Parent and Community Volunteers: WE NEED YOU - Valdez City ...
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Parent and Community Volunteers: WE NEED YOU - Valdez City ...
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<strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools<br />
2004/2005
YEAR AT A GLANCE<br />
August 17-19 ----------------------------------------------------- Teacher Inservice Days<br />
August 20 --------------------------------------------------------------- Teacher Work Day<br />
August 23 --------------------------------------------------------------- SCHOOL OPENS<br />
August 30-- ------------------------------ PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN OPENS<br />
September 6 ------------------------------------------ Holiday for all students <strong>and</strong> staff<br />
October 15 ----------------------------------------------------------- End of First Quarter<br />
October 22 ------------------------------------------------------------- INSERVICE DAY<br />
November 4-5 ---------------------------------------------------------- INSERVICE DAY<br />
November 25-26 ------------------------------------------------- Thanksgiving Holiday<br />
December 17 --------------------- End of Second Quarter/First Semester Completed<br />
December 20- January 2 --------------------------------------------- Christmas Holiday<br />
January 3--------------------------------------------------------------- Teacher Work Day<br />
January 4 ----------------------------------------------------------- BACK TO SCHOOL<br />
February 18 ------------------------------------------------------------ INSERVICE DAY<br />
February 21 ------------------------------------------------------------- INSERVICE DAY<br />
March 11 ------------------------------------------------------------ End of Third Quarter<br />
March 14-18 ----------------------------------------------------------- SPRING BREAK<br />
April 8 ----------------------------------------------------------------- INSERVICE DAY<br />
May 22 ---------------------------------------------- <strong>Valdez</strong> High School Baccalaureate<br />
May 26 ------------------------------------------------- <strong>Valdez</strong> High School Graduation<br />
May 25 ----------------------------------- SCHOOL CLOSES FOR ALL STUDENTS/<br />
Second Semester Completed<br />
May 26 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Teacher Work Day<br />
SCHOOL SCHOOL BOARD<br />
BOARD<br />
President ------------------------------------------------------------------ “Arsenic Arsenic Arsenic Arsenic Arsenic <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Old Old Old Old Old Lace” Lace Lace Lace LaceDuane<br />
” Finale<br />
Finale Edelman<br />
Vice President---------------------------------------------------------- Douglas Desorcie<br />
Treasurer -------------------------------------------------------------------- Dolores Gard<br />
Clerk ---------------------------------------------------------------------Melodie Mackey<br />
Legislative Liaison ---------------------------------------------------- Douglas Johnson<br />
Student Representative --------------------------------------- Jessica Kosielski<br />
Board Members --------------------------------------------------------- Dorothy Moore<br />
Kathleen Todd<br />
Superintendent--------------------------------------------------------------- Ernie Manzie<br />
Administrative Assistant ------------------------------------------------ Flynn Stuparich<br />
SCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL LISTING<br />
LISTING<br />
HERMON HUTCHENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL...............................835-4728<br />
•Ms. Rosalyn Strang, Principal<br />
GEORGE H. GILSON JUNIOR HIGH....................................................835-2244<br />
•Mr. Rod Morrison, Principal<br />
VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL.......................................................................835-4767<br />
•Mr. Geary Cantrell, Principal<br />
CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION<br />
•Mr. Ernie Manzie, Superintendent.......................................................... 835-4357<br />
•Ms. Amber Cockerham, Business Manager............................................ 835-4924<br />
•Mr. Dave Mccahan, Facilities Manager...................................................835-4706
Sunday Monday<br />
CC RUN BEGINS<br />
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
1<br />
VB BEGINS<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
First Day of School<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
2<br />
30<br />
August 2004<br />
3<br />
In-service Days - NO SCHOOL<br />
31<br />
4 5 6 7<br />
8 9 10 11 12 13<br />
Teacher Workday<br />
NO SCHOOL<br />
15 16 17 18 19 20 21<br />
Character is what you do when no<br />
one else is looking. - Dr. Laura<br />
14<br />
HS VB - Delta -HOME<br />
SWIM - <strong>Valdez</strong> Invite -HOME<br />
CC RUN- Skyview Invite-Skyview<br />
Kindergarten<br />
FB - Kodiak - HOME<br />
Orientation<br />
9:30 am<br />
22 23 24 25 26 27 28<br />
29<br />
FB BEGINS<br />
SWIM<br />
BEGINS<br />
Kindergarten<br />
Begins<br />
BPA Mtg.<br />
3:30 pm<br />
E.P.S.F Screening<br />
Senior Lunch Mtg.<br />
VHS Library<br />
Senior Pictures<br />
CC RUN - Mile<br />
Timed Trials-<br />
Mineral Creek<br />
FB - Nikiski -NHS<br />
CC RUN - Bartlett Relays -Anchorage<br />
FB - Seward - HOME<br />
VB-Palmer Jamboree<br />
-Palmer
Mrs. Fischer’s Kindergarten Class
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
National Gr<strong>and</strong>parent’’s<br />
Day<br />
Talk like<br />
a<br />
Pirate<br />
Day<br />
Our deeds determine us, as much as<br />
we determine our deeds-<br />
George Eliot<br />
Labor Day- NO<br />
SCHOOL<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
6:30pm<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30pm<br />
WR Practice BEGINS<br />
SWIM- Wasilla - TBA SWIM- Homer Invite -Homer<br />
K-6<br />
VB @ Monroe<br />
Student CC RUN- ACS -TBAFB(Var)<br />
- Glennallen -<br />
Pictures<br />
HOM<br />
(Siblings 2:50 -4pm)<br />
FB(JV) - Wasilla C -<br />
WH<br />
Junior/Senior<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> Night<br />
CC RUN- Palmer<br />
Invite-Palmer<br />
6:30 pm -VHS<br />
SWIM - Cordova<br />
VB - <strong>Valdez</strong> Invite -HOME<br />
FB - ACS - Anch.<br />
FB Stadium<br />
CC RUN - SuValley<br />
Invite -SuValley<br />
VB - Cordova<br />
CC RUN-Regional<br />
Run - Palmer<br />
19 20 21 22<br />
Deadline for Oct.<br />
Newsletter 23 24 Nat’l Hunting & 25<br />
Fishing Day<br />
ACT Exam<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30pm<br />
September 2004<br />
BB/Cheer<br />
Booster Club<br />
Mtg. 7pm<br />
Senior <strong>Parent</strong> Mtg.<br />
w/Josten’s Rep.<br />
7pm -VHS Library<br />
HS & JH Pictures<br />
@8:15 am incl.<br />
Team Sport Pictures<br />
Mtg.<br />
1 3:45pm 2 3 4<br />
5 6 7 8 9 10 11<br />
12 13 14 15 16 17 18<br />
HHPTA<br />
VHS & GJH <strong>Parent</strong> - Teacher Conferences<br />
26 27 28 29 30<br />
HS VB - Hutchinson -HOME<br />
FB(Var) -Sitka - SHS<br />
FB(JV) - Glennallen -<br />
CC RUN - Fun Run -<br />
<strong>Valdez</strong><br />
FB - Eielson -EHS
Art work by Autumn Chapman
24<br />
Daylight Savings<br />
Time Ends<br />
Halloween<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
6:30 pm<br />
Columbus<br />
Day<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
October 2004<br />
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
VB - West Spiketacular -West High<br />
SWIM - Bartlett Invite - Bartlett<br />
CC RUN - State CC<br />
Run - Skyview<br />
Friendship is the foundation on which true love is<br />
built. - Victoria Thompson<br />
PSAT Exam<br />
HHPTA<br />
Mtg.<br />
3:45pm<br />
1 2<br />
SAT Exam<br />
3 4 5 6 7 8 9<br />
31<br />
<strong>City</strong> Maintenance<br />
Presentation<br />
HHES Gates McGinitie Testing Grade 1-6<br />
HSGQE Retakes<br />
FB -Houston -<br />
HOME<br />
WR - Houston Invite -Houston<br />
VB - Nenana<br />
SWIM - Soldotna Invite- Soldotna<br />
WR - <strong>Valdez</strong> Invite -HOME<br />
VB @ Dimond/Service<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
3:30 pm<br />
BB/Cheer<br />
10<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm 11<br />
Booster Club<br />
Mtg. 7pm 12 13<br />
Red Ribbon Week<br />
14<br />
End of 1st<br />
Quarter 15 Sweetest Day16<br />
Alaska Day<br />
HHES <strong>Parent</strong>-Teacher Conferences<br />
WR - Grace Invite -Grace<br />
Life 101<br />
VB - Glennallen - HOME<br />
PWSCC In-service Day<br />
JH/HS 8:00 am- -NO SCHOOL<br />
Report 12:30pm<br />
17 18 19 20<br />
Cards<br />
Mailed 21<br />
Deadline for Nov.<br />
Newsletter 22 23<br />
Senior<br />
VB -Eielson -HOME<br />
WR - ACS Invite -ACS<br />
Picture<br />
HS & JH<br />
HHES<br />
SWIM Regionals<br />
Retakes<br />
PLAN Exam<br />
Picture<br />
Retakes<br />
Picture<br />
Retakes<br />
K-2 Halloween<br />
Safety<br />
Presentations<br />
25 26 27 28 29 30
MATHCOUNTS COMPETITORS<br />
Mrs. Mrs. Lee’s Lee’s 3rd 3rd Grade Grade Class<br />
Class<br />
“Pigs “Pigs Galore”<br />
Galore”
November 2004<br />
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
CC SKI<br />
Practice<br />
Election Day ASVAB Exam -<br />
Juniors<br />
VB Regionals -HOME<br />
In-service Days - NO SCHOOL<br />
BEGINS<br />
WR -Glennallen Invite -Glennallen<br />
SWIM - Swim State -Bartlett HS<br />
NYO<br />
SAT Exam<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
3:30 pm<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg.<br />
1 2 3 3:45pm 4 5 6<br />
7 Mtg. 6:30 pm 8 Mtg. 7pm 9 10 11 12 13<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
Deadline for Dec.<br />
14 6:30pm 15 Mtg. -VHS 16 17 Mailed 18 Newsletter 19 20<br />
School Board<br />
BB/Cheer<br />
Booster Club<br />
Financial Aid<br />
VHS Library Holiday Book Fair<br />
VB Banquet<br />
21 Mtg. 6:30 pm 22 23 24 25 26 27<br />
BB Practice K-2 Winter<br />
BEGINS Concert - 7pm<br />
SWIM Team<br />
Banquet<br />
28 29 30<br />
HSGQE Retakes<br />
HHPTA<br />
JH/HS Mid-<br />
Term Grades<br />
WR -Seward Invite -Seward<br />
VB - State Volleyball -Anchorage<br />
Professional Development Conference<br />
WR- Cordova Invite -Cordova<br />
Fall Play<br />
Thanksgiving Holidays<br />
It is not your aptitude, but your attitude,<br />
that determines your altitude. - Zig Ziglar
Ms. Ms. Whisenhant’s Whisenhant’s 6th 6th Grade<br />
Grade<br />
Class Class at at Water Water Tower Tower Hill,<br />
Hill,<br />
Mineral Mineral Creek Creek Canyon<br />
Canyon
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
When the character of a man is not clear<br />
to you, look at his friends.<br />
-Japanese Proverb<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
3:30 pm<br />
HHPTA<br />
Mtg.<br />
3:45pm<br />
12<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm 13<br />
BB/Cheer<br />
Booster Club<br />
Mtg. 7pm 14 15 16<br />
End of 1st<br />
Semester 17 18<br />
Christmas Vacation<br />
Christmas Day<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
December 2004<br />
Christmas Vacation<br />
Grades 3-6 B<strong>and</strong><br />
Concert @7pm<br />
5 6 7 8 Newsletter 9 10 11<br />
19 20 21 22 23 24 25<br />
26 27 28 29 30<br />
1<br />
2<br />
Semester Exams<br />
New Year’s<br />
Eve<br />
CC SKI - Skyview<br />
WR - Regionals - Glennallen<br />
Deadline for JAN.<br />
3<br />
CC SKI - Homer<br />
WR - State -TBA<br />
Var. BB - ACS Invitational -ACS<br />
31<br />
4<br />
BB - Hutchinson/Fairbanks - Hutchenson
VOLLEYBALL STATE CHAMPIONS
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
2<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
6:30pm<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
BB/Cheer Booster<br />
Club<br />
Mtg. 7pm<br />
HHPTA<br />
Mtg.<br />
3:45pm<br />
4 5 6 7 8<br />
9 10 11 12 13 14 15<br />
Deadline for Feb.<br />
16 Planning Mtg. 17 18 18 19 20 21 22<br />
23 24<br />
30<br />
Martin Luther King Jr.<br />
Day<br />
3<br />
31<br />
January 2005<br />
When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.<br />
-Wayne Dyer<br />
Teacher Workday<br />
NO SCHOOL<br />
CTSO<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
3:30 pm<br />
2nd Semester<br />
Begins<br />
SCHOOL RESUMES<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
3:30 pm<br />
JH/HS Report<br />
Cards Mailed<br />
BPA Regionals<br />
9am - 1pm<br />
25 26 27 28 29<br />
1<br />
CC SKI - Seward<br />
JV/V BB Nenana - HOME<br />
CC SKI - MatSu Invite - TBA<br />
JV/V BB - Delta<br />
CC SKI - <strong>Valdez</strong> Invite -<strong>Valdez</strong><br />
Newsletter<br />
Var. BB - ACS<br />
Invitational -ACS<br />
New Year’s Day<br />
CC SKI - Nikiski Invite i-Nikisk
Basketball State Champions
BPA Meeting<br />
6:30 pm<br />
St. Valentine’s Day<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
President’s Day<br />
February 2005<br />
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
BB/Cheer<br />
BoosterClub<br />
Mtg. 7pm<br />
George<br />
Washington’s<br />
Birthday<br />
Ground Hog Day<br />
HHPTA<br />
Mtg.<br />
3:45pm<br />
4 5<br />
Lincoln’s<br />
Birthday<br />
6 7 8 9 10 11 12<br />
Battle of the<br />
Battle of the<br />
13 14 the Books 15 the Books 16 17 18 19<br />
Cap/Gown<br />
20 Newsletter 21 22 23 24 25 26<br />
27 Mtg. 6:30 pm 28<br />
1<br />
Business Professionals of America Week<br />
HHES <strong>Parent</strong>-Teacher Con. 1:00pm VHS & GJH <strong>Parent</strong>-Teacher Conferences<br />
In-service Day<br />
NO SCHOOL<br />
School Board<br />
HS Battle of<br />
JH Battle of<br />
2<br />
K-3 Class &<br />
Indiv. Pictures<br />
(Siblings 2:50 - 4pm)<br />
Kindergarten<br />
Deadline for Mar.<br />
Pictures<br />
CTSO Performance-Based Assessment Conference (BPA)<br />
5th/6th Grade<br />
3<br />
JV/V BB - Homer JV/V BB - Skyview<br />
Var. BB - <strong>Valdez</strong> Elks Invite - HOME<br />
SKI Regionals- Seward<br />
JV/V BB - Monroe<br />
In-service Day<br />
NO SCHOOL<br />
3rd/4th Grade<br />
Books<br />
Books<br />
CC SKI - State - Anchorage/Kincaid<br />
4-6 Class & Indiv. JV/V BB - Eielson - HOME<br />
Pictures (Siblings<br />
2:50 - 4pm<br />
Great love <strong>and</strong> great achievements involve great risk. -<br />
Anonymous
Native Youth Olympics
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
CTSO Performance-Based Assessment Conference (BPA)<br />
HOME COMING<br />
JV/V BB - Glennallen - HOME<br />
<strong>Valdez</strong> Science<br />
Fair<br />
Alaska State Fair -<br />
Anchorage<br />
Easter<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
6:30 pm<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
BB/Cheer<br />
BoosterClub<br />
Mtg. 7pm<br />
School Board<br />
27 Mtg. 6:30 pm 28 29<br />
March 2005<br />
HHPTA<br />
Mtg.<br />
3:45pm<br />
End of the 3rd<br />
Quarter<br />
4 5<br />
6 7 8 9 10 11 12<br />
13 14 15 16 17 18 19<br />
20<br />
TRACK,<br />
SOFTBALL,<br />
& BASEBALL<br />
BEGIN<br />
BPA Meeting<br />
3:30 pm<br />
1<br />
2<br />
Spring Break- NO SCHOOL<br />
St. Patrick’s Day<br />
21 22 23<br />
JH/HS Report<br />
Cards Mailed 24<br />
Deadline for April<br />
Newsletter 25 26<br />
ACT Exam<br />
Var. BB - State - Anchorage<br />
3<br />
30 31<br />
JV/V BB - Cordova<br />
Alaska State Science Fair -Anchorage<br />
Var. BB - Regional Basketball -HOME<br />
Good Friday
Business Professionals of America (BPA) State & National Competitors
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
Var. BB - State - Anchorage<br />
Daylight Saving<br />
Time Begins<br />
3<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
BB/Cheer<br />
BoosterClub<br />
Mtg. 7pm<br />
HS Edu. Planning<br />
Mtg. 7:00pm<br />
April 2005<br />
Hot heads <strong>and</strong> cold hearts never solved anything.<br />
-Billy Graham<br />
Senior <strong>Parent</strong><br />
Meeting<br />
7:00pm<br />
Benchmark & HSGQE<br />
HHPTA<br />
Mtg.<br />
3:45pm<br />
4 VHS Library 5 6 7 8 9<br />
Kindergarten Registration<br />
HSGQE Testing<br />
10 11 12 13 14 15 16<br />
Deadline for May<br />
17 18 19 20 21 22 23<br />
National Close Up<br />
Administrative<br />
Professionals<br />
Day<br />
JH/HS Midterms<br />
Mailed<br />
April Fool’s Day<br />
Income Tax Day<br />
HHES Gates McGinitie Testing Grades K-6<br />
Kindergarten Registration<br />
Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference<br />
Native Youth Olympics<br />
Newsletter<br />
24 25 26 27 28 29 30<br />
1<br />
Spring Play<br />
In-service Day<br />
NO SCHOOL<br />
Librarian Day<br />
2
CC ONGRATULATIONS<br />
ONGRATULATIONS!!<br />
Academic Decathlon Team<br />
The Academic Decathlon team traveled<br />
to Anchorage to compete in the State<br />
Competition. The team went away with 25<br />
of the 90 medals. Medalists are:<br />
Kaela Fulcher - Golds in Math, Music,<br />
Science, <strong>and</strong> Art; Silvers in Economics<br />
<strong>and</strong> Interview; Bronze in Language &<br />
Literature, <strong>and</strong> SuperQuiz.<br />
Sarah Wilcox - Golds in Science, Music,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Art; Silver in Economics; Bronze in<br />
Language & Literature<br />
Chris Leahy - Silvers in Science <strong>and</strong><br />
Music; Bronze in Economics <strong>and</strong> Art<br />
Casey Wilcox - Silver in Speech; Bronze<br />
in Science<br />
Collin Dunkin - Gold in Language &<br />
Literature; Silver in Art<br />
Other valuable contributions were made<br />
by : Patrick Leahy, Br<strong>and</strong>on Bohlmann,<br />
Will Swanson, Ian Stewart, Jessica<br />
West, <strong>and</strong> Joey Cotter.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
National Teacher<br />
Day<br />
SAT Exam<br />
Baccalaureate<br />
2:00pm<br />
Civic Center<br />
1<br />
Last day for<br />
Seniors<br />
2<br />
HHPTA<br />
Mtg.<br />
3:45pm<br />
Mother’s<br />
Day<br />
BB/Cheer<br />
8<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
BoosterClub<br />
Mtg. 7:00 pm 10 11 12 13 14<br />
9<br />
HHES Awards<br />
Assembly 1:30 pm<br />
May 2005<br />
Senior Activity Day<br />
8am-1pm<br />
Gold Field<br />
HHES Edu. Plan<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> Mtg. 7pm<br />
4 5 6 7<br />
Senior Exams<br />
Track -State Tournament-West Valley High<br />
Senior Exams<br />
Kindergarten<br />
Celebration<br />
10AM<br />
15 16 17 18 19 20 21<br />
Memorial Day<br />
Holiday<br />
29 30<br />
3<br />
Semester Exams<br />
31<br />
School Closes<br />
Teacher<br />
Workday<br />
Graduation<br />
22<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm 23<br />
6th Grade<br />
Promotions<br />
1:30 pm 24<br />
End of 2nd<br />
Semester<br />
25<br />
7pm<br />
26 27 28<br />
It is not so important who starts the game but<br />
who finishes it. - John Wooden
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
Reputation is what the world thinks a<br />
man is; character is what he really is.<br />
-Anonymous<br />
Father’s Day<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
June 2005<br />
5 6 7 8 9 10 11<br />
Flag Day<br />
12 13 14 15 16 17 18<br />
19<br />
20 21 22 23 24 25<br />
26 27 28 29 30<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4
July 2005<br />
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he<br />
will never do all that he can. - Henry Drummond<br />
3<br />
5 6 7 8 9<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm 10 11 12 13 14 15 16<br />
17 18 19 20 21 22 23<br />
24<br />
31<br />
School Board<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
25 26 27 28 29 30<br />
1<br />
2
August 2005<br />
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />
School Board<br />
1<br />
2<br />
4 5 6<br />
7 Mtg. 6:30 pm 8 9 10 11 12 13<br />
14 15 16 17 18 19 20<br />
School Board<br />
Mtg. 6:30 pm<br />
21 22 23 24 25 26 27<br />
28 29 30<br />
3<br />
31<br />
Upon the conduct of each depends<br />
the fate of all. - Alex<strong>and</strong>er the Great
<strong>Parent</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Volunteers</strong>: <strong>Volunteers</strong>: <strong>WE</strong> <strong>WE</strong> <strong>NEED</strong> <strong>NEED</strong> <strong>YOU</strong><br />
<strong>YOU</strong><br />
As parents, guardians, teachers, <strong>and</strong> community members, we can all agree our<br />
children are precious. Furthermore, we’ve learned through the years that when<br />
families <strong>and</strong> community members get involved in our children’s learning, students<br />
get better grades <strong>and</strong> test scores, <strong>and</strong> their educational experiences are more meaningful.<br />
As a volunteer, you can actively get involved in the education of our children. If<br />
you are interested in bringing your strengths <strong>and</strong> talents into the classroom, please<br />
contact the <strong>Parent</strong> Resource Center at 835-4552.*<br />
*To ensure the safety of all our students, we require that school activity volunteers be<br />
approved by building administration. All volunteers will be asked to attend an orientation<br />
session.<br />
PARENT PARENT PARENT RESOURCE RESOURCE CENTER<br />
CENTER<br />
The <strong>Parent</strong> Resource Center, located in the Hermon Hutchens Elementary School, offers resources for parents <strong>and</strong> is the official headquarters for<br />
HHES volunteers. It also houses the offices for Indian Education, Bilingual Ed., Title I <strong>and</strong> Drug Free Schools. <strong>Parent</strong>s are encouraged to drop in<br />
<strong>and</strong> utilize the Lending Library, volunteer, or call for information about school activities. <strong>Parent</strong> classes/seminars are offered throughout the year.<br />
The Lending Library contains a wide variety of materials on parenting, psychology, child development, learning<br />
disabilities, special needs, teaching, how to h<strong>and</strong>le grief, discipline problems, divorce, games & activities, sign language, etc. We carry videos on<br />
many of these subjects as well.<br />
<strong>Valdez</strong> Reads...Reading Tutor Program is a volunteer cooperative effort between the school <strong>and</strong> the community that provides reading assistance to<br />
1- 6 grade students. Alyeska Pipeline partnered with <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools to offer this program.<br />
District Newsletter “The Voice” of <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools contains information about events <strong>and</strong> activities in grades K-12. This monthly newsletter<br />
is published by staff at the <strong>Parent</strong> Resource Center <strong>and</strong> supported with federal grant program funds. This district-wide newsletter is sent to all<br />
families of students in the <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools.<br />
<strong>Volunteers</strong> are always welcome at <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools. We ask that you register annually with the <strong>Parent</strong> Resource Center (HHES) <strong>and</strong> have a<br />
current TB test on file. <strong>Volunteers</strong> are asked to sign in <strong>and</strong> out with each respective school office. Call the <strong>Parent</strong> Resource Center at 835-4552 if<br />
you would like information on volunteering.
HERMON HUTCHENS<br />
ELEMENTARY STUDENT/<br />
PARENT HANDBOOK<br />
ACCIDENT<br />
Every accident in the school building, on the<br />
school grounds or at any school sponsored<br />
event must be reported to the person in charge,<br />
who will contact the school office, <strong>and</strong> the parents<br />
will be notified if necessary.<br />
ACTIVITIES<br />
Elementary students have the following extracurricular<br />
<strong>and</strong> co-curricular activities available:<br />
Battle of the Books, Spelling Bee, Geography<br />
Bee, Science Fair, Poetry Club,<br />
Signing Club, Student Council <strong>and</strong> a variety<br />
of Art Programs.<br />
ADDRESSING TEACHERS<br />
All teachers will be addressed by their proper<br />
title: Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms.<br />
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE<br />
Regular attendance is essential to a<br />
student’s success in school. When a student<br />
is unable to attend school, parents<br />
should call the office by 10:00 a.m. <strong>Parent</strong>s<br />
should give the student’s name, teacher’s<br />
name, <strong>and</strong> reason for the absence. If a<br />
parent fails to call, the school will call the<br />
home to confirm the reason for the student’s<br />
absence. Upon the child’s return to school,<br />
please send a note explaining reason for the<br />
absence. Elementary students must not be<br />
absent more than ten (10) times per semester<br />
or they will be considered for retention i<br />
the same grade the following year.<br />
EXCEPTIONS:<br />
1. Illness or medical appointment substantiated<br />
by a statement from a medical practitioner<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or parent or legal guardian.<br />
2. Death in the student’s family necessitating<br />
an absence.<br />
3. Other special circumstances approved by<br />
the principal.<br />
CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION:<br />
1. Any student may be absent up to five (5)<br />
days in addition to the 10-day limit each semester<br />
for special reasons if the student<br />
completes pre makeup prior to departure.<br />
2. If a student plans to be absent for some<br />
special reason, the student <strong>and</strong> their parent<br />
should check with the principal or the attendance<br />
secretary prior to the absence. If a<br />
special absence is approved ( examples include:<br />
a family trip, a special hunting trip, or<br />
a college visit) the student will be expected<br />
to complete a pre makeup sheet on which<br />
the student will list the assignments for the<br />
class she/she will miss (Elementary students<br />
will arrange absence with the principal in lieu<br />
of pre makeup sheet). The student is expected<br />
to complete the assignments before<br />
he/she leaves <strong>and</strong> submit completed work<br />
to their teachers for approval <strong>and</strong> then bring<br />
the pre makeup sheet to the office. If pre<br />
makeup is not completed by the student <strong>and</strong><br />
this form returned to the attendance secretary<br />
prior to departure, the student shall not<br />
be entitled to the additional five absences.<br />
3. Additional days must be granted for exceptional<br />
circumstances for activities such as<br />
national competition or academic competition.<br />
LOSS OF CREDIT/COURSE FAILURE<br />
When an Elementary student‘s absences<br />
exceed the limit, the principal will consider<br />
the student for retention in the same grade.<br />
EXCUSED ABSENCES<br />
An excused absence counts toward the total<br />
limit of absences set forth in this policy unless<br />
the absence otherwise meets the exceptions<br />
provided under Exceptions/Conditional<br />
Exceptions.<br />
1. Sickness or medical appointment of student<br />
- shall count toward 10 times limit unless<br />
substantiated by statement from medical<br />
practitioner, <strong>and</strong>/or parent or guardian.<br />
2. An absence authorized by a parent/guardian/or<br />
student if of legal age <strong>and</strong> living on<br />
their own.<br />
If the absence is unexcused, the student will<br />
be allowed to make up the work missed <strong>and</strong><br />
will be given full credit for the work, if completed<br />
within the time allowed (One day for<br />
each day absent, up to two weeks).<br />
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES INCLUDE BUT<br />
ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:<br />
(Counts against the 10 times limit)<br />
A student:<br />
1. Skips a class having once arrived at school<br />
2. Leaves the school campus without checking<br />
out through the office.<br />
3. Is suspended in or out of school.<br />
4. Is more than 10 minutes late for class.<br />
If the absence is not excused, make up work<br />
may be requested by the student or parent<br />
for the purpose of keeping up with course(s)<br />
expectations, but no credit will be given for<br />
that work.<br />
Note: Any student assigned to In-School Suspension<br />
will be considered absent with respect<br />
to the 10 day absence limit, but will be<br />
allowed to submit work for credit.<br />
SCHOOL-SPONSORED ABSENCES<br />
1. Students are considered in attendance<br />
when absent from school due to school-sponsored<br />
activities.<br />
BAND<br />
Students are encouraged to participate in the<br />
B<strong>and</strong> Program. Students may begin b<strong>and</strong> in<br />
the fifth grade <strong>and</strong> continue the program the<br />
following year as Advanced B<strong>and</strong> members.<br />
BOOKS<br />
Textbooks <strong>and</strong> workbooks are furnished without<br />
cost to each student. All books, however,<br />
remain the property of <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools.<br />
A place will be provided where the student’s<br />
name, date of issue <strong>and</strong> condition of book may<br />
be recorded. Lost <strong>and</strong>/or damaged books will<br />
result in the levying of fines. Note: If a book is<br />
lost or badly damaged, it may be judged beyond<br />
repair by the teacher. Books found to<br />
be beyond repair will be paid for by the student<br />
based on the replacement cost of a new<br />
current issue.<br />
BUS TRANSPORTATION<br />
AND REGULATIONS<br />
The following rules for pupils riding buses are<br />
basically from the official “Rules <strong>and</strong> Regulations<br />
of the State of Alaska.” As such, they<br />
are also the rules of the <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools.<br />
AT ALL TIMES<br />
1. Exercise good manners, caution <strong>and</strong><br />
consideration for other people.<br />
2. Obey the school bus driver; his/her<br />
primary concern is for your safety.<br />
3. A driver may assign pupils a seat.<br />
HERMON HUTCHENS ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK<br />
4. Pupils must not have anything in their<br />
possession that may cause injury to<br />
another.<br />
WAITING FOR THE<br />
SCHOOL BUS<br />
1. Stay a safe distance from the roadway.<br />
2. Be at your stop five minutes ahead of<br />
time; the driver cannot wait for you.<br />
3. Be in line when the school bus<br />
approaches.<br />
4. Stay clear of wheels until the bus has<br />
come to a complete stop.<br />
5. Let the smaller children board first.<br />
6. Pupils must cross the highway only in<br />
front of the school bus when given<br />
permission by the school bus driver.<br />
7. Walk on the left-h<strong>and</strong> side of the road<br />
facing traffic.<br />
BOARDING THE SCHOOL BUS<br />
1. Always use the h<strong>and</strong>rail <strong>and</strong> go up the<br />
steps one at a time.<br />
2. Don’t push, crowd, or disturb others.<br />
3. Go directly to your seat <strong>and</strong> be seated.<br />
4. No animals large or small of any kind<br />
are allowed on the school bus at any<br />
time.<br />
CONDUCT ON THE SCHOOL<br />
BUS<br />
1. Keep the aisle clear.<br />
2. Place books or other gear on your lap.<br />
3. Avoid loud talking, confusion, or anything<br />
else that might distract the driver.<br />
4. Keep head, arms <strong>and</strong> body inside the<br />
bus.<br />
5. Do not throw objects inside or outside<br />
the bus.<br />
6. Do not chew tobacco, smoke, eat or<br />
drink on the bus.<br />
7. Remain seated until the bus has come<br />
to a complete stop <strong>and</strong> get off only at<br />
your stop.<br />
8. Do not open windows without permission.<br />
9. Assist in keeping the bus clean. Pupils<br />
can be held responsible for damages to<br />
the interior of the school bus.<br />
10. In general, classroom conduct will be
observed. The school bus is not a<br />
playground. Horseplay <strong>and</strong> wrestling<br />
are not allowed.<br />
GETTING OFF THE SCHOOL<br />
BUS<br />
1. Use the h<strong>and</strong>rail <strong>and</strong> take one step at a<br />
time.<br />
2. Remember pushing or crowding could<br />
cause an accident.<br />
3. After you leave the bus, go home or to<br />
an assigned place.<br />
4. It is everybody’s responsibility to demon<br />
strate good citizenship by cooperating<br />
with your school bus driver at all times<br />
so that your parents <strong>and</strong> school district<br />
officials can depend upon safe, timely,<br />
<strong>and</strong> efficient pupil transportation to <strong>and</strong><br />
from school.<br />
SCHOOL BUS<br />
“Appropriate Clothing Policy”<br />
The School District has a policy governing<br />
clothing to be worn on a school bus in cold<br />
weather. It states:<br />
“It is the position of the School District to<br />
endorse <strong>and</strong> support the school bus contractor<br />
to enforce a policy that requires students<br />
riding the bus to clothe themselves in a reasonable<br />
manner that protects the student<br />
from the elements. This would include covering<br />
exposed arms <strong>and</strong> legs in freezing<br />
temperatures. Safety of our students is of<br />
utmost importance to the District.” Bus mechanical<br />
failures, accidents, or other delays<br />
from road conditions present hazardous situations,<br />
particularly in cold weather. Please<br />
make sure your elementary age children wear<br />
coats, hats (or hoods), gloves, boots, <strong>and</strong> long<br />
pants or snow pants. Bus drivers have been<br />
instructed to refuse admittance to students<br />
if they are inadequately clothed. These restrictions<br />
will be in place when the temperature<br />
falls to 35 degrees or below (ambient or<br />
wind chill). The state has recently strengthened<br />
this policy.<br />
REMEMBER<br />
1. Riding on the bus is a PRIVILEGE <strong>and</strong><br />
not a right.<br />
2. If a pupil’s conduct is such that the<br />
health, safety, comfort, or well-being of<br />
others is jeopardized, on or off the bus,<br />
the privilege of riding the bus may be<br />
denied by a school official. All documented<br />
infractions of the above rules<br />
will be brought to the attention of the<br />
parents.<br />
3. A student is not allowed to ride a<br />
different bus unless authorized by<br />
the parent <strong>and</strong> approved by the<br />
principal.<br />
BICYCLES/ROLLERBLADES<br />
Students who ride their bicycles roller-blades<br />
to school should remember the following:<br />
1. Be familiar with the laws <strong>and</strong> safety<br />
rules for bicycle operation <strong>and</strong> practice<br />
the rules.<br />
2. Upon entering the school grounds,<br />
WALK your bicycle directly to the racks<br />
located in front of the school.<br />
3. Bicycles should be equipped with locks<br />
to prevent unauthorizedborrowing.<br />
4. Bicycles/rollerblades may not be<br />
ridden except to-<strong>and</strong>-from school.<br />
5. Upon leaving at the end of the day,<br />
students are not allowed to ride by the<br />
school buses. They must proceed in a<br />
westerly direction from the bicycle rack<br />
area.<br />
CLOTHING<br />
We recommend that during the winter months,<br />
students keep a light pair of shoes (preferably<br />
gym shoes) in their lockers to change into upon<br />
entering the building. Snow boots are too warm<br />
to wear in a heated classroom <strong>and</strong> we cannot<br />
allow students to run in stocking feet for health<br />
<strong>and</strong> safety reasons, <strong>and</strong> also because of the<br />
possibility of a building evacuation during fire<br />
or other emergencies. Students will not be<br />
allowed to wear outdoor coats/jackets <strong>and</strong> hats<br />
inside the building. Students should come to<br />
school dressed with appropriate apparel, during<br />
the winter months. Whenever the temperature<br />
(with wind chill) is ZERO degrees <strong>and</strong><br />
above, we have students participate in outdoor<br />
recess. Please make sure your children come<br />
to school properly dressed so they may take<br />
advantage of the few opportunities we have to<br />
enjoy the outdoors in the middle of winter. They<br />
should have coats, hats (hoods), gloves, boots,<br />
long pants <strong>and</strong>/or snow pants. Please mark all<br />
student coats, mittens, PE shoes, <strong>and</strong> boots<br />
with a name identification easily seen. Many<br />
of our students have snowsuits the same size,<br />
br<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> color. The name may be the only<br />
form of identification available when there’s a<br />
dispute over to whom the snowsuit belongs.<br />
CONFISCATION OF<br />
NUISANCE ITEMS<br />
Any items which can endanger health, cause<br />
damage to property, or are a disruptive nuisance<br />
shall be confiscated. These items will<br />
be turned into the principal. If the student<br />
wishes to reclaim the item, he or she should<br />
report to the principal’s office at the end of the<br />
school day. Some items may not be returned.<br />
DETENTION<br />
The primary objective of our school is to establish<br />
an instruction program which strives to<br />
draw from each individual the best of his/her<br />
capabilities <strong>and</strong> to develop within him/her positive<br />
attitudes <strong>and</strong> actions of self-discipline.<br />
Rules <strong>and</strong> regulations are necessary for the<br />
orderly operation of our school <strong>and</strong> for the ultimate<br />
development of self-discipline. If a child<br />
fails to follow the rules <strong>and</strong> not develop selfcontrol,<br />
he/she will be assigned detention after<br />
school. The child’s teacher will contact the<br />
parent to arrange for the day of detention.<br />
DISCIPLINE<br />
A copy of the Engaged Learner Program will<br />
be sent home in the student folder the first day<br />
of school in the fall. This is a detailed outline<br />
of the discipline plan. It is important for students<br />
<strong>and</strong> parents to be familiar with this program.<br />
DISSEMINATION OF OUTSIDE<br />
LITERATURE<br />
All notices <strong>and</strong> information passed out through<br />
the school must have been approved by the<br />
Principal. Please contact him if you have posters,<br />
h<strong>and</strong>outs or notices to distribute or display.<br />
DRESS CODE<br />
1. Students must wear modest clothing.<br />
Sexually explicit or suggestive clothing is<br />
not school appropriate. Underwear (bra,<br />
boxers, etc.), midriffs, <strong>and</strong> private parts<br />
of the body must not be visible.<br />
2. Hats of any kind (including b<strong>and</strong>anas,<br />
HERMON HUTCHENS ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK<br />
scarves, or headb<strong>and</strong>s) will not be worn<br />
in school between 7:30 a.m. <strong>and</strong> 3:30 p.m.<br />
3. Clothing imprinted with or promoting ob-<br />
scenity, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, profanity,<br />
violence, or illegal behavior is not allowed.<br />
Sexually suggestive, racist, or<br />
abusive slogans or logos are not to be<br />
worn at school.<br />
4. Pants must be worn at or near waist level.<br />
5. Dress <strong>and</strong> appearance which are so distracting<br />
as to clearly interfere with the educational<br />
process or present health <strong>and</strong><br />
safety hazards shall not be permitted.<br />
Students will be asked to change their<br />
clothing. Disciplinary action may be taken.<br />
6. Students requiring exceptions to the dress<br />
code to accommodate religious or health<br />
needs may make arrangements with the<br />
principal.<br />
DRUGS<br />
The possession or taking of non-prescribed<br />
drugs is strictly prohibited. (Refer to the District<br />
Controlled Substance Policy). All drugs<br />
to be administered by school officials shall be<br />
done so, only with written permission of the<br />
parent/guardian. Please send any of these<br />
medications in their appropriate medication<br />
bottle, with name, dosage, <strong>and</strong> Rx number labeled<br />
on the front. Village Pharmacy has volunteered<br />
to split a monthly dose into two<br />
bottles; one for home; one for school, if the<br />
request is made. We ask that you do so, when<br />
refilling the prescription.<br />
EARLY ARRIVAL OF<br />
STUDENTS<br />
Students should not arrive at school earlier<br />
than 8:00 a.m., because the main doors will<br />
not be opened until that time. Note: The northwest<br />
entrance from the administrative parking<br />
lot is not designated as a public access<br />
entrance-way; this is the entrance through<br />
which service vehicles have access to the<br />
building in the a.m.<br />
EARTHQUAKE<br />
During strong earth tremors the following procedure<br />
shall be employed INDOORS:<br />
1. Stay indoors.<br />
2. Move under sturdy furniture - desks,<br />
tables, etc.<br />
3. Move toward the center of the building<br />
into hallways.
4. Stay away from windows <strong>and</strong> other<br />
glass objects.<br />
5. Do not use c<strong>and</strong>les, matches, or other<br />
open flames.<br />
6. Once outside of damaged building, do<br />
not re-enter because after shocks may<br />
occur.<br />
OUTDOORS<br />
1. Stay away from buildings where there<br />
is danger of falling debris.<br />
2. Stay away (50 yards) from buildings,<br />
power lines, <strong>and</strong> poles.<br />
3. If in a moving vehicle, stop <strong>and</strong> remain<br />
inside. All clear will be signaled by one<br />
long ring of the regular classroom<br />
bells.<br />
EVACUATION SHELTER<br />
Our school is a city designated evacuation<br />
shelter. In case of a disaster, <strong>and</strong> particularly<br />
a Tsunami, we will keep your child at school,<br />
unless you pick him/her up at the office.<br />
FIRE DRILLS<br />
In order to insure the safety of your child, we<br />
will conduct one fire drill per month. The following<br />
is the procedure we will use:<br />
1. The sounding of the alarm is the signal<br />
to evacuate the building.<br />
2. If feasible, teachers should turn off their<br />
classroom lights <strong>and</strong> close their classroom<br />
doors.<br />
3. Students <strong>and</strong> personnel should move<br />
rapidly along the designated pathways<br />
to an exit. No one should run. If there<br />
is smoke in the pathway, crawl to an<br />
exit.<br />
4. If an exit or the pathway to an exit has<br />
become blocked, word to that effect<br />
should be passed back. Order should<br />
be maintained as another exit is<br />
sought.<br />
5. After leaving the building, students<br />
should proceed to a distance of at<br />
least 100 feet from the fire. Care<br />
should be exercised to avoid<br />
interfering with the fire fighting equip<br />
ment.<br />
6. Students are expected to become<br />
familiar with the fire drill exit route<br />
posted in each room. (Teachers must<br />
be prepared to give directions<br />
pertaining to leaving their classrooms).<br />
GUIDANCE<br />
The guidance service fulfills many function.<br />
Elementary students have available a school<br />
counselor for giving assistance in the area of<br />
educational <strong>and</strong> personal counseling. Students<br />
<strong>and</strong> parents are invited to make us of<br />
the school’s counselor. Any long-term counseling<br />
needs will be referred to the local counseling<br />
center or other service provider as appropriate.<br />
GUIDELINES FOR FREE OR<br />
REDUCED LUNCH<br />
<strong>Parent</strong>s <strong>and</strong>/or guardians may apply for free<br />
or reduced price hot lunches anytime during<br />
the school year by completing an application<br />
available in the school office. The School District<br />
Business Manager evaluates all applications.<br />
All information is confidential.<br />
GYM SHOES<br />
Each student is allowed to participate in physical<br />
education at least twice a week. Please<br />
have one pair of tennis shoes (without black<br />
soles) at school for this purpose, as well as for<br />
general classroom use during the wet, winter<br />
months. Because of potential foot injury, a<br />
child may not participate if he/she doesn’t have<br />
gym shoes.<br />
HATS<br />
Hats are not to be worn in the school building<br />
during the school day.<br />
HEAD LICE<br />
We know the head lice season is from<br />
November through April <strong>and</strong> it is no fun to find<br />
these critters. Please check your child’s head<br />
periodically during the season. In order for a<br />
student to return to school after a bout with<br />
the little critters, the parent must get a note<br />
from the Health Nurse declaring that the child<br />
has been treated <strong>and</strong> is able to return to school.<br />
IMMUNIZATIONS<br />
State law requires that students be properly<br />
immunized. A child may enter school without<br />
the proper immunizations. However, if the student<br />
doesn’t complete immunizations at the<br />
end of thirty calendar days, he/she may be<br />
excluded from attending school.<br />
INSURANCE<br />
<strong>Parent</strong>s are encouraged to purchase accident<br />
insurance through their regular family insurance<br />
agent. However, private accident insurance<br />
for students during the school day <strong>and</strong><br />
for related school activities or twenty-four hour<br />
coverage is available. Information regarding<br />
insurance is sent home at the beginning of the<br />
school year. The school district does not carry<br />
accident insurance to cover students.<br />
KINDERGARTEN<br />
The 1988 law concerning Kindergarten states<br />
that a child who is five years of age before<br />
August 15th preceding the beginning of the<br />
school year may enter a public Kindergarten.<br />
LIBRARY<br />
Students are encouraged to check-out books<br />
from the library. In the event that a book is<br />
misplaced or lost, please notify the Librarian<br />
<strong>and</strong> a bill will be sent to cover the replacement<br />
of the book(s). In the event the book is found<br />
later, a refund will be made to you.<br />
LOCKERS<br />
Each student shall be assigned a locker. Except<br />
for fifth <strong>and</strong> sixth grade students, no lockers<br />
will be allowed to be fitted with locks. Fifth<br />
<strong>and</strong> Sixth grade students will be assigned a<br />
combination locker for their personal use. Student<br />
lockers are the property of <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Schools <strong>and</strong> as such, may be opened <strong>and</strong> inspected<br />
by school authorities. Security of personal<br />
property in school lockers <strong>and</strong> security<br />
of the locker is the student’s responsibility. The<br />
school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.<br />
LOITERING<br />
Students are requested to leave the building<br />
after their daily programs are finished. Students<br />
must have a valid reason for staying in<br />
school after their classes are over. Non-students<br />
loitering on campus may be arrested.<br />
LOST AND FOUND<br />
An area for lost <strong>and</strong> found items is located near<br />
the office. Check this area periodically if your<br />
child is missing hats, gloves, etc. All articles<br />
at the close of the school year will be donated<br />
to a charitable organization.<br />
HERMON HUTCHENS ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK<br />
LUNCH<br />
Lunches are eaten in the cafeteria <strong>and</strong> students<br />
are under the direct supervision of aides,<br />
teachers <strong>and</strong> cafeteria staff. Students are expected<br />
to behave in a manner which will be a<br />
credit to their family <strong>and</strong> allow all children to<br />
eat lunches in a quiet <strong>and</strong> peaceful atmosphere.<br />
Daily, weekly, <strong>and</strong> monthly tickets may be purchased.<br />
If you prefer, your child can bring a<br />
sack lunch <strong>and</strong> purchase milk or it is permissible<br />
for students to go home for lunch. Note:<br />
Students will not be allowed to leave the building<br />
to go anywhere other than home during<br />
the lunch hour, without written parent permission.<br />
We require that the students who go<br />
home for lunch check out through the office.<br />
Lunch price information will be sent home with<br />
each student on the first day of school. Lunch<br />
charges will be given FOR EMERGENCIES<br />
ONLY. Charges must be paid the next day<br />
<strong>and</strong> no further charges will be given until the<br />
outst<strong>and</strong>ing charge is paid. A notice will be<br />
sent home after the first charged lunch. No<br />
other reminders will be given. Additional cost<br />
will be assessed on charged lunches. Maximum<br />
of 5 lunches can be charged. <strong>Parent</strong>s<br />
are invited to join their child(ren) for lunch.<br />
Adult lunch tickets may be purchased in the<br />
school office.<br />
MEDICATION<br />
If it becomes necessary for a student to take<br />
any form of medication at school, a signed note<br />
from a parent must be presented to the office.<br />
All medication will be kept in <strong>and</strong> dispensed<br />
through the main office.<br />
PARENTS AND EMERGENCY<br />
CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS<br />
At times it becomes necessary to contact parents<br />
during the school day. It is essential- that<br />
we have a current home <strong>and</strong> work phone number<br />
for parents. Accurate phone numbers aid<br />
us in contacting you in case of an emergency.<br />
PARENT RESOURCE<br />
CENTER<br />
A <strong>Parent</strong> Resource Center for all parents is located<br />
in the elementary building. <strong>Parent</strong>s are<br />
encouraged to visit the center <strong>and</strong> make use of<br />
the multimedia collection of resources which are<br />
available for checkout during the regular school
day. This program offers a wide variety of services<br />
to benefit parents, teachers <strong>and</strong> students,<br />
as well as a schedule of special topic seminars<br />
which will be offered throughout the school year.<br />
This center belongs to parents; we hope to see<br />
you make use of it.<br />
PARENT-TEACHER<br />
CONFERENCES<br />
The teachers/administrators encourage<br />
parent/guardians to request conferences at<br />
any time during the school year. If a conference<br />
is desired, it should be arranged through<br />
the office. The school will schedule parent conferences<br />
at the end of the first <strong>and</strong> third quarters.<br />
PARTIES<br />
Students are allowed to have three regular<br />
parties per year. The students <strong>and</strong> their teachers<br />
may choose three of the following: Halloween,<br />
Christmas, Valentine’s <strong>and</strong>/or end-of<br />
school. To avoid hurt feelings, we request that<br />
invitations to private parties NOT be distributed<br />
at school unless they include the entire<br />
class.<br />
PETS AND ANIMALS AT<br />
SCHOOL<br />
Because of the unpredictable behavior of animals<br />
around many children, we ask your cooperation<br />
in keeping pets at home. If you would<br />
like to bring a pet to school to show your child’s<br />
class, please arrange a day <strong>and</strong> time with the<br />
teacher.<br />
PRESCHOOL<br />
<strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools operates a preschool at<br />
the Hermon Hutchens Elementary School for<br />
children between the ages of three <strong>and</strong> five<br />
years of age with a documented developmental<br />
delay. Please call the school for further information.<br />
PROFANITY<br />
The use of vulgar or profane language, gestures,<br />
or possession of or the display of obscene<br />
material is prohibited.<br />
PTA<br />
The Hermon Hutchens Elementary School PTA<br />
(<strong>Parent</strong> Teacher Association) has been actively<br />
involved in providing support programs <strong>and</strong><br />
activities for our school. All parents are urged<br />
to become members <strong>and</strong> to actively participate.<br />
Meetings are scheduled monthly during the<br />
year.<br />
RELEASING STUDENTS FROM<br />
SCHOOL<br />
For the protection of the students <strong>and</strong> to prevent<br />
unauthorized <strong>and</strong> unwanted persons from<br />
taking children from school prior to dismissal<br />
or at the close of school, the following procedure<br />
will be followed:<br />
1. No child will be permitted to leave with anyone<br />
other than the listed parent or guardian<br />
unless the permission of the parent or guardian<br />
has been secured.<br />
2. Persons picking up children are requested<br />
to report to the office to pick up the child(ren).<br />
Teachers have been instructed not to release<br />
children without authorization from the office.<br />
3. If you are a half day kindergarten parent/<br />
guardian <strong>and</strong> the teacher recognizes you, feel<br />
free to pick up your child outside the classroom<br />
door at the end of the session.<br />
REPORT CARDS<br />
Report cards are issued four times during the<br />
year. These cards are one method of reporting<br />
pupil progress. <strong>Parent</strong>-teacher (<strong>and</strong> sometimes<br />
student) conferences are scheduled for<br />
the first <strong>and</strong> third report periods <strong>and</strong> at anytime<br />
deemed necessary by the school <strong>and</strong>/or<br />
parent. Report cards may be held until all<br />
books (library <strong>and</strong> text) are returned <strong>and</strong>/or<br />
fines paid.<br />
RESPONSIBLE<br />
SELF-DISCIPLINE<br />
Consideration of other people in respect to their<br />
feelings, their safety, their privacy <strong>and</strong> their full<br />
social rights <strong>and</strong> privileges are essential to a<br />
happy, healthy person.<br />
IN THE CLASSROOM<br />
Thank you for:<br />
*Being in your seat <strong>and</strong> ready to write at 8:15<br />
a.m.<br />
*Respecting the rights of your fellow students<br />
by not disrupting their learning<br />
*Leaving your gum at home<br />
*Listening to each other<br />
*Taking turns to talk<br />
*Raising your h<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> waiting your turn<br />
to share in class<br />
*Using time wisely<br />
*Taking excellent care of the library books<br />
<strong>and</strong> materials in a responsible way<br />
*Showing respect to everyone involved in<br />
your instruction<br />
ON THE PLAYGROUND<br />
Thank you for:<br />
*Leaving dirt, snowballs, rocks on the<br />
ground<br />
*Taking turns to play on the swings<br />
*Playing in the designated areas<br />
*Respecting the rights of others on the<br />
playground<br />
*Accepting direction from teachers <strong>and</strong><br />
supervisors on duty<br />
*Using language that is not offensive to<br />
others<br />
*Not using “put down” statements<br />
*Playing the games according to school<br />
rules<br />
AT ASSEMBLIES<br />
Thank you for:<br />
*Showing respect to the performers<br />
*Walking to <strong>and</strong> from assemblies<br />
*Being a polite audience<br />
*Applauding performances in a correct<br />
manner<br />
*Sitting quietly<br />
*Not disturbing others<br />
SCHOOL CLOSURES<br />
Emergency closures of school to students due<br />
to weather conditions or similar factors will be<br />
announced over the local radio stations as<br />
soon as they occur. Closures during the regular<br />
school day because of a building emergency<br />
are h<strong>and</strong>led in a prearranged orderly<br />
manner. No child will be sent home during the<br />
day without the knowledge <strong>and</strong> permission of<br />
parents or parental authority.<br />
SCHOOL PROPERTY<br />
Textbooks <strong>and</strong> most class equipment are furnished<br />
free of cost to you. In case of loss or<br />
damage to these items, the student will be<br />
assessed a replacement charge. The taxpayers<br />
appreciate your courtesy.<br />
STUDENT COUNCIL<br />
The elementary student council is made up of<br />
two student representatives from each class<br />
in grades 4-6. Two upper elementary teach-<br />
HERMON HUTCHENS ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK<br />
ers serve as council sponsors. The student<br />
council makes plans for spirit activities <strong>and</strong><br />
other school related activities that are submitted<br />
to the principal prior to implementation.<br />
STUDENTS RIGHT AND RE-<br />
SPONSIBILITIES<br />
All students have the right to appeal a decision<br />
from a higher authority. <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Schools has established a complaint procedure<br />
for students to follow, when they feel the<br />
need to appeal decisions made at the school<br />
or district level except for those decisions covered<br />
under simple discipline, suspension, expulsion,<br />
<strong>and</strong> denial of admission. It may be<br />
used if a student feels her/his rights have been<br />
violated. Refer to Student Policy ST.1164.10<br />
in the office.<br />
SUSPENSION<br />
The principal has the exclusive right to suspend<br />
a student in <strong>and</strong> out of school. The act<br />
of suspension shall be reserved for serious or<br />
repeated infractions of school rules. A student<br />
placed on suspension shall not participate<br />
in any extracurricular activity or trip sponsored<br />
by the school during the period of suspension.<br />
The Compiled School Laws of Alaska<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> School Board Policy procedures<br />
govern suspension <strong>and</strong> expulsion. Letters<br />
of suspension <strong>and</strong> expulsion shall be<br />
placed in the appropriate student’s record in<br />
the school office.<br />
TARDY SLIPS<br />
When a student is tardy, he/she must come to<br />
the office to receive a Tardy Slip which is to be<br />
presented to their classroom teacher. When<br />
a child is continually late, he/she must make<br />
up the lost time in after school detention.<br />
TELEPHONE USAGE<br />
The school telephone number is 835-4728. Students<br />
are allowed to use the phone only for business<br />
or emergency. Students must have permission<br />
from their teacher or office staff to use<br />
the phone. Calling to see if they can go home<br />
with a friend is not considered business or an<br />
emergency <strong>and</strong> permission to use the phone will<br />
not be granted. Urgent messages can be delivered<br />
to students, but please allow time for delivery.
TIME OUT<br />
We use Glasser’s time-out model for students<br />
who need quiet time to cool down or need<br />
quiet to concentrate. If you want to know more<br />
about the plan, please call.<br />
TSUNAMI<br />
If the Department of Emergency Services<br />
should announce a tsunami alert, we will keep<br />
the students at school, because it is designated<br />
as a Civil Defense Shelter. If you would<br />
like to pick up your child from school, check<br />
him/her out through the office, so we will have<br />
a record of their leaving.<br />
VACATIONS<br />
Refer to the school calendar for school vacations.<br />
When children are gone for extended<br />
periods of time during the school year, their<br />
fellow students continue to learn new concepts<br />
that the vacationing child misses. In<br />
the event your family plans to be on vacation<br />
anytime during the year for unscheduled<br />
school breaks, please notify the principal in<br />
writing prior to your departure. <strong>Parent</strong>s <strong>and</strong><br />
students must take responsibility for all makeup<br />
work assigned by the classroom teachers.<br />
VOLUNTEERS<br />
If you have some time to give, we would love<br />
to have your help.<br />
<strong>WE</strong>APONS AND<br />
DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS<br />
Students shall not carry on their person, use,<br />
transmit, or possess weapons, dangerous instruments<br />
(including knives), or their replicas<br />
in school buildings, on school grounds, on the<br />
school transportation system, at school bus<br />
stops, or at any school related or school sponsored<br />
activity away from school.<br />
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL<br />
Should it become necessary for a student to<br />
withdraw from school, a parent should accompany<br />
the student to school on the last day <strong>and</strong><br />
complete <strong>and</strong> sign the necessary withdrawal<br />
forms.<br />
FEDERAL AND STATE<br />
PROGRAMS AT<br />
VALDEZ CITY SCHOOLS<br />
Indian Education Program<br />
Native American <strong>and</strong>/or Alaska Native students<br />
are supported both academically <strong>and</strong><br />
culturally with activities <strong>and</strong> programs throughout<br />
the year. A <strong>Parent</strong> Advisory Council directs<br />
use of grant funds through needs assessment<br />
<strong>and</strong> sets annual goals. Students<br />
can become involved in the program by signing<br />
up through the program, housed in the<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> Resource Center/Federal Grants Office<br />
at HHES.<br />
Bilingual/Bicultural Program<br />
Students <strong>and</strong> their families receive an equal<br />
learning opportunity which promotes the acquisition<br />
of English as a second language.<br />
Throughout the school year, many students share<br />
their various cultures <strong>and</strong> languages while learning<br />
about cultural customs <strong>and</strong> traditions from<br />
around the world.<br />
Title I Program<br />
Struggling readers participate in a reading<br />
enrichment program with reading instructors.<br />
St<strong>and</strong>ard reading scores may indicate a<br />
change in grade level receiving targeted instruction.<br />
Students meet one on one or in<br />
small groups to receive reading instruction.<br />
Accelerated reader program is incorporated<br />
into Title 1.<br />
Migrant Education Program<br />
Students <strong>and</strong> families have an opportunity to<br />
participate in a variety of special activities<br />
which promote academic achievement. In<br />
addition, program activities support cultural<br />
enrichment <strong>and</strong> healthy lifestyle choices<br />
through afterschool <strong>and</strong> summer activities.<br />
Students can become involved in the program<br />
by signing up through the program , housed<br />
in the <strong>Parent</strong> Resource Center/Federal Grants<br />
Office at HHES.
GILSON JUNIOR HIGH<br />
STUDENT/PARENT HAND-<br />
BOOK<br />
ACCIDENT PROCEDURE<br />
Every accident in the school building, on the<br />
school grounds, at practice sessions, or at any<br />
athletic event sponsored by the school must<br />
be reported immediately to the person in<br />
charge, who shall contact the school office.<br />
ACTIVITIES<br />
Gilson Jr. High students have the following<br />
extracurricular <strong>and</strong> co-curricular activities<br />
available: Boys <strong>and</strong> girls basketball,<br />
cheerleading, wrestling, volleyball, Battle of<br />
the Books, Academic Pentathlon, Spelling<br />
Bee, Geography Bee, Student Council, yearbook,<br />
b<strong>and</strong>, choir, <strong>and</strong> student newspaper.<br />
ACTIVITY CALENDAR<br />
A schedule of coming events has been recorded<br />
in the office. It is kept current by the<br />
principal. All school activities must be entered<br />
on this list. Activity forms are available<br />
in the office. This form, properly completed,<br />
must be turned in to the principal for approval<br />
or disapproval at least two weeks prior to the<br />
proposed activity date.<br />
ADDRESSING TEACHERS<br />
All teachers will be addressed by their proper<br />
title: Mr., Miss, Mrs., Ms.<br />
ADVANCE MAKE-UP SLIPS<br />
The completion of advance make-up slips is<br />
required when students are going to be absent<br />
from class for any school sponsored<br />
event. These slips, available in the office,<br />
must be signed by teachers for all classes to<br />
be missed. Completed slips are to be turned<br />
in by the deadline as set by the activity sponsor<br />
or the office. Make-up slips for familyrelated<br />
trips will be issued upon receipt of a<br />
written note or phone call from a parent/guardian.<br />
ATTENDANCE<br />
Regular school attendance is necessary for<br />
success in school. Full-time attendance is required.<br />
It is the responsibility of the students<br />
<strong>and</strong> parents for regular school attendance <strong>and</strong><br />
promptness. The school will inform the par-<br />
ents or guardians of poor attendance <strong>and</strong> will<br />
counsel students to help them discover ways<br />
in which regular <strong>and</strong> prompt attendance can<br />
occur. Upon your return to school you must<br />
obtain an admit slip from the office before you<br />
return to class. If excused, the student will<br />
go to class <strong>and</strong> have one day for each day<br />
absent to make up missing work. For an<br />
extended absence, two weeks make-up time<br />
may be allowed. In no case will the make-up<br />
time allowed extend past the end of a quarter.<br />
See Gilson Junior High attendance procedure.<br />
BACKPACKS<br />
Backpacks may be brought to school <strong>and</strong> kept<br />
in student lockers. Backpacks are not allowed<br />
in the junior high school hallways or<br />
classrooms.<br />
BOOKS<br />
Textbooks are furnished without cost to each<br />
student. All books, however, remain as property<br />
of <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools. A place in the<br />
book will be provided where the student’s<br />
name <strong>and</strong> date of issue may be recorded.<br />
Lost <strong>and</strong>/or damaged books will result in the<br />
levying of fines. The office will collect monies<br />
<strong>and</strong> issue receipts which will be shown to the<br />
teacher for student checkout. Note: If a book<br />
is lost or badly damaged, it may be judged<br />
beyond repair by the teacher. Books found<br />
to be beyond repair will be paid for by the<br />
student based on the replacement cost of a<br />
new current issue.<br />
BUILDING NEATNESS<br />
Students have a major responsibility in maintaining<br />
all parts of the building <strong>and</strong> grounds<br />
in a clean <strong>and</strong> orderly manner. Paper <strong>and</strong><br />
other materials to be discarded must be<br />
placed in the numerous trash bins placed<br />
throughout the building <strong>and</strong> grounds. Students<br />
littering the buildings or grounds will be<br />
assigned work details.<br />
BUSING FOR ACTIVITIES AND<br />
FIELD TRIPS<br />
When transportation is provided by the school<br />
district for an activity, all participants in that<br />
activity must travel with the organization or<br />
the team. If students wish to return home with<br />
their parents following the activity, they must<br />
have approval from the principal before leav-<br />
ing on the trip.<br />
REGULATIONS GOVERNING<br />
PUPILS RIDING SCHOOL<br />
BUSES<br />
ALL TIMES<br />
1. Exercise good manners, caution <strong>and</strong><br />
consideration for other people.<br />
2. Obey the school bus driver, his/her<br />
primary concern is for your safety.<br />
3. Pupils may be assigned a seat by the<br />
driver.<br />
4. Pupils must not have anything in their<br />
possession that may cause injury to<br />
another person.<br />
WAITING FOR THE SCHOOL BUS<br />
1. Stay a safe distance from the roadway<br />
2. Be at your stop five minutes ahead of<br />
time; the driver cannot wait for you.<br />
3. Be in line when the school bus<br />
approaches.<br />
4. Stay clear of wheels until the bus has<br />
come to a complete stop.<br />
5. Let the smaller children board first.<br />
6.Pupils must cross the highway only in<br />
front of the school bus when given<br />
permission by the school bus driver.<br />
7.Walk on the left-h<strong>and</strong> side of the road facing<br />
traffic.<br />
BOARDING THE SCHOOL BUS<br />
1. Always use the h<strong>and</strong>rail <strong>and</strong> go up the<br />
steps one at a time.<br />
2. Do not push, crowd, or disturb others.<br />
3. Go directly to your seat <strong>and</strong> be seated.<br />
4. No animals large or small of any kind are<br />
allowed on the school bus at any time.<br />
CONDUCT ON THE SCHOOL BUS<br />
1. Keep the aisle clear.<br />
2. Place books or other gear on your lap.<br />
3. Avoid loud talking, confusion, or any<br />
thing else that might distract the driver.<br />
4. Keep head, arms, <strong>and</strong> body inside the<br />
bus.<br />
5. Do not throw objects inside or outside<br />
the bus.<br />
6. Do not chew tobacco, smoke, eat, or<br />
drink on the bus.<br />
7. Remain seated until the bus has<br />
come to a complete stop <strong>and</strong> get off<br />
only at your stop.<br />
8. Do not open windows without permis<br />
sion.<br />
GILSON JUNIOR HIGH HANDBOOK<br />
9. Assist in keeping the bus clean.<br />
Pupils can be held responsible for<br />
any damages to the interior of the<br />
school bus.<br />
10. In general, classroom conduct will<br />
be observed. The school bus is not a<br />
playground- save horseplay <strong>and</strong><br />
wrestling or another time <strong>and</strong> place.<br />
GETTING OFF THE SCHOOL BUS<br />
1. Use the h<strong>and</strong>rail <strong>and</strong> take one step at a<br />
time.<br />
2. Remember pushing or crowding could<br />
cause an accident.<br />
3. After you leave the bus go home or to<br />
an assigned place.<br />
4. It is everybody’s responsibility to<br />
demonstrate good citizenship by<br />
cooperating with your school bus driver<br />
at all times so that your parents <strong>and</strong><br />
school district officials can depend upon<br />
safe, timely, <strong>and</strong> efficient pupil transportation<br />
to <strong>and</strong> from school.<br />
REMEMBER<br />
1. Riding the school bus is a PRIVILEGE<br />
<strong>and</strong> not a right.<br />
2. If a pupil’s conduct is such that the<br />
health, safety, comfort, or well-being<br />
of others is jeopardized, on or off the<br />
bus, the privilege of riding the bus may<br />
be denied by a school official.<br />
3. A student is not allowed to ride a<br />
different bus unless authorized by the<br />
parent <strong>and</strong> approved by the school<br />
office.<br />
CELL PHONES AND PAGERS<br />
Cell phones <strong>and</strong> pagers are not allowed in<br />
the school hallways or classrooms during<br />
regular school hours.<br />
CHEATING<br />
Students are expected to conduct themselves<br />
honestly <strong>and</strong> with integrity in their work. All<br />
forms of cheating <strong>and</strong> plagiarism are prohibited.<br />
Behavior that is unacceptable includes,<br />
but is not limited to:<br />
* Copying another student’s homework<br />
*Working with others on projects that are<br />
meant to be done individually<br />
*Looking at or copying another student’s<br />
test or quiz answers<br />
*Allowing another student to look at or<br />
copy answers from your test or quiz
*Using any other method to get/give test<br />
or quiz answers<br />
*Taking a test or quia in part or in whole to<br />
use or to give others<br />
*Copying information from a source<br />
without proper attribution; <strong>and</strong><br />
*Taking papers from other students,<br />
publications, or the Internet.<br />
Violators of this policy will be disciplined on a<br />
case-by-case basis depending on the seriousness<br />
of the violation, prior violations, <strong>and</strong> other<br />
factors. Disciplinary measures include, but are<br />
not limited to, redoing assignments/retaking<br />
test, receiving a failing grade on the project/<br />
test, receiving a lower grade overall in the<br />
class, detention, suspension, or expulsion.<br />
CLASSROOM CONDUCT<br />
Students are expected to be in their assigned<br />
seats when the second bell rings. They are<br />
expected to bring needed books <strong>and</strong> supplies<br />
with them. No food, drink, radios, CD players,<br />
or sunglasses are to be brought into<br />
the classroom except for scheduled special<br />
occasions. Normally, a student will not be<br />
given permission to leave the classroom during<br />
class time. Students are expected to obey<br />
school <strong>and</strong> classroom rules set forth by the<br />
teacher in charge.<br />
CONTRABAND<br />
Any items which can endanger health, cause<br />
damage to property, or are a disruptive nuisance<br />
shall be confiscated. These items may<br />
be turned into the principal. If the student<br />
wishes to reclaim the item, he or she should<br />
report to the principal’s office at the end of<br />
the school day. Some items may not be returned.<br />
DANCES<br />
Gilson Junior High dances are for Gilson Junior<br />
High students only. <strong>Parent</strong>s are invited to<br />
attend. Once a person leaves the activity, that<br />
individual will not be allowed to re-enter the<br />
building. All school rules <strong>and</strong> disciplinary procedures<br />
shall be enforced at all school sponsored<br />
dances.<br />
DECORATIONS AND DIS-<br />
PLAYS<br />
Scotch or masking tape should not be used<br />
on any painted surface except the brick walls<br />
<strong>and</strong> lockers. Any exceptions must be approved<br />
by the principal. The sponsoring organization<br />
is responsible for clean-up of their<br />
sponsored activity. Posters, etc. must be initialed<br />
by the principal or activity sponsor.<br />
DISCIPLINE POLICY<br />
Good discipline is developed in any school<br />
by mutual respect between students <strong>and</strong> staff.<br />
Students are responsible <strong>and</strong> expected to<br />
obey all district employees. All disciplinary<br />
action is intended to be fair <strong>and</strong> will correspond<br />
to the district’s educational objectives.<br />
Disciplinary action shall be structured so as<br />
to assist students in (<strong>and</strong> often insist upon)<br />
the assumption of responsibility for their own<br />
actions. While moving students toward responsible<br />
behavior, the school’s approach to<br />
discipline will reflect that indeed, students are<br />
just that, students. Being students, all at differing<br />
levels of development, each must be<br />
moved along in realistic, deliberate steps<br />
which allow successful growth toward mature,<br />
responsible behavior.<br />
While intended to assist a student to develop<br />
responsible behavior, discipline must also acknowledge<br />
the student’s need for academic<br />
growth, as well as the needs <strong>and</strong> safety of<br />
other students <strong>and</strong> staff members directly or<br />
indirectly affected by inappropriate behavior.<br />
Behavior that disrupts the learning environment,<br />
invades the rights of others, or is inappropriate<br />
in a school setting will not be tolerated.<br />
DISPLAY OF AFFECTION<br />
Displays of affection are prohibited. Behavior<br />
such as kissing, necking, <strong>and</strong> petting will<br />
result in disciplinary action.<br />
DETENTION<br />
Detention shall be held daily before school,<br />
during lunch, <strong>and</strong> after school. If a detention<br />
is skipped without prior approval from the office<br />
an additional detention will be issued. In<br />
some instances students may be assigned<br />
“Saturday school.”<br />
DRESS CODE<br />
1. Students must wear modest clothing.<br />
Sexually explicit or suggestive clothing<br />
is not school appropriate. Underwear<br />
(bra, boxers, etc.), midriffs, <strong>and</strong> private<br />
parts of the body must not be visible.<br />
2. Hats of any kind (including b<strong>and</strong>anas,<br />
scarves, or headb<strong>and</strong>s) will not be worn<br />
in school between 7:30 a.m. <strong>and</strong> 3:30<br />
p.m.<br />
3. Clothing imprinted with or promoting obscenity,<br />
drugs, alcohol, tobacco, profanity,<br />
violence, or illegal behavior is not allowed.<br />
Sexually suggestive, racist, or<br />
abusive slogans or logos are not to be<br />
worn at school.<br />
4. Pants must be worn at or near waist level.<br />
5. Dress <strong>and</strong> appearance which are so distracting<br />
as to clearly interfere with the<br />
educational process or present health<br />
<strong>and</strong> safety hazards shall not be permitted.<br />
Students will be asked to change<br />
their clothing. Disciplinary action may be<br />
taken.<br />
6. Students requiring exceptions to the<br />
dress code to accommodate religious or<br />
health needs may make arrangements<br />
with the principal.<br />
EARTHQUAKES<br />
During strong earth tremors the following procedure<br />
shall be employed:<br />
INDOORS<br />
1. Stay indoors.<br />
2. Move under sturdy furniture - desks,<br />
tables, etc.<br />
3. Move toward the center of the building<br />
into hallways.<br />
4. Stay away from windows <strong>and</strong> other<br />
glass objects.<br />
5. Do not use c<strong>and</strong>les, matches, or other<br />
open flames. Once outside of<br />
damaged building do not re-enter<br />
because aftershocks may occur.<br />
OUTDOORS<br />
1. Stay away from buildings where there is<br />
danger of falling debris.<br />
2. Stay away (50 yards) from buildings,<br />
power lines, <strong>and</strong> poles<br />
3. If in a moving vehicle, stop <strong>and</strong> remain<br />
inside.<br />
All clear will be one long ring of the regular<br />
classroom bells.<br />
ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENT<br />
ACTIVITIES<br />
Eligibility for participation in interscholastic<br />
competition at George H. Gilson Junior High<br />
GILSON JUNIOR HIGH HANDBOOK<br />
School is established by the Alaska School<br />
Activities Association <strong>and</strong> <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> School<br />
board policy.<br />
ERRANDS BY STUDENTS<br />
Students must not be sent on err<strong>and</strong>s which<br />
take them out of the classroom or off school<br />
grounds. If unusual circumstances necessitate<br />
an err<strong>and</strong> by a student, a written request<br />
by the teacher which includes approval of the<br />
parent shall be submitted to the principal for<br />
review <strong>and</strong> approval.<br />
FIRE DRILLS<br />
1. The sounding of the alarm is the signal<br />
to evacuate the building.<br />
2. If feasible, teachers should turn off their<br />
classroom lights <strong>and</strong> close their classroom<br />
doors.<br />
3. Students <strong>and</strong> personnel should move<br />
rapidly along the designated pathways to<br />
an exit. No one should run. If there is<br />
smoke in the pathway, crawl to an exit.<br />
4. If the pathway to an exit, has become<br />
blocked, word to that effect should be<br />
passed back. Order should be maintained<br />
as another exit is sought.<br />
5. After leaving the building, students should<br />
proceed to a distance of at least 100 feet<br />
from the fire. Care should be exercised<br />
to avoid interfering with the fire fighting<br />
equipment.<br />
6. Students are expected to become familiar<br />
with the fire drill exit route posted in<br />
each room. (Teachers must be prepared<br />
to give directions pertaining to leaving<br />
their classroom).<br />
7. All clear will be one long ring of the regular<br />
classroom bells.<br />
GRADING<br />
Grades will be reported quarterly <strong>and</strong> are a<br />
composite of academic achievement, classroom<br />
participation, <strong>and</strong> classroom attendance.<br />
The final grade shall be used to determine<br />
the awarding of course credit.<br />
GRADING SCALE<br />
A (90-100%) denotes superior work; B (80-<br />
89%) denotes above average work; C (70-<br />
79%) denotes average work; D (60-69%) denotes<br />
below average work; F (below 59%) denotes<br />
unsatisfactory work.
GENERAL SCHOOL RULES<br />
Responsible <strong>and</strong> courteous conduct will be expected<br />
of all students. Student behavior <strong>and</strong><br />
attitude should reflect the right of all students<br />
to an environment in which they can learn, <strong>and</strong><br />
the right of each teacher to an environment in<br />
which he or she can teach.<br />
FIGHTING: Students shall not fight or intentionally<br />
hurt anyone on or off of school property,<br />
or at any school activity or event. Students<br />
are not to threaten, intimidate, or provoke<br />
any student, teacher or other school employee<br />
or visitor. Vulgar or abusive language<br />
will not be used.<br />
HUMAN DIGNITY: George H. Gilson Junior<br />
High School affirms the dignity <strong>and</strong> respect of<br />
all persons. Therefore, words or actions belittling<br />
any race, religion, ethnic group, gender,<br />
sexual orientation, or disability are strictly prohibited.<br />
RUNNING: Students are not allowed to run<br />
in the halls, cafetorium or classroom.<br />
SMOKING AND THE USE OR POSSESSION<br />
OF TOBACCO: State law prohibits smoking<br />
anywhere on school property <strong>and</strong> possession<br />
of tobacco products by anyone under the age<br />
of 19.<br />
SUPERVISION: All students will comply with<br />
<strong>and</strong> respond politely to instructions given by<br />
school staff members. Instructions <strong>and</strong> directions<br />
given to a student by any teacher, aide,<br />
school secretary, cook or custodian are generally<br />
given in the best interest <strong>and</strong> safety of<br />
all students <strong>and</strong> should be respected.<br />
USE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL: The drinking<br />
of alcoholic beverages or the use or possession<br />
of illegal drugs, or being under the influence<br />
of drugs or alcohol is not allowed in<br />
the school buildings, on school property, or at<br />
any school activity or event.<br />
VANDALISM, MALICIOUS THEFT: School<br />
rooms, buildings, bulletin boards <strong>and</strong> other<br />
school property will not be defaced, marked<br />
on or abused in any way. School property <strong>and</strong><br />
the personal property of staff <strong>and</strong> students will<br />
be respected at all times.<br />
See STUDENT DECORUM for more information.<br />
GUIDANCE<br />
The guidance service fulfills many functions.<br />
Your counselor is available for giving assis-<br />
tance to students in the area of educational<br />
<strong>and</strong> personal counseling. A request form must<br />
be completed <strong>and</strong> the counselor will send for<br />
the student as soon as possible. Students <strong>and</strong><br />
parents are invited to make use of the school’s<br />
counselor.<br />
GYM CLASS<br />
In order to participate fully in physical education<br />
classes, each student will be required to<br />
furnish his/her own: tennis shoes, gym shirt<br />
<strong>and</strong> shorts, swim suit <strong>and</strong> cap, <strong>and</strong> towel. All<br />
students are expected to actively take part in<br />
all skills <strong>and</strong> games taught in the classes. Any<br />
deviation due to a medical condition will require<br />
a physician’s statement after three school<br />
days, unless exempted by the principal.<br />
HALL PASSES<br />
Students are allowed to be in the hallways<br />
before school starts, between classes, <strong>and</strong><br />
immediately after school. No student will be<br />
allowed in the hallways after 4:00 p.m. without<br />
the supervision of a staff member. Students in<br />
the hall during scheduled class time must have<br />
a pass signed by a staff member. Any student<br />
leaving the school grounds during school hours<br />
must receive permission from <strong>and</strong> sign out at<br />
the office. If a student leaves the school<br />
grounds without signing out, the absence is<br />
unexcused.<br />
HONOR ROLL<br />
An honor roll will be posted at the end of each<br />
nine week period. The honor status of a pupil<br />
will be based on academic grades. To attain<br />
the honor roll, a pupil must have an average of<br />
3.0 or better <strong>and</strong> no letter grade of “D” for that<br />
nine week period. To attain the high honor roll,<br />
a pupil must have an average of 3.5 or better<br />
with no letter grade of “D”. No student will be<br />
on the honor roll who receives <strong>and</strong> “F” for that<br />
nine week period.<br />
ILLNESS AND INJURIES<br />
It is assumed: (1) any student too ill to be in<br />
class should not be in school; (2) any student<br />
who becomes ill will report to the office; (3)<br />
arrangements will be made as soon as possible<br />
for an ill student to go home; (4) any injured<br />
student should be accompanied to the<br />
school office; (5) students must sign out at the<br />
office prior to leaving school.<br />
INCOMPLETES<br />
The responsibility for making up missed work<br />
due to an absence falls directly on the student.<br />
Teachers are expected to allow a reasonable<br />
period of time for completion of work<br />
missed. Incomplete grades must be made<br />
complete within a two week period. No incomplete<br />
grades may be issued at the end of<br />
the fourth quarter. Work not completed within<br />
the prescribed time frame will become a zero.<br />
Extenuating circumstances approved by the<br />
principal may extend the make-up time.<br />
INSURANCE<br />
Accident insurance for students during the<br />
school day <strong>and</strong> for related school activities or<br />
24 hour coverage is available. Information<br />
regarding insurance is sent home or available<br />
at the school office at the beginning of the<br />
school year. All students involved in athletics<br />
must be covered by school or family insurance.<br />
KNIVES<br />
Knives shall be treated as contrab<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
shall not be worn or carried on school property.<br />
Refer to student policy ST 1140.10.<br />
LEAVING THE BUILDING DUR-<br />
ING THE SCHOOL DAY<br />
Any student who leaves the building having<br />
once arrived at school <strong>and</strong> fails to check-out<br />
at the office, or any student who returns to<br />
school after an absence without checking in,<br />
shall be subject to detention <strong>and</strong> or suspension.<br />
This does not apply to the lunch period.<br />
LIBRARY<br />
The library shall be open before <strong>and</strong> after<br />
school. The library is a place of study <strong>and</strong><br />
should be used accordingly. Books may be<br />
checked out for a two week period. Encyclopedias<br />
<strong>and</strong> other reference materials may not<br />
be checked out <strong>and</strong> are to be used in the library<br />
only. Books may be renewed after the<br />
two week period. Replacement costs of the<br />
book must be paid if books are lost. All library<br />
debts must be paid quarterly.<br />
LOCKERS<br />
The office shall assign each student a locker<br />
<strong>and</strong> lock combination after the student reviews<br />
<strong>and</strong> signs a locker use agreement. Student<br />
lockers are the property of <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools<br />
GILSON JUNIOR HIGH HANDBOOK<br />
<strong>and</strong> as such, may be opened <strong>and</strong> inspected<br />
by school authorities pursuant to AS<br />
14.03.103. No personal locks are to be used.<br />
Security of personal property in school lockers<br />
<strong>and</strong> security of the locker is the student’s<br />
responsibility. The school is not responsible<br />
for lost or stolen articles. Students should<br />
keep their lockers locked for security reasons.<br />
LOITERING<br />
Students are requested not to loiter about the<br />
building after their daily programs are finished.<br />
Students must have a valid reason<br />
for staying in school after their classes are<br />
over. Anyone loitering on campus may be<br />
turned over to the police.<br />
LOST PERSONAL ITEMS<br />
“Lost <strong>and</strong> Found” items are to be placed in a<br />
receptacle near the office. Items not claimed<br />
within a two week period may be disposed of<br />
by the unit administrator. If a valuable item is<br />
found, it should be h<strong>and</strong>ed to the unit administrator.<br />
LUNCH<br />
A hot lunch program is provided in the <strong>Valdez</strong><br />
Public Schools. Lunches are paid for at the<br />
high school cafetorium <strong>and</strong> tickets may be<br />
purchased in advance. All lunches, including<br />
those brought from home, are to be eaten<br />
in the high school cafetorium. Eating lunches<br />
in the hallways will not be permitted.<br />
MEDICATION<br />
If it becomes necessary for a student to take<br />
any form of medication at school, a signed<br />
note from a parent must be presented to the<br />
office. All medication will be kept in <strong>and</strong> dispensed<br />
through the school office. No medication,<br />
including Tylenol, Advil, etc., will be<br />
provided by the school.<br />
NOTICE OF<br />
NONDISCRIMINATION<br />
It is the policy of <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools not to<br />
discriminate on the basis of race, religion,<br />
color, age, national origin, parenthood, pregnancy,<br />
marital status, changes in marital status,<br />
sex, disability, h<strong>and</strong>icap, veteran’s status,<br />
veteran’s disability, political affiliation, admission/access<br />
to, or treatment/employment<br />
in its programs <strong>and</strong> activities. Students attending<br />
<strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools may participate<br />
in education programs <strong>and</strong> activities, includ-
ing, but not limited to health, physical education,<br />
<strong>and</strong> vocational <strong>and</strong> technical education,<br />
regardless of race, color, national origin, age,<br />
h<strong>and</strong>icap or sex.<br />
Grievance procedures for student <strong>and</strong> employee<br />
concerns in the area of sex equity (Title<br />
IX) <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>icap (Section 504) have been established<br />
by <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools. Inquiries or<br />
complaints regarding compliance with these<br />
regulations may be directed to <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Schools, P.O. Box 398, <strong>Valdez</strong>, Alaska 99686.<br />
Brenda Stock (Title IX Coordinator), Mona<br />
Riddle (Section 504 Coordinator), or Steve<br />
Cathers, Superintendent.<br />
PARENT-TEACHER<br />
CONFERENCES<br />
The teachers/administrators encourage parents/guardians<br />
to request conferences. If a<br />
conference is desired, it should be arranged<br />
through the office. <strong>Parent</strong> conferences shall<br />
be scheduled by the school at the end of the<br />
first <strong>and</strong> middle of the third quarters.<br />
PARTICIPATION ON<br />
DAYS OF ABSENCE<br />
Students must be in attendance a minimum<br />
of one school day prior to participating in an<br />
activity or traveling to an activity.<br />
PASS AND RETENTION<br />
A student may be retained when she/he receives<br />
two or more ‘F’s as final grades or when<br />
it is determined to be in the best interest of<br />
that student.<br />
PROFANITY<br />
The use of vulgar or profane language, gestures,<br />
or possession of or the display of obscene<br />
material is prohibited.<br />
PROGRESS REPORTS<br />
<strong>Parent</strong>s/guardians shall be mailed interim<br />
progress reports no later than the fifth week<br />
of each quarter. Interim reports designate student<br />
progress in a given subject to the midpoint<br />
in that quarter.<br />
READMITTANCE<br />
Students who are absent from school for any<br />
reason must report to the school office to obtain<br />
<strong>and</strong> admit slip. Admit slips are to be<br />
obtained prior to the beginning of class.<br />
Failure to obtain an admit slip may result in<br />
the issuance of an unexcused tardy.<br />
RESTRICTED AREAS<br />
There are areas of our school buildings that<br />
required special regulations. Under normal circumstances,<br />
high school students will not enter<br />
the junior high unless they have a scheduled<br />
class in that facility. Junior high school<br />
students will not enter high school hallways<br />
unless they have a scheduled class in that<br />
area. Students are not permitted to be in the<br />
gym area without proper supervision; to loiter<br />
in the office area; to enter storage areas, mechanical<br />
rooms, unsupervised classrooms, <strong>and</strong><br />
the staff room without proper authorization; or<br />
to enter any area designated as restricted by<br />
the administrators.<br />
SCHOOL PROPERTY<br />
Students are responsible for the proper care<br />
<strong>and</strong> return of all equipment, books <strong>and</strong> supplies<br />
entrusted to them. In case of loss or damage<br />
to these items, the student will be assessed<br />
a replacement charge. Failure to pay<br />
these charges may result in the withholding of<br />
the student’s report card. Malicious or willful<br />
damage to school property not only makes the<br />
student subject to disciplinary action, but also<br />
makes the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) liable<br />
for damages.<br />
SCHOOL SPIRIT<br />
School spirit may be divided into three categories:<br />
COURTESY – toward teachers, staff,<br />
fellow students <strong>and</strong> the officials of school athletic<br />
activities; PRIDE – in everything our<br />
school endeavors to accomplish <strong>and</strong> has accomplished;<br />
SPORTSMANSHIP – the ability<br />
to win <strong>and</strong> lose gracefully. School spirit means<br />
loyalty to all functions of the school. A loyal<br />
student supports her/his school <strong>and</strong> does her/<br />
his utmost to keep scholastic <strong>and</strong> activity st<strong>and</strong>ards<br />
at the highest possible level.<br />
STUDENT BEHAVIOR<br />
All <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools employees are required<br />
to be on the alert for any student behavior that<br />
is in violation of school rules. Students shall<br />
behave in a manner that is a credit to the students,<br />
the school <strong>and</strong> the community.<br />
STUDENT COMPLAINT<br />
PROCEDURE<br />
The complaint procedure may be used to appeal<br />
decisions made at the school or District<br />
level except for those decisions covered under<br />
simple discipline, suspension, expulsion,<br />
<strong>and</strong> denial of admission. It may be used if a<br />
student feels her/his rights have been violated.<br />
Refer to Student Policy ST.1164.10<br />
STUDENT COUNCIL<br />
Student Council officers <strong>and</strong> representatives<br />
shall be elected annually.<br />
STUDENT DECORUM<br />
See page 11 in student planner.<br />
STUDENT RECORDS<br />
Records are maintained by the school <strong>and</strong> include<br />
academic achievement, test scores, disciplinary<br />
problems, <strong>and</strong> other information required<br />
by policy <strong>and</strong> statute. These records<br />
are available for inspection by the student <strong>and</strong>/<br />
or parent during regular school hours.<br />
SUSPENSION<br />
The principal has the exclusive right to suspend<br />
a student. The act of suspension shall<br />
be reserved for serious or repeated infractions<br />
of school rules. A student placed on suspension<br />
shall not participate in any extracurricular<br />
activity or trip sponsored by the school during<br />
the period of suspension. Students who are<br />
suspended shall not be allowed on school property<br />
or to attend any school sponsored event.<br />
The Compiled School Laws of Alaska <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> School Board Policy procedures<br />
govern suspension <strong>and</strong> expulsion. Letter of<br />
suspension <strong>and</strong> expulsion shall be placed in<br />
the appropriate student’s record in the school<br />
office.<br />
TARDY POLICY<br />
Students are expected to be on time for each<br />
class. This means being in their seat, having<br />
all necessary books, papers, supplies <strong>and</strong> writing<br />
utensils with them, <strong>and</strong> being ready to work<br />
when the tardy bell rings. A uniform tardy procedure<br />
shall be utilized school-wide to insure<br />
that students are punctual. See the Gilson<br />
GILSON JUNIOR HIGH HANDBOOK<br />
Junior High/<strong>Valdez</strong> High School Attendance<br />
<strong>and</strong> Tardy policies <strong>and</strong> procedures.<br />
VISITOR PASS<br />
Only school personnel are allowed to visit<br />
classrooms without a written pass from the<br />
school office. It is illegal for juveniles or adults<br />
to loiter around the school during the school<br />
day. Students will not be allowed to leave a<br />
class with a visitor unless the visitor has a call<br />
slip from the office. Persons other than school<br />
personnel wanting to talk to students or staff<br />
during school hours must come to the school<br />
office. The school office will send for the student.<br />
(This assumes the need for conversation<br />
is approved). Please report to the school<br />
office, at once, the presence on campus of<br />
unauthorized persons during school hours.<br />
This includes the period immediately before<br />
<strong>and</strong> after school as well as the lunch hours.<br />
<strong>WE</strong>APONS AND<br />
DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS<br />
Students shall not carry on their person, use,<br />
transmit, or possess weapons, dangerous instruments,<br />
or their replicas in school buildings,<br />
on school grounds, on the school transportation<br />
system, at school bus stops, or at any<br />
school related or school sponsored activity<br />
away from school (including athletic events).<br />
Refer to Student Policy ST.1140.10<br />
GILSON JUNIOR HIGH/VALDEZ<br />
HIGH SCHOOL<br />
ATTENDANCE/TARDY<br />
PROCEDURE<br />
RATIONALE: The faculty <strong>and</strong> staff of <strong>Valdez</strong><br />
High School <strong>and</strong> the George H. Gilson Jr. High<br />
School believe that successful educational advancement<br />
is related directly to regular school<br />
attendance. It is critical that students develop<br />
a strong commitment to regular school attendance.<br />
If successful, an attitude of responsibility<br />
<strong>and</strong> self-discipline is developed in the<br />
school community, which will be carried over<br />
into later life. Students will not develop this<br />
commitment without parents/legal guardians<br />
who are committed to their children’s school<br />
attendance. While the responsibility for regular<br />
school attendance lies with the parent/<br />
guardian <strong>and</strong> the student, <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools
also recognize an obligation to promote <strong>and</strong><br />
assure such attendance. It is the intent of this<br />
policy to encourage regular attendance <strong>and</strong><br />
deter excessive absenteeism, truancy, <strong>and</strong><br />
academic achievement of each student tardiness<br />
of students <strong>and</strong> thus, to enhance the<br />
GRADING COMPONENTS: Grades in<br />
each semester course shall reflect academic<br />
achievement, class participation, <strong>and</strong> classroom<br />
attendance.<br />
STATUTE: Students are expected to be in<br />
attendance every day school is in session.<br />
Alaska State Statute Sec. 14.30.010 states that<br />
“Every child between seven <strong>and</strong> 16 years of<br />
age shall attend school at the public school in<br />
the District in which the child resides during<br />
each school term. Every parent, guardian or<br />
other person having the responsibility for or<br />
control of a child between seven <strong>and</strong> 16 years<br />
of age shall maintain the child in attendance<br />
at a public school in the District in which the<br />
child resides during the entire school term...”<br />
TEN TIME ABSENCE LIMIT<br />
Junior High School students must not be absent<br />
more than ten (10) times per semester or<br />
they will be considered for retention in the<br />
same grade the following year.<br />
1. Illness or medical appointment substantiated<br />
by a statement from a medical practitioner<br />
.<br />
2. Death in the student’s family necessitating<br />
an absence.<br />
3. Other special circumstances approved by<br />
the principal.<br />
CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION<br />
1. A student may be absent up to five (5) in<br />
addition to the 10-day limit each semes<br />
ter for special reasons if the student com<br />
pletes pre make up prior to departure<br />
2. If a student plans to be absent for some<br />
special reason, the student <strong>and</strong> their<br />
parent should check with the principal or<br />
the attendance secretary prior to the ab<br />
sence. If a special absence is approved<br />
(examples include a family trip, a spe<br />
cial hunting trip, or a college visit) the<br />
student will be expected to complete a<br />
pre make up sheet on which the student<br />
will list the assignments for the classes<br />
he/she will miss. The student is ex-<br />
pected to complete the assignments be<br />
fore he/she leaves <strong>and</strong> submit com<br />
pleted work to their teachers for approval<br />
<strong>and</strong> then bring the pre make up sheet to<br />
the office. If pre-makeup is not com<br />
pleted by the student <strong>and</strong> this form re<br />
turned to the attendance secretary prior<br />
to departure, the student shall not be<br />
entitled to the additional five absences.<br />
3. Additional days must be granted for<br />
exceptional circumstances for activi<br />
ties such as national competition or<br />
academic competition.<br />
The attendance st<strong>and</strong>ards detailed above<br />
are a portion of the requirements for successfully<br />
completing all courses at <strong>Valdez</strong><br />
High School <strong>and</strong> George H. Gilson Junior<br />
High School.<br />
LOSS OF CREDIT/COURSE<br />
FAILURE<br />
When a student’s absences exceed the limit<br />
he/she will lose credit/fail the class for each<br />
affected course. He/she may be given the<br />
option of either staying in the class or be withdrawn<br />
from the class <strong>and</strong> assigned to a study<br />
area for the remainder of the semester during<br />
the period he/she was scheduled for that class.<br />
The determination of placement shall be based<br />
upon input from the student, parent, teacher,<br />
<strong>and</strong> principal. Students who are habitually truant<br />
may be dropped from school enrollment<br />
or denied admission if a remedial plan of action<br />
is not successful. Credits lost due to poor<br />
attendance may be made up in the regular<br />
school program, or through correspondence<br />
school. A notation shall be made on the<br />
student’s card/interim report, transcript, when<br />
a grade has been lowered due to a violation of<br />
the attendance policy. Students withdrawn<br />
from a course for nonattendance will have a<br />
“WF” (Withdrawn - Failing) recorded on his/<br />
her report card <strong>and</strong> transcript. That grade will<br />
be included in the calculation of his/her grade<br />
point average <strong>and</strong> will affect extracurricular eligibility.<br />
The loss of credit <strong>and</strong>/or course failure<br />
does not preclude disciplinary action initiated<br />
by the school where otherwise warranted.<br />
GILSON JUNIOR HIGH HANDBOOK<br />
DEFINITION OF ABSENCES:<br />
EXCUSED, UNEXCUSED,<br />
SCHOOL SPONSORED<br />
<strong>Parent</strong>s are expected to call the Attendance<br />
Secretary at 835-4767 (<strong>Valdez</strong> High School)<br />
or 835-2244 (Gilson Jr. High School) by 10:00<br />
a.m. each morning that their student is absent<br />
from school. Before or after school hours, parents<br />
of high school students are encouraged<br />
to call the Attendance Secretary or leave a<br />
message on his/her voice mail (Phone #834-<br />
2302). After an absence, a student must secure<br />
the appropriate admit slip prior to the<br />
beginning of class or the student will be<br />
counted as tardy. An absence shall be marked<br />
unexcused until parent/guardian contact has<br />
been made with the Attendance Secretary.<br />
Information obtained through parent contact<br />
will be used to determine whether the absence<br />
is recorded as excused or unexcused. Absences<br />
must be cleared through the school<br />
office within 48 hours of their occurrence or<br />
the absence(s) will be recorded as unexcused.<br />
In-school suspension is not an absence from<br />
school.<br />
EXCUSED ABSENCES: (Counts<br />
against 10 times limit)<br />
An excused absence counts toward the total<br />
limit of absences set forth in this policy unless<br />
the absence otherwise meets the exceptions<br />
provided under Exceptions/Conditional Exceptions.<br />
1. Sickness or medical appointment of<br />
student shall count toward 10 times<br />
limit unless substantiated by statement<br />
from medical practitioner <strong>and</strong>/or parent<br />
or guardian.<br />
2. An absence authorized by a parent/<br />
guardian/or a student if of legal age<br />
<strong>and</strong> living on their own.<br />
If the absence is excused, the student will be<br />
allowed to make up the work missed <strong>and</strong> will<br />
be given full credit for the work, if completed<br />
within the time allowed (One day for each day<br />
absent, up to two weeks).<br />
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES IN-<br />
CLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO<br />
THE FOLLOWING: (Counts against 10<br />
times limit)<br />
A student:<br />
1. Skips a class having once arrived at<br />
school<br />
2. Leaves the school campus without<br />
checking out through the office, except<br />
during lunch<br />
3. Is suspended out of school<br />
4. Is more than 10 minutes late for a<br />
class<br />
If the absence is not excused, make up work<br />
will be assigned for the absence, but no credit<br />
will be given.<br />
Note: Any student assigned to In-School<br />
Suspension will be considered absent with<br />
respect to the 10 day absence limit, but will<br />
be allowed to submit work for credit.<br />
SCHOOL SPONSORED<br />
ABSENCES<br />
1. Students are considered in atten<br />
dance when absent from school<br />
due to school-sponsored activities.<br />
2. Seniors who have work/training/<br />
college as an approved part of their<br />
senior educational plan are not<br />
considered absent from school.<br />
TARDINESS<br />
(Recorded <strong>and</strong> consequences administered<br />
on a quarterly basis)<br />
Students are considered tardy through the 10th<br />
minute of the class period. After the 10th<br />
minute the student is considered absent for<br />
that period. If a student is tardy for a class<br />
he/she should report directly to the office to<br />
secure an admit slip. The office will assign a<br />
30-minute detention on the third tardy <strong>and</strong> a<br />
48-minute detention each for the fourth <strong>and</strong><br />
fifth tardies during a quarter. Detention shall<br />
be completed within two school days <strong>and</strong><br />
must be served before school, at lunch, or<br />
after school. On the sixth tardy in any quar<br />
ter, the student will be assigned Saturday<br />
school (8:15AM-3PM) after parent notification<br />
has occurred. If a student accrues more than<br />
six tardies in any quarter, a parent confer<br />
ence is required to develop a special plan to<br />
remedy this issue.
Note: Any student assigned to In-School<br />
Suspension will be considered absent with<br />
respect to the 10 day absence limit, but will<br />
be allowed to submit work for credit.<br />
PARENT NOTIFICATION<br />
Each instance that a student is absent from<br />
school, the school Attendance Secretary shall<br />
initiate telephone contact with the parent/guard-<br />
ian if the school has not already been contacted<br />
by the parent.<br />
The school shall place a student on attendance<br />
probation when the student reaches six (6) absences<br />
in any course in a semester. A probation<br />
notice including an attendance summary<br />
for all classes shall be sent to the parent/guardian/student<br />
at this time. After six (6)<br />
absences in a course, a parent/guardian/student/teacher/administrator<br />
conference shall be<br />
scheduled to determine remedial steps to be<br />
undertaken to avoid loss of credit. A student,<br />
parent or guardian may request an attendance<br />
summary through the principal at any time during<br />
the school year. <strong>Valdez</strong> High School shall<br />
withhold credit for any course in which a<br />
student’s absences exceed ten (10) in a semester.<br />
The student/parent/guardian shall be<br />
contacted on a class by class basis. A letter<br />
with notification of withdrawal of credit shall<br />
be mailed to parents/guardian/students in each<br />
instance.<br />
CREDIT LOSS MAKEUP<br />
Students who have lost credit due to excessive<br />
absences may attend a scheduled<br />
Saturday School to make up the needed<br />
days. Credit may be reinstated at the<br />
completion of the appropriate makeup time.<br />
Students must gain makeup approval from<br />
the principal.<br />
APPEALS PROCEDURE<br />
If a parent or student wishes to appeal a decision<br />
made pursuant to this policy, such an appeal<br />
must be initiated in writing within fifteen<br />
(15) school days of the date of the decision or,<br />
if it is based on a parent notification as set forth<br />
above, within fifteen (15) school days of the<br />
date of the letter of notification. The letter requesting<br />
an appeal must include specific reasons<br />
that the request should be considered. If<br />
an appeal is not filed within the timeline provided,<br />
the student/parent/guardian shall be<br />
deemed to have waived the right to an appeal<br />
<strong>and</strong> a hearing. The Attendance Appeals Board<br />
shall schedule a hearing as soon as possible,<br />
but in any event within ten (10) school days of<br />
the building administrator’s receipt of the written<br />
appeal. The Attendance Appeals Board<br />
shall render a written decision within five (5)<br />
school days of the close of the hearing.<br />
STUDENT DECORUM<br />
POLICIES/PROCEDURES<br />
BATTERY - Students are encouraged to<br />
seek staff help in preventing a fight that may<br />
be pending. Counselors, teachers, administrators,<br />
<strong>and</strong> others are available to help students<br />
resolve difficulties in ways other than<br />
fighting. Verbal assault is addressed under the<br />
sections “Disruptive Behavior” <strong>and</strong>/or “Harassment.”<br />
Battery is defined as violence where<br />
striking, kicking, shoving, pushing <strong>and</strong>/or any<br />
other physical violence used against another<br />
person. An effort will made to have the involved<br />
students <strong>and</strong> parents meet as a group to insure<br />
that all issues are settled before re-entry<br />
into school.<br />
1st offense- <strong>Parent</strong> conference<br />
required<br />
1-3 days suspension<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
2nd <strong>and</strong> other subsequent offenses-<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference<br />
required<br />
3-9 days suspension<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR - Disruptive<br />
behavior is student conduct which materially<br />
<strong>and</strong> substantially interferes with the educational<br />
process or with school sponsored activities.<br />
Examples of disruptive behavior include insubordinately<br />
talking out, moving around the classroom<br />
without permission, profanity/vulgarity,<br />
uncomplimentary gestures/speech, threatening,<br />
non-compliance with school/class rules, refusing<br />
to acknowledge a school employee’s direction,<br />
behavior that jeopardizes the welfare,<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or safety of other students <strong>and</strong> staff.<br />
1st offense- Work detail/detentions<br />
1-3 day in-house<br />
suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> notification/<br />
conference required<br />
2nd <strong>and</strong> subsequent offenses-<br />
Work details/detentions<br />
1-3 days suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference<br />
required<br />
EXCESSIVE DISPLAY OF<br />
AFFECTION - Display of affection beyond<br />
the holding of h<strong>and</strong>s is discouraged <strong>and</strong> may<br />
lead to disciplinary action.<br />
1st offense- Student conference<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> notification<br />
2nd offense- Student conference<br />
1-3 day in-house suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> notification<br />
Subsequent Offenses -<br />
1-3 day suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
HARASSMENT - This includes, but is not<br />
limited to abusive language, sexual harassment<br />
* , inappropriate physical contact, racial/<br />
ethnic slurs <strong>and</strong> comments, hazing ** , <strong>and</strong> other<br />
provocative actions.<br />
1st offense - <strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
1-3 days in-house suspension<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
2nd offense -<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
1-3 days suspension<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
Subsequent offenses -<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
3-9 days suspension<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
*Sexual harassment may take various forms<br />
<strong>and</strong> may be verbal, nonverbal, or physical.<br />
(See Board Personnel Manual PR. 0841.10)<br />
**Hazing is defined as the verbal or physical<br />
intimidation of others.<br />
THEFT - Theft or possession of stolen property,<br />
or the misuse of stolen property by students<br />
will result in the following sanctions:<br />
GILSON JUNIOR HIGH HANDBOOK<br />
1-3 days suspension<br />
Refer to police, subject to arrest<br />
Liable for restitution<br />
2nd <strong>and</strong> subsequent offenses -<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
3-9 day suspension<br />
Refer to police, subject to arrest<br />
Liable for restitution<br />
TOBACCO - Possession or use of tobacco<br />
in any form by students on school property is<br />
prohibited by state statute <strong>and</strong> school rules.<br />
Students violating the tobacco rule are subject<br />
to the following sanctions:<br />
1st offense -<br />
1-3 days in-house suspension<br />
Notification of parents <strong>and</strong> police<br />
2nd offense -<br />
1-3 days suspension<br />
Notification of parents <strong>and</strong> police<br />
3rd <strong>and</strong> all subsequent offenses -<br />
3-9 day suspension<br />
Notification of parents <strong>and</strong> police<br />
VANDALISM - Destroying, defacement, or<br />
mutilating objects or materials belonging to the<br />
school, school personnel, or other person.<br />
1st offense - <strong>Parent</strong> notification<br />
Work details/detentions<br />
1-3 day suspension<br />
Liable for restitution<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
2nd offense -<strong>Parent</strong> notification<br />
Work details/detentions<br />
3-9 days suspension<br />
Liable for restitution<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
Subsequent offenses -<br />
3-9 days suspension<br />
May result in<br />
recommendation to School<br />
Board for expulsion<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
Liable for restitution
<strong>WE</strong>APONS - The possession <strong>and</strong>/or use<br />
of weapons or items designed to look like<br />
weapons under school district jurisdiction are<br />
strictly prohibited.<br />
Possession/Use –<br />
Emergency suspension<br />
Refer to police, subject to arrest<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference<br />
Recommendation to School<br />
Board for expulsion<br />
WILLFUL DISOBEDIENCE<br />
Willful disobedience is the refusal to comply<br />
with a reasonable request by staff - this includes<br />
skipping a class once a student has<br />
arrived at school.<br />
1st offense - Work details/detentions<br />
1-3 days in-house suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> contact/conference<br />
2nd offense - Work details/detentions<br />
1-3 day suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
Subsequent offenses -<br />
3-9 day suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> Conference required<br />
VALDEZ CITY SCHOOLS<br />
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL<br />
POLICY<br />
The actual or attempted sale of, use of, possession<br />
of intoxicating liquor, illegal drugs or<br />
inhalants, substances designed to look like<br />
illegal drugs, substances purported to be illegal<br />
drugs, or drug paraphernalia while under<br />
the jurisdiction of the school shall be subject<br />
to appropriate corrective action including suspension<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or expulsion. Students who engage<br />
in these activities off campus <strong>and</strong> who<br />
immediately return to school or school-sponsored<br />
activities will be subject to suspension<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or expulsion as if the activity had taken<br />
place at school. Disciplinary action shall be<br />
taken by the school administrator regardless<br />
of whether or not criminal charges or prosecution<br />
results. Students suspended under<br />
the drug <strong>and</strong> alcohol policy will be declared<br />
ineligible for all district sponsored activities<br />
for nine (9) continuous weeks. Students are<br />
subject to arrest for all drug/alcohol related<br />
activities.<br />
I.Consumption, Use, Possession<br />
A. A first offense by a student who consumes,<br />
uses or possesses intoxicating liquor,<br />
illegal drugs or inhalants, substances<br />
designed to look like illegal drugs,<br />
or substances purported to be illegal<br />
drugs while under the jurisdiction of the<br />
school shall be subject to the following<br />
action:<br />
1. Twenty days suspension from school.<br />
2. If the student completes a rehabilitation/<br />
education program, the suspension shall be<br />
ten days.<br />
3. Notification of police <strong>and</strong> social services.<br />
4. Required parent/guardian conference<br />
prior to readmission.<br />
B. A second offense shall subject the<br />
student to the following:<br />
1. Suspension for the remainder of the<br />
semester.<br />
2. Total loss of all credit for that semester.<br />
3. Completion of a rehabilitation/education<br />
program required.<br />
4. Notification of police <strong>and</strong> social services.<br />
5. Required parent/guardian conference<br />
prior to readmission.<br />
C. A third offense shall subject the student<br />
to the following:<br />
1. Suspension for two semesters.<br />
2. Total loss of credit for both semesters.<br />
3. Completion of a rehabilitation/education<br />
program required.<br />
4. <strong>Parent</strong> conference required.<br />
5. Required parent/guardian conference<br />
prior to readmission.<br />
II. Sale, Delivery or Transfer<br />
This section is designed to prohibit the distribution<br />
of illegal substances on school property<br />
within five hundred (500) feet of school<br />
property or at any school activity. Sale means<br />
to sell, barter, exchange, give or dispose of to<br />
another person in exchange for anything of<br />
GILSON JUNIOR HIGH HANDBOOK<br />
value. Delivery means the actual or attempted<br />
transfer from one person to another of an illegal<br />
substance. Transfer means to deliver to<br />
another an illegal substance, whether or not<br />
there is any money or any other item of value<br />
exchanged. It includes sale, gift or exchange;<br />
it includes the mere h<strong>and</strong>ing of the substances<br />
to another.<br />
A. A first offense by a student who<br />
sells, delivers, or transfers intoxicating<br />
liquor, illegal drugs or inhalants,<br />
substances designed to look like illegal<br />
drugs, or substances purported<br />
to be illegal drugs while under the<br />
jurisdiction of the school shall be<br />
subject to the following actions:<br />
1. Suspension for one semester.<br />
2. Total loss of all credit for<br />
that semester.<br />
3. Notification of police <strong>and</strong><br />
social services.<br />
4. <strong>Parent</strong> conference required.<br />
B. A second offense shall subject<br />
the student to the following:<br />
1. Suspension for two semesters.<br />
2. Total loss of all credit for both semesters.<br />
3. Notification of police <strong>and</strong> social services.<br />
4. <strong>Parent</strong> conference required.<br />
III. A violation of any provisions of this<br />
policy shall be regarded as a prior offense<br />
in determining the discipline to be imposed<br />
upon any subsequent violation of<br />
this policy.<br />
The following citations from the <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
School Board Policy Manual are applicable<br />
to this Student Decorum procedure:<br />
ST 1106.10<br />
Student Alcohol <strong>and</strong> Drug Abuse<br />
ST 1160.10<br />
Student Rights <strong>and</strong> Responsibility<br />
ST 1170.10<br />
Responsibility to Obey Regulations<br />
ST 1180.10<br />
Student Discipline <strong>and</strong> Hearing Procedures<br />
DRUG FREE COUNSELING &<br />
REHABILITATION PROGRAMS<br />
According to Drug Free Schools regulations<br />
<strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools is required to provide a<br />
copy of the information about any drug <strong>and</strong><br />
alcohol counseling <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> reentry<br />
programs that are available to students.<br />
The following are agencies that are involved<br />
in drug/alcohol counseling <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation<br />
<strong>and</strong> reentry programs.<br />
NORTH STAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYS-<br />
TEM INPATIENT HOSPITAL<br />
2530 DeBarr Road, Anchorage AK 99508-<br />
2296<br />
(907) 258-7575 (Evaluation & Treatment<br />
of Adolescents)<br />
NORTH STAR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT<br />
CENTER<br />
1650 So. Bragaw, Anchorage AK 99508<br />
(907) 272-6202 (Long-term Treatment<br />
for Children & Adolescents)<br />
PROVIDENCE MEDICAL CENTER: BREAK-<br />
THROUGH - ADOLESCENT CARE<br />
3200 Providence Drive, Anchorage AK<br />
99508<br />
(907) 261-3040 (Emergency, inpatient,<br />
outpatient, after care)<br />
RALPH PERDUE CENTER FOR ALCOHOL &<br />
OTHER ADDICTIONS FAIRBANKS NATIVE<br />
ASS.<br />
PO Box 74450, Fairbanks AK 99707<br />
(907) 452-6251 (Emergency, intermediate,<br />
outpatient, after care)<br />
VALDEZ COUNSELING CENTER<br />
PO Box 1050 or 337 Egan Drive, <strong>Valdez</strong><br />
AK 99686<br />
(907) 835-2838 (Outpatient care- Ages<br />
10-18)
VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL<br />
STUDENT/PARENT<br />
HANDBOOK<br />
ACCIDENT PROCEDURE<br />
Every accident in the school building, on the<br />
school grounds, at practice sessions, or at any<br />
extracurricular event sponsored by the school<br />
must be reported immediately to the personin<br />
charge, who shall contact the school office.<br />
ACTIVITY POLICY CODE<br />
Any student who wishes to participate in any<br />
extracurricular activity must sign an activity<br />
policy code agreeing to abide by an approved<br />
code of conduct. In addition to the student<br />
signing, a parent must also sign <strong>and</strong> acknowledge<br />
the rules that their child must adhere to.<br />
ACTIVITY CALENDAR<br />
A school calendar of coming events has been<br />
posted in the office. It is kept current by the<br />
principal. All school activities must be entered<br />
on this calendar. Activity forms are available<br />
in the office. This form, properly completed,<br />
must be turned in to the principal for<br />
approval or disapproval at least two weeks<br />
prior to the proposed activity date.<br />
ADVANCE MAKE-UP SLIPS<br />
The completion of advance make-up slips are<br />
required when students are going to be absent<br />
from class for any school sponsored<br />
event. These slips, available in the office,<br />
must be signed by teachers for all classes to<br />
be missed. Make-up slips for family-related<br />
trips will be issued when a written note is presented<br />
in the office.<br />
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES<br />
Beverages <strong>and</strong> food which contain alcohol are<br />
prohibited on school grounds <strong>and</strong> at all school<br />
sponsored events.<br />
ATTENDANCE<br />
Regular school attendance is necessary for<br />
success in school. Full-time attendance is<br />
required (AS 14.30.010). It is the responsibility<br />
of the students <strong>and</strong> parents for regular<br />
school attendance <strong>and</strong> promptness. SEE<br />
VALDEZ HIGH ATTENDANCE/TARDY PRO-<br />
CEDURE IN THIS MANUAL for complete<br />
details.<br />
BACKPACKS<br />
Backpacks are allowed in the school hallways<br />
<strong>and</strong> student lockers. However, backpacks are<br />
NOT allowed in the school classrooms.<br />
BOOKS<br />
High School textbooks are furnished without<br />
cost to each student. All books, however, remain<br />
as property of <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools. A<br />
place in the book will be provided where the<br />
student’s name <strong>and</strong> date of issue may be recorded.<br />
Lost <strong>and</strong>/or damaged books will result<br />
in the levying of fines. The office will collect<br />
fine monies <strong>and</strong> issue receipts which will<br />
be shown to the teacher for student checkout.<br />
Note: If a book is lost or badly damaged,<br />
it may be judged beyond repair by the teacher.<br />
Books asserted to be beyond repair will be<br />
paid for by the student based on the replacement<br />
of a new current issue.<br />
BUILDING NEATNESS<br />
Students have a major responsibility in maintaining<br />
all parts of the building <strong>and</strong> grounds in<br />
a clean <strong>and</strong> orderly manner. Paper <strong>and</strong> other<br />
materials to be discarded must be placed in<br />
the numerous trash bins placed throughout<br />
the buildings <strong>and</strong> grounds. Students littering<br />
the buildings or grounds will be assigned work<br />
details.<br />
BUSING FOR ACTIVITIES<br />
AND FIELD TRIPS<br />
When transportation is provided by the school<br />
district for an activity, all participants in that<br />
activity must travel with the organization or<br />
the team. If students wish to return home with<br />
their parents following the activity, they must<br />
have approval from the principal before leaving<br />
on the trip.<br />
BUS TRANSPORTATION AND<br />
REGULATIONS<br />
The following rules for pupils riding school<br />
buses are basically from the official “Rules <strong>and</strong><br />
Regulations of the State of Alaska.” As such,<br />
they are also the rules of the <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Schools.<br />
VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK<br />
REGULATIONS FOR PUPILS<br />
RIDING SCHOOL BUSES<br />
ALL TIMES<br />
1. Exercise good manners, caution <strong>and</strong><br />
consideration for other people.<br />
2. Obey the school bus driver, his/her<br />
primary concern is for your safety.<br />
3. Pupils may be assigned a seat by the<br />
driver.<br />
4. Pupils shall not have anything in their<br />
possession which may be used to cause<br />
injury.<br />
WAITING FOR THE SCHOOL<br />
BUS<br />
1. Stay a safe distance from the roadway.<br />
2. Be at your stop five minutes ahead of<br />
time; the driver cannot wait for you.<br />
3. Be in line when the school bus ap<br />
proaches.<br />
4. Stay clear of wheels until the bus has<br />
come to a complete stop.<br />
5. Let the smaller children board first.<br />
6. Pupils must cross the highway only in<br />
front of the school bus when given<br />
permission by the school bus driver.<br />
7. Walk on the left-h<strong>and</strong> side of the road fac<br />
ing traffic.<br />
BOARDING THE SCHOOL BUS<br />
1. Always use the h<strong>and</strong>rail <strong>and</strong> go up the<br />
steps one at a time.<br />
2. Do not push, crowd, or disturb others.<br />
3. Go directly to your seat <strong>and</strong> be seated.<br />
4. No animals large or small of any kind are<br />
allowed on the school bus at any time.<br />
CONDUCT ON THE SCHOOL BUS<br />
1. Keep the aisle clear.<br />
2. Place books or other gear on your lap.<br />
3. Avoid loud talking, confusion, or any thing<br />
else that might distract the driver.<br />
4. Keep head, arms, <strong>and</strong> body inside the bus.<br />
5. Do not throw objects inside or outside the<br />
bus.<br />
6. Do not chew tobacco, smoke, eat, or drink<br />
on the bus.<br />
7. Remain seated until the bus has come to a<br />
complete stop <strong>and</strong> get off only at your stop.<br />
8. Do not open windows without permission.<br />
9. Assist in keeping the bus clean.<br />
Pupils can be held responsible for any<br />
damages to the interior of the school bus.<br />
10. In general, classroom conduct will be<br />
observed. The school bus is not a play<br />
ground. Save horseplay <strong>and</strong> wrestling for<br />
another time <strong>and</strong> place.<br />
GETTING OFF THE SCHOOL BUS<br />
1. Use the h<strong>and</strong>rail <strong>and</strong> take one step at a<br />
time.<br />
2. Remember pushing or crowding could<br />
cause an accident.<br />
3. After you leave the bus go home or to<br />
an assigned place.<br />
4. It is everybody’s responsibility to demonstrate<br />
good citizenship by cooperating with your<br />
school bus driver at all times so that your<br />
parents <strong>and</strong> school district officials can<br />
depend upon safe, timely, <strong>and</strong> efficient<br />
pupil transportation to <strong>and</strong> from school.<br />
REMEMBER:<br />
1. Riding the school bus is a PRIVILEGE<br />
<strong>and</strong><br />
not a right.<br />
2. If a pupil’s conduct is such that the health,<br />
safety, comfort, or well-being of others is<br />
jeopardized, on or off the bus, the privilege<br />
of riding the bus may be denied by a school<br />
official.<br />
3. A student is not allowed to ride a different<br />
bus unless authorized by the parent <strong>and</strong><br />
approved by the principal.<br />
CARE OF SCHOOL<br />
PROPERTY<br />
Students are responsible for the proper care<br />
<strong>and</strong> return of all equipment, books, <strong>and</strong> supplies<br />
entrusted to them. Malicious or willful<br />
damage to school property not only makes<br />
the student subject to disciplinary action, but<br />
also makes his/her parent liable for damages.<br />
CELL PHONES AND<br />
PAGERS<br />
Cell phones <strong>and</strong> pagers are NOT allowed in<br />
the school by students during regular school<br />
hours.
CHEATING<br />
Students are expected to conduct themselves<br />
honestly <strong>and</strong> with integrity in their<br />
work. All forms of cheating <strong>and</strong> plagiarism<br />
are prohibited. Behavior that is unacceptable<br />
includes, but is not limited to:<br />
* Copying another student’s homework<br />
*Working with others on projects that are<br />
meant to be done individually<br />
*Looking at or copying another student’s<br />
test or quiz answers<br />
*Allowing another student to look at or<br />
copy answers from your test or quiz<br />
*Using any other method to get/give test<br />
or quiz answers<br />
*Taking a test or quia in part or in whole to<br />
use or to give others<br />
*Copying information from a source<br />
without proper attribution; <strong>and</strong><br />
*Taking papers from other students,<br />
publications, or the Internet.<br />
Violators of this policy will be disciplined on<br />
a case-by-case basis depending on the<br />
seriousness of the violation, prior violations,<br />
<strong>and</strong> other factors. Disciplinary measures<br />
include, but are not limited to, redoing<br />
assignments/retaking test, receiving a<br />
failing grade on the project/test, receiving a<br />
lower grade overall in the class, detention,<br />
suspension, or expulsion.<br />
CLASS CHANGES<br />
Students will be allowed to drop a course or<br />
add a new course through the first five (5)<br />
days of the semester. After the first five days<br />
NO SCHEDULE CHANGES will be made except<br />
as approved by the principal. Barring unusual<br />
circumstances, students who drop after<br />
the five day deadline will receive a WITH-<br />
DRAW FAIL.<br />
CLASSROOM CONDUCT<br />
Students are expected to be in their assigned<br />
seats when the second bell rings. They are<br />
expected to bring needed books <strong>and</strong> supplies<br />
with them. No food, drink, radios, CD’s or sunglasses<br />
are to be brought into the classroom<br />
except for scheduled special occasions. Normally,<br />
a student will not be given permission<br />
to leave the classroom during class time. Students<br />
are expected to obey school <strong>and</strong> classroom<br />
rules set forth by the teacher in charge.<br />
COLLEGE CLASSES (PWSCC)<br />
Students may take approved college classes<br />
at <strong>Valdez</strong> High School for high school credit<br />
or both high school <strong>and</strong> college credit (Dual<br />
Enrollment). Students will be assigned a letter<br />
grade for their course work.<br />
CONTRABAND<br />
These items may be turned into the principal.<br />
If the student wishes to reclaim the item, he<br />
or she should report to the principal’s office at<br />
the end of the school day. Some items may<br />
not be returned.<br />
COURSE CREDIT<br />
A student will generally receive 1/2 credit for<br />
each one period semester course successfully<br />
completed. High school students may<br />
choose to re-take a course for a higher semester<br />
grade. Once the course is completed<br />
with a higher grade, the previous score will<br />
be replaced. Only students with a D or F for<br />
a grade will be allowed this opportunity.<br />
DANCES<br />
High school functions are for grades 9-12 <strong>and</strong><br />
junior high functions are for grades 7-8. Nonstudents<br />
may be permitted to attend Homecoming,<br />
Prom, <strong>and</strong> Senior Ball with one week<br />
prior clearance with sponsor <strong>and</strong> administration.<br />
Only on guest will be allowed per<br />
student. Guests must be at least in the 9th<br />
grade <strong>and</strong> no older than 20 years of age.<br />
Guests must be in good legal st<strong>and</strong>ing; no<br />
guest will be permitted that has been convicted<br />
of a felony or served jail time within<br />
the last two years. <strong>Parent</strong>s are invited to<br />
attend. They are to observe the guidelines<br />
<strong>and</strong> policies which students follow for the<br />
occasion. The activity is to end at 11:45<br />
<strong>and</strong> clean-up completed by 12:00. Exceptions<br />
to these times will be the Junior-Senior<br />
Prom, Senior Ball <strong>and</strong> Homecoming.<br />
The ending times will be extended one<br />
additional hour for these three dances.<br />
There are to be both staff <strong>and</strong> parent chaperones<br />
at all functions. There must be at<br />
least two staff members at each function.<br />
Once a person leaves the activity, that individual<br />
will not be allowed to re-enter the building.<br />
All school rules <strong>and</strong> disciplinary procedures<br />
shall be enforced at all school sponsored<br />
dances.<br />
GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER<br />
WHILE ATTENDING A HIGH<br />
SCHOOL SPONSORED DANCE<br />
1. No alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or drugs<br />
are permitted at a school function nor are students<br />
permitted to attend under the influence<br />
or having consumed alcohol or drugs immediately<br />
prior to attending. 2. If you leave the<br />
dance, you will not be permitted back into the<br />
function. 3. As a student of <strong>Valdez</strong> High, you<br />
are responsible for your guest’s behavior. 4.<br />
The sponsor is in charge of the function <strong>and</strong><br />
you are to leave if requested to do so. If not,<br />
the sponsor will call a city police officer.<br />
DECORATIONS AND<br />
DISPLAYS<br />
Scotch or masking tape should not be used<br />
on any painted surface except the brick walls<br />
<strong>and</strong> lockers. Any exceptions must be approved<br />
by the principal. The sponsor ing organization<br />
is responsible for clean-up of their<br />
sponsored activity. Posters, etc., must be initialed<br />
by the principal or activity sponsor.<br />
DISCIPLINE POLICY<br />
Good discipline is developed in any school<br />
by mutual respect between students <strong>and</strong> staff.<br />
Students are responsible to <strong>and</strong> are expected<br />
to obey all district employees. All disciplinary<br />
action is intended to be fair <strong>and</strong> will correspond<br />
to the district’s educational objectives.<br />
Disciplinary action shall be structured so as<br />
to assist students in (<strong>and</strong> often insist upon)<br />
the assumption of responsibility for their own<br />
actions. While moving students toward responsible<br />
behavior, the school’s approach to<br />
discipline will reflect that indeed, students are<br />
just that, students. Being students, all at differing<br />
levels of development, each must be<br />
moved along in realistic deliberate steps which<br />
allow successful growth toward mature, responsible<br />
behavior. While intended to assist<br />
a student to develop responsible behavior,<br />
discipline must also acknowledge the<br />
student’s need for academic growth, as well<br />
as the needs <strong>and</strong> safety of other students <strong>and</strong><br />
staff members directly or indirectly affected<br />
by inappropriate behavior. Behavior that disrupts<br />
the learning environment, violates the<br />
rights of others, or is inappropriate in a school<br />
VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK<br />
setting will not be tolerated. SEE VALDEZ<br />
HIGH SCHOOL’S DISCIPLINE PROCE-<br />
DURE.<br />
DISPLAY OF AFFECTION<br />
Displays of affection beyond the holding of<br />
h<strong>and</strong>s is prohibited. Behavior such as kissing,<br />
necking, <strong>and</strong> petting will result in disciplinary<br />
action.<br />
DRESS CODE<br />
1. Students must wear modest clothing.<br />
Sexually explicit or suggestive clothing<br />
is not school appropriate. Underwear<br />
(bra, boxers, etc.), midriffs, <strong>and</strong> private<br />
parts of the body must NOT be visible.<br />
2. Hats of any kind (including b<strong>and</strong>anas,<br />
scarves, or headb<strong>and</strong>s) will not be worn<br />
in school between 7:30 a.m. <strong>and</strong> 3:30<br />
p.m.<br />
3. Clothing imprinted with or promoting ob<br />
scenity, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, profanity,<br />
violence, or illegal behavior is not allowed.<br />
Sexually suggestive, racist, or abusive slo<br />
gans or logos are not to be worn at school.<br />
4. Pants must be worn at or near waist<br />
level.<br />
5. Dress <strong>and</strong> appearance which are so<br />
distractive as to clearly interfere with the<br />
educational process or present health <strong>and</strong><br />
safety hazards shall not be permitted. Stu<br />
dents will be asked to change their clothi<br />
ng <strong>and</strong> disciplinary action may be taken.<br />
6. Students with health or religious needs<br />
may make arrangements with the principal.<br />
DRUGS<br />
The possession, distribution, or consumption<br />
of non-prescription drugs<br />
is strictly prohibited. See “medication” in the<br />
h<strong>and</strong>book. SEE VALDEZ CITY SCHOOLS<br />
DRUG POLICY.<br />
EARTHQUAKES<br />
During strong earth tremors the following procedure<br />
shall be employed.<br />
INDOORS<br />
1. Stay indoors.<br />
2. Move under sturdy furniture - desks,<br />
tables, etc.<br />
3. Move toward the center of the building<br />
into hallways.<br />
4. Stay away from windows <strong>and</strong> other<br />
glass objects.
5. Do not use c<strong>and</strong>les, matches, or other<br />
open flames.<br />
6. Once outside of damaged building do<br />
not re-enter because aftershocks may<br />
occur.<br />
OUTDOORS<br />
1. Stay away from buildings where there<br />
is danger of falling debris.<br />
2. Stay away (50 yards) from buildings,<br />
power lines, <strong>and</strong> poles.<br />
3. If in a moving vehicle, stop <strong>and</strong> remain<br />
inside.<br />
All clear will be signaled by one long ring<br />
of the regular classroom bells.<br />
ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENT<br />
ACTIVITIES<br />
Eligibility for participation in interscholastic<br />
competition at <strong>Valdez</strong> High School is established<br />
by the Alaska School Activities Association<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> School board policy.<br />
ERRANDS BY STUDENTS<br />
Students must not be sent on err<strong>and</strong>s which<br />
take them off school grounds. If unusual circumstances<br />
necessitates an err<strong>and</strong> by a student,<br />
a written request by the teacher which<br />
shall include approval of the parent shall be<br />
submitted to the principal for review <strong>and</strong> approval.<br />
EXPULSION<br />
When a student has been given three suspensions<br />
in any one school year, the matter<br />
must be referred to the superintendent. The<br />
principal shall notify the student’s parent/<br />
guardian, in writing, of the fact that a fourth<br />
suspension may result in expulsion.<br />
FIRE DRILLS<br />
1. The sounding of the alarm is the signal<br />
to evacuate the building.<br />
2. If feasible, teachers should turn off their<br />
classroom lights <strong>and</strong> close their classroom<br />
doors.<br />
3. Students <strong>and</strong> personnel should move<br />
rapidly along the designated pathways<br />
to an exit. No one should run. If there is<br />
smoke in the pathway, crawl to an exit.<br />
4. If the pathway to an exit, has become<br />
blocked, word to that effect should be<br />
passed back. Order should be maintained<br />
as another exit is sought.<br />
5. After leaving the building, students should<br />
proceed to a distance of at least 100 feet<br />
from the fire. Care should be exercised to<br />
avoid interfering with the fire fighting equip<br />
ment.<br />
6. Students are expected to become familiar<br />
with the fire drill exit route posted in each<br />
room. (Teachers must be prepared to give<br />
directions pertaining to leaving their class<br />
room).<br />
GANG RELATED<br />
PARAPHERNALIA<br />
Gang related items are not permitted on<br />
school grounds. Questionable issues will be<br />
left to the principal’s discretion.<br />
GRADING<br />
Grades will be reported quarterly <strong>and</strong> are a<br />
composite of academic achievement, classroom<br />
participation, <strong>and</strong> classroom attendance.<br />
A semester average will be determined<br />
for each course <strong>and</strong> used to compute<br />
grade point average, class st<strong>and</strong><br />
ing, <strong>and</strong> school honors. The final grade shall<br />
be used to determine the awarding of course<br />
credit. Academic grading scale: A (90-<br />
100%) denotes superior work; B (80-89%)<br />
denotes above average work; C (70-79%)<br />
denotes average work; D (60-69%) denotes<br />
below average work; F (below 59%) denotes<br />
unsatisfactory work.<br />
GRADUATION<br />
Graduation with a <strong>Valdez</strong> High School diploma<br />
is predicated on the successful completion of<br />
24 or more credits <strong>and</strong> a minimum of eight<br />
(8) semesters of high school attendance. All<br />
credits must be received by <strong>Valdez</strong> High<br />
School before students will be permitted to<br />
walk in the graduation ceremony.<br />
Requirements:<br />
English - 4 credits<br />
Social Studies - 3 credits<br />
Math - 2 credits<br />
P.E./Health - 2 credits<br />
Science - 2 credits<br />
Electives - 11 credits<br />
A student shall successfully pass 6 units to<br />
be classified as a Sophomore, 12 units to be<br />
classified as a Junior, <strong>and</strong> 17 units to be classified<br />
as a Senior.<br />
GRADE POINT AVERAGE<br />
A student’s grade point average <strong>and</strong> rank in<br />
class are determined by his/her achievement<br />
at the level of instruction elected for each<br />
course, beginning with the 9th grade. The<br />
interpretation of marks is as follows:<br />
A - 4 points; B - 3 points; C- 2 points; D- 1<br />
point; F - 0.<br />
GUIDANCE<br />
The guidance service fulfills many functions.<br />
Your counselor is available for giving assistance<br />
to students, parents, <strong>and</strong> teachers in<br />
the area of educational <strong>and</strong> personal counseling.<br />
The counselor’s primary responsibility<br />
is to assist with educational <strong>and</strong> career<br />
planning—both immediate ad future. He/she<br />
administers or supervises interest inventories,<br />
college entrance exams, <strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ardized<br />
achievement tests throughout the school year.<br />
Some of the general counseling functions include:<br />
career development, preparation for<br />
post high school training, college admission<br />
<strong>and</strong> financial aid, reduction of personal problems,<br />
<strong>and</strong> program planning. Your counselor<br />
is available for personal counseling. A request<br />
form must be completed <strong>and</strong> the counselor<br />
will send for the student as soon as possible.<br />
Students, parents, <strong>and</strong> teachers are invited<br />
to make use of the school’s counselor <strong>and</strong><br />
the Career Center.<br />
GYM CLASS<br />
In order to participate fully in physical education<br />
classes, each student will be required to<br />
furnish his/her own: tennis shoes, gym shirt<br />
<strong>and</strong> shorts, swim suit <strong>and</strong> cap, <strong>and</strong> towel. All<br />
students are expected to actively take part in<br />
all skills <strong>and</strong> games taught in the classes. Any<br />
deviation due to a medical condition will require<br />
a physician’s statement after three<br />
school days, unless exempted by the principal.<br />
Rules <strong>and</strong> regulations will be displayed<br />
in the gymnasium.<br />
HALL PASSES<br />
Students are allowed to be in the hallways<br />
before school starts, between classes, during<br />
lunch, <strong>and</strong> immediately after school. No<br />
student will be allowed in the hallways after<br />
4:00 p.m. without the supervision of a staff<br />
member. Students in the hall during scheduled<br />
class time must have a pass signed by<br />
VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK<br />
an instructor or by a member of our office personnel.<br />
Any student leaving the school<br />
grounds during school hours must receive<br />
permission from <strong>and</strong> sign out at the office.<br />
HATS<br />
Hats are not to be worn in the school building<br />
during the school day (7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).<br />
HIGH SCHOOL MATH<br />
COURSES TAKEN BY<br />
JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS<br />
A Junior High student (7th or 8th grade) who<br />
successfully passes a high school Algebra I<br />
course or higher-level mathematics course<br />
may choose to count this/these course(s) for<br />
high school credit. If so, this/these course(s)<br />
<strong>and</strong> final semester grades shall appear on<br />
the student’s cumulative high school grade<br />
point average. This/these credit(s) will fulfill<br />
the high school mathematics requirement for<br />
graduation. All students who complete Algebra<br />
I <strong>and</strong> Geometry at the junior high level<br />
must successfully complete at least one math<br />
course during their high school career.<br />
If a junior high student chooses to take advantage<br />
of this option, he/she must complete<br />
the appropriate form with parent signature no<br />
later than the end of the second week of the<br />
student’s ninth grade year at <strong>Valdez</strong> High<br />
School.<br />
HONOR ROLL<br />
An honor roll will be posted at the end of each<br />
nine week period. The honor status of a pupil<br />
will be based on academic grades. To attain<br />
the honor roll, a pupil must have an average<br />
of 3.0 -3.49 <strong>and</strong> no grades of D or F for that<br />
nine week period. To attain the high honor roll,<br />
a pupil must have an average of 3.5 or better<br />
with no letter grade of D or F for that nine<br />
weeks.<br />
HONOR SOCIETY<br />
All sophomore through senior students who<br />
meet chapter membership st<strong>and</strong>ards shall be<br />
given equal consideration for membership.<br />
HOT LUNCH<br />
A hot lunch program is provided in the <strong>Valdez</strong><br />
Public Schools. Eating lunches in the hallways<br />
will Not be permitted
HUMAN DIGNITY<br />
<strong>Valdez</strong> High School affirms the dignity <strong>and</strong><br />
respect of all persons. Therefore, words, or<br />
actions belittling any race, religion, ethnic<br />
group, gender, sexual orientation or disability<br />
are strictly prohibited.<br />
ILLNESS AND INJURIES<br />
It is assumed: (1) any student too ill to be in<br />
class should not be in school. (2) Any student<br />
who becomes ill will report to the office.<br />
(3) Arrangements will be made as soon as<br />
possible for an ill student to go home. Any<br />
injured student should be accompanied to the<br />
school office. (4) Sick or injured students must<br />
sign out at the office prior to leaving school.<br />
INCOMPLETES<br />
The responsibility for making up missed work<br />
due to an absence falls directly on the student.<br />
Teachers are expected to allow a reasonable<br />
period of time for completion of work<br />
missed. Incompletes will be made complete<br />
within the two week period. No incompletes<br />
may be issued at the end of the fourth quarter.<br />
Work not completed within the prescribed<br />
time frame will become a zero. Extenuating<br />
circumstances approved by the principal may<br />
extend the make-up time.<br />
INSURANCE<br />
Accident insurance for students during the<br />
school day <strong>and</strong> for related school activities or<br />
24-hour coverage is available. Information<br />
regarding insurance is sent home or available<br />
in the school office at the beginning of the<br />
school year. All students involved in athletics<br />
must be covered by school or family<br />
insurance.<br />
INTERNET/TECHNOLOGY<br />
RESPONSIBILITIES<br />
Students who wish to have access to computer<br />
technology at VHS must sign an Acceptable<br />
Use Policy statement. No student<br />
shall be allowed to at any time to access chat<br />
rooms or e-mail, damage or disrupt equipment<br />
or system performance. Students shall<br />
not be allowed to participate in hacking such<br />
as gaining or attempting unauthorized access<br />
to any resource, post anonymous messages,<br />
use the network services for any illegal activity<br />
such as violation or copyright, plagiarism,<br />
or other contractual agreements, or allow obscene,<br />
disruptive or inappropriate materials<br />
to enter school network. For consequences<br />
of violations, please reference the Acceptable<br />
Use Policy.<br />
LOST PERSONAL ITEMS<br />
“Lost <strong>and</strong> Found” items are to be placed in a<br />
receptacle near the office. Items not claimed<br />
within a two week period may be disposed of<br />
by the unit administrator. If a valuable item is<br />
KNIVES<br />
found, it should be h<strong>and</strong>ed to the unit admin-<br />
Knives shall be treated as contrab<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> istrator.<br />
shall not be worn or carried on school prop-<br />
MEDICATION<br />
erty.<br />
If it becomes necessary for a student to take<br />
LEAVING THE BUILDING any form of medication at school, a signed<br />
DURING THE SCHOOL DAY<br />
Any student who leaves the building having<br />
once arrived at school <strong>and</strong> fails to check-out<br />
at the office, or any student who returns to<br />
school after an absence without checking in,<br />
note from a parent or a telephone call is required.<br />
All medication will be kept in <strong>and</strong> dispensed<br />
through the main office.<br />
PARENT-TEACHER<br />
CONFERENCES<br />
shall be subject to the attendance policy pro- The teachers/administrators encourage parcedure.ents/guardians<br />
to request conferences. If a<br />
LIBRARY<br />
The library shall be open before <strong>and</strong> after<br />
school. The library is a place of study <strong>and</strong><br />
should be used accordingly. Books may be<br />
checked out for a two week period. Encyclopedias<br />
<strong>and</strong> other reference materials may not<br />
conference is desired, it should be arranged<br />
through the office. <strong>Parent</strong> conferences shall<br />
be scheduled by the school at the end of the<br />
first quarter <strong>and</strong> at the midpoint of the third<br />
quarters.<br />
PARTICIPATION ON DAYS<br />
be checked out but are to be used in the library<br />
only. Books may be renewed after the<br />
two week period. Replacement costs of the<br />
book must be paid if books are lost.<br />
LOCKERS<br />
OF ABSENCE<br />
Students must be in attendance a minimum<br />
of one-half school day (4 periods) prior to participating<br />
in an activity or traveling to an activity.<br />
The office shall assign each student a locker<br />
<strong>and</strong> lock combination based upon a student’s<br />
grade classification after the student reviews<br />
<strong>and</strong> signs a locker use agreement. Student<br />
lockers are the property of <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools<br />
<strong>and</strong>, as such, may be opened <strong>and</strong> inspected<br />
by school authorities. No personal locks are<br />
PROFANITY<br />
The use of vulgar of profane language, gestures,<br />
or possession of or the display of obscene<br />
material is prohibited <strong>and</strong> will result in<br />
disciplinary action.<br />
PROGRESS REPORTS<br />
to be used. Security of personal property in<br />
school lockers <strong>and</strong> security of the locker is<br />
the student’s responsibility. The school is not<br />
responsible for lost or stolen articles. Students<br />
should keep their lockers locked for security<br />
reasons.<br />
LOITERING<br />
Students are requested not to loiter about the<br />
building after their daily programs are finished.<br />
Students must have a valid reason for staying<br />
in school after their classes are over. Anyone<br />
loitering on campus may be turned over<br />
<strong>Parent</strong>s/guardians shall be mailed interim<br />
progress reports no later than the fifth week<br />
of each quarter. Interim reports designate student<br />
progress in a given subject to the midpoint<br />
in that quarter.<br />
READMITTANCE<br />
Students who are absent from school for any<br />
reason must report to the school office to obtain<br />
an admit slip. Admit slips are to be obtained<br />
prior to the beginning of class. Students<br />
must bring an excuse slip signed by the<br />
parent stating the reason for the absence be-<br />
to the police.<br />
fore the student may be considered for ex-<br />
VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK<br />
cused absence. The admit slip must be<br />
signed by each of the student’s teachers <strong>and</strong><br />
the last period teacher will h<strong>and</strong> it to the office.<br />
RESTRICTED AREAS<br />
There are areas of our school buildings that<br />
require special regulations. Under normal circumstances,<br />
high school students will not<br />
enter the junior high unless they have a scheduled<br />
class in the facility. Students are not<br />
permitted in the gym area without proper supervision;<br />
to loiter in the office area; to loiter<br />
in the avalanche zones; to enter storage areas,<br />
mechanical rooms, unsupervised classrooms,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the faculty lounge without proper<br />
authorization; or to enter any restricted area<br />
as designated by the administrators.<br />
SALUTATORIAN HONORS<br />
The student with the second highest cumulative<br />
grade point average to the nearest one<br />
thous<strong>and</strong>th decimal point based on his or her<br />
official transcript through grades 9-12 will be<br />
honored as VHS salutatorian. If there are<br />
shared co-valedictorians, then no salutatorian<br />
honors will be given. If there are students<br />
who share the second highest cumulative<br />
grade point average <strong>and</strong> there is only one<br />
valedictorian, the nor of salutatorian is also<br />
shared <strong>and</strong> the students will be named cosalutatorians.<br />
To earn this honor, the student<br />
must also have spent at least the last two<br />
semesters at <strong>Valdez</strong> High School.<br />
SCHOOL CALENDAR<br />
The school’s master calendar is kept in the<br />
school office. Time, place <strong>and</strong> dates of all<br />
events are posted. Activity sponsors are to<br />
consult the master calendar when proposing<br />
dates <strong>and</strong> scheduling activities. Conflicts in<br />
the use of facilities <strong>and</strong> activity dates can thus<br />
be minimized.<br />
result in withholding of the report card <strong>and</strong><br />
participation in graduation ceremonies may<br />
not be allowed.<br />
SCHOOL PROPERTY<br />
High school textbooks <strong>and</strong> most class equipment<br />
are furnished free of cost to you. In case<br />
of loss or damage to these items, the student<br />
will be assessed a replacement charge. Failure<br />
to pay these charges will result in with-
holding of the report card <strong>and</strong> participation in diction regardless of their age, while they are VALEDICTORIAN HONORS<br />
graduation ceremonies may not be allowed.<br />
SCHOOL SPIRIT<br />
School spirit may be divided into three categories:<br />
COURTESY-toward teachers, fellow<br />
students <strong>and</strong> the officials of school athletic<br />
activities; PRIDE-in everything our school<br />
endeavors to accomplish <strong>and</strong> has accomplished;<br />
SPORTSMANSHIP-the ability to win<br />
<strong>and</strong> lose gracefully. School spirit means loyalty<br />
to all functions of the school. A loyal student<br />
supports her/his school <strong>and</strong> does her/<br />
his utmost to keep scholastic <strong>and</strong> activity stan-<br />
enrolled in school. All school information will<br />
routinely be sent <strong>and</strong> be available to the parents<br />
of students 18 or older. Students 18 or<br />
older may assume exclusive responsibility for<br />
his/her school records by providing validated<br />
evidence of financial independence from parents/legal<br />
guardians. An individual who has<br />
assumed such responsibility must personally<br />
excuse his/her absences with the principal.<br />
The school retains the right to reject invalidated<br />
reasons for absences.<br />
SUSPENSION<br />
The student with the highest cumulative grade<br />
point averages to the nearest one thous<strong>and</strong>th<br />
decimal point based on his or her official transcript<br />
through the completion of grades 9-12<br />
will be honored as VHS valedictorian. If more<br />
than one student shares the highest cumulative<br />
grade point average, the honor will also<br />
be shared <strong>and</strong> they will be named co-valedictorians.<br />
To earn this honor, the student must<br />
also have spent at least the last two semesters<br />
at <strong>Valdez</strong> High School.<br />
VISITOR PASS<br />
dards at the highest possible level.<br />
The principal has the exclusive right to sus- No one but school personnel is allowed to<br />
SENIOR SKIP DAY<br />
The district does not sponsor or endorse a<br />
senior skip day.<br />
SMOKING<br />
Smoking or any tobacco product is prohibited<br />
by law in all school facilities <strong>and</strong> on all school<br />
property. Possession or use of tobacco in any<br />
form by <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> School students of any<br />
age on school property is prohibited. See reference<br />
to smoking in VALDEZ CITY<br />
pend a student. The act of suspension shall<br />
be reserved for serious or repeated infractions<br />
of school rules. A student placed on suspension<br />
shall not participate in any extracurricular<br />
activity or trip sponsored by the school<br />
during the period of suspension. Students<br />
who are suspended shall not be allowed on<br />
school property or to attend any school sponsored<br />
event. Out-of school suspensions<br />
are considered unexcused absences <strong>and</strong> no<br />
credit will be given on those days. (In-school<br />
visit classrooms without a written pass from<br />
the school office. It is illegal for juveniles or<br />
adults to loiter around the school during school<br />
time. Students will not be allowed to leave<br />
class with a visitor unless the visitor has a<br />
call slip from the office. Persons other than<br />
school personnel wanting to talk to students<br />
during school hours must come to the school<br />
office. The school office will send for the student.<br />
(This assumes the need for conversation<br />
is approved). Please report to the school<br />
SCHOOLS DRUG POLICY.<br />
suspensions take place during the normal office, at once, the presence on campus of<br />
STUDENT BEHAVIOR<br />
All <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> School employees are required<br />
to be on the alert for any student behavior<br />
which is in violation of school rules. Students<br />
shall behave in a manner which is a credit to<br />
the students, the school <strong>and</strong> the community.<br />
STUDENT COUNCIL<br />
school day. Students in ISS are expected to<br />
complete class work for credit.) The compiled<br />
School Laws of Alaska <strong>and</strong> <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
Schools Board Policy outline procedures governing<br />
suspension <strong>and</strong> expulsion. Letters of<br />
suspension <strong>and</strong> expulsion shall be placed in<br />
the appropriate student’s record in the school<br />
office.<br />
unauthorized persons during school hours.<br />
This includes the period immediately before<br />
<strong>and</strong> after school as well as the lunch hours.<br />
Friends <strong>and</strong> guests will not be allowed to visit<br />
VHS classes unless there is an educational<br />
reason. The principal must approve this reason<br />
followed by teacher authorization to enter<br />
individual classroom.<br />
Student council officers <strong>and</strong> representatives<br />
shall be elected annually. See the Student<br />
Council Constitution in the office.<br />
STUDENT RECORDS<br />
Records are maintained by the school <strong>and</strong><br />
include academic achievement, test scores,<br />
disciplinary problems, <strong>and</strong> other information<br />
required by policy <strong>and</strong> statute. These records<br />
are available for inspection by the student <strong>and</strong>/<br />
or parent during regular school hours.<br />
STUDENTS EIGHTEEN<br />
AND OLDER<br />
All school policies, rules <strong>and</strong> regulations ap-<br />
ply to students 18 <strong>and</strong> older. Students are<br />
considered to be under their parent’s juris-<br />
TARDY POLICY<br />
Students are expected to be on time for each<br />
class. A uniform tardy procedure shall be utilized<br />
school-wide to insure that students are<br />
punctual. SEE VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL’S<br />
ATTENDANCE/TARDY PROCEDURE.<br />
TELEPHONE USE<br />
Courtesy telephones located by the office <strong>and</strong><br />
gym are for student use. The office phones<br />
are restricted to business use by school personnel<br />
<strong>and</strong> others only on an emergency basis.<br />
Only emergency messages from parents<br />
will be delivered to students.<br />
STUDENT DECORUM<br />
BATTERY - Students are encouraged to<br />
seek staff help in preventing a fight that may<br />
be pending. Counselors, teachers, administrators,<br />
<strong>and</strong> others are available to help students<br />
resolve difficulties in ways other than<br />
fighting. Verbal assault is addressed under<br />
the sections “Disruptive Behavior” <strong>and</strong>/or “Harassment.”<br />
Battery is defined as violence where striking,<br />
kicking, shoving, pushing <strong>and</strong>/or any other<br />
physical violence used against another person.<br />
An effort will made to have the involved<br />
students <strong>and</strong> parents meet as a group to in-<br />
VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK<br />
sure that all issues are settled before re-entry<br />
into school.<br />
1st offense- <strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
1-3 days suspension<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
2nd <strong>and</strong> other subsequent offenses-<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
3-9 days suspension<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR - Disruptive<br />
behavior is student conduct which materially<br />
<strong>and</strong> substantially interferes with the educational<br />
process or with school sponsored activities.<br />
Examples of disruptive behavior include<br />
insubordinately talking out, moving<br />
around the classroom without permission, profanity/vulgarity,<br />
uncomplimentary gestures/<br />
speech, threatening, noncompliance with<br />
school/class rules, refusing to acknowledge<br />
a school employee’s direction, behavior that<br />
jeopardizes the welfare, <strong>and</strong>/or safety of other<br />
students <strong>and</strong> staff.<br />
1st offense- Work detail/detentions<br />
1-3 day in-house suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> notification/<br />
conference required<br />
2nd <strong>and</strong> subsequent offenses-<br />
Work details/detentions<br />
1-3 days suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
EXCESSIVE DISPLAY OF AFFEC-<br />
TION - Display of affection beyond the holding<br />
of h<strong>and</strong>s is discouraged <strong>and</strong> may lead to<br />
disciplinary action.<br />
1st offense- Student conference<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> notification<br />
2nd offense- Student conference<br />
1-3 day in-house suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> notification<br />
Subsequent Offense-<br />
1-3 day suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
HARASSMENT - This includes, but is not<br />
limited to abusive language, sexual harassment*,<br />
inappropriate physical contact, racial/<br />
ethnic slurs <strong>and</strong> comments, hazing**, <strong>and</strong><br />
other provocative actions.
HARASSMENT (cont’d)<br />
1st offense- <strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
1-3 days in-house suspension<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
2nd offense- <strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
1-3 days suspension<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
Subsequent offenses—<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
3-9 days suspension<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
*Sexual harassment may take various forms<br />
<strong>and</strong> may be verbal, nonverbal, or physical.<br />
(See Board Personnel Manual PR. 0841.10)<br />
**Hazing is defined as the verbal or physical<br />
intimidation of others.<br />
THEFT - Theft or possession of stolen property,<br />
or the misuse of stolen property by students<br />
will result in the following sanctions:<br />
1st offense- <strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
1-3 days suspension<br />
Refer to police, subject to<br />
arrest<br />
Liable for restitution<br />
2nd <strong>and</strong> subsequent offenses -<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
3-9 day suspension<br />
Refer to police, subject to<br />
arrest<br />
Liable for restitution<br />
TOBACCO - Possession or use of tobacco<br />
in any form by students on school property is<br />
prohibited by state statute <strong>and</strong> school rules.<br />
Students violating the tobacco rule are subject<br />
to the following sanctions:<br />
1st offense- 1-3 days in-house suspension<br />
Notification of parents <strong>and</strong><br />
police<br />
2nd offense- 1-3 days suspension<br />
Notification of parents <strong>and</strong><br />
police<br />
3rd <strong>and</strong> all subsequent offenses-<br />
3-9 days suspension<br />
Notification of parents <strong>and</strong><br />
police<br />
VANDALISM - Destroying, defacement,<br />
or mutilating objects or materials belonging<br />
to the school, school personnel, or other person.<br />
ATTENDANCE/TARDY<br />
PROCEDURE<br />
1st offense- <strong>Parent</strong> notification<br />
RATIONALE<br />
The faculty <strong>and</strong> staff of <strong>Valdez</strong> High School<br />
Work details/detentions believe that successful educational advance-<br />
1-3 day suspension<br />
ment is related directly to regular school at-<br />
Liable for restitution<br />
tendance. It is critical that students develop a<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
strong commitment to regular school atten-<br />
2nd offense- <strong>Parent</strong> notification<br />
dance. If successful, an attitude of responsi-<br />
Work details/detentions bility <strong>and</strong> self-discipline is developed in the<br />
3-9 days suspension<br />
school community, which will be carried over<br />
Liable for restitution<br />
into later life. Students will not develop this<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
commitment without parents/legal guardians<br />
Subsequent offenses-<br />
who are committed to their children’s school<br />
3-9 days suspension<br />
attendance.<br />
Subject to arrest<br />
While the responsibility for regular school<br />
Liable for restitution<br />
attendance lies with the parent/guardian<br />
May result in recommendation <strong>and</strong> the student, <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools also<br />
to School Board for expulsion recognize an obligation to promote <strong>and</strong> as-<br />
<strong>WE</strong>APONS - The possession <strong>and</strong>/or use<br />
of weapons or items designed to look like<br />
weapons under school district jurisdiction are<br />
strictly prohibited.<br />
sure such attendance. It is the intent of<br />
this policy to encourage regular attendance<br />
<strong>and</strong> deter excessive absenteeism, truancy,<br />
<strong>and</strong> tardiness of students <strong>and</strong> thus, to enhance<br />
the academic achievement of each<br />
Possession/Use-<br />
Emergency suspension<br />
Refer to police, subject to<br />
arrest<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference<br />
Recommendation to School<br />
student.<br />
GRADING COMPONENTS<br />
Grades in each semester course shall reflect<br />
academic achievement, class participation,<br />
<strong>and</strong> classroom attendance.<br />
STATUTE: Students are expected to be in<br />
Board for expulsion attendance every day school is in session.<br />
WILLFUL DISOBEDIENCE<br />
Willful disobedience is the refusal to comply<br />
with a reasonable request by staff-this includes<br />
skipping a class once a student has<br />
arrived at school.<br />
Alaska State Statute Sec. 14.30.010 states<br />
that “Every child between seven <strong>and</strong> 16 years<br />
of age shall attend school at the public school<br />
in the District in which the child resides during<br />
each school term. Every parent, guardian<br />
or other person having the responsibility<br />
1st offense-<br />
Work details/detentions<br />
1-3 days in-house suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> contact/conference<br />
2nd offense-<br />
Work details/detentions<br />
1-3 day suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
Subsequent offenses-<br />
3-9 day suspension<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> conference required<br />
for or control of a child between seven <strong>and</strong><br />
16 years of age shall maintain the child in attendance<br />
at a public school in the District in<br />
which the child resides during the entire<br />
school term...”<br />
TEN TIME ABSENCE LIMIT<br />
High School students must not be absent<br />
more than ten (10) times per semester or they<br />
will be considered for retention in the<br />
same grade the following year.<br />
EXCEPTIONS:<br />
VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK<br />
1. Illness or medical appointment substantiated<br />
by a statement from a medical practitioner,<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or parent or legal guardian.<br />
2. Death in the student’s family necessitating<br />
an absence.<br />
3. Other special circumstances approved by<br />
the principal.<br />
CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION:<br />
1. A student may be absent up to five (5)<br />
days in addition to the 10 day-day limit<br />
each semester for special reasons if the<br />
student completes pre make up prior to<br />
departure.<br />
2. If a student plans to be absent for some<br />
special reason, the student <strong>and</strong> their<br />
parent should check with the principal<br />
or the attendance secretary prior to the<br />
absence. If a special absence is approved<br />
(examples include a family trip,<br />
a special hunting trip, or a college visit)<br />
the student will be expected to complete<br />
a pre make up sheet on which the stu<br />
dent will list the assignments for the<br />
classes he/she will miss. The student<br />
is expected to complete the assignments<br />
before he/she leaves <strong>and</strong> sub<br />
mit completed work to their teachers for<br />
approval <strong>and</strong> then bring the pre make<br />
up sheet to the office. If pre-makeup is<br />
not completed by the student <strong>and</strong> this<br />
form returned to the attendance secre<br />
tary prior to departure, the student<br />
shall not be entitled to the additional five<br />
3. Additional days must be granted for ex<br />
ceptional circumstances for activities<br />
such as national competition or academic<br />
competition.<br />
The attendance st<strong>and</strong>ards detailed above<br />
are a portion of the requirements for successfully<br />
completing all courses at <strong>Valdez</strong><br />
High School <strong>and</strong> George H. Gilson Junior<br />
High School.<br />
LOSS OF CREDIT/COURSE<br />
FAILURE<br />
When a student’s absences exceed the limit<br />
he/she will lose credit/fail the class for each<br />
affected course. He/she may be given the<br />
option of either staying in the class or be withdrawn<br />
from the class <strong>and</strong> assigned to a study<br />
area for the remainder of the semester dur-
ing the period he/she was scheduled for that<br />
class. The determination of placement shall<br />
be based upon input from the student, parent,<br />
teacher, <strong>and</strong> principal. Students who are<br />
habitually truant may be dropped from school<br />
enrollment or denied admission if a remedial<br />
plan of action is not successful. Credits lost<br />
due to poor attendance may be made up in<br />
the regular school program, or through correspondence<br />
school. A notation shall be made<br />
on the student’s card/interim report, transcript,<br />
when a grade has been lowered due to a violation<br />
of the attendance policy. Students withdrawn<br />
from a course for nonattendance will<br />
have a “WF” (Withdrawn - Failing) recorded<br />
on his/her report card <strong>and</strong> transcript. That<br />
grade will be included in the calculation of his/<br />
her grade point average <strong>and</strong> will affect extracurricular<br />
eligibility. The loss of credit <strong>and</strong>/or<br />
course failure does not preclude disciplinary<br />
action initiated by the school where otherwise<br />
warranted.<br />
DEFINITION OF ABSENCES:<br />
EXCUSED, UNEXCUSED,<br />
SCHOOL SPONSORED<br />
<strong>Parent</strong>s are expected to call the Attendance<br />
Secretary at 835-4767 (<strong>Valdez</strong> High School)<br />
or 835-2244 (Gilson Jr. High School) by 10:00<br />
a.m. each morning that their student is absent<br />
from school. Before or after school hours,<br />
parents of high school students are encouraged<br />
to call the Attendance Secretary or leave<br />
a message on his/her voice mail (Phone #834-<br />
2302). After an absence, a student must secure<br />
the appropriate admit slip prior to the<br />
beginning of class or the student will be<br />
counted as tardy. An absence shall be marked<br />
unexcused until parent/guardian contact has<br />
been made with the Attendance Secretary.<br />
Information obtained through parent contact<br />
will be used to determine whether the absence<br />
is recorded as excused or unexcused. Absences<br />
must be cleared through the school<br />
office within 48 hours of their occurrence or<br />
the absence(s) will be recorded as unexcused.<br />
In-school suspension is not an absence from<br />
school.<br />
EXCUSED ABSENCES:<br />
(Counts against 10 times limit)<br />
An excused absence counts toward the total<br />
limit of absences set forth in this policy un-<br />
less the absence otherwise meets the exceptions<br />
provided under Exceptions/Conditional<br />
Exceptions.<br />
1. Sickness or medical appointment of<br />
student shall count toward 10 times<br />
limit unless substantiated by statement<br />
from medical practitioner <strong>and</strong>/or parent<br />
or guardian.<br />
2. An absence authorized by a parent/<br />
guardian/or a student if of legal age<br />
<strong>and</strong> living on their own.<br />
If the absence is excused, the student will be<br />
allowed to make up the work missed <strong>and</strong> will<br />
be given full credit for the work, if completed<br />
within the time allowed (One day for each day<br />
absent, up to two weeks).<br />
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES IN-<br />
CLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO<br />
THE FOLLOWING: (Counts against 10<br />
times limit)<br />
A student:<br />
1. Skips a class having once arrived at<br />
school<br />
2. Leaves the school campus without<br />
checking out through the office, except<br />
during lunch<br />
3. Is suspended out of school<br />
4. Is more than 10 minutes late for a<br />
class<br />
If the absence is not excused, make up work<br />
will be assigned for the absence, but no<br />
credit will be given.<br />
Note: Any student assigned to In-School<br />
Suspension will be considered absent with<br />
respect to the 10 day absence limit, but<br />
will be allowed to submit work for credit.<br />
SCHOOL SPONSORED<br />
ABSENCES<br />
1. Students are considered in atten<br />
dance when absent from school<br />
due to school-sponsored activities.<br />
2. Seniors who have work/training/<br />
college as an approved part of their<br />
senior educational plan are not<br />
considered absent from school.<br />
TARDINESS<br />
(Recorded <strong>and</strong> consequences administered<br />
on a quarterly basis)<br />
Students are considered tardy through the<br />
10th minute of the class period. After the<br />
10th minute the student is considered absent<br />
for that period. If a student is tardy for a class<br />
he/she should report directly to the office to<br />
secure an admit slip. The office will assign a<br />
30-minute detention on the third tardy <strong>and</strong> a<br />
48-minute detention each for the fourth <strong>and</strong><br />
fifth tardies during a quarter. Detention shall<br />
be completed within two school days <strong>and</strong><br />
must be served before school, at lunch, or<br />
after school. On the sixth tardy in any quar<br />
ter, the student will be assigned Saturday<br />
school (8:15AM-3PM) after parent notification<br />
has occurred. If a student accrues more than<br />
six tardies in any quarter, a parent confer<br />
ence is required to develop a special plan to<br />
remedy this issue.<br />
PARENT NOTIFICATION<br />
Each instance that a student is absent from<br />
school, the school Attendance Secretary shall<br />
initiate telephone contact with the parent/<br />
guardian if the school has not already been<br />
contacted by the parent. The school shall<br />
place a student on attendance probation when<br />
the student reaches six (6) absences in any<br />
course in a semester. A probation notice including<br />
an attendance summary for all classes<br />
shall be sent to the parent/guardian/student<br />
at this time. After six (6) absences in a course,<br />
a parent/guardian/student/teacher/administrator<br />
conference shall be scheduled to determine<br />
remedial steps to be undertaken to avoid<br />
loss of credit. A student, parent or guardian<br />
may request an attendance summary through<br />
the principal at any time during the school<br />
year. <strong>Valdez</strong> High School shall withhold credit<br />
for any course<br />
in which a student’s absences exceed ten (10)<br />
in a semester. The student/parent/guardian<br />
shall be contacted on a class by class basis.<br />
A letter with notification of withdrawal of<br />
credit shall be mailed to parents/guardian/students<br />
in each instance.<br />
CREDIT LOSS MAKEUP<br />
Students who have lost credit due to excessive<br />
absences may attend a scheduled Saturday<br />
School to make up the needed days.<br />
Credit may be reinstated at the completion<br />
of the appropriate makeup time. Students<br />
must gain makeup approval from<br />
the principal.<br />
VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK<br />
APPEALS PROCEDURE<br />
If a parent or student wishes to appeal a decision<br />
made pursuant to this policy, such an<br />
appeal must be initiated in writing within fifteen<br />
(15) school days of the date of the decision<br />
or, if it is based on a parent notification<br />
asset forth above, within fifteen (15) school<br />
days of the date of the letter of notification<br />
The letter requesting an appeal must include<br />
specific reasons that the request should be<br />
considered. If an appeal is to filed within the<br />
timeline provided, the student/parent/guardian<br />
shall deemed to have waived the right to<br />
an appeal <strong>and</strong> a hearing. The Attendance<br />
Appeals Board shall schedule a hearing as<br />
soon as possible, but in any event within the<br />
(100 days of the building administrator’s receipt<br />
of the written appeal. The Attendance<br />
appeals Board shall render a written decision<br />
within five (5) school days of the close of the<br />
hearing.<br />
VALDEZ CITY SCHOOLS<br />
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL<br />
POLICY<br />
The actual or attempted sale of, use of, possession<br />
of intoxicating liquor, illegal drugs or<br />
inhalants, substances designed to look like<br />
illegal drugs, substances purported to be ille<br />
gal drugs, or drug paraphernalia while under<br />
the jurisdiction of the school shall be subject<br />
to appropriate corrective action including suspension<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or expulsion. Students who engage<br />
in these activities off campus <strong>and</strong> who<br />
immediately return to school or school-sponsored<br />
activities will be subject to suspension<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or expulsion as if the activity had taken<br />
place at school. Disciplinary action shall be<br />
taken by the school administrator regardless<br />
of whether or not criminal charges or prosecution<br />
results. Students suspended under<br />
the drug <strong>and</strong> alcohol policy will be declared<br />
ineligible for all district sponsored activities for<br />
nine (9) continuous weeks. Students are subject<br />
to arrest for all drug/alcohol related activity<br />
I.Consumption, Use, Possession<br />
A. A first offense by a student who consumes,<br />
uses or possesses intoxicating liquor, illegal<br />
drugs or inhalants, substances designed toto
look like illegal drugs or substances purported<br />
to be illegal drugs while under the<br />
jurisdiction of the school shall be subject<br />
to the following action:<br />
1. Twenty days suspension from school.<br />
2. If the student completes a rehabilitation/<br />
education program, the suspen<br />
sion shall be ten days.<br />
3. Notification of police <strong>and</strong> social services.<br />
4. Required parent/guardian conference<br />
prior to readmission.<br />
B. A second offense shall subject the student<br />
to the following:<br />
1. Suspension for the remainder of the<br />
semester.<br />
2. Total loss of all credit for that semester.<br />
3. Completion of a rehabilitation/education<br />
program required.<br />
4. Notification of police <strong>and</strong> social services.<br />
5. Required parent/guardian conference<br />
prior to readmission.<br />
C. A third offense shall subject the student<br />
to the following:<br />
1. Suspension for two semesters.<br />
2. Total loss of credit for both semesters.<br />
3. Completion of a rehabilitation/education<br />
program required.<br />
4. <strong>Parent</strong> conference required.<br />
5. Required parent/guardian conference<br />
prior to readmission.<br />
II. Sale, Delivery or Transfer<br />
This section is designed to prohibit the distribution<br />
of illegal substances on school property<br />
within five hundred (500) feet of school<br />
property or at any school activity. Sale means<br />
to sell, barter, exchange, give or dispose of to<br />
another person in exchange for anything of<br />
value. Delivery means the actual or attempted<br />
transfer from one person to another of an illegal<br />
substance. Transfer means to deliver to<br />
another an illegal substance, whether or not<br />
there is any money or any other item of value<br />
exchanged. It includes sale, gift or exchange;<br />
it includes the mere h<strong>and</strong>ing of the substances<br />
to another.<br />
A. A first offense by a student who sells, delivers,<br />
or transfers intoxicating liquor, illegal<br />
drugs or inhalants, substances designed to<br />
look like illegal drugs, or substances purported<br />
to be illegal drugs while under the jurisdiction<br />
of the school shall be subject to the following<br />
actions:<br />
1. Suspension for one semester.<br />
2. Total loss of all credit for that semester.<br />
3. Notification of police <strong>and</strong> social services.<br />
4. <strong>Parent</strong> conference required.<br />
B. A second offense shall subject the student<br />
to the following:<br />
1. Suspension for two semesters.<br />
2. Total loss of all credit for both semesters.<br />
3. Notification of police <strong>and</strong> social services.<br />
4. <strong>Parent</strong> conference required.<br />
III. A violation of any provisions of this<br />
policy shall be regarded as a prior offense<br />
in determining the discipline to be imposed<br />
upon any subsequent violation of<br />
this policy.<br />
The following citations from the <strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />
School Board Policy Manual are applicable<br />
to this Student Decorum procedure:<br />
ST 1106.10 Student Alcohol <strong>and</strong> Drug Abuse<br />
ST 1160.10 Student Rights <strong>and</strong> Responsibility<br />
ST 1170.10 Responsibility to Obey Regulations<br />
ST 1180.10 Student Discipline <strong>and</strong> Hearing Procedure<br />
DRUG DRUG FREE FREE COUNSELING<br />
COUNSELING<br />
AND<br />
AND<br />
REHABILITATION<br />
REHABILITATION<br />
REHABILITATION<br />
PROGRAMS<br />
PROGRAMS<br />
PROGRAMS<br />
According to Drug Free Schools regulations<br />
<strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools is required to provide a<br />
copy of the information about any drug <strong>and</strong><br />
alcohol counseling <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> reentry<br />
programs that are available to students.<br />
The following are agencies that are involved<br />
in drug/alcohol counseling <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation<br />
<strong>and</strong> reentry programs.<br />
NORTH STAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYS-<br />
TEM INPATIENT HOSPITAL<br />
2530 DeBarr Road, Anchorage AK<br />
99508-2296<br />
(907) 258-7575 (Evaluation & Treatment<br />
of Adolescents)<br />
NORTH STAR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT<br />
CENTER<br />
1650 So. Bragaw, Anchorage AK 99508<br />
(907) 272-6202 (Long-term Treatment<br />
for Children & Adolescents)<br />
PROVIDENCE MEDICAL CENTER: BREAK-<br />
THROUGH - ADOLESCENT CARE<br />
3200 Providence Drive, Anchorage AK<br />
99508<br />
(907) 261-3040 (Emergency, inpatient,<br />
outpatient, after care)<br />
RALPH PERDUE CENTER FOR ALCOHOL &<br />
OTHER ADDICTIONS FAIRBANKS NATIVE<br />
ASS.<br />
PO Box 74450, Fairbanks AK 99707<br />
(907) 452-6251 (Emergency, intermediate,<br />
outpatient, after care)<br />
VALDEZ COUNSELING CENTER<br />
PO Box 1050 or 337 Egan Drive, <strong>Valdez</strong><br />
AK 99686<br />
(907) 835-2838 (Outpatient care- Ages<br />
10-18)<br />
DRUG FREE COUNSELING &<br />
HELP PROGRAMS<br />
The following is a list of agencies who are<br />
equipped to help in various situations.<br />
ALASKA INFORMATION - 24-hour referral line.<br />
A wealth of information on any matter <strong>and</strong> confidentiality<br />
is a priority. 1-800-478-2221.<br />
AIDS HOT LINE: 1-800-478-2437; Nat’l Number:<br />
1-800-342-2437.<br />
COVENANT HOUSE: Shelter <strong>and</strong> services for<br />
Run Away & Homeless Teens. 609 “F” Street,<br />
Anchorage AK 99501. Phone: (907) 272-1255;<br />
Nat’l Hotline<br />
1-800-999-999.<br />
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CLINIC: 1-(907)<br />
343-4611.<br />
STANDING AGAINST RAPE: 24-hour Crisis<br />
Line. 1-(907) 276 -7273.<br />
SUICIDE PREVENTION CENTER: 24-hour Crisis<br />
Line. 1-(907) 563-3200<br />
A.V.V- Crisis intervention, sexual assault, depression,<br />
etc. Completely confidential- only reportable<br />
to authorities. 24-hour Crisis Line. (907) 835-<br />
2999.<br />
VALDEZ HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK<br />
FEDERAL AND STATE PRO-<br />
GRAMS AT VALDEZ CITY<br />
SCHOOLS<br />
INDIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM<br />
Native American <strong>and</strong>/or Alaska Native students<br />
are supported both academically <strong>and</strong><br />
culturally with activities <strong>and</strong> programs<br />
throughout the year. A <strong>Parent</strong> Advisory Council<br />
directs use of grant funds through needs<br />
assessment <strong>and</strong> sets annual goals. Students<br />
can become involved in the program by signing<br />
up through the program, housed in the<br />
<strong>Parent</strong> Resource Center/Federal Grants Office<br />
at HHES.<br />
BILINGUAL/BICULTURAL PRO-<br />
GRAM<br />
Students <strong>and</strong> their families receive an equal<br />
learning opportunity which promotes the acquisition<br />
of English as a second language.<br />
Throughout the school year manu students<br />
share their various cultures <strong>and</strong> languages<br />
while learning about cultural customs <strong>and</strong> traditions<br />
from around the world.<br />
TITLE 1 PROGRAM<br />
Struggling readers participate in a reading<br />
enrichment program with reading instructors.<br />
St<strong>and</strong>ard reading scores may indicate a<br />
change in grade level receiving targeted instruction.<br />
Students meet one on one or in<br />
small groups to receive reading instruction.<br />
Accelerated reader program is incorporated<br />
into Title 1.<br />
MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM<br />
Students <strong>and</strong> families have an opportunity to<br />
participate in a variety of special activities<br />
which promote academic achievement. In<br />
addition, program activities support cultural<br />
enrichment <strong>and</strong> healthy lifestyle choices<br />
through afterschool <strong>and</strong> summer activities.<br />
Students can become involved in the program<br />
by signing up through the program, housed<br />
in the <strong>Parent</strong> Resource Center/federal Grants<br />
Office located at HHES.<br />
Designed by D. Maples
<strong>Valdez</strong> <strong>City</strong> Schools<br />
Box 398<br />
<strong>Valdez</strong>, Alaska 99686
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