LOUISBURG HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

PRINCIPAL' S MESSAGE

It is with great pleasure that we take this opportunity to welcome you to Louisburg High School.  We are extremely proud of the programs we offer our students, and we encourage you to make the most your of time. 

This handbook has been developed by our faculty and administrators to help you and your parents learn as much  as possible about school policies and procedures and the services we offer students.

MISSION STATEMENT

"The mission of Louisburg High School is to help students reach their full potential, to foster in them a lifelong love of learning, to instill in them a sense of honor, and to prepare them for lives of service to their community, country, and world."

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

Louisburg High School Main Office -----------------------------------496-3725
Franklin County School Central Office---------------------------------496-2600

GENERAL INFORMATION

GUIDANCE

Students are encouraged to visit with the counselors for personal guidance and for information on grades, study help and testing programs.  The counselors are available
to discuss home, school or social concerns.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Louisburg High School will adhere to the Franklin County Schools Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy.  The student code of conduct handbook will be given to every student and the code of conduct may be accessed by using the links below.

Franklin County Schools Student Code of Conduct

Franklin County School Student Code of Conduct (Spanish Version)

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Any student who is not present 80 days per course per semester will not receive credit for that course.  Absences due to school-sponsored activities do not apply.  Students may request that their attendance record be evaluated by the designated Attendance Appeals Committee.  Extending circumstances are limited to documented legal or medical reasons.  The Attendance Appeals commitment will meet at the end of each semester.

MAKE-UP WORK AFTER ABSENCE

Students are responsible for making arrangements with their teacher to complete work missed when absent. Make up work must be made up within three days of returning to school.

DISCIPLINE 

DANGEROUS WEAPONS

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacted the following to protect persons on the property of a public of private educational institution from persons carrying firearms or other weapons.

 G.S. 14-269.2 - It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, powerful explosives as designated in G.S. 14-248.1., bowie knife, dart, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, or any other weapon of like kind, not used solely for instructional or school sanctioned ceremonial purpose, in any public or private educational institutions. For the purpose of this section, a self-opening switchblade or switchblade knife containing a blade or a blade which opens automatically by the release of a spring or a similar contrivance, and the above phrase "weapon of like kind" including razors or an edged instrument except unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for the preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance.

 Section Two - Any person violating the provision of this act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished in the direction of the court by tine or imprisonment or by both such fine and imprisonment not to exceed $500 fine or six months imprisonment.

Violation shall result in exclusion or suspension of the student as well as prosecution in the courts under G.S. 14-269 Section One and 14-284.1 of the state law.

 THERE WILL BE ZERO TOLERANCE CONCERNING VIOLATIONS

INVOLVING:

                                                                                                      WEAPONS                             ASSAULTS                       ALCOHOL

OTHER ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE 

A. Illegal drugs are those defined by N.C. State Law. Any possession of illegal drugs or abuse of other drugs shall be prohibited. Violators are made known immediately to their parents, and in case of illegal drugs are also made known to legal authorities. 

B. Students shall not use, purchase, sell, distribute, be under the influence or possess any kind of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on any property owned by Franklin County Board of Education at any time. (This also includes school functions.) Violations of the above policies shall result in suspension or expulsion of the student and may result in prosecution in the courts. 

SMOKING IS PROHIBITED ON CAMPUS. 

GRAFFITI

Graffiti, writing on the lockers, walls, furniture, or other school property, constitutes defacing school property and is subject to disciplinary action by the principal, not to exclude suspension. 

COMPUTER TAMPERING

Computers are the property of the Franklin County Public Schools. 

Computers are essential tools in the education process. Maintaining and up-dating computers can be very expensive: therefore, students are prohibited from engaging in the following activities: 

• Visiting any web site that contains offensive, racial, obscene, or sexually suggestive material.
• Using profanity or vulgarity on the computers
• Copying files or commercial software from the school computer
• Attempting to crash or harm computer systems and or software
• Posting malicious rumors or misleading information
• Breaking existing copyright laws, federal, state, and local laws when on line
• Students must have written parental permission to use the internet

DRESS CODE

A student will maintain personal attire and grooming standards that promote safety, health, and acceptable standards of social conduct. Student dress that disrupts the school environment, provocative dress, and clothing that indicates gang identification or reflects gang symbols will not be tolerated. Shirt tails longer than the student's wrist (male and female) must be tucked in. Specific guidelines concerning student dress will be distributed to students at the beginning of the school year. The complete Franklin County Schools Dress Code is available at the FCS website.

 DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE 

No pamphlets, posters, or literature of any kind may be distributed on school grounds without prior approval of the administration.

RADIOS, CASSETTES/CD PLAYERS, HEAD PHONES,

CELL PHONES AND PAGERS 

Radios, cassettes, CD players, headphones, pagers, and/or cell phones are not to be brought to school. Cell phones are prohibited from view and use during school-day hours. Any cell phone use during the school-day hours is automatically 3 or more days OSS. Cell phones that are seen or heard will be confiscated and students will be assigned 3 days of ISS for disruption. Students who violate this policy will have the item held by an administrator and/or designee until a parent or guardian can pick it up.  Louisburg High School and the Franklin County Schools will not be liable for lost items.  Parents must pick up item(s) before July 1.  AFTER JULY 1^st, ALL ITEMS WILL BE DISCARDED. 

LOCKERS 

Students who return a locker form signed by a parent(s) will be assigned lockers. In these, students may keep books or coats. Valuable articles should not be kept there.  Students are requested to be careful in their use of the lockers.  Doors should be closed quietly rather than slammed.  Students who have trouble with their locks should report the problem. Only one student per locker will be allowed.

 A $5.00 fee will be charged if the lock is lost or not turned in at the end of the school year. Students will not be assigned a locker the following school year until the $5.00 fee is paid. Lockers remain the property of the school and may be searched by the administration or designee at any time without the student's knowledge or consent.

 SCHOOL TELEPHONE 

All school telephones are reserved for school business and student emergencies only. Students will not be called out of class to the telephone. Only in emergency situations will a message be delivered to a student.

ADMINISTRATIVE DISCIPLINE 

After School Detention (ASD) 

Administrative ASD is held each day from 2:50 - 3:50. The location will be announced each day as part of the announcements. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to arrange transportation. If there is a problem, the parent should contact an Administrator by phone at (919) 496 - 3725 or in writing before the assigned date. 

Rescheduling ASD will ONLY be done for the following:

 I. Doctor's appointment - Student must bring a doctor's note

2. Illness - Parent will be required to call to confirm illness

3. Court - Student will be required to bring a note from the clerk's office.

4. The request of teacher or administrator. 

A CONFLICT WITH STUDENT'S EMPLOYMENT SCHEDULE AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL NOT BE GROUNDS FOR RESCHEDULING AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION. IT WILL BE THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO RESCHEDULE THE TIME THEY REPORT TO WORK ON DAYS FOR WHICH THEY ARE ASSIGNED AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION.

 In - School Suspension (ISS) 

1. Assignment to ISS can range from one to ten days.
2. Failure to attend ISS or to follow ISS policies will result in either additional days assigned to ISS or OSS (Out of School Suspension) at the discretion of an Administrator.
3. ISS is from 7:45 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. each day. Students are to report on time with all books/materials for current class enrollment to the ISS room (Room 117).
4. Students in ISS are to be counted present and are expected to complete any and all class work assigned to them.
5. Students in ISS may not participate in any after school activities or be present at the same on any day they are assigned to ISS.
6. OSS may not be substituted for ISS.  Students who are absent from school on days assigned to ISS will be expected to complete their ISS commitment beginning the day they return to school. Absences from school do count in the 10 day attendance total.
7. Students who receive OSS while serving ISS time will be required to complete their ISS assigned time when they return to school from OSS.

 Tardies 

Students who arrive to school after the 7:45 tardy bell, unless they arrive on a late bus, will be counted tardy.  Tardies will be dealt with using a progressive discipline approach.

LOST AND FOUND 

The main office is the area designated for lost and found articles. Anyone who finds a lost or misplaced article should take it to this area as soon as possible.  Students looking for lost possessions should check in the main office either before or after school.

 VISITORS 

Louisburg High School is a closed campus. Visitors are to report to the main office to state their business. It is unlawful for any non-student to be on school grounds at any time without permission of the principal or assistant principal. Violators will be cited for trespassing.

 Parents are always welcome to visit the school. An appointment to visit a teacher during his/her unscheduled (planning) period can be made by telephoning the school. Students are not allowed to have visitors at school, including lunch time..

 Students who are absent or suspended are not to be on the school premises without permission of the principal or assistant principal.  This includes any school event or athletic contest, on campus or away from campus.

 RESTROOMS

 Good citizenship includes proper respect for the care of the restroom. It is the responsibility of each student to help keep these rooms clean. 

School policy prohibits loitering in or near the restrooms. 

CAFETERIA 

Students are assigned to lunch according to their schedule. Lunches are paid for in cash at the end of the serving line. Students are to form lines leading into the cafeteria as directed by those supervising the lunchroom. Courtesy and consideration of others must be observed.  Students are not permitted to use another’s student number. 

TRANSPORTATION 

BUSES

Students riding buses must follow all rules and regulations concerning bus safety.

 ·        Obey the driver promptly in regard to conduct on the bus.

·        Stay on the bus until you arrive at school. If you need to get off at a different stop or change buses for some reason, bring a note from a parent to the assistant principal.

·        The school bus is considered to be a part of the school. All rules and regulations pertaining to students are in effect on the bus.

·        Students are to refrain from the use of tobacco, profane and indecent language, alcohol, and narcotic drugs on the school bus.

·        Students must be at their designated bus stop, ready to board, at the time of bus arrival.

·        Any student who needs to change buses should bring his/her note to the assistant principal at the beginning of the school day or at his/her lunch time to receive written permission to give to the bus driver.

 STUDENT VEHICLES

All rules and regulations regarding student automobiles and parking must be followed.  Failure to comply with rules and regulations will result in a loss of parking privileges. All student vehicles parked on the school grounds must display a parking sticker.  Registration forms for student parking are available in the automotive shop office.  The cost of the sticker is $40.00. Parking stickers should be placed on the rear window in the left corner (driver’s side).Parking stickers give students permission to park in spaces designated for student parking.  Parking in unauthorized areas is not permitted. Students must park their vehicles in the student parking areas and immediately gather belongings and report to the school building. Loitering in the parking lot either before or after school is not permitted.  Students in violation of this policy will receive consequences (in-school or out-of-school suspension). Loud music is not permitted on school grounds. Cars may not be driven out of the parking lot during the school day without permission from an administrator. Maximum speed in the parking lot is 10 mph. Violations will result in loss of parking privileges and/or suspension.

 WEATHER CONDITIONS AFFECTING BUS TRANSPORTATION 

If, in the opinion of the driver, weather conditions such as heavy fog make it dangerous to begin or continue the route, the driver should contact the principal or bus coordinator and advise him/her of such conditions. If a decision is made that the beginning or continuing of the route may be delayed, the driver is to park his/her bus safely, leaving fog and clearance lights on if in route, until such time as conditions are improved to the extent that the route may be safely continued.

 In case school is cancelled due to weather conditions, announcements will be made from the following radio and television stations: WRAL-TV, WPTF-AM, WRAL-FM, WYRN-AM, and WHLQ-FM.

 FIRE DRILL/BOMB THREATS/TORNADO WARNINGS 

Fire drills are necessary for the safety of the students and faculty.  Everyone should know the specific direction for reaching a point of safety from those areas of the building in which he/she may be. Fire drill information should be posted above the door in each classroom.  General rules for fire drills are as follows. 

• Teacher should close the windows.
• Students will follow designated exit instructions, keep in single file, walk, not run, refrain from talking, and proceed to a designated area.

• The teacher should be the last one out of the room. He/she will take the grade book and keys, close the door, and remain with his/her group.
• Bomb threats - Follow fire drill instructions.
• Tornado Warnings - Open as many windows on the exterior wall as practical, lower blinds and drapes, and relocate students in the assigned area.

 NOTE: THESE DRILLS SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. 

MEDICATION 

If a student must have medication of any type given during school hours, including over-the-­counter drugs, the parent/guardian has the following choices: 

1. Come to school and give the medication to your child at the appropriate time(s).
2. Obtain a copy of a medication form from the school nurse or school secretary. Take the form to your child's licensed health care provider and have him/her complete the form by listing the medication(s) needed, dosage, and number of times per day the medication is to be administered. This form must be completed by the licensed health care provider for both prescription and over-­the-counter medication. The form must be signed by the licensed health care provider. Prescription medicines must be brought to school in a pharmacy-labeled bottle which contains instructions on how and when the medication is to be given. Over-the counter drugs must be received in the original container and will be administered according to the health care provider's written instruction.
3. Discuss with your licensed health care provider an alternative schedule for administering medication (e.g. outside school hours).

School personnel will not administer any medication to students unless they have received a medication form properly completed and signed by a licensed health care provider, and parent or guardian and the medication has been received in an appropriately labeled container. 

INSURANCE 

Accident insurance is available to all students. Coverage may be obtained for the school day or 24 hour coverage. It covers all school activities except football. In case of an accident, insurance claim forms can be obtained from the principal's office. The policy does have limits and may not pay the total bill. 

ATHLETIC INFORMATION 

All Athletes Must:

• have a current physical before practice starts;
• have been in attendance 85% of the time the previous semester have passed three subjects and be promoted;
• have legal residence in the Franklin County Administrative Unit complete all eligibility within 4 years of the date of entrance into the 9th grade;
• be under 19 years of age as of October 15;
• maintain a 2.0 GPA by each interim and the end of the grading period. Any athlete not maintaining a 2.0 GPA must attend after school tutorials twice a week. Failure to attend tutorials may result in suspension from practice and/or participating;
• Students who are suspended will not participate in games or practice during the suspension period.
• In addition to all Franklin County Schools and Louisburg High School rules and policies, all athletes are subject to the rules and policies outlined in the Louisburg High School Code of Conduct for Athletes.

TEAMS

 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 

Units for graduation from Louisburg High School are counted from the 9th grade forward. Students must successfully complete their maximum potential for earning credit over a four year span less four units. Maximum potential is defined as an individual's opportunity to earn all high school credits available within an academic year. Students may take a maximum of 8 subjects each year of grades 9 - 12 for a total of 32 units in 4 years. All students are required to complete the required number of units of English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Health, and Physical Education.

 Students graduating from Louisburg High school must successfully complete 28 course units in grades 9 -12 and pass the North Carolina Competency Reading, Math, and Computer Tests. Beginning with the class of 2005, students must meet requirements for a graduation pathway. Students who successfully complete Algebra I in the eighth grade will receive high school credit; however, only those units earned in grades 9 - 12 count toward the number of units required for graduation. Beginning with the class of 2005, graduates must take either 2 units of foreign language or 4 vocational units. 

GRADUATION UNITS REQUIRED IN GRADES 9-12 

English                                                  5 - I, II, III, IV, and Composition 

Mathematics                                         3 - one must be Algebra I 

Social Studies                                       3 - Civics, U.S. History, and World History 

Science                                                3 - Earth/Environmental Science, Biology and Physical Science or Chemistry 

Health & Physical Education                 1 

Electives                                               13 

TOTAL                                                28 

PROMOTION STANDARDS AND GRADE CLASSIFICATION 

Students will be promoted from middle school to senior high school upon completion of all middle school requirements and upon recommendation of the school principal. In accordance with graduation requirements, grade level classification is based on a student's credit using the following criteria: 

            To be classified as a sophomore:                       6 units 

            To be classified as a junior:                               12 units 

            To be classified as a senior:                               20 units 

RETENTION OF REPORT CARD AND DIPLOMAS 

No diploma will be issued to any student who is delinquent in the payment of required school fees or damage fees. 

GRADE SCALE 

                                                                                    A  = 93 – 100                                                  B = 85 - 92

                                                                                      C = 77—84                                                     D = 70 -76           

                                                                               F = Below 70 

CLASS RANK AND GRADE POINT AVERAGE 

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction along with the 16 campuses of the University of North Carolina System has established the system by which students are assigned grades. Quality points will be assigned to each course as determined by the scale for their grade level. Beginning with the 2005-2006 school year, a graduated GPA scale will be used.

Honors sections will be awarded one additional point. Currently the courses that receive one additional point are: Honors English 9, 10 ,11, and 12: French and Spanish III, IV: Pre-Calculus and Calculus; Physics; Advanced Biology; Honors Art and Honors Band; Honors US History.  Advanced placement sections will be awarded two additional points. AP courses currently available are AP History, AP Government, AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP English, and AP Physics. The total number of quality points is divided by the total number of courses to obtain a grade point average. The student with the highest point average is number 1 in the class. 

RANKING SCALE 

 VALEDICTORIAN /SALUTATORIAN 

The student in the senior class with the highest 4 year weighted grade point average will be the class valedictorian. The student in the senior class with the second highest 4 year weighted grade point average will be the class salutatorian. 

SENIOR HONOR GRADUATES 

High Honors - Any senior who has attained a 4-year weighted grade point average of 4.2 will be designated as graduating with High Honors.  

Honors - Any senior who has attained a 4-year weighted grade point average between 3.5 and 4.199 will be designated as graduating with honors.

 ORGANIZATIONS/ CLUBS

 Information 

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act                                                                                                     .

Franklin County Schools provide educational support to students and families experiencing homelessness. These are individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.  If your family lives in any of the following situations

·                    In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground;

·                    On the street;

·                    In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations; or

·                    Doubled up with another family or relative because of no affordable housing,

then your pre-school aged and school aged children and youth have certain rights and protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act of 2001. To find out more about these rights, contact Marla Peoples, Homeless Liaison for Franklin County Schools at (919)496-2457 ex 233.

HOMEBOUND SERVICES

 Homebound services are available to students who are under a doctor's care and expect to be out of school for at least four weeks for medical treatment or for a period of convalescence.  Homebound students will receive from three to five hours of instruction per week from certified teachers. The homebound teacher collects assignments from the classroom teacher, delivers and reviews the assignment with the student, assists the student with problem areas and administers tests including state tests.

 Typical homebound instruction students are girls who have delivered a baby, students with planned surgeries and students who have been involved in serious accidents. If you know of any students who are pregnant or planning a surgery, refer the student to the school counselor so that the proper paperwork can be completed before the student misses any instructional time.

 Responsibilities of Classroom Teacher(s) with students receiving homebound services: 

1.      Meet with the homebound student, his/her parents and the student's teachers prior to the beginning of homebound (if possible) to discuss expectations and ways that the student can work at an appropriate pace given their medical condition.

2.      Take daily attendance on homebound students.

3.      Provide appropriate instructional materials such as textbooks and class notes to the homebound teacher when needed and requested

4.      Provide at least a week's worth of assignments with clear instructions to the homebound teacher regarding the length of time each assignment should take to complete. Assignments should be submitted each week and should not be dependent on the student getting work back. The student's name and the teacher's name should be included with the assignments that are left in a designated area.

5.      Refrain from sending assignments home to the student through friends or siblings.

6.      Grade homebound student's work in a timely manner and return corrected assignments to homebound teacher so the need for remediation can be determined.

7.      Ensure that test questions correlate to the work the homebound student has been given. If necessary the classroom teacher should eliminate items from the test that reflect work that only students present in the class may have received.

8.      Inform the student of any school activities or deadlines that pertain to the homebound student's class or grade.

9. Communicate with the homebound teacher and parent regarding the homebound student's progress through the use of a printed progress report.
10. Develop alternative assignments when the student cannot actively participate in the class i.e. classes with labs, selective equipment, etc.
11. Communicate with the parent of the homebound student prior to the release of the progress report and report card regarding the student's grade to explain if this grade is final. Incompletes should be assigned when appropriate in consultation with the principal and the homebound teacher.
12. Meet with the homebound student, his/her parents, the counselor, principal and the student's teachers when the student returns from homebound to discuss work that needs to be made up and a plan/timeline to accomplish it, any medical conditions that would require the school to give the student medication or accommodations, emotional/psychological issues, medical notes to excuse absences and issues that would prevent the student from attending school on a regular basis.

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