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Welcome to Windber Area Middle/High Schools!

This is your copy of the student handbook. It contains information on policies, procedures, and resources

at the Middle School and High School. If you cannot find the information that you are looking for, please

contact the MS/HS office to obtain any copies you may need or to receive an answer to any questions.

Students, parents/guardians, and staff are required to be knowledgeable of the contents of this handbook,

as it pertains to important aspects of school life at Windber Area. It is recommended that all students

familiarize themselves with the contents of this handbook. Utilization of the planner will assist students

with time management and promote organizational skills to aiding in academic success.

During the 2017-2018 school year, both Windber Area Middle and High Schools will embark upon their

first full school year in our renovated complex. Let’s continue to build off of the successful second half of

the school year we had in the school and have an amazing school year.

Items or information within this handbook may be subject to change throughout the year. Please feel free

to reach out to one of us in the hallways, classrooms, cafeteria, or offices if you have any questions,

concerns, or need for clarification.

It is our hope that each of you have an enjoyable and successful 2017-2018 school year.

WINDBER PRIDE....EXPERIENCE IT!

Richard E. Lucas Lance McGough

High School Principal Middle School Principal

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WINDBER AREA HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017/2018

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

As required by Section 5145 of the Drug Free Schools and Community Act of 1986 it is necessary for you to

complete the form below and return it to your child's home room teacher by Friday, August 25, 2017.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WINDBER AREA HIGH SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2017-2018

The Windber Area High School/Middle School 2017-2018 student handbook is available for review

at www.windberschools.org. By signing this document, I state that I have read and reviewed the

2017-2018 Windber Area High School/Middle School Student handbook.

Name of Student: _____________________________________________

Grade: __________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________

Date: ____________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Permission Slip

2017-2018 School Year

Name of Student Grade

Name of Teacher

Signature of parent and or guardian Date

I give permission for my son / daughter to have his / her picture taken and

published by the local media.

I do not give permission for my son / daughter to have his / her picture taken and

published by the local media.

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WINDBER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR

Timothy Tokarsky President

Barry Hostetler Vice-President

Susan Layton Secretary

Joe Felix Treasurer

MEMBERS

Michael Betcher

Mike Grohal

Steve Kormanik

Kevin Sheehan

Keith Vasas

ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE STAFF

Debbie Bango Office Secretary

Sue Phillips Office Secretary

FOOD SERVICES/TRANSPORTATION

Nutrition, Inc. Food Service Director

Douglas Ledney Transportation Coordinator

GUIDANCE OFFICE

Amy Spangler High School Guidance Counselor

Rose Alex

HEALTH SERVICES

Middle School Guidance Counselor

Connie Mercik High School/Middle School Nurse

Joseph Kimmel Superintendent

Glenn J. Gaye, Jr. Director of Education

Richard E. Lucas High School Principal

Lance D. McGough

Jessica Shuster

Middle School Principal

Elementary Principal

Kristen Butler Special Services Coordinator

Randy Roxby Director of Facilities & Grounds

Frank Tallyen Director of Instructional Technology

ATHLETICS

Stephen Slatcoff

Athletic Director

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***HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2017-2018***

Please take the time to thoroughly read this handbook and understand each of these items. If you have

any questions regarding this material or any material enclosed within the Windber Area School

District Student Handbook, please contact your child’s respective office.

BUILDING Start and End Times 2017/2018

HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9 – 12) MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6-8)

8:00 am – Student Day Begins 8:00 am- Students Day Begins

2:30 pm – Student Dismissal 2:30 pm- Student Dismissal

VISITORS TO THE MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLS-PHOTO ID REQUIRED

When reporting to the Windber Middle/High Schools office, all visitors will be required to show a valid,

government-issued ID. Parents and visitors to Windber Middle/High Schools must stop in the office and

sign the visitor’s log and have their ID submitted to the district’s security software program upon entering

the building.

MORNING ARRIVAL

Students are required to be in their homeroom according to their respective start times. Students are

considered tardy to school if they arrive after their respective start times. Morning Arrival tardiness is

addressed through the MS/HS Office and is subject to the conditions of the District Attendance Policy.

TARDINESS TO CLASS:

Consequences for tardiness to class are the responsibility of the assigned teacher.

STUDENTS BEING DISMISSED EARLY (INCLUDING NURSES DISMISSALS)

It is the responsibility of the student being dismissed from school to check with his/her teachers to

get class assignments, so they will be prepared for class when he/she returns. A form will be provided for

students. There will be no reason for students not to have assignments because of early dismissal.

STUDENTS COMING TO SCHOOL LATE/EARLY DISMISSALS-DR., DENTIST,

TARDINESS, ETC.

It is the responsibility of the student coming to school late or being dismissed to check with his/her

teachers to get assignments from the classes he/she missed or will miss.

SCHOOL DELAY/CANCELLATION

If a student is uncertain whether or not there will be classes due to inclement weather, he/she

should listen to the local radio or television announcements prior to school. Parents and students are

encouraged to check local media outlets, as well as, visit the district’s website for cancellations at

WWW.WINDBERSCHOOLS.ORG. Additionally, the ALERT NOW phone system will place a call to the

phone number on file for student(s) informing them of school delays, cancellations, and any other

important message.

***Secondary Education Department Chairpersons 2017-2018***

Christine Hudak………………….Communications Department

Scott McClain………………………Mathematics Department

Robert Culp…………………………Science Department

Kristen Blackburn……………….Social Studies Department

Rose Alex…………………………….Special Services Department

(Special Ed./ESL/Gifted/Guidance/Nurse)

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ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance improves academic achievement and helps students develop a responsible

approach to work habits, which carry over to adult life. When students assume responsibility for regular

and faithful attendance, this acceptance of responsibility carries over into post high school responsibilities

and adult work and family life.

WHAT ARE EXCUSED ABSENCES:

1. Illness, injury or medical condition or disability that prevents a child from attending, verified by a

licensed medical professional’s excuse or parental note indicating generally the reason for the

absence.

A written excuse from a parent/guardian will be accepted for medical absences up to ten (10) total

days during the school year. (If the excuse is for only part of a day, more than ten (10) excuses may

be permitted but they may cover no more than a total of ten (10) school days of absences.

After parental medical excuses have been received to cover ten (10) school days, the district will

mail written notification to require a specific written excuse from a licensed medical professional.

To help parents, the district will mail periodic reports of a student’s attendance when the student

has seven (7) total days of absences, excused and unexcused, ten (10) total days of absences, excused

and unexcused, and fifteen (15) days of total absences, excused and unexcused. These letters will

also note how many medical days of absence have been excused by parental note. Days of absence

are also available on PowerSchool with student grades and on report cards.

To help parents in the case of chronic illness or disability, the district will accept an excuse/letter

from the student’s doctor that states that the student may miss school due to a specific illness,

injury, medical condition or disability, and the parent/guardian may then submit additional excuses

(beyond the ten (10) permitted above) that refer to that specified reason for each subsequent

absence directly related thereto. These absences will then be excused. A new excuse/letter from the

doctor must be provided every forty-five (45) days.

2. Serious illness or death in the immediate family verified by a written excuse from a

parent/guardian.

3. Quarantine.

4. Medical or dental attention. Such services must be verified in writing from the parent/guardian.

The administration may ask for additional verification from the service provider. As noted above,

excused absences are permitted only for the reasonable time needed to get to the provider, keep the

appointment, and return to school.

5. Absences permitted by a student’s Individual Educational Program (IEP) or Service Agreement

(SA) or written terms fixed by an administrator when there is no IEP or SA.

6. Absence approved in advance by the principal, such as college visitations, military recruiting,

required court attendance, preplanned educational trips and tours (meeting the requirements of the

district’s policy for Family Educational Trips), etc.

7. Absence in connection with approved school activities.

8. Authorized religious holidays documented to administrative satisfaction if other than those

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historically recognized by district

9. Religious instruction or up to a total of thirty-six (36) hours per school year. This shall require

submission of a written request from the parents/guardians of the student prior to release of the

student to attend and/or participate in religious instructional programs.

10. Impassable roads as determined by the Transportation Coordinator, or other unusual traffic

conditions or circumstances deemed appropriate by the principal.

11. Students who receive approved homebound instruction provided by this school district are not

considered absent.

EXCUSE PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS ON RETURN

After an absence for the foregoing reasons, the student (or parent/guardian) must submit an excuse signed

by a parent/guardian and giving the name of the student, date, days of absence and reason for absence.

The school cannot accept an e-mail excuse.

The excuse must be submitted to the proper authority or attendance secretary as directed by the

procedures established for students in the particular building involved. Parents will be advised of special

requirements, if any, applicable to a particular building.

Failure on the parents’/guardians’ part to provide a written explanation for the student’s absence and

failure of the parent/guardian or student to present such an excuse within three (3) school days of the

student’s return to school, except under extenuating circumstances as determined by the building

principal, will result in an unexcused absence being recorded. Once an unexcused absence is recorded for

failure to submit a timely excuse, a parental excuse or note will ordinarily not be accepted for that absence.

Upon returning to school, students should immediately make plans with their teachers to promptly make

up all work missed during the absence. Obtaining missed work is the student’s responsibility in grades 6-

12.

WHAT ARE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

The following reasons for absence will be recorded as unexcused (sometimes called, especially in statutes

and regulations, “illegal” or “unlawful”):

1. Absence without reason or absence for which a timely (within three (3) school days) excuse was not

submitted.

2. Oversleeping or missing the school bus.

3. Trips not approved in advance by the building principal or trips that have been disapproved by the

building principal. Educational trips that meet all requirements of the district’s policy on Family

Educational Trips, including prior approval, will not result in unexcused absences.

4. Shopping, hunting, fishing, sporting events, birthday or other celebrations.

5. Employment

6. Inefficient private transportation or automobile breakdowns.

7. Any other reasons not listed as an excused absence above or as excused under the School Code or

regulations.

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LATE ARRIVALS, EARLY DISMISSALS AND ABSENCES DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

A late arrival, an early dismissal, and an absence during the school day are all considered absences. If the

absence is for a reason that would qualify for an excused absence, the absence shall be considered excused

provided a timely excuse is provided (if required).

Excused late arrivals, early dismissals and absences during the school day – Excused absences will be

recorded in fourths (1/4th

) of the school day (1/4, ½, ¾, full day). There will be a minimum of one-fourth

(1/4th

) day excused absence for an excused late arrival, early dismissal or absence during the school day.

The administration may modify the time periods below if the length of the regular school day is changed.

For purposes of this attendance accounting:

High School

One (1) minute to one (1) hour and forty-five (45) minutes will be considered one-fourth

(1/4) of a day.

One (1) hour and forty six (46) minutes to three (3) hours and thirty (30) minutes will be

considered one-half (1/2) a school day.

Three (3) hours and thirty-one (31) minutes to five (5) hours and fifteen (15) minutes will be

considered three-fourths (3/4) of a school day.

More than five (5) hours and fifteen (15) minutes will be considered absence for a full day.

Middle School (Until further notice-after building project is completed)

One (1) minute to one (1) hour and forty (40) minutes will be considered one-fourth (1/4) of

a day.

One (1) hour and forty- one (41) minutes to three (3) hours and twenty (20) minutes will be

considered one-half (1/2) a school day.

Three (3) hours and twenty-one (21) minutes to five (5) hours will be considered three-

fourths (3/4) of a school day.

Over five (5) hours will be considered absence for a full day.

Unexcused late arrivals, early dismissals and absences during the school –Each unexcused late arrival,

early dismissal or absence during the school day will be recorded in one-fourth (1/4) day segments,

calculated the same as above for excused late arrivals, early dismissals or absences during the school day.

On any day when a student has an unexcused absence, late arrival or early dismissal that student shall not

be permitted to participate in field trips or school activities or events, including attendance at or

participation in athletic events or practices, for that school day, including events which occur after the end

of the school day.

EFFECTS OF EXCUSED ABSENCES

If a student’s excused and unexcused absences total ten (10) days and discussions with parents have not

already taken place, the school will notify the parent(s) by letter and phone call suggesting a parent

conference to discuss attendance and the development of an Attendance Improvement Plan when

appropriate to improve attendance and to consider, when necessary, what might be done to minimize the

adverse impact of absences on the student’s academic performance. There may be resources available to

parents or students if needs are communicated to the district. If there are twenty (20) or more total

absences, a parental conference shall be held to discuss the effects of such absences, and any available

resources that might help deal with the effects of the absences or that might reduce the number of further

absences. If appropriate, an Attendance Improvement Plan may be developed.

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Since class attendance and class participation is important for student academic performance, if the

principal or teachers feel in a particular case that absences are affecting a student’s ability to do well in

their classes, a student’s discretionary absences may be limited, such as absences for field trips, for

participation in school activities and events or absences for educational trips

CONSEQUENCES OF UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

In cases of multiple unexcused absences, school officials will endeavor to contact parents to initiate

development of an Attendance Improvement Plan (called a Truancy Elimination Plan by the Department

of Education) in an effort to minimize unexcused absences and to help students to get the most out of their

educational opportunities. Parents are urged to cooperate with the district to develop such a plan as early

as possible once an unexcused absence occurs. If parents have not yet been contacted by the school, they

may at any time after their child has an unexcused absence contact the school for a conference to discuss

their child’s attendance and to develop a plan to prevent further unexcused absences. Such a conference

will be required after three (3) unexcused absences.

Parents will be notified by letter as required by the Basic Education Circular of the Pennsylvania

Department of Education when a student accumulates one, two, or three unexcused absences. If these

absences are consecutive, or nearly consecutive, only one (1) notice may be sent, depending on the

circumstances.

After three (3) unexcused absences of children of compulsory school age, the district will give the notice as

a precondition to filing a summary complaint before the magisterial district judge. If there is a further

unexcused absence, the district will file a summary complaint before the magisterial district judge as

required by law, except, in the discretion of the appropriate administrator, as otherwise permitted by Basic

Education Circular 13-1327.

Students are required to promptly make up all missed work the same as if they had excused absences, and

parents must be prepared to help or get help for their children to make up the missed work, but students

ordinarily will not receive course credit for such work in the case of such unexcused absences. Class

participation is a factor in student grading and evaluations and excessive unexcused absences can also

affect a student’s evaluation or grades under such circumstances.

If a student has more than three (3) unexcused and more than twenty (20) total absences in one (1) school

year, and depending on the extent and quality of their make-up work and overall performance and

participation in a course, they may be denied credit in a course, be required to attend summer school in

order to receive credit if summer school is offered and available, or they may be provided alternative

education, or be required to undertake a project or extra work, all as may be determined in each case. If

course credit is denied, it could jeopardize graduation or promotion to the next grade. If a student is

denied course credit, he or she shall have the right to appeal.

Students with more than three (3) unexcused absences in a school year, or students with a history of

unexcused absences in prior years, may be denied approval for a Family Educational Trip or may be

denied participation in a field trip or in school activities or events that would require them to miss classes,

if the principal believes further absences would negatively affect their academic performance, or if the

principal determines that the student is not making a good faith effort to avoid unexcused absences, insofar

as the student can do so.

Except where the responsible administrator determines otherwise, on any day when a student has an

unexcused absence, late arrival or early dismissal, or if the student has been absent without excuse during

the school day, that student shall not be permitted to participate in field trips or school activities or events,

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including attendance at or participation in athletic events or practices, for that school day, including events

which occur after the end of the school day.

Students should be aware that this provision does not alter coach- or activity advisor-imposed rules. For

example, if a coach does not permit a player to play in a game if they miss practice, and if they miss

practice because of this provision, then they may also miss the game.

As noted in section II, the terms of this policy, its enforcement, and the consequences of non-compliance

may be modified in IEPs, Service Agreements or otherwise in exceptional situations, and enforcement of

this policy or application of these consequences will be modified as appropriate for students with severe or

chronic medical conditions or disabilities that may affect the child’s ability to attend school regularly, to

the extent specified in the IEP, Service Agreement or other specified accommodation.

APPEAL PROCESS

An appeal process has been established for parents/guardians or students who believe credit has been

denied unjustly. A review committee will be created by the building principal. This committee will

include an administrator.

At the review hearing the following procedure will take place:

The student is responsible to produce formal documentation at the hearing in order to overturn the

decision and regain graduation credit/program promotion.

The parent/guardian may accompany the student at the hearing.

The hearing committee reaches a decision by majority vote; the student will receive the decision at

the same meeting. The decision of the hearing committee will be final, except as may otherwise be

provided by law.

Appeals from decisions involving provisions in an IEP or SA relating to this policy shall be in

accordance with 22 Pa. Code Chapters 14 and 15.

SENDING STUDENTS HOME DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

If a student is sent home from school for any reason, the person in charge must contact the

parents/guardians before allowing the student to leave school. If parents/guardians are not home,

satisfactory arrangements must be made before permitting the student to leave the school. If unable to

locate parents/guardians, the student must remain in school unless there are known provisions for the care

of the student in such an emergency by a friend or relative as indicated in the student’s emergency

information. In this case these persons should be contacted before allowing the student to leave school. If

the student must remain in school following an illness or emergency, s/he would be properly treated or

transported to an emergency facility or hospital at the parent/ guardian’s expense. Parents/Guardians are

required to come into respective offices and sign their child out. Students are not permitted to use their cell

phones to contact parents to pick them up because of an illness. Student dismissal must first be evaluated

by the School Nurse or Building Administrator.

REFERRAL TO COUNTY CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (Students under Age 13)

Any student of compulsory school age who has not attained age 13 and who fails to comply with

compulsory attendance and is habitually truant*, shall be referred to Children and Youth Services. The

referral may be in addition to filing a citation with the local district judge. The principal may refer a

student 13 years of age or older to CYS in lieu of filing a citation with the local judge.

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“Habitually truant” as defined in 24 P.S. 13-1333 means absence for more than three (3) school

days or their equivalent following the notice or truancy which is required to be given after three (3)

unexcused absences.

For a copy of this policy in its entirety, please refer to 204 Attendance of the Windber Area School District

Policies at our website at www.windberschools.org or request a copy from the school office.

FAMILY EDUCATION TRIPS

While the Board discourages unnecessary absences from school for reasons explained in the Board’s

Attendance Policy, the Board also recognized that, depending upon the circumstances, limited family trips

of educational value can be in the student’s interest but only when appropriate standards are met

consistent with School law and appropriate educational objectives.

Parents who are planning to take their child on an educational trip during the time that school is in session

may request an excused absence for the student. Parents are advised to make the request before making

any non-refundable vacation commitments. A trip may be considered an educational experience if it

broadens the student’s understanding of social, cultural, scientific, geographic, or other educational values

and concepts.

Trips will be limited to five (5) school days in any given academic year. Any days beyond the maximum of

five (5) days permitted will be considered unexcused for students of compulsory school age who are under

age seventeen (17) and appropriate action will be taken under the district’s Attendance Policy for

unexcused absences.

Trips will not be approved:

During standardized test dates and high school course final exams (contact your child’s school for

these dates).

During scheduled days of school preceding Labor Day

Requests should be submitted by the parent or guardian no later than fifteen (15) school days prior to the

student’s anticipated absence using the proper form which may be secured from the school principal’s

office. Approval is not automatic and must be obtained prior to the absence. The decision will be based on

the student’s academic standing, attendance record and the effect the absence will have on the student’s

educational welfare. The principal will respond within five days of receiving the request. If approval is not

granted, the absence will be classified as unexcused. If approved and the student’s absence extends beyond

the approved time, such days will be classified as unexcused.

The student must obtain all assignments prior to the absence and the student shall complete the missed

work within a reasonable time after returning from the trip. It is the student’s responsibility to contact

teachers and make any necessary arrangements to make up the missed work or any missed tests.

For a copy of this policy in its entirety, please refer to 204.1 Family Educational Trips of the Windber Area

School District Policies at our website at ww.windberschools.org or request a copy from the school office

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POLICY REGULATING CONDUCT OF

PERSONS ATTENDING ATHLETIC, SOCIAL AND

CULTURAL EVENTS OF THE

WINDBER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

This policy is adopted by the Board of School Directors of the Windber Area School District in order to

preserve order and promote enjoyment of activities of the District by all those in attendance, including

participants, staff, officials, and members of the general public.

1. This policy applies to all athletic events, social events, contests, dramatic and musical performances

or other artistic or cultural events of the Windber Area School District and to all events or

gatherings held on School District property.

2. This policy applies to all persons, whether a participant or a spectator, admitted to any event of the

Windber Area School District or to any event conducted on School District property, whether or

not admission is charged or paid. All such persons shall be considered guests of the District and

shall be expected to conduct themselves accordingly.

3. No individual or group behavior shall be permitted which is disruptive of or detrimental to the

event or activity involved in the judgment of the person in charge.

4. Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to:

a. Profanity

b. Arguments with officials, coaches, teams advisors, police or

administrators

c. Use of or being under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol

d. Throwing of objects

e. use of unauthorized noisemakers

f. Failure to obey instruction of those in charge

g. Any other verbal or physical act or failure to act which the person in charge or his designee

considers detrimental to the event or activity.

5. Any person violating this policy will be asked to and is required to leave

the premises immediately or be removed. No refunds in admissions paid will be made. In

appropriate cases, the offender may be asked to remain in a particular place or may be detained

pending arrival of or consultation with law enforcement officials.

6. Any person violating this policy may also be prohibited from attending any future event of the

Windber Area School District or any event conducted on District property. The prohibition shall

be for such period of the time as the person in charge deems appropriate under the circumstances.

7. This policy shall not prevent the district from taking legal action against

any violator. This policy shall not be deemed to limit any other rights or

remedies the district may have pursuant to any other policy or pursuant

to any applicable law, rule or regulation of any proper authority.

8. As used herein, “person in charge” is the school administrator in charge of his designees, and in

appropriate cases, game officials and officers or officials of the sponsoring organization, as well as;

police, security personnel, school staff members, and others with apparent authority. Any dispute

as to exercise of authority hereunder shall be resolved by the highest ranking school administrator

(or his designee) in attendance, and shall be subject to review by the Superintendent if necessary.

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9. Any organization conducting or sponsoring an event on event on school property shall require

compliance with this policy.

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ALL STUDENTS

The school board has the authority to make reasonable and necessary rules governing the conduct of

students in school. The rule-making power, however, is not unlimited; it must operate within statutory

and constitutional restraints. A school board has only the powers which are enumerated in the laws of

the state, or which may be reasonably implied or necessary for the orderly operation of the school.

School boards may not make rules which are arbitrary, capricious, or outside their grant of authority

from the General Assembly. Their rules must stand the test of fairness and reasonableness. A rule

generally is considered reasonable if it is used as a rational means of accomplishing some legitimate

school purpose.

School rules are assumed to be "reasonable" until they are rescinded or waived. Students, therefore,

should obey school rules while working through channels to help change those, which they do not

approve.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Student responsibilities include: regular school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom

work/homework, and conformance to school rules/regulations. Most of all, students share with the

administration/faculty a combines responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is

conducive to wholesome learning and living.

2. No student has the right to interfere with the education of his fellow students. It is the responsibility of

each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators, and all others who are involved

in the educational process.

3. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner so as not to offend or slander

others.

4. It is the responsibility of the student to:

a. Be aware of all rules and regulations for behavior and conduct themselves in accordance with them.

b. Be willing to volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety and welfare of the

school community and the protection of school property.

c. Dress and groom themselves so as to meet fair standards of safety and health, and so as not to cause

substantial disruption to the educational process.

d. Assume that until a rule is waived, altered, or repealed it is in full effect.

e. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled therein.

f. Be aware of and comply with state and local laws.

g. Protect and take care of the school’s property.

h. Attend school daily, except when excused, and be on time at all classes and other school functions.

i. Make all necessary arrangements for making up work when absent from school.

j. Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by state and local

school authorities.

k. Avoid inaccuracies in student newspapers or publications and indecent or obscene language.

5. Classroom Hall and Ground Conduct:

a. Discourage crowding and loitering in the halls between classes.

b. Do not interrupt other classes by causing disturbances in the hallways during class periods.

c. Do not run in the halls.

d. Be courteous to all teachers and other adults as well as your fellow students.

e. Excessive noise and running around by bus students before school starts and while waiting for the

bus is prohibited.

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f. After eating, make sure there is not litter on or under the table. Place items in proper receptacles.

g. Confine all eating to designated areas.

h. Handle other people’s property with special care, including schoolbooks and furniture.

i. Keep all books, papers, homework, and other school materials neat.

j. Keep halls clean.

k. Keep lockers and desks neat and clean.

Windber Area School District Cell Phone and Electronic Devices Policy Highlights

During Instructional Time

1. Electronic devices may be used for educational purposes in support of curriculum learning objectives

during instructional time with permission of the presiding student supervisor. The presiding student

supervisor must obtain permission from the principal and/or reflect usage in his/her instructional plans. 2.

When electronic devices are not in use for educational purposes, they shall remain stored out of sight in a

student’s possession or locker. 3. If an electronic device is used in such a way that disrupts the educational

process and/or without permission of the presiding student supervisor, the electronic device shall be

forfeited to the presiding student supervisor, documented through the established disciplinary record

management system, and given to the building principal as soon as possible.

During Non-Instructional Time

1. Electronic devices are permitted to be used before school starts and after school ends. 2. Electronic

devices may be used in the cafeteria with permission of the presiding student supervisor. 3. Electronic

devices are not permitted to be used during transitions throughout the school day (in-between classes). 4.

When electronic devices are not in use, they shall remain stored out of sight in the student’s possession or

locker. 5. If an electronic device is used in such a way that is disruptive and/or without permission of the

presiding student supervisor, the electronic device shall be forfeited to the presiding student supervisor,

documented through the established disciplinary record management system, and given to the building

principal as soon as possible

**Please refer to the school website for the entire policy.

Disciplinary Action

It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that their cell phones or electronic devices are turned off and out

of sight during unauthorized times. Students who violate the above restrictions shall be deemed to have

created a disruption to the instructional environment and are subject to the following disciplinary action.

First Offense; Level II infraction – Confiscation of cell phone or electronic device and assigned

office detention.

Second Offense; Level II infraction – Confiscation of cell phone or electronic device and 1 day in-

school suspension

Third Offense; Level III infraction – Confiscation of cell phone or electronic device , 3 days in-

school suspension, and removal of all cell phone or electronic device privileges for the remainder of

the year.

*Important Note*

Any student refusing to give their cell phones or electronic device to staff members when directed to do so

will be considered insubordination toward the staff member and will result in disciplinary action in

accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their cell phones or electronic devices.

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The Windber Area School District shall not assume responsibility for theft, loss, damage of a cell phone,

electronic device or unauthorized calls or communications made on a cell phone or electronic device.

Windber Area School District Anti-Bullying Policy

Purpose:

The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for District students. The Board

recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe

environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, the Board

prohibits bullying by district students.

Definitions:

Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another

student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe,

persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

1. Substantial interference with a student’s education.

2. Creation of a threatening environment.

3. Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyberbullying.

School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any

activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school.

Authority:

The Board prohibits all forms of bullying by District students.

The Board encourages students who have been bullied to promptly report such incidents to the building

principal or designee.

The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be

taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the

district’s legal and investigative obligations. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith

reports of bullying.

Delegation of Responsibility:

Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free from

bullying.

District administration shall annually provide the following information with the Safe School Report:

Consequences/Discipline

A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the

Code of Student Conduct, which may include:

• Counseling within the school.

• Parental conference.

• Loss of school privileges.

• Transfer to another school building, classroom or school bus.

• Exclusion from school-sponsored activities.

• Detention.

• Suspension.

• Expulsion.

• Counseling/Therapy outside of school.

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• Referral to law enforcement officials.

**For more information on the entirety of this policy please refer to the school website. Refer to your

child’s respective school office to obtain a copy or gain more information related to this policy.

Confidentiality

The Windber Area School District recognizes that both the complaining students and the alleged bully have

strong interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the allegations and related information. The privacy of

the complaining students, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses will be

respected as much as possible, consistent with legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate actions,

and to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any discovery or

disclosure obligations. As limited by FERPA protections, the principal or his/her designee may inform the

complaining student/parents/guardians of the outcome of the investigation.

References:

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act – 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g

DRESS CODE

The school, as a center of learning, shall provide for the development of habits and attitudes conducive to

acceptable appropriate wearing apparel and good grooming.

It is the responsibility of the students to dress and groom themselves so as to meet fair standards of safety

and health, so as not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes.

Students are required to wear approved types of clothing while participating in extra-curricular activities

such as band, cheerleading, athletics, etc. Students have the responsibility to keep themselves, their clothes

(personal and school issued) and their hair clean.

Wearing apparel that suggests double meanings and advertises controlled substances, alcohol, or tobacco is

prohibited.

Windber students are being given a privilege, the privilege of wearing shorts to school. The shorts to be

worn by the students must be non-revealing, modest, and a reflection of the basic morals of the school

district. Students breaking this code will be asked to change their clothes. Students may call home for a

change of clothes. If the student does not have a change of clothes or is unable to call home, clothes will be

provided. The first offense constitutes a warning. The second offense involves loss of the privilege for the

remainder of the year. Those individuals who repeatedly disregard warnings and loss of privilege will be

dealt with in accordance to the school disciplinary code.

STUDENTS WILL BE PERMITTED TO WEAR FINGER-TIP LENGTH SHORTS:

During the first three weeks of school: August 23rd

– September 15th

and from May 15th

– Until the last day of school

KNEE LENGTH SHORTS (OR LONGER) ARE PERMISSIBLE AT ANY TIME.

TORN CLOTHING – Students are NOT permitted to wear clothing with large open holes.

TANK TOPS /tank top style dresses are NOT permitted.

CUT-OFF/SLEEVELESS SHIRTS are NOT permitted.

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SHIRTS/TOPS that are skintight or allow the midriff, cleavage or undergarments to be exposed are NOT

permitted.

LENGTH OF SHORTS/DRESSES/SKIRTS: Minimum length of shorts/dresses/skirts will be determined

by arm length rule. When students are standing erect with their arms at their sides, finger tips must be

touching the bottom of the shorts/dress/skirt.

HATS are NOT to be worn inside of the building.

DISCIPLINE-Student Code of Conduct

The student must fully realize that the general rules and discipline are for the general welfare and

protection of the entire Windber Area School District population.

The following information should be construed as general guidelines for suspendable offenses:

SUSPENSIONS

Suspensions of three or more days in duration will be considered major offenses. Two major

suspensions will equal one cumulative suspension. A student who accumulates three cumulative

suspensions will be scheduled for a conference before the Superintendent of Schools. When a student

accumulates four cumulative suspensions, a formal expulsion hearing before the Board of Education will be

scheduled. Suspensions are cumulative from grade 6th

through 8th

and in grades 9th

through 12th

. The

administration may deviate from the above, based on Level IV procedures.

IN -SCHOOL SUSPENSION PROGRAM

The In-School Suspension Program will be utilized for Middle and High School students. This program is

aimed at minimizing the disruption of the educational process for students who are suspended and to

reduce the chance for repeat suspensions. Students will be given an overview of the program during class

meetings held shortly after school begins. All rules and regulations of the normal school routine will be

enforced, and failure to comply will result in an out of school suspension. The Administration reserves the

right to suspend out of school based on the Windber Area School District Discipline Procedures, based on

the nature of the offense.

DETENTION

1. Detention will be held in High School/Middle School during students’ off school

Hours or during lunch (Lunch Detention).

2. Individual teacher detention will be held in the teacher’s classroom or assigned

area during students’ off school hours.

3. During the detention period, students are expected to bring school materials to study.

4. Students will be given prior notice for detention. Detention must then be served immediately with

no special consideration for jobs, athletics, and other extra-curricular activities. Parents will be

informed of detention if it is before or after-school hours.

5. Detention/suspension/expulsion procedure:

a. A student received detention

b. If he/she does not report, detention time doubles

c. If he/she still does not report, a parent conference will be held

d. If he/she still fails to report to detention, the student will be suspended and still will be

required to make up assigned detention.

e. Repeated violation of the rules governing detention will result in the initiation of expulsion

procedures by the principal.

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FIELD TRIP EXCLUSION

Students that are receiving a failing grade in more than one course / subject area or students that have

been suspended for a level IV disciplinary incident WILL NOT be permitted to participate in field trip

experiences. Students that are excluded will be required to attend school and complete alternative/remedial

activities.

EXCLUSIONS FROM SCHOOL

Exclusions from school may be effected by temporary suspensions; full suspensions; or expulsion.

Windber Area School District's policy on expulsion is as follows: Any student found to have violated the

Windber Area School District policy on Controlled Substances shall be expelled for a period of one year

(from the expulsion date) unless the Board of Directors by a 2/3 majority vote decides otherwise.

"Temporary Suspension" shall mean exclusion from school for an offense for a period of up to three (3)

days, by the principal, without a hearing.

"Full Suspension" shall mean exclusion from school for an offense for a period not exceeding ten (10)

school days, and may not be permanent exclusion from the school rolls.

OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS - Students suspended out of school are not permitted to participate or

attend any school sponsored activities or extra-curricular events.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS - Students suspended in school may be granted permission to attend and

participate in school sponsored activities or extra-curricular events based on Principal discretion.

SUSPENSION FROM GREATER JOHNSTOWN CAREER AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL

In the event that a student's actions warrant suspension from GJCTC, this will also be considered a

suspension from Windber Area High School.

TOBACCO

For the purpose of this policy, “tobacco” is defined to include, but not limited to, any lit or unlit cigarette,

cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, Hookah pen, e-cigarette, personal vaporizers, other smoking products, or

any alternative smoking devices or nicotine delivery system; and smokeless or spit tobacco, also known as

dip, chew, snuff or snus, in any form. Student use and/or possession of tobacco products are prohibited on

school premises and school supervised activities. This regulation pertains not only to school hours, but also

to dances, field trips, and other school activities. Violators are subject to disciplinary action and charges

being filed with the local magistrate.

POSSESSION AND USE OF TOBACCO

It is illegal to possess or use tobacco products on school property or school sponsored events. Violation of

this policy will result in charges being filed with the local District Judge. In addition, students using

tobacco products on school grounds during regular school hours will be subject to the following

disciplinary procedures:

1st offense Refer to School Resource Officer-refer to District Judge, 1 day In-School Suspension

2nd

offense 3 days In-School Suspension, Refer to School Resource Officer-refer to District Judge

3rd

offense 3 days (out of school) suspension, Refer to School Resource Officer-refer to District Judge

4th

offense 5 days (out of school) suspension, Refer to School Resource Officer-refer to District Judge

5th

or more 10 days (out of school) suspension, Refer to School Resource Officer-refer to District Judge

*The above procedure will also be used for any type of e-cigarette (including but not limited to: Vape

Pen/Vaporizers)

DRUGS

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The possession or use of drugs is a serious violation of the law and punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

A student is required to obey the same laws on school grounds as off. Where drugs are suspected, the

police will be contacted and the search conducted in keeping with accepted policy procedures and with the

principal or designated faculty member present. A complete report on such an incident will be prepared

promptly, checked with witnesses and the student or students involved. Copies shall also be given to the

student's parents, the student himself, and the police department.

USE OF TRAINED DRUG DOGS

School administrators are authorized to request and/or permit, at such time or times, as they deem

appropriate, the Pennsylvania State Police and/or other law enforcement agencies with certified sniff dogs,

to use on school property and in school buildings, at no cost to the District, dogs specially trained to “sniff”

for drugs or other controlled substances or illegal substances or things.

VANDALISM

Books, working materials, equipment, and furniture our students use are the property of the Windber

Area School District. Waste or misuse of working materials or careless treatment of furniture and

equipment is a financial loss. Defaced desks and books are not only unsightly, but also unpleasant for

students to use. Students are responsible for loss or damage of school property. Students should take pride

in the school, take care of its furnishings, and keep it clean. Defacement of school property such as doors,

walls, desks, bulletin boards, etc, is a serious offense and offenders will be dealt with sternly. Parents will

be notified and charged for repairs for damage done by their child. Any student caught vandalizing school

property may be suspended, in addition to making complete restitution.

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

Students are not permitted to show signs of affection on school grounds before, during, or after school

hours. This includes holding hands, hugging, kissing, etc. Students breaking this rule should be reported

to the principal. This includes all before and after school activities.

FOOD AND DRINK IN THE HALLS

STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO HAVE OPEN CONTAINERS IN THE HALLS OR IN THEIR

LOCKERS AT ANY TIME. FOOD/DRINKS MAY NOT BE TAKEN FROM THE CAFETERIA.

For the safety of all students there are to be no open bottles, cans, or containers carried by students in the

hall or stored in their lockers. No glass containers are permitted in the building. Food/snacks are not to be

eaten in the halls.

HALL PASSES

All students in the hall during classes must have an appropriate hall pass to be considered excused from

class with permission. Students who are found to be without a hall pass will be subject to administrative

inquiry and possible referral due to violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

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SCHOOL BUS CONDUCT

The school bus driver has authority over, and responsibility for, students, while transporting them to and

from school.

Acceptable school conduct is as follows:

Be on time - plan to leave home at the same time each day so you will be at your bus stop five minutes

before the bus.

Use of tobacco, in any form, on the bus is definitely prohibited.

No excuses will be accepted from any student absent from school because he or she missed the bus.

Good conduct at the bus stop must be observed.

Wait until the bus stops completely before approaching it to load.

Proper respect and care of property must be observed while waiting for bus.

Report anything damaged in the bus to the driver. Throwing objects of any kind from the bus is dangerous

and will not be permitted. A litterbug fine of $100 is enforced. Profane or indecent language will not be

tolerated.

Pupils shall be taken on and discharged from the bus only at designated loading zones.

Unofficial deviation from established stops will NOT be permitted. Pupils shall wait for their turn to enter

the bus as directed by the teacher or driver.

a. Pupils shall be seated immediately

b. Moving about on the bus is prohibited; remain seated.

c. Aisles must be kept clear of obstruction at all times.

d. Pupils must remain in their seats until the bus comes to a full stop.

e. Before opening windows, permission must be obtained from the driver.

f. Never stick hands, arms, or any other part of the body out of windows or doors.

g. Eating on the bus is prohibited.

h. Show respect for your driver and obey his/her instructions. The school bus is an extension of the

classroom and rules must be obeyed.

i. Avoid unnecessary noise which might divert the driver's attention and

cause an accident.

j. Student must ride the bus assigned to them.

k. Students must sit in assigned seats.

l. Students and parents will be held responsible for any intentional damage to the bus.

m. Never experiment or tamper with the bus or any of its equipment.

n. In case of an emergency, remain in the bus unless otherwise instructed.

Following these guidelines ensures the protection of student, driver, and the bus itself.

Any misbehavior that distracts the driver is a very serious hazard to the safe operation of the vehicle, and

as such, jeopardizes the safety of all passengers. The cooperation of parents and students is needed to

maintain proper conduct at bus stops and on the school buses. School authorities may suspend the student

from the privilege of riding on the bus because of disorderly conduct. In the event, it becomes the

responsibility of the parents to see that the child is transported to school.

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SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS

1. A misconduct report will be filed by the bus driver or any person in authority with the

building principal of the school the student attends.

2. If a second misconduct report is filed by the bus driver or any person in authority, the

building principal will take appropriate corrective action including taking away the child's

privilege of riding the school bus for up to three (3) days. The building principal will notify

the parent of his/her decision.

3. If a third misconduct report is filed by the bus driver or any person in authority, the

building principal will take appropriate corrective action including taking away the child's

privilege of riding the school bus from four (4) to ten (10) days. The building principal will

notify the parent of his/her decision.

4. If a fourth misconduct report is filed by the driver or any person in authority, the building

principal will take appropriate corrective action including taking the child's privilege of

riding the school bus until a meeting with the Director of Transportation is held in order to

have bus riding privileges restored.

5. If a fifth misconduct report is filed by the driver or any person in authority, the building

principal will take appropriate corrective action including taking away the child's privilege

of riding the school bus until a meeting with the Superintendent of Schools is held to show

why the privilege of riding the bus shall not be a permanent suspension.

6. During any suspension from riding privileges, it will be the responsibility of the parents to

transport the child to and from school.

There is one exception to the rules that will be in operation:

Administrators may deviate from the above policy on the first offense when a serious violation of the rules

has occurred and may suspend the child (ren) of the privilege of riding the bus for up to an undetermined

amount of time.

BUS EVACUATION

State law requires two bus evacuations during the course of the year. Bus evacuations are conducted for

the purpose of familiarizing students with procedures to follow in case of an emergency. Specific

instructions will be given to the student prior to the evacuation.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

1. Definition: Sexual harassment shall consist of unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome sexual

attention, request for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a

sexual nature when made by a student to another student or a staff member to another staff

member or by a staff member to a student or a student to a staff member.

2. A student or staff member who alleges sexual harassment shall direct the complaint to a teacher

and/or administrator other than the one accused. The person receiving the complaint shall

immediately report it to the building principal or to the Superintendent. The principal and/or

superintendent shall properly investigate the claim, compile a report, and file the report in the

Superintendent’s office.

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3. After the final investigation, the Superintendent will proceed if warranted with the necessary

charges to the Board of Education and/or the local law enforcement authority or other

appropriate body or agency.

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

The school nurse/aide shall be available for emergency first aid. If a student becomes ill during school

hours, the nurse/aide will make necessary arrangements for the student to be taken home.

Parents/guardians shall be responsible to come for the student unless other arrangements are made by the

parents/guardians to provide the school with phone numbers where they can be reached in an emergency.

Students that are ill may not be permitted to walk home alone, unless the nurse obtains parent/guardian

consent.

If the student has the following symptoms during the night or morning they should NOT report to school.

Fever (100 degrees or higher), vomiting/diarrhea, severe headaches or earache or toothache.

The student always needs to report to his/her teacher before going to the nurse’s office unless a great

emergency. If the nurse is not present, report to the appropriate school office. The school nurse should not

be asked to give first aid from an injury received at home.

HEALTH EXAMINATIONS

The Pennsylvania School Health Law requires medical examination upon entry to school

Kindergarten/first grades 6th

and 11th

. Hearing screening will be done for grade Kindergarten, 7th

and

11th

grade. Any pupil, who shows, by classroom behavior, speech pattern or hearing difficulty that may

exist, will have a hearing screening test done. Dental exams are required for Kindergarten, 1st, 3

rd and 7

th

grades. There is NO TB testing for school students since Windber Area School District has received a

modification in accordance with section 1402(f) of the Pennsylvania School Code.

As of April 14, 2000, the Public School Code will allow private physical exams and private dental exams to

be complete within ONE year prior to a student’s entry into the grade where and exam is required. (see

above) The driver’s form and private physical form can be picked up at the nurse’s office. For working

papers, a parent must come to the High School office to obtain and sign that form. The “SCHOOL

PRIVATE PHYSICAL FORM” is the ONLY form which needs to be returned to the school nurse. Forms

may be found at www.windberschools.org, under Health Services.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

It is imperative that the school nurse be notified if your child contacts a communicable disease. Children

are excluded from school for the following common diseases:

Head Lice: Excluded until treated with a medical shampoo and hair is free of all live lice.

Impetigo: Excluded until judged noninfectious by the child’s physician or school nurse.

Ringworm: Excluded until judged noninfectious by the child’s physician or school nurse.

Chickenpox: Excluded until at least 6 days after the last outbreak of “pox”.

Scabies: Excluded until judged noninfectious by the child’s physician or school nurse.

Conjunctivitis, Acute (“pink eye”): Excluded until prescribed treatment has been given for 24 hrs.

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IMUNIZATIONS

For attendance in all grades children need the following:

4 doses of tetanus ( 1 dose on or after 4th

birthday)

4 doses of diphtheria ( 1 dose on or after 4th

birthday)

4 doses of acellular pertussis ( 1 dose on or after 4th

birthday)

4 doses of polio ( 1 dose on or after 4th

birthday)

2 doses of rubella (German Measles)

2 doses of measles/mumps

3 doses of hepatitis B

2 doses of varicella (chickenpox vaccine or history disease)

Students attending 7th

grade need the following:

1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis(Tdap)

1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)

Students attending 12th

Grade need the following vaccines:

1 dose of MCV on the first day of 12th

grade. If one dose was given at 16 years of age or over, that

shall count as the twelfth grade dose.

According to the PA code s23.85, all immunization requirements shall be completed within 8 months of

date of provisional admission to school. If your child is exempt from immunizations, he/she may be

removed from school during an outbreak. Contact your health care provider or 1877 PA Health for more

information.

Exemption from immunization

Medical exemption – Children need not be immunized if a health care provider provides a written

statement that immunizations may be detrimental to the health of the child. Once the health care

provider deems it is no longer detrimental to the health of the child, the childe shall be immunized

according to the PA Department of Health regulations.

Religious exemption – Children need not be immunized if the parent/guardian or emancipated

child objects, in writing, to the immunization on religious grounds or on the basis of a strong moral

or ethical conviction similar to religious belief.

MEDICATION POLICY

The Windber Area School District strongly discourages the administration of student medications, either

prescription or nonprescription, during school hours. There are safety concerns about students forgetting

to take the medication, having a reaction to the medication or other students taking the medication.

Most student medications can be taken at home either before and/or after school. This includes most

antibiotics. For example, an antibiotic that is to be taken 3 times a day can usually be taken at home before

school, when the student arrives home from school and at bedtime. Any questions about medication timing

and spacing should be directed to a pharmacist by the parent. They can help you decide if a medication

needs to be taken at school.

If a physician deems it is medically necessary for a student to take medication (prescription or

nonprescription) during the school day, a “Medication Permission Form” must be completed. These forms

are available from the School Nurse or at the main office of each building. These forms must be completed

by the PHYSICIAN and signed by the parent before the medication is administered at school. NO

EXCEPTIONS will be made. A new form will need to be submitted if there is a change in the medication,

dose, or time to be taken as well as for each new school year. It will be the responsibility of the student to

report to the Health Office for his/her medicine.

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Prescription medications must be submitted in a container labeled by the pharmacy with the following

information:

Student Name Name/Dosage of Medication

Physician Name Name/Phone Number of Pharmacy

Date of Prescription

If the medication will be taken at home and at school, the parent must provide a 2nd medication bottle for

school use. The new prescription bottle must be submitted each time the prescription is filled. This

ensured that the most current dose and expiration date is printed on the label. Nonprescription

medications must be submitted in their entire original packaging and with the physicians’ form.

Finally, it is the obligation of the parent to deliver the medication to the school. Students are NOT

permitted to transport medication to school as this can lead to the medication being misused, lost, or stolen.

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WINDBER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

MEDICATION PERMISSION/ORDER FORM

(For Prescription AND Over The Counter Medications)

Student____________________________________Date of Birth_______________________

Teacher/Homeroom______________________Grade_______Date____________________

In accordance with school policy, medication(s) should be given at home before and/or after school.

However, when this is not possible, prior to receiving medication at school, each student must provide the

school nurse with a Medication Permission/Order Form from a licensed prescriber and signed by the

parent/guardian. All medication must be in an original prescription bottle or packaging.

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PHYSICIAN, NURSE PRACTITIONER OR PHYSICIAN’S

ASSISTANT

Name of Medication__________________________________________________________

Reason for Medication________________________________________________________

Form of Medication/Treatment: (check one)

( )Tablet/capsule ( )Liquid ( )Inhaler ( )Injection ( )Nebulizer ( )Other_________

Schedule and Dose to be given at school:_______________________________________

Restrictions and/or side effects:________________________________________________

Special Storage Requirements:_________________________________________________

Is student able to self-administer this medication: (check one)

( ) No ( ) Yes-Supervised ( ) Yes-Unsupervised

This student may carry this medication: ( ) No ( ) Yes

Physician’s Signature:___________________________Date:____________________

Address_____________________________________Telephone___________________

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PARENT/GUARDIAN

I give my permission for (name of student)____________________________________to receive the above

medication at school according to school policy.

Parent’s Signature_____________________________________Date________________

The Windber Area School District will not incur the liability for the use of unauthorized drugs or the

misuse of drug.

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Epi-Pen auto-injector Policy

The Windber Area School District will cooperate with parents and their Health Care Provider in the

emergency self-administration of epi-pen auto-injector during the school day, according to the district

medication policy and along with new guidelines establish from Act 104 of the Pennsylvania School Code.

The School Nurse must receive a written request from a Health Care Provider before an

Epinephrine Auto-injector may be carried/administered by the student in school. The request must

include the following: student’s name, name of medication, dosage & frequency and when to call

911. Their signature needs to be on the Food/Allergy Plan.

Parent/guardian needs to provide written authorization to the School Nurse to honor the Health

Care Provider’s written prescription.

Students may keep their auto-injector in their possession after having demonstrated the capability

for self-administration via demonstration with a trainer pen, and if they continue to demonstrate

responsible behavior in the use/carrying of this medication.

All students must notify the school nurse immediately following EACH use of the Epinephrine

auto-injector during school hours. The School Nurse must keep record of frequency of student’s

usage.

Student who refuses to follow these guidelines will have their epinephrine auto-injector taken away

and will not be permitted to keep it in their possession. The epinephrine auto-injector will be kept

in the nurse’s office.

We feel strongly about an established food/allergy action plan which may prevent a student from having a

severe reaction that could possibly lead to an emergency situation.

Please contact us if you have additional questions. Windber MS/HS school nurse can be reached at 467-

4567

Asthma Inhaler Policy

The Windber Area School District will cooperate with parents and their Health Care Provider in the

administration of asthma inhalers during the school day, according to the district medication policy and

along with new guidelines establish from Act 182 of the Pennsylvania School Code.

The School Nurse must receive a written request from a Health Care Provider before any inhaler

may be administered or used by the student in school. The request must include the following:

student’s name, name of medication, dosage & frequency and when to call 911. Their signature

needs to be on the Asthma Action Plan.

Parent/guardian needs to provide written authorization to the School Nurse to honor the Health

Care Provide written prescription.

Students may keep their inhaler in their possession after having demonstrated the capability for

self-administration, and if they continue to demonstrate responsible behavior in the use of the

inhaler.

All students must notify the school nurse immediately following EACH use of the inhaler during

school hours. The School Nurse must keep a record of frequency of student’s usage.

Student who refuses to follow these guidelines will have their inhaler taken away and kept in the

nurse’s office.

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We believe that the asthma action plan can be helpful to control and minimize a student’s asthma episode

and possible reduce school absentees due to uncontrolled asthma.

You may not be aware of that on occasions that a school nurse is not always available for students

throughout the school day during gym classes since she/he may be covering more than one school during

that day. This is why we feel strongly about an established asthma action plan which may prevent a

student from having a severe asthma attach that possibly could lead to an emergency situation.

We have a ‘NEBULIZER’ (Omron Comp-Air style) that is available for students that need nebulizer

treatments during school hours. A prescription must be sent to the school nurse stating nebulizer

treatment, medication dose, time and frequency. Students must bring in their own Rx medication, mouth

piece and tubing.

Please contact us if you have additional questions. Windber MS/HS school nurse can be reached at 467-

4567.

LICE

Head lice can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of poor health habits or being dirty. Having head lice is

very common. However, there are no reliable data at to how many people get head lice in the United States

each year. Preschool and elementary age children, 3-11, and their families are infested most often. Girls

get head lice more often than boys, women more than men. In the United States, African-Americans rarely

get head lice. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head

lice.

Parents should make it a habit to check their children’s heads for lice and nits on a routine basis. Should

their child develop a lice problem, it is important that they notify the school nurse so the problem can be

monitored in the school. If there are any questions on the treatment and control of lice, the school nurse

can be contacted.

Students having lice shall be excluded from school until they are treated and free of live lice.

Treatment of Head Lice

The most important step in treating a head lice infestation is to treat the person and other family members

with head lice with medication to kill the lice. Wash clothing and bedding worn or used by the infested

person in a 2-day period just before treatment is started.

TREAT THE INFESTED PERSON: Requires using an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription

medication. Follow these treatment steps:

Before applying treatment, remove all clothing from the waist up.

Apply lice medicine also called pediculicide (peh-Dick-you-luh-side), according to label instructions.

If your child has extra-long hair (longer than shoulder length), you may need to use a second bottle.

Pay special attention to instructions on the bottle regarding how long the medication should be left

on and whether rinsing the hair is recommended after treatment.

WARNING: Do not use a cream rinse or combination shampoo/conditioner before using lice medicine.

Do not re-wash hair for 1-2 days after treatment.

Have the infested person put on clean clothing after treatment.

If a few live lice are still found 8-12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before,

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do not retreat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair. The medication may take longer

to kill lice.

If, after 8-12 hours of treatment, no dead lice are found and lice seem as active as before, the

medication may not be working. See your health care provider for a different medication; follow

treatment directions

Nit (head lice egg) combs, often found in lice medication packages, should be used to comb nits and

lice from hair shaft. Many flea combs made for cats and dogs are also effective.

After treatment, check hair and comb with a nit comb to remove nits and lice every 2-3 days.

Continue to check for 2-3 weeks until you are sure all lice and nits are gone.

If using OTC pediculicides, retreat in 7-10 days. If using the prescription drug Malathion, retreat

in 7-10 days ONLY if crawling bugs are found.

Treat the Household

Head lice do not survive long if they fall off a person and cannot feed. You don’t need to spend a lot of time

or money on housecleaning activities. Follow these steps to help avoid re-infestation by lice that have

recently fallen off the hair or crawled onto clothing or furniture.

2. To kill lice and nits, machine wash all washable clothing and bed linens that the infested person

wore or used during the 2 days before treatment. Use the hot water (130 ˚F) cycle. Dry laundry using high

heat for at least 20 minutes.

2. Dry clean clothing that is not washable, (coats, hats, scarves, etc.) “OR” Store all clothing, stuffed

animals, comforters, etc. that cannot be washed or dry cleaned into a plastic bag; seal for 2 weeks.

3. Soak combs and brushes for 1 hour in rubbing alcohol, Lysol, or wash with soap and hot (130˚F)

water.

4. Vacuum the floor and furniture. The risk of getting re-infested from a louse that has fallen onto a

carpet or sofa is very small. Don’t spend a lot of time on this. Just vacuum the places where the infested

person usually sits or lays. This may include the car or their car seats. Do not use fumigant sprays, they

can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Prevent Re-infestation

Lice are most commonly spread directly by head to head contact and much less frequently by lice that have

crawled onto clothing or belongings. As a short-term measure to control a head lice outbreak in a

community, school, or camp, you can teach children to avoid playtime and other activities that are likely to

spread lice.

1. Avoid head to head contact common during play at school and at home (sports activities, gym and

camp).

2. Do not share clothing, such as hats, scarves, coats or sports equipment.

3. Do not share infested combs, brushes, towels or hair ribbons.

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4. Do not lie on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact

with an infested person.

Re-admittance To School

Students will be readmitted to school only after they have been treated and rechecked by the school nurse

to be sure that they are free of live lice. The school nurse will monitor the progress of nit removal until the

students are free of all nits. Recommendations will be made to the parents as needed. Source:www.cdc.gov

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STUDENT & TEACHER GRADING EXPECTATIONS

Students should be aware of the increased difficulty and expectations in all high school courses. The

increased emphasis is done in preparation of even more stringent post secondary studies. Students, and

their parents/guardians, must realize that with these more stringent requirements, and emphasis on formal

operational (in addition to concrete) learning skills, there is a potential for some transitional academic

difficulties from the middle school.

Students who may be experiencing academic difficulties are strongly encouraged to take advantage of

multiple tutoring services offered by the staff as well as the National Honor Society.

GRADING PROCEDURES

1. All major subjects will be graded by the following percentages:

A - 93 - 100%

B - 85 - 92%

C - 75 - 84%

D - 70 - 74%

F - 69% and below

For the first three nine weeks only, the lowest percentage grade that a student may receive is a

62%. A student earning three 62%’s will need a 94% during the 4th

marking period in order to

pass the course.

2. Final examinations will be given at the MS/HS at the option of the Principal and the Department

Chairperson.

3. At the end of the year, in addition to the four separate marking period percentages, a final

examination percentage, and a final course grade will be recorded on report cards and office

records.

4. In determining a student’s yearly grade, the following procedure is used:

The final grade will be an average of the four term percentages. The final exam will

represent no more than 5% of the final average.

Averages ending in .5 will advance to the next highest percent.

5. An “I” grade indicates that some aspect of the student’s work has not been completed at the end of

the year and will not be able to be completed. An “I” can only be given at the end of the school

term as a final grade. No credit is given for an “I.”

OTHER PROCEDURES RELATING TO GRADING

1. Teachers of senior students must inform the High School Principal/High School Guidance

Counselor of any deficiencies or shortcomings in the standing of those students. Doing this assist to

prevent many difficult situations at the end of the year. It is especially important to report failing

seniors regularly during the second semester.

2. All classes will be graded on a percentage basis.

3. Students that are receiving a failing grade in more than one course/subject area or students that

have been suspended for a level IV disciplinary incident WILL NOT be permitted to participate in

field trip experiences. Students that are excluded will be required to attend school and complete

alternative/remedial activities.

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MID TERM PROGRESS REPORTS

In order to caution a student of possible failure or declining grades as well as a measure of how well he/she

is doing, a Mid-Term Progress Report will be issued to the student.

This should give the student sufficient time to either improve or maintain his/her grades before the actual

report card is issued. Report Cards are issued to the student at the end of every nine-week period.

HONOR ROLL

The honor roll is based on 9 week percentages. Students listed at the end of the respective report period

must receive 85% or higher in all subjects. All students are eligible for the Honor Roll. To qualify for the

Honor Roll, a student must attain an overall grade point average in a marking period as noted below. A

failing grade in any subject will disqualify a student for the Honor Roll.

High Honor 93.000% and above

Honor 85.000% to 92.999%

SUMMER SCHOOL GRADES

Summer school grades will be added to the permanent record and computed as credit recovery for senior

high students. If a required course is failed, the student must repeat it. Provisions are available to make

up certain courses at local educational institutions. Information is available from the guidance counselor.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Various local scholarships are available to Windber High School seniors. Amounts of scholarships and type

vary from year to year. Students are to apply through the guidance office.

COLLEGE IN HIGH SCHOOL

Students at Windber Area High School have an opportunity to achieve college credit while in attendance at

our high school. Allegheny College of Maryland (ACM) offers college credit classes at Windber Area High

School. These classes are taught by instructors from ACM. Cost for the class is paid for by participating

students. Students may earn a minimum of three college credits in this program.

DUAL ENROLLMENT

The Windber Area School District partners with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College to provide

students with the ability to achieve college credits while attending high school through its Accelerated

College Education or ACE program. The Dual Enrollment program allows high school students the

opportunities to enroll in college level courses and to receive both college and high school credit for that

course work. Students who participate in Dual Enrolment are responsible for the submission of

applications, transcripts, and other required documentation to have credit awarded. Courses in the ACE

Program are noted in the course description portion of the Course Selection Book.

What is Accelerated College Education?

The accelerated College Education (ACE) program, formerly known as Dual Enrollment, is a partnership

between the College and area high schools. ACE enables students to earn Pennsylvania Highlands’ credits

while still in high school. These credits can then be applied toward earning a degree at Pennsylvania

Highlands or transferred to a four-year institution of your choice.

Who teaches ACE courses?

The courses are taught by qualified high school faculty who assure that the curriculum and expectations of

the students in the high school course is equivalent to a course taught at the College.

How do I register for ACE courses?

Eligible students may register online at www.pennhighlands.edu/ace. Choose the “Click Here to Enroll”

option and proceed as instructed.

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How do I obtain additional information?

Questions regarding the ACE program should be Educational Outreach at (814) 262-6423 or

ace@pennhighlands.edu.

CHALLENGE PROGRAM

Students in grades 10-12 have an opportunity to participate in the Challenge Program which is aimed at

providing students with incentives to promote his/her social and academic success. Students have an

opportunity to compete in the following areas: Academic Excellence, Academic Improvement, Attendance

and Community Service. Cash awards are offered at each grade level for each category.

VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL ENTRANCE CRITERIA

In order for any Windber Area School District student to be considered for entrance to THE Greater

Johnstown Career and Technology Center (GJCTC), the following criteria must be carefully followed:

1. Parental permission must be secured

2. All of the proper pre-requisites must have been passed in order to enter a vocational-

technical school.

3. Students must complete an application form indicating first choice of course offering and

present said form to the local school Guidance Counselor.

4. All student applications will be reviewed and processed by the local principal and school

counselor.

5. The appropriate School Principal will make the final decision as to whether the student's

application will be processed to GJCTC.

High School Course Completion and Credit Requirements

Students in grades 9 – 12 are expected to meet or exceed grade level expectations in order to meet

graduation requirements. In the event that a student has not met grade level expectations, Summer School

may provide an opportunity for credit recovery. If a student or his/her parent chooses not to take

advantage of Summer School, they do so with the knowledge that the student will not remain on track to

graduate with his/her class.

For a student to be classified in a particular grade or to graduate, he /she must meet the credit

requirements listed below for the 2017-2018 school year.

STATUS

Freshman………….…….Less than 6

Sophomore………………………….6

Junior.……………………………..12

Senior………………………………19

Graduate………………………….26

If a required course is failed, the student must repeat it. Provisions are available to make up certain

courses at Local Educational Institutions. Information is available from the Guidance Counselor. For the

purpose of credit recovery, students will not be permitted to schedule the 2 levels of English classes during

the school year.

Academic Eligibility

A student failing two (2) required courses (such as Communications, Math, Science, Humanities, Health,

PE) at the weekly review shall not compete, perform, manage or travel with any athletic team, take part in

any elective, choral or instrumental group or take part in any school or club-sponsored field trip or

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activity. Eligibility is updated on a weekly basis.

General Policies Regarding Scheduling and Course Selection

1. All students are required to take a full schedule. Each student must schedule the required courses as

listed for grades 9-12 in the 2017/2018-Course Selection.

2. If a required course is failed, the student must repeat it. Provisions are available to make up certain

courses at local educational institutions. Information is available from the Guidance Counselor.

3.Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient registration.

4.Due to circumstances, not all drop/add requests may be honored.

5. In the areas of Communications, Humanities, Math, & Science, student placement will be determined

based on student’s prior grades, state testing results, placement testing results, if applicable, and teacher

recommendation, if applicable. All final placement decisions are determined by the school.

6.Students may elect any course offered providing they meet all prerequisites.

7.Students who expect to attend Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center (GJCTC) , are asked to

complete the course selection form as if they were planning to attend Windber and mark “GJCTC” on the

form: (10,11,12)

8.Course selections should not be made with a particular teacher in mind, since teacher assignments are

subject to change from year to year.

9.Students will have, at most, two 9-week Guided Academic Reinforcement classes per year, unless

extraordinary scheduling circumstances occur.

10. Students will be scheduled in elective courses within limitations of available section, reasonable class

sizes and teacher availability. These courses may be dropped and students will be asked to select

substitutes.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

1. In order to graduate from Windber Area High School, a student shall demonstrate achievement of

the required items as directed under section 4.24 of the Chapter 4 Regulations of the State of

Pennsylvania regarding High School Graduation Requirements. Additionally, students shall

demonstrate achievement of requirements as outlined in the Windber Area School District’s

Strategic Plan, as required by section 4.13 of the Chapter 4 Regulations of the State of Pennsylvania

regarding Strategic Plans.

2. In order to graduate from Windber Area High School, a student shall complete a project in one or

more areas of concentrated study under the guidance and direction of the school faculty. The

purpose of the project, which may include research, writing, or some other appropriate form of

demonstration, is to assure that the student is able to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate

information, and communicate significant knowledge and understanding. Projects may be

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undertaken by individual students or groups of students. Group size will be determined by the

instructor based upon the scope and depth of the project.

3. Under 14,39 (relating to course completion and diplomas), an eligible student as defined in 14.1

(relating to definitions) who satisfactorily completes a special education program developed by an

Individualized Education Program team shall be granted and issued a regular high school diploma

by the school district of residence. This subsection applies if an eligible student's special education

program does not otherwise meet all requirements of this chapter.

4. Any student failing to meet these requirements will not be permitted to participate in Graduation

Ceremonies.

OPTIONS FOR ACHIEVING STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Course Completion. Satisfactory completion of planned courses as determined by the principal, in

consultation with the teacher, shall contribute to the achievement of student learning outcomes.

2. Assessment. Regularly enrolled students may demonstrate achievement of student learning

outcomes by successful completion of assessments, regardless of the instructional time spent, under

procedures and policies established by the superintendent and the board of school directors.

3. Independent study. Students may demonstrate achievement of student learning outcomes as a

result of participation in independent study courses (if approved by the building principal).

4. Other educational experiences. Students may demonstrate achievement of student learning

outcomes through community service, correspondence study, attendance at summer school,

weekend classes, study at summer camp, work experiences, and educational travel, under

procedures and policies established by the superintendent and the board of school directors. The

procedures and policies shall include methods of assessing student learning outcomes.

5. Higher education courses. The following provisions apply to achieving student learning outcomes

in higher education courses:

A. High school students enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education may, with the

prior approval of the high school principal, receive credit for college courses when all of the

following provisions are met:

1.1 The course is taught at the college level and is recognized by the higher education

institution as a credit-bearing course.

1.2 The student satisfactorily completes the requirements of the college course or passes

the College Advanced Placement Examination in the subject.

1.3 The record of the college course completion has been submitted by the higher

education institution to the sending high school.

B. Students may also leave high school prior to their senior year to attend

accredited institutions of higher education on a full-time basis under procedures and

policies established by the superintendent and the board of school directors. The high

school diploma shall be awarded to these students upon successful completion of

requirements set forth by the superintendent and the board of school directors.

Achievement of Student Learning Outcomes can be obtained through satisfactory completion of the

following courses of study, which means obtaining at least a70% achievement accuracy.

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GUIDANCE

Guidance is a service to students, not a subject. The guidance service is offered in both group and

individual situations. Middle School guidance centers help the students plan their High School programs,

set goals for schooling, military, and employment after graduation from High School. In High School,

guidance emphasis is placed on meeting graduation requirements and helping the students make more

specific plans for higher education, financing education and employment. Students are invited to come to

the guidance office to discuss any of the above noted items. Parents who desire a conference with the

Guidance Counselor are to call the guidance office for an appointment.

PUPILS RECEIVING INSTRUCTION IN THE HOME

A child who is unable to attend school as determined by a medical examination, must complete an

application for homebound instruction. The district shall provide such homebound instruction in the

home.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Adolescence is a stage of development somewhere between childhood and adulthood. Rapid emotional,

physical, and psychological changes may produce feelings of confusion, embarrassment, and anxiety for

many teens. Some young people do not possess the inner strength and/or the external support to effectively

cope with this tension. The Student Assistance Program was developed to provide the support that many

adolescents need.

GOALS OF STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Many students are troubled by problems which not only interfere with their educational performance, but

with their physical, mental, social, and emotional development as well. When students are troubled, so are

teachers, counselors, and administrators. Help is needed for those students having difficulties and for the

staff members dealing with those students.

The Student Assistance Program is a systematic response to student’s problems in our school designed to:

Identify at-risk students having problems due to alcohol or drug use, depression or

other mental health problem.

Intervene and refer those students to appropriate in-school or community service.

Focus on educational concerns and improve his/her quality of education.

Enlist the support of district staff, parents, and the community.

OVERVIEW OF THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Student Assistance Program has been designed to improve the quality of education in our school by

providing assistance to students troubled by physical health, emotional health, or drug/alcohol use problems.

The primary focus of the program is to assess the student whose behavior raises concern and develop a plan,

which addresses the specific needs of the student.

The Student Assistance Program is coordinated by a group of concerned staff members who have received

training in identification of high-risk behaviors among adolescents. To obtain more information regarding

this program please contact:

Mr. Richard Lucas- HS Principal

Mr. Lance McGough-MS Principal

Mrs. Kristen Butler – Special Services Coordinator

Mrs. Rose Alex- Middle School Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Amy Spangler - High School Guidance Counselor

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Representatives from the Somerset County Mental Health Agency, Drug and Alcohol Commission, and

Children and Youth Services are also members.

REFERRALS TO THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Students come to the SAP team in different ways. Those who violate the school’s substance abuse policy are

automatically referred to the team. While some are referred by teachers and other school personnel, it is not

unusual for a student to refer him/herself, or be referred by a friend or by his/her parents.

Referrals are made when learning problems are recognized which cannot be corrected through conventional

methods. A referral is made by contacting any member of the SAP Team. Upon receiving a referral, the

SAP Team collects information from the staff regarding the student’s observed behaviors and academic

performance. An interview is conducted with the student. Individual cases are discussed and

recommendations made at bi-weekly SAP Team meetings. Confidentiality between the student and the SAP

Team members shall be maintained in the best interest of the student.

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NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY SELECTION PROCEDURE

Each student in grades 11 and 12 who is academically eligible for consideration for membership in the

National Honor Society will be evaluated by the faculty committee.

A meeting will be held with parents/guardians explaining the requirements and guidelines to be

accepted into the National Honor Society.

The following guideline will give further help in the definition of Leadership, Service and Character.

LEADERSHIP

The student who exercises leadership:

Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions

Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities

Exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideas

Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school

Is able to delegate responsibilities

Exemplifies positive attitudes

Inspires positive behavior in others

Demonstrates academic initiative

Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility, conducting business effectively and

efficiently, and without prodding: exhibits self-confidence, demonstrates reliability and

dependability

Is a forerunner in the classroom, at work, and in school or community activities

Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted

SERVICE

The student who serves:

Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude

Participates in some outside activity: Girl Scouts; Boy Scouts; church groups, volunteer services

for the aged, poor or disadvantaged, family duties

Volunteers dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice

to offer assistance

Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities

Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school

Is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition

Does committee and staff work without complaint

Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students

CHARACTER

The student who exemplifies character:

Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously

Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)

Upholds principles of morality and ethics

Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, program, office, halls, etc.

Complies with all civil laws and legal ordinances

Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability

Shows courtesy, concern , and respect for others

Observes instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness both inside and outside the classroom

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Has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to

studies

Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience, rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and

Actively helps rid the school of bad influences or environment

The following is the Selection and Dismissal procedures for the National Honor Society as per the

constitution of the Tuscareka Chapter of the National Honor Society of Windber Area High School:

ARTICLE IX - Selection of Members

Section 1 - To be eligible for membership the candidate must be a member of those classes (junior,

senior) designated as eligible in the chapter bylaws. (Freshmen and Sophomores are not eligible.)

Candidates must have been in attendance at the school the equivalent of one semester.

Section 2 - Candidates MUST ACHIEVE A CUMULATIVE SCHOLASTIC AVERAGE OF AT

LEAST 93% IN ACADEMIC SUBJECTS. Students who achieve the cumulative average will be considered

for induction by the faculty council. The induction ceremony will be held during the Spring Semester at a

National Honor Society Induction Program. CANDIDATES MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE

INDUCTION CEREMONY TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY. Students

may be excused from this induction ceremony for medical or emergency reasons only. You must notify the

National Honor Society Advisor prior to the induction ceremony if you will not be able to attend due to a

medical reason.

Section 3 - The selection of members to the chapter shall be by a majority vote of the faculty

council.

Section 4 - A description of the selection procedure shall be published in an official school

publication which is widely available to all students and parents in the school. The selection procedure

shall be determined by the faculty council and shall be consistent with the

rules and regulations of the National Honor Society.

Section 5 - The National Council and the NASSP shall not review the judgment of the faculty

council regarding selection of individual members to local chapters.

ARTICLE X - Dismissal

Section 1 - The procedure for dismissal shall be determined by the faculty council in compliance

with the rules and regulations of the National Honor Society. A written description of the dismissal

procedure shall be available to interested parties.

Section 2 - Members who fall below the standards which were the basis for their selection shall be

promptly warned in writing by the chapter advisor and given a reasonable amount of time to correct the

deficiency; except that in the case of flagrant violation of school rules or civic laws a member does not

necessarily have to be warned.

Section 3 - The faculty council shall determine when an individual has exceeded a reasonable

number of warnings.

Section 4 - In all cases of impending dismissal, a member shall have a right to a hearing before

the faculty council.

Section 5 - A member who has been dismissed may appeal the decision of the faculty council

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under the same rules for disciplinary appeals in the school district.

Section 6 - The National Council and the NASSP shall hear no appeals in dismissal cases

REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDING CLASS OFFICE POSITIONS The Windber Area High School Student Council has developed the following requirements for students desiring to be elected to a class office and student council positions in grades 9-12. 1. Students who have been suspended will have their suspension evaluated by the faculty

council to determine if their suspension warrants removal from the ballot for class officer. If the student is already holding a class office position and is suspended, the suspension will be evaluated by the Faculty Council to determine if the student should be removed from office.

2. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 in order to be on the ballot for class office

and home room representative.

3. Grade average is to be used to determine academic eligibility. 4. President and Vice-President of the Student Council may not be elected to a class office

position in grades 11 & 12. 5. An attendance record that is consistent with the attendance policy of Windber Area High

School. 6. Must be a resident of Windber Area High School for at least one semester prior to being

considered a candidate for office.

7. Must have sold the number of magazines in the Junior year as determined by the Junior Class Council.

8. Must be a member of at least one extra-curricular organization during the previous year. 9. Any student holding a student activity officer position or a member of an advisory board and is convicted of a misdemeanor or felony will be asked to resign from office or will be removed from office. 10. Middle School Student Council members & officers must have maintained honor roll status for two grading periods of the previous year to be nominated.

STUDENT COUNCIL The Purpose of the student council, through representatives of the student body, will be to allow students to operate at the school level in ways consistent with the general policies of the Board, the student council, and due process. The school staff shall assist students in drafting and implementing a constitution, charter, or contract; whereby students shall have a designated duties, powers, and authority consistent with the general policies of the Board, the student council, and due process. The charter for student government is developed by the students subject to administration and school board approval. The elements in the charter should include: the purpose of the organization, the rules for conducting elections and campaigns, including provisions insuring nondiscriminatory practices; the degree to which the student body has power to allocate the student activity funds; and the extent of the organization’s access to school’s communication resources within guidelines established by the school board of directors.

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ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES

To be eligible to represent school in interscholastic contests a student is subject to the following:

1. Must not reach the age of 19 before July 1.

2. Transfer students must meet P.I.A.A. transfer requirements in order to be eligible.

3. A pupil who has been absent from school for twenty or more days during a semester for any cause,

except quarantine, in the home, is ineligible for a period of forty-five (45) school days following the

20th day of absence. Students arriving at school after 9:30 a.m. or leaving before 2:00 p.m. without

prior permission will not be permitted to participate or be a spectator at extra-curricular activities,

practices, performances, and/or competitions.

4. Any member of a high school team, who participates in an athletic contest as a member of any

other similar team during the same season - which season shall include vacations, holidays and

periods of suspension - shall be ineligible to compete in the sport for the remainder of that season.

5. To be eligible for the interscholastic competition, a student must pursue a regular course and must

maintain for the current semester or nine weeks a passing grade in each of four or more full credit

subjects. A student failing two (2) required courses (such as Communications, Math, Science,

Humanities, Health, PE, and Computers) at the weekly review shall not compete, participate,

manage, or travel with any athletic team. Eligibility is updated on a weekly basis.

6. No pupil who has been in attendance more than eight semesters beyond the eighth grade shall be

allowed to represents his/her school in athletics.

7. No pupil shall be eligible to represent his/her high school in any athletic contest unless he/she has

been examined by a school physician and his physical condition is pronounced satisfactory.

8. It is the principal's right to exclude any contestant who, because of bad habits, or improper

conduct, would not represent his school in a becoming manner, and also to exclude any contestant

who has suffered serious illness or injury until that contestant is pronounced physically fit by the

school physician.

9. Before your first practice, the complete eligibility and insurance roster form, the parental consent

form properly signed, and the activity fee must be submitted to the Athletic Director.

Reduced Free

Regular Lunches Lunches

1st activity $50 $35 $25

2nd

activity $50 $50 $50

3rd

activity $25 $40 $50

TOTAL $125 $125 $125

NOTE: Windber Area High School is required to follow the PIAA rules and regulations, which change

from time to time. Students will be apprised of changes that have a direct effect upon them, if not found in

the Athletic Handbook.

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ATHLETIC POLICY

Windber Area School District has developed a policy for students who are participating in interscholastic

athletics in grades 7 - 12. Students should read this policy before making a decision to participate in the

interscholastic athletic program at Windber, since once a student has committed himself/herself to a

program, the only way they may withdraw as a participant in their sports activity is to follow the guidelines

as established and approved by the Windber Area School District's Board of Education. Failure to follow

the procedure will result in a student losing their remaining years of eligibility to participate in all athletic

activities while at Windber Area High School. A copy of this Athletic Agreement may be obtained through

the MS/HS Office.

ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT

An athlete must return all of the equipment issued to him or pay replacement cost for lost items prior to

being permitted to participate in any other sport.

ATHLETIC PHYSICALS

All students who wish to join a Windber Area School District PIAA team and/or Cheerleading for the

2016/2017 school year must obtain and complete the PIAA CIPPE form.

Completed forms must be returned in person or by US Mail to the WASD Athletics Office (faxed forms

and re-certifications will not be accepted)

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

The district has implemented a voluntary drug and alcohol-testing program on a voluntary basis. This

applies to all students whose parents or guardians have consented to participate in the program. Each

student will be given a copy of the Windber Area School District Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

When a student accumulates three major suspensions during a school term he/she will be ineligible to

participate in any extra-curricular activity for the remainder of that school year.

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STUDENT DRIVING AND PARKING

1. Cars - Students are permitted to drive cars to school provided they abide by these regulations:

. a. Parking permit forms are completed and returned to the office with the $5.00 deposit

b. Student parking lot will be at district-designated locations

c. Drivers must observe all traffic regulations.

***PLEASE CONTACT MS/HS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PARKING***

The following rules have been established for conferences, field trips, and school-related activities:

1. Students MUST obtain parental permission to drive private vehicles to or from school-related

activities during school hours. Students must obtain permission from his/her parents and

also the parents of the other student to be permitted to ride with that other student.

2. The district reserves the right to revoke the driving privileges of any student who violates school

procedure and may also initiate legal procedures, if warranted.

HANDICAPPED PARKING

Please contact the High School/ Middle School office at (814) 467-4567 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.,

Monday through Friday to inquire about handicapped parking.

TRANSPORTATION TO GREATER JOHNSTOWN CAREER TECHNOLOGY CENTER

(GJCTC)

1. Students are required to use district provided bus transportation to and from the GJCTC

School. In certain circumstances students may be authorized by the Principal to provide their own

transportation.

2. Students scheduled to attend GJCTC who arrive late to Windber Area High School will be

responsible for their own transportation to the GJCTC School. Chronic tardiness will be dealt with

on an individual basis.

3. It is the responsibility of students being dismissed early from GJCTC to make arrangements for

their own transportation.

LOCKERS

At least once a month, each homeroom teacher should arrange an inspection of all lockers. This should be

done in the presence of the student. The inspections are to supplement instruction given by homeroom

teachers about the proper care and use of lockers.

1. Books should be stored so that unnecessary damage is not done to them.

2. Accumulation of items, clothing and unnecessary paper are prohibited.

3. Perishable items such as lunches and candy bars should never be stored overnight.

4. Defacing and marking of interiors and exteriors of lockers is prohibited.

5. Repairs necessary to lockers should be reported immediately to the office.

6. Undue damage to lockers must be handled immediately. No excuse will be accepted since

each student is responsible for the care of his/her assigned locker.

7. Students are assigned one locker and should use only this locker. Use of unassigned lockers

is prohibited.

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LOCKER SEARCH

School lockers are school property loaned to the student for the student's convenience. School authorities

may search a student's locker without prior warning and seize any illegal materials. Such materials may

be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary, juvenile, or criminal proceedings. Such a search is

not an "illegal" search under the Fourth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, but a reasonable exercise

of Board power in the interests of the health, welfare, and safety of all school students. Courts have

reasoned that the school extends locker use to students only for legitimate purposes.

It is suggested that a student's locker and desk should not be opened for inspection except when approved

by the principal because of reasonable cause to believe that prohibited articles are stored therein. When a

student's locker is being searched, the student may be notified and given an opportunity to be present.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found articles are placed in the school office. Items that are found should be brought to the office

so that their owners can claim them. Unclaimed articles are periodically distributed to appropriate

agencies or discarded. THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR STOLEN ARTICLES.

TEXTBOOKS

A record of books and their condition is made when issued to the student. When returned, there should not

be more than a reasonable degree of wear on the book. Damaged books and lost books must be paid for in

the office. If payment is not made, the student is ineligible to receive books in the next succeeding course.

In the case of seniors, financial obligation must be settled before diplomas are awarded or grade transcripts

are released.

STUDENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO WINDBER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Students having unpaid fines assessed against them must pay those fines prior to receiving any of

the following services.

a. School recommendation to requested school, individual or business.

b. Forwarding of a grade transcript to a requested location or person.

c. Issuing of a Windber Area High School diploma.

TELEPHONE

No phone calls may be made during class except in the case of an emergency. No student will be called to

the telephone during school hours - except in cases of emergency. Important messages from home will be

delivered to the student. TELEPHONES IN THE SCHOOL OFFICES ARE TO BE USED FOR

EMERGENCIES ONLY. High School students must have a signed admit from a teacher in order to use

the phone and phone usage is at the discretion of the office staff.

MARRIAGE AND PREGNANCY

Marriage and/or pregnancy do not of themselves constitute grounds for requiring students to leave school.

A. Marriage - Married students shall have the same educational privileges and shall carry the

same responsibilities as unmarried students. They shall report the fact of marriage to the

student's counselor in order that necessary changes in official records can be made.

B. Pregnancy - Consultation with the girl, her parents, and/or husband, and the event of

pregnancy, a girl may remain in school under a normal program of studies. She will be

required to furnish a statement from her doctor with a recommendation regarding

participation/limitations in physical education.

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PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT/WORKING PAPERS

ALL working papers are issued through the high school/middle school office. Students must obtain the

application for part-time employment and parents must sign them. The student must then return the

application and will receive the working permit.

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

A Breakfast Program is available for all students in grades 6 through 12. Breakfast will be served from

7:10 to 7:45 a.m. All bus students will be accommodated. In the case of a two-hour delay due to inclement

weather, breakfast will not be served.

MEAL TICKET PRICES

2017/2018

STUDENT BREAKFAST $ .45

STUDENT REDUCED BREAKFAST $ .30

STUDENT LUNCH $ 1.60

STUDENT REDUCED LUNCH $ .40

FIRE DRILLS/EMERGENCY DRILLS

State regulations require that fire drills/emergency drills be held periodically to insure the safety of

everyone. Students in shops, music rooms, gymnasiums or cafeterias will go directly to the outside by the

nearest exits. Students in classrooms will be assigned exits nearest their room.

FIRE DRILL - The fire alarm will keep repeating. Everyone in the building, whether in class or

not, must vacate upon a fire alarm.

EMERGENCY DRILL - Periodically throughout the year Emergency Drills will be conducted.

Faculty members have been instructed how to handle these drills and will

direct their students.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

A number of our school goals are supported by well-conceived and well-managed social events. Parents

expect their children to learn to feel at ease in appropriate social situations. Consequently, parties, dances,

and comparable social events have an important place in a well-rounded school program. The staff is

encouraged to utilize such events intelligently.

The general supervision of any social function is the responsibility of the organization's sponsor.

Arrangements must be made with the principal sufficiently in advance to secure all proper authorizations.

An adequate number of chaperons, as determined by the principal, must be secured for each school

function.

Dances: The Junior-Senior Prom is restricted to Junior-Senior class members of Windber Area High

School and their guests. Elementary and Middle School students are not permitted to attend the Junior-

Senior Prom. Elementary and Middle Schools students are not permitted to attend Senior High Activity

Dances. Senior High Students bringing a guest from another school district, must secure a permission

form from the school office, have the form properly completed, and return the form to the building

principal. Middle School Students are not permitted to bring students from other schools to school

sponsored dances.

52

INTERNET - ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

All students will be required to sign the acceptable use contract which will be kept on file in the school’s

office. Parents will be given a copy of the policy and a contract which they must sign in order for their

child to use the networked computers. Any violators of the policy will be dealt with in the strictest of terms

as outlined in the policy and the student handbook.

SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY

Windber Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the

basis of race color, national origin, gender or handicap in its activities, programs or employment

practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504.

For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Mrs. Kristen Butler, Section 504

Coordinator & Title IX Coordinator at 2301 Graham Avenue, Windber, PA 15963. For information

regarding services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and useable by handicapped persons,

contact Mr. Joseph Kimmel, Superintendent at (814) 467-4567.

TITLE IX PROCEDURES

For further details or visit the school website at: www.windberschools.org

If you would like information on any Windber Area School District Board Policy or other relevant topics

please visit our website at www.windberschools.org or you may obtain information at the respective

building office.

53

caf

INDEX STUDENT HANDBOOK

Asthma Action Plan………………………….. 30-31 Athletic Activities………………………………….47 Athletic Equipment………………………………..48 Athletic Physical Policy…………………………..48 Athletic Policy………………………………………48 Attendance at School Events……………………12 Attendance Policy…………………………………. 6 Building Schedule…………………………………. 5 Breakfast Program………………………. ………51 Bullying (Anti)Policy…………………………..15-16 Cancellation, School………………………….…….5 Cell Phone & Electronics Devices Policy……..14 Challenge Program………………………………..39 Class Officer Requirements……………………..46 College Credit Programs…………………………38 Detention………………………………………….…17 Discipline, Level I……………………………….….20 Discipline, Level II……………………………….…21 Discipline, Level III…………………………….…..22 Discipline, Level IV………………………………. .23 Discipline Policy………………………………..17-18 Dress Code………………………………………… 16 Driving & Parking-Students……………………...49 Drugs……………………………………………… ...19 Drug Dogs, Use of………………………….………19 Exclusions from School…………………………..18 Financial Responsibility-Student……………….50 Fire Drills/Emergency Drills……………………..51 Food Drink in Halls………………………..………19 General Rules………………………………………13 Grading Procedures………………………………37 Graduation Requirements……………………….40 Grievance Procedures/Forms, Title IX……….. 52 Guidance…………………………………………….42 Hall Passes………………………………………….19 Handicapped Parking…………………………….49 Health Services…………………………………… 26 Health Examinations………………………………26 Highlights for 2016-2017…………………………. 5 Home Instruction…………………………………. 42 Honor Roll……………………………………………38

Immunizations……………………………………..27 Internet-Acceptable Use Policy………………..53 Lice……………………………………………….34-35 Locker Search……………………………………..50 Lockers……………………………………………...49 Lost & Found………………………………………. 50 Marriage & Pregnancy……………………………50 Medication Policy………………………………27-28 Medication Permission Form…………………… 29 Mid-term Progress Reports……………………. .38 Morning Waiting Areas…………………………… 5 National Honor Society……………………………44 Public Displays of Affection……………….……..19 Scholarships………………………………………..38 School Bus Conduct………………………………24 School District Policy……………………………..52 School Bus Regulations………………………….25 School Bus Evacuations………………………….25 Sexual Harassment Policy……………………….26 Social Functions……………………………………51 Student Council…………………………………… 46 Student Assistance Program…………………...42 Student Learning Outcomes…………………….41 Student Responsibilities………………………….13 Summer School Grades…………………………..38 Suspensions………………………………………...17 Tardiness to School………………………………. 5 Tardiness to Class………………………………… 5 Telephone Use……………………………………..50 Textbooks…………………………………………...50 Title IX Procedures………………………………..52 Tobacco……………………………………………..18 Tobacco Use………………………………………. 18 Vacation, Education Trips………………………. 11 Vandalism………………………………………….. 19 Vo-Tech Criteria…………………………………... 39 Vo-Tech Transportation………………………… 49 Working Papers…………………………………….51