Knoch High School Student Parent Handbook

Transcription

1 Knoch High School Student Parent Handbook School Year

2

3 Welcome to the South Butler County School District Knoch High School, 9-12

4 Knoch High School Parent-Student Handbook This handbook belongs to: Name Address City/Town Zip Phone This handbook is an informational guide for parents and students containing information on the school board, administration, faculty, school regulations, curriculum, student services, activities, health and other school related items. The purpose of the Student Handbook is to give school district students and their parents/guardians an understanding of the general rules and guidelines for attending and receiving an education in our schools. In case of conflict between a Board Policy and the provisions of this handbook, the Board Policy most recently adopted by the Board will prevail. Students and parents/guardians should be aware that this document is reviewed annually since policy adoption and revision is an ongoing process. These changes will generally supersede the provisions found in the handbook, which will become obsolete by the newly adopted policy. The handbook is not a contract between the school and parents/guardians or students. It can be amended at any time at the discretion of the district. If policy changes are enacted during the school year, the administration will communicate those changes to students, staff and parents/guardians. 345 Knoch Road, Saxonburg, PA 16056,

5 Table of Contents v Table of Contents Attendance Attendance Regulations Early Dismissal Procedures... 7 Excessive Absences... 7 Excused Absences... 6 Take Your Child To Work Day... 6 Tardiness... 7 Unexcused Absences... 6 Unexcused Tardiness... 7 Curriculum Accreditation... 8 Class Rank Electronic Communication Graduation Requirements... 9 Homework Policy Honor Roll Knoch Knight K National Honor Society Selection Peer Tutoring Program of Studies... 8 Report Cards... 9 Extra/Co-Curricular Activities Athletic Eligibility Attendance and Activities Co-Curricular Activities List Conduct at Athletic Events Dance - Age Restrictions Extracurricular Activities List Hazing NCAA Requirements Pay-to-Participate Spectator Rules in Gymnasium Staying After School Transportation General Information Administration... 1 Alma Mater... 4 Bell Schedule... 4 Butler Vo-Tech Calendar... 5 Faculty/Staff Mission Statement... 1 Principal s Welcome... 1 SBSCD Calendar... 5 SBSCD Board of Directors... 1 Rules and Regulations Alcohol/Drugs Procedures Bullying and Cyber Bullying Cheating Chromebook Class Cut Code of Conduct Conduct in Halls... 26

6 vi Table of Contents Controlled Substances Rules & Procedures Destruction/Defacing Property Display of Affection Dress Code Electronic Devices Field Trips Fighting Fire Drills Hall Passes Insubordination Leaving School Grounds w/o Permission Lockers Loitering Lunches Obligations Restroom Misuse Student Searches Study Halls Student Suspensions Terroristic Threats/Acts Tip-Line Tobacco/Smoking Unlawful Harassment Weapons and Dangerous Instruments Student Services Access to Records Chapter District Compliance with Federal Acts District Operated Special Ed. Programs Emergency Health Information Health Program Homebound Instruction Immunization Intermediate Unit Special Ed. Programs Library (LMC) Parent Conferences/Visitation Privacy Rights of Parents and Students Procedures for Administering Medication Psychological Services Public Notice of Screening and Evaluation School Counseling School Insurance Special Education Programs Student Assistance Program Use of Health Suite Use of the Elevator Withdrawal and Transfer Transportation Bus Bus Conduct Driving... 23

7 Parent Student Handbook 1 The Mission of the South Butler County School District...to provide a quality education for all students to become productive members of society. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nelda Burd - President ( ) Matthew Cimbala - Vice President ( ) Becky Boyd (2017) Donna Eakin ( ) Dale Fennell ( ) Bob Goodlin ( ) Debra Miller - ( ) Jacqueline Pfeiffer - Treasurer ( ) Linda Rieck ( ) Thomas King, III, Solicitor (Non-Voting) ADMINISTRATION Acting Superintendent...Dr. Frank Prazenica ext prazenicaf@southbutler.net Assistant Superintendent...Mr. Richard Cavett ext cavettr@southbutler.net Director of Special Services...Mr. Gregory Hajek ext hajekg@southbutler.net Director of Business Affairs... Mr. Paul Slomer ext slomerp@southbutler.net Director of Building and Grounds...Mr. Christian Reiser ext reiserc@southbutler.net Director of Technology...Mr. Michael Losk ext loskm@southbutler.net High School Principal..Mr. Todd Trofimuk ext trofimukt@southbutler.net Assistant High School Principal...Mrs. Kaitlin Remensky ext remenskyk@southbutler.net Athletic/Activities Director... Mr. Kurt Reiser ext reiserk@southbutler.net Transportation Director...Mr. Patrick Sarnese ext sarnesep@southbutler.net PRINCIPAL S WELCOME Dear Parents and Student, Welcome to the school year at Knoch High School. The purpose of this handbook is to provide valuable information about the high school that will help make this year successful. Each year there are changes to this handbook, and all students are expected to be aware of these changes and adhere to all policies and procedures in school, on school property, and at all school sponsored activities. We are enthused to have you as a member of our student body, and we will work together to help you achieve your educational goals. Should you have any questions or concerns after reading this handbook, please contact the Knoch High School office. Communication helps to minimize problems that might arise in the future. Knoch High School has established an outstanding reputation and sense of tradition. It is our intent to continue this pursuit of excellence in the school year. Sincerely, The Administration of Knoch High School We know what we are, but know not what we may be. William Shakespeare

8 2 Knoch High School FACULTY Subject *Adams, Jeannette Art Allison, Maria School Counselor Amendola, Justin Social Studies Andreassi, Chris Social Studies Bronder, Jennifer English Brumbaugh, Shaun Science Butler, Garett Mathematics Carl, Gregory Learning Support Copeland, Sharilyn Library *Davies, Christine Foreign Language/Spanish Dills, Patricia Gifted Coord. Foreign Lang. Durand, Todd Physical Education *Frishkorn, Samuel Mathematics Gall, Heidi English Gaston, Laura Tech. Education/Robotics Gavel, John Science Geist, Diane Art Goldinger, Jeffrey Social Studies Grantz, Melissa Family and Consumer Science Gumbosky, Alma Mathematics Gurrera, Susan School Counselor Hanner, Bethany English Hayden, Ricardo Music/Band Hall, Dave Science Hoffmann, Thomas Mathematics Hooks, Alan Science *Jacobs, Jessica Learning/Emotional Support Liaison Johnson, Joshua Social Studies Johnston, Kip Music/Orchestra Lentz, Kellie English Karns, Julia Foreign Language/German King, Michael Social Studies *Knappenberger, Lisa Physical Education Lampus, Jamie English Leech, Marisa Life Skills Instructor Limbacher, John Mathematics Markwell, Timothy Technology Education Miller, Keith English Morrison, Vanessa English Negley, Heston Mathematics Nickles, Laurel Science

9 Parent Student Handbook 3 FACULTY Subject Peratt, Lauren perattl@southbutler.net Learning Support *Pflugh, Bradley pflughb@southbutler.net Social Studies Ravotti, Susan ravottis@southbutler.net School Nurse Reiser, Kurt reiserk@southbutler.net Athletic Director Rowe, Jocelyn rowej@southbutler.net Learning Support Sandorf, Cassandra sandorfc@southbutler.net English *Schnur, Curt schnurc@southbutler.net Science Shaheen, Amanda shaheena@southbutler.net Science Sheptak, Marian sheptakm@southbutler.net Mathematics *Smith, Zachary smithz@southbutler.net Technology Education Sypien, Mike sypienm@southbutler.net Music/Choir Taylor, Scott taylors@southbutler.net Safety Education Taylor, Tracy taylort@southbutler.net Physical Education/Health *Thompson, Kelley thompsonk@southbutler.net English Venesky, Melissa veneskym@southbutler.net Science Voltz, Jennifer voltzj@southbutler.net Learning Support Voltz, Kathleen voltzk@southbutler.net Mathematics *Wargo, Anne wargoa@southbutler.net Business West, Krista westk@southbutler.net English White, Denee whited@southbutler.net Family Consumer Science Zebrine, Michael zebrinem@southbutler.net Social Studies Zhang, Xiaojing zhangx@southbutler.net Science *-Department Chair SECRETARIES/AIDES: FACULTY Title Ext. Swarlis, Michele Athletic Office Secretary 4806 Black, Patricia Special Ed Paraprofessional 4319 Ciafre, Diane School Counseling Office Secretary 4650 Danner, Debbie Attendance Secretary 4601 Durci, Theresa Special Ed Paraprofessional 4319 Kovach, Jackie Principal s Secretary 4606 Singer, Patty General Office Secretary 4600 Vereb, Sharon Library Aide 4037

10 4 Knoch High School School Mascot-Knight School Mottoes- Knowledge is Power The Truth Shall Make You Free Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding. As he thinketh in his heart, so is he. ALMA MATER Hail Alma Mater! We thy praise are singing. Love, honor, gratitude, From our hearts are ringing. We hail the gold and blue. To our school we ll e er be true. Knoch High School - Thee we love. Skill, knowledge, wisdom In the fullest measure You have instilled in us As a lasting treasure. To better life we ve grown, By your precepts you have shown That truth shall make us free. DAILY BELL SCHEDULE Regular Day Two Hour Delay Period 1 7:40 8:21 Period 1 9:40 10:05 (pass) 8:21 8:25 (pass) 10:05 10:09 Period 2 8:25 9:06 Period 2 10:09 10:34 (pass) 9:06 9:10 (pass) 10:34 10:38 Period 3 9:10 9:51 Period 3 10:38 11:03 (pass) 9:51 9:55 (pass) 11:03 11:07 Period 4 9:55 10:36 Period 4 11:07 11:37 Channel 1 10:36 10:52 Announce 11:32 11:37 Period 5 Period 5 A 10:52 11:22 A 11:37 12:07 B 11:22 11:52 B 12:07 12:37 C 11:52 12:22 C 12:37 1:07 (pass)12:22 12:26 (pass) 1:07 1:11 Period 6 12:26 1:07 Period 6 1:11 1:37 (pass) 1:07 1:11 (pass) 1:37 1:41 Period 7 1:11 1:52 Period 7 1:41 2:07 (pass) 1:52 1:56 (pass) 2:07 2:11 Period 8 1:56 2:37 Period 8 2:11 2:37 Hail Alma Mater! When these days we finish, Fond Mem ries we ll recall. Our love won t diminish. Echoes our sweet refrain. Thanking you for all our gain. Knowledge, the key to pow r. Lucinda Krumpe 62

11 Parent Student Handbook 5 South Butler County School District School Calendar August 18 August August 23 August 28 September 4 October 9 November 10 November 22 November New Staff Orientation Teachers In-Service Days Student First Day Act 80 Day (No School) Labor Day (No School) Teacher In-Service Day Act 80 Day (No School) Early Dismissal Thanksgiving (No School) December 22-January 2 Winter Break (No School) (December 22 - Early dismissal 12:35 p.m.) January 15 February 16 February 19 March 9 March 29 March 30 April 13 April 14 April 2 April 3 April 11 May 25 May 26 May 28 June 1 June 4 Teacher In-Service Day Teacher In-Service Day Vacation (1st Snow Day) Teacher In-Service Day Vacation Day (3rd Snow Day) Vacation Local District Holiday Vacation (5th Snow Day) Vacation Local District Holiday Vacation Vacation (4th Snow Day) Vacation (5th Snow Day) Act 80 Day (No School) Vacation (3rd Snow Day) Vacation Memorial Day Students Last Day/ Early dismissal 12:35 p.m. Teachers In-Service Days lost to weather will be made up, in order, as follows: February 19, May 25, March 29, April 3, May 11. Report Card Periods End of 1st 9 weeks (45 days) October 26 End of 2nd 9 weeks (45 days) January 11 End of 3rd 9 weeks (45 days) March 21 End of 4th 9 weeks (45 days) June 1 Butler County Vo-Tech Calendar August 30 September 4 November 10, 23, 24, 27 December 25- January 1 January 15 January 19 February March April 2 May 28 June 5 First Day No school for students No school for students No school for students No school for students End of Semester No school for students No school for students No school for students No school for students Last day Days lost due to weather will be made up, in order, as follows: February 16, March 29, and April 2. Additional snow make-up days will be added after June 5. Emergency Notification System In cases of school cancellations or emergencies, the District utilizes an emergency notification system. To register to receive phone, text, or notifications or to remove or update your contact information, go to the Information/Parent Information section of the District website ( Such announcements are also posted on the District website and on local radio and television stations, as well as the South Butler County School District Facebook page. It is stressed that parents DO NOT call the school at these times so District phone lines are free for emergencies. During school closings, all extra-curricular activities are cancelled.

12 6 Knoch High School The state laws require all children between the ages of eight and seventeen attend school regularly. There is strong and positive evidence that there is a close relationship between regular school attendance and effective student achievement. It is imperative then, that all students attend school, as well as all of their classes. Regular and consistent attendance by all students is a continuing priority objective for the South Butler County School District administration and faculty during the school year. TARDY TO SCHOOL: ARRIVE TO SCHOOL FROM 7:41 a.m. - 10:52 a.m. HALF-DAY ABSENCE: ARRIVE AFTER 4TH PERIOD The school records the amount of time missed due to tardiness. Accumulative time due to excessive tardiness may be added to other absences when determining a student s number of excused and/or unexcused absences. EXCUSED ABSENCES Per School Board Policy #204, Excused Absence includes the absence of a student for any one of the following reasons (not to exceed 20): Illness of the student, need parent note. Medical/Dental appointment, signed doctor s excuse Death in the immediate family (Funeral -3 days for immediate family or out-of-state; otherwise a maximum of one day) Quarantine Family emergency (1 day permitted) Urgent reasons (Impassable roads, fire, flood, etc.) Farm permit (5 days) Excused educational absences pre-approved by the principal (10- day maximum) Religious Event/Holiday College Appointments approved by Guidance Office (5 day limit for seniors and juniors) NOTE: All students must attend school for a minimum of 1/2 day to be eligible to participate in any extracurricular activities. Procedure: 1. When returning to school after an absence a written excuse is needed for the missed school day(s). Be sure to state the reason and date(s) of absence. The student s ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS full name (first and last) along with a parent/guardians signature must be on every note. This note will be turned in to the office for HS/MS students. IES and Primary students shall turn the note in to their homeroom teacher. 2. A student has 3 school days following the absence to produce a written excuse. Failure to produce this excuse will result in the absence(s) becoming unexcused. No make-up work (including tests and quizzes) will be permitted for any class work missed during an absence marked unexcused. 3. Forged excuses will be considered as unexcused and subject to school disciplinary action. 4. If a student will be out due to a prolonged illness, call the school office so that the school can determine what is needed to support the student s educational process during a long absence. TAKE-OUR-DAUGHTERS-and-SONS-TO- WORK-DAY On the fourth Thursday of April, students have the opportunity to go to work with a parent. Typically, parents bring their child to work with them on this day to better understand what the parent s profession entails. Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day has inspired a future generation of girls and boys by helping bring them into the workplace to explore the many life choices they have. This day s absence from school will be an excused absence as long as the excuse is on company letterhead. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES An unexcused absence occurs when a student misses for a reason that cannot be attributed directly to one of the aforementioned reasons. Unexcused absences are a direct violation of the Pennsylvania School Code. Cumulative absences exceeding twenty (20) days for the year will be determined unexcused unless covered by a doctor s excuse. Once a student exceeds twenty (20) absences and medical excuses are not turned in for the proceeding absences then a Citation may be filed with the local magisterial district judge and the parent/guardian may be fined and the student may have their driver s license suspended. This citation is filed due to excessive absences.

13 Parent Student Handbook 7 EXCESSIVE ABSENCES Students with excessive absences may lose privileges such as field trips, dances and clubs. Students with excessive absences may also forfeit the privilege of obtaining a parking permit the following school year. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES 3 unexcused absences Official letter sent to parent or guardian 6 unexcused absences Official letter sent to parent or guardian, Truancy Elimination Plan, Family Decision Making referral, and SAP Referral. A referral may be made to Butler County Children and Youth Services. A citation may be filed with the local magisterial district judge. Once cumulative absences exceed 20 days, a doctor s excuse is required. If a doctor s excuse is not provided, the absence becomes unexcused. The Truancy Elimination Plan Team s function is to discuss the reason for unexcused absences and to create a plan or support system for that student to avoid any further unexcused absences. TARDINESS (ARRIVAL BETWEEN 7:41 AM 10:52 AM) All students tardy to school must enter the building using the captured entrance by the flagpole, which is the 345 Knoch Road entrance. UNEXCUSED TARDINESS Unexcused tardies are any tardies that are not due to one of the excused reasons for absences. Students have three (3) days from the date of their tardy to bring in an excuse. Excessive unexcused tardiness may result in the loss of driving privileges for the following school year. The school time students miss due to unexcused tardiness may eventually add up to an entire day s unexcused absence (416 minutes = 1 school day). Students will not be permitted to make up work missed due to unexcused tardiness or absences. The following is the disciplinary procedures for unexcused tardiness: 1. On the fourth (4th) unexcused tardy to school, a letter will be sent home to the parents. 2. On the sixth (6th) unexcused tardy to school, the student may receive a one (1) hour after-school detention as assigned by the building administrator. 3. On the eighth (8th) unexcused tardy to school, the student may receive a three (3) hour after-school detention, and their driving privileges may be suspended for twenty (20) school days. 4. On the tenth (10th) unexcused tardy to school the student may receive a three (3) hour after-school detention, and their driving privileges may be suspended for forty (40) school days. 5. After ten (10) unexcused tardies to school the parent/ guardian must accompany the student to school for a conference with the assistant principal. Further disciplinary action may be taken as determined by the assistant principal and/or attendance officer. **PLEASE NOTE: Students who are habitually tardy and/or absent may encounter sanctions with the Butler County Children and Youth Services and Butler County Juvenile Probation Office. EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURE Students who need to leave early from the school day should report, with a parental note, to the high school attendance office as they arrive to school. If they turn in their note after school starts, the office must verify with a phone call to the parent that they are leaving early. Students will be given an early dismissal slip to have signed at the appointment. The early dismissal slip should be brought back to the school office when the student returns for class. Parental/guardian permission is required for all professional appointments (medical, legal, etc.) and personal reasons (family emergency, illness, funeral, etc.). All personal reason requests are subject to administrative approval. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION There are several ways in which students and parents in the South Butler County School District now have online access to academic progress and important school information. EDLINE can be accessed through the high

14 8 Knoch High School school link on the district website ( or directly at Grades, teacher s, and building information can be accessed through this website. Activation codes will be given to students and parents when they are promoted to or enroll in Knoch High School. GOOGLE CLASSROOMS are used by many teachers to manage class specific assignments and information. Teachers using Google classroom will provide their students with the codes necessary to access the content for their class. THE KNOCH HIGH SCHOOL APP can be downloaded for free to any Ios OR Android device. Students, staff, and parents can opt to receive school notifications as well as access forms, calendars, menus, and other information. FAMILY ID is not just for athletics anymore! Use it to access and complete a wide variety of required forms. Go to and click on the Athletics and Activities tab, then choose Physicals, Forms, and Manuals to access directions for setting up a Family ID account. Questions or problems with any of the above communication methods should be directed to the high school main office. ACCREDITATION In February 2001, an evaluation committee visited Knoch High School from the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV (I.U. 4). This committee evaluated the program and staff of Knoch High School in light of the needs of our community. As a result of this visit, the committee recommended that Knoch High School be fully accredited by the Commission of Secondary Schools. As a student of Knoch High School this means that: 1. The program and staff of your school meets certain recognized national standards. 2. The program and staff of your school are constantly being evaluated. 3. Students that move or attend other schools receive full credit for the courses completed at Knoch High School. CURRICULUM CURRICULUM INFORMATION PROGRAM OF STUDIES Knoch High School offers the following programs of study: The Academic Program, The Vocational Technical Program, and the General Program. All courses are open to students of both sexes. The Academic Program of Studies is designed for students who plan to attend college, technical or nursing school. A student taking this course and having good grades should have little difficulty in obtaining admission to the school of his choice. College, technical school, or nursing school catalogs should be consulted so those students will know specific entrance requirements. The School Counseling Department has available the latest post-secondary school information. In order for a student to be adequately prepared, he/she should, in addition to taking the required courses for graduation, take two years of the same language, Algebra I, geometry, Algebra II, and chemistry or physics. Students are encouraged to take other elective courses to help meet their educational objectives. The General Program of Studies offers a wider choice of courses and gives students a broad and varied academic background. Students must take the courses required for graduation plus four (4) elective credits. The electives should be selected from courses that will help meet the student s projected educational or vocational goals. The Vocational Technical Program of studies and Vocational Agriculture is a program designed for students planning to farm or to engage in some related occupation as a career. Students will have the opportunity to attend Butler County Area Vocational Technical School and enroll in courses that are designed to prepare them for specific post second occupations.

15 Parent Student Handbook 9 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS English 4 credits ***Writing/Speech 1/2 credit Math 3 credits Social Studies (Economics must be included) 4 credits Science (Biology must be included) 3 credits **Arts and Humanities 2 credits Electives 4.5 credits Health 1/2 credit Physical Education 1 credit ***Physical Education/Health Dept. Elective 1/2 credit **All students are required to take two courses in Arts and Humanities to qualify for graduation. These credits may be earned in the areas of Art, Music, Foreign Language, Family and Consumer Science, Technology, Business, and English electives. ***All students are required to have 2.0 credits from the PE/Health department which can include additional physical education, safety education or other elective courses offered by the department. ***Based upon student demonstration of ELA Skills, students may be placed in writing & speech. Criteria for placement in this course are based on PSSA results. It is the responsibility of the student to submit any transcripts for any summer courses &/or advancement courses as soon as the course is completed. These should be sent to the School Counseling Office. Beginning with the CLASS OF 2019 candidates for graduation from Knoch High School, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, will need to complete the following in order to satisfy the state requirements for graduation. Students will need to score proficient or advanced on the Keystone Algebra I, English Language Arts, and Biology Examinations. The initial Keystone exam will be taken at the end of the above three courses (English Language Arts at the end of 10th grade English). If a student does not score proficient or advanced on any of these exams, by law, he or she will have to remediate in the basic or below basic Keystone test before a retake is allowed. Students will have to retake a Keystone exam at least once before they can opt into the project-based assessment. CLASS SEATING Class seating is determined by the number of credits earned. Credits earned in an approved summer school do count toward determining class seating. FOR A STUDENT TO HAVE GRADE 9 CLASS SEATING he/she must have passed at least 4, 8 th grade core courses FOR A STUDENT TO HAVE GRADE 10 CLASS SEATING he/she must have earned at least 5.5 credits in grade 9 FOR A STUDENT TO HAVE GRADE 11 CLASS SEATING he/she must have earned at least 11.5 credits in grades 9 & 10 FOR A STUDENT TO HAVE GRADE 12 CLASS SEATING he/she must have earned at least 16 credits in grades 9, 10 & 11 REPORT CARDS Students will receive computerized report cards at the end of each nine-weeks-grading period. Below are the percentages that will be used to determine letter grades in all classes: A = %...Excellent B = 81-91%...Good C = 71-80%...Average D = 64-70%...Poor D-= 61-63%...Passing F = 60% and below...failure Students and Parents should be aware that grades visible on EDLINE are rounded to a whole percent, but grades on the report cards are not. This could cause a slight discrepancy in a student s grade. HOMEWORK POLICY-ILLNESS OR SUSPENSION It is a student s responsibility to make up any and all homework and/or tests missed during an absence. Deadline for make-up homework is equal to the number of days in the absence; i.e. absent one day = make-up homework due in one day. Teachers will make all appropriate and necessary arrangements to permit students to make up missed work at such times. Students will not be permitted to make up work missed due to unexcused absences unless it is determined that extenuating circumstances exist.

16 10 Knoch High School If a student has absences of 3 or more consecutive days due to illness or injury, homework assignments may be requested through the high school general office. Parents should allow one day for homework materials to be compiled. Homework assignments can also be reviewed through the on-line program GOOGLE CLASSROOM. This is the recommended method for students and parents to get up-to-date homework information. If a student is suspended, the work is requested at that time and may be accessed electronically. HONOR ROLL The Honor Roll at Knoch High School will be determined by the following criteria: Honors List No D, F High Honors List or I grade No D, F or I grade Highest Honors List and higher No C, D, F or I grade CLASS RANK Class rank is the numeric position of students in their class, based on quality grade point average. All final grades, with the exception of Support, Study Strategies, and Careers, are used to calculate the quality point average. Letter grades are converted to numerical values. Class standing is computed at the end of each nine week marking period during the junior and senior years. Students who have a QPA above 4.0 will be ranked in an order determined by a grade point average calculated with weighted grades. Student s final class ranking will be determined at the conclusion of the 4th marking period of their senior year. Class rank is kept in the School Counseling Office and not released unless requested by students or parents. To calculate a student s QPA refer to page 12 & 13 of the curriculum manual. It is the responsibility of the student to submit any transcripts for any summer courses &/or advancement courses as soon as the course is completed. These should be sent to the School Counseling Office. KNOCH KNIGHT K The varsity K has become a mark of distinction in all of Butler County. It is worn by persons who have earned it for participation in sports, musical organizations, or for excellence in scholastic achievement. Athletes wear the K with a solid gold center and a border of blue, and the reverse order of colors would indicate a musician. The solid blue K is awarded to those participating on the debate or speech teams. The solid gold colored K indicates that the wearer has excelled in scholastic work. This scholastic honor is bestowed upon those individuals in the graduating class who have earned a 3.65 or higher grade point average from ninth grade through the third week marking period of this year. Two facts are clear: The person who receives the award will be a high-ranking student, and the honor cannot be earned in one year of effort. The recipients of the scholastic K shall be known as the Knights of Knowledge. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY SELECTION In 1961 a local chapter of the National Honor Society was organized. Any senior who is a member of this society will be eligible to receive the golden K. Students are invited to apply if they have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher after their sophomore or junior year. They then have to show that they have outstanding leadership, character, service, and scholarship qualities by completing the application. The application is reviewed by a NHS faculty council. If they receive the amount of points necessary, they are invited to be inducted in the society. The following should be submitted at the direction of the NHS Advisor: Completed Membership Application 1 Faculty or District Entity Evaluation in sealed, signed envelope 2 Recommendation letters in sealed signed envelopes

17 Parent Student Handbook 11 EXTRA/CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES PEER TUTORING Academic support for students is provided upon request by teachers, parents or students. Teaching staff and students are available to tutor students in the senior cafeteria beginning at 7:00 a.m. Students will also be available in the High School Library during the day for tutoring or at mutually convenient times. All students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities. The sports program and other activities provide a variety of opportunities for students to develop special skills and interest. Students must be aware that their academic work is of primary importance and that their choices of activities should not adversely affect their academic performances. EXTRA/CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The following are the guidelines for participating in athletics, clubs, extra-curricular/co-curricular, and intramural activities in the South Butler County School District: A fee will be charged for each athletic, club, extracurricular/co-curricular, and activity up to the family cap. A $25 fee per student per non-athletic activity fee will be charged with a cap of $75 per family. A $50 fee per student per athletic activity will be charged with a cap of $150 per family. The above fees are in addition to the physical and any additional activity fees. Participants in the National School Lunch Program who have been awarded financial support will be exempt from these fees upon verification. Families experiencing financial hardship may apply for an activity fee waiver. Applications may be obtained online or by contacting the athletic director. Participation fees are due one week prior to the first contest/game/activity/performance, with the exception of physical fees, which are due at the time of services rendered. Failure to pay will result in exclusion. An online system is available as the method of registration and payment for activity fees. Pay to Participate fees not paid on-line should be paid by check or money order payable to S.B.C.S.D. Payment should be submitted with this form to the Athletics Office. NO refunds will be given for a student who is injured after mandatory practices begin, becomes academically ineligible, is removed for disciplinary reasons, or for students who quit the sport/activity after the fee has been paid. Payments DO NOT guarantee playing time. DRUG/ALCOHOL SCREENING The effects of drug usage in an educational environment are visited not just upon the users, but also upon the entire student body and faculty, because the educational process may be disrupted and the individual s safety risk factor is increased. With regard to school athletes and students who drive, the risk of immediate physical harm to the drug or alcohol user or those with whom the student is playing a sport or sharing the highway is particularly high. With that in mind, the SBCSD has implemented a drug-testing policy for all students in grades 9 12 who seek the privileges of driving to school or participating on athletic teams or in extracurricular activities. Additionally, students who do not seeking these privileges may participate in this program on a voluntary basis. Before participating in said activities, students and their parents will be required to consent to testing. Students who refuse to submit to the required testing will be excluded from participation. The student will be subject to initial urine testing for illicit or banned substances, which will incur a $30 fee to be paid by the family. Following initial testing, students will be randomly tested on a periodic basis. For more information on the program and the consequences for testing positive during a drug screening, refer to SBCSD Policy #

18 12 Knoch High School EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Knoch High School offers the following athletic programs: Baseball Softball Basketball Soccer Bowling (Club)* Swimming Cheerleading Tennis Cross Country Track Football Volleyball Golf Wrestling Hockey (Club)* Lacrosse (Boys-Club)* Lacrosse (Girls) *Exempt from pay-to-participate fee CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Knoch High School offers the following clubs: A.V./Photography Club History Club Academic Challenge Knochettes Chemistry Club Majorettes Chess Club Marching Band Drama Club Pep Club FCCLA School Musical (Family Career & Community School Play Leaders of America) *Science Club FCA Silk/Color Guard (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Spanish Club French Club South Butler Santas FBLA (Future Business Student Council Leaders of America) Speech/Debate Team FNA (Future Nurses of America) Youth & Government Gay/Straight Alliance Club* German Club *Exempt from pay-to-participate fee HIGH SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE STAYING AFTER SCHOOL Students are not permitted to remain after school unless they are involved in a supervised activity. Students staying after school should go directly to their designated activity area. No roaming in the building is permitted. DANCES - Age restrictions as of the date of the activity Guests 21 years of age or older will not be permitted to attend any school dance or prom. Ninth grade students are not permitted to attend the prom. Dress and attire at school dances should conform to the school dress code policy. Students in grades lower than ninth grade are not permitted to attend the fall/snowball dance. CONDUCT AT ATHLETIC EVENTS Students are expected to exhibit proper behavior at both home and away games. Harassment of any kind is prohibited. This includes no fighting, no booing or heckling, no throwing or dropping refuse, and no loitering in the immediate area before or after a game. School policies prohibiting the use or possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and weapons apply at all athletic events in which the school is involved, regardless of the site. SPECTATOR RULES IN GYMNASIUM Spectators will not be permitted to leave the gym while the game is in progress. Beverages/food will not be permitted in the gymnasium. Spectators will not be permitted to engage in behavior which may endanger the safety of the spectators or others. ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to participate in any extracurricular/co curricular activity: 1. Student will be required to pass 4, one-credit classes. Passing for any class will be in accordance with the current grading policy. 2. At the end of the school year, the student s final credits for the last grading period shall be used to determine eligibility for the coming year. 3. Maintains a passing grade in all subjects during the time of participation, reviewed weekly based on student s cumulative work from the beginning of the first nine weeks grading period and continue to the end of athletic season. If, by any Friday, a student does not meet the standard, he/she shall be ineligible from the immediate following Saturday through Friday. 3. Has not attained the age of 19 years prior to July 1.

19 Parent Student Handbook His parents must live in the South Butler County School District, or the student must come from a district that does not maintain a high school. 5. Has not been enrolled for more than eight semesters from the beginning of the ninth year. 6. Has not been absent from school for a total of 10 days in a semester or 20 days per year. 7. If you are suspended, you will not be eligible to practice or attend any event. ATTENDANCE AND ACTIVITIES There are activity buses scheduled to take students home after school at 3:45 P.M. on Mondays and Thursdays to their bus stop addresses. TRANSPORTATION All sports team members must travel as a group to all scheduled events on school provided transportation, unless excused by the coach for a known emergency other than personal business. Students may return home with parents/guardians if they personally meet the coach at the bus following an away event. No notes! Additionally, no student is to be dropped off along the return route. Any exceptions to these travel guidelines need to be pre-approved by a principal or the athletic director in writing prior to departure for the event. HAZING Hazing is defined as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in or affiliation with any organization. The South Butler County School District constantly stresses respect and understanding of each other and a sensitivity and appreciation of each person s worth and individuality. This is done and expected without exception, regardless of race, age, gender, or religious or political views. Any hazing activity, whether by an individual or a group, shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if a student willingly participates. Hazing as a form of initiation is strictly prohibited. Violators will be subject to the school discipline policies and may also be removed from the team. NCAA REQUIREMENTS NCAA Division I If you want to participate in athletics or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year, you must: Graduate from high school; Complete these 16 core courses: 4 years of English; 3 years of math (Algebra 1 or higher); 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered by your high school); 1 extra year of additional English, math, or natural or physical science; 2 years of social science; 4 years of additional core courses (from any category above, or foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy); Note: Courses with similar content may be deemed duplicative by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Earn a minimum required grade-point average in your core courses; and Earn a combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches your core-course grade-point average and test score sliding scale (for example, a core-course gradepoint average needs an 860 SAT score). Time Limitation on Core Courses You must complete the 16 core-course requirement within four consecutive academic years (i.e., eight semesters) from the start of ninth grade. Students graduating early (in less than eight semesters) must still meet core-course requirements. lf you graduate on time from high school within four consecutive academic years (i.e., eight semesters) from the start of ninth grade: Prior to full-time collegiate enrollment, you may use one core-course unit completed within one year from the date of on-time graduation. You may complete the core course at a location other than the high school from which you graduated. You will be required to provide a transcript with grade and credit from this school. Division I Qualifier Being a qualifier enables you to: Practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college; Receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college; and

20 14 Knoch High School Play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your academic eligibility from year-to-year. Division I Nonqualifier As a nonqualifier, you will not be able to: Practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college; or Receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college, although you may receive need-based financial aid. You may be able to play only three seasons in your sport if you maintain your eligibility from year-to-year. To earn a fourth season, you must complete at least 80 percent of your degree requirements before beginning your fifth year of college. Students Enrolling on or After August 1, 2016 The initial-eligibility standards for NCAA Division I college-bound student-athletes are changing. Note: College-bound student-athletes first entering a Division I college or university on or after August 1, 2016, will need to meet new academic rules in order to receive athletics aid (scholarship), practice or compete during their first year. First, here are three terms you need to know: Full Qualifier: May receive athletics aid (scholarship), practice and compete in the first year of enrollment at the Division I college or university. Academic Redshirt: May receive athletics aid (scholarship) in the first year of enrollment and may practice in the first regular academic term (semester or quarter) but may not compete in the first year of enrollment. After the first term is complete, the studentathlete must be academically successful at his/her college or university to continue to practice for the rest of the year. Nonqualifier: Cannot receive athletics aid (scholarship), cannot practice and cannot compete in the first year of enrollment. Here are the new requirements: (For college-bound student-athletes first entering a Division I college or university on or after August 1, 2016.) Full Qualifier must: Complete 16 core courses (same distribution as in the past); Ten of the 16 core courses must be completed before the seventh semester (senior year) of high school. Seven of the 10 core courses must be English, math or science. Have a minimum core-course grade-point average of 2.300; Grades earned in the 10 courses required before the senior year are locked in for purposes of grade-point average calculation. A repeat of any of the locked in courses will not be used to improve the grade-point average if taken after the seventh semester begins. Meet the competition sliding scale requirement of grade-point average and ACT/SAT score (this is a new scale with increased grade-point average/test score requirements); and Graduate from high school. Academic Redshirt must: Complete 16 core courses (same distribution as in the past); Have a minimum core-course grade-point average of 2.000; Meet the academic redshirt sliding scale requirement of grade point average and ACT/SAT score; and Graduate from high school. Nonqualifier: Fails to meet the standards for a qualifier or for an academic redshirt. NCAA Division II Any core courses used toward your initial eligibility must be completed prior to full-time collegiate enrollment. If you enroll full time in a Division II college on or after August 1, 2013, and want to participate in athletics or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year, you must: Graduate from high school; Complete these 16 core courses: 3 years of English; 2 years of math (Algebra 1 or higher);

21 Parent Student Handbook 15 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered by your high school); 3 additional years of English, math, or natural or physical science; 2 years of social science; 4 years of additional core courses (from any category above, or foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy); Earn a grade-point average or better in your core courses and Earn a combined SAT score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68. For individuals enrolling at a college or university in Puerto Rico, earn a combined Prueba de Aptitude Academia score of 730. Division II Qualifier Being a qualifier enables you to: Practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college; Receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college and Play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your academic eligibility from year-to-year. Division II Partial Qualifier You will be considered a partial qualifier if you do not meet all of the academic requirements listed above, but you have graduated from high school and meet one of the following: The combined SAT score of 820 or ACT sum score of 68; or Completion of the 16 core courses with a corecourse grade-point average. As a partial qualifier, you: Can practice with your team at its home facility during your first year of college; Can receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college; Cannot compete during your first year of college; and Can play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your academic eligibility from year-to-year. Division II Nonqualifier You will be considered a nonqualifier if you did not graduate from high school, or, if you graduated and are missing both the core-course grade-point average or minimum number of core courses and the required ACT or SAT scores. As a nonqualifier, you: Cannot practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college; Cannot receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college, although you may receive needbased financial aid; and Can play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your academic eligibility from year-to-year. Students Enrolling on or After August 1, 2018 Here are the new requirements: (For college-bound student-athletes first entering a Division II college or university on or after August 1, 2018.) Full Qualifier must: Complete 16 core courses (same distribution as in the past); Ten of the 16 core courses must be completed before the seventh semester (senior year) of high school. Seven of the 10 core courses must be English, math or science. Have a minimum core-course grade-point average of 2.00; Grades earned in the 10 courses required before the senior year are locked in for purposes of gradepoint average calculation. A repeat of any of the locked in courses will not be used to improve the grade-point average if taken after the seventh semester begins. Meet the competition sliding scale requirement of grade-point average and ACT/SAT score Graduate from high school. Remember Meeting the NCAA academic requirements does not guarantee your admission into a college. You must apply for college admission. This is for students enrolling on or after August 1, 2018.