St. Marys Area High School Student Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Accidents |
Administration |
Alcohol & Drugs |
Assemblies |
Athletics/Activities Participation |
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Athletic Eligibility |
Attendance Letters |
Attendance Procedures |
Banquets |
Bulletins & Annoucenments |
Bus Guidelines |
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Cafeteria |
Class Rank |
Change of Address |
Child Abuse |
Corporal Punishment |
Course Registration |
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Detention |
Discipline Code |
Dress and Grooming |
Drills |
Driver's Training |
Educational Trips |
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Electronic Devices |
Eligibility to hold office |
Emergency School Closing |
Exams |
Exclusions from school |
Faculty |
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Field Trips |
Grades |
Grievances |
Hall Passes |
Health Services |
Homework |
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Honor Roll |
Honor Society |
Important Dates |
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Lockers |
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Make-up work |
Military Recruiter Information |
Message from Principals |
Prescribed Medication |
Procedural Safeguards for Special Education students |
Progress Reports and report cards |
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Public Display of Affection |
Requirements for graduation |
Sexual Harassment |
Speech Alternative |
State Attendance Laws |
Student Absence Procedures |
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Student Assistance Programs |
Student Control Fund |
Student Insurance |
Student Office Workers |
Student Parking/Use of Motor Vehicles |
Student responsibilities |
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Student Search & Seizure |
Suspension Restrictions |
Summer School |
Support Staff |
Telephone Use/Student Messages |
Textbooks |
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Vandalism |
Visitors |
Work Release |
Working Papers |
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ADMINISTRATION
Mr. J. Paul Robertson Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Anna Kearney Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Technology
Mr. Josh Williams Principal
Mr. Joseph Schlimm Assistant Principal
Ms. Cynthia Green Business Manager
Mrs. Ginger Williams Assistant Business Manager
Mr. Terry Straub Activity/Communication Director
Mrs. Connie Timashenka Director of Special Services
Mr. Tom Timashenka School Psychologist
Mrs. Belva Jasper Food Services Director
HIGH SCHOOL SUPPORT PERSONNEL
Mrs. Michele Burdick Secretary to Principal
Ms. Leah Swackhammer Secretary to the Assistant Principals
Mrs. Linda Fordoski Receptionist
Mrs. Ann Wendel Attendance Secretary
Ms. Sue Piccirillo Secretary to the Activity Director
2005-2006 HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY
English Mathematics Social Studies
Duncan, Rachel Bish, Julie Beck, Warren
Geci, Annette Burfield, Rosemary Benjamin, Paul
Gerber, Nancy Coppella, Connie Benson, Brice
Granche', William Dellaquila, Joseph Defilippi, Anthony
Lucanik, Karen Herbstritt, Jamie Surra, Dominic
McAlee, Diane Samick, Jennifer
Neubert, George Snelick, Gregory
Zimmerman, Cathy
Science Phys. Ed. Special Services
Allegretto, Anthony Kerchinski, Linda Haskell, Barbara
Bordick, John Palamarchuck, Mike Hoffman, Nancy
Miller, Richard Posteraro, Dennis Lee, Elaine
Scilingo, William Mancuso, Lisa
Tripodi, Michelle Thompson, Deanna
Business Education Foreign Language School-To-Work
DeSalve, Robert Gavazzi, Lena Gavazzi, Jeff
Jackson, Michelle Jamerson, Christa Johnson, Larry
Schreiber, Jason Yavorsky, Jennifer
Surra, Terrence
Drafting Health Related Tech Career Learning
Gahr, Craig Moyer, Karen Barnhart, John
Home Economics Band/Chorus Counselors
Gurosik, Sharon Conger, Keri Benjamin, Shelbie
Gankosky, Chris Wehler, Molly
Metal Working Building Construction Engineer Related Tech.
Casilio, Albert (Butch) Gaydosh, Thomas Sekeres, Mark
Librarian Art Nurse
Sidelinger, Debra Bierley, Patti
Driver’s Education Auxiliary HS
Gabler, Richard Johnson, Robin
IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOU TO KNOW:
(Subject To Change)
September 9-11, 2005 St. Marys Hometown Festival
September 24, 2005 ACT Tests
October 8, 2005 SAT Exams
October 12, 2005 PSAT Testing
October 19, 20, 2005 ASVAB Exams
November 15, 2005 Financial Aid Night
December 10, 2005 ACT Tests
April 1, 2006 SAT Exams
May 3, 2006 National Honor Society Induction/Banquet
May 13, 2006 Prom
May 16, 2006 Senior Academic Awards Ceremony
June 3, 2006 SAT Exams
June 6, 2006 Auxiliary High School Graduation
June 7, 2006 Graduation – Class of 2006
It is our goal to focus on positive staff, student, and parent interaction within our school community. As school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and support staff, we are all members of this community.
1. RESPECT: respect yourself, respect others and they will respect you
2. HONESTY: do not lie, be responsible for your actions
3. POTENTIAL: reach your potential, give your best effort in all you attempt
There are many rules in our student handbook. If you embody the following values, these rules will take care of themselves.
As we begin this school year, make a promise to yourself to “be this list” in your thoughts, words, and actions. If you are able to do that, everything else will be easy. Remember that we are here to help you with any problem. We look forward to working with you this school year. Good luck.
Sincerely,
Josh Williams,
Principal
Joseph Schlimm,
Assistant Principal
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES
The purpose of assemblies is to provide you with an enjoyable educational experience. Your responsibility is to enjoy the presentation, applaud, laugh at appropriate times, and show respect to those people making the presentation. The procedure for reporting to assemblies will be announced before the assembly.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
School attendance is one of the most important responsibilities required of parents and students. Activities that take place in the school and classroom are a vital part of the teaching and learning process leading to student success. All students are expected to arrive on time to school and to classes and are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Classroom experiences are meaningful and essential components of the learning process. Meeting class attendance requirements helps instill concepts of self-discipline, exposes the students to group interactions with teachers and fellow students, enables the students to hear and participate in class discussions, and involves the students in educational experiences not available in other circumstances. Instructional and learning opportunities lost through absence from class may not be retrievable.
Research clearly supports the fact that attendance reflects performance. Students with more than 15 tardies and 20 absences overwhelmingly receive grades of D or lower. In contrast, two-thirds of all students who have less than five days of tardiness and less than ten absences earn grades of B or higher. Just as employers expect their employees to be at work, students are expected to be in school. Get in and stay in the habit of attending regularly.
Any student absent more than 25% of the scheduled days (this is 45 days) or class periods may not receive credit for the year’s or subject’s work. Each case will be individually reviewed by the administration.
ATHLETICS/ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATION
Students must be in attendance for at least half of the school day (4 periods excluding lunch) in order to participate in school sponsored practice or events.
Students who do not attend at least 4 periods on the day of or the day before a scheduled school event such as a dance or a game will NOT be permitted to participate in that event unless a doctors excuse is presented by the student prior to the event.
Excessive absences might exclude a student from seeking a class office, becoming a member of Student Council, National Honor Society and/or participating in extra-curricular activities or events (i.e. Prom, homecoming) including sports, for an extended period of time.
ATTENDANCE LETTERS
After ten (10), fifteen (15), and twenty (20) days of absence by a student in any one school year, an informational letter will be sent to the parent and/or guardian. After twenty (20) days, a doctor's excuse will be required for each successive absence. Failure to provide the doctor's excuse within three (3) school days will cause the absence to be deemed illegal or unlawful, depending upon the age of the student involved. It is recommended that students submit an excuse from a doctor or dentist when absent for medical or dental appointments.
STATE ATTENDANCE LAWS
Students are advised that illegal absences will be dealt with in accordance with the Pennsylvania Public School Code, which provides for fines and court costs through the local District Magistrate's office.
Students of compulsory school attendance age, (age 16 and under) who have continued irregular school attendance will be referred to the Office of Children and Youth and the Department of Probation at the Elk County Courthouse.
Under Act 29, Section 1333 P.S.C., for compulsory school age, student's fines may be up to $300 and require parent education and/or student community service. Students may lose their driver's license for 90 days for the first offense and six months for the second offense.
Act 98 of 1996 provides penalties for aiding and abetting truancy. People found to have enticed or encouraged minors to commit truancy would have committed a summary offense.
Continued irregular school attendance by students who are older than the compulsory attendance age may result in their being excluded from school. Students cannot fully benefit from the educational program unless they are present in school.
STUDENT ABSENCE PROCEDURES
The following are considered reasonable cause for absence from school:
Illness Quarantine
Death in immediate or near family Recovery from an accident
Religious holidays Required court appearances
Approved educational trips Emergency farm employment
Approved school trips Approved medical/dental visit
Other urgent reasons AS APPROVED BY THE PRINCIPAL
Any other reasons for absence from school may not be approved and may be deemed illegal or unlawful according to the School Code. Such absences may be subject to fines and court costs by the local District Magistrate. Unacceptable reasons would include but are not limited to:
Family vacations Personal appointments
Shopping trips Oversleeping
Babysitting Housework
Car Trouble Poor Road Conditions
Driving to school or riding with another person
Upon returning to school after an absence, students are required by
Pennsylvania law to submit a note from a parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence. A parent or guardian must sign excuses for students regardless of age, unless the student lives independently and is not claimed on their parent or guardian’s tax returns. Excuses will be checked for valid signature and reason.
All excuses are to be turned in immediately to the attendance secretary on the first day the student returns to school. The attendance secretary will issue a receipt for all excuses. Should a student fail to turn in an excuse within three (3) school days after returning to school, the excuse may be declared illegal/unlawful, even if legal in accordance with the Pennsylvania Public School Code. ALL EXCUSES MUST INCLUDE THE DATE, THE STUDENT'S NAME, HOMEROOM, STUDENT ID NUMBER, GRADE, DATES ABSENT, AND PARENTAL SIGNATURE.
Students, who need to be excused for part of the school day for medical/dental appointments, observance of religious holidays, or for other reasons must present a signed note from their parent/guardian to the attendance secretary or the office the morning of the absence. The note shall specify the reason for the request being made. Parents are asked to specify the name of doctor and time of the appointment on requests for excuse for medical/dental appointments. The secretary will issue a receipt for an excuse or an early dismissal. Students leaving school without a prior written excuse will be marked illegal/unlawful. Excuses received after three consecutive school days will result in an unexcused absence. Students who are excused for an appointment must still sign out at the front office..
Students who become ill in school must report to the nurse, who will decide if the student should be sent home. The nurse will notify the office of these students being excused due to illness. Students leaving the building without being nurse excused due to illness will be marked illegal/unlawful. Students who are nursed excused must still sign out at the main office.
Parents are advised that emergency excuses for part of the school day may be approved at the discretion of the building Principal in accordance with the Pennsylvania Public School Code. This means that because a parent requests that their child be excused does not make it a legal excuse unless the Building Principal has approved it.
All students will sign in and/or out of the building when arriving or leaving. Students are not permitted to sign out of the building unless they have submitted a valid excuse.
We ask parents to cooperate in carrying out these regulations by specifying the exact reason(s) for the student being released on the excuse form that will be submitted to the office. Excuses will be verified for signature and reason. If either is considered to be invalid, the excuse will not be approved and the student shall be instructed to remain in school. If it is approved, the student's name and time of excuse will be noted on the daily bulletin. Students who return to school after such an absence during the day shall IMMEDIATELY sign in at the main office and obtain a TIME SLIP, which they MUST present to their teacher for readmittance to class.
EDUCATIONAL TRIPS
Parents desiring to take their children on an educational trip must submit to the administration an educational trip request form. This form is available at the high school office and MUST be submitted at least one week prior to departure for proper review. Students are responsible for making arrangements with their teachers to make up all work. Visits by junior and senior students to post-secondary educational institutions are considered an educational trip.
Three or more unlawful or illegal absences will result in denial of all such educational trip requests. This also applies to students with more than ten (10) days of absence per semester or twenty (20) days of absence overall, whether the absences are excused or not.
The principal has the authority to limit the number of days of excused absences for parent-sponsored educational trips if in his judgment these absences would be detrimental to the students' educational progress.
Educational Trips will not be approved during the last two weeks of school. Students are expected to be in attendance to prepare for and take final exams when they are scheduled. Students will not be permitted to take final exams early.
FIELD TRIPS
Parents permitting their student to attend a field trip must submit a signed permission form. This form is available at the high school office. It is the student’s responsibility to get approval from all of his/her teachers and submit the form to the administration office for the principal’s final approval. Students are responsible for making arrangements with their teachers to make up all work.
Students with excessive absences, tardies and/or discipline referrals will not be permitted to attend. The principal has the authority to approve or deny all requests.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES/RULES
DISCIPLINE CODE
Conduct is closely related to learning. An effective school requires a safe, orderly, and structured environment and the quality of our program is in part reflected in the behavior of our students.
Each student of this district is asked and expected to adhere to the rules and regulations established by the administration and to submit to such disciplinary measures as are appropriately assigned for infraction of those rules. These rules govern student conduct in school, during the time spent in travel to and from school, as well as attendance at all school-sponsored activities.
Excessive disciplinary infractions may result in a student being excluded from holding a class office, being a member of student council, and participating in extra curricular activities or events, including sports, prom, and other activities or events for a designated and extended period of time. Our goal is to have all students conduct themselves in a responsible manner and to enable them to participate in and enjoy student life at SMAHS.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
No society, community, or school can operate without rules and regulations. Individuals differ in their ability to accept responsibility in using privileges as well as rights. This means that you are responsible for your actions while meeting your academic requirements. Since you are young adults, the school has the right in individual cases to revoke the privileges made available to you.
If you meet your obligations both in and out of the classroom, you will have an enjoyable four years at St. Marys Area High School. This means taking part in the athletic programs, band, chorus, and other extra-curricular activities either by being a participant or observer, taking part in other student activities (prom, homecoming, etc.) and by being a total part of the student activities program.
1. Student responsibilities include regular school attendance,
conscientious effort in classroom work, and conformity to school
rules and regulations. It is expected that the students will share with
the administration and faculty the responsibility to develop a climate
within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living.
2. No student has the right to interfere with the education of his fellow
students to learn or the right of teachers to teach without distraction.
It is the responsibility of each student to respect these rights of
teachers, students, administrators and all others who are involved in
the educational process.
3. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful
manner so as not to offend or slander others.
4. It is the responsibility of the students to:
a. Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and be in
accord with them.
b. Be willing to volunteer information in matters relating to the
health, safety and welfare of the school community and the
protection of school property.
c. Dress and groom themselves so as to meet fair standards of safety
and health, and so as not to cause disruption to the educational
process.
d. Assume that until a rule is waived, altered or repealed it is in full
effect.
e. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students
enrolled therein.
f. Be aware of and comply with state and local laws.
g. Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment
h. Attend school daily, except when excused, and be on time to all
classes and other school functions.
i. Make all necessary arrangements for making up work when absent
from school.
j. Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study
prescribed by state and local school authorities.
k. Academic assignment dishonesty will result in a zero for the
assignment.
l. Avoid inaccuracies in student publications and avoid indecent or
obscene language and gestures.
5. Students given access to the INTERNET must complete an INTERNET
usage agreement form. This form must be signed by your parents and
returned to school before internet access will be permitted.
SUSPENSION RESTRICTIONS
During an in-school or out-of-school suspension, or an assigned detention a student will be excluded from all extra-curricular activities, after-school practices, events, cooperative education (co-op), and school-to-work.
The period of suspension will begin at the time indicated by the administrator assigning the suspension and will end at the start of the school day following the last school day of suspension. If no beginning time is defined, suspension shall begin at the beginning of the first school day of the suspension.
Students who are suspended and therefore not permitted to participate in or attend extra-curricular activities and athletic events are responsible for notification of the proper coach, sponsor of the activity, or employer. Failure on the part of the student to properly notify the responsible coach or advisor will cause the suspended student to be subject to further disciplinary action.
EXCLUSIONS FROM SCHOOL
Exclusion from school may take the form of suspension or expulsion.
When the suspension is assigned the student and parent shall be given the opportunity for an informal hearing.
Expulsion is exclusion from school by the board of education for a period exceeding 10 school days and may be permanent expulsion from the school rolls. All expulsions require a prior formal hearing.
DRESS AND GROOMING
The school shall provide for the development of habits and attitudes conducive to generally acceptable wearing apparel and good grooming.
1. Clothing must be clean and in good repair. Frayed clothing or clothing with holes is not acceptable school attire.
2. Extreme styles, including unusually short skirts (dresses) or noticeably tight clothing is not acceptable.
3. Hats or other headwear, such as bandanas or hoods, may not be worn inside the building.
4. Shoes must be worn at all times. No Thongs or flip-flops.
5. Garments imprinted with logos advertising items such as beer, drugs and cigarettes are not acceptable.
6. Clothing, buttons, or other insignia which are intended to mock,
ridicule, or otherwise deliberately demean or provoke others
because of race, religion, national origin or individual views are not
appropriate.
7. Garments, which contain offensive words, profanity or provocative
pictures are not appropriate.
8. Sleeveless shirts, bare midriff, see-through garments, mesh shirts
without proper undergarments, tube tops, bare backs, halter-tops,
low- cut blouses, tank tops and cut-offs are prohibited. The material
from the top garment must touch the material from the bottom
garment.
9. Garments with metal, plastic or other materials, which damage school property, will not be permitted. This includes heavy metal chains, dog chains, or wallets on chains.
10. Coats and jackets designed for outdoor wear are not to be worn in school building during the school day.
11. Shorts are permissible school attire between May 1st and October 1st. The minimum length of shorts will be determined by the arm length rule. When a student is standing erect with arms at sides, fingertips must be touching bottom of shorts. Shorts must not be any shorter and may not be form fitting.
12. Non-prescription sunglasses and/or contact lenses are not to be worn in the building except as required for documented medical reasons.
13. Hairdos, beards, mustaches, sideburns should be trim, neat, and clean.
14. Students with hair below collar length may be asked to provide an appropriate hair restraint and/or covering for gym, athletic contests, shops and laboratories.
15. Students are not permitted to wear pajamas.
The faculty and/or administration may question a student's dress (not specifically covered in these guidelines) and take necessary action to conform such student's dress to this policy. Parents please support this policy and help your children select appropriate school attire.
If a student's appearance is considered inappropriate, the home will be contacted and the student may be asked to change. If a change is not made, the student may be detained in the office.
ELIGIBILITY FOR ROLES OF LEADERSHIP
Students who wish to represent their peers by becoming a class officer, a member of Student Council, club officers and/or as a member of the court for homecoming, prom, or snowball dances have a responsibility to serve as an appropriate role model for all students. This shall include maintaining acceptable academic performance, regular attendance at school and no serious discipline referrals. Examples of infractions that will lead to disqualification would include but are not limited to:
1. Possession, consumption of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances.
2. Violations of the BOCA Fire Prevention code which includes the smoking of cigarettes within the school building.
3. Flagrant insubordination to any teacher or administrator.
4. Behavior at intramural or interscholastic events as a spectator or participant that would cause the school district public rebuke.
5. Inciting student behaviors at school or at school-related events that are subject to disciplinary action based on accepted standards of student conduct or might cause harm or injury to other students.
6. Irregular student attendance and/or unexcused or illegal absences from school.
7. Other disciplinary infractions that would be dealt with on an individual basis not limited to those enumerated above.
8. Negligence in performing the duties of the position to which the student has been appointed or elected.
9. Failing course average in any full credit course at the end of any semester.
GRIEVANCES
If a student so desires he/she may discuss any concerns they may have with various levels of authority in the district. Students should follow this sequence when pursuing such concerns:
1. Teacher
2. Principal
3. Superintendent
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are not to bring radios, laser pointers, tape/CD players, cell phones or similar items to school. Pennsylvania State Law prohibits laser pointers.
According to PA law, students should be aware that the possession of telephone paging devices, commonly referred to as beepers, shall be prohibited on school grounds, at school sponsored activities and on buses or other vehicles provided by the school district.
These devices may be confiscated by the faculty or building principal when found in the building. They will be returned to the student after appropriate action has been taken.
HALL PASSES
Students who are excused by a teacher to be out of study hall or class MUST have their student handbook/pass book signed by an appropriate authority, which notes time of departure from their assigned area.
If a student is found eating or drinking in the hallway, that food or beverage will be taken and discarded. Remember that having snacks is a privilege, so act responsibly to help keep your building neat. Drinks are NOT to be taken from the cafeteria.
HOMEWORK
If the absence from school is excused (legal or lawful) students will be given a reasonable amount of time to make-up assignments and tests, which have been missed. The student will have an amount of time at least equal to the amount of time missed. For example, if a student misses 1 day, work is to be made up within 1 day of returning to school.
If the absence from school is unexcused (illegal or unlawful) students are not permitted to make up work and tests or assignments missed may be recorded as a zero.
When an illness or injury will cause a student to miss more than ten days of school, the student may be eligible for "homebound" instruction. This type of educational program requires a signed homebound instruction statement form from a doctor that entitles a student up to five (5) hours per week of individual instruction away from the school setting provided by (appropriate certified) instructors. There is no charge for such instruction, providing the qualifying criteria are met. Forms are to be picked up in the Guidance office then taken to a Doctor’s office to be completed.
This instruction may take several days to arrange. Contact the school as soon as it is apparent that the injury and/or illness may result in an absence from school of ten days or more duration. You will need to contact your physician to provide the documentation.
Contact the Building Principal to discuss the reason for absence and the possible length of the absence. When you call, please be prepared to provide the following information:
1. How we might get the assignments home? Is there a brother or sister here at school? Will you come to get them? When?
2. What books do we need to send? Are the student's books already at home?
3. Where can we find the books? Sometimes they are not in the student's assigned locker.
You MUST call before 8:15 AM on any regular school day to request homework. Requests received prior to 8:15 will be available for pick up after 2:45 the following day. Every attempt will be made to accommodate any requests received after 8:15. It is the parents’ responsibility to make arrangements for homework to be picked up between 2:45-4:00 P.M. If you need some special consideration due to extenuating circumstances, please contact the principal to discuss your needs.
LOCKERS
Each student in this high school is assigned a full-size locker to be used for safe keeping of possessions while in school. In addition, each student is assigned a gym locker to be used for physical education classes. These lockers are considered to be the property of the school district and with probable cause can and will be searched.
Students are instructed to use their assigned lockers and to keep them LOCKED at all times. Students are responsible for the keys and/or combinations issued to them. Replacement keys and/or locker repairs can be requested from the front office. The cost of a replacement key is $2.00 with each additional replacement key costing $5.00. The school cannot be responsible for personal articles taken from unsecured student lockers. Lockers and keys are assigned to an individual student and are not to be shared with other students.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Students should conduct themselves in a manner that reflects a positive image upon themselves and their school.
Hugging, kissing and the showing of affection between students is not acceptable during school or at any school function.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The St. Marys Area School District Board of Education is committed to providing students, employees and anyone on the premises an environment, free from sexual harassment and impropriety.
It shall be a violation of this policy for anyone on the premises to engage in sexual harassment of a student, employee, or anyone on the premises through conduct or communications of a sexual nature as defined below.
Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to the following: verbal harassment or abuse; pressure for sexual activity; repeated remarks to a person, with sexual or demeaning implications; touching with sexual connotation; suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, etc.
Any person who alleges sexual harassment by any district employee, student or anyone on the premises shall complain directly to the building principal, guidance counselor, a teacher, or school nurse. Prior to interviews, all parties shall be notified of their right to counsel, and, in the case of students, the presence of parents. Parties shall be required to submit a written, signed statement of the complaints.
The superintendent/designee will thoroughly investigate the allegations and will document the findings.
Filing a complaint will not affect future grades or the status of the accused or the complainant.
The right of confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the accused, will be respected consistent with the district's legal obligations, and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and to take corrective action when this conduct has occurred.
A complete copy of this policy may be found in the principal's office.
STUDENT PARKING/USE OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Students who have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license may apply for a parking permit. All students who drive vehicles to school must complete the application and agree to abide by the rules and regulations as established by the Pennsylvania School Code and by the St. Marys Area School District. Failure to abide by the rules will result in losing this privilege. Students with excessive illegal and/or unlawful absences or excessive discipline problems may lose the privilege of driving as a consequence.
When parking in the student parking lot, students are required to pull into the parking space front end first.
STUDENT SEARCH AND SEIZURE
ST. MARYS AREA HIGH SCHOOL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CONDUCT LOCKER, VEHICLE, CANINE AND/OR PERSONAL SEARCHES GIVEN REASONABLE CAUSE.
Locker Search
Lockers are the property of the school and the school has an obligation to insure that they are used properly. A search may be conducted to protect the health, welfare, and safety of students and the educational process. The principal and his designee will conduct locker searches.
Vehicle Search
A search of a vehicle located on school property may be conducted to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the students and the educational process. The principal or his designee may conduct vehicle searches.
Canine Search
On occasion, police will be contacted to conduct a search of school property or personal property or vehicles thereon, assisted by certified police canines. Any controlled substance, look-alike drug, chemical agent, pill or capsule having a body altering or mood altering effect will become the property of the police department in authority.
Personal Search
Such a search may be conducted to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the student(s) and the educational process. The principal or his/her designee will conduct such searches.
If any search so conducted should identify any items, which are controlled, and/or illegal, the police will be involved for such violations.
VANDALISM AND OTHER SERIOUS OFFENSES
Any student found guilty of acts of vandalism at school will be punished under existing rules of suspension and expulsion and/or may be subject to Pennsylvania Civil Criminal Code. It should be noted that students are subject to the same laws and ordinances that exist within our community. Therefore, acts such as igniting fireworks, excessive speeding, reckless driving, and stealing are subject to the review and action of the school administration and/or local judicial authorities.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ACTIVITIES
Sponsors will discuss the activities with the high school principal. After the sponsor has received approval and the principal has determined that no conflicts exist, an activity can be scheduled on the activity calendar in the High School office. Hosting organizations are responsible for security. High school events are for high school students only. Guests for special events may be required to be registered in advance.
ASSEMBLIES
Programs from outside agencies and various student organizations are scheduled throughout the year. Homerooms have assigned seats in the auditorium and students must sit as assigned with their designated homerooms and teachers. Seating arrangements for special assemblies and those held in the Dutch Country Stadium or gymnasium will be announced.
Proper behavior and respect for the performers/presenters are expected at all times. You are expected to be orderly and considerate of the rights of others during the assembly. Remember - your behavior at assemblies is a direct reflection not only on you but also on all of us.
BANQUETS
The St. Marys Area High School provides banquets during the school year to honor its scholars, athletes, and musicians. Information concerning each banquet will be made available to students for the purpose of making reservations and purchasing tickets for parents and guests.
BULLETINS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The announcements for the day are made each morning. Those wishing to have announcements made regarding school activities or athletic events must have the announcement initialed by a teacher or advisor and submit them to the main office. Announcements may also be published in the teachers' Daily Bulletin. Please keep announcements as brief as possible.
CHILD ABUSE
Act 151 requires the reporting of child abuse to DPW by school personnel.
23 PA C.S.A.6352
DRILLS
FIRE: Monthly fire drills are held throughout the school year. Students must exit the building under the direction of the teacher(s) in charge as soon as the fire alarm sounds. Students MUST NOT stop at their lockers or delay in any way. When they are outside the building, they must stand at least twenty (20) feet from the building and may not reenter until the bell has been sounded signaling the "all clear."
TORNADO: Tornado and other emergency drills will be conducted
annually.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING
Up to the minute information regarding emergency closings and school delays can be obtained by calling 834-8746. Please do not call schools for this