Wabaunsee High School
Student Handbook 
2006-07

Welcome to another exciting school year at Wabaunsee High School!  One’s high school years are an important time with many opportunities to participate in long-standing traditions.  Likewise, many opportunities exist to create new traditions, which strengthen the high school program for everyone. 

This handbook has been prepared for the students of Wabaunsee High School to serve as an aid in the understanding of our school policies.  It was designed for the following purposes:

      1.      To clarify graduation requirements
2.      To promote good student understanding
3.      To inform students and parents of school policy
4.      To report information to parents as required by law

We ask that students and parents read this handbook carefully.  Please ask questions about any parts that are not understood.  We require that all students abide by the policies set forth in the student handbook. 

The students at Wabaunsee High School have respect for themselves, their teachers, staff, and fellow students.  They have pride in themselves, for everything they do and their school.  Finally, Wabaunsee High School students are involved in everything that happens at school.  To get the most from your high school years, you must be involved.  It is our hope that you, too, will be a Wabaunsee High School student with pride, respect, and involvement.

Dr. Larry Andersen - Principal 

Mission Statements

USD #329 Mission Statement

In partnership with parents and the community, the mission of Mill Creek Valley USD #329 is to provide all students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to achieve success in our ever-changing world.

Wabaunsee High School Mission Statement

To share with our community the responsibility for educating students to the highest level possible and evaluate the methods utilized and the results achieved to assure an equitable education for all. 

Class Schedule

Advisor Base: ____________________                     

Bell Schedule

Monday - Tuesday – Thursday – Friday      A/B Days        Silent Sustained Reading is on Thursday

Wednesday     Academic Seminar Day

Table of Contents

Academics

Graduation Requirements

The Board of Education of USD #329 has established for students graduating on or after May of 2005, twenty-eight credits of which must be in the following designated program areas:

Any student who does not meet the above requirements for graduation will not participate in the commencement ceremony.

The counselor will adjust curriculum credits for transfer students.

The Board of Education of USD #329 has established for students graduating on or after May of 2008, 3 credits in mathematics and 3 credits in science.  

Kansas Board of Regents Qualified Admissions

In 1996, the Kansas Legislature passed a qualified admissions curriculum.  Beginning in the fall of 2001 a student who completes the required pre-college curriculum with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and graduates from an accredited Kansas high school will qualify for admission to any of the six Kansas Regents universities (Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, Kansas University, Pittsburg State, and Wichita State).

Following are the qualified admissions curriculum:

A student who does not complete the above state curriculum can still qualify for admission by:

Students are responsible for facilitating communication with the counselor to track their progress toward meeting the Board of Regents criteria.

Kansas Board of Regents State Scholar Program

“State Scholar” designation and funding is based upon completion of the Board of Regents Recommended Curriculum, and an index rating of the student’s ACT Assessment score and high school grade point average.  Please see the counselor for eligibility requirements.

Vocational Technical Courses

Vocational technical courses shall be credited on the basis of one unit of credit per hour of participation in the program based upon successful completion of the course.  Post high school vocational technical courses will not count toward a high school diploma.  Please see the counselor for procedures on enrolling.  Prior approval must be garnered from the counselor before enrolling.

Dual Enrollment Programs

Students may apply for permission to earn dual credit by taking college level courses at Washburn University, Kansas Regent Institutions, and Highland Community College under the following conditions:

The grade and credit will be entered on the student’s WHS transcript upon receipt of official transcript from the college or university indicating the grade and credits earned.  Following is the credit conversions:

Students who are taking dual credit classes required for graduation by WHS will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies unless the WHS office, prior to graduation, receives an official transcript.  The transcript must state the student’s grade and credits earned.

Concurrent Credit

WHS will offer concurrent credit classes in which students may attain college credit through Highland Community College for classes taken at WHS during the regular school day.  Students must meet Highland Community College requirements.  Approved college level classes taught by WHS instructors on our campus may count for both college and high school credit.  Students wishing college credit under this agreement are responsible for paying their own tuition.

Work Study/Release

Policy HB JJ states there will be no employment of students during the school day.  Students will not be excused from school for employment reasons.  However, some exceptions have been made for senior students through work-study.  Students must meet with the counselor to see if they qualify for work-study and for procedures, rules and employer cooperation requirements.  Prior approval through a teacher, the counselor and principal is required.

Grading System

Grade cards will be mailed home to parents on the first Wednesday following the end of a quarter.  It is the responsibility of the student to show those grades to their parents in a timely fashion (within two days).

The grading system established by the BOE is as follows:

Honor Roll

The honor roll will be tabulated following each quarter and published in the local paper and posted on the bulletin boards at the school.  Any student who receives a grade letter “D” or “F” in any class is ineligible for making the honor roll list.  Honors classes will not receive extra point credit at this time.  The honor roll will include three categories as follows:

Weighted Grades and Honor Grades

Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year the following weighted formula will be used to figure grade point averages at Wabaunsee High School.

Weighted Class Grades

Advanced Placement English
            Calculus
            Physics

                        The weighting would be as follows:

             Honors Class Grades

Students will have .5 added to their grade for the following classes:

Anatomy
            Spanish II
            French II
            Trigonometry/College Algebra
            Advanced Biology
            Pre-Advanced Placement English III

Finals

Each student is required to take finals at the end of each semester for each class. 

Standard of Excellence Fun Day

The Board of Education recognizes the excellence in academics established by our students in achieving “standard of excellence” on state assessments.  Continuation of a reward day for WHS students achieving this commendation on state assessments should continue. 

State Assessment Intervention Program

The Board of Education requires any student that scores in the bottom two categories on state assessments (math, reading and writing) must attend summer school at Wabaunsee High School.

Academic Award

Graduating students will be recognized for academic achievement through the following process (regular GPA only):

The honors class point system will still be utilized to track class rank with the top two GPA point winners speaking at graduation.  Valedictorian and Salutatorian will no longer be awarded. 

Academic Intervention

Teachers will notify the office when a student has failed to complete three assignments in a class.  That student and their parents/guardians will be notified that a mandatory study is in effect.  The student shall attend mandatory study hall for one week following the notice held from 3:30 to 3:50 pm.  Should the student continue to not turn in assignments the student shall be brought before the Student Intervention Team to determine further action.

Attendance

 Philosophy                                                                                                                  “You Miss School; You Miss Out”

There is a direct correlation between school attendance and academic achievement. Regular school attendance is essential for satisfactory school progress.  No single factor does more to aid progress than regular attendance.  

Type of Absences

• Excused Absences: Absences for dental or doctor appointments, for sickness, for travel with family, for court appearances, for illness in the home, for funerals of members of the family, national, state, school, and community sponsored events, and absences for family emergencies will be excused with parent permission.  Under exceptional circumstances other absences may be excused, provided they have been discussed with the principal by the parents prior to the absence.  Absence because of out of school suspension for disciplinary reasons is also excused.
• Unexcused Absences: Absence with the parent’s permission for any reason other than listed above.  Absence without parent or school permission.

The principal makes final determination toward classification of an absence as being excused or unexcused.

All unexcused absences will be made up during Saturday school (two hours of time in Saturday school for every hour of class time missed).  Three consecutive unexcused absences, five unexcused absences in a semester or seven unexcused absences in a year will result in the school contacting the county attorney and reporting the student as being truant.

Skipping school – The county sheriff may be notified as soon as the school becomes aware that a student is skipping school (during the school day).  Skipping school will result in a student losing their privilege to participate in extra-curricular activities for a specified length of time.  The student will make up time during Saturday school (two hours for every hour of class time missed).

Notification of Absence by Parents

A parent is requested to notify the school of their child’s absence by 10:00 AM (765-3315).  If a call is not received, the school will attempt to call the parent.  If contact is not made by phone, it is the responsibility of the student to present a note to the office excusing the absence.  This note needs to be signed by their parent or guardian.  Failure to bring a note will result in the absence being classified as unexcused.

Any student who arrives or leaves during the day must check in or out with the office.  Students cannot leave the campus until he/she has secured permission from his/her guardian and checked out with the office.

Absentee Make Up and Consequence

·        Excused absences: The student will be allowed to make up all schoolwork missed without penalty.  Students have two days for each day absent to have their work made up.  However, assignments assigned prior to the student’s absence are due the day the student returns.  Students should attempt to utilize their assigned “homework buddies” to complete as much of the missed work as possible while they are gone. 

For travel with family or school sponsored events, the student should give advance notice to the school and garner academic assignments in advance of the absence and make every attempt to complete that work prior to the anticipated absence.

·        Unexcused absences: The student will not be allowed to make up missed schoolwork and a zero grade will be averaged into their score.  The student will also make up the missed time, spending two hours of Saturday school or detention, for every regular school hour missed. 

Excessive Absences

• Excused Absences:

A student whose absences exceed three class periods in one class may be referred to the counselor.  His/Her intervention will hopefully integrate strategies that will help assure the student is staying on top of their academics and to help the student and parents improve the student’s attendance.

A student whose absences exceed six class periods in one class may be assigned to meet with a student improvement team.  This team will consist of the student’s parent/s, principal, counselor, and one teacher.  Again, it is hopeful that this team can aid the student in improving academic performance and improve their attendance.

A student whose absences exceed nine class periods in one class may lose credit for that class and may be excluded from participating in that class.  Any student who loses a class credit becomes ineligible for any extra-curricular activities.  The student may appeal to the principal to review and present vocal or written statement to regain loss of credit.  The building principal has the responsibility to determine the justification of any student/parental appeal and remedy thereof.  Students may then follow board-adopted (Policy HB – JRD-R) student grievance procedures.

• Unexcused Absences:

Excessive unexcused absences may result in out of school suspension and in extreme cases, expulsion.

·    Proof of Absence:

    The building principal reserves the right to require proof to the legitimacy of need for excused absences for personal reasons when such absences exceed three in any given class period.

Tardy Policy

A student is tardy any time he/she is not in the classroom, as dictated by the instructor, when the tardy bell rings.  A student must provide a written excuse from a staff member when tardy to a class.  Students late coming to school must check into the office and secure a pass to class, utilizing their student planner.  A tardy student is a disruption to normal classroom procedures. 

The following tardy policy begins new each semester.  This tardy policy is not based upon a per class count.  Tardies will accumulate regardless of which class they are received.

Health Related Procedure at School

Students becoming ill at school should report to the office.  If there is a necessity to go home, the office staff will inform the parent.  The student will then be released from school.  Students not following this procedure will receive an unexcused absence. 

Senior Skip Day

Seniors will be allowed to choose and organize a school day for activities (with approval by administration) in May for the purpose of developing class unity and memories.  All activities, place, and sponsorship must be approved by administration.

Absentee Policy During Final’s Testing

Students are expected to be at school during finals.  The school will work with students who miss finals due to illness, injury or personal/family emergencies.  WHS will also work with students who must miss finals due to circumstances beyond their control, or the control of their family.  The school requests three weeks notice prior to finals week in order to allow teachers adequate time to create a final test.

Extracurricular Activities

Philosophy

Student activities are important in the development of a well-rounded educational program.  The staff is encouraged to capitalize on the educational possibilities of student activities.  Any activity that involves the expenditure of public funds shall be subject to prior approval by the board.

Eligibility – Sport and Non-Sport Student Activities

We expect all students to perform as good citizens at all times. To be eligible for all activities at school including sports, field trips, plays, music events, and/or any organization and offering listed in the student handbook students must maintain satisfactory school citizenship and academic requirements stated in this policy.  Any misconduct by participants in these activities that is sufficiently serious to warrant internal/external suspension from school will result in ineligibility for the period of suspension. Additionally, violation of the student discipline regulations or related school district policies may lead to a longer period of suspension or exclusion from participation at the discretion of the building administrator.

Students are ineligible if they have one F or two D’s

Grades are to be reported to the office for eligibility every two weeks

Students can come off the ineligible list after a week if they have raised their grades to where they do not have one F or two D’s and the teacher(s) substantiates the grade change

Students cannot go onto the ineligibility list a second time in a row unless there are at least two grades taken the classes where ineligibility occurred

Grades will be figured as of noon every Thursday.  Teachers can use SSR time to help update grades and to let the office know if they have not had enough grades taken in a class.  Notification of eligibility will be sent to parents by Friday

Students are ineligible for all activities during the calendar week Sunday through Saturday the following week. 

The first time eligibility runs in the fall will be a warning only for students and they have a probationary period to become eligible.  The second time non-participation will take place.

Events that require selection and training will have all students eligible to tryout. However, students must be eligible in order to begin rehearsal or practice. The cut off date for eligibility purposes is two (2) weeks before the performance. If a student is eligible at that time, the student remains eligible regardless of the student’s academic standing at the time of the performance.

Eligibility for participation in fall sports or extra-curricular activities is contingent upon students having met eligibility standards at the conclusion of the previous school year. Students who are ineligible at the conclusion of a school year will be ineligible for the first fifteen (15) school days of the following school year. Eligibility for fall activities will be determined by the second semester grade that the student receives in any given course (except incoming freshmen who must meet the KSHSAA eligibility of passing five subjects of unity weight), and not by the grade received just for the fourth marking period. (Note: Prior to the beginning of a new school year, ineligible students may participate in practice or conditioning sessions but may not participate in scrimmages and/or games until eligible). 

NCAA Eligibility Requirements

If you plan to participate in athletics as a college freshman at the NCAA division I or II levels you should apply for certification with the Clearinghouse before you graduate from high school. 

Keep in contact with your counselor to make sure that you are satisfying the core curriculum required by the NCAA and that you are fulfilling all other conditions for eligibility.

Activity Offerings

Discipline

Philosophy

WHS philosophy on student conduct is simple.  Each student is responsible for his or her own behavior.  Teachers are here to instruct and aid students in their academic and social development.  Students who choose to not follow rules will be held accountable for those decisions.  WHS expectations of students to sustain high standards of self-discipline and work ethic will be maintained.

Purpose of School Code of Conduct

The objective of this code is to establish rules with regard to the conduct of all students at Wabaunsee High School These rules have been deemed appropriate and necessary for the maintenance of a wholesome school climate. As such, this Code of Conduct should be reviewed by students and their parents.

These rules and standards apply to student conduct:

• on school premises
• on school busses
•  involving school property
• off school premises which directly affects the school
• at school functions of any kind

This code does not define all types and aspects of students' behavior. The Board of Education of USD 329 has the authority to set forth policies, rules and regulations to help each student conduct himself in a proper manner as a good citizen of the school community.

Alcohol (sale or distribution)

Alcohol (use or possession)

Behavior - Inappropriate

This includes:

• The use of electronic communication devices such as pagers, cellular phones, CD Players, etc.  A student shall first be warned by the teacher if a phone or pager goes off in class.
• Using the elevator without prior permission.
• Inappropriate physical contact.

Behavior – Disruptive

Driving:  Leaving school grounds without permission in a vehicle.

Drug/Drug Look-Alike  (sale or distribution)

Drug/Drug Look-Alike  (use or possession)

Endangerment – activities that expose others to danger or harm

Extortion – to obtain money or other items by use of threat or coercion

Fighting

Harassment - Includes, but not limited to, sexual and racial harassment

Insubordination – failure to follow a staff member’s request

Language: Inappropriate

Security – Issues that may result in the evacuation of the building and or fire/police intervention.  This includes but is not limited to:

Creating a false fire alarm
Bomb or similar threat
Fireworks, possession and/or use of

Theft

Tobacco  (Use or Possession)

Vandalism

Verbal/Written Assault:

Towards a School Employee  

Verbal/Written Assault/Threat:

Towards a Student     

  WHS Disciplinary Guidelines and Policies

 The WHS disciplinary policy is designed to offer a clear and consistent set of behavioral guidelines and consequences for our students and parents.  It is our goal to guide our students through growth experiences in a positive manner, mindful that it is essential to provide increasing opportunities for students to accept responsibility for their own actions and well-being. 

We facilitate this process by:

• Early and constant communications with parents.  However, parents with concerns are encouraged to contact teachers.  If you are unable to contact a teacher or principal, please leave a message.  If you do not receive a call back within 24 hours, please contact the principal.
• Working with faculty to define age-appropriate consequences for misbehavior.
• Stating emphatically that violations of Board Policy prohibiting possession or use of illegal drugs, possession of weapons, or acts of wanton violence will not be tolerated and will result in immediate recommendation to the Superintendent of Schools for consideration of expulsion.
• Acknowledging that “fairness and consistency” often need to be balanced by the measured judgment of the Administration as to appropriate consequences of violations of minor rules.  Administrative judgment will always have a place in the application of rules and consequences at WHS.

In support of clarity and consistency, the following are school-wide discipline policies:

• Respect others (disrespect and harassment will not be tolerated).
• Students are not allowed to use, possess or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or to use or possess tobacco in the school building, on the school grounds, or at a school sponsored activity.
• A student shall not verbally, in writing or physically threaten, abuse, assault or engage in a fight with any student, school employee, or any other person.  Group assaults (several students versus one student) will be viewed in the harshest of terms.
• A student shall not damage, destroy nor deface any school property or property belonging to any other person.
• Inappropriate display of affection is not allowed at school or school sponsored activities.  The holding of hands is all that will be allowed.
• A student may not by comment, gesture or by physical contact, sexually harass another student.
• A student shall not use profanity.
• A student shall not engage, or attempt to engage in any conduct that is likely to disrupt, or that does disrupt, any school function or activity.
• Students may not use tape recorders or other similar devices at WHS without the expressed permission of the instructor or administrator and the knowledge of all those being recorded.

 WHS Disciplinary Measures

It is Wabaunsee High Schools’ philosophy that students will control their own behavior.  On the rare occasion when a student makes poor choices and teacher intervention does not help the student successfully modify their behavior, the student will be subject to but not limited to the following disciplinary measures:

Principal Intervention

Any student referred to the office for inappropriate behavior can rest assured that regardless of any consequences assigned, parents will be notified.  Minor behavior problems can result in short-term consequences – hallway pass suspension, computer access denied, work duty assigned, change in lunch setting, detention, etc.

Teacher/Principal/Counselor Conference

Parent Conference

Detention

A student may receive one or more detentions for undesirable behavior.  Detentions are to be served (before or after school or during lunch) the day they are assigned or the following two days.  Parents will be notified by phone on the day of the detention or the student will facilitate transporting a note to and from parents.  No student will be detained after school without notifying the parent.  Failure to serve detentions on time will result in the student being assigned to Saturday School.  Chronic violators will be subject to out of school suspension.  

Saturday School

Saturday school may be assigned by the principal as a disciplinary action where warranted.  Saturday school will be held on an as needed basis from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.  All Saturday school sessions will be assigned as three-hour blocks.  Failure or refusal to attend Saturday school will result in an out-of school suspension.  Students assigned a Saturday school session are expected to fulfil that responsibility the week it is assigned.  Postponement to a later Saturday can only be secured through the principal via parent request.

In-School Suspension

In-school suspension will be used to isolate students who are disrupting or hindering the education of others.  While on in-school suspension a student will work on his/her academics part of the day, and through parent permission, will be assigned work duty and tasks for part of the day.

Rules for Detention, ISS and Saturday School

• No communication with others without permission.
• No sleeping or lying down.
• Be on time.
• Do not leave your seat in the room without permission.
• No food or drink will be allowed.
• Come prepared to spend your time constructively.

Failure to comply with these rules will result in out of school suspension

Short Term Out of School Suspension

K.S.A 72-8902 - Except in an emergency, a short-term suspension (not exceeding ten school days) must be preceded by oral or written notice of the charges to the student and an informal hearing.  If a hearing is not held prior to the suspension, an informal hearing shall be provided no later than 72 hours after imposition of a short-term suspension.  Written notice of any short-term suspension shall be delivered to the student’s parent or guardian within 24 hours after the suspension has been imposed.  Any person designated in policy as having the authority to suspend may conduct the short-term suspension hearings.  At the informal suspension hearing, the student shall be:

• Notified of the right to be present.
• Informed of the charges.
• Informed of the basis for the accusation and,
• Allowed to make statements in his/her defense.

When a suspension is imposed during the school day, the student shall not be removed from school until a parent has been notified.  If a parent cannot be notified during regular school hours, the student shall remain at school until the regular dismissal time.

Long-term Suspension or Expulsion

K.S.A. 72-8902  Before a student is subject to long-term suspension (not to exceed 90 school days) or expulsion (not to exceed 186 school days), a formal hearing shall be conducted by any certified employee or committee of certified employees authorized by the board to conduct the hearing. 

Formal hearings shall be conducted according to procedures outlined in current Kansas law; and

The notice shall include copies of the suspension/expulsion law, and appropriate board policies, regulations and handbooks.

The hearing may be conducted by either a certificated employee or committee of certificated employees.

Expulsion hearings for weapons violation shall be conducted in compliance with Kansas law by persons appointed by the board.

The student and parents or guardians shall be given written notice of the time, date and place of the hearing.

Records of the hearing shall be available to students and parents or guardians according to Kansas law.

Written notice of the result of the hearing shall be given to the pupil and to parents and guardians within 24 hours after determination of such result.

Student Rights During a Long-term

Suspension/Expulsion Hearing: The student shall have the right:

• To counsel of his/her own choice;

• To have a parent or guardian present;

• To hear or read a full report of testimony of witnesses;

• To confront and cross-examine witnesses who appear in person at the hearing;

• To present his or her own witnesses;

• To testify in his or her own behalf and to give reasons for his or her conduct;

• To an orderly hearing; and

• To a fair and impartial decision based on substantial evidence.

Appeal to the Board

The following conditions shall apply if a student or the student’s parent or guardian files a written appeal of a suspension or expulsion:

• Written notice of the appeal shall be filed with the clerk within 10 calendar days after receiving notice of the decision.
• The board shall schedule an appeal with the board or a hearing officer appointed by the board within 20 calendar days after notice of appeal is filed.
• The student and the student’s parent shall be notified in writing of the time and place of the appeal at least 5 calendar days before the hearing.
• The hearing shall be conducted as a formal hearing using the same rules noted earlier for expulsion hearings.
• The board shall provide a certified court reporter to transcribe the hearing.
• The board shall render a final decision within five calendar days after the conclusion of the appeal hearing.

Suspension from Student Activities

Whenever a student is under the penalty of suspension or expulsion from a U.S.D. # 329 attendance center, he/she may not participate in, or attend regular school activities.  Regular school activities include athletic events, school plays, musical performances, school dances, graduation ceremonies and other club events.  This includes any event home or away.  Students may be suspended from future activities without being suspended from regular classes at the school.  All suspensions terminate at 12:00 Midnight on the last scheduled day of the suspension.

Behavioral Contracts

For that rare student who repeatedly chooses not to follow school rules or continually disrupts the classroom, the student will be placed on a behavioral contract with undesired behaviors specifically outlined and will adhere to the following consequences once the contract is administered: