Parent-Student Community Handbook 2008-2009
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High Honor Roll
At the end of each marking period, any student who has attained all "A" grades will be listed on the High Honor Roll
Honor Roll
At the end of each marking period, any student who has attained all "B" grades or better will be listed on the Honor Roll.
To Our Parents and Students:
Welcome to the North Hunterdon High School 2007-2008 school year. This comprehensive high school offers a variety of opportunities for all students in our academic and co-curricular programs. We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to grow, develop and expand their abilities and to be a participant in high school life.
This parent/student handbook has been developed to assist you in knowing our policies and procedures and to encourage you to become active participants in the North Hunterdon High School family.
Student Parking Will Be For Seniors Only, SELECTED BY A LOTTERY). Local police enforce all parking regulations on our campus. Please obey our signs.
Parents are encouraged to participate in our Parent Advisory Committee (Third Thursday, September thru June at 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.), which provides the forum to interact on every aspect of student life. Please call Mrs. Umhoefer at 713-4122 if you are interested in participating on this committee.
PARENT ADVISORY TENTATIVE MEETINGS 08-09
Finally, the faculty and administration at North Hunterdon High School anticipates building on the many successes of the past, and is looking forward to the 2007-2008 school year in the hopes of providing a positive learning environment for all of our students.
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Michael P. Hughes .. Principal
John P. Hahola, Jr. . Assistant Principal for Instruction
Brigid Irene Dolan ...Assistant Principal for Operations
John Deutsch Assistant Principal/Director of Athletics
Michael Gleason . ............Disciplinarian Supervisor of Health & Phys Ed
Patricia Raleigh . ... ............Supervisor of Guidance
Ann Marie Rose Director of Special Services
Tara Marie Kraatz Director of Student Activities
DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Dr. Charles Michael Shaddow .Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Frank Helies Assistant Superintendent Curriculum/Pupils Personnel Service
James Cardaneo Interim Business Administration/Board Secretary
Rich Bergacs Director of Technology
Khalida Jakubas Data Base Administrator
Anita Lamison ...Director of Human Resources
Gerald Oram .Transportation Coordinator
The District Administrative Office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each school day.
(Area Code 908)
High School Office . 713-4110\Fax 735-6447Guidance Office ..713-4130\Fax735-6608
Special Services ...713-4135
Attendance Office 713-4120
Athletic Office 713-4140\Fax 713-4194
Information Hot Line .713-8328
Transportation Office .713-4116
District Office .713-4100
Library .713-4199
Nurse 713-4172Acceptable behavior is largely a matter of respect for others combined with good common sense.
Since the purpose of attending school is to get an education, anything that interferes with this objective is clearly unacceptable. The following specifics are presented to serve as a guide to acceptable behavior:
* Attend all scheduled classes.
* Arrive at school on time (unexcused tardies may be considered cutting).
* Arrive at school in appropriate attire. (See specific dress code regulations).
* Animals and pets not allowed in school.
* No skateboarding or in-line skates allowed on school property.
* Overt displays of affection are not appropriate for the educational environment.
* School personnel will not tolerate foul or abusive language or personal threats. Such actions will lead to appropriate disciplinary action
* Students must follow the directions and requests of their teachers and supervisors.
* All students must follow the proper hall pass procedures.
* Enter or leave Resource Centers only at the beginning or end of period.
* Students and their parents will be held financially accountable for any school property defaced or destroyed or not returned.
* Card playing is not permitted.
* Paging devices, radios, tape players, or CD players are not permitted on school grounds.
* Wear shoes at all times.
* No food or drink is permitted outside of the Cafeterias. Lunches are to be eaten in the Cafeterias unless special arrangements have been make with the Administration.
* Do not throw snowballs or other foreign objects on school grounds.
* If students have questions or if an unusual situation arises not specifically defined in the student handbook, inquiries should be make at the office of the Assistant Principal.
Students are encouraged to use the facilities to work with teachers and staff members after 2:25 p.m. However, students are NOT to remain after school or use ANY facility unless they are under the direct supervision of a staff member.
Students found in school after 3:15 p.m. who are not under the immediate supervision of a staff member may be placed on Level III of Disciplinary Action.
Students are reminded to schedule appointments with teachers ahead of time and not to stay after school in hopes of finding a teacher.
THE CLUB PROGRAM
The club program functions on a yearly basis and eligibility is governed by Board Policy 226 Academics eligibility requirements. At the beginning of each year various clubs are formed. Each club must have a purpose for being organized. Its members must share one interest area and it must have a sponsor. Most clubs meet after school during the activity period. Some also meet on weekends or evenings.
Students are covered by school insurance any time they are attending a school sponsored event approved by the Administration and/or Board of Education. The club advisor is the sponsor.
HOW TO START A CLUB
Find at least eight students interested in joining the proposed club.
Identify a faculty member who would be interested in advising the club.
Report to the Director of Student Activities to obtain the necessary information and help look for an advisor or help the advisor set up the club.
Announcements will be made in order to advertise the proposed club and increase membership provided an advisor has been obtained.
The students interested in the formation of the club and the advisor will then set up meeting dates, goals of the club and special projects and report back to the Director of Student Activities. The Superintendent makes club final approval.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Our club program is designed to help students supplement the basic academic school day with additional activities, based upon the students interest and abilities. If a group of students has an interest in a club, the group may start one after finding a sponsor.
Club organization forms may be obtained from the Director of Student Activities. See school website for complete listing.
Following is a partial list of clubs currently in operation:
PARTIAL LIST OF CLUBS OFFERED AT NORTH HUNTERDON
See the North Hunterdon Regional HS Student Activities website for further details
Click here for the North Hunterdon PTSA Webpage
Intramurals will be conducted on a seasonal basis. Announcements will be made regarding these offerings. Questions see Mr. Hawk or check the bulletin board by the small gym.
Click here for the intramural listing at North Hunterdon High School
Only North Hunterdon students with proper identification shall be admitted to dances unless otherwise specified before the dance.
· If a student leaves the dance, he/she may not return and must leave the school grounds.
· Mode of dress shall be specified for each dance. Those not adhering shall not be admitted.
· Students on the suspension list shall be denied admission to dances.
· DJ's or band members are not permitted to bring guests to dances.
· The chaperones shall have the authority to ask any person to leave the dance or forbid admission when in the judgment of the chaperones, the person's conduct or presence is detrimental to a wholesome situation.
· Only one door shall be used for entrance and exit at dances.
· No one may enter a dance after 10:00 p.m. unless special circumstances exist
· Disciplinary action will be taken by the Administration upon referral from a dance chaperone.
· Students suspected to be under the influence of a substance at dance are to be retained by the chaperone or the police and released only to the custody of a parent or guardian. Notification will be made to the disciplinarian the next school day.
See the activities webpage for more information on Dances
DECORATION AND POSTER CODES
Before being displayed, all posters must be approved by the Director of Student Activities. Only posters showing good taste will be approved. Posters may be displayed in the cafeterias, the Mall area and any tiled surface in the corridors. Please use masking tape when hanging posters and remove all posters and tape immediately after the announced event takes place. Do not tape anything to lockers.
It is the policy of the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, social or economic status in its educational programs or activities and employment policies as is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and N.J.A.C 6.4- 1.1. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer (713- 4100) at the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District, Ann Marie Rose.
On a hill in Hunterdon against the rising sun
Stands beloved our Alma Mater, pride of time to come
Sons and daughters ever striving towards the goal in sight
Though we falter in the struggle, we stand for right
Hail to Thee dear Alma Mater as we sing thy praise
Loyal hearts remember fondly many happy days
Green and gold be ever cherished, emblem of the just
Humbly now we stand recalling, life is a trust.
Click to hear the North Music choirs version of the Alma Mater
Students are urged to listen carefully to all morning announcements. Daily announcements are also located on the school website at www.nhvweb.net/nhhs. If an announcement is to be made, an announcement form may be obtained from the Audio Visual Center. The announcements must be printed, signed by the advisor of the event or activity and placed in the announcement mailbox, which is located in the Audio Visual Center. The advisor's signature indicates that spelling, grammatical construction and content have been checked and approved. Any announcement, which has not been signed, will not be read.
Click here to view the daily announcements
Accepting the fact that interscholastic competition is an invaluable asset to the total education of students whether they are members of a team or spectators, North Hunterdon High School attempts to support a varied athletic program, which is aimed at giving a maximum number of students an opportunity to participate. See the North Hunterdon Regional HS website for further details.
A parent permission form must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the School Trainer or Nurse before participation in any sport. These forms are available in the Nurse's Office or Trainer's Room.
In addition to a signed permission form, all students participating in athletics are required to have a comprehensive physical examination within 365 days of the first practice session. It is strongly recommended that the comprehensive physical be given by your family physician; however, arrangements will be made for the school medical inspector to administer a physical prior to the beginning of each sports season. (The North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School Board of Education Policy requires all incoming freshman students to be examined by their own physicians before entering the high school). No student is to participate in interscholastic athletics until verification of a comprehensive physical is on file in the health office and is cleared by the nurse or trainer.
North Hunterdon High School is a member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Skyland Conference. All eligibility requirements must be met before any student athlete is cleared for athletic participation, i.e. age, semester, grade, credits, etc.
Eligibility:
North Hunterdon High School is a member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), Skyland Conference, and Hunterdon/Warren County Athletic Association. NJSIAA requirements state: An athlete becomes ineligible for high school athletics if he/she attains the age of nineteen prior to September 1. However, any athlete attaining the age 19 on or after September 1 shall be eligible for the ensuing year.
As an incoming student from grammar school (8th grade), there are no credit requirements for the Fall or Winter season; however, to be eligible for the second semester (Spring season) a student must be passing 15.0 credits at the conclusion of the first semester (January 30).
Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 are eligible for athletic participation during the Fall and Winter seasons if they pass 30.00 credits during the immediate preceding academic year. To be eligible for Spring season, a student must be passing 15.0 credits at the conclusion of the first semester (January 30). If a student is eligible at the start of a sports season, he/she remains eligible for that entire sports season regardless of his/her grades at the end of a marking period.
A student becomes ineligible for high school athletics when the class in which he/she was originally enrolled has graduated.
* Parents and students are responsible for checking on the credit requirements for each athletic season.
Click here to figure out credit requirements for student-athletes
All concerns or questions should be addressed to the Director of Athletics or guidance counselors. See the Athletic webpage for more information:
POLICY # 226 ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN ALL EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS
Fall & Winter Activities - 30.0 credits earned during the previous school year.
Spring Activities - 15 credits earned during the first semester.
Extra curricular student activities exist to provide educational experiences not otherwise provided for in academic courses. Students are expected to maintain good academic standing and citizenship to be eligible to participate in extra-curricular programs.
When a student is identified as failing one or more courses (mid marking period, marking period or semester) the following will occur:
a. Communication to the student, parent, guidance counselor and coach or advisor will occur identifying courses the student is failing and the teachers of each course.
b. A notification sign-off sheet will be developed for each student.
c. Students are required to seek extra help; he/she may jeopardize his/her eligibility as outlined by district requirements.
In addition to the district requirement, all N.J.S.I.A.A. eligibility requirements will be followed with the exception of increased credit requirements indicated above.
NORTH HUNTERDON-VOORHEES HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Participation in the Athletic Program is a privilege and will be governed by the rules and regulations set forth in the student parent handbook as well as rules and regulations established by the coaching staff and our state organization.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY IS EXTREMELY
IMPORTANT IN THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM
This responsibility begins from the time the student is accepted as an athlete on a team until the completion of the interscholastic season. The student is responsible to the coach from the moment he/she reports to the school for the contest until the termination of the contest. This would include: Inappropriate behavior on and off the school grounds, behavior in the locker room, behavior on the bus, and behavior at the opposing schools facilities. Athletes are responsible to conform to the established rules of conduct set forth by the school and coach with respect to their actions with coaches, teammates, opponents, spectators, official personnel of the home and visiting school.
Any violation of the established rules of conduct may result in a conference with the coach, and/or suspension to include one calendar week and at least one scheduled interscholastic event. The maximum penalty for an offense may be team expulsion.
The following guidelines have been established by the North Hunterdon-Voorhees High School District Board of Education in dealing with violations of the student athlete disciplinary code. Whenever an individual is reported to the administration regarding a student athlete's behavior, which may be detrimental to the high school or the athletic program, the following process will be followed as an effort to resolve the matter.
Level I - The coach of the athlete will be notified as soon as possible and every attempt will be made to resolve the incident. Coaches will refer the students to their counselors and Student Assistant Counselor for further evaluation.
Level II - If the incident is not resolved appropriately by the coach, or if other members of the coaching staff feel that the incident has not been dealt with properly, the Director of Athletics will be notified to intervene.
APPEAL PROCESS
Level I - Principal Level II - Superintendent
ATTENDANCE - An athlete must be in school by 11:30 a.m. on the day of a competition or practice in order to participate.
SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL - When an athlete is on suspension, he/she may not participate in practice or in competition. When the student is allowed to return to school, he/she is also eligible to return to athletic practice. Each coach will determine when the student is physically able to compete inter scholastically.
CONDUCT UNBECOMING TO THE ATHLETE AND DETRIMENTAL TO THE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM: Conduct of this nature will result in proper disciplinary action. Unbecoming conduct includes, but is not limited to, hazing, bullying, harassment, vulgar language, obscene gestures, and inappropriate behavior. Immediate suspension, to include one calendar week, will be imposed. The suspension must also include at least one scheduled interscholastic event. The maximum penalty for these offenses may be team expulsion. Coaches will refer the students to their counselors and Student Assistant Counselor for further evaluation.
POSSESSION OR USE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL: A violation will result in an immediate ten day team suspension with possible team expulsion. The suspension must include at least two scheduled interscholastic events, and is independent of the terms of any school suspension.
POSSESSION OR USE OF TOBACCO: A violation will result in an immediate five day suspension with possible team expulsion. The suspension must include at least one scheduled interscholastic event, and is independent of the terms of any school suspension.
STEALING: Any student caught stealing will be required to make restitution and will be dealt with severely by the Office of the Director of Athletics and charges may be filed with the local police department.
It is recommended that students put their name or identification mark on every article of value. Do not bring large amounts of money or expensive (jewelry) articles to school. Do not give anyone your locker combination and do not use someone else's locker.
Team penalties are separate from those imposed by the Administration for infractions specified in the Student Parent Handbook.
Student Athlete Disciplinary Code*
I have received a copy of the guidelines and procedures and I understand the guidelines as outlined in that policy. I also understand that student and parent signatures are required and this form must be returned to the school prior to student participation in an interscholastic and/or extracurricular activity.
Parent/Guardian Signature:__________________________________________
Student Signature:_________________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________________________
*Copies to be received from the Coach
Please refer to the Parent-Student handbook on the athletics webpage. Click here for the Athletic Webpage with all information pertaining to athletics and refer to the Athletic Forms off of the Health Services webpage for physical paperwork. Questions on the forms, please refer to the Ask the Athletic Trainers website.
Click here for the NHHS Booster Club Webpage
Students are expected to be in attendance on all days and hours that school is in session. Absence from school restricts and inhibits the student's ability to complete the prescribed curriculum requirements. It also violates New Jersey State Law, which requires students to attend school regularly. The law states:
Every, guardian or other person having custody and control of a child between the ages of six (6) and sixteen (16) years shall cause such child regularly to attend the public schools for children of similar grades and attainments or to receive instruction elsewhere than at school (18A: 38-25).
Such regular attendance shall be during all the days and hours that the public schools are in session in the school district, unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the Board of Education that the mental condition of the child is such that he cannot benefit from instruction in the school or that the bodily condition of the child is such as to prevent his attendance at school, but nothing herein shall be construed as permitting the temporary or permanent exclusion from school by the Board of Education of any district of any child between the ages of 5 and 20, except as explicitly otherwise provided by law (18A‑38: 25‑26).
School attendance is the responsibility of the student and the parents. The student who absents himself/herself from school/class impedes and complicates the teaching‑learning process.
The Board of Education neither condones nor permits absences from school for any reason not specified in the law, and course credit will not be issued if the student attendance requirement is not met. This may affect eligibility for graduation.
Early dismissals are discouraged. However, the school will honor medical/dental appointments and extreme emergencies. To arrange for early dismissal, a parent must write a note to the Attendance Office specifying the date, time, and reason for the request. Students are responsible for bringing the note to the Attendance Office the morning of their early dismissal. The student will then be given a pass to come to the Attendance Office at the designated time of departure. There may be times when a parent must make an appointment with the doctor during the current school day, but please make sure the child is aware that a parent will be calling for an appointment. It is the students responsibility to then check with the Attendance Office (in between classes) to see if the parent has called with the dismissal time. The Attendance Office will follow up by contacting the parent to verify the early dismissal. If the parent cannot be reached to verify the early dismissal, the student could be refused permission to leave. When picking up a student, the parent must come to the attendance office to meet the child and sign the early dismissal book. Students will be allowed to leave with another parent if a note is presented to the administration and parental approval is confirmed.
Class cannot be disrupted to call students down to Attendance. Students will be called down from their classrooms by an Attendance staff member just before the class in progress ends.
It is against New Jersey State statute to use cell phones during the school day, so we remind students and parents that either the nurse or the Attendance Office staff will allow students to make calls on office phones to their parents.
Absences fall into two categories: Excused and Unexcused
(1) Professional note (i.e. doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc.)
(2) Dated letter from a college verifying a visitation
(3) Religious holiday, as prescribed by state law and verified by a parental note
(4) School approved activity
(5) Death in the family verified by a parental note
(6) Note from the Motor Vehicle Agency verifying that a driving test was taken
(7) Out‑of‑school suspension
Written documentation must be presented to verify all excused absences; and must be submitted within five (5) school days after returning.
This is not a permissive policy establishing or "licensing" a limit of days, which may be missed with no harm. Rather, it assumes absences will occur for personal illness, serious personal or family problems, religious holidays, quarantines, and professional appointments that cannot be scheduled in non‑school times. Absences for any other reason not listed above must be acceptable to the administration, or the absence will be considered unexcused. Long‑term or chronic illness will be considered individually by the administration and documentation of such should be on file in the nurses office as soon as possible.
Students are not required to bring parental notes to school following an unexcused absence. Parents/guardians, guidance counselors, will be notified of a students absence following the fourth (4) unexcused absence in a semester course, and the seventh (7) and tenth (10) unexcused absence in a full‑year course.
DAYS MISSED DUE TO FAMILY VACATIONS DO NOT QUALIFY AS EXCUSED ABSENCES.
Students with the following unexcused absences will be subject to loss of credit in a course:
Students who miss more than six (6) classes in a semester course, or more than twelve (12) classes in a year course.
Parents /guardians will be sent letters notifying them of a student's loss of course credit. Guidance counselors and the Child Study Team will also be notified.
A student who loses credit because of excessive absence will have his/her grades recorded for each of the four marking periods listed on his/her report cards but in lieu of final grades the designation of N/C (no credit granted) will be listed.
A student who has lost credit in a course must make all appeals for reinstatement of credit lost due to excessive absence in writing to the administration within ten (10) days of notification.
A student may make up work following any absence. Upon returning to school after an absence, the student will have two (2) days for each day of absence to make up work unless the student makes other arrangements with his/her teachers. However, all work should be made up within a maximum of ten (10) school days following the student's return. In the event that illness or recovery limits a student's workload, at the conclusion of the absence parents may petition in writing the administrator in charge of attendance for an extension beyond the ten (10) days.
EARNING COURSE CREDIT LOST DUE TO EXCESSIVE ABSENCES
Students who lose credit due to excessive absences may earn credit by completing a Summer Credit Restoration Program. Through this option, a student may earn course credit lost, but the grade earned would be decided by the work done during the regular school year. No grade improvement is possible. Students who have missed more than 30 days (or their equivalent) or who have failed the course may not use the Summer Credit Restoration option to earn course credit.
SUMMER COMPLETION PROJECT
The Summer Completion Project is designed to allow students to earn back the course credit they lost due to excessive absences. It requires the student to perform a project under the supervision of a certified teacher, and attend a formal class during the time allotted for Summer School. Research topics would be designated for each course by the respective department chairpersons.
Students who are tardy without proper authorization from a teacher, attendance personnel, guidance counselor, or administrator will receive an unexcused tardy. Three unexcused lates to class equal one unexcused absence.
Students who are tardy to class for the following reasons will be excused:
(1) Professional note (i.e. doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc.).
(2) Dated letter from a college verifying a visitation.
(3) Religious holiday, as prescribed by state law and verified by a parental note.
(4) School approved activity.
(5) Death in the family verified by a parental note.
(6) Note from the Motor Vehicle Agency verifying that a driving test was taken
EARLY DISMISSAL
Early Dismissals are discouraged; however, the school will honor medical/dental appointments and extreme emergencies. To arrange for Early Dismissal, a parent must write a note to the Attendance Office specifying the date, time and reason for the request. Students are responsible for bringing the note to the Attendance Office the morning of their Early Dismissal. The Student will then be given a pass to come to attendance at the designated time so as not to interrupt classes during the day. There may be times when a parent must make a doctors appointment during the school day, make your child aware that you will be calling for an appointment. It is the students responsibility to then check with the Attendance Office (in between classes) to see if the parent has called with the dismissal time. (CLASSES ARE NO LONGER TO BE INTERRUPTED) The attendance office will follow up by contacting the parent to verify the early dismissal. If the parent cannot be reached to verify the early dismissal, the student could be refused permission to leave. THE PARENT MUST COME TO THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE TO MEET THEIR CHILD AND SIGN THE EARLY DISMISSAL BOOK. Students will be allowed to leave with another parent if a note is presented to the administration and parental approval is confirmed.
Students enrolled in C.I.E. or C.O.E. or who have an approved permanent early dismissal will be issued cards stating the approved departure time. Students must keep these cards with them at all times.
Students who leave school without administrative or parental permission will be considered truant and dealt with severely. Parents will be notified.
Notes requesting early dismissals for professional appointments must also include the name of the professional and their phone number.
NO STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE SCHOOL UNLESS THE REASON FOR THE APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN VERIFIED BY A PARENT. The normal procedure includes parental contact on the day of the appointment. Either parent must be available to confirm the appointment.
Only building Administration may approve Early Dismissal for special circumstances.
CONTRACT FOR PERMANENT EARLY DISMISSAL
Permanent Early Dismissals are discouraged. Permanent Early Dismissals will be for seniors with employment only! Students must arrange for a conference with the Assistant Principal. No Permanent Early Dismissal will be granted until the student, his/her parents and the employer are aware of the student's contractual responsibilities in fulfilling his graduation requirements and any school obligations.
For the protection of all students, the only conditions under which a pupil may leave school during the regular day are:
Permission from Administration and signed out by a parent or legal guardian.
Permission from the Health Office and is signed out by a parent or legal guardian.
Correctly processed early dismissal. Confirmation will be made by the school Administration.
Absence caused by a school sponsored activity; New Jersey Statutes: Title 18A-38-28, and 38-31.
Students may not leave school grounds during the school day for any reason without Administrative permission. Students found leaving school, will be considered illegally off school grounds, truant and may be suspended. Truancy complaints may be signed.
North Hunterdon must accept the responsibility for every student's safety and welfare. Therefore, please remain in the supervised areas of the school as directed.