The ZCHS Principal's view: - Boone County Community Network

Q: My child has to walk the whole length of the school during one passing
period, and worries that she will get in trouble for always being late to the
next class. What can we do?
A: After the first few days of school, most students are able to get to class
on time. Six minutes is allowed between classes. If your student still is arriving
late to the next class, she should report it to Mr. Hall, the Freshman Center
Administrator. Mr. Hall is very willing to walk the halls and work with
your student if necessary.
Q: What happens at the Open House? What if I have two students at school
and only one parent can attend?
A: Open House on Wednesday, September 10 th at 5:30 pm is intended primarily
for the parents. The students usually do not attend. The parents walk
the student’s schedule and listen to brief presentations from each teacher.
You may find it helpful to look at your student’s schedule ahead of time, and
have your student show you where the classes are on a school map. Wear
comfortable shoes! If you have to cover two students at once, you might
choose to attend the classes for one child, and then refer to the websites for
the teachers you missed, where class information and rules often can be
found.
Q: Do I have to come in to sign out my child for a doctor’s appointment?
Who calls the student out of class at the right time?
A: If you have called the appointment into the attendance line ahead of time
you do not have to come into school. Your student can sign out from either
the freshman center or the main office. However, your student is in charge
of remembering when to leave class.
Q: My student never hears the announcements, so we never know what is
going on…
A: It is a very helpful habit to read the high school daily announcements on
the school website at http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/zchs/announcements.htm.
Announcements are also posted outside the main office, the Freshman Center
office, and both cafeterias each day.
Q: Do they really order class rings as a freshman?
A: Most people who buy a school ring order them during freshman year.
This allows the student to enjoy wearing the ring all throughout high school.
ZCHS Q & A (continued)
Q: Is it true that the students come home early on exam days?
A: Yes; unless the parent specifies that the student should stay at school
until the normal release time, the student is allowed to leave school when
final exams are completed on the second and third day of exams each semester.
Mark your calendar so you remember that your child will be home
early those days.
Q: How do I find out what clubs there are for my child to join?
A: Some club information can be found on the school website and in the
student handbook, but most club call-outs and meeting times are found on
the daily announcements. Your student should listen to hear about a club
that may interest her.
Q: How does my child find out about homework missed while he was absent?
A: There is no “homework hotline,” but some teachers do post homework
on their individual websites. (There is a link to teacher websites on the
school website.) It is the student’s responsibility to find out about what
make-up work is needed. The student can e-mail the teacher or check when
he returns to school. One idea is to set up a teacher group in your e-mail box
at the beginning of the year, so you can communicate with all the teachers
in case of a planned absence or other questions.
Q: The parking lot is so hectic!
A: The best way to avoid the traffic congestion is to have your student ride
the bus as often as possible. If you must drive to school, the best place to
drop your student off in the morning and pick her up after school is the senior
entrance, by the 400 hall, on the south side of the school. Access to the
north side of the school is reserved for the buses, and it can be hard for you
to exit the parking lot if you drop off your child at the walkway entrance in
the junior parking lot. The best idea when picking up after school is to
schedule the pickup for about 3 pm, when the buses and traffic have left. If
you have to sign your student out a little early for an after-school doctor’s
appointment, arrange the pickup for 15 minutes before dismissal, or you will
be delayed by the traffic.
Q: How do I get a message to my student during the school day?
A: Do not call your student’s cell phone unless you are CERTAIN that it is
turned off. The phone will be taken away if it rings, and it is frustrating for
the student when her own parent gets her in trouble! You can call the cell
phone after 7 th period, when school has let out, and catch the student before
she leaves school. Most students turn their phones on after 7 th period. Or call
the office by 8:15 am or 1pm; before announcements, and the office will let
the student know that they have a message waiting.