1

1307 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401

910-251-6100 www.nhcs.net/nhhs

Mr. James E. McAdams, Principal

2015 – 2016

Student and Parent Handbook

CONTINUING TRADITION

NHHS does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, sex or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

2

NHCS Annual Notice About Educational Records

The Family Educational Right and Privacy Act

(FERPA) requires New Hanover County

Schools to annually notify parents and students who are 18 years of age or older

about their rights concerning educational records. The following information

summarizes these rights. Parents and students

18 years of age or older have the:

Right to confidentiality of the Official Record at the collection, storage, disclosure and

destruction stages; Right to inspect, review

and obtain free copies of the Official Record; Right to have a representative of your

choosing inspect and review the Official Record with you; Right to a full explanation,

interpretation and analysis of the Official

Record by the principal or designee; Right to add data or information to the Official Record

which explains or clarifies information contained in the Official Record; Right to a

list of the types and location of all records

kept and disclosed by NHCS; Right to know that written consent is required to disclose

the Official Record to others EXCEPT for the following: NHCS officials, teachers and other

employees (list posted at each school), other

schools where a student intends to enroll, state and federal education authorities,

financial aid applications, studies and research, accrediting organizations, judicial

order or subpoena, health or safety

emergency, and Directory Information; Right to request the correction or removal of

information from the Official Record if you believe it is inaccurate, outdated, irrelevant,

misleading or violates privacy, Right to a

hearing, if NHCS refuses your request to correct or remove information from the

Official Record Right to file a complaint regarding records with the U.S. Dept. of

Education, FERPA Office, Washington, D.C.

20202.

Complaints must be written and specify

allegations of fact; Right to obtain copies of the

NHCS Board Policies on records from the New Hanover County Schools Superintendent’s

Office; Right to know that the NHC Board of Education has designated a student’s name and

school of enrollment as Directory Information;

Right to know that Directory Information is disclosed as a part of officially designated

school activities; Right to refuse to allow NHCS to disclose Directory Information by notifying

the principal within 10 days of receipt of this

notice; Right to know that when records are no longer needed, NHCS destroys them according

to a destruction schedule. NHCS permanently maintains only the following information:

student name, address, phone number, grades,

attendance, classes attended, grade levels completed, date of birth and identification

numbers; Right to know that a graduating senior's name, address, phone number and

school name are disclosed to the military.

NHCS has designated the Assistant

Superintendent for Student Support as the school official responsible for ensuring

confidentiality of the Official Record. A

student's principal also is responsible for maintenance and security of the Official

Record. Please direct any inquiries or requests concerning your rights and the

Official Record to the principal.

New Hanover High School does not and will

not discriminate in relation to race, sex, age, religion, national background, handicap, or

any other difference in matters concerning our

students and community. This policy of nondiscrimination is in accordance with local

board policy 1710.

3

Table of Contents

NHCS Annual Notice about 2

Educational Records

Table of Contents 3

Greetings from Administration 4

Our Mission 4

Our Vision 4

Our Philosophy 4

Important Contacts 5

Transition Schedule 5

Class Schedule 5

The Wildcat Way: Our Core Value 6

Alma Mater 6

Athletics 7

Dress Code 8

Classroom Locations 8

Lunch 8

Textbooks 8

Display of Affection 8

Academic Integrity Policy 9

Health Services 10

Diabetes Policy 10

Student Driving and Parking Lot 10

Bus Transportation 10

Attendance Policy 11-12

Lost and Found 12

Parent Teacher Conference 12

ID Cards 13

Due Bills 13

Makeup Work 13

Student Check-In/Check-out 13

Excused Absences 13

Lockers 14

Money and Valuables 14

Posters and Announcements 14

Schedule Changes 14

Elevators 14

Telephones 14

Skateboard Policy 14

Fire and Tornado Drills 14

Media Center 14-15

Cafeteria/Lunch 15

Vending Machines/Faculty Lounges 15

Senior Awards Night 15

Withdrawal from School 15-16

Senior Honors/Awards Policy/ 15

Graduation 15

Policies Regarding Club Activities 16

Care of School 16

Confiscated Items/Search & Seizure 16-17

Counseling Services 17

Peer Mediation 17

NHCS Discipline Policy 17-22

“Automatics” Automatic Suspensions 22

NHCS Gang Contract 23

4

Greetings From The Administration We are pleased to welcome you to New Hanover High School. You will have many opportunities to participate successfully in academic and extra-curricular activities. NHHS has a rich tradition of excellence and we know that you will take pride in being a part of our school. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you make this a great year. Please read this handbook and share it with your parents. It is important that you become familiar with the basic policies and procedures at New Hanover High School. School Administration:

James E. McAdams Principal David Bittner Assistant Principal Don Cummings Assistant Principal Erin Lee Assistant Principal

Dr. Robert Morgan Assistant Principal

Keith Moore Athletic Director

Our Vision

We seek to form young leaders of Competence, Conscience

and Compassion.

Our Philosophy:

We educate both within and beyond the classroom, so as

to develop true lifelong learners for today, tomorrow and for

years to come

Our Mission:

Striving for constant improvement, we will

positively redefine the American high school experience for

students attending New Hanover High School.

5

Important Contacts AP Honors Curr Coordinator Ms. Whitney Coonradt

Athletic Director Mr. Keith Moore

Attendance Clerk Ms. Nadya Keyser

Counselor A - C Ms. Jenifer Capps

Counselor D - H Ms. Mary Krenzel

Counselor I - O Ms. Ashley Bianchino

Counselor P-T Ms. Diane Hendrix

Counselor U – Z & Lyceum Ms. Melissa McMahan

Discipline Clerk Ms Nicole Ballard

Graduation Coach Ms. Emily Davis

Graduation Project Coordinator Ms. Elizabeth Felts

Lockers Ms Nicole Ballard

Lyceum Academy Mr. Gordon Massengill

Main Office Receptionist Ms. Nadya Keyser

Master Calendar Ms. Kylee Maarschalk

NC Virtual Public School Ms. Melissa McMahan

Nurse Ms. Laurie Parks

PowerSchool Parent Module Ms. Monica Simmons

Prom Coordinator Ms. Joanna Gurley

PTSA Mr. Julio Rodriguez

Registrar / Transcripts Ms. Tosha Hetu

Service Learning Coordinator Ms. Elizabeth Felts

Social Worker Ms. Jennifer Read

STAE Ms. Sarah Garguilo

Student Accounts Ms. Amy Moore

Student Government Association Ms. Kylee Maarschalk

Webmaster Mr. Brian Brandenburg

Yearbook Advisor (Hanoverian) Ms. Kylee Maarschalk

Class Schedule

0 Period

7:30 am - 8:21 am

1st Block

8:30 am - 10:05 am

2nd Block

10:10 am - 11:40 am

3rd Block / Lunch

11:45 am - 1:50 pm

1st Lunch 11:55 am - 12:20 pm

2nd Lunch 12:25 pm - 12:50 pm

3rd Lunch 12:55 pm - 1:20 pm

4th Lunch 1:25 pm - 1:50 pm

4th Block

1:55 pm - 3:30 pm

Transition Schedule

10/10 Rule:

No Passes Out for First and

Last 10 Minutes of Class

Breakfast is served until

8:21 a.m. daily

6

The Wildcat Way: Our Core Values

1. All students have the right to attend a school that promota safe environment.

2. All parents have the right to feel confident that their children are safe in school.

3. Our framework for positive action operates within the principles of Academic Excellence, Integrity, Responsible Citizenship and Service to Others.

4. All students have the responsibility to adhere to the principles of safety and stewardship while attending NHHS.

5. All students have the right to expect success through hard work. Nothing can be expected by doing nothing.

6. All students have the right to a positive high school experience.

7. All community members have the right to feel their high school is something of which they can be proud.

8. New Hanover High School will serve as a beacon, the center of the community, and the acropolis to be seen and owned by all stakeholders.

9. New Hanover High School educators have the opportunity and responsibility to educate, mentor, and prepare our youth for life beyond high school.

10. The academic success of every student at New Hanover High School is the top priority of the administration.

11. The achievement gap between New Hanover High School and the higher achieving high schools can and must be eliminated.

12. All NHHS children can and will be academically prepared to reach their dreams, as diverse as they may be.

13. Communication is imperative in building a successful, professional environment; therefore, we will constantly collaborate and communicate.

14. Every team, studio, and academy at NHHS can be a high- performing organization, both academically and operationally, while collaborating across departmental lines.

15. High quality teachers, supported with high-quality, on- going professional development, must drive our rigorous, intellectually and artistically challenging curriculum.

16. In the business of saving kids, we are challenged to navigate all obstacles and pursue all avenues of approach in order to achieve our goals as educators.

17. NHHS will be a school where excellence is standard, where every student and adult is valued and respected, and where many diverse communities come together as one.

18. Students have a right to full participation in all academies regardless of socio-economic status, gender, race, or religion.

Alma Mater

To thee we sing our praises,

Dear New Hanover

High.

With pride we see your glory

Your fame will never die.

We’ll keep your colors flying,

And give our loyalty.

Your motto we will cherish.

Our strength lies in unity.

While orange and black wave o’er us,

Into the winds of time,

We’ll proudly raise our voices

In this our song sublime.

Forever we’ll remember,

These halls we’ll glorify

The years will find us

loyal,

To you, New Hanover High.

Words and music by Emerson Head Class of

1953

7

ATHLETICS ATHLETIC STAFF Principal: James E. McAdams Athletic Director: Keith Moore

ATHLETIC GOAL

The faculty and staff of New Hanover High School believe participation in athletic competition enhances

a student’s opportunities for academic success. Our goal at New Hanover High School is to provide a

comprehensive program of inter-scholastic competition that promotes and compliments academic

excellence, personal accountability, and individual/team goal setting.

FALL SPORTS

Cheerleading: Junior Varsity & Varsity

Cross County: Men’s & Women’s Varsity

Football: Junior Varsity & Varsity

Golf: Women’s Varsity

Soccer: Men’s Junior Varsity & Varsity

Tennis: Women’s Varsity

Volleyball: Junior Varsity & Varsity

SPRING SPORTS

Baseball: Junior Varsity & Varsity

Softball: Junior Varsity & Varsity

Lacrosse: Men’s & Women’s Junior Varsity and Varsity

Track: Men’s and Women’s Varsity

Golf: Men’s Varsity

Soccer: Women Junior Varsity & Varsity

WINTER SPORTS

Basketball: Men’s Junior Varsity & Varsity

Basketball: Women’s Junior Varsity & Varsity

Cheerleading: Junior Varsity & Varsity

Wrestling: Junior Varsity & Varsity

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION No student is eligible to participate in any sport until the following items have been completed:

Physical examination completed on the “NHCS Authorization for Extra-Curricular & Co-Curricular Participation

Form” and the consent form to participate in the Random Student Drug Testing Program completed and signed.

Both forms will be kept on file in the school’s athletic office. Also, proof of all eligibility requirements relative to

residence, age, attendance and academics. All Student Fees must be paid in full in order to participate in sports.

ELIGIBILITY RULES – NCHSAA Residence: Any student is eligible at the school to which the local board of education assigns him/her within the

administrative unit of residence. For athletic eligibility purposes, the term “residence” is to be construed in the

same legal sense as the term “domicile.” Under no circumstances can a family have two residences for eligibility

purposes.

Attendance: A player must have been in attendance for at least 85% of the previous semester at an approved

high/middle school. A student must be in school at least one-half of the school day on the day of a game in order to

play in that game (extenuating circumstances will be ruled on by the county athletic director).

Attendance will be based on the number of periods the student attends during the semester.

Scholastic Requirements: A student attending a school on a 4 x 4 schedule must have passed 3 out of 4 courses

during the preceding semester to be eligible at any time during the present semester. Each course must meet five

(5) periods per week, and each course must have a daily class period of at least 90 minutes. The student must be

enrolled in at least three (3) classes during the semester in which they participate in order to be eligible.

Physical Examination: In order to be eligible for practice or participation, a player must receive a medical

examination once every school year by a physician licensed to practice medicine.

Age: NO student may be approved for any athletic contest if his or her 19th birthday comes on or before October

16th of the current school year (October 15th for middle school).

Eight Semester Rule: A student, upon first entering grade 9, is eligible for competition on high school athletic

teams only during the succeeding eight consecutive semesters.

8

Student Life

Classroom Locations (Even numbered rooms are on the east side and odd numbered rooms are on the west side)

Main Building Rooms 100's - 200's - 300's

Memorial Building Rooms 400's - 500's

George West Building Rooms 20's and Shops

Lunch The New Hanover County high schools operate on a closed lunch, so no students are permitted to leave

campus during lunch. The parking lot is considered off limits during lunch.

Food and drinks should be consumed in the cafeteria or the courtyard only. The main office does not

accept fast food lunch deliveries to students, nor are parents permitted to drive up and drop off food

through car windows to students. No students or food will be allowed in the building, on the front steps,

or on the catwalk during lunch.

Textbooks Textbooks will be issued free of charge to each student. However, if the book is lost in any manner, the

student must pay for it. In order to prevent losses, students are asked to write their names legibly in ink

in each textbook. They should also write their subject teacher’s name, the room number, and the school

year. Students should make every effort to keep up with textbooks. The school may not have additional

books to replace those which are lost or stolen.

Display of Affection Students are to refrain from intimate physical displays of affection (kissing, hugging, etc.) while on the

NHHS campus. Students who violate this policy will be issued a detention and a parent conference will

be required.

DRESS CODE

Noncompliance with the rules listed below may result in disciplinary action.

No hats, toboggans, sweatbands, bandannas, do-

rags or any other coverings are permitted inside

the building.

NHHS policy forbids bandannas on school

property.

No tank tops, belly shirts, spaghetti strap

clothing, or muscle shirts are permitted (shirts

must cover the shoulder).

No bedroom attire or bedroom shoes.

Dresses, skirts, and shorts must extend past

fingertips in length.

No clothing that shows cleavage.

No see-through tops or bottoms.

No skin-tight clothing (leggings, jeggings, etc.)

No inappropriate signs, emblems or language on

clothing.

Leggings and jeggings are considered

undergarments and must be worn with

appropriate dress attire which comes past

fingertips in length.

No holes or slits in clothing.

No sagging pants allowed.

No wallet chains or chains on clothing.

No sunglasses.

No gang related paraphernalia, to be determined

by administration and SROs.

All students are required to wear unaltered.

NHHS ID cards while on the school grounds.

9

Academic Integrity Policy

Students and Parents/Guardians:

New Hanover High School is implementing a formal Academic Integrity Policy in an effort

to maintain our high academic standards. The policy and consequences, to be signed by

both student and parent/guardian, are outlined below:

At NHHS, cheating in any form is unacceptable behavior.

Definition: acting dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an academic advantage (taken

from Dictionary.com).

Examples:

● Copying a peer’s work

● Lending your work to someone else to be copied

● Acquiring answers on a test, quiz, or any other assessment/assignment from unauthorized sources

(including but not limited to another person’s paper, cheat sheets, notes, books, electronic devices)

● Copying and pasting information for an assignment from a webpage without proper

documentation

● Attempting to pass off anyone else’s work as your own

Consequences:

First Offense:

● 0 on assignment (May be made up for 50%)

● Documented in ABE system and Power School

● Parent contacted.

Second Offense:

● Final grade on assignment is 0

● Discipline referral documented in ABE and PowerSchool

● Parent conference

● Current teachers (Lyceum teachers if 9th/10th grade student), club sponsors (NHS, Beta,

etc), and coaches notified

● ISS (duration 1 full day)

Third Offense (and beyond):

● Final grade on assignment is a 0

● Discipline referral documented in ABE and PowerSchool

● Parent conference with administrator

● Out of School Suspension (duration 1 day)

10

Bus Transportation

School transportation service is a privilege, not a right. While riding a school bus, students at all times will observe the directives of the school bus driver and all other rules outlined in this code of conduct. The school principal, assistant principal and/or principal designee has the authority to suspend pupils from riding the bus for the following infractions, as well as any others announced during the year:

Delaying the bus schedule; fighting, smoking, using profanity or refusing to obey the instructions of school authorities or bus driver while riding the bus;

Tampering with a school bus;

Refusing to meet the bus at the designated stops;

Unauthorized leaving of the bus when traveling from home to school or vice versa;

Playing, throwing trash, paper or other objects while the bus is in operation;

Violation of NHCS rules; failure to observe established safety rules and regulations

Once the bus has been parked and students have disembarked, the vehicle is off limits for all students until the dismissal bell sounds at the end of the school day. The school bus is not a student lounge or a lunchroom. Riding the bus to school is a PRIVILEGE AND NOT AN INHERENT RIGHT. Students may lose this privilege by violating bus conduct rules. Students MUST ride their assigned bus. Buses are provided for students living beyond walking distance of the school. The bus driver has full charge over all pupils riding his/her bus. Suspension from the bus may last from one day through the remainder of the school year, depending on the nature of the offenses. All NHHS rules for student behavior apply while riding the bus.

NHCS buses have scheduled times of arrival for stops on their routes. On a normal school day, students should allow a ten (10) minute leeway before and after their scheduled time of pick-up. Please allow more time throughout the school year on inclement weather days or due to mechanical problems. Please feel free to contact the administrator in charge of buses, Mr. Don Cummings, if you have any questions.

Student Driving and Parking Lot The two parking lots for student use are both accessible from Dock St., one on each side of the George West academic building. Students and parents are not permitted to park, drop off or pick up in the Brogden Hall or Trinity Church parking lots on the north side of Market St. Parking is assigned through Ms. Cheryl Mishoe in the Media Center by application process which includes an annual fee of $20 per decal and presentation of a valid driver's license, registration and current insurance. Failure to display a decal at all times or failure to park within the lines will result in a parking ticket. Only students assigned to 11th and 12th grade homerooms are eligible to purchase parking decals and temporary permits. Students in 9th or 10th grade homerooms are ineligible. Temporary parking permits are available for $2.00 per day in the media center from 8:00am -8:21am.

During school hours, students must have administrative approval to go to their vehicle or to the parking lot (late passes will not be issued to students due to the purchase of a temporary parking decal.) All students must leave campus immediately after school unless directly involved with an extra- curricular activity. Violation of the rules or illegal use of a vehicle on school grounds may result in permanent suspension of school parking privileges. The first offense or violation of parking will result in an automatic loss of driving privileges for a minimum of two weeks. Student vehicles illegally parked on school campus (no decal, under suspension, unauthorized area) will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Loss of parking privileges may result in having to reapply for a parking decal.

Health Services Students who become ill or injured should report to the infirmary. The personnel in the infirmary can administer

only minor first aid. If parents allow their students to self- administer nonprescription medications, they must

notify the principal in writing. Notification forms can be obtained in the main office. Students who have

notification forms on file may carry one day's dosage, per school day, of non-prescription drugs if they are

packaged in their original containers. Sharing medicine is strictly forbidden.

Diabetes Policy

North Carolina law (G.S. 115C-47) was changed in 2002 to strengthen support for students with diabetes

attending NC public schools. The law requires development of care plans and staff training relative to students

with diabetes. If your child has diabetes and you think your child may need a plan for diabetes while at school, call

the school nurse or Section 504 Coordinator and ask for the Parental Request for an Individual Diabetes Care

Plan.

11

Attendance

NHCS Board of Education believes that regular and punctual attendance at school is imperative for educational success. Students are expected to be in school each day unless ill or unable to attend due to an unavoidable reason. The Board further believes that there is no substitute for the uninterrupted personal contact between teachers and students in the classroom environment where learning experiences are carefully planned and taught by teachers. The primary responsibility for school attendance rests with students and parents. Schools, however, have the responsibility for properly recording absenteeism and tardiness, notifying parents when needed, and discouraging excessive absences in accordance with state law. North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 115C-307 (f).

The Board seeks the full cooperation from parents in promoting good attendance and punctuality, in particular and strongly encourages the following:

When possible medical and dental appointments should be scheduled after school hours, and family vacations should be taken during school vacation and recess periods.

Parent/guardians should inform the student’s teacher and/or designated personnel of the reason for each absence. The process shall be outlined in each school’s student handbook.

No student will be excused from regular schoolwork to take private lessons in music, art, dance, or any other area without prior approval of the Superintendent's office.

The objectives of the NHCS attendance policy are to: encourage maximum class attendance; encourage students to apply their time and attention toward obtaining the maximum benefits for their education; place the primary responsibility for school attendance upon students and parents; provide teachers, counselors, and administrators more time to accomplish their primary responsibilities as educators; eliminate excessive absenteeism; provide alternative consequences for excessive absences; and reward good and perfect attendance.

Lawful, Excused Absences Pursuant to state law NCGS 115C-378 and the rules and regulations of the NCDPI, School Attendance and Student Accounting Manual, the following shall constitute a lawful excused absence, provided satisfactory evidence is given to the appropriate school official:

Illness or injury: An illness or injury, which prevents the student from being physically able to attend school;

Quarantine: When the local health officers or the State Board of Health orders isolation of the student;

Death in the immediate family of the student (defined to include, but not necessarily limited to, grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters);

Medical or dental appointments: When the absence results from a medical or dental appointment of a student;

Court or administrative proceedings: Attendance at the proceedings of a court or an administrative tribunal if the student is party to the action or under subpoena as a witness;

Religious observances: When the tenets of a religion to which a student’s and/or parents/guardians adhere require or suggest the observance of a religious event unless the religious observance or the cumulative effect of the religious observance is of such duration as to interfere with the education of the student. More than two (2) religious observances require the approval of the Superintendent or designee;

Educational opportunity: When the absence clearly is to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity, such as travel. Approval for such an absence must be granted prior to the absence by the principal;

Absences related to deployment activities: A student whose parent/ 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 said parent/ legal guardian. (NCGS 115C-407.5, current School Attendance and Student Accounting Manual Article V (E);

Child Care: Absences due to the illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom the student is the custodial parent are to be coded excused (lawful). (NCGS 115C-375.5).

Unlawful Absences For students who are entitled to attend public school and who have enrolled in a public school, unlawful absence is defined as: A student’s willful absence from school with or without the knowledge of the parent/guardian; or a student’s absence from school for any reason other than those listed in the current School Attendance and Student Accounting Manual Chapter 2, Section IV.D., under “Lawful Absences;” When students are not permitted to attend school because they lack proper immunization. (see NCGS 130A-155).

Make Up Days for At-Risk Students

Identified At-Risk students who miss

days or classes may be allowed to make them up during non-school hours. Time

must be made up on an hour-for-

hour/day-for-day basis with participation

limited to those students who fit an LEA’s

criteria for identification as an At-Risk

student (see Policy 7150).

Notification of Excessive Absences for Elementary, Middle & High

School Attendance must be taken each

day of the school year. In order to be

considered in attendance, a student

(except for hospital/ homebound or

staggered kindergarten) must be present

in the school for the school day or at a place other than the school with the

approval of the appropriate school official

for the purpose of attending an

authorized school activity. Such activities

may include field trips, athletic contests,

student conventions, musical festivals, or

any similar approved activity. The principal and staff shall take appropriate

action to prevent excessive absences

and/or provide counseling for students

with a history of excessive absences.

Parents must be notified of their

student's excessive absences, and the

teacher and/or counselor shall then work with the student and the family to analyze

the causes and to determine the steps to

eliminate the problem. NCGS 115C-378

provides that “every parent/guardian or

other person in the state having charge or

control of a student between the ages of 7

and 16 years shall cause such student to attend school continually for a period

equal to the time which the public school

to which the student is assigned shall be

in session.” The law also purports that

students under the age of seven who are

already enrolled in public school must

abide by the compulsory attendance law unless the parent withdraws the student

from school. The school will notify

parents of excessive absences under the

following conditions:

1. After the third unlawful absence:

a. The principal or designee will

determine whether or not the absence is lawful or unlawful.

School personnel shall notify the

parent/guardian within a 24-hour

period and may request an

immediate conference.

b. If unable to contact the parent/ guardian, the principal shall refer

the matter to a school social

worker or designee for immediate

investigation.

2. After not more than six (6) unlawful absences, the principal or designee

12

shall notify the parent/guardian of the student's excessive number of unlawful absences from school. a. Notification of the

parent/guardian shall be mailed and shall state that the parent may be prosecuted under the General Compulsory Attendance Law if these absences cannot be justified under established policies (see NCGS 115C-378). A copy of the notice will be directed to the social worker or appropriate central office school personnel who will work with the student and family to remedy the problem (see NCGS 115C-378). If warranted, the social worker or principal may take legal action.

3. After ten (10) accumulated unlawful

absences in a school year, the

principal must review any report or

investigation prepared under NCGS 115C-381 and must confer with the

student and the parent/guardian, if

possible, to determine whether the

parent/guardian, has received

notification and made a good faith

effort to comply with the law. If the

principal determines that a parent/guardian has not made a

good faith effort to comply with the

law, the principal shall notify the

district attorney and the director of

social services of the county where

the student resides.

Elementary, Middle and High

School Requirements

Research shows that there is a strong

correlation between time on task and

student achievement. Academic success

demands regular and punctual school attendance. While the primary

responsibility for school attendance

rests with students and parents, schools

have a continuing responsibility to make

schools safe and inviting.

The following requirements address

these issues: Individual School Improvement Plans shall include

strategies to promote

regular school attendance and provide

appropriate attendance incentives;

continued noncompliance shall result in the notification of the DSS, juvenile court,

or the district attorney that the parent/

guardian is not cooperating with the

school system in addressing the

attendance problem; each school will

annually address school attendance;

elementary and middle schools will require students arriving late or

requesting early dismissal to be

accompanied by a parent/guardian

directly to the designated check-in check-

out location in the school.

Additional High School

Requirements While school attendance is very important at all levels, it is of utmost

concern in Grades 9-12. Classroom

projects, discussions, activities, and

experiments require daily participation.

Students absent from school will miss

these experiences as well as the interactions, which occur between the

teacher and other students. Teachers

utilize this daily classroom participation

to more accurately assess the student.

Even with students over the age of 16 the

school will continue to encourage

continuous attendance.

Teachers are expected to personally

account for attendance in their classes.

Attendance shall be taken for each class

period. Teachers are responsible for the

documentation of student attendance.

The attendance office will complete

absence reports for each student, keep documentation of lawful/unlawful

absences, and report this information to

teachers, the school’s social worker, the

administration, and parents. If a student

fails to bring a note, the absence may be

deemed unlawful.

Students must be in attendance at least one (1) hour of class to receive attendance

credit; however, habitual early checkouts

(three (3) or more in the same class) will

be addressed by the administration. Each

high school shall establish protocol to

address late arrivals and early departures.

Eleventh Absence: A student who

misses more than ten (10) days in a semester will receive an incomplete for

the course and shall not be awarded

course credit except by determination of

the attendance committee upon careful

review of the student’s records. In special

circumstances, the principal may waive

the committee review and approve the absences.

Make-up work shall be assigned by the

student’s teacher as deemed appropriate.

All make-up work shall be completed

within a reasonable amount of time as

determined by the student’s teacher.

1. When total absences (lawful and unlawful) exceed ten (10) days per

semester, further documentation may

be required (doctor’s statement, court

documentation, etc.)

2. The principal, graduation coach, and

school counselors shall develop plan

to provide the student with an opportunity to earn credits in courses.

3. A parent/guardian or student may

appeal the grade before an attendance

committee. The committee will

present their decision to the principal

who will make the final decision per

NCGS §115C-288.

Once a student has reached the 10- day

threshold, the student may lose the

privilege of participating in

extracurricular experiences including, but

not limited to, school dances, the prom,

academic activities and athletics. Every effort will be made by the administration

and staffs of the high schools to work

with the students individually and in

groups in an effort to improve

attendance.

LEGAL REFS: NCGS 115C-378 through

115C-383 CROSS REFS: Policy 7150 Programs for Disadvantaged At-Risk

Students Revised: 06/05/12 New

Hanover County Public Schools

Lost and found

Lost and found icles kept in the café. Any found item should be turned in as soon as possible. At the end of each semester, unclaimed articles will be donated to a charitable institution.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

A parent or a teacher may request a conference at any time with the parent/ guardian to discuss the progress and problems of the student. Such conferences are highly desirable for they are beneficial to the student, parent/guardian and teacher. Parents may call the Office Manager, Ms. Kim Cox, at 251-6100 ext 228 to schedule a conference with a teacher. A time will be scheduled before or after school that is convenient to both the teacher and the parent/guardian.

13

Important: In consideration of your student’s safety and security, we cannot allow students to be checked out from school over the telephone. We understand that this may be an inconvenience for you, but your student's safety is our top priority.

We will also accept check-out notes by fax. The note should include the reason for early dismissal and parent contact information. It is best for you to call the main office, 251-6100, advising them to be anticipating a fax from you. The fax number for the office is 251-6114.

If your student becomes sick, they may go to the nurse. The nurse will call the designated contact person listed in your student's file and she will give your student a note to leave school with parent's/designated contact's permission. Your student must then report to the main office to sign out.

ID Cards: Students are required to keep their NHHS ID

card on their person at all times during the

school day and at all school functions. Pictures for student ID cards will be taken during the first month of school. ID cards are required for

school dances, assemblies, the Jr.-Sr. Proms, pep rallies, media center use, cafeteria, checkin/out, etc. The replacement cost for a lost ID is $5.00.

Excused Absences Students with excused absences shall be given the opportunity to make-up work missed in accordance with the following guidelines: It is the responsibility of the student to coordinate arrangements with the teacher(s) to complete make-up work within three (3) school days upon the student’s return to school. Exams or tests missed shall be taken at a time and place mutually agreed upon by the teacher and student. Make-up tests will be of equal value and/or on the same material as the missed test. However, the make-up test may not necessarily be the same test. Exams and assignments, announced prior to the student’s absences, may be required to be made up immediately upon the student’s return. Students may be required to do alternative assignments in place of missed classroom activities.

Dues/Bills Fees will be charged to students for the following, including

but not limited to: ID cards, class dues, child nutrition, lost or

damaged text books for materials, media center fines and for

special events such as AP testing, etc. Any fee due to be paid to

any NHCS and not paid at the end of the school year shall be

carried forward until the next succeeding school year. Such

fines are considered to be debts of the student to the school

system and not to a particular school. Student accounts must

be cleared of fees in order to participate in extra-curricular

activities. Due bills can be paid in the treasurer’s office.

Dismissal From School Students are to leave school grounds 15 minutes after being dismissed at 3:30 p.m. or for Early

Release unless directly supervised by a staff member.

Failure to leave school grounds 15 minutes after dismissal will result in escalating consequences and possible trespassing charges.

In the case of an emergency, an administrator will contact a parent/guardian by telephone. Please make sure the school has your student's current/accurate information on file including emergency contact information.

Should you need further information concerning the NHHS check-in / check-out procedures, you may contact a NHHS administrator at 251-6100.

Student Check In/Check Out All students must wear their school ID to check in or out of school.

Check-in: Student checking in to school after 8:30am will be coded as unexcused unless documentation of a lawful excuse is submitted. Students who check in without a parent after 8:30am will report to the Principal’s Academy for the remainder of the period. A student may present valid documentation of a professional appointment (example: doctor, dentist, lawyer or court note). Disciplinary action will result after four (4) unexcused absences/check-ins.

Check-out: Check outs will not be permitted after 3:00pm unless documentation of a professional appointment can be provided. Parents or guardians must provide photo ID in order to check their student out of school.

Make-Up Work Students are responsible for arranging make-up work with teachers. All make-up work must be completed according to the policies of the teacher and turned in no later than the end of the grading period unless approved in advance by the specific teacher. In the case of unexcused absences, work cannot be made up which will result in the grade of a zero.

14

Lockers Students should return a Locker Assignment Form signed by a parent or guardian. A nonrefundable fee of $2.00 covers the cost of any locker maintenance during the school year. No posters, writing, or stickers are permitted on or in the lockers. Students are not to go to their lockers during class periods. NHHS will not be responsible for articles or books lost from a student’s locker.

Sharing or exchanging of lockers is prohibited. Lockers are not secure places to store valuables. Any items found in a locker are deemed to be the property of the student assigned to that locker. Therefore, if any unacceptable items are found in a student’s locker that student may be subject to disciplinary action. Any violation of locker rules may result in suspension.

Money and Valuables

Please do not bring large amounts of money to school. All valuable articles should be in the possession of the owner at all times. The school cannot accept responsibility for money or other articles that are stolen.

Posters and Announcements

All posters to be displayed at NHHS must first be approved by a principal. An indication of approval must be visible on the poster. No posters are to be put on any school windows or painted surfaces. Individuals who put up posters are responsible for taking them down. Items to be read during the morning or afternoon announcements should be typed, signed by a staff member,

and turned in to Office 216. Announcements for the morning must be turned in before school. Announcements for the afternoon must be turned in by the end of lunch. An announcement can be read for only three days.

Schedule Changes Every effort will be made to place

students in courses that are appropriate for their

abilities and future educational and career interests. Maximum student and parent input will be allowed during the time when course selections are

being made. Once those selections are made, they

will be honored to the extent possible. No changes will be made in these selections except for the following reasons:

A course required for graduation was failed last year.

A selected course was taken and passed during summer school.

A senior needs a course for graduation.

Schedule changes will be made in Office 210 or with a counselor. Requests will be handled by grade level and will only be approved if they meet the requirements listed above. Seniors are given preference on schedule change requests. No changes in schedule will be made after the tenth day of first or second semester without input from an administrator, counselor, involved teacher, and parent.

Elevators Students who are medically unable to climb stairs may provide documentation to Mr. Cummings in order to check out an elevator key. Only the student assigned the key is to use the elevator.

Telephones There is a telephone in Office 216 for use by students who need to make emergency phone calls. Students must have a signed pass from the teacher whose class he/she is missing in order to use the phone. The school cannot accept responsibility for cell phones brought to school by students.

Skateboard Policy Skateboards brought on campus will be confiscated. Skateboarding is not allowed anywhere on the school campus; this includes non- school hours and days, weekends, vacations and holidays.

Fire and Tornado Drills Fire and Tornado Drills at regular intervals are required by law and are an important safety precaution. Students should vacate their classroom in an orderly manner and remain together with their class under the supervision of the teacher. For fire drills, the fire alarm system will be utilized; tornado drills will be signaled by a continuous series of three short rings of the bell. Fire exit routes are posted in each classroom. Each teacher to their class will convey tornado drill designated areas. Students are to sit in a crouched position with their head covered during tornado drills and remain quiet.

Media Center The mission of the NHHS Media Center is to help prepare the students of today for the world of tomorrow.

Board Policy 7188, Network and Internet Safety, is upheld on our campus and an expectation for which all students will practice in their online learning. Acceptable Use Policy forms, signed by a

15

parent or guardian, are required of all students and are kept on file in a student's cumulative folder in the School Counseling Office. The Media Center fully supports the school's mission of a paperless culture. As such, students and faculty are encouraged to minimize printing and requirements for printing. All students have Google accounts including email and other collaborative tools, which greatly minimize printing needs between student and teacher.

A mobile lab is available to students for in-library use, and the Media Center has large collection of print materials, which may be checked out for two weeks and renewed once.

Overdue fines of $.10 per school day apply to the checkout of all print materials, and lost materials must be paid for in full plus a $3.00 replacement-processing fee.

The Media Center is open (no most days) from 7:30am to 4:30 pm. Passes designated for the Media Center are required at all times with the exception of

before and after school, and ID’s are required to be worn at all times. Early Release students are not permitted to be on campus during their Early Release Period.

Cafeteria/Lunch Lunch periods are designated and students must eat lunch during their assigned period in the cafeteria. No students are permitted to leave campus during lunch and the parking lot is off- limits during lunch. Please observe the following rules in the cafeteria; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. All food and drink MUST BE consumed at a lunch table. Only seniors with Senior ID Cards are permitted to go outside for lunch. Excessive litter will cause administration to shut down outdoor lunch. Each student will buy his/her own lunch and may buy only one lunch at a time. Students who use free/reduced lunch numbers under false pretenses will be subject to paying for that lunch and may be subject to disciplinary action as well. Everyone must dispose of his/her paper, dishes, eating utensils, trash and trays when he/she has finished eating.

NO PREPARED RESTAURANT FOOD MAY BE BROUGHT ON CAMPUS DURING SCHOOL HOURS, NOR DOES THE MAIN OFFICE ACCEPT RESTAURANT DELIVERIES TO STUDENTS. PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO DRIVE UP/DROP OFF ANY TYPE OF FOOD THROUGH CAR WINDOWS TO STUDENTS AT ANY TIME DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.

Vending Machines & Faculty Lounges NHHS will not be held liable for any currency lost in a vending machine. Vending machines may not be used before 1:55 p.m. each day. Students are not allowed in the teachers’ lounges for any reason at any time. Teachers are responsible for keeping students out of these areas and should not send a student to the lounge for any reason.

Withdrawal from School If a student needs to transfer to another school or decides to withdraw from school, he/she

Senior Honors/Awards Policy/Graduation Awards Night - Held near the end of school each year, this program provides an opportunity for staff and community members to recognize outstanding students, especially seniors. The staff of NHHS enjoys recognizing outstanding academic achievement. The top two academic awards are computed at the end of eight semesters, the entire time students are enrolled in high school. Valedictorian and Amy Bradley Medal – This award goes to the senior with the highest grade point average after eight semesters. It is given at graduation and the recipient present a Valedictory address. Salutatorian – This award goes to the senior with the second highest grade point average after eight semesters. It is given at graduation and the recipient presents Salutatory address. Nancy Stovall Horton Academic Excellence Award – This award is given to seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 4.75 or higher and is presented at the Awards Night Program. So there is adequate time to order and receive the awards, it is based on seven semesters of academic work. Honor Cords – These cords are worn to graduation by students achieving the grade point averages listed below. So there is adequate time to order and receive the cords, it is based on seven semesters of academic work.

Graduation will be held on June 11, 2016 in Trask Coliseum on the campus of UNCW.

16

must have secured parental consent. The parent/guardian must come to Office 210 in person and sign the official withdrawal form. At the time of transfer or withdrawal, the student must turn in his/her books, ID card, and other school equipment or property. No official records or transcripts will be released until school property has been returned and fines have been paid in full.

Policies Regarding Club Activities Every club or class has one or more advisors assigned to it. An advisor must be present whenever the club has a meeting. Check with an assistant principal if there are questions about school social activities. In-school parties are not allowed at the high school level. Clubs and other organizations conducting fundraisers must have prior approval for the projects. A form describing the project and requesting a date for the activity must be filled out and turned in to the treasurer, who keeps the master schedule of fund- raisers. The project must be approved by an administrator and put on the calendar before the club orders the merchandise or makes arrangements for the activity. The policy applies to all projects that involve selling (including food) and solicitation. No student is allowed to sell any items or to solicit business for individual or any group for any reason without the express written consent of the principal. Care of School Property/ Expectations on Grounds Responsible students and good citizens need not be reminded that NHHS has an excellent school facility that should be respected in every way and kept in top condition. Defacing or damaging walls, desks, doors, lockers, walkways, books and

other school property is a sign of idleness and poor citizenship. Each year much money must be spent to refinish, repair and replace equipment that has been needlessly damaged by irresponsible persons. It should be used appropriately and not abused. At NHHS we respect our school and try our best to see that it is protected from needless abuse. Needless to say, anyone who damages or destroys school property will be expected to pay for that property. According to the seriousness of the offense, additional disciplinary action may be taken.

Further, there are certain areas on campus that are off-limits to students during the school day. They include all student and faculty parking lots, athletic facilities (unless under the direct supervision of a teacher), shrubbery and trees around the campus, all hallways and stairwells during lunch, and all teacher lounges. Students may not bring guests or non-students on campus grounds during the school day. This specifically includes, but is not limited to, pre-school children, out-of-town friends or relatives or acquaintances, regardless of age.

Confiscated Items/ Search and Seizure Items that interfere with the learning environment of NHHS will be confiscated. A parent must pick up any item taken from a student. The school will not be responsible for confiscated items. iPods and playing cards, etc. are examples of items that students may not utilize during instructional time. Confiscated items may

be picked up M-F only between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. For a first time offense, parents may pick up the item on the same day the item is confiscated. The second time an item is taken, it will be held for two weeks. On the third incident the item will be held for the remainder of the school year. Any student refusing to give up their prohibited item to school personnel will be automatically suspended.

Desks, lockers and other equipment which belongs to the school or school district, and even though assigned to particular students for use, may be entered and searched by school officials whenever said school officials have reasonable suspicion that some item, substance or other material is contained therein which is illegal, harmful to the safety of the student or the student body as a whole, or significantly disruptive of or dangerous to the overall discipline of the school.

The Board of Education authorizes teachers and administrative personnel who have reasonable suspicion that a student or students are in possession of weapons, illegal drugs, or other items harmful to the student or students or to the welfare of the student body, to search the person of said student(s) under the following conditions: any such action shall not be taken unless there is a

17

reasonable suspicion which can be substantiated if necessary, and any such action shall not deliberately be intended to embarrass, harass or intimidate the student(s).

Counseling Services The counselors of NHHS believe all students are unique individuals with different abilities, skills, and desires. The counselors work to help students develop their potential to the fullest by providing them with opportunities to solve personal problems, by encouraging them to accept themselves and others, and by helping them learn about vocational opportunities and educational requirements.

Except in cases of emergency, students may come to the counseling offices only after setting up an appointment with a counselor. These appointments may be made before school, after school, during lunch if students have a note in their handbooks from the period teacher, or between classes. Counselors will make every effort to schedule students when they need to come. Students who have appointments must first report to their teachers for that period and receive the teacher’s permission to come to the Guidance Department. Upon entering, all students will sign a log. Emergency situations will be handled on an individual basis.

Peer Mediation Peer mediation is a violence prevention program which provides specially trained peer mediators the opportunity to help other students resolve conflicts before those conflicts escalate. Working out these issues in a peer forum precludes the involvement of school officials, school disciplinary measures, and of course, physical harm. It is especially useful in dealing with problems such as name-calling, arguing, and threats. To request mediation for a problem; pick up a Peer Mediation form in the Counseling Office (210).

Student Code of Conduct

Statement of Purpose

An educated citizenry is essential to good government in this country and cannot exist without effective public schools. A democracy is only as strong as the character of its individual citizens. Our school earnestly solicits the cooperation of every student, every parent, and the community at large in its effort to develop positive character and to maintain order and safety at NHHS. Students are expected to treat others with respect, behave in a responsible manner, and demonstrate high standards of integrity.

General Provisions

All students will comply with all rules governing behavior and conduct. It is the responsibility of the principal to investigate fully the cases of students appropriately referred to his/her office for misbehavior, to ensure fair treatment of such students and protection of their procedural and substantive

rights, and to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is warranted. The teacher shall have the responsibility and authority to discipline students, except in those cases requiring the attention of the principal.

Unless otherwise specified, and/ or with the exception of a Class V violation as later defined, this code shall apply to all students in the system before, during, and after school hours, at school, in any school building, and on any school premises; on any school-owned vehicle or in any other school-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school activities; bus stops; off school property at any school-sponsored or school-approved activity, event, or function; and during any period of time when students are subject to the authority of school personnel. This policy applies to all students except as otherwise provided for in the IDEA, Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the 1990 Americans with

Disabilities Act. Procedures on implementing requirements for students with disabilities are found in Procedures and Guidelines for Exceptional Children’s Programs and Section 504/ADA Handbook. During the period that a student is suspended, he/she is prohibited from entering the grounds of any school in the New Hanover County Public Schools and from attending any school-related functions without expressed permission of the building principal.

Violation of Board policies, regulations issued by the individual school, or the North Carolina General Statutes may result in disciplinary action including expulsion or suspension of the student from the New Hanover County Public Schools pursuant to the Due Process Procedures for Administrative Disciplinary Action of the New Hanover County Public Schools.

18

Violations of the New Hanover High School Student Code of

Conduct may result in a

Disciplinary Assignment to an alternative education program. If, after providing full due

process as defined for long-term suspensions (more than 10 days) in the Student Code of Conduct,

a principal determines that a Disciplinary Assignment is appropriate, the principal may recommend to the Associate

Superintendent for Administrative Services that the student be assigned to an

alternative educational program without transportation. If the decision of the Associate Superintendent is not acceptable

to the parent, the parent may appeal the decision, in writing, to the Superintendent’s

Administrative Hearing Officer

within ten (10) calendar days from the date of the school administrative hearing.

Violations & Consequences

Class 1 Violations First offense: This violation

will result in disciplinary action as determined proper by the building principal to include

documentation of notification to

the parent/ guardian. Second and repeated offenses: This violation may

result in short or long-term suspension or disciplinary assignment to an alternative

program.

Definitions: INAPPROPRIATE ITEMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Any device disruptive to the

school environment to include electronic devices, including but

not limited to, pagers and mobile telephones and laser

devices, will not be displayed or utilized while on the school bus

or on school premises during the

school day. HONOR CODE VIOLATION Cheating, plagiarism, dishonesty,

falsification of assignments and signatures, violation of software regulations, copyright laws, and

inappropriate computer access are considered honor code violations. Also, selling merchandise, magazines,

newspapers, or other property on school grounds, unless it is an approved school activity, is

considered private enterprise and an honor code violation. TRUANCY Each student will be assigned a

school schedule and must adhere to that schedule except when excused by the principal or a

teacher authorized to excuse a

student. POSSESSION OF TOBACCO Use of any tobacco product or

possession of tobacco or tobacco paper is prohibited. This includes possession at any time in any

school building or school vehicle on the school premises (including extra-curricular activities).

DRESS CODE VIOLATION The dress code violation includes

wearing, decorating or adorning clothing that is inappropriate to

the learning process. Clothing that reveals undergarments, chest, breast, naval, buttocks, or

any private body part will be considered inappropriate for the school setting. Any article that displays, suggests, promotes, or

reveals a lewd, vulgar, unsafe, violent or sexual message

through language, images and/or

symbols is prohibited. INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE/ DISRESPECT Any communication used to

degrade, disrespect, or abusive in

nature, whether by signs, symbols, or gestures is prohibited

in the school environment.

GAMBLING Gambling means to bet money, or wager anything on the outcome

of a game, contest, or other event. FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION

Falsification of information is a false statement meant to deceive or give a wrong impression.

Class II Violations

First offense: This violation may result in short or long-term suspension.

Second offense: This violation will result in short or long-term suspension or disciplinary assignment to an alternative

program. Third offense: This violation will result in long-term

suspension or disciplinary assignment to an alternative program.

Definitions:

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR This assault occurs when a student is put in reasonable

apprehension of harmful, offensive, or injurious contact by another student. It also involves

intentionally behaving in such a

manner as could reasonably cause physical injury to any student.

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR Disruptive behavior constitutes any physical or verbal action

which reasonably could or does substantially disrupt, disturb, or interfere with the peace, order, and/or discipline within the

learning environment or during

any school related activity and any verbal, physical, or visual

forms of a sexual nature that create a hostile or abusive educational environment for

19

other students. No student shall engage in behavior, which is

indecent, disreputable, or of a

sexual nature. No obscene, gang related material or article of clothing to suggest or promote

gang affiliation will be displayed or possessed on school premises or during any school sponsored

activities. Pyrotechnics and incendiary devices or materials intended to result in an explosion and/or fire are not

allowed on school property, any school sponsored event, or any activity representing New

Hanover County Schools. Pyrotechnics and incendiary devices include but are not limited to: fireworks, explosives,

explosive making material, chemicals, lighters, explosive caps for toy pistols, snake and

glow works, smoke devices, trick

noisemakers, wire sparklers, and other sparkling devices. INSUBORDINATION Students shall comply with all appropriate or reasonable directions of principals, teachers, School Resource Officers, substitute teachers, student teachers, teacher assistants, bus drivers, and all other school personnel who are authorized to give such directions during any period of time when they are subject to the authority of such school personnel. FIGHTING Fighting is the act of hitting or kicking another student or other person. Any action, comments, or written messages intended to cause others to fight or which might reasonably be expected to result in a fight will be considered the same as fighting. A student who is attacked may use reasonable force in self-defense but only to the extent to free himself/ herself from the attack and notify proper school

authorities. A student who exceeds this reasonable force may be disciplined even though he/she may not have provoked the fight. THEFT Theft is stealing, attempting to steal, or possessing stolen property having reason to know it was stolen. PROPERTY DAMAGE Damage is intentionally damaging, or attempting to damage, any school property or private property while under school jurisdiction. ASSAULT / OTHER This assault occurs when a nonstudent or non-school employee is put in reasonable apprehension of harmful, offensive, or injurious contact by any student. COMMUNICATING THREATS Threatening actions include language that reasonably threatens force of violence and any sign or action that reasonably constitutes a threat of force or violence toward any school employee, other student, or any other person. EXTORTION Extortion is the use of one’s position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage. DISORDERLY CONDUCT Disorderly conduct is any action that disrupts the peace and order of the school. Trespassing/ Loitering is also included as a part of disorderly conduct. Trespassing to include loitering is the presence of any student on the campus of another school in the New Hanover County Public School System during the school day without the knowledge and consent of the officials of the school he/she is visiting. Any student who has been suspended from school will be considered during the suspension period without the express permission of the principal.

AFFRAY An affray is a fight between two or more persons in a public place so as to cause terror to the people. HARASSMENT - VERBAL Verbal harassment means to worry, torment, trouble, verbally attack, or irritate persistently any student, school employee, or any other person. HAZING To annoy any student by playing abusive or ridiculous tricks upon him, to frighten, scold, beat, or harass him or subject him to personal indignity is hazing. POSSESSION OF COUNTERFEIT ITEMS Any false item, which, without authorization, bears a trademark, trade name, or other identifying marks, imprint, number or device to include currency is prohibited. USE OF COUNTERFEIT ITEMS Use of any counterfeit item, which the person thereof obtains, or attempts to obtain, money, property, services, or some thing of value is prohibited.

Class III Violations First offense: This violation will result in long-term suspension, suspension for 365 days or expulsion.

Definitions: ASSAULT ON STUDENT This assault occurs when a student is put in reasonable apprehension of harmful, offensive, or injurious contact by another and such contact results. ASSAULT ON SCHOOL PERSONNEL This assault occurs when school official, employee or school volunteer who is not a student is put in reasonable apprehension of harmful, offensive, or injurious contact by any student or behavior of a student that could reasonably cause physical injury to any school official, employee or school volunteer who is not a student.

20

ASSAULT INVOLVING USE OF A WEAPON Assault with a weapon or other object that could reasonably be considered a weapon. A weapon includes any incendiary device, defined under Class II, any firearms or explosive device defined in Class IV, or any weapon or dangerous instrument defined below. FALSE FIRE ALARMS Students will not initiate a false fire alarm on any school premises. POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES Possession of narcotic drugs on or in the immediate control of the person is prohibited. This includes any substances listed in the NC Controlled Substances Act (possession of any amount in any form) and unauthorized possession of a prescription drug. USE OF NARCOTICS Use of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or any other controlled substance. Use of drug paraphernalia or counterfeit drugs or inhaling or ingesting any chemicals or products with the intention of bringing about a state of exhilaration or euphoria or of otherwise altering the student’s mood or behavior. USE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE Use of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or any other controlled substance. POSSESSION OF CHEMICAL AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA Possession of drug paraphernalia or counterfeit drugs for inhaling/ ingesting or any chemicals and/or products with the intention of bringing about a state of exhilaration or

euphoria or otherwise altering the student’s mood or behavior. ALCOHOL POSSESSION (See G.S. 18B-300 to 302). Any underage person who purchases, provides or sells to another, possesses or has in his/ her immediate custody or control, malt beverages, fortified

or unfortified wine, or spirituous liquor, in any amount or form, on school property owned or leased by the local board of education, or at school sponsored events is prohibited (comparable to a misdemeanor violation by G.S. 18B-102 and G.S. 18B-300, 301 and 302). USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES To consume malt beverages, fortified or unfortified wine, or spirituous liquor, in any amount or form on school property. HARASSMENT – SEXUAL Unwelcome sexual advances and sexually motivated physical contact are sexual harassment. Verbal, physical, or visual forms of a sexual nature that create a hostile or abusive educational environment for other students are also sexual harassment. POSSESSION OF A WEAPON Handling or transferring, whether openly or concealed, without educational permission or consent, any BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, air pistol, facsimile of a gun, ammunition, knife, ice pick, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, loaded cane, sword cane, machete, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades, or any other object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or dangerous instrument. UNLAWFULLY SETTING A FIRE Intentionally starting a fire or attempting to start a fire or aiding and abetting in the starting or attempting to start a fire without educational permission or consent is prohibited.

DEATH BY OTHER THAN NATURAL CAUSES Death by other than natural causes is the killing of a living person done by another person including, but not limited to, murder, manslaughter and death by vehicle. , THEFT WITH A DANGEROUS WEAPON This includes theft or attempted theft of anything of value from the person of another, or from the area under the immediate bodily control of the other, by using a dangerous weapon or by an act threatening use of a dangerous weapon. A dangerous weapon is any article, instrument, or substance that is likely to produce death or great bodily harm. Forcible theft or attempted theft from a person without the use of a dangerous weapon should be reported under Robbery Without a Dangerous Weapon. ROBBERY WITHOUT A DANGEROUS WEAPON The taking or attempting to take anything of value from another’s person, by force, or by an act threatening force or violence, which puts a victim in fear, without the use of a weapon. The stealing of someone’s property without the use of force or from a source other than the victim’s person is not included in this offense. If the taking from the person involves use of a dangerous weapon the incident is reported under Robbery With a Dangerous Weapon. RAPE Rape may be statutory or forcible. Forcible Rape is committed by force and without the consent of the victim, regardless of age. Statutory Rape is committed on a child under the age of 16 by a person who is at least 12 years old and at least 4 years older than the victim, regardless of whether the victim consented.

21

SEXUAL OFFENSE Sexual Offense may be forcible or statutory. Forcible Sexual Offense is committed by force and without the consent of the victim. Statutory Sexual Offense is a sexual act committed on a child under the age of 16 by a person who is at least 12 years old and at least 4 years older than the victim, regardless of whether the victim consented. Statutory Sexual Offense is also sexual acts committed on a person who is mentally handicapped or incapacitated or physically helpless, regardless of whether the victim consented. SEXUAL ASSAULT Sexual assault is defined as an unauthorized and unwanted, intentional, or forcible touching of a person of either sex. This category includes forcibly and intentionally grabbing the clothed or unclothed anatomy of a person, without the consent of the victim. KIDNAPPING Confining, restraining or removing from one place to another a person, without his/her or the victim’s or a minor victim’s parents’ consent, for the purpose of committing a felony; or holding a victim as hostage or for ransom, or for use as a shield. A parent taking a child in violation of a court order, although it may be a crime, is not kidnapping for this purpose. ADULT TAKING INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH A MINOR Committing a sexual act with or in the presence of a child under the age of 16 years, by a person at least age 16 and at least five years older than the child, for sexual gratification, regardless of whether force was used, or whether the victim consented.

Class IV Violations

Bomb Threats and Firearms:

These violations will result in a 365-day suspension and may result in expulsion. Assault on school personnel resulting in serious injury: This violation will result in a longterm suspension for no less than 300 days but no more than 365. Assaults another student if witnessed by school personnel or assaults and seriously injures another student: This violation may result in a long-term suspension for up to 365 days. Definitions: BOMB THREATS (dynamite, cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive) Communicating a report, while knowing or having reason to know the report is false, that there is located on any school premises a device designed to cause damage or destruction by explosion, blasting, or burning. Placing on any school premises with the intent of perpetrating a hoax, any device that would appear to a reasonable person to be a bomb or similar instrument capable of causing injury and/or damage. (G.S. 14.69.1 et.seq. or G.S. 14-69.2) POSSESSION OF FIREARM (gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm) The handling or transmitting, whether openly or concealed, of any gun, rifle, pistol or any other firearm of any kind or explosive device on school property or at school sponsored activities. ASSAULT RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY (to teacher, other school personnel, another student) This assault is one that causes serious physical injury.

Class V Violations

Definition: Any behavior, which indicates that the student’s

continued presence in school, constitutes a clear threat to the safety of other students or employees. In accordance with NC General Statute 115C-391(d), a local board of education may, upon recommendation of the principal and superintendent, expel any student who is 14 years of age or older whose behavior indicates that the student’s continued presence in school constitutes a clear threat to the safety of other students or employees.

Provisions for Enforcement A. Short-Term Suspension – suspension from school, school activities, and school grounds for a 22 period up to and including ten (10) days. A short term suspension does not include the removal of a student from class by the classroom teacher, principal or other authorized school personnel for the remainder of the subject period or school day and/or changing the student’s location to another room or place on the school premises. B. Long-Term Suspension – suspension from school, school activities, and school grounds in excess of ten (10) days but not exceeding the time remaining in the school year. This long-term suspension must have the approval of the Superintendent. C. Long-Term Suspension – 365 Days – suspension from school, school activities, and school grounds for a period of 365 days as specified in G.S. 115C- 391. This long-term suspension must have the approval of the Superintendent. D. Expulsion – permanent exclusion from the New Hanover County Public Schools of a student (1) who is fourteen years of age or older and (2) whose behavior indicates that the student’s continued presence in school constitutes a clear threat

22

to the safety of employees or other students. Expulsion can only be authorized by the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Principal and Superintendent. E. Disciplinary Assignments – Assignment to an alternative program F. Calculation of Days – number of days refers to days when schools are in session for students except for reference to a 365-day suspension, which refers to calendar days. G. A parent of a student who has committed two Class II offenses shall be given written notice that, on the finding by the principal that the student has committed a third suspendable offense, the principal shall recommend to the Superintendent that the student be long-term suspended, with consideration for enrollment at the appropriate alternative school.

H. The school principal must report immediately to law enforcement officials and provide a written report to law enforcement and the Superintendent or his designee within 24 hours of the offense the following acts when they occur on school grounds, regardless of the age or grade of the perpetrator or victim:

1. Assault resulting in serious injury

2. Assault involving use of a weapon

3. Assault on school personnel (not resulting in serious injury)

4. Bomb threat 5. Burning of a school

building 6. Death by other than

natural causes 7. Kidnapping 8. Possession of alcoholic

beverage

9. Possession of controlled substance in violation of law

10. Possession of a firearm or powerful explosive

11. Possession of a weapon (excluding firearms and powerful explosives)

12. Rape 13. Robbery with a

dangerous weapon 14. Robbery without a

dangerous weapon 15. Sexual assault (not

involving rape or sexual offense)

16. Sexual offense 17. Taking indecent liberties

with a minor

“Automatics” Automatic Suspension

Fighting: 10 days for any involvement.

Weapons: 10 days. Recommendations for long-term suspension.

Bullying to Include Cyberbullying: 10 days + Peer Mediation.

Illegal Drugs: 10 days. Recommendations for long-term suspension.

Insubordination or profanity to any adult: 5 days.

Excessive Tardies (5th) or skipping: 2 days.

Removal from ISS for disciplinary reasons: 3 days.

23

1. I will obey/follow the New Hanover County school rules and policies outlined in the

2. Parent-Student Handbook. In addition, I have received copies of each rule and understand the content.

3. I will not draw gang symbols, letters, numbers, or phrases on any of my personal property or the property of New Hanover County Schools (including but not limited to walls, desks, posters, etc.)

4. I will not graffiti any property of New Hanover County Schools with any gang related words, symbols, letters, numbers, etc.

5. I will not make any hand gestures that represent any gang or even appear to be making any hand gestures. I will refrain from teaching others these hand gestures.

6. I will not represent the gang I am affiliated with by wearing their colors. I will also not walk with any group of students who are also representing these colors.

7. I will not get into a verbal and/or physical confrontational situation with another student, particularly those students that are affiliated with or represent other gangs.

8. I will not demonstrate disruptive behavior on campus at any time (during school hours and after school activities). I will not instigate or participate in any action which disrupts the educational process which includes, but is not limited to, fighting, arguing, disrespect, verbal threats, gestures, etc. I will not distract other students from learning nor disrupt the teacher from teaching.

9. I will make continuous progress towards earning my high school diploma.

10. Other:

I understand that violating any of the above stated conditions will result in immediate long-term suspension and possible expulsion

Student Signature:

Parent Signature:

Principal:

Date:

NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS GANG CONTRACT