OUR MISSION Table of Contents

VISION STATEMENT Table of Contents

PARENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Table of Contents

Parents have the RIGHT to expect quality education for their child.  Parents have the RIGHT to assume their child is treated fairly and is safe when at school.  Parents have the RIGHT to contact the school at any time with any questions.

Parents have the RESPONSIBILITY to be aware of the school’s expectations for students and of the acceptable rules of conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook.  Parents are RESPONSIBLE for encouraging regular and punctual attendance of their child and for ensuring their student completes any assignments or homework given.  Parents have the RESPONSIBILITY to respond to telephone calls or letters from the school.

The school relies on support from parents in the education of students.  The school cannot do the job of educating your child alone.  Your support and involvement are most important.

Idaho Law
18-916. Abuse of school teachers -- Every parent, guardian or other person who upbraids, insults or abuses any teacher of the public schools, in the presence and hearing of a pupil thereof, is guilty of a misdemeanor. [I.C., § 2, p. 624.]

33-512. Governance of schools
(11) To prohibit entrance to each schoolhouse or school grounds, to prohibit loitering in schoolhouses or on school grounds and to provide for the removal from each schoolhouse or school grounds of any individual or individuals who disrupt the educational processes or whose presence is detrimental to the morals, health, safety, academic learning or discipline of the pupils.  A person who disrupts the educational process or whose presence is detrimental to the morals, health, safety, academic learning or discipline of the pupils or who loiters in schoolhouses or on school grounds is guilty of a misdemeanor.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Table of Contents 

I know that if my behavior is disruptive, the teacher may temporarily remove me from class.  I will have the opportunity to discuss my behavior with my teacher and with the administration.

BEHAVIOR DISCIPLINE PLAN Table of Contents

Guidelines | Suspension | Admin Plan | Due Process

The school board, administration, and staff believe that the primary obligation for developing self-discipline, responsibility, and respect for others starts with the parents and the home.  Students who have developed these qualities normally progress well.  Marsing High School is also concerned with students’ development of attitudes, habits, and behaviors; and will endeavor to provide a proper climate for learning.  The school will strive to work cooperatively with parents in the students’ development.  Teachers want all students to learn, but their efforts can be thwarted by disruptive students.  When students do not follow the rules of proper conduct, school personnel are responsible for taking action in the interest of those students as well as other students in the school.  In order to meet this shared responsibility of providing a safe and orderly environment, parents, teachers, and administrators have developed the following discipline plan.

Development of responsible behavior and self-discipline occurs at two levels.  First, the classroom teacher assumes responsibility for gaining the respect and cooperation of the students so that an effective learning environment may be maintained.  All teachers will strive to apply their classroom management plan in a manner that is both fair and consistent.  Their classroom management plan will provide a set of clearly established and understood rules and consequences.  A copy of this plan will be displayed in the classroom and distributed to the students at the beginning of school, and a copy of each teacher’s classroom management plan will be kept on file in the office.  Second, disciplinary problems beyond the scope of the teacher’s responsibility or that are referred to the office will be dealt with using the following guidelines.

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DISCIPLINE PLAN

All teachers will maintain a classroom management plan within their classrooms to handle any problems that occur within the classroom.  As part of this plan, provisions for notifying the parents or guardians when a problem exists will be made.  The parents or guardians of the student who is sent to the office on his/her first discipline referral will be contacted by phone or by mail regarding the reason for the referral. If the reason for the referral warrants an offense of Consequence 4 or above on the Administrative Discipline Plan, the principal will call and/or arrange a parent conference to be held on the earliest possible date and time following the offense.

A disciplinary file will be initiated for each student referred to the office.  A record of each violation as well as the consequence assigned will be maintained.  Parents will be notified in writing of all violations resulting in referral to the office.

After a student has received a consequence, the next violation will result in the student being advanced to the next consequence.  For example, if a student is on Consequence 1 and commits another Consequence 1 violation, he/she will be advanced to Consequence 2.  A consequence may be “jumped” if the infraction calls for a higher entry level consequence.  For example, if a student is on Consequence 1 and commits a Consequence 4 violation, he/she will be advanced to Consequence 4 or 5.  Normally, a student will be advanced up the discipline plan one consequence at a time; however, the principal reserves the right to exercise discretion depending on the circumstances of the violation.

When a student has been given Monday Night Detention, he/she must serve that time on the following Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a school holiday.  In every case, the parents or guardians will be notified before the detention on Monday is to be served.  Students missing Monday Night Detention will be assigned two or more additional hours or may be suspended for one day.

A student may work his or her way off the Discipline Plan by demonstrating good behavior.  For example, if a student has committed a Consequence 1 violation and goes 10 days before committing a second violation, he/she will be given Consequence 1 rather than being advanced to Consequence 2.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

A student who receives an in-school suspension will go to the office area for the day.    *Students who are in a school activity may go to the activity but cannot participate in the activity.  Students may make up class work, but not tests or quizzes.

ADMINISTRATIVE DISCIPLINE PLAN

Consequence #1:  Two hours after school detention at Monday Night School.  Parent notification by the principal by phone or mail.

Consequence #2:  Two-four hours of Monday Night School.  Parent notification by the principal by phone or by mail.

Consequence #3:  Four hours of Monday Night School or one day in-school or out-of-school suspension.  Parent notification by the principal by phone or by mail.

Consequence #4:  One day out-of-school suspension and two days of in-school suspension.  Parent contacted by the principal.

Consequence #5:  Three days of out-of-school suspension.  Parent contacted by the principal.

Consequence #6:  Two days out-of-school suspension and three days of in-school suspension.  Parent and student conference with the principal and with the resource officer if applicable.

Consequence #7:  Expulsion hearing before the school board.

When students are on out-of-school suspension, they may not be on school grounds or participate in school activities during any portion of the day or days listed on their suspension notice.  If a student is suspended on a Friday and Monday, he/she may not participate in school activities on the weekend between suspension dates.

Students who are suspended out-of-school may not make up the work for credit or take a test for the class periods missed during the suspension.  Students on in-school suspension may make up their classroom assignment, but not a test.

DUE PROCESS

Every student is entitled to due process.  The student must be informed of the charges, the potential consequences of the act, and must have an opportunity to present his/her version of the incident in question.

Multiple major discipline violations will result in the following due process procedures:

Step #1:   Principal conducts a conference with the student, notifies parents, and administers appropriate consequences, whether it be Monday Night Detention School or in-school or out-of-school suspension.

Step #2:   A conference with the principal, student, and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s).  The conference may be by telephone or in person.  The student may be suspended for up to five days of either in-school or out of school suspension, or a combination of both.  The suspension period may be shortened based on the infraction.

Step #3:   The student appears before the Board of Trustees for continued suspension or possible expulsion.  A student who has been recommended for suspension to the Board may be issued a prolonged suspension if admission of the suspended student would be detrimental to the other students’ health, welfare, or safety.

If a student feels the consequence is wrongly administered, he or she may appeal the decision to the next higher authority in the school chain of command.

Marsing High School is an excellent school with great students and staff.  To further Marsing High School’s excellence, we ask students to behave in a manner that will be a credit to our school.  Please do not engage in any unacceptable behavior including, but not limited to, the following:

Possession or use of alcoholic beverages or drugs on school property.
Smoking or possession of tobacco in the building or on school property.
Possession or use of anything that might be considered a weapon.
Fighting on school property.
Destruction or defacing school property.
Flagrant disrespect of staff or other students.
Locker misuse.
Excessive tardiness.
Excessive unexcused absences.
Inappropriate conduct which may reflect a bad image on the school.
Inappropriate show of affection between students.
Littering in the building or on school grounds.
Extreme dress or appearance which is disruptive to class.

Unsatisfactory behavior may result in removal from class or suspension from school.

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS AND CONSEQUENCES Table of Contents

Student Relationships | Staff Relationships | School Property | Safety | Weapons | Drugs/Alcohol | Other

Students in the Marsing School District are expected to abide by accepted standards of good conduct and discipline based on their grade level and age.  This responsibility applies while on school grounds, while participating in any school function or activity, and while riding the bus to and from school.

Fighting, possession of a weapon, and possession or use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products will result in immediate suspension and possibly a citation from a law enforcement officer and/or subsequent expulsion by the school board.

STUDENT/STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS

STUDENT/STAFF RELATIONSHIPS

SCHOOL  PROPERTY

Vandalism:  The act of willfully destroying public property.
Misuse of Printed Material:  The act of destroying or defacing magazines, books, or other printed material.  Consequence 1–2 (restitution required).
Defacing:  The act of damaging property requiring cleaning or repair.  Consequence 2–4 (restitution required).
Destruction:  The act of rendering property unusable.  Consequence 5–7 (restitution equired and referral to police).
Theft:
Minor theft:  Not serious enough to report to police.  Consequence 3–4 (restitution required).
Major theft:  Considerable enough to be reported to police.  Consequence 5–6. (restitution required and referral to police).
Abuse of School Grounds and Graffiti:  Consequence 5 (restitution required and referral to police when appropriate).
Littering:  Consequence 1.
Misuse of Food:  The act of consuming food or drink other than in assigned areas -- also the throwing of food.  Consequence 1.

PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY

 “The Marsing School District has a zero tolerance  for students who disrupt the learning process and bring to school weapons, look-alike weapons, or other objects or substances that are a threat to the health and safety of other students, staff members, or visitors.”  (Marsing School District Policy 502.8) 

PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION OR USE OF WEAPONS

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND DRUGS

Policy:  Students attending school in the Marsing district will not use, possess, sell, buy, or distribute drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances, or related paraphernalia on school premises.  A student will violate the district’s drug, alcohol, and tobacco use policy when:

1. He or she is on school premises, evidencing behavior that creates a reasonable suspicion that he or she may be illegally under the influence of drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances.
2. He or she admits to using, possessing, selling, buying, or distributing drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances on school premises.
3. He or she is found to use, possess, sell, buy, or distribute drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances on school premises.
4. He or she is found to possess drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances, or related paraphernalia, or to have such substances on his or her person, or in his or her locker, vehicle, or other property on school premises.

Enforcement Procedures:  The use, possession, or distribution of any alcoholic beverage or illegal drug on or near school property or at any school function is prohibited by law and/or school policy.  In all cases, the parent will be notified.  Students will be referred to the school intervention specialist, will attend five education classes on substance abuse, will get a free assessment within 48 hours, and will sign a no-use contract.
Possession:  Consequence 6 (parent notified, sheriffs department involved in readmission conference, referral to intervention specialist). 
Second offense – referral to the school board with recommendation from the principal for expulsion.
Selling or Transmitting:  Consequence 7 (referral to intervention specialist for informal assessment and appropriate services and referral to the sheriff’s department for prosecution).
Noticeably Under the Influence:  Consequence 6 (referral to sheriffs department when appropriate and referral to intervention specialist for informal assessment and appropriate services). 
*Second offense – referral to the school board with principal’s recommendation for expulsion.
Observed Use:  Consequence 6 (referral to sheriff’s department when appropriate and referral to intervention specialist for informal assessment and appropriate services). 
*Second offense – referral to the school board with principal’s recommendation for expulsion.
Search and Seizure:  A student’s person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, book bag, vehicle, etc.) may be searched whenever a school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of drug paraphernalia or drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances.  Any evidence of a violation of the law and this policy may be seized by the principal or designee.
Conduct Contract:  Any student violating this policy *must sign a conduct contract before returning to school.  Violation of the conduct contract may result in additional disciplinary measures.
Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Assessment/Treatment:  The terms of the suspension and/or conduct contract may be modified, at the discretion of the principal or superintendent, if a student who has violated this policy voluntarily completes a drug, alcohol, and tobacco education course and/or undergoes assessment and treatment for drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse.
Tobacco:  The use, possession, or distribution of any tobacco product on or near school property or at any school function is prohibited by law and/or school policy.  In all cases, the parent will be notified.  Students will be referred to the school’s intervention specialist, will attend five education classes on tobacco use, and will sign a no-use contract.
Possession:  Consequence 4 (the tobacco substance will be confiscated and not returned to the student, sheriff will be called).
*Second offense – referral to the school board with principal’s recommendation for expulsion.
Use or Distribution:  Consequence 6 (referral to sheriff for ordinance violation). 
*Second offense – referral to the school board with principal’s recommendation for expulsion.

Expulsion Hearing:  These policies will follow a student throughout his or her career in the Marsing School District.  For example:  If a student violates the policy while in the elementary or middle school and then violates the policy again during his/her remaining time in the Marsing School District, he/she will go before the school board for an expulsion hearing with the recommendation from the principal for expulsion from the Marsing School District.

OTHER DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS

Repeated or Serious Classroom Disruption:  Consequence 2
Minor Disruption of Meeting or Assembly:  Consequence 1
Cheating:  The act of stealing a test, tampering with the teacher’s grade book, copying work, etc.  Consequence 2-4 and a score of zero on the test or assignment.
Forgery:  The act, written or spoken, of misrepresenting the truth (i.e. forged passes, parent signatures, false phone calls, misinformation to school personnel, etc.).  Consequence 1–4.
*Using Radios, CD/MP3 Players, iPods, and Cell Phones, etc.:  (except for educational purposes) Consequence 1, if used in the classroom without permission or authorization (confiscated item to be returned to the student at the end of the day and to the parents on the second violation).
Being in an Unauthorized Area:  Warning or Consequence 1–2, depending on circumstances.
Being an Accessory to a School Violation:  Consequence 1–4 (consequence assignment at the principal’s discretion depending upon the offense and the level of involvement).
Abusive or Offensive Language:  The act of using such language in the presence of staff members and/or students, including written notes and published materials as well as vocal.  Consequence 1–4.
Necking, Embracing, or Similar Improper and/or Disruptive Behavior:  Consequence 1.
Inappropriate Dress and Attire:  The act of wearing clothing that is a distraction in school or detrimental to the health, safety, or reputation of the student or school (i.e. short shorts, indecent style of clothes).  Shoes must be worn at all times.  Consequence 1 (the student will be sent home to change his or her attire).
Hacky-sack played in any high school building:  Consequence 1
Having skateboards in buildings or on school grounds:  Consequence 1

REFERRALS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Table of Contents

Any student suspended for behavior will not participate in any field trips or school related activities for the remainder of the school year.  If the referral happens in the second semester, the consequence is for the remainder of the year and the first semester of the next school year.

FIELD TRIP REFERRALS
Any student who receives a behavior referral while on a field trip will receive the following consequences.

1. The student will receive the consequence that corresponds with the behavior exhibited.
2. The student may not participate on any field trip for the remainder of the year.  If the referral happens in the second semester, the consequence is for the remainder of the year and the first semester of the next school year.

STUDENT DRESS CODE Table of Contents

Good judgment should dictate what is appropriate attire for a particular occasion.  Students are encouraged to dress in such a way as to contribute to school pride and school morale. Clothing that is excessively revealing such as short mini-skirts, short shorts, excessively loose or tight fitting, low cut tank tops or halter tops, spaghetti strap shirts or dresses or mesh shirts (unless a T-shirt is worn underneath), or shirts which expose the midriff are not allowed.  The straps of a tank top must measure a width of 2 inches or more.   Students will be given 1 warning and required to wear appropriate clothing.  On the second offense they will be assigned Consequence 2 as well as being required to wear appropriate clothing.

The Marsing School District prohibits the following items:

1. Any clothing or jewelry that distracts from the learning process or which sends a negative message or endangers others.
2. Hanging belts or chains.
3. Bandannas on any part of the body or clothing.
4. Pants (sags) more than two sizes larger than the student’s waist or that do not stay up even with a belt.
5. Shirt messages that include gang related, alcohol, tobacco, violence, or obscene or sexual innuendoes.
6. Trench coats or coats that go beyond the knee.
7. Hats are not allowed to be worn in the school building. 

Attendance is required by both the state and the school district.  Students at Marsing High School attend periods 1- 7 each day. When a student is not in the class assigned, he or she is considered absent.  Certain exceptions include absences for school field trips or activities.  These absences are not counted against the student’s attendance.  Other absences may be either excused or unexcused.

Excused Absence:  The following will be considered excused absences:

1. Any absence due to student illness, injury, or doctor appointment.
2. Any other absence that has the prior knowledge of the parent or guardian that does not exceed eight (8) absences per period per semester.
3. Any absence caused by a government agency that was not the result of an action by the student.

In order for the absence to be excused, the parent or guardian must notify the school by phone or by note within the first two days back at school.  .

It is recommended that the parent call the school on the day the absence occurs.  If this is not possible, the parent must call or send a note the day the student returns to class.  A student with an excused absence has one day for each day of absence to make up his/her school work. 

If the absence is a prearranged absence, work should be obtained before the absence occurs and should be completed when the student returns to school.  Students who are absent are required to contact the teachers of the missed classes on the first day back.  Teachers may allow more than one day for each day missed for makeup work to be completed, depending on the assignment.

If students need to leave the building during the school day for a doctor or dentist/orthodontist appointment or for family business, they must check out through the high school office.  If a student leaves the premises without checking out through the office, he/she will receive a truancy citation.  Written or verbal permission from the parent must be obtained before the student is released.  STUDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION FROM THEIR PARENTS (or people listed on the registration form as authorized to excuse the student) WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE SCHOOL.  Students must sign-in with the office upon their return and obtain a pass back to class.

Students who are absent at the beginning of the school day, but who come to school for the remainder of the day, must sign-in with the office when they arrive.  A note from the parent, doctor, dentist/orthodontist, or a call from the parent is required upon arrival in order for the absence to be excused.

Students must sign-in at the office before going to class.

Unexcused Absence or Truancy:  The following absences will be considered unexcused or truant:

1. All absences other than those listed specifically as excused.
2. Absences become unexcused when the parent or guardian fails to notify the school of the absence within two (2) school days either by note or by phone.
3. Leaving the school campus during lunch is a truancy.

Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence, whether it be one period or all day, without
the knowledge of the parent or guardian.

CONSEQUENCES FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES OR TRUANCY

Students who have an unverified unexcused absence, or truancy, may not make up the work or take a test for the class periods missed.  Unexcused absences are considered major discipline problems.

Students who miss more than 8 days per semester in any class period will be denied semester credit in the class or classes.  Suspensions will count toward the 8 days. 

APPEALS

*The first 3 tardies each semester will have no penalty to allow for emergencies such as flat tires, running out of gas, etc.  However, all tardies are counted and will result in the consequences below.  There are no excused tardies.  A student is tardy if he/she is not inside the classroom door and on task when the bell rings.  Students more than 15 minutes late will be counted as absent rather than tardy.
The following procedures will be followed when students accumulate tardies during any one semester.  Please note that tardies accumulate throughout the day for the entire semester.  (They are not by period.)

3 tardies notification sent to parents
4 tardies conference with student – two hours Monday Night School – parents notified
5 tardies conference with student – four hours Monday Night School – parents notified
6 tardies one-day suspension without makeup privileges
7 tardies two-day suspension without makeup privileges
8 tardies three-day suspension without makeup privileges – consequence the same for more than eight tardies

When two hours or more have been assigned, 4 additional hours will be assigned.  If student does not serve these additional hours, then one to three days of in-school suspension without makeup privileges will be imposed.  If extenuating circumstances prevent attendance at Monday Night School, the student or student’s parent must talk with the principal in advance of the absence.  If a student  is suspended for missing Monday Night School he/she still has to serve those hours missed on the following Monday when they return from suspension.

Any situation not specifically covered by the above procedures will be dealt with on an individual basis, and the penalty will be determined by the administration to fit the offense.

Any student who steals property, enters a locked building or enclosure, or who destroys, defaces or otherwise damages school property shall be immediately referred to the principal.  The principal will investigate, and if circumstances warrant, refer the case to the appropriate legal authorities.  Theft or destruction of property shall be handled according to the discipline plan previously outlined.  The student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) will be held responsible for restitution.

LOCKER ASSIGNMENTS Table of Contents

CLOSED CAMPUS Table of Contents

TEXTBOOK CARE AND REPLACEMENT Table of Contents

EARLY RELEASE Table of Contents

CD/MP3 PLAYERS, *IPODS, CELL PHONES, SKATEBOARDS, ETC. Table of Contents

Students are encouraged to leave expensive radios, iPods, CD/MP3 players, cell phones, etc. at home to prevent damage or loss of personal property.  CD/MP3 players, cell phones, skateboards, etc. are not permitted in the classrooms unless permission has been granted by the teacher.

Cell phones may be at school, but MUST BE TURNED OFF during class and passing periods.  The phone must be in the student’s pocket, purse or book bag.  Roller blades, and bicycles are not permitted in the school building. 

Skateboards are not allowed at school because of possible injury to students.  Leave your skateboards home.  They are not to be on campus for any reason.

STUDENT USE OF MOTORIZED VEHICLES Table of Contents

Students will not be authorized to drive or be passengers in or on any motorized vehicle during the school day.  No student will be allowed to ride in the back of pickup trucks.  The school day begins when a student arrives on campus.  Students will not be allowed to drive to the gym or shop.  Students will not be authorized to drive vehicles (or ride with others) to or during out-of-town activities where they are participants.  Students will be required to ride the bus to COSSA classes and/or activities with the following exceptions:

1. Alternative school.
2. Car repair requested (in writing) by the teacher and the student’s parent or guardian.  The written request must specify the date the student will drive the car to COSSA.
3. When the principal determines that the student has a conflict between the COSSA bus schedule and athletic activities and/or other extracurricular school activities.  The parent or guardian must sign a release of responsibility.
4. When extenuating circumstances exist, the principal may release the student to his/her parent or guardian who will provide transportation.  The parent or guardian must sign a release of responsibility.

Students will be required to ride the bus to and from school activities. They will not be allowed to drive or ride in private vehicles while participating in any school activity.  The following exceptions apply:

1. Parents or guardians may transport their students home from activities by signing a release with the participants coach.
2. Parents or guardians may transport their students to activities if the principal determines that an emergency exists.
3. When extenuating circumstances exist, the principal may release the student to his/her parent or guardian who will provide transportation.  The parent or guardian must sign a release of responsibility.

Vehicles stolen or damaged at school or at a school function will not be the responsibility of the school district.

DRIVING CARELESSLY ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Penalty for failure to comply with the driving policy of the district is:
First offense:  Two sessions of Monday Night School
Second offense:  One day of in-school suspension.
Third offense:  Two days of out-of-school suspension.  Unexcused absences.
Fourth offense:  Suspension from all school positions and activities.

BUS BEHAVIOR Table of Contents

Good behavior on busses is essential in order for student safety to be maintained.  Students are expected to abide by the following rules:

1. All students must be seated while the bus is in motion.
2. No rough or boisterous play is permitted.
3. Students are not permitted to lean out of the windows.
4. Spitting, inappropriate language, throwing things in or from the bus, or other forms of misconduct are forbidden.

Students who refuse to behave appropriately will be subject to the following penalties:
First offense:  To be handled by the driver.  Transportation supervisor and/or principal notify parents or guardians.
Second offense:  Transportation supervisor and/or principal meet with student and contact parent or guardian.  Student may forfeit the right to ride the bus for up to 3 school days.  The student must be in attendance those days.
Third offense:  Transportation supervisor and/or principal meet with student and contact parents or guardians.  Student may forfeit the right to ride the bus for one week (five school days).  The student must be in attendance those days.
Fourth offense:  Driver refers to transportation supervisor and/or principal.  Principal meets with student and contacts parent or guardian.  Student is referred to superintendent if warranted.  Student may forfeit the right to ride the bus for the balance of the school year.  Student must continue to be in attendance at school or be considered truant.  Denial of bus privileges for more than five days requires school board action.

NOTE:  Students attending classes at the gym will ride the bus to class.  Students who miss the bus must report to the high school office.

FOOD AND DRINK Table of Contents

FREEDOM OF SPEECH, PRESS, AND ASSEMBLY Table of Contents

GUEST SPEAKER FORM Table of Contents

VISITORS Table of Contents

MILITARY RECRUITER ACCESS Table of Contents

CO - CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION INCLUDING ATHLETICS Table of Contents

Code | Academic | Behavior | Bus | Attendance | Physicals | Insurance | Letter

Students are encouraged to participate in school activities.  Marsing High School is a member of the Western Idaho Conference in cheerleading, football, volleyball, cross country, boys and girls basketball, wrestling, softball, baseball, track, and dance team.  In addition, BPA, FFA, FHLA, FCCLA, Choir and Band offer opportunities for students to compete.  In order to meet eligibility requirements of the High School Activities Association and of Marsing School District, the following requirements must be met:

CO-CURRICULAR CODE

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT

A notice of eligibility will be sent every 4 ½ weeks, with the progress reports in the middle of the quarter, and with your report cards at the end of each quarter.  You may still practice and travel with the team, at the coaches’ discretion, but will not be allowed to suit up or participate in the activity.

BEHAVIOR  REQUIREMENT

ACTIVITY  BUS  BEHAVIOR

ATTENDANCE

PHYSICALS

INSURANCE

VARSITY LETTER

1. Complete the season
2. Be academically eligible by Idaho High School Athletic Association.
3. Be academically eligible by Marsing High School requirements.
4. Must have purchased an activity card.
5. Band or Choir must have 4 semesters of participation and either purchase an activity card or pay admission for all events or competitions that they participate in.

GRADING Table of Contents

The Marsing School District supports the certified staff’s endeavors to use a combination of percentage-based, competency-based, and ability-based evaluation procedures in determining student performance.

Grading of evaluative criteria shall be based on the following percentage points:
90 – 100   A  Superior scholarship
80 –  89   B  Excellent scholarship
70 –  79   C  Average scholarship
60 –  69   D  Below average scholarship
0 –  59   F  Unsatisfactory  -  NO CREDIT GIVEN

A grade of “I” means work is incomplete.  Students have two weeks after the conclusion of the semester to remove grades of “I”.

VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN REQUIREMENTS Table of Contents

Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be decided after the seventh semester grades have been calculated.  This is at the end of the first semester of their senior year.  To be eligible to be Valedictorian or Salutatorian, the student must successfully complete four of the following upper division/advanced courses before or during their Junior/Senior year:

Upon meeting these requirements, the decision will then be based on the highest cumulative GPA for the first seven semesters.

The honor roll gives recognition to students with high academic achievement at the end of each quarter.  Highest honors are given to students with a grade point average of 4.0.
High honors are given to students with grade point averages of 3.75 – 3.99. 
Honors are given to students whose grade point averages are 3.50 – 3.74.

INDEPENDENT STUDIES Table of Contents

GUIDANCE  SERVICES Table of Contents

Marsing High School offers a comprehensive guidance program that is available to every student.  Our counselor can help students make better-informed choices regarding education, positive interactions with friends and teachers, work, and other personal concerns.  Students are encouraged to come to the guidance office during free time or make an appointment.  The counselor will initiate group and individual conferences to discuss special concerns and to share general information.

CLASS  CHANGES Table of Contents

Any student requesting a class change after eight days into the semester (after August 31st for first semester and January 11th for second semester) will receive an “F” for the class dropped.  A grade of “NC” will be given for the class replacing the dropped class, provided a passing grade in that class is maintained throughout the entire semester.  Appeals may be made if extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student exists.  Appeals are made to the building principal first, then to the superintendent, then to the school board.

The Quarter periods end:
1st quarter          October 17                             3rd quarter         March 11
2nd quarter         December 20                          4th quarter         May 21

Midterm reports will go home on the following dates:
September 14             November 16          February 5       April 24

GRADUATION  REQUIREMENTS Table of Contents

Transcripts | Participation | Early Grad.

Marsing High School and the State of Idaho have specific requirements for graduation from High School.  Students must have 48 credits.  A credit is defined as a passing mark of “D” or higher in a state approved class.

2.  Class of 2008 must pass the Marsing Writing Assessment.  Other classes must complete a Senior Project.

3.  Pass the Idaho State Achievement Tests (ISAT).  All students are required to be proficient in this test in order to graduate.

Colleges often require more mathematics and science.  Some require foreign language and fine arts.  It is the student’s responsibility to check district and college requirements when selecting classes each year.

TRANSCRIPT OF CREDITS
Transcripts of record for colleges and special vocational schools are sent out by the counselor for senior students or graduates.  At least two school days advance notice is necessary.  No charge is made for copies of the transcript.  The request must be made in writing by the parent or by the student if the student is eighteen years old or older.

SENIOR PARTICIPATION

1. To participate in the graduation ceremony, all of the requirements must be completed.
2. Only graduating seniors may participate in Senior Sneak Day or any other senior activities.
3. Any seniors who take an unauthorized Sneak Day will not participate in the school scheduled Sneak Day.

EARLY  GRADUATION

Requirements for graduating at the end of six (6) semesters:
10th Grade
Complete a minimum of 32 credits
Complete all 9th and 10th grade requirements
Have a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA

11th Grade
Complete all 11th and 12th grade requirements
Complete all Idaho college academic entry requirements ♦
Complete all Marsing High School graduation requirements
Have a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA

Requirements for graduating at the end of seven (7) semesters:
11th Grade
Complete a minimum of 40 credits
Complete all 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade requirements
Complete second semester English 12 and Government
Have a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA

12th Grade
Complete first semester English 12, Government, and Economics
Complete all Idaho college academic entry requirements ♦
Complete all Marsing High School graduation requirements
Have a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA.

• Idaho college academic requirements may be waived for extenuating circumstances.

SCHOOL DANCES Table of Contents

PLAGIARISM Table of Contents

Plagiarism is defined as stealing and passing off the ideas or words of another as one’s own without crediting the source.  It is also defined as committing literary theft.  This is not only legally wrong, it is ethically wrong.

In word-for-word plagiarism, a researcher repeats the exact words of a source without giving necessary credit.  Paraphrase plagiarism occurs when a researcher says basically the same thing as an original source with just a few words changed.  In spot plagiarism, a researcher uses only a source’s key words or phrases as his own or her own without giving credit.

All teachers reserve the right to give a zero (no credit) to any assignment should a student be guilty of any sort of plagiarism.

MEDIA CENTER Table of Contents

Marsing High School Media Center has 14 computers for student use and can accommodate 35 students in the main part of the library for studying and reading.  The library’s collection consists of approximately 6000 titles and 7800 volumes including reference books, a Spanish collection, magazines, and newspapers (The Idaho Statesman), and full-text reference materials.  The username and password to access these databases can be obtained from the library.  For those students who do not have a computer at home, several laptop computers are available for overnight checkout after a parent has signed a user’s agreement form.  

Marsing High School Media Center is open during school days from 7:00 A.M. until 3:15 P.M. or later upon request.

LIBRARY USE POLICY

The following charges were set by the Marsing School District Book Selection Committee as a means for making the student aware of his/her responsibilities and the possible consequences when he/she checks out library materials:

1. For lost books, or books extensively damaged, the charge will be a replacement cost of the same or similar title.
2. Replacement of media barcodes will be 25¢.
3. For torn pages, the repair cost will be 15¢ per page.  Please do not try to mend torn pages yourself.  The library has special tape for this purpose.
4. For pages written on with ink or crayon, the fine will be 5¢ per page.  If excessive, the charge will be the replacement cost of the same or similar title.  If in pencil, the student will erase the scribbling with no additional charge.
5. There will be no charges for books destroyed in automobile accidents or house fires.
6. Students may work off any library fines they may incur.
7. The fine for overdue library books is 10¢ per school day, excluding illnesses.  If the fine exceeds the replacement cost of the library materials, the amount charged the student will be the larger.
8. The fine for overdue interlibrary loan books, videos, and computer notebooks is 25¢ per day, excluding illnesses.
9. The first interlibrary loan book per period per assignment is free of charge.  In addition, any interlibrary loans are free of charge from the Canyon-Owyhee Library Group.
10. Additional interlibrary loans per same period and assignment are 50¢ per request for libraries outside the Canyon-Owyhee Group.
11. Students requesting interlibrary loan materials and then not using them will be charged for return postage.
12. Replacement costs of interlibrary loan materials will be charged according to the lending library’s policy.
13. Parents/patrons who wish to use the media center materials will be charged a one-time $2.00 user’s fee.  All other charges stated above apply.

LUNCH ROOM ETIQUETTE AND PROCEDURES Table of Contents

Checks | ID | Charging

The food service department strives to promote high standards for child nutrition and school community nutrition programs with emphasis on nutritionally adequate meals that are appealing to children.

To ensure a pleasant and safe atmosphere in the school cafeteria, food service asks that these guidelines be observed:

1. Remove your hat when entering the cafeteria.  All dress codes apply in the cafeteria.
2. Please wait in a mannerly fashion in the cashier line and serving line.
3. Please wait your turn.  Do not go around the cashier and/or other students and staff without giving your ID (meal) number or money to the cashier.
4. Please have money and/or your ID (meal) number ready when arriving at the cashier station.
5. If you do not have your ID (meal) card, please wait at the back of the line until those with ID cards have been through the cashier line.
6. Please take food only from the serving line you chose; do not cross over to the other lines.
7. Please remember there are others who share the cafeteria with you.  Leave the serving and dining areas clean.
8. Please stack trays so they lock together.  A broken lunch tray, due to mishandling, will result in a $5.00 charge to the student’s account.
9. If good manners or appropriate behavior are not used, disciplinary action may be taken through the student’s principal.
10. NO GUM ALLOWED IN THE CAFETERIA AT ANY TIME.  PLEASE PUT GUM IN THE TRASH CAN BEFORE ENTERING THE CAFETERIA

RETURNED CHECK FEES

Checks returned to the food service program for insufficient funds will result in a $10.00 check return fee being deducted from the student’s account.  The check will be deposited a second time unless food service is otherwise instructed by the check writer.  If the check is returned a second time, the amount of the check and a second return check fee of $10.00 will be deducted from the student’s account.

ID (MEAL) NUMBER

Students will continue to use their ID (meal) number from the previous year until new ones are printed.  Students will be responsible for the ID (meal) number.  They must have their ID (meal) number at mealtime or wait until the rest of the students have been served.

LUNCH ROOM CHARGING

1. No breakfast charges are allowed.
2. High school students will be allowed one lunch charge.  Payment notices will be sent home with students on a regular basis.
3. Students who have reached the charge limit may be given a peanut butter sandwich and milk.

STUDENT FEES Table of Contents

If you take any of the following classes or are a member in one or more of the clubs, you must pay the following fees:

Overview of the 2007-2008 School Calendar

Quarters
End of 1st Quarter                   October 18 = 39 days
End of 2nd Quarter        December 20 = 39 days
End of 3rd Quarter         March 14 = 48 days
End of 4th Quarter         May 24 = 43 days

Semester
End of 1st Semester       December 20 = 78 days
End of 2nd Semester       May 24 = 91 days

Testing Dates
ISAT Fall          September 18 - October 27, 2006
ISAT Spring      April 9 - May 18, 2007
DWA               Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Student Days
August                   9
September             19
October                18
November             18
December             14
January                 20
February               18
March                   15
April                      20
May                     18
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Total                     169