Student Parent Handbook - Mount Mansfield Union High School

Mount Mansfield Union High School
211 Browns Trace
Jericho, VT 05465
(802) 899-4690
2012-2013
HOME OF THE COUGARS
MMU’s Web page:
www.mmu.k12.vt.us
Administration:
Christian Adams, Toni Chandler, Meghan Sweet, Counselors
Martha Alexander, R.N., BSN, Nurse
Kristen Barker, Director of Student Services
Adrienne Capone, Assistant Principal
Faith Carpenter, Librarian
Pat Dally, Food Services Coordinator
Phil Graff, Maintenance Supervisor
Sheriff, Michael Longevin, School Resource Officer
Sara Mabley, SAP Counselor
Bob Magee, Transportation
David Marlow, Director of Student Activities
Michael Weston, Principal
Richard Wright, Assistant Principal
TELEPHONES:
Anonymous Tip Line: 858-1777
Attendance: 899-1971
Bus Garage: 899-4840
Cancellation Line: 899-2638
Main Office: 899-4690
MMU Fax: 899-2904
School Nurse: 858-1769 or 858-1772
School Nurse Fax: 899-1261*
Student Services: 899-2987
*Confidential medical records should be faxed to this number.

Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................ 5
Mission ....................................................................................................... 5
Expectations ................................................................................................ 5
School Board ............................................................................................... 6
A or B Non-Advisory Day Schedule ............................................................ 7
A or B Advisory Day Schedule .................................................................... 8
Attendance Office……… ..... ………………………………..………………….9
Information Line………………………… .... ………………………..………....9
MMU Anonymous Tip Line .......................................................................... 9
School Closings…..…..………………… ..... …………………..………………9
Visitors ........................................................................................................ 9
Academics ......................................................................................................... 10
Access to Academic Information…………………… .... …………………….10
Contacting Teachers/Staff…… .... …………………..………......................10
Controversial and Sensitive Issues…… ... ………………………………….10
Counselor Assignments………….……… ... ………………………………...11
Course Changes…………………… ... ……………………………………....11
Enrollment ................................................................................................. 11
Graduation Requirements…… .... …………………………………………....12
GPA Information……………… .... …………………………………………....13
Guidelines for Grade Level… .... ……………………………………………..14
H.S. Completion Program Act 176…,,,… ... ………………………………..14
Program of Studies……………………………… ....…………………………14
Progress Reports and Report Cards………… ....…………………………..14
Student Services……………… ... ……………………………………………14
Technical Center……………………… ... ……………………………………15
Testing/Exams……………………… ... ………………………………………15
Attendance Guidelines………………… . …………………………………………16
Absence from School/Class/Study hall…… .... ……………………………..16
Attendance Regulations……………… ... ……………………………………16
Home Passes…………………………… .... ………………………………….17
Junior Liberties .......................................................................................... 17
Leaving the Building/School Grounds…… ... ………………………………17
Make-up Work After Absences…………… ... ………………………………18
Senior Privileges…………………………… ... ………………………………18
Tardiness…………………………………… .... ………………………………19
Student/Parent Rights……… . …………………………………………………….20
Directory Information……… . …………………………………………………20
Instructional Materials…………… . …………………………………………..20
Bullying Prevention……………… ……….…………...……………………...20
Harassment…………..…………… …….……………...……………...…..…21
No Child Left Behind Act…..…… …….……..………………………...…….24
Teacher Qualifications………..… .. ……………..…………......……...……..24
2

504 Notice Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ....................................................... 24
Seclusion and Restraint ............................................................................ 25
Special Education Services…..……... …...………………….……….....…..25
Student Records……….……………… ... .……………..………………….…25
Surveys…………………..………… .. .………………....………………….…25
Title IX…………..………….………..…… . ….……………………….....…....26
General Services…………………… .. ……………………..………………………27
Acceptable Use Procedures of Computers and the Internet….. ... ……….27
Activity Buses………………………………………………... ……...………...29
Advisory………………………………………………… .. ………...………….29
Computer Lab…………………………………………… .. …………………..29
Food Services……………………………………… .. ………………………..30
Health Services………………………………………… .. ……………………30
Learning Lab……………………………………… .. …………...…………….30
Library……………………………………………… .. …………...……………30
On-Line Education Services ..................................................................... 31
Security Cameras………………………………… . …………....……………31
Student Lockers…………...……………………… .. …………....…………...31
Student Parking…………………………………… .. …………...……………31
Textbook, Materials, & Equipment..……………… .. …………...…………..32
Vocational Transportation………………………… ... …………...…………..32
General School Guidelines/Rules………………… . ………………..…………..33
Animals in Schools………..….…. .. …………………………....….…………33
Asbestos Management Plan...….… .. ………………………....….…………33
Change of Address…………....… . …...………………………..……………33
Common Areas………………....… . …………………………..……………..33
Detention………………………....… .. ………………………….....………….33
Discipline………………………...… .. …………………………..…………….34
Displays of Affection…………...…… .. ………………………..……………..34
Dress and Appearance………...…… .. ….…...……………….…….……….34
Electronic Devices………………...… .. ……………………….……………..35
Emergency Preparedness Drills……… .. .…………………………………..36
Evacuation Site(s)…………………… .. ….…………………………………..36
Functions……………………………… .. ….………………………………….36
Gambling…………………………...… .. ….………………………….……….36
Gun-free School Act……………...…… .. .………………………….………..36
Hazing…………………………………… .. .…………………………………..36
Phones…………………………………… .. .………………………………….37
Plagiarism…………………………………. .. …………………………………37
School Bus Expectations……………… . …………………………….....…..37
School Choice…………………………… .. …………………………..………38
Skateboards………………….…………… . …………………………….…...38
Study Hall Expectations ............................................................................ 38
Substance Abuse Guidelines…………….… .. ……………………………...39
Suspension or Expulsion Guidelines…....… .. ……………………….……..40
3

Tobacco Use Prohibited on School Grounds… .. …...……………………. 40
Co-Curricular Guidelines and Procedures…………… .. ……………………....42
Credit for Participation in Sports….…… . …...………...…………………....42
Eligibility Regulations………….………… . .………………………………….43
Participation Responsibilities…………… . …………………………………..43
Parent Responsibilities…….……………… …………………..…………..…44
Health……………………………..…………… . …………...…………………44
Problems……………………….….………… . …………………...…………..44
Sportsmanship…………….…….….…… . ………………………..………….44
Travel…………………..……….….……… .. …….......................................44
General Polices…………………………… . …………………………..…..…45
Drugs and Alcohol………………………… . …………………………………45
4

INTRODUCTION
MMU’s MISSION STATEMENT
The Mt. Mansfield Union High School community is committed to ensuring that
all students meet academic, civic and social expectations. We are committed to
sustaining a healthy school environment that fosters trust, honesty and respect
for the opinions and diversity of others.
21 st Century Learning Expectations
Academic Expectations:
1. Students will use resources appropriately to access and analyze information
and demonstrate learning;
2. Students will use written communication effectively in multiple contexts for a
variety of purposes;
3. Students will create an original product that demonstrates a deep
understanding of the complexities of a topic;
4. Students will use critical thinking to identify and solve complex problems;
5. Students will demonstrate 21 st century work habits both individually and
collaboratively;
6. Students will connect learning to broader contexts;
7. Students will use oral communication affectively in multiple contexts for a
variety of purposes.
*For the 2012-2013 school year expectations 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 will be assessed
in class and this will be reported to students and parents/guardians.
Civic Expectations:
1. The student will have an understanding and appreciation of the importance
of community service;
2. The student will have an awareness of his/her impact on the environment.
Social Expectations:
1. The student will have a willingness to practice social tolerance and respect
for physical, social and cultural differences.
5

Chittenden East Supervisory
Union #12
P.O. Box 282
Richmond, VT 05477
(802) 434-2128
Office Hours: Monday to Friday
7:30 to 4:00
John Alberghini, Superintendent
Patricia Connelly, Federal Grant Coordinator
Robert Fahey, Business Manager
Beverly White, Special Services Coordinator
TBD, Assistant Superintendent
*******
School Board Directory
Alison Anand: 434-2311 Richmond
Jonathan Boyson: 899-2107 Underhill Town
David Clark: 434-2060 Huntington
John “Chip” Noonan: 434-4331 Richmond
Judie Jones, Chair: 899-3918 Jericho
Diane Kirson-Glitman, Clerk: 899-1701 Jericho
Michael Marks: 434-3789 Richmond
Jerome Mendicino: 878-6442 Jericho
Clifford Peterson: 899-4999 Underhill Town
Lucinda Preston: 434-2789 Richmond
Ken Remsen: 434-3988 Bolton
George Till, V-Chair: 899-2984 Underhill I.D.
Linda Willmott: 899-4529 Jericho
Ken Wyman: 434-2604 Huntington
Vacant: Underhill I.D.
6

A or B Day
Non-Advisory
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Math Period Math
1E or 2E
8:20-8:50
1-2
8:50-9:50
3E or 4E
9:55-10:25
3-4
10:25-11:25
5E or 6E
11:30-11:59
B Lunch
12:02-12:27
5-6
12:30-1:30
7E or 8E
1:35-2:05
7-8
2:05-3:05
1 or 2
8:20-9:50
3 or 4
9:55-11:25
5 or 6
11:30-1:30 (Lunch)
A – 11:30-11:55
B – 12:02-12:27
C – 12:32-12:57
D – 1:05-1:30
7 or 8
1:35-3:05
7
1-2
8:20-9:20
1L or 2L
9:20-9:50
3-4
9:55-10:55
3L or 4L
10:55-11:25
5-6
11:30-12:30
C Lunch
12:32-12:57
5L or 6L
1:00-1:30
7-8
1:35-2:35
7L or 8L
2:35-3:05

A or B Day
Advisory
Tuesday & Friday
Math Period Math
1E or 2E
8:20-8:41
1-2
8:41-9:41
3E or 4E
9:46-10:07
3-4
10:07-11:07
5E or 6E
11:12-11:37
B Lunch
11:40-12:05
5-6
12:08-1:03
7E or 8E
1:43-2:05
7-8
2:05-3:05
1 or 2
8:20-9:41
3 or 4
9:46-11:07
5 or 6
11:12-1:03 (Lunch)
A – 11:12-11:37
B – 11:40-12:05
C – 12:10-12:35
D – 12:38-1:03
Advisory
1:08-1:38
7 or 8
1:43-3:05
8
1-2
8:20-9:20
1L or 2L
9:20-9:41
3-4
9:46-10:46
3L or 4L
10:46-11:07
5-6
11:12-12:07
C Lunch
12:10-12:35
5L or 6L
12:38-1:03
7-8
1:43-2:43
7L or 8L
2:43-3:05

ATTENDANCE OFFICE — 899-1971
Parents should call the attendance office between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. to report
student absences. The Attendance Secretary will call home whenever possible
to verify student absences.
INFORMATION LINE
The MMU information line can be reached at 899-2638 and has up to date
information including cancellations, athletics, and activities.
MMU ANONYMOUS TIP LINE
858-1777
If you have a concern about a school related situation, you can call the
anonymous tip line. Information will be investigated and kept confidential. This
line is for non-emergency situations. Please call First Call for Children and
Families or 911 for all concerns involving an individual’s safety.
SCHOOL CLOSING/DELAYED OPENING/EARLY DISMISSAL
On days when school must be closed or the normal schedule altered because of
emergency situations (weather, mechanical problems, etc.) the appropriate
announcement will be made via the Connect 5 emergency notification system
utilized by Chittenden East Supervisory Union. The hope of this system is that
when there is a school cancellation or emergency, all individuals who wish to be
notified will be. To be on the Connect 5 notification list for the “high school”
group, parents should complete the information form and submit it to Maria
Mitchell in the main office or maria.mitchell@cesu.k12.vt.us. The notification for
a school closing will normally be announced by 6:30 a.m. The appropriate
announcement will also be made on the following radio stations WDOT, WDEV,
WJOY, WKOL and WVMT. A delayed opening simply means that the bus
should arrive later, and that school will start later. The schedule for a delayed
opening is located in this handbook. School closing/early dismissal will normally
be announced by 11:30 a.m. If there is a school closing please refer to the
MMU school calendar on the MMU webpage to determine if it will be an A or B
day.
VISITORS
Parents are always welcome in the school! Visitors, students or adults, must
check in at the Main Office. Visitor badges will be available and must be worn.
Any student who wishes to have a guest must complete a visitor request form
prior to the guest arriving at MMU. These forms are available in the front office.
Anyone may be denied visiting privileges at the discretion of the administration.
Students from other area high schools may NOT visit if their school is in session
that day.
9

ACADEMICS
ACCESS TO ACADEMIC INFORMATION
MMU uses a web-based program to provide parents with access to confidential
web-enabled pages. Access information has been sent home to parents in the
summer mailing prior to the start of school; it also available on the school
website (www.mmu.k12.vt.us).
Information will be updated and posted eight times a year (one week after the
end of each marking period and progress report date).
Please note:
If you provide us with your e-mail address, all MMUHS information, including
progress reports will be sent to your e-mail address. Please be sure to provide
us with an accurate e-mail address. Also, please update us on any changes to
keep your e-mail address current.
If you do not provide us with your e-mail address, all MMUHS information will be
mailed to your home (including progress reports, report cards, etc.). If you
would like to receive both, please notify Maria Mitchell by September 18, 2012.
CONTACTING TEACHERS/STAFF
You may contact teachers at MMU by calling the Main Office. All teachers/staff
have voice mail which can be accessed at any time. If you do not know the
extension number, you can access it by typing the last name.
E-mail addresses can be accessed from our website. Faculty and staff have email
capability and access.
CONTROVERSIAL & SENSITIVE ISSUES
In the course of a student’s education at school, topics may be presented which
could cause discomfort in light of a student’s or families’ background or personal
beliefs. If this occurs, students and/or their parents/guardians may request an
alternative educational experience. This request can be made to the student’s
teacher, counselor, or an administrator.
10

COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS
CHANDLER ADAMS BARKER SWEET
Grade 9 A-C D-L M-R S-Z
Grade 10 A-C D-J K-Z
Grade 11 A-D E-J K-L M-Z
Grade 12 A-C D-J K-R S-Z
COURSE CHANGES
All course changes must be processed through our Student Services office, this
process includes parent approval. The appropriate grade (WP-withdrew
passing or WF-withdrew failing) will be assigned. Since the acceptable time to
drop a course is no later than five (5) weeks into a semester, a WF will be
recorded after that time, unless the administration, after consultation with
classroom teacher and/or counselor, determines a “W” or no grade would be
appropriate.
ENROLLMENT
Students must be enrolled in five (5) classes, or an approved course of study, to
be considered a full time student. Students who are not full time cannot
participate in co-curricular activities. Students who are enrolled in four classes
or less may be withdrawn from all classes for the remainder of the semester.
Any one of the following issues may constitute a reason to withdraw the student:
• Academic standing in his/her classes—the student is failing in one or more
of his/her remaining classes.
• Attendance in his/her classes—the student has exceeded five (5) absences
in a every other day class “block” or ten (10) absences in a everyday class
“skinny.”
• Behavioral issues—the student displays inappropriate behaviors in school,
which affect his/her ability to learn and/or is disruptive to the learning of
his/her classmates and/or is disruptive to operation of the school.
• Safety issues—the student displays behaviors that represent a danger to
the school community.
Students who are withdrawn from classes may not be on school grounds during
the school day. Students may normally enroll for the following semester.
11

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To receive a diploma from Mt. Mansfield Union High School in 2012, students
must earn 22 units of credit. Satisfactory completion of the following subjects is
required for a Mt. Mansfield Union High School diploma. While school
counselors do periodic credit checks for students, each individual is responsible
for knowing his/her own credit standing and progress toward meeting graduation
requirements.
Academic Requirements Credit Requirements
Advisory 1
Electives** 4 ½ or 5
English 4
Fine Arts 1
Health ½
Keyboarding* ½
Mathematics 3
Physical Education 1 ½
Science 3
Social Studies 2
U.S. History 1
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION 22
* Unless requirement met at middle school
** Depending on keyboarding requirement
12

Grade Point Average (GPA) Information
While credits are a method of tracking the amount of educational achievement,
grades are used to indicate the quality of a students’ progress in a particular
discipline.
Grade Numerical Range GPA
A+ 100—97 4.33
A 96—93 4.00
A- 92—90 3.67
B+ 89—87 3.33
B 86—83 3.00
B- 82—80 2.67
C+ 79—77 2.33
C 76—73 2.00
C- 72—70 1.67
D+ 69—67 1.33
D 66—63 1.00
D- 62—60 .67
F Below 60 0
P Passing
F Failing
W Withdrawn
WP Withdrawn Passing
WF Withdrawn Failing
AU Audit
Semester Averages:
The semester average: 1 st Quarter = 40%, 2nd Quarter = 40%, Semester
Assessment = 20%. Only the semester averages are recorded on a student’s
transcript.
Honor Roll Eligibility: (determined every quarter, students cannot any have D’s
or F’s and be on the honor roll)
4.00—4.33 Highest Honors
3.50—3.99 High Honors
3.00—3.49 Honors
Minimum of 4 courses
Co-Curricular Eligibility: (determined every quarter)
Minimum of 5 courses
Quarter GPA must be 1.67 or higher to be eligible for the next quarter.
13

GUIDELINES FOR GRADE LEVEL
For a student to move from:
9 th Grade to 10 th Grade—5 credits cumulative, including 1 credit in English
10 th Grade to 11 th Grade—10 credits cumulative, including 2 credits in English
11 th Grade to 12 th Grade—15 credits cumulative, including 2 credits in English
and be scheduled to meet all graduation requirements by the end of second
semester.
HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION PROGRAM-ACT 176
The High School Completion Program allows a person between the ages of 16
and 21 to be eligible to request an individual graduation plan in order to obtain a
high school diploma. Educational services may be provided by a
public/independent high school, an approved provider, or a combination of
these. At the completion of an approved individual graduation plan students will
receive a Mt. Mansfield Union High School diploma. To find out more
information please contact the student’s counselor.
PROGRAM OF STUDIES
The Program of Studies provides a more detailed description of the academic
programs and the courses offered at MMU. The Program of Studies is available
on our website at www.mmu.k12.vt.us.
PROGRESS REPORTS & REPORT CARDS
If you are not signed up to receive your information from our web-based system,
at the mid-point of each quarter, a progress report will be mailed home. Parents
should note that quarter grades may differ from progress reports since tests and
projects may be due at the close of a quarter. Teachers, administrators, or
parents may initiate progress reports whenever there is an interim need for
communication between the school and home. Report cards are issued to
students on approximate nine week intervals. It is the students’ and parents’
responsibility to see that they are reviewed and to contact the student’s school
counselor if there are questions.
STUDENT SERVICES
School counseling services are available to all students. Appointments may be
scheduled during students’ study halls by making arrangements with the
Student Services secretary. Students with no study halls may make
appointments during class time with teacher permission. Parents/guardians are
also welcome to consult with their students’ school counselor. Parent
conferences are often helpful when a student is experiencing academic or
personal problems, or when a student is in the process of setting plans and
goals for the future. School counselors are available to schedule parent/teacher
conferences upon request. Students are urged to see their counselor whenever
an academic or personal problem arises. Information given to a school
14

counselor is confidential unless an individual’s safety is a concern. The Student
Services website offers events, and links too many resources. It can be
accessed from the main page of our website.
TECHNICAL CENTER
Students at MMU have opportunities to attend both the Center for Technology,
Essex and the Burlington Technical Center. These technical centers have been
given the names and addresses of MMU students so parents and students can
be notified of technical center offerings. The information is also provided in the
Program of Studies.
Center for Technology, Essex
3 Educational Drive, Essex Jct., VT
879-5558
Burlington Technical Center
52 Institute Rd., Burlington, VT
864-8426
TESTING/EXAMS
Students are expected to take their assigned state tests and mid-year/final
exams during the times specifically scheduled. Students are expected to
receive prior approval from their instructor or proctor should the need arise to reschedule.
15

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL/CLASS/STUDYHALL
State of Vermont Laws Title 16 #1121, Compulsory Attendance “to attend a
public school continually for the full number of days for which such school is
held.” Mt. Mansfield believes that regular attendance by its students is
necessary in order to obtain an adequate understanding of the instruction and
materials presented by its teachers.
• Following an absence from school for illness or excused reasons, a student
must bring a written note from a parent or guardian. Parents should notify
the school prior to students being absent or receiving an early
dismissal. The attendance secretary will exchange the parent note or call
for an admission slip. If no note or call is received within 24 hours, a
detention will be assigned and the absence is considered unexcused.
• All homework can be found on the individual teacher’s homework page on
the MMU website.
• A student must be in all of their classes to be eligible to participate in any
co-curricular games/performances. If a student has an appointment the day
of a game/performance they should get prior approval from administration.
Without prior approval they will not be able to participate. For a student to
participate in any co-curricular practices they need to be in school and have
no unexcused absences.
• Students who arrive at school after the start of the school day should report
to the attendance office for a tardy slip.
• Excused absences/early dismissals/tardies are limited to illness, medical
appointments, or other family issues.
ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS
• Once a student reaches a maximum of 10 absences per semester, credit
may be denied for a course or courses (**Please note that a block period is
counted as two absences**.)
• Recognizing that there are instances where absences of 10 days or more
may be legitimate (illness), denial of credit may be appealed to the
administration.
• First class cut will result in detention and parent notification; second class
cut will also result in detention and parent notification and it may result in
forfeit of credit.
• Forged notes will result with disciplinary action.
• Planned absences exceeding four days need the approval of the
administration prior to the absence. Forms are available in the Main Office.
• Drop-outs from any approved secondary (7-12) school system must
satisfactorily complete either a summer school or evening course prior to reentry
at Mt. Mansfield Union High School.
• After five (5) cumulative absences, the student will be notified in writing by
the school and will receive information about the District Truancy Procedure.
16

This procedure requires us to notify parents when students reach five (5),
ten (10), and fifteen (15) days of excused or unexcused absences in order
to reinforce the importance of good attendance. After fifteen (15) days of
absence, conference with parents and referral to truancy court maybe
required depending on the nature of the prior absences.
HOME PASSES
The purpose of the Home Pass is to allow juniors to arrive at school late or
leave school early in place of scheduled study halls. Only juniors in good
academic standing, with vehicles registered with the attendance office and no
property due are eligible for Home Passes. When students leave campus they
are expected to sign out at the Attendance Office. If a student has a Home
Pass it is expected that the student will be utilizing the Home Pass and arrive
late or leave early. If students need to access the library, computer lab, or work
with specific teachers during their Home Period they should make prior
arrangements. Students are not allowed to transport students who do not have
a Home Pass or Senior Privileges off campus. Failure to follow these guidelines
or failure to remain in good academic/community standing will result in the loss
of the privilege. Students who are interested in obtaining a Home Pass should
meet with their counselor.
JUNIOR LIBERTIES
Junior Liberties are for juniors with all grades above or at “B-”. If a student has
earned these liberties they do not have to remain in their assigned study hall.
Students are allowed in the library, computer lab, in the main lobby, or cafeteria
areas. Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds or to be in the
academic hallways. Junior Liberties will be earned based upon quarter grades.
The first opportunity for students to earn them will be at the end of quarter 1. If
students earn these liberties they will be given passes a week into the following
quarter. Students will need to maintain the grades through progress reports,
new passes will be produced for quarter 2 and 3.
LEAVING THE BUILDING/SCHOOL GROUNDS
• Students should not leave the building or school grounds, until they have
notified the nurse or administration. The sign in/out book is for recordkeeping
only.
• Students who have a permanent early release/late arrival on file MUST
check in with the attendance office when they arrive or before they leave the
school building.
• Early dismissal notes/telephone calls from parents must be received in the
attendance office before 9:00 a.m. Early dismissals are limited to necessary
appointments.
• The parking lots are off limits to students during school hours unless they
have authorization, or they are arriving at or leaving school.
17

MAKE-UP WORK AFTER ABSENCES
Due to illness or other excused absences:
Any student absent from classes is required to make up all work missed.
If a student is unable to do his/her assignments while out of school, additional
time will be granted to make up the work. The time frame for making up work
will be equal to the number of days absent from class; however, appropriate
extensions may be granted by teachers and/or administration. It is the
responsibility of the student to contact his/her teachers to obtain the work and
additional help, if needed, to make up the work. Full credit will be issued for
work completed within the time frame.
Due to suspension or other discipline related issues:
• Any student absent from classes is required to make up all work missed.
They will receive assignments from their teachers. Work is also available
on the teacher’s homework page on the MMU webpage. Students return
from suspension will be expected to have all assignments completed and be
expected to take any quizzes or tests without extension. Work not
completed upon return will receive a zero (0). Extensions can only be
granted by the administration.
• Any long term assignments that are due during the suspension period will
need to be submitted by the due date.
Due to class cut:
• If a student cuts a class or has an unexcused absence, they may receive a
zero (0) for that day’s assignments, including quizzes or tests taken that
day.
Suspension during mid-year or final exams:
Students suspended during mid-year or final exams are expected to make up all
exams after returning from suspension. The attendance secretary will obtain
assignments and review activities daily, and they will be available at the end of
the school day, outside the attendance office window. A schedule to make up
the exams in a timely fashion will be established by his/her counselor in
consultation with the classroom teachers.
SENIOR PRIVILEGES
Seniors in good academic standing and with no property due will not be
assigned to a study hall and may leave the building whenever they do not have
a class assigned. This does not include their assigned lunch time during their
lunch period class. During a Senior Privileges period if students decide to
remain in the building they need to stay out of all academic wings. If seniors
want to be assigned to a study hall they can make this request to their
counselor.
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TARDINESS
Students are expected to be in class on time. At any point after the class start
bell has rung a student may be considered tardy.
Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary action. Patterns of tardiness may
be treated as unexcused (even when parents call in after the fact) if an
appropriate corrective action cannot be established. On the fourth unexcused
tardy to class, a detention will be assigned.
Tardiness to study hall will result in detention on the fourth tardy. Additional
infractions may be considered chronic misbehavior and multiple days of
suspension, including out of school suspension, may be a consequence.
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STUDENT/PARENT RIGHTS
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
The Federal Education Right Privacy Act (FERPA) allows the school to make
directory information public at its discretion without specific consent of the
parent or student. Directory information contains your child’s name, year in
school, height, weight, picture or pictures of him or her participating in various
activities.
If your child participates in extracurricular activities, is on the honor roll, receives
an award, or so forth, then some relevant directory information may be released
for publication. For examples, sport participants may have their name, school
year, height, weight and photo listed in the athletic roster, and the honor roll will
contain names and school years.
The school web page may also post these activities or events. Local
newspapers may publish and television channels may broadcast these same
activities or events, and they may post them on their web pages.
Note: The school has no authority to prevent media access to events that are
open to the general public, for example, sporting events and concerts, or to
prevent the media publishing photos or broadcasting film of them.
Your child’s creative work may be displayed inside the school (classrooms,
hallways, library, etc) or on the school’s webpage. Some directory information
may be included, such your child’s name. All copyright rules apply to student
work, and to students’ use of other people’s work (ex. photos).
If you do not wish the school to release your child’s directory information (name,
year in school, height, weight, picture or pictures of him or her participating in
various activities), or make public his or her creative work, you should contact
the Director of Student Activities by September 18, 2012.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The Protection of Pupil Rights Act provides parents/guardians the right to
inspect any instructional materials used as part of educational curriculum. If
parents/guardians would like to inspect any instructional materials they can
make the request to their student’s teacher, counselor, or an administrator.
BULLYING PREVENTION
Bullying is a form of dangerous and disrespectful behavior that will not be
permitted or tolerated at MMU. Bullying means any overt act or combination of
acts directed against a student by another student or group of students and
which:
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• Is repeated over time.
• Is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student; and
• Occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a
school-sponsored activity, or before or after the school day on a school bus
or at a school-sponsored activity.
Students should report acts of bullying that they observe to any staff member as
soon as possible—they may do so directly or anonymously, using the tip line
858-1777.
Parents may inform the administration of, either verbally or in writing, of any
suspected bullying.
All teachers and staff who witness acts of bullying, or who receive reports of
alleged bullying, must respond and notify an administrator immediately.
Administrators will investigate anonymous, verbal or written allegations of
bullying as soon as possible, but within 48 hours.
The Administration and Student Services personnel will inform the school staff
about intervention strategies for and prevention of bullying.
The parents of the “bullied victim(s)” as well as the parents of students who
commit the act(s) of bullying will be notified, consistent with the provisions of
FERPA, in order to prevent further acts of bullying.
Confirmed acts of bullying will result in administrative action.
Records of administrative findings and actions taken will be kept in the student’s
file.
HARASSMENT
A school climate that recognizes and values the inherent dignity of each
individual is everyone’s right. Creating such a climate is everyone’s
responsibility. All persons associated with the Chittenden East Supervisory
Union #12 including, but not limited to the member boards, the administration,
the staff and students shall conduct themselves at all times so as to provide an
atmosphere free from unlawful harassment.
“Harassment” means an incident or incidents of verbal, written, visual or
physical conduct based on or motivated by a student’s or a student’s family
member’s actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, marital status,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability that has the purpose or
effect of objectively and substantially undermining and detracting from or
interfering with a student’s education performance or access to school
resources or creating and objectively intimidating, hostile, or offensive
environment.
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“Sexual Harassment” is a form of harassment which means conduct that
includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other
verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when one or both of the following
occur:
• Submission to that conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or
condition of that person’s position.
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as a
component of the basis for decisions affecting that person.
Racial harassment, which means conduct directed at the characteristics of a
student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived race or color, and
includes the use of epithets, stereotypes, racial slurs, comments, insults,
derogatory remarks, gestures, threats, graffiti, display, or circulation of written or
visual material, and taunts on manner of speech and negative references to
racial customs.
Harassment of members of other protected categories, which means conduct
directed at the characteristics of a student’s or a student’s family member’s
actual or perceived creed, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation,
or disability and includes the use of epithets, stereotypes, slurs, comments,
insults, derogatory remarks, gestures, threats, graffiti, display, or circulation of
written or visual material, taunts on manner of speech, and negative references
to customs related to any of these protected categories.
Any student or employee who observes, overhears, witnesses, or is the victim of
harassment shall take immediate and appropriate action to stop that
harassment and to prevent its reoccurrence. The student or staff member shall
report the incident to:
Jennifer Botzojorns, Principal, 858-1760
or
Adrienne Capone, Assistant Principal, 858-1645
or
Michael Weston, Associate Principal, 858-1761
If the building principal is the accused, the superintendent must be the
designated employee.
It is violation of this policy for any person to retaliate, intimidate, harass or
interfere with the person who has filed a grievance regarding harassment or
assisted with an investigation. It is also a violation of this policy to file
intentionally a false grievance regarding harassment.
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Procedures for Reporting Harassing Behavior:
Student to Student and Student to Adult:
Step I: Any student or adult should report a student who exhibits harassing
behavior. (Please refer to the report form available in the Main Office.) This
report can be initiated with any employee of the Mt. Mansfield Union School
District #17. The Principal, Associate Principal or Assistant Principal should be
notified immediately about the incident(s). Within three (3) school days, the
accused and accuser will meet with the Principal or Assistant Principal. Parents
will be notified during this time period.
It may be possible to resolve the situation through a conversation between the
accused and accuser and the designated employee. Through this conversation,
the accused may acknowledge that his/her actions or words were inappropriate
or objectionable; or the accuser may understand that he/she misconstrued the
situation. If all parties feel that resolution has been achieved, then the
conversation may remain confidential and no further action will be taken, except
that a note of the accusation will be placed in the student’s file. This note will
include the accusation, the findings, and the resolution which was agreed to by
all the parties and will be filed within five (5) school days of the incident being
reported.
Step II: If the accuser or the designated employee feel(s) that the Step I
procedure has been inadequate or has been unsuccessful, the administrator will
follow the due process steps for discipline which are outlined in this
Student/Parent handbook. Records of student discipline are kept on the
computer. DCF may be notified at this step when the complaint has been
sexual harassment.
Adult to Student:
Step I: Students and/or parents are encouraged to notify the designated
employee when they feel that an employee has or may have violated the
harassment policy. Students may also notify any employee with whom they feel
more comfortable; however, it is the responsibility of that employee to report the
issue to a designated employee immediately. The superintendent and the
accuser’s parents will be notified, and an investigation will start immediately.
Within 3 school days of the student report, the designated employee will meet
with the accuser, accused, and parent, to determine if the situation can be
resolved. Resolution at Step I will result in no further action except that a note
of the accusation will be placed in the personnel file. This note will include the
accusation, the findings, and the resolution which was agreed to by all the
parties.
a. Any school personnel who has “reasonable cause to believe” a student has
been sexually abused, must make a report to DCF within twenty-four hours.
Sexual abuse is an act involving sexual molestation or exploitation of the
student; included within this definition is “lewd and lascivious conduct
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involving a student”.
b. Under the conditions of “a”, a report must be made even if a “resolution” is
reached at Step I.
Step II: If the accuser, or the designated employee/facilitator feel(s) that the
Step I procedure has been inadequate, or has been unsuccessful, the accuser
may file a formal grievance with a designated employee. The report shall be in
writing or, if made orally, shall be summarized in writing by the designated
employee and shall be placed in the employee’s file. The superintendent shall
be notified at this step.
• The report shall detail the facts and circumstances of the incident.
• The designated employee shall conduct, or cause to be conducted, an
investigation of the allegations which will include interviews with the
accuser, the accused who has been made aware of his/her rights, and with
any other person who may have information bearing on the incident in
question. The complaint will remain as confidential as possible during the
investigation. Normally this investigation will be completed within 5 school
days of the complaint being received by the designated employee.
• Following the investigation, the designated employee will decide what action
is required. In the case of a school employee believed to have engaged in
sexual harassment, the superintendent shall initiate disciplinary procedures
according to Title 16, Section 1752 (Section 6, 7, 8.3, 13.1) for the Mt.
Mansfield Union School District #17.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires schools to issue annual Report
Cards. This report card will be part of the MMU Annual Report. NCLB also
requires that any parent can request the qualifications of their child’s teachers.
This can be requested from the Principal, Assistant Principal, or Director of
Student Activities.
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS
20 U.S.C. 6311ch(6): requires that schools publish the qualifications of the
school’s teachers including the major of the teacher in his/her baccalaureate
degree. This information can be found on the school website:
www.mmu.k12.vt.us, under the Academic Departments button, and published in
the Annual Report.
504 NOTICE REHABILITATION
ACT OF 1973:
No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the Mount Mansfield Union
High School District shall, solely by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded
from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the District. If any
person believes that the Mount Mansfield Union High School District or its
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employees has inadequately applied the principles and or regulations of: (1)
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1963; or (2) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, he or she may bring forward a complaint to:
Superintendent of Schools
Chittenden East Supervisory Union #12
P.O. Box 282, Richmond, VT 05477
SECLUSION AND RESTRAINT
It is the policy of Chittenden East Supervisory Union #12 that students not be
subjected to inappropriate restraint or seclusion as defined by the State of
Vermont. It is the Supervisory Unions intent to create and maintain a positive
and safe learning environment, and promote positive behavioral interventions
and support in school. Parents will be notified within 24 hours of each use of
each use of seclusion and restraint.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
Special education services are available for children with disabilities through
age 21.
STUDENT RECORDS
The Federal Education Right Privacy Act (FERPA) states that parents have the
right to inspect and review their children’s records and seek amendment of the
record, if it is inaccurate or misleading. Parents have the right to consent to
disclosure of personally identifiable student information of records, and file a
complaint to the U.S. Department of Education, if they believe the act has been
violated. If parents are interested in inspecting or amending educational records
they should contact their school administration.
The school will disclose student records to persons within the school who have
legitimate educational interests in reviewing, and will release only that
information that needs to be known.
Both the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 require schools to provide students’
names, addresses, and telephone listings to military recruiters when requested.
This requirement is subject to parental “opt out” rights,
If you do not wish your child’s name, address and telephone number to be
released to military recruiters, you should contact the Director of Student
Activities by September 18, 2012.
SURVEYS
Over the course of the school year, several surveys may be conducted by “third
party” groups. Examples of these surveys include: the Youth Risk Behavior
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Survey or the Developmental Assets Survey. Responses to surveys are
anonymous. Parents who want to inspect or opt out of such surveys should
contact the Director of Student Activities. MMU does not collect or disclose
marketing information on students without permission from parents.
TITLE IX
Mt. Mansfield Union High School does not discriminate on the basis of sex in
any educational program or activity which it operates. If anyone would like to
file a Title IX grievance they can contact either the Superintendent for the
Chittenden East Supervisory Union who is the Title IX Coordinator for CESU, or
the Activities Director at Mt. Mansfield Union High School.
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GENERAL SERVICES
ACCEPTABLE USE PROCEDURES OF COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET
FOR STUDENTS
General Procedures:
Students may access the school district's electronic resources and the Internet
in an appropriate manner. Students are expected to follow the rules of personal
conduct outlined in the student handbook, abide by state and federal laws in the
use of the district’s electronic resources and the Internet, and comply with the
individual responsibilities listed in this document.
Individual Responsibilities:
General:
System users:
• will at all times be responsible for the proper use of their account;
• will only use the system for its intended purposes and not for commercial
purposes, illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any other
activity prohibited by school policy or procedures;
• will comply with all fair use and copyright regulations
• shall not promote personal, religious or political points of view (except as
part of class assignments communicated with classmates and teachers)
• may not purposefully access or distribute information that is prohibited by
the school.
Communication:
System users:
• shall be aware that e-mail and other uses of the electronic communications
system are not confidential, and are the properties of CESU. Users should
be cautious about the details they include in messages.
• must understand that the system administrator may periodically purge
electronic mail and data files with fair notice (mail messages are
automatically deleted after 365 days);
• shall not present personal ideas/beliefs as the views or polices of the school
• shall not abuse the system by engaging in spamming (sending an
unnecessary message to a large number of people), downloading large
files, or uploading or creating computer viruses;
• Strong Recommendation: Maintain separate accounts for personal and
school communication.
Security
System users:
• will not use another person's system account, or present themselves as
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another person;
• shall not gain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to resources or
information, or do anything to circumvent network security.
• may not access data for which they are not an intended recipient or user
• must receive authorization from tech support staff for all downloads,
program installations, and use of software on removable media so as to
ensure verification of virus protection, copyright and network compatibility;
• must scan all removable media (ex,. flash drives, iPod, etc) for viruses prior
to use on the CESU network;
• must not write down usernames and passwords unless they are physically
secure.
• must logout when they leave their computer
• will ensure that personally-owned computers, laptops, notebooks, PDAs and
other medium that can connect to the CESU network meet standards set
forth by the technology services team.* 1. Apply current support pack
patches and update the device regularly. 2. Install and keep current antivirus
software with the most recent anti-virus signatures. *The school may
or may not permit use of personal devices.
Disciplinary Actions
The school’s electronic system is a limited forum and therefore the school may
restrict individual user’s speech for valid educational reasons. The school will
not restrict speech on the basis of a disagreement with the opinions that are
expressed. Users should expect only limited privacy in the contents of their
personal files or record of Web research activities. Routine maintenance and
monitoring of system resources may lead to discovery of violations of the
student disciplinary code, or the law. An individual search may be conducted by
the principal or designee (with the system administrator’s assistance if
necessary) if there is reasonable suspicion. If there is evidence that a violation
has occurred, then the school principal or his/her designee will decide
appropriate consequences. The school will cooperate fully with local, state, or
federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted
through the school’s electronic system. In the event there is a claim that an
individual user has violated this Procedure or student disciplinary code, the user
will be notified and the opportunity to be heard in the manner set forth in the
student disciplinary code.
Limitation of Liability
The school makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by
or through the District electronic system will be error free or without defect. The
school will not be responsible for any damage individual users may suffer,
including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The school is
not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or
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stored on the system. The school will not be responsible for financial obligations
arising through the unauthorized use of the system. The user can be held
financially responsible for any harm to the system as a result of intentional
misuse.
ACTIVITY BUSES
Late buses are provided daily at 4:30 P.M. for students who remain after school
for school-related business. Students should wait for the late bus in the front
lobby of the building and are required to adhere to all school rules. The late bus
will distribute students to centralized areas only.
ADVISORY
Advisory was established to build a greater sense of community, celebrate
student achievement and to create a school culture in which each student is
known well and supported by an adult advisor and a small group of diverse
peers, in each year of high school. The advisory program is an essential part of
MMU’s commitment to sustain “a healthy school environment that fosters trust,
honesty and respect for the opinions and diversity of others” (MMU Mission
Statement). The goals for the MMU advisory program are to build group and
social skills and to celebrate student achievement.
COMPUTER LAB
The computer lab is open from 7:45 to 4:00 except on Fridays, when closing is
at 3:15. The staff is available to assist with log on procedures and use of
application software.
Acquiring Computer Lab Passes:
Students may acquire passes from the lab staff before first period, or have a
staff member call down from study hall to see if space is available. If a student
wants to come in during lunch, he/she should sign up in advance with lab staff.
Disks And Downloads:
All removable disks must be scanned before using them in the building. Viruses
can be a real problem and this helps minimize infections. Downloads from the
internet must be approved by staff for the same reason. Not all sites are
reputable, viruses infect the system.
Food and Drink:
Food and drink are not permitted in the lab as spills can damage equipment.
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FOOD SERVICES
Food Services are available to every student and provide a nutritionally
balanced lunch. Additionally, an ala carte menu is available for students and
faculty. Students may also bring lunch. Students should eat all food in the
cafeteria. Beverages brought in from outside the school are subject to
inspection. In order to promote healthier choices, no carbonated soft-drinks are
sold in the vending machines or in the cafeteria.
HEALTH SERVICES
Health services are offered to students during the school year. The nurse will
provide assessment and intervention for physical, emotional or psychosocial
issues. Students must request a pass from the classroom teacher prior to
visiting the health office. Students will not be allowed to leave the building
because of illness without proper authorization. Parents are notified by the
nurse if a student must leave school. Prescription and non-prescription
medications are to be taken in the Health Office, unless the nurse has agreed to
other arrangements. Medical and parental permission is required for the
administration of prescription medications. Parental permission is required for
the administration of non-prescription medications. Hearing, vision, and blood
pressure will be tested during the 9 th grade year. Parents who wish to opt out of
this service should contact the school nurse by September 16 th . Additionally,
the Commissioner of Education maintains a list of programs to improve
wellness. This list is available to parents, upon request, from the school nurse.
School nurses support the success of students in school by striving to remove
potential health barriers to learning. Through both health education and health
care, the school nurse fosters an environment that promotes the health, safety
and well being of each school community – physically, mentally, emotionally and
socially.
LEARNING LAB
The Learning Lab at Mt. Mansfield provides academic assistance in all subjects
listed in the Program of Studies. Tutorials, which are offered on both a short
and long term basis, are available during all class periods and after school. The
Lab offers a unique blend of staff, volunteer adults from our community, and
peer tutors to assist the varied needs of our student population. Incoming 9 th
grade students, upon recommendation of the middle schools, may register for
fall semester placement in the Lab. There is no credit for participating in the
Learning Lab.
LIBRARY
The purpose of the Library is to provide students with resources that will assist
them in their studies and promote leisure reading. The Library environment is
available for quiet study and reading. Library hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00
p.m., Monday through Friday. The Library has many resources that are
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accessed and indexed through the Library web page, which can be found at
www.mmu.k12.vt.us (then click on “Library”.) Some of these resources are
restricted to “in-house” use only but many can be accessed from home, free of
charge.
ON-LINE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Chittenden East Supervisory Union schools may use on-line products, such as
Gmail, for its email system as well as for the creation and storage of some
student work, such as classroom papers and projects. These products may
require collection of some directory information, and some require that
parent/guardian of children under the age of 17 be made aware of this data
collection.
Your child may use on-line educational services. If you do not wish for the
school to release directory information or to use Google apps, please contact
Maria Mitchell by September 18, 2012.
SECURITY CAMERAS
Security cameras are installed around the exterior of the building.
STUDENT LOCKERS
Each student is provided an individual locker in the corridor (no personal locks,
please), plus a separate locker for athletic equipment and clothing is available in
the gym, if needed. The school cannot be held responsible for items removed
from students’ lockers. Each student is responsible for the care of the locker to
which he/she is assigned. Lockers are subject to inspection and search by the
administration at any time, with or without the student present.
STUDENT PARKING
All juniors or seniors who will drive to school one or more times during the year
must obtain an annual parking registration form from the Attendance Office (cost
$7.00). All vehicles will need to be registered by September 18, 2012. To
register a vehicle a student must show proof that the vehicle has current
Vermont registration and insurance, also the student needs to take care of any
property due claims from this or prior years.
Parking in the lower lot is on a first come first serve basis and is limited to
available marked spaces. Parking in front of the school is limited to seniors
only. The parking lots are off limits to students during school hours unless they
have authorization, or they are arriving at or leaving school. If students are not
parked properly they will be issued consequences that are outlined on the
Parking Permit Agreement Form. Prior to obtaining a parking permit students
and parents must sign an agreement stating that they understand the various
consequences for parking violations. Students who do not comply with the
guidelines may lose their parking privileges.
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TEXTBOOKS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT
Textbooks, materials, and equipment are issued by each classroom teacher
and/or activity supervisor for student use. The same textbooks, materials, and
equipment must be returned when due. Any lost or damaged textbooks,
materials, and equipment become the responsibility of the student/parent.
Students who do not return school property will receive a bill from the school for
property due. Students who do not return the property or pay the bill may
receive a comment code on the progress report or report card stating that the
student owes money for books or supplies due. Students who have not
returned school property will not be eligible for parking passes, senior privileges,
participation in graduation, or home passes until they have taken care of the
obligation.
VOCATIONAL TRANSPORTATION
All students attending Center for Technology, Essex or Burlington Vocational
Center are encouraged to ride the vocational bus.
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GENERAL SCHOOL GUIDELINES
ANIMALS IN SCHOOL
Animals are prohibited from school. Service dogs or law enforcement dogs may
be allowed in school or on school grounds with proof of current rabies
vaccination.
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN
In compliance with 40 CFR Part 76393 (g) (3) AHERA, the Asbestos
Management Plan is available at the school.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Parents/students are encouraged to notify the school if you change your
address or telephone number. We cannot anticipate emergencies so it is
essential we have the correct information to reach the appropriate person during
the school day.
COMMON AREAS
During lunch and free periods students may be in the common area halls near
the main office, but not in any academic areas including the art wings. Outside
the building common areas are in front of the school, which includes the front
lawn. Common areas do not include the parking lots, athletic fields or other
school grounds not mentioned.
DETENTION
Detentions may be assigned by any staff member for violation of school rules.
Repeat offenders may be assigned in-school, out-of-school suspensions, or the
alternative day program; a parent conference may be required.
Detentions may be served from 7:45 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. in the morning or from
3:10 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the afternoon.
Students have three days to serve the detention. During that time, they will be
allowed to continue attending the class in which the infraction occurred. If, after
three days, the detention has not been served, an alternative day program or
out-of-school suspension will be assigned.
Any student who is participating in a co-curricular activity who is assigned a
detention will have to serve the detention prior to participating in any cocurricular
activity (game, performance, or practice).
If a student accumulates three detentions, he/she will be assigned to the
alternative day program. The second such offense could result in an out of
school suspension.
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DISCIPLINE
Mt. Mansfield Union High School is committed to providing all students and staff
with a safe and supportive school environment.
PROCEDURES:
• A hearing with the student will be conducted to allow him/her an opportunity
to be heard with respect to the alleged offense.
• A student whose conduct seriously disrupts the academic atmosphere of the
school, endangers fellow students, teachers, or school officials, or who
damages school property will be removed from the situation immediately.
State or local police may be contacted.
• A suspended student may be removed from school during the school day, if
necessary, without first notifying a parent or guardian. Law enforcement
authorities may be contacted. Communication between the school and
parent/guardian will either be in person or by telephone followed up by a
written letter.
• At the time of the suspension, it is the responsibility of the administrator to
inform the student of the suspension guidelines and when the suspension
will begin and end.
• Administrators may not suspend a student for more than ten (10)
consecutive days or fifteen (15) total days in a school year without the
approval of the superintendent.
• Administrator in this procedure means principal, associate principal,
assistant principal, director of student activities, or administrative designee.
• The school resource officer will assist the administration whenever support
is needed.
• Depending on the severity of an incident, teachers, counselors, and
administrators will make every effort to notify parents of student misconduct.
Administrators, counselors, and teachers will work with parents toward
trying to improve student behavior.
DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
Any physical contact is not an acceptable form of school behavior and is subject
to disciplinary action.
DRESS AND APPEARANCE
The following guidelines are provided to ensure students are appropriately
attired, promoting a more wholesome learning climate.
• The collar line in the front of a student’s shirt shall not be lower than 4 finger
widths from the collar bone.
• The width of straps on dresses, shirts, blouses, tops, etc. shall not be less
than two finger widths.
• The length of skirts shall not be less than the tip of fingers when the
student’s arms are extended straight down.
• The length of shorts shall not be less than the top of the fist when the
34

student’s arms are extended straight down.
In addition the following are not permitted:
• Completely open back tops, tops that allow the undergarments to readily
show or have belly exposure, including see-through materials;
• Pants, shorts, skirts and jeans that go to low or allow the undergarments to
readily show;
• Clothing that advertises or dramatizes alcohol, tobacco or substance abuse,
contain profanity or sexual innuendo; and
• Any other clothing that is determined to distract from the educational climate
will be considered inappropriate.
In addition, footwear must be worn at all times. Students wearing inappropriate
clothing will be asked to change the item, cover it up, or obtain a change
brought from home by the parent/ guardian. If these steps are not followed, the
parent will be notified and the student may be sent home.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electronic Devices used for communication, such as cell phones may not be
used for texting, phone calls, instant messaging, e-mails, or other social
communication within the school building. If a student violates this rule, a
teacher or administrator may confiscate the communication device and the
student may retrieve it at the end of the school day. If there is a second offense,
the device may be confiscated and the parent or guardian must come to school
to retrieve the device from the administration.
Students may not use the school internet connection on personal
communication devices or on personal computers other than in designated
areas where a wireless connection is available for them.
Students may not use personal digital and/or film cameras, two-way radios, or
laser pointers, for any non-school related purpose. This includes on buses or in
the school building. Inappropriate use of such a device may lead to confiscation
and/or other disciplinary action.
Students are permitted to listen to their personal music device in their study hall
if they can prove to their study hall teacher that they have earned this privilege.
• From August 30 th until October 5 th , students are allowed to use a personal
music device in study halls. On October 8 th they will need to show their
progress report to their study hall teacher to maintain this privilege.
• The students will hand a copy of their progress reports and quarter report
cards to their study hall teachers.
• If any grades on that report card are below a C-, they will not be permitted to
have a personal music device during study hall.
• The use of a personal music device in study hall is at the discretion of the
teacher.
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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DRILLS
Emergency preparedness drills will be held monthly during the school year.
Students are to follow directions given by school staff in these situations.
EVACUATION SITE(S)
In some emergency situations school evacuation is required. The evacuation
sites for Mt. Mansfield Union High School are the lower athletic field and the
Ethan Allen Firing Range. In some type of evacuation situations students will
not be allowed to return to school and will need to be released to their parents
or guardians. If this type of situation arises, announcements will be made in the
same fashion as a school closings (see page 10).
FUNCTIONS
MMU functions, including school dances, cabarets, Homecoming, Winter Ball
and the Prom are for MMU students and their guests. Middle school students
and individuals 21 years or older are not permitted to attend. All guests must be
approved in advance of the function by Administration, and when prior approval
is not obtained, the guest may be denied admission to the function. Prom
tickets are sold to Juniors and Seniors only. An underclassmen (freshman or
sophomore) can attend as the date of an upperclassman. Students should
bring student I.D.’s to all functions.
GAMBLING
Gambling is illegal. Equipment used to gamble will be confiscated.
GUN FREE SCHOOL ACT
(T.16 para. 1166) Any student who possesses a weapon at school, on a school
bus or at any school-related function or activity, shall be referred to a law
enforcement agency and may be expelled from school for not less than one
calendar year. For purposes of this policy, the terms “weapon”, “school” and
“expulsion” shall be defined by the Federal Gun Free Schools Act of 1994 and
expanded to include antiques, hunting and sporting guns, look-alike and nonoperational
guns, biohazards, knives and a combination of parts designed or
redesigned from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.
HAZING
MMU supports those activities which are constructive, educational, inspirational
and that contribute to the intellectual and personal development of students.
MMU unequivocally opposes any situation created intentionally to produce
mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.
MMU interprets hazing as any act, whether physical, mental, emotional or
psychological, which subjects another person, voluntarily or involuntarily, to
anything that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass or intimidate
him/her, or which may in any fashion compromise his/her inherent dignity as a
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person. In addition, any requirements by a member which compels another
member to participate in any activity which is against school guidelines or
state/federal law will be defined as hazing. Please see the Sports Permission
Form for a listing of hazing examples.
Discipline for hazing infractions may include, but not be limited to: probation,
suspension from the team/activity club and/or the school and/or expulsion from
the team/activity club and/or the school. In addition, the team may be subject to
group discipline that can include, but is not limited to: team probation,
cancellation of individual contests and/or cancellation of the entire season.
PHONES
The telephone in the main lobby may be used before and after school; students
can also use the pay phones located in the lobby. These phones do not
receive incoming calls; therefore, to leave a message or contact a student,
please call the Main Office.
PLAGIARISM
Students who copy another person’s work without properly giving credit to that
person are understood to be claiming the work as their own and therefore
plagiarizing. Students who copy another’s work or students who allow their
work to be copied are considered to be cheating. Internet purchases or copying
of full or partial information using technology and not properly giving credit is
considered plagiarism. The following actions will occur for students who are
discovered cheating or plagiarizing. The grade for the assignment will be a zero
(0), the student must meet with an Administrator, and a note is placed in the
student’s internal record.
• Parents or guardians will be notified. All teachers who have the student in
their class at that time will be notified.
• A second offense will result in suspension from school in addition to a zero
(0) on the assignment.
SCHOOL BUS EXPECTATIONS
Bus riding is a privilege which carries with it the responsibility of proper
behavior. Students who violate bus rules may have their riding privileges
suspended or lose them for the year. Please follow these bus rules:
• The bus driver may assign seats.
• Be courteous — No profanity.
• Do not eat or drink on the bus—keep the bus clean.
• Violence is prohibited.
• Remain seated.
• No smoking.
• Keep your hands and head inside the bus.
• Do not damage property.
• For your own safety, do not distract the driver through misbehavior.
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• Athletic equipment such as skis, skateboards, hockey and lacrosse sticks
are allowed on buses, but must be in equipment bags and be in the
possession of the student at all times. The equipment may not take up
additional space.
Consequences for Violations of School Bus Expectations
The bus driver handles initial violations.
• First reported violation - an administrator may meet with the student and call
the parent to advise what actions will be taken and a letter will follow.
• Second reported violation - an administrator may meet with the student,
parents, transportation supervisor, and driver to determine a course of
action. The typical course of action will be a 3 day suspension of bus riding
privileges.
• Third reported violation - an administrator may meet with the student,
parents, transportation supervisor, and driver to determine a course of
action. The typical course of action will be a 10 day suspension of bus
riding privileges.
Repeated violations will result in one of the following:
• Suspension of bus riding privileges. Suspension can vary from one day to
up to the balance of the school year.
• Detention, Alternative Day Program, or out of school suspension.
• Certain serious and deliberate individual infractions may result in immediate
suspension of bus riding privileges from one day up to the balance of the
school year.
• Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from school
when the student is suspended from riding the bus.
• Parents and students should note that a bus suspension applies to all
CESU busses, including athletic, activity, field trip and Technical Center
buses.
SCHOOL CHOICE
Act 150, (Public High School Choice) allows MMU students to attend Champlain
Valley Union High School, Colchester High School or South Burling High
School. If students are interested in this option they should contact their school
counselor.
SKATEBOARDS
While classes are in session (8:20—3:05), skateboarding is discouraged. After
school, skate boarding is allowed once the busing is complete (approximately
3:30). Parents should understand that skateboarding activity is not supervised
and students do so at their own risk.
STUDY HALL EXPECTATIONS
Study halls should be a time of sustained work or academic enrichment. The
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guidelines for appropriate study hall activities are listed below:
1. Students should be completing homework or engaged in sustained silent
reading the entire period.
2. Students may use the regular library pass system. The library must be used
primarily for research, homework, or reading.
3. Students may go to one of the computer labs with the appropriate pass.
4. Students may work in pairs or small groups during study periods in
classrooms or in the library; however, they should not distract other
students. Teachers and staff may redirect students in groups by creating a
space between working groups and quiet workers when necessary.
5. If a student is not working, the teacher or staff member may ask the student
about homework and have him or her check homework PASS system to
make sure all assignments are complete.
6. If homework is complete, students are expected engage in silent reading.
7. Personal music devices are permitted until the first school day after First
Quarter Progress Reports are posted or mailed home. After this date,
personal music devices may be used only as noted in the “Electronic
Devices” section in this handbook.
8. No card playing in study hall.
9. Students may use technology to access and complete any school-related
work or to read suitable electronic material such as news, magazine articles,
or online books.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE GUIDELINES
We believe that every student has the right to a drug and alcohol free school
and that it is the responsibility of all students, parents and school personnel to
work together to achieve this goal. On staff is a student assistance program
counselor (SAP) who works with students, faculty and families regarding
substance abuse/use issues.
Any student, while on school property or at a school function, who is found to
be:
• under the influence, possession or selling of any illegal substance, or
• using, selling, or distributing any psycho-active drug not prescribed by a
physician for said individual, or
• using, selling, or distributing any look-alike drugs; or
• possession or distribution of any drug paraphernalia;
Is in violation of MMU’s substance abuse guidelines and may be subject to a 5
day suspension. Also:
1. The Vermont State Police will be notified and student may be subject to
arrest.
2. The student may be required to complete a formal alcohol and drug
assessment, including a urine screen, at the student’s own expense. The
student will be required to schedule this appointment with a licensed alcohol
and drug counselor within two weeks of the administration’s decision
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egarding suspension.
3. The student will be required to meet with the SAP counselor for at least 5
sessions, the SAP counselor will determine the exact number of sessions
after meeting with the student.
4. The SAP and the student will create a plan to further educate the student
about substance use and to support the student to make healthy choices
both in and out of school.
5. The student’s counselor and/or case manager will be notified of the
violation.
SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION GUIDELINES
A school administrator or designee shall have the authority to suspend a student
for a given length of time and the superintendent and/or school board may expel
a student for the remainder of the school year or up to 90 school days,
whichever is longer, for misconduct when the misconduct makes the continued
presence of the pupil harmful to the welfare of the school. (Vermont Statutes
Annotated, Title 16, Para. 1162) Listed below are examples of misconduct.
Parents and students should recognize that not all foreseeable offenses can be
listed. As a matter of policy, if unforeseeable offenses occur, the administration
will use their professional discretion to address the issue.
• Excessive or chronic truancy or tardiness and/or refusal to serve detention,
remain in in-school suspension, or the alternative day program.
• Use of violence, force, hazing, coercion, harassment, bullying, or threats
toward other students or school personnel.
• Use of tobacco of any form in the building or on school grounds.
• Substance abuse (see page 34).
• Damage to or stealing of property (private or school) of any value.
• Use of profanity, verbal abuse, displaying insubordination or disrespect to
any school personnel.
• Possession of a weapon at school (i.e. gun, knife, bomb, fireworks, etc.), on
school grounds, or at a school-sponsored activity.
• Acts which are disruptive to the operation of the school.
• Repeated violation of the rules and regulations of the school.
In the event a student is in violation of the above, the parents or guardian will be
notified by an administrator of the school when at all possible. The parents or
guardian may be required to accompany the student back to school for possible
re-admittance meeting following the dismissal from school. Students who are
suspended or expelled will not be allowed to participate or observe any school
activity.
TOBACCO USE PROHIBITED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
School policy states that no student at any time shall possess, use, sell, give or
otherwise transmit any tobacco product on school owned or leased property or
at any school-sponsored activity off school grounds. Any tobacco product in the
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possession of a student shall be confiscated by an employee and the matter
reported to the administration who shall, if appropriate, make a referral to law
enforcement authorities. (State statute 16 V.S.A. Section 140, no person,
including adults, shall be permitted to use tobacco on school grounds.)
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CO-CURRICULAR GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES
The participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege which seeks to enrich a
student’s life and develop school spirit. If selected as a representative of our
school programs, students are expected to exemplify good school citizenship by
their conduct in and out of school. Other responsibilities will include good
academic standing, training rules and other procedures as outlined below. Any
individual wishing to introduce a new co-curricular activity is encouraged to meet
with the Director of Student Activities and obtain an application.
YEAR LONG ACTIVITIES:
Art Club, Chess Club, Climbing Club, Computer Games Club, Debate Club,
Gay/Straight Alliance Group, Men’s Chorus, Mountain Biking Club, National
Honor Society, Outdoor Adventure Club, OVX (Our Voices Exposed),
Photography Club, Rugby, Scholars’ Bowl, Select Chorus, Self Defense, Stage
Band, String Ensemble, Student Council, Upward Bound, Web Page Club,
Women’s Madrigals and Yearbook.
FALL SPORTS:
Cross country running, field hockey, football, and soccer.
WINTER SPORTS:
Alpine skiing, basketball, dance team, ice hockey, indoor track, Nordic skiing,
and wrestling.
SPRING SPORTS:
Baseball, golf, lacrosse, softball, tennis and track.
NOTE: SOME SPORTS OFFER FRESHMEN, JUNIOR VARSITY AND
VARSITY LEVELS TO MAXIMIZE PARTICIPATION.
CREDIT FOR PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS
Students are required to complete the ninth grade health and physical education
curriculum (one year) and will earn ½ credit for physical education, and ½ credit
for health.
Student will receive ¼ credit for each sport season in which they participate.
Students can earn up to ½ credit per sport toward graduation. Therefore, a
student who participates in three sports during their four years at MMU can earn
1 ½ physical education credits, applied to graduation. The implication of this is
that students can earn the remainder of their physical education credit after the
required ninth grade curriculum through MMU sports, but they must participate
in at least two different sports.
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ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS
1. A student must be taking a minimum of five academic credits (courses) or a
course of study approved by the Administration.
2. Eligibility is determined from your quarter grades, i.e.; second quarter
grades determine third quarter participation, fourth quarter grades determine
first quarter in the following year.
3. Students with a quarter average (GPA) that is less than 1.67 or who have
two “F’s” are ineligible and are placed on academic probation for the next
marking period. Incompletes (“I”) and “WF’s” are treated as “F’s” until they
are determined to be otherwise.
4. Students who are on academic probation are allowed to try out and/or
practice/rehearse, but are not allowed to participate in any formal activity,
competition or scrimmage. While on probation, they may not dress (in
uniform) or travel with a sports team. A student’s eligibility will be
reevaluated at Progress Reports. If, at Progress Reports, their GPA is 1.67
or higher, they are restored to full eligibility.
5. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure teachers provide letter grades
for Progress Reports so that a GPA can be calculated. If, at Progress
Reports, their GPA is less than 1.67, they remain on academic probation
and will be dropped immediately from the activity in which they are
participating. Students who are on academic probation and who are
participating in an activity (or are trying out) must attend all classes. Class
cuts and/or other behavior issues will result in a student being dropped from
that activity.
6. A student cannot have an outstanding fee owed to the school.
7. A student must attend all academic classes and assigned study halls to be
eligible to participate in the activity that day. Any exception such as a
doctor’s appointment must be approved by the Director of Student Activities
or another administrator prior to participation.
8. No student shall be excused from a detention even though it conflicts with
the activity.
PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Academic performance is your primary responsibility.
2. There are times during the season when it is necessary for students to
leave for competitions/activities for the school day. It is each participant’s
responsibility to make proper arrangements with the instructor to make up
work prior to the absence.
3. Training rules established by your coach or advisor must be observed.
4. Employment should not interfere with academics or extracurricular activity.
5. Equipment and uniforms issued to the participant must be returned in the
same condition at the end of the activity. Equipment that is lost, damaged
or stolen is the responsibility of the participant.
6. Any injury should be reported to the coach/advisor no matter how slight the
injury may appear.
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PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Encourage your child and team, but do not insult the opposition.
2. Be enthusiastic, yet not critical.
3. Acknowledge the opposition’s good plays.
4. Support the officials. A high school game is not a place for angry criticism.
5. Support the coach in the same manner.
6. Be positive and do not let win/lose change your attitude.
7. Provide feedback and affect change in a positive manner.
HEALTH
1. Students must have a physical exam every two years (usually 9 th & 11 th
grade).
2. Students will not be allowed to participate in tryouts, practices, or games if
the physical form is not up-to-date.
3. If a student has had an injury or illness requiring a physician’s care or
lasting longer than a week in the six months prior to the date of this form or
during the sports season itself, then he/she may be required by the coach,
trainer or school nurse to obtain an additional statement from a physician
regarding the student’s ability to participate in the sport.
PROBLEMS
1. The student should first approach the coach or advisor to find a solution to
the problem. By far, this is the preferred means of problem solving.
2. The parent or guardian should attempt to work directly with the coach or
advisor in order to find a solution to the problem when a son/daughter has
been unable to resolve the issue.
3. As a last resort the Director of Student Activities should be approached to
help find a solution to the problem. If necessary, the Director of Student
Activities will seek input from the Principal, Associate Principal or Assistant
Principal.
SPORTSMANSHIP
1. Treat teammates, advisors, coaches and opponents with respect.
2. Establish a hard work ethic, but play within the rules.
3. Exercise self-control at all times, setting an example for others to follow.
4. Respect officials and accept their decisions without gesture or argument.
5. Win with humility, lose without excuse.
6. Always remember that it is a privilege to represent the school and
community.
TRAVEL
1. Traveling to and from scheduled athletic events on school provided
transportation is required.
2. Parents may ask the coach for permission for their son /daughter to ride
home with them after an away contest.
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3. Riding with another player’s parents after an away contest is allowed only if
a note is provided and approved by the coach or Director of Student
Activities.
4. Students may provide their own transportation to practices taking place
away from school grounds (ice hockey, tennis, etc.) with permission of the
Director of Student Activities and completion of a transportation form signed
by a parent/guardian.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. As a co-curricular activity participant, you are a representative of your
school and your sports teams at all times. Unlawful behavior or behavior
unbecoming of a co-curricular participant may result in a game suspension
or another consequence deemed appropriate by the coach/activity advisor,
Director of Student Activities, or administrator.
2. Students must complete a permission form and health
questionnaire/medical release for each sports season.
3. Student must not owe the school any money for outstanding fees.
4. A student must attend all class periods or assigned study halls in order to be
eligible to practice or play that day.
5. HAZING, BULLYING, OR HARRASSMENT in any form is not allowed.
Please refer to the “Student/Parent Handbook” for a description of these
behaviors. Violations will result in game suspensions or dismissal from the
team or other consequences deemed appropriate by the administration.
6. No player shall be excused from a detention even though it conflicts with a
practice or a game.
7. Co-curricular activities are not an excuse for being tardy or absent from
school on the day following a competition or activity.
8. If a student is suspended from school, he/she is not allowed to participate in
any school activities while the suspension is in effect.
9. The awards system at MMU is designed to reward the responsible and
committed student athlete. All post season awards are based upon
completion of the season. Athletes may be denied awards if they fail to live
up to the standards expected of athletes in our program.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
1. Use and/or possession of any alcohol, tobacco product, illegal drug or other
drug not prescribed by a physician or paraphernalia associated with the use
of drugs will result in removal from that activity for the remainder of the
current activity season. Also, being in the presence of minors in possession
of or using alcohol or illegal drugs (this includes legal drugs not prescribed
for that person) and not immediately leaving or taking the steps necessary
to leave, will result in the participants removal from the activity for the
remainder of the activity season.
2. However, if a student freely turns themselves in or admits to a training
violation when questioned they will face suspension of 20% of the
scheduled contest. During that time, the student would be allowed to
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practice, but not dress, for games. A second offense in the same academic
year will result in the student being removed from the activity for the
remainder of the activity and the next two activity seasons. A student may
earn the right to return after one activity season by completing twenty (20)
hours of community service and undergoing drug and alcohol assessment
procedures. See the Student Handbook for an explanation of those
procedures.
3. For the first offence, students not currently in “season” must complete fifteen
(15) hours of community service before they participate in any co-curricular
activity. A second drug and alcohol violation would require the student to
complete thirty (30) hours of community service before they participate in
any co-curricular activity.
4. Additional training rules adopted by individual coaches and approved by the
Director of Student Activities must also be abided by. A more detailed
explanation of the Drug and Alcohol Guidelines are available in the Main
Office.
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NOTES:
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NOTES:
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