Student Handbook - Sehome High School

2014 - 2015
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CONTENTS
Contact Information........................................................................................ 3
Required Credits for Graduation .............................................................. 4-5
Student Conduct .............................................................................................. 5
Attendance Policy ......................................................................................... 6-7
Excused and Unexcused Absences ............................................................... 6-7
Behavior Guidelines .................................................................................. 8-10
Electronic Devices Policy .............................................................................. 8-9
Dress Code ........................................................................................................ 9
Harassment Policy ...................................................................................... 9-10
Activities and Clubs ................................................................................. 10-13
Athletics ........................................................................................................... 13
FAQs ............................................................................................................. 14-15
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SEHOME HIGH SCHOOL
Main Office Phone Line:
676-6481
To Reach Staff Direct:
676-6470 then extension number
Principal:
Phyllis Textor
Secretary: Jill Fox
Assistant Principals:
Steve Rogers (for student last names A – K)
Secretary: Denise Turrell
Dr. Nancy K. Barga (last names L-Z)
Secretary: Janelle Larsen
Counselors:
A – G Jeff Smith
Extension
6480
5203
5209
5211
5206
5207
5213
H– M Hana Schutz
5202
N – Z Kip Jones
5214
Counseling Secretary: Kendra Simpson
5204
Registrar: Catherine Redekop
5205
Athletic Director/Student Activities:
Colin Cushman
Secretary: Donna Hulford
5200
5201
ASB Office:
Cathy Moran
4971
Attendance Office:
Denise Turrell
5211
Campus Monitor:
Peggy Fogarty
5258
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REQUIRED CREDITS FOR GRADUATING
CLASS OF 2015
English (4.0 credits)
9th Grade English (1.0)
10th Grade English (1.0)
Additional English Courses (2.0)
Physical Education (1.5 credits*)
Health (0.5 credit*)
* Physical Education and Health courses may be waived for high
school students who demonstrate competency and equivalency. Learn
how at bellinghamschools.org. See “Students” menu.
Science (2.0 credits)
Two lab science courses.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in Biology through the End of Course (EOC) exam.
Math (3.0 credits)
Algebra I** (1.0)
Geometry** (1.0)
Algebra II (1.0)
Students must earn three credits in math through Algebra II or higher.
**Although these courses are not required, students must demonstrate proficiency in
Algebra I or Geometry through an End of Course (EOC) exam.
Social Studies (3.0 credits***)
***Washington State History is required for graduation. District students fulfill this 0.5
state credit requirement in Grade 7 Social Studies. Transfer students may need to complete
this requirement prior to graduation. See your counselor. Class of 2014 and 2015 need to
take World Geography for .5 credit.
Contemporary World History (1.0)
U.S. History (1.0)
Civics (0.5)
Elective (0.5)
World Language (2.0 credits)
Two consecutive years in the same language
Arts (1.0 credit)
Music, Art or Drama
Occupational/Career and Technical Education (1.0 credit)
Choose from Business Education, Family & Consumer Science, Technology Education,
Health Occupations, etc. Check with your counselor about possible 2 for 1 credit for CTE
courses.
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Other Courses (5.0 credits)
23 Required High School Credits (pass 46 classes)
Each high school semester course equals 0.5 credits.
Those students planning to attend either a two-year or four-year college upon
graduation from high school may need to take additional classes in certain subject
areas. Students are encouraged to speak to their counselors for specific
information concerning this issue.
STUDENT CONDUCT
As a professional workplace, students, parents and staff work to ensure success for
all. Respect for self, others and property are important in creating a school
environment where appropriate behaviors are expected.
Student Responsibilities:
1. To respect the authority of teachers, principals, and other school staff to
enforce division policy and school rules regarding student discipline and
conduct.
2. To abide by the standards of conduct and rules governing discipline established
by the school, district and state.
3. To attend school regularly and punctually.
4. To be self-controlled, reasonably quiet and non-disruptive in classrooms,
hallways, study areas, school buses, on school property and at school functions.
5. To be clean and dress in compliance with school rules of sanitation, safety, and
in a fashion that will not disrupt classroom procedures
6. To strive for mutually respectful relationships with staff and peers.
7. To keep language and gestures respectful and free of profanity and obscenities.
8. To respect private and public property of all.
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
Bellingham School District School Board Attendance
Policy and Procedure
Students are expected to attend all assigned classes and programs. Teachers shall
keep an electronic record of absences and tardiness.
For the purpose of these procedures, the term "parent" means a custodial parent,
legal guardian, or other person having legal custody of a child, or, in the case of
adult students (those 18 or older) and emancipated students (those over 16 who
have been emancipated by court action), the student himself or herself.
Sehome High School students are expected to comply with all school rules, district
policies and laws of the state of Washington governing student attendance and
truancy.
School District Policy states, “Pupils shall be punctual and regular in attendance
and shall obey all rules and regulations of the school district as determined by the
administration and the Board of Directors.”
Excused Absences: Each student is expected to attend all assigned classes.
Absences may be excused for:
• illness
• medical and dental appointments
• legal appointments
• religious observance
• family emergency
• school-sponsored event
• pre-arranged Attendance Contract
• absences temporarily agreed upon per parent request
• absences resulting from disciplinary actions or suspensions
Returning to School: When students return after an absence, they must clear
their absence(s) within 48 hours of return. This may be done by: 1) parent or
guardian phone call to the Attendance Secretary at 676-6470 x5211, or 2)
parent/guardian note to the Attendance Secretary, or 3) email message to the
Attendance Secretary at [email protected].
Students with excused absences will have an opportunity to complete class work,
assignments, projects, activities, quizzes and/or tests upon their return to school
from such absence.
After 48 hours the absence will remain unexcused. A student cannot make up
work if an absence is unexcused.
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Unexcused Absences: Any absence where a legitimate excuse, as defined above,
is not adequately documented shall be deemed unexcused. Truancy is an
unexcused absence that is not sanctioned by a parent or guardian.
Students with unexcused absences will not earn credit for make-up work including,
but not limited to, class work, assignments, projects, activities, quizzes and/or tests
upon their return to school from such absence.
In the event of extenuating circumstances, a student may petition the building
principal for the opportunity to make up work. Such opportunity may be permitted
at the sole discretion of the building principal.
Tardies
Students are expected to arrive to each class period on time. Students who
continue to arrive late are subject to school discipline.
ATTENDANCE POLICY VIOLATIONS
Truancy: Students are subject to ASA (After School Assignment), Short-Term
Suspension, or Long-term Suspension, Attendance Contract and community
service as arranged by administrator, and/or a Becca petition filed with Whatcom
County Juvenile Court.
Tardies: Students are subject to ASA, Short-Term Suspension and Attendance
Contract.
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES
Student behavior is governed by school board policy #3200 “Student Rights and
Responsibilities.” The following is a summary of that policy.
These guidelines apply in the following situations:
On the school grounds during and immediately before or immediately
after school hours.
On the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by
a school group.
Off the school grounds at a school activity, function, or event.
1. Student Responsibilities. All students who attend Sehome High School shall
comply with the written rules and regulations of the high school, the
Bellingham School District and all applicable state and local laws. (WAC 18040). In addition, all pupils shall submit to the reasonable direction and
discipline of school personnel.
2. After-School and Off-Campus events. School rules and regulations are in
effect at ALL school-sponsored events, including dances, events held at Civic
Field, and all away athletic contests and activities involving Sehome High
School.
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3. Criminal Behavior. School should be a safe place for all students and staff.
Every individual deserves to be treated with respect. Illegal and inappropriate
activities such as fighting, hazing, intimidation, harassment, vandalism, theft,
etc., will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary actions and referral to
the police. Students are encouraged to report any suspicious, inappropriate, or
dangerous activity to school authorities.
4. Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs. The use or possession of drugs
(including paraphernalia), alcoholic beverages, and/or electronic cigarettes is
strictly prohibited. Such behavior is subject to suspension or expulsion from
school. Use or possession of tobacco in any form on school grounds is
prohibited. Any violation will result in discipline from the school and will be
reported to the police for legal action.
5. Possession of Illegal Weapons. Possession and/or use of (a) any weapon,
(b) an item considered to be a weapon, or (c) an item used as a weapon will
result in immediate suspension or expulsion and referral to police authorities.
6. Fire Alarm/Bomb Threats/Explosives/Arson. Any action, which places
individuals in danger or causes disruption to the school, will result in
emergency expulsion and referral to police for prosecution.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY
(CELL PHONES, IPODS, ETC.)
Students are encouraged to leave their electronic devices off and put away in a
backpack, purse or locker during the school day. Electronic devices include cell
phones, hands-free devices, iPods, iPhones, MP3 players, etc.
Teachers and staff may, at their own discretion, request a student to put away
their electronic device. Failure to comply with this request could result in
disciplinary action, including handing over the device to a school staff member. If
an electronic device is collected by a staff member, the item will be kept in the
main office until the end of the school day at which time the student may pick it
up. If a student has a second offense, the device will be held in the office until a
parent or guardian can pick it up.
Additionally, if a student is referred to the office for immediate discipline action,
they may be asked to give their cell phone and/or other electronic device to the
administrator for the remainder of the school day or at the administrator’s
discretion.
Sehome High School is not responsible for the loss or theft of any electronic device.
If an item is lost or stolen, the student may fill out a Theft/Loss form in the main
office. This helps in identifying items and returning them to students.
The use of cameras, including those in cell phones or other electronic devices, is
prohibited in restrooms and locker rooms. The use of any type of camera device to
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copy tests or other protected, sensitive or secure material is prohibited. Failure to
comply could result in disciplinary action.
DRESS CODE
Sehome High School strives to create a positive learning environment for our
students and staff. We have pride in our school community and we have based our
dress code on issues pertinent to health, safety and practicality (or modesty) for all.
We believe dressing appropriately is an important part of establishing and
maintaining a culture of dignity and respect for each other. Given this, clothing
should be a positive expression, not a distraction from learning and work.
Designated dress-up days, sponsored by ASB, may allow for exceptions to the dress
code.
The following are examples of articles of clothing that are generally
inappropriate, subject to school officials' discretion:
Clothing that displays, advertises and/or promotes alcohol, drugs,
firearms, weapons or tobacco products;
Clothing that displays/depicts offensive, profane, sexual or discriminatory
remarks and/or graphics;
Pants that fit below the waist; underwear that is visible;
Shorts, skirts, and dresses which are too short (at discretion of staff);
Low-cut tops, tube tops, halter tops, tops with straps thinner than the
width of two fingers;
Sunglasses worn indoors;
Sexually-suggestive clothing; clothing that displays too much skin;
Pajamas/sleepwear;
Bandanas other than green, gold and/or white;
Clothing deemed to represent gang affiliation (as determined by school
authorities)
HARASSMENT
No one should be subjected to harassment at school for any reason. Acts of
harassment, hostility, or defamation, whether verbal, written, or physical, will not
be tolerated and constitute grounds for disciplinary action including suspension
and/or expulsion from school. Law enforcement may be contacted. Sexual
harassment includes all unwanted, uninvited, and nonreciprocal sexual attention
as well as an intimidating, hostile or offensive school or work environment.
Harassment can include:
Sexually suggestive looks or gestures
Sexual jokes, pictures, teasing and/or sexually demeaning comments
Pressure for dates or sex
Deliberate touching, cornering, or pinching
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Attempts to kiss or fondle
Threats, demands, or suggestions that favors exchanged for sex or
tolerance of sexual advances
Inappropriate use of electronic messaging and/or social media
ACTIVITIES & CLUBS
ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY (ASB) CARD
Most student activities are financed by the ASB fund. Students may purchase an
ASB card on Orientation Day or from the ASB Office for $40 ($20 if eligible for
free/reduced lunch). The ASB card provides free admittance to all regular season
home events and is necessary for participation in any co-curricular activity.
Students needing financial assistance in acquiring an ASB card should see their
counselor.
Clubs and activities are a great way for students to get involved at Sehome. Below
is a list of all the current opportunities available at Sehome High School. Students
who would like an opportunity to start a new club may start the process by
completing a club request form and getting approval from the ASB student council.
ASL - AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (Advisor – Erin Furda) ASL is for
students who know or are learning ASL. All club meetings are held exclusively in
ASL. We hang out, plan events (Carnival, Movie Nights, partnership with Deaf
Community Events) and have fun signing in a social setting.
BADMINTON, INTRAMURAL (Advisor – Bonna Giller) Badminton season
begins the first week of March. Each division (novice and advanced) plays two
mornings before school in the gym, Tuesday through Friday. Intramural
badminton is open to staff and students. The format is doubles play. The season
lasts approximately 7 weeks. $15.00 per person entry fee that includes an awesome
t-shirt!
CHESS (Advisor - Randy Walther) The chess club meets regularly to develop
tournament chess players in order to field a varsity chess team of five skilled
players. The team will compete in team matches against other teams in the NW
Chess League and the annual High School State Team Chess Championship. The
chess club welcomes players of all abilities.
DEBATE (Advisor – TBD) This club meets twice weekly to practice debate
technique, strategy and research. Students argue for real change in policy at the
government level. Debate team members compete in tournaments across the state.
Debate season usually runs from September through March and there is a monthly
fee of $35 to participate.
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DECA (Advisor – Dana Smith) Distributive Educational Clubs of America is a
nation-wide club for students interested in marketing, finance, entrepreneurship
and other business-related careers. Members must be currently taking Economics
or Marketing, or have taken one of those courses within the past year. Students
have the opportunity for leadership, service projects and competing at area and
state levels.
DIVERSITY IN ACTION (Advisor – Lindsay MacDonald) The club’s mission is to
increase academic success for members, and build cultural pride and awareness
through education.
DRAMA / THESPIAN SOCIETY – (Advisor – Kandace Arens) Thespians are a
National Theatre Honorary. The troupe at SHS supports the fall and spring
theatre productions, takes part in the annual monologue/duet competitions,
attends the State Thespian Conference, and goes to see theatre in our community.
Group meets approximately twice a month throughout the year. Membership is
based on earned points for on- or off-stage participation in Sehome's two annual
plays and in the Drama 4 one-acts.
ENGINEER CLUB - Bridge Building (Advisor - Mark Toney) Junior engineer
club that primarily focuses on bridge-building. Students work on design and
construction of a bridge that they will compete against other schools on design and
efficiency.
HONOR SOCIETY (Advisor – Diana Austin) A community and school service
organization open to students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher. The honor society
meets twice per month.
KEY CLUB (Advisor Sonya Morrison) Open to all who would like to work on
volunteer projects that benefit Sehome, Bellingham and the greater Whatcom
County community.
KNOWLEDGE BOWL (Advisor – Carol Cozad) Club competes against other
schools throughout the year on quick recall of knowledge in a wide range of topics:
math, history, science, English lit, grammar, foreign languages, current events,
geography, art, music, etc. Three competitions (Nov, Dec and Jan) determine who
goes on to state competition in Feb. Club is active fall-early March, and
participates in an international computer competition at Sehome in April. Club
meets every Tuesday morning.
MATH TEAM (Advisor – Bennet Vis) Math club provides opportunities to work on
challenging logic and mathematical problems in a team setting. Club travels to
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various competitions throughout Western Washington to compete against other
schools.
MEN’S CHOIR (Advisor – Jessica Schlichting) This singing group is an ensemble
designed to give every male student the opportunity to build vocal skills,
presentation skills and confidence in a friendly, supportive environment. No
audition, commitment or prior experience is necessary. The group meets Fridays
after school in the choir room. Any Sehome male student is welcome at club
meetings.
PHILOSOPHY CLUB (Advisor – Mark Kerr) Club enables students to engage in
philosophical discussions with one another as well as listen to lectures provided by
students from WWU.
PROJECT UNIFY (Advisor – Connor Hegarty) Club brings together students
with and without disabilities in order to build authentic friendships and break
down
QSA (Advisor – Erin Furda) Club members are dedicated to creating a safe and
welcoming environment for all students at Sehome, including the LGBTQ
community. All students with an interest in the club's activities are welcome. The
club gets together with other local QSAs and organizes LGBTQ-friendly events.
ROBOTICS (Advisor – Kevin Criez) October, November, and December the
robotics club spends time preparing for the FIRST Robotics competition. The
FIRST Robotics build season begins the first week in January and goes through
April. During January and February the club meets every day after school. After
the FIRST Robotics season the club begins to meet once a week again doing smaller
robotics projects.
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD (Advisors –Amy Hankinson, Mark Toney) The Science
Olympiad Club will begin meeting in late fall, and will have 2 teams. Club
competes against other schools at the local and state level, and will travel to
tournaments with 30 and 2 alternates, depending on funding, in 23 events ranging
from problem solving to lab stations to building devices that perform specific tasks.
This year the Regional Tournament will be on March 10 at Seattle Central
Community College and should we qualify for State, we will be competing at EWU
in Cheney. New 9th and 10th graders, and those who like to design and build, are
encouraged to participate.
SHOC – STUDENTS HELPING OUR COMMUNITY (Advisor – Martha Zender)
This group is run through our Career Services office and provides opportunities for
community service hours. Through this office we will advertise opportunities for
service and keep track of individual hours for students.
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SOCIAL ACTION (Advisor – Shannon Eubank) Club has fun together making
things and planning events to raise money for different charities than make a
difference in the world.
TECHNOLOGY STUDENT ASSN (Advisor – Jennifer Styer) Club promotes
leadership and provides opportunities in technology, innovation, design and
engineering, to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
TEEN COURT (Advisor – Ed Wissing) Teen Court is an award-winning program
that trains teens to fulfill all roles in real court proceedings (Whatcom County
Superior Court). The courtroom becomes the classroom, where students are jurors,
prosecution and defense advocates, bailiff, clerk, and presiding judge, participating
in a real hearing. Defendants are second-time offenders who have admitted guilt,
and have agreed to have Teen Court participants hear their case and determine
the consequences for their offense. The goal of a Teen Court sentence is to follow
the principles of restorative justice and help young offenders become responsible
citizens who contribute to their community. Court proceedings are held one night
per month.
ATHLETICS
Participation in the athletic program at Sehome High School is a privilege.
Athletes must clear each season by giving proof of a current physical (these are
good for 13 months only), paying the athletic fee, purchasing an ASB card,
verifying proof of insurance, and signing the district Athletic/Activity code. The
code covers student attendance and academic requirements, citizenship standards,
and drug and alcohol violations. Copies of the code are given to all prospective
athletes and can also be picked up at the Activities/Athletics office.
Fall Sports: Football, Cross Country, Girls' Swim and Dive, Volleyball, Girls'
Soccer and Boys' Tennis
Winter Sports: Boys' Basketball, Girls' Basketball, Girls’ Bowling, Gymnastics,
Boys' Swim and Dive, and Wrestling
Spring Sports: Baseball, Softball, Boys' Golf, Girls' Golf, Boys' Soccer, Girls'
Tennis and Track and Field
Questions may be directed to the Athletic Secretary at ext. 5201
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is there public school bus transportation? Yes. Sehome High School students
may use Bellingham Public School buses to ride to and from school. The buses
arrive at Sehome by 7:45 a.m. and depart at 2:20 p.m. For more information, please
visit the Bellingham School District’s website at www.bellinghamschools.org and
go to the “Families” tab and select “Bus Routes and schedules.” There is a feature
where you can type in your address to determine the bus number.
How do I find out if school is closed when it snows? School closures or
delayed openings are announced on Bellingham and Seattle radio and TV stations
by 6 a.m. You may access information at http://bellinghamschools.org/emergency.
You may also call 676-6400 for a recorded message in English, or 647-6815 for
translated messages. SchoolMessenger® is a communication service used to stay in
touch with families to send announcements, school newsletters and district news
via email, phone or text. On the Bellingham Public Schools’ website, click the
Families tab and select SchoolMessenger® to set up the service.
What if I need to take medication at school? Medications can be selfadministered, or administered by a designated staff member. In either case,
completed paperwork with signatures from both parent/guardian and physician is
required to be on file. Forms are available in the main office or at
BellinghamPublicSchools.org. Click on Families, select Health Services, then
Medication at School on right side of screen.
If I am absent, what should I do? If you are absent from school, your parent
may or guardian may excuse your absence by calling the attendance office at 6766470 x5211 or emailing the attendance secretary at
[email protected]. You may also bring a note to the
attendance office when you return to school.
If I arrive to school late, what should I do? You must check in at the
attendance office when first arrive and obtain a slip that allows you to be admitted
to class. If you have a note, please present it to the secretary at this time, or have
your parent/guardian call to excuse your tardy or absence.
What if I am sick and need to go home? Students who need to go home may
call a parent from the main office and get permission to go home. The attendance
secretary will need to speak with a parent before the student leaves campus.
Is it possible to get a message or delivery during the school day? Messages
and deliveries for students may be brought to the main office. Since this process
disrupts class time, please use discernment with deliveries.
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Are pets allowed on the school campus? No.
What is the policy on cell phones and electronics in classes? Teachers set
their own parameters about electronics in the classrooms. Students should check
with each teacher. For more detailed information, please see page 8 of this
handbook.
Are all students allowed to go off campus for lunch? No, only 10th, 11th and
12th grade students may leave campus during their lunch period. Freshmen (9th
grade) must remain on campus during lunch time.
If I miss school how do I arrange for homework? Homework can be arranged
for pick-up by contacting teachers directly via email or phone message. Staff email
addresses and extensions are available on the Sehome website or in printed form in
the main office.
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