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Foreword
The Portland High School Student Handbook has been written to help students and their parents/guardians to become aware of, and to understand, the guidelines, policies and regulations which are in place at P.H.S. Students and parents are encouraged to take the time to read this handbook and discuss its contents. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the various opportunities available here at Portland High School, both academically and in our co-curricular programs. It is our intent that students will grow intellectually and emotionally during their years at PHS, and that each student will view Portland as a positive place with which to be associated. It is our hope that the Portland High School Student Handbook will help each student to work within a positive environment and to contribute to an atmosphere conducive to learning.
Statement of Assurance Portland Public Schools Board of Education Statement of Assurance of Compliance With Federal Law The Portland Public Schools Board of Education complies with all Federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and with all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education, including, but not limited to: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Title XI of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA) of 2004, as amended; and Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. It is the policy of the Portland Public Schools Board of Education that no person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or handicap, shall be discriminated against, excluded in participation in, denied benefits of or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
The Portland Public School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Notification of Rights The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act In compliance with Federal regulation, Portland Public Schools has established the following guidelines concerning student records: A. Mr. Charles Dumas is the Records Control Officer for the District, and is responsible for the processing and maintenance of all student records. His office is located at 1100 Ionia Road, Portland Michigan, and can be reached by calling 517 647-4161. B. Each student’s records will be kept in a confidential file located in his/her school of attendance. The information in a student’s record file will be available for review by the parents or legal guardian of a student, an adult student (18 years of age or older), and those designated by Federal law or District regulation. C. A parent, guardian or adult student has the right to request a change or addition to the student’s records and to either obtain a hearing with district officials or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if not satisfied with the accuracy of the records or the District’s compliance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. D. The District has established the following information about each student as “directory information” and will make it available upon a legitimate request unless a parent, guardian, or adult student notifies the building administrator in writing within ten (10) days from the date of this notification that he/she will not permit distribution of any or all such information: The student’s name, picture, major field of study; weight and height; participation in and eligibility for officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance or grade placement; honors and awards received; and the most recent educational agency or school attended by the student. E. Pictures of the student may be used solely for District purposes, i.e. yearbooks, sporting event programs, District-affiliated Internet websites, newspapers, newsletters, etc., and are not considered as part of directory information as it relates to making them available to persons and organizations not affiliated with the District.
F. School officials of a public high school are required to provide access to “directory information” (pupil’s name, address, and, if a listed or published telephone number, the pupil’s telephone number) to official recruiting representatives of the armed forces of the United States and the service academies of the armed forces of the United States. School officials will not allow access to the pupil’s directory information if the adult pupil or parent or legal guardian of the pupil submits a signed, written request to school officials indicating that the directory information for that pupil be withheld. F. A copy of the Board of Education’s policy (Portland Public Schools Board of Education Policy #1430) is available in the Superintendent’s Office.
Notification of Parent/Student Rights Identification, Evaluation, and Placement
The following is a description of rights granted by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to students with disabilities. The intent of this Federal law is to keep you fully informed concerning decisions about your child and to inform you of your rights. If you disagree with any of the decisions made by the District you have the right to: A. Have your child take part in, and receive benefits from, public education programs without discrimination because of his/her disabling condition and for which the child is otherwise qualified; B. Have the District advise you of your rights under Federal law; C. Receive notice with respect to identification, evaluation, or placement of your child; D. Have your child receive a free, appropriate education. This includes the right to be educated with non-disabled students to the maximum extent appropriate. It also includes the right to have the District make reasonable accommodations to allow your child equal opportunity to participate in school and school-related activities for which the child is otherwise qualified; E. Have your child receive special education and related services if he/she is found to be eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; F. Have evaluation, educational and placement decisions made based upon a variety of information sources, and by persons who know the child, the evaluation date, and placement options; G. Have transportation provided to and from an alternative placement at no greater cost to you than would be incurred if the student were placed in a program operated by the District; H. Have your child be given an equal opportunity to participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities offered by the District; I. Examine all relevant records related to decisions regarding your child’s identification, evaluation, educational program, and placement; J. Obtain copies of educational records at a reasonable cost unless the fee would effectively deny you access to the records; K. A response from the District to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of your child’s records; L. Request amendment of your child’s educational records if there is a reasonable cause to believe that they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy rights of your child. If the District refuses this request for an amendment, it shall notify you within a reasonable time, and advise you of the right to a hearing; M. Request mediation of a impartial due process hearing related to decisions or actions regarding your child’s identification, evaluation, educational program, or placement. You and your child may take part in the hearing and have an attorney represent you. Hearing requests must be made to Mr. Charles Dumas. N. Ask for payment of reasonable attorney fees if you are successful in your claim; and O. File a local grievance.
The person in this District who is responsible for assuring that the District complies with Section 504 is Mr. Charles Dumas, Superintendent (517 647-4161).
Age of Majority Although 18-year-old students are recognized as adults under the Age of Majority Act, the Board of Education is nonetheless committed to equal treatment in application of its polices and procedures to all students. With the following exceptions, the rules and regulations set forth in the Portland High School Student Handbook will apply to all students, regardless of their attainment of the age of majority: students 18 years and older may have the same privilege as their parent/guardian as it relates to access to their student records, and 18 year-old students may represent themselves during disciplinary conferences and be in receipt of their own grade reports. The 18 year-old student must first notify school officials in writing that he/she wishes to exercise these rights and that school communications should be sent to the student and not the parent/guardian.
Portland High School Graduation Requirements and Academic Standards Classes of 2008-2010
1. A student must earn a minimum of twenty-two (22) credits in order to graduate. 2. Required credits: English/Language Arts 4.0 Credits (Must include English 9, English 10, English 11 or equivalent, and English 12 or equivalent) Communications (formerly Speech) 0.5 Credits Mathematics 2.0 Credits (Must include Algebra and Geometry) Science 2.0 Credits (Must include Earth Science, Basic Human Anatomy, and Biology) Social Studies 3.0 Credits (Must include History of Mankind, American History, Government and Economics) Information Technology 0.5 Credits (Must include Computer Applications) Physical Education 1.0 Credits (Must include Physical Education 9) 3. A full-year class is equal to one credit. A semester class is equal to one-half credit. In order to accrue credit for a class a student must successfully complete the class with a minimum grade of “D-”. 4. All students are to enroll in and attend 6 class hours per day. 5. A student may be granted credit for up to two (2) credits from Adult Education or High School Completion and one (1) credit from an accredited high school correspondence institution. Credits earned at schools previously attended are accepted based upon review by the counselor and administrator. 6. School Service will be graded as “credit” or “no credit”. A maximum of one full credit for school service may be counted toward graduation. 7. A student must participate in good faith in Michigan Merit Examination (MME) testing in order to participate in commencement exercises for his/her class.
Testing Out The Board of Education of Portland Public Schools acknowledges that some students may have acquired knowledge or skills at levels that would allow them to demonstrate a reasonable degree of mastery without taking specified courses. Portland High School students may request an opportunity to demonstrate such mastery either through a written examination or other culminating experience normally reserved for students upon completion of a class, referred to as “testing out”. It is the intent of the Board to extend to all students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery in a range of courses offered at Portland High School, and to allow for the most efficient use of instructional time. A. This policy will apply equally to all students of Portland High School. B. Testing out will not apply to these courses: Government and Physical Education. C. No grade shall be earned by testing out of a course; the notation of successful completion will be noted on the student’s transcript. D. “Credit” earned shall be applied toward the fulfillment of a course requirement and as a fulfillment of a prerequisite class requirement. E. “Credit” earned through this provision shall not be counted toward graduation. F. A student may not test out of a class in which he/she is currently enrolled or has been previously enrolled. G. To earn “credit” the student must achieve a grade of at least a C+ on the course final exam, or where there is no final exam, pass the culminating experience for the course with a minimum of a C+ grade. H. After earning “credit” in a course via testing out, the student may not receive “credit” thereafter for a course lower in the sequence in the same subject area. I. The following will be the allowable times in which a student may attempt to test out of a class: 1. The final exam period at the end of the first semester. 2. The final exam period at the end of the second semester. 3. One day set aside during the week prior to the start of school in the fall. J. A student who wishes to attempt to test out of a class must file a request ten (10) days before the end of the semester for 1 and 2 above, or test out prior to the first day of classes (3 above). K. Students who wish to attempt to “test out” of a class must meet with a building administrator to discuss options.
Physical Education Waiver Many Portland High School students participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that require hours of physical activity on their part. In recognition of this, and to allow greater flexibility to students and parents in preparation of their high school careers as related to post-secondary plans, the following Physical Education waiver policy is in place: Students may waive the Portland High School Physical Education graduation requirement under the following criteria: Medical waiver; two years of participation in interscholastic athletics (must participate in a full season in two different school years); two years of marching band; or one year of marching band and one year of interscholastic athletics (must participate in both for a full season in two different school years). A Physical Education waiver must be completed and approved prior to the students’ first day of their senior year, or they will be placed in a Physical Education class regardless of their intent to participate in marching band or interscholastic athletics during their senior year. Students must be able to participate in at least 70% of the interscholastic athletic or marching band season, and be in good standing with the program in order to have the participation count towards their waiver requirement.
Administrative Review The building administrator may substitute up to one (1) credit for a student under the following circumstances: 1. The educational program of the student is clearly improved. 2. The total number of required credits is not changed. 3. The minimums as set by the State of Michigan are met.
Portland High School Graduation Requirements and Academic Standards Class of 2011
1. A student must earn a minimum of twenty-two (22) credits in order to graduate. 2. Required credits for issuance of a diploma and graduation: English Language Arts 4.0 Credits Must include English Language Arts 9, English Language Arts 10, English Language Arts 11 or equivalent, and English Language Arts 12 or equivalent Communications 0.5 Credits Mathematics 4.0 Credits Must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and one additional mathematics credit The student MUST complete a Mathematics credit in his/her senior year Science 3.0 Credits Must include Earth Science, Biology and either Chemistry or Physics Social Studies 3.0 Credits Must include World History and Geography, U.S. History and Geography, Government/Civics and Economics Information Technology 0.5 Credits Must include Computer Applications Physical Education/Health 1.0 Credit Must include Physical Education 9 and Health 9 Visual, Performing and Applied Arts 1.0 Credit Online Learning Experience Transcript Notation 3. Successful completion of a full-year class is equal to one credit. A semester class is equal to one-half credit. In order to accrue credit for a class a student must successfully complete the class with a minimum grade of “D-”. 4. All classes shall conclude with an “End of Course Assessment” that will constitute 20 percent of the student’s final grade towards credit for the class. 5. All students are to enroll in and attend 6 class hours per day. 6. A student may be granted credit for up to two (2) credits from Adult Education or High School Completion and one (1) credit from a Michigan Merit Standard accredited high school correspondence institution. Credits earned at schools previously attended are accepted based upon review by the counselor and administrator. 7. A student must participate in good faith in Michigan Merit Examination (MME) testing in order to participate in commencement exercises for his or her class.
Personal Curriculum The Michigan Merit Curriculum legislation allows the parent or legal guardian of a pupil to request a “personal curriculum” for that pupil that modifies certain requirements of the Michigan Merit Standard requirements. The personal curriculum must be developed by the pupil, at least one of his or her parents or his or her guardian, and his or her high school counselor or other designee selected by the high school principal. Revisions to a personal curriculum maybe made if they are developed and agreed to in the same manner as the original personal curriculum. The personal curriculum must incorporate as much of the subject matter content expectations of the Michigan Merit Standard as is practicable; establish measurable goals that the pupil must achieve while enrolled in high school; provide a method to evaluate whether her or she has met those goals, and be aligned to the pupil’s educational development plan (EDP- which a pupil must develop before entering high school). The pupil’s parent or legal guardian and the superintendent of the school district or his or her designee must agree to the personal curriculum before it takes effect. If a pupil is at least 18, or an emancipated minor, he or she may act on his or her own behalf. The parent or guardian must be in communication with each of the pupil’s teachers at least once each calendar quarter to monitor the pupil’s progress toward the goals in his or her personal curriculum.
Testing Out The Board of Education of Portland Public Schools acknowledges that some students may have acquired knowledge or skills at levels that would allow them to demonstrate that the student meets or exceeds the content expectations associated with a subject credit area. Portland High School students may request an opportunity to demonstrate such mastery either through a written examination or other culminating experience normally reserved for students upon completion of a class, referred to as “testing out”. It is the intent of the Board to extend to all students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery in a range of courses offered at Portland High School, and to allow for the most efficient use of instructional time. A. This policy will apply equally to all students of Portland High School. B. No letter grade shall be earned by testing out of a course; the notation of successful completion and earning of credit will be noted on the student’s transcript. D. Credit earned through this provision shall be counted toward graduation. E. Credits earned through testing out shall not be included in a computation of grade point average for any purpose. F. A student may not test out of a class in which he/she is currently enrolled or has been previously enrolled. G. To earn credit the student must achieve a grade of at least a C+ on the end of course assessment. H. After earning credit in a course via testing out, the student may not receive credit thereafter for a course lower in the sequence in the same subject area. I. The following will be the allowable times in which a student may attempt to test out of a class: 1. The final exam period at the end of the first semester. 2. The final exam period at the end of the second semester. 3. One day set aside during the week prior to the start of school in the fall. J. A student who wishes to attempt to test out of a class must file a request ten (10) days before the end of the semester for 1 and 2 above, or test out prior to the first day of classes (3 above). K. Students who wish to attempt to “test out” of a class must meet with a building administrator to discuss options.
Physical Education Waiver Many Portland High School students participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that require hours of physical activity on their part. In recognition of this, and to allow greater flexibility to students and parents in preparation of their high school careers as related to post-secondary plans, the following Physical Education waiver policy is in place: Students may waive the Portland High School Physical Education graduation requirement under the following criteria: Medical waiver; two years of participation in interscholastic athletics (must participate in a full season in two different school years); two years of marching band; or one year of marching band and one year of interscholastic athletics (must participate in both for a full season in two different school years). A Physical Education waiver must be completed and approved prior to the students’ first day of their senior year, or they will be placed in a Physical Education class regardless of their intent to participate in marching band or interscholastic athletics during their senior year. Students must be able to participate in at least 70% of the interscholastic athletic or marching band season, and be in good standing with the program in order to have the participation count towards their waiver requirement.
Please Note: The Physical Education waiver applies only to Physical Education, not to Health.
Graduation Honors Valedictorian/Salutatorian The students with the top two cumulative grade point averages through seven semesters (calculated to the 5th decimal point) will receive the honor of being named Valedictorian (highest GPA) and Salutatorian (second highest GPA). Honor Students The Honor Students are designated as students of the graduating class who have attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50000 through seven semesters.
Academic Recognition Honor Roll The Honor Roll is compiled at the end of each marking period. To qualify for the Honor Roll, students must attain a grade point average of at least a 3.00000 and have no grade less than a “C”. Principal’s List The Principal’s List is compiled at the end of each marking period. Students who attain a grade point average of at least a 3.30000 with no grade less than a “B” will receive recognition by being named to the Principal’s List. Academic Letter Students who maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.30000 and receive no grade less than a “B” for the first three marking periods of the school year will receive an Academic Letter.
Dual Enrollment Dual enrollment is an opportunity for qualifying Portland High School juniors and seniors to take classes at a post-secondary educational institution while still attending Portland High School. Students who dual enroll will receive both college and high school credit for satisfactory meeting the requirements of the class. This credit will apply toward graduation and be counted as a regular class in every respect, including the computation of Grade Point Average (GPA). Students interested in dual enrollment opportunities must make provisions to do so through their counselor.
Grading System Final grades for a marking period will be determined by a combination of class participation and performance on daily assignments, quizzes, tests, papers, and projects as determined by the teachers. The staff at Portland High School utilizes a common grading scale for assessing student work. The grading scale is as follows:
% Grade
100-93 A 92-90 A- 89-87 B+ 86-83 B 82-80 B- 79-77 C+ 76-73 C 72-70 C- 69-67 D+ 66-63 D 62-60 D- 59-0 F
A grade of “I” (Incomplete) may be given in certain circumstances where work for the class was not able to be completed by the end of the grading period. Incomplete grades must be made up within three (3) weeks of the marking period or the grade will be recorded as failing (“F”). Semester grades will be calculated utilizing the following formula: the marking periods of a semester will equal 40% of the semester grade each, and the semester exam will equal 20% of the semester grade (40:40:20) Report Cards/Mid-Marking Period Reports Report cards are issued at the end of each marking period. Report cards for the first marking period will be distributed prior to fall parent/teacher conferences. Report cards for the second, third and fourth marking periods will be mailed home. Mid-marking period reports will be mailed to the parents/guardian of students who are performing at less than a “C-” after the fourth week of a marking period. Parent teacher conferences for the 2006-2007 school year are scheduled as follows: November 19 Evening conferences November 20 Afternoon and evening conferences February 28 Evening conferences February 29 Afternoon Conferences
Progress Reports Parents and/or students who feel the need for weekly or bi-weekly communication from teachers regarding student progress may contact the Counseling Office to establish a progress report routine. Parents are strongly encouraged to utilize voicemail and/or email to communicate with their student’s teachers.
Edline Parents and students have the capability of viewing student grades 24/7 via the software package know as Edline. To get registered as an Edline user and receive instructions as to how to utilize Edline, contact the High School Office (517 647-2981) or Mr. Bouck via email at dbouck@portlandk12.org.
General Information Copyright Statement Copyright and the need for supportive laws to protect the legitimate rights of authors and inventors in a democratic society has lead to the enactment of legislation (The Copyright Act of 1976) supporting the exclusive right to a publication, production, or similar work to “foster the creation and dissemination of intellectual works for the public welfare (and) to give creators the reward due them for their contribution to society”. Students should both appreciate and respect the rights of authors and inventors and recognize that their contributions, within the law, can and should be used to advance education and society. While intellectual property rights are provided to the author/inventor, the copyright law gives schools degrees of special exception to such rights via the concept of “fair use”. The fair use doctrine enables certain uses of a copyrighted work without the copyright holder’s permission. The four basic criteria used to determine whether use of copyrighted work falls within the fair use doctrine are: 1. The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purpose; 2. The nature of the copyrighted work (greater latitude is given to the use of factual as opposed to fictional material); 3. The amount and “substantiality” of the work used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; 4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for a value of the copyrighted work. Students are instructed to seek assistance from a faculty member if there are any questions regarding copyright policy and fair use.
Search and Seizure Random searches of school lockers and their contents have a positive impact on deterring violations of school rules and regulations, ensure proper maintenance of school property, and provide greater safety and security for pupils and personnel. Accordingly, the board authorizes the school principal or his/her designee to search lockers and locker contents at any time, without notice, and without parental/guardianship or pupil consent. The school principal or his/her designee shall not be obligated, but may request the assistance of a law enforcement officer in conducting a locker search. The school principal or his/her designee shall supervise the search. In the course of a locker search, the school principal or his/her designee shall respect the privacy rights of the pupil regarding any items discovered that are not illegal or against school policy and rules. When conducting locker searches, the school principal or his/her designee may seize any illegal or unauthorized items, items in violation of board policy or rules, or any other items reasonably determined by the school principal or his/her designee to be a potential threat to the safety or security of others. Such items include, but are not limited to the following: firearms, explosives, dangerous weapons, flammable material, illegal controlled substances or controlled substance analogues or other intoxicants, contraband, poisons, and stolen property. Law enforcement officials shall be notified immediately upon seizure of such dangerous items, or seizure of items that schools are required to report to law enforcement agencies under the Statewide School Safety Information Policy. Any items seized by the school principal or his/her designee shall be removed from the locker and held by school officials for evidence in disciplinary proceedings and/or turned over to law enforcement officials. The parent/guardian of a minor pupil, or a pupil eighteen (18) years of age or older, shall be notified by the school principal or his/her designee of items removed from the locker.
Lockers Students in grades 9-12 will be assigned a locker for the duration of their high school career. Students will not be given a new locker each year. All lockers, (hallway, Physical Education, and Band), assigned to pupils are the property of the school district. At no time does the school relinquish its exclusive control of its lockers. The public school principal or his/her designee shall have custody of all combinations to all lockers or locks. Pupils are prohibited from placing locks on any locker without the advance approval of the public school principal or his/her designee.
The school assigns lockers to its pupils for the pupils' convenience and temporary use. Pupils are to use lockers exclusively to store school-related materials and authorized personal items such as outer garments, footwear, grooming aids, or lunch. Pupils shall not use the lockers for any other purpose, unless specifically authorized by school board policy or the public school principal or his/her designee, in advance of pupils bringing the items to school. Pupils are solely responsible for the contents of their lockers and should not share their lockers with other pupils, nor divulge locker combinations to other pupils, unless authorized by the public school principal or his/her designee. Students are not to write on lockers, or attach stickers, contact paper or inappropriate material (material depicting alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances, or sexually offensive material).
Backpacks/Book Bags Student backpacks, book bags, or other conveyance items will not be allowed in the classroom. Backpacks, book bags, etc. must be stored in the student’s locker for the duration of the school day.
Daily Schedule Classes are to begin and end at the times indicated. Students are expected to be in their assigned classroom at these given times. 1st Period 7:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m. 2nd Period 8:50 a.m.-9:45 a.m. 3rd Period 9:50 a.m.-10:45 a.m. “A” Lunch 10:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. 4th Period 11:15 a.m.-12:10 p.m. 4th Period 10:50 a.m.-11:45 a.m. “B” Lunch 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 5th Period 12:15 p.m.-1:10 p.m. 6th Period 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
After 7:45 a.m., all entrance doors, except the front and rear building entrances, will be locked for the duration of the day.
Emergency School Closing In the case of inclement weather or other situation requiring the closing of school, information may be obtained via the following media outlets:
Television: WLNS (Channel 6) WZZM (Channel 13) WOOD (Channel 8) WOTV (Channel 41) WILX (Channel 10) WSYM (Channel 47)
Radio: WJXQ (106.1 FM) WHZZ (101.7 FM) WWDX (92.1 FM) WITL (100.7 FM) WVIC (94.1 FM) WFMK (99.1 FM) WJIM (1240 AM/97.5 FM) WQTX (92.7 FM)
Visitors Adults are always welcome to visit the high school during the school day. Upon your arrival at the school we ask that you stop in at the Main Office, register as a visitor and receive a visitor’s identification badge. Non-adult visitors or guests (school-aged persons) are not allowed, as they cause a disruption to the educational process.
In-School Illness In the event of illness during school hours, students are to report to the Office. Office personnel will evaluate the situation and make the determination regarding contacting parents and/or the School Nurse. If permission is given for the student to go home, the student must sign out in the Office.
Administration of Medication It is the policy of the Board of Education that the school will not provide students with aspirin or any other medication. The administration of medication by school personnel shall be authorized and performed in exceptional circumstances which render the administration of the medication by the parent at home impossible or extremely difficult. Medication will be administered only by such school personnel as are specifically authorized by the building administrator or his/her designated representative. This authorization to administer medication shall be issued only in compliance with the following conditions:
School Administration of Medications – Prescription Prescription medications shall not be stored or dispensed by District personnel without written permission and instructions from both: a. The parent(s)/guardian(s), who shall request and authorize District personnel to give medication in the dosage prescribed by the physician and to contact the physician directly. b. The physician, who shall provide instructions to school personnel regarding the administration of medication. Instructions from the physician must include: Name of the pupil Name of the medication Dosage of the medication Route of administration Dosage schedule; and The length of time (not to exceed the current school year) that medications are to be administered. New parent(s)/guardian(s) and physician written instructions and permission must accompany any change in medication, dosage, or time of administration.
Student Self-Administration/Self Possession of Prescription Medications Upon the written request of the parent(s)/guardian(s), and with directions supplied by the physician, and with the approval of the school administration, students may self-possess small quantities of medication for self-administration. All self-possessed medications must be labeled and prepared by a pharmacy or pharmaceutical company and include the dosage and frequency of administration. In order for a student to possess and self administer prescription medication there must be on file at the school both: a. Written request and permission from the parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow the student to self-administer and self-possess his/her own prescription medication in the dosage prescribed by the physician and to allow the school to contact the student’s physician directly. b. Written instructions from the physician providing instructions for the administration of medication, and who shall identify any specific conditions or reactions to the medication which may require contacting the physician or other professional medical personnel. Instructions from the physician must include: Name of pupil Name of the medication Dosage of the medication Route of administration Dosage schedule; and The length of time (not to exceed the current school year) that medications are to be administered.
Use of an Inhaler A pupil who requires the use of an inhaler for relief or prevention of asthma symptoms shall be allowed to carry and use the inhaler to alleviate asthmatic symptoms, or before exercise to prevent the onset of asthmatic symptoms, at school, on school-sponsored transportation, or at any activity, event, or program sponsored by or in which the pupil’s school is participating if there is written approval as stated above on record at the school (as described in the Michigan Revised School Code, Section 380.1179). The building administrator shall notify each teacher of a pupil who is in possession of an inhaler under the above conditions. New parent(s)/guardian(s) requests and permission and physician written instructions must accompany any change in medication, dosage, or time of administration.
District Personnel Administration of Over the Counter Medications Non-prescription or over the counter (OTC) medications shall not be stored or dispensed by District personnel without: a. Written request and permission from the parent(s)/guardian(s) to have District personnel give the OTC medication to their child. b. Written instructions which include: Name of Pupil Name of Medication Dosage of Medication Route of administration Dosage schedule; and The length of time (not to exceed the current school year) that medications are to be administered. c. The medication being provided to the school by the parent/guardian in the original properly labeled container. New parent(s)/guardian(s) written instructions and permission must accompany any change in medication, dosage, or time of administration. Self-Administration/Self-Possession of Over the Counter Medications Non-prescription, over the counter (OTC) medications may be in the possession of and self-administered by a student only if the following conditions are met: a. Written permission from the parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow their pupil to self-administer the OTC medication. b. Written instructions which include: Name of the pupil Name of the medication Dosage of the medication Route of administration Dosage schedule; and The length of time (not to exceed the current school year) that medications are to be taken. c. The medication shall be kept by the student in the original properly labeled container.
New parent(s)/guardian(s) written instructions and permission must accompany any change in medication, dosage, or time of administration.
All necessary written permission forms and physician’s directions detailed above for school administration of medications must be obtained and filed by the school prior to possession, storage, or self-administration by a student.
Determining Time for Dispensing Medications A building administrator may set a reasonable designated time for the administration of medications. The parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be informed of this designated time and communicate this to the physician when he/she writes medication administration instructions. The school may request that the physician send a written explanation with the medication administration instructions to the school if an exception to the school’s designated time is necessary. School personnel authorized to administer prescription medication shall be given appropriate instruction in the administration of medications. After medication is administered, students should be observed for possible reactions to the medication. This observation may occur at the site of administration or in the classroom as part of the normal routine.
Administration of Medication The School Nurse or other designated school personnel will: a. Inform appropriate school personnel of the medication; b. Keep a record of the administration of the medication. The record will include student information, name of medication, time and date(s) administered, signature of person administering and signature of adult witness; c. Observe the student for possible reactions to the medication. This observation may occur at the site of administration or in the classroom as part of the normal routine. d. Keep the medication in a locked cabinet; e. Return the unused medication only to the student’s parent/guardian.
The student’s parent/guardian has the sole responsibility to instruct their child to take the medication at the scheduled time, and the student has the responsibility for both presenting himself/herself on time and for taking the prescribed medication.
The necessary forms for District or self-administration of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available in the High School Office.
Lost and Found Each year the office accumulates a number of unclaimed items. If you lose or have lost an item in school, please check at the office. Likewise, if you find something that does not belong to you, give it to the office. Items not claimed will be disposed of at the end of the marking period.
Telephone Usage Office and classroom telephones are for school personnel use and are to be used by students only in the case of an emergency or for those students wishing to go home. For non-emergency student calls, a pay telephone is located in the lobby hallway. Under no circumstance will student be able to utilize an office or classroom telephone without permission from school personnel.
Announcements/Bulletin Boards Announcements will be read twice daily- once in the morning and again at the end of the day. They are also posted in the office. Any announcement must be approved by office personnel. A Community Information bulletin board is located outside the Attendance Office- students may post approved items on this bulletin board. No posting of information by students anywhere in the building is allowed without administrative approval.
Lunch/Cafeteria Both “Type A” and “ala carte” items are available to students for purchase, along with milk, water, and juices. Following are the standards of acceptable behavior and conduct during lunch: 1. All food and beverages are to be consumed in the cafeteria. Food items and beverages other than water are not to be taken out of the cafeteria at any time during the school day. 2. Students are to be in designated areas only during lunch: the cafeteria and/or gymnasium. Parking lots, hallways, and lockers are off-limits during lunch. 3. Students are to enter the serving lines via the doorway and make purchases only for themselves. 4. Students are expected to pick up after themselves and dispose of items properly in the appropriate containers. Students shall not purchase or consume soft drinks, coffee drinks that are high in sugar content or other highly artificially sweetened beverages on school grounds prior to the start of the school day, throughout the instructional day and after school.
Work Permits Any minor who is 11 to 17 years of age needs to have a CA-6 or CA-7 Work Permit and Age Certificate completed and on file with the place of employment and school. Work Permit and Age Certificate forms are available in the office. A permit may be revoked by the school if: (1) poor attendance results in a level of school work lower than that prior to beginning employment, or (2) the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services/U.S. Department of Labor informs the school of an employer’s violations of state or federal laws or regulations.
Counseling/Student Services Counseling services are available throughout the school year for academic and/or personal concerns. Information and assistance regarding college/post-secondary opportunities and financial aid are also available through the Counseling Office. Student Assistance Program Student Assistance is a program that offers a way for schools, students, and parents to address high-risk behaviors that interfere with the student’s academic performance and/or social development. The staff of PHS utilizes the Student Assistance Program to help students deal with school and/or social problems. “At-risk” behaviors are addressed; help is made available to families; and efforts to help the student are coordinated between home and school. Students may be referred by school staff, parents, the courts, or by self-referral. Confidential handling of concerns is stressed. For more information, contact a school counselor.
National Honor Society The National Honor Society is an organization formed to foster and promote academic recognition and community service. Membership considerations are made in February/March. Sophomores, juniors and seniors must have a B+ (3.33300) cumulative grade point average and may not be a former member of the chapter. Those who qualify scholastically must complete a survey of their extracurricular activities, community service, employment, and achievements since entering high school. Additionally, candidates must submit a proposal for a group service activity. Faculty members who are familiar with the candidates will be asked to rate candidate character traits. To maintain good standing in the society, members must maintain the 3.33300 minimum grade point average. (If a member’s cumulative GPA falls below the requirement, he/she receives a warning letter and one semester to bring up the GPA to minimum standards; failure to do so will result in loss of membership.) In addition, each member must complete a ten (10) hour service project and participate in at least five (5) activities (a combination of school and community participation) per year of membership. Members are also expected to take part in one of the two annual chapter projects.
Portland High School Code of Student Conduct Introduction The Portland Public School District is dedicated to creating and maintaining a positive learning environment for all students. Teachers, administrators, parents, and students must assume a responsibility in promoting behavior that enhances academic and social success. Courteous, respectful and responsible actions foster a positive climate for the learning community. Individual rights relate to individual responsibilities and must be seen in relationship to the safety, health, and welfare of all students in each school. Expectations of student conduct should be kept within the bounds of reasonable behavior expected of all members of the community. Students should have freedom and encouragement to express their individualism at school, as long as their conduct does not intrude upon the freedom of others. This applies especially to the freedom of fellow students to receive instruction. There must be a balance between individual freedoms and the orderly operation of the school environment. If a student feels unsafe or is threatened, the student or student’s parent/guardian should contact the school administration (517 647-2981). The Code of Student Conduct sets forth student rights and responsibilities while at school and school-related activities, and the consequences for violating school rules and policies. When determining the appropriate action to take as a consequence of student misconduct, school officials may use intervention strategies and/or disciplinary actions, depending on the severity or repetition of misconduct, circumstances surrounding the misconduct, impact of the student’s misconduct on others in the school, and other relevant factors. The Code of Student Conduct will be administered uniformly and fairly, without partiality or discrimination. The Code of Student Conduct applies: 1. When a student is at school. (“At school” means in the classroom, elsewhere on school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event, whether or not it is held on school premises) and 2. When a student is using school telecommunications networks, accounts or other district services.
Forms of Discipline A. Discipline Conference – Meeting of student and parents with one of the building administrators. B. After School Detention – Teachers or administrators may give this type of disciplinary action. Parents will be notified of detentions. Failure of the student to meet this obligation may result in their suspension or other disciplinary action. Bus students are not exempt from serving after-school detentions. C. Temporary Debarment – The student is separated from a class or classes or a school sponsored function by an individual teacher or principal pending appropriate action. The action by a teacher is subject to review. D. In-House Suspension – The student is temporarily removed from the regular class routine because of an infraction of the Discipline Code. The in-house suspension shall be served on a district site and the student will be required to complete classroom assignments. If/when a student accumulates more than 4 “in-school assignments”(ISS), the 5th assignment will result in a 1-day out-of school suspension (OSS), the 6th will result in a 3-day OSS, the 7th will result in a 5-day OSS, and subsequent ISS infractions will result in a recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion. E. Suspension – The student is temporarily removed from the regular class routine because of a misdemeanor or persistent disobedience. A suspension may be for a short term, not exceeding five (5) days per incident, or long term, exceeding five (5) days but not more than ten (10) days per incident. A suspension may be imposed immediately upon a student without first affording the student or parents/guardians a hearing if the presence of the student endangers other persons or property or substantially disrupts, impedes or interferes with the operation of the school. During a suspension, the students will not be allowed on school grounds during school hours or at school events without parental escort. The length of the suspension will be determined by the nature of the offense. F. Alternative Discipline – This will be a choice of discipline that parents may choose instead of out-of-school, for example, parents accompanying the student to school all day. Three to six days of parental attendance is equivalent to five to ten days of suspension. G. Expulsion – The student may be permanently removed from school because of a gross misdemeanor or persistent discipline. “Repeat offenders” (students who habitually violate the Code of Conduct) will be taken before the Superintendent for expulsion. Expulsion will be determined by the Superintendent. No student may be expelled until an opportunity for a formal hearing on the recommendation for expulsion has been afforded the student.
Due Process For Suspensions The student will be confronted by the administrator for his/her violation of the discipline code. At that time, the student may present his/her argument for his/her action. Parents may be contacted and will be notified by a written report of the cause of the disciplinary action and the action taken in the case. Parents are encouraged to contact the school if they have any questions regarding this matter. The following procedures will be used by the administrators: A. The student shall not be judged guilty by virtue of being accused. B. The principal or assistant principal for the purpose of obtaining all information pertinent to a fair decision shall conduct an informal investigation immediately. C. Provision shall be made for the student to be heard and to present his/her view of the occurrence involved. D. If suspension is the decision of the principal or assistant principal, the student shall be duly informed of the reason. E. The principal or assistant principal shall make the determination in case of suspension. Parents must be notified by telephone, if possible, of the decision, and the length of suspension must be confirmed in writing. The principal or assistant principal will take the initiative to confer with parents/guardians to make plans for the return of the student to the classroom. F. An unfavorable decision may be appealed to the Superintendent or his/her designee. G. If a favorable decision is not reached through the Superintendent or his/h |
