GENERAL INFORMATION
Attendance Procedures and Policies
School Year 2009-2010
Philosophy
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I. Attendance Procedures
1. School Schedule
The school day begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends for students at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday.
2. Tardies
a. Tardy to School
1. Students arriving after the 7:55 a.m. bell are tardy and should report to class immediately.
2. Only students with official documentation may receive an admit slip to excuse the tardy. This slip may be obtained from the Attendance Office within two days of the tardy.
3. Students without official documentation may complete the Attendance Verification Form and submit it to the administration to be considered for an excused tardy.
b. Tardy to Class
1. Students entering class later than ten (10) minutes after the tardy bell rings without an excuse are counted as absent for that period.
2. Three unexcused tardies will equal one unexcused absence for grading purposes in each individual period.
3. Students who do not report to class after the first ten minutes of class will be picked up by security and will be turned over to the administration.
4. Students participating in academic activities that cause them to be tardy to class can be excused with a note from the supervising teacher in the student planner.
3. Truancy or Suspension
a. Students who are truant will be dealt with according to DOE Chapter 19 Regulations by the administration. No make up work will be given to students who are truant.
b. Administration may refer students who are truant to the Maui Police Department and/or Family Court in compliance with compulsory education.
c. Students who are suspended will not have absences count against their grades. Individual teachers will provide equivalent work for students who are suspended.
II. Procedures and Policies for Excused Absences
1.Absence due to illness or injury Not Requiring Doctors Care
a.Students will submit the Attendance Verification Form to the Administration within two days of return to school to allow absence to be excused.
2. Absence due to Doctors Appointment or Medical Treatment
a. Whether a student misses a partial or full day due to doctors appointment or medical treatment, official written documentation from the health care professional should be turned in to the Attendance Office within two days of return to school.
b. Admit slips will be issued to students who have official documentation to allow students to obtain an excused absence. Students will present admit slip to teachers upon return to class.
3. Absence due to School Authorized Activities
(See Appendix A for Examples of School Authorized Activities)
a. A student participating in school-sponsored activities will not be penalized for absences or tardjes to classes caused by those activities, provided the student has proper authorization.
b. Students will be allowed to make up all work missed within the time frame prescribed by the teacher.
c. Students will be marked absent for the class period(s) missed, and will be changed to an “F” in the attendance record for authorized activity when verification is received from the sponsoring party.
4. Absence due to a Funeral
a. Students miss one day of school to attend a funeral may be excused by bringing verification (copy of obituary or funeral program) to the Attendance Office. An Admit Slip will be issued to the student if the proper documentation is presented.
b. Students who miss more than one day for a funeral or who do not have proper documentation may submit the Attendance Verification Form to the administration to excuse the absence.
5. Absence Requiring Prior Approval from the Administration
(See Appendix B for Examples of Absences Requiring Prior Approval)
a. Prior approval foran absence shall be granted by the administration if an Attendance Verification Form and/or documentation is submitted before the date in question.
b. It is the student’s responsibility to present the Attendance Verification form to all affected teachers before the absence if work is desired.
c. Students will be marked absent for the days approved, until official documentation is provided to administration within two days of return to school.
d. If documentation is accepted it is the student’s responsibility to present verification to teachers to provide for an excused absence.
e. The student is responsible to make up all work missed according to the guidelines of individual teachers.
III. Maximum Allowable Unexcused Absences
1. Maximum Number
a. Students who accumulate five (5) unexcused absences or less in a quarter will not be penalized. Students with more than five absences in a class will receive a failing grade.
**Students who receive a failing grade for a course due to excssive unexcused absences can maintain an average one percent below the passing benchmark (example a 59% average can be maintained if 60% is passing).
2. Procedures for Accumulated Unexcused Absences
a. When a student has accumulated three (3) unexcused absences for any one class, teachers will notify parents and counselors by sending out a progress report. If this written notification is not returned, the teacher will contact the parent/guardian by phone.
b. If a student accumulates six (6) or more unexcused absences and does not file an Attendance Verification Form within two days of the absences, a failing grade will be automatically given for that quarter.
3. Chronic Absenteeism
The request for assistance form may be submitted to the School Services Coordinator to determine how to best meet the needs of the student in regards to attendance.
IV. Attendance Verification
1. Students are absent due to a reason not listed previously may still fill out and complete an Attendance Verification Form for an administrator to review. Extenuating circumstances may be taken into account in the attendance verification process.
2. Students who miss classes due to a school sponsored activity such as a field trip or athletic event do not need to submit an Attendance Verification Form, as the sponsoring teacher will be responsible for excusing students who participate through the Attendance Office.
Appendix A
School Related Activities
*Appointment with counselor or administrator
*Standardized testing appointment
*College or Career Speacker
*Peer Education/Mediation
*Treatment in Health Room
Authorized Off-Campus Activities
*Work/Study Program
*Community Service
*Student Government related activities
*Athletic Competitions
*Field Trips
*Early Admission Programs
Appendix B
Absences Requiring Prior Approval
*Court Appearances
*Driver Licensing Tests (2 periods only)
*Academic, cultural, artistic events or athletic competitions whose dates are dictated by a State or National organization.
*College Visitations (5 days maximum per school year)
Off-Campus Pass
Any request to leave campus must be made in writing and submitted to the school office before the school day begins. Requests must be signed by a parent/legal guardian and must include the following information: student’s legal name, home telephone number, phone number where parent/guardian cab be reached, date/time for release and reason for release, time student will return to school (if applicable). The student is responsible for presenting his/her off-campus pass to his/her teachers on the following school day. Student found off campus without a valid off-campus pass are subject to arrest for truancy.
For our student’s safety, visitors are not allowed on campus during the instructional day unless they are part of a sanctioned activity. MHS welcomes those visitors who have official business on campus. All guests and visitors must report to the school office before proceeding on to the campus. When business is completed, visitors/guests are expected to leave promptly. School assemblies are closed to MHS students and staff due to limited seating and capacity requirements.
Each student will be allowed to purchase only one pass for the school year. Student must provide proof of driver’s license and vehicle registration along with application. Passes can be transferred from one vehicle to another, provided the vehicle is owned by a family member and it has been registered with the vice principal prior to any transferring. (If passes are lost or stolen, students will be allowed to purchase replacement passes). All vehicles parked on campus must have a current valid student parking pass that is visible at all times. Students are to park only in the designated student parking lot. Students must observe all traffic rules: 1) Speed limit on campus is 5 mph to insure student safety. 2) No parking along the front driveway, in staff parking lots, handicapped parking stalls, and along the gym service road. 3) Vehicles must be parked within the marked stalls in the direction of traffic to prevent accidents. Drivers must obey the traffic routing in the parking lot, especially the one way traffic flow patterns. 4) Students are not to loiter in their cars upon arriving on campus. The parking lot is an out of bounds area during the school day to insure that cars are not vandalized. 5) Student parking lot will be secured and locked each day at 5:30 pm. Vehicles left in parking lot will be locked in until the next workday and will be considered as unauthorized unless administration is notified.
Bus Service
Service is available to students living outside a one mile radius of the school. Call Student Transportation at 243-5308
Free or Reduced-Price Meals
Students from families whose incomes fall within certain guidelines may apply for free or reduced-price meals. Applications are available from the school office.
Lockers
Lockers are assigned on a first come, first served basis during registration and during the school year. This service is free. Lockers need locks which must be provided by students. Lockers are school property and are subject to search.
Textbooks and Equipment
Each student is responsible for all books and equipment issued to him/her. If books or equipment are lost, stolen or damaged, the student must pay the full replacement cost of the item(s). Obligations still outstanding at the end of the senior year may result in the withholding of a student’s diploma and/or the privilege of participating in graduation exercises. Seniors must clear all obligations prior to graduation.
Chapter 8-57 – Restitution for Damaged and Lost Books, Equipment, Supplies, and Outstanding Financial Obligations
This rule holds students accountable for lost and damaged textbooks, library books, equipment and supplies, and financial obligations. Chapter 9-57 defines consequences for students with outstanding financial obligations to make timely restitution. In addition to any penalties that may be imposed, a student who fails to make restitution under this rule “shall be prohibited from participating in any student activity. These activities include, but are not limited to athletics, academic clubs, service clubs, hobby clubs, proms, class banquets, May Day and other organized festivals/celebrations for which no academic credit is received.” This means that seniors will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies, and underclassmen will not be able to participate in any student activity for the school year 2008 – 2009 if their obligations are not met.
CLASS D OFFENSES: SCHOOL RULES
Contraband
Possession or use of the following types of contraband is prohibited:
1) Tape players, CD players, recorders, radios, walkman, pagers, cellular phones, electronic games and other noise makers that disrupt class or learning. (Students are reminded that the school will not be responsible for the above mentioned items.
2) Neck and/or writs collars with spikes or any protruding projectiles.
3) Bicycles
4) Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates
5) Cigarettes, other smoking materials, and chewing tobacco
6) Water guns, water balloons
7) Matches, lighters
8) Gambling devices and games
9) Laser pointer pens
Solicitations of funds or services on campus must be authorized by school personnel.
Official Documents
Only authorized school personnel are authorized to mark, revise, or use officeial school documents.
Climbing
Climbing of trees, buildings and other structures on campus is prohibited.
Illegal Congregation
Students must leave the immediate area where law violations and infractions of school rules are taking place.
Loitering
Students are prohibited from loitering or sitting in the following places: Bathrooms, Locker rooms, Gym lobby, student and faculty/staff parking lots. Administration courtyard unless for official business (see a counselor, administration, health aide, or office personnel). Out of bound areas, track field, student on Early Release Program must leave campus and not return to campus unless they have been scheduled for classes. Early Release may be revoked if abuses occur.
Passes
- In order to leave class, (e.g. bathroom, referral to the health room., library, counselor, etc.), a student must have their student ID card and the hall pass in their school planner signed.
- Students who leave campus during school time must have a Pass to Leave Campus (PLC).
- Students who are on Early Release Program msut have an Early Release Program identification card and not remain on campus after the designated release time.
- No telephone passes issued during class time unless in an emergency.
Cafeteria Rules
1. Cutting in line is prohibited, and is defined as:
- a student getting in front of others already inline
- a student asking another person to buy his/her lunch
2. Not paying for food taken from the cafeteria is strictly prohibited.
3. No outside food to be delivered to campus during school hours. Office will not
accept delivery of foods. (e.g. Pizza Hut, McDonald’s)
Litter
Students must deposit all rubbish in proper trash containers
Classroom Rules
Classroom rules must be discussed and explained in each classroom at the beginning of each school semester and must be supervised and enforced by the teacher.
Vehicles on Campus
- All vehicles parked on campus must be registered with the Vice Principal and have a parking pass displayed.
- Students will park their cars in the Student Parking Lot. The speed limit on campus is 5 mph. Drivers of vehicles may only transport other students authorized to leave campus. Students are not to park in Faculty/Staff designated parking stalls.
-Any violations could result in the towing of vehicle at owner’s expense and/or parking privileges be revoked.
Out of Bounds
- See out of bounds map. Out of bound areas are delineated by dots.
- The whole area behind Building J up to the service road fronting the gymnasium and the north side of Building K are designated out of bounds. Student Parking Lot out of bounds from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Inappropriate Affectionate Behavior
Overly affectionate behavior such as prolonged hugging, necking, clinging are prohibited.
Clothing Attire
- Students must have footwear.
- T-shirts, hats or clothes with pictures or designs of beer, cigarettes, marijuana, other drugs and sexual innuendoes (exposing, exaggerating, vital parts of the body: e.g. bosom, buttocks) are not allowed.
Inappropriate Language
- Students must not swear, nor use foul or profane language. Offensive name calling is prohibited. Use of gang related hand signs is not allowed.
- Display of offensive words or pictures, printed materials or clothing denigrating people of the opposite sex, putting down different races, or promoting pornography, gangs, alcohol and drugs are prohibited.
Sodas
Sodas are not to be brought into classrooms during class time.
All disciplinary measures will be enacted in accordance with Chapter 19, Student Misconduct, Discipline, School Searches and Seizures, Reporting Offenses, Police Interviews and Arrests, and Restitution for Vandalism and negligence. Chapter 19 remains in effect during school hours and during all school-related activities whether on or off campus. Chapter 19 also remains in effect for school-related activities occurring over the weekend or holiday.
Chapter 19
1. Class A offenses: Unlawful Conduct
a. Assault
b. Burglary
c. Use or possession of dangerous weapons, substances,or instruments
d. Drugs, paraphernalia, possession, use or sale of
e. Extortion
f. firearms, possession or use of
g. Illicit substances 9possession of use of: includes marijuana, illicit drugs,
alcohol)
h. Murder
i. Property damage
j. Robbery
k. Sexual offenses
l. Terroristic Threatening
2. Class B offenses: Unlawful Conduct
a. Disorderly Conduct
b. False Alarm (rendering of)
c. Gamblilng
d. Harassment
e. Theft
f. Trespassing
3. Class C offenses: Department Prohibited
a. Insubordination
b. Class cutting
c. Leaving campus without consent
d. Smoking: Use of Tobacco Substances
e. Truancy (Unexcused absence or absences from school by a student; police
notified on truancy)
Possible Disciplinary Action
Class A & B Offenses: Counseling, notify parents, and one or combination of:
a) Detention or community service;
b) Crisis suspension;
c) Suspension of one to ten days;
d) Suspension of eleven or more days;
e) Disciplinary transfer;
f) Dismissal;
g) Repair and/or restitution (parent responsibility for restitution)
h) Police interview
i) Police Conference
* Gun Free Act (Dismissal 1 calendar year)
** Act 90 (Suspension up to 92 days)
Class C Offenses:
a) Teacher detention;
b) Referral to counselor;
c) Parental conference;
d) Suspension of 1-10 days;
e) Suspension of 11 or more days except for truancy;
f) Crisis suspension
g) Referral to an alternative education progress;
h) Disciplinary transfer;
i) Dismissal
Suspension & Exclusions
A student on suspension will NOT be permitted on campus or to participate in any curricular or co-curricular activity throughout the suspension period. Refunds will NOT be issued for activities that the student will miss due to suspension. Suspensions and exclusions will be administered as deemed appropriate by the school’s administration.
Internet
Internet access is now available to students and teachers at
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to:
1. electronic mail communication with people all over the world:
2. information and news from research institutions as well as the opportunity to correspond with the scientists at NASA and other research institutions;
3. Public domain software and shareware of all types;
4. discussion groups on a plethora of topics ranging from Chinese culture to the environment to music to politics; and
5. access to many University Library Catalogs, the Library of Congress and ERIC.
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting.
Department of Education.
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided ere so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If a
violates any of these provisions, his or her account will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied.
The signature(s) at the beginning of this planner is (are) legally binding and indicated the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.
INTERNET USE, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS
A. Acceptable Use – The purpose of NSFNET, which is the backbone network to the Internet, is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the
1. All use of the network must be in support of education and research and consistent with the purposes of the Department of Education and
2. Ay use of the network for commercial or for-profit purposes is prohibited.
3. Any use of the network for personal and private business, product advertising or political lobbying is prohibited.
4. Network accounts are to be used by the authorized owner of the account or authorized purpose.
5. Users are responsible for all mail received under their account and have the responsibility to make only those contacts leading to some justifiable personal growth on the Internet.
6. Users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data or passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent other users on the network.
7. All communication and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
8. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks and other antisocial behaviors are prohibited on the network.
9. Users will accept the responsibility of keeping copyrighted software of any kind from entering the local area network via the Internet.
10. The use of the network to access pornographic material, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the local area network is prohibited.
B. Privileges – The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. (Each student who receives an account will be guided and instructed by a
C. Network Etiquette – You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
1. Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others.
2. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
3. Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of students or colleagues.
4. Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
5. Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
6. All communications and information accessible via he network should be assumed to be private properly.
D.
E. Security – Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify a system administrator or your School Internet Coordinator and to not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log on to the Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to Internet.
F. Vandalism – Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to the NSFNET Internet backbone. This includes, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.