Parent Handbook - Harford County Public Schools
Parent Handbook - Harford County Public Schools Parent Handbook - Harford County Public Schools
Students enrolled in high schools only may possess Portable Communication Devices (PCD) on school grounds and buses during the regular school day provided: • the student keeps and maintains the PCD so it cannot be seen by others; • the student does not use or activate the PCD in any fashion. Students enrolled in high schools only may use a PCD on school grounds (but not on buses) before the regular school day and after the regular school day. Students who violate the above restrictions shall be deemed to have created a disruption to the instructional environment and be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Drug Detecting Dogs In Secondary Schools The Board of Education of Harford County permits the use of drug detecting dogs in secondary schools. Drug detecting dogs may be used in school buildings and on school parking lots during the day when students are present. Drug detecting dogs may be used randomly or at the request of the principal based on reasonable suspicion that drugs might be in the school. Under no circumstances will a drug detecting dog be used to sniff any individual person. When, in the opinion of the dog’s handler, a drug detecting dog has alerted on a locker or other property in the school, a search may be conducted by the principal or his/her designee. When, in the opinion of the dog’s handler, a drug detecting dog has alerted on a vehicle, a search may be conducted by a police officer. Students who are in possession of controlled dangerous substances and other items that constitute a violation of the policies of the Board of Education will be disciplined in accordance with the appropriate procedures. Educational Field Trips Schools sponsor educational field trips for students to provide learning experiences that are not possible in the classroom. The most frequent educational field trips are taken during the normal school day; however, sometimes circumstances warrant that a trip be conducted beyond the school day or on a non-school day. Occasionally, trips are also authorized which require overnight accommodations. In every case, a field trip must be approved by the school administration and meet the guidelines established by the Board of Education. All field trips are planned well in advance to fill specific purposes in the instructional program. In general, trips are not taken which require students to pay an admission charge. However, occasionally some of these have unusual merit and are permitted. All students must have prior written permission from a parent/ guardian to take part in a field trip. Students are expected to observe commonly accepted rules for good school citizenship and, since nearly all trips are taken on buses, they are expected to obey all pertinent bus transportation rules (as listed in this handbook). A teacher and other chaperons are present on each bus to supervise the students. When educational field trips extend beyond the end of the normal school day, additional measures are taken to ensure adequate provision for the notification of parents in case of an emergency. Also, parents must make arrangements to meet their children at school when the buses return. In certain instances, the Board of Education has authorized the Superintendent of Schools to give approval for overnight field trips. Trips of this nature might be taken to such events as state-sponsored athletic tournaments, exchange programs, class trips, musicals, conferences, seminars, and other similar activities that have the sponsorship and official support of state agencies and/or parent organizations. Parents are notified well in advance about the goals and objectives of overnight trips, the specific activities that will take place, and the degree of supervision that is planned. Students are not required to participate in overnight field trips. Field trips may be canceled without prior notice if emergency or other circumstances require. Eligibility Policy In order to participate in curricular and extra-curricular activities in any Harford County public school, students shall be officially registered and physically attending a Harford County public school. A student may be declared ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities for reasons based on scholastic status and/or citizenship. A student will be declared ineligible when the student has received a failing grade in any subject on a quarterly report card. For a complete listing of eligibility rules, please refer to individual school handbooks. Food & Nutrition School food prices are subject to change pending an annual review of revenue/expenses. All Harford County Public Schools conduct breakfast and lunch programs. Menus are distributed through the schools, published in local newspapers, announced over local radio and television stations, and are on the Harford County Public Schools website (www.hcps.org). Participation in the Federal Government School Food & Nutrition Program has also made it possible to provide some Harford County Public Schools students with free or reduced price meals. Application forms and guidelines for determining a student’s eligibility to receive free or reduced price meals are distributed to each child in August. One application can be completed for the entire household when all family members are listed. Applications for the program are available in school offices and parents may apply for benefits at any time during the school year. Cafeterias are equipped with computers, which allow parents to deposit money which may be specified for prepaid breakfasts, lunches, or snack items. Deposits can be made directly to the cafeteria staff or online at the following website: www.cafeprepay.com. Cost of each prepaid breakfast: $1.05 elementary & secondary $.20 reduced price elementary & secondary Cost of each prepaid lunch: $1.90 elementary $2.00 secondary $.40 reduced price elementary & secondary $ no charge for free meal benefit A la carte items: any amount can be deposited. Snacks range from $.40 to $1.00 in elementary and $.20 to $1.50 in secondary schools. If you do not designate whether your deposit is for a specific amount of breakfasts, lunches, or a specific dollar amount for a la carte, then the deposit goes into the “on account” category and can be used for any of the three purchases. Students using personal identification numbers (PIN) can withdraw money for food purchases. 10
Graduation Requirements (For the class of 2012) Subject Diploma English 4 Social Studies+ 3 Science^ 3 Mathematics++ 4 Fine Arts 1 Technology Education 1 Physical Education 1 Health Career Pathway 4 Foreign Language OR Advanced Tech OR Successful Completion of State approved career/tech program Elective 1/2 - 2 1/2 Total 26 + 1 in World History, 1 in U.S. History, 1 in Local, State and National Government ++ 1 with fundamental or advanced algebraic concepts; 1 with fundamental or advanced geometric concepts ^ Must include one credit in Biology Additional Requirements • English courses in grades nine, ten, and eleven must be taken sequentially and a student may not enroll in the next grade level until he/she has passed the preceding one. The exception is English 12, which may be taken simultaneously with English 11, during the senior year. • Eighth graders are given the option of registering for the Maryland State Scholars program. Check with local high school counselors for more information. • To be eligible for a high school diploma, all students must complete the Maryland State Department of Education student service learning requirements as developed by Harford County Public Schools. • Students must pass the applicable Maryland High School Assessment (HSA) at the end of the course in English 2, algebra 1, and biology, with a combined score of 1208, in order to receive a Maryland High School Diploma. If students have taken government HSA they have the option of meeting graduation requirements by meeting the combined score on all four tests of 1602 or on the three test with a combined score of 1208, in order to receive a Maryland High School Diploma. Students have the following alternatives to meet the High School Assessment graduation requirements: • If students do no pass all three tests, they may satisfy the HSA requirement using The Combined-Score Option. The combined score for all three tests must be 1208. If students have taken government HSA they have the option of meeting graduation requirements by meeting the combined score on all four tests of 1602 or on the three test with a combined score of 1208, in order to receive a Maryland High School Diploma. • Modified HSAs with altered test items are available for a small portion of students with disabilities. • The Bridge Plan for Academic Validation is for students who have been unable to pass one or more HSAs, despite assistance. Students must meet three general eligibility criteria: taken and failed the test at least twice, participation in appropriate assistance, and satisfactory progress toward graduation. Students eligible for participation will meet with school staff to determine the projects to be included in the student’s Academic Validation Project Package. 1/2 2 4 Exceptions To The Regular High School Program Under certain circumstances, students may waive a fourth year of high school attendance. Upon receiving permission from the school principal and the superintendent of schools, a student may be awarded a diploma after acceptance and/or successful completion of one year of college or post-secondary education. In addition to the regular school program, students may earn credits by attending summer school or the Alternative Education Program. Seniors may receive approval from the principal and the Executive Director of High School Performance to earn one additional credit beyond the credits earned during the regular school day. Questions concerning “Exceptions to the Regular High School Program” should be directed to the high school counseling office. Health Services Program The Health Services Program is an integral part of the educational support system and maximizes every student’s learning potential by promoting his or her optimum health. The major responsibilities of school health services include: • Maintain the health room to provide emergency care for the ill and injured school population. • Provide for the prevention, identification, assessment, and management of health concerns in the school setting. • Assist students with special health care needs. • Maintain the mandated records. • Coordinate all activities related to student medication. • Implement health-screening programs as mandated by the State of Maryland: vision, hearing and lead. • Provide for the prevention and control of communicable diseases within the school setting. • Monitor compliance of current Maryland immunization laws. • Act as a resource to teachers, parents/guardians, and students on health education and safety issues. • Participate in student services team conferences. • Assist in the promotion and maintenance of desirable student attendance practices. • Continue professional and personal growth by attending conferences, workshops, and inservice/graduate courses. • Maintain and enhance a safe school environment. Guidelines For Medications For Students While In School When a student is taking a prescribed medication, parents/guardians should make every effort to arrange for the medicine to be taken outside of the school day. However, there are occasions when it is determined by a health care provider that a student must receive prescribed medication during the school day, either on a regular schedule or in the event of an emergency. When this circumstance occurs, the following guidelines apply: 11
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Graduation Requirements (For the class of 2012)<br />
Subject<br />
Diploma<br />
English 4<br />
Social Studies+ 3<br />
Science^ 3<br />
Mathematics++ 4<br />
Fine Arts 1<br />
Technology Education 1<br />
Physical Education 1<br />
Health<br />
Career Pathway 4<br />
Foreign Language OR Advanced Tech OR<br />
Successful Completion of State approved career/tech<br />
program<br />
Elective<br />
1/2 - 2 1/2<br />
Total 26<br />
+ 1 in World History, 1 in U.S. History, 1 in Local, State and National Government<br />
++ 1 with fundamental or advanced algebraic concepts; 1 with fundamental or advanced geometric concepts<br />
^ Must include one credit in Biology<br />
Additional Requirements<br />
• English courses in grades nine, ten, and eleven must be taken sequentially and a student may not enroll in the next grade<br />
level until he/she has passed the preceding one. The exception is English 12, which may be taken simultaneously with<br />
English 11, during the senior year.<br />
• Eighth graders are given the option of registering for the Maryland State Scholars program. Check with local high school<br />
counselors for more information.<br />
• To be eligible for a high school diploma, all students must complete the Maryland State Department of Education student<br />
service learning requirements as developed by <strong>Harford</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Schools</strong>.<br />
• Students must pass the applicable Maryland High School Assessment (HSA) at the end of the course in English 2, algebra<br />
1, and biology, with a combined score of 1208, in order to receive a Maryland High School Diploma. If students have taken<br />
government HSA they have the option of meeting graduation requirements by meeting the combined score on all four<br />
tests of 1602 or on the three test with a combined score of 1208, in order to receive a Maryland High School Diploma.<br />
Students have the following alternatives to meet the High School Assessment graduation requirements:<br />
• If students do no pass all three tests, they may satisfy the HSA requirement using The Combined-Score Option. The<br />
combined score for all three tests must be 1208. If students have taken government HSA they have the option of meeting<br />
graduation requirements by meeting the combined score on all four tests of 1602 or on the three test with a combined<br />
score of 1208, in order to receive a Maryland High School Diploma.<br />
• Modified HSAs with altered test items are available for a small portion of students with disabilities.<br />
• The Bridge Plan for Academic Validation is for students who have been unable to pass one or more HSAs, despite<br />
assistance. Students must meet three general eligibility criteria: taken and failed the test at least twice, participation<br />
in appropriate assistance, and satisfactory progress toward graduation. Students eligible for participation will meet with<br />
school staff to determine the projects to be included in the student’s Academic Validation Project Package.<br />
1/2<br />
2<br />
4<br />
Exceptions To The Regular High School Program<br />
Under certain circumstances, students may waive a fourth year of high<br />
school attendance. Upon receiving permission from the school principal<br />
and the superintendent of schools, a student may be awarded a diploma<br />
after acceptance and/or successful completion of one year of college or<br />
post-secondary education.<br />
In addition to the regular school program, students may earn credits by<br />
attending summer school or the Alternative Education Program.<br />
Seniors may receive approval from the principal and the Executive Director<br />
of High School Performance to earn one additional credit beyond the<br />
credits earned during the regular school day.<br />
Questions concerning “Exceptions to the Regular High School Program”<br />
should be directed to the high school counseling office.<br />
Health Services Program<br />
The Health Services Program is an integral part of the educational support<br />
system and maximizes every student’s learning potential by promoting his or<br />
her optimum health.<br />
The major responsibilities of school health services include:<br />
• Maintain the health room to provide emergency care for the ill and injured<br />
school population.<br />
• Provide for the prevention, identification, assessment, and management<br />
of health concerns in the school setting.<br />
• Assist students with special health care needs.<br />
• Maintain the mandated records.<br />
• Coordinate all activities related to student medication.<br />
• Implement health-screening programs as mandated by the State of<br />
Maryland: vision, hearing and lead.<br />
• Provide for the prevention and control of communicable diseases within<br />
the school setting.<br />
• Monitor compliance of current Maryland immunization laws.<br />
• Act as a resource to teachers, parents/guardians, and students on health<br />
education and safety issues.<br />
• Participate in student services team conferences.<br />
• Assist in the promotion and maintenance of desirable student attendance<br />
practices.<br />
• Continue professional and personal growth by attending conferences,<br />
workshops, and inservice/graduate courses.<br />
• Maintain and enhance a safe school environment.<br />
Guidelines For Medications For Students While In School<br />
When a student is taking a prescribed medication, parents/guardians should<br />
make every effort to arrange for the medicine to be taken outside of the school<br />
day. However, there are occasions when it is determined by a health care<br />
provider that a student must receive prescribed medication during the school<br />
day, either on a regular schedule or in the event of an emergency. When this<br />
circumstance occurs, the following guidelines apply:<br />
11
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