ECHS Student Handbook

I. INTRODUCTION	IV. SCHOOL CLIMATE/SAFETY/DISCIPLINE
II. ATTENDANCE	Inclement Weather
Absences	Transportation
“ Signing In” & “Signing Out”	School Bus Rules & Regulations
“Bridge Back” Attendance Opportunity	Personal Appearance
III. CURRICULUM	Off-Limits Areas
Graduation Requirements	Cafeteria
Promotion Standards	Lockers
Schedule Changes/Drop Add	Use of Communication Devices
Withdrawal/Transfer	Assemblies
Report Cards	School Resource Officer
Make-up Work	Discipline Policy
Homework	Computer/Internet & Network Usage
Exams	Tardiness and Unauthorized Absence
Media Center & Use of Computers & Network	AEC & Lunch Detention
Extra Academic Help	V. ACADEMIC AWARDS & ACTIVITIES
EOC Tests	Awards
Parent/Teacher Conferences	Regulations
Overview of the High School Exit Standards	School Insurance Coverage
Fees	Writing Guidelines
Access to Students Permanent Records	Miscellaneous: Asbestos Update

I. INTRODUCTION

The rules and procedures that are set forth in this handbook are based upon requirements placed on the school by the county and the state and by the characteristics of what makes an effective school. Through many years of study, it has become clear that what makes a school effective at producing greater growth in students is the existence of the following characteristics:

§ A clear and focused mission

§ A safe and orderly environment

§ Opportunity to learn with high time on learning tasks (teachers teaching and students paying attention)

§ Instructional leadership

§ Frequent monitoring of student progress

§ High expectations

§ Established parent-school communication

The implementation of these characteristics is standard procedure at East Carteret High School.

II. ATTENDANCE

In accordance with state and county regulations, attendance is checked each class period.

A. To be counted as present, the student must either:

      1. Attend for the entire class period.
      2. Be on an authorized school activity, such as a field trip

B. Absences are excused for one of the following reasons:

illness or injury or quarantine

death in the immediate family

medical or dental appointments

court or administrative proceedings

religious observances

educational opportunity (approved by administration)

College Visitation Policy: Juniors and Seniors are eligible to take college days only. They are allowed two (2) days per school year. Those taking college days must have prior approval from administration and documentation of visit to administration upon return.

Military Activities (absence related to deployment activities): A student whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting for the purpose of visiting of said parent of legal guardian.

D. Documentation of reasons for all absences are to be provided in a note signed by the parent/guardian. This note must be presented to the office at the time of sign in/out. Notes must be provided for absences resulting from signing in late or signing out early.

E. To receive credit for a course, a student must have a grade of at least 70 and attend 82 class periods (no more than 8 absences for any reason).

F. Compulsory Attendance

For students under the age of 16 years, unexcused absences in excess of 10 days may result in initiation of a complaint to the District Attorney or the Juvenile Intake Officer for violation of the compulsory attendance law.

G. Signing in

Students arriving at school late must sign in at the Alternative Education Center (AEC).

H. Signing out

Notes signed by the parent/guardian should be brought to AEC the day of early departure. If there is a question about the authenticity of the note or phone call, the student may not be given permission to leave and disciplinary action could be imposed if forgery is involved.

In an emergency, a parent call may be accepted.

The student must sign out in the AEC.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the absence being treated as a skipping offense.



“BRIDGE BACK” Attendance Opportunity

The Carteret County Attendance Policy states, that “at the high school level, credit is not earned in courses in which a student has more than 8 absences during a semester, regardless of the reasons for the absences, or a final grade average of below 70.” In an effort to help students avoid loss of instructional time due to excessive absences, ECHS has designed a program which will allow students the opportunity to earn back their time before they violate the attendance policy. Any absence, Excused or Unexcused (including both AEC days and OSS days) allows a student to be eligible for this attendance opportunity.

***In School and Out of School Suspension days count towards loss of credit. Therefore, students will be able to earn back their time for these days.***

Eligibility

--After the 1st Absence, a student will be eligible to stay after school in the Designated Area to earn back instructional time for any absence. (Students will not be able to “bank” time in advance.)

--Any student who exceeds 8 absences in a class (Unbridged Back), at any point in the semester, is not eligible to participate in this program.

--1 Hour and 15 minutes spent after school will equal 1 Class Period.

EXAMPLE:

1 Missed Period=1 After School Session in Designated Area

1 Missed Day=4 After School Sessions in Designated Area

After School Sessions:

         (When?) Monday through Thursday 3:00-4:15pm

         (Where?)      ECHS Designated Area

(A student must be in the Designated Area promptly at 3:00pm and remain there until 4:15pm for the instructional time to apply.)

Students who choose to earn back instructional time must:

1. Get a “Bridge Back My Attendance” Form from the office.

2. Take the form to the teacher of the class in which they were absent and get the teacher to write down their missed assignments.

3. Take the signed form to the Bridge Teacher in the Designated Area on the day in which they choose to stay over. The Bridges Teacher will initial the form and include the time and date.

4. Take Make-Up Work and Form back to the classroom teacher. If the teacher considers the work satisfactory, he or she will sign off on the form.

5. Return the form to Mrs. Thomas to be kept on file to receive credit.

Students who choose not to take advantage of this opportunity and exceed 8 absences will violate the Carteret County Attendance Policy and will not earn credit in the course due to excessive absences.

III. CURRICULUM

The reason for any school's existence is the provision of mastery of knowledge and skills to its students. All regulations help ensure academic success, fairness, and safety for students. More details about courses and requirements are in the “Course Descriptions” booklet available online @ www.carteretcountyschools.org/echs

A. Graduation Requirements

A B C

English

4

4

4

Math

4

3

3

Science

3

3

2

Social Studies

3

3

2

Health and PE

1

1

1

Second Language

2

-

-

Career/Technical

-

4

4

Electives

12

10

6/6

TOTALS

28

28

28

A-College/University B-College
C-Tech Prep Occupational



B. Promotion Standards

Classification

# Units Required

Sophomore

4

Junior

12

Senior

20

Students are allowed to take more than one English course per school year only if they have failed a previous year

Certain courses must be taken before (prerequisite to) other courses. For example, French II cannot be taken without first passing French I.

To be assigned to a senior homeroom, a student must

have the potential to graduate that school year (updated 7-97).

C. Grading Scales

Percentage grades are used on report cards. The grades

and the quality points awarded each are below:

96-100=4.00

91=3.38

86=2.75

81=2.13

76=1.50

95=3.88

90=3.25

85=2.63

80=2.00

75=1.38

94=3.75

89=3.13

84=2.50

79=1.88

74=1.25

93=3.63

88=3.00

83=2.38

78=1.75

73=1.13

92=3.50

87=2.88

82=2.25

77=1.63

70-72=1.00

69 and below=0

A=93-100

B=85-92

C=77-84

D=70-76

F=69 and below

D. Early Graduation

Early graduation is an option for students with special educational goals or extenuating circumstances. Counselors can provide information on the application process. Students interested in early graduation should discuss this option with a counselor and complete all application requirements prior to registration and class enrollment for the senior year. The candidate must have: (1) satisfied all requirements of a four-year graduate, (2) qualified by virtue of extenuating circumstances or special goals.

E. Schedule Changes (Drop/Add)

Students register for their courses in the spring of the year. After registering, there are only seven reasons that will allow a schedule to be changed. If one of the reasons applies, the change must be made within the first 10 days of school. The reasons are as follow:

to add a course needed for graduation

to add a course that was failed,

to replace a previously failed course under the same teacher,

to drop a course for which credit has previously been received,

to correct computer error or scheduling conflict,

to accommodate a transfer student whose records arrive after formal class registration has ended, or

to adjust class size as designated by the principal.

SCHEDULE CHANGES MUST OCCUR ON ANNOUNCED DROP/ADD DAYS!

A student’s request for transfer from an Honors to a Standard Level course will be considered by the principal through the first 10 days of a semester, if the change does not affect other classes. The change must be requested by the parent and the student. Grades earned to that point go with the student.

F. Withdrawal or Transfer to Another School

A student wishing to withdraw or transfer to another school should see the guidance office for procedures. Students must complete the correct form, return books, and pay all fees. Records and credits will not be transferred until all items are completed.

Students who transfer into the Carteret County School System during the school year will have their class absences prorated on the basis of the number of days left in the year. These students will be registered in classes upon presentation of withdrawal forms from their previous school. Additional information needed for enrollment is proof of residency, birth certificate, and immunization records.

G. Transcript Request

A transcript request form must be obtained from the guidance department. After the form is filled out, it is to be returned to the guidance office. Seniors will receive the first two(2) transcripts free. Any others will be assessed a fee, as per Board of Education ruling.

H. Report Cards and Interim Progress Reports

       Report cards and interim progress reports will be sent home on the following schedule each semester:

3 weeks progress report
6 weeks report card
9 weeks progress report
12 weeks report card
15 weeks progress report
18 weeks report card

I. Course Credit

To receive credit for a course, a student must earn a grade of at least 70 and meet attendance requirements.

J. Make-Up Work

Make-up work may be requested through the school secretary by calling 728-3514. Early requests are appreciated and may be filled the same day the request is made.

All work missed during an absence may be made up at the teachers’ convenience. It is the students’ responsibility to go to their teachers on THE DAY THEY RETURN to get makeup work. Provisions will be made for students to review for tests. Teachers may require previously announced tests to be made up the day the student returns to school. (If students miss one or more morning classes, they should make up tests that afternoon if the teacher is available). Failure to make up work within five days of the absence will result in a grade of zero (0).

If extenuating circumstances exist, the principal may extend the time limit.

K. Homework

The objective of homework is to increase student learning, particularly long-term retention of what is learned. Students should expect to have homework every night. The amount of homework varies widely from course to course (for example, math classes have more homework than PE Classes; honors classes have more homework than standard classes). As a general guideline, students will have 120 minutes of homework per night. This does not include long-term projects, such as research papers that will be in addition to the 120 minutes. Teachers will have to vary the amount of homework depending on the requirements of the class and the needs of the students for content mastery.

L. Exam

A final exam is defined as a comprehensive test covering knowledge acquired during an entire course. An exam is an integral part of the learning process and its values and usefulness are maintained by offering students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in each course. Exams are intended to assess long-term mastery and retention. The exam provisions listed below were developed to promote success for each student.

1. All classes will be administered a final exam during the scheduled exam time.

2. Exams will count 25% (1/4) of the final course grade. Exam exemptions are not available in courses with required End-of-Course test. These include English I, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics, ELPS, Us History, and VOCATS. Otherwise, exam exemptions are available to all students who meet specific criteria.

   3. Students earn exam exemptions in courses in which they have:

a) Two or fewer absences and at least an 80 average prior to the exam or

b) Three or fewer absences and at least a 90 average prior to the exam and,

c) The student may not have received an out-of-school suspension.

4. Exam exemptions are optional. Students make take an exam for which they are eligible for exemption and the    exam grade will be included in the final grade.

5. At least one day before the commencement of the final exam period of the term, the teacher will notify each student of his/her current grade in the course and whether the student qualifies for exemption. Qualifying students must notify the teacher in each class at least one day prior to the exam whether they intend to take the exam. Qualifying students are expected to continue to attend class and complete all assignments regardless of whether they opt to take the final exam.

Media Center

The Media Center is open before and after school and during lunch for students who wish to use the resources and to study quietly. During class time, individual students must have a pass from the classroom teacher to enter the media center. Students are expected to work quietly and follow all school rules during their library visits. Students may not use the MC computer lab unless supervised by a teacher. Students may check out reference books, magazines, and audiovisuals for three days, fiction and nonfiction books for three weeks. Items may be renewed. An overdue fine of $.10 per item per school day will be charged for materials returned past their due date

N. Use of ECHS Computers and Network

The following are computer/network rules.

Students shall:

use school computers and network systems for school sanctioned educational purposes only

ensure that school equipment remains in its original condition, including desktop appearance and system directory contents

-- respect the property rights of others, including files and directories

    Be advised that the contents of student files and emails are school property and subject to inspection by school officials.

    Students are to comply with all county computer and Internet policies.

Students shall not:

    Eat or drink around computers

    Download or install software

    Attempt to fix or repair a computer or any other school equipment

    Use another person's login or allow another to use their login

    Give his or her password to anyone

    Place, store, or download inappropriate material in their folders

    Never by-pass the school Internet filter system.

O. Extra Academic Help

Extra help may be obtained either before or after school, depending upon the individual teacher's schedule. All school rules continue to be in effect. Students who need additional time for instruction should make this request with their teacher.

Q. Parent/Teacher Conferences

Teacher conferences may be requested through the guidance secretary by calling 728-3514. Conferences may be scheduled during a teacher's planning period or after 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Overview of the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT STANDARDS

Eligible Students        Students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2006-2007 and beyond will be required to meet new exit standards. The exit standards will only apply to students following the Career Preparation, College Technical Preparation, or College University Preparation courses of study. These students will be required to perform at Achievement Level III (with one standard error of measurement) or above on five end of course (EOC) assessments and successfully complete a graduation project.

EOC Assessment Requirements     Students will be required to perform at Achievement Level III (with one standard error of measurement) or above on the five EOC assessments of Algebra I, Biology, English I, Civics & Economic, and US History. Additional information regarding EOC assessments may be found at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/parent/highschool

Retesting, Remediation, and Review Process     For students who do not score at Achievement Level III or above on the five end-of course assessments (i.e. standard administration with or with or without accommodations or the designated alternate assessment) required to meet the high school exit standards (i.e. Algebra I, English I, Biology, Civics & Economics, and US History), the school district shall follow these procedures to determine if students have mastered the content and have met the exit standard for each course:

·         If a student passes the course and scores below Achievement Level III on an end of course test (standard administration with or with or without accommodations) the student shall be given a retest no later than three weeks from the receipt of test results. Parents may request that their child be excused from the retest. In this case, the parents and child shall be deemed to have accepted participation in focused intervention.

·         Any student who does not score Achievement Level III or above on the first retest, and any student who is excused from the first retest (alternate assessment participant, parent refuses retest) must have documentation (e.g. portfolio) of the student’s performance in the EOC course placed on file and the student must receive focused intervene/ remediation.

·         Following intervention/remediation, the second retest/evaluation occurs.

·         If the student does not score Achievement Level III or above on the second retest/evaluation, documentation (e.g., portfolio) of the student’s performance in the EOC course is updated.

·         The student’s documentation (e.g., portfolio) is reviewed by a review committee to determine if the exit standard for that course has been met. The review committee should consist of teachers, principals, and central office staff members from the county. An exceptional children’s (EC) teacher must be present if the student has exceptional needs. A limited English proficient (LEP) teacher must be present if the student is identified as LEP. The review committee has the option of recommending that the student (1) retake the course, (2) be provided additional remediation, or (3) based on the documentation, has met the requirements for the exit standard associated with the course.

·         The principal reviews the recommendation by the committee and makes the final decision regarding the student meeting the exit standard for the course.

Graduation Project Requirements    Graduation project components will be developed, monitored, and scored locally using the state adopted rubrics. Requirements of the graduation project will include:

an eight to ten page research project written on an approved topic of student choice;

a product related to the paper that requires significant hours of work;

a portfolio that reflects the graduation project process;

a presentation to a panel of community and faculty members; and

literature, service-based learning, or work-based learning experiences as defined by state rubrics.

R. School Fees

In some courses, student fees are charged to cover costs of consumable materials. These fees are:

Accounting I & II    $5.00 Foods                      $12.00

Agriculture                5.00 Child Development    3.00

Art I-IV                     5.00 Clothing                      3.75

Automotive               5.00 Drafting                      5.00

Construction             5.00
Family & Consumer Sciences                                    7.50
(Interior Design, Life Management, Teen Living)

Digital Communication/Keyboarding                     20.00
Parking                                                                      20.00

Class Dues

     Class dues are a $10 yearly fee paid to the student’s homeroom teacher. Class dues are compiled in each class’ account and are used to pay for activities such as Prom, Jr./Sr. Day, Baccalaureate, Graduation, and Class Gift.

Prom Tickets

     Prom tickets are simply that, tickets to the prom. If students have their class dues paid by a set date (generally 8 weeks before the prom), Juniors receive one free prom ticket, and Seniors receive two free prom tickets. It is important to note that if students purchase tickets to the prom, they must still pay their class dues.

School Insurance is available at a modest cost. We urge all parents to purchase this insurance!! School lunches are $2.35 for students (reduced price $.40). Adult lunches are Ala Carte. Applications for free and reduced lunches are available.

S. Access to Students Permanent Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that governs maintenance of student records. Under that law, parents or guardians of students, or students if they are at least 18 years of age, have both the right to inspect information kept by the school about the student and the right to challenge alleged inaccuracies in the records. Access to the records by persons other than the parent, guardian, or student is limited and generally requires prior consent by the parent,

guardian, or student. The Carteret County School Administrative Unit has adopted a written policy governing all the rights of parents, guardians, and students under FERPA. Copies of this policy/regulation may be found in the Superintendent's office and in the principal's office of each school within the unit.

The Carteret County Administrative Unit classifies the following as directory information: the student's name, town of residence, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous school attended by the student. Any parent or eligible student who objects to the release of any or all of this information without his consent must notify, in writing, the principal. The objection must state what information the parent or student does not want to be classified as directory information. If no objection is received by November 1 of the current school year, the information will be classified as directory information. Complaints about failures of any Carteret County School to comply with this Act may be made, in writing, to FERPA Office, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 330 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 2020.

IV. SCHOOL CLIMATE/SAFETY/DISCIPLINE

It is with the best interests of the students, the staff, and the school that we strive to make ECHS the best place to learn, to grow mentally and ethically, and to be prepared for the world beyond. We strive to make this a great school by making it a safe school. We ask you to work with us, be proud of, and show respect for your school, teachers and fellow classmates. The rules and regulations we record in this handbook apply to all of ECHS.

A. Inclement Weather

Bad weather conditions or other emergencies at times make it necessary to:

1. Cancel school for the day.

       2. Delay the opening of school.

       3. Dismiss school during the day before the normal

           hour.

The decision to carry out #1 or #2 will, usually, be made by 5:30am. The information will be relayed to the following radio and television stations as soon as possible

Radio Stations:
WNBR (94.1 FM)
WRHT (95.9FM) Morehead
WTKF (107.3 FM)
Public Radio East, 91.5 FM, &

89.3 FM

Television Stations:
WCTI (12) New Bern
WNCT (9) Greenville
WITN (7) Washington
Time Warner Cable TV, Channel 10 (depending on time)
Headline News, Channel 49
        (depending on time)

In the case of #3 above, dismissal of school before the end of the normal day, information will be relayed to the radio stations above.

Parents and students are urged to listen to the radio for information about school closing when severe weather threatens. DO NOT CALL RADIO, TV STATIONS, OR SCHOOL OFFICIALS. Tying up phone

lines may delay information getting out promptly; principals need lines open to call bus drivers.

B. Transportation

1. Driving and Parking Safely on Campus

All cars must be registered with the SRO and display a parking permit properly. Permits are available for students at the beginning of school. Vehicles will be checked by the third week of school for permits, which may be purchased throughout the school year.

All student traffic entering campus must enter through the entrance nearest the baseball field; all traffic leaving campus will exit from the middle (center) driveway. Students who drive carelessly and/or recklessly on school property or on the access road will lose the privilege of driving and parking on campus and are subject to prosecution by law. There will be NO REFUND OF THE PARKING FEE if the loss of parking privilege is due to inappropriate behavior involving a vehicle.

Parking must be in accordance with parking signs. Vehicles parked outside of the designated parking area are subject to be towed away AT THE OWNER’S EXPENSE.  Parking and driving related violations and the penalties are cumulative for the entire school year.

NO STUDENT IS ALLOWED TO PARK BEHIND THE SCHOOL!

Upon arrival on campus, students are required to enter the building immediately. During the school day, students must not enter the parking lot without permission from school personnel. Failure to comply with school rules will result in loss of driving and parking privileges at school.

2. School Bus Transportation

    Rules and Regulations for Bus Passengers:

              a. Meeting and Entering Bus

·         Select the safest route to the designated bus stop. Get on and off only at the designated stop

·         Be prompt and on time at the designated location both morning and afternoon.

·         The driver has a schedule to follow and cannot wait for tardy passengers.

·         Passengers must stay off the roadway while waiting at a bus stop.

·         Never cross the roadway until the bus and all traffic have stopped.

·         Never leave your seat to disembark until the bus is still and the door is open.

·         After school, students should go directly to their buses.

·         If the roadway is not to be crossed after getting off the bus, passengers shall move quickly away from the bus in view of the driver and go directly home. Never remain near the bus to talk with, frolic with, or touch hands with bus passengers. Never stop to pick up dropped objects without informing the driver and receiving permission.

b. On the Bus --- Regular classroom conduct is the rule.

When a passenger enters the school bus, he shall take his assigned seat quickly and remain seated. He shall refrain from moving around.

·         Head, arms, and hands are to remain inside the bus at all times.

·         Passengers are not to shout or wave to pedestrians or occupants of vehicles.

·         Objects unnecessary for schoolwork are not allowed on buses; nor are any animals.

·         Objects are not to be thrown about the bus or out the window.

·         Passengers must not eat or drink on the school bus.

·         Keep aisle clear of books and musical instruments.

·         Passengers shall not be loud, boisterous, or distract the driver’s attention in any way.

·         Passengers must maintain complete silence at all railroad crossings.

·         Playing or scuffling on the school bus will not be allowed.

·         Passengers must never tamper with the emergency door or any other part of the bus.

·         A passenger must never tamper with fire extinguishers and first aid supplies.

·         No person shall ride a bus unless assigned to it by the principal. (G.S. 115-   184a)

·         Follow all directions of the driver.

THE SCHOOL BUS RULES ARE MADE TO PROTECT THE STUDENT WHILE GOING TO AND FROM SCHOOL. IT IS THE DUTY OF ALL STUDENTS TO OBEY THESE RULES. STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH BUS RULES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO RIDE BUSES

C. Personal Appearance and Materials

School is a place of business for students and staff. Students at ECHS should take pride in their personal appearance. They should come to school dressed in work attire and bring only work materials.

STUDENTS MAY NOT

·         Wear clothing or accessories which interferes with the learning process or causes a disruption

·         Wear clothes with holes in revealing areas

·         Wear bathing suits

·         Wear sleep garments, pajamas, bedroom shoes

·         Wear short-shorts (Shorts must come below the finger tips when student holds his/her arms down along side of the legs.)

·         Wear biker shorts or body suits

·         Wear short skirts or dresses (Skirts or dresses must come to the knee.)

·         Wear pants that are too low or not secured (Students must wear the top of the pants above the pelvic bone and undergarments must not show)

·         Wear clothing showing midriffs (stomach must not show)

·         Wear clothes displaying cleavage--front or back

·         Wear undershirts (aka “wifebeaters”) without a shirt over them

·         Wear halter tops, strapless tops or dresses, spaghetti straps, or tube tops

·         Wear tank tops unless the straps are 2” wide

·         Wear clothing or accessories with improper pictures or messages (depicting violence, gang related paraphernalia, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, profanity, sexual suggestions or sexual innuendoes)

·         Have any underwear showing while standing or seated

·         Wear hats, caps, bandanas, do-rags, sweat bands, hoods, visors, or other head coverings

·         Wear sunglasses (unless they are prescribed by an eye doctor)

No chains can be at school even if they are worn on the body.

Improperly dressed students will be sent to AEC for the remainder of the period and will not be allowed to go to their next class until proper clothes are obtained and worn.

Appropriate Attire Required for Prom and Graduation:

           Prom: tuxedo, suit, formal gown, "church" dress

           Graduation: suits, dress slacks and dress shirt

In the case of a violation involving items prohibited at school, such as wearing hats in the building, chains, sunglasses, walk-mans, laser lights, lighters, cellphones, pagers, Ipods, etc. the following procedure will be followed: -Student is to give his/her name to school personnel. The item will be confiscated and stored in the office until end

of the school year or a parent comes to collect it.

D. Off-Limits Areas

During certain times of the day, students’ locations are restricted in order to preserve safety and a good instructional setting. As soon as students arrive on campus in the morning, they should enter the building. During the day, they should move quickly from one class to another. For safety, students are expected to keep to the right in the corridors and to keep moving at all times.

All corridors should be kept free of students during instructional time. Hall passes are required for any student who is in the hallway during instructional time. Detention penalties will be assigned to students found in unauthorized areas.

During lunch, students must take up all trays and trash. After eating, students may enter the school lobby, or gather outside along the front walk adjacent to the library hallway. In order to preserve instruction, they may not go into the classroom wings because classes are being taught during each lunch period.

After school, students are to leave campus promptly, if there are no organized programs, such as sports, band, or extended day remediation. The parking lot is off limits between the hours of 8:00 a. m. and 2:50 p. m.

In case of an emergency, the student should ask an administrator or the school resource officer for a special pass to go to the parking lot (noting “parking lot” and departure time for parking lot). The student should check in with the office on his/her return from the parking lot.

Students who remain on campus after the 2:50 dismissal bell must be under the supervision of a teacher or coach until they leave campus or are picked up.

E. Cafeteria

The cafeteria, in addition to being a dining area, is also a place where good human relations can be developed. Here, each student is expected to practice the general rules of good manners, which one should find in the home. Some simple rules of courteous behavior, which make the lunch period pleasant and relaxed, are:

·         Taking a place at the end of the line and waiting a turn

·         Observing good dining room standards at the table.

·         Leaving the table and the surrounding area clean and orderly, returning trays to the proper counter

·         Replacing chairs and putting trash in the proper containers

F. Lockers

A locker is assigned to each student at the beginning of the year. Lockers are the property of ECHS and are subject to inspection by authorized school personnel. The school does not replace stolen items. All thefts are subject to investigation and, therefore, should be reported to the school resource officer.

Students should be cautious about letting others share their locker. Items found in an assigned locker are assumed to be the property of the student to whom the locker is assigned.

School locks only will be placed on lockers. Students must pay $4.00 at the beginning of the year for lock and locker rental. The lock must be returned at the end of the school.          There will be no refund on locks

G. Communication Devices

     Students are prohibited from possessing a personal laser pointer on school campuses unless authorized by their teacher for instructional purposes. Except as otherwise permitted under this policy, students shall not use, display, transmit or have in the “on” position on school property during the instructional day any communication device, including but not necessarily limited to, cellular telephones, paging devices, two-way radios, camera, music players or similar devices. Administrators may authorize individual students to use such devices when there appears to be a compelling need for such communication. Administrators may authorize individual students to use such devices for instructional purposes provided students are supervised during their use. Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of these devices. However, any device used in a violation of this policy will be immediately confiscated by school personnel. Communication devices that are confiscated by the schools will only be returned to the student’s parent or guardian. Carteret County Public Schools shall not assume responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of a cell phone or any other communication device. Students who violate this policy shall be deemed to have created a disruption to the instructional environment and may be suspended from school to up to ten days. The following factors may subject a student to more stringent disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion when the circumstances warrant:

1. Using communication devices to reproduce images of tests, to access unauthorized school information or to assist students in any aspect of their instructional program in a manner that violates any Board of Education policy, regulation, or individual school code of conduct.

2. Using cellular telephones or other devices with photographic capabilities in student locker rooms, restrooms or any other student changing areas, or in any manner to produce sexually explicit images, whether such use occurs during the instructional day or during any school sponsored activities.

3. Using a laser pointer in a way that reasonably could or does cause physical harm.

H. Assemblies

At all times, student behavior should be refined and courteous. One indication of the cultural level of a school is the conduct of its students at assemblies. Whether guests are present or not, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole. Acceptable conduct is a quiet entry to the auditorium with a swift movement to a seat for the remainder of the program. Remaining quiet except for appropriate applause or laughter is the standard of behavior.   Disruptive behavior will result in immediate removal from the assembly, a discipline referral, and loss off assembly privileges for the remainder of the semester.

I. School Resource Officer

The primary duty of the School Resource Officer (SRO) is the enforcement of the law, the detection and apprehension of criminals and delinquents, and the prevention of crimes. The SRO will be available for advice, assistance, and consultation. The SRO can be called upon to give presentations on such topics as safety, driver practice, drug abuse, police-community relations and other law enforcement topics. The school, not the SRO, handles infractions of school rules.

J. Discipline Policy

In order to maintain a safe and orderly environment necessary for an effective school, student discipline must exist. Students can avoid problems by simply being kind to, and considerate of, other people and not bringing anything to school except those things needed for schoolwork. Discipline rules reflect the same type of behavior necessary at any work place. At any time a student, a parent or staff member feels that an inappropriate action or request has occurred, he/she should contact an administrator immediately.

In an attempt to avoid suspending students out of school, an Alternative Education Center is in operation. Students may be assigned to the AEC for partial or whole days. Students assigned to the AEC will be expected to bring academic work for the entire period of time assigned.

Refer to the Carteret County Public School System Guidelines for Disciplinary Action for the following offenses.

1. Assault                               12. Robbery Extortion

2. Bomb Threat                       13. Theft, or knowingly

3. Communication Devices    receiving or possessing

4. Damage Property               of stolen property

5. Dress                                  14. Threatening Acts

6. Drugs & Alcohol                15. Tobacco

7. False Alarms                      16. Uncivil Behavior

8. Fighting                              17. Weapon or Look-alike

9. Harassment                        weapon possession

10. Incendiary Devices          18. Disruption of school

11. Insubordination                 or class and other        misbehaviors

General Discipline Guidelines

Students are required to comply with all requests of all teachers, administration, and school personnel. Failure to do so will result in a referral. If the student believes the request to have been unreasonable or unfair, he/she should be seen by an

Administrator.

·         In case of classroom referrals, students will spend the remainder of the period in the Alternative Education Center.

·         When a student receives a total of ten referrals per semester, or fifteen referrals per year, a suspension review will take place.

·         Random searches for contraband may be made of vehicles, lockers, or book bags if a need arises. Any reasonable suspicion will result in a search.

·         Three or more students wearing the same clothing or symbols may be considered a gang. Gang symbols, whether clothing, chains or special signs, may be punished.

·         Law enforcement official will be involved whenever there is a violation of the law.

·         Inappropriate behavior in shop or lab settings will be considered extremely dangerous and will receive a minimum of 1 day in AEC.

Cheating, Plagiarism, and Falsification of Documents

If a teacher deems that a student or students have cheated, falsified a document or written statement, or plagiarized an assignment, the following consequences shall be enforced. Also see Discipline Guide.

1^st Offense:

·         A zero on the assignment in question (for all students involved)

2^nd Offense:

·         A zero on the assignment in question (for all students involved)

3^rd or more Offenses:

·         A zero on the assignment in question (for all students involved)

·         Specified comment on semester report card

K. Computer/Internet & Network Usage

Students failing to abide by the rules may lose network/computer privileges along with consequences that may arise from violations of normal school rules. Students are financially responsible for repairs when damage is deliberately caused by students' disregard of rules. Example: student installs software: he/she pays the tech salary for the time it takes to remove illegal software and brings the computer back to its original status.

L. Tardiness and Unauthorized Absences

It shall be the responsibility of all students to be in class on time. In the event of any tardy, students must report directly to AEC. The student will be marked absent if he or she misses any portion of the 90-minute class period. A student is tardy (and therefore absent) if he or she arrives to class after the tardy bell. All students not in class on time must sign into the AEC and remain there for the rest of the period. If a student does not sign in to the AEC at all, or does not sign out when leaving the building, is considered to be skipping. Students who are tardy because of school-related reasons will receive a pass from AEC to class. Late to school due to personal transportation problems will result in an absence from class.

UNAUTHORIZED LEAVING

OF SCHOOL GROUNDS CONSEQUENCES

First offense

loss of driving and parking privilege for 5 days, parent phone call

Second offense

loss of driving and parking privilege for 10 days, parent phone call

Third offense

loss of driving and parking privilege for remainder of year, parent conference

Loss of driving consequences in the case of unauthorized leaving of school grounds will be for the driver of the vehicle only. If the skipping of class involves unauthorized leaving of school grounds, the full consequences of both offenses may be invoked.

M. Alternative Education Center during School Day or After School Detention

The expectations for students’ behavior while serving AEC:

·         No talking with other students

·         No moving around or leaving an assigned seat without permission

·         No disturbing other students in any way

·         No sleeping

·         No credit towards reteach/retest

Students assigned to AEC during or after school will:

·         Be expected to bring texts, etc.

·         Be required to first complete all work sent by their current teachers before working on any other school related project

·         Be required to do their school work

·         Be assigned academic work if they do not bring academic work

·         Be assigned AEC if detention rules are not followed.

N. Lunch Detention

When a student is assigned lunch detention, he will report directly to AEC at the very beginning of his lunch period. He may have a bag lunch he brought from home, or he may acquire a cafeteria lunch. Students serving lunch detention WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SOCIALIZE DURING THE LUNCH PERIOD.

O. Out of School Suspension

1. Students will be told of the charges against them and be allowed a chance to respond, except in cases in which the principal or assistant principal feels that the student must be removed from the campus immediately.

2. Students who are suspended from school must remain off campus during the entire term of the suspension. This policy holds true for extra-curricular activities as well as for the regular school day. Violation will result in a charge of trespassing. The school will not accept responsibility for any liability incurred by the students as a result of disciplinary action

3. Students may not participate in any school activity on the day/night of the suspension.

V. ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES AND AWARDS

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

     Seniors must take a minimum of five courses in order to qualify for this honor. They must be a candidate for a NC diploma. The identification of these top two students of the graduating class is based on the 4-year overall GPA. This average is computed to four decimal places by the Data Manager. The names are announced the day of graduation. The valedictorian is the senior with the highest GPA; the salutatorian has the second highest GPA. These students are recognized at graduation by the wearing of a gold stole.

Honor Students--Top 10%

Seniors must take a minimum of five courses in order to qualify for this honor. They must be a candidate for a NC diploma. The identification of the top 10% of the graduating class is based on the 4-year overall GPA. This average is computed to four decimal places by the Data Manager. The names are announced the day of graduation. These students are recognized at graduation by the wearing of a gold stole.
Mariner’s Award

The Mariner’s Award will be given each year to one (1) outstanding male and one (1) outstanding female athlete. Head coaches will meet and may nominate as many male and female athletes who meet the following criteria:

Candidates Must:

be seniors,

participate in any two (2) sports and stand-out in at least one (1) during their senior year

participate in at least three-fourths (3/4) of their seasons

letter in at least two (2) sports during their senior year

meet the NCHSAA academic requirements

be a team member in good standing at the end of their seasons

receive recognition for their athletic accomplishments

display student behavior on and off the field that does not adversely reflect on East Carteret High School

Head coaches will meet and vote for three nominees for each award (male and female) and weigh their votes three (3) points for first choice, two (2) points for second choice, and one (1) point for third choice. The male and female candidates with the most votes will receive the Mariner’s Award. If a tie occurs, head coaches will revote for the candidates involved in the tie. In the event that there are no candidates for one or both of the awards, a single or no award may be given. The Athletic Director will ensure that the voting procedure will occur within the final week of the spring athletic season.

Academic Honors Celebration

To qualify students must be on the honor roll or principals' list 4 out of 5 six weeks in the current year

BETA Club

Students must have both a 3.5 GPA and a 90 numerical average based on ALL COURSES. Students must be candidates to receive a NC diploma. Averages are computed four decimal places by the NCWise program at the end of the 1st semester of the Junior or Senior year. Students must maintain a 3.5 GPA and a 90 numerical average in order to remain in BETA. Grades are checked at the end of each semester.

Marshals

Marshals are the top 10% of students in their junior year. They must be a candidate for a NC diploma. The identification of the top 10% is based on the overall weighted GPA computed at the end of the 5th six weeks. The GPA is computed to four decimal places by the NCWise program. The marshals lead the seniors at the baccalaureate and commencement services.

Top Twenty

All students in all classes are eligible for this award presented at the Academic Honors Celebration. Academic letters are given the 1st year, and each of the following years, pins are given. Top twenty selection is based on cumulative unweighted GPA.

National Art Honor Society

Art students in grades 10-12 who have completed nine weeks of a studio art class are eligible for National Art Honor Society membership. They must have a 90 or better average in art and an 85 or better numerical average overall. Members must maintain these standards in order to remain in NAHS. Students will be recognized at graduation with rainbow cords.

North Carolina Academic Scholars Program

Students who complete the following program of studies with an unweighted grade point average of 3.5 will be named NC Academic Scholars. Students who qualify will be recognized at graduation by wearing a white Honor Cord. A NC Scholar Seal is affixed to their diploma.

►English Language Arts I, II, III, IV
►Math: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and a higher level math for which Algebra II is a prerequisite

►Science: Biology, Chemistry or Physics

& an Earth/Environmental Science

►Social Studies: World History, Civics/Economics,

US History

►Foreign Language

►Health & PE

►Career & Technical Education

►Arts Education

►Electives

                                 TOTAL



4 units

4 units

3 units

  3 units

2 units

1 unit
1 unit

1 unit

  5 units
24 units

President’s Award for Educational Excellence

Only seniors receive this award, presented on the day of graduation. The requirements are:

·         3.63 GPA compiled after 1st semester, computed to 4 decimal places

·         Member of BETA Club

·         620 verbal score or 560 math score on the SAT

Principal’s List--All A’s at the end of the 6 weeks period

Honor Roll--All A’s and B’s at the end of the 6 weeks period.

Scholar Athlete--GPA of 3.5 for the current year; overall team average of 3.1

Regulations for Co-Curricular Activities

A co-curricular activity includes any school-related activity or class involving practices, performances, or contests after the regular school day.

General rules concerning all co-curricular activities:

·         All school rules must be followed during activities.

·         A student must attend at least half of his regular class load in order to participate in any after-school activity on that day.

·         When a student is involved in two or more after-school

     activities the same day, competition participation will

      take priority over a scheduled practice.

·         When a student is involved in two or more after-school practices scheduled for the same time, he will be allowed to split the practice time between the two activities.

Rules concerning athletic co-curricular activities:

To be eligible to participate in any sport a student must:

·         pass at least three courses the previous semester

·         meet local promotion standards

·         follow all eligibility requirements of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association

·         meet the requirements of the ECHS athletic-academic policy (see below)

Also to be eligible to participate in any sport a student must have a valid Physical and Parental Consent Form on file with the Athletic Trainer. The Athletic Trainer will issue a permit to participate at the beginning of each season when the completed physical/parental consent form is properly filled out and appropriately signed along with a completed medical history fact sheet. Athletes are encouraged to have a current physical form completed at the beginning of each school year. At the very least, the physical must be valid from the beginning of the specific sport season until the end of the school year.

Athletic - Academic Policy:

Coaches will check the progress reports of team members at three-week intervals. If the student-athlete is failing or has a grade that has fallen two or more letter grades or is not completing class requirements, the coach, teacher, and student will set up a program for the individual student to receive help in the class. The student’s parents will be notified of the deficiency and the possible consequences regarding the ability to stay on the team. Student-athletes will continue to follow the state athletic association guidelines for participation.

If a student refuses to participate in the improvement plan, the student will be removed from the team. A student athlete will not be penalized by any coach for participating in extended day.

Class officers and any elected officials for clubs:

The minimum standards for all elected positions will be determined by semester: 85% attendance, passing 3 of 4 classes and meeting local promotion standards. Students must not have a disciplinary record. Club sponsors may choose to establish additional standards for officers (above and beyond minimum standards).

School Insurance Coverage

School insurance information is distributed in homeroom during the first week of school. The school does not automatically provide insurance coverage for students. It is recommended that all students who do not have other insurance consider purchasing the school insurance. Carteret County Schools provide secondary coverage insurance for all athletes. Primary insurance coverage should be in the form of the parents’ existing health and/or accident insurance or the plan purchased through the school.

East Carteret High School Writing Guidelines

East Carteret High School’s faculty and staff know and value clear, correctly written communication. Writing is important in all classes: furthermore, the ability to write clearly and correctly will benefit graduates, no matter what careers they choose. With these principles in mind, students are expected to follow East Carteret High School Writing Guideline for all written assignments.

1. Use complete sentences in formal writing. (Most tests should contain some short answers requiring complete sentences.)

2. Begin each sentence with a capital.

3. Use an end mark at the end of each sentence.

4. Capitalize proper nouns such as names and places.

5. Do not use abbreviations or symbols such as & and w/ in final papers.

6. Use standard paragraph form when it is called for. In all subjects, related sentences should be grouped into paragraphs. Most of the time, the first sentence of the paragraph is a topic sentence that tells the general subject of the paragraph to follow.

7. Use third person point of view with informational (expository) writing. Most of the time, the author should not use “you” in explaining a process or giving information.

8. Be consistent in using verb tense. The present tense is usually used throughout a composition.

9. Make sure all pronouns clearly refer to and agree with a previously stated noun.

10. Make sure all verbs agree with their subjects. Use a singular verb with a singular subject and a plural verb with a plural subject.

11. Spell all words correctly.

12. Use the following words correctly:

two, to, too

their, there, they’re

your, you’re

effect, affect

it’s, its

don’t, doesn’t