Northside High schooL 2009-2010 hANDBOOK

Introduction

The school is a community, and the rules and regulations of a school are the laws of that community. All those enjoying the rights of citizenship in the school community must also accept the responsibilities of citizenship. A basic responsibility of those who enjoy the rights of citizenship is to respect the laws of the community. All any school has to offer is the opportunity for people to learn.

 Conference - At no time should you be in doubt of your child’s progress. If you have questions or feel that there has been a misunderstanding, please call the school for an appointment with the teacher, counselor, or principal.

 Graduation Requirements

A student must earn at least twenty-three (23) units in grades 9-12 to be graduated from a Fort Smith high school. Only two (2) physical education units may count toward graduation.  These units must include:

 ENGLISH — four (4) units

SOCIAL STUDIES — three (3) units - one (1) United States History, one (1) World History and one-half (1/2) Civics or American Government.

MATHEMATICS — four (4) units - Must include one (1) unit of Algebra I , one (1) unit of Algebra II and one (1) unit of Geometry.

SCIENCE — three (3) units - Must include one (1) unit of biology and one (1) unit of physical science.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION — one and one-half (1 1/2) units of physical education. One (1) unit of Marching Band may be applied to the P.E.  requirement or one (1) unit of JROTC may be applied to the P.E. requirement.

HEALTH — one-half (1/2) unit

FINE ARTS — one-half (1/2) unit

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS — one-half (1/2) unit

 A student identified as disabled, as per State Department of Education definition of disabled, may be graduated by meeting the requirements above or by completion of his/her IEP (Individual Education Program) for graduation, as established by the student’s programming committee.

WORK STUDY PROGRAM

Career-focused programs play a vital role at NHS preparing our students for the world of work.  Attendance, academic and character standards must be met and maintained for participation in work-study programs.  Students must be in attendance at school in order to work on any school day.  Students who fail to adhere to this guideline will be removed from the work program and placed in a study hall with loss of credit.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL PROGRAMS

Students are encouraged to explore career possibilities through the ACT Discover Program and the Kuder Career System available on-line and in the NHS Library.  In addition, Northside provides the following on-campus programs in career and technical areas:

                Business Management                Office Administration

Information Technology (Desktop Publishing, Multimedia, Programming)

Finance and Accounting                   Marketing

Family and Consumer Science         Furniture Manufacturing

Construction Technology                 Jobs for America's Graduates

Other programs are available at no cost to Northside students through Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC).  Courses completed at WATC generate both high school and college credit. All programs are offered in the afternoon; some are also available for morning enrollment. Transportation is provided; WATC offers the following programs to 11th and 12th graders:

                Automotive Technology   (a.m. and p.m.)

                Computer-Aided Drafting and Design  (a.m. and p.m.)

                Criminal Justice

                Early Childhood Education  (a.m. and p.m.)

                Electronics                                        Graphic Design

                Welding  (a.m. and p.m.)                   Computer Information Technology

Health Sciences (Certified Nursing Assistant (a.m. and p.m.), Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Health, Medical Office Admin.)

Pre-Engineering

DIPLOMAS

Upon completion of graduation requirements, the Fort Smith schools award two (2) types of diplomas: 

HONORS DIPLOMA - meet requirements for graduation, and maintain a 3.0 grade point average, pass eight units of Pre-AP courses-six of which must be earned in grades 10, 11, & 12. (Pre-AP courses will be so identified on the transcript.)

 DIPLOMA - meet requirements for graduation or meet requirements of Individual Education Plan for special education students.

 No student can participate in any senior class or graduation activities unless he/she has met or is meeting all requirements for graduation.

 Grading Scale

Grades are important to everyone, not only to the student and parent, but also to the teacher, school, and community. The Pre-AP scale is used to calculate rank in class but is not used to calculate the official G.P.A.                                                                               

      GRADE                                                                                  ADVANCED

      SCALE                 REGULAR               PRE-AP              PLACEMENT

  90 - 100    A                  A = 4                      A = 4.5                       A = 5        

  80 - 89      B                   B = 3                      B = 3.5                       B = 4

  70 - 79      C                   C = 2                      C = 2.5                       C = 3

  60 - 69      D                   D = 1                      D  =  1                       D = 2

  Below 60  F                   F = 0                       F  =  0                        F = 0

 Grades

The ability to monitor your child’s grades, attendance and any assignment information can now be securely viewed from your internet browser.  We are providing this access through our Pinnacle Internet Viewer located on the Northside High School Website. This secured access requires an internet connection and a confidential user name and password issued to the parent by the school each year.

 HOMEWORK

Parent/guardian and teachers should be partners in the education of children.  Their joint efforts in assigning and monitoring homework can provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen the home-school relationship and to help the student feel that home and school are working together for his/her best interest.

 Counselors will, upon request by the parents, obtain pupil progress reports from teachers when a child appears to be having trouble in a particular class.  Students who are absent have as many days as they are out to make up their work.

 Homework shall be assigned and used as an integral part of the teaching/ learning experience of students.  Specific homework assignments shall be made by the teacher, provided each school may adopt guidelines to assure balance in homework assigned to each student.  The type of homework assignment and the time to do such homework should give consideration to the grade level or subject area.  As general guidelines, homework for grades 1-3 should average from 30-45 minutes per day, for grades 4-6, 45-90 minutes per day, for grades 7-12, 1-2 ½ hours per day.  As a general rule, homework is rarely given to kindergarten students. 

Homework should be assigned regularly, clearly stated, regularly collected and checked and returned to students.  Each teacher should advise students how and the extent to which homework will be used in determining final grades.  To develop students’ independent study skills, the teacher should:

      A.      Discuss the skills needed to accomplish homework assignments.

      B.      Demonstrate a simple step-by-step process of completing a homework assignment

C.      Model the techniques of listening, following instructions, note taking, reading for comprehension, preparing papers and locating materials in the library

D.      Have students demonstrate their knowledge of independent study skills

E.       Teach the students how to organize materials and to work independently

NORTHSIDE LIBRARY INFORMATION

Library hours:

                  7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Monday through Thursday

            7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Friday

Students must have their teacher’s permission in writing when coming to the library during class. Students will be allowed to use the library when there is no scheduling conflict.

 Your Northside ID card is also your library card to use to check out books and use the computers.  All books leaving the library must be checked out.  If the book is damaged or lost during the check out time, that student is responsible and must pay for the replacement cost of the book or books. If books are not returned by the date due, a fine of $ .10 per each overdue day will be charged.

 Reference books may be checked out overnight and are due by 8:00 a.m. the next school day. A fine of $1.00 per day is charged for overdue reference books.

A printer and copier are available for student use at $ .10 per page (color prints are $.50).

 Students are asked to follow the network/internet acceptable use guidelines for computer use:

The use of computers and the internet is for education purposes only.  Following District guidelines, students will practice responsible use of technology systems, information and software.  For personal safety, students will protect personal information or passwords, practice and communicate respect for the rights of other while using the computers, and demonstrate the correct use of fair use and copyright regulations.  Students will follow rules for personal safety and avoid unacceptable websites, blogs, chat rooms, journals, etc. and will not share, download, or place files or graphics on the network or internet.

Students are asked to abide by all classroom, school, and library policies and procedures when working, studying, or reading in the library.

Guidelines for Excused and Unexcused Absences

The Board of Education of the Special School District of Fort Smith recognizes that prompt, regular attendance is extremely important. Excessive absenteeism not only adversely affects the learning process of students but also may impede their normal progression through the grades. The Board expects each student to attend all scheduled classes and daily activities except when the principal or principal’s designee has excused a student. Students who report to school but fail to attend all scheduled classes and activities, except where officially excused, are contributing to the potential disruption of the instructional program.

 Parents, guardians or persons in loco parentis have the responsibility to require of their students prompt, regular school attendance. Parents should familiarize themselves with the educational program of the school and rules regarding attendance and student behavior. Failure to comply may result in a court penalty including, but not limited to, a fine up to $500. (Act 473, 1989, as amended)

Attendance Policy

Types of absences: Excused, Parental Permission, and Unexcused. 

A. ABSENCE

 1.  Excused- An absence is excused in the following instances:

a.     Personal illness of the student with official written verification.

b.       Official school sponsored activity.

c.        Court appearances with official written verification.

d.       Medical/Dental appointments with official written verification.  (Parents/guardians are urged to schedule

medical or dental appointments after school hours.  When this is not possible, the appointment should be

scheduled during a study hall or scheduled so that the student will not miss the same class(es) repeatedly.)

e.        Death or serious illness in the immediate or extended family.  (Official written verification may be required.) 

An excused absence shall afford the student the privilege of making up all assignments and/or class activities as the teachers direct. 

Official written verification includes signed doctor, dentist, court or legal documents identifying the office and/or the name of the professional who provided the service.

2.  Parental Permission

     a.    Parental permission may be granted for any reason, including personal illness without written verification,

            provided the parent has contacted the attendance office,  by note or phone call, the day the absence occurs.

b.       The student may not exceed five (5) parental permission absence days.  If a student exceeds five (5) days of parental

            permission absence in any class for the year, all parental permission days thereafter are classified as unexcused.

c.        Parental permission shall afford the student the privilege of making up all assignments and/or class activities as the

teacher direct.

d.       Absences for parental permission shall not be granted in conflict with semester examination schedules.

3.  Unexcused

        a.   An unexcused absence shall be considered to be a willful  absence (truant) from school if it is without  the knowledge of the student's parent/guardian.

2. Any other absence not considered excused in the two preceding sections will be counted as unexcused.

3. Any student who is truant or has an unexcused absence forfeits the right to make up any work for credit

4. Students on short-term suspension from school (not to exceed ten days) will be considered unexcused for the purpose of making up work.  Suspended students will not be allowed to make up test (excluding semester test) taken on suspension days.

1.       Assignments and/or projects that are assigned and due during suspension may not be submitted for credit.

2.       Projects assigned before suspension but due during the suspension may be submitted for credit.

3.       Projects assigned during suspension but due after the suspension ends may be submitted for credit.

4.       The parent/guardian may request class information(assignments, etc.) that could be used by the student in

an effort to remain current in classes for no credit.

5.       No suspended student will be denied the opportunity to take semester tests.

6.       Students on short-term suspension from school (not to exceed ten (10) days) shall be considered absent but

excused for the purpose of absenteeism.

3. A student with four (4) or more unexcused absences per semester may be assigned consequences. Minimum-repremand; Maximum-suspension.

B.  Parent/Guardian Contact 

The parent/guardian should contact the school by 9:00 a.m. any day that a student will be absent.  In addition to assisting the school with the attendance record, parent/guardian notification to the school is a security measure to verify the locations of all students. 

Upon the second unexcused absence in any semester, a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian notifying him/her that upon the fourth day of unexcused absence from any class, a petition will be filed with the County Prosecuting Attorney or City Prosecuting Attorney to request appropriate legal action necessary to improve the student’s attendance.  Such notification may lead to a penalty of up to $500 plus court costs in accordance with A.C.A. 6-18-222. 

Students with long-term medically documented illness or injury may be allowed to make up work and may be given assistance in obtaining credit for courses in which they are enrolled.

 COLLEGE VISITS

Seniors are allowed two college days for the year.  These days are to be used for visiting prospective colleges and universities.  Requests for college leaves are to be completed two days before using college leave.  Request forms are to be picked up in the attendance office.  A letter from the college or university, signed by a school official and stating that the student made the visit is required if college leave is to be granted.  The letter is to be submitted to the attendance office on the day the student returns to school.  Failure to provide this documentation will result in an unexcused absence or truancy.

DENIAL OF PROMOTION/COURSE CREDIT

Excessive absence may be a basis for denial for promotion or graduation.  Credit may be denied a student when she/he has more than fifteen days of total absence in a semester.  The principal and the teachers of that student will determine this. 

DROPPING CLASSES

Students who withdraw from a class after 10 school days will receive an “F” for the semester.

Late Enrollment

A student who is exempt by age from the compulsory school attendance laws will not be permitted to enroll after the fifteenth (15^th) day of the first semester or the fifteenth (15^th) day of the second semester unless determined by the superintendent or his designee to be eligible for enrollment or re-enrollment due to extreme extenuating circumstances.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students may make up work missed due to excused absences or parent permission absences only. It is the responsibility of the student to present an excused admit slip to the teacher and to request the make-up assignment on the day he/she returns to school. Students have as many days as they have been out to make-up the work. If make-up work is not requested within two (2) days of returning from an excused absence, the student forfeits the opportunity to make-up work missed.

 Parents may request make-up work through the counselor’s office after a student has missed three (3) consecutive days. 

A student will be given a “0” or “F” if the assignment(s) missed is the result of an unexcused absence. A student suspended from school will not be given credit for any work missed during the suspension.  Any student who is truant forfeits the right to make-up any work for credit.

Semester test exemption policy

Students who have a grade of “A”, “B”, or “C” in a class and have three (3) absences or fewer in that class have the option of being exempt from the semester test in that class. Students who qualify for the exemption but elect to take the test in order to raise their grade may not have their semester grade lowered as a result of the optional test. 

1.       Each teacher will keep records on a per class basis. The teacher will inform the students of their exemption status.

2.       Students will have been enrolled during the entire semester (within the first 10 days of the semester). Students transferring in during the semester cannot be exempt from tests that semester.

3.       Three (3) tardies in a class will equal one (1) day of absence.

4.       School business absences will not be counted.

Tardy policy

Promptness is expected of all students. A student who is not in his/her proper seat when the tardy bell rings will be considered tardy.  Tardy policy starts over each semester

•   1^st-3^rd Tardy--Teacher records and informs students; parent notified on 3^rd.           

•         4^th Tardy--Refer to office; 1 day detention.

•   5^th Tardy-- Refer to office; 2 day detention

•   6^th Tardy-- Refer to office; 1 day SDC

•   7^th Tardy-- Refer to office; 2 days SDC

•   8^th Tardy-- Refer to office; 1 day Saturday School

•   9^th Tardy-- Refer to office; 2 days Saturday School

•   10^h Tardy-- Refer to office:Discretion of the assistant principal, including but not limited to SDC and or Saturday School. Failure to attend Saturday School may result in suspension from school.

 BEHAVIOR IN THE HALLWAY

· Walk on the right side of the hallway.

· Students in the hallway during class time MUST have their signed planner (Northside Handbook), and they should proceed directly to their destination.

· Horseplay and running are not permitted.

· Do not stop to talk with your friends and block the flow of traffic.

· A minimum noise level will be maintained.

· There will be no display of affection in the halls or anywhere on campus. (This includes holding hands, arms around one another, kissing etc.)

· Students will not congregate in groups.

· Be courteous and respectful to all persons.

· Students are not allowed in hallways during lunch. 

If students are in the hallway during class time they should have a pass from the office or their planner correctly filled out with a time by their teacher  (one student per hall pass).  Students are to take care of their personal needs during passing periods.  Students will not be allowed to go to the restroom during class unless the office has a note from a physician detailing the medical problem requiring this or unless an emergency exits.  Students are to clear the building by 3:30 p.m. Once students exit the building, they are not to reenter.

Lunch

Northside has a cafeteria where a student can purchase lunch either from a regular plate lunch line, food bar, or a salad/a la carte line.

Northside High School has a closed campus for lunch. Students are strictly prohibited from leaving campus once they arrive. If a student is to leave during lunch, his or her parent or guardian must come into the attendance office to check him or her out of school.  That parent or guardian must also check the student back in through the attendance office when he or she returns. Failure to follow this procedure will result in an unexcused absence. 

The following rules must be observed when using the cafeteria:

1.       Do not leave trays, paper, milk cartons, paper cups, or silverware on the tables. Return them to the dishwashing area.

2.       No food or drink is allowed to be eaten in any hallway, stairway, or rooms.  All food and drink must be eaten in the cafeteria, outside on picnic tables, or in the atrium. Students are not allowed in the halls during lunch.

3.       Cleaning up after students is not the responsibility of cafeteria or custodial personnel: IT IS THE STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY.

4.       Students are required to use their photo ID for all transactions in the cafeteria.

MESSAGES

EMERGENCY MESSAGES ONLY will be delivered to students.  Classes will not be interrupted to deliver messages regarding transportation, personal appointments, work schedules, family errands, etc.

VISITORS

All visitors must check in at the attendance office (Main Office)  and obtain a visitor’s pass.

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

The Fort Smith School District is committed to providing a safe learning environment for each of its students.  Bullying is a destructive behavior that will erode the foundational principles on which a school is built.  The District will not tolerate any behavior that is classified as bullying, and it will take steps to eliminate such behavior.  School employees and volunteers are encouraged to report any instances of bullying to the building principal or designee.  Students who believe they have been a victim of bullying or parents who believe their child has been victimized by a bully should file a complaint by contacting a school counselor, teacher, or principal.  Bullying is defined as behavior that may include, but is not limited to teasing, taunting, threatening, frightening, and/or hurting other students physically or emotionally, or influencing others to use  such practices.  Individuals who withhold information or purposely provide inaccurate facts, or otherwise hinder an investigation of bullying, shall also be subject to disciplinary action.

discipline

It is impossible for teaching or learning to take place in a classroom unless good order is maintained. The staff and faculty at Northside have a positive, professional attitude toward discipline that fosters and rewards mature, responsible behavior by students. However, if a student does behave in a disruptive manner or disobeys school rules, there are certain minimum steps that will be followed that insure the involvement of teacher, parent, counselor and administrators with the student to correct the behavior problem. If it becomes necessary to suspend a student for behavior problems, all entitlements of due process of the law will have been met. Disciplinary actions may be appealed. All appeals must begin with the building principal.

                                                                  STUDENT DisciplinE Center

I.  Assignment to SDC —

A. Only the principal, assistant principals, or their designee may assign students to or remove students from the SDC.

B. The SDC supervisor may assign extra time for improper conduct or may   recommend reduced time for exemplary conduct.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

II.     Operation of the SDC — All students assigned to the SDC:

A. Will be assigned for a minimum of one complete day. If for any reason the assigned day in SDC is not completed in full, the student will be assigned  to spend the next day in full in the SDC.

B. Must be in the SDC room on the day they are assigned, seated in their  assigned area, and starting to work before the tardy bell rings.

C. Must bring all books, workbooks, paper, pencils/pens, rulers, typing paper, and any other materials necessary to complete the assigned work. No extra reading material will be allowed in the SDC room.

D. Will remain in their assigned cubicle, sitting in an upright position, and  facing the back wall at all times. There will be no sleeping, no laying head on desk, on hands, on arms, or against the side of the cubicle. The student  will raise their hand and first obtain permission from the SDC supervisor in order to receive assistance or to leave their cubicle for any reason.

E.  Will be allowed to go to the restroom only once in the morning (at  approximately10:00a.m.), and only once in the afternoon (at approximately 2:00 p.m.), and then only if the individual student requests to go, and then     only to a specific restroom and within the time limits set by the SDC supervisor. If a student has any medically documented problems that might  be complicated by this rule, that student must make alternative  arrangements with the principal that has assigned him/her to SDC, and those arrangements stated in him/her SDC file.

F.  Must notify SDC teacher 1st period if he/she intends to eat lunch.  Will go  to lunch with the SDC supervisor. They will eat the plate lunch in the cafeteria and obtain their lunch there, bring their lunch, or not eat at all. All students in the SDC will walk to and from the cafeteria in a single file and  not speak to, wave to, nod to, or in any way acknowledge other persons in   any way while going to, being in, or coming from the cafeteria. The SDC supervisor will assign each student a specific seat at a specific table and  after obtaining food, the students will remain in that seat until advised by  the SDC supervisor that it is time to leave. The students will then take back their trays and dispose of any waste in the proper manner and form a single  file to return to the SDC room.

G. Must complete all assignments that are given to them by their classroom  teachers and by the SDC supervisor. The SDC supervisor may assign additional work and this must be completed by the end of the day also.

H. Will be dismissed by the SDC supervisor at 3:10 p.m. Any time assigned in the SDC will be completed before a student can resume his/her normal schedule.

II.     Behavior in the SDC—There will be no:

A. Disrespect shown to the SDC supervisor or to other students in SDC.

    B. Disruptive behavior of any kind.

    C. Food, drink, gum, games, cards, magazines, or any other unauthorized   material in SDC room.           

    D. Talking to anyone throughout the entire day except to the SDC supervisor  and cafeteria personnel.    

    E. Writing on the desktops or cubicle walls, or destruction to the school’s or to  anyone else’s property in any way.          

Any violation of or non-compliance with the rules in this section will result in an out-of-school suspension. Any time that has been assigned in the SDC but not completed must be made up before that student can resume his/her normal schedule.

Suspension

Suspension, in or out of school, is a penalty which may be used for chronic or serious infractions of school rules. The following guidelines will be used when suspension of a student is necessary:

·Length of suspension will be determined by school authorities and will  reflect the offense committed.

·Parents will be notified in writing of the action taken.

·A student on out-of-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in or attend any school activity at or away from school.

·A student on out-of-school suspension will not be allowed on school property unless accompanied by a parent/guardian on official business.

·A student will not be allowed to make-up any work missed during out-of-school suspension.

·A student will be readmitted to school after a satisfactory solution to his conduct is agreed on by parents/guardians and administration.

Unacceptable actions

Engaging in unacceptable actions will result in SDC, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. The following is a list of these unacceptable actions:

1.      A student shall not assault, threaten to assault, or physically or verbally  abuse a school employee, or any other individual.  Communicating a death  threat in any manner is prohibited.

2.      Willful refusal to follow reasonable instructions.

3.      Fighting or instigating a fight.

4.      Profanity.

5.      Illegal or immoral conduct.

6.      Possession or use of tobacco products.

  7.    “PDA”  -   Public Display of Affection.

8.      Stealing.

9.      Forging, falsifying, or possessing school forms or using forged notes or excuses.  

10.   Hazardous or reckless driving in parking area on school grounds or access roads.

11.   Destruction or defacing of school or personal property.

12.   Persistent violation of school regulations.

13.   Any violation of school policies or regulations.

14.   Violating the district student dress code.

15.   Sexual harassment will not be tolerated within this school. Sexual harassment is defined as deliberate or repeated offensive comments, gestures or physical contact of a sexual nature, and/or unwelcome and offensive written or printed communication of a sexual nature.

 16.  Engaging in any behavior or action intended to threaten, intimidate,  terrorize or harm others, or disrupt the educational process, is prohibited.

17.   Posting or distribution of flyers, posters etc. without approval of   administration.

18.   Gang activity will not be tolerated within this school.  Gang activity  includes but is not limited to gang symbolism and clothing, drawing on  notebooks and personal items, graffiti, gang discussion, or any activity  deemed affiliated with gangs by the administration.  Penalties will range  from reprimand to recommendation for expulsion.

 CHEATING

Students are expected to do their own work and to develop the qualities of honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior.  Students found cheating will be given a zero on the assignment involved.  The student will be referred to the assistant principal and assigned to SDC and the parent will be notified.  Future referrals to the assistant principal for cheating will result in a zero for the assignment involved, and suspension or suspension recommendation for expulsion from school.

Articles Prohibited

The following articles are hazards to safety or disruptive to classes and are prohibited in the school. Possession or use of the following items will result in SDC, suspension, or expulsion unless otherwise noted:

1.      Fireworks of any kind. Possession or use of fireworks will result in  suspension from school.

2.      Mechanical noisemakers.

  3.    Weapons of any kind. Students in possession of a weapon will be  suspended for ten (10) days; the school administration will recommend  expulsion until the end of the school year, and the police will be notified.

  4.    Possession, use, sale or under the influence of controlled substances, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia. Students in possession of, attempting   to sell or under the influence of controlled substances, alcohol, drugs or   drug paraphernalia will result in a ten (10) day suspension from school,  possible recommendation for expulsion, and the police will be called.    Students not recommended for expulsion may return to school after the 10 days with proof of a substance abuse assessment. Additional violations will  result in recommendation for expulsion.

  5.   No student shall have electronic devices turned on during school hours.   All electronic devices are subject to search by the administration.

  6.  Use of skateboards and other similar devices are prohibited on school  property.  Violators will be prosecuted.                                            

 ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Possession of electronic devices during regular school hours. All electronic devices should be turned off during school hours.  If a student is found to be in possession of an electronic device turned on during school hours the device will be confiscated and the parent/guardian will have to come get the device.   The school is not responsible for unauthorized electronic devices when they are confiscated from students or when they are brought to school.  It is important that students and parents recognize the importance of school and the use of instructional time.  Disruption and interruptions must be kept to a minimum.  Students are prohibited to use cell phones during the normal school day. 

Violation of this policy will result in:

1^st offense: Confiscation of the electronic device for 24 hours.  The parent will be required to pick up the electronic device.

2^nd offense: Confiscation of the electronic device for 48 hours.  The parent will be required to pick up the electronic device and sign a waiver stating they understand the handbook policy.  The student will be assigned one(1) day of student detention center (SDC).

3^rd offense: Confiscation of the electronic device for 14 calendar days.  The parent will be required to pick up the electronic device after the 14^th calendar day.  The student will be assigned two (2) days of SDC.

4^th offense: Insubordination-Administrator discretion.

Search & Seizure

Search and seizure is permissible on school property or at a school activity when there is a reasonable suspicion that the search would produce evidence of a violation of the law or school rules. Lockers remain the property of the Fort Smith Public School District and are subject to inspection by school officials for reasonable cause.

SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

Areas of the Northside High School campus are subject to surveillance by cameras to enhance student and employee safety.

Student Dress Code

In order to enhance high standards and promote the teaching and learning process in our schools, we must encourage neatness, cleanliness, and decency in personal dress and appearance of all students and school personnel. In view of that, all students and school personnel will be expected to be dressed and groomed to present a respectable image in keeping with current styles and good taste during the school day and at school activities.

 General:

1.   Students will be expected to wear school clothing and not recreational  apparel to school.

2.   Styles must not infringe on the rights of others or pose a hazard to personal  safety.

3.   State health laws require that shoes be worn at all times.

4.   Hair must be neat and clean.

Specific Prohibitions:

1.   Clothing styles that are revealing to the point of disruption or distraction. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

a.        Spaghetti straps.

           b.    Any type of strapless apparel.

c.        Shirts, blouses or tops that expose any part of the midriff.

d.       Any type of spandex apparel or clothing that is tight to the point  of being inappropriately revealing.

             e.   Low-cut attire, bare backs, halter tops, mesh attire or shirts, tops    or blouses with open sides, tank tops, see through clothing, etc.

f.         Underwear cannot be exposed.

2.   Clothing or body art that advocates poor standards of character and   citizenship.  Items in this category include:

a.         Advertisements for alcohol, drugs or tobacco.

b.        Displays of excessive violence. Slogans associated with death,  suicide or killings are included.

c.         Suggestive language, slogans or sexual connotations.

3.   Clothing, drawings, body art, or items that denote or suggest membership in  a fraternity, sorority, secret society, organization, or gang.               

4. Short skirts. Skirt length must be equal to longer than the extended fingertips  when the arms and hands are extended straight at the sides.

5.   Shorts or skirts.

a.        Girls will be permitted to wear skirts, jeans, long slacks, or Capri   pants.

b.       Boys will be permitted to wear jeans or long slacks. All jeans or  slacks  must be at least ankle length.

c.        Shorts or skorts may be worn at activities before or after school  practices, rehearsals, or workouts at the discretion of the sponsor.

      All other dress codes policies will be followed.

 6.   All clothing must be worn in the manner in which it was intended.  Clothing   with straps, suspenders, etc. must be worn with all straps properly fastened.

 7.   Clothing resembling sleep wear, such as pajamas, house-shoes, slippers, etc.  prohibited.

8.  Clothing with rips, tears or holes is prohibited.

9.  Hats or other head coverings are prohibited on campus except at athletic  events or outdoor activities.  Bandanas are prohibited at all times.

10. “Sagging” or “bagging” is prohibited.

11.    Gloves of any kind are prohibited.

12.    Sunglasses (worn in the building) are prohibited.

13.    Any type of chain, including wallet chains, dog chains or collars, or studded apparel are prohibited.

14.    Students will not be allowed to bring backpacks or tote bags to school.   Girl’s purses must be no larger than a standard notebook.

ID Cards

Students are provided with ID cards when they enter Northside High School. The card is good for the student’s sophomore, junior and senior years.

—Students must use their cards for any and all transactions in the cafeteria.

—Students must show their ID cards to any member of the school staff upon   request.

—ID cards must be presented to participate in school-sponsored activities, to board buses for field trips, to pick up yearbooks, to attend dances, and to check out materials from the Library.

—  Lost ID cards can be replaced in the Library Media Center at a cost of $2.00.

Lockers

Lockers are assigned for the entire year. Locks must be provided by the student and be the school approved combination type. Lockers remain the property of Northside High School and are subject to inspection by school officials for reasonable cause.

—Only school approved combination type locks may be used (V-10).  Any other lock will be cut off.

—Only one person per locker.  Students sharing lockers will be disciplined.

—Locks may be purchased at school.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are held at various times throughout the school year to prepare students to exit the building in case of fire or other dangers. The following procedures must be followed to insure maximum safety:

1.       A fire evacuation plan is posted in every room. Students should become familiar with the plan for each room they are in.

2.       When the fire alarm sounds, the students must obey orders promptly and leave the building according to the evacuation plan.

3.       Students must move at least fifty (50) feet from the building to insure their safety.

4.       Students must clear the breezeway area between the main building and the Annex.

Tornado Drills

The signal for any emergency, except fire, will be a continuous ring of school bells. When the alarm sounds:

1.       Move quickly to the downstairs hallways.

2.       Sit down as close to the walls of the hallway as possible.

3.       Lower head between knees and cover head with hands to help avert flying glass or debris.

4.       Roll will be checked.

5.       The “All Clear” signal will be one long ring of the bells.

6.       Practice drills will be held prior to the tornado season.

BUS REGULATIONS

Buses are provided to transport students to and from school in certain areas of the city. This service is a privilege granted to those who do not abuse it. Failure to follow the rules set up for using this service will result in the student being suspended from using the bus service.

The following rules must be observed by those using the bus service:

—Students should be on time at the designated pick up point.

—Bus riders are under the supervision of the driver and must obey his/her  instructions.

—Keep head and hands inside the bus at all times.

—No “horseplay” or loud talking is permitted on the bus.

—Do not tamper with or damage any part of the bus.

—Do not leave your seat while the bus is in motion.

—Do not throw anything from the bus windows.

—No smoking, drinking or eating is permitted on the bus.

—Student behavior must not violate any rules listed in other sections of this  handbook.

—Emergency exits are to be used only in case of an emergency.

—Be courteous to fellow students and to the driver.

Students Driving to School

1.       Students must register their vehicles with the school each year. Parking permit decals will be placed on the back of rear view mirror. Decals are free and can be picked up in the Assistant Principal’s office.

2.       Student parking is available in parking lot 5, 6, and 7 ONLY.

3.       Any student leaving campus during the school day must have an exit slip from the attendance office or a vocational pass.

4.       Parking lots are off limits to students unless arriving or leaving campus.

5.       Do not block aisles, entrances, exits, or other automobiles. Vehicles  must be parked in spaces as marked.

6.    Do not sit in parked vehicles or loiter in the parking area.

7.       Students must park their vehicles only in the student parking lots when they arrive on campus and cannot “cruise” the lots or around the campus.

8.       Students parking vehicles in the parking lots without a NHS parking sticker will be subject to disciplinary action.  

Assemblies, Games & Activities

Assemblies are a regularly scheduled part of the curriculum and are designed to be educational as well as entertaining experiences. They provide one of the few opportunities in school to learn formal audience behavior. Regardless of the type of program, courtesy demands that the student body be respectful and appreciative. In live entertainment, unlike radio, television or movies, the performers are very conscious of their audience. Talking, whispering, whistling, stamping of feet, and booing are discourteous. Yelling is appropriate only at pep assemblies.

—Do not take books or coats to the assembly unless instructed otherwise.

—Proceed to the assembly area quietly and promptly. Find your seat   quickly.

—During assemblies in the auditorium students must sit with their teachers.

—During pep assemblies, students are seated by grade level.

—AAAAAAA sportsmanship policies will be adhered to and strictly enforced.         

AAAAAAA Sportsmanship Policy

Activities are an important aspect of the total education process in our schools. They provide the arena for participants to grow, to excel, to understand, and to value the concepts of SPORTSMANSHIP and teamwork.  They are an opportunity for coaches and school staff to teach and model SPORTSMANSHIP, to build school pride, and to increase student/community involvement — this ultimately translates into improved academic performance. Activities are also an opportunity for the community to demonstrate its support for the participants and the school and to model the concepts of SPORTSMANSHIP for our youth as respected representatives of society. SPORTSMANSHIP IS GOOD CITIZENSHIP IN ACTION!

BASIC PHILOSOPHY

Fans are not at ball games to intimidate or ridicule the other team or its fans but to support and yell for their team and to enjoy watching skill and competition.

Article 1: SPORTSMANSHIP includes a general way of thinking and behaving. GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP includes the following:

a.        Be courteous to all (participants, coaches, officials, staff, fans, spirit groups.)

b.       Know the rules, abide by and respect the officials’ decisions.

c.        Win with character and lose with dignity.

d.       Display appreciation for good performance regardless of the team.

e.        Exercise self-control and reflect positively upon yourself, team, and school.

f.         Permit only POSITIVE behavior to reflect on your school and its activities. Yell for your team, not against the other team.

Article 2: Specific Prohibitions

a.        Students or spectators who wear extreme or unusual clothing to the game or who paint their faces or bodies will not be allowed in the game. (Examples: togas, bandanas, cowboy hats, gang colors, wigs, costumes, etc.)

b.       Negative, demeaning, or obscene yells will not be permitted at any athletic event while teams are being introduced, or when teams, cheerleaders, or drill teams are performing. (Examples: air ball; you, you, you; distracting free throw shooters, etc.)

c.        Students will not be allowed to turn their backs or hold up newspapers while teams are being introduced, or when teams, cheerleaders, or drill teams are performing.

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS

Eligibility rules apply to all students competing in athletics or non-athletic activities.  To be eligible to compete, students must have a 2.0 grade point and pass four academic courses.  Students who have below a 2.0 grade point but do pass four courses may remain eligible by participating successfully in the Arkansas Activities Association approved remediation program.

Extracurricular  Activities

The Student Council is in charge of scheduling and overseeing all activities of extracurricular nature at Northside High School. All school rules are in effect at any extracurricular activity, including all athletic events. There are many activities offered at Northside to students wishing to take part in the club programs. In addition to the work of the various clubs, there are three class councils, which spearhead many of the major activities at Northside High School.

National honor society

To be a member of the Northside National Honor Society, a student must excel in the following four areas:

Service: Service is exhibited by participation in community organizations such as Candy Stripers, Habitat for Humanity, Scouts, Fort Smith Pride, church youth groups, or other similar activities.

Character: Character is exhibited by following school rules and regulations and the avoidance of disciplinary problems.

Leadership: Leadership is exhibited by positive actions in the classroom, school organizations, and school activities.

Scholarship:   Scholarship is exhibited by earning a 3.50 grade point average.

Before induction, candidates are screened by the entire faculty and final selection is made by a faculty committee. Once inducted, students must maintain a 3.50 grade point average, attend set meetings, and participate in National Honor Society activities. Members failing to maintain the high standards of selection may be removed.

ARKANSAS SCHOLARS

Designed to reinforce that high school matters, Arkansas Scholars is a partnership between Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce and Fort Smith Public Schools.  Students who maintain Arkansas Scholar standards from ninth through twelfth grades qualify for valuable community incentives.  The standards are:

                Make no grade lower than a C

                Maintain 95% attendance (miss no more than nine days in any year)

Take the right courses; and complete school in eight consecutive semesters

Incentives offered to Arkansas Scholars include seals on transcripts and diplomas; “Hire Me First” cards and letters of recommendation to assist in finding summer employment; a senior luncheon hosted by the Chamber of Commerce; medallions to wear at graduation; and historically a one-year scholarship to UA Fort Smith.

SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION

All young men must register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18^th birthday.  Registration is required to qualify for federal student aid, job training benefits, and most federal employment.  If you are applying for federal student aid or job training benefits, you may register up to 120 days before you turn 18 to avoid delays in the processing of applications.

If you do not register, or you do not keep the Selective Service System informed about any changes of address, you could be prosecuted and fined up to $250,000 and/or be put in jail for up to five years. You may register with the Selective Service at any U. S. Post Office or in the Counseling office.

TEST INFORMATION

PLAN    This exam is administered to sophomores during the month of October.  The PLAN is an instrument given to sophomores which measures the same academic skills as the ACT,  (English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning).  In addition to an “estimated ACT composite score range “ sophomores receive information on their interests along with an assessment of their study skills.

PSAT     The PSAT/NMSQT is a national test that is administered to juniors in October.  The PSAT/NMSQT is divided into two sections, Verbal and Math.  College bound juniors should take the PSAT/NMSQT because:

·It is good practice for the SAT and it gives students an idea of how they will score on the SAT.

·Students can see how they compare to other college bound students across the country.

·Students whose scores are exceptionally high are recognized by the National Merit Foundation as qualifiers as a National Merit Semi-Finalist.  This recognition may lead to scholarship opportunities.

ACT  The American College Testing Program is an organization that administers an aptitude examination known as the American College Test.  It is a 3-hour exam, which consist of a battery of four tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning.  The ACT Plus Writing is available which includes the multiple-choice test plus an optional 30 minute writing test.  Students can register to take the ACT Assessment with or without the plus writing test option.  There are five national Saturday test dates for the ACT: October, December, February, April, and June.  This ACT is scored in a range from 9 to 36.  All five testing dates are offered at Northside High School.

SAT I  The Scholastic Assessment Test is administered by the College Entrance Examination Board.  Recent changes to the SAT added longer reading passages and the use of calculators.  It is a 3 hour exam, which consists of sections that alternate from verbal to math.  The SAT I is scored on a range of 200 to 800.  There are seven national test dates.

SAT II     This exam is a one hour test also administered by the College Entrance Examination Board to measure the level of achievement in specific academic subjects.  You must determine by reading the catalogs of the college to which you want to apply whether taking the SAT II is an admissions requirement.  Some colleges use them to place students in the appropriate level of work when they enroll.

ASVAB  Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery-This exam is a comprehensive career exploration program relevant to every secondary school student thinking about pursuing some education or training beyond high school.  The test is a tool for students to use to make education and career plans and preliminary decisions for further education and career planning.  The ASVAB helps students to relate values, interests, and aptitudes to a variety of career choices.  As an option, these scores can be used for enlistment purposes in the military for up to 2 years after testing.

Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) EOC End of Course Exams- Test scores are recorded on the permanent record.

                EOC Exams for Algebra I and Geometry are given in January to students completing the course during summer school.  EOC Exams for Algebra I and Geometry are given in April to students who have been enrolled in the course.  It consists of multiple-choice and open-response questions that directly assess student knowledge.

                 EOC Exams for Biology are given in April to students who have been enrolled in the course.  It consists of multiple-choice and open-response questions that directly assess student knowledge.

                EOC Exams for Literacy are given in March/April to students who are in the 11^th grade.  These consist of multiple-choice and open-response questions and writing components that directly assess student knowledge relative to reading and writing.

AP Advanced Placement Exams.  The College Board, a nationally recognized organization, offers students the opportunity to take an AP exam and receive credit, advanced placement, or both at participating colleges.  AP courses prepare students for advanced placement tests.  The AP exams contain multiple choice and free-response questions scored by college faculty and AP teachers.  The assessments are given on a nation-wide date in May.  The grades range from 1 to 5 on the exam, and each college determines acceptance of scores for credit and advanced placement.    Students who take AP classes will not receive AP credit and the corresponding grade point equivalent, unless they take the Advanced Placement exam and score at least a 2.

English Language Development Assessment (ELDA) will be administered in the spring to all ELA or ELL students.