Welcome to Terre Haute North Vigo High School

We hope this year will be filled with educational and personal growth and one you will look back upon fondly.  The faculty and staff at North, a Four Star and ‘A’ School are united in their mission to provide all students with the opportunities and tools needed for college and career readiness, and we encourage you to take advantage of the many educational experiences available to you.  More course offerings, internship programs, and additional times to schedule classes of interest to you are benefits of the district’s semester system.  Use it to your advantage.

This handbook, designed especially for students and their families, outlines the school’s expectations and procedures.  We strongly encourage you to become involved in both academic and extra-curricular events.  Run for a student government office, volunteer to help build the homecoming float, tutor classmates needing additional assistance, go to the play and musical, participate in or attend athletic events, join a club…the possibilities are endless.

Many of the keys to your success in high school may be found within the walls of the building:  teachers and members of the support staff to educate you in the academic areas, counselors and deans to guide you in the directions you choose, and parent and business volunteers to assist you with your career preparation.  We believe your success is driven by a three-pronged approach: you, your parents/guardians, and educators.  Your family’s support and interest are also vital.  However, the most important ingredient in this recipe for success is you.  You alone have the power to make the decisions that will affect the rest of your life.  Consider thoughtfully and choose wisely.

We believe in you and anticipate and expect that you will be successful.  Seek help when you need it.  All of the resources at North are here at your disposal.  Have a wonderful year!

Mr. Stephen Joseph, Principal

SCHOOL FOUNDED:            September 1971
SCHOOL COLORS:                 Red, White, & Blue
EMBLEM:                                 Patriot
YEARBOOK:                            Polaris

NORTH’S ALMA MATER

HERE’S TO NORTH WE’LL E’RE BE FAITHFUL
PATRIOTS PROUD AND TRUE.
SPIRITS HIGH AND FULL OF GLORY
FOR RED, WHITE, AND BLUE.
RED STANDS FOR MAJESTY
AND WHITE IS FOR OUR UNITY
THEN ADD BLUE FOR LOYALTY TO YOU.
HERE’S TO NORTH
WHOSE RICH TRADITION SHINES FOREVER AGES THROUGH.
OUR COLORS PROUD WE NOW SALUTE,
NORTH’S RED, WHITE, AND BLUE.

SCHOOL SONG

GO!  YOU NORTH VIGO
FOR RED, WHITE, AND BLUE.
WITH OUR COLORS FLYING
WE WILL CHEER YOU AND BE TRUE,
RED, WHITE, BLUE.
GO!  YOU NORTH PATRIOTS
FIGHT FOR VICTORY,
SPREAD FAR THE FAME OF OUR FAIR NAME,
GO YOU PATRIOTS, WIN THAT GAME!
(TUNE – GO, YOU, NORTHWESTERN)

VCSC MISSION STATEMENT: 

The Vigo County School Corporation will equip students with life-long learning skills and prepare them to become productive and responsible citizens.

NORTH VIGO HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT:

The Terre Haute North Vigo High School community is committed to providing a secure haven for learning.  We strive to empower and to challenge all students to become educated, ethical, responsible citizens in a diverse, ever-changing world.

VISION STATEMENT:

 NON SCHOLAE SED VITAE (Not for School but for Life)

Terre Haute North Vigo High School will prepare students to embrace lifelong learning.

Our students will be led by a team composed of educators, families, and community leaders.  Together we will set high expectations for students in a safe environment that makes success possible.

Our students will be equipped with the knowledge about future possibilities that will allow them to make productive and ethical choices.

Our students will be well informed about opportunities in the community and will understand the importance of taking advantage of them.  Before graduating, students will be introduced to service-learning experiences and encouraged to volunteer to benefit their community.

Terre Haute North Vigo high School strives to be a positive contributing member of the community by graduating young people prepared to continue their education, to volunteer their time and talents, and to be employed across the diverse landscape of Terre Haute, Vigo County, and the state of Indiana, the United States, and the world.

 Goals

Our goals are based on our vision of the future.  One of the goals is that the curriculum will be adjusted to continue to meet the changing needs of all students.  Secondly, we will try to better serve the physical, emotional, and social needs of our students.  We would like parents to be actively involved in the education process.  We will encourage the business community at large to assist in the education of our students.  Our faculty will explore new methods of instruction and stress hands-on learning activities.  Flexible scheduling will be explored to accommodate instructional options.  Our Guidance Department will continue to be actively involved in the total educational program of our students.

All students, parents, faculty and staff members of Terre Haute North have been asked to serve on various committees to help implement the program.  Many community and business people have also been asked to assist.  Anyone who would like to join in helping make our school even better should contact the school at 462-4312.

 Professional Development School

In the spring of 1992, North High School became a Professional Development School in cooperation with Indiana State University.  The relationship with I.S.U. is a collaborative one in which I.S.U. supports activities and efforts to improve teaching and learning for our school; in the same spirit of professional cooperation, we provide meaningful professional experiences for those considering teaching as a career.

 School Board of Trustees

All schools in Vigo County are governed by policies established by the elected Board of School Trustees.  The Board is composed of seven citizens from various fields of experience who contribute many hours of effort in providing effective education for the youth of Vigo County.

 Accreditation

North High School is accredited by AdvanceEd and is also accredited by the State through the requirements of Public Law 221.  Thus, North High School is fully accredited and presents a diploma that is recognized by universities throughout the United States.

 Action Plan

The Action Plan for Terre Haute North High School consists of one target goal and the strategies to attain that goal.  The action plan was implemented in the 2007-2008 school year and we will continue working on this goal. All those concerned with the education of our students will be involved in attainment of the goal.  The Action Plan Goal includes the following:

Cognitive Goal – Target area:  Reading Comprehension

Target area goal:  All students will improve reading skills across the curriculum.

Essence:  Includes word recognition, fluency, vocabulary development, comprehension, and analysis of non-fiction, information, and literary text.

Specific areas:  Outlining, Summarizing, Brainstorming, Paraphrasing, Use of Graphic Organizers, Highlighting, K-W-L,Predicting/ Anticipating, Note-taking overview and post-test.

 

PARENT / VISITOR INFORMATION

Registered Sex Offender Policy

Vigo County School Corporation has adopted a policy prohibiting anyone who is listed on the sex offender registry from coming onto school property.  Sex offenders may be arrested for criminal trespass for violating this policy.  Exceptions (with Restrictions) to the policy would only be granted in specific instances and only after following the procedures for asking for such exception.

The Board of School Trustees declares that no registered sex offender may come on the property of  the Vigo County School Corporation school except as otherwise provided in this policy and as required by State and Federal law.  If an administrator becomes aware that a sex offender is on school property, the administrator*/designee shall direct the sex offender to leave the area immediately, except under limited circumstances as defined by our policy.  To access the V.C.S.C Registered Sex Offender Policy in its entirety, please go to www.vigoschools.org.  *Administrator:  a V.C.S.C. employee assigned to an administrative function for the School Corporation.

Visitors

STUDENTS ARE NOT TO BRING VISITORS TO SCHOOL.

Any visitor should check in with the officer at the Kiosk desk in front of the Main Office upon arrival to the building. You will be required to show identification.

Field Trips

Parents may be invited to attend a field trip if the school feels that such involvement is warranted or is necessary. The decision of inviting parents on field trips rests with the school. Any parent attending as a participant or chaperone is subject to a criminal history check prior to attendance. Criminal history checks may be required yearly or at any time the principal feels that such a check is necessary. Attendance will be approved or denied through the central office.  All school rules are in effect on a field trip.

 Volunteers

Parents / guardians are welcome to volunteer their time and talents. Volunteers must have an approved background check on file prior to activity. Volunteers must check in at security upon entering the facility. Forms may be accessed in the main office or on the VCSC homepage

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

 Book Rentals

Students rent all textbooks.  At the beginning of each school year, the book list is distributed containing materials required in each class as well as cost.  Parents are responsible for paying book fees.  Shortly after classes begin in the fall, during the first six weeks of school, parents will be billed.  Checks for fees or other necessary purchases are accepted.  Checks should be made payable to North High School.  If a book is lost, damaged, or destroyed, the student is expected to reimburse the school at the current price.

 Fees

Certain classes charge a fee for supplies used.  The Vigo County School Corporation has approved fee charges for the following classes, the amount of which will be furnished on request and to the student on the first scheduled class day:

Art                                               Business Classes

Health                                         Lifeguarding

FACS                                           Science

Career Prep

 Class Fees

In addition to classroom fees, each class level collects a fee to cover its annual activities and set aside money to be used during its Commencement Activities.  Class level dues are payable to class sponsors throughout the school year.  Presently class level fees are the following:

Freshman	$2.00
Sophomore	$5.00
Junior	$5.00
Senior	$5.00

THE SCHOOL DAY

 The school day begins when students arrive on school property.  Students are not to leave school grounds upon arrival without a permit to leave from an administrator, nurse, or dean.  Failure to abide by school rules and regulations will lead to disciplinary action.

 Clock Schedules

Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and continue until 3:15 p.m.  The Main Building is usually opened by 6:30 a.m.  Students who report prior to class time can go to the main gymnasium or cafeteria, or to the various offices which open at 7:30 a.m.  Students in the building after or before regular school hours are to be under the supervision of a faculty member.

The school day is divided into seven (7) class periods, a homeroom (SRT), and a lunch segment.  There is a 5-minute passing period between classes which is sufficient time for students to go to their lockers and arrive at their next class prior to the tardy bell.

The time from 8:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. is reserved for class work and study.  Students are not to schedule outside activities that would interfere with the time allotted to class routine.  School activities such as plays, dances, parties, etc. are not to be prepared for or performed during the school day except within the context of formal instruction.

The Clock Schedules are as follows:

FULL DAY Schedule

	7 Period Regular Class Schedule with SRT Time 5 min passing periods 30 min lunches
1st	8:10 – 8:55
2nd	9:00 – 9:45
SRT	9:50 – 10:20
3rd	10:25 – 11:10
4th	11:15 – 12:45
5th	12:50 – 1:35
6th	1:40 – 2:25
7th	2:30 – 3:15

 

A – Lunch	B – Lunch	C – Lunch
11:15 – 11:45 (Lunch)	11:15 – 11:40 (Class)	11:15 – 12:10 (Class)
11:50 – 12:45 (Class)	11:45 – 12:15 (Lunch)	12:15 – 12:45 (Lunch)
	12:20 – 12:45 (Class)

*Announcements will take place during SRT

 

4^th PERIOD FINAL EXAM Schedule (with regular release)

1st Period	8:10-9:20
2nd Period	9:26-10:36
3rd Period	10:42-12:45     EXAM
4th Period	12:51-1:59
5th Period	2:05-3:15

 

3 A Lunch		3 B Lunch
10:42-11:12	Lunch	10:42-10:55	SRT
11:17-12:27	Class (Exam)	11:00-11:30	Lunch
12:27-12:45	SRT	11:35-12:45	Class (Exam)
3C Lunch		3D Lunch
10:42-11:52	Class-(Exam)	10:42-11:00	SRT
11:57-12:27	Lunch	11:00-12:10	Class (Exam)
12:32-12:45	SRT	12:15-12:45	Lunch

2:30 RELEASE Schedule (Including a 4^th Period Final Exam When Needed)

	Early Release Schedule
1st	8:10 – 8:53
2nd	8:58 – 9:41
3rd	9:46 – 10:29
4th	10:34 – 12:04
5th	12:09 – 12:52
6th	12:57 – 1:40
7th	1:45 – 2:30

 

A – Lunch	B – Lunch	C – Lunch
10:34 – 11:04 (Lunch)	10:34 – 10:59 (Class)	10:34 – 11:29 (Class)
11:09 – 12:04 (Class)	11:04 – 11:34 (Lunch)	11:34 – 12:04  (Lunch)
	11:39 – 12:04 (Class)

* Announcements will be made between 2:25 – 2:30pm

 

 TWO-HOUR Delay Clock Schedule

There are three lunch periods each day.  Lunch periods are designated on student schedules. School announcements are made between 3:10-3:15pm.  Listed below are the designated times for the fourth period lunches and activities for each of the daily schedules.

	Two-Hour Delay Schedule
1st	10:10 – 10:40
4th	10:45 – 12:15
2nd	12:20 – 12:50
3rd	12:55 – 1:25
5th	1:30 – 2:00
6th	2:05 – 2:35
7th	2:40 – 3:15

 

A – Lunch	B – Lunch	C – Lunch
10:45 – 11:15 (Lunch)	10:45 – 11:10 (Class)	10:45 – 11:40 (Class)
11:20 – 12:15 (Class)	11:15 – 11:45 (Lunch)	11:45 – 12:15  (Lunch)
	11:50 – 12:15 (Class)

*Announcements will be made between 3:10 – 3:15pm

All students are to remain on campus during their lunch period.  They may bring their own lunch or purchase food from the cafeteria.  STUDENTS ARE PROHIBITED FROM HAVING LUNCH (FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS) BROUGHT TO SCHOOL DURING THE LUNCH PERIODS. Halls where classes are in session are closed during the lunch periods.

 Lunchroom and Food Guidelines

We have three lunch periods with the vast majority of students eating in our cafeteria.  We also have a number of community groups and student groups that use our cafeteria after school.  In order to keep our facility as clean as possible, please follow these guidelines:

• All students are expected to return their trays to the cafeteria window and to dispose of trash and paper from their table in the trash cans before leaving the cafeteria or commons area.
• Failure to return trays and leaving trash on tables results in a Tuesday Extension.
• Throwing of food is suspension from school for the rest of the day.
• All food and drink must be consumed within the blue lines (commons area) around the cafeteria and pool.
• In order to keep our halls clean, no containers of beverage or food may be carried down the hallways with the exception of sack lunches that may be taken to lockers before school and to the cafeteria at lunch time.

Homerooms

Students are assigned to a homeroom in alphabetical order by grade level.  The homeroom (SRT), a 30 minute period between 2nd and 3rd periods, is primarily administrative, where class activities are organized and school procedures outlined.  Elections for class officers and queens and the courts are held during homeroom periods.  Homeroom teachers are the class sponsors who work closely with the class officers and class senates in organizing and supervising activities.  Students are urged to look upon the homeroom teacher as a friend and counselor who is willing to provide assistance.

Passes

When a student must leave an assigned area at times other than passing periods, a corridor or hall pass must be secured from the teacher in charge of the assigned area.  This pass must be carried and returned to the issuing teacher when the errand is complete.  Students must sign in and out of the classroom.

Safety Drills

Fire drills and tornado drills will be held regularly during the school year.  Fire drill instructions are posted for each area and each classroom of the building.  Absolute quiet must prevail in the building during a fire drill in order that any directions given for the safety of students may be heard and understood.

During a tornado drill, students will be instructed by their teacher as to the proper procedure to follow.  Absolute quite is necessary in order for instructions to be heard over the intercom.  Posted in each classroom is an emergency card listing the closest exit for a fire drill and the location for a tornado drill.  Classrooms with windows must leave their classroom and move to another location during a tornado drill.

Each teacher is also provided a detailed description of an emergency evacuation plan for the entire building.  If an evacuation becomes necessary, students will evacuate to the football stadium.  If the weather doesn’t permit an outdoor evacuation, our students will be accompanied by their teacher, to two off site locations that are within walking distance from the school.  The sites are: DIY and The National Guard Armory.

PERMITS

Students are required to attend the school in the district of their legal residence. If a parent wishes for a student to attend another secondary school, a permit application is required. Specific guidelines must be followed to apply for a permit. Forms are available at the elementary school and principals of both the sending and the receiving school must agree to the permit. In addition, no school bus transportation is furnished for a student on a permit. Cash Tuition for an out of county student will be waived if the student’s legal residence is in Indiana. The student must be enrolled prior to “official” enrollment day in September. Any enrollments after the “official” enrollment day in September are subject to full tuition.

Any student from another State will be charged the full tuition regardless of when that student enrolls in V.C.S.C.

Vigo County School Corporation

Student Discipline Rules

The Vigo County School Corporation’s mission is to equip students with lifelong learning skills and prepare them to become productive and responsible citizens. Toward that end, the School Corporation desires to use progressive discipline of students in an effort to avoid interruption or disruption within educational program and activities while also pursuing restorative goals that seek to avoid exclusionary punishment, if possible. In accordance with Indiana law, administrators and staff members may take the following actions:

1. CLASSROOM CONSEQUENCE: A teacher may proscribe appropriate classroom-level correction to encourage compliance with expectations and policies.
2. REMOVAL FROM CLASS OR ACTIVITY ‑ TEACHER:
   1. A middle or high school teacher may remove a student from the teacher’s class or activity for a period of up to 1 school day if the student is assigned regular or additional work to be completed in another school setting.
   2. An elementary teacher may remove a student from the teacher’s classroom or activity for a period of up to one (1) school day if the student is assigned regular or additional work to be completed in another school setting.
   3. If a teacher removes a student from class under a) or b) above, the principal may place the student in one of the following settings: another appropriate class, another appropriate setting, or in-school suspension. The student may not be placed back into the original class until the principal has a meeting with the teacher, the student, and the student’s parents to determine an appropriate behavior plan for the student. If the parents do not attend this meeting within a reasonable time, the principal may place the student in another class or educational setting.
   4. A student may also lose bus transportation privileges as a consequence. (NOTE: Loss of bus transportation for students under an IEP or Section 504 plan may be considered equal to an out of school suspension.)
3. ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT/SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL ‑ PRINCIPAL: A school principal (or designee) may place the student in an alternative learning environment, which is the preferred consequence, or deny a student the right to attend school and/or take part in any school function for a period of up to 10 school days.
4. EXPULSION: A student may be expelled from school for a period no longer than the remainder of the current semester plus the following semester.

NOTE: Students under IEPS or Section 504 shall receive separate considerations and may not be eligible for some forms of discipline.

GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION:

The grounds for suspension or expulsion listed in Section A below apply when a student is:

1. On school grounds immediately before, during, and immediately after school hours and at any other time when the school is being used by a school group (including summer school);
2. Off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event; or
3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event.

A school activity, function, or event includes e-Learning, virtual instruction, and remote learning days.

A violation by a student listed in Sections A and B below is subject to a range of disciplinary consequences imposed by teachers or administrators intended to be progressive in nature and move to a more serious consequence with each violation of the same or similar rule. In recognizing that violations of certain rules and the resulting consequences will be dependent upon the age of the student, the number of prior violations and the severity of the violation, the principal of each building level shall develop the minimum and maximum consequences for each rule for their building that is to be approved by the board annually and published in the student handbook for each building. The appropriate consequence should be the least severe that will adequately address any danger to the student and other persons, prevent further disruption of activities, and promote student achievement.

A. Student Misconduct and/or Substantial Disobedience

Grounds for suspension or expulsion are student misconduct and/or substantial disobedience. The following rules define student misconduct and/or substantial disobedience for which a student may be suspended or expelled:

1. 1. Using violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or other conduct constituting an interference or disruption with school purposes, or urging other students to engage in such conduct. The following enumeration is only illustrative and not limited to the type of conduct prohibited by this rule:
      1. 1. Occupying any school building, school grounds, or part thereof with intent to deprive others of its use.
         2. Blocking the entrance or exits of any school building or corridor or room therein with intent to deprive others of lawful access to or from, or use of the building, corridor, or room.
         3. Setting fire to or damaging any school building or school property.
         4. Prevention of or attempting to prevent by physical act the convening or continued functioning of any school or education function, or of any meeting or assembly on school property.
         5. Intentionally making noise or acting in any manner so as to interfere with the ability of any teacher or any other person to conduct or participate in an education function.
2. Engaging in any kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to another person or urging of other students to engage in such conduct. Prohibited conduct includes coercion, harassment, hazing, or other comparable conduct.
3. Engaging in violence and/or threat of violence against any student, staff member, and/or other persons. Prohibited violent or threatening conduct includes threatening, planning, or conspiring with others to engage in a violent activity.*Zero tolerance if directed toward school staff [1]
4. Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property, stealing or attempting to steal school property.
5. Causing or attempting to cause damage to private property, stealing or attempting to steal private property.
6. Causing or attempting to cause physical injury or behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person. Self‑defense or reasonable action undertaken on the reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect oneself and/or another person is not a violation of this rule.
7. Threatening or intimidating any person for any purpose, including obtaining money or anything of value.*Zero tolerance if threat or intimidation is directed toward school staff
8. Threatening (whether specific or general in nature) injury to persons or damage to property, regardless of whether there is a present ability to commit the act.*Zero tolerance if threat is directed to school staff.
9. Failing to report the actions or plans of another person to a teacher or administrator where those actions or plans, if carried out, could result in harm to another person or persons or damage property when the student has information about such actions or plans.
10. Possessing, handling, or transmitting a knife or any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon, is represented to be a weapon, or looks like a weapon.
11. Possessing, using, transmitting, or being affected by any controlled substance, prescription drug, narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, intoxicant or depressant of any kind, or any paraphernalia used in connection with the listed substances. Also prohibited is the consumption of any of the stated substances immediately before attending school or a school function or event. [Low THC Extract products as defined by state law are included in this rule and/or violations of the school corporation administration of medication policy are included in this rule.] [Low THC Extract products as defined by state law are excluded from this rule.]*Zero Tolerance Rule
    1. a. Exception to Rule 11: a student may possess and self-administer prescribed medication for the disease or condition if the student’s parent has filed a written authorization with the building principal. The written authorization must be filed annually. The written authorization must be completed by a physician and must include the following information:
       1. The nature of the student’s disease or medical condition shall or may require administration of the prescribed medication during the school day.
       2. The student has been instructed in how to self-administer the prescribed medication.
       3. The student is authorized to possess and self-administer the prescribed medication.

This exception, however, does not apply to use of prescribed medication by anyone other than the individual to whom the prescription is written, nor does this exception permit the unlawful distribution of prescribed medication.

12. Possessing, using, or transmitting any substance which is represented to be or looks like a narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, stimulant, depressant, or intoxicant of any kind.*Zero Tolerance Rule
13. Possessing, using, transmitting, or being affected by caffeine‑based substances other than beverages, substances containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA)*, stimulants of any kind, or any other similar over-the-counter products.*Zero Tolerance issue if the substance contains PPA
14. Possessing, using, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco or nicotine-containing products of any kind or in any form. These products include e-cigarettes, vaping devices, any type of look-alike products or other related products or devices associated with tobacco or nicotine use or electronic nicotine delivery systems.
15. Offering to sell or agreeing to purchase a controlled substance or alcoholic beverages.*Zero Tolerance
16. Failing to comply with directions of teachers or other school personnel during any period of time when the student is properly under their supervision, where the failure constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
17. Failing to completely and truthfully respond to questions from a staff member regarding school-related matters including potential violations of the student conduct rules or state or federal law. (NOTE: If the staff member is a uniformed law enforcement officer, the student may have the right to be silent under the U.S. and Indiana Constitutions.)
18. Falsely accusing any person of sexual harassment, or of violating a school rule, and/or a state or federal law.
19. Engaging in any activity forbidden by the laws of Indiana that constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
20. Aiding, assisting, agreeing or conspiring with another person to violate these student conduct rules or state or federal law.
21. Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.
22. Taking, recording, displaying and/or distributing pictures (digital or otherwise), video or audio recordings of a student or staff member without the consent of that student or staff member.
23. Possessing sexually-related materials which include images displaying uncovered breasts, genitals, or buttocks.
24. “Sexting” or using a cell phone or other personal communication device to possess or send text or email messages containing images reasonably interpreted as indecent or sexual in nature. In addition to taking any disciplinary action, phones will be confiscated and any images suspected to violate criminal laws will be referred to law enforcement authorities.
25. Engaging in pranks or other similar activity that could result in harm to another person.
26. Using or possessing gunpowder, ammunition, or a flammable substance.
27. Violating any board policy or administrative rules that are reasonably necessary in carrying out school purposes or an educational function, including, but not limited to:
    1. engaging in sexual behavior on school property;
    2. engaging in sexual harassment of a student or staff member;
    3. disobedience of administrative authority;
    4. willful absence or tardiness of students;
    5. engaging in speech or conduct, including clothing, jewelry or hair style, that is profane, indecent, lewd, vulgar, or refers to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, sex, or illegal activity;
    6. violation of the school corporation’s acceptable use of technology policy or rules;
    7. violation of the school corporation’s administration of medication policy or rules;
    8. possessing or using a laser pointer or similar device.
28. Possessing or using an electronic device (e.g. cellular phone, tablet computer, pager, digital camera, electronic equipment) in a manner which constitutes an interference with a school purpose or educational function, an invasion of privacy, or an act of academic dishonesty, or is profane, indecent, or obscene. In addition to being disciplined, students who use an electronic device in a manner which is inconsistent with this rule may have the device confiscated by school administration. Such device will be returned to the parent.
29. Possessing or using on school grounds during school hours an electronic device, a cellular telephone, or any other telecommunication device, including a look-a-like device, in a situation not related to a school purpose or educational function or using such device to engage in an activity that violates school rules. This rule is not violated when the student has been given clear permission from a school administrator or a designated staff member to possess or use one of the devices listed in this rule. In addition to being disciplined, students who use an electronic device in a manner which is inconsistent with this rule may have the device confiscated by school administration. Such device will be returned to the parent.
30. Any student conduct rule the school building principal establishes and gives notice of to students and parents.

B. Bullying

• Bullying committed by students toward other students is strictly prohibited. Engaging in bullying conduct described in this rule by use of data or computer software that is accessed through any computer, computer system, computer network, or cellular telephone or other wireless or cellular communication device, is also prohibited.
• For purposes of this rule, bullying is defined as overt, unwanted, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications or images transmitted in any manner including electronically or digitally, physical acts committed, aggression, or any other similar behaviors that are committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the targeted student and create for the targeted student an objectively hostile school environment that:
  • places the targeted student in reasonable fear of harm to the targeted student’s person or property;
  • has a substantially detrimental effect on the targeted student’s physical or mental health;
  • has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s academic performance; or
  • has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, and privileges provided by the school.

3. This rule may be applied regardless of the physical location of the bullying behavior when a student committing bullying behavior and the targeted student attend a school within the school corporation and disciplinary action is reasonably necessary to avoid substantial interference with school discipline or prevent an unreasonable threat to the rights of other students to a safe and peaceful learning environment.
4. Any student or parent who has knowledge of conduct in violation of this rule or any student who feels he/she has been bullied in violation of this rule should immediately report the conduct to the principal or designee who has responsibility for all investigations of student misconduct including bullying. A student or parent may also report the conduct to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the principal or designee. This report may be made anonymously.
5. The Principal or designee shall investigate immediately all reports of bullying made pursuant to the provisions of this rule. Such investigation must include any action or appropriate responses that may be taken immediately to address the bullying conduct wherever it takes place. The parents of the bully and the targeted student(s) shall be notified on a regular, periodic basis of the progress and the findings of the investigation and of any remedial action that has been taken.
6. The Principal or designee will be responsible for working with the school counselors and other community resources to provide information and/or follow-up services to support the targeted student and to educate the student engaging in bullying behavior on the effects of bullying and the prevention of bullying. In addition, the school administrator and school counselors will be responsible for determining if the bullying behavior is a violation of law required to be reported to law enforcement under Indiana law based upon their reasonable belief. Such determination should be made as soon as possible and once this determination is made, the report should be made immediately to law enforcement.
7. False reporting of bullying conduct as defined in this rule by a student shall be considered a violation of this rule and will result in any appropriate disciplinary action or sanctions if the investigation of the report finds it to be false.
8. A violation of this rule prohibiting bullying may result in any appropriate disciplinary action or sanction, including suspension and/or expulsion.
9. Failure by a school employee who has a responsibility to report bullying or investigate bullying or any other duty under this rule to carry out such responsibility or duty will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from employment with the school corporation.
10. Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to change the behavior of the perpetrator. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the bullying.
11. Educational outreach and training will be provided to school personnel, parents, and students concerning the identification, prevention, and intervention in bullying.
12. All schools in the corporation are encouraged to engage students, staff and parents in meaningful discussions about the negative aspects of bullying. The parent involvement may be through parent organizations already in place in each school.
13. The superintendent or designee will be responsible for developing detailed administrative procedures consistent with the Indiana Department of Education guidelines for the implementation of the provisions of this rule.

C. Possessing a Firearm or A Destructive Device

1. No student shall possess, handle or transmit any firearm or a destructive device on school property.
2. The following devices are considered to be a firearm under this rule:

• • any weapon that is capable of expelling, designed to expel, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by means of an explosion.

3. For purposes of this rule, a destructive device is:

• • an explosive, incendiary, or overpressure device that is configured as a bomb, a grenade, a rocket with a propellant charge of more than four ounces, a missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, a mine, a Molotov cocktail or a device that is substantially similar to an item described above,
  • a type of weapon that may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant through a barrel that has a bore diameter of more than one-half inch, or
  • a combination of parts designed or intended for use in the conversion of a device into a destructive device

A destructive device is NOT a device that although originally designed for use as a weapon, is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device.

4. The penalty for possession of a firearm or a destructive device: suspension up to 10 days and expulsion from school for at least one calendar year with the return of the student to be at the beginning of the first semester after the one year period. The superintendent may reduce the length of the expulsion if the circumstances warrant such reduction.
5. The superintendent shall immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when a student engages in behavior described in this rule.

D. Possessing A Deadly Weapon

1. No student shall possess, handle or transmit any deadly weapon on school property.
2. The following devices are considered to be deadly weapons for purposes of this rule:

• • a weapon, taser or electronic stun weapon, equipment, chemical substance, or other material that in the manner it is used, or could ordinarily be used, or is intended to be used, is readily capable of causing serious bodily injury;
  • an animal readily capable of causing serious bodily injury and used in the commission or attempted commission of a crime; or
  • a biological disease, virus, or organism that is capable of causing serious bodily injury.

3. The penalty for possession of a deadly weapon: up to 10 days suspension and expulsion from school for a period of up to one calendar year.
4. The superintendent may notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when a student engages in behavior described in this rule.

E. Unlawful Activity

A student may be suspended or expelled for engaging in unlawful activity on or off school grounds if 1) the unlawful activity may reasonably be considered to be an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or 2) the student’s removal is necessary to restore order or protect persons on school property. This includes any unlawful activity meeting the above criteria that takes place during weekends, holidays, other school breaks, and the summer period when a student may not be attending classes or other school functions.

F. Legal Settlement

A student may be expelled if it is determined that the student’s legal settlement is not in the attendance area of the school where the student is enrolled.

LEGAL REFERENCES:       I.C. 20-33-8                 I.C. 35-31.5-2-86

I.C. 35-47.5-2-4               I.C. 35-47-1-5

 Suspension and Expulsion Procedures

SUSPENSION PROCEDURE

When a principal (or designee) determines that a student should be suspended, the following procedures will be followed:

1. A meeting will be held prior to the suspension of any student. At this meeting the student will be entitled to:

• (a) a written or oral statement of the charges;

  (b) if the student denies the charges, a summary of the evidence against the student will be presented; and,

  (c) the student will be provided an opportunity to explain his or her conduct.

2. The meeting shall precede suspension of the student except where the nature of the misconduct requires immediate removal. In such situations, the meeting will follow the suspension as soon as reasonably possible following the date of the suspension.
3. Following the suspension, the parent or guardian of a suspended student will be notified in writing. The notification will include the dates of the suspension, describe the student’s misconduct, and the action taken by the principal.
4. During the suspension, the student is required to complete all school work assigned during the suspension. The principal or designee will ensure the student receives notice of all assignments due during the suspension and will provide teacher contact information to the student so the student may contact the teacher if the student has any questions about the assignments. For any assignments and/or school work completed by the student during the student’s suspension period, credit will be given to the student to the same extent and in the same manner as students who are not suspended receive.

EXPULSION PROCEDURE

When a principal (or designee) recommends to the superintendent (or designee) that a student be expelled from school, the following procedures will be followed:

1. The superintendent (or designee) may conduct an expulsion meeting, or may appoint one of the following persons to conduct the expulsion meeting:

• • •  legal counsel
    • a member of the administrative staff who did not expel the student during the current school year and was not involved in the events giving rise to the expulsion.

2. An expulsion will not take place until the student and the student’s parent are given notice of their right to appear at an expulsion meeting conducted by the superintendent or the person designated above. Failure to request and to appear at this meeting will be deemed a waiver of rights administratively to contest the expulsion or to appeal it to the Superintendent.
3. The notice of the right to an expulsion meeting will be in writing, delivered by certified mail or by personal delivery, and contain the reasons for the expulsion and the procedure for requesting the meeting.
4. At the expulsion meeting, the principal (or designee), will present evidence to support the charges against the student. The student or parent will have the opportunity to answer the charges against the student, and to present evidence to support the student’s position. The student or student’s family has no right to counsel during an expulsion meeting.
5. If an expulsion meeting is held, the person conducting the expulsion meeting will make a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting, take any action found to be appropriate, and give notice of the action taken to the student and the student’s parent.
6. The expulsion examiner shall provide to the student and parent the school corporation list of alternative education programs located in the county or in an adjacent county and of virtual charter schools in which the student may enroll during the student’s expulsion at the expulsion meeting. If no expulsion meeting is held or the student or parent do not attend the expulsion meeting, the expulsion examiner shall mail the list to the student and parent to the student’s residence.

Option 1 for school boards that hear all student expulsion appeals:

RIGHT TO APPEAL

The student or parent has the right to appeal an expulsion decision to the school board within 10 days of the receipt of notice of the action taken. The student or parent appeal to the school board must be in writing. If an appeal is properly made, the school board at the appeal hearing will consider the written summary of the expulsion meeting and the arguments of the school administration and the student and/or the student’s parent. The School Board will then take any action deemed appropriate.

Option 2 for school boards that have voted not to hear student expulsion appeals:

NO RIGHT TO APPEAL

The student or parent has no right to appeal an expulsion decision to the school board as the school board has voted not to hear student expulsion appeals.

 

LEGAL REFERENCE:         I.C. 20-33-8-18

I.C. 20-33-8-19

4145095_3

[1] Zero Tolerance: The Board of School Trustees hereby adopts a policy of Zero Tolerance for those specific acts of misconduct identified in this policy by an asterisk (*). All middle and high school principals who have preliminarily found that a student has committed one or more of those specific acts of misconduct shall suspend such student from school in the manner provided hereinafter in this policy and by Indiana law, unless the student’s disabilities require a different procedure. The principal shall file a written charge with the Hearing Officer requesting that the student be expelled from school for the maximum period permitted by Indiana law. All elementary principals may exercise their individual discretion whether or not to exercise this action regarding filing an expulsion request for all rules, with the exception relative to possession of a firearm or destructive device. When filing an expulsion request, the principal shall forward a written charge requesting the Hearing Officer to expel the student from school for the maximum period permitted by Indiana law.

Terre Haute North Vigo High School

Student Code of Conduct

• Set high standards for yourself.
• Promote courtesy and respect for others.
• Learn and practice the art of listening to others.
• Develop an understanding and cooperation among social and ethnic groups within our student body.
• Conduct yourselves in a manner which promotes self worth.
• Be willing to accept challenges and responsibilities.
• Respect your rights and the rights of others to an education.
• Have respect for your educators.
• Learn to develop a working rapport with adults and peers, yet maintain your own views, ideas, and standards.
• Exhibit a respect for and abide by the rules.
• Always have a sense of pride in our school.
• Voice your ideas and opinions.
• Take advantage of every opportunity, don’t let one pass you by.
• Learn to be positive, both in and out of classrooms.
• Strive for the goal of presenting work of superior quality.
• Realize the abilities and potentialities you possess and apply them to activities that promote teamwork and leadership.
• Take on the special responsibilities to conduct yourselves in an exemplary manner.
• CONTRIBUTE TOWARD MAKING NORTH THE SCHOOL WHERE EACH STUDENT CAN BE SUCCESSFUL!

The Student Code of Conduct was developed by North Students as a guide for student behavior.  The goal is to promote positive attitudes among all students and staff.

DRESS CODE (Revised 2022)

 

Guidelines 

Appropriate dress in school influences the attitude of a student toward school and schoolwork.  Let us always dress in a fashion that will reflect the pride we feel in our school. Students are encouraged to use sound judgment and reflect respect for themselves and others in dress. In keeping with the goals of the school to provide a safe, healthy and nondiscriminatory environment for educating students for maximum academic and social development, the following guidelines shall be followed.

1. 1. Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to approximately 3 to 4 inches in length on the upper thighs (see images below).  Tops must have shoulder straps wider than spaghetti straps.  Shirts should meet the top of pants. Rips or tears in clothing should be lower than 3 to 4 inches in length. No sheer articles of clothing or mesh garments are to be worn without appropriate coverage underneath. 

   

   2.  No winter coats, blankets, sunglasses or hoods up on sweatshirts are to be worn in the building between the first and last bell. 
   3. Backpacks must be placed in student lockers when entering the building and/ or with principal discretion.
   4. Head coverings with no brim that don’t conceal your identity are permitted. 
   5. No article of clothing or accessory will be allowed that promotes, encourages, or advertises alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, violence, gang-related activities and/or sexual content. T-shirts that display the Confederate Flag or read “Interstate 420” are examples of inappropriate attire.
   6. Chains, bracelets, and belts with spikes are not permitted, as well as pocket and wallet chains.
   7. Specialized courses may require specialized attire.
   8. Appearance must not be considered a disruption to the educational process, cause a distraction, or interfere with school purposes. The administration reserves the right to review dress in a fair and equitable manner to determine if something is appropriate or inappropriate as well as the prerogative of handling the situation as deemed necessary. 

    

   Athletic Events Dress Code

   1. No body or face paint.
   2. No masks that cover eyes or face.
   3. No props that can interfere with team play.
   4. Dress should be such that it reflects positively on Terre Haute North.
   5. Administration reserves the right to judge any student’s dress appropriate or inappropriate and the prerogative of handling the situation as deemed necessary including but not limited to asking said students to leave the event.

SCHOOL FACILITIES

 Campus

North High School is situated on a 70-acre tract of land.  The main building covers approximately 7 acres of the site.  An annex building directly west of the main structure houses a vocational auto body shop and another industrial technology classroom.  The other facilities include a football and track field, a varsity baseball diamond, ten tennis courts, a softball field, a soccer field, garage, parking areas and numerous practice fields.  Through the efforts of interested, committed parents, patrons, community supporters, and technology students the athletic facilities have been greatly enhanced with lighting for all sports.

The landscaping at North has been a continuing project of the students and faculty.  Several classes have planted trees and shrubs.  Numerous students have contributed their time and effort to maintain the lawn.  Therefore, the campus represents a living memorial and all students are urged to do their share in maintaining the beauty of the campus.

 Building and Equipment

Although there is custodial care around the clock, the custodians cannot keep the building and campus shipshape without assistance from all others of the school population.  Teachers often help by straightening chairs or cleaning blackboards.  Students can help by placing trash in proper containers, keeping lockers clean, and eating only in the cafeteria dining room.  Every student is urged to take care of school property.  Failure to do so results not only in disciplinary action but also financial responsibility for damages incurred.  If an accident results in property damage, it should be reported to a teacher or the Principal’s Office.

 Bookstore

School supplies may be purchased at the North bookstore which is open daily during lunch periods.  Also, the bookstore collects payments for various items such as caps and gowns.  Parent booster groups volunteer their time and energies to operate the bookstore.

Cafeteria

The school cafeteria is centrally located and provides an attractive atmosphere for lunches as well as numerous banquets.  Students may select a plate lunch or choose from a variety of foods on the special food court lines.  Forms to be used to apply for lunch and/or textbook assistance are available in the main office.  Students entering the cafeteria at lunch times do so from the side closest to the gym and move through one of four lines into the eating area.  It is expected that students return their trays and utensils to the disposal window.

Lunch prices are as follows:

 Student Breakfast   $1.45

Reduced  $0.30

Student Lunch $ 3.15

Reduced Lunch  $ 0.40

Library

North Vigo recognizes the library as the very heart of its learning activities.  The Research Center, composed of 35 computers with a projector screen, is housed in the main room.  These computers include Microsoft Word, Power Point, Publisher, and Excel.  Options via the school homepage allow for direct links to all subscription databases and the online database for the school and corporation material collections.  Over $20,000 of grant funding has been received in recent years.  This money has been used for print materials only and purchases reflect student and faculty input.

The Library is open from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.  All students and staff must have a VCSC Internet Agreement form on file in the Library to use the computers.

 Lockers

At the beginning of each school year, each student is assigned a locker.  STUDENTS ARE NOT TO SHARE LOCKERS.  Both students will receive a Tuesday school for sharing a locker.  Students are responsible for the care of their own locker and the contents.  Food and drinks are not to be stored in the locker with the exception of a daily lunch.  Care should be taken in the handling of lockers since slamming doors allows combinations to slip or damages the opening mechanisms.  Since lockers are the property of the school, the school has the authority to search lockers if there is reasonable suspicion that there might be cause.  A student who finds that his locker is not working properly should report the locker number to the Main Office.

P.E. Lockers

Valuable items such as purses, wallets, cell phones, iPods, etc. are to be kept in students’ assigned school locker. We ask that such items not be taken to physical education classes/lockers as these lockers are not equipped with installed locks; therefore we cannot guarantee the safety/security of such property.   We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.  Students are required to have a lock for their P.E. locker.

 Vending Machines

The vending machines throughout Terre Haute North are open before school and at lunch time.  Only healthy beverage choices are available before or after school.  All group sales are before or after school in the cafeteria.  Unless approved by the Administration, no food or drink is allowed outside the commons area at any time. We are not responsible for any losses that may occur due to vending machine malfunctions.

 Use of School Facilities

All activities involving school facilities or school personnel must be coordinated through the Principal’s Office. Therefore, students are urged to contact the Principal’s Office before making commitments or planning activities.  Activities which appear on the annual calendar may proceed without further permission.  Any and all changes in planned activities must be reported to the Principal’s Office.  The building and various parts of the campus can be utilized after school hours only if a faculty member is present for direct supervision.

School Functions and/or Events
Any event, either individual or group, that involves Vigo County School Corporation students and/or staff or is sponsored by someone who is authorized to represent the Vigo County School Corporation or is an approved activity of any school within the School Corporation or approved by the school board would be considered to be a school function or event. The event does not have to occur on School Corporation owned, rented, or controlled property for it to be a school event. Field trips taken on behalf of the school but are not on school owned, rented or controlled property are still considered to be a school event. In addition, events such as but not limited to athletic events, academic events and competitions of any kind taking place on behalf of the school or sponsored by an organization affiliated with a Vigo County School or with school sponsorship are considered to be school events. Vigo County School Corporation rules will apply to all such functions and events.

WELLNESS POLICY

In May of 2006, the Vigo County School Corporation adopted a Wellness Policy designed to benefit both the students and the staff of the VCSC.  The policy consists of four major components and two appendices.

Nutritional Component

The VCSC recognizes the need for adequate and nourishing food for growth, learning, and the maintenance of good health.  It further recognizes the existence of significant research which indicates that a positive relationship exists between adequate nutrition, good emotional and mental health, academic success, and good behavior.  During activities throughout the school day where food is sold, a nutritional choice should be offered (e.g. fresh fruit or vegetables.)  Also, celebrations involving food should encourage the use of healthy foods and should take place at a time that will least interfere with students eating a nutritious lunch.

Physical Activity Component

The VCSC recognizes the link between food intake, energy expenditure (physical activity / exercise) and good physical health.

Educational Component

The VCSC has taken a proactive role in the area of health, nutrition, and wellness.  We encourage our teachers, faculty, and staff members to promote good health practices, and to encourage our students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

The VCSC promotes a quality health and physical education program, K-12.  A quality health and physical education program includes a documented, planned, and sequential curriculum for students in kindergarten through high school.  Teachers follow the Indiana Academic Standards for Health and Physical Education, as they present the curriculum in their classrooms.  The standards provide a flexible framework of health-related content and skills that the Vigo County School Corporation can use to develop, implement, and assess curricula designed to provide students with the knowledge that they need.  We will strive to meet and / or exceed the goals of the Indiana Health and Physical Education Standards.  The standards are general and apply to all levels of health and physical education from kindergarten through the high school.  (Please see Appendix B for current list of the Indiana Standards for Health and Physical Education.)

In addition to using these standards as a guide for our elementary teachers and our middle and high school health and physical education teachers, the Vigo County School Corporation works very closely with a number of community agencies, who provide supplementary resources and materials relating to health and physical education.  Every year we plan a Health-Issue In-service to provide our teachers with a professional development opportunity to help them become aware of the abundance of community resources in the area of health and physical education.  We also encourage our teachers to seek out other professional development opportunities that will help them strengthen their knowledge and teaching strategies.

It is our hope that through many initiatives, students, faculty, staff, and the entire school community becomes more aware of the importance of good health, nutrition, and wellness.  Quality health and physical education programming includes the involvement of parents, health professionals, and other concerned community members.

To access the V.C.S.C Wellness Policy in its entirety please go to:  https://www.vigoschools.org

Health Clinic

The Health Clinic, under the direction of a registered nurse and staffed by a health assistant, will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. (it will be closed during 3D lunch and students should report to the Deans’ Office with medical problems).  The clinic should be used for the purpose of receiving first-aid treatment for injuries or for illness or to talk with the nurse about an individual health problem.

If you are feeling ill, obtain permission from your classroom teacher to proceed to the Health Clinic.  It is important that the services of the school nurse be used and not abused.  Habitual use of the clinic by an individual will be evidence of the need for that individual to obtain a doctor’s statement.

Health Clinic Rules

1. Students must sign in, sit down, and wait their turn.
2. Students must have a pass from their teacher or come only for Tylenol.
3. Students must have a current health card on file.
4. Students are not allowed to use the phone.
5. A student may be given no more than ten (10) Tylenol per semester.
6. Students will not be allowed to lie down for more than twenty (20) minutes per visit, and may only do so four (4) times per semester.
7. Only numbers listed on the emergency card will be called.
8. Medication may not be left on the desk if no one is in the office.

 Immunizations

Parents should have students immunized according to current state law and students may be excluded from school for non-compliance. A list of required vaccines is posted on the nurses’ page of the V.C.S.C. website. The only objections that the State of Indiana will accept are religious or medical objections. Contact the school nurse for more information.

Medication at School 

The student-parent guide, posted online has rules for bringing medications to school. In general, medications must be brought to school by a parent with doctor’s instructions for administration. Students are not permitted to carry any medication, over the counter or prescription, with them except in accordance with State Law.

 Mental Health

The mental health of every student is of great importance and is something to be taken seriously. All administration and staff are available to students who may need assistance. Students will be directed to seek out resources.

Visit www.BeThe1to.com

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help: 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

American Psychiatric Association Answer Center: 1-888-35-PSYCH(77924)

American Psychological Association Public Education Line: 1-800-964-2000

National Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-442-HOPE(4673)

Treatment Referral Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP

National Cancer Institute Smoking Quitline: 1-877-44U-QUIT(87848)

ATTENDANCE POLICIES AND PRACTICES

 Attendance expectations are set forth to assist students in being successful in school and in life outside of their school experience.  An emphasis on excellent attendance will benefit students as they will have the maximum opportunity for achievement in schools, and they will gain valuable life skills to be used beyond their school experience.  It is anticipated that all students, at one time or another in their lifetime, may be employed and will be expected to be on time and at work each and every day.  It is with this knowledge that the Vigo County School Corporation has established this attendance expectation:  students will be in school and on time each and every day school is in session.  This is an important issue and one that requires the support of parents, the school corporation staff, the Vigo County community, as well as the students themselves.

Guidelines

1. Absences from school, for whatever reason, e.g. family vacation, illness, appointments, visits, etc., will be counted as absences.  Parents, guardians, or emancipated students must call or contact the school about each absence on the date of the absence before 10:00 a.m.  Failure to do so may result in the absence being identified as truancy.

1. Truant absences are identified as:
   1. Failing to attend school or class without the consent of the parent / guardian or school official
   2. Not being in assigned location on the school campus during the school day without approval of appropriate school personnel
   3. A “Habitual Truant” is a student who is truant from school either three times in one semester or four times in a year.
2. The following events, by law and policy, are not absences from school:

1. 1. School sponsored trip
   2. Suspensions from school attendance
   3. Serving as a Page in the Legislature
   4. Working the elections as provided by law and policy
   5. Appearing in court under order of subpoena
   6. Serving on active duty with the Indiana National Guard for not more than 10 days in the school year
   7. Serving as the official representative of the school ( as approved by the principal)
   8. Serving on the State Department of Education Standards Task Force
   9. Hospitalization or incarceration with verified educational services being provided
   10. Accepted for homebound services (student/parents must have a request for homebound services on file, including an approved medical support statement)
   11. College Days – a maximum of 2 college visitation days will be permitted on each of the last two years of high school – additional visitation days must receive prior approval from the school principal or designee
   12. Other: Principal determination (must be documented)

2. Excellent attendance (98% for the year) will be recognized.
3. Documented doctor/dentist/therapist notes will not be included in the calculation of excessive absences.
4. Loss of Credit (High School) – A student may be denied credits after the 8^th absence from school/class in a semester.  Extensions will be provided to students who have documented medical or dental excuses on file.  Notes from health care providers must be received within three school days after the student returns to school.  After the eighth absence, the student and his/her parent/guardian will be notified and may be provided the following options:  1. An attendance contract that provides an opportunity for the student to regain credits based on improved attendance during the current semester; 2. The student may be placed in an alternative educational program (McLean H. S. or Booker T. Washington H. S.); 3.  The student will lose credits for the class if attendance patterns continue.
5. The Vigo County School Corporation expects that principals will use their professional discretion when implementing discipline approaches with individual students.  All appeals will be at the building level.
6. Each school will develop a program to recognize students for excellent school attendance.
7. Tardies to school or class will be dealt with in such a way(s) so as not to negatively impact the school attendance rate.  Calls will be made to the home to encourage the student to be on time and at school each day.  Tardies may result in loss of recess/break time or assignment to a detention or extended school day.
8. Parents, guardians, or emancipated students are to report a student absence by calling the school prior to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.  Failure to call may result in disciplinary action.
9. After each absence the following procedures will be followed:

1. 1. 1. Calls will be made to the home or parent work place each day if the school is not notified by the parent, guardian, or emancipated student on the day of the student absence. The school will use other communication methods if there is no available home/work phone.  All efforts to contact the home will be properly documented.
      2. When possible and/or appropriate, teachers/teams are encouraged to discuss the importance of school attendance with the student.
      3. Students are allowed to make-up appropriate work missed because of any absences with the exception of absences identified as truancies. The work will be included in figuring the student’s grade.  Students/parents must contact the teacher to request the make-up work.  Elementary students will have one week to complete make-up work.  Middle and high school students have three school days after the last absence to complete make-up work.  Special circumstances may be approved by the principal.
      4. When students have been absent for three days, the parent or student may call the counseling office at 812-462-4312 (option #3) to make arrangements. Allow at least 24 hours between request for homework and the time when the assignments and textbooks may be picked up from the counseling office. If the student is going to be absent for less than three days, it is suggested that the student contact classmates for assignments. All teachers may also be reached through email. Faculty email addresses can be found on the North High School website.

10. On the fourth (4^th) and the eighth (8^th) absences, when appropriate, an attendance letter will be mailed to the home informing the parents/guardians regarding the importance of good school attendance and alerting them that serious attendance patterns may be developing.  Schools at each level (elementary, middle and high) will include in this letter pertinent information about possible consequences of continued absences.  The school will keep proper documentation of this communication.
11. On the tenth (10^th) absence, when appropriate, the school will contact the student and the parent/guardian and develop a Waiver that sets the expectations for improved attendance.  Schools at each level (elementary, middle and high) will again share pertinent information about possible additional consequences of continued absences.  The school will keep proper documentation of this communication.
12. On the fifteenth (15^th) absence, when appropriate, in communication with the student and the parent/guardian, the school may involve Child Protective Services, the Juvenile Justice System, and recommend expulsion.  Additionally, driver’s license/permit and work permit may be revoked by the principal after the 15^th absence.

Make-up work is defined as all work that is counted as a grade must be allowed to be made up in some form.  It must be of equal grade value.  Students have the responsibility of requesting make-up work from the teacher within three (3) days upon their return.  A reasonably designated time limit will be set by the teacher as to the due date of any make-up work.  Due to the emphasis on participation in physical education classes, state and local policy may override this definition. The work will be included in figuring the student’s grade.  Students/Parents must contact the teacher to request the make-up work.

Tardies to School

After 8:25 a.m., students must report to the Security Kiosk and check in at the computer then proceed to class. If a student has a note for an excused absence, they should report to the Attendance Office immediately without checking in at the kiosk. A student will face the following disciplinary consequences for tardies to school:  2^nd tardy – 1 detention, 3^rd tardy – 1  detention, 4^th tardy – 1 detention, and 5^th tardy and subsequent tardies – 1 Tuesday Extension.  If you are absent at the conclusion of 1^st hour, you are considered absent, not tardy, and a parent note will need to be given to the Deans’ Office to explain the absence.  Unexcused tardies include oversleeping and no ride to school.

Tardies to Class

Once the bell rings to begin class, students not in the classroom will be marked tardy.

Truancy

A student is considered truant when he or she is not in attendance in school, class, study hall, or other assigned activity, without the permission of parents, legal guardians, and/or designated school official(s).  A student will be considered truant if he or she misses a class for more than fifteen (15) minutes and there have been no previous parental contacts.  Truancy is also when a student is absent and does not make contact with the school.  Truant students may not make up work for credit.

Leaving Before Close of School Day

Students are not to leave the school grounds without a permit from the Attendance Office, Dean’s Office,  or a pass from the Nurse’s Office.  Students violating this policy will be considered truant and thus subject to disciplinary measure.  If a student is on a work-study program, the Assistant Principal will issue a permanent pass at the beginning of each semester.  Once a student arrives on campus he/she may not leave.

Perfect Attendance Program

Students earning perfect attendance each year will be recognized by the school.  Perfect attendance is defined as NO time missed outside of the classroom throughout the course of the school day unless one of the following reasons apply:  School sponsored field trip, college cay, appearing in court under subpoena, serving as a page in the Legislature, serving as the official representative of the school as assigned by the principal or his/her designee.

Please note:

• • Students earning an out of school suspension or who are incarcerated will not be considered for the Perfect Attendance Program.
  • Hospitalizations that cause the student to miss, while unfortunate, do count against the program.
  • It is up to the student to have his/ her attendance reviewed in May each school year to ensure there are no errors, concerns or problems that should be addressed by the school and/ or the student prior to the end of each school year.
  • There are absences that do not count against the regular attendance policy, but do count against the Perfect Attendance Program. They are as follows: death (of a relative, friend, etc.), suspensions from school, working elections, hospitalization, homebound, and/or incarceration.

Final Exam Opt-Out Incentive

All students who miss three or fewer days, are tardy to three or fewer classes, and are passing both six weeks each semester may opt out of one final exam during first and second semesters.  Students not testing but are disruptive during final exams will be tested.  The grade earned on the final exam will be assigned to all students testing; students may not take the exam and opt out of the grade.

Seniors who miss three or fewer days, are tardy to three or fewer classes, and are passing both six weeks in third semester may opt out of all five final exams.  Students not testing but are disruptive during final exams will be tested.  The grade earned on the final exam will be assigned to all students testing; students may not take the exam and opt out of the grade.

Underclassmen who miss three or fewer days, are tardy to three or fewer classes, and are passing both six weeks in third semester may opt out of one final exam.  Students not testing but are disruptive during final exams will be tested.  The grade earned on the final exam will be assigned to all students testing; students may not take the exam and opt out of the grade.

Excused absences*

College visits, school sponsored trips, THN academic and THN athletic competitions, ISS**, AB**, AA**, OSS***, religious, polls, court, and military duties.

During the second to last week of each semester, the dean in charge of attendance will accept student requests to opt out of final exams.  Students will be vetted from attendance reports.  Once students have selected the final by which to be exempt, the dean will email the list to each teacher.  At this time, the teacher will check the list against their absence and tardy records and notify the dean should the student not be eligible to opt-out of that teacher’s final.  The student will be contacted by the dean to select another final exam to opt out of.

*All final determinations must be administrator approved.

**Students assigned to AA, AB, and/or ISS must attend the alternative placement to be excused.

***As considered reasonable by administration.

WORKING STUDENTS

Work Release – NO Early Release

By Indiana State statue all students must have a full class schedule; hence, students may not be granted early release for the purpose of working except those students on an approved vocational program.

Work Permits

Work Permits are issued at each high school.  All students between the ages of 14 and 17 must have a Work Permit in order to work.  A student must have a job before a Work Permit is issued.

1. The first step in securing a Work Permit is to get an “INTENTION TO EMPLOY” card to be filled out by the prospective employer.  These cards may be secured from the Guidance Office at North High School or from the prospective employer.  The “INTENTION TO EMPLOY” card is taken to the employer, who fills it out by listing the student’s name, address, and kind of work that he will do.  The name of the business, address, and signature of the employer are also written on the card.  The student and one of his/her parents must also sign the card.
2. The second step in securing a Work Permit is that the student brings the “INTENTION TO EMPLOY” card, filled out, to the Guidance Office.   If a student changes jobs, another Work Permit is required.

A work permit may be revoked if a student has excessive absences, truancies, or discipline infractions.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING (website)

Counseling

The counseling staff of North High School may be seen in the Guidance Suite.  There are six full-time counselors.

Students are assigned to the counselors according to student last names.

Counselors

Michele Kirby Director of Counseling
Stacey Cavins
Jessica Flynn
Shannon Padget
Joan Ray
Whitney Wiencken

School Counseling Department website:

The counseling staff offers students a variety of services.   Individual and group counseling is available for all students to meet many different kinds of concerns.  Programs and counseling services cover such areas as career awareness, academic counseling, self-awareness, study skills improvement, anger management, cessation of smoking, and post-secondary school information.  Students are encouraged to view their counselors as helping persons and a vital part of their educational growth.  Students will meet their counselors during orientation programs, counseling, classroom functions, or small group activities.  If students would like individual sessions with their counselors, they should simply stop by the Guidance reception area and sign-up on the counselor sign-up sheets.

College Requirements

The college-bound student is advised to examine closely the entrance requirements of the particular college in which he/she is interested.  College information as well as vocational materials may be obtained from bulletins, catalogs, or computer programs maintained in the Guidance Office.  All colleges maintain web sites which can be easily accessed.  Counselors will assist any student indicating a particular college or career interest.

Parents of a college-bound senior must file the FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, before March 10th of the student’s senior year to be considered for state and federal financial assistance.  The FAFSA is used to determine financial need and financial assistance for college expenses.

Testing

Standardized tests are used to aid both the school and the students in determining interest, aptitude, and capability.  Results of the tests should enable students and counselors to plan programs that will help each student reach his/her potential and gain his/her vocational goal. The ASVAB, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, may be administered each spring to students who sign up for the exam.

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is made available to North students in the fall each year.  The National Merit Corporation will use these test scores as a basis for determining students to be honored or for calling high scores to the attention of colleges and other scholarship-granting agencies.

Application forms for the various college entrance tests are available in the Guidance Office.  Students taking the SAT I receive verbal, mathematics, and writing scores.  Students will receive scores in the areas of English, math, reading, science reasoning, and a composite score as a result of the ACT.  North is a test center for the SAT.  A number has been assigned to Terre Haute North for the purpose of identifying the high school of those taking the tests.  This important number for North is 153415; it should appear on all test applications.  College-bound students should plan to take the SAT or ACT in the spring of their junior year.  Students may retake the tests as many times as they wish.

Additional standardized testing that takes place during the academic year includes Advanced Placement tests in all subject areas, End-of-Course Assessment exams in the core areas, and the ISTEP+ Graduation Qualifying Exam.

NOTE:  Specific dates for administration of these college entrance tests will be announced by separate bulletin.  It is the responsibility of the student and parents to work closely with the counselors to ascertain the required test, test dates, and to make application to take them before registration deadlines.  Registration deadlines are usually five weeks before the test date.  Students and parents may find career, college, and financial aid information at icpac.indiana.edu.

 Change of Schedule

Student schedules are considered complete when “final schedules” are presented to students/parents.  Changes will only be made in the first five days of each semester to resolve an error, to respond to course failures, to expunge a grade, to respond to course/diploma requirements, or to upgrade a schedule.

Withdrawal Procedures

Students withdrawing from school should inform the registrar prior to their last day of attendance.  The circumstances of and permission for the withdrawal must be verified by a parent or guardian.  A form must be signed by each of the student’s classroom teachers and other personnel indicated on the form in order to insure the student an orderly and expeditious withdrawal.  Students under the age of 18 who wish to withdraw must have an exit interview in the Deans’ Office.  Parent and student must both sign exit interview forms.

Rose-Hulman’s Homework Hotline

Rose-Hulman offers free math and science help that is available from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday (Eastern Standard Time).  Students may call toll free 1-877-ASK-ROSE or online at

www.AskRose.org

GRADING POLICIES AND PRACTICES

Access to Instructional Materials

The list of corporation-wide adopted texts and basic core instructional materials, as well as the novel list, will be available at or near the beginning of the school year in a designated area at each school.  If a parent has a concern about instructional material(s) or book(s) selected by his/her child’s teacher for an instructional assignment, the parent must contact the teacher and present this concern in writing.  At no time during the parent concern process will the student be forced to participate in the questioned assignment.  Grading for an alternative assignment will be equivalent to that for the original assignment.  The policy in its entirety is available in the Main Office.

Computer Access

The Vigo County School Corporation provides network access to every VCSC student and employee, subject to the terms and conditions of policy IIBG in the VCSC Board Policy Handbook.  The purpose of the access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education.  Use of such resources is a privilege, not a right.  Students utilizing VCSC networks and Internet access must first have the permission of the VCSC’s professional staff.  The Unauthorized or inappropriate use, including any violation of these guidelines, may result in the cancellation of the privilege, disciplinary action consistent with the Student Handbook, and/or civil or criminal liability.  Parents and guardians have the option of requesting for their children alternative activities not requiring network or Internet use.  Such a request should be submitted to the building principal in writing.

Class Designation

For all students entering ninth grade, class designation is determined by the number of credits earned.  The following shows how many credits are needed to be regarded a certain grade level:

Number of Credits	Class Designation
0-9	Freshman
10-19	Sophomore
20-32	Junior
33 or more	Senior

Beginning with students entering ninth grade in 2007 and after, students who do not earn enough credits during a school year to move to the next class designation may be required to attend summer school in order to try to recover some of the missing credits.

Class Load

Any student registered at North must carry a minimum of four full-credit courses. 

Graduation Requirements

Each student must complete 48 credits of high school work.  The 48 credits must consist of 22 elective credits and 26 required credits.  Specific requirements for the general diploma, the Core 40 diploma, the Core 40 diploma with academic honors, the Core 40 diploma with technical honors, and course descriptions are detailed in the Curriculum/Student Planning Book.  Students wishing to graduate early must schedule it with their counselor 14 weeks prior to their date of early graduation, and they must have passed their Algebra I and English 10 ECA’s.  Graduates are required to fulfill all obligations of discipline before the end of their last semester.  Failure to do so will result in possible non-participation in graduation ceremonies and or any other extracurricular activities such as prom, etc.

Academic Integrity

Dishonesty about one’s academic work undermines both personal and academic integrity and is contrary to the high standards of excellence we have at North High School.  Therefore, cheating by students cannot be taken lightly or go unaddressed.  Sharing or copying work is two examples of cheating.  Teachers will review academic honesty policies with their students at the beginning of the school year and/or semester.  Individual department policies, such as those in the English and Business Departments, will address academic honesty with more specificity.

Grades

Letter grades are given in all classes.  A letter grade is computed from a numerical average.  The computer center of the V.C.S.C. will take the letter grades provided by the classroom teacher (two period grades and the final exam grade) and average them in the following manner for the Term Grade; each six-weeks grade is weighted equally and the final term exam accounts for 20% of the term grade.  The following numerical values are assigned to term letter grades:

A	4.00	B-	2.67	D+	1.33
A-	3.67	C+	2.33	D	1.00
B+	3.33	C	2.00	D-	0.67
B	3.00	C-	1.67	F	0.00

Grade Values

Only the term grades are posted on students’ official transcripts and thereby become official.  Term grades are used to determine a student’s cumulative grade point average.  The cumulative grade point average is used to determine class rank.

 Grading Periods

There are two grading periods each term or six for the school year.  There are three terms for the school year.  Each term is approximately 12 weeks in length.

Honor Roll

At the close of each grading period, the Honor Roll is prepared and published.  Honor Roll eligibility is based on a grade average in all credit subjects.  The student must be enrolled in a minimum of four classes, not including pass/fail.  A student must maintain a 3.00 grade point average to qualify for honors and have no grade lower than a “C”.  The following grade point average determines honor status:

3.85-4.00	Exceptional Honors
3.50-3.84	High Honors
3.00-3.49	Regular Honors

Term Exams

During the final days of each term, time is set aside for the administration of term examinations in all classes. The term grade is an average of the two grading period grades and the final exam.  Once final exams begin, no other tests can be given.

Class Rank

Rank in class is based on the cumulative grade point average and is computed at the end of each term. Cumulative grade point averages for students in a given class are placed in order from high to low with the highest Grade Point Average given the rank of 1 and the lowest Grade Point Average given the rank equal to the number of students in that class.  A student’s class rank is determined by where his/ her Grade Point Average falls in the ranking. Students to be included in the class ranking will have earned at least half of their credits at an accredited high school. Foreign exchange students will not earn a class ranking. Students with a pass on their mark history cannot be included in rank.

A student who may be eligible to earn the Valedictorian or Salutatorian designation should work closely with his/ her counselor to ensure a full schedule of classes at the school is taken each semester. Taking courses off site or not for credit can impact the Valedictorian or Salutatorian designation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination Under Section 504/Title II

The policy of the Vigo County School Corporation is that there will be no discrimination made on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or handicap in the educational services or activities which it supports.

The School Corporation does not discriminate on the basic of disability or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. The School Corporation will comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973(“Section 504”), 29 U.S.C. § 794, and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 104, or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“Title II”), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12134, and it’s implementing regulations at 28 C.F.R. Part 35, in the operation of its schools and facilities.

Questions regarding implementation of this policy or regarding 504 or Title II should be directed to the School Corporation’s Section 504/Title II Coordinator:

For Students, please contact:

Tom Balitewicz
Director of Student Services
Telephone: (812) 462-4224
Email: tfb@vigoschools.org
For employees, please contact:
Stacy Mason
Director of Human Resources
Telephone:  (812)-462-4404
Email:  slm8@vigoschools.org

By mail for Dr. Balitewicz or Mra. Mason:
Vigo County School Corporation, 686 Wabash Avenue Terre Haute, IN 47807, or P.O. Box 3703 Terre Haute, IN 47803

The school corporation may release certain “directory information,” which means information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed and which includes, but is not limited to, the student’s name, address, parents’ names and their home and work telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, major field of study, participation in official recognized activities and sports, height and weight of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received, teacher-selected student work with no grades displayed, pictures or video images not used in a disciplinary manner, hair and eye color, race, sex, date of birth, height, weight, grade level, and other similar information, without consent to media organizations (including radio, television, and newspaper), colleges, civic or school-related organizations, military recruiters and state or local governmental agencies.

Parents of a student less than 18 years of age or of a student who is at least 18 years of age desiring to object to disclosure of any or certain of the categories of directory information should request form JO-E (Denial of permission to Release Certain Directory Information Without Prior Written Consent) from the superintendent’s office.

An objecting parent or student may use form JO-E to deny consent for release of all directory information, or he/she may selectively deny consent by circling those categories of directory information he/she does not wish released.

Building principals shall ensure that parents are informed of their right to object to the release of directory information and that they may have on file such objections at any time during the school year.

Adopted: July 11, 2011
VIGO COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION
TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA
File:  ___JF__ (pp. 31- 43)

 

Final Exam Opt-Out Incentive

All students who miss three or fewer days, are tardy to three or fewer classes, and are passing both six weeks each semester may opt out of one final exam during first and second semesters.  Students not testing but are disruptive during final exams will be tested.  The grade earned on the final exam will be assigned to all students testing; students may not take the exam and opt out of the grade.

Seniors who miss three or fewer days, are tardy to three or fewer classes, and are passing both six weeks in third semester may opt out of all five final exams.  Students not testing but are disruptive during final exams will be tested.  The grade earned on the final exam will be assigned to all students testing; students may not take the exam and opt out of the grade.

Underclassmen who miss three or fewer days, are tardy to three or fewer classes, and are passing both grading periods may opt out of one final exam.  Students not testing but are disruptive during final exams will be tested.  The grade earned on the final exam will be assigned to all students testing; students may not take the exam and opt out of the grade.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This section is intended, in general terms, to describe some of the rights and responsibilities of students in the Vigo County School Corporation and to set forth appropriate regulations governing student behavior.

In order to function properly, public school education must provide equal learning opportunities for all students.  In order for an individual to exercise his/her individual rights as afforded by our Federal and State Constitutions, he/she must be able to exercise self-discipline which will allow all individuals equal opportunities.  The basic foundation and success of public school education depends greatly on self-discipline.

In addition to the general curriculum, principles and practices of appropriate behavior must be present and modeled.  This includes an acceptance of the rights of all individuals however no individual school or school system can discharge these responsibilities if it allows students to act in an objectionable manner or to disregard rules, regulations and laws adopted for the benefit and safety of all persons.

The responsibility for the development and enforcement of rules and regulations for the protection and safety of individuals, in the school, is delegated by the Board of School Trustees to staff members within the School Corporation.  The purpose of these rules and regulations is to help create an atmosphere that promotes the best possible learning and safe environment for all those involved in the educational process The “Title IX Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer” for the Vigo County School Corporation can be contacted in the following manner:

Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer:
Dr. Thomas F. Balitewicz
Email: Thomas.Balitewicz@vigoschools.org Telephone: 812-462-4224
Mailing Address:
Attn: Title IX Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer Vigo County School Corporation
686 Wabash Ave. Terre Haute, IN 47807

Students live and function, as do adults, in the general community.  As citizens, students are entitled to our society’s benefits; but, as citizens, they are subject to its national, state, and local laws and rules governing the various aspects of their behavior.

In the same manner, students live and function in the school community.  The benefits of public education are available to all students, but in order to acquire these benefits, the individual must abide by laws, rules and regulations.  In order for the educational process to function adequately and provide programs of diversity and challenge, there must be an orderly and manageable framework within which each individual can function.

 

Except for Rule XXIII noted below, the rules and standards set forth in this policy apply to behavior on school grounds immediately before or during school hours, or immediately after school hours, or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group; off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event or traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event of any kind.  (See definition of school functions and events in JF Attachment below).  This policy does not define all types and aspects of student behavior; however, the Board of School Trustees has the responsibility to set forth policies, rules and regulations to help each student conduct his/her behavior in a safe and acceptable manner.

The Board of School Trustees and the Superintendent of schools may establish written policies, rules and regulations of general application governing student behavior in all schools.  In addition, each principal, within his or her school, may establish certain written rules, regulations and consequences not inconsistent with those established by the Board and the Superintendent.  Additionally, school officials may find it necessary to remove a student from the school; in this event, the Board of School Trustees authorizes administrators and staff members to take the following action:

Rights of Privacy

In accordance with federal law, the school cannot release student records without permission.  Prior to age 18, parents or guardians furnish permission.  After age 18, the student provides permission.  Since the school is frequently asked to provide grades and attendance by employers, colleges, etc., it is necessary for students to have on file a release form properly signed.

Valuables

Students are discouraged from bringing valuables and large sums of money to school since the school cannot assume responsibility for any loss.

Delivery of Flowers/Gifts

North High School is no longer able to accept delivery of flowers, gifts, etc. for students during the day.  Items such as books, lunch, money, practice equipment, etc. may be brought in to the main office for student pickup.

Removal from Class or Activity

A middle school or high school teacher will have the right to remove a student from his/her class or activity for a period of up to one (1) school day if the student is assigned regular or additional work to be completed in another school setting.  If a teacher removes a student for more than one day, said removal shall be contingent upon mutual agreement with the teacher and the principal or principal designee.

An elementary teacher will have the right to remove a student from his/her classroom or activity for a period of up to one (1) school day if the student is assigned regular or additional work to be completed in another school setting.

Suspension from School – Principal

A school principal (or designee) may deny a student the right to attend school or take part in any school function for a period of up to ten (10) school days.  Suspension from school may also result in a loss of the driver’s license.

Short Term Suspension

Any principal/designee may deny a student the right to attend school or to take part in school functions for a period of up to ten (10) school days.  Such short-term suspension shall be made solely after the principal has made an investigation thereof and has determined that such suspension is necessary to help any student, to further school purposes, or to prevent interference therewith.  No short-term suspension shall be made without affording the student an opportunity for an informal hearing.

At the informal hearing the student is entitled to:

1. A written or oral statement of the charges against him.
2. If he denies the charges, a summary of the evidence against him.
3. An opportunity to explain his conduct.

Notice and the informal hearing shall precede suspension of the student except where the nature of the misconduct requires immediate removal.  In such a situation, the notice and informal hearing shall follow as soon as reasonably possible after the suspension.

Within twenty-four (24) hours or such additional time as is reasonably necessary following such suspension, the principal/designee shall send a written statement to the student’s parents describing the student’s conduct, misconduct, or violation of any rule or standard and the reasons for the action taken.  The principal/designee shall make a reasonable effort to hold a conference with the parent before or at the time the student returns to school.

Suspension and Right to Hearing

1. If a student is to face disciplinary action which could result in his suspension from school for a period greater than ten (10) school days, or for the balance of the semester, or for the balance of the school year, or for summer school, or for the balance of the school year and the first semester of the following school year, he shall be notified of this fact. Under policies, rules, and regulations adopted by the Board of School Trustees, that student will be given the opportunity to have a hearing in front of an impartial determiner of fact called a “Hearing Examiner”.  That student will be entitled to bring with him/her a representative of choice and will be entitled to hear specific evidence against him, to respond, explain, and defend him or herself, and to produce witnesses on his/her behalf.  The procedures to be followed in the event of such a hearing will be presented in writing to the student and/or his/her parents sufficiently in advance of the hearing to enable the student and his/her parents to reasonably prepare for the hearing. An attorney is not required, but if the parent chooses to engage the services of an attorney, the attorney will act only as an advisor and may not be present in the hearing room.  The attorney may be available in a nearby location on the premises for consultation if necessary. 
2. The student may be suspended by the hearing examiner until the date of the expulsion or exclusion hearing if in response to a formal request by the principal/designee the hearing examiner determines that his/her suspension is necessary.

Expulsion

In accordance with the due process procedures defined in this policy, a student may be expelled from school for a period no longer than the remainder of the current semester plus the following semester possibly including summer school, with the exception of a violation of rule 15 listed under the grounds for Suspension and Expulsion in this policy.  Expulsion will also result in a report to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles recommending the denial of a learner’s permit or invalidating a learner’s permit or driver’s license.

Expulsion Procedures

When a principal/designee recommends to the Superintendent /designee that a student be expelled from school, the following procedures will be followed:

1. A Superintendent of a school corporation may conduct an expulsion meeting or appoint one of the following to conduct an expulsion meeting.
2. Legal counsel.
3. A member of the administrative staff; if the member has not expelled the student during the current school year and was not involved in the events giving rise to the expulsion.
4. An expulsion will not take place until the student and the student’s parent are requested to appear at an expulsion meeting conducted by the Superintendent or the designee. Failure by a student or a student’s parent to request or appear at this meeting will be deemed a waiver of rights administratively to contest the expulsion or to appeal it to the School Board
5. The notice of the right to appear to appear at the expulsion meeting will be in writing, delivered by certified mail or by personal delivery, and contain the reasons for the expulsion and the date, time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
6. At the expulsion meeting, the principal or designee will present evidence to support the charges against the student. The student or parent will have the opportunity to answer the charges against the student and to present evidence to support the student’s position.
7. If an expulsion meeting is held, the person conducting the expulsion meeting will make a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting, take any action found to be appropriate, and give notice of the action taken to the student and the student’s parent.

According to the Indiana School Boards Association Manual, a School Board must determine ahead of time whether or not it will hear all appeals or no appeals   for the school year.   The VCSC Board of School Trustees has decided to hear appeals until further notice.  The student or parent therefore has the right to appeal the decision of the person conducting the expulsion meeting to the School Board within 10 days of the receipt of notice of the action taken.  The student or parent appeal to the School Board must be in writing.  If an appeal is properly made, the   will consider the written summary of the expulsion meeting and the arguments of both the school administration and the student and/or the student’s parent.  The Board will then take any action deemed appropriate.

***NOTE:  SEE JF ATTACHMENT FOR DEFINITION OF SCHOOL EVENTS AND FUNCTIONS.

JF: ATTACHMENT

DISCIPLINE POLICIES AND PRACTICES

Offense	Handled By	Disciplinary Consequence
Tardies	Teacher/Dean/Admin	Range of Detention – Tuesday Extension, Out of School Suspension – Parent conference depending on number of offenses – Progressive
Truancy, Improper Parking, On parking w/o permission, Failure to serve detentions, Forging note or pass, Leaving school w/o permission, Locker Sharing, Failure to return cafeteria trays, Throwing food in cafeteria.  Out of assigned area (Truancy is defined as a partial period or an entire day)	Dean/Admin	Progressive – Tuesday Extension through of Expulsion or Recommendation for Expulsion Out of School Suspension – Probation in Place
Tobacco – Use or Possession on School Property or School Related Functions Starting January 1, 2002, as it is illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to possess tobacco products, disciplinary action for the violation of the IC 35-46-1-10.5 (illegal possession or use of tobacco products) on school premises or school sponsored events will results in a referral to local law enforcement.	Dean/Admin (VCSC Board Policy)	1st Offense – 1 to 3 days alternate placement and if under 18 years of age, principal will report the offense to law enforcement.  The principal or designee may substitute school/community service in place of Alternative placement for the first offense. 2nd Offense- 3 to 5 days suspension and, if under 18 years of age, principal will report the offense to law enforcement. 3rd (or more) offense 5 to 10 days for each violation and, if under 18 years of age, principal will report the offense to law enforcement.
Disruptive, Inappropriate behavior including use of Profanity/Obscenities/ Inappropriate language/Racial comments or slurs.  Threatening or intimidating another student.  Sexual harassment – Inappropriate displays of affection such as kissing are unacceptable anytime on school grounds.  Holding hands is an acceptable form of affection; consoling or greeting a friend with a brief hug is also acceptable.	Teacher/Dean/Admin	Detentions through Out of School Suspension, Probation in Place of Expulsion Recommendation for expulsion & possible
Trespassing at another school	Dean/Admin.	Minimum of 2 Tuesday Extensions with possible arrest
Fighting/Stealing/ Vandalism/Fireworks Inappropriate computer access	Dean/Admin.	Out of school suspension, Probation in Place of Expulsion, Possible Recommendation for Expulsion and Referral to Law Enforcement Agency
Failure to follow directives of staff	Dean/Admin	Detention through Out of School Suspension, Probation in Place of Expulsion, Possible Recommendation for Expulsion, Referral to Law Enforcement Agency
A student may possess a cell phone/paging device in school, on school property, at after school activities, and at school related functions, provided that during school hours* and on school bus* the cell phone/paging device remains off and out of sight.  When directed by a staff member during a school crisis/emergency or even at an after school event cell phones/pagers must be turned off.  A student possessing a cell phone/page device shall assume responsibility for its care.  At no time will the VCSC be responsible for preventing theft, loss, or damage to cell phones/paging devices brought onto its property.	Dean/Admin.	1st Offense** – on the first offense have the cell phone/pager confiscated.  The phone will be made available to the parent at the end 2nd Offense** – on the second offense have the cell phone/pager confiscated.  The student will be directed not to have such device on a school bus or in school during the school day for the remainder of the school year.  Parent/guardian may be contacted to pick up the cell phone/pager.  The cell phone will be made available to the parent for pick up.  The student will be given an extended day and/or an in-school detention. **Additional consequences will be assessed for continued violation in accordance with student rights and responsibilities (suspension and expulsion may be recommended).  As with dealing with any violation of Corporation or school rules.  Significance of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record may impact the level of disciplinary action the school finds appropriate to impose.
Gang Signs or Paraphernalia/Graffiti	Dean/Admin	Out of School Suspension.  Probation in Place of Expulsion through Recommendation for Expulsion.
Possess, use, or be under the influence of any substance which is, looks like, or which is or was represented to be marijuana, alcoholic beverage, “non-alcohol” beer or wine, substance contacting phenylpropanolamine (P.P.A.), steroid, stimulant, depressant, or intoxicant of any kind or any medication not as a prescription drug or any over the counter substance that may impair the physical or mental function of an individual, or any device used in association with these substances.	Dean/Admin (Per VCSC Policy)	Recommendation for Expulsion or 5-10 days Out of School-Suspension with Screenings and Alcohol/Drug Education Program-Referral to Law Enforcement Agency or Alternative to Expulsion Policy JF-R
*Provide or transmit to another person any of the prohibited substances or items listed directly above. *Threatening, attempting to cause physical injury or harm to any teacher, school employee, or visitor on school grounds or any school function.  Possession, use or transmitting any weapon, Firearm/Look-Alike.	Dean/Admin (Per VCSC Zero Tolerance Policy)	5-10 day out of school suspension with recommendation for expulsion and referral to Law Enforcement Agency

Adoption Date: December 8, 1976; Revised: July 28,1982; June 24, 1985; July 28, 1986; July 17, 1992; November 14, 1994; March 13, 1995; July 17, 1995; October 28, 1996; July 14, 1997; March 23, 1998, May 10, 2004, July 11, 2011

*See School Board Policy JF and Restrictions JR-R.

NOTE:  In general, Yearly total of Tuesday Extensions per student will be limited to six (6).  Students may receive up to twelve (12)  AE and six (6) TE will be placed on a PIPE and/or suspended.  Failure to serve Tuesday Extension without prior approval will result in a 3-Day Out of School Suspension.  In general after the second out of school suspension, more discipline will follow.

Zero Tolerance 

The Board of School Trustees hereby adopts a policy of Zero Tolerance for those specific acts of misconduct identified in this policy by an asterisk (*).  All middle and high school principals who have preliminarily found that a student has committed one or more of those specific acts of misconduct shall suspend such student from school in the manner provided hereinafter in this policy and by Indiana law.  The principal shall file a written charge with the Hearing Officer requesting that the student be expelled from school for the maximum period permitted by Indiana law or Federal law, whichever is greater.  All elementary principals may exercise their individual discretion whether or not to exercise this action regarding filing an expulsion request for all rules, with the exception of Rule XV(a), relative to possession of a firearm or **destructive device.  When filing an expulsion request, the principal shall forward a written charge requesting the Hearing Officer to expel from school for the maximum period permitted by Indiana law or Federal law, whichever is greater.

Prohibited Conduct

Any conduct which causes or which creates a reasonable likelihood that it will cause a disruption in or interference with a school function or activity on school grounds and off school grounds; traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or that interferes or creates a reasonable likelihood that it will interfere with the health, safety, or well-being or the rights of other students is prohibited.

Nothing herein is intended to restrict the exercise of legitimate First Amendment rights.  Should a student become involved in an incident that is clearly independent of school function, the responsibility and jurisdiction lies with the parent, guardian, or the local law enforcement agency.  Exceptions will be investigated on a case by case basis to determine if there is sufficient information to establish that an incident is related to or interferes with school functions or activities; or poses a threat to staff or students.  If such investigation supports a relationship, suspension and/or expulsion procedures may be implemented.

The preceding standard is a general standard that should be used as a guide by all students.  Not all acts of misconduct can be itemized in this section.  The following is an enumeration of some of the main areas of conduct which may lead to disciplinary action, including possible expulsion from school for a period in excess of ten (10) school days which would be no longer than the remainder of the current semester plus the following semester possibly including summer school, with the exception of a violation of Rule XV(a) listed under the grounds for Suspension and Expulsion in this policy which carries a mandatory twelve (12) calendar month expulsion.

Grounds for Suspension or Expulsion

Rule I *	Provide, or transmit to another person, offering to sell or agreeing to purchase any substance which is, looks like, or which is or was represented to be marijuana, alcoholic beverage, “non-alcoholic” beer or wine, caffeine based substances other than beverages, substance containing alcohol, substance containing phenylpropanolamine (P.P.A.), steroid, stimulant, depressant, or intoxicant of any kind or any medication not specifically prescribed for that individual as a prescription drug or any over the counter substance that may impair the physical or mental function of an individual.
Rule II	Possess, use or be under the influence of any substance which is, looks like, or which is or was represented to be marijuana, alcoholic beverage, “non-alcoholic” beer or wine, substance containing alcohol,  caffeine based substances other than beverages, substance containing phenylpropanolamine (P.P.A.), steroid,  hallucinogenic  drug, stimulant, depressant, or intoxicant of any kind or any medication not specifically prescribed for that individual as a prescription drug or any over the counter substance that may impair the physical or mental function of an individual. a. Exception to Rule II: “see medication at school” section. The student has an acute or chronic disease or medical condition for which the physician has prescribed medication. The nature of the disease or medical condition requires emergency administration of the prescribed medication. The student has been instructed in how to self-administer the prescribed medication. That the student has an acute or chronic disease or medical condition for which the physician has prescribed medication.
Rule III	Possess any instrument, device or other object which the student who possesses the same intends to use for:  (a)  introducing into the human body of any of the prohibited substances set forth in I. above or any paraphernalia used in connection with any of the listed substances; (b)  testing the strength, effectiveness, quantity or quality of a prohibited substance set forth in I. above; or  (c)  enhancing The effect of a prohibited substance set forth in I. above.
Rule IV *	Transmit or provide to any person any instrument, device, or other object which the transmitter or provider intends to be used for:  (a) introducing into the human body any of the prohibited substances set forth in I. above; (b) testing the strength, effectiveness, quantity, or quality of a prohibited substance set forth in I. above; or (c) enhancing the effect of a prohibited substance set forth in I. above.
Rule V	Transmit or provide to any person any instrument, device, or other object which the transmitter or provider intends to be used for: (a) introducing into the human body any of the prohibited substances set forth in I. above; (b) testing the strength, effectiveness, quantity, or quality of a prohibited substance set forth in I. above; or (c) enhancing the effect of a prohibited substance set forth in I. above.
Rule VI  *	Involvement in any conduct on school premises or during a school function or event which violates local, state, or federal law, where such conduct or the likelihood of engaging in such conduct poses a clear and present danger to the health, welfare, or safety of Teachers, or other employees, or visitors.
Rule VII	Engaging in any activity forbidden by the laws of Indiana that constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
Rule VIII	A. Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property, stealing or attempting to steal school property. B. Causing or attempting to cause damage to private property, stealing or attempting to steal private property if done on school grounds, at a school event, or when such action causes an interference or disruption in the operation of the school.
Rule IX *	Causing, planning, or attempting to cause physical injury or harm to any teacher or other school employee or visitor on school grounds or during a school function or event. Prohibited violent or threatening conduct includes threatening, planning or conspiring with others to engage in a violent activity. The principal may involve law enforcement when necessary   Any eligible special education or Section 504 eligible student shall be afforded the protection guaranteed by applicable state and federal statutes.
Rule X	Causing or attempting to cause physical injury or harm to any student on school grounds or during a school function or event****.
Rule XI *	Threatening or intimidating any teacher or other school employee or visitor regardless of whether there is a present ability to commit the act.
Rule XII	Threatening or intimidating any student regardless of whether there is a present ability to commit the act, or otherwise engaging in any bullying activity as defined in Vigo County School Corporation Board Policy.
Rule XIII *	Interfering with school purposes or with the orderly operation of the school by using, threatening to use, or counseling other persons to use violence, force, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, or Disruptive means.
Rule XIV *	Possessing, using or transmitting any object that in fact or under the circumstances can reasonably be considered to constitute a weapon.
Rule XV (a) *	Possessing, handling or transmitting any firearm or **destructive device on school property. Violation of Rule XV (a) requires a twelve calendar month removal from school.  The twelve calendar month penalty will begin on the date of the first day of suspension from school for the violation with the return of the student occurring at the start of the next term following the year expulsion period.  School administrative officials will immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when a student engages in behavior described in this rule. . The following constitute some but not all devices that are considered to be a firearm as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code: any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any weapon described above; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; any destructive device which is an explosive, incendiary, or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or any similar device; any weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter; any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device described in the two immediately preceding Examples, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled. **For the purposes of this rule, a destructive device is: explosive, incendiary, or overpressure device that is configured as a bomb, a grenade, a rocket with a propellant charge of more than four ounces, a missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, a Molotov cocktail or a device that is substantially similar to an item described above; a type of weapon that may be readily converted to expel a projective by the action of an explosive or other propellant through a barrel that has a bore diameter of more than one-half inch; a combination of parts designed or intended for use in the conversion of a device into a destructive device. A destructive device is NOT a device that although originally designed for use as a weapon, is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device.
Rule XV (b)	Possessing, handling or transmitting (a) ***deadly weapon on school property. Violation of Rule XV (b) results in up to 10 days suspension and expulsion from school for a period of up to one calendar year.  School administrative officials will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when a student engages in behavior described in this rule. *** For the purpose of this rule, a deadly weapon is defined as any weapon, Taser or electronic stun weapon, device, material, substance or animal capable of causing serious bodily injury and used in the commission or attempted commission of a crime.
Rule XVI	Refusal or failure to comply with the state and local attendance laws, including, but not limited to, truancy from specific classes and tardiness to school in general or to specific classes.  Failure to comply will result for those eligible individuals and or families in referral to the Division of Children and Family Services with the possibility of loss of benefits.
Rule XVII	Gambling on school premises or at school events.
Rule XVIII	Failing to comply with possession, smoking, or use of tobacco restrictions as established by local and state officials and School Board policy. Student possession, use ,distribution, purchase or sale of tobacco or nicotine containing products  including nicotine delivering devices, electronic cigarettes or other innovations or simulated or real tobacco use on school grounds, at school events or in school buses is prohibited. This includes the use of vapor cigarettes or any other device that represents the use of a cigarette.
Rule XIX	Failure to comply with the directions of teachers, student teachers, principals or other authorized school personnel where the failure constitutes an interference with school purposes.  This shall include, but not be limited to failing to completely and truthfully respond to questions from a staff member regarding school-related matters.  This includes potential violations of student conduct or state and federal law.
Rule XX	Repeated violation of any rules or regulations governing student conduct.
Rule XXI	Subject to the lawful exercise of First Amendment rights, participating in any activity which substantially disrupts or materially interferes with, or is likely to so disrupt or interfere with any school function, activity, or purpose such as: a.  Occupying any school building, school grounds or part thereof with      intent to deprive others of its use. b.  Blocking the entrance or exits of any school building or corridor or room therein with intent to deprive others of lawful access to or from, or use of the building, corridor, or room. c.  Setting fire to or damaging any school building or property. d.  Prevention of or attempting to prevent by physical act the convening or continued functioning of any school or education function, or of any meeting or assembly on school property. e.  Intentionally making noise or acting in any manner so as to interfere with the ability of any teacher or any other person to conduct or participate in an education function.
Rule XXII	Dressing or grooming in a manner which presents a clear danger to a student’s health and safety or in a manner which causes an interference with schoolwork or creates a classroom or school disruption.
Rule XXIII	Engaging in unlawful activity on or off school grounds when school is or is not in session if the unlawful activity may reasonably be considered to be an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or the student’s removal is necessary to restore order or protect persons on school property.
Rule XXIV	Inappropriate/unlawful use of a cell phone/paging device or camera. (See cell phone rules on Vigo Schools website and/or school handbooks). “Sexting” or using a cell phone or other personal communication device to possess, send text or email messages and/or post messages, pictures and/or videos on all social suspected to violate criminal laws will be referred to law enforcement authorities.  Media containing images reasonably interpreted as indecent or sexual in nature. Students should be aware that any images suspected to violate criminal laws will be referred to law enforcement authorities.
Rule XXV	Engaging in sexual harassment of another person, which includes sexually-related verbal statements, gestures, or physical contact.
Rule XXVI	Engaging in voluntary or consensual sexually-related contact with another person.
Rule XXVII	Engaging in speech or conduct, including clothing, jewelry, or hairstyle, which is profane, indecent, lewd, vulgar, or refers to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, sex or illegal activity or offensive to school purposes.
Rule XXVIII	Failing to report the actions or plans of another person (s) to a teacher or administrator where those actions or plans, if carried out, could result in harm to another person or persons or damage property when the student has such information about such plans.
Rule XXIX	Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.
Rule XXX	Possessing sexually-related materials which include images displaying uncovered breasts, genitals or buttocks.
Rule XXXI	Engaging in pranks or other similar activity that could result in harm to another person or would disrupt the safe and effective learning environment.
Rule XXXII	Any student conduct rule that the school building principal establishes and gives notice to students and parents.
Rule XXXIII	Participating in a gang activity or being a member of a gang or using gang signs or insignias including wearing of gang related clothing, showing gang colors or using gang graffiti including on personal notebooks within the school zone. “Gang Activity” is defined as- a student who knowingly or intentionally actively participates in a criminal gang, or a student who knowingly or intentionally solicits, recruits, entices, or intimidates another individual to join a criminal gang. Please refer to policy JFB for additional details and information.
Rule XXXI:V	Violating the bullying policy of the VCSC or of State Laws enacted to restrict bullying by any means including but not limited to electronic, physical, psychological and social means.  The bullying behavior is prohibited regardless of the physical location that the behavior is committed when the student committing the bullying attends a school with the targeted student. This rule applies when such behavior is likely to interfere with the rights of other students to safe and secure learning environment.

Any student may be suspended from school.  This includes conduct off school property if the student’s presence in school would constitute an interference with an educational function or school purpose.

The superintendent, principal, administrative personnel, any teacher, or any other person authorized to be in charge of a school function or event, including, but not limited to, bus drivers in the course of conveying students to and from school or school functions, are authorized to take such action in connection with student behavior as is reasonably desirable or necessary.  Such action shall be taken to help any student, to further school purposes, or to prevent an interference therewith including, but not limited to, counseling, parent conferences, assignment of additional work, rearrangement of class schedules, requiring the student to remain in school after regular school hours, or restriction of extracurricular activity.

Detention

Just as the school has policies and regulations covering its operation, so do classrooms and study halls have regulations.  Whereas the Principal, Assistant Principals, and Deans are responsible for the general conduct of the student body, the classroom teacher is responsible for enforcing the regulations of the classroom and halls as well as the school.  To assist the teacher in these duties, the school has established Detention Halls before and after school.  A student whose conduct warrants detention may serve one or two a day until the assigned detentions have been served.  The early hall begins at 7:35 a.m. and ends at 8:05 a.m.  The late hall begins at 3:25 p.m. and ends at 3:55 p.m.  Double detentions may be served on Monday thru Friday from 3:25 p.m. until 4:25.  Any accumulation of detention periods or refusal to serve may, upon review by the Principal or Dean, result in Tuesday Extension.  Although detentions are issued for incidental misconduct or excessive tardies, it should be understood that the Administrators, Deans, or Teachers may handle a given situation quite differently.

Students assigned to Detentions will receive a form on which the Hall supervisor will indicate date and time served.  The Supervisor may refuse to sign the form if: 1) student is late in reporting, 2) reports without regular class work to do, or 3) in any way disrupts the other students serving detentions.

Tuesday Extension

Another manner of handling more serious behavior problems is to assign Tuesday Extension.  The student reports to Room 316 at 3:30 p.m. and remains under constant supervision until 5:30 p.m.  Students are responsible for gathering class assignments and proper materials needed for the two hour study periods.  If a student does not report to Tuesday Extension, the Student will receive one (1) day of Alternative Placement unless there is a doctor verification of illness from the student upon his/her return to school.  If a student needs to reschedule a Tuesday Extension, a parent or guardian must contact the Dean’s Office in order to do so.

Tuesday Extension/Detention Schedule

Tuesday Extension Schedule:

Room 316 (3:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.)

School Cafeteria Detention Schedule:

A.M. Detentions – Room 141 (7:35 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.)

Lunch Detentions

A, B, C, Students are to get their lunch and  report directly to Room 80.

P.M. Detentions Schedule

Room 166  (3:30 – 4:00 – Single Detention) (3:30 – 4:30 – Double Detention)

• Double Detention is available Monday thru Friday unless otherwise announced.
• Detentions are to be served within 48 hours of the student receiving it..
• It is the student’s responsibility to serve the Detention by the due date, you will not be reminded of your Detention or the date in which it is due. It is also the student’s responsibility to keep track of what Detentions they have and when they are to be served.  Any unserved detentions will result in a class suspension from the class in which it was given.
• Students are expected to be at Tuesday Extension by 3:30 P.M. You are to be in Room 316 and seated prior to 3:30 P.M.
• Students will dress according to the School Dress Code.
• You must have books, paper and pencil/pen with you. There will be no sleeping, talking, or walking around the room.

Tuesday Extension will be from 3:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.  Tuesday Extension is an Intermediate Disciplinary Measure In lieu of Suspension.  Failure to attend or comply with all Tuesday Extension rules will result in an In or Out of School Suspension.

Alternative Placement

It is the sole responsibility of students to initiate contact and collect all necessary class work to be done while serving an alternative placement. All work is to be completed and turned in at the conclusion of time served.  Students will not be allowed to leave this assignment for any reason other than planned restroom breaks.

Criminal Gang Policy

The Vigo County School Corporation has established a Criminal Gang Policy that can be found on the VCSC website and School Board policy handbook (policy JFB) . Those who would like a copy of the full policy may download it from the VCSC website or request a full policy from the school principal, counselor or dean of any school in the VCSC or contact the Student Services department at (812) 462-4224. Generally, the policy provides for reporting issues related to gang membership or use of gang signs or promoting gang activities as it affects a safe and secure school environment. It also provides protection for those who report gang issues to a school principal or staff member. Anyone suspecting the existence of gang activities among any student in the VCSC should report such suspicions to the school principal or staff and suggested resources may be provided to respond to such a concern.

Searches

In a continuing effort to facilitate the safety and well being of every student, school officials will take every measure possible to ensure safety.  School administrators and deans will use a hand held metal detector if reasonable suspicion merits it.  Students will be required to empty pockets, purses, book bags, etc. if reasonable suspicion merits.  Failure to comply with these directives will result in disciplinary action for insubordination and failure to follow directions of school officials.

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

School Buses

School buses operate throughout the North Attendance District.  Most students are within a few steps of a school bus.  While riding a bus is voluntary and a privilege, those who do so are to conduct themselves properly at all times.  The bus safety code is legislated by State Government.  Any conduct considered by the bus driver or school officials to be detrimental will result in the suspension of bus privileges.

Parent/Guardian Permission

Students may drive to and from school and off-site approved school programs/events with written permission of their parent/guardian and permission of the school principal or the designee.  Students may lose their privilege to drive to school and approved off-site programs/ events for failure to be in compliance with laws, codes, and school rules.             

Insurance and Liability

Students are required to comply with the insurance and liability laws governing motor vehicles in the State of Indiana.  The Vigo County School Corporation is not responsible in the case of accidents involving a student or students, to and from school or an off-site approved program/ event.

Parking

Students who drive to school or to a school approved program/ event must park their vehicle in the parking spaces designated for student parking at the school or site of the approved program/event.  Parking off campus and walking from the off campus parking location to school is prohibited.  (Also see Board Policy DFJ – Student Parking Stickers and Board Policy JFG-Interrogations and Searches.)

Parking Violations

Parking lot violations such as reckless driving will result in the following discipline:  1st offense – 4 weeks suspension of driving privileges, 2nd offense – 8 weeks, 3rd offense – remainder of the school year.  When the driving privileges are suspended, the student’s vehicle is not to be on school property during the time of suspension.  Students are held responsible for any violations of their vehicle with any driver.  All vehicles must be registered with the Deans’ Office on or before the third week of school.  New drivers have five (5) school days to purchase a parking sticker.  A parking sticker is valid for one (1) school year from August to June.  Students who are driving, a different vehicle, have five (5) days to change their previous parking sticker to a current one.  Violation of this guideline will result in a Tuesday school up to loss of driving privileges.  Cars must be removed from the West lot before 4 p.m. August 1 through November 30.  Any accidents on our parking lots MUST be reported to the Deans’ Office immediately.  Inappropriate/Disrespectful items on a vehicle may result in a disciplinary action (i.e. rebel flag, tobacco, alcohol, etc)

School Video Systems

For the protection of students and staff, each school has a video system to record certain areas of the school premises. These are for internal use and may not be released to outside agencies or individuals without specific approval and only in line with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. The Vigo County School Corporation will cooperate with law enforcement, however, if a crime is suspected and the law enforcement agency requests to view the information in line with legal requirements.

Riding with another Student

Students may ride with other students to and from approved off-site programs/events with written permission of parent/guardian of each student and permission of the school principal or the designee.  Students may be removed from driving/riding to, and/or enrollment in, off-site programs/events for a violation of law, student code of conduct, conduct rules for the specific program/event, or for failure to be in compliance with school rules.

Travel Offenses

Students who are observed by a law enforcement officer or school employee committing an offense while traveling to or from a school or a school approved program/event, that is a violation of law, the student code of conduct, conduct rules for a specific program/event, or school rules may be removed, suspended, expelled, or lose the privilege to drive/ride to and from a school program/activity for a period of time not to exceed the greater of 90 calendar days or the remainder of the school year.

Suspension of Driving Privileges

A second suspension from school, or being determined as a habitual truant (four (4) truancies in a school year define a habitual truant), or a recommendation for expulsion will result in the suspension of the driver’s license as per Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.  Each subsequent suspension will result in an additional 120 days license suspension.  The law states that any student who withdraws from school to avoid the penalty will have his/her license revoked until age 18.  Students 18 or over may lose driving privileges to school in lieu of their license being suspended

COMMUNICATION / MEDIA

Cell Phones

Vigo County School Corporation Cell Phone and other Wireless Communication Devices (WCD) Policy *Revised May 2015

Rule XXIV:  The VCSC encourages and appreciates appropriate use of cell phones and wireless communication devices (WCD).  Inappropriate use of a cell phone or wireless communication device (WCD) may qualify a student for suspension or expulsion from school.  Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, using the cell phone/ WCD to take pictures or videos at prohibited times, displaying inappropriate images or websites, using inappropriate language in text messages, emails, or other forms of communication or using the device for bullying, harassment or intimidation.  Inappropriate use also includes sending, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, emails, or other material of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form on a cell phone, WCD, or other electronic device.

1. Students may possess a cell phone or WCD in school, on school property, at after school activities, and at school related functions, provided that it is in silent mode during normal class hours, or as may be requested by staff members.
2. Students are permitted to use cell phones/ WCDs on school property up to the bell signifying the start of the school day. Students are also permitted to use cell phones / WCDs during lunch and following the final dismissal bell.  Middle school students may not use cell phones/ WCD’s during passing periods.  High school students may use cell phones/ WCDs during passing periods.  Headphones/ earbuds are permitted before school, at lunch and after school.
3. Students are prohibited from using cell phones/ WCDs during regular class hours unless given permission to do so by a teacher or administrator.
4. Teachers shall determine the rules for cell phone and WCD use during his or her class period.
5. Students shall not use cell phones or WCDs to take pictures or videos during regular school hours while on school property. Cell phones / WCDs may only be used to take photographs and/or videos at after school events and activities.
6. Cell phones/ WCD use is prohibited in restricted areas such as restrooms and locker rooms.
7. When directed by a staff member cell phones and/or WCD must be turned off. When directed by a staff member to turn off a cell phone or WCD or to relinquish possession of the device, the student must comply or face disciplinary action as outlined in the Student/Parent Guide and the School Cell Phone / WCD Policy.
8. A student possessing a cell phone or WCD shall be responsible for its care and safe keeping. The Vigo County School Corporation shall not be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones and/or WCDs.
9. Students suspected of violating the Vigo County School Corporation Cell phone/ WCD Policy will be required to give the entire phone (battery, sim card, etc) to school authority. Cell phones and/or WCDs may be searched if reasonable grounds exist for suspecting that a search of the device will produce evidence that the student is violating or has violated the law, school rule, or school policy.
10. School Bus Rules Cell phones or WCD’s shall be permitted on the bus as long as they are kept in a no volume status that cannot be heard by others and the student possessing the device can still hear emergency directions. Cell phones/ WCD’s may be used in silent mode responsibly on the school bus.  If using headphones, one ear must be exposed in the event the driver needs to relay directions or directives.  Any inappropriate use of a cell phone or WCD will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Student/ Parent Guide and the School Cell Phone/ WCD Policy.  Examples of inappropriate use are provided in the opening paragraph of this policy.

First Offense**

On the first offense, the cell phone/ WCD will be confiscated.  The phone/WCD will be made available to the student’s parent or guardian at the end of the school day and the student will be given a detention.  Additional consequences may be assessed for violations that involve bullying, harassment, intimidation or the production and/or dissemination of material that is sexual in nature.  As with dealing with any violation of Corporation or school rules, the significance of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record may impact the level of disciplinary action the school finds appropriate to impose.

Second Offense**

On the second offense, the cell phone/ WCD will be confiscated.  The student will be prohibited from possessing a cell phone and/or WCD for the remainder of the school year.  The parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up the cell phone/ WCD.  The student will be given an extended day and/ or an alternative placement consequence.

Additional consequences will be assessed for continued violation and/ or camera or video use in accordance with student rights and responsibilities (suspension and expulsion may be recommended).  Additional consequences may be assessed for violations that involve bullying, harassment, intimidation or the production and/or dissemination of material that is sexual in nature.  As with dealing with any violation of Corporation or school rules, the significance of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record may impact the level of disciplinary action the school finds appropriate to impose.

Social Media

Social media and websites such as Facebook or YouTube have made it very easy to post photos and information online.  To protect the privacy and safety of our students and employees, we discourage individuals from publicly posting pictures taken at school events that could identify others.  We advise you get consent of the individual(s) photographed before posting them and to exercise caution about revealing personal details including names.  The Vigo County School Corporation cannot be responsible for information posted online in violation of these guidelines.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices that are strictly for entertainment are not allowed during the regular school day without Administrative approval.  Example:  cameras, camcorders, game boy, etc

STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES

Announcements

Daily and weekly announcements are made during SRT communications period. 

Assemblies

As part of the total educational program at North High School, a series of assembly programs are presented throughout the year.  The series varies from music to plays and from lectures to films. During assemblies, all homerooms are assigned a seating area with students sitting by homeroom or by a specific class.  The policies and practices

Athletics

North High School has a full program of athletic activities for both young men and young women.  There are currently twenty varsity sports offered which include ten women’s sports and ten men’s sports. Many students participate in more than one sport.  Girls participate in swimming, volleyball, golf, cross country, gymnastics, basketball, track, tennis, softball, and soccer.  Boys participate in football, tennis, cross country, wrestling, swimming, basketball, track, golf, baseball, and soccer.  The entire athletic program is self-supporting.  In other words, the only money available for uniforms, equipment, transportation, etc., must come from the sale of game tickets and direct financial support from the Athletic Booster Club.

An athlete, young man or woman, who participates for North, is governed not only by the regulations of the school but also by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA).  Before a student can compete, he/she must have parental consent, a medical examination, and sign and abide by the Vigo County School Corporation Athletic Code of Conduct, and have a minimum of four (4) passing grades in full-credit classes during the previous grading period.

Athletic Code of Conduct

Athletic Expectations:  A student who represents the Vigo County School Corporation must exhibit at all times the highest standards of personal behavior.  Participation in athletics is a privilege requiring that a student makes a commitment to practice before or after school hours with perfect or near perfect attendance, to work hard to excel, to learn cooperation and team efforts, and to exemplify good behavior both at school and away from school.  Athletes are representatives of the Vigo County School Corporation and their school and always serve as role models at school and in the community.  Students who cannot accept this challenge and responsibility should not become involved with the athletic program.  There is a legitimate school interest and an expectation by the coaching staff of the Vigo County School Corporation that students follow the Athletic Code of Conduct at all times (beginning with the students’ attendance at their first official middle/high school sports practice and continuing for 365 days each year through completion of student’s involvement in athletic events their eighth grade or senior year).  Therefore, he/she should conscientiously fulfill all the rules established for the athletic program and the sports for which he/she is participating.

General Rules include, but are not limited to:

1. Use of tobacco in any form is prohibited (first offense will be “athletic suspension”, and a second offense will cause “athletic exclusion”.)
2. Possession and/or use of any substance/device/object which is, or is represented to be alcohol/drugs as identified in Rule II or III of the Student Rights and Responsibilities policy of the School Corporation is prohibited (first offense will be “athletic suspension”, additional offenses will cause “athletic exclusion”.)
3. Providing or transmitting any substance/device/object which is, or is represented to be alcohol/drugs as identified in Rule I or IV of the Student Rights and Responsibilities policy of the School Corporation will cause “athletic exclusion”.
4. Being found guilty of violating city, state, or federal codes/laws will cause a warning, or “athletic suspension or athletic exclusion”.
5. Reference Rule C-8-1 IHSAA By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation:
6. “Contestants’ conduct, in and out of school, shall be such as (1) not to reflect discredit upon their school or association or (2) not to create a disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral or educational environment in the school.” Note:  “It is recognized that principals, by the administrative authority vested in them by their school corporation, may exclude such contestants from representing their school.”
7. Additional rules may be established for each sport by the individual coach. Such rules must be approved by the athletic director and principal, provided in writing to the student-athlete, and discussed with the student-athlete.

Due Process to be Expected:

1. Athletic Suspension – The student-athlete cannot participate in twenty (20%) percent of the games/meets for the sport the student is currently, or will be, involved in until the penalty is completed (this may necessitate suspension in more than a single sport season or school year). The number of games/meets will be determined by 20% of the current or immediately next sport, whichever comes first.  (clarification-(not part of the policy)-number of games/meets in the regular season will be used to determine the 20%-fractions will be rounded off in the normal manner-suspensions will extend into tournament play)
2. Athletic Exclusion – The student-athlete will be ineligible to participate in any athletic program for 365 days from the date of infraction.

Parent/Legal Guardian appeals will occur through normal due process channels to the building principal.

Other Items:

1. School Suspension – Any athlete placed on out-of-school suspension or is sent home from In School Suspension is not eligible to neither practice nor participate until the student has returned to school. This ineligibility will begin at the time the student is notified of the suspension (either orally or in writing).
2. Dress Code – Student athletes are expected to be neat, clean, and well-groomed for both away and home games.
3. Changing Sport in Mid-Season – From the time a student’s name appears on the official eligibility list for an inter-scholastic sport, he or she may join another team, or compete in another inter-scholastic sport only with approval of the athletic director and coaches involved. Mid-season change of teams may be permitted under the following conditions:

• If the student presents to both coaches involved a doctor’s certificate recommending that he/she drop the first sport for reasons of health and permits participation in the second sport.
• If both coaches involved and the athletic director agrees that a mid-season change of sports would be beneficial to the player without being unfair to the players of either team.

4. Any athlete in grades nine – twelve who is a member of a school team cannot tryout, practice, or plays in a similar sports program sponsored by any other organization between the date of the first IHSAA authorized contest in that sport and the completion of that team’s school season.

Each coach is responsible for the administration of this code for his/her activity.

5. Attendance – Student athletes must arrive by 11:30 to be eligible to participate in athletic contests unless otherwise approved by the administration (ex. Doctor note, funeral).
   

Award Assemblies

Each year, two award assemblies are held.  The assembly for seniors is after school hours; at this assembly, scholarships are announced in addition to various service and academic awards.  The underclass assembly is held during the school day the final week of the school year; the underclassmen are recognized for their achievements in a variety of areas. 

Clubs

When clubs begin, they will continue until the middle of May.  Clubs will meet on Wednesdays during Homeroom/Activity period. Clubs will meet twice a month.  Teachers volunteer their time to sponsor desired student clubs and identify club members.  New club guidelines are available in the Main Office. Available Club choices change each year and will be announced.

Continental Corps

The Continental Corps are the “official” hosts and hostesses for Terre Haute North Vigo High School.  They are knowledgeable about the school and serve as tour guides for all visitors to the school.  Also, they serve at athletic events, musicals, talent shows, parent nights, and at any other special events for which their services as hosts and hostesses are requested.  Students are chosen on the basis of their experience, availability to serve, poise, personality, general appearance, and scholastic standing.  Prospective members submit a written application and are interviewed by the Continental Advisory Committee.  The Continentals have been instrumental in setting an atmosphere of excellence, pride, and friendliness.

 Early Graduates

Students who wish to participate in athletics, cheerleading, homecoming court or hold a class office in the semester after they have completed their required coursework for graduation must be enrolled in and participating in a regular course schedule.

Insurance Forms

Good student and Driver Education insurance forms are to be submitted to the Guidance Office for validation.  Supplemental insurance information is available in the Athletic Office for student athletes.

Intramural Sports

An intramural sports program is available to students at North.  The program is conducted after school hours during intramural season.

Lost and Found

Lost and found is located outside the Deans’ Office.

Posters

Many elections and activities will necessitate the use of posters.  All signs and posters must be approved by bringing a sample to the Assistant Principals for approval.  Election posters and campaign material are restricted to the pool windows – no material may be displayed anywhere else in the building except the pool window area.

Publications

The school newspaper, The Continental Crier, serves two main functions.  One is to provide another educational experience for the students who comprise the staff; the other is to provide interesting, enjoyable, and informative reading for the students.  Collecting the regular issues of the Continental Crier can provide some very fine memories to be enjoyed in the future.

The Polaris is the yearbook of Terre Haute North Vigo High School, and its publication is the responsibility of the yearbook staff.  Its objectives are similar to those of the newspaper and all students are urged to give it their support.  The Polaris provides a record of all activities during the school year and is treasured by students as a springboard of pleasant high school memories.  The yearbook is distributed during the early part of each school year.

Queens and Courts

Students may be candidates for election to the positions of Queen and Queen’s Attendants.   Students may be selected / appointed to the Queen’s court as escorts but must be a member of the same class as the student they are escorting.  Candidates and escorts must be students in good standing (at a minimum not been assigned two (2) or more school extensions or two (2) or more alternative education placement (ISS), (1) alternative assignment, or one (1) out-of-school suspension in the most previous complete semester and the current semester to date) as determined by the school administration.  Candidates must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, be passing in a minimum of four (4) classes and be full time students.  Candidates may be dismissed from service if found not to be in good standing (either academic or behavior) by the school administration anytime following election/selection.  A student may be elected as an attendant only one time during grades 9, 10, and 11 and then may be eligible again to be in one court their senior year.  An escort must participate in both the coronation and homecoming games.  All escorts must meet the same academic and discipline policies that the candidates must meet.  Only the attendants’ names will be listed on the ballot.

Each class votes for its own fall and winter sports nominees during a homeroom period.  All participants must be full time students at the time of coronation.  The Fall Sports and Winter Sports Queens are elected by a majority of the vote of the student body.  The other classes vote for the members of the court who will represent their respective class during the ceremony.  Coronation ceremonies follow the selections of the Fall and Winter Sports Queens in the evening in the auditorium.

In the spring of the year, the Juniors and Seniors elect their respective Prom Courts with the Queens being elected and announced at the prom.  The Prom King is the escort of the student elected as the Prom Queen and must be a member of the same class as the student running for queen.  All candidates must meet academic and discipline eligibility as the homecoming courts and follow the same rules of participation.

Recycling Efforts

Recycling by the entire school is strongly encouraged.  All staff members and students are urged to be aware and utilize recycle and reuse.  The Environmental Club is providing leadership in this worthwhile effort.

Senior Yearbook Pictures

A photographer has been chosen as the designated photographer for North High School. A Seniors wishing to have their pictures in the yearbook should make an appointment with the studio. There is no charge for this service. Seniors have the option of purchasing senior photos at any studio of their choice.

Student Government

Student Council

North High School has an outstanding Student Council.  The Council provides students with the opportunity to exercise responsibility, leadership, and an appreciation of personal achievement.  The Council is a liaison between students and staff and as such, carries a voice in many activities of the school.  The profits the Council obtains shall be distributed to many worthy causes throughout the school and community.  Class/Student Council Officers/Representatives are determined by votes of the class/organization.  Candidates must be students in good standing (at a minimum not been assigned two (2) or more school extensions or two (2) or more alternative education placement (ISS), (1) alternative assignment, or one (1) out-of-school suspension in the most previous complete semester and the current semester to date) as determined by the school administration. and have been a member of the class/organization and an active participant in a school or community organization the previous year.  (Ex. Interact, Key Club, Student Senate, NHS, Student Council, SADD, United Way). Candidates must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be passing in a minimum of four (4) classes, be full time students, and be scheduled to complete the school year. Officers/Representatives may be dismissed from service if found not to be in good standing (either academic or behavior) by the school administration anytime following election or for failure to attend 95% of class/organization functions after being elected into office.  Additional Student Council rules are printed in the Student Council Constitution, which can be found in the Main Office.  The student council officers are listed later in this publication.

Class Senates

Each of the classes at North elects members to a senate–a Senior, Junior, Sophomore or Freshmen Senate.  It is the responsibility of these councils to propose and organize activities of their respective classes.

Class Officers

In the spring of each year, classes elect the class officers for the next school year.  During the second week of school this year, the new Freshmen will elect their officers.  The officers, working closely with their adult sponsors and council, provide the leadership needed for class activities and conduct all class and council meetings.  Class/Student Council Officers/Representatives are determined by votes of the class/organization.  Candidates must be students in good standing (at a minimum not been assigned two (2) or more school extensions or two (2) or more in-school suspensions or one (1) out of school suspension or in the most previous complete semester and the current semester to date) as determined by the school administration and have been a member of the class/organization and an active participant in a school or community organization the previous year (Ex. Interact, Key Club, Student Senate, NHS, Student Council, SADD, United Way).  Candidates must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be passing in a minimum of four (4) classes, be full time students, and be scheduled to complete the school year.  Officers/Representatives may be dismissed from service if found not to be in good standing (either academic or behavior) by the school administration anytime following election or for failure to attend 95% of class/organization functions after being elected.

Campaign Guidelines

All candidates must have all campaign materials such as posters, slogans, etc. approved by the Administration before the campaign begins.  All campaign materials can only be posted on the pool windows.

Student Records

Records that are maintained by the school may only be released to parents (natural biological parents) or legal custodians under FERPA guidelines. The records are not available to grandparents, other relatives or step-parents unless those individuals are legal custodians or a legal adoption has taken place.

False Reporting:  A person who knowingly makes a false complaint of a violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action.

The Superintendent will ensure that this policy is disseminated throughout the school community.  The Superintendent is authorized to develop all procedures and forms necessary to administer this policy

Student Workers

• Students who wish to be student workers may apply utilizing two methods:
  1. Juniors and seniors may sign up in January of the previous year during the course scheduling process.
  2. All students may see their counselors two or more weeks prior to the semester in which they want to be student workers. If they have not previously signed up to be student workers, they may drop a class if it is not a core subject (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language) and if there is a need for student workers.
• Eligibility is determined on the following criteria:
  1. No more than two Tuesday extensions
  2. No out-of-school suspensions
  3. No more than five absences during the previous semester
  4. No less than a 2.0 grade point average
  5. No truancies from class or school
• All potential student workers must report to study hall or stay in their current class assignment until they have been approved by the Main Office and notified by their counselors.

*See School Board Policy JF and Restrictions JR-R.

NOTE:  In general, Yearly total of Tuesday Extensions per student will be limited to six (6).  Students may receive up to twelve (12)  AE and six (6) TE will be placed on a PIPE and/or suspended.  Failure to serve Tuesday Extension without prior approval will result in a 3-Day Out of School Suspension.  In general after the second out of school suspension, more discipline will follow.

NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE – ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY 

Division I

If planning to participate in college athletics after high school graduation, student-athletes should meet with their school counselors and coaches beginning in their freshman year as academic requirements start as early as the first year of high school.  Student-athletes should register with the NCAA Clearinghouse in their junior year.

If you enroll in a Division I college in 2008 or later and want to participate in athletics or receive an athletic scholarship during your first year, you must:

• Graduate from high school;
• Complete these 16 core courses:

English	4 years
Math (Algebra I or higher)	3 years
Natural or physical science(including one year of lab science if offered)	2 years
Additional course of English, math, or natural, or physical science	1 year
Social Science	2 years
Extra core courses (from any category above, or foreign language, non-doctrinal religion, or philosophy)	4 years

• Earn a minimum required grade-point average in your core courses;
• Earn a combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches your core-course grade-point average and test score sliding scale

Division II

If you’re entering a Division II college after August 1, 2013, you must have taken at least 16 required core courses.    In order to be classified a “qualifier,” you’re required to:

• Graduate from high school;
• Have a GPA of 2.000 (based on a maximum of 4.000) in a successfully completed core curriculum of at least 16 academic courses as follows:

English	3 years
Mathematics	2 years
Natural or physical science (including at least one lab course, if offered by the high school)	2 years
Additional courses in English, mathematics, or natural or physical science	3 years
Social science	2 years
Additional academic courses	4 years

[in any of the above areas or foreign language, philosophy or non-doctrinal religion (e.g., comparative religion) courses]

• Have a combined score on the SAT critical reading and math sections of 820 or a 68 sum score on the ACT.

A “partial qualifier” is eligible to practice with a team at its home facility and receive an athletic scholarship during his or her first year at a Division II school, and then has four seasons of competition remaining.

In order to be classified a “partial qualifier,” you have not met the requirements for a qualifier, but you’re required to graduate from high school and meet one of the following requirements:

• Specified minimum SAT or ACT score; or
• Successful completion of a required core curriculum consisting of 14 core courses and a 2.000 grade-point average in the core curriculum.

A nonqualifier is a student who has not graduated from high school or who has presented neither the core-curriculum grade-point average nor SAT/ACT score required for a qualifier.

A nonqualifier is not eligible for regular-season competition and practice during the first academic year in residence and then has four seasons of competition.  A nonqualifier may not receive athletics-related aid as a freshman, but may receive regular need-based financial aid if the school certifies that aid was granted without regard to athletics ability.

Details of these general requirements are contained in the following sections. 

Division III

These requirements currently do not apply to Division III colleges, where eligibility for financial aid, practice and competition is governed by institutional, conference and other NCAA regulations.

Definition of a Core Course

To meet the “core-course” requirement:

• The core course must be defined as a recognized academic course and qualify for high-school graduation credit in one or a combination of the following areas: English, mathematics, natural/physical science, social science, foreign language, computer science, or non doctrinal religion/philosophy;
• The course must be considered college preparatory by the high school. College preparatory is defined for these purposes as any course that prepares a student academically to enter a four-year collegiate institution upon graduation from high school.
• The course must be taught by a qualified instructor as defined by the appropriate academic authority (e.g., high school, school district or state agency with authority of such matters) and at or above the high school’s regular academic level (i.e., remedial, special education or compensatory courses shall not be considered core courses).
• A list of North’s Core Courses is available at the NCAA Clearinghouse Website: (http://web1.ncaa.org/eligibiltycenter/common/)

Register On-Line

Prospective student-athletes must register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse on-line.  By registering on-line, prospects will be able to view their eligibility information on-line, and will not have to call the Clearinghouse for eligibility updates.  Students must have their SAT or ACT scores sent directly to the clearing house. The code for the Clearinghouse is 9999

STUDENT/PARENT FORMS RESOURCE

Please download these forms as needed and submit to the appropriate office.

Network Use Agreement

Parent Permission for Student Driving/Riding/Parking

Parent Volunteer Application

STUDENT AWARDS AND HONORS

AWARDS PRESENTED AT COMMENCEMENT

Tim Sullivan Award

This is an award and one-year scholarship to be given to a senior who has participated in athletics at Terre Haute North Vigo High School.  The recipient must have similar characteristics to those that were exhibited by former student/athlete, Tim Sullivan.  Tim died October 22, 1977, after finishing a cross country race.  The characteristics are the following:

• Scholastic achievement
• High moral and ethical character
• Devotion and loyalty to the team and to the school
• Serves as an example to others
• Exhibits a high degree of leadership

Carl S. Riddle Scholars

These individuals are recognized annually for achievements in scholarship, leadership, and school spirit.  The school principal nominates three male and three female applicants for the scholarships to the Carl S. Riddle Trust Fund Committee for selection of recipients. The committee, appointed by the Vigo county school superintendent, also oversees the Carl S. Riddle Trust Fund which funds the annual scholarships.

The Carl S. Riddle Trust Fund was established in 1987 to honor Terre Haute North’s first principal who served from 1971 until retirement in 1987.  The Trust Fund, made possible by generous gifts from both individual and corporate donors, will annually award scholarships in Mr. Riddle’s name to perpetuate his devotion to students, with emphasis on individual achievement and dedication to Terre Haute North.  The presentations awarded at commencement recognize an outstanding male and female student of the graduating class at Terre Haute North as determined by the Trust Fund Committee after reviewing applications and interviewing the candidates.

Athletic Awards

At the close of each of the three seasons, the Athletic Booster Club of North sponsors a program for the participating athletes of that season’s sports.  At each of these programs the numerous athletic awards are announced.  Junior Varsity numerals and certificates and Varsity letters and certificates are presented.

JV AWARDS:

First award – Numerals

Second and subsequent awards – JV Certificates

*Common Criteria for all sports

1. Successfully complete the JV season
2. Injured person during the season may be awarded

VARSITY AWARDS:

First award – North Block N letter

Second and subsequent awards – Chevrons

*Common Criteria for all sports

1. Successfully complete the Varsity season
2. Certified for IHSAA tournament series
3. Injured person during the season may be awarded
4. Seniors may be lettered at discretion of the head coach

**Specific Criteria

1. Football – participation in at least 20 varsity quarters
2. Boy’s Basketball – participation in at least20 varsity quarters
3. Girl’s Basketball – participation in at least 18 varsity quarters
4. Baseball/Softball – participation in at least one half regular season varsity games
5. Boy’s/Girl’s Cross Country,

Girl’s Gymnastics, Boy’s/Girl’s

Swimming and Boy’s/Girl’s Track

and Field – participation in at least one-half of regular season meets

6. Boy’s/Girl’s Golf, Boy’s/Girl’s Soccer,

Boy’s/Girl’s Tennis, Volleyball, and Wrestling – participation in at least one-half of regular season matches

Auxiliary Personnel: (Student managers, student trainers, cheerleaders, and stuntmen

*Common Criteria

1. Successfully complete the season
2. Injured person may be awarded by the coach

Student Manager/Trainers:

First Award – Numerals

Second Award – North Block N letter

Third and subsequent awards – Chevrons

Cheerleaders and Stuntmen:

JV Awards

First award – numerals

Second and subsequent awards – JV certificate

Varsity Awards

First award – North Block N letter

Second and subsequent awards – Chevrons

Gold Medal Award

The Gold Medal Award is the highest award that a North athlete may earn.  The Gold Medal selection committee consists of the varsity coach, the athletic director, and the principal.  This committee meets after the last tournament game or meets in which teams or individuals are participating and make the selection to be presented by the Terre Haute North Patriot Booster Club.  Criteria utilized in selecting Gold Medal winners are:

1. all around performance in the given sport
2. the contribution to the team by the athlete
3. the athlete represents the school and community in an admirable   manner
4. the importance of the individual to the team’s success
5. exhibits leadership qualities
6. has demonstrated high moral and ethical characteristics

Music Awards

Each spring the Music Parents provide a banquet for all students who have participated in music programs at North.  The highlight of the banquet is the presentation of awards.

Music Department Letters         

The music department awards letters to music students who contribute to the performing arts at Terre Haute North and show dedication beyond the required classes.  Music department letters are awarded to each student earning a total of 12 points through music department activities.

Points earned for each music activity are as follows:

Points    Music Department Activity – 1 Each trimester of enrollment in a music performance

1     All-State Band, Choir, and/or Orchestra

1     Jazz Band

1     Jazz Ensemble

1     Pep Band

1     Winter Guard

1     Winter Drums

1     Musical (Cast, Student director, Crew chief, or pit orchestra)

½    Madrigal Choir

½    String Chamber Ensembles

½    District ISSMA Solo & Ensemble solo or small ensemble

½    State ISSMA Solo & Ensemble solo or small ensemble

½    District ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Group I large ensemble

½    State ISSA Solo & Ensemble large ensemble

Senior Music Award

The music department has traditionally recognized students who have supported the Terre Haute North music program.  A token of the music department’s appreciation is presented at the Music Awards Banquet to seniors enrolled at least 11 trimesters in music classes at Terre Haute North and are enrolled in music concurrently in their last trimester.

AFJROTC Letters

Air Force Junior ROTC cadets may earn school letters by contributing to Terre Haute North Vigo High School activities, providing community service as a JROTC cadet, participating in Color Guard, Drill Team and Raider competitions while reflecting dedication beyond the required class work.  Cadets earn AFJROTC letters by earning a total of 8 points through AFJROTC activities.

Points earned for each AFJROTC activity are as follows:

Points             Activity

1                 Each Drill Team performance for the school or community

1                 Each Color Guard, Drill Team or Raider Competition

1                 Major Community Service Events such as the Veteran’s Day Parade and Operation Christmas

½                Each trimester of enrollment in AFJROTC with a “B” or above average

½                Each Color Guard Presentation at football, basketball, track or community event

½                Participation in Kitty Hawk Air Society Club

½                Participation in Rocketry Club

National Honor Society

The Terre Haute North Vigo Chapter of the National Honor Society was chartered in 1972.  The objectives of this organization are to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in Terre Haute North students.  Eligibility to candidate for membership into the National Honor Society is determined based upon the following criteria:

1. Attendance – the equivalent of one semester at North Vigo
2. Scholarship – Applications will be offered to all students who, at the end of their sophomore year, have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and are on track to earn, at a minimum, a CORE 40 diploma
3. Service – Each student must have been involved in at least 3 service projects in school or the community
4. Leadership – the student must have demonstrated leadership within the school or community
5. Character – the student must be of good character as determined in part by the following criteria.
   • Positive Behavior: No record of skipping classes or of knowingly violating school regulations.  No record of civil offenses.
   • Integrity: No recorded incidents of cheating or intentional dishonesty.
   • Cooperation: Willingness to assist classmates, faculty, staff, and others.
   • Ethical choices: The student strives to do the “right” thing.

Membership is not automatically awarded.  Candidates and members are expected to maintain minimum standards for scholarship, leadership, service and character to remain in good standing.  Failure to be selected into the National Honor Society is not a deprivation of a right and due process is not applicable in such situations.

Candidates who meet the scholastic guideline are invited to submit a request for nomination to the faculty committee.  The faculty committee reviews candidates’ activity report form according to the above National Honor Society guidelines to determine selection.

While selection into the National Honor Society is a privilege, any member who resigns or is dismissed shall return the emblem and membership card and never again be eligible for induction.   (An appeals process for dismissals is available.)  Induction for eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors takes place in the spring to enable members to include National Honor Society on college applications.

Fraternitas Summae Excellentiae

The top five percent scholastically of the graduating class is honored by automatic membership in the Fraternitas Summae Excellentiae (the Fraternity of Highest Excellence); inclusion of qualified foreign exchange students into the Fraternity of Highest Excellence will not eliminate any qualified resident students.  Students achieving this honor are presented with honor cords to be worn at commencement.