PURPOSE OF A SENIOR HANDBOOK. Class of 2014

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1 PURPOSE OF A SENIOR HANDBOOK Class of 2014 To the Senior Student: You are about to begin the final semester of your high school education. For some of you this will be the final year of formalized schooling; for others, you will have many more years of formalized schooling ahead of you. This booklet was put together for your use. It will inform you of very important information, which all of you must be aware of to make this a special year. We have included facts; dates, expected behavior or guidelines that we feel will benefit students, parents, and school authorities. By being aware of the information in this booklet, the student and his/her family will be able to plan a senior year that is full of many positive and lasting memories. We hope the education you have received while you were in the Piqua City Schools will be the foundation you can build upon in the years to come. Education does not ever really stop, but continues for each of us every day. It has been our goal to help you become aware of the many different ways that we learn, and to give you some of the tools that will be needed to help you develop to the extent and degree that you have dreamed. Good luck and best wishes for a happy and successful future. Sincerely, Anthony Lyons Principal

2 The information contained on the following pages has been prepared to benefit the seniors and their parents. I. REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION: The guidelines for meeting graduation requirements are listed below. These requirements must be met before a student can be certified for graduation. A total of twenty-one units of credit are required of each student before graduation requirements will be certified. These units of credit must include the following: English..4 units(to include English 9, 10, 11, and 12) Social Studies*.3 units Science**..3 units Mathematics 4 units (including Alg II or equivalent) Health + Phys. Ed.1 unit (includes 2 semesters of P.E. or 2 sports seasons FineArt. 1 (grades7-12) Intro to Business Tech..1/2 unit Other Courses..4 ½ units *Students attending Piqua High School must include in this, one unit of American History, and 1/2 unit of government. Students attending the U.V.C.C. need 1/2 unit of American History and 1/2 unit of government. **Science units must include 1 unit of Biological Science and 1 unit of Advanced Science and 1 unit of Physical Science. The student should carefully review with his/her counselor the number of courses/units completed, the number of majors completed, the number of minors completed, and finally, the total number of credits completed. ~~~ All students must have a total of twenty-one (21) credits to be certified for graduation. YOUR CHECKLIST: 1. Do I have 21 or more total credits? Yes No 2. Do I have the required units necessary for Yes No graduation? 4. Passed Math OGT? Yes No 5. Passed Reading OGT? Yes No 6. Passed Writing OGT? Yes No 7. Passed Social Studies OGT? Yes _ No _ 8. Passed Science OGT? Yes No If you have answered "YES" to all of the above questions, it would appear that you have met all of the requirements for graduation relating to credits. If you answered "NO" to any of the above questions, it is imperative that you meet with your counselor to review your credit status.

3 II. STATE REQUIRED TESTING: Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies & Science In accordance with state laws, all students graduating in 2007 or later, will have to participate in the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) to determine if a diploma will be awarded to the student. The tests will be given once during the sophomore year and twice during the junior and senior year. Students will be required to take each of the above identified tests until they have passed the tests. Students not passing the tests will be given the opportunity to participate in appropriate intervention classes during the regular school year and also during the summer term. After the summer classes, they will have the opportunity to take the OGT; if passing it, they will have filled that part of the graduation process. At the time of this printing, no additional senior testing dates have been established after March 2014 for graduation May 30 of 2014 (no additional last chance test in May). III. SENIOR EVENTS: 1. The last day to drop second semester classes without a withdraw fail will be January 31, Progress reports for the second semester are scheduled to be distributed on February 12 &13, There could be an adjustment because of snow days. 3. Grade cards for the third grading period will be distributed on March 28, Final grade cards will be mailed after graduation day. 4. Seniors will be measured for caps and gowns during the year. Piqua students attending the U.V.C.C. will be measured for caps and gowns at the U.V.C.C. The Jostens Company will be the supplier again this year. Seniors buy both the cap and gown. Caps and gowns will be distributed sometime during the month of April 2014 and an announcement of this delivery will be made in April. 5. Senior class officers will coordinate the selection of the senior announcements. The announcements will be presented to the senior students by the senior class officers during class meetings. At these meetings information and procedures relating to the ordering of the announcements and related materials will be presented to the senior students. Announcements may be ordered from the Jostens Company, Mr. Robert Eldridge, representative. Cost of announcements vary depending on each order. In addition, senior students will select the class flower, motto, and color to be used for this senior class. It is the responsibility of each student to attend these meetings. 6. Seniors should have their senior pictures taken by a photographer of the student's choice. The student should check with his/her photographer at the time the picture is taken to verify if the picture will be automatically sent to the school for use in the yearbook. If the picture is not sent, it is the student's responsibility to supply the yearbook with a picture. Final acceptance date for senior pictures to go in the Piquonian is February 28, The Top 100 Banquet will be held at PHS on April 16, The date of the Junior-Senior Prom is May 3, To attend, students must be a junior or senior, or the guest of a junior or senior. Guests from outside PHS must register. 9. Baccalaureate Services will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2014 in the Piqua Baptist Church at 7:00 p.m. Specific details will be announced at a later date. Wear graduation gowns. 10. The Academic Signing Ceremony will take place on May 21, 2014 from 9:15-11:00 A.M. at Piqua High School.

4 11. Senior exams are scheduled for Thursday, May 22, and Friday May 23, 2014 during the regularly scheduled class times. 12. Practice for graduation will be Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 8:30 A.M. at Alexander Stadium, visitor s side. Attendance is mandatory! Seniors will not be in class that day. Casual dress. Plan on a minimum of two hours of practice (see pg. 6 for more information). 13. Senior Class Night will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at Piqua High School. Class Night will start at 7:00 p.m. Class night is our awards program and any PHS or UVCC senior who has received a scholarship will be required to attend. Wear graduation gown, no caps. 14. Seniors receiving awards/scholarships from sources other than through PHS, must submit documentation to the senior counselor by May 9, 2014 to be recognized at class night/graduation. 15. Graduation will be Friday, May 30, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. at Alexander Stadium. Students are to report to the visitor side at 7:30 p.m., with caps and gowns. Students will be permitted an unlimited number of guests. Contact Mr. Darrell Hite for handicapped seating and parking. 16. SENIOR SERVICE HOURS (6 hours needed) To be excused from school on Tuesday May 27, 2014 seniors must complete Service Day projects by May 16, Information regarding Senior Service Hours requirements is located in the main office. PSEOP and U.V.C.C. students are excluded from this requirement at PHS graduates must pass the Math, Reading, Writing, Citizenship & Science Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT). 18. Students who do not pass all five tests will NOT be permitted to participate in graduation activities. This includes marching with the class. To maintain the dignity of the ceremony, all seniors marching must have fulfilled all requirements. The choice of ordering announcements, cap/gown, etc., will be the responsibility of each senior student/parent. 19. Seniors planning on attending college or obtaining other post secondary education, must see their counselor to complete a transcript request form and pay a dollar to mail their final transcript. 20. Students having questions about dates/procedures/explanations regarding the senior year should contact their counselor or a principal. 21. If graduation is in question, students/parents should consider contacting Robert Eldridge, Josten s Representative, to place a late order for announcements and other items. IV. DATES OF NON-SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITIES: The all-night party after graduation will be held on May 30, 2014 starting at 10:30 p.m. at the Piqua Junior High School. This activity will only take place if a voluntary parent group organizes it. V. IMPORTANT SENIOR ACTIVITY DATES: May 12, Senior Week Begins May 16, Senior Service Hours completed May 18, Baccalaureate - 7:00 p.m. - Piqua Baptist Church May 21, Academic Signing Ceremony 9:15 11:00 am May 21, Senior Locker Clean-out

5 May 22 & May 23, Senior Final Exams May 22, UVCC Convocation 7:00 p.m. Hobart Arena May 28, Senior Detentions/Offenses Served and Fees Paid May 28, Senior Graduation Practice - 8:30 a.m. May 28, Class Night - 7:00 p.m. CPA May 30, Graduation - 8:00 p.m. Alexander Stadium VI. BACCALAUREATE SERVICES: A U. S. Supreme Court Ruling in June of 1992, Prohibits Religious Ceremonies promoted by Public Schools. As a result, the traditional Baccalaureate Service held for Piqua High School graduating seniors, will become an activity promoted by the Piqua Ministerial Association. They will coordinate all activities, and will invite graduating seniors to this special service. The 2013 Baccalaureate Service will be held at Piqua Baptist Church* on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. *date subject to change VII. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR SENIORS: 1. The district/building discipline code will be in effect during all senior activities and events. Students who are under the influences of alcohol/drugs at any of the practice sessions or Award Night, will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremonies. In addition, all students must wear appropriate clothing under the gown to participate in the graduation ceremonies, to include dress slacks/trousers/shirt/skirt. No casual sandals or gym shoes. Those students prohibited from participating in the graduation ceremonies, will have to come to the high school office during normal working hours after graduation, or later to receive their diploma. 2. Seniors who have not completed all requirements for graduation will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremonies. Students must have paid all fines/textbook charges. Fees must be paid by graduation practice on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:30 a.m. This could include outstanding amounts owed for the 9th - 10th - 11th grade years. 3. Seniors are encouraged to attend all senior events. However, if a student chooses not to attend the graduation ceremony, he/she will have to pick up the diploma in the office of the high school principal during normal working hours after graduation, June 2, 2014 or later. Diplomas will not be issued prior to the graduation ceremony. 4. Piqua seniors who attend the U.V.C.C. will be honored at the U.V.C.C. Convocation which will be May 22, 2014 at Hobart Arena. 5. Students wishing to attend college, technical school, or a branch of the Armed Services after graduation should have the application process either started, or have seen their counselor. 6. Students wishing to apply for grants/loans/scholarships for college or technical school should see their counselor. 7. The Class of 2014 will graduate as a class. At graduation and after all students have received their diploma, the class president will stand before the group and move the tassel from the right side to the left side of the mortarboard. ANY INCIDENT BY A STUDENT, OR A GROUP OF STUDENTS, WHICH SUG- GESTS OR CREATES AN EMBARRASSMENT TO ANY INDIVIDUAL(S), OR NEGATES THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADUATION CEREMONY, WILL CALL FOR IMMEDIATE CANCELLATION OF THE CEREMONY. THE DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMAS WILL THEN TAKE PLACE THE FOLLOWING MONDAY FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL OF PIQUA HIGH SCHOOL.

6 8. Specific information regarding senior events will be handed out by the principal or class advisor immediately prior to the various events. 9. The Media Class will offer a DVD of the graduation ceremony to parents and students for $5.00. Please contact the Media Teacher Mr. Eli Leiker. VIII. Selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian: Selections are based on the cumulative GPA figured through seven semesters and all AP and Concurrent Enrollment nine week grade add-ons through the third nine weeks of the senior year. The valedictorian and salutatorian will be determined by GPA alone. The student with the highest GPA, and all ties, will be the valedictorian and the student with the second highest GPA, and all ties, will be the salutatorian. The decimal point value to determine valedictorian and salutatorian will be carried to the 1,000 place. ~~~Special Note ~~~ IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL SENIORS RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING COMPLETELY INFORMED OF ALL RULES/REGULATIONS/TIME LINES, AND OTHER DIRECTIONS THAT MIGHT BE FORTHCOMING FROM TEACHERS, GUIDANCE COUNSELORS, DISTRICT AND BUILDING ADMINISTRATORS REGARDING GRADUATION. DO NOT JEOPARDIZE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE SENIOR EVENTS. MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS IN EACH OF YOUR CLASSES; PAID ALL SCHOOL FEES, COMPLETED ANY DETENTION REQUIREMENTS, AND RETURNED ALL EQUIPMENT/UNIFORMS. DO NOT FORCE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES TO DENY YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN SENIOR EVENTS. IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT AS TO WHETHER YOU WILL RECEIVE CREDIT IN A SENIOR YEAR COURSE, PLEASE CHECK WITH THE COUNSELOR AND THE TEACHER PRIOR TO THE FINAL WEEK OF SCHOOL. OFTEN A STUDENT WILL NOT GRADUATE BECAUSE HE/SHE DID NOT FINISH A COURSE, PASS A FINAL EXAM, OR COMPLETE THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS. IN A FEW CASES EACH YEAR THE FINAL EXAM WILL DETERMINE THE PASSAGE OR FAILURE IN A COURSE. YOUR FINAL STATUS MAY NOT BE DETERMINED UNTIL A FEW HOURS AFTER FINAL EXAMS. PARENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF STUDENT FAILURE IN A REQUIRED, OR NEEDED COURSE, THAT WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT THE STUDENT BEING ABLE TO GRADUATE. THIS NOTIFICATION WILL TAKE PLACE BY May 30, 2014.

7 IX. A FINAL THOUGHT: Graduation is a traditional ceremony to honor those seniors who have met all of the requirements set forth by the Board of Education. It is meant to be a happy and dignified occasion. It is also a time in a person's life when they are recognized and honored for the twelve or thirteen years of study and work associated with meeting the educational requirements at each grade level. For some students it has been a period of time of minimal work and fun activities, but for others it has involved many hours of work, study, and personal sacrifice. While graduation is a special time for honoring the student, it is also a time for the parents to receive recognition, albeit on a much smaller scale; for the time, money, and sacrifice that has been involved from their standpoint. Therefore, graduation is a special time for many people. Graduation will be held outdoors in Alexander Stadium weather permitting. As graduation is a ceremonial function held by the Board of Education, it will be their decision. Further information regarding actual graduation ceremonies will be forthcoming. Should the school board agree to an outdoor commencement, seniors should plan to have a graduation practice of 2 hours. If inclement weather is predicted, graduation will take place in Garbry Gymnasium. Do not schedule work hours before 11:00 on Wednesday, May 28, Let us try to make this graduation very meaningful to ourselves, our friends, and our parents and families. For this one occasion, let us dress properly, boys...slacks, dress shirt, girls...dress clothing. Present a behavior that will add honor and decorum to the proceedings. Be polite and respectful to the speakers and presenters during the ceremonies. For some of your peers and their families this will be the most important event of recognition or accomplishment that will ever happen to them. Everyone with the Piqua City Schools wishes the most sincere congratulations to you on your graduation day. We hope that you will be able to achieve those many personal goals that you have set for yourself. GRADUATION PROCEDURE FOR MIAMI COUNTY CONSORTIUM MD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GRADUATION 1. MD students and their families will be given the choice to participate in the graduation ceremony of their school of attendance or to graduate at the high school in their district of residence. 2. The diploma will be issued from the school district where the student has chosen to participate in the graduation ceremony. 3. Some MD students will continue their education longer than the traditional four years. For these students the IEP team will determine with the student if graduation with their peers is important to the student socially. If this is the case: the MD student must have fulfilled enough credit and course requirements to graduate in order to participate in the graduation ceremony, at the graduation ceremony the student will be issued a generic certificate of attendance, The MD student will be issued an official diploma upon exiting school.

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