2016-17 Middle School Student Handbook

NORTHHILLSMIDDLESCHOOL
STUDENTHANDBOOK
&
GUIDEFORPARENTS
2016-2017
55RochesterRoad
Pittsburgh,PA15229
www.nhsd.net
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TIMESCHEDULES
Daily Time Schedule
1st Period
2nd Period
3rd Period
4th Period
5A Period
5B Period
6A Period
6B Period
7th Period
8th Period
9th Period
Homeroom
Bus Departure
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Delay Schedule
7:45 - 8:35
8:39 - 9:19
9:23 - 10:03
10:07 - 10:47
10:51 - 11:21
10:51 - 11:31
11:25 - 12:05
11:35 - 12:05
12:09 - 12:49
12:53 - 1:33
1:37 - 2:17
2:20 - 2:50
2:55
1st Period
2nd Period
3rd Period
4th Period
5th Period A
5th Period B
6th Period A
6th Period B
7th Period
8th Period
9th Period
Homeroom
Bus Departure
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9:20 - 9:57
10:01 - 10:34
10:38 - 11:11
11:15 - 11:48
11:52 - 12:22
11:52 - 12:25
12:26 - 12:59
12:29 - 12:59
1:03 - 1:36
1:40 - 2:13
2:15 - 2:50
Canceled
2:55
AM Assembly Time Schedule
Homeroom
1st Period
2nd Period
3rd Period
4th Period
5A Period
5B Period
6A Period
6B Period
7th Period
8th Period
9th Period
Bus Departure
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7:45 - 8:35
8:39 - 9:09
9:13 - 9:53
9:57 - 10:37
10:41 - 11:21
11:25 - 11:55
11:25 - 12:05
11:59 - 12:39
12:09 - 12:39
12:43 - 1:23
1:27 - 2:07
2:11 - 2:50
2:55
Schedule
PM Assembly Time
1st Period
2nd Period
3rd Period
4th Period
5A Period
5B Period
6A Period
6B Period
7th Period
8th Period
9th Period
Homeroom
Bus Departure
SchoolColors~Red&White
SchoolMascot~Indians
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7:45 - 8:33
8:37 - 9:15
9:19 - 9:57
10:01 - 10:39
10:43 - 11:13
10:43 - 11:21
11:17 - 11:55
11:25 - 11:55
11:59 - 12:37
12:41 - 1:19
1:23 - 2:01
2:05 - 2:50
2:55
ACADEMICS
CourseDrop/AddPolicy
Agreatamountoftimeandeffortisdevotedtoreviewingdatatoensurestudentschedulesarecorrect.
SchedulechangesattheMiddleSchoolarearareoccurrenceandwillrequireadministrativeapproval.No
schedulechangeswillbegrantedtoallowachangeinclassperiodsorteachersunlessthereareextenuating
circumstances.AllschedulechangesmustberequestedbeforeSeptember2,2016.
GradingProcedures
Evaluationproceduresforallstudentsmustbeequitableandconsistent.Itistheresponsibilityofthe
administratorsandstafftomakeprofessionaljudgmentsregardingtheachievementofeachstudent.Itisthe
responsibilityofeachstudenttocomplywiththeestablishedregulationsthataffectacademicperformance.
Theseregulationsareapplicableforgrades7-12.AbridgedBoardPolicies#212,213,215and217
Standard
TheHonorRollisbasedonastudent’sgradepointaverageand
Percentage
Grade
-QP
categorizedas:
100-93
A
4
92-90
A-
3.75
HighestHonors:4.0
89-87
B+
3.25
HighHonors:3.5–3.99
86-83
B
3
Honors:3.0–3.49
82-80
B-
2.75
79-77
C+
2.25
StudentsachievinghonorrollwillberecognizedontheMiddleSchool
76-73
C
2
72-70
C-
1.75
websiteattheendofeachsemester.
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D
1
64-0
EmailingFaculty
E
0
Allteachersandadministratorscanbereachedbye-mail.StaffemailscanbefoundontheNorthHillsSchool
Districtwebsiteatwww.nhsd.net.Generally,thee-mailaddressforallstaffmembersisasfollows:Lastname
[email protected]:JohnDoe’[email protected]
FailedCourses
Ifastudentfailsmorethantwooftheircoreclasses,theywillautomaticallyberetainedandwillnotbe
promotedtothenextgradelevel.Ifastudentfails2orfewercoreclasses,theymayrecoverthosecreditsby
passingthecorrespondingsummerschoolcourseforeachfailedclass.Astudentmusthavea45%orabovein
theclassinordertomakeitupinsummerschool.Studentscantakeuptotwo(2)coursesinsummerschool
torecovercreditsfromfailedclasses.Ifastudentfailstorecovertheircreditsinsummerschool,theywillbe
retainedandwillnotbepromotedtothenextgradelevel.Seepromotionrequirementsonpage4.
HomeworkNotification
Parentsandstudentsmayfindassignmentsonlineaseachteachersingrades7and8willposthomeworkon
PowerSchool.ParentsarestronglyencouragedtoutilizePowerSchoolasithasanemailalertsystemthatwill
notifyparentsofmissed/lateassignments.PleaserefertotheProgressReportingsectionforadditional
information.
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ParentConferences
Parentsareencouragedtocontacttheschoolaboutconcernsregardingtheirson’s/daughter’sschoolwork.
Appointmentsforconferenceswithteachersorcounselorsmaybemadebycallingtheguidanceoffice.Inthe
eventateamconferenceisrequired,contacttheteamleaderortheappropriateguidancecounselor.
PhysicalEducation
Itisarequirementforeachstudenttopurchasedistrict-approvedPEshortsandshirt.Informationregarding
howtopurchasethePEuniformwillbedistributedtostudentsintheirPEclassduringthefirstweekofclass.
Ifyouhaveanillnessorinjurywhichprohibitsyoufromparticipationforanextendedperiodoftime,youneed
topresentaphysician’sexcusetotheappropriatePhysicalEducationteacherandtotheschoolnurse.The
excusemustcontainthefollowinginformation:thenatureoftheillnessorinjuryandthelengthoftimethe
studentwillneedtobeexcusedfromphysicaleducationclasses.
ProgressReporting/PowerSchool
Parentsandstudentshaveaccesstotheirchild’sacademicprogressatalltimesthroughthedistrict’sonline
gradereportingsystem.Allparentsandstudentshavetheirownassignedlogininformation.Everystudent’s
progressisavailable24hoursaday,7daysperweek,throughPowerSchool.Parentsarestrongly
encouragedtoutilizethissystemtomonitortheirchild’sacademicprogress.
ProgressreportscanbeaccessedthroughPowerSchool,whichcanbeaccessedthroughtheschool’swebsite.
Ifapapercopyisneeded,pleasecontactyourchild’sguidancecounselor.Theprogressreportistoinform
parentsofthereasonsfortheirson’s/daughter’ssuccessorfailureandparticularstrengthsorweaknessesin
thosesubjectslistedonthereport.Parentsareencouragedtoconsultwiththechild’scounselorand/or
teacherconcerningprogressreports.
PromotionRequirements
Eachstudentandparenthastheresponsibilitytomakepromotionagoalanddevelopaplantoachieveit.
Eachstudentistoperformschoolworkrelatedtohis/herindividualability/achievementexpectancies.
Performanceisbasedonevaluationofassignments,participation,andtestsintheclassroom.Attendance,
attitudeandbehaviorareadditionalpersonalindicatorswhichaffectclassroomperformance.Performanceon
the7thand8thGradePSSAsmayimpactfutureschedulingrequests.
GradeSeven:PromotiontoEighthGraderequiressuccessfulcompletionoffiveormorecreditsin
seventhgrade.Thesecreditsmustincludefourpassinggradesinthecorecurricularsubjects:English,
Math,SocialStudies,ScienceandLiteracyArts.Studentsmayacquireanadditionalcreditthrougha
combinationofother7thgradecoursessuchasLiteracyArts7B,LiteracyArts7C,IntrotoComputers,
WorldLanguageExploratory,a7thgradeMusicElective,PhysicalEducation,Art,FamilyandConsumer
ScienceandTechnologyEducation.
GradeEight:PromotiontoNinthGraderequiressuccessfulcompletionoffiveormorecreditsineighth
grade.FourofthosecreditsmustbeearnedbypassingEnglish,Math,ScienceandSocialStudies.
Studentsmayacquireanadditionalcreditthroughacombinationofother8thgradecoursessuchas
LiteracyArts8B,LiteracyArts8C,WorldLanguageLevelIcourse,8thgradeMusicElectives,Health,
PhysicalEducation,andArt,FamilyandConsumerScienceandTechnologyEducation.
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ReportCards
Reportcardsareissuedaftereachsemester.Studentswillreceivetworeportcardsperyear.Firstsemester
endsJanuary13.2017.SecondsemesterendsMay26.2017.
StudyHalls
Allstudyhallswillmeetintheassignedareasandrooms.Rollwillbetakeneachday.Attendanceregulations
instudyhallwillbethesameasclassattendance.Anystudentnotattendinghis/herassignedstudyhallwillbe
assignedappropriatepenaltiesaccordingtothedisciplinepolicy.
Studentswithastudyhallontheirscheduleshouldarrivetostudyhallwithsufficientmaterialstouseduring
theentirestudyperiod.Sleepingisnotpermittedduringstudyhallandstudentsarenotabletouseelectronic
devices.
StudySkills
HowtoStudy:Successinschooldependslargelyupontheabilityofthestudenttoorganizehismaterialsand
followadefiniteplanofstudy.Itisnottheamountoftimespentinstudybuttheamountofconcentrationput
forthwhichproducesresults.
Thesestudyhabitspromotesuccess:
1.
Haveaquietplacetostudy.
2.
Organizestudymaterials.Haveallnecessarytoolsoflearningathand:tablet,eraser,
notebooks,pencils,dictionary,etc.
3.
Budgetyourtime.
4.
Understandtheassignmentclearly.Itisagoodhabittowritedowntheassignmentina
notebook.
5.
Donotallowyourattentiontowanderortobedividedbydistractinginfluences.
6.
Startworkandcompleteit.Donotleaveittodosomethingelseortostartadifferentsubject.
7.
Anticipatequestionsbasedonmaterialandtrytoanswerthem.
8.
Pickouttheimportantfactsofthelessonandbesuretounderstandthem.
9.
Alwaysbeattentiveinclassandabsorbasmuchofthelessonaspossibleintheclassroom;thus,
youwillfindstudieseasierandmoreinteresting.
StudentTranscriptsandStudentRecords
Parents/Guardiansandstudentshavetherighttoreviewtheirchild’sschoolrecords.Awrittenrequestfor
accesstorecordsmaybesubmittedinperson,bymail,byfacsimileorbyemailtotheofficeoftheprincipal48
hoursinadvance.Topreservetheconfidentialityofstudentsand,tocomplywiththecurrentlaw,student
recordswillnotbereleasedtocolleges,businessschools,technicalschoolsoremployerswithoutwritten
authorizationfromthestudent.
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ATHLETICS
Allsports-relatedinformationcanbefoundatwww.nhsports.org
Eligibility
Anystudentparticipatinginanyoftheschool’sathleticprogramswillbesubjecttoaweeklyperformance
reviewbyadministration,his/herteachersand/orcoach.Thispolicywillalsoapplytoallcheerleaders.Any
athletewhoisfailingfourcourseswillbedeclaredineligibletopracticeorplayinanycontesttheweek
followingtheperformancereview.Additionally,studentswhomisbehavewhenparticipatinginasportmay
receivedisciplinaryconsequencesincludingrestrictiontoparticipate.
AllathleticsatNorthHillsaregovernedbytherulessetforthbytheNationalFederationofHighSchoolSports
(NFHS),thePennsylvaniaInterscholasticAthleticAssociation(PIAA)andtheWesternPennsylvania
InterscholasticAthleticLeague(WPIAL).ThestandardsofthePennsylvaniaInterscholasticAthleticAssociation
shallbefollowedasthebasisforstudenteligibilityforparticipationininterscholasticathletics.
TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictsponsorsthefollowingInterscholasticAthleticProgramsattheMiddleSchool:
FallSports
SpringSport
Boys’-CrossCountry(7/8),Football(7/8),Soccer(7/8) Boys’-Baseball(7/8),TrackandField(7/8)
Girls’-CrossCountry(7/8),Basketball(7/8)
Girls’-Softball(7/8),TrackandField(7/8)
Soccer(7/8)
Volleyball(7/8)Girls,Volleyball(7/8)Boys
WinterSports
Boys’-Basketball(7/8),Wrestling(7/8)
ClubSports
IceHockey,GirlsSlowPitchSoftball
AllathleticeventsaredirectlysponsoredbytheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictregardlessofthesite.
StudentsareexpectedtoexhibitproperbehavioratalltimeswhenrepresentingtheNorthHillsSchoolDistrict
atathleticeventsasaparticipant,competitor,orspectator.AllrulesandpoliciesestablishedbytheNorth
HillsSchoolDistricthavejurisdictionoverstudentsatathleticevents.TheNorthHillsAthleticProgramisa
studentprivilege.Studentswhoexhibitimproperbehaviormaylosetheirprivilegetoparticipatein,orattend
anyorallathleticeventssponsoredbytheNorthHillsSchoolDistrict.
Studentsunderoronsuspension(in-schoolorout-of-school)arealsosuspendedfromparticipationinall
activitiesandathleticeventsasparticipantsandasspectatorsonthedatesofthesuspension,including
weekends,breaks,andholidaysthatfallwithinthesuspension.
AthleticAttendance
ThePIAArequiresthatallparticipantsinathleticprogramsbefull-timestudentsattheschoolwherethey
participate.Inaddition,ourstudentsmustattendschoolatleastahalfdaytobeeligibleforpracticeor
competitionthatday.Thecutofftimeforahalfdayis11:00a.m.
AccordingtoPIAArules,anyathletewhomisses20schooldaysinasemesterisineligibleuntiltheyhave
attended45schooldaysfollowingthe20thabsence.
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ACTIVITIESANDCLUBS
Clubswillmeetonselectdaysduringhomeroomandafterschoolasdesignatedbythesponsor.Examplesof
clubsincludebutarenotlimitedto:
Jr.NationalHonor
ArtClub
ChessClub
ConcertChoir
FancyMannies
Society
WorldLanguage
Clubs(German,
LiteratiReaders&
NextLevelFitness
Intramurals
Recreation
French,Spanish,
Writers
Latin)
BestBuddies
SewOn&SewForth StudentLeadership TechEd
WorldDrumming
Participationinactivitiesandclubsisaprivilegeandmayberestrictedorlimitedandisdependentupona
student’sacademicstanding.Studentsneedingtospendadditionaltimeworkingonacademicstoimprove
performancewillremaininhomeroomasdeemednecessarybyteamteachers,guidancecounselorand/or
administration.
Additionally,studentswhomisbehaveinacluboractivitymayreceivedisciplinaryconsequencesincluding
restrictiontoparticipate.
DanceGuidelines
OnlyactiveNorthHillsMiddleSchoolstudentswhoarenotonsocialprobationarepermittedtoattend
schooldances.Itisrecommendedthatallstudentspre-purchasetheirticketsinadvanceduringtheirlunch
periodorhomeroom.Studentsarriving30minutesafterthestarttimeofthedancewillnotbepermittedto
enterthedance.Allstudentsmustremainatthedance-thereisnore-admittancetotheseevents.Allschool
rulesandpolicieswillbeenforcedincludingthedresscode.Anystudentremainingonschoolproperty20
minutesfollowingthedancewillnotbepermittedtoattendthenextdance.AbridgedBoardPolicy#231
StudentCouncil
StudentCouncilrepresentsthestudentbodyattheNorthHillsMiddleSchoolandistheheartofstudent
involvement.StudentCouncilisaveryactiveanddedicatedgroupofyoungpeoplewhoareinvolvedinmany
differentschoolandcommunityprojects.Therearemanybenefitstobederivedfromagroupofthisnature.
• Itprovidesaplatformforstudentconcerns.
• Itprovidesstudentswithopportunitiestodeveloptheirleadershipabilities.
• Ithelpstocreateapositiveschoolclimate.
AnystudentcanbenominatedforStudentCouncilleadershipbyfillingoutanominationpetition.Members
arethenelectedbythestudentbody.SpecificmembershipinformationmaybeobtainedfromtheStudent
Councilsponsor.
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Yearbook
NorthHillsMiddleSchool’syearbookispublishedbymembersoftheyearbookstaff.Thecostoftheyearbook
isannouncedeachyear.Orderinginformationforyearbookswillbedistributedtostudentsandpostedonthe
MiddleSchoolwebsite.
ATTENDANCE
Guidelines
TheBoardrequiresthatschoolagestudentsenrolledinDistrictschoolsattendschoolregularly,inaccordance
withstatelaws.TheeducationalprogramofferedbytheDistrictispredicateduponthepresenceofthe
studentandrequirescontinuityofinstructionandclassroomparticipationinorderforstudentstoachieve
academicstandardsandconsistenteducationalprogress.Theinteractionofstudentswithoneanotherinthe
classroomandtheirparticipationinplannedlearningactivitiesunderthesupervisionoftheschoolpersonnel
arevitaltothelearningprocess.AbridgedBoardPolicy#204
AttendanceshallberequiredofallstudentsenrolledinDistrictschoolsduringthedaysandhoursthatschool
isinsession,exceptthataprincipalorteachermayexcuseastudentfortemporaryabsenceswhenreceiving
satisfactoryevidenceofmental,physical,orotherurgentreasonsthatmayreasonablycausethestudent's
absence.Urgentreasonsshallbestrictlyconstruedanddonotpermitirregularattendance.
GeneralProceduresRelatingtoStudentAbsence
Forpurposesofthispolicy,therearetwo(2)typesofstudentabsence:
a.Excused–Absencesforclearlyestablishedmental,physical,orotherurgentreasonssuchas,bereavement,
religiousholidaysorcourtappearances.Thebuildingadministratorshallmakethedeterminationofwhat
constitutesan“urgentreason”underthispolicy.
TheBoardconsidersthefollowingconditionstoconstitutereasonablecauseforabsencefromschool:
1. Illness
2. Quarantine
3. Recoveryfromaccident
4. Requiredcourtattendance
5. Deathinfamily
6. Familyeducationaltrips
7. Educationaltoursandtrips
8. Impassableroads
Inthecaseofexcusedabsences,thestudentwillbeexpectedtomakeupanyassignmentsorteststhathave
beenmissedand,forthispurpose,willbegrantedaperiodoftimeequaltothelengthoftheabsence.
b.Unexcused–Absenceswhichdonotmeetthecriteriaindicatedabovefor“excusedabsences”.
AbsencesshallbetreatedasunexcuseduntiltheDistrictreceivesawrittenexcuseexplainingtheabsence,to
besubmittedwithinthree(3)daysoftheabsence.Amaximumoften(10)daysofconsecutivelawfulabsences
verifiedbyparentalnotificationmaybepermittedduringaschoolyear.Afterthree(3)ormoreconsecutive
schooldays’absence,theschooladministratormayrequestthattheparents/studentprovideadoctor’s
certificationofabsence.Suchcertificationmustindicatethatthestudentwasseenbythephysician,thedate
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ofthevisit,andwhenthestudentwasclearedtoreturntoschool.Allabsencesbeyondten(10)consecutive
daysshallrequireanexcusefromalicensedphysician.
TheSuperintendentordesigneemaydetermineunexcusedabsencesasunlawfulandreporttoappropriate
authoritiesinfractionsofthelawregardingtheattendanceofstudentsbelowtheageofseventeen(17).The
buildingprincipalshallissuenoticetothoseparents/guardianswhofailtocomplywiththestatutory
requirementsofcompulsoryattendancethatsuchinfractionswillbeprosecutedaccordingtolaw.
TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallberesponsibleformakingdirectpersonalcontactwiththe
parent(s)/guardian(s)ofanystudentwhohasarecordofexcessiveabsenteeism,unexcusedand/orunlawful
absences.Attendanceneednotalwaysbewithinschoolfacilities.Astudentwillbeconsideredinattendance
ifpresentatanyplacewhereschoolisinsessionbyauthorityoftheBoard;thestudentisreceivingapproved
tutorialinstruction,orhealthortherapeuticservices;thestudentisengagedinanapprovedandproperly
supervisedindependentstudy,work-studyorcareereducationprogram;orthestudentisreceivingapproved
homeboundinstruction.
Allabsencesoccasionedbyobservanceofthestudent'sreligionasareligiousholidayshallbeexcusedandno
penaltyshallbeattachedtoanabsenceforareligiousholiday.
TheSuperintendentordesigneeshall,uponwrittenrequestoftheparents/guardians,releasefrom
attendanceastudentparticipatinginareligiousinstructionprogramacknowledgedbytheBoard.Such
instructionshallnotrequirethechild'sabsencefromschoolformorethanthirty-six(36)hoursperschool
year,anditsorganizersmustinformtheSuperintendentordesigneeofthechild'sattendancerecord.The
Districtshallnotprovidetransportationtoreligiousinstruction.Nopenaltyshallbeattachedtoanabsencefor
religiousinstruction.
TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallpermitastudenttobeexcusedforparticipationinaprojectsponsored
byastatewideorcountywide4-H,FFAorcombined4-HandFFAgroupuponwrittenrequestpriortothe
event.
TheSuperintendentordesigneewillrecognizeotherjustifiableabsencesforpartoftheschoolday.Theseshall
includemedicalordentalappointments,courtappearances,familyemergencies,andotherurgentreasons.
TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallacceptthefollowingasexceptiontotherequirementsofthispolicy.
• Oncertificationbyaphysicianorsubmissionofothersatisfactoryevidenceandonapprovalofthe
DepartmentofEducation,childrenwhoareunabletoattendschoolorapplythemselvestostudyfor
mental,physicalorotherreasonsthatprecluderegularattendance.
• Studentsenrolledinnonpublicorprivateschoolsinwhichthesubjectsandactivitiesprescribedbylaware
taught,exceptthatsuchstudentsandstudentsattendingcollegewhoarealsoenrolledpart-timeinthe
Districtschoolsshallbecountedasbeinginpart-timeattendanceinthisDistrict.
• Studentsfifteen(15)orsixteen(16)yearsofagewhoseenrollmentinprivatetradeorbusinessschools
hasbeenapproved.
• Studentsfourteen(14),fifteen(15),andsixteen(16)yearsofage,whohavecompletedsixthgrade,who
areengagedinfarmworkorprivatedomesticserviceunderdulyissuedpermits.
• Studentssixteen(16)yearsofageregularlyemployedduringtheschoolsessionandholdingalawfully
issuedemploymentcertificate.
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•
StudentsreceivingtutorialinstructioninafieldnotofferedintheDistrict'scurriculafromaproperly
qualifiedtutorapprovedbytheSuperintendent/designee,whentheexcusaldoesnotinterferewiththe
student'sregularprogramofstudies.
Homeboundchildrenunabletoattendschoolontherecommendationofaphysicianorapsychiatrist.
StudentsenrolledinspecialschoolsconductedbytheIntermediateUnitortheDepartmentofEducation.
•
•
Inthecaseofexcusedabsences,thestudentwillbeexpectedtomakeupanyassignmentsorteststhathave
beenmissedand,forthispurpose,willbegrantedaperiodoftimeequaltothelengthoftheabsence.
Asageneralprocedure,studentswithunexcusedabsencesmaynotbepermittedtomakeupassignmentsor
testsmissedduringtheperiodofabsenceforcredit.Thebuildingadministratormaypermitthemake-upof
workortests,dependinguponthecircumstancesofeachcaseandtheattendancehistoryofthechild.
Parents/guardianswillbenotifiedoftheirchild’sexcessiveabsencesthroughouttheyearbymeansofan
informativeletter.Attendancenotificationlettersaremailedtomaintaincollaborativeattendanceefforts
betweenschoolsandparents/guardians.
Ifthestudentcontinuestoexhibitapatternofabsenteeism,aletter,underthebuildingadministrator’s
signature,maybesenttotheparentsorguardians,informingthemthatmedicaldocumentationwillbe
requiredforeachsubsequentabsenceortheabsencewillbeclassifiedasunexcusedorunlawful.Studentswill
beexpectedtopresenttheseexcuseswithinthree(3)daysofreturningtoschool.Ifmedicaldocumentationis
notprovidedforeachsubsequentabsence,participationinattendancemeetingswithprincipalordesignees
mayberequiredofparent/guardianandstudent.
Uponthe18thabsence,excusedand/orunexcused,parentswillbenotifiedbytheprincipal,inwriting,that
thestudent’sattendancehasexceededthelimitofacceptableabsencesforoneschoolyear,andthatall
subsequentabsenceswillrequiremedicaldocumentationorbedeemedunexcusedwithnomake-up
privilegesforworkmissedduetotheunexcusedabsence,unlessauthorizedbyanadministrator.
Failuretoprovidemedicaldocumentationasrequestedmayresultinthefilingoftruancychargeswiththe
localmagistrate.
TheDistrictshallnotdiscriminateagainstanystudentregardingattendanceinschoolonthebasisofrace,
color,religion,creed,ancestry,age,gender,nationalorigin,sexualorientation,handicap/disability,ortheuse
ofaguideorsupportanimalbecauseofblindnessordeafnessoftheuser.
AbsencefromClass
Studentsinschoolforthedaymaybeexcusedfromclassonlybyaprincipalorcounselor.Astudentwho
missesaclassormorethanone-halfoftheclassduetounexcusedlatenessshallbereportedtotheprincipal
foraclasscut.Cuttingofclass,studyhallorhomeroomwillresultindisciplinaryaction.
ChildrenofSeparated/DivorcedParents
Intheeventthataseparated/divorcedparentwhoretainscustodyofachildanddoesnotwantthatchildto
bereleasedtothecareoftheotherparent,theschoolwillcomplywithhis/herwishesprovidedhe/shefiles
withtheirschoolacopyofthecourtordermandatingcompliancewiththatrequest.
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ClassCuts
Classcutsareconsideredunexcusedabsencesfromaparticularclass.Disciplinaryactionforcuttingclasswill
beinaccordancewiththeDisciplinaryPolicy.
DueDateforWrittenExcuses
Writtenexcusesaredueatthetimeofthestudent’sreturntoschool.Allstudentsshallturntheirexcusesin
totheAssistantPrincipal’sOffice.AllabsencescalledintotheAssistantPrincipal’sofficewillturninto
unexcusedwithoutawrittennote.
Agraceperiodofthree(3)daystosubmittheexcuseswillbeextendedtoparentsandstudents.Absencesfor
whichexcusesarenotreceivedafterthree(3)daysmaybeclassifiedasunexcused.
EarlyDismissalofStudents
Earlydismissalswillbegrantedforprofessionalmedicalservices,personalillnessapprovedbythe
nurse/principal,emergenciesapprovedbyaprincipal,andreasonsapprovedinadvancebyaprincipal.All
requestsforearlydismissalsaresubjecttoapprovalbyaprincipal.Thestudentmustobtainanearlydismissal
formintheAssistantPrincipal’sOfficebysubmittingawrittenrequestpriortothestartofschooltohavethe
requestvalidatedbytheoffice.Thewrittenrequestshouldcontainthestudent’sname,dateofthedismissal
request,timeofthedismissalrequest,reasonfortherequest,parentalsignature,andaphonenumberwhere
theparentcanbereachedforverification.
EducationalTrips
TheSuperintendentordesigneemayexcuseastudentfromschoolattendancetoparticipateinaneducational
tourortripnotsponsoredbytheDistrictifthefollowingconditionsaremet:
a. Unlessunusualcircumstancesexist,theparent/guardianwillsubmitawrittenrequestbymeansofthe
District’sEducationalTripRequestForm,forexcusaltwo(2)weekspriortothedateofthetrip.
b. Theadultdirectingandsupervisingthetourortripisacceptabletotheparents/guardiansandthe
Superintendentordesignee.
c. Studentsshallbegrantedtheprivilegeofmakingupworkmissedbyexcusedabsence.However,the
responsibilityformakinguptheworkliesentirelywiththestudent.Arrangementsshallbemadewith
theteachersastotheworkwhichwillbemissed.
TheSuperintendentordesigneemaylimitthenumberanddurationoftoursortripsforwhichexcused
absencesmaybegrantedtoastudentduringtheschoolterm.AbridgedBoardPolicy#204
EligibilityGuidelines–School-SponsoredTrips/Activities
Indeterminingwhetherastudentmaybeexcusedfromschoolattendanceinordertoparticipateinmajor
musictrips,majorathletictrips(seeAthleticManual),andcollegevisitationtrips,thebuildingadministrator
maygiveconsiderationtothestudent’srecordofunexcused/unlawfulabsencesandthestudent’scumulative
excusedabsencesfortheschoolyearinquestion.Excessivedisciplineandacademicorattendanceissuesmay
prohibitparticipationinschool-sponsoredactivities,tripsorteamrewards.Collaborationamongthe
sponsor/teacherandtheadministrationwillmakethedeterminationofastudent’seligibility.
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ReportingToSchool
Studentsshouldnotarrivetoschoolbefore7:30a.m.unlesstheyareonschoolbusinessapprovedbythe
administrationorteacher.Studentswillremainintheentrancelobbyandfronthallbeforeproceedingto
theirlockersat7:40a.m.Studentsaretoreporttofirstperiodby7:45a.m.eachday.Studentsreportingto
schoolafter7:45a.m.willbeconsideredtardytoschoolandMUSTreporttotheAssistantPrincipal’sOfficeto
sign-in.Ifastudentistardy,he/shemustshowacopyofthetardysliptotheirteacheruponbeingadmitted
toclass.Atardystudent’sfailuretoreporttotheAssistantPrincipal’sOfficeimmediatelyuponarrivalwill
resultindisciplinaryaction.Alltardinesstoschool,withtheexceptionoftardinesscausedbydistrict
transportation,shallberecordedbothonastudent’spermanentrecordandinacumulativefashiononthe
student’sreportcard.Tardinesstoschoolistoberecordedasexcusedorunexcused.
ExcusedTardiness-Religiousholiday,Healthcare,Illness,Verifiableemergency,Bereavement,priorapproval
byaprincipal,Districttransportationfailure.
UnexcusedTardiness-Tardinessnotcoveredbytheprecedingreasonsshallbedeemedunexcused.
Accumulationofunexcusedtardieswillresultindisciplinaryaction.Thefinaldeterminantshallbetheschool
principalorhisdesignee.
SchoolClosingInformation
Intheeventofhazardousroadconditions,extremetemperaturesorotheremergencysituations,schoolsmay
becancelledordelayed.Informationwillbeavailablefromthefollowingsources:Districtwebsite@
www.nhsd.net,GlobalConnectautomatedphonecall,Emailtoe-linksubscribers,DistrictNewsline(412-3181067),KDKA,WPXIandWTAEtelevision.
StudentParticipationinActivities
StudentsMUSTbeinattendanceinordertoattendaschool-sponsoredfunctionorparticipateinaschool
sponsoredactivityorevent.Studentswhoaredeclaredabsentfromschoolwillnotbepermittedtoattenda
schoolfunctionandwillbedeclaredineligibletoparticipateinanathleticcontest.
Truancy-Absencefromschoolwithoutpermission
FirstOffense-Threedaysin-schoolsuspensionandnomake-upprivileges.
SubsequentOffenses-Progressivein-schoolsuspensionscheduleasdeemedappropriatebytheprincipaland
no-make-upprivileges.
UnexcusedTardiestoClass/TardiesToSchool
StudentswhoarrivelatetoclassshallbedocumentedbytheclassroomteacherandreferredtotheAssistant
Principal’sOfficebasedonthechartbelow.Astudentwhoarrivesexcessivelylatewithnoreasonableexcuse
shouldbereferredimmediatelytotheAssistantPrincipal’sOffice.Astudentwhoislatetoclass/latetoschool
anddeemedunexcusedbytheprincipalshallreceivethefollowingdisciplinarysanctions:
-13-
#ofOffense
PerSemester
4th
8th
12th
16th
20th
Discipline
Warning
LunchDetention
TwoLunchDetentions
FourLunchDetentions
SaturdayDetentionLevelIII
Subsequentoffenseswillbedisciplinedasdeemedappropriatebytheprincipal
Administrationreservestherighttomodifythesesanctions,astheydeemnecessary
CLARIFICATION
TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictrecognizesthatitisimpossibletoexpressallofthebehaviorsandconsequences
thatmightoccurduringthecourseoftheregularschoolyear.Whenappropriate,otherDistrictpublications
suchasStudentHandbooks,DistrictProceduresandBoardPolicywillservetoclarifythisDistrictDiscipline
Policy.StudentRightsandResponsibilitiesasidentifiedinTitle22,Chapter12ofthePennsylvaniaSchool
Codemaybemaybemadeavailableuponrequest.
REGULATIONS
TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictrecognizesthatitisimpossibletoexpressallofthebehaviorsandconsequences
thatmightoccurduringthecourseoftheregularschoolyear.Whenappropriate,otherDistrictpublications
suchasStudentHandbooks,DistrictProceduresandBoardPolicywillservetoclarifythisDistrictDiscipline
Policy.StudentRightsandResponsibilitiesasidentifiedinTitle22,Chapter12ofthePennsylvaniaSchool
Codemaybemadeavailableuponrequest.
AuthorityandResponsibility
TheDistricthastheauthoritytomakenecessaryrulesgoverningtheconductofstudents.Thegoalisto
developpositive,constructivestudentbehaviors.Disciplineisadministeredtomodifyinappropriatebehavior.
TheAdministrationwillimplementpoliciesandenforcerules,regulations,andproceduressetforthbythe
BoardofEducation.Thelinesofauthorityindealingwithdisciplinerestfirstwiththeteachingstaff,andthe
assistantprincipalandbuildingprincipal.Ifresolutionisnotreachedatthebuildinglevel,referralsshouldbe
madetotheassistantsuperintendent,superintendentand,finally,totheBoardofEducation.
Thisdisciplinepolicycanbecomemoreeffectivewithsupportandcooperationofthestaff,parents,and
students.Allstudentshavearighttoaneducationandaresponsibilitytorespecttherightsoftheirpeersand
theregulationsofschool.Additionally,studentshavearesponsibilitytoregularlyattendschool,makea
conscientiouseffortinclassroomwork,andconformtoallschoolrulesandregulations.Mostofallstudents
sharewiththeadministrationandfacultyaresponsibilitytodevelopaclimatewithintheschoolthatis
conducivetowholesomelearningandliving.
Itistheresponsibilityofeachstudenttorespecttherightsoftheteachers,administrators,students,andall
otherswhoareinvolvedintheeducationalprocess.Itistheresponsibilityofstudentstobeawareofallrules
-14-
andregulationsforstudentbehaviorandtoconductthemselvesinaccordancewiththemorbepreparedto
faceappropriateconsequencesforruleinfractions.
BombThreats:TerroristicThreatsorActs
Astudentwhoengagesinterroristicthreatsoractspresentsadangertothesafetyandwelfareofother
districtstudents,staffandthecommunity.StudentswhoengageinsuchactsasdefinedinBoardPolicy#210
willleadtoanimmediateten-daysuspension.TheAdministrationwillrecommendstudentstotheBoardfora
formalhearingandsubsequentexpulsion.
BreakfastProcedures
Beginningat7:30a.m.,studentswhowishtopurchasebreakfastmustgostraighttothecafeteria.All
studentswhoreporttothecafeteriamustpurchaseafooditem.Studentsarenotpermittedtogotothe
cafeteriatosocialize.Studentswhochoosetoeatbreakfastmustleavethecafeteriaforfirstperiodby7:50
a.m.
BusConduct
Allschooldistrictrulesandpoliciesareineffectondistrictprovidedtransportation.Intheinterestofasafe,
orderlyandpleasantrideontheschoolbus,studentsareexpectedtobecourteous,cooperative,and
restrained.Whenstudentshavetowalkalongthehighwaytoabusstop,theyshouldwalkonthesidefacing
traffic.Studentsshouldwaitforthebustocometoacompletestopbeforeenteringorleavingthebus.
Studentswillbeassignedseatingareasduringthefirstweekofschoolandarerequiredtositinthemforthe
durationoftheschoolyear,unlessotherwiseassignedbyadministration.Studentsarenotpermittedtostand
whilethebusisinmotion.Studentsarenotpermittedtoputhands,armsorheadsoutofbuswindows.
Studentsarenottodamageordefaceanythingonthebus,noraretheypermittedtothrowanythingoutof
thewindows.Restitutionfordamagesistheresponsibilityofthestudentandparents.Forthesafetyandwellbeingofstudents,cameraswithvideoandaudiorecordingcapabilitiesareinstalledonalldistrictschoolbuses.
Theaudioandvideorecordingsfromthesecamerasmaybeutilizedbyadministratorstoassistinthe
investigationofreportedsafetyconcerns,disciplinaryincidentsoranyotherissuestheadministrationdeems
necessary.
Emergencydoorsaretobeusedonlyinanemergencyandnotintheordinaryexitfromthebus.Eating,
drinking,smoking,drugusageanduseofabusivelanguagearestrictlyforbiddenonthebus.Pushing,shoving,
andanyotherunnecessaryroughnesswillnotbetolerated.Whendepartingfromthebustocrossthe
highway,studentsarerequiredtocrossinfrontofthebusandbecarefuloftrafficcomingineitherdirection
alongthehighway.Thebusdriverisresponsibleforthebusandthesafetyofitsoccupants.Thedriver’s
directionsshallbefollowedatalltimes.Anysituationthatneedsattentiononthebusshouldbereportedto
thedriveratonce.Thedriverwillbringtheinfractiontotheattentionoftheprincipal.Transportationand
safetyshouldbeeveryone’sconcern.Seriousand/orpersistentviolationsoftransportationrulesandlackof
considerationforothersonbusescouldleadtoasuspensionofbusridingprivileges.
Studentsmayonlyridethebustowhichtheyareassigned.
(BuspasseswillNOTbeissuedunlesssituationisdeemedanemergencycircumstancebyadministration.)
-15-
CafeteriaRegulations
Allstudentsmustreportpromptlytothecafeteriaattheirassignedlunchperiodandshouldbeseatedupon
theirarrivalinthecafeteria.Allstudentsmustremainonschoolgroundsduringtheirlunchperiod.We
expectcourtesyinthecafeteria;line-jumping,pushing,inappropriatelanguage,etc.,willnotbetoleratedand
willresultindisciplinaryaction.FoodisnottobetakenoutofthecafeteriaexcepttotheLunchDetentionor
GuidedStudyrooms.Tablesandsurroundingareasaretobeleftcleanforthenextlunchperiod.Studentsare
todisposeoftraysandalltrashintheappropriatecontainers.Failuretodosowillresultindisciplinaryaction.
PleasecontacttheCafeteria(412)318-1429withanyspecialdietaryneeds.Studentsandparentsarenot
permittedtoorderfoodandhaveitdeliveredtotheschool.
FamiliesmayqualifyforfreeorreducedpriceschoollunchesthroughtheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictLunch
Program.Pleasecontactthefoodservicedepartmentat(412)318-1053fordetails.
DISTRICTDISCIPLINE(SAFESCHOOLS)POLICYAbridgedBoardPolicy#225
Purpose
Stresscausedbystudentviolencereboundsthroughoutaschool.Itiscriticalandvitalthateducatorslearn
howtocontroleventsratherthanleteventscontrolthem.TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictisdedicatedto
helpingeducatorsensuresafeandsecurelearningenvironments,freefromcrimeandfear,wherethe
businessofqualityeducationcanbecarriedoutwithoutinterruption.
Philosophy
TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictaddressesmanyaspectsofachild'sdevelopment.Oneoftheaspects,social
skillsacquisition,cangreatlyaffectthedevelopmentofstudents.Thestudentwhoconsistentlydemonstrates
acceptablebehaviorwillexperiencesuccessinmanyareas,includingacademicachievement,peeracceptance,
emotionalgrowth,andself-esteem.
TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictbelievesthatasafe,productive,andpositiveclimatecanbeprovidedbythe
appropriateandtimelyimplementationoftheguidelines.TheDistrictalsobelievesthat,ifstudentsshow
respecttoallpeopleatalltimes,apositiveatmospherecanbemaintained.
TheDistrictusesaprogressivedisciplineapproachindealingwithmisbehavior.TheDistrictintendstoplana
programofbehaviorandconsequencesthatbeginswithteacherreprimandandprogressesthroughanumber
ofconsequencesthatmayultimatelyleadtopermanentexpulsionfromschool.
Toguaranteethatallstudentswillexperiencetheexcellenteducationalclimatetheydeserve,theNorthHills
SchoolDistricthasdevelopedthesebehavioralguidelines.
AuthorandResponsibility
TheDistricthastheauthoritytomakereasonableandnecessaryrulesgoverningtheconductofstudentsin
schoolandatallschoolsponsoredeventsandactivitiesregardlessoflocation.Thegoalistodeveloppositive,
constructivestudentbehaviors.Disciplineisadministeredtomodifyinappropriatebehavior.
TheDistrictwillimplementandenforcetherules,regulations,andproceduressetforthinthisdiscipline
policy.Thelinesofauthorityindealingwithdisciplinerestfirstwiththeteachingstaffandthebuilding
-16-
principalsandassistantprincipals.Ifresolutionisnotreachedatthebuildinglevel,referralsshouldbemade
totheAssistantSuperintendent,Superintendentand,finally,totheBoard.TheDistrictalsorecognizesthis,or
anydisciplinepolicy,cannotbeeffectivewithoutthefullcooperationoftheentirestaff,parents,andthe
studentsoftheSchoolDistrict.
StudentResponsibility
Studentshaveagreatresponsibilityinbeinggoodcitizensoftheirschool.Theirresponsibilitiesincluderegular
schoolattendance,conscientiouseffortinclassroomwork,andconformitytoschoolrulesand
regulations.Mostofall,studentssharewiththeadministrationandfacultyaresponsibilitytodevelopa
climatewithintheschoolthatisconducivetowholesomelearningandliving.Itistheresponsibilityofeach
studenttorespecttherightsoftheteachers,administrators,students,andallotherswhoareinvolvedinthe
educationalprocess.
Itistheresponsibilityofstudentstobeawareofallrulesandregulationsforstudentbehaviorandtoconduct
themselvesinaccordancewiththem.Theyshouldassumethatuntilaruleiswaived,altered,orrepealed,itis
infulleffect.Students,therefore,mustobeyschoolrulesandworkthroughchannelstoeffectchanges.Such
changesmaybeaccomplishedbyworkingthroughclassofficers,homeroomrepresentatives,orthestudent
council.
DisciplineCode
AnimportantgoaloftheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictistohelpstudentsdevelopself-discipline.Nostudenthas
therighttointerferewiththeeducationofothers.Studentsareexpectedtofollowthedisciplinecode.When
thisdoesnotoccur,principalswilltakedisciplinaryaction,takingintoconsiderationthenatureoftheoffense
andthenumberofsimilaroffensescommittedbythatstudent.Theprincipalmayrequireaparental
conferenceorinformalhearingtoresolvetheproblem.
Off-campusincidentsimpactingtheeducationalenvironmentandbehaviorsthatimpact,effect,orendanger
thehealth,safety,andwellbeingofthestudentsand/orstaffoftheschooldistrictwillbeaddressedbythe
administrationanddisciplinaryactionsmayresult.Examplesofsuchconductincludebutarenotlimitedto:
illegalactivity,threatsof,alcoholuse,fighting,hazing,drugpossession,orsales,firearmpossession,violent
offenses,robbery,burglary,arson,sexualassaults.AbridgedBoardPolicies#224,225and231
TheFollowingAreExamplesOfInappropriateBehaviors.
GroupA-
Minormisbehavioronthepartofastudentthatimpedesorderlyclassroomproceduresor
interfereswiththeorderlyoperationoftheschool.Thesemisbehaviorsshouldbehandledbyanindividual
staffmemberbutsometimesrequiretheinterventionofotherschoolsupportpersonnel.
ExamplesButNotLimitedTo:
Classroom/schooldisturbance
ordisruptiveclassroombehavior
Loitering
Beinginanunauthorizedarea(orcruising)
Misuseofhallpass
-17-
Buttons/shirtswithinappropriatesayings
Panhandling
Classroomtardiness
Disorderlybusconduct
Eatingoutsidecafeteriaorinunauthorized
area(s)
RepeatedviolationsoftheDressCode
Runningorshoutinginthehalls
Inappropriatedisplayofaffection
Inappropriatelanguage/teasing
Throwinganyobject;littering
Unauthorizedpresenceinthehallsorotherschool
areas
Verbalharassmentofothers
DisciplinaryOptions
VerbalorWrittenReprimand
Detention(s)
DenialofPrivileges
InternalSuspension
GroupB-Misbehaviorwhosefrequencyorseriousnesstendstodisruptthelearningclimateoftheschool.
TheseinfractionswhichusuallyresultfromthecontinuationofGROUPAmisbehaviors,requirethe
interventionofpersonnelontheadministrativelevelbecausetheexecutionofGROUPAdisciplinaryoptions
hasfailedtocorrectthesituation.Alsoincludedinthisgrouparemisbehaviorswhichdonotrepresenta
directthreattothehealthandsafetyofother,butwhoseeducationalconsequencesareseriousenoughto
requirecorrectiveactiononthepartofadministration.
ExamplesButNotLimitedTo:
*Abusive,obscene,ordisrespectfullanguage,
writingorgestures
Misbehaviorduringfieldtripsorschoolprograms
Bringingradios,taperecorders,CDplayers,
pagers,laserpensandcameraswithout
authorization
Opendefianceofauthority;willfulrefusaltodoas
ordered
ContinuationoforextremeGROUPA
misconduct
Possessionofanelectronicdevice
Failuretoservedetentionsassigned
Repeatedunexcusedtardinesstohomeroom,class
orschool
*Gambling
Unauthorizedpossessionormisuseofschool
property,facilities,lockers
Insubordination/disrespecttoanyschool
employee
Usingforgednotes,excuses,ormisuseofhallpasses
-18-
*Violationofschoolattendancepolicies(e.g.
tardiness;truancy;leavingschoolpropertywithout
permission;cuttingclass;unexcusedabsence)
*LeavingSchoolgroundswithoutpermission
DisciplinaryOptions
Denialofprivileges/extra-curricularactivities;
socialprobation
InternalSuspension
Detentions
Out-of-SchoolSuspension
Enforcementofattendancepolicy
Referraltodistrictmagistrate
Saturdaydetention
GroupC-Actswhosefrequencyorseriousnesstendstodisruptthelearningclimateoftheschooland/or
actsdirectedagainstpersonsorpropertiesandwhoseconsequencescouldendangerthehealthorsafetyof
othersintheschool.
ExamplesButNotLimitedTo:
3rdoffensetruancy
**Physicalorverbalthreattostudentorstaff
member
*Computer/internetmisuse
Possessionofdrugparaphernalia
ContinuationoforextremeGROUPB
misconduct
****Possessionoruseoftobaccoproducts
Destructionofthepropertyofothers
Possession,saleoruseoffirecrackers,cherry
bombs,orotherfireworks
*Fighting
Refusaltoleaveschoolpropertywhenorderedtodo
so
**Harassment(includingracial,ethnic,religious
andsexualintimidation)
*Spittingonpersonorproperty
Hazing
Threateningorintimidatingothers;bullying
Lewdnessorindecentexposure
Trespassingonorinschoolpropertywhenclosed
Pettytheft
Unauthorizedorimproperuseofvehiclesonschool
grounds
-19-
*Vandalism
DisciplinaryOptions
Confiscation
Probation
Denialofprivileges/extra-curricularactivities
Referraltooutsideagency
DrugandAlcoholpolicyenforcement
Referraltopoliceordistrictmagistrate
InternalSuspension
Restitutionofpropertyordamages
Out-of-SchoolSuspension
Saturdaydetention
PAAct145enforcement
Temporaryremovalfromclass
GroupD-Actswhosefrequencyorseriousnesstendtodisruptordisturbthelearningclimateoftheschool.
Actsdirectedagainstpersonsorpropertywhichcouldordoposeathreattothehealth,safetyorwelfareof
othersintheschool.Suchactswillrequireadministrativeactionwhichcouldresultintheimmediateremoval
ofthestudentfromschoolandthepossibleinterventionoflawenforcementauthorities.
ExamplesButNotLimitedTo:
Aggravatedassault/battery
Institutionalvandalismandcriminalmischief
Arsonorattemptedarson
*Lightedorignitedobjects
***Bombthreatorthreateningphonecalls
Otherviolationsoffederal,state,orlocallaws
*Conductthatposesathreattothehealth,
safety,andwelfareofstudentsorstaff
***Possession,consumption,transportationor
traffickingofillegalsubstancesincludingalcohol
ContinuationoforextremeGROUPCmisconduct
***Possession/use/transferofdangerous
weapons
*Disorderlyconduct
*Theftorpossession/saleofstolenproperty
Extortionorattemptedextortion
Transfer/sale/possession/purchase/procurement/di
stribution/useorundertheinfluenceof
unauthorizedsubstances,e.g.,drugs,alcoholor
drugsparaphernalia
Unauthorizeduseoffirealarmorequipment
DisciplinaryOptions
Confiscation
PA.Act17enforcement
Drugandalcoholpolicyenforcement
Placementatthealternateschool
Expulsion
Referraltooutsideagency
-20-
Out-of-schoolsuspension
Referraltopoliceordistrictmagistrate
PA.Act145enforcement
Restitutionofpropertyordamages
Administrationreservestherighttomodifyanyformofcorrectiveaction,astheydeemnecessary.
Legend
***Firstoffensewillleadtoformalhearingwiththe
*Mayleadtoinvolvementofpolice,magistrate,or
BoardofEducationandsubsequentexpulsionfrom
juvenilecourt
school.
**HarassmentisdefinedbytheCrimesCode.
SeePage32
****ThePennsylvaniaStateCoderequiresa
mandatoryfineforpossessionoruseoftobacco.
DisciplinaryActions
BelowarethedescriptionsofdisciplinaryactionsthatmaybeadministeredatNorthHillsMiddleSchool.
Suspension-Internalsuspension(in-school),externalsuspension(out-of-school).Studentsareexpectedto
completecourseworkduringtheirsuspension.
InternalSuspension(ISS)isaninterimalternativeplacementforallMiddleSchoolstudentswhohave
violatedschoolpolicy.Thisprogramprovidesastructuredsettingwherestudentswillcontinueto
addressacademicresponsibilities,havetheopportunitytoreflectuponpastconductandtoexplore
moreappropriatealternatives.Thegradelevelcounselorwillmeetwithallstudentspriorto
transitioningtotheirregularinstructionprogram.StudentsassignedtoISSarenotreleasedtoanyof
theirregularlyscheduledclasses.
InternalSuspension–DiagnosticInterventionRoom(DIR)isaninterimalternativeplacementfor
specialeducationstudentsassignedtoin-schoolsuspensionandisdesignedtomeettheprovisionsof
IndividualEducationPlans.Theprogramisdirectedbyafull-timeInstructionalSpecialistwhoprovides
IEPinstructionalservices.Anyservices,classesorcoursesthatcannotbeduplicatedintheDIRsetting
willreverttotheregularclassroomsetting.Classroomteacherssenddailyassignmentsfortheir
studentsassignedtoDIR.Thecompletedworkisreturnedtotheteachersforevaluation.The
GuidanceCounselor,and/orMentalHealthTherapistwillbeavailabletoprovidesupporttothese
studentswithanemphasisforasuccessfulreturntotheirregularinstructionalprogram.
Out-Of-SchoolSuspension(homesuspension)-Astudentisdeniedaccesstotheschoolduringschool
hoursandisunderparentalsupervision.Studentswhoarechronicallyassignedout-of-school
suspensionshallberecommendedforanalternativeeducationplacement.
PlacementinanAlternativeEducationsetting
Expulsion(byformalBoardhearing)
Policearrestand/ormagistratehearing
-21-
Lossofprivileges-Administrationmayrestrictprivilegesresultingfromstudentmisconduct.
LunchDetention-Administratorsreservetheoptiontoassignastudentlunchdetentionforinfractionsthat
occurinsideoroutsidethecafeteria.A30-minutedetentionservedduringthestudentslunchperiod,which
thestudentswilleattheirlunchinanareaseparatefromthecafeteria.
SaturdayDetention-Beginsat8:00a.m.andendsat11:00a.m.Parents/guardiansareresponsiblefor
transportationtoandfromSaturdaydetention.Studentswhoarelatewillbesenthomeimmediately.
Studentsmustbringmaterialstostudyorread.Studentsaretobedroppedoffatthecafeteriaentranceof
theSeniorHighSchoolbefore8:00a.m.andpickeduppromptlyatthesamelocation.Studentswillfollowall
therulesandregulationsaswrittenintheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictDisciplinePolicywhileinattendanceat
SaturdayDetention.Anystudentnotcooperatingwiththeruleswillbeassignedadditionalconsequences.
HomeroomDetention-Administratorsreservetheoptiontoassignastudenta30-minutehomeroom
detentionforminorinfractions.
HallPassRestriction-Administratorsmayrestricthallpassprivilegesforstudentswhodemonstrate
unacceptablehallwaybehaviororwhohavemisusedahallpass.Studentsonhallpassrestrictionarenot
permittedoutofclasswithoutofficeapproval.Studentsonhallpassrestrictionwhoneedtoutilizethe
restroomduringclasswillbesenttothenurse’sofficetodoso.
SocialProbation–AdministratorsmayplaceastudentonSocialProbationiftheydemonstratetheinabilityto
behaveappropriatelyduringtheschoolday.Additionally,wheneverastudentissuspendedinoroutof
school,thatstudentisautomaticallyplacedonsocialprobation.SocialProbationrunsforaperiodoftime,at
leastonemonthinlength,determinedbyadministration.Studentsmustrequestameetingwith
administrationtoreviewtheirstatus.Atthattime,administrationwillreviewdiscipline,attendanceand
gradestodeterminewhetherastudentiseligibletobereleasedfromSocialProbation.WhileonSocial
Probation,thestudentisnotpermittedtoattendanyschoolfunctionsincluding,butnotlimitedto,athletic
events,concertsanddances.Participationinschool-sponsoredactivitiesmaycontinueatthediscretionof
administration.
HomeroomRestriction–Studentsarenotpermittedtoleavehomeroomtoattendacluboractivitywithout
priorspecificfromadministration.
Confiscation-Administrationretainstherighttopermanentlyortemporarilyseizecontrolofillegalor
prohibitedmaterials.
Administrationreservestherighttomodifyanyformofcorrectiveaction,astheydeemnecessary.
DismissalTimeProcedures
Studentsaretoexittheschoolbuildingandgodirectlytotheirbusbyusingthesidewalks.TheBusLaneis
locatedimmediatelyinfrontofboththemiddleschoolandhighschoolandisnottobeaccessedbycars,
unlessallbusseshavevacatedthepremises.
-22-
Parentdropoff/pickup
ParentsdroppingofforpickinguptheirchildattheMiddleSchoolarenotpermittedtousethebuslane
immediatelyinfrontoftheschool.Insteadtheywillproceedthroughthelowerparkinglotanddropoffor
pickupstudentsattheendoftheMiddleSchoolsidewalk.
DressCode
Astudent’smannerofdressorhairstyleistheresponsibilityofthestudentandhis/herparentsorguardians.
Itistheresponsibilityoftheschooltostressdecency,cleanliness,andappropriatenessofdressforschool;
therefore,itremainsthefinaldecisionoftheadministrationincasesofquestionableattire.
! Shoesorsandalsmustbewornatalltimes.Noslippersorbarefeetarepermitted.
! Dependingontheactivity,sandalsandflipflopsmaynotpermittedincertainareas,suchaslabsor
shopareas.
! Hats:Headgearisnotpermittedunlessitiswornforreligiousreasons.Thisincludeshats,headscarves,
bandanas,andsweatbandswornonanypartofthebody.
! Shirts:Appropriateclothingcoveringtheupperbodymustbewornatalltimes.Student’sshirtsmust
NOTexposethemidriffatanytime.Thisincludesstanding,sitting,reaching,orbendingover.Notank
topsarepermitted.Shouldersmustbecoveredatalltimes.
! Jacketsandcoats:Notpermittedtobewornduringtheinstructionalday.However,theymaybeworn
betweenthechangeofclasseswhengoingoutsidebetweentheMiddleSchoolandtheSeniorHigh
buildings.Theymustberemoveduponentrancetotheclassroomofdestination.
! Shorts,skirts,anddressesshouldnotbeexceedinglyshortorrevealingandmustbelongenoughto
concealundergarmentsatalltimes.Thisincludesstanding,sitting,reaching,orbendingover.
! Pants:Pantsshouldnothaveholesabovethemid-thigh.Student’sunderwearmustnotbevisible
throughorabovetheirpants.
! Bookbags,otherbagsornotebookswithstrapsmaynotbecarriedduringtheinstructionalday.
! UniformsforPEshouldbecarriedinaplasticgrocerybagordrawstringbagthatisnotcarriedonthe
student’sbody.
Werecognizethatclothesforstudentsfrequentlydependonstyle,weatherandtaste.Astudent’sclothing
shouldbeappropriateforschoolandtheclothingmustmeettheschool’sstandardsofsafety,decencyand
healthandmustnotbeoverlydistractingorimmodest.
ClothingNotPermitted
anythinglistedasimpermissibleabove
pantswithlonghangingchains
boxershortswornasouterclothing
slippers
clothingadvertisingcriminalsorcriminalacts
sleepwearorunderwearwornasouterclothing
clothingandjewelryadvocatingdrug,alcohol,
tobaccousage
spaghettistraptops
clothingthatleavesthemidriffbare
pajamapants
clothingwithexplicitsexualmessages
suggestiveandobsceneT-shirts
tearsinjeansmustremainbelowmid-thighandnot
tanktopsormuscleshirts
-23-
revealexcessiveskin
Incaseofquestionableattire,theadministrationwillmakethefinaldetermination.
ElectronicDevices
Inaccordancewiththedistrict’sacceptableusepolicy,electronicdevicesincluding,butnotlimitedto,district
computers/tablets,andpersonalsmart/cellularphones,arelimitedtoeducationaluseswhenauthorizedby
schoolpersonnel.Possessionofelectronicdeviceswithoutapprovalofschoolpersonnelisaviolationandwill
resultindisciplinaryaction.
! FirstOffense:Confiscation,returnedtostudentatendofday,assignedSaturdaydetention.
! SecondOffense:Confiscation,returnedonlytoparent/legalguardian,progressivediscipline.
! ThirdOffense:Confiscation,returnedonlytoparent/legalguardianatprincipal’sdiscretion,
progressivediscipline.
AphoneisavailableforstudentuseintheAssistantPrincipal’sOffice.Laserpointersarenotpermittedtobe
usedbystudentsatanytime.Possessionofalaserpointerwillresultindisciplinaryaction.
Fighting
Allincidentsoffightingwillresultinaminimumofthreedaysout-of-schoolsuspensionwithaninformal
hearingandsocialprobation.FightingwillalsoresultinDisorderlyConductChargesbeingfiledwiththeLocal
Magistrate.
Subsequentoffenses:Out-of-schoolsuspensionandpossibleplacementinanalternateeducationprogram
withpossibleexpulsionbytheBoardofDirectors.
Harassmentand/orCyberHarassment
Astudentwhoengagesinharassmentand/orcyberharassmentpresentsadangertothesafetyandwelfareof
otherdistrictstudents,staffandthecommunity.StudentswhoengageinsuchactsasdefinedinBoardPolicy
#210shallbesubjecttoin-schoolsuspension,out-ofschoolsuspensionand/orexpulsionwithaninformal
hearingandmaybesubjecttodisorderlyconductcharges.
Weapons
TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictshallexpelastudentwhobringsaweapontoschool,toaschool-sponsored
activityorontoanypublicconveyanceprovidingtransportationtoaschoolorschool-sponsoredactivity.The
expulsionshallbeaccomplishedpursuanttoapplicableregulationsin22Pa.Code,Chapters12and14.The
SuperintendentmayrecommendtotheBoarddisciplineshortofexpulsiononacase-by-casebasis.Even
thoughexpelled,studentsofcompulsoryschoolagemustbeprovidedaneducationalprogram.Inaddition,
theSuperintendent,inthecaseofanexceptionalstudent,shalltakeallstepsnecessarytocomplywiththe
IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct.Theterm“weapon”shallinclude,butnotbelimitedto,anyknife,
cuttinginstrument,cuttingtool,nunchucks,firearm,shotgun,rifle,andanyothertool,instrumentor
implementcapableofinflictingseriousbodilyinjury.Aminimumoftendaysout-of-schoolsuspensionwithan
informalhearingwithparenttobescheduledwithinthefirstfivedays;citationfromlocalpoliceormagistrate.
MaximumpunishmentisexpulsionbyBoardhearing.AbridgedBoardPolicy#219
-24-
HallwayRegulations
Tohelpstudentsgetfromoneclasstoanothereasily,weurgeeveryonetomoveswiftlywithoutrunning
duringthechangeofclasses.Studentsshouldnotcongregateinthehallsduringthechangeofclasses.
Studentsmusthaveasignedplanneroranofficialhallpasswhenoutoftheclassroomduringanyclassperiod.
Staffonhalldutywillcheckallpasses.
StudentsarenotpermittedtocarryanopenedcontainerofanyliquidatanytimewhileintheMiddleSchool
unlessithasbeenapprovedbyabuildingadministrator.Opencontainersincludebutarenotlimitedtowater
bottles,popbottles,andcoffeecontainers.Studentsarealsoprohibitedfromsellingfoodinschoolunlessthe
saleispartofanadministrativelysponsoredfundraiser.
IndividualClassroomRegulations
Classroomteachersmayimposeuponthestudentsintheirclasses,additionalrulesandregulations-aswellas
penaltiesforfailuretoadheretothem-thataddressissuesspecifictotheirparticularclassstructure,content
area,orteachingstyles.Suchrulesandregulations,wheninitialedbytheprincipalanddistributedtothe
students,becomeanenforceablepartofthispolicyhandbookforthepurposesofthatparticularclass,and
studentsinthatclasswillbeheldresponsibleforthoseadditionalrulesandregulations.
Suchrulesandregulationsmaydealwith,butnotlimitedto,issuessuchasspecificprojectorassignment
guidelines,studentresponsibilitiesforclasswork,disciplinaryactionsforclassroomoffenses,orextracredit
guidelines.
LockerRegulations
Eachstudentisassignedalockerandisresponsibleforthecontentsoftheirlocker.Thisistheonlylockerthe
studentmayuse.Studentsarenotpermittedtosharetheirlockercombinationwithotherstudents.Students
arenotpermittedtoinsertobjectsintothelockingmechanismwiththeintenttooverridethelocking
function.
Unauthorizedlockerusewillresultindisciplinaryaction.NorthHillsSchoolDistrictdoesnotassume
responsibilityforthelossortheftofitemsstoredinlockers.
Ifyouwishtogotoyourlockerduringclasses,youmusthaveasignedplanneroranofficialhallpassissuedby
yourteacher.
Schoolofficialsareauthorizedtoconductfactfindingasitrelatestotheallegedviolationofschoolpolicy.
Student’spersonalpossessionsand/ormotorvehicleparkedonschoolpropertymaybesearchedwhenthere
isareasonablesuspicionthatthestudentisviolatingBoardpolicyorschoolrulesorposesathreattothe
health,safetyorwelfareofthemselvesortheschoolpopulation.
Priortoopeningofaschooldistrictlocker,thestudentshallbenotifiedandbegivenanopportunitytobe
present.However,whenschoolauthoritieshaveareasonablesuspicionthatalockercontainsmaterialswhich
poseathreattothehealth,welfareorsafetyoftheschoolpopulation,studentlockersmaybesearched
withoutpriorwarning.(Title22Sec.12.14)
-25-
Searchesconductedbytheadministrationmayinclude,butnotbelimitedto,utilizationofcertifieddrugdogs,
metaldetectionunits,oranydeviceusedtoprotectthehealth,safetyandwelfareoftheschoolpopulation.
Whenevertheinspectionofaschooldistrictlockerispromptedbythereasonablesuspicionthatthecontents
ofalockercreateanemergency,theprincipalorhis/herdesigneemayopenthelockerassoonasitis
necessarytodosotodischargeproperlyhis/herdutytoprotectthepersonsandpropertyintheschool.
AbridgedBoardPolicy#226
PlagiarismandAcademicDishonesty
Plagiarismmeanspresentingworkdoneinwholeorinpartbysomeoneelseasifitwereone’sown.Academic
dishonestyincludes,butisnotlimitedtoreproducinginformationfromtheinternet,writtentextwithout
propercitation,illegaluseofcopyrightedmaterials,falsificationofdata,anyformofcheatingonexams,tests,
quizzes,laboratories,essays,orhomework.Studentswhoallowotherstocopytheirworktobesubmittedas
theirownarealsoengaginginacademicdishonestyandaresubjecttothesamepenalties.Plagiarismand
academicdishonestymustbeprovenanddocumentedbytheinstructor.Studentswhoarefoundtohave
engagedinacademicdishonestyorplagiarismwillreceiveazerofortheassignmentwithnomake-up
privileges.Disciplinarysanctionswillbeissuedonacase-by-casebasis.
SchoolProperty
Allbooks,workingmaterials,equipment,andfurniturethatstudentsusearethepropertyoftheNorthHills
SchoolDistrict.Anywasteormisuseofdistrictownedmaterialsorthecarelesstreatmentoffurnitureand
equipmentwillresultinappropriateconsequencesaswellasrestitutionforthedamage.Alostordamaged
bookshouldbereportedimmediatelytotheteacher.Ifnotreturned,paymentmustbemadeforthecostof
thetextbook.Astudentwhodamagesschoolpropertymustpayforitsrepairorreplacement.Allfines,fees,
andrestitutionswillberetainedintheAssistantPrincipal’sOfficeandmustbepaidpriortoastudentreceiving
theirdiploma.Anystudentswhooweobligationswillbeplacedonsocialprobationuntilthatobligationhas
beenpaid.Toassistinprotectingschoolproperty,securitycamerashavebeenstrategicallyplacedinsideand
outsideofthebuilding.
Studentsareresponsiblefortakingpropercareofschoolpropertyincludingallbooks,suppliesandfurniture
suppliedbytheschool.Anystudentwhowillfullydestroysschoolpropertythroughvandalism,arsonor
larcenyorwhocreatesahazardtothesafetyofourstudentswillbereferredtotheproperlawenforcement
agency.Somegeneralregulationsare:
! Placeallwastepaperandrefuseintheproperreceptacles.
! Drinkingfountainsshouldbekeptclearofdebris.
! Observelawsofsanitationandhygienethroughoutthebuildingandespeciallyintherestrooms.Flush
commodesandurinalsafteruse.
! Donotmarkschoolfurniture,walls,ceilings,floorsorequipmentwithpen,pencil,paintoranyother
instrument.Thiswillbeconsideredasthedefacingofschoolproperty.
! Windowsanddrapeswillberegulatedbyteachersonly.
! Donottamperwithfirealarms,fireextinguishersoranyelectricalsystems.
! Skateboardingisnotpermittedonschoolpropertyatanytime.
! Throwingsnowballsonschoolgroundsisprohibitedanddisciplinaryactionwillresult.
AbridgedBoardPolicy#224
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NorthHillsSchoolDistrictNetwork-AcceptableUsePolicyStudentContact(districtpolicy834):
TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrict’s“buildingtobuilding”electronicnetworkprovidesonlineinformation,e-mail
accounts(asdeterminedbytheSchoolBoard),andInternetaccesstoallstudentsintheNorthHillsSchool
District.Thegoalinprovidingthisservicetostudentsistopromoteeducationalexcellencebyfacilitating
resourcesharing,innovation,andcommunication.
UseoftheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkshallbelimitedtoeducationalpurposes,instructionalpurposes
relatedtotheclasscurriculumoftheparticularuser,ornecessaryclericaluses.TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrict
networkisadynamic,growingandevolvingnetwork.Neededtechnologiesandinformationwillbeaddedto
theNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkastheybecomeavailable.
Withaccesstocomputersandpeopleallovertheworldalsocomestheavailabilityofmaterialthatmaynotbe
consideredtobeofeducationalvalueinthecontextoftheschoolsetting.Onaglobalnetwork,itisimpossible
tocontrolallmaterialsandanindustrioususermaydiscovercontroversialinformation.TheNorthHillsSchool
Districtfirmlybelievesthatthevaluableinformationandinteractionavailableonthisworldwidenetworkfar
outweighsthepossibilitythatusersmayprocurematerialthatisnotconsistentwithoureducationalgoals.
However,anAcceptableUseandTermsConditionsPolicyforusingtheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetwork,
includingtheInternet,isincludedinthishandbook.
TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictNetworkTermsandConditions(districtpolicy834):
1. TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkresourcesmaynotbeusedinviolationofanyU.S.,state,or
localregulation.TheInternetresourcesmaynotbeusedtoaccess,upload,download,ordistribute
pornographic,obscene,sexuallyexplicit,threateningmaterial,oranyinformationthatisnotconsistent
withoureducationalgoals.TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkresourcesmaynotbeusedto
infringeoncopyrightsortoplagiarizematerials.
2. StudentusersoftheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkareexpectedtoabidebythegenerally
acceptedrulesofnetworketiquette.Theseinclude(butarenotlimitedto)thefollowing:
• Bepolite.Donotwriteorsendabusivemessagestoothers.Useappropriatelanguage.
• Donotreceive,view,ordistributepornography,obsceneorsexuallyexplicitmaterials.
• Donotrevealyourpersonaladdressorphonenumbersorthatofotherstudentsorcolleagues.
Notethatelectronicmail(e-mail)isnotguaranteedtobeprivate.Peoplewhooperatethesystemdohave
accesstoallmail.Messagesrelatingtoorinsupportofillegalactivitieswillbereportedtotheauthorities.
Donotusethenetworkinsuchawaythatyouwoulddisrupttheusebyotherusers(e.g.downloadinghugefile
duringprimetime;sendingmasse-mailmessages,downloadingoruploadingcomputerviruses).
3. Studentuserswillnotrespondtounsolicitedonlinecontact.
4. Securityonanycomputersystemisahighpriority,especiallywhenthesysteminvolvesmanyusers.If
usersbelievetheycanidentifyasecurityproblemontheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetwork,theymust
notifyasystemadministratororteacher.Pleaseobservetheadditionalsecuritymeasures:Donot
demonstratetheproblemtootherusers.Donotuseanotherindividual’saccount.Donotgiveyour
passwordtoanyotherindividual.Attemptstologintothenetworkasanyotheruserwillresultin
cancellationofuserprivileges.
• AnyattemptstologintoNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkasasystemadministratorwillresult
incancellationofuserprivilegesand/orotherdisciplinaryactions.
-27-
5. VandalismwillresultincancellationoftheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkprivilegesand
compensationfordamagesand/orotherdisciplinaryactions.Vandalismisdefinedasanydeliberate
maliciousattempttochange,harm,ordestroyNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkdataordataof
anotheruser.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto,theuploadingorcreationofcomputervirusesand/or
destructivetypefilesorprograms.
6. Purchasingofgoodsand/orservicesviatheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkcouldresultin
unwantedfinancialobligationsandisprohibited.
7. TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictwillnotbeheldliablefor:Informationstoredonschooldistrictstorage
devicesincluding,butnotlimitedto,diskettes,harddrives,zipdrives,tapebackupunits,orservers
informationretrievedthroughtheschooldistrictcomputers,networks,oron-lineresources.Personal
propertyusedtoaccessschooldistrictcomputers,networks,oron-lineresources.Unauthorized
financialobligationsresultingfromuseoftheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetwork
8. Installingoruseofunauthorizedgames,programs,files,orotherelectronicmediaisprohibited.
9. UseofNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkforanyadvertisementorpoliticallobbyingisprohibited.
10. UseoftheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworktointentionallyobtainormodifyfiles,passwords,ordata
belongingtoothersisprohibited.
11. UseofNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworktomisrepresentothersonthenetworkisprohibited.
12. TheuseoftheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictnetworkforcommercial/profitpurposesisprohibited.
13. Hatemail,harassment,discriminatoryremarks,andotherantisocialcommunicationsontheNorthHills
SchoolDistrictnetworkisprohibited.
14. FailuretofollowthelistedpoliciesmayresultinsuspensionorlossoftheNorthHillsSchoolDistrict
networkprivilegesand/orotherdisciplinaryactions.
15. ItistheintentionoftheBoardtostrictlyenforcethispolicy.Tothatend,usersoftheNorthHillsSchool
Districtnetworkwhoareuncertainastowhetheraparticularactivitywouldviolatethispolicyshould
seekaspecificinterpretationfromtheteacherand/orprincipal.Violationsofanypartofthispolicy
mayfollowthenormaldisciplinaryprocedureforviolationsofstudentcodeofconduct.AbridgedBoard
Policy#834
SubstanceAbusePolicy
ItistheDistrict'spolicytopreventandprohibitthepossession,use,mimicofuse,sale,mimicofsale,
distribution,intentofdistributionofanyillegalorcontrolledmood-alteringchemicalmedication,orabused
chemicalnotapprovedbythehealthoffice,onschoolproperty,atschool-sponsoredevents,onschoolbuses,
andenroutetoandfromschoolbyanymodeoftravel.StudentsviolatingtheDistrict’ssubstanceabusepolicy
willbeplacedonanimmediateten-dayout-of-schoolsuspensionandgivenaninformalhearing.The
administrationwillrecommendthestudenttotheBoardforaformalhearingandsubsequentexpulsion.The
expulsionshallbeaccomplishedpursuanttoapplicableregulationsin22Pa.CodeChapters12and14.The
SuperintendentmayrecommendtotheBoarddisciplineshortofexpulsiononacase-by-casebasis.Even
thoughexpelled,studentsofcompulsoryschoolagewillbeprovidedaneducationalprogram.Inaddition,the
Superintendent,inthecaseofanexceptionalstudent,shalltakeallstepsnecessarytocomplywiththe
IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct.AbridgedBoardPolicy#227
Specificviolationsofthispolicywillresultinthefollowingaction:
I.
Studentspossessing,orundertheinfluenceof,drugsoralcoholonschoolgrounds:
a. Immediateout-of-schoolsuspension,contactpolice,formalhearingforthepurposeof
expulsion.
b. Whenthepolicearecalledbecauseastudentviolatesthedisciplinepolicy,theadministration
willinformthestudent’sparentsatthesametime.
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II.
III.
IV.
Iftheadministrationhasreasonablesuspiciontobelieveastudentisundertheinfluenceofdrugsor
alcohol,theadministrationwilladministerasalivatest.
a. Astudentwhorefusestotakethetestshallbesuspendedimmediately,andassignedtothe
alternativeeducationprogram.
b. Refusaltoattendalternativeeducationshallresultinaformalhearingforthepurposeof
expulsion.
Studentspossessing,orundertheinfluenceof,drugsoralcoholwhenattending,asaparticipantor
spectator,anyschool-sponsoredfunctiononoroffschoolproperty:
a. Disciplinaryactionwillbetakenaslistedabove.
b. Theadministrationwillcalltheparentstogivethemtheopportunitytobepresentwhenthe
policeinterviewthestudentaswellastransportthestudentfromthefunctionorpolicestation.
Studentsdistributingchemicalsubstancestoanyone:
a. Allviolations-indefinitesuspensionfromschoolpendingaSchoolBoardexpulsionhearing.
b. Disciplinaryactionwillbetakenaslistedabove.
c. Theadministrationwillcalltheparentstogivethemtheopportunitytobepresentwhenthe
policeinterviewthestudentaswellastransportthestudentfromthefunctionorpolicestation.
Thedistrictmay,withreasonablesuspicion,administeradrugtesttoastudentwithoutpermissionfrom
theirparent/guardian.Anystudentwhorefusestotakeadrugtestmayfaceconsequencesoutlinedabove
inthesubstanceabusepolicy.
ProcedureforViolationswhenPossessingOver-the-CounterMedication:Studentswhoareinpossessionof
anover-the-countermedicationandhavenotfollowedtheprocedureoutlinedundertheNorthHillsSchool
DistrictMedicationPolicymayfacesuspensionfromschool.Shouldtherebeintenttomisusethemedication,
sellordistributethemedication;thestudentshallfacethesameregulationsdefinedinthesubstanceabuse
policyabove.
Smoke-FreeSchools
ItisthepolicyoftheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictthattheuseofsmokingorsmokelesstobaccoproductsis
prohibitedinsidebuildingsorduringschoolsponsoredeventsandonschoolpropertyatalltimes.Tobacco
productsincludebutarenotlimitedtoalightedorunlightedcigarette,electroniccigarettesorsmoking
devices,cigar,pipe,othersmokingproductormaterial,and/orsmokelesstobaccoinanyform.School
propertyisdefinedasowned,leasedby,orunderthecontroloftheNorthHillsSchoolDistrict.AbridgedBoard
Policy#222
Firstoffense-Threedaysin-schoolsuspensionandreferraltotheMagistrateunderPAAct145.
Subsequentoffenses-ReferraltoMagistrateforfineandprogressivein-schoolsuspension.
Vandalism
Allviolations–Studentwillberequiredtopayfordamagesandwillbesuspendedfromschool.The
administrationmayrecommendaformalhearingandsubsequentexpulsionbasedonthenatureofthe
vandalism.
-29-
Web2.0Policy
Web2.0isabroadtermcommonlyusedwhenreferringtotheimplementationandusageofWeblogs
(commonlycalled“blogs”)andwikisintheclassroomsetting.BlogsandwikisarebothaspecialtypeofWeb
pagethatcanbecreatedandeasilyupdatedusingaWebbrowser.
Throughouttheschoolyearteachersmayrequirestudentstoparticipateandbeactiveinacademic
discussionsandactivitiesutilizingblogsorwikis.Speechthatisinappropriateforclassisnotappropriatefora
blogorwiki.Debateandconversationwithotherstudentsdirectlyrelatedtoacademiccontentisencouraged
whileutilizingWeb2.0,butitisalsoexpectedthatstudentswillconductthemselvesinamannerthatis
reflectiveofarepresentativeofNorthHillsMiddleSchool.
StudentswhodonotabidebythispolicyormorespecificWeb2.0policiessetforthbytheirclassroomteacher
maylosetheiropportunitiesandprivilegestoparticipateinsuchclassroomactivities.
TocomplywithregulationssetforthwithinChildren’sInternetProtectionAct(CIPA),theNorthHillsSchool
districtmonitorstheonlineactivitiesofallstudents.Classesandcurriculumareofferedtoallstudents
regardingappropriateonlinebehavior,includinginteractingwithindividualsonsocialnetworkingwebsites
andinchatrooms,cyberbullyingawarenessandresponse.
STUDENTSERVICES
ClearanceofVisitors
Parentsareencouragedtoconferoftenwithteachers,counselorsandprincipals.Allvisitorsarerequiredto
registerattheAssistantPrincipal’sOffice.Registrationwillincludethesubmissionofyourphotoidentification
duringyourtimeinthebuildingalongwithyourvehiclekeyssothatyoudonotleavewithoutyourphotoID.
YourphotoIDwillbeswipedinourSchoolTrackSystemuponenteringthebuilding.Thissystemwillallowus
tosafelytrackallvisitorsattheMiddleSchool.PhotoIDandkeyswillbesecurelystoredandreturnedupon
thevisitorsigningoutofthepremises.Nostudentvisitorsarepermittedexceptinunusualcircumstancesand
onlywithpriorapprovalofaprincipal.Thiswillbestrictlyenforced.
CommunityComplaints
FirstLevel-Acomplaintspecificallydirectedtowardateacherorguidancecounselorshallbeaddressed,
initially,tothatstaffmember.Thestaffmembershalldiscussconcernswiththecomplainantandmakeevery
efforttoprovideareasonedexplanationortakeappropriateactionwithinhis/herauthority.
SecondLevel-Ifthecomplaintisnotresolvedatthefirstlevel,thecomplainantshallbereferredtothe
buildingprincipalwhoshallattempttoresolvetheissue.Ifthecomplaintisofasensitivenatureandcannotbe
initiallyaddressedtotheprincipal,thecomplainantmayinitiatethecomplaintatthethirdlevel.
ThirdLevel-Ifthecomplaintisnotresolvedatthesecondlevel,theprincipalshallfurnishtothe
superintendentareportthatshallinclude:
1. Thespecificnatureofthecomplaintandabriefstatementofthefactsgivingrisetoit;
2. Howthecomplainant(orchildofthecomplainant)believeshe/shehasbeenadverselyaffected;
-30-
3. Theresolutionwhichthecomplainantrequests,thereasonsthattheprincipaldoesnotrecommend
suchresolution,thereasonstheprincipalbelieveshe/shewasunabletoresolvethecomplaintandthe
recommendation,alongwithrationaleforresolvingthecomplaint.
FourthLevel-Ifthesuperintendentand/orhisdesigneeisunabletoresolvethecomplaint,oriftheresolution
isbeyondthesuperintendent'sauthorityandrequiresboardaction,thesuperintendentshallprovidethe
appropriateboardcommitteechairpersonandtheboardpresidentwithathoroughreport.AbridgedBoardPolicy
#906
CounselingServices
Counselorsareanintegralpartoftheschool’seducationalprogram.Counselorsrecognizetheuniquenature
ofeachstudentandthroughcounselingservicesattempttofacilitatetheindividualgrowthanddevelopment.
Youmaywishtocontactyourcounselortodiscusspersonal,socialoracademicconcerns.Counselorsare
assignedtostudentsasfollows:
! Grade7-412-318-1468,Mr.F.Ratnavale,[email protected]
! Grade8-412-318-1457,Mr.S.Tarabishi,[email protected]
StudentAssistanceisaconfidentialprogramtohelpyoursonordaughterovercomebarrierstolearning.
Problemsmayberelatedtoadjustmentissues,depression,substanceabuse,relationships,socialissues,
emotionalproblems,griefandloss,trauma,etc.Thisserviceisprovidedtoallstudents.
FireDrills
ByStateLaw,schoolsarerequiredtohaveunannouncedfiredrills.Foryourprotection,alwayscheckthefire
drillsignintheclassroom.Afterevacuation,reporttothespecifiedareadesignatedbyyourteacherandwait
forthesignaltoreturntoclass.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoreporttotheassignedareaandteacher.
Attendancewillbetaken.
FirstAidandHealthRoom
ThehealthroomislocatedonthefirstfloorbetweentheAssistantPrincipal’sOfficeandthegym.Itisunder
thesupervisionoftheschoolnurse.Ifstudentsareill,theymustsecureapassfromtheirteacherandreport
tothehealthroom.Betweenclasses,studentsmustobtainapassfromtheteacheroftheclasstowhichthey
aregoing.Undernocircumstancesarestudentstomaketheirowndecisiontoleaveschoolbecausetheyfeel
ill.Studentsarealsoremindedthattheyarenottoremaininthelavatorywhentheyareill.Theymustreport
tothehealthroom.Studentsreturningtoclassaregivenahealthroompassfromthenurse.Studentswho
becomeillwhileschoolisinsessionmustbeseenbythenurseinordertobedismissed.Thenurseorthe
principalaretheonlyindividualswhocanexcuseastudentfromschoolbecauseofillness.
Studentsarerequiredtoregisterallmedicationinthenurse’soffice.Formsforthedispensingofprescription
medicationcanbeobtainedfromthenurse.No“over-the-counter”medicationmaybeadministeredbyany
schooldistrictemployeewithoutwritteninstructionsfromaphysicianordentistexcept:AntacidTablets,
CoughDrops,ThroatLozengesandAcetaminophen(withwrittenpermissionupdatedyearlyfromparentor
guardian).MedicationmustbekeptlockedintheHealthOffice.AbridgedBoardPolicy#208
AnemergencycardforeachpupiliskeptonfileintheHealthRoom.Anychangeofstatusshouldbereported
immediatelytothenurse.
-31-
Hearingtests,asrequiredbyschoollaw,willbeconductedatthe7thgradelevel.Allspecialneedsstudents
willreceivethistesteveryyearwhileenrolledatthejuniorhigh.Incomingstudentswhohavenothada
physicalexamwillbeevaluated.Ayearlyscreeningprogramconsistingofavisiontest,weight,bodymass
indexandheightmeasurementiscompletedoneverystudentwiththoseresults,communicatedtothe
parent/guardian.AbridgedBoardPolicy#209
Library
Thelibraryisusedforclasseseachperiodoftheschoolday,asscheduledbytheteachers,tocontinuelearning
begunintheclassroom.Recreationalreadingisavailableduringtheschooldayasoftenastheschedule
permits.Thelibraryhasanautomatedcheck-outsystemandeachstudentisautomaticallyenteredintothe
systemsotheycancheckoutmaterials.
Booksnotneededforclassesmaybecheckedoutforthreeweeks;magazinesandcartoonbooks,overnight.
Magazinesandcartoonbooksareduebeforetheendofthedueday.Unitbooksarecheckedoutforovernight
useonlyandareduethefollowingmorningduringthehomeroomperiod.
Studentsareexpectedtoreportanydamageoflibrarymaterialsbeforetakingthemfromthelibrary.Fineswill
bechargedfordamagewhenbooksarereturned.
Studentsareresponsibleforreturninglibrarymaterialsonorbeforethedatedue,asshownonthedatecard
inthebook.Overduearticlesaretobereturneddirectlytothelibrarianbeforeschoolorduringany
recreationalreadingperiod.Afineof5¢perdaywillbechargedonregularlibrarymaterials.Afineof10¢per
daywillbechargedonovernightmaterialssuchascartoonbooks,magazines,andunitbooksbeingusedby
classes.Fineswillbechargedforanydamagedmaterials,lostmagazinebags,andlostdateduecards.Aftera
magazinehasbeenoverdueforonemonth,themagazinemustbepaidfor.Lostbooksshouldbereported
immediately.Afteronemonth,alostbookistobepaidforatthecostofreplacement.Ifthebookisfound
later,themoneywillbereturned,minustheoverduefineorcostofprocessing.Nofinesarechargedon
materialsthatbecomeoverduewhileastudentislegallyabsent.Absentstudentsaretoreturnoverdue
materialstothelibraryassoonastheyreturntoschooltoavoidfurtherfines.
Studentsareencouragedtorequestthehelpofthelibrariansothattheycanlocatedesiredmaterialsquickly,
interpretreadingsandtakenotesefficiently.
LostandFound
AlostandfoundareaislocatedintheAssistantPrincipal’sOffice,thecafeteria,andlockerrooms.Anylost
articlesfoundshouldpromptlybetakentooneofthesesites.Anylostarticlesmaybeclaimedupon
identification.
MovingFromtheDistrict
Studentsmovingfromthedistrictmayfinishasemesterinwhichtheyareenrolled.Awithdrawalformmust
becompletedandsubmittedtotheAssistantPrincipal’sOffice.Allbooksandmaterials,alongwitha
completedwithdrawalformmustbesubmittedpriortoleavingtheDistrict.Withdrawalformsmaybe
obtainedfromtheAssistantPrincipal’sOffice.
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PhotosandVideotaping
PhotosandvideotapefootageofNorthHillsSchoolDistrictstudentsinvolvedinvariousschool-related
activitiesareoftenusedaspartofthedistrict’scommunityrelationsprogramandforprofessional
development.Photographsorvideoclipsmaybeusedindistrictpublications,videoproductions,newspapers,
televisionanddistrictorindividualclassroomwebsites.Onwebsites,ifthestudentisidentifiedatall,onlya
firstnamewillbeused.Staffmembersmay,inthecourseoftheirprofessionaldevelopment,wishto
videotapealessonforanalysis.Studentsmayappearinsuchvideos,buttherewilltypicallybeasinglecopyof
thetape.
SchoolandFamilyInterventionist
TheSchoolandFamilyInterventionistisamemberoftheschoolstaffwithspecializedtrainingforhelping
studentswhensomethingsociallyoremotionallyisinterferingwiththeirlearningandgrowth.Througha
person-to-personrelationshipwithstudentandparent,andthroughunderstandingthewaythestudent’s
personality,lifeexperienceandcapacitytolearnaffectsthestudent’sownprogress,theSchoolandFamily
Interventionistattemptstointerpretandutilizealltheforcesthathelpthestudenttomakeabetterpersonal,
socialandeducationaladjustment.TheSchoolandFamilyInterventionists:
! A-KLastName-Mr.JasonGreathouse,412-318-1410
! L-ZLastName-Mr.TimothyMcDowell,412-318-1422
SpeechTherapy
TheNorthHillsSchoolDistrictspeechtherapyprogramisdesignedtohelpstudentswithspeechandlanguage
disorders.Thespeechtherapistprovidesdiagnosingandtreatingallspeechandlanguagedisorderswithinthe
schooldistrict,referringspecialcasestoappropriateoutsideresources,andinformingbothparentsand
professionalpersonnelofthenatureofspeechtherapyandspeechproblems.
StudentAssistanceProgram(S.A.P.)
Thestudentassistanceprogramisawaytoidentifystudentswhoarehavingproblemsinschoolandrefer
themforhelp.Itisanintervention,notatreatmentprogram.Theheartoftheprogramisthestudent
assistanceprogramteam(SAPteam),acoregroupofspeciallytrainedmembersoftheprofessionalstaff.The
teammembersreceivereferralsfromadministrators,facultyandstaff,parents,andstudentsthemselves.A
referralcanbemadebycontactingthegradelevelcounselorasidentifiedonpage28ofthisdocument.
Theteam’sjobistoconductapre-assessmenttodetermineifthestudentcanbehelpedwithintheschoolor
ifthestudentneedstobereferredtoappropriateoutsideagenciesand/ortreatmentfacilities.Itistheteam’s
intenttoworkcooperativelywithparent/guardianstoresolvestudentproblems.
StudentInsurance
Astudentaccidentinsurancepolicyisofferedyearly.Thisinsuranceisavailableatthebeginningofthefall
semesterforallstudents.TheSchoolBoardurgesallstudentstopurchaseschoolinsurance.Itishighly
recommendedthatanystudentwhoanticipatesplayinginaschool-sponsoredsport,atanytimeinagiven
schoolyear,purchasethestudentinsuranceinthefallsign-upperiod.Ifparentsfeeltheyhaveadequate
coverage,theymaysignawaiverandassumefullresponsibilityforallmedicalexpenses.Theenrollmentof
studentstobeinsuredandtheissuanceofaclaimformuponrequestaretheschool’sonlyresponsibilities.
Hospitalandphysician’sbillsarenothandledatschool.Aclaimformmaybeobtainedinthehealthroomof
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theschoolinwhichthestudentisenrolled.Studentscarryingschoolinsuranceshouldreportanyaccidentto
thenursewhowillinitiateaclaim.
WorkPermitApplications
WorkpermitapplicationsmaybeobtainedintheAssistantPrincipal’sOfficeduringtheschoolyearfrom7:30
a.m.to2:45p.m.WorkpermitscanbeobtainedduringthesummerbyappointmentONLY.Afterreceivingthe
application,itmustbesignedbytheparentorguardianandreturnedtothehouseofficewithproofofage
suchasabirth,baptismalcertificateorpassport.Aworkpermitwillbeissueduponcompletionofthe
application.Workpermitsareissuedtostudents14-17yearsofage.
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Project Connect will provide Apple iPads to all students in Grades 6, 7 and 8 as part of the district’s multi-year
Innovations in Education Plan. The project will also include improvements in the district’s networking
infrastructure and wireless internet access. Project Connect will embed project-based learning throughout the
curriculum and utilize technology as a tool for personalizing instruction for Every Child, Every Day. Through
Project Connect, we are striving to present our students with a world of possibilities by cultivating an innovative
and problem-solving learning environment that incorporates vital skills for college and career readiness such
as communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.
Mission Statement:
Preparing globally competitive students for college and career readiness.
Vision Statement:
Project Connect opens students to a world of possibilities by enhancing the learning environment with the
cultivation of creativity, communication, and collaboration in an innovative and problem-solving environment.
Goals:
• Embed project based learning throughout the curriculum
• Use technology as a tool for personalizing and differentiating instruction
• Promote active engagement
• Integrate the 4 C’s into the curriculum
Communication
Collaboration
Critical thinking
Creativity
Starting in the 2016-2017 school year, North Hills Middle School will implement a One-to-One technology
environment for our student learners. As part of North Hills School District’s Innovations in Education Plan, the
One-to-One iPad Initiative will enhance our teachers’ ability to leverage technology as we move toward
customizing learning to an even greater level. Through our One-to-One iPad Initiative, we hope to:
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Promote more opportunities for students to apply vital skills valued in today’s fast-paced world such as
collaborating, problem solving, critical thinking, communicating, researching, creating and innovating
and digital citizenship
Foster an environment where teaching and learning are customized to meet students’ learning styles,
readiness levels and interests
Provide a "learn anytime/anywhere" approach with student acquisition of content and skills
Please continue to visit our website (www.nhsd.net) and elect to receive our e-link messages under
for updates on training, status of the project, and opportunities for feedback/comments!
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North Hills School District
Student Contract
North Hills School District Network
Student Acceptable Use Policy Contract
Please review the North Hills School District Network Student Acceptable Use Policy in the Student Handbook,
on pages 24 and 25, located on the Middle School website. After reviewing that document please, completely
and legibly, fill out the appropriate portions of this contract. Please print and return this contract at the 7th
grade orientation or to your child’s homeroom teacher by August 26, 2016.
Student
Last Name: __________________________________________________________________
First Name: __________________________________________________________________
Year of Graduation from 12th Grade: _______________________________________________
I have read the North Hills School District Network Student Acceptable Use Policy. I understand and will abide
by the stated terms and conditions for the North Hills School District. I further understand that violation of the
regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access
privileges may be revoked, and/or school disciplinary action may be taken, which may include appropriate
legal action.
User Name (please print): _________________________________________________________
User Signature: _________________________________________________________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian: ____________________________________________________
Date: _____/_____/_____
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North Hills School District
Individualized Services and Programs
Special Education and Related Services (Eligible Students)
In compliance with state and federal law, notice is hereby given by the North Hills School District that it conducts ongoing
identification activities as a part of its school program for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of
special education and related services (eligible students). If your child is identified by the District as possibly in need of
such services, you will be notified of applicable procedures.
Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction
due to the following conditions:
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Autism/pervasive development disorder
Blindness or visual impairment
Deafness or hearing impairment
Developmental delay
Intellectual Disability
Multi-handicapped
Neurological impairment
Other health impairments
Physical disability
Serious emotional disturbance
Specific learning disability
Speech or language impairment
If you believe that your school-aged child may be in need of special education services and related programs, or young
child (age 3 to school-age) may be in need of early intervention, screening and evaluation processes designed to assess
the needs of the child and his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, upon written request. You may request
screening and evaluation at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the District’s public school program.
Requests for evaluation and screening are to be made in writing to the building principal.
In compliance with state and federal law, the North Hills School District will provide to each protected handicapped
student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations, which are
needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular
activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped
student the child must be school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation
in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are
distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education
programs.
For further information on the rights of parents and children, provision of services, evaluation and screening (including
purpose, time and location), and rights to due process procedures, you may contact in writing any building principal.
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Model Notification of Rights under FERPA
For Elementary and Secondary Schools
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible
students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the [Name of school
(“School”)] receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request
that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the
parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2.
The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes
are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the [School] to amend a record should write the school principal [or
appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be
changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school
will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for
amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible
student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3.
The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the
student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational
interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or
support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on
the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs
an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under
the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an
attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official
committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another
school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official
needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
[Optional] Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school
district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the
student’s enrollment or transfer. [NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify
the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward
records on request.]
4.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the [School] to
comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
[NOTE: In addition, a school may want to include its directory information public notice, as required by §99.37 of the regulations,
with its annual notification of rights under FERPA.]
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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Model Notice for Directory Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that North Hills School District, with
certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your
child’s education records. However, North Hills School District] may disclose appropriately designated “directory
information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District
procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the North Hills School District to include this type of
information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:
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A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
The annual yearbook;
Honor roll or other recognition lists;
Graduation programs; and
Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released,
can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but
are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local
educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to
provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings –
unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written
2
consent.
If you do not want North Hills School District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without
your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by last Friday in September. North Hills School District
has designated the following information as directory information:
[Note: an LEA may, but does not have to, include all the information listed below.]
-Student’s name
-Address
-Telephone listing
-Electronic mail address
-Photograph
-Date and place of birth
-Major field of study
-Dates of attendance
-Grade level
-Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
-Weight and height of members of athletic teams
-Degrees, honors, and awards received
-The most recent educational agency or institution attended
2
These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110),
the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L.
1077-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation’s armed forces.
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Model Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes,
and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas
(“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education
(ED)–
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
•Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the
school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing,
vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to
sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
•Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other
distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer to from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.
North Hills School District will/has develop(ed) and adopt(ed) policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as
well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection,
disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. North Hills School District will
directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes.
North Hills School District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to
participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child
out of participation of the specific activity or survey. North Hills School District will make this notification to parents at the
beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time.
For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned
activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents
will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys
covered under this requirement:
•Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution.
•Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
•Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5901
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PPRA Model Notice and Consent/Opt-Out for Specific Activities
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, requires North Hills School District to notify you
and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a
student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information
surveys”):
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes
(“marketing surveys”), and certain physical exams and screenings.
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North Hills School District
STUDENT / PARENT PLEDGE
It is important in establishing positive school and home partnership that the parents, staff and student have a
common understand of the rules and regulations of North Hills Middle School. We ask that you sign and return
this pledge page after reading the statements below.
I have read the Student Handbook & Guide for Parents and understand the policies, procedures and programs
therein. In addition, I will discuss the policies and procedures with my child. The Student Handbook & Guide
for Parents can be found on the Middle School webpage on the NHSD website (www.nhsd.net) or a hard copy
can be requested from your child’s counselor.
Student’s printed name
Parent/Guardian’s printed name
Student’s signature
Parent/Guardian’s signature
Grade
Homeroom
David C. Lieberman, Principal
Jason Beall, Assistant Principal
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Date
North Hills Middle School
NORTH HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT
STUDENT EDUCATIONAL TRIP REQUEST FORM
One of the greatest difficulties facing our school today is the high rate of absenteeism. According to Pennsylvania State Law and
Student Rights and Responsibility Regulations, all students are expected to attend school regularly to benefit from the
instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline and responsibility. In a society such as ours, attending
school is not only a privilege; it is an obligation. A democratic society cannot function without an educated and enlightened
citizenry.
School attendance is the responsibility of the student and his/her parent(s). When a student is absent from school, it is the duty
of the parents or guardian to promptly furnish a written explanation of the student’s absence. It is also the responsibility of the
school to inform parents when their children are absent from school.
•
North Hills School District Attendance Requirements Kindergarten – 12th Grade – If a student is absent from
school for more than eighteen days (excused or unexcused), parents will be notified in writing and the student will be
required to submit medical documentation for subsequent absences. All absences beyond eighteen school days may be
classified as unexcused when not accompanied with medical documentation. For unexcused absences, students will
be granted no credit for the course work missed and no make-up privileges will be afforded to the student.
•
Student Trips – A request for excused absences due to an educational trip must be submitted to the principal’s office
two weeks prior to the beginning of the trip in order for the trip to be considered for approval. District administrators will
examine the student’s attendance records and determine the number of school days that will be excused and
unexcused. All work missed during the absence must be completed in a timely manner as determined by the student’s
teacher and principal.
•
Please note: ALL absences beyond school days may be classified as unexcused when not accompanied with
medical documentation. For unexcused absences, students will be granted no credit for the course work
missed and no make-up privileges will be afforded to the student.
Student Name____________________________________ Grade__________
Today’s Date____________________
Dates of Trip_____________________________________ Destination_______________________________________
I have reviewed the North Hills School District Attendance Policy and I am aware of the district’s approved absence
requirements. I am aware that a vacation request must be submitted to the office two weeks prior to the beginning of the
vacation in order for the vacation to be considered for approval.
______________________________
Parent Signature
SCHOOL DISTRICT USE ONLY
The above named student has been absent _____ days during the __________ school year. This educational trip will
require an additional _____ school days absent and will result in the student compiling _____ total days from school this
year.
This student’s educational trip results in _____ days being approved and excused and _____ days being denied and
unexcused.
Reason: _________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________
District Administration Signature
__________________
Date
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NORTHHILLSMIDDLESCHOOLADMINISTRATION
MR.DAVIDC.LIEBERMAN..................................................................................................MIDDLESCHOOLPRINCIPAL
MR.JASONBEALL...............................................................................................MIDDLESCHOOLASSISTANTPRINCIPAL
PHONENUMBERS
ASSISTANTPRINCIPAL........................................................................................................................412-318-1456
MAINOFFICE...................................................................................................................................412-318-1452
COUNSELOR~7THGRADE..................................................................................................................412-318-1468
COUNSELOR~8THGRADE..................................................................................................................412-318-1457
STUDENTASSISTANCESPECIALIST.........................................................................................................412-318-1468
HEALTHOFFICE................................................................................................................................412-318-1470
MIDDLESCHOOLFAX........................................................................................................................412-318-1453
OFFICESLOCATEDATTHESENIORHIGHSCHOOL
ACTIVITIESOFFICE.............................................................................................................................412-318-1438
ATHLETICSOFFICE.............................................................................................................................412-318-1437
SCHOOL&FAMILYINTERVENTIONIST....................................................................................................412-318-1422
FOODSERVICE.................................................................................................................................412-318-1053
ADMINISTRATIVESTAFF
DR.PATRICKMANNARINO.................................................................................................................SUPERINTENDENT
DR.JEFFREYTAYLOR...............................ASSISTANTSUPERINTENDENTFORCURRICULUM,ASSESSMENT&SPECIALPROGRAMS
DR.MARILYNCAIN..................................................................ASSISTANTSUPERINTENDENTFORELEMENTARYEDUCATION
DR.JOHANNAHVANATTA............................................................ASSISTANTSUPERINTENDENTFORSECONDARYEDUCATION
MRS.NICOLEBEZILA........................................................................................................DIRECTOROFPUPILSERVICES
MR.DAVIDHALL.................................................................................................DIRECTOROFFINANCE&OPERATIONS
MRS.VALERIEMENGINE.............................................................................................DIRECTOROFHUMANRESOURCES
MS.AMANDAS.F.HARTLE........................................................................................COMMUNICATIONSCOORDINATOR
BOARDOFEDUCATION
MR.EDWARDM.WIELGUS~PRESIDENT
MR.LOUNUDI~VICEPRESIDENT
MRS.ARLENEJ.BENDER~MR.THOMASL.KELLY~DR.ANNETTEGIOVENGONOLISH
MR.JOEMUHA~MRS.KATHYREID~MRS.DEESPADE~MR.MIKEYEOMANS
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