Online-Student Handbook

 

Porterville High School

465 W. Olive Ave.

Porterville, CA  93257

                           

__________________________________________________________________

 

   Bell Schedule                                                               Directory

 

Period 1 – 8:20 – 9:20                                                    Mr. Graybehl, Principal……………….793-3498

Period 2 – 9:26 – 10:22                                                  Ms. Knutson, Principal’s Secretary…...793-3498

Brunch – 10:22 – 10:33                                                  Mrs. Smith, Assistant Principal……….793-3487

Period 3 – 10:39 – 11:35                                                Mr. Valdez, Assistant Principal………793-3496

Period 4 – 11:41 – 12:37                                                Mrs. McLaughlin, Assistant

Lunch – 12:37 – 1:11                                                     Principal’s Secretary………………….793-3495

Period 6 – 1:17 – 2:13                                                    Attendance Office…………………….793-3490

Period 7 – 2:19 – 3:15                                                                                                               793-3499

                                                                                    Guidance Department………………...793-3482

Table of Contents                                                                                                                793-3483

                                                                                    Mrs. Aziz, Head Counselor................. 793-3484

The Mission & Vision for PHS………….1                                 Mrs. Buzzelli, Counselor..................... 793-3479

Directory for PHS………………………. 1                               Mrs. Canata, Guidance Tech……….....793-3480

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results…2                                 Mr. Nuno, Counselor............................793-3476

Attendance……………………………… 5                               Mrs. Ureno, Guidance Tech................. 793-3486

Behavioral Code…………………………6                                Mrs. Garza, Migrant............................. 793-3432

Course of Study &                                                                    Ms. Teresa Zamarripa.......................... 793-3474         

College Planning………………………..11                                Mr. McCusker, Athletic Director......... 793-3492

General Information…………………….16                                Mrs. Zamora, ASB Bookkeeper........... 793-3494          

Athletic Information…………………….22                                Mr. Durbin, Special Projects                             

Student Council &                                                                     Director................................................ 793-3478

Campus Clubs…………………………..23                                Career Center........................................793-3431

                                   

Porterville High School Mission Statement

 

The Porterville High School Community, in its commitment to educate youth believe:

An education is the essential foundation for a successful present and future.  Therefore, Porterville High School, in association with parent and concerned community businesses and organizations, endeavors to provide a secure, productive learning environment.  With a diverse, student centered curriculum, our students will acquire the abilities to reason, cooperate, communicate, create, and confidently experience success in a rapidly changing and challenging world.

 

Porterville High School Vision Statement

 

The Porterville High School Community is committed to providing:

     an educational setting offering a student-centered support system

     a collaborative effort of parents, school staff, students, and community members

     an actively involved student body in an educational program that integrates subject areas and post secondary goals

     an opportunity for the demonstration of academic skills, thinking skills, and personal life management skills

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results for Porterville High School

“What student should know and do when they graduate from PHS”

By the time students graduate, they will demonstrate the abilities of:

 

 

1.       Complex Thinkers

                        Use critical thinking skills to solve problems and to form defensible opinions

 

                        Identify the problem, collect and analyze data and formulate solutions

 

                        Effectively use technology to enhance learning and to perform educational tasks

 

2.       Effective Communicators

Use oral, visual performance based and written means of communication effectively to explain, to interpret and to express opinions based on facts and valid research

 

Receive, decipher and respond to written, verbal and visual cues to messages of others in an appropriate and effective manner

 

Demonstrate technology as a communicative tool

 

3.       Community Contributors

Contribute time, energy and talents to improve the quality of life in our school and community

 

Demonstrate an understanding of democratic process and economic principles and laws and regulations of our society to demonstrate positive and productive citizenship

 

4.       Quality Producers

Demonstrate proficiency in State and district adopted reading, language arts and mathematical grade level standards

 

                        Investigate career options to achieve potential life goals

 

                        Demonstrate collaborative skills which facilitate interaction and participation

 

                        Exhibit attendance patterns commensurate with that expected in the workplace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Los Resultados Esperados del Aprendizaje por Toda La Escuela de la Secundaria/Preparatoria de Porterville

 

 

Al graduarse los alumnus, demonstraran la habilidad de:

 

1.         Pensadores Analiticos

Usar las habilidades del pensamiento critico para resolver los problemas de diario y para formar opinions defendibles

                       

Identificar el problema, juntar y analizar los datos y formular las soluciones

                       

Usar la tecnologia efectivamente y apropiadamente como una herramienta para mejorar el aprendizaje y para desempenar las tareas

 

2.         Comunicadores Efectivos

Usar los medios de comunicacion: oral, visual, reliazar y escribir efectivamente para explicar, interpretar y expresar opinions basadas en los hechos y en la investigacion valida

 

Recibir, interpretar los mensajes de otros y reponderles en una manera apropiada y efectiva

 

                        Usar la tecnologia como parte de la comunicacion

 

3.         Contribuyentes de la Comunidad

Contribuir tiempo, energia y talentos para mejorar la calidad del ambiente de nuestra escuela y comunidad

 

Comprehender el proceso democratico y los los principios de la economia, las leyes, y las regulaciones de nuestra sociedad, para demostrar una participacion civica positiva y productive

 

4.         Productores de Calidad

                        Investigar las opciones en las carreras para lograr las metas potenciales de la vida

           

                        Demostrar las habilidades colaboradoras que facilitan la interaccion y la participacion

 

Exibir maneras de asistencia proporcionadas con lo que se esperal en el mundo del trabajo

 

Demostrar orgullo y responsabilidad para coherentemente completar los proyectos y las tareas

 

Mostrar un buen conoeimiento en la lectura, language, y matematicas a su nivel adecuado del ano escolar adoptado por el Estado y distrito escolar

           

 

 

 

10 – 10 RULE

In an effort to reduce the number of interruptions the faculty has adopted the 10-10 rule. The interruptions in class are to be during the first 10 minutes of class and the last 10 minutes of class only. All hall passes, phone calls, deliveries, all call bulletins, messages etc., fall under interruptions. We all need to insure all students have at least a 30 minute time block for teachers to teach and students to learn. Emergency situations will be considered on a case by case basis.

 

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

 

Electronic signaling devices including but not limited to cell phones, IPOD's, MP3's, CD players, cameras, etc. are illegal to possess on a school campus (E.C. 48901.5).   The above items will be confiscated and turned over to the Assistant Principal.   School is not responsible for items left over 10 school days.  The school is not responsible for these items if they are lost or stolen on school campus.  STUDENTS SHOULD LEAVE THESE ITEMS AT HOME! 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE

 

 

There is a high correlation between positive attendance and success in school and work.  The school asks parents to give students the best opportunity to be successful by insisting that they attend regularly and by calling to clear absences immediately.

 

Auto Dialing System

 

Porterville High School utilizes an auto-dialing system to notify parents when a student has been marked absent by one or more teacher(s).  When parents receive a phone call indicating that the student has been marked absent one or more periods, they should question the student.  If the student indicates that he/she was in class all day, then the parent should instruct him/her to report to the Attendance Office before school to verify which instructor reported him/ her absent.  He/She should then go to that teacher to clear the absence.

 

Clearing Absences

         

It is the student's responsibility to have absences cleared by parents by calling the Attendance Office on the day absent or the day returning to school.  Please call 793-3490 to clear absences with the Attendance Office.  If the absence was lengthy, parent should give dates and reasons for each day of absence.  If three or more days are due to illness, parents should provide a doctor's note, if possible.  State law puts the responsibility on the parents to insist on daily attendance and to clear absences.  Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

 

Absences must be cleared within 20 school days following an absence.  Any absence not cleared within 20 school days will remain unexcused (as per Ed. Code).

 

If a student is 18 and living with parents, the parents are responsible for clearing absences as described above.  If 18 year olds are living independently, they have the responsibility of clearing their own absences in accordance with school rules and regulations.

 

If a parent chooses to clear absences using a note, the parent is expected to sign a signature card and have it on file in the Attendance Office before the note will be accepted.  The note must contain the following information:

   current date

   date of absence

   reason for absence

   time of absence (if not all day)

   parent/ guardian signature

   students first and last name (as      

   enrolled in school)

 

Students who falsify notes or phone calls will be assigned Saturday School and/ or R.C. (Responsibility Center).

 

Excused Absences

           

The Compulsory Education Act (Education Code 48200) states it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to insure that the pupil attends school regularly.  It is also the responsibility of the parent/ guardian to clear all absences that are excusable.  Excused absences as per Ed. Code 46010 are:

   student illness or injury

   quarantine under a county or city       

   health official

   medical, dental, optometrist, or      

   chiropractic appointment

   attend the funeral service of an   

   immediate family member

   one day in California

   three days out of state

 

Other Warranted Absences

           

As per Ed. Code 48205, a pupil shall be cleared (non-excused, non-truant) for justifiable personal reasons, including but not limited to, an appearance in court, observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion, attendance at a religious retreat, college visitation, or an employment conference.  A pupil absent from school under this section shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests, which can be reasonably provided for by his or her teachers.

 

Extended Leave of Absence

               

Students who have a need to be away from school for an extended length of time need to follow the guidelines listed below:

 

   1.  Request in writing by parent/ guardian must be submitted to the Porterville Guidance Department 5 school days prior to leaving.  A Short Term Contract may be submitted.  All work is due to the counselor on the specified ending date of the contract.  Failure to turn work in on specified date will result in unexcused absence for the length of the contract.

   2.  If planned leave is 20 school days or less, the students will enter into a short term independent study contract.  If planned leave exceeds 20 school days, the student is dropped from Porterville High School and encouraged to enroll at school of temporary residence.

   3.  Students with special needs (i.e.:  Special Day Class or RSP) must have an IEP meeting to determine the appropriate short-term independent goals study and objectives.

 

Permits to Leave Campus

 

When it is necessary for a student to leave the campus during the school day, he/ she must submit a signed request or a parent must phone the Attendance Office and an off-campus permit will be issued.  Permits for medical and dental appointments will be issued in the Attendance Office.  If a student becomes ill during school hours, he/ she should go to the Attendance Office and leave only if excused and given an off-campus permit.  Students who leave without being excused or given a permit to leave will receive an unexcused absence and assigned detention.

 

Tardy Policy

 

1.  Students are expected to be in their assigned areas.

2.  A tardy will be given each time a student is not in his/her assigned area.

3.  Tardies are handled through the assertive discipline contract.

 

Truancy

 

Any absence without acceptable reason, with or without parent consent, for more than three days is truancy.  Unexcused absences will result in loss of extracurricular activities for 5 school days.  One period of unexcused absence will result in two hours of administrative detention.  The consequences for two or more periods of unexcused absence will be:

   1st offense:        Saturday School and loss of activities for one week

   2nd offense:       Saturday School and loss of activities for the remainder of quarter.

   3rd offense:  Severe disciplinary

action, referral to SARB, possible transfer to an alternative program.

 

            Students who are absent three (3) days unexcused will be considered truant and parents will be notified.  After the third notification, or the ninth (9) unexcused absence, a student will be considered a habitual truant and will be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) where the student's attendance and school records will be reviewed and recommendations to the court system for legal action may occur.

 

Clean Sweep

 

Clean Sweep is a program operated by the Porterville Police Department.  Students who are observed off campus without an off-campus permit are picked up, brought to campus by the officer and cited into the Thunderbolt Program.  Parents are notified and students are placed in the Responsibility Center.

 

Attendance Requirements for Graduation Ceremony

           

To participate in graduation ceremonies, a senior must have maintained 90% attendance of the day enrolled in the Porterville Unified School District.  A student cannot miss more than 18 days or 108 periods per year.  The exceptions to the requirement are as follows:

    1.  illness verified with doctor's note.  If the illness is long-term, a doctor's note must be renewed every quarter or upon request.

   2.  quarantine directed by a county or city health officer.

   3.  subpoena/ Jury Duty - would be on a daily basis.

   4.  attending funeral services for a pupil's immediate family (parents, grandparents, siblings) is limited to 1 day in California and 3 days out of state.

   5.  school activity absences.

 

Make up for absences:

               

Summer School attendance will be utilized for make-up of less than 90% attendance in the previous year(s) of enrollment.  Students who choose not to exercise this option run the risk of being ineligible for graduation ceremony participation their senior year.  All make-ups must have prior administrative approval and must complete a minimum of 10 units of credit.

 

BEHAVIORAL CODE

 

A behavioral code is provided to each student because the students, the parents, and the staff expect and demand a safe, secure, and orderly campus.  These procedures comply with Porterville Unified School District Policy, as well as state and federal law, and are based on timely and consistent consequences for conduct which is disruptive to our campus.

 

The purpose is to ensure a safe and orderly educational climate conducive to learning for all students and to promote, with each individual, good citizenship, which is necessary to function effectively in American society.

 

Porterville Unified School District desires to build responsibility, respect for others, respect for the school, and respect for self.  Students are expected to demonstrate responsible behavior which does not interfere with the safety, well being, or educational opportunities for themselves or others.  Students are not born disciplined.  Discipline, or self control, is a learned behavior.

 

The Porterville Unified School  District strives to teach students responsibility, self-discipline, and respect through defining student expectations and requiring acceptable standards of behavior.

 

The Porterville Unified School District recognizes that a well-ordered and safe environment can only occur in cooperation with all members of the school community including students, staff and parents.

 

Disciplinary Procedures

 

The following disciplinary procedures have been developed to insure that Porterville High School provides a proper learning environment for all students.  All rules will be enforced and appropriate penalties assessed for infractions.  Students who violate rules will be counseled, reprimanded, suspended, or expelled and/ or cited by the police.  It is the responsibility of every school employee to apply the rules consistently and equally for all students.

 

 

 

 

Porterville High School Assertive Discipline Program

 

1.  In order for students to learn and teachers to teach, student responsibilities are:

   1.  to come to class on time and be prepared to work and study.

   2.  to follow class rules and not disrupt the class.

   3.  to respect other people and their property. (school and personal)

 

2.  Failure to comply will result in the following consequences:

  

   STEP 1:  verbal warning

   STEP 2:  teacher detention and assertive discipline referral sent home.

   STEP 3:  Counselor interaction, parent/ guardian notification by teacher and 2 period class suspension. 

   STEP 4:  Assistant Principal referral, parent notification and 2 period class suspension.

   STEP 5:  Assistant Principal referral resulting in student being dropped from the class with an "F".

 

Jurisdiction

               

All school rules will be enforced:

   while on school grounds

   while coming to or going from    

   school

   during school hours whether on 

   or off campus

   during or while coming to or   

   going from a school sponsored

   activity

 

Searches and Seizures

 

California Education Code 49050 and 49051 provides school officials with wide latitude to search students, their possessions, and automobiles, in the ongoing effort to maintain a safe and secure campus.  When a school official has a "reasonable suspicion" that a student may be in possession of contraband or dangerous objects, the students will be asked to empty all pockets and provide the official access or other personal items (backpack, locker, car) which may contain contraband or dangerous objects.  The school official will make every attempt to be unobtrusive and respectful of privacy.  Students should be aware that grounds for suspicion commonly include being "out of bounds."  Students should also be aware that any contraband or dangerous objects found in their possession would be assumed to belong to them.  Finally, if a student should discover contraband or dangerous objects on campus, he or she should go directly to an assistant principal or other staff member and turn it over without delay.

 

 

DEFINITION OF

BEHAVIOR TERMS

           

1.  Suspension/Expulsion

                               

Suspension or expulsion will be imposed only when other means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct.  However, any pupil, including pupils with exceptional needs may be suspended - and possibly expelled - for any of the reasons enumerated in California Education Code section 48900, or if the school determines that the pupil's presence causes a danger to persons or property or threatens to disrupt the instructional process.  Suspensions remove a student from campus from one to five days, after which time the student may return.  Expulsion, by contrast, is a formal process, which entails suspension and a hearing at the District Office to determine if a student will be dismissed from his/her current educational setting.  Students who have been expelled by the Governing Board may not attend any school or program operated by the Porterville Unified School District until the Governing Board acts to lift the expulsion.  Suspended students must be home during school hours and are not to be on or near the school grounds, or any school activity until the suspension is lifted.

 

2.  In School Alternative (Responsbility Center)

 

The Responsibility Center is an alternative to home suspension.  Students will be completely separated from the student body for an entire day and may not participate in any extracurricular activities.  The class climate will be strictly business and students will be required to work the entire time they are in the Responsibility Center.  The rules are simple:  students will do assigned work without talking, sleeping, or leaving desks.  Lunch and breaks will be controlled, supervised and taken when other students are in class.  Failure to comply with RC rules will result in home suspension.

 

3.  Saturday School

                               

Saturday School is assigned as a consequence of truancy and discipline infractions.  Saturday School is held from 8:00 to 12:00 noon.  Students must bring make-up work from classes to complete during Saturday School.  Acceptable behavior and satisfactory completion of class work will determine whether or not credit will be given for Saturday School.  Transportation to and from Saturday School is the responsibility of the parent.  Failure to attend Saturday School may result in suspension in or out of school, a parent conference, or other discipline determined appropriate by administration.  Late arrivals will be turned away at the door.

 

4.  School Attendance Review Board (SARB)

 

A School Attendance Review Board (SARB) has been established in accordance with state law.  Any pupil who is a habitual truant, irregular in attendance or habitual insubordinate or disorderly during school attendance shall be referred to SARB.  Upon referral, SARB will meet with all involved persons (including student and his/ her parents) to discuss alternative programs and/ or to sign a contract.  If the program developed by SARB is not effective, referrals are then made to the district attorney's office for prosecution.

 

5.  Detention

                       

Detention is held during lunch in A-1.  Students must bring reading material or schoolwork.  Talking, sleeping, playing radios, and causing other distractions are not allowed.  Students who are tardy will not be allowed to enter.  Failure to serve detention will result in assignment to the Responsibility Center and/ or home suspension.

 

VIOLATION OF

CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CODE 48900

 

Section (A) - (L) and 48900.2 - 48900.4

 

All cases recommended for expulsion will be investigated and determined on specific articulated facts.

 

Behavior:              48900   

Section A:  FIGHTING

 

Students are expected to seek non-violent and constructive solutions to conflict.

 

Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.

 

Consequences:

               

Students involved in fighting for the first offense within a four-year period while enrolled at Porterville High School:  Suspension for three days, (citation by Police into Thunderbolt in gang affiliated cases).  Consequence for a second offense while enrolled at Porterville High School:  the student will be suspended for five days, cited by Police into Thunderbolt and referred to alternative education.

 

Students who commit an assault, battery or cause severe injury are subject to arrest and referral to the Governing Board for expulsion.

 

Behavior:        48900

 

Section B:  DANGEROUS OBJECTS

 

Students are expected  . . .

   to maintain a safe school environment

   to be drug, alcohol and weapon free.

 

Possessed, sold or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any such object of this type, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, with concurrence by the Principal or the designee of the Principal.

 

Definition 

 

Students may not possess any dangerous object which con-stitutes a potential threat to the safety and security of the school.  Students are hereby informed not to bring any of the following similar or related items to campus or any school-related activity: gun, BB gun, cap gun, dart gun, pellet gun, spot marker gun, stun gun, model gun, toy gun, squirt gun, replica gun, "zip gun," rifle, model rifle, pistol, revolver, taser, semi-automatic weapon, model semi-automatic weapon, knife, pocket knife, Swiss Army knife, pen knife, keychain knife, kitchen knife, box knife, exacto knife, dirk, dagger, ice pick, razor, razor blade, bombs, pipe bombs, time bombs, containers of inflammable fluids, billy club, blackjack, slingshot, nunchucks, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, any metal plate with radiating points with one or more sharp edges, chains, anything that expels a projectile by force of air or explosion, fireworks or an incendiary devices, pressurized cartridges, and replica weapons.

 

Consequences

               

Five day suspension, citation by law enforcement into Thunderbolt Program, and referral to the Governing Board for expulsion on the first offense.

 

Behavior:              48900   

 

Section C & D:  CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

 

Students are expected to be drug, alcohol, and weapon free.

 

Student may not possess, use, sell, be under the influence of, or furnish any amount of controlled substance, alcohol, or intoxicant of any kind.  These include, but are not limited to all alcoholic beverages, narcotics, marijuana, methamphetamines, inhalants, and hallucinogens.  In addition, students may not offer, arrange or negotiate to sell any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant and then furnish a substitute item intended to represent the controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant.

 

Consequences:

 

Alcohol: 

 

Students found in possession of alcohol or who use alcohol while under the school's jurisdiction will be suspended for five days.  Upon return, student will participate in on-campus substance abuse counseling.  If the student has committed a previous alcohol-related infraction, he/ she will be referred to alternative school setting.

 

Students who furnish (provide or give) or sell alcohol to another will be suspended for five days and may be referred to the Governing Board for expulsion on the first offense.

 

Other Controlled Substances:  Students who possess, use, furnish, or sell, or are under the influence of any controlled substance will be suspended from school for five days and may be referred to the Governing Board for expulsion on the first offense.

 

False Representation: 

 

Students who provide other persons with an item intended to represent any alcoholic beverage, intoxicant or controlled substance will be suspended from school for five days and may be referred to the Governing Board for expulsion on the first offense.

 

Behavior:              48900   

 

Section E:              ROBBERY

 

Students are expected to respect the property of others.

 

Students may not commit or attempt to commit robbery or extortion.  This includes the theft of any property not belonging to student or any attempt made to force or create fear in others while attempting to steal or while stealing another's property.

 

Consequences:

 

The consequences for robbery or extortion will range from suspension to referral to the Governing Board for expulsion.  In addition, law enforcement will be contacted.  The student and/ or parent will be responsible for returning the stolen property or for full payment.

 

Behavior:              48900   

 

Section F: DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

 

Students are expected to respect the property of others.

 

Consequences:

 

The consequences for attempting to cause or causing damage to others property will range from one to five day suspension and/or to referral to the Governing Board for expulsion.  The student and/ or parent will be responsible for payment for the damage.  In addition, law enforcement may be contacted.     

 

Behavior:              48900   

 

Section G:  THEFT

 

Students are expected to respect the property of others.

 

Consequences:

 

The consequences for theft will range from suspension to referral to the Governing Board for expulsion.  The student and/ or parent will be responsible for returning the stolen property or for full payment of the property.  In addition, law enforcement may be contacted.

 

Behavior:              48900   

 

Section H:             TOBACCO

 

Students are expected to live healthy lifestyles.

 

Students may not possess or use tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets and betel.

 

Consequences:

 

Possession of/ or use of tobacco on the Porterville High School campus is strictly forbidden.  Students found in possession or who use tobacco, or products containing tobacco or nicotine, within a four-year period while enrolled at Porterville High School will receive the following consequences:

   1st offense:        Home suspension for the remainder of the day and referral to the  Insight Program.

   2nd offense:       Three day home suspension and referral to the Insight Program

   3rd offense:        Five day home suspension and referral to the Insight Program

   4th offense:  Citation by the Police Department, referral to alternative school site

 

Behavior:              48900   

 

Section I:               OBSCENITY, PROFANITY & VULGARITY

 

Students are expected . . .

   to treat all members of the school community with respect

   to practice responsible and honest behavior              

 

Students may not engage in obscene acts or engage in habitual profanity or vulgarity, which includes:  writing, speaking, gesturing or acting in contempt of sacred or holy things, or using irreverent, or coarse language.

 

Consequences:

 

Will range from detention to referral to Governing Board for expulsion.

 

Behavior:  48900

 

Section J:  PARAPHERNALIA

 

Students are expected . . .

   To live healthy lifestyles

   To be drug, alcohol and weapon free

 

Students may not possess, offer, arrange, or negotiate to sell any drug paraphernalia as defined in Section 11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code.  Examples of paraphernalia include, but are not limited to, pipes, bongs, roach clips, rolling papers, and any other devices used in conjunction with illicit substances.

 

Consequences:

 

Students who possess, offer, arrange or negotiate to sell drug paraphernalia will receive consequences ranging from suspension through referral to the Governing Board for expulsion.

 

Behavior:              48900   

 

Section K:  DEFIANCE & DISRUPTION

 

Students are expected . . .

    to follow all school rules and respect the authority and direction of school staff

   to behave in a safe and orderly manner

   to maintain a safe environment in the school

   to treat all members of the school community with respect

 

Students may not be defiant, disruptive, disrespectful, or deceptive.  These behaviors negatively impact the orderly operation of the classroom and general educational environment of the school.  This includes racial slurs.

 

Consequences:

 

Students who defy the directions of a school employee or disrupt the orderly operation of any school-related activity will receive consequences ranging from a detention or suspension through referral to the Governing Board for expulsion.  In addition, students who run from, or attempt to evade, a school official may be referred to alternative education on the first offense.

 

Behavior:              48900   

 

Section L:             RECEIVING STOLEN  PROPERTY

 

Students are expected to respect the property of others.

 

Consequences:

 

Students who knowingly receive stolen property will be suspended and may be referred to the Governing Board for expulsion.  In addition, law enforcement will be contacted.

 

Behavior:  48900.2:

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

 

Sexual harassment is a violation of Title IX of the Education Act Amendment of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and California Education Code Sections 210 through 214, inclusive.

 

Students are expected to treat all members of the school community with respect and dignity.

 

Porterville Unified Schools Board Policy 5145.7 (a):

 

Students may not engage in conduct constituting sexual harassment such as, but not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature severe enough to have a negative impact upon another student's academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.  Any students wishing to make a complaint of sexual harassment should immediately report the occurrence to an administrator.

 

DEFINITION

 

As used in this policy and regulation "sexual harassment" means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, made by anyone, under any of the following conditions:

 

Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term of a condition of an individual's employment, academic status, or progress.

 

Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment or academic decision affecting the individual.

 

The conduct has the purpose of effect of having a negative impact upon the individual's work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.

 

Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution.

 

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

 

Informal Resolution Process - To accommodate the unique nature of sexual harassment complaints, an informal process is provided for the primary resolution of a complaint at the earliest possible date.  This process shall start with the Assistant Principal and/ or Principal receiving the sexual harassment complaint from the students.

 

Formal Resolution Process - If the complaint is not resolved (to the satisfaction of the alleged victim), a formal process is in place [see board policy 5145.7(c)] to resolve the sexual harassment complaint.

 

Consequences:

 

The consequences for sexual harassment will range from a warning through referral to the Governing Board for expulsion.  The consequences for sexual battery (intentionally touching the breasts, buttocks, or groin area of another person without his/ her consent) will range from suspension through referral to the Governing Board for expulsion. In addition, law enforcement may be contacted.

 

Behavior:  48900.0:           

 

HATE VIOLENCE

 

Students are expected to treat all members of the school community with respect.

 

Students may not cause, attempt to cause, threaten to cause, or participate in an act of hate violence.  This includes, but is not limited to any violent behavior associated with anger towards other persons based upon race, gender, ethnicity, or religious preference.

 

Consequences:

 

The consequences for hate violence will range from suspension through referral to the Governing Board for expulsion.

 

Behavior:  48900.4

 

HARASSMENT, THREATS &

INTIMIDATION

 

Students are expected to treat all members of the school community with respect.

 

Students may not intentionally engage in harassment, threats, or intimidation, directed against any other student(s), that is severe enough to disrupt classwork, create disorder, and invade the rights of the other student(s) by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment.

 

Consequences:

 

The consequences for harassing, threatening or intimidating behavior will range from suspension through referral to the Governing Board for expulsion.

 

ACTIVITIES CODE OF ELIGIBILITY

 

For students to be eligible for participation in extra-curricular activities, they must meet the following district eligibility requirements which are in addition to C.I.F. standards and existing school regulations.

 

Academic:  

 

Must pass 20 units of work with a 2.0 GPA or better each grading period.  Eligibility is to be determined at the end of the first and third quarters and the end of the first and second semesters.  Students with a GPA of less than 2.0 will be placed on academic probation for nine weeks.  If their GPA does not come up to the 2.0 standard, they will be declared ineligible for the following grading period.  To maintain eligibility, probationary students must be passing 5 or 6 classes or failing no more than one class up to and including the week prior to the event and must turn in a weekly grade check card to the coach or advisor.

 

Citizenship/ Attitude:  

 

Students are expected to display satisfactory citizenship on campus and in the classroom.  Site administrators will notify the advisor, coach, and parents immediately upon violation of rules that constitute loss of eligibility from an activity.

                a.  First violation:  5 days suspension from activities.

                b.  Second violation:  Suspension for remainder of quarter.

 

Attendance:  

 

Students shall be in school all periods of the day of the event or in attendance the day prior to the weekend event unless excused by the principal in advance.  If parent does not clear absences, there will be a five-day suspension from activities for the first violation and suspension for the remainder of the quarter for the second violation.

 

Cheerleading and Color Guard:  

 

Participation in cheerleading and color guard requires a two-tier process to participate.  First, a student must be academically eligible to try out.  Second, academically eligible students must then complete in a performance based screening process.

 

COURSE OF STUDY AND COLLEGE

PLANNING

 

Guidance and Counseling

 

Appointments can be made in the Guidance Office or by calling 793-3482 or 793-3483.

 

The counselors provide an important service to students.  Student and parents are encouraged to use their services, consult with them on matters pertaining to school, class choices, future plans, scholarship information, college applications, and personal problems.  Porterville High School welcomes parent to visit the school whenever they wish.  However, in accordance with state law, ALL visitors must stop at the office to make arrangements to enter school grounds.  Students are NOT allowed to bring visitors except parents or guardians on campus.  Counselors can also assist in referrals to Porterville Youth Services or to Turning Point substance abuse counselor.

 

Course Selection and Program Changes

 

Students are expected to make course choices based on career paths, college entrance requirements, job preparation recommendations, graduation requirements, and personal interest.  Information about courses is available from the Course Catalog, teachers, and counselors.  Elective course of study will be based on Career Path selection.  Students are given updated credit and course information each spring, so they can make careful choices of classes for the following year.  Students must follow through the entire semester with the courses they select.  Changes will not be made without administrative approval.

 

Schedule Changes

 

Program changes may be made right before each semester for only the following reasons:

   1.  Teacher-recommended level changes*

   2.  Changes in a student’s career or college plans.

   3.  Correction of errors.

   4.  Completion of a course.

   5.  Addition of a course needed for graduation.

   6.  Administrative recommen-dation

 

*Level changes are not made after the 5^th week of the quarter.

 

Advanced Placement and Honors Program

 

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are academically demanding and offer students the opportunity to prepare for Advanced Placement examinations.  These examinations provide students the opportunity to receive college credit and/or advanced placement for college level courses and examinations completed while in high school.  The AP courses are recognized as the most academically demanding course in course sequences where an AP test and courses are offered.

 

Honors courses at the 10^th, 11^th and 12^th grade are the most academically demanding classes in those course sequences where an AP classroom or on-line/classroom format is not offered.  Honors classes are more academically demanding than regular college preparatory classes.  Honors courses with weighted grades are offered only when there is not an AP course available.

 

For more information see the PUSD High School course catalog.

 

ACADEMIC LETTER/LAMP

OF KNOWLEDGE

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

To be awarded an Academic Letter, a minimum grade point average of 3.5 must be earned for three individual semesters (not necessarily consecutive).

 

An entering freshman will become eligible for the Academic Letter at the end of the first semester of the sophomore year.

 

If a student transfers from another school and the previous records show the students has met the requirements to receive the Academic Letter, the student will need to complete one semester at the new campus with a 3.5 or higher to be awarded the Letter.

 

Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 must maintain 6 classes in the school’s regular day class program.

 

Students in grade 12 must maintain a minimum of 5 classes in the school’s regular day class program.

 

Only classes taken during the regular day class program, including classes at Porterville College will be considered for the Academic Letter.

 

Confirmation of each student’s grade point average will be determined through the District’s computerized GPA printout.

 

At the end of each semester, the student should check with the Guidance Office for grade point average eligibility.

 

After a student has received the Academic Letter, for each additional semester with a 3.5 or higher, the student will receive a Lamp of Knowledge.

 

Criteria for Student Assistant

 

1.  For grades 11 and 12 only.  Students work only on their home campus.

2.  Must have passed High School Exit Exam in Reading, Writing and Math.

3.  No F’s (or have made up class and earned a “C” or better) in core classes.

4.  Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

5.  Must have 90% attendance previous year/semester.

7.  Counselor Recommendation

8.  Parent permission

 

Criteria for Unscheduled Periods

 

1.  Must have completed a mini-mum of 190 credits (by the end of summer school)

2.  For 12^th grade only

3.  Minimum 2.0 GPA

4.  No F’s (or have made up the class and received a “C” or better) in core classes.

5.  Must have 90% attendance

6.  Must have passed the High School Exams in Math, Writing and Reading or CAHSEE

7.  Counselor Recommendation

8.  Administrative Approval

9.  Parent Approval

 

English Language

Learner Support

 

English Language Learners in all Porterville Unified Schools are provided instruction and support from any level of entry through their transition to English language only classes.  Support is generally provided in three phases.

 

1.  Specialty Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE)

 

2.  SDAIE instruction is for English Learners who have a BSM score of 4, 5 or 6 and a parent letter on file which requests a SDAIE program of instruction.

 

A SDAIE course contains the same basic content as a non-SDAIE course, but the teacher uses different instruction techniques to make that content clearer to a non-English speaker.

 

Counselors will assist students who are eligible for these classes to be placed in the proper class section.

 

3.   English Language Development (ELD)

 

Specific courses are available at each high school for students who begin with little or no knowledge of basic conversational speaking and listening skills, and/or little or no ability in reading and writing English.  The range of classes extends for these students until their skills are improved in reading, writing, speaking and listening in order to qualify for re-designation as Fully English Proficient (FEP).

 

Minimum

Graduation Requirements

 

Total Units Required

for Graduation…..220 Credits

 

30 English Credits:  English 1, 2, 3, 4, Humanities

 

Does Not Count:  Academic Enrichment, Journalism, Yearbook, AVID, Academic Decathlon, Speech, Creative Writing.

 

10 Mathematics Credits:  10 credits each from 2 different levels of Math.

 

Math Credit:  Pre-Algebra through Calculus

 

10 Algebra Credits

 

Does Not Count:  Academic Enrichment, Repeated Math classes if students passed the class previously (elective credit only), Basic Math

 

10 Fine Arts/Foreign Language Credits:  Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Architectural Design, Landscape Design, Ed. Center Fine Arts, Foreign Language

 

20 Physical Education Credits:  Count as P.E. for 9^th grade:  PE 1 for all students (Adaptive PE if medically authorized); students cannot earn more than 10 credits of P.E. in 9^th grade.

Count as P.E. Credit for 10^th and Above:  Cadets, Athletic Conditioning, Basketball, Tennis, Combatives, Dance (if it is not used for Fine Art), Color Guard/Majorettes (1^st semester only if PE instructor)

 

5  Health Credits:  Health

 

20 Science Credits:  At least 10 credits taught in the Science Department – Courses taken after 2001-2002 year which do not address Science Standards will no longer meet science requirement.  Must verify alignment by course outlines and assessment.

 

10   Physical Science:  Physical/Earth Science, Chemistry P/AP, Physics P/AP,  Electronics

 

10 Life Science: Biology P/AP, Physiology P, Agriculture Science, Biology P.  For SDC:  ROP Landscape Maintenance (2).

 

30 Social Science Credits:

 

10 World History

10 U.S. History

10 Civics/Economics

 

Basic Computer Technology/ Information Process: (5 credits) or pass Computer Challenge Exam

 

Elective Credits:

 

80 Elective Credits:  if student passed 5  credits of Computer course, or

85 Elective Credits :  if student passed  Computer Challenge Exam

 

CREDITS TRANSFERRED FOR CORE GRADUATION RE-QUIREMENTS: COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OUTLINE MUST BE ALIGNED WITH STATE/DISTRICT STANDARDS.

 

High School Exit Exam Requirement

 

All students must pass the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) to receive a high school diploma.  This graduation requirement was authorized by state law (Senate Bill 2, statutes of 1999).  The purpose of the CAHSEE is to:

 

·         Help improve student achievement in high school

·         Make sure that graduates meet identified state content standards in reading, writing and mathematics.

CSU and UC A-G Requirements

·           (a) History/Social Science  2 Years required

·           (b) English 4 Years required

·           (c) Mathematics 3 Years required, 4 recommended

·           (d) Lab Science  2 years required

·           (e) Lang Other Than English 2 years required, 3 recommended

·           (f) Visual & Performing Arts 1 year required

·           (g) College Prep Elective 1 year required

 

All classes to meet the A-G requirement have to be college preparatory. College preparatory courses will have a “P” after the course title. CSU and UC do not accept “D” grades as passing a course. Students who receive a “D” in an A-G class will have to repeat the class. The following are the A-G classes offered at PHS.

 

 

                                 

History/Social Science	Civics P, U.S. History P, and World History P
English	English 1P Read, Eng 1P comp, Eng 1P Acc, Eng 2P Comp, Eng 2P Honors, Eng 3P Comp, Eng 3P/AP, Eng 4P Comp, Eng 4P/AP
Mathematics	Algebra 1P, Geometry P, Algebra 2P, Pre-Calculus P, Calculus P
Lab Science	Biology P, Biology P/AP, Ag- Biology, Chemistry P, Chemistry P/AP, Bio-Chemistry P, Physiology P, Physics P
Lang Other Than English	Spanish 1P, Spanish 2P, Spanish 3P, Spanish 4P/AP, Spanish Lit 1P, Spanish Lit 2P, Spanish Lit 3P/AP, Spanish 4P/AP, French 1P, French 2P, French 3P,  French 4P/AP
Visual and Performing Art           Visual and Performing Art	Art 2P, Art 3P, 3-D Design P, 3-D Design 2P, Bass Clef P, Ceramics P, Chamber Choir P, Concert Choir P, Jazz Band P, Music Element P, Play Production P, Studio Art 3P/AP,  Treble Choir P
College Prep Elective	Ag – Business & Economics P, Economics P, Earth Science P,

 

CAHSEE TESTING DATES FOR 2007-2008

 

English-Language Arts Testing

                November 6, 2007

                February 5, 2008

                May 6, 2008

 

Mathematics Testing

                November 7, 2007

                February 6, 2008

                May 7, 2008

 

Students must pass all portions of the CAHSEE to receive their graduation diploma.  T