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BENNNINGTON SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Steve Rivers JH/HS Principal Jason Feil JH/HS Athletic Director Lisa Everhart JH/HS Administrative Asst. Angie Alexander School Nurse GUIDANCE STAFF Rena Mick JH/HS Counselor Crystal VanCoevern Home/School Specialist, HS TRUCE Sponsor New.. School Psychologist CERTIFIED TEACHING STAFF Ashley Austin JH/HS Math, Head JH Volleyball, Asst. HS Girls Basketball Christopher Bruce JH/HS Vocal Music, HS Drama Jason Feil JH Math, JH/HS Athletic Director, HS Stuco Sponsor, Asst. HS Baseball David Gillett HS Math, Asst. HS Track, Head HS Football Jim Gish JH Social Science, HS World Geography, JH Stuco, Head JH Football, Head JH Track, JH Scholar’s Bowl Taylor Haws HS Social Science, Asst. HS Volleyball Barbara Hubert JH/HS Spanish Sylvia Kvacik HS English Bill Luthi JH/HS Industrial Technology Danton McDiffett JH English, JH Play Director Erin Dugan Michaud JH/HS Art Rena Mick JH/HS Counselor, FACS, Head JH/HS Cross Country,

Head HS Track Bill Scheef JH/HS Speech Bailey Schell JH/HS Band, Pep Band, Asst. HS Drama Garrett Scritchfield Special Education, MTSS Committee, Asst. JH Boys

Basketball, Asst. JH Track, Head JH Wrestling, Asst. JH Football

Bryan Shamburg HS Science, HS Science Olympiad, Asst. HS Track, Asst. HS Football TJ Trout JH Science, JH Science Olympiad, HS Earth Science,

Head HS Girls Basketball, Asst. JH Track Kevin Turowski JH/HS Physical Ed/Health, Asst. HS Football, Asst. HS

Boys Basketball Don Wagner HS English, F.Y.I. Publication Amy Warhurst HS English, Class Sponsor (12), Forensics Sherry Wiesen HS Business, Yearbook, Class Sponsor (11), NHS, Head

HS Scholar’s Bowl Additional Coaches/Sponsors: Jennifer Bartlett Asst. JH Volleyball Doug Betts Asst. HS Baseball Todd Burrow Head HS Baseball Ann Feil Asst. HS Cheerleading Kris Langdon JH Technology Dallas Matthews HS Dance Team Jerry Mick Asst. HS Football, Asst. HS Wrestling Curtis Pickering Head HS Boys Basketball Tracy Piepho Asst. JH Football, Head JH Girls Basketball Darren Rodine Asst. HS Softball, Head JH Boys Basketball

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Additional Coaches/Sponsors Cont: Cody Smith Head HS Volleyball, Asst. HS Boys Basketball Mike Smith Head HS Softball Gregg Tanzer Asst. HS Girls Basketball Dawn Wolf Asst. HS Scholar’s Bowl, Class Sponsor (11) CLASSIFIED STAFF Lisa Everhart Administrative Asst. Kris Langdon Computer Aide Kim Kerr Food Service Director Pam Coffman Cook Jennifer Mader Cook Connie Weiland Cook Tim Boss Head Custodian Terry Radke Custodian/Maintenance Judy McCready Custodian Paula Serrien Library Aide, Accompanist Dawn Wolf Library Aide Tera Chance Para Educator Nancy Cumberland Para Educator Deb Harris Para Educator Marva Jore Para Educator Rhonda Williams Para Educator BUS DRIVERS Mandy Gantenbien Transportation Coordinator, Driver Tera Chance Driver Deb Harris Driver Judy McCready Driver Rodney Saenger Driver Dee Wills Driver Tammy Saenger Special Ed Transportation

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ENROLLMENT

RESIDENCY POLICY with respect to students attending BJH/BHS and the USD 240 schools:

Students who are afforded an education in the facilities of this district are residents of the district. When they cease to be a school resident of the district, the district shall cease to furnish them with the educational facilities of this district, except as set forth below:

Non-resident students desiring to enroll in the district schools must complete an “Out-of-District” application for admission. This includes students who move out of the district during the school year. The building principal, the superintendent, and the Board of Education must approve this application prior to attendance in the school by the student. The final decision to approve a student rests with the Board, and it is under no obligation to accept any non-resident student. A parent/principal conference is required of all applicants, and the principal will investigate the conditions and background of each applicant and report to the superintendent.

The admission status of all non-resident students who have previously been admitted for attendance will be reviewed before the beginning of each school year, and a recommendation of renewal or non-renewal of said student for the coming school year will be given to the superintendent and the Board for their approval or non-approval each school year.

GUIDELINES FOR ENROLLMENT AS A FULLTIME STUDENT: Bennington Jr/Sr High School has a block schedule with four periods per day, plus a seminar period, from 8:15 AM to 3:25 PM. Students are required to be enrolled in eight classes per semester plus the seminar period. Courses required for graduation must be attempted first at BHS before being taken off campus unless the Principal gives prior approval. TRANSFER STUDENTS FROM NON-ACCREDITED SCHOOLS/CREDIT GRANTED. The following policy will be followed in determining the amount of credit to be granted for students transferring to BHS from a non-accredited school:

- No credit will be awarded for courses not offered at BHS unless approved by the Principal.

- Credit may be granted for transferring courses if a) the course work is in a sequential curricular area, and b) the next level of the course is taken and passed and BHS. Example 1: If Spanish 2 is passed at BHS, credit will be granted for Spanish 1 taken at the high school level at a non-accredited high school. Example 2: If Algebra 2 is passed at BHS, credit will be granted in Algebra 1 and Geometry taken at high school level at non-accredited high school.

- Courses taken at the non-accredited high school which are not sequential in nature will be considered for granting credit. Interviews will be held with the student and a representative of the department of the course(s) in question; the student will have the opportunity by various methods to demonstrate the level of mastery of the course content; if the Bennington representative is satisfied that the course content and level of mastery of the course is sufficient, credit will be awarded for the course(s).

- The grade for the transferring course(s) will be recorded as a 'P' for 'pass', and no grade points will be awarded toward the students overall GPA.

TRANSFER CREDITS FROM ACCREDITED SCHOOLS: BHS will accept all transfer credits from other accredited high schools. Required courses can only be taken for credit at an off-campus location with prior approval from the Principal. REDUCED SCHEDULE: A reduced schedule is only available to students with extreme circumstances, or if a student is enrolled at Salina Area Technical College. Students desiring a reduced schedule must discuss the extreme circumstances with the Principal and gain approval. REPEATING A COURSE: If a student and/or parent choose for the student to repeat a course that is not normally repeated, and he/she previously passed and received credit for, the grade

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and award of credit will be based on the second attempt, if taken at BHS. The grade and credit from the first attempt will be removed from the student’s permanent record. If a student received a failing grade on the first attempt, the record of the first attempt will remain on the permanent transcript. SCHEDULE CHANGES: The schedule of classes is set up, and teachers are hired and assigned, based upon student enrollment requests in the spring. Therefore class changes will not be possible except as follows:

1. A class must be added to meet graduation requirements. 2. Change is necessary because student is academically misplaced. (Must be

recommended by teacher/counselor/parent and approved by administration.) 3. Re-taking a class that was failed and is needed to meet graduation requirements. 4. In cases initiated by the student, no more than two days of class have occurred and

all procedures for a schedule change are followed. No schedule change is effective until the proper schedule change forms are obtained from the counselor, forms are completed, all required signatures are obtained, and the form is returned to the counselor. The BJH/BHS counselor will advise students regarding schedule changes and choices of possible classes available. GUIDELINES FOR DROPPING A CLASS: If a student drops is dropped from a class after the first six weeks of a semester, the course will be recorded on the student’s transcript as WNC (withdrawn/no credit), and the no credit will be calculated in the student’s GPA. If a student’s schedule is reduced, the student will be put in supervised study class and required to be in attendance the entire school day. SUMMER SCHOOL Summer school credit does not count toward KSHSAA eligibility. If a student completes a summer school class at a location other than BHS, i.e. USD 305 Summer School, etc., that grade will be added to the student’s transcript as a letter grade and calculated in the student’s GPA. It will not replace the grade received at BHS. OFF-CAMPUS ENROLLMENT OPTIONS 1. Juniors and seniors may choose to attend Salina Area Technical College, preferably in the

morning (transportation is not provided by the school district). 2. Eligible juniors and seniors may enroll in an on-line college course for one period per

semester. Students must apply and request prior approval from their counselor. Students must submit proof of enrollment to the BHS administration within one week of the start of the semester. College courses shall not be used in the calculation of the student’s high school GPA or recorded on the transcript.

3. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better to receive credit on their high school transcript from any off-campus course. STS grade(s) will be recorded on the official transcript and used in the calculation of the student’s high school GPA; concurrent college courses (taken from our teachers here at BHS) will receive the grade earned and are used in the calculation of the student’s high school GPA.

4. Students taking off-campus courses who are concerned with eligibility should contact the AD, the counselor, or the principal.

FLEX SCHEDULE GUIDELINES: Seniors who are on schedule to graduate in eight semesters may apply no later than October 1st (unless a waiver is granted by the principal) for permission to attend school part-time (flex schedule) the second semester of their senior year. All completed applications with student and parental signatures shall be submitted to the counselor and will be reviewed by the administration and the counselor. A meeting shall be held which shall include parent(s) or guardians(s), the principal or designee, and the student. If approved, the application shall be signed by all involved parties and filed in the student’s permanent file. Seniors who attend part-time second semester are to be in the building only during class, when meeting with a teacher, or during lunch block. Seniors attending part-time during second semester shall be allowed to participate in senior class activities and must be passing at least five subjects of unit weight or they will not be eligible for KSHSAA activities.

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FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS: All Foreign Exchange students must receive prior approval from the Principal or Counselor before being allowed to enroll. Request must be made in writing. Foreign Exchange students are required to be proficient in English prior to attendance at BHS. All requests to attend must include a transcript translated into English and all requests must be received at BHS by August 1 of each school year. Furthermore, the student must be enrolled prior to September 20 of each school year. BHS will accept up to 5 foreign exchange students per year. No more than 2 students from one country will be accepted each school year. No more than 2 foreign exchange students will be accepted from one program. No diplomas will be granted to foreign exchange students, and they will not go through the graduation exercises. They will be given a certificate of completion, and an official transcript of the completed coursework at BHS will be mailed to the student’s home school. All foreign exchange students will enroll in a full schedule containing the following courses

U.S. History U.S. Government English – appropriate level Math – appropriate level Science – appropriate level Electives

ACADEMIC PROGRESS OF STUDENTS: In order for a student to make minimal progress toward graduation at the end of his/her fourth year of high school attendance, the following unit requirements must be met: Minimal Normal Sophomore Classification 6 units of credit (end of 9th grade) 7½ - 8 Junior Classification 13 units of credit (end of 10th grade) 14 - 15 Senior Classification 20 units of credit (end of 11th grade) 21 – 22 (These should be increased for next three years due to 8-period Block schedule.)

GRADUATION EXERCISE PARTICIPATION: Senior students must complete all credit and graduation requirements before being allowed to participate in the graduation ceremonies. Additionally, all obligations such as fees and equipment must be resolved before your diploma and transcripts will be released. Any student wanting to graduate early, must make a request to the Board of Education.

Bennington High School Graduation Requirements

SUBJECT AREA CREDITS SPECIFICALLY English

4 4 credits must be earned in English Comp & Lit

Social Studies 3 1 credit must be in American History 1 credit must be in American Government 1 credit must be in World History/Geography

Science 3 Credits must include Biological and Physical Science

Mathematics 3 Any 3 of our Math credits fulfill this requirement Physical Education/Health 1 This must be fulfilled by taking 1 semester of

Basic PE and 1 semester of Health Fine Arts 1 1 credit in a Music, Drama or Art course Speech ½ ½ credit of speech earned through 1 semester of

Speech course Electives 8½ - 12½ All other classes besides those listed above will

be considered elective classes TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 28 - Class of 2015 and Beyond

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KANSAS BOARD OF REGENTS REQUIRED HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM QUALIFIED ADMISSIONS The Kansas Board of Regents has established the set of criteria that guarantees a student who graduates from a Kansas high school will be admitted to one of the six universities in Kansas. The purpose of establishing this set of criteria is to enhance the chances a student will be successful at the university level by requiring students to take a rigorous set of courses while in high school. The criteria is going to change between the graduates in 2014 and those of 2015 and beyond, so it is important for students and parents to look carefully at the correct set of criteria. For the Classes of 2015 and beyond the criteria changes and becomes more complicated (if not more difficult). The new requirements are: Graduate from a KS high school AND complete the pre-college curriculum with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, AND achieve ONE for the following: ACT score of 21 or higher, or SAT score of 980 or higher, or Graduate in the top one-third of their class, AND Achieve at minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher on any college course taken while in high school. (See the second page following to view the chart of pre-college curriculum for 2015 and beyond.) PRE-COLLEGE CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS for SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS: As a Kansas high school graduate, you may be eligible for one of three state-sponsored scholarship programs: State Scholarship Program

Minority Scholarship Program Kansas Teachers Scholarship

To be eligible for one of these scholarships, you must complete all the required courses for the pre-college curriculum listed above, plus these additional three units: Math – 1 additional unit at level above Algebra II; total of 4 units required, One course must be College Algebra, Trigonometry, or Intro to Calculus Foreign Language – 2 units required of the same language

Natural Science – Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are required, and students are strongly encouraged to take a fourth year of science.

(The requirements for English and Social Science are the same as the Qualified Admissions.) Students must have taken the ACT between April of 10th grade year and December of Senior year. The student must be a Kansas resident. Student must submit their 7th semester transcript and GPA certified by a school official. (See third page following to view the description for State Scholars.)

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STUDENT WITHDRAWAL POLICY: Students who withdraw from school, for whatever reason, must checkout through the main office of the Jr/Sr high school. Parents/guardians must notify the school to approve a student’s request to withdraw. A withdrawal form must be filled out and signed by all teachers to whom the student is assigned. Unless a student officially withdraws through this procedure, student records (such as health records, grade cards, and transcripts indicating credit earned) cannot be mailed from the office to the student’s next school. Withdrawing from school during a semester will result, in most cases, in the student receiving no credit in all classes for the semester, unless the student immediately enrolls in another high school with a similar curriculum. ENROLLMENT FEES: All enrollment fees are due at the time of enrollment. A payment plan must be signed with the school secretary if the total amount due cannot be paid at enrollment. Any missed payment voids the payment plan and the total amount is due immediately. All students should have pre-enrolled in the spring semester; students should pay fees and make final enrollment adjustments to schedule in August. All students will pay a textbook rental fee of $40.00, a computer insurance fee of $75.00, and an activity fee of $25.00 for JH/ $50.00 for HS with a family max of $75.00. There is a class dues fee of $30.00 for grades 9-12. There is a shop fee of $15.00 for 8th graders. The fees should be taken care of in August. Teachers for each class will issue books on the first day of school, only if the textbook rental fee is paid or other arrangements made with the office. Student computers will be checked out to only those students who have paid the insurance fee. The class dues fee of $30.00 is charged in order to pay for the Jr-Sr Prom. Each student in grades 9-12 is charged this fee and is invited to attend the Prom as a Junior or Senior student. The fee is being charged in place of the students being required to do a variety of fund raising as Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors and raising the money to fund the Prom. This is being done for several reasons: 1) with Junior students so busy with involvement in school and school activities, fewer and fewer students actually have the time to work in the concession stands, 2) few staff members will volunteer to sponsor the Jr. class if that class continues to be required to run all the concession stands all year, and 3) a variety of school groups will have the opportunity to run concession stands throughout the year and earn funds to spend on students, i.e. the basketball teams/parents earn funds to purchase shooting shirts, or the Drama Club earns money to attend a drama clinic. OUTSTANDING FEES, UNRETURNED OR DAMAGED PROPERTY: A notice of outstanding fees will be mailed to your home at the end of the school year. This notice will be in addition to any other notices parents have received during the school year. Any school property not returned or returned damaged will result in the replacement cost of he item being charged. These debts to the school must be taken care of by the parent or student prior to the student being enrolled in the coming year; in the case of a graduating senior the student’s diploma and transcript will be held until the obligations are resolved. RETURNED CHECKS: Checks written to BJH/BHS that are returned by the bank for any reason are sent back through the bank when the secretary is able to determine that the necessary funds are available. The account holder will be responsible for any fees charged to BJH/BHS by the bank. Repeated insufficient funds checks will result in the school requiring the parent/guardian to pay on a cash-only basis.

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COUNSELING SERVICES POST SECONDARY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES: Students are encouraged to visit the counselor to discuss post secondary plans. The counselor maintains a library of materials describing various post secondary opportunities. The students are encouraged to read the materials and visit with the counselor about post secondary plans. SCHOLARSHIPS: Many students and parents are interested in scholarships as a way to help pay for post secondary education. Colleges, universities, and other educational institutions award the greatest number of scholarships. Students need to investigate what scholarships are offered by any school they consider attending. Other scholarships are awarded by private groups and corporations. Students need to check into the possibility of scholarships being offered by an organization or place of employment of which they or their parents are a part. Many scholarship opportunities will be posted on the USD #240 website; go to www.usd240.org and click on “USD 240” and then “Guidance.” Also, once the student publication class is meeting, students/parents can go to our F.Y.I. website and access scholarship information. Students should also regularly check the bulletin boards by the counselor’s office and in Mr. Wagner’s classroom. Many scholarship opportunities will be posted on the bulletin boards throughout the school year. Applications for these scholarships are available, many times on-line. The counselor will inform seniors about financing college and applying for scholarships during a senior/parent workshop offered early during the fall semester. Applying for scholarships may require a screening test, an autobiography or essay, letters of recommendation, and/or completion of special forms. It is important to follow application directions carefully and to meet deadlines. The counselor will be glad to answer questions and assist students. It is important for students to request help in plenty of time to meet deadlines. TESTING: Several tests are administered to BJH/BHS students throughout the school year. Each test has a purpose and can be very useful in helping the counselor, parents, teachers, and students make education more meaningful for students. The counselor will explain each test in detail, when it is offered, and review results with students when the scores are returned. It is the student’s responsibility to sign-up for the optional tests. BHS students take the following tests: ACT (American College Testing) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) for college-bound juniors and seniors. Most colleges require one or the other of these tests for admission. Universities in the Kansas Regents System accept the ACT for admission. Students should find out what test is required by the college or colleges they are considering and register to take the appropriate test(s). Registration forms are available from the counselor or by going on-line. These forms take some time to complete and have deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the forms and mail them. Both the ACT and SAT websites offer test prep materials that are very beneficial and can improve a student’s score dramatically if taken seriously. It is recommended that these tests be taken either in the spring of a student’s junior year and as early as possible in the senior year. This is especially true if the student is applying to an out-of-state college or if the student is applying for some scholarships or other types of financial aid. Taking the test early also gives students more opportunity to retake the test if they need to try to raise their scores. This is especially important if a student’s first set of scores is slightly lower than those required for admission to a college, meeting a scholarship standard, or participation in intercollegiate athletics at a NCAA Division I or Division II school.

Registration deadlines and test dates are listed at the websites for the ACT: www.act.org, and for the SAT: www.sat.collegeboard.org. At both of these sites there is a great deal of useful and helpful information which students should visit and carefully read.

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KANSAS ASSESSMENT TESTS will be given in academic area according to state guidelines. These assessments are designed to measure student achievement. P.L.A.N. will be given in the fall for all sophomores. This test is recommended for any sophomore considering college. It is good practice for the ACT college admission test and also has a component designed to assist students in career decision making. PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) will be given for all interested juniors and sophomores in the top 20-25% of their class. This test is good practice for any student who may be taking the SAT college admission test. Juniors taking the test are also taking the first step required for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Sophomores who take the test should take it again as juniors.

GRADING POLICY Letter grades will be defined as the follows: Grade of ‘A’ Average of 90% and above on assessments of specified course material. Grade of ‘B’ Average of 80%-89.99% on assessments of specified course material. Grade of ‘C’ Average of 70%-79.99% on assessments of specified course material. Grade of ‘D’ Average of 60%-69.99% on assessments of specified course material.

Grade of ‘F’ Average below 60% on assessments of specified course material.

The number, types, and evaluation criteria for the major assessments of all sections of a particular course will be consistent within the department. Higher-level thinking skills should be required by these assessments. Homework should be given as a preparation for major assessments. The grade for each grading period will reflect the averaged scores of major assessments. The policy for the grade given on a major assessment will be consistent throughout the department. Expanded opportunities and multiple types of assessments should be given which measure the same mastery of material. Each teacher should utilize a “performance contract” to use with students needing additional time at the end of the grading period. Each department will develop comprehensive finals that will be used at the end of each course each semester.

PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS FOR EXTENDED TIME MAY BE USED AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE BUT MUST BE USED TO EXTEND TIME BEYOND TEN DAYS AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER. THIS CONTRACT CAN BE CONTINUED AS LONG AS THE TEACHER DETERMINES PROGRESS TOWARD SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION IS BEING MADE.

It is the classroom teacher’s responsibility when reporting unfavorable performance to conference with the student and if necessary with the parent (if appropriate action is not taken by the student in a timely fashion). Progress reports can be communicated at anytime, but can regularly be viewed by parents at any time in the nine weeks by access through PowerSchool. GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) CALCULATION: BHS has the following grading scale. A = 4.0 B = 3.0 C = 2.0 D = 1.0 F = 0.0 NOTE: Grades from college courses or correspondence courses ARE NOT calculated in GPA. All other courses are calculated in GPA (Smoky Hill Learning Center classes, SATS, USD 305 Summer School or Independent Study courses).

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MAKE-UP WORK POLICY: In case of illness where the student is absent for an unusually long period of time, special consideration will be given and a schedule for make-up work will be worked out in cooperation with the student, parent, and teacher. The student will initiate this request. Homework requests can be requested after the student’s second consecutive absence. EXTENDED ABSENCE POLICY (three or more days): Students who know they will be absent in advance for such things as family vacations and trips, MUST CONTACT THEIR TEACHERS BEFORE THE ABSENCE and make arrangements for assignments and tests. An extended absence form is available from the Secretary. This form must be completed and returned to the Secretary well in advance of the extended absence. THERE MUST BE WORK ASSIGNED ANY TIME A STUDENT MISSES A CLASS, except in cases of unexcused absences or tardies. The Extended Absence Form must be filled out. An extended absence is strongly discouraged during the academic year due to the loss of instructional time. When a student is absent due to a short-term illness, he or she will be expected to make up assignments and tests that were announced during the absence. The time allowed to make up the work will be proportional to the time allowed for the students that were present, up to a maximum of two class periods. TEACHERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO GIVE ALTERNATE TESTS FOR MAKE-UP TESTS AND TO ADMINISTER THESE TESTS DIRECTLY, OR WITH OTHER MONITORING PROCEDURES, BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL OR DURING SEMINAR TIME SO THE STUDENT WILL NOT MISS MORE CLASS TIME. When a student is absent for more than two days because of illness, the student must have someone contact the teachers to get daily assignments and make arrangements for due dates for assignments and tests. In case of doctor appointments, field trips, activity trips, etc., where school is missed for all or part of a day, STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE THEIR ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME THE SAME AS ALL OTHER STUDENTS IN CLASS. It is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments for the class from the teacher or other students. IT IS THE STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY TO INITIATE MAKE-UP WORK ASSIGNMENTS. ABSENCES during FINAL EXAMS: In case of an absence(s) during the week of Finals, the student must make arrangements with the teacher(s) to take the final(s) upon return from the absence. No finals will be taken early without the approval of the principal. STUDENT WITHDRAWAL POLICY: Students who withdraw from school, for whatever reason, must checkout through the main office of the high school. A withdrawal form must be filled out and signed by all teachers to whom the student is assigned. Unless a student officially withdraws through this procedure, student records (such as health records, grade cards, and transcripts indicating credit earned) cannot be mailed from the office to the student’s next school. Parents/guardians must notify the school to approve a student’s request to withdraw. Withdrawing during a semester may result in the student receiving NO credit for the semester. REPORT CARDS: Grade cards will be distributed after the conclusion of each nine weeks period. All bills due, equipment in, and time owed must be completed to receive grade cards at the end of the year. HONOR GRADUATES: A Senior with a cumulative 3.50 GPA or above at the end of eight semesters will be designated as a HONOR GRADUATE and will wear a Gold Cord at Commencement. Seniors with a cumulative 4.00 GPA or above at the end of eight semesters will be eligible for outstanding scholar recognition. HONOR ROLLS EACH SEMESTER: An honor roll will be published following each semester. A student will be listed on the Alpha Honor Roll if he/she has a 4.00 GPA. A student will be listed on the Principal’s Honor Roll if he/she has a GPA from 3.50-3.999. The Scholastic Honor Roll will include those students with a GPA from 3.00-3.49. One “C” on a report card will not eliminate a student from the honor roll if the GPA remains high enough to qualify that student.

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NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY: BHS follows guidelines through our charter set by the National Honor Society. All students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above are invited to apply during the 3rd quarter of their sophomore or junior years. The application process consists of completing an application and procuring recommendations with people who can attest to character. The faculty reviews and votes on membership according to student’s leadership, character, activity involvement and community service. Continued membership depends on a student’s continued adherence to the NHS membership criteria. TRANSCRIPTS: BHS will mail, at no charge, transcripts to universities and colleges upon proper request. Students may sign up in the School Office for transcript requests. Please allow two school days for transcript requests to be completed. A written or in-person request must be made when a transcript is requested for personal use. SCHOLARSHIPS: Students applying for local scholarships are required to submit an ACT score, therefore students should take the ACT so that test scores are on file in the district office by March 1 of their graduation year. Local Scholarships include:

• Bennington Lions Club Scholarships • Nelson Rowe Scholarship • Morgan Michelle Freeman Scholarships • Israel D. Markley Charitable Trust Scholarships • Wagner Family Scholarship • BHS Alumni Scholarships • Nina Horn Eisenhauer Scholarships • Jim McClain Scholarships • Janice Schmidt Scholarship

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ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCE POLICY: A student’s attendance record is a very important part of his/her permanent record. Students with regular attendance generally will be more successful in their classes. Students are expected to be present and punctual for all classes throughout the year. The responsibility of school attendance is with the student and his/her parents. When a student is absent it is the responsibility of the parents to call the Office (488-3321 ext. 221) on the day of absence. The call should be made before 9:30 AM. The Office is open at 8:00 AM for calls. Any student who checks into school after 8:15 AM must first report to the Office and receive an ADMIT to class. Any student who is counted absent for first hour will be presumed absent for the entire school day if they do not report to the Office and get an admit slip. If a student is absent from a class on more than ten days, the student may be dropped from the class by the Principal and receive no credit. If the absence is excused, daily work can be made up. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the make-up work immediately upon return to each class. The classroom teacher will determine the make-up work. Students who miss school because of an UNEXCUSED absence will be required to complete the daily work but will not be given credit. Exams and major assignments must be made up by the student in order to receive credit. The SCHOOL will determine whether the absence is excused or unexcused. Kansas State Law allows USD 240 to accept only the following as valid reasons for excusing an absence:

1. Illness- Short or long-term illness (verified by notification from doctor). 2. Medical Appointment- Appointment for medical treatment (an appointment card may

be required from the student upon return and be given to the secretary). 3. Family Crisis 4. Extended absences- (i.e.: family vacation) of the student when expressly requested

by the parents or guardian and prior arrangements has been made in preparation for the absence as defined previously in the Student Handbook.

5. School approved activities DAILY SCHEDULES BELL SCHEDULE: The regular school day consists of four instructional periods and one seminar period from 8:15 AM - 3:25 PM. Students are allowed 4 minutes for passing time except after 4th period. The 3rd period is longer in length, which includes the class period and a 25-minute closed lunch period. Because each class a student is enrolled in meets every other day for 90 minutes, good attendance is very important. A Daily Bulletin is distributed and posted on-line in PowerSchool to inform students, parents and staff members of school activities and A/B schedule for that day, and special events/activities planned for that day. Announcements are included in the Daily Bulletin, as well as activities, and students should get in the habit of reading these daily. REGULAR SCHEDULE 1st Block ------------------------------------- 8:15 - 9:45 2nd Block ------------------------------------- 9:49 - 11:19 3rd Block ------------------------------------- 11:23 - 1:18 4th Block ------------------------------------- 1:22 - 2:52 Seminar ------------------------------------- 2:55 - 3:25 All “A” classes will meet one day and all “B” classes will meet the next day.

The A/B schedule will not change once set at the beginning of the year. See the following daily schedule.

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CLOSED CAMPUS: BJH/BHS has a CLOSED CAMPUS. Once students arrive on campus for their school day, they may leave campus ONLY WITH PRIOR PARENTAL PERMISSION AND WITH PERMISSION TO LEAVE BUILDING that can only be obtained from the Office. The following student checkout procedure will be as follows: 1. Parents are to notify the Office (in person or by phone) and explain why the student must

leave the school during the day. 2. Before a student leaves building, he/she must first go to the Office and sign out. No student

is to leave the building until they have been approved to do so through the Office. If a parent cannot be reached, an administrator can give permission if there is a legitimate reason.

3. Upon returning to school, at any time, students are to check in at the Office to receive an admit slip to class.

4. Students returning from an appointment will be required to present an appointment receipt when they sign-in, if a parent has not notified the school of the appointment.

EXCESSIVE TARDIES PROCEDURE: It is the responsibility and judgment of the classroom teacher or staff member to determine when a student is tardy. The procedure followed to deter excessive tardies will be left to the teacher once that determination is made. When the tardies are excessive to the point that the student is referred to the office, the student is subject to being removed from the class with a loss of credit. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Per K.S.A. 72-1113: A student is considered truant if he/she is inexcusably absent the substantial part of either three consecutive days, five cumulative days per semester, or seven cumulative days per school year, whichever comes first. A. Students gone from school unexcused will be required to make up the class time that

was missed. B. Excessive unexcused absences may result in students being referred to the District

Attorney and/or being dropped from the school rolls. C. Once a student arrives at school, all absences from a class must be excused or the

student will earn an attendance violation and will be disciplined. UNEXCUSED VIOLATION POLICY: (after arriving at school, skipping, cutting class, and/or unaccounted absence) First Unexcused Absence Time will be made up before & after school hours Second Unexcused Absence One day suspension from school Third Unexcused Absence Two day suspension from school Fourth Unexcused Absence Three day suspension from school Fifth Unexcused Absence Five day suspension from school and request for

an extended-term suspension for the remainder of the semester

SEVERE WEATHER -- SCHOOL CLOSING: The decision to close school because of severe weather is made by the Superintendent. School closings will be announced over the radio and TV. The school district also has access to “the School Messenger” system that makes automatic calls to the phone(s) of the parents choosing. It will always be the right and privilege of parents to excuse children at school during severe weather or any other good reason when the pupil’s health and safety may be questioned.

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STUDENT CONDUCT ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Students in jr/sr high school will have many opportunities to become actively involved in the learning process. The benefits derived from original learning can be great. It is important students who are engaged in study will be responsible for doing their own work. In the event that students are found to be involved in academic dishonesty (i.e., cheating, plagiarism, etc.) they must realize that serious consequences will follow. No credit will be awarded for the assessment in which the dishonesty occurred, and no opportunity to re-do the assignment will be given prior to the last two days of the semester, or over the holiday or summer break. CLASSROOM CONDUCT: Classroom policies and conduct are formulated by the teacher and approved by the administration. Violation of classroom conduct or policy may result in the use of discipline options. Repeated violations may result in removal from the class with no credit. SCHOOL PROPERTY: A student is responsible for the full replacement cost of lost or damaged school property assigned to the student, including locks, athletic uniforms and athletic equipment. School property lost or damaged by a student will be assessed under the following categories:

a. Vandalism – payment of all charges, including labor, plus possible suspension. b. Damage or destruction unintentional but due to a student violation of a rule,

regulation, policy or direction of one in authority – payment of all charges, including labor. Other disciplinary measures may be considered.

c. Accidental damage created by circumstances beyond the control of the student – student is not charged.

BULLYING/HARASSMENT USD-240 TWIN VALLEY SCHOOLS BOARD POLICY The board of education prohibits bullying in any form on school property, in a school vehicle or at a school-sponsored activity or event. The administration shall propose and the board shall review and approve a plan to address bullying on school property, in a school vehicle or at a school-sponsored activity or event. The plan shall include provisions for the training and education of staff members and students and shall include appropriate community involvement as approved by the board. Students who have bullied others in violation of this policy any be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and expulsion. If appropriate, students who violate the bullying prohibition shall be reported to local law enforcement. COMPUTER USE GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS The USD 240 BOE has made technology devices available to all students in grades 7-12. There will be a mandatory orientation meeting for all new students and their parents at the beginning of the school year. Guidelines of acceptable use of the computer will be discussed and contracts signed by students and parents at this meeting. Returning students can review this information and sign the agreement at enrollment and in a meeting the first week of the school year. Each student will be required to pay in full a non-refundable $75.00 insurance fee due at enrollment. Students who willfully violate the Acceptable Use Policy regarding the school computers are subject to the following consequences: 1st offense – loss of internet access for one week 2nd offense – loss of internet access for two weeks 3rd offense – loss of internet access for one month

4th offense – loss of internet access for the remainder of the semester

If a student corrupts the administrative password(s) and/or creates an extra administrative account, the student will lose their computer for the remainder of the semester and at least for one month.

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DISCIPLINE An essential ingredient in the operation of a school is self-discipline. The basic philosophy of BJH/BHS is that students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. The education of all students is extremely important and any behavior that interferes with learning reduces the effectiveness of both teacher and student. It is not the intent, nor is it possible, to list all behavior guidelines to be followed. Students must be aware that there are consequences to inappropriate behavior and violating established rules. Common sense and cooperation are necessary for a satisfactory experience at BJH/BHS. We are proud to be a school represented by diverse populations. BJH/BHS has a zero tolerance policy for displays of discrimination and prejudice. All students are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity. Serious administrative disciplinary consequences will result for violating another person(s) rights as an individual. The State of Kansas permits the suspending or expelling of any student for “just cause”. It is our hope that it will not be necessary to exercise this option, but it should be understood that if it seems to be for the best interest of the student and/or student body as a whole, it will be done. Student conduct while attending school or school activities reflects each student’s character and background. Always remember to respect yourself, your school, your parents, and the school’s staff. A few of the policies and rules of conduct which students need to be aware of:

1. Each staff member has full authority over all students in the classroom, any place in the building, on school grounds, and at any school activity, home or away.

2. Each teacher has full authority in his/her classroom, and only when necessary will the principal be called on.

3. Defacing or destruction of school property will not be permitted. This includes marking or scratching on desks, chairs, tables, walls, lockers, books, etc.

4. A student shall not use language or exhibit actions or gestures that can reasonably be considered profane, indecent, or obscene.

5. There should be no smoking or chewing of tobacco by neither students nor staff in the school building or on school grounds. Tobacco in any form will not be carried at school or school activities. As it is in violation of Kansas law, students caught carrying or using tobacco will be subject to suspension and reported to law enforcement.

6. Any student guilty of knowingly possessing, selling, using, transmitting, or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drugs on school property or school activities will be suspended. Use of drugs authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician is not a violation of this rule.

7. Students should not run in any part of the building other than the gymnasium. The stairs and hallways are not to be used as a place to lounge or sit as it restricts the flow of students, teachers, and visitors moving to and from classrooms.

8. Students should not use cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, or any other new or similar technological devices during class time (8:15-3:25). Students are to be in class during class time, not out of class using these devices. Field trips or other bus trips would be an exception with sponsor permission.

Students are expected to assume their share of responsibility in maintaining an atmosphere conducive to teaching/learning situations in all classes and activities in which they participate under school supervision. Acts of behavior, which interfere with the maintenance of a good learning environment or are antagonistic to the welfare of other students, will not be tolerated. Among the specific acts of behavior applicable to students in respect to the school day, school activities or on school property which are deemed to be ground for detention, suspension or expulsion are:

Repeatedly breaking school rules Extortion or intimidation Failure to comply with a reasonable request Fighting Cheating/Plagiarism Stealing Obscenity or Profanity Open Defiance

Possession/under the influence/peddling of alcohol or drugs Possession or use of lethal weapons Use/possession of tobacco/e cigarettes Threats by word or deed Unruly conduct that disrupts school Vandalism of school or personal property

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Verbal/physical assault of a school employee

Physical abuse of a person not employed by the School District

THE PREVIOUS LIST OF STUDENT MISCONDUCT IS NOT INCLUSIVE! Any acts which disrupt the normal educational environment will be dealt with according to individual merit. DISCIPLINE OPTIONS: DETENTION TIME Detention time assigned by instructors must be completed that night or the next day and must continue making up the time in consecutive blocks of thirty minutes until time is finished. If this is not possible due to emergencies, the students must make arrangements with the teacher assigning the time or the Principal. Teacher assigned detention time must be completed with the teacher who makes the assignment or his/her designee. Failure to complete time will result in additional detention time being assigned and potentially suspension from school. Students who are out for any activity should serve detention time prior to reporting to the activity or practice unless other arrangements are approved. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION / OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION In-School Suspension will only be provided on rare occasions as an alternative to out-of-school suspension. Jr/Sr High school students should know how to behave and will be excluded from school if necessary. If assigned to the ISS room the student will complete regular classroom work and any other work assigned by the teachers or principal. Failure to cooperate in the ISS room will result in the student being placed on out-of-school suspension. Students given out-of-school suspensions may not practice, attend, or play until the suspension is completed in full. SUSPENSION CHART Det 1

day 3 day 5+

hearing

Failure to comply with a reasonable request (willful disobedience)

1 2 3 4

Fighting 1 2 Threats / Intimidation/Harassment (includes sexual/racial harassment)

1 2 3

Obscenity or profanity toward an employee or class 1 2 3 Other obscenity or profanity 1 2 3 4 Possession and/or use of tobacco/e cigarettes 1 2 3 Stealing 1 2 Unruly conduct that disrupts class/school 1 2 3 4 Vandalism/destruction of school property 1 2 Major vandalism or destruction of property 1 Open defiance 1 2 3

Verbal or physical assault upon another person 1

Assault/Battery w/ dangerous weapon 1 Possession of potentially dangerous weapon 1 2 3 Possession of weapon/hand gun under federal law 1 Possession of fireworks including incendiary device 1 2 3 Under influence or in possession of drugs/alcohol 1 2 Possession of drugs w/ intent to distribute or sell 1 KEY: numbers refer to occurrences

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Specific consequences will be based on the seriousness and the intensity of the behavior as well as the student’s willingness to adapt and cooperate with administration and faculty as we work through the incident. WEAPONS OR DANGEROUS MATERIALS: USD 240 will not tolerate any possession or use of any weapons and/or dangerous materials on school property or at school activities. A student shall not knowingly possess, handle or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or dangerous materials at school, on school property or at a school-sponsored event. 1. Definition of weapons and/or destructive devices means: A) Any weapon which will or is

designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; B) Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; C) Any explosive, incendiary or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than a quarter ounce, mine or similar device; D) Any weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant; any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into a destructive device described in the two immediately preceding examples, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled; E) Any bludgeon, sand club, metal knuckles or throwing star; F) Any knife, commonly referred to as a switchblade, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement. G) Any electronic device designed to discharge immobilizing levels of electricity, commonly known as a stun gun.

2. Penalties for possession shall result in expulsion from school for a period of one calendar year, except the Superintendent may recommend this expulsion requirement be modified on a case-by-case basis. The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee shall conduct expulsion hearings for possession of a weapon or dangerous materials. Students violating this policy shall be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency (ies) and if a juvenile to SRS.

PARENT NOTIFICATION OF SUSPENSION Written notification that a student has been suspended, in-school or out of school, shall be handed or mailed to the parents or guardians within twenty-four hours of the time of the suspension. SEARCH OF STUDENTS AND PROPERTY: The Principal has the right to search student’s person and property on school premises with reasonable suspicion a violation has occurred or is occurring. School officials have the right to search student lockers at any time. The BJH/BHS Principal may contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department to assist in the search of student’s person and property in cases where probable cause exists. WORKING K-9’S: The USD 240 board continually seeks to foster and maintain a safe environment for the students and staff of USD 240 schools. In an attempt to meet this challenge, the board of education will provide random searches of our school grounds throughout the school year by the Ottawa County Sherriff’s office. These searches are random and will be preformed by non-aggressive certified dogs and register handlers. Violations, which might be discovered during the search, will be subject to consequences as described in the school handbook and all mandates required by Kansas and Federal Laws. The school will work in full cooperation with the Ottawa County sheriffs department if such action is necessary.

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DRESS CODE AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE: The general atmosphere of a school must be conducive to learning. If a student’s appearance attracts undue attention to the extent that it may become a disruptive factor in the educational process, the Principal will ask the student to make the necessary changes. In the event that the change does not take place in the time allowed, the Principal will prescribe the disciplinary action. The following list is not all inclusive:

No clothing or body adornments with offensive, sexually suggestive, vulgar, profane, ethnically derogatory messages, pictures, or symbols, depictions or styles of Satanism, illegal substances, drug paraphernalia, tobacco, or alcohol.

No articles of jewelry, or articles on clothing, which are potentially hazardous, such as chains or studded bands, or have sharp points, etc.

No clothing or styles identified to be associated with gangs or gang activities. No outdoor clothing, such as headgear (hats or bandannas), sunglasses, or gloves. During the school day coats/jackets are to be placed in the student’s locker upon entering

the building. The administration recommends that students keep a sweater or sweatshirt in their locker for cooler days.

No short shorts or short skirts. All pants and shorts are to be worn at the student’s waistline (i.e. no sagging). All tops and shirts must have a full front and back, full sides and over the shoulder straps

(i.e. no halter tops, tube tops, bare midriffs or tank tops without sides or any other revealing clothing).

Clothing inappropriate if any flesh can be seen starting at underarms down to mid thigh. Clothing inappropriate if any undergarments can be seen. No sleepwear, lounge wear or slippers.

The final determination as to whether clothing is/is not acceptable will be made by the Principal. The basis for this judgment is if the clothing is deemed to be a distraction from the educational environment. ELECTRONIC DEVICES: No electronic devices such as cellular telephones, iPods, laser pointers, tape or disc players, electronic games, etc. will be used in the classrooms during class time between 8:15 AM to 3:25 pm at BJH/BHS unless approved by the Principal. Calculators and PDAs used appropriately are approved. These items will be confiscated on the first incident and returned to the student. The second incident will result in the confiscation and parent or guardian retrieving the item. FOOD AND DRINK: Students are not allowed to eat or drink in the classrooms or library during the school day from 8:15-3:25. The only area for consumption of food and beverages for students is the cafeteria. Teachers should not allow food or drink in the classrooms during class time without the approval of the Principal on special occasions. Students are allowed to have water bottles in the classroom and drink water, as allowed by the classroom teacher of each class. The State of Kansas has passed new regulations regarding what types of snack items/drinks will be available in the vending machines, both available during the school day and after school. Teachers are not to send students to the vending machines during class time to purchase snacks without specific permission from the building principal. VANDALISM: In addition to other disciplinary consequences, students will pay for any damage they inflict on school property. A price will be determined by the maintenance department and a student may pay cash or work for the school at an hourly rate until the item is paid for. Appropriate disciplinary action will also result.

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TRAFFIC REGULATIONS: All students with driving privileges are expected to arrive at school on time and legally park their vehicles. All cars driven to school are to remain parked until the close of the school day unless special permission is given in the office. Students are not permitted to be outside the building during the school day without the Principal’s permission unless they are under the supervision of a staff member. Students should not sit in, loiter around, or drive cars during the school day. This applies to lunch period as well as before school following the student’s initial arrival at school. State of Kansas driving regulations are to be followed in the school parking lot as well as around the building and to and from school. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, which may include revocation of campus driving, and parking privileges for a term determined by the school and/or report filed with law enforcement. BUS REGULATIONS: Students who are transported by bus, either on a regular route or on any activity trip, should be aware of the fact that there are prescribed regulations by the State of Kansas for the transporting of students. Each bus will have a set of regulations posted and each student shall abide by them or may be denied the privilege of riding the bus. The principal will make this decision. It must be remembered that the driver and/or a sponsor, has complete jurisdiction over any passenger. The indiscriminate use of pop, sunflower seeds, gum and food on the buses has instigated the following regulation: The carrying of food and beverages on school buses is not allowed except for the following reasons: lunches brought to school, activity trips, special functions designated by principal or sponsor

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STUDENT LIFE ACADEMIC LETTERS: Requirements to obtain an Academic Letter for grades 9-12 are as follows: 3.50 and above grade point average maintained for both semesters in one academic school year. No grade lower than a “C” is allowed for qualification. Students will be eligible to receive a recognition bar for each additional year of qualification. Awards will be presented in the fall of the following school year. ACTIVITY FEE: The Boards of Education approved an Activity Fee to be charged all students enrolled in the school during the year. The fee will be $50.00 per high school student and $25.00 per junior high student. A family with two children or more in grades 7-12 will not be charged more than $75.00 total Activity Fee. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: The USD 240 school board has made it possible for students in our district the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. We strongly encourage each student to participate in some extra-curricular activities. School personnel will supervise all activities. Participation in school activities provides students with an opportunity to develop leadership as well as building a positive school atmosphere. Our athletic program offers a wide variety of opportunities for our students. The offerings include: volleyball, cross country, football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, and track. Participation in each sport will be open to all students that remain eligible and abide by the training program and rules set by the coaches. Each student can and should do their part in helping our school have a strong athletic program. Extra-curricular activities include more than just athletics. Bennington has strong programs in the following areas: vocal music, band, forensics, scholars bowl, school play/musical, art festivals, and math contests. We encourage all students to strength their talents by participating in and representing Bennington Jr/Sr High School in one or more extra-curricular activities. HEART OF AMERICA LEAGUE: Bennington Jr/Sr High School is a member of the Heart of America League, having joined in 2005. This year the other schools included are Ell-Saline, Berean Academy, Hutchinson Trinity, Inman, Marion, Moundridge, Remington-Whitewater, and Sedgwick. This league has an outstanding reputation proven through the outstanding athletics and scholastic accomplishments at the state level. Activities sponsored by the HOA include art, football, basketball, volleyball, track, debate, forensics, scholar’s bowl, forensics, vocal music and instrumental music. SPORTSMANSHIP CODE FOR BENNINGTON JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL / HEART OF AMERICA LEAGUE INTRODUCTION: The effective American secondary school must support both an academic program and an activities program. The Kansas State High School Activities Association and the Heart of America League believe that these programs must do more than merely coexist — they must be integrated and support each other in "different" arenas. The concept of "sportsmanship" must be taught, modeled, expected and reinforced in the classroom and in all competitive activities. Therefore, all KSHSAA and HOA members stand together in support of the following sportsmanship policy. PHILOSOPHY: Activities are an important aspect of the total education process in the American schools. They provide an arena for participants to grow, to excel, to understand and to value the concepts of SPORTSMANSHIP and teamwork. They are an opportunity for coaches and school staff to teach and model SPORTSMANSHIP, to build school pride, and to increase student/community involvement; this ultimately translates into improved academic performance. Activities are also an opportunity for the community to demonstrate its support for the participants and the school, and to model the concepts of SPORTSMANSHIP for our youth as respected representatives of society. Sportsmanship is good citizenship in action!

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ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION: In order to participate in any activity, a student must attend at least half of his or her classes on the day of participation, or be excused from this requirement by the principal, or attend the day prior to the activity if the event is an all school day or Saturday event. An event associated with an academic class takes precedence over an extra-curricular (non-class) connected event. Any student that has been suspended from school cannot attend or participate in any school function while under suspension. For all school functions or activities away from home the school will provide transportation. This transportation will be by bus. Students will travel to competitions as a team. Parents who want their students to ride home with them must make personal contact with the coach or sponsor and sign the student out in person at the event. Parents will only be allowed to sign out their son or daughter. In the event a student cannot travel with the team/group, the principal and the sponsoring event coach/teacher must approve a prior written request from the parent. Under no circumstances shall a student transport other students to an event. Physical forms and Emergency Medical Cards must be turned in to the office or appropriate coach or sponsor before a student may practice or participate in any school activity. (Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA)). The Boards of Education approved an Activity Fee to be charged for a student to participate in a school activity during the year. The fee will be $50.00 for a student to participate throughout the year. The fee will be charged for all KSHSAA sponsored activities. A family will not be charged more than $75.00 total. STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE: The school district will carry blanket student accident insurance on all students as it has in the past. The insurance will cover listed medical expenses resulting form accidents at school or any school sponsored activity. The school insurance coverage is “secondary” coverage and will pay only after the parent’s insurance coverage. When an accident happens at school or a school sponsor event, parents should contact the jr/sr high school office in regard to the correct forms being filed. Any further communication should be between the parents and the school insurance company. ELIGIBILITY POLICY FOR ACTIVITIES/ATHLETICS: Participants in all KSHSAA recognized activities must conform to ALL KSHSAA eligibility regulations. USD 240 students transferring to another school district but whose parents/guardians still reside within USD 240 will be ineligible for eighteen weeks. Students who participate or wish to participate in KSHSAA activities must successfully earn at least 2.5 credits of unit weight in at least five or more courses the semester prior to any and all such participation. BJH/BHS requires that all students enroll fulltime in 3.5 credits. Credits are determined using the grades received at the end of each semester (F’s and IN’s are calculated as zero credit). Incomplete grades completed after the end of a semester are not counted for the prior semester’s credit total unless there are serious extenuating circumstances. This is a KSHSAA rule. Eligibility Checks: All students will be enrolled in a full schedule of classes. Grades will be figured on a cumulative basis and reports generated weekly from the office throughout each semester. The first two weeks of each nine weeks will be "free weeks" for each student. (No students will be ineligible during those weeks.) Grade reports will be printed each Friday @ 9:00 am and students not passing two or more classes will be informed they are on a probationary period. A second eligibility list will also be run to determine who is ineligible for the coming week. Students will be ineligible for the week if they have two or more F's when the Friday grade reports are printed.

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Ineligibility will apply towards all athletics and activities sanctioned by the KSHSAA. If a student is ineligible at Bennington Jr/Sr High School, then he/she will not be allowed to attend their participating activity until school is out at 3:25. This policy will also apply to activities, which are of a competitive nature such as the Math Relays, Art Show, etc. The policy does not exclude the student from classroom or school activities, which are not of the competitive nature, ex. field trips, earth day, etc. KSHSAA HANDBOOK: The Kansas State High School Activities Association Handbook contains general rules and guidelines, which pertain to eligibility, awards, outside competition, season of activities, and sport specific rules. Please channel all rule interpretation questions through our Athletic Director, Jason Feil. LETTERING AT BENNINGTON HIGH SCHOOL: Lettering in the varsity sports, music, forensics, and scholars bowl is accomplished by the students using guidelines set by the coach or sponsor. Many times the coaches’ use a specific number of quarters played throughout the year or activities the student participates in. Other criteria may be used, such as coach’s discretion, contribution to team, attitude, improvement throughout the year, etc. Individual questions regarding the lettering of a student should be directed to the head coach of the sport or sponsor of the activity. SCHOOL LUNCH/BREAKFAST: The school lunch program will be in operation each day of that school is in session. The cost of breakfast is $1.85 for grades K-12th. Lunch prices will be $2.75 for 7th-12th grades. Students receiving a reduced price will pay $0.40 for lunch and $0.30 for breakfast. Ala Carte items are .75 each. For adults – both visitors and staff – the breakfast price is $2.00 and the lunch price is $3.60. Students are not required to participate in the hot lunch program but are encouraged to do so. ALL students will report to the lunchroom for the lunch period. All food is eaten in the cafeteria and should not be taken out into the rest of the building. The breakfast service will end each day at 8:10 am; students should plan to be at school early enough to get food prior to 8:05 – or plan to eat at home before leaving for school. The main hallways will be off limits during the lunch period. Students should stay in the cafeteria, in the multi-purpose room, or in the area outside just north of the cafeteria. BUILDING HOURS Normal building hours are from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Classes will begin at 8:15 am and dismiss at 3:25 pm. When students leave school in the evening it is essential they take with them the necessary books and supplies to do their homework, other projects and assignments. Students should not expect school personnel to return to the school after hours to open the building for them. Always plan ahead. Students should be prepared to exit the building by 3:45 unless they have a school activity. Permission from the office will be required for use of the building outside these hours. NOTICE TO VISITORS All visitors must report to the jr/sr high school office upon entering the building to receive permission, a visitor’s pass, and sign-in before entering any other part of the school. The principal must approve bringing guests during the school day at least 24 hours in advance. For a variety of reasons, BJH/BHS limits this from occurring often. Visitors who are students at other schools are allowed to visit only if they are given prior approval from the Jr/Sr High principal. Prospective students and their parents/guardians should first contact the counselor to discuss enrollment options at BJH/BHS. No student visitors will be allowed to visit during the first or last week of each semester. Parents/guardians are always welcome.

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NCAA ELIGIBILITY: Students who plan to participate in intercollegiate athletics at a NCAA Division I or Division II school must meet specific academic requirements. The requirements include specifically identified core courses that must be taken while in high school. The NCAA has developed a sliding scale to accommodate variations in GPA’s. To learn further details, students should see the counselor early in the school year. It is important for students to plan their high school course work with knowledge for the NCAA requirements (from the by-law 14.3 of the NCAA). Students and parents can also go to the NCAA website, www.ncaa.org, to gain information regarding eligibility requirements. CARE OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING: Any school building represents a big investment on the part of the community. Every person should feel a responsibility for taking care of the building and furniture as though it were their own. Much work has been done during the summer to keep the building as attractive and comfortable as possible. Let’s all do our part to keep the building, desks, chairs and grounds as attractive as possible. USE OF VENDING MACHINES: The vending machines are a privilege offered to the student body. The machines will be stocked with a variety of healthy choice items. There should be absolutely no pop in classrooms. These machines are operated by an outside vendor and will be open to all students before and after school. Students are not allowed to eat or drink in the hallways, classrooms or library during the school day from 8:15-3:25. Teachers should not allow food or drink in the classrooms during class time without the approval of the Principal on special occasions. Students are allowed to have water bottles in the classroom and drink water, as allowed by the classroom teacher of each class. The State of Kansas has passed regulations regarding what types of snack items will be available in the vending machines, both available during the school day and after school. Teachers are not to send students to the vending machines during class time to purchase snacks without specific permission from the building principal. LOCKERS: Students should not attach any items to the outside of their locker doors without consulting the building principal. A locker will be assigned for each student, and students should us only the locker, which is assigned to them. It will be the responsibility of the student to keep the locker neat and clean at all times. Lockers should be kept locked and money and valuables should not be kept there. The tops of the lockers and floors around the lockers should be kept free of articles. FIRE DRILL: Procedure for fire drill evacuation of the building will be as follows: The signal for a fire drill is a loud buzzer sound. All teachers will be responsible for instructing their classes as to which exits are available for emergency evacuation. Once the signal is sounded all staff/students will evacuate from the entire building as rapidly as possible (No running). TORNADO DRILL: Procedure for tornado drill evacuation from classrooms will be as follows: The signal for a tornado drill is an up & down whoop sound. All teachers will be responsible for instructing their classes toward emergency shelters and how to take cover. Once the signal is sounded all students/staff will move immediately to their emergency shelter area and take cover. Students and staff will return to classes when the all-clear bell is sounded. SOCIAL FUNCTIONS: The sponsors and the administration must approve social functions held in connection with the school. Sufficient notice needs to be given to the Jr/Sr High principal and adult supervision must be provided by the sponsoring organization.

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DANCE PARTICIPATION: BHS students desiring to bring a non-BHS date to a 9th-12th grade school-sponsored dance must register their date during the sign-up period preceding the dance. An administrator must approve former BHS students who were not in good standing when they exited BHS. The BHS student who pre-registered them must accompany all dates during the dance. BHS students are responsible for and will be held accountable for the actions of their dates during the dance. All disciplinary consequences will apply to the sponsoring BHS student. Dates must be of high school age or older. The principal must approve all outside dates. BJH school-sponsored dances are only for 7th and 8th grade BJH students. Non-BJH dates are not allowed to attend. Students who come to the dance with any other agendas other than having fun are discouraged from coming. Attend the dances, enjoy, but not at everybody’s expense. Dances are not an inherent right - they are a privilege. BOOK BAGS: Students will be allowed to bring book bags to school, but should refrain from taking them into classrooms; the book bags should be left in students’ assigned lockers. TELEPHONE MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS: To avoid making unnecessary classroom interruptions, the jr/sr high school’s office staff has been instructed to deliver student messages from parents or guardians that are only of the utmost importance. These would include but not be limited to:

• An emergency from parents • Doctor and dental appointments of which the student is unaware

It is not necessary for students to use their cell phones during class time to check for messages. Parents should not send a student text messages and expect the student to read it and respond immediately. If there is a true emergency, the parent should call the school office. VISITORS: During the school day, all visitors to the jr/sr high school must report to the main office of the school to receive permission and a visitors pass before entering any other part of the school. Occasionally students ask to bring a visitor with them to school, please let the building administration know one day in advance. For a variety of reasons, BJH/BHS limits this from occurring often. Visitors who are students at other schools are allowed to visit only if they are given prior approval from the Jr/Sr High principal. Prospective students and their parents/guardians should first contact the counselor to discuss enrollment options at BJH/BHS. No student visitors will be allowed to visit during the first or last week of each semester. POLICY FOR SELECTING AND SHOWING VIDEOS/MOVIES: Any video shown in the classroom that is not from school media collections must have the approval of the principal. Rating System:

• U Unrated • G General audience. All ages admitted. • PG Parental guidance suggested. • PG13 Parents strongly cautioned. • NC17 No one under 17 admitted.

Movies with the following ratings need approval from administration & parents.

• G Elementary K-4 • PG Middle School 5-8 • PG13 High School 9-12, must be previewed and approved by the administration. • Absolutely no “R” or “NC17” rated movies are permitted to be shown. Some parts of

those videos might be shown, but only with the principal’s prior approval.

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HEALTH SERVICES Our school has a nurse, located in the grade school office, M-W-F from 8:00-3:30. The nurse is available to students for confidential health counseling, illness and first aid emergencies. A student should obtain a pass from his/her teacher before coming to see the nurse, except in an emergency. During the school year the nurse and other health staff will conduct vision and hearing screening as required by state law, or upon request of the parent or teacher, and dental screening with parent permission. ILLNESSES: Parents – Please do not send your child to school if he/she has been ill (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) or has had a fever within the last 24 hours. If your child has a rash or infectious looking skin disorder, the school reserves the right to request a physicians note indicating the child is not infectious so they may remain in school. When at school, students will be expected to participate in all areas, including physical education, unless we receive a written request from your child’s physician. Please have the physician communicate with the school nurse if the inability to participate will be lengthy. NOTE: Missed physical education classes (even with a physician’s excuse) will need to be made up in order to receive credit since the grade in physical education class is based mainly on participation. IMMUNIZATIONS: All students must have written proof (from a physician or health department) of the state required immunizations before enrolling for the school year. In accordance with the policy for Kansas State School Immunization Law and the Twin Valley Schools Board of Education Policy, your student well need immunizations completed within 60 days of the first day of school in order to continue attendance for school. Failure to provide said proof will result in the student not being allowed to attend. The school nurse can provide further information on medical and religious exemption. Kansas Law (K.S.A. 72-5209) requires every pupil enrolling in any school shall present certification form a physician or local health department that the pupil has received the following immunization:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP): five doses required. Four doses acceptable if dose 4 given on or after the 4th birthday. Booster dose of Tdap required at 7th – 12th grades regardless of interval since first Td vaccine.

• Poliomyelitis (IPV/OPV): four doses required. Three doses are acceptable. But one dose must be after the child’s 4th birthday.

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella: two doses required. • Hepatitus B: three doses required through grade 12. • Varicella (chickenpox): two doses required for grades K-12 or history of varicella disease

documented by physician. MEDICATIONS: In order for the school to dispense medication to your child we must have the following:

Prescription Drugs: “Permission for Medication” paper signed by parent/guardian and doctor. Medication in the original container First dose of medication already given at home

Non-prescription:

“Permission for Medication” paper signed by parent/guardian only Medication in the original container First dose of medication already given at home

Note: Prescription and non-prescription medication should not be in the control of a student at any time. If you and/or your doctor feel medication is required at school, an adult should bring the medication to school.

HEALTH PROCEDURES: Any student requiring finger sticks for glucose monitoring and/or insulin injections will be required to perform those procedures in the school Health Room under the supervision of the Nurse or his/her designate.

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HEAD LICE: Kansas Law (K.A.R. 28-1-6) requires students who are infested with head lice be excluded from school until they have been treated with an anti-parasitic drug. Kansas regulations no longer requires children to be nit free before returning to school. Check your child’s hair regularly for lice. If head lice or nits are discovered, please notify the building principal or school nurse. HEARING, VISION, AND DENTAL SCREENINGS: The Central Kansas Cooperative will conduct the hearing screenings for students in grades 7, 9,11, and those students with an IEP and new students in grades 8, 10 and 12. Vision screenings will be done yearly on students in grades 7, 8, 9, and 11 and those students with an IEP. New students in grades 10th-12th will be screened as well. Dental screening is a new requirement for grades 7-12. Parents will be notified if the student needs further evaluation. The results of the screenings will become part of the child’s health record. Parents may opt out their child for any of the above screenings, but will need to talk to the school nurse for more information. 2015-2016 A/B Schedule:

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