MATHEWS HIGH

SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015-2016

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ABOUT OUR STUDENT HANDBOOK & CODE OF CONDUCT

The faculty and staff of Mathews High School welcome you to the 2015-2016 school year. We welcome the opportunity to help you in any way possible during this school year and in the years to come.

At Mathews High School, our top priority is to provide our students and staff with a safe learning environment. We are determined to keep our school safe and to maintain a quality learning environment, one free of disruption and supportive of individual rights. Read the Student Handbook & Code of Conduct information carefully and discuss it with your parents. Please take the time to review some of the changes we have made to the rules and policies this year. This handbook is intended to help familiarize the students and parents to new and existing policies of Mathews High School and also to Mathews County Public Schools.

Each student needs to take responsibility for learning and exhibiting conduct that does not infringe upon the rights of another. We ask our community’s parents take an active role in helping their child understand this responsibility. By working together, we can provide students a quality learning

environment. We thank you for your support in keeping our schools safe.

We look forward to serving you and are eager to assist you in your success.

MOTTO: Encourage, Empower, Enlighten

MISSION STATEMENT

It is our mission to:

ENCOURAGE - To encourage students to set and achieve high goals and to become life-long learners.

EMPOWER - To empower students to become thriving, contributing members of the global community.

ENLIGHTEN - To enlighten students to the world of possibilities, in and outside of Mathews County.

BELIEF STATEMENTS

We believe:

Each student must accept responsibility for his/her own actions and strive to develop

independence.

Education should promote life-long learning and problem-solving skills for the entire school

community.

Our school must have a positive, friendly and safe environment.

Students must become socially responsible members of the global community.

Administrators, teachers, parents, and students should exhibit mutual respect for each other, as

well as tolerance and acceptance of cultural and learning differences.

Non-academic activities are an integral part of the student’s life skills development.

The education of a child is the mutual effort of the school and the home.

Failure can sometimes be a part of the learning process.

Academic integrity should not be sacrificed at the cost of mediocrity.

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Mathews County Public Schools 2015-2016 School Calendar

Dates to Remember Sept. 2 - Open House (3:00 – 7:00 P.M.)

Employee Open House (1:00 – 3:00 P.M.) Sept. 3 - Teacher Work/Staff Development Day Sept. 4 & 7 - Labor Day Holiday (Teachers & Staff) Sept. 8 - 1st Day of School for Students Sept. 11 - 1:00 Student Dismissal for Market Days Oct. 12 - Teacher Work/Staff Development Day Nov. 3 - NO SCHOOL (Election Day) Nov. 11 - NO SCHOOL (Veteran’s Day) November 10-14 (First Quarter Exams) Nov. 13 - 1:00 Student Dismissal (End of Quarter) Nov. 25 - 1:00 Student Dismissal (Thanksgiving Holiday) Nov. 26-27 - NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Holidays) Dec. 21-Jan. 1 - NO SCHOOL (Winter Break) Jan. 4 - School Reopens Jan. 18 - NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King Holiday) Feb. 1-4 (Second Quarter Exams) Feb. 4 - (End of Quarter/End of Semester ) Feb. 5 - NO SCHOOL Teacher Work/Staff Development Day Feb. 15 - NO SCHOOL (Presidents’ Day Holiday) March 28-April 1 - NO SCHOOL (Spring Break) April 11-15 (Third Quarter Exams) April 15 - (End of Quarter) April 18 - NO SCHOOL Teacher Work/Staff Development Day May 30 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day Holiday) June 14-17 - 1:00 Student Dismissal (Fourth Quarter Exams) June 17 - Last Day for Students (End of Quarter/End of Semester) June 18 @ 2 PM – Graduation

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ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT POLICY

Overview of Policy

Extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletic programs are part of the total school program and provide opportunities for students to supplement their classroom experiences. Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right. School administrators may suspend student participation in extracurricular activities and athletic programs for inappropriate conduct regardless of

whether that conduct occurs during the school day, evening, weekends, or holidays. Students who receive ISS or OSS will be ineligible for all extracurricular activities on the days assigned. All participants in Virginia High School League (VHSL) activities will abide by the rules established in the Extracurricular Activities Policy, the Mathews County School Board, Mathews High School, the VHSL, and any team rules established by the coach or activity sponsor.

Coaches and activity sponsors will distribute activity rules and policies at the beginning of each season to student participants and parents and will discuss and clarify their expectations regarding school-wide participation policies.

Eligibility Requirements

A. Students must pass five classes per semester.

B. Students must abide by all VHSL regulations regarding attendance, residency, and academic performance. Students must abide by VHSL participation guidelines in order maintain academic eligibility. Students must pass five classes in the semester preceding the activity to be eligible for a VHSL activity.

C. Students failing two or more classes during the posting of grades during the 4th and 9th week of a grading period in which the activity occurs, will be immediately suspended from participation in that activity until a passing grade is obtained in the failing courses.

STUDENT RECORDS

A student record is maintained for each student attending Mathews County Public Schools and is maintained in the school in which the student is enrolled. The record includes identifying information, test

data, attendance information, discipline referrals, and scholastic and health information. Students with special needs also have information related to their educational programs in the student records, which

may include reports from psychological tests, medical and social histories, reports of parent conferences, permission forms, etc. Requests for access to student records must be made through the School

Counseling Office.

CLASS SCHEDULING Changes in class schedules must be made during the class registration period during the spring of each year. Other changes in schedules will be made only in the case of clerical error, the need to meet graduation requirements, or to ensure an optimal learning environment. All schedule changes must be

approved in writing by the Principal.

ON-LINE CLASSES

Students taking on-line classes not offered at Mathews High School MUST have the course(s) approved in

writing by the Director of School Counseling and Principal before credit will be awarded. Students requesting credit for on-line classes must meet with the Director of School Counseling and their parents

before enrolling in a course.

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SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAMS

Mathews County Schools provides to all students the following School Counseling and services: Academic Counseling assists students and their parents to acquire knowledge of the curricular choices available to students, to plan a program of studies, to arrange and interpret academic testing, and to seek post-secondary academic opportunities.

Career Counseling helps students to acquire information and plan action about work, job apprenticeships, and post-secondary educational and career opportunities with the assistance of a Career Coach. Personal/Social Counseling assists students to develop an understanding of themselves and the rights and needs of others, how to resolve conflicts and to define individual goals, reflecting their interests, abilities and aptitudes. Such counseling may be provided either in groups, e.g., all ninth graders, in which general issues are addressed or through structured individual or small group sessions, which focus on the specific concerns of the participants.

GRADE PLACEMENT Students must earn units of credit, as stated, in order to be promoted to the next higher grade. To be placed in:

Grade 10 Student must earn six (6) units of credit including English 9

Grade 11 Student must earn eleven (11) units of credit including English 9 & 10

Grade 12 Student must earn fifteen (15) units of credit including English 9, 10 & 11

A student must be classified as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in order to receive the privileges

offered the respected class.

GRADING SCALE AND TRANSFER GRADES

Students who transfer to Mathews High School from an accredited school division using a different grading scale will have the grade converted to the median numerical score in that grade range approved by the

Mathews County School Board. Home School students will transfer credit for completed courses in a non-

accredited program will have a grade of PASS or FAIL assigned. Home School students’ grade point averages will begin to be calculated upon enrollment at Mathews High School. The county-wide grading

scale (as adopted by the Mathews County School Board) is outlined below. All grade averages at .5 will be rounded to the next highest numerical grade.

Letter Grade Numerical Equivalent

A 90 - 100

B 80 - 89

C 70 – 79

D 60 – 69

F 0 - 59

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WEIGHTED GRADE COURSES Weighted grades for specified advanced classes encourage students to attempt difficult courses without jeopardizing their grade point averages or class rank. The weighting of grades is an acknowledgment and commendation to students for the additional work required for advanced courses. All advanced placement classes, honors classes, and classes taught in dual enrollment with Rappahannock Community College will be weighted for GPA purposes. Grade points will be assigned as follows:

Letter Grade Regular Courses Weighted Courses

A 4 Points 5 Points

B 3 Points 4 Points

C 2 Points 3 Points

D 1 Point 2 Points

F 0 Points 0 Points

HONOR ROLL The Honor Roll will be announced at the end of each grading period. Only students who are enrolled in at least five subjects will be eligible for the Honor Roll.

A Honor Roll A student must obtain A’s in all classes to be eligible for the A Honor Roll.

A-B Honor Roll

A student must obtain all A’s and B’s in all classes to be eligible for the A-B Honor Roll.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION The Mathews County School Board recognizes that the promotion and retention of students are important decisions based on the academic progress of the student. Promotion to the next course is achieved by earning a passing grade in the subject matter based on the grading scale approved by the Mathews County School Board.

VIRGINIA STANDARDS OF LEARNING

In 1995, the State Board of Education adopted the Standards of Learning, also known as the “SOLs.” The SOLs represent the minimum learning objectives of every student in Virginia public schools, grades K-12, in the core academic subjects of English, mathematics, science, history and social science. Elective courses such as music, art, band and career and technical courses are not affected by these academic standards. Since 2004, students must earn verified credits in order to earn a diploma. Verified credits are earned by passing core courses and by passing end of course SOL tests for these courses.

Students earning a Standard Diploma must acquire six verified credits: 2 English (Reading and Writing), 1 Mathematics, 1 Laboratory Science, 1 History and Social Sciences, 1 Student Selected Test.

Students earning an Advanced Diploma must acquire nine verified credits: 2 English

(Reading and Writing), 2 Mathematics, 2 Laboratory Sciences, 2 Social Sciences, 1 Student Selected Test).

Associates Degree and One Year Certificate Opportunities

MHS offers opportunities for students to earn a one year certificate and/or associates degree in conjunction with Rappahannock Community College. Interested students should

contact their school counselor or the principal.

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ATTENDANCE

Virginia State law requires students under the age of 18 to attend school and states that the parent has the obligation to see that the student is in school. Mathews High School is committed to the philosophy that every student should attend all of his or her classes every day. Regular attendance and promptness are expected in all classes and are essentials of good performance of any job. Learning to fand forming the habit of regular attendance to one’s task are legitimate objectives of any course. Each student should be aware that attendance is part of his or her evaluation in each class. A student should understand that excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, will drastically affect the class grade.

The Attendance Secretary will make every effort to inform parents of a student’s absence. The school must have correct telephone numbers for both home and work. If either telephone number changes, please notify the front office or the guidance office at 804-725-3702 immediately. An “information change

form” should be picked up from and returned to the guidance office. ABSENCES

There are circumstances that may prevent a student’s attendance in school. Absences that may be classified as excused absences are the following:

REASON REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION 1. Illness (after 10 days or more) Doctor note 2. Death in the family Parent note 3. Medical or dental appointments Doctor/Dentist note 4. Summons to a court of law Court Documents/note 5. Religious holidays Parent Note 6. College visits College note 6. Trips and activities that enhance or extend the student’s education. A signed note must be

presented and approved by the principal. The note must then be taken to all the student’s teachers for their notification, then taken to the attendance secretary in the front office.

Routine health professional appointments should be scheduled after school. If this is unavoidable,

parents/guardians must notify the main office or submit a note in advance of the appointment. For an absence to be considered excused the parent must send a written excuse upon the student’s

return to school or within 2 DAYS of their return. If the parent does not send a note upon the student’s return to school following an absence, the student’s absence is unexcused which may result in disciplinary action.

Students under the age of 18 who have 10 consecutive unexcused absences will be referred to the juvenile and domestic relations court and are subject to having their driver’s license suspended.

Attendance appeals must be made to the Assistant Principal before the end of the grading period in which the absences occur.

CUMULATIVE ABSENCES: 5 Unexcused Absences: Parents notified of 5 unexcused absences. Copy of attendance policy is supplied to parents. 6 Unexcused Absences: Principal will schedule a conference within ten (10) school days. 7 Unexcused Absences: Principal contacts the attendance officer who will enforce the compulsory attendance rules by filing a complaint with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and/or instituting

proceedings against the parent/guardian with the Department of Social Services. Students returning from an excused absence have 3 responsibilities:

1. Appropriate written excuse note turned into front office 2. Previously assigned work.

3. Any work missed during the absence.

If a pattern of absences appears on days when larger assignments are due, the student may be subject to administrative action.

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Family Vacations and Trips • Parents and students are reminded that Virginia’s law requires attendance for students. We strongly discourage family vacations while school is in session. Family vacations/personal trips interrupt the educational process. Completion of make-up work does not compensate for the impact of lost instructional time and classroom experience, regardless of the course or course level.

EIGHTEEN OR OLDER:

Eighteen year old students are not bound by Virginia’s compulsory attendance laws. They may be dropped from the rolls for various violations of school rules including poor attendance, behavior difficulties, willful violation of rules and regulations, lack of cooperation and lack of effort.

Eighteen year olds who choose to remain in school are expected to comply with all rules and regulations including attendance requirements. This includes adhering to the early dismissal policy where parent notes and/or phone messages are submitted to attendance for consideration. TARDY-TO-SCHOOL / PER SEMESTER: Tardiness is not acceptable because it disrupts class, reflects a negative attitude toward the class, creates disruptive problems in the corridors, and develops a habit, which could make future employment difficult. Students will be considered tardy to school if they are not in their classroom when the bell rings to begin school.

1. First two unexcused tardies = noted in student record; no penalty 2. Third unexcused tardy = student receives 1 unexcused absence for the grading period. 3. Fourth unexcused tardy = After school detention. 4. Five = Saturday School and suspension of parking pass for one week. 5. Six or more = Parent conference, Saturday School and/or any other consequence to include

suspension from school and possible revocation of parking pass. Students who arrive to class twenty minutes after the start time of a class will be marked ABSENT in PowerSchool for attendance. If a student is caught in a tardy lockout, they will receive a day of after school suspension.

Habitual tardiness will result in a consequence for every incident and tardies will not start over

at the beginning of each quarter.

Any student arriving unexcused after 9:30 a.m. will be assigned Saturday School and/or any other consequence to include suspension from school.

Only two tardies per quarter will be excused for illness when a parent note is provided. Any further tardies due to illness must be accompanied by a doctor’s note in order to be considered excused.

All tardies due to medical appointments must be accompanied by a doctor’s note to be considered excused.

Tardies due to a family emergency can only be excused by an administrator. ACTIVITIES: Any student tardy to school or receiving an early dismissal for medical, dental, or court appointment must bring in a note from that particular office upon return in order to participate in any extra-curricular activities that day. Students receiving a clinic dismissal for illness during the school day will not be permitted to participate in after-school activities.

EARLY DISMISSAL: Once a student enters school property, he or she is not to leave the property prior to the end of the school day without permission from the administration. A student wishing to leave school grounds for illness, death in the family, medical appointments, court appearances, or religious holidays must present a note from a parent/guardian to the attendance secretary before 8:00 a.m. The note must contain the reason for the early dismissal and time of departure, destination, and the parent’s/guardian’s telephone number and signature. The student is required to sign out in the office before leaving the building, and sign in when returning. Failure to sign out prior to leaving will be considered truancy. No Early Dismissals will be given during semester exams and standardized tests.

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Since we cannot properly identify a parent through the phone, a written note is required for our files. Any last -minute dismissals must be requested through a signed fax (804-725-5778) or e-mailed with a signature to one of our secretaries before 2:00pm.

When a student is dismissed, he/she is expected to leave school grounds or wait for his/her ride in the office. A student is not to be dismissed from a class to stay in school and do work for other classes.

Any student found on school grounds while dismissed, will be marked unexcused for all missed classes

If the student returns to school for a portion of the day, he/she must immediately report to the main office for an office pass, prior to going to class.

.When a student misses a class due to a dismissal in which a test/quiz is given, he/she will be expected to take the test/quiz later that day, if the teacher is in agreement. The student bears the responsibility of making these arrangements around the convenience of the teacher’s schedule.

A dismissal request without good cause (see “Documented Excused Absences” on p. xx) will be denied.

Excused Late Arrivals If a student has a professional health appointment or other obligation that requires him/her to

arrive late to school, the parent/guardian must call the main office prior to the student’s arrival to

school to excuse the late arrival. A student who arrives late must immediately report to the main office, with a note from the

health professional they have seen, for an office pass, prior to going to class. When a student misses a class due to a late arrival in which a test/quiz is given, he/she will be

expected to take the test/quiz within 24 hours, and at the convenience of the teacher. It is the student’s responsibility to make these arrangements. It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the teacher regarding missed work if he/she has missed a class due to a late arrival.

Bus Notes – If a student will be riding a different bus home from school a note or phone call must be provided to the Attendance Office by 8:00 a.m. Please provide a phone number on the note so the Attendance Office personnel can call to verify the note. A bus pass will be given to the student once the note has been verified by the student’s parent or guardian. Bus passes will not be given if they are submitted later in the school day.

Since we cannot properly identify a parent through the phone, a written note is required for our files. Any last -minute bus notes must be requested through a signed fax (804-725-5778) or e-mailed with a signature to one of our secretaries before 2:00pm. Skip Days • There are NO sanctioned “skip days” at MHS. Student organized “skip days” undermine the

educational process. The school will not accept parental excuses to participate in “skip days”. Students involved in a “skip day” will be considered absent unexcused.

Senior Late Arrival/Early Release – Seniors who have a class beginning after the first block of the day, or finish before the last block of the day, must sign in or out on the senior sign out sheet in the front office.

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STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT

The standards of conduct are designed to define the basic rules and major expectations of the students in the public schools of Mathews County. Each student has the right to expect an educational environment in which he or she can strive to achieve his or her intellectual potential. The student is expected to attend school regularly, be diligent in his or her studies and conduct him/herself in such a way that the rights and privileges of others are not violated. The student is expected to accept and demonstrate the obligations of good citizenship to help prevent problems from happening and help solve problems if they occur.

Students are subject to corrective action for any misconduct that occurs:

1) In school or on school property 2) On a school vehicle 3) While participating in or attending any school sponsored activity or trip 4) On the way to or from school 5) Off school property, when the acts lead to a

a. An adjudication of delinquency pursuant to Va. Code § 16.1—305.1 b. A conviction of an offense listed in Va. Code § 16.1—260 c. A charge that would be a felony if committed by an adult

STUDENT SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

The following violations of the Code of Student Conduct and School Board policy shall be grounds for After-School Detention (ASD), Saturday School (SS) or Out-of-School Suspension (OSS). This list is not all-inclusive. The principal or designee has the authority to suspend students up to 10 days for any action, which is deemed to be unlawful, dangerous to the health and welfare of students, or disruptive of the school environment.

Types of Offenses Disciplinary Action

Cutting class/Leaving school unauthorized

ASD, SS, OSS

Disrespect/Defiance/Disobedience ASD, SS, OSS

Disruptive behavior ASD, SS, OSS

Dress Code violation Warning, ASD, SS

Fighting* 1-10 days OSS

Obscene (inappropriate) language SS, OSS

Plagiarism Warning for 1st offense; SS for subsequent offenses

Possession or use of alcohol or drugs* IMMEDIATE suspension—10 days OSS Hearing held with Superintendent to determine future placement of student

Possession or use of tobacco products* SS, OSS

Possession of weapon* IMMEDIATE suspension—10 days OSS Hearing held with Superintendent to determine future placement of student

Sexual Harassment* 1-10 days OSS

Inappropriate Sexual Behavior* 1-10 days OSS

Theft* 1-10 days OSS

Threats/Intimidation/Bullying* 1-10 days OSS

Vandalism* 1-10 days OSS and Restitution

*Report made to School Resource Officer, Hearing held with Superintendent to determine future placement of student

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STUDENT LIFE

A & B DAY SCHEDULE

Mathews High School assigns each school day as an “A” or “B” Day, which rotates from day to day. The first day of school, September 3rd, will be a “A” Day and the second day, September 4th, will be an “B” day and so on until June 13th. If there are days missed due to weather or other circumstances, then the day we return will be the day missed. For example, if we miss an “A” day, then the day we come back will be the “A” day missed.

ACCIDENTS

All accidents that occur on school grounds must be reported immediately to a faculty member or to the Principal. The teacher and student must complete an Accident Report and submit it to the office.

ACTIVISM

Although students have the right to express opinions or make suggestions to school administrators and faculty, it is expected that they will obey the established rules and policies of the school, even while working for change in the system. Students who willfully violate school rules, who defy reasonable

instructions of teachers and administrators, or who interfere with the normal operation of the school program, may be suspended from school. Any person or persons other than students who interfere with the normal functioning of the school or who engage in any unauthorized activity on school property will be asked to leave. If they refuse, the school administrator or designee in charge will request their removal by law enforcement officers.

ATHLETIC POLICY

Students participating in the athletic programs must follow and meet all requirements stated in the

Virginia High School League handbook and the Mathews High School Athletic Policy. Copies of the handbook and policy are available from all coaches and can be found on the last page of this handbook.

DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Morning and Afternoon Announcements will be used as the primary method of communication to the student body. All announcements should be turned in to the school secretary by 3:00 p.m. for the next day’s announcements.

DANCES

All school policies apply at dances. Students will be responsible for their invited guests. Students wishing to bring guests who do not attend this school will sign up on the guest list posted in the office as well as complete a dance contract prior to each dance. Middle school or Junior High students will not be approved as guests. Only students under the age of 21 will be allowed to attend any school dance. All guests must be approved by the administration in advance of the dance.

DRESS CODE

Students are expected to exercise good taste and to avoid extremes in dress for school. Clothing should be clean and in good repair. When a student’s style of dress presents a danger to the student’s health and safety, causes interference with schoolwork, or creates disruption, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Listed below are the regulations on dress for all students in Mathews County Schools:

Students must wear shoes at all times. If a student wears a hat or bandana to school, the head apparel must be placed in the student’s

locker until the end of the school day. Messages on clothing and/or personal belongings that relate to drugs, alcohol, vulgarity, violence

and any other messages deemed inappropriate by the school administration are not permitted. Students must wear pants appropriately--with the waistband around the waist. Clothing considered immodest or inappropriate is not permitted. The practice at Mathews High

School is:

o Shoulders and waists must be covered (dresses must have should straps three inches wide) o Tank tops are not to be worn to school. o Pajamas and/or pajama pants are not to be worn to school.

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o Sunglasses may not be worn in the school building. o All shorts/skirts and outer garments over leggings must be finger-tip length o In all cases involving student dress, the determination of appropriateness and

modesty will be the decision of each school’s administrator. Students who repeatedly violate the dress code will be disciplined.

If a student is found to be in violation of the dress code, the following sanctions/discipline will take place:

1st Offense: Student receives a warning and required to change the inappropriate item. 2nd Offense (and all subsequent offenses): Student is required to change the inappropriate item and Saturday School (SS) is assigned.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES POLICY

All students participating in a Virginia High School League (VHSL) activity will abide by the Mathews High School Extracurricular Activities Policy each school year of their eligibility (8th – 12th grade). Students are

expected to conduct themselves properly and to be aware that they are representing Mathews High School when they participate in these activities. Students will meet academic and sportsmanship standards and will not possess or use tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal drugs during their high school eligibility. Further details of these policies and regulations can be found in the Mathews High School Extracurricular Activities Policy that can be found in the back of this Handbook.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION

In order to participate in any extra-curricular activity that takes place after school hours, the student must

be present for the entire school day unless otherwise authorized by the Principal.

FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION

Mathews County Public Schools use the objectives for Family Life Education approved by the State of Virginia. Copies of the objectives for each grade level are available from the classroom teacher in Grades K-4 and from the physical education and health teachers in Grades 5-12. Parents have the option of requesting that their children not participate in the family life program. Parents/Guardians must submit a request in writing or by signing a form available in the Office of the Principal.

FIRE ALARMS-EMERGENCY

In the event of an emergency, students will follow their teacher’s instructions. They will remain calm and orderly. If they are instructed to leave the building, they will remain outside until the bell sounds to indicate they should return. Fire drill charts are posted in each classroom. Teachers will be given instructions as to which exit should be used when leaving the classroom. Lock down, emergency evacuations, and fire drills will be practiced throughout the year.

HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

Homebound instruction shall be made available to students who are confined at home for periods of time that would prevent normal educational progress. Homebound study shall be approved for credit provided that student is unable to attend school as documented by a licensed physician or licensed clinical psychologist. The school in which the student normally would be enrolled approves the subject(s) that the homebound student chooses to take. Mathews County School Board Policy IGBG-R regarding Home Bound Instruction is summarized below:

An outline of work approved by the student’s school is followed. The homebound instruction teacher is a licensed teacher approved by the school division. A minimum of ten (10) hours of instruction is given per month in each subject; in instances where

the physical condition and mental ability of the student will permit, the principal may approve a maximum of four (4) subjects.

Homebound students take tests or examinations approved by the principal or designee for the subject(s) being taught.

During the period of homebound instruction, student participation in extracurricular activities will be reviewed for each student.

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ILLNESS OR INJURY AT SCHOOL

If a student is injured or becomes ill at school, he/she is to report to his/her teacher and ask permission to report to the school nurse. If necessary, the nurse will contact the parents or guardian. All students who are injured or become ill must check out through the clinic and main office before leaving school. In no instance should a student use a cell phone to contact parents or guardians to pick him/her up - this must be done through the school office or the nurse’s office.

LOCKERS

All lockers on campus are subject to search without notice to the student. The principal or his designee will conduct the search within the guidelines applicable to the law and school board policy.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students are required to make up all work due to absences regardless of whether or not the absence is excused or unexcused. Teacher assignments are posted in Power School and students are responsible for securing make-up work on their own. The School Counseling Office and the Main Office will not be responsible for obtaining assignments from teachers.

MEDICINE

All prescription and nonprescription medicines brought to school must be left with the nurse. No student shall administer any medication without having permission from a parent or doctor and administered by the school nurse. This includes (but not limited to) over-the-counter cold medicines, flu medications, etc. All medicines that are brought to school MUST be in its proper container and used in its intended manner. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in disciplinary action and referral to law enforcement.

MERIT SYSTEM

The purpose of the Merit System is to encourage students to participate in all areas of extracurricular activities. Merit points are earned each year for services rendered in the four major areas: Academics, Forensics, Leadership and Miscellaneous. Any student who earns a minimum of 50 points each year is eligible to receive a merit letter or star. The senior who has accumulated the most points over a four-year period will be the recipient of the Merit Award and be eligible for the SCA Merit Scholarship. Rules governing the Merit System may be obtained from the president of the SCA or from Mr. Hogge, SCA Sponsor.

PASSES

Students must have a pass issued by the teachers when leaving the classroom. Mathews High School has 3 types of passes:

Hall Passes will be issued for restroom use and navigating through the building Emergency Passes will be used for emergencies, the nurse, or unforeseen situations that

require dismissal from class PERSONAL PROPERTY

Mathews High School or Mathews County School Board will not be responsible for any student’s property that is lost, damaged or stolen on the school grounds. Personal property is the sole responsibility of the student. Students are reminded to lock their personal belongings at all times when using PE and athletic facilities.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

Public displays of affection are inappropriate for school. Students will be referred for disciplinary action if such displays continue.

SAFETY GOGGLES

State law requires that every student must use a protective eye device when taking a course in career and technical classes, industrial arts, shop or laboratories involving experiments with dangerous elements or materials.

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STUDENT COUNCIL ASSOCIATION Students have an opportunity to participate in the student government through the Student Council Association. The SCA is composed of the SCA Senate from which the officers are elected by the student body. Any student wishing to serve on the SCA Senate must apply through the SCA Sponsor. Each year the faculty will nominate students to the Senate. To hold an SCA office, or any other office at MHS, a student must have passed all subjects the last semester he/she was in school. The student must also be passing all subjects he/she is taking during the term of his/her office. If the student receives a failing grade on any subject during a nine-week period, he/she must resign from that office. The officer next in line will assume the position and duties. To hold a school office, students must be in good standing in all aspects of school and community involvement.

CELL PHONES/PERSONSAL DEVICES

Cell phones must be turned off and are not to be used in the classrooms unless it is for a

teacher-sanctioned activity. Any cell phone that is visible in the classroom without teacher permission will result in the cell phone being confiscated and the phone will be returned only to a parent. For any subsequent violations of the policy, the student will be subject to further disciplinary action. Students must always use the School District’s wireless network to connect to the Internet. They must disable ALL personal Internet access services (Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, etc.) or put the device in “airplane mode” during school hours and school sponsored events in school buildings. If at any time you are unsure how you are connected to the Internet, you must stop using your personal electronic device.

When students are found in violation of the policy, the cell phone will be confiscated and submitted to an administrator. Any student that refuses to surrender their cell phone or becomes defiant with a teacher will be subject to further disciplinary action.

HAND-HELD PERSONAL ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES

Students are not permitted to have hand-held devices such as MP3/MP4 players, personal DVD players, or gaming devices during school hours. If a student is found to have these items in their possession, the item will be confiscated and the student will be subject to disciplinary action.

VIDEO CAMERAS

The use of video cameras or video phones is prohibited during the school day. Students that are found in

violation will have their camera confiscated and be subject to disciplinary action.

CAFETERIA

Students will report to the cafeteria for meals in an orderly manner. Lunch blocks have been divided into two (2) sections of the building. Each student has the responsibility of returning his/her food tray and cleaning the area of the table

at which he/she was seated while eating lunch. All lunches must be eaten in the cafeteria or designated areas Students are encouraged to pay for their meals on a weekly or monthly basis using our

computerized charge account system. Each student’s account may not exceed a $5.00 deficit. Lunch is available in the cafeteria at a cost of $1.95. Breakfast is available before school begins at a cost of $1.50.

All food will be eaten in the cafeteria or in the studio courtyard. The gym hall, back hall, and auditorium are OFF LIMITS to all students during BOTH lunch blocks. Students will be permitted to use the restrooms only in the old building (A-Hall) during lunch blocks.

LUNCH BLOCKS / PRICES

The building is divided into two sections for lunch blocks. While one section is at lunch, the other section of the building is in class.

1st lunch will be for all classrooms from the “A” section of the building (English / Math Wings; Wooden Floor Classrooms).

2nd lunch will be for all classrooms from the “B” (Science and CTE Halls) & “C” (PE and Fine Arts) sections of the building.

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2015-2016 MHS Bell Schedules

A/B Day Bell Schedule

First Bell 8:00

1st Block 8:05 - 9:40 95 Minutes

2nd Block 9:45 - 11:15 90 Minutes

3rd Block

1st Lunch 11:15 - 11:40 25 Minutes

1st Instruction 11:20 - 12:50 90 Minutes

2nd Instruction 11:45 - 1:15 90 Minutes

2nd Lunch 12:50 - 1:15 25 Minutes

4th Block 1:20 - 2:50 90 Minutes

1 PM Dismissal Bell Schedule

First Bell 8:00

1st Block 8:05 - 9:10 65 Minutes

2nd Block 9:15 - 10:20 65 Minutes

3rd Block

1st Lunch 10:20 - 10:45 25 Minutes

1st Instruction 10:25 - 11:25 60 Minutes

2nd Instruction 10:50 - 11:50 60 Minutes

2nd Lunch 11:25 - 11:50 25 Minutes

4th Block 11:55 - 1:00 65 Minutes

ATTENDANCE INCENTIVES / EXAM EXEMPTIONS

Students who maintain excellent attendance and/or perform well academically will be afforded the following exemptions from Final Exams in June:

Absent three (3) days or less in any class (only school-sponsored activities are excused)

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Students earning an “A” in the class for the year

Students who pass their SOL end of course test will receive the following grade for their final

exam:

SOL Score Exam Grade 500-600 100

450-499 90

400-449 80

EXAM POLICIES

1. Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom during exams except for emergencies.

2. Students who are absent for an exam, upon receiving permission from the Principal, will be required to

schedule a make-up exam with their teacher.

3. Students who fail to make-up an exam will receive a grade of zero.

4. Exams account for 10% of the Nine Weeks Grade.

5. Students are exempt from their following exams at the end of the year if they meet any one of the

following criteria:

Absent three (3) days or less in any class (only school-sponsored activities are

excused)

Students earning an “A” in the class for the year

MATHEWS HIGH SCHOOL File: IGD-R2

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES POLICY

Introduction

Extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletic programs are part of the total school program and provide opportunities for

students to supplement their classroom experiences. Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right. School

administrators may suspend student participation in extracurricular activities and athletic programs for inappropriate conduct regardless of whether that conduct occurs during the school day, evenings, weekends, or holidays. All participants in Virginia High

School League (VHSL) activities will abide by the rules established in the Extracurricular Activities Policy, the Mathews County

School Board, Mathews High School, the VHSL, and any team rules established by the coach or activity sponsor.

Coaches and activity sponsors will distribute activity rules and policies at the beginning of each season to student participants and

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parents and will discuss and clarify their expectations regarding school-wide participation policies.

Athletic Participation Regulations

In addition to the rules and regulations outlined in the VHSL Handbook and the Mathews High School Student Handbook, all

participants in extracurricular activities shall abide by the following:

1. Conduct of Participants. Mathews High School expects all students to conduct themselves properly and to be aware that they are representing Mathews High School when participating in VHSL activities. Participants shall practice good

citizenship and respect the property rights of others. Any participant, who exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct or any form

of inappropriate conduct before, during, or after an event, is subject to suspension for a minimum of one contest.

2. Academic Eligibility. Students must abide by VHSL participation guidelines in order to maintain academic eligibility and

must pass five classes in the semester preceding the activity to be eligible. Students failing two or more classes during the

posting of grades during the 4th and 9th week of a grading period in which the activity occurs, will be immediately

suspended from participation in that activity (practice and play) until a passing grade is obtained.

3. Attendance. Students must be in attendance the entire school day in order to practice or participate in an event. Students

arriving to school after 8:30 a.m. or leaving before 2:50 p.m. must have an excused absence per School Board Policy in order to participate in practice or a scheduled interscholastic activity.

4. Sports Seasons. A transfer from one activity to another activity during the same season is subject to administrative

review. Students who try-out for one activity and quit after participating for two weeks or more, will not be allowed to be

involved in any subsequent activities until the original activity of involvement has ended for the season.

5. Awards Program. All Mathews High school students who participate in VHSL activities must attend the awards program

for their sport or activity in order to maintain eligibility for any awards or letters unless excused by the coach.

6. Out-of-season Conditioning. Mathews High School and Thomas Hunter Middle School students who will be involved in

a VHSL activity may participate in off-season conditioning programs if a current physical is on file. Students already

involved in an existing activity are excluded from pre-season conditioning programs.

7. Criminal Charges. Any student charged with a criminal offense will be suspended from all extracurricular activities until

adjudication of charges. Conviction of a criminal offense will result in suspension from the activity for the remainder of

the school year.

8. Other Rules and Procedures. All students participating in VHSL sports or activities are required to follow any

additional rules established by the Head Coach or Sponsor of the activity.

9. Activity Participation Fee. All students who participate in a VHSL activity will be required to pay a fee of $40, not to

exceed the amount of $100 per student/per year for multiple participation.

Use of Tobacco

Any student found to be using tobacco of any type during the sports or activity season, will be suspended from that sport or activity

for the remainder of the season.

Use of Alcohol and Drugs

Any student found to be using or in possession of alcohol or drugs on school grounds or at any school event, will be suspended from

all VHSL activities for the remainder of the school year. Coaches who are made aware of and confirm the use or possession of drugs

or alcohol by a student off-campus, will dismiss the student from that sport or activity for the remainder of the season.

MATHEWS HIGH SCHOOL 2015-2016 FEES

Class Dues $1.00 All students

Hall Lockers $2.00 All students

Student Planner $5.00 All students

Art Fee (all classes) $25.00 Art students

Automotive Technology Fee $10.00 Auto mechanic students

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Band Fees (Band, Jazz, Strings)

$50.00 All band students

Business Education Fee $10.00 All Business students

Early Childhood Education I $8.00 Early Childhood Ed students

Chorus $15.00 Chorus students

Tech Drawing Fee $13.00 All Tech Drawing students

Education for Employment $4.00 EFE students

Individual Living Skills $8.00 Individual Living students

Carpentry Fee $45.00 Certification and Supplies Fee

DE Certified Nursing Aid Class $82.00 Uniform/RCC Dual Enrollment Fee

DE Teachers for Tomorrow I/II $15.00 Dual enrollment w/ RCC

DE CIS (Computer Info Systems)

$40.00 Supplies/Dual enrollment w/RCC

Dual Enrollment Web Design $40.00 Supplies/Dual enrollment w/RCC

Dual Enrollment English $30.00 Dual enrollment fee w/ RCC

Dual Enrollment U.S. History $30.00 Dual enrollment fee w/ RCC

Dual Enrollment U.S. Government

$30.00 Dual enrollment fee w/ RCC

Dual Enrollment Biology $30.00 Dual enrollment fee w/ RCC

Dual Enrollment Psych/Soc App $425

Students pay first semester tuition directly to RCC – fees are subject to change at the discretion of RCC

PE/Weightlifting Locker Fee $5.00 All PE students

*Driving Education Fee $175.00 Behind the wheel instruction

*Parking Permit $25.00 Optional – for students with valid driver license

*Athletic Fee $40.00 Cost per VHSL Activity; $100 maximum per student

*Transcript Fee $5.00 Current year seniors five(5)free; all others $5.00 each

No child will be denied the needed materials listed above because of inability to pay. You may contact the principal to set up a plan for staggered payments or request that the fees be waived. *These fees will be charged as needed during the school year.