditionally private parts of the body.
b. Examples of clothing and styles not to be worn to school include:
1).strapless tops (tube tops), open back tops (halter tops), single-shoulder strap tops, muscle shirts, seethrough
tops/bottoms;
2). clothes, which expose under garments or torso skin (crop tops);
3). sweat shirts with hoods that can be converted into a mask (hoodies); and any apparel depicting
groups such as the Insane Clown Posse (ICP).
4). bandanas, except as noted in 3e below, worn, draped or hanging from a belt or any other piece of
clothing or book bag.
5). pajamas and slippers, unless permitted on a Spirit or PRIDE Day.
6). Any ICP symbol or attire.
c. On Halloween (or the day closest to it) costumes may not be worn during the school day at GJHS.
Halloween costumes may be worn to any after-school sponsored party/dance provided they are school
appropriate.
3. Exceptions:
a. Appropriate athletic clothing must be worn in physical education classes.
b. Clothing normally worn when participating in school-sponsored co-curricular or sports activities (such
as swimming, POMs, and cheerleading) may be worn to school or school functions when approved by
the sponsor, coach, and administration.
c. Other exceptions to this dress code could be backless or strapless dresses worn to formal dances.
d. Costumes may only be worn (by students and/or teachers) during a specific class period(s) if the
costume is tied to the curriculum or a given class. In addition, it must be school-appropriate, given the
context of the unit or lesson. Teachers will work in conjunction with the administrative team to
determine what is appropriate for a given project.
e. Students may participate in pre-approved dress-up day activities (such as Spirit Weeks, Homecoming,
etc.) provided the attire is school appropriate (Orange and Black bandanas are acceptable on these
occasions only).
4. Enforcement:
a. Teachers are expected to monitor and enforce the dress code policy in their classroom. Teachers are
expected to discuss with students the appropriate dress for their classroom activities (e.g., Tech Ed.,
Science, and P.E.).
b. A student who is asked by a teacher to remove his/her hat in the teacher’s classroom or area must
comply.
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c. A student who is found by any school or district employee to be in violation of the dress code policy
may, after receiving rationale from the employee, correct the problem appropriately without further
consequences.
c. If a student cannot promptly obtain appropriate clothing:
1). On the first offense, the student shall be given a written warning and an administrator shall notify
the student’s parents/guardians.
2). On the second offense, the student shall remain in the main office or other designated office area for
the day and do school work. This will constitute an in-school suspension and a conference with the
parents/guardians shall be held.
3). On the third offense, the student may be subject to out-of-school suspension or other disciplinary
action in accordance with relevant disciplinary procedures outlined in the school disciplinary code.
* The Administrative Team reserves the right to make changes to these policies at any time. Students will be
notified if and when these changes are made.
I. FEES
Students at GJHS may be assessed mandatory fees for extracurricular and interscholastic activities and for
curricular activities. These fees must be paid before the student participates in either the
extracurricular/interscholastic activity or the curricular activity.
1. Mandatory fees may be charged students for any extracurricular or inter-scholastic activity. For these
purposes, extracurricular activities are those activities in which student participation is entirely voluntary,
and is not required towards completion of any coursework for credit. If through voluntary participation in
the activity a student earns course credit, the activity does not meet the definition of extracurricular.
2. A student may be required to pay fees related to the actual cost of textbooks or expendable supplies in
connection with academic coursework. Fees charged for these purposes must be included on a fee schedule
that has been approved by the District’s Board of Education. Fees must be spent only for the purpose for
which they were collected. Expendable supplies are those supplies that are consumed by the student during
completion of required coursework. Costs of travel are not considered to be expendable supplies. Costs of
personal attire, such as gloves, shoes, PE uniform and uniform cleaning are considered to be expendable
supplies.
If an activity is planned that will take place during normal classroom hours, such as a field trip or special
assembly program, fees may be charged students as follows: mandatory fees as a condition of participation
if the activity is not a required activity for completion of coursework for credit OR voluntary fees if
attendance is required as a part of the curriculum.
Voluntary fees may be charged students for participation in an activity that is a required activity for
completion of coursework for credit. All students must be allowed to participate, regardless of whether the
voluntary fees have been paid.
All fees must clearly state whether they are mandatory or voluntary. All mandatory fees must specify any
activity from which the student shall be excluded if the fee is not paid.
J. FIELD TRIPS
1. There are times when students have the opportunity to participate in preplanned trips or educational
experiences during the regular school year. Students may be excused for such trips upon submission of a
written request signed by their parent/guardian. This request should be submitted through the attendance
secretary to the principal no later than five school days (one week) before the planned absence.
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2. Absences incurred for trips that are not approved or requests submitted after the absences have occurred will
be designated as unexcused. The principal may disapprove a request for an educational trip if the student
requesting the trip has a poor academic or attendance record.
3. Students who are absent from school due to educational or extended trips are responsible for the completion
of all missed work. It is the student's responsibility to meet with his/her teachers before the trip to obtain
his/her work. If the teachers give the student work to be completed during the trip, the student must submit
the completed work the day he/she returns to school. Work assignments that were not completed while the
student was on the trip or that were considered to be incomplete will receive a “0" grade for that assignment,
not for the course.
4. A parent permission form must be completed and on file prior to each field trip. Private vehicles may not be
used for field trips unless District 51 guidelines are met.
K. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
No student will graduate from GJHS who has not met all financial obligations such as class fees, library costs,
payment for lost books, project costs, shop bills, parking fines, or replacement costs of damaged school
property. Keeping current with financial responsibilities each year will make spring of the senior year less
stressful.
L. FIRE ALARMS
The clanging of bells in the halls gives a warning of fire and/or the need to evacuate the building. Fire exit
directions and evacuation routes are posted in each room. Students should know which exit to use for each of
their classes and their advisory period. At the sound of the alarm, all students and teachers will leave the
building in a quick and orderly manner, to pre-designated assembly areas. When outside the building, students
must move away from the exits and the vehicles and roads around the high school to allow the arrival of
emergency vehicles if required. Students will remain with their teachers until properly released by an
administrator, or directed to return to the building.
M. FLAG SALUTE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. Every citizen has the responsibility for showing proper respect for the country and our flag. Therefore, in
accordance with United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 4, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Young men
wearing hats should remove their hat and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart.
2. At GJHS, whenever and wherever we are when the Pledge is recited, we stop and stand at attention with our
right hand over our heart.
3. Based on personal convictions or religious beliefs, if you feel that you do not want to recite the Pledge or
salute the flag, we can’t force you to do either. However, if you do not recite the Pledge or salute the flag,
we expect you to stand and remain respectfully silent, not interfering with the rights of others to recite the
Pledge and salute the flag. You have the responsibility to respect the rights and feelings of your classmates.
4. In accordance with the provisions of United States Code Title 36 Chapter 3, Section 301, during the playing
of the National Anthem – the Star-Spangled Banner, when the flag is displayed, indoors or outdoors, all
present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
Men not in uniform should remove their hats with their right hand and hold the hats at the left shoulder, with
the right hand being over the heart.
5. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and
salute.
6. When the flag is raised or lowered, it should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously.
The flag is saluted when it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the
halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.
7. Members of GJHS athletic teams who are in performance attire and not performing should remove
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their head covering, if applicable, stand at attention and salute the flag appropriately. During the
playing of the National Anthem it is not appropriate and respectful to be talking, jumping
around or warming up.
N. FOOD/DRINKS
1. No food or drinks will be allowed in our computer labs or classrooms except when designated by the
teacher.
2. No food or drink will be allowed in the library except when designated by the librarian or an
administrator.
3. The main office is designated as a no hat, food or drink area. Therefore, when entering the office,
please remove your hat. Please do not bring food or drinks into the office unless you have been given
approval by an assistant principal or one of the secretaries, due to unusual circumstances.
O. FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES
Representatives of organizations or clubs wishing to fund-raise or sell goods in school must submit an
application through the Activities/Athletic Director. Accounting procedures shall be in accordance with School
District #51 policy. In addition, state regulations may apply and must also be followed.
P. HALL PASSES
Students who leave a teacher’s class during the academic period to go to the rest room, the nurse’s office, etc.
will be required to have a hall pass provided by the teacher. This year we will use a standardized hall pass.
Each teacher will be assigned a specific hall pass for accountability. When students leave the teacher’s room,
they will write their name, the time they left the room and their destination on the pass. The “time in” will be
noted by the teacher upon the student’s return to class. Students moving in the hallways are expected to have in
their possession a hallway pass provided by their teacher. Students who fail to comply with the sign out
procedures, which are absent for an unreasonable amount of time, which are found in an unreasonable location,
or are in the hallways without a pass may be referred to the student’s assistant principal for disciplinary action.
Q. LOCKERS
Lockers are provided as a convenience to students. Students may have to share lockers. However, lockers are
the property of the school and the administration reserves the right to inspect the locker at any time without
notice to the student. Students are responsible for keeping their lockers clean, orderly, and locked. No stickers
will be allowed on the inside or the outside of the locker. Students and families assume full responsibility for
items stolen out of unlocked lockers. Students are advised not to share their locker combination with others.
Locker assignments and changes will be handled in the main office. Students who deface or leave their locker
in an unsatisfactory condition will be charged a $5 maintenance fee.
Lockers used in physical education classes must be secured with a lock provided by the student. No valuables
should be brought to the locker room.
R. LEAVING SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS
Once students arrive at school, they are expected to remain at school for the entire day, unless they are granted
a release period(s).
A student must have a parent/guardian written note or a parent/guardian must telephone the school before a
student will be given permission to leave school during school hours for non-school sponsored activities.
Students must sign in with the Attendance Office when arriving after the start of the school day, and sign out
with the Attendance Officer when they are leaving school before the end of the regular school day, with the
exception of students leaving campus during a release period or students leaving the campus for a school
sponsored activity.
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S. LOST AND FOUND
All items found should be taken to the library. If you have lost something, check with the personnel in the
library. If an item has been stolen, file a Crime Stopper’s report with our School Resource Officer (SRO), and
report the theft to your administrator, and the school resource officer (SRO). GJHS assumes no responsibility
for lost or stolen items. At the end of the school year, items not claimed from the lost and found area will be
discarded.
T. PARKING
Student driving and parking at GJHS is a privilege, not a right! This privilege is granted to sophomores,
juniors, and seniors who use good judgment in the use of their vehicle and follow district and school policies.
In order to be granted permission to drive and park on the school campus, students must follow these
procedures and rules.
1. Obtain Parking Authorization.
a. Students who wish to park on the school campus must present a valid driver’s license, state motor
vehicle registration card, and proof of insurance.
b. Students should register their vehicle during Check-In Days. Registration will be available before and
after school and during the lunch period once the school year begins.
c. Parking permits will be issued on a first come first serve basis at no cost to students who do not have
any financial obligations.
d. Parking permits will be issued for the current school year only.
e. Only one parking permit will be issued per student. If a permit is destroyed, defaced, or stolen, there is a
$3.00 replacement fee. A replacement permit will be issued only after the old permit is turned in, or
proof of destruction, defacement, or theft is produced.
f. Parking permits must be affixed to the bottom of the rear window on the driver’s side.
2. General Parking Rules.
a. Students may park only in areas designated as student or open parking. See the Parking Lot Map at the
end of this handbook. Remember, parking is primarily first come first serve. The main student parking
lot is divided into three areas.
1). Orange Area. This area is for seniors only. Underclassmen may not park in this area.
2). Yellow Area. This area is for juniors only. Sophomores may not park in this area.
3). Green Area. This area is for sophomores.
b. Vehicles parked on school property may be searched for unauthorized materials. Any unauthorized
materials found in the course of a search may be used as evidence in disciplinary, juvenile, or criminal
charges.
c. The district and school are not responsible for any damages that may occur to a student’s vehicle while
driving and parking on campus, nor are we responsible for passengers being transported by a student
driver.
d. Upon entering the campus, students should immediately park their vehicles in an authorized parking
space and report directly to the applicable school building.
e. Students are not permitted to loiter in the parking lots.
f. Students parking on campus should place their garbage in the trash cans located in the parking lots.
SHOW TIGER PRIDE! KEEP OUR CAMPUS CLEAN!
3. General Driving Rules:
a. The speed limit on campus is 10 miles per hour.
b. Students must always yield the right of way to school bus traffic and pedestrians.
4. Violations and Consequences:
a. Any violation of the above authorization procedures and general rules may result in detentions, in- or
out-of-school suspensions, revocation of driving/parking privileges, fines, having the vehicle towed at
the owner’s expense, and/or referral to local police for appropriate legal action.
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. Fines will be levied for the following violations:
1) Parking without a student parking permit -$10.00
2) Parking in a non-student designated parking area -$15.00
3) Parking in a “No Parking” area -$15.00
4) Violating the student parking rules (Ex. Junior in senior parking) -$10.00
c. Fines not paid within ten (10) school days may result in the revocation of the student’s driving/parking
privilege.
U. POSTIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
GJHS is a Positive Behavior Support (PBS) School. The goal of PBS is to build positive relationships and to
enhance a positive school environment in order to support student success. School-wide rules and expectations
are clearly defined and discipline is fair and consistent. Our students show TIGER PRIDE in the classroom, as
well as in the halls, in the library, in the cafeteria, on buses, in the offices, and at assemblies, dances, sporting
events and all other school activities on and off campus.
PRIDE is defined as “a sense of one’s own proper dignity or value; self-respect.” Showing TIGER PRIDE
means:
Personal Responsibility-Taking ownership for your actions and their outcomes.
Respect-Demonstrate positive behavior towards yourself and others.
Integrity-Always doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. Doing your own work.
Dedication-Honest commitment to improve yourself, your school and relationships with others.
Empathy-Seeing and accepting others’ situations, feelings, motives and showing compassion for others.
See the matrix at the end of this Student Handbook which gives additional examples of how students at GJHS
show Tiger PRIDE!
V. PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Kissing and personal body contact beyond holding hands is not allowed at GJHS. The rule to follow with
body contact is – “If you are holding more than hands, you are holding too much.”
W. SKATEBOARDS and ROLLER BLADES
Because of concerns for the safety of the many students who walk on campus, the use of skate boards, roller
skates, roller blades, coasters or similar devices on the GJHS campus is prohibited. This includes riding on
hand rails, stairs, or other parts of any buildings or the campus infrastructure. Students who ride or bring
skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, coasters or similar devices to the GJHS campus are reminded to put
these items away during the school day.
X. SPORTSMANSHIP – It is a privilege, not a right, for students, parents and spectators to attend sporting
events at GJHS. The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) and GJHS have the following
high expectations for behavior at all GJHS/CHSAA sponsored events.
1. Remember that you are at a contest to support and yell for your team and to enjoy the skill and competition;
not to intimidate or ridicule the other team and its fans.
2. Remember that school athletics are learning experiences for students, and they may make mistakes. Praise
student-athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes, and as individuals.
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3. A ticket is a privilege to observe the contest, not a license to verbally assault others or to demonstrate
unsportsman like behavior.
4. All patrons must wear shirts and shoes. Face painting is allowed.
5. Only cheerleaders may use megaphones.
6. No artificial noise making devices are allowed (horns, bells, thunder sticks, etc.)
7. Learn the rules of the game, so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place.
8. Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups. Treat them as you would
treat a guest in your own home.
9. Respect the integrity and judgment of the game officials. Understand that they are doing their best to help
promote the student/athlete, and admire their willingness to participate in full view of the public.
10. Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
11. Refrain from the use of any controlled substances (alcohol, drugs, etc.) before and during games, and
afterwards on or near the site of the event (i.e., tailgating).
12. Use only those cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.
13. Recognize and compliment the efforts of school and league administrators for their efforts in emphasizing
the benefits of educational athletics and the rule of good SPORTING BEHAVIOR.
14. Be a positive role model through your own actions and by censuring those around you at events whose
behavior is unbecoming.
The Grand Junction High School administration is responsible for supervision of school activities, including
those at other facilities. Any person acting in an unacceptable manner faces removal from the contest or
activity and possible exclusion from subsequent contests or activities, possible school suspension, and as
athletic training rules code of conduct violation, if applicable.
BE LOUD --------------------------------BE PROUD------------------------------BE POSITIVE
Y. TRANSPORTATION
Students who reside in the GJHS attendance area and live two miles or more from GJHS may utilize the district
bus service. A student who fails to maintain appropriate conduct on the bus, waiting for the bus, or walking to
or from the bus stop may lose the privilege of riding the bus and/or face disciplinary action. NOTE: Students
are encouraged to use extreme caution when crossing 5 th Street due to its high volume of traffic. Use
crosswalks to avoid receiving a ticket for jaywalking.
Z. STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
Grand Junction High School publishes a yearbook, The Tiger Yearbook, and a student newspaper, the Orange
and Black. For information regarding the newspaper go to this website-www.gjhsnews.com. For more
information on the yearbook contact the yearbook sponsor or the yearbook staff.
School sponsored publications are a public forum for students as well as an educational activity through which
students can gain experience in reporting, writing, editing, and understanding responsible journalism. Because
the Board of Education recognizes creative student expression as an educational benefit of the school
experience, it encourages freedom of comment, both oral and written, in a school setting with a degree or order
in which proper learning can take place.
The Board of Education encourages students to express their views in school-sponsored publications and to
observe rules for responsible journalism. Student editors of school-sponsored publications shall be responsible
for determining the news, opinion, and advertising content of their publications subject to the limitations of
district policy and state law.
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AA. STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (I.D.) CARDS/CLASS DUES
All students are required to carry with them at all times a current school year identification (I.D.) card with
picture. Any staff member has the right to check a student's I.D. card at any time. I.D. cards are issued at
Check-In in August. After Check-In, you may obtain a school I.D. card in the library. Student I.D. cards are
required for school sponsored activities and to check out library materials.
Class dues are also collected at Check-In in August. This money helps to finance class projects/activities.
XVIII. STUDENT SERVICES
1. Participation Requirements. In order for a student to participate in any Grand Junction High School
interscholastic sport, he/she must:
a. Complete each of the following forms: Athletic Clearance Form, Training Rules and Contract, Physical
Examination Form, CHSAA Competitor Brochure, Concussion Statement and Acknowledgement of
Responsibility Form, and the Permission for Emergency Treatment Form. These forms can be picked
up at the GJHS Activity/ Athletic Office, the school district website at www.mesa.k12.co.us, or the
Grand Junction high School website. Student-athletes must also pay a $140.00 athletic fee.
b. Be eligible based on an academic eligibility check (previous semester, excluding first semester
freshmen); and
c. Complete enrollment in six (6) fully credited courses or a group of courses earning 3.0 credits.
2. CHSAA/GJHS Programs. CHSAA and District 51/GJHS offer interscholastic programs in each of the
following sports:
a. Fall - Cheerleading/POMs, Girls and Boys Cross Country Track, Boys Golf, Football Boys Soccer,
Softball, Boys Tennis, and Girls Volleyball
b. Winter - Girls and Boys Basketball, Cheerleading/POMs, Girls Diving/Swimming, and Wrestling.
c. Spring – Baseball, Boys Dive/Swimming, Girls Golf, Girls and Boys Lacrosse, Girls Soccer, Girls
Tennis, and Boys and Girls Track and Field
3. Student-Athlete Recognition.
a. District 51 and Grand Junction High School award varsity athletic letters only in the above mentioned
sports. There are some individuals who have been awarded varsity letters in other sports, such as
gymnastics. GJHS will grandfather the awarding of letters and bars for those students until they
graduate from GJHS.
b. The guidelines for lettering in all sports must be met, and then the final decision of giving an athletic
award to a player is subject to the approval of the coaches. The list of award winners is submitted to the
Activities Director of the school for approval.
c. Varsity awards may be earned by an athlete while competing in Varsity vs. Varsity approved meets or
games only. (District 51 JV teams competing against the varsity of lower classification varsity teams do
not constitute varsity credit toward a letter.)
d. All requirements, including completion of the season, must be met before an athlete can be
recommended for a letter. Student-athletes who violate the Athletic Training Rules Contract are not
eligible to receive an athletic letter during the season in which the violation occurred.
4. Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) Co-Curricular Policies
a. Semester Eligibility Checks
1) Grand Junction High School students must be enrolled in at least 3.0 Carnegie Units in each
semester and pass a minimum of 2.5 Carnegie Units while not failing more than .5 Carnegie Units.
Students that do not meet these requirements will be considered ineligible for the following
semester.
2) Students can make up failed classes in the same subject area from 3
39
rd and 4 th A. ATHLETICS
quarter. It is
recommended that the student/athlete enroll in an on-line course(s), or summer school to make up

for failed classes in order to participate in athletics/activities for the following fall season. Student-
Athletes who anticipate being NCAA eligible should note that it is very important that he/she visit
with their counselor to make sure that the credit recovery course meets the NCAA requirement of
being a traditional non-prescriptive format where the entire course is completed. Testing out of any
portion the course is not permitted under NCAA requirements.
3) Final grades from the summer are due to the GJHS Records Secretary the Thursday prior to Labor
Day. Students who have not met the academic requirements at the end of a semester (or from the
summer) may regain academic eligibility on the sixth Thursday following Labor Day for the first
semester and on the Friday immediately prior to March 10
40
th for the second semester by having
passing grades in All recorded classes.
4) When determining credits, we will follow the CHSSA guidelines and accept any credit that is placed
on the student’s transcript and that will be used toward meeting graduation requirements.
5) Students can make up failed classes from 3 rd & 4 th terms through District #51 on-line classes or
summer school classes offered by District #51, in the same subject area, to participate in fall sports.
Final grades from summer school are due to Grand Junction High School the Thursday prior to
Labor Day.
6) Students have the first six (6) days of a term in which to drop a class without it being recorded on
their transcript. This applies to both block and split block classes.
7) Classes dropped after the 6 th day will be recorded on the transcript as either a Withdraw Passing
(WP) if they have a passing grade at the time of the drop, or a Withdraw Failing (WF) if the student
has a failing grade at the time of the drop. After the midterm (approximately 4.5 weeks on the
block; 9 weeks on the split block), all drops will be recorded as a WF, regardless of the grade the
student has in that class at the time of the drop. Remember that a WF impacts a student’s GPA and
eligibility in the same manner as an F.
8) Students may add a class during the first (6) days of a term. They are responsible for all work
presented and completed prior to their enrollment in the class.
b. Weekly Athletic Eligibility Checks
Between Wednesday and noon on Sunday of each week, teachers are expected to post student grades on
“Parent Bridge”. On Monday mornings, the Activities/Athletic Director will complete an eligibility
check (query) from teacher grades posted on “Parent Bridge”. Students who are failing more than 1
class on a weekly eligibility check will be deemed ineligible. Students who are ineligible will not be
allowed to participate, to be in uniform, or travel to contests from Monday to Saturday of that week.
Please note that there is no week of warning before a student is declared ineligible.
c. Mid-Week Eligibility Checks
On Wednesday mornings, weekly grade checks will be completed by the GJHS Activity/Athletic
Department staff from teacher grades posted on “Parent Bridge”. This grade report will be given to
coaches/advisors to allow them to take proactive interventions with their participants. This midweek
report does not affect eligibility, but serves only as a progress report for the student/athlete and the
coach/advisor.
5. Athletic/Activity Daily School Attendance
a. GJHS students must be in attendance for their scheduled classes on the day of a contest or the day before
a contest held on a Saturday or on a holiday. Extenuating circumstances must be approved by the
Athletic Director, the student’s Assistant Principal, or the Principal.
b. Any absence due to illness must be approved by the Athletic Director, the student’s Assistant Principal,
or the Principal in order for the student to participate in a contest that day. As a general rule, students
must be in attendance for the afternoon classes on the day of the contest in order to participate.
c. Students missing school due to athletics or other extra-curricular activities are responsible for any work
missed during the absence. Student-athletes know when they are going to be absent for a contest. As
such, they should coordinate with the teachers to make arrangements to turn in or make up work.
Remember, as a general guideline, two days for each day absent are allowed for make-up work.

d. Students who have an unexcused absence or a non-parent verified absence will not be allowed to
practice if the absence occurs on a practice day and will not participate in a contest if the unexcused
absence happens on the day of a game or on the day before a contest on a non-school day. The bottom
line is any unexcused absence on a given day equals one missed practice or game. If the unexcused
absence or non-parent verified absence is discovered after the absence, the consequence for absence will
be instituted immediately and the student-athlete will be removed for the next practice or contest,
whichever is applicable.
6. Loss of Co-Curricular Privileges:
a. Participation in co-curricular sports and activities is a student privilege not a student right.
Attendance at co-curricular sporting events and other activities is a student privilege not a student
right.
b. Students who participate in and attend co-curricular sports and activities are expected to comply with the
MCVSD and GJHS Student Code of Conduct.
c. Students participating in co-curricular sports are also expected to comply with the MCVSD Athletic
Training Rules Contract found in the Parent/Athlete Handbook. This handbook is published annually by
the MCVSD Athletic Director and is provided to every GJHS student-athlete and parent/guardian at the
parent meetings held for the fall, winter, and spring sports. See the GJHS Calendar at the high school
website for the dates and times of these parent meetings.
d. Students who participate in co-curricular sports and who violate the MCSVD and GJHS Code of
Conduct will be disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct and the MCVSD
Athletic Training Rules Contract. In accordance with the latter code of conduct, students who have their
privilege to participate in interscholastic sports revoked may file a written petition to the principal for
reinstatement of his or her participation privileges after expiration of one calendar year from the date
such privileges were revokes. The student requesting reinstatement is expected to meet with the
principal to self-advocate for the reinstatement of his or her privileges.
e. Students who participate in non-athletic co-curricular activities and who violate the MCSVD and GJHS
Code of Conduct will be disciplined in accordance the MCVSD and GJHS Code of Conduct.
f. Students who participate in co-curricular sports and who fail to pay their financial obligations could lose
their co-curricular privileges, especially when the financial obligations are related to the failure to pay
co-curricular fees.
g. In addition to the consequences imposed for violating the Code of Conduct, students may also lose their
privileges to attend GJHS sporting events and other non-athletic events for a specified number of events,
a marking period, a semester or for the school year, depending on the severity of the offense. For
example, a student brings alcohol to a football game or is determined to be under the influence of
alcohol at a football game. That student may lose his/her co-curricular privileges for the remainder of
the marking period, a semester or for the school year.
7. Concussion Management at Grand Junction High School
a. On January 14, 2011, Senate Bill 11-040, also known as the “Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act”,
was proposed and later approved for implementation on January 1, 2012.
b. In August of 2011, we developed and piloted a concussion management plan to support the
implementation of the Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act for student-athletes at GJHS. Based on
the number of non-student-athletes who suffered a concussion during the first nine weeks of school, we
changed our plan so that it provides support to all GJHS concussed students. Other changes were made
to the pilot plan and on January 1, 2012, we fully implemented our revised concussion management
plan.
c. Our concussion management plan is based on several model concussion management plans, to include
the REAP Project Community Based Concussion Management Model written by Dr. Karen McAvoy
and supported by the Colorado Department of Education.
d. See the full GJHS Concussion Management Plan on our high school website at
http://gjhs.mesa.k12.co.us/
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e. The four basic tenets addressed in our plan are:
1) Awareness and education of concussion identification,
2) Removal from Play (RTP) for suspected concussion,
3) Return to Play under medical supervision, and
4) Return to Learn (RTL) under medical, school, and family supervision.
f. Awareness and education of concussion identification is one of the most important cornerstones to any
effective concussion management plan.
1) According to SB 11-040, each public high shall require each coach of a youth athletic activity that
involves interscholastic play to complete an annual concussion recognition education course.
2) In addition to the requirements of SB 11-040, at GJHS, we also educate our students,
parents/guardians, faculty and staff and administrators on their roles in both “identification” and
“management” of concussions, with a specific focus on the faculty’s role as members of a Multi-
Disciplinary Concussion Management Team, and each educator’s role in reducing cognitive and
academic demands during the recovery from a concussion.
g. Another important cornerstone to any effective concussion management plan is the Return-to-Play
protocol used to support student-athletes suspected of suffering a concussion.
1) According to SB 11-040, if a coach who is required to complete concussion recognition education
suspects that a youth athlete has sustained a concussion following an observed or suspected blow to
the head or body in a game, competition, or practice, the coach shall immediately remove the athlete
from the game, competition, or practice. The student-athlete will not be allowed to compete or
practice until the coach, certified athletic trainer, athletic director, or school nurse receives written
clearance from the student-athlete’s health care provider that the student-athlete is cleared to return
to play.
2) In addition to the requirements of SB 11-040, we will also remove the student-athlete from any and
all types of physical activity during the recovery, including but not limited to removal from PE
classes, music classes, band and/or orchestra classes, other organized sports, and dances.
3) If we come upon information from an outside source (reported to the school by the student, a parent,
a Primary Care provider, an Emergency Department) that a student has sustained a concussion (e.g.
motor vehicle or biking accident, fall, ski. snowboarding, horse, etc.) the same principles of removal
from all physical activity at the school will apply. This includes not only removal from PE classes,
music classes, band and/or orchestra classes, other organized sports, and dances, even though the
injury did not happen at school.
h. All student-athletes at GJHS who suffer a concussion must participate in a Graduated Return-to-Play
protocol.
1) In accordance with the requirements of SB 11-040, if a youth athlete is removed from play because
of a blow to the head or body and the signs and symptoms cannot be readily explained by a
condition other than concussion, the coach shall notify the student’s parent/guardian and shall not
permit the youth athlete to return to play or participate in any supervised team activity involving
physical exertion, including games, competition, or practice until he or she is evaluated by a health
care provider, and we receive written clearance for the student-athlete to return to play from the
health care provider.
2) After receiving clearance from a health care provider, student-athletes must participate in our
graduated return-to-play protocol whether or not they are participating in a school sponsored sport at
the time of the concussion. Our graduated return-to-play protocol is supervised on a daily basis by
our certified athletic trainer. Student-athletes who fail to complete this protocol will not be allowed
to participate in any sports or physical activities at school until our certified athletic trainer has
cleared the individual for full return-to-play without limitations. For example, a male soccer player
suffers a concussion during the last game of the season. The player is cleared by his health care
provider to return-to-play but the student does not participate in a winter sport and thus does not
participate in our graduated return-to-play protocol. This student-athlete may not participate in any
42

future sports at GJHS until he has completed our graduated return-to-play protocol, and he has been
cleared by our certified athletic trainer to return-to-play without limitations.
3) Physical and cognitive rest is the best interventions prescribed for concussions. Student-athletes
must be 100% symptom free to be cleared by our athletic trainer to return-to-play. However, they do
not need to be 100% symptom free to return to school.
i. Student-athletes and students may return to school when symptoms are tolerable and manageable as long
as we make appropriate adjustments for the student.
1) If symptoms prevent the student from concentrating on mental activities for even up to 10 minutes at
a time, rest is required. These students should be kept at home on total bed rest and isolated
completely from or restricted on a very limited basis from television, video games, texting, reading
homework, or driving. If this condition lasts longer than several days, parents should consult their
health care provider.
2) If symptoms allow the student to concentrate on mental activity up to 20 minutes at a time, parents
should consider keeping their students home from school, but total bed rest may not be necessary.
3) When students are beginning to tolerate 30 minutes of light mental activity, parents should consider
returning the student to school.
j. Before a student-athlete or student who has suffered a concussion returns to school, his or her parents/
guardians should communicate with the school (school nurse, athletic director, counselor, teachers) to
have the school’s academic team assess the student’s needs and design a Return-to-Learn protocol or
academic support plan. When the student does return to school, this team should monitor the
effectiveness of the plan, and adjust and readjust the plan until the student no longer has special needs
resulting from the condition.
k. Specific Procedures at GJHS. The procedures and best practices for monitoring concussed students at
GJHS include:
1) Notification. Notification that a student has suffered a concussion/head injury can come from a
variety of sources but usually begins with the parent/guardian or student contacting someone at
school and telling that individual about the injury the student suffered. The parent/guardian/student
may inform the nurse, the health assistant, the student’s counselor, one of the student’s teachers, the
Activity/Athletic Director, or an administrator. The important point is that if a member of the
Concussion Management Team (CMT) receives the initial information. The informed team member
will send out an Amber Alert Notification to the rest of the CMT informing the Team that Student X
might have suffered a concussion. If one of the student’s teachers receives the information, he/she
must notify a member of the CMT who will then initiate the Amber Alert.
2) Follow-Up by the Nurse. Once we have received information that a student may have suffered a
concussion/head injury, the school nurse will contact the student’s parents/ guardian to determine the
extent of the injury, what medical diagnosis/ treatment has been provided, and the current medical
condition/status of the student.
a. If the student was determined not to have suffered a concussion/head injury, the school nurse
will inform the CMT and no further action will be taken at that time.
b. If the school nurse receives information that the student has been diagnosed with a concussion,
the nurse will prepare and post a health care intervention on “Class at a Glance” and the
appropriate notations will be made in SASI.
3) Notification of Teachers. Once the Amber Alert has been sent to the CMT, the student’s counselor
will inform the student’s teachers of the situation.
4) Formation of the School Team – Academic (ST-A). The student’s counselor will convene a
meeting of the student’s ST-A upon receipt of the student’s health intervention note prepared by the
43

school nurse. Using the health intervention note as the guiding document, the ST-A will develop an
academic support plan for the student. Teachers will be given copies of the Teachers Checklist, and a
3-7-7-7 schedule for the collection of those checklists will be established.
5) Monitoring of the Student. At the each of each part of the 3-7-7-7 schedule, the Graded Symptom
Checklists will be collected by the student’s counselor and the members of the ST-A will analyze
and discuss the information. Prior to this meeting, the student’s counselor will coordinate with the
student’s parents/guardians to solicit information, using the Graded Symptom Checklist or some
similar document, to determine how the student has been behaving at home. This information will
be shared with the ST-A which will analyze and discuss all of the available information to determine
the requisite future support. Copies of the Graded Symptom Checklists will be provided to the
Nurse/Health Assistant who will provide that information to the parents/guardians.
B. COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
The GJHS Counseling Department is located in the Counseling Center which is located adjacent to the Student
Commons area. Students are encouraged to visit with the counselors for personal guidance, course scheduling,
grade information and graduation requirements, career planning, college and scholarship information, tutoring
and study help information, testing programs, and other information, as well as any home, school, or social
concerns.
Our GJHS counselors are:
Mrs. Shelia Link A-K, Grade 9
Ms. Tayler Merrihew L-Z, Grade 9
Mrs. Serenity Santistevan, students with their last name beginning with A-Gj, Grades 10-12
Mrs. Ann Kuhlman students with their last name beginning with Gk-N,Grades 10-12
Mrs. Lori Plantiko students with their last name beginning with O-Z, Grades 10-12
Ms. Merrihew is also our coordinator for gifted and talented students and Mrs. Plantiko is our coordinator for
students with an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP).
C. SCHOOL-TO-CAREER (STC)
The School-to-Career Program provides students opportunities to bridge their school experiences with the world
of work. The School-to-Career Program is part of our Counseling and Business Departments. Students may
participate in career exploration and job shadowing during grades 10-12. Students who have their own
transportation may qualify to receive a .5 elective credit as they participate in the STC Internship program.
Once a student has identified a field of interest, his/her counselor will assist them in locating a site where the
student will receive on site experience throughout an entire semester. The Business Work Experience
Coordinator in the Business Department will also assist students who have internships and apprenticeships.
D. LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER
1. General Information
a. The Library Media Center is open on school days from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The library is available to
students before school, at lunch, and after school. Students who visit the library during class time must
have a library pass from their teacher, sign in at the reception desk, and sign out when they leave.
Students on release who visit the library also need to sign in and out at the reception desk.
b. Books may be checked out for 2 weeks (magazines and reference materials for 1 day) and renewed as
needed. (A fine of $.10 a day may be assessed for late materials.) The library also has a variety of
supplies available to students for educational purposes. Both a black and a color laser printer are
available for use by students.
44

c. The Library Media Center Web Site is: http://gjhs.mesa.k12.co.us/library.
d. Students may search for books as well as access four district wide databases from the library homepage.
When accessing a database from home you will need a username and password that the library staff can
provide. There are many research tools linked on the library web site – this is a great place to start any
research project!
e. The carpet in the library was replaced during July – August 2009. In order to properly maintain the
carpet for the benefit of the GJHS PLC for many years to come, there will be no food or drinks
permitted in the library.
f. The GJHS Library has access to the following databases:
1) EBSCO – Journals, Magazines, Newspapers, Reference;
2) Info-Trac – Author information, history, science, social issues, literature, social studies;
3) World Book Online – Encyclopedia; and
4) Science Facts on File – Information on a broad range of scientific disciplines
2. Computer and Internet Use: Use of computers, technology and the internet in school is for educational
purposes as stated in the District’s Acceptable Use Agreement that must be signed by each student. Once a
student signs the Acceptable Use Agreement, he/she does not have to sign the agreement again while he/she
remains at GJHS.
a. Media Center Computer Use:
Media Center computers are used to support learning and to enhance instruction. Internet use, word
processing, and research CD-ROMS are available in the Media Center. It is a general policy that all
computers in the Media Center are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner.
Failure to adhere to this code of conduct may result in revocation of computer access privileges.
b. Student Use: A responsible user will:
1) Sign the computer log before each use.
2) Conserve supplies by printing only what is necessary. (Printing more than five pages requires
permission.)
3) Yield to students who are scheduled in the library with classes.
4) Have a signed Acceptable Use Agreement on file before using Internet or email.
c. Unacceptable Uses of Media Center Computers:
1) Failure to log on and log off the computer sign-in sheet at the circulation desk each time.
2) Changing, in any way, any of the computer(s) controls and settings.
3) Altering, in any way, hard drive programming or records in the directory.
4) Storing and/or loading software on the computer(s) hard drive(s) without permission.
5) Copying commercial software in violation of copyright laws.
6) Using profane, lewd, or obscene language that may be offensive to others.
7) Accessing pornographic web sites.
8) Using the computers for financial gain, for commercial activity or for any illegality.
9) Using chat lines without direct supervision of a teacher.
10) Using someone else’s user-name and password to access the Internet.
3. Student Use of the Electronic Media/Acceptable Use Agreement –
In order to provide for the appropriate use of technology resources, including the Internet and electronic
mail, in keeping with Board of Education policy, an “Acceptable Use Agreement” has been developed. (A
copy of this agreement will be distributed to students and parents, for signature, before a student is
issued an account permitting the student to access technology resources.)
E. MEDICAL/HEALTH ASSISTANT
Students who are ill or injured should report to the Health Office (lower east hall) or to the main office if the
Health Office is closed. Parents/guardians will be contacted when it is necessary for a student to go home.
45

After the parent/guardian picks up his/her student at the Health Office, the parent/guardian should sign out
his/her ill student at the Attendance Office for the student to be allowed to leave school.
Please note the following for medications(s):
1. An authorization form must be completed for any medication dispensed during school hours.
2. For prescription medication, a physician and parent must sign the form.
3. Prescription medication should have the pharmacy label with name of student, physician, and dosage.
4. For over-the-counter medication, a parent must sign the form.
5. The medication should be labeled and in original/proper container.
6. All medication is to be supplied by parents.
7. Note: School District #51 does not provide medical insurance. Parents/Guardians are responsible for
medical insurance.
GJHS Victory Bell
The GJ Victory Bell first appeared in 1958 when, without losing class identity, but with the welfare of the
school at heart, seniors, juniors, and sophomores worked together in their “Pursuit of Excellence”. The ringing
of the Victory Bell signaled the winning of an athletic contest and its possession by the seniors came to
symbolize the culmination of their high school career. The original Victory Bell was damaged in the early
1970s and replaced with a larger bell. The Class of 1976 had possession of this Victory Bell but after 1976, the
Victory Bell was lost or stolen.
During the 2011-2012 school year, as we celebrated our 100 th Anniversary, the members of the Class of 2012
decided to rekindle the tradition of the Victory Bell and as part of the their class gift purchased a new brass
Victory Bell for Grand Junction High School.
This Victory Bell is rung by the Head Boy or Head Girl or another designated senior bell ringer every time the
Tigers take the field at a home football game and at the end of the game after a victory. The Victory Bell is also
rung at the beginning of our Academic Letter Award Ceremony in the fall, at the beginning of our All School
Awards Ceremony in the spring, at the beginning of the Freshman Tiger Tour, and at the beginning of our
Baccalaureate Service. The Victory Bell is passed from the outgoing senior class to the next senior class during
the Baccalaureate Service when the new Head Boy and Head Girl officially assume some of their leadership
responsibilities. At the beginning of the Commencement Ceremony, before the incoming Head Boy and Head
Girl lead the graduating seniors on to Stocker Field, members of the Tiger Marching Band ring the Victory Bell
to signify the beginning of the Commencement Ceremony.
It is a tradition at GJHS football games, that after the game is over and the teams shake hands, the Tiger
Football Team comes over to the stands and leads the student body and fans in singing the GJHS Fight Song.
GJHS Fight Song
Come the mighty tigers,
Into the fray,
Show us some pep now,
We must win today! Rah! Rah! Rah!
Here’s to the mighty colors,
Orange black boosts high,
Three cheers for Junction,
That’s our war cry!
46

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Academic Team (Knowledge Bowl)...................................................................................................Lorena Thompson
ALT/Link Crew…………………………………………………………………………………………….Renee Perry
Art Club.........................................…..............................................Joe Graham, Roni Haddock, MaryLou Wetherstein
Cheerleaders...........................................................................................................................................Katie Goddeyne
Drama/Thespians Club.... ......................................................................................................................Sean Clingman
FBLA..............................................................................................................................................................Jane Nelms
FCCLA....................................................................................................................................................James Hindman
French Club...................................................................................................................................................Jodee Cronk
German Club.............................................................................................................................................Ralph Wahlers
Granola Club................................................................................................................................................Steve Brown
Instrumental Music.....................................................................................................................................Isaac Lavadie
INTERACT Club………………………………………………………………………………….....Lalita Heinneman
Key Club…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...TBD
MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement)...............................................………………Jane McAuley
Mountain Bike Club……………………………………………………………………………………….Russ Skinner
National Honor Society...................................................................................................................Carla King and TBD
National Art Honor Society………………………………….…... Joe Graham, Roni Haddock, MaryLou Wetherstein
National Music Honor Society (Tri-M)…………………………….....Cameron Law, Isaac Lavadie, Marcia Wieland
National Technical Honor Society………………………………………………………………………….Jane Nelms
Orange & Black............................................................................................................................................Megan Read
PomPoms.......................................................................................................................……......................Heather Flick
Ski Club………..…………………………..Steve Brown, Joe Graham, Mike Pacini, Justin Whiteford, Dawn Wieker
Spanish Club............................................................................................................................................................TBD
Speech and Debate/Forensics…..............................................................................................................Anthony Myers
Student Council....................................................................................................................................TBD/Renee Perry
Tiger Yearbook.............................................................................................................................................Megan Read
Vocal Music............................................................................................................................................Marcia Wieland
47

August 2012
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 W T T T W 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
September 2012
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9
16
10
17
11
18
12
19
13
20
C
E
21
15
22
23
30
24 25 26 27 28 29
October 2012
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 ● W 20
21 22 23 24 T N 27
28 29 30 31
November 2012
S M T W T F S
1 E 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14
15
C 16 17
18 F F 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
December 2012
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 ● 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
January 2013
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 W 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
February 2013
S M T W T F S
E 2
3 4 5 6
7
C 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28
March 2013
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 ● W 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
April 2013
S M T W T F
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17
18
C 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
May 2013
S M T W T F S
1 N N 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 ● W F 25
26 27 F 29 30 31
June 2013
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
July 2013
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
48
HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR
for CHS, F8/9, FMHS, GJHS, & PHS
2012-2013 School Year
SCHOOLS NOT IN SESSION
All High Schools
Teacher In-service
August 14-16 2012
October 25, 2012
Elementary Schools Only
Teacher Planning Days
(MS/HS Schools in Session)
September 14, 2012
November 2, 2012
February 1, 2013
Non-Contact Days
All High Schools
October 26, 2012
May 2 & 3, 2013
T Teacher In-service – All High Schools
W Teacher Work Day – All Schools
Parent/Teacher Conferences – All High Schools
3:30 -7:30 PM
C (Conferences follow a regular school day for students)
Elementary Teacher Planning –ONLY
E
MS/HS in session
Non-Contact Day - All High Schools
N (No School for High School Students & Staff)
Last Day of Quarter - School in Session
F Former Contract Days - No School
No School - Non Contract Days
Statistical Record Data
All Schools
Teacher Workdays
August 13 & 17, 2012
October 19, 2012
January 7, 2013
March 8, 2013
May 23, 2013
Parent/Teacher Conferences
3:30 – 7:30 PM
All High Schools
September 20, 2012
November 15, 2012
February 7, 2013
April 18, 2013
Schools Not In Session
September 3…………....….……………..……..…Labor Day
November 19 - 23……….……….…....Thanksgiving Break
December 24 – January 4……….…..…….. Winter Break
January 21………….…….......Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
March 25-29…………..…..….…..….……….... Spring Break
Total number of contact days elementary – 165
Total number of contact days middle school – 169
Total number of contact days high school – 169
Classes Begin………..…….…………………….…August 20, 2012
1st Quarter Ends………….October 18, 2012 (42 ES - 43 MS/HS)
2nd Quarter Ends…...... December 21, 2012 (37 ES - 38 MS/HS)
3rd Quarter Ends…..…....…..March 7, 2013 (41 ES - 42 MS/HS)
4th Quarter Ends………....…...May 22, 2013 (45 ES - 46 MS/HS)
General Staff Information
High School Principals’ First Day ….……….......……July 16, 2012
Middle School Principals’ First Day………………...…July 30, 2012
Elementary School Principals’ First Day…...……...…July 30, 2012
Teachers’ First Day………………….…………..……August 13, 2012
Teachers’ Last Day…………………….……………..…..May 23, 2013
Elementary School Principals’ Last Day……............. June 6, 2013
Middle School Principals’ Last Day…………..………..June 6, 2013
High School Principals’ Last Day…………….……….June 20, 2013