for
BELPRE HIGH SCHOOL
School Year 2007 - 08
STUDENTS:
Welcome to Belpre High School. We are confident that you will become a better person as a result of your experiences here and trust that the school will be a better school as a result of your presence.
This handbook is a guide to general information for students and parents. If you have questions or comments about Belpre High School, we encourage you to consult teachers, counselors, and/or principals. We will be happy to serve you.
Our goal is to help you become competent in functional skills, prepared for the next academic or occupational level, and aware of the necessity to develop habits and skills that will lead to a healthy and safe life as a capable, productive adult citizen. You will need to learn and practice self-discipline, values, and decision-making ability in order to accomplish this goal. In order to develop these characteristics you must be willing to work hard and become involved in the many curricular and extra-curricular activities the school has to offer.
The total educational program at Belpre High is designed to provide an atmosphere in which students may develop mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. You will only get out of your experience at BHS what you are willing to put into it. Give it all you've got and soar like an Eagle!
PARENTS:
This student handbook was developed to answer many of the commonly asked questions that you and your student may have during the school year. Because the handbook contains information about student rights and responsibilities, each student is responsible for knowing its contents.
Maintaining an environment that is safe and conducive to optimum learning is essential. Belpre High and its staff will become more and more vigilant in its efforts to assure its students are conducting themselves in a socially responsible manner. House Bill 601 permits boards of education to adopt policies affecting school safety and discipline. Major provisions include the establishment of alternative disciplinary schools, permits boards of education to require parents of students who are expelled or suspended to attend parent education/training programs, and other initiatives that emphasizes the responsibility of parents and students relative to their education.
Please take time to become familiar with the following information and keep the handbook available for your use. (Please take special notice of the VISITORS section on page 10.) It can be a valuable reference during the school year and a means to avoid confusion and misunderstanding when questions arise. Should you have any questions that are not addressed in this handbook, contact the guidance counselors or the principal. This handbook supersedes all prior handbooks and other written material on the same subjects.
Belpre High School 423-3000
Belpre City Schools Administration Offices 423-9511
Adopted by the Board of Education on May 21, 2007
Printed by KRATON™ Polymers, Our Partner in Education,
Providing Quality Programs Since 1988
School Calendar
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mission of the School..................................................................................................................................... 5
Equal Education Opportunity.......................................................................................................................... 5
Student Rights and Responsibilities.................................................................................................................. 5
Section I - General Information
School Day................................................................................................................................................... 6
Enrolling in the School.................................................................................................................................... 6
Scheduling and Assignment............................................................................................................................ 6
Student Records............................................................................................................................................ 6
Transfer Out of the District............................................................................................................................ 7
Student Well-Being........................................................................................................................................ 7
Immunizations............................................................................................................................................... 7
Injury and Illness........................................................................................................................................... 8
Use of Medications........................................................................................................................................ 8
Control of Communicable Disease and Pests................................................................................................... 8
Individuals with Disabilities............................................................................................................................. 8
Emergency Closings and Delays..................................................................................................................... 9
Fire and Tornado Drills.................................................................................................................................. 9
Advertising Outside Activities......................................................................................................................... 9
Communication School/Parent........................................................................................................................ 9
Equipment and Facilities................................................................................................................................. 9
Fees, Fines and Charges................................................................................................................................. 9
Internet Responsibilities................................................................................................................................. 10
Library........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Lost and Found............................................................................................................................................ 10
Meal Service/Cafeteria................................................................................................................................ 10
Student Sales............................................................................................................................................... 11
Telephones.................................................................................................................................................. 11
Visitors....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Workbooks and Fees.................................................................................................................................... 12
Section II - Academics
Curriculum Content and Programs................................................................................................................ 13
Grading and Marking.................................................................................................................................... 13
GPA/Rank Calculation................................................................................................................................. 14
Graduation Requirements............................................................................................................................. 14
Promotion, Placement, Retention................................................................................................................... 16
Early Graduation.......................................................................................................................................... 17
Postsecondary Enrollment............................................................................................................................ 17
Advanced Biology and Virtual Courses......................................................................................................... 17
Recognition of Student Achievement............................................................................................................. 17
Dropping Courses......................................................................................................................................... 17
Homework.................................................................................................................................................. 18
Student Assessment..................................................................................................................................... 18
Section III - Student Activities
School-Sponsored Clubs and Activities.......................................................................................................... 19
Non School-Sponsored Clubs and Activities................................................................................................... 19
Extra Curricular/Athletic Eligibility and Participation....................................................................................... 19
Awards....................................................................................................................................................... 20
Section IV – Student Conduct
Attendance.................................................................................................................................................. 21
Excusable, Approved Absences..................................................................................................................... 21
Definition of Our School Day......................................................................................................................... 21
Reporting a Student Absent........................................................................................................................... 21
Early Dismissal............................................................................................................................................. 21
College Visitation.......................................................................................................................................... 21
Excessive Absence....................................................................................................................................... 21
Unexcused Absences.................................................................................................................................... 22
Truancy....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Tardiness..................................................................................................................................................... 23
Make-Up Work............................................................................................................................................ 23
Detentions................................................................................................................................................... 23
Code of Conduct.......................................................................................................................................... 24
Cheating...................................................................................................................................................... 24
Dress and Grooming.................................................................................................................................... 25
Student Discipline Code................................................................................................................................ 26
Discipline.................................................................................................................................................... 30
Due Process Rights..................................................................................................................................... 31
Search and Seizure...................................................................................................................................... 32
Student Rights of Expression........................................................................................................................ 33
Student Concerns, Suggestions, and Grievances............................................................................................. 33
Section V - Transportation
Bus Transportation to School........................................................................................................................ 34
Bus Transportation to Athletic & Extra-Curricular Events.............................................................................. 34
Bus Conduct................................................................................................................................................ 34
Penalties for Infractions............................................................................................................................... 35
Sequence of Discipline for Bus Students........................................................................................................ 35
Self-Transportation to School........................................................................................................................ 35
Appendix
Memorandum to Parents Regarding Policy on Drug-Free Schools................................................................... 37
Notification to Parents on Directory Information............................................................................................ 37
Notification of Rights Under FERPA for Secondary Schools.......................................................................... 37
Notification of Rights Under PPRA.............................................................................................................. 38
Release....................................................................................................................................................... 40
Internet Permission Form............................................................................................................................. 41
Identification of Children Who Are Gifted...................................................................................................... 42
School Layout.............................................................................................................................................. 48
Staff Listing................................................................................................................................................. 50
BCS Board of Education.............................................................................................................................. 51
BCS Administration..................................................................................................................................... 51
MISSION OF THE SCHOOL
Belpre High School is committed to the belief that every individual is unique and is entitled to the fullest possible development of his or her abilities and talents.
The mission of BHS is to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary to guide them toward becoming life-long learners and productive, responsible members in our diverse, global society.
Consequently, appropriate educational goals for students will be established and quality educational opportunities will be provided for each learner.
Partnerships will continue among the school, the home, and the community, with each segment understanding and accepting its responsibilities in relation to the mission.
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY (BCS Policy 2260)
It is the policy of this District to provide an equal education opportunity for all students. Any person who believes that the School or any staff person has discriminated against a student on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic background, has the right to file a complaint. A formal complaint can be made in writing to the School District's Superintendent:
Dr. Harry Fleming
Belpre City Schools
2014 Washington Blvd.
Belpre, OH 45714
(740) 423-9511
The complaint will be investigated by the superintendent or designee, who will respond to the complaint in a timely manner. The Compliance Officer can provide additional information concerning access to equal education opportunity. Under no circumstances will the District threaten or retaliate against anyone who raises or files a complaint.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (BSC Policy 5780)
The rules and procedures of Belpre High School are designed to allow each student to obtain a safe, orderly, and appropriate education. Students can expect their rights to freedom of expression and association and to fair treatment as long as they respect those rights for their fellow students and the staff. Students will be expected to follow teacher directions and obey all school rules. Disciplinary procedures are designed to insure due process (a fair hearing) before a student is removed because of his/her behavior.
Parents have the right to know how their child is succeeding in school and will be provided information on a regular basis and as needed, when concerns arise. Many times it will be the responsibility of the student to deliver that information. If necessary, the mail or hand delivery may be used to insure contact. Parents are encouraged to build a two-way link with their student's teachers and support staff by informing the staff of suggestions or concerns that may help their child better accomplish his/her educational goals.
The staff expects students to arrive at school prepared to learn. It is the student's responsibility to arrive on time and be prepared to participate in the educational program. If, for some reason, this is not possible, the student should seek help from any adult staff member.
SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION
SCHOOL DAY
PERIOD 1 7:40 - 8:30
PERIOD 2 8:34 - 9:24
PERIOD 3 9:28 - 10:18
PERIOD 4 10:22 - 11:12
LUNCH 11:12 - 11:57
PERIOD 6 11:57 - 12:47
PERIOD 7 12:51 - 1:41
PERIOD 8 1:45 - 2:35
Students may enter the Lawton Bldg. at 7:30 a.m. for morning classes and may enter the second and third floors of the Lawton building at 11:52 p.m. for afternoon classes. Before these times (7:30 a.m. and 11:52 p.m.) students should stay outside or in the main high school building.
ENROLLING IN THE SCHOOL (BCS Policy 5105)
Students who are new to Belpre High School are required to enroll with their parents or legal guardian*. When enrolling, the parents will need to bring:
a birth certificate or other appropriate documentary evidence,
court papers allocating parental rights and responsibilities, or custody (if appropriate),
proof of residency,
proof of immunizations,
previous school records (including MFE's and IEP's for Special Education students).
If the student's previous school indicates no record of her/his attendance, or the records are not received within fourteen (14) days of the date of the request, or if the student does not present a certification of birth or other documentary evidence, the principal shall immediately notify the law enforcement agency where the student resided and the Belpre City Police Department that s/he may be a missing child.
* See BCS Policy 5111 and 5610
SCHEDULING AND ASSIGNMENT
Schedules are provided to each student at the beginning of the school year or upon enrolling. The schedule is based upon the student’s needs and available class space. Any changes in a student's schedule should be handled through the guidance counselor. It is important to note that some courses may be denied because of available space or the need to take prerequisites. Students are expected to follow the schedules. Any variation must be approved with a pass or schedule change. Schedules will not be changed after the first week of each semester. The final decision is determined by the principal.
STUDENT RECORDS (BCS Policy 8310, 8330)
Many student records are kept by the teachers, counselors and administrative staff. There are two basic kinds of records -- directory information and confidential records.
Directory information can be given to any person or organization for non-profit making purposes when requested, unless the parents of the student restrict the information, in writing to the Principal. Please see Notification to Parents of Directory Information in the Appendix of this document.
Confidential records contain educational and behavioral information that has restricted access based on the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Ohio law. This information can only be released with the written consent of the parents, the adult student, or a surrogate. The only exception to this is to comply with State and Federal laws that may require release without consent.
Included in the confidential records may be test scores, psychological reports, behavioral data, disciplinary actions and communications with the family and outside service providers. The School must have the parents' written consent to obtain records from an outside professional or agency. Confidential information that is in a student's record that originates from an outside professional or agency may be released to the parent through the originator and parents should keep copies of such records for their home file. Parents may also provide the School with copies of records made by non-school professional agencies or individuals.
Information on former students also falls into directory and confidential information categories and will be made available on the same basis as enrolled students.
Students and parents have the right to review all educational records generated by the school district, request amendment to these records, insert addendum to records, and obtain copies of such records. Copying costs may be charged to the requester. If a review of records is wanted, please contact the principal, in writing, stating the records desired. The records will be collected and an appointment will be made with the appropriate persons present to answer any questions there may be.
TRANSFER OUT OF THE DISTRICT (BCS Policy 5130)
If a student plans to transfer from Belpre High School, the parent must notify the Principal. School records shall be transferred within fourteen days to the new school district. (Missing children laws requires 14 days.) Parents are encouraged to contact the school office for specific details.
STUDENT WELL-BEING (BCS Policy 7430)
Student safety is a responsibility of the staff. All staff members are familiar with emergency procedures such as fire and tornado drills and accident reporting procedures. Automatic external defibrillators (AED) are located outside the high school office and in the Lawton building gym to be used in case of emergencies. Staff members have been trained on the use of the AED’s. Should a student be aware of any dangerous situation or accident, s/he must notify any staff person immediately.
State law requires that all students must have an emergency medical card completed, signed by a parent or guardian, and filed in the School office. A student may be excluded from school until this requirement has been fulfilled.
Students with specific health care needs should submit those needs, in writing and with proper documentation by a physician, to the School office. All medications (prescription and/or over-the-counter drugs) are to be delivered to the principal's office and taken only with adult supervision. The school nurse is available to discuss the procedure for medications and treatments. No medications or medical treatments are to take place in school without his/her knowledge. The Medication Request and Authorization Form 5330 F1 must be filed with the principal before the student will be allowed to begin taking any medication during school hours. Obtain this form from the appropriate school office.
IMMUNIZATIONS (BCS Policy 5320)
Each student should have the immunizations required by law or have an authorized waiver. If a student does not have the necessary shots or waivers, the Principal may remove the student or require compliance with a set deadline. This is for the safety of all students and in accordance with State law. Any questions about immunizations or waivers should be directed to the principal.
Immunization Requirements
Unless given a waiver, students must meet the following requirements:
Diphtheria (DPT or DT), Tetanus (DTaP), Pertussis (DTP, DT, Td) – 3- 4 doses vaccine or any combination thereof, is the minimum acceptable. For students age 7 or older, if third dose is Td a fourth dose is not required.
Measles (MMR) -Single dose of live measles virus vaccine or vaccine combination on or after 1st birthday, and, an additional dose of the MMR vaccine given at least twenty-eight (28) days after dose 1.
Rubella -Same as measles
Mumps -Same as measles.
Polio -3 doses of DPV or IPV or any combination of DPV or IPV.
INJURY AND ILLNESS (BCS Policy 5340)
All injuries must be reported to a teacher or the office. If minor, the student will be treated and may return to class. If medical attention is required, the office will follow the School's emergency procedures.
A student who becomes ill during the school day should request permission from the teacher to go to the office. The office will determine whether or not the student should remain in school or go home. No student will be released from school without proper parental permission.
The medications and/or treatments, which may be administered, are defined in BCS Policy-5330. In those circumstances where a student must take a prescribed medication or OVC medication recommended by physician during the school day, the following guidelines are to be observed:
* The BCS "Permission to Administer Medication" form must be filed with the nurse before a student will be allowed to begin taking any medication during school hours. This form is completed by the parent and the physician. No medications will be given at school until this form is completed and on file in the office.
* Parents/Physicians should determine whether medication schedule can be adjusted to avoid administering medication during school hours.
* Medications must be in appropriately labeled pharmacy bottle with student’s name, medication name, strength, dosage and administration times, pharmacy and physicians names.
* A law enacted in August 1999 in Ohio permits students to carry their asthma inhalers with them. An authorization form for self-administration of inhaler medication must be completed by the student’s physician and parents and on file with the school nurse prior to the inhaler being brought to school. Inhalers can be secured with the school nurse if the parent and/or physician determine the student needs supervision when using the inhaler.
* Any unused medication unclaimed by the parent will be destroyed by school personnel at the end of a school year.
* The parent is responsible to instruct their child when to take medication, and the child is responsible to present him/herself on time and for taking the prescribed medication.
* Dispensing of any nonprescribed, over-the-counter medication by school employees to students is strictly prohibited.
CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PESTS (BCS Policy 5320)
Because a school has a high concentration of people, it is necessary to take specific measures when the health or safety of the group is at risk. The school's professional staff has the authority to remove or isolate a student who has been ill or has been exposed to a communicable disease or highly transient pest, such as lice.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES (BCS Policy 1510)
The American's with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide that no individual will be discriminated against on the basis of a disability. This protection applies not just to the student, but all individuals who have access to the District's programs and facilities. The Belpre City School District provides a variety of Special Education programs and services for students identified as having a disability defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
A student can access Special Education services through the proper evaluation and placement procedure. Parent involvement in this procedure is required. More importantly, the School wants the parent to be an active participant. To inquire about the procedure or programs, a parent should contact the school psychologist at 423-9511. Parents, who believe their child may have a disability that substantially limits major life activities of their child, should contact the school psychologist at 423-9511.
PUBLIC NOTICE: “An equal provider of services and an equal opportunity employer.”
The Belpre City School District hereby announces our willingness to move programs and activities to an accessible location or to otherwise take steps to ensure that individuals with mobility impairments have equal access to our programs and activities.
Please contact Doris Ridgeway at Belpre City Schools Central Office 740/423-9511 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to request access to District programs and activities or to ask any questions related to access by people with mobility impairments.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS AND DELAYS
When the weather or any unforeseen calamity forces school to be delayed or closed the following procedures will be implemented:
NOTE: When schools are open and buses are running students will be given an unexcused absence if they are absent because of weather.
FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS (BCS Policy 8420)
The School complies with all fire safety laws and will conduct fire drills in accordance with State law. Specific instructions on how to proceed will be provided to students by their teachers who will be responsible for safe, prompt, and orderly evacuation of the building.
Tornado drills will be conducted during the tornado season using the procedures prescribed by the State. Students are to participate in all emergency drills in an orderly fashion and with no talking.
ADVERTISING OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
No announcements or posting of outside activities will be permitted without the approval of the Principal. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required to ensure that the Principal has the opportunity to review the announcement or posting.
SCHOOL/PARENT COMMUNICATION
To enhance communication between the school and parents, Belpre High School offers several options for parents to receive information:
Our school phone system allows you to leave voice mail messages with individual teachers.
USE OF THE SCHOOL EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES (BCS Policy 7510,7530)
Students must receive the permission of the teacher before using any equipment or materials in the classroom and the permission of the Principal to use any other school equipment or facility. Students will be held responsible for the proper use and safekeeping of any equipment or facility they are allowed to use.
Students using school property and equipment can be fined for excessive wear and abuse of the property and equipment. The fine is used to pay for the damage, not to make a profit. Late fines can be avoided when students return borrowed materials promptly. Their use may be needed by others. Failure to pay fines, fees or charges may result in the withholding of grades and other educational records and awards. The Belpre Board of Education has a policy (6152) that specifies that grades and diploma are to be withheld from students who have not met financial obligations to the district.
STATEMENT OF INTERNET RESPONSIBILITIES
The Internet is a network consisting of millions of computer users in nearly every country on the globe, connecting to thousands of computers located throughout the world, creating a large and diverse electronic network. Student use of the Internet at Belpre High Schools is limited to use for educational and career development activities and limited high-quality self-discovery, not for entertainment purposes.
In order to receive an online account, students must read an Internet User Agreement Policy and must be signed by both the student and parent.
All student use of the Internet will be monitored; do not use school accounts and expect privacy. If students abuse privileges the following minimum steps will be taken:
Internet and Electronic Mail acceptance use forms must be signed and returned to the main office. Forms are found in the Appendix.
LIBRARY
All students in the school are entitled to use the library and to borrow its materials. The student will be assessed a replacement or damage fee for any library materials s/he is found to have lost or damaged.
LOST AND FOUND
The lost and found area is located in the main office. Students who have lost items should check there and may retrieve their items if they give a proper description. Unclaimed items will be given to charity at the close of the school year.
MEAL SERVICE/CAFETERIA
Students at BHS may eat in the Eagles Nest and cafeteria (BCS Policy 8531). Breakfast is available to students in the cafeteria from 7:15 a.m. until 7:40 a.m. Students are to eat in the Eagles Nest. Students eating in the Eagles Nest are responsible for cleaning up all trash and disposing of it properly.
A regular lunch line and vending machines are available in the cafeteria. Students eating in the cafeteria are to bus their trays.
Families that are interested in the free and reduced meal program may apply at anytime throughout the school year. If your child was approved for free/reduced meals during the previous school year, their application is good for the first thirty days of the new school year. A new application must be filled out during that thirty day time period. Families will be notified in writing if they qualify for the remainder of the school year. Applications for free and reduced lunches may be obtained in the office and should be returned the day after they are received.
When students bring food items onto school grounds they are to throw their empty containers in the trash barrels provided.
Open Lunch Permission:
Grades 10 – 12 - Students may leave school grounds for lunch only when a permission form signed by a parent/guardian is on file in the high school office. Parents are to understand that the school will not provide any supervision during open lunch off school grounds and cannot assume any responsibility for the safety and well being for their child while on open lunch. This permission form will be in effect as long as the student is enrolled at Belpre High School. Open lunch is a privilege that may be denied and/or removed as a result of inappropriate behavior or poor attendance as determined by the principal. A student who does not return to afternoon classes or returns late will not be allowed to leave school grounds at lunch time for a specified period of time as determined by the principal. Students who are not present by the start of 4th period do not have open lunch privilege for that day.
Grade 9 – lunch hour is closed for all 9th grade students. First offense is a mandatory Saturday School; additional offenses will result in alternative school or suspension.
No student is permitted to sell any item or service in school without the approval of the Principal. Violation of this may lead to disciplinary action.
USE OF TELEPHONES AND CELL PHONES
The phones in the offices are business phones. Students are never to be released from class to use the office phone unless an emergency exists. Students will not be interrupted during class time for incoming phone calls unless they are of an emergency nature. Class business may be conducted over the office phone if the faculty sponsor gives permission.
Students are not permitted to use cell phones in the building during regular school hours (cell phones are to be inactivated and not visible); violation of this will lead to disciplinary action. Cell phones will be confiscated and brought to the office for the remainder of the school day and students will be issued 3 lunch detentions. Phones may be used outside the school building before school, after school and during lunch.
VISITORS (BCS Policy 9150)
Visitors, particularly parents, are welcome at Belpre High School. In order to properly monitor the safety of students and staff, each visitor must report to the office upon entering the School so that we may be of some assistance in locating the desired person or room. Any visitor found in the building who has not first reported to the office shall be reported to the Principal. If a person wishes to confer with a member of the staff, s/he should call for an appointment prior to coming to the School, in order to prevent any inconvenience.
As a visitor you have a legal and ethical responsibility to care for your own and others safety and health during your visit. It is an expectation of the Belpre City School District that all parents and visitors conduct themselves in a manner, which is appropriate to an educational setting. All visitors must report to the office to receive a Visitor’s Pass.
Students are not permitted to have school age visitors accompany them to school or visit them in school without approval from the principal.
Parents wishing to pick up or drop off their child during the time school is in session must first notify the office staff of their intentions. Parents will be required to sign their child out on the form provided for attendance purposes.
2007 - 2008 WORKBOOKS AND COURSE FEES
Course *Workbook Fee Lab Fee TOTAL
Art Courses:
Art I........................................................................................ 15.00................... 15.00
Art II....................................................................................... 15.00................... 15.00
Art III/IV................................................................................ 15.00................... 15.00
Arts/Crafts.............................................................................. 15.00................... 15.00
Ceramics/Pottery I................................................................... 35.00................... 35.00
Ceramics/Pottery II.................................................................. 35.00................... 35.00
Print Making............................................................................ 35.00................... 35.00
Business Courses:
Basic Computer Operation........................................................ 10.00.................. 10.00
Computer Applications.............................................................. 10.00.................. 10.00
Advanced Technology.............................................................. 20.00................... 20.00
Accounting...................................................... 34.00........................................... 34.00
Industrial Arts Courses:
Basic Woods............................................................................ 10.00................... 10.00
Construction............................................................................. 25.00................... 25.00
Drafting/C.A.D........................................................................ 18.00................... 18.00
Home Maintenance/Personal Finance........................................ 15.00................... 15.00
Manufacturing.......................................................................... 15.00................... 15.00
Language Arts:
Advanced Composition..................................... 50.00............................................... 50.00
Lang. Arts Word Skills 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th .......... 10.00........................................... 10.00
Learning Skills.................................................. 12.00........................................... 12.00
Spanish III/IV.......................................................................... 15.00................... 15.00
Mathematics:
Measuring Up (Math)....................................... 12.00........................................... 12.00
Science Courses:
Adv. Biology (on-line)............................................................... 12.00................... 12.00
Biology.................................................................................... 15.00................... 15.00
Chemistry.1............................................................................. 20.00................... 20.00
Ecology................................................................................... 12.00................... 12.00
Intro. Physical Science/Earth Science........................................ 18.00................... 18.00
Kinesiology.............................................................................. 12.00................... 12.00
Physics.................................................................................... 20.00................... 20.00
Social Studies:
Global Issues............................................................................ 12.00................... 12.00
Other:
Physical Education................................................................... 8.00...................... 8.00
Student Planner................................................ 2.00............... ............................. 2.00
School fees are due at the beginning of the school year. Student's report cards will be held beginning with the second nine weeks report card if fees are not paid (BCS Policy 6152). Fees may be paid by mail or in the main high school office. Make checks payable to Belpre High School. * If your check is returned for nonsufficient funds (NSF), your account will be debited electronically for both face amount and returned check fees.
SECTION II - ACADEMICS
CURRICULUM CONTENT AND PROGRAMS
Students are encouraged to pick up a copy of our "Course Description" Catalog from the Guidance Counselor or High School Office. Graduation requirements and brief descriptions of those courses being offered are included in this publication or visit our web site at http://www.belpre.k12.oh.us.
GRADING AND MARKING (BCS Policy 5421)
It is a very good idea for students to keep a running account of their marks. A student should be able to tell you the grade that would appear on his/her report card were it to be handed to him/her forthwith. Report cards will be issued at nine-week intervals using the following point value scale:
SCALE SYMBOL POINT VALUE *
98-100% A+ 4.0
93-97 A 4.0
90-92 A 4.0
87-89% B+ 3.0
83-86 B 3.0
80-82 B- 3.0
77-79% C+ 2.0
73-76 C 2.0
70-72 C- 2.0
67-69% D+ 1.0
63-66 D 1.0
60-62 D- 1.0
0 - 59% F 0.0
* AP Calculus and AP Composition will be awarded the 5.0 A. (For example on a semester course an A would equal 2.5 quality points.)
Incomplete Grades:
An incomplete grade ( I ) may be earned by a student for failure to complete significant work in a course or for excessive absences from a course. If the incomplete is not made up, within ten days after the 9-week grading period, the grade may be converted to an F at the discretion of the school staff/principal. If an incomplete grade ( I ) is present for the last marking period of a course, a final grade of F will be issued for the course.
Final Grades:
Grades in each subject are cumulative and are averaged for the final grade that determines whether the student has passed (earned credit), provided the student:
1. Does not have any incomplete ( I ) in any final grading period; and
2. has a final rounded point average of at least 1, using the point values from the above scale.
Final grades are calculated by the SEOVEC computer program. All .5 grade point values will be rounded up by the computer (.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5). However, the teacher may use his/her own best judgment in assigning either the higher or lower grade for any .5 situations and override the computer. Factors other than academic achievement should be marked with Comment Codes. At least one Comment Code must be given for each of your students in each course for every grading period. Academic achievement grades may not be altered for disciplinary reasons; and
3. has made up all unexcused absence days.
Reported Grades:
Four grades will be reported (on the report card) for each course.
TWO NINE WEEKS GRADES
ONE SEMESTER EXAM GRADE (except those exempted from exams as stated in course syllabus)
ONE SEMESTER AVERAGE GRADE
State school law states that "If progress is unsatisfactory, interim reports are required, and parents must be notified of any attendance or deportment problems." Parents are encouraged to talk with the teacher or administrator when any problems arise or unsatisfactory progress reports are sent home.
Cumulative Grade Point Average and Rank are calculated at the end of each semester and are done only on semester averages. We do not use +'s or -'s in calculating grade. Each course is worth 1/2 credit per semester except for Physical Ed, which is worth ¼ credit each semester. GPA is figured on the following formula with the exception of 5.0 for AP courses: quality points divided by credits attempted.
Quality points are based on letter grades. On a full credit course: (We have none that
For 1/2 credit course: are graded this way.)
A = 2 points A = 4 points
B = 1-1/2 points &n