ABINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

1 ABINGTON high . SCHOOL . 2017-2018. STUDENT HANDBOOK. BASIC INFORMATION. Message from the Administrators ..6. Massachusetts General ABINGTON Public Schools Policies ..7. ABINGTON high Schools SCHOOL Improvement Goals ..7. ABINGTON high SCHOOL Statement of Academic Advisory Periods ..8. Announcements ..8. Animals in SCHOOL ..8. Attendance and Tardy Policies ..8. Audio-Video Recording ..15. Bell Schedules ..15. Bullying Prevention and Intervention, Harassment & Hazing Policy ..18. Cancellation of SCHOOL ..23. Common Computer Network Acceptable Use Policy ..30. Dismissal ..32. District Mission Statement ..32. Early Graduation ..32. Eighteen-Year-Old Rights ..32. Electronic Emergency Dismissal and Emergency Plans ..33. English Language Learner Education Program 33. Equal Education Opportunities ..34. Field Trip Policy and SCHOOL Sponsored Trips ..34. Fire and Safety Graduation Speakers and Early Graduation ..34. Guiding Principles ..35. Homework Policy ..35. Library/Media Center ..36. List of Central Office Personnel and SCHOOL Committee.

2 37. Lockers ..37. Media Release ..37. Mission Statement and Expectations of ABINGTON high SCHOOL ..37. Observations of Special Education Programs ..38. Parental Notification Law Relative to Sex Education ..38. PPRA Notice and Consent/Opt-Out for Specific SCHOOL -Based Automated External Defibrillation ..39. SCHOOL Hours ..40. SCHOOL Property ..40. Student Drug/Alcohol Involvement ..40. Student Email ..40. Summer SCHOOL ..42. Telephone Use ..42. Tobacco Free Voter Registration ..42. ACADEMICS. Academic Requirements for Promotion and Graduation ..43. Awards ..43. CEEB Number ..43. Certificate of Attainment ..43. Class Rank ..44. Course and Level Changes ..46. Evaluation System ..46. Grade Point Average ..47. Honor Roll ..47. Marking Periods ..47. Massachusetts Competency Determination ..47. Testing ..48. CODE OF CONDUCT. Bullying ..49. Bus Conduct ..49. Explanation of Behavior and Consequences ..50. Hazing ..52. In- SCHOOL Suspension Guidelines ..53. Liability ..54. Memorandum of Understanding between APS and APD.

3 54. Rights and Responsibilities ..58. Search and Seizure ..60. Spectator Behavior Standards ..60. Student Complaints and Grievances ..60. Student Discipline (Chapter 222) ..60. Student Discipline-Special Needs Students .66. Terminology ..67. Tobacco Use by Students ..68. Vandalism ..69. STUDENT LIFE. Administrative Detention .70. Announcements .70. Assemblies 70. Availability of In- SCHOOL Programs for Pregnant Students .70. Breakfast Program ..70. Chemical Health ..70. College Admissions College Visitations ..72. Concussion Directory Information Notice ..75. 3. Dress Code ..76. Food and Beverage ..76. Food Service Policy ..76. Guidance Services ..77. Health Office ..78. Home Schooling ..78. How Parents Access Guidance Services ..79. How Students Access Guidance Services ..79. Latex Policy ..79. Medication Policy ..80. Parking Peer Mediation ..81. Physical Education Exemptions ..81. Notice on Transfer to Other Schools ..81. Students with Drug/Alcohol Student Health Services and requirements.

4 82. Absences ..82. Accidents/Injuries ..82. Allergies ..82. Availability of In- SCHOOL Programs for Pregnant Students ..82. BMI Screenings ..83. Emergency Contact ..83. Physical Examination of Students ..83. Student Health Resources and Referrals ..84. Student Mediation ..85. Student Publications ..85. Students Rights and Responsibilities ..86. Student Welfare ..86. Wellness Policy ..87. STUDENT RECORDS. Amendment of Record ..93. Confidentiality of Record ..93. Destruction of Record ..93. Inspection of Records ..93. Student Records ..93. Working Papers ..94. TRANSPORTATION. Bus Conduct ..95. SCHOOL Bus Rules and SCHOOL Bus Safety Program ..96. Student Transportation in Private Vehicles ..97. 4. COCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. ABC Club ..99. ABINGTON Recycling Crew ..99. Color Guard ..99. Dance Crew ..99. Drama Club ..99. Gay Straight Green Wave Gazette ..99. Improvable ..100. Interact Club ..100. International Intramurals ..100. Jazz Band ..100. Marching Band ..100. Math Team ..100. Media Production.

5 101. National Honor Show Student Advisory Council ..102. Student Arts Magazine ..102. Student Athlete Advisory Council ..102. Student Coordinator for the ABINGTON Education Foundation ..102. Student Council ..102. Student Government Representative ..103. Student Representative to ACSF ..103. Student Representative to SCHOOL Committee ..103. Student Representative to SCHOOL Council ..103. Ultimate Frisbee ..103. Weight Room ..103. Winter Guard ..103. Yearbook ..104. YouLead ..104. Code of Conduct for Co-Curriculars and Athletic Activities .104. Building Contractual Services ..105. Fundraising ..105. SCHOOL Sponsored Trips ..105. Confirmation of Receipt . 107. 5. Message from the Administrators Dear Students: Welcome to a brand new, state of the art, ABINGTON high SCHOOL . The community of ABINGTON has worked arduously and creatively for several years in order to build an educational complex designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The Student Handbook is meant to provide you and your families with a plethora of information that will assist you to navigate the high SCHOOL years.

6 We encourage you to immerse yourself in athletics, performing arts, club membership and, of course, in courses and community service activities that will enhance and shape your high SCHOOL experience. We all take pride in your engagement and accomplishments that foster our shared commitment to excellence. Please make every effort to stay informed and connected by subscribing to all of our communication formats and don't hesitate to contact either of us if you have any questions. Sincerely, Teresa Sullivan Jessica Sullivan Principal Assistant Principal The ABINGTON Public SCHOOL System is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and facilities are accessible to all members of the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. The contents of all ABINGTON Public Schools publications are available upon request in languages other than English. 6. Massachusetts General Laws State law requires that the Student Handbook include the rules pertaining to the conduct of students, as well as the policies and procedures to be followed in administering these rules.

7 These rules and policies, derived from our federal and state laws, are more particularly delineated in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 37H, 37 H and 37 H . They attempt to define both the rights and responsibilities of students in our schools. These rules refer to matters that can occur both inside and outside the SCHOOL . They refer to everything from the most serious offenses to the least serious issues that are nevertheless important for good order and discipline of the SCHOOL . These rules explain the process due to students when disciplinary problems occur. Due process is required under the circumstances of each case. ABINGTON Public Schools Policies The ABINGTON SCHOOL Committee has approved policies on a variety of topics. Many of these policies are referenced or summarized in the student handbook. To read a full text of these policies, please visit ABINGTON high Schools SCHOOL Improvement Goals 2017-2018. 1. To improve student performance and the acquisition of content knowledge and college and career ready skills through engaging instructional practices and a relevant and rigorous curriculum.

8 2. Research and implement best practices to support social-emotional wellness of students. 3. Analyze student performance data to inform program, policy, and staffing decisions. 4. Support programs and policies that maintain an environment that is safe, substance- free, tolerant, respectful, and conducive to education 5. Begin the NEASC Self-Study process ABINGTON high SCHOOL Statement of Academic Integrity ABINGTON high SCHOOL promotes an environment where honesty is valued; students who cheat compromise that environment. Furthermore, to provide the best possible education for each individual student, it is important that a student's work reflects his/her best effort. Cheating seriously hinders the ability of a teacher to diagnose or remediate the work of a student. Therefore, cheating will not be tolerated and will be addressed in the following manner: 1. Teachers will clearly spell out what constitutes cheating in all areas where the definition is not clear ( , plagiarism, homework, group work etc.)

9 Each department will be responsible for defining acceptable work habits and communicating that information to students 2. Generally cheating constitutes: The inappropriate and deliberate distribution or use of information, text messaging, cell phone pictures, notes, materials, or work of another person in the completion of an academic exam, test or assignment. Knowingly providing information is cheating as well as receiving information. Plagiarism in essays/research papers involves the decision to use or paraphrase another 7. writer's work from a print or internet source without supplying complete and appropriate source information. Tests are designed to evaluate a student's knowledge of a particular subject area. To be fair to all students, it is necessary that the integrity of a testing period be maintained. Therefore, in testing situations, the following will constitute cheating: looking at another student's paper; copying information from another student or from notes on one's person or in one's possession; text messaging, the unauthorized use of electronic translators, any talking during a test or quiz; having a copy of a test or quiz prior to the test or quiz being administered.

10 Giving or receiving any information among students. 3. A student caught cheating will receive a zero for the assignment in question. Knowingly providing information is cheating as well as receiving information. 4. In cases where cheating is suspected but not documented, the teacher will discuss the matter with the student(s). 5. All documented offenses will be reported by the teacher to the Parent(s), Director, Assistant Principal and appropriate guidance counselor. 6. Repeated offenses may result in the loss of eligibility for local scholarships, loss of honors, awards, and membership in extracurricular activities. 7. Students and parents will have the opportunity to discuss all documented offenses with the teacher, Assistant Principal or Principal. Advisory Periods Students are assigned to advisory classes for the purpose of taking daily attendance and disseminating information. From time to time, advisory periods will be scheduled where students may vote in class elections, attend presentations, or participate in SCHOOL functions.