JOHNSTON HIGH SCHOOL
(NEASC Accredited and Regents Commended)
345 Cherry Hill Road, Johnston, Rhode Island 02919
401.233.1920
WEBSITE: www.johnstonhighschool.com
2007-2008
STUDENT
AND
PARENT/GUARDIAN
HANDBOOK
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Johnston High School, in partnership with the parents and the community, is to promote the academic, social, physical and psychological well being of each student. Together, we will create an institution responsive to the needs of an ever-changing society by offering rigorous and dynamic programs, which challenge all students to achieve high standards, become life-long learners and lead self-fulfilling, productive lives.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I GENERAL INFORMATION (Pages 1-10)
Principal’s Message
Staff Information
Johnston School Department Calendar 2007-2008
Daily Bell Schedule
Daily Period Rotation Schedule
Johnston High School Calendar with Period Rotations Noted for 2007-2008
Mission Statement and Student Expectations
SECTION II GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS & ACADEMIC
INFORMATION (Pages 11-20)
Johnston High School Diploma System
Grading and Academic Ranking
Honor Roll
Grade Level Classification
Course Selection Procedures
Student Support Services
English as a Second Language
Guidance
Special Education
Health Services
Library Media Services
Internet Services
Academic Programs
SECTION III HOME & SCHOOL COLLABORATION
AND EXPECTATIONS (Pages 20-23)
Parent and School Expectations
Attendance Related Issues
SECTION IV STUDENT CODE
OF CONDUCT (Pages 23-36)
School Policies and Disciplinary Actions
Bullying Policy
Regulations for Extra-Curricular Activities
Vandalism
Weapons
Medical Policy
Cell Phones (Electronic Devices)
Sexual Harassment Policy
School Safety Policies and Procedures
SECTION V EXTRA-CURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES (Pages 36-38)
Athletics
Clubs
Honor Societies
HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
401.233.1920
Dr. Elizabeth L. Mantelli
Principal
Ms. Alicia Storey
Assistant Principal
Mr. Brian D. Butler
Assistant Principal
DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSONS
BUSINESS Mrs. Carol Iovino
ENGLISH Mrs. Susan Volante
GUIDANCE Ms. Wilma Palmaccio
MATHEMATICS Miss Jean Picano
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH Mrs. Margaret Guilmette
SCIENCE Mr. Gregory Russo
SOCIAL STUDIES Mr. Michael Taraborelli
SPECIAL EDUCATION Miss Maryellen Brady
CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
401.233.1900
Mrs. Margaret Iacovelli
Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Kathryn Crowley
Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Carolyn Roseman
Director of Special Education
JOHNSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mrs. Janice D. Mele, Chair
Mr. John D. Conti, Vice Chair
Ms. Sandra Comella-Gabaree
Mrs. Lorraine C. Iafrate
Mr. Robert A. LaFazia
HIGH SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Main Office 233-1920
Fax 233-0031
Main Office ext. 2600
Principal ext. 2602
Assistant Principal ext. 2701
Attendance Office ext. 2603
Guidance Office ext. 2702
Athletic Directors’ Office ext. 2122, 2123
Library ext. 2127
Nurse ext. 2709
School Resource Officer ext 2626
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY
Johnston Public Schools’ policy prohibits discrimination based upon age, physical handicap, sex, marital status, sexual preference, gender identity or expression, race, religion, national origin, color, creed or political affiliation. No employee or applicant shall be denied employment because of discriminatory practices.
It should be noted that in accordance with title IX every effort is being made so that all students have an equal opportunity to enroll in any course established for their grade and preparation regardless of sex. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action)
Johnston High School
Daily Bell Schedule
2007-2008
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
First Warning Bell 7:00 AM
Last Warning Bell 7:08 AM
7:10 – 7:19 Advisory 9 minutes advisory
7:23 – 8:15 Level 1 52 minute class
8:19 – 9:11 Level 2 52 minute class
9:15 – 10:07 Level 3 52 minute class
10:11 – 11:03 Level 4 52 minute class
11:07 – 12:36 Level 5 67 minute class with a built-in
20-minute lunch
11:07 – 11:27 First Lunch
11:29 – 11:49 Second Lunch
11:51 – 12:11 Third Lunch
12:13 – 12:33 Fourth Lunch
12:36 – 1:28 Level 6 52-minute classes
1:28 PM Dismissal
Wednesday
First Warning Bell 7:00 AM
Last Warning Bell 7:08 AM
7:10 – 7:34 Advisory 24 minute advisory
7:38 – 8:27 Level 1 49-minute class
8:31 – 9:20 Level 2 49-minute classes
9:24 – 10:13 Level 3 49 minute class
10:17 – 11:06 Level 4 49 minute class
11:10 – 12:38 Level 5 67 minute class with a built- in
20-minute lunch
11:10 – 11:30 First Lunch
11:32 – 11:52 Second Lunch
11:54 – 12:14 Third Lunch
12:16 – 12:36 Fourth Lunch
12:39 – 1:28 Level 6 49-minute classes
1:28 PM Dismissal
Johnston High School
One-Hour Delay Bell Schedule
2007 – 2008
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
First Warning Bell 8:00 AM
Last Warning Bell 8:08 AM
8:10 – 8:19 Advisory 9 minute advisory
8:23 – 9:02 Level 1 39 minute class
9:06 – 9:45 Level 2 39 minute class
9:49 – 10:28 Level 3 39-minute class
10:32 – 11:11 Level 4 39 minute class
11:15 – 12:42 Level 5 67 minute class with a built-in
20 minute lunch
11:15 – 11:35 First Lunch
11:37 – 11:57 Second Lunch
11:59 – 12:19 Third Lunch
12:21 – 12:41 Fourth Lunch
12:44 – 1:28 Level 6 44-minute class
1:28 PM Dismissal
Daily Period Rotation Schedule
|
Day 01 |
Day 02 |
Day 03 |
Day 04 |
Day05 |
Day 06 |
Day 07 |
|
1 2 3 4 5 6 |
2 3 4 5 6 7
|
3 4 5 6 7 1
|
4 5 6 7 1 2 |
5 6 7 1 2 3 |
6 7 1 2 3 4
|
7 1 2 3 4 5 |
Johnston High School
2007-2008
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Johnston High School, in partnership with the parents and the community, is to promote the academic, social, physical, and psychological well being of each student. Together we will create an institution responsive to the needs of an ever-changing society by offering rigorous and dynamic programs, which challenge all students to achieve high standards, become life-long learners and lead self-fulfilling, productive lives.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS (SE)
The Johnston High School Student:
1. Takes responsibility for his/her learning.
2. Demonstrates the ability to be an autonomous learner.
3. Understands and demonstrates a sense of community and good citizenship.
4. Reads actively and critically for a variety of purposes.
5. Writes and speaks effectively.
6. Listens and views materials actively and critically.
7. Reasons effectively and solves problems.
8. Understands the concepts of personal physical fitness and good health.
9. Understands and applies technological concepts.
10. Performs and applies numeracy skills for a variety of purposes.
All courses in the Program of Studies address Student Expectations (SE) by number (1-10) as indicated in parentheses after the course description.
GRADING and ACADEMIC RANKING
Report cards are issued four times annually and interim reports are issued semi-quarterly. Numerical grades are used at Johnston High School. All courses, including Physical Education and Health, are included in the numerical grade point average (GPA).
Unweighted GPA Weighted GPA Quality Points
Based on numeric grades Multiply Unweighted GPA’s by Unweighted GPAs times
Earned in Full Credit Courses Appropriate Factors Appropriate Factors
College Prep/Career Honors College Prep/Career Honors
Grade GPA Courses Courses Courses Courses
A+ = 97-100 4.30 x 3 x 2 = 12.90 8.60
A = 94-96 4.00 x 3 x 2 = 12.00 8.00
A- = 90-93 3.67 x 3 x 2 = 11.01 7.34
B+ = 87-89 3.30 x 3 x 2 = 9.90 6.60
B = 84-86 3.00 x 3 x 2 = 9.00 6.00
B- = 80-83 2.67 x 3 x 2 = 8.01 5.34
C+ = 77-79 2.30 x 3 x 2 = 6.90 4.60
C = 74-76 2.00 x 3 x 2 = 6.00 4.00
C- = 70-73 1.67 x 3 x 2 = 5.01 3.34
F = below 70 0.00 = 0 0
The GPA recorded on the transcript is based on an unweighted 4.3 scale and is listed above in the GPA column which identifies the number of GPA units earned based on the final average earned in each full credit course. (Semester course GPA’s are multiplied by .5 since they are worth .5 credits instead of one full credit.) Total GPA units are divided by total credits earned for the student’s average GPA. This unweighted GPA is the one, which colleges typically use to make acceptance and scholarship decisions. The honor roll is determined using unweighted GPA’s.
HONOR ROLL
Honor roll is computed each quarter and is not a cumulative honor. The unweighted GPA is used to calculate honor roll. The honor
roll is reported to local newspapers so that students will receive recognition for their academic achievement.
HIGH HONORS: 4.00 - 4.30 GPA
1st HONORS: 3.67 - 3.99 GPA
2nd HONORS: 3.00 - 3.66 GPA
3rd HONORS: 2.67 - 2.99 GPA
The weighted GPA scale is used only for the purpose of determining class rank. This weighted GPA scale rewards students for taking honors, AP and EEP level courses. To calculate the weighted GPA, a student multiplies the GPA earned for an honors level course by 3 and a college preparatory level course by a 2 to determine quality points. (Semester courses, as with the unweighted GPA, are multiplied by .5) The quality points for each course a student has passed are added up and the total quality points is the QPA (quality points accumulated). The QPA is used to determine class rank which of course is important to colleges and which determines the
Valedictorian and salutatorian of each class.
VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN
The valedictorian and the salutatorian of each class are those students, whose weighted rank is first and second in the class,
after seven semesters of high school. To be selected valedictorian and salutatorian, students must have completed three semesters of
academic work at Johnston High School.
GRADE LEVEL
CLASSIFICATION/CLASS STANDING
A student is placed in a specific grade according to the number of credits accumulated by the end of the school year. Completion of summer school classes or administrative approval of private tutoring with a passing grade will add to a student’s accumulated credits.
|
2007-2010 |
|
CLASS STANDING |
MINIMUM NUMBER OF CREDITS |
|
SOPHOMORE (10) |
5 |
|
JUNIOR (11) |
11 |
|
SENIOR (12) |
16 |
COURSE CREDIT
To receive credit for a course, the student must complete the course with a passing grade of 70 or above during the school year. Summer school or tutoring will be accepted only under the conditions outlined in the policy of the Johnston School Department. A student who passes a repeat course will have both the failure and a passing grade of 70 recorded on the transcript.
COURSE SELECTION PROCEDURES
The course selection process at Johnston Senior High School begins in spring when, in assemblies with their classmates, students listen to presentations by members of the Guidance Department. These sessions are meant to acquaint students with course offerings, graduation
requirements and the need for planning to meet life/career objectives. Thoughtful, informed course selection is extremely critical and must be taken very seriously by students and parents. It is a process that must involve the recommendations of teachers, consideration of the student’s past performance, and future life plan. As part of the process, all students must submit a course selection sheet signed by faculty and parents. Failure to submit the proper forms may result in a student not being properly scheduled. Once a program has been selected, approved, and loaded into the computer, it will be considered final. It is based on these figures that materials and textbooks are purchased, teachers are hired, and rooms are scheduled. Adjustments must be made before the end of the current school year.
Courses will run if there is sufficient student request and available staff. If a class must be cancelled, students will be given the opportunity to make an alternative selection. Students are encouraged to make responsible choices when initially selecting courses. Please be certain to:
· Consult with your parents and guidance counselor.
· Read all materials carefully before choosing courses.
· Speak with your teachers about their recommendations.
· Accurately record information on the course selection worksheet.
· Get all of the signatures you are required to have.
· Turn in the worksheet when requested to do so. If you do not submit requests, a schedule will be generated for you.
· Remember that there is no guarantee that all courses listed will be run. Student selection will determine which courses will run
and which will not.
· Courses may be combined at the discretion of the Administrator.
Course prerequisites may be waived by department chairpersons.
Careful thought must be given to each course selection. Discuss your choices with your counselor, teachers, and parents. Do not
register for classes with the idea that changes will be made if things do not work out. A decision to elect a course is much like a contract.
All changes in a student’s schedule will be made in accordance with the following guidelines and restrictions:
1. Contact the guidance department as soon as you know a schedule change is necessary.
2. Course changes are subject to the availability of space in the requested course. Teacher preferences cannot be the basis of course request changes.
3. The guidance department will open for a limited time period in the summer for course change issues based on end of year and/or summer school status.
4. During the first five days of a semester class, schedule changes may be made for reasons including:
a. Correcting an error in your schedule.
b. Adding an additional course (Students are responsible for all work covered during their absence).
c. Dropping a course provided the credit requirement is met.
5. Courses will not be dropped after the first 5 days of the semester class unless extenuating circumstances exist and a replacement course may be found.
6. There will be no study halls per regulation of the State of Rhode Island.
RELEASE OF RECORDS
Federal law and school department regulations direct that individual school records cannot be released to any person or organization without the specific written consent of the parent or adult student who has reached his 18th birthday, unless specifically exempted by law or unless the student has clearly registered in another secondary school. Such authorization shall clearly identify the recipient, the types of information being released, the length of time for which his or her release is valid, and the general purpose for which the records will be used. In the event that such records are sent out without specific authorization (for example, by court order), the parent or adult student will be so informed. Records to other educational institutions may be released upon request if evidence shows that the student has registered there (unless specifically prevented by the parent); however every effort will first be made to have parental authorization.
Students seeking issuance of transcripts to colleges should be aware of additional requirements in addition to that of written consent.
There is a special form available in the Guidance Office that should be submitted to the Guidance secretary at least 10 school days in advance of the due date together with a stamped addressed 9” x 12” envelope or envelope provided by the college. Students should consider the mailing transit time to assure arrival before the deadline. Students sending college applications must submit a stamped addressed envelope for each grade report needed. Counselors shall be given 10 school days to process the counselor’s portion of the application packet. Transcripts issued to undergraduate students will be issued at no cost to the student; however, students must provide postage. Graduate transcript fees are $2.00 per transcript.
SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION
All males, no later than 30 days after their 18th birthday, must register with the U.S. Selective Service. Registering online is the recommended method of doing so.
CAREER RELATED ASSESSMENTS
ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a career interest inventory offered to juniors and seniors at no cost or obligation. The
Guidance staff announces to all upper class students when and how they should register for this test.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS
2007-2008
PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is offered in October of each academic year. The test is normally for students in 10th and 11th grade, yet it is open to all students. Juniors who take the test are eligible to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
SAT
The Scholastic Aptitude Test is offered numerous times per year. Typically, students take the SAT in the spring of their junior year and
then in the fall of their senior year. Registration materials are available in the Guidance Office or online at http://www.collegeboard.com. Students are responsible for mailing the registration materials or registering online.
SAT II
SAT II’s are subject tests (formerly known as Achievement Tests) that test knowledge in a specific area and are offered several times a
year. Some colleges may require as many as three SAT II tests. Students are responsible for mailing registration materials or registering
online. The materials are available for students in the Guidance Office.
ACT
The ACT is offered several times a year. The ACT is an alternative to the SAT, although not all colleges accept it in place of the SAT.
Typically, students take the ACT in the spring of their junior year and then again in fall of their senior year. Registration materials are available in the Guidance Office. Students are responsible for mailing the registration materials or registering on-line. Further information is available at www.act.org.
* Students who have a documented disability may be eligible to receive accommodations or modifications for the ACT, PSAT/SAT. It is the student’s responsibility to request/notify his or her guidance counselor.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
English……………………………………………………....4 credits
*Mathematics………………………………………………. 4 credits
** International Languages …………………………………. 2-.4 credits
Social Studies……………………………………………… 3-4 credits
***Science………………………………………………………3-4 credits
Courses in art, music, humanities, computer science, etc. are suggested to complete a well-rounded program.
*Alg.1, Alg.2, Geometry, College Alg. Pre-Calculus, Calculus
**High school level – one Language
*** Biology, Chemistry, Physics
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
The goal of the ESL program is to provide appropriate language experience so that students with limited English skills may become proficient in English. The program emphasizes the acquisition of interpersonal communication skills and encourages competitive academic skills. Instructional strategies promote effective speaking, reading, and writing, listening and thinking in English. Credit is earned through all ESL courses.
The Guidance Department of Johnston High School, in partnership with the Rhode Island School Counselor Association, is implementing a comprehensive, school-counseling program. This comprehensive counseling program serves as an organizational framework to provide
multiple opportunities for students to meet the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) national standards. Standards-based counseling has shifted the focus from a student-by-student system of service delivery to a comprehensive and developmental focus in the three domains that are fundamental to student success: academic, career and personal/social development. School counselors work with all students, school staff, families, and members of the community as an integral part of the education program. The counseling program provides an opportunity for all students to achieve success. The program is data driven, and allows for review, analysis, and interpretation of data to make an ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of the school’s comprehensive guidance program.
School counseling programs promote success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention programs, and intervention activities, advocacy, and social/emotional and career development (American School Counselor Association, 1997). This program meets the needs of students and schools in the 21st century. The program further meets the requirements specified in the high school reform regulations adopted by the Rhode Island Board of Regents.
The responsibilities of Professional School Counselors include the following:
1. To implement a comprehensive school counseling program as the infrastructure for personalization that includes an Individual Learning Plan for each student.
2. To deliver components of the counseling program that articulates the nine standards in the academic, career and personal/social domains.
3. To provide proactive leadership to ensure that every student can succeed.
4. To support students with the challenges they encounter presented by school rigor, policies and the socialization pressures.
5. To invest in making schools a welcoming learning community where all students can achieve academic, career, and personal/social success.
6. To assist with the coordination of resources and services for students and families through community outreach.
7. To collaborate with agencies to provide a variety of services and opportunities to students and their families.
8. To advocate for the students they serve.
9. To use their collaboration with all school community members.
10. To incorporate group counseling, thereby impacting more students than in a one on one model. This will increase the total number of student counselor interactions and help ensure that “no child is left behind”.
11. To assist students and parents in tracking the progress of students toward graduation.
12. To provide limited personal counseling.
13. To assist the student in the development of academic, career, personal/social goals.
14. To assist students in course selection and to help students adjust schedules as needed.
15. To assist students by initiating exploration activities/programs that connect academic course work with career options: i.e., college selection, military service, trade and technical schools.
16. To assist in the interpretations of individual and group tests.
17. To provide information about pupils to their parents, to their teachers and to others who are professionally concerned in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.
18. To help students make the transition from one level to another, from one school to another and from school to employment.
19. To act as a consultant to parents, students, teachers and administrators by working together effectively to improve the educational experience for all students.
20. To conduct evaluation and follow-up studies for purposes of improving guidance services.
21. To assist parents and students with scholarship and financial aid information.
22. To advise students about the following programs: Concurrent Enrollment, Early Enrollment and Early Graduation.
23. To participate as a member of the referral team (ET, TST, SST).
24. To serve as a member of the crisis intervention team.
Students are assigned a counselor based on the first letter of their last name.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Services are designed to enable students to make academic progress in the general education program curriculum whenever possible. These services are available for students who meet the federal guidelines. These services may include in-class support, social work serv