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DeSoto County High School |
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DESOTO COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLSTUDENT HANDBOOK 2010-2011
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF DESOTO COUNTY MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the School District of DeSoto is to prepare all students to be successful citizens and productive workers.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES1. Students, the quality of instruction and services provided to students, and the needs of students will be central concerns in all decisions made in the School District of DeSoto. 2. Integrity, honesty, openness, and responsiveness are core values in the School District of DeSoto. 3. Decisions should be made as close to the point of implementation as possible and based on consideration of all available resources. 4. The schools belong to the community, whose input and partnerships are essential to effectively meet the needs of students. GOALS1. To create a challenging, supportive educational environment that results in higher levels of achievement for all students which includes: reading with comprehension, writing clearly, computing accurately, thinking, reasoning, and using information to solve problems. 2. To provide leadership to agencies serving youth, ensuring family support and academic success. 3. To help all employees become educational leaders who provide responsible and innovative leadership to achieve effective instruction for all students. 4. To hold everyone in the school district accountable for contributing to the educational bottom line: student achievement. 5. To create an organizational culture that considers employees to be its most valuable resource and invests in their professional growth and development. 6. To create within the entire community a sense of ownership of the schools and a belief that a quality public school system is an investment in the continued growth and prosperity of DeSoto County. DESOTO COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLMISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to empower all students to become life-long learners to compete in today’s society. SCHOOL BELIEFS1. Student learning is the chief priority for the school. 2. Students need to apply their learning in meaningful contexts. 3. A safe and physically comfortable environment promotes student learning. 4. Students need to not only demonstrate their understanding of essential knowledge and skills, but also need to be actively involved in solving problems and producing quality work. 5. All students can learn as a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs. 6. Teachers, administrators, parents, and the community share the responsibility for advancing the school’s mission. 7. The commitment to continuous improvement is imperative if our school is going to enable students to become confident, self-directed, lifelong learners. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
A minimum number of credits is required for graduation. Each full credit shall represent 135 hours of instruction during the normal school year.
Credits required for graduation: 27 (Class of 2011)
Graduation requirements include the following courses:
Four-year standard graduation:
English 4 credits Social Studies: American History 1 credit World History 1 credit American Government ½ credit Economics ½ credit Science: Life Science (Biology required) 1 credit
(2 additional credits will include Earth/Space Science, Physical Science or Chemistry.)
*Math 4 credits * (including Algebra 1 or equivalent)
Hope 1 credit Fine Arts 1 credit Electives 11 credits (Class of 2011)
Total 27 credits
For more detailed information, please refer to the DeSoto High School Course Selection Guide.
Accelerated High School Program Requirements
1) Six credits of the 18 credit option must be earned from advanced placement or dual enrollment courses. 2) The grade point average required to participate in the 18 credit college preparatory track will be 3.5 or higher.
The three-year college preparatory program includes the following:
4 credits in English (major concentration in composition and literature) 3 credits in Math (Algebra I or higher) 3 credits in Science (two of which must include a lab component) 3 credits in Social Sciences 2 credits in the same language or demonstrated proficiency in another language 3 credits in electives
The three-year career preparatory program includes the following:
PROMOTIONSee the Student Progression Plan.
GRADING SYSTEM
GRADE PERCENT POINT VALUE DEFINITION A 90-100 4 Outstanding B 80-89 3 Above Average C 70-79 2 Average D 60-69 1 Lowest Acceptable F 0-59 0 Failure I 0 Incomplete
CREDIT FOR COURSE WORK To receive credit in any course a student must demonstrate mastery of Course Student Performance Standards. Any student who has not been in attendance for a minimum of 127.5 hours may not be awarded a credit unless the student has demonstrated mastery of the student performance standards in the course by passing a semester exam. The hourly requirement for one-half credit is defined to be one-half of the requirements for a full credit.
Section 232.2462, Florida Statutes, requires the school board to establish and maintain a system, which will provide for high school credit to be issued on a half-credit basis for all courses provided on a full-year basis. In addition the Statute requires that a student enrolled in a full-year course who fails one-half of the course must be given a full credit for the course if the average of the grades obtained each half would result in a passing grade.
BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS See your guidance counselor for specific requirements regarding these programs for high achieving students interested in post secondary education. These programs include Florida Academic Scholars and Gold Seal.
DUAL ENROLLMENT Dual Enrollment courses will be offered. Student qualifications for participation in academic courses include passing a college placement exam and attaining a 3.0 unweighted cumulative GPA. Vocational courses require an unweighted GPA of 2.0.
ADVANCED PLACEMENTAny student who wishes to take an AP course must meet the following requirements:
AP Classes will count a weighted .04 towards GPA each semester just like dual enrollment courses.
FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOLStudents will be allowed use of the Florida Virtual High School. The Virtual School offers on-line courses to all students in affiliated school districts throughout the State of Florida. The Virtual School will be used to supplement the curriculum of students attending DCHS full-time. Keep in mind that students are not permitted to graduate early from DCHS, so accumulated credits from Virtual School cannot be used for early graduation. Any student who registers with Virtual School will have to be approved by the student’s parent/guardian, counselor, and high school principal to take the class chosen by the student. Each case will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis taking into account the student’s grades, abilities to work independently, expertise with technology, and other factors.
REPORT CARDSStudents will receive a report card at the end of each 9 week quarter.
GRADE II Parents can check academic progress of their child by phone or by the Internet using our Grade book II monitoring system by going to www.desotoschools.com/piv. EXAM EXEMPTION POLICYThere are no exemptions for ½ credit courses. Students may be exempt from final exams if they meet all three of the following conditions: 1. Students must have an average of 90% or better in that class to qualify for an exemption during the 18 week time period or equivalent in which the final will be given. 2. Students may have no unexcused absences and no more than three excused absences. School Related Absences do not count as an absence. Note: Students who check out for more than 15 minutes or arrive more than 15 minutes late will be considered absent. 3. Students may have no discipline referrals.
Note: A medical appeals process is available for a student who may have been hospitalized or have other medical concerns. A letter of appeal should be turned in to the Principal at least one week prior to the week of exams. An exemption committee will meet to make a determination on a case-by-case basis.
HONOR ROLLS Students taking normal class loads that earn a 4.0 GPA and above will be on the Principal's List. Students who earn a 3.5 GPA will be placed on the Dean’s List. Students who earn a 3.0 GPA with no D’s or F’s will be on the Honor Roll.
ACADEMIC LETTERS 1. Academic Requirements: A. To be eligible to receive the Academic Letter a student must have received a weighted academic average of 3.5 or higher (no rounding) at the end of the year of grades 9, 10, 11 or at the end of the first 18 weeks of the senior year for the 12th grade students. To be eligible, 12th grade students must be taking two core courses. B. Summer school credits will not be considered. 2. Citizenship Requirements: A review committee will be established to consider the citizenship of all academically qualified applicants. MORNING EXERCISESA short moment of silent meditation and the Pledge of Allegiance will take place each day. Important announcements will be broadcast via the closed circuit television system. A Channel One news program will be shown in all classes as part of the morning exercises. Students are expected to display proper conduct during these activities. Announcements are also posted in the school cafeteria.
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION When a student is absent from school, he/she must bring an excuse from home on the day he/she returns to school or on the following day. The excuse must include the students full name, dates missed, reason missed, and be signed by parent or legal guardian. If the excuse is not submitted within two days, the absence is unexcused. Under certain circumstances and within a reasonable period of time, a student may file an appeal to the two-day rule with the administration. A student with an excused or unexcused absence will be given three days upon return to school to complete make-up work. It is the student's responsibility to contact the teacher, following an absence, to arrange for make-up work. Students excused to participate in school related activities must also meet standards and deadlines required of all other students.
If the absence is anticipated to be of more than three days duration, a request for assignments may be made through the office. Twenty-four hours notice will be needed to collect assignments. Excused absences are those for personal illness, doctor's appointment, death in the immediate family, court appearance of pupil (summons required), religious holiday, approved school activity, attendance at a center under Health and Rehabilitative Service supervision, school-sponsored activities and insurmountable problems (prior permission by Principal required). Any other excused absence must have prior approval of the Principal or Assistant Principal using a pre-arranged absence form. If a student has more than 5 unexcused absences, he/she must pass the final exam and have a passing average to receive credit. During 90 minute block periods, students must have no more than 3 unexcused absences.
PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCESIn order to receive prior approval a student must complete a Pre-arranged absence form, which he/she may pick up in the ATTENDANCE OFFICE. The form must include the dates to be absent, the reason, parent and student signatures. The student then must have all his/her teachers sign it. Finally it must be turned in to the principal or assistant principal for final approval. The form should be completed at least five days prior to the date of the requested absence. An administrator may make an exception to the five day approval depending on the circumstances. Note: Approval will be based on student’s behavior, attendance, and teacher approval.
NO SENIOR SKIP DAY IS PERMITTED
BUS PASSESIf a student needs to ride a bus other than his/her regular bus, he/she must have a bus pass. Bring a note signed by a parent/guardian to the attendance/discipline office with a phone number where the parent/guardian may be reached for verification, and a bus pass will be issued.
CONDUCT OF STUDENTS In DeSoto County, student behavior is governed by a board approved Code of Student Conduct. We urge all students to review the code as soon as possible and occasionally throughout the school year. At DeSoto County High School proper conduct is the responsibility of each student. Rules and regulations are intended only as guides. They are also necessary for those persons who have not fully developed an understanding of the basic principle of conducting themselves so as not to become nuisances or to interfere with the rights of others. Each student should strive to make our school attractive and orderly. This goal can be attained by each individual accepting and abiding by the principles outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.
School District of DeSoto County High School Student Dress Code
Dress neatly and in good taste at all times. Dress, grooming, hair color or style, or personal appearance shall not be disruptive of the school program, to pose any danger to any person or property, or to offend standards of modesty or decency generally observed in the community. Specifically, the standards include:
**Professional dress as determined by the administration is acceptable.
School administration reserves the right to judge any form of dress that may be appropriate or inappropriate, disruptive, or unsafe for the school environment.
SCHOOL PROPERTY Anyone engaged in defacing or destroying school property will be dealt with according to the Student Code of Conduct.
RANDOM LOCKER AND VEHICLE SEARCH POLICY
The Principal of the DeSoto County High School has developed a policy for the random search of both lockers and vehicles situated within the school campus. This policy is to promote a proactive approach to both deter and locate contraband items being brought onto the school campus. This policy is not to replace or prevent other specific or targeted searches allowed by other existing policies, received information or by law.
1. The application or request for a locker or parking permit will include notification of searches and give voluntary consent to any and all searches.
2, Refusal to allow a search of a vehicle or locker will be grounds for the revocation of the locker or parking privilege.
3. These searches will be done in a random manner and not targeting any one student.
The principal and/or his administrative designee(s) may initiate a random search of lockers and/or vehicles situated on or within the campus of the DeSoto County High School. The initiating administrator can request the assistance of law enforcement officers or school employees to assist with the search. The assisting persons will be acting under the authority and at the request of the principal or his designee. During the course of the search any and all items in violation of school policies or by law may be seized. Items in violation of law will be turned over to law enforcement.
At the conclusion of the search, the administrator in charge will file a written report of the findings.
CLASSROOM CONDUCT 1. Students are responsible for coming to class prepared. 2. Students are to enter the classroom promptly in an orderly manner.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION Public display of affection is in poor taste. Students who engage in displays of affection not appropriate for a school setting will be disciplined according to the code of conduct.
TARDIES The classroom teachers will administer appropriate disciplinary action for the first two tardies. Repeated tardiness will be referred to the administration and discipline will be handled according to the student code of conduct.
TRUANCY A habitual truant is defined as any student who has 15 unexcused absences in a 90 day period and is subject to compulsory attendance. According to Florida Statute students between ages 16 and 18 are required to attend school unless they sign a formal intent to withdraw. Both student and parent may be prosecuted if a student is habitually truant.
DRIVER’S LICENSE REVOCATION Any student that has accumulated 15 unexcused absences in a period of 90 days will have his/her name turned into the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to have license privileges revoked. THEFT The school administration cannot assume responsibility for money and valuable property brought to school by students. However, we are concerned and willing to aid in preventing thefts as well as recovering stolen property. Each student must take proper precaution to protect his/her own property. Also, each student is responsible for property loaned to him/her such as textbooks and library books. The student should strongly consider the following suggestions: 1. Never bring large amounts of money or extremely valuable objects to school. 2. Lock lockers. 3. Be sure to take your purses, books, etc. while changing classes. 4. Never leave purses or other property unattended. 5. Keep cars locked. 6. Never loan bicycles, cars, etc. 7. In PE class, it is recommended to leave valuables under the protection of the instructor. 8. Report any thefts personally witnessed or any information you might have concerning a theft.
CHEATING Any student caught cheating on a test or on homework will receive no credit for the work involved. A person found cheating on a test or examination will receive a zero and will not be allowed to make up the work. Parents will be notified, and disciplinary procedures will be followed.
HALL PASSES No student shall be out of class without a hall pass except during class change.
LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS No student may leave the school grounds after arriving at school whether by bus, car, or on foot without permission from the administration. Students must sign out and in at the attendance office when they leave and when they return during the course of the school day. Students who become ill must also receive permission to sign out from the school nurse. Students' requests to leave school during the day will be granted only in case of emergency. Employed students are required and expected to attend all classes. PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST THAT STUDENTS BE EXCUSED TO EAT LUNCH OFF CAMPUS, SINCE THE LUNCH PERIOD IS ONLY THIRTY MINUTES. ALSO, STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE LUNCH (FAST FOOD TYPES, ETC.) BROUGHT TO THEM.
DISCIPLINE FOR STUDENTS
Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct.
LOST/DAMAGED TEXTBOOKS Students are responsible for the care and safety of materials loaned including textbooks. If a textbook is lost or damaged, the teacher of the course should be notified. Students will be charged for any book lost or damaged.
MEDIA CENTER
Mission Statement
The Media Center at DHS is committed to fostering academic excellence in our students. This program began as a way to promote literacy in all of its expressions. It strives to encourage life-long learning, to ensure individual right of freedom of information, to expand awareness of our global society and its multi-cultural facets.
To achieve this, the Media Center provides service and instruction to students and staff members, collaborates with staff designing learning opportunities with resources, information, and technology; and to promote life-long reading.
The Media Center is a world of ideas and information and, therefore, transcends both time and place.
These guidelines are intended to acquaint students with the policies and procedures in effect in the DeSoto County High School Media Center. Hours: The Media Center is open to the students of DeSoto County High School from 7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. A valid pass will admit students to the center at any time during the school day. Student Conduct: Disruptive students will be asked to leave the media center. Privileges will be revoked if disruption warrants such action.
GUIDANCE SERVICES The guidance department of DeSoto County High School subscribes to the concept that guidance must be an integral part of the entire school program. To realize this goal the department attempts to work closely with all members of the school staff, so together, they may provide the best possible experience for the students they serve. They are concerned with the intellectual, emotional, social, and moral growth of the individual student. For your convenience the Guidance Department will make after hour appointments upon request. TRANSCRIPTSAll students will be entitled to official transcripts mailed from the school at no charge.
GUIDELINES FOR REGISTRATION AND SCHEDULE CHANGES 1. All students are to be scheduled for 7 courses. 2. Students are to be scheduled in accordance with the following priorities: a. Graduation requirements b. Course availability, class load, etc. c. Student’s ability and/or previous record d. Student’s interest 3. Schedule changes shall be made only for educationally- sound reasons that will be of long-range benefit to the student. 4. Schedule changes must be requested within the first 2 days of a semester and may need the approval of the administration. 5. The guidance department has developed a Counselor Request Form for students to use when they wish to see a member of the guidance department about schedule changes, GPA’s scholarship information or for personal reasons. Students may pick up these forms from their teachers or the front office. The completed form should be returned to the guidance secretary or the front desk.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Pupils who move within the district during the school year must notify guidance secretary immediately in order that the address in the office is corrected.
GUIDELINES FOR PARKING ON THESCHOOL CAMPUS 1. A student wishing to park on the campus must complete a registration form. After approval, a parking decal will be issued for $5.00 and must be attached to the vehicle at a location prescribed by administration. Each student must agree not to sit in the car after arriving on campus and to observe speed regulations. 2. School officials reserve the right to search a car parked on campus or at school sponsored event if there is reason to suspect it might contain drugs, weapons or other illegal objects. It is the responsibility of each student who drives an automobile or operates a vehicle to make absolutely sure that NO firearms such as guns or rifles are brought to school. Also, it is illegal to bring nightsticks or bats or any other type of object that may be used for acts of violence. 3. Leaving Campus - A student using his/her vehicle to leave campus without permission during the school day will be subject to having his/her driving privileges revoked. 4. Parking on school grounds is a privilege, not a right. 5. New students have three days after registering at DeSoto County High School to register their cars. 6. Students must park in their designated space in the student parking lot on the east side of the building. Failure to park in the designated area may result in parking privileges being suspended. 7. Bicycles must be parked in the bike area to the west side of the building. 8. Leave your car upon arrival. Any student loitering in the student parking lot is subject to disciplinary action. 9. Decals, bumper stickers, or any other such signs displayed on or in a vehicle, which are distasteful, vulgar, etc. will not be allowed in the school parking lot. 10. Students tardy to first period three times will lose parking privileges for ten days. Subsequent violations will be cause for further consequences. 11. Vehicle violations may result in the loss of driving privileges. First offense will be a 10-day driving suspension. Additional offenses will result in the loss of driving privileges for the remainder of the year. No one will be allowed to park on the grass outside the fence.
SCHOOL INSURANCE All students are encouraged to purchase school insurance. All athletes, band members, cheerleaders, and others who will participate in extra-curricular school activities are required to have 24-hour school insurance, athletic insurance, or the appropriate waiver, in accordance with school policy. Coaches and sponsors are responsible to see that the students either have the health/medical insurance or that they do not participate in the activities. Students must have health insurance to participate in any school-related activities (field trips, contest, etc.).
FIELD TRIPS Field trips are an important part of many courses at DeSoto High. Students are expected to participate and may be held responsible for any information attained while on a field trip. In order to attend an all day field trip, it is the student’s responsibility to maintain good attendance and academic standing in all classes. Five (5) days prior to the field trip, students must turn in all paper work, which may include a prearranged absence form, parent permission, and medical release. In case of a medical emergency while on a field trip, students are required to have health insurance. An exception to the insurance requirement may be made if the parent chaperones the field trip.
VISITORS All visitors to the school must register at the reception desk in the office. The only people who are permitted on campus are: 1. Students and employees 2. Visitors with permits 3. Vendors and volunteers No student visitors will be allowed on campus during the school day.
LOCKS AND LOCKERS Lockers are available for rent at the beginning of each school year. The rental fee is $5.00 per year. Do not give anyone the combination to your lock. If you should lose or forget your combination, a record is kept in the attendance office. In case you feel that a lock change is necessary, please contact the attendance office. UPON REASONABLE SUSPICION, LOCKERS OR OTHER AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH FOR PROHIBITED OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES OR OBJECTS. RANDOM SEARCHES MAY ALSO BE CONDUCTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION. Lockers are the property of the school, any writing on them either inside or out will be considered vandalism of school property and disciplinary action will be taken. The P.E. locker room area is not totally secure. TURN IN ALL VALUABLES TO YOUR P.E. INSTRUCTOR AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS FOR SAFEKEEPING.
LOST AND FOUNDAll items found should be taken to the IR room.
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT Electronic paraphernalia for personal use is prohibited.
STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AT ANY TIME DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, DURING SCHOOL FUNCTIONS, OR ON A SCHOOL BUS.
Students may possess electronic communication devices such as cell phones; however, the use of these communication devices is strictly prohibited at any time during the school day, during school functions, or on school busses. All electronic communication devices must be turned off and stored in a locker, backpack, book-bag, purse or other carried container and are not permitted to be worn on the person in any fashion. Violation of this policy will result in confiscation and/or disciplinary action. Note: If the communication device is used in a criminal act while the student is on school property or in attendance at a school function, there is a possibility of disciplinary action be the school and/or criminal penalties.
Any laser and electronic devise, not authorized for use as a learning device, is prohibited on school grounds, at school functions, or on the school busses. Prohibited electronic devices are considered contraband, and possession of such devices will result in confiscation and/or disciplinary action. The school will not be responsible for such items being lost or stolen.
Minimum Consequences:
1st Offense – Electronic device will be confiscated and held for a minimum of 24 hours. Parent will have to pick up and or possible disciplinary action. 2nd Offense - Electronic device will be confiscated and held for a minimum of 1 week. Parent will have to pick up and or possible disciplinary action. 3rd offense - Electronic device will be confiscated and held for a minimum of 1 month. Parent will have to pick up and or possible disciplinary action.
Contraband may only be picked up between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on normal school days.
Refusal to comply with reasonable request to surrender item will result in disciplinary action.
USE OF PHONES 1. No student will be called to the school phone during school time. Messages will be taken and relayed. Emergency situations will be handled on an individual basis. 2. The office telephones are not for student use.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES Participation in extra-curricular activities provides students with valuable opportunities and experiences. DCHS offers a variety of athletic programs as well as clubs and organizations. We encourage all students to be actively involved. Students who are involved tend to do better academically and enjoy school more than those not involved.
RULES FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES 1. The school has authority over all persons attending school activities. 2. Students will conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at all activities. 3. Students will not be permitted to attend an activity if they have been drinking or begin to do so. 4. All chaperones are to be responsible for the behavior of those attending the activity; therefore, everyone will respect their authority. The chaperones shall reprimand as they see fit and necessary. Chaperones must follow closely the rules established by the FHSAA and the rules posted on each school bus. 5. Students must be in attendance at school in order to participate in any school-related activity on that date or the day prior to the activity if the activity falls on the weekend or a non-school day. 6. All school dances are open only to DeSoto County High School students unless permission to bring a guest is secured through the office of the principal. Guests must be under 21 to attend a school dance. No middle school students (or younger) are permitted to attend. Dances are closed activities. Any student leaving a dance will not be allowed to re-enter. 7. All club activities must be adequately supervised and chaperoned. 8. In order to leave campus, a signed parent permission form must be on file for each student. 9. If classes are to be missed, the student must have a pre- arranged absence form signed by each teacher prior to leaving. The principal must approve all activities. 10. Groups will not be permitted to attend events that are not approved by the FHSAA calendar committee. 11. School organizations may not require students to participate on Sundays. 12. School organizations may not require students to participate on Wednesday evenings.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES The following attendance requirements are to be followed for students participating in school events: 1. A student who is absent from class (es) on the day of an event will not be allowed to participate in an event on that day unless they have prior approval of the principal. 2. A student who is assigned a detention on the day of an event will not be allowed to participate until after the detention is served. 3. Students on Out of School Suspension cannot attend or participate in any school function. 4. Students must be in school the day before an all day activity during the week or the school day prior to a weekend event.
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS AND ATHLETICS THE FOLLOWING ARE CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS AND ATHLETIC PROGRAMS OFFERED AT DCHS: Student Clubs/OrganizationsNational Honor Society Blazing Blue Band Jazz Band JROTC Bulldogs Bark Growl Pedigree Delta Omegas Club Sub-Debs Fellowship of Christian Athletes Art Club Family, Career & Community Leaders of America Distributive Education Clubs of America Future Business Leaders of America Health Occupational Students of America The Fraternal Society Scholars Club Key Club
Contact the administration for the name of the sponsor of any organization you may be interested in joining.
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS GIRLS’ SPORTS BOYS’ SPORTS Varsity, JV, & Freshman Volleyball Varsity & JV Football Varsity & JV Basketball Varsity & JV Baseball Golf Varsity, & JV Basketball Varsity & JV Softball Tennis Tennis Golf Track Track Cross Country Cross Country Weightlifting Weightlifting Soccer Soccer
PARTICIPATION IN INTERSCHOLASTIC EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students wishing to participate in extracurricular activities must comply with the requirements of Florida Statute and the Florida High School Activities Association. Students must meet the following requirements: · First Term -- Promotion to the high school · Each Term Thereafter -- Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA · Maintain Satisfactory Conduct
Satisfactory conductIn order for a student to be eligible to participate in inter-scholastic extracurricular student activities, he/she must maintain satisfactory conduct. If the student is convicted of, or is found to have committed, a felony or a delinquent act which would have been a felony if committed by an adult, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, the student’s participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is contingent upon established and published school board policy. It is, therefore, up to the local school board to determine if such misconduct disqualifies a student for participation through school board policy.
FIRE SAFETY When the fire alarm is heard students should follow teacher's instructions as to where to go. Students should proceed with teacher to nearest exit. Students with passes should exit the building, and then rejoin their assigned teacher. The exit pattern for the fire drills are posted near the door of each classroom. Any student pulling a fire alarm as a prank will face expulsion.
BOMB THREATS When the alarm is heard, all students are to follow the teacher's instruction as to what to do. PLEASE NOTE: It is a felony and federal offense to make any type of false threat against any public institution. Violators will be prosecuted.
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING When the alarm is heard, all students are to follow the teacher's instruction as to what to do. Emergency procedures are posted near the door of each classroom.
CAFETERIA Breakfast Lunches Adult - $1.55 Adult - $2.75 Student - $1.25 Student - $1.75 Alternative Meal Procedure - Students who forget their meal money may contact an administrator for assistance.
CAFETERIA RULES 1. Good manners are desirable and expected of all students. 2. Students should be courteous to fellow students by taking their place in the rear of the line. Butting in line is prohibited. 3. There shall be no horseplay of any kind in or around the cafeteria. 4. Students are to remove their trays and garbage from the tables and put them in the proper place upon completion of lunch.
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES A school nurse is a part of the school team. The school nurse will provide health education and health counseling as needed to all students, parents, and school staff regarding such issues as management of acute and chronic health problems, personal hygiene, human sexuality, drug and alcohol use/abuse, and other self-destructive behaviors. A school nurse will be available full-time in the Health Clinic to provide comfort and assistance to those students who become ill or injured at school. They will also assist students in taking medications authorized by a doctor and or parent/guardian. The medication must be brought in its original container with detailed instructions on the way the medication is to be administered. The parent/guardian must sign a consent form authorizing the school personnel to dispense the medication according to prescribed instructions. Any student coming to the Health Clinic must have a health room pass from his/her teacher.
CLINIC RULES 1. When a student is sick, the school nurse will call the parent, if she deems it necessary. 2. The clinic restroom is available only to those students who are patients in the clinic. 3. Students are allowed to visit the clinic during their lunchtime if they are ill, but they must have a pass. 4. Students may stay in the clinic for 30 minutes. Then they must either return to class or make arrangements to go home. 5. Only students with a valid pass from school personnel will be permitted to be in the clinic. Students are not allowed to go to the clinic between classes. 6. Student must have a permission slip signed by a parent for medical needs/conditions. This form can be obtained from the clinic. Any and all medicines and/or medical needs should be documented on this form. 7. All medications of any type brought to school must be checked in with the nurse. No medications are to be carried by the student including over the counter drugs. 8. Any student checking out of school due to illness or injury must do so through the nurse. 9. Emergency cards must be turned in to the nurse with a signature on the back and a working phone number in order to care for the student in an emergency. We all know how important education is. If students miss school or too many classes, he/she may be in jeopardy of falling behind.
WHOM TO SEE
Academic Standing……………………………….Guidance Counselor Slips, Tardies & Pre-arranged forms…………….Attendance Secretary Age Certificates……………………….……….…Guidance Secretary Athletics………..………….………….…….…..Athletic Director/AP Attendance Issues……………………………....Attendance Secretary Check-out of School……………………...... .…Attendance Secretary Clinic…………………………………………..………School Nurses Discipline………………………………………......Assistant Principal Free/Reduced Lunch Applications…………...............Receptionist Desk Free/Reduced Lunch Problems………………..……...Receptionist Desk Lockers…………………………………………..…Attendance Secretary Lost and Damaged Textbooks……………………….……...Bookkeeper Parking Permits……………………………..…………Discipline Office Scheduling Difficulties…………….………….……Guidance Counselors Scholarship Information………………..………….…Guidance Secretary Insurance……………………………………..…..…………….IR Room Withdrawal………………………………….….……...Guidance Secretary
2010-2011 DeSoto County High School's Calendar August 16 ............................................................First Day for Teachers August 17…………………………………..Professional Development Day August 23 .............................................................. First Day for Students September 6 .............................................................. Labor Day Holiday October 15…………………………………Professional Development Day October 28............................................. End First Quarter Grading Period October 29....................................................Records Day/Student Holiday November 1………………………………………….Begin Second Quarter November 3……………………………………...Report Cards Distributed November 22-26......................................................Thanksgiving Holiday December 20 – 31……….........……………..……………...Winter Break January 3, 2011…..…….………………Students Return from Winter Break January 17...................................................... Martin Luther King Holiday January 20………………………………………………End second quarter January 21…………………………………………………….Records Day January 24………………………………………………Begin Third quarter January 26…………………………..Second quarter reports cards distributed February 21..…………………………...…..……… Presidents’ Day Holiday March 1………………………………………………………..FCAT Writing March 21-25…………………………………………………….Spring Break March 31……………………………………………..……End Third Quarter April 1……………………………………………………….….Records Day April 4..………………………………………………...Begin Fourth Quarter April 6…..…………………………..Third Quarter Reports Cards Distributed April 11-22……………………………………….…………….FCAT Testing April 22….…………………………….…………………Good Friday Holiday May 2 – June 3………………………………….…Geometry EOC Field Test May 2 – June 3……………………………………..Biology I EOC Field Test May 9 – 27………………………………………..Algebra I EOC Assessment May 30……………………………………..……………….…..Memorial Day June 9…….................................................... End Fourth Quarter/Early Release June 10………….………………………….………Last workday for Teachers June 14………….………………….Fourth Quarter Report Cards Distributed
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer School Board Policy AC
Unlawful Discrimination Prohibited. The DeSoto County School Board subscribes to and will comply with the Florida Educational Equity Act. The School Board will ensure implementation of this Act in the following areas: treatment of students; health services, interscholastic, club and intramural athletics; students’ financial assistance; student employment; educational and work environment; and personnel. No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, age or marital status, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits or, be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity except as provided by law. General Authority 230.22 FS, 228.2001 FS, DOE Rules 6A-19.01, 6A-19.10. Coordinator: Director Daniel Dubbert Director of Student Services Family Services Center 310 West Whidden Street Arcadia, Florida 34266 (863) 993-1333 A copy of the Customer Complaint (Grievance) Procedure may be secured from the coordinator. Annual Letter to Parents
State Board of Education Rule 6A-1.995, Student Records, requires that a student education record be maintained for each pupil enrolled in school. This student record shall be under the control of the principal and shall be kept current. No record may be destroyed or disposed of by any agency unless approval of the Division of Archives, History and Records Management is first obtained. The Division adopts reasonable rules and regulations, which are binding on all agencies relating to the destruction and disposal of records. The cumulative record shall be open to inspection only by the School Board, Superintendent, the professional staff of the school, the parent or guardian of the pupil, a court of competent jurisdiction and to such other persons as the parent, guardian, or principal may authorize in writing. These records contain identifying data (student and parent name, address, birth date, sex, race), academic records, standardized test results, attendance records and health data. The record may also contain family background information, verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns, record of extra-curricular and special programs participation, psychological reports and anecdotal records by professional staff. The principal may maintain a separate disciplinary file for students involved in misconduct to include, but not be limited to, description of misconduct, suspension notice(s), record of disciplinary action(s) taken, etc. Parents of students and parents of former students of any state or local educational agency or institution, preschool through higher education, have the right to "inspect and review" all educational records directly related to their children under 18 years of age. In case of legal separation or divorce, either parent may have access to a child's educational record unless an appropriate court order to the contrary has been filed with the school. If any material or document in the educational record of a student includes information on more than one student, the parent or adult student seeking access will have the right to inspect and review only those parts that relate to said student or to be informed of the specific information contained in such material. Compliance with a request to inspect and review a student's education record should be done as quickly as administratively feasible; under no circumstances should the time element exceed thirty (30) calendar days after the request has been made. A waiver may be made with respect to specified classes of persons or institutions. Waivers may be revoked, but a revocation must be in writing. If a parent of a student executes a waiver, the student may revoke that waiver any time after he or she becomes an adult student. Access to any student education record or the release of any personally identifiable information without written consent of the parent or adult student is prohibited. The consent must contain the reason for the release; the specific records to be released; and to whom the records are being released. The signed and dated approval must be maintained in the student's cumulative record. The following categories are exempt from the above prohibition. The DeSoto County Public Schools reserve the right to release the following "directory information" without prior permission of the parent: Student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in school sponsored activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, date of graduation and awards received. The parent may request the designation of any or all of the above categories as directory information by notifying the principal in writing within ten (10) days of the date of annual notice. Each school must maintain a record indication of all parties other than school officials who have requested or obtained access to a student’s educational record and to indicate specifically the legitimate interest that each party has in obtaining the information. School authorities shall provide parents an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of their child’s educational records to insure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein. When a student transfers from DeSoto District Schools to another within the state or out of state, the principal shall send the educational records to the school after a written request has been received from the principal or designated agent of the receiving school. A reasonable effort shall be made to obtain parental permission for release of the records, except for transfers within the district. Upon the request for transfer of a student’s educational records by educational institutions, the student’s parents shall be notified of the transfer, are entitled to review the records, are entitled to a copy of the records if desired, and are entitled to a hearing to challenge the content of the records. If a copy of the records is desired, a fee may be charged based upon the cost of the reproduction. The notification may be in the form of a letter to the last address of the parents. This notice has been prepared in accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Final Rules on Educational Records of 1976. Further information is available at the School Board office.
“Comprehensive Health Education for Grades K-12”
House Bill 1739, which became law on June 30, 1990, mandates Comprehensive Health Education for Grade K-12 at the beginning of the 1991-1992 school year. The law mandates a curriculum to reduce destructive behavior in children, including: early sexual involvement, substance abuse, suicide, activities which result in sexually transmitted diseases and early teenage pregnancy, using materials appropriate to the grade level and values consistent with those of the community. Instruction in human sexuality will take into account the whole person; present ethical and moral dimensions, shall not be an expression of any one sectarian or secular philosophy, and shall respect the conscience and rights of students and parents. All instructional materials, including teachers’ manuals, films, tapes, and other supplementary instructional material are available for inspection by parents or guardians of our schools’ students. Any parent or guardian wishing to inspect instructional materials is encouraged to contact the school principal and make appropriate arrangements to do so. Any student whose parents make written request to the school principal shall b exempt from reproductive health or AIDS instructional activities, as requested, with no curricular penalties.
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