Fayetteville High School

 

 

 

 

FACULTY HANDBOOK

 

 

 

 

2005-2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreward

 

 

      

       Everything we do here at Fayetteville High School revolves around serving students and providing for their academic and personal needs. The purpose of the information contained in this handbook is to enable you to better serve your students, and to provide you with the tools and procedures necessary to create an environment that is stimulating, inclusive, student-centered, and conducive to learning. Please look this handbook over carefully. If you have any questions about the policies and procedures it contains, please don’t hesitate to come by my office for clarification. Working together, we can ensure that every student at FHS is prepared for success: in the classroom, on the playing field, in the concert hall, and in the workplace.

 

                                               

 

Randy Willison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fayetteville High School

Table of Contents

 

Mission, Core Beliefs, Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Directory of Services……………………………………………………………………………5

General Information.............................................................................................................. ..…  6

Emergency Procedures………………………………………………………………………….7

Leave........................................................................................................................................... 7

Business & Accounting Procedures...………………………………………….……………….9

Supervision................................................................................................................................. 10

     Classroom Supervision.......................................................................................................... 10

     Hallway Supervision………………………………………………………………….....…10

     Assemblies, Class Meetings, Pep Rallies................................................................................ 10

     After School Activities........................................................................................................... 11

Academics................................................................................................................................. 11

     Grading Scale........................................................................................................................ 11

     Posting Grades & Parent Notification………………………………………………..……11

     Semester Tests……………………………………………………………………………..11

     Semester Tests/Exemptions.................................................................................................... 11

Disciplinary Procedures.............................................................................................................. 12

     Classroom Rules.................................................................................................................... 12

     Disciplinary Referrals:............................................................................................................ 12

     Student Health and Welfare................................................................................................... 12

     Verbal/Physical Abuse........................................................................................................... 12

     Consequences for Misbehavior............................................................................................. .13

     Detention…………………………………………………………………………………..13

     Saturday School……………………………………………………………………… …...13

     Suspension (In- School & Out of School)…………………………………………………13

    Expulsion…………………………………………………………………………………...13

Attendance................................................................................................................................. 14

     Attemdane Policy.................................................................................................................. 14

     Denial of Credit..................................................................................................................... 14

     Check-in Procedure................................................................... …………………………   14

     College Visits............................................................ ………………………………………14

     Check-out............................................................................................................................. 14

      Parent/Student Absence Procedures..................................................................................... 14

     Attendance Codes................................................................................................................. 14

     Auto Calling System.............................................................................................................. 15

     Make-up Work..................................................................................................................... 15

     Field Trip Procedure.............................................................................................................. 15

Guidance and Counseling Services.............................................................................................. 16

      College/Career Resource Center........................................................................................... 16

      Career & Academic Planning (CAP)..................................................................................... 16

      Schedule and Schedule Changes........................................................................................... 17

      Withdraw Failing (WF)......................................................................................................... 18

       No Credit (NC).................................................................................................................. 18

      Repeated Courses................................................................................................................ 18

      Report Cards....................................................................................................................... 18

      Concurrent Classes............................................................................................................... 18

      Apprenticeship..................................................................................................................... 19

      GED.................................................................................................................................... 19

 Driver's License Forms.............................................................................................................. 19

Student Withdrawal from School................................................................................................. 19

Transcripts................................................................................................................................. 19

Senior Walk............................................................................................................................... 19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mission Statement: Fayetteville High School is a learning environment with opportunities for all individuals to develop the knowledge, skills, and values needed to realize their potential.

 

Vision Statement: Fayetteville High School is a diverse, collaborative learning community committed to serving students’ needs while empowering all individuals to reach their highest potential.

 

Core Values: We value others as individuals. We value learning for its own sake. We value personal freedom and the responsibility that attends it. We value the future and our role in shaping it. We value character.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directory of Services

 

All extensions through 444-3050

 

FHS Administration

 

Dr. Randy Willison

Principal

Ext. 250

Dr. Evelyn Marbury

Associate Principal

Ext 112

Bobby Smith

Assistant Principal

Ext 111

Jim Price

Assistant Principal

Ext 113

Julie Liter

Administrative Assistant

Ext 100

Jessica Wright

Registrar

Ext 107

 

Budget Manager

Ext 102

Anna Haggard

Information Specialist

Ext 125

 

Department Chairs

Gilda Pierce

Advanced Placement

 

Jim Frisby

Career Transitions

 

Ada Poland

English

 

Warren Rosenauer

Fine Arts

Ext 128

Dr. Tom Williams

Health, PE, Drivers Ed

Ext 114

Patsy Williford

Math

 

Joel Emerson

Science

 

Steve Adams

Social Studies

 

Diana Falkner

Special Education

Ext.138

Anita Lietzke

World Languages

 

 

Attendance Office

Janet Harrelson

Attendance Coordinator

Ext 291

 

Counseling/Guidance

Berta Seitz, A-D

Counselor 

Ext 105

Dawn Norman, E-K

Counselor

Ext 104

Leslie Zeagler, L-Rd

Counselor

Ext 118

Leigh Hudson, Re-Z

Counselor

Ext 108

 

Secretary

Ext 106

Anne Butt

College/Career

Ext 137

 

 

Nurse

 

 

Debbie Davis

 

Ext. 325

 

 

 

Resource Officer

 

 

Swanfeld, Smiley

 

Ext. 249

 

Library/Media Services

Sarah Roberson

Librarian

Ext. 123

Cassandra Barnett

Librarian

Ext. 123

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Information

 
The Work Day

Faculty members are asked to arrive on campus at least fifteen minutes before the beginning of their instructional day. Early start teachers should be at school from 8:00 a.m. until 3:35 p.m. and late start teachers should be at school from 9:05 a.m. until 4:35 p.m.  In general, faculty members are expected to remain on campus during the school day, including planning period.  Should it be necessary for you to be away from campus during your planning period, notify Julie Liter prior to leaving campus.  All faculty members will have some extra duty where attendance is mandatory, i.e. Parent Conferences, Open House, etc.

 

Faculty Parking

Each faculty member is assigned a parking space, and a corresponding hang tag. Please affix the hang tag on the car rearview mirror.  If someone else parks in your space, please park on in the Visitor’s Parking Lot in front and to the side of the Main Gym, and notify Traci Yeargan or Julie Liter.

 
Messages

Emergency messages will be delivered to you immediately.  All other messages will be placed in your mailbox or emailed to you. 

 

Faculty Meetings

A general faculty meeting will be held the 1st and 3rd Thursday during the last twenty minutes of the Activity Period.  These meetings will be held in the auditorium.  Faculty members will also attend departmental meetings each month to conduct business that cannot be handled when the entire faculty meets.  Check the monthly calendar for these meeting dates.

 

Faculty Committee Meetings

Each faculty member will be asked to volunteer to serve on one faculty committee. Faculty committees will meet according to their specific duties or tasks.  Each committee will decide on the number of meetings necessary and the place for the meetings.

 

Faculty Bulletins

Each week, faculty members will receive a Faculty Bulletin that will provide news and information relevant to the efficient functioning of such a large organization. The bulletins will be sent via e-mail each Monday.

 
Work Orders

Submit all work requests to your department head.  The department head will then contact the principal or Julie Liter if repairs are needed.

 
Computer Lab Sign Up
Teachers may schedule to use a computer lab two weeks at a time.  Teachers may sign up for the labs through the website (www.fayar.net\east\fhstechnology.html).  The only exception to this procedure is the Library Annex Lab, which is reserved through the Media Specialists in the Library.
 
Building Use After School Hours

All events/activities that require use of the building must have the approval of the Principal. Please submit requests to Julie Liter (jliter@fayar.net) as much in advance as possible, to ensure availability and to arrange for heating or air conditioning.

 

 
Emergency Procedures

 

Fire:  At all times when the fire alarm sounds, students, teachers, staff, and guests MUST leave the building by the nearest exit.  They should withdraw to a distance of 100 feet from the building and remain there until recalled to the building by an administrator.

Tornado:  When the Principal announces that a tornado is in the vicinity, teachers, staff, and students and guests should move to the interior of the building.  Stay near an interior wall and follow directions.  The most important thing is to stay away from glass.  Stay away from downed utility lines.  If outside, seek refuge in a low-lying area, such as a ditch, away from trees.

Inclement Weather: At times, when weather is inclement (extremely cold, icing, or heavy snow) prior to school opening in the morning, notification of cancellation will be released over local radio and TV stations as soon as possible, but no later than 7:00 a.m.

Emergency Codes:

Level I:  The possibility of a dangerous situation exists.  Continue activities as usual, but be alert, sensitive, and prepared to receive instructions from the principal.

Level II:  A dangerous situation is eminent.  All persons must clear the halls and report to designated classrooms and establish accountability for students and await instructions from the principal.

Level III:  This is a crisis!  All persons report to designated classrooms and establish accountability.  Principal’s instructions will follow.

 

Leave

 

Planned Absences

If you know in advance that you are going to be absent, enter the absence on the AESOP program through the school district web site (fayar.net).  Substitutes will accept the assignment through the website.  Make sure you leave instructions for the substitute about the assignment, parking space, or any other important information. 

 

Unplanned Absences

When a situation develops in which you need a substitute after normal school hours, call Julie Liter after 8:00 a.m. (444-3050, Extension 102).  If you are unable to reach her, please call the Main Office (444-3050, Extension 100).  Please do not leave a voice message; make certain that you speak to a staff member. Provide information regarding the reason for the absence, the beginning time of your teaching day, where your lesson plans are located, and the number of your parking spot.

Upon your return to school, complete the leave application form and return it to Julie Liter in the Main Office.

 

 

Emergency Substitute Folders

Each teacher must maintain an emergency substitute teacher folder in his/her classroom.  This folder will be reserved for times when it is impossible for the teacher to get lesson plans together because of an emergency absence.  This folder should be turned in to Julie Liter and kept in the main office. This folder should tell a sub how you expect things to operate in your absence.  This folder should include the following items:

Ψ      Emergency lesson plans

Ψ      Classroom rules/expectations

Ψ      Seating Chart (if used)

Ψ      Attendance recording instructions

Ψ      Class roll (Attendance Office will furnish)

Ψ      Instructions on how to find things in your room that will be needed

 

Types of Teacher Absences

 

Sick Leave

By school board policy teachers are allowed one day per month of employment per school year for sick leave (this is normally 9 days).  Those days that are not used in a given year are carried forward to the next year and accumulated.  These days can be used for your own illness or should you need to miss school for a family member’s illness.  A single appointment for a visit to a doctor should not normally be a reason for a full day’s leave.

 

Emergency Leave

By school board policy teachers are allowed three days per school year for emergency leave.  Those days which are not used are not carried forward or accumulated.  These days are to be used for unusual circumstances other than illness, which cause you to be absent from school.  See an administrator.

 

Personal Leave

 By school board policy teachers are allotted three personal leave days per school year.  These days do not carry over from year to year.  This type of leave is to be used for circumstances such as family travel or family business that necessitates your not attending school.  Each day you use personal leave, $60 will be deducted from your paycheck in order to cover the cost for your substitute on that day of your absence.

 

Professional Business Leave

 There are two types of professional leave.  One kind is when you miss class in order to take students to competitions, on field trips and so forth.  The second kind is the professional leave you may take to attend conferences, workshops, or other meetings of a professional nature.  Should you need to take professional leave of either type, please fill out the Professional Leave Request on AESOP at least two weeks in advance of the time you plan to be absent.

Business and Accounting Procedures

 

Office Hours

The Accounting Manager will be here 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. each day.

 

Accounting Procedures

Activity Accounts

To purchase items from Activity:

1. Complete a blue Purchase Order request and place in the Account Manager’s box.

2. Upon receiving the PO – obtain the credit card (if needed) from Julie Liter or the Account Manager and sign it out. (Office Depot is now online ordering)

3. Purchase your items in person or via phone, fax, or online.

4. Return the receipts/invoices to the Account Manager with PO.

 

To order food, party items, or event purchases – You can do one of two things:

1. You can request a check in advance.  The request must be turned in by 8:00am on Tuesday morning to receive the check from Admin on Friday at approximately 1:00pm.

    You will need to return the receipts to the Account Manager.

2. If the vendor accepts PO’s you will need to follow #1 listed above.

 

Deposits

Please complete a pink Activity Deposit form and turn it in to the Account Manager – the money will be counted then and a receipt will be given to you. All money collected must be turned in each day to the Account Manager by 3:30.  Do not keep cash or checks in your room.  You may be responsible for lost or stolen funds.  Failure to adhere to this policy will be considered insubordination.

 

Instructional PO’s

1. Follow #1 listed above for regular purchase orders, but use the gold form.

 

Fund Transfers

1. Complete a blue or gold form and write TRANSFER at the top and complete with the information.

 

THINGS TO KNOW:

v     We can only process reimbursements in extreme situations – please speak with the Account Manager first.

v     Checks are now enclosed.  The business office will no longer be able to return checks here for outgoing vendors, so please provide the back up to send with the check.

v     You can always email a PO request – just note all the required information.  The Account Manager is unable to email them back as this is all done in APSCN and printed at Admin.

v     Please allow 2 days for PO’s to be returned to you.

v     Activity balances are for the last day of the prior month.  The Account Manager can provide you your details upon request.

v     Activity Account balances and Instructional balances will be placed in your box by the 10th of each month.  

 

YOUR ACTIVITY ACCOUNT CANNOT BE OVERDRAWN OR CARRIED WITH A NEGATIVE BALANCE.

 

Copy Machines

Each teacher has a personal access code. Copies charged to that code are the responsibility of that teacher.

 

Postage

See your department head for this.

 

 

Supervision

 

Classroom Supervision

¨      Students are never to be left unsupervised.

¨      Teachers are responsible for the students in their care.

¨      Students should not be sent on errands off campus.  Under no circumstances are students to be sent off campus without prior approval.

¨      Students are not allowed to go to the parking lots during class.

¨      Locker, restroom, and other trips outside the classroom should not occur during class time. Please keep students out of the hallways while classes are in session. 

 

Hallway Supervision

Please be visible in the hallways before school, between classes, and during Lunch/Activity period.

 
Assemblies, Class Meetings, Pep Rallies

Teachers are responsible for supervising students during non-class activities. Please accompany your students to assemblies, meetings, or pep rallies, and when possible, please sit with your class.

                       

After School Activities

Teachers’ presence at after school activities is essential to maintaining a good relationship with students and parents, which research shows has a positive impact on student achievement. Parents and students appreciate seeing you at events.

 

Personal Teacher/Parent Contact

According to state standards, teachers should have a personal contact with parents of all their students at least once during the school year.  Personal contact may include, but is not limited to email, letters home with return parent signature, phone calls, parent teacher conferences, or any other means of two-way communication.

 

Academics

 

Grading Scale

As specified by the Legislature, the grading system to be used in secondary schools throughout Arkansas is as follows:

                                                            90% - 100%                A

                                                            80% -   89%                B

                                                            70% -   79%                C

                                                            60% -   69%                D

                                                            59% and below            F

 

Posting Grades and Parent Notification

Students’ grades are to be posted on GradeViewer every two weeks. In addition, teachers should notify a parent or guardian by telephone of any student who has earned a grade of “D” or “F” after the 4th week of a grading period. A student may not receive a failing grade for a grading period unless his or her parent has been contacted by the teacher.

 

Semester Tests

Every class must include a comprehensive exam at the end of each semester. The exam must be administered according to the semester exam schedule. Students are not to be dismissed from semester exams early, or be allowed to take semester exams during any time other than the time scheduled, without prior approval from the Principal. Students may be excused from scheduled semester exams only due to documented illness.  Makeup exams must be arranged with the teacher.

 

Semester Tests/Exemptions

Semester exams are to be administered during the final week of each semester.  Because final assessments come in a variety of forms, a different schedule for these tests is provided prior to that week.  Students may be able to choose to be exempt from one or more of their final exams during the spring semester only.

 

Criteria for exemption:

 

Ψ      Combined average of 85% for the two nine weeks

Ψ      Clearance of all fines and fees (lost/damaged textbooks, library books, etc.)

Ψ      No discipline referrals to the office for both 9-weeks grading periods. If a student is referred to the office, a discipline referral form is filled out so that the student/parents, teacher, and office have a copy.

Ψ      No unexcused absences.  No more than four (4) excused absences, to include both Parent Contact (PC) and Documented (DOC) absences. Students must have served all assigned detentions.

Ψ      Tardies:  No more than two (2) per class per nine weeks

 

*** Any corrections that need to be made in a student’s attendance or tardy record must be corrected by the student at least 10 school days before the first scheduled semester exam for each grade level in order to be exempt from finals.

Students will have a choice of which class(es) they want to be exempt from if they meet the above criteria according to the following schedule:

 

Class

Fall

Spring

Sophomore

0

1

Junior

0

2

Senior

0

All

 

All exemption forms will originate in the Main Office. There is NO exemption from college course requirements, completion of portfolios, projects, presentations, etc., required by any class.

 

Disciplinary Procedures

 

Student discipline is an opportunity for teaching and learning, not for punishment. The goal of student discipline is to help students modify their behaviors and learn to discipline themselves. Teachers should establish clear behavioral expectations for students, determine consequences for both compliance and non-compliance, communicate both expectations and consequences, and then reinforce student behavior consistently. Teachers should always model the behavior that they desire from students, and treat students with courtesy and respect whenever dealing with student misbehavior.

 

Classroom Rules

Rules are most effective when they are agreed upon by everyone. Whenever possible, include student input in creating classroom rules and consequences. Once the rules and consequences have been established, please post them prominently in your classroom, and publish them on your webpage. In addition, please send a copy home for the parents’ benefit.

 

Disciplinary Referrals:

When a student’s behavior poses a threat of physical harm to himself or herself or to others in the classroom, or makes instruction impossible, that student should be referred to an administrator for disciplinary action. Students who are sent to an administrator for disciplinary action must be accompanied by a referral form. Teachers will receive notice of the action taken by the administrator before the student is allowed to return to the classroom.

 

Student Health and Welfare

Should you suspect that a student is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you should get word to an administrator in a way that will not disrupt class or alert the student in question.  The administrator will then come to the classroom and remove the student and begin an investigation.  The most obvious signs of drug or alcohol use by students are smell and/or uncharacteristic behavior by the student.  Should you have reasonable suspicion that a student is in possession of, using, or recently has used drugs or alcohol, please advise an administrator immediately so that medical personnel can be called and an investigation can begin as needed.

 

Verbal/Physical Abuse

Verbal or physical abuse of any kind will not be tolerated. 

 

Consequences for Misbehavior

Five types of consequences for misbehavior are generally used by administrators:  Detention, Saturday School, In-school suspension, Out-of School Suspension, and Expulsion.  Teachers may issue detentions for infractions of class rules.  All other consequences are the responsibility of the Administrative Team.

 

Detention

Detention is held during Activity Period.  Students must be in the Detention Area by 5 minutes after Activity Period begins.  Attending detention takes priority over all make-up assignments unless coordinated in advance with administrators.  In order to assign a student to detention, teachers must complete a Detention form, including the student’s name, grade, the reason for the assignment, the number of days assigned, and the dates to be served. In addition, students must be given the opportunity to sign the form.

 

Saturday School

Saturday School is ssigned by administrators.  On the assigned Saturday, students should report to the cafeteria before 8:00 A.M.  Students who fail to report to Saturday School will be suspended “out of school” for three days, unless medical documentation is furnished for the absence. 

 

Suspension

Suspension means that a student is not allowed to attend his or her regularly scheduled classes or school activities.  At FHS, there are two types of suspension:

 

In-School Suspension (ISS)

Administrators place students in ISS.  Teachers will receive email requests for work to be completed before students are allowed to return to class.  Please turn in all necessary materials to Suzanne Cook in the ISS Room (#2507).  Completed assignments will be returned to the teacher issuing the assignment.  Credit is to be awarded for all work completed in ISS.  Students assigned to ISS are not to attend regular classes or activities during the time of suspension.   ISS students may practice athletics after 7th Period, but may not play in games or participate in any other school activities (plays, concerts, musicals, etc.).

 

Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)

Students are assigned out-of-school suspension by building administrators.  During the time of suspension, students are not allowed to be on any school campus or attend any school activity or practice.  District policy does not allow credit for makeup work or assignments missed due to out-of-school suspension.

 

Expulsion

Expulsion is an action taken by the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Principal or Superintendent for long term removal from the school.

ATTENDANCE

 

Good attendance is critical to success both in school and in the workplace.  It is not optional.  The following pages detail what students and parents need to do in the event that they are ill or cannot come to school for excused reasons.  The Fayetteville School District recognizes that consistent regular school attendance is necessary to meet the educational needs of its students.  Students shall be expected to be in attendance every day scheduled by the School Board.  Students who miss more than 10 minutes of a class period will be considered absent or truant from that class.

 

Tardy:  Students who arrive after the tardy bell rings are late for class and disrupt the education of others.  They will be marked tardy by their teacher and serve 1 lunch detention on the 3rd tardy, 2 lunch detentions on the 4th tardy, and Saturday for each tardy after the 4th tardy.

 

Attendance Policy

Ψ      State law (A.C.A. 6-18-209) requires school districts to establish attendance policies that include a certain number of excessive absences.  The Fayetteville Public School District Policy No. 5113 provides for the following:

 

Ψ      Parent Contact Absences (PC) Parents will be able to excuse up to 8 absences per class period per semester. These absences will be labeled “Parent Contact Absences” (PC).   Parents must notify the attendance office in writing or by phone in order to excuse an absence. Parents are encouraged to use the automated answering system to notify the office about absences within 24 hours of an absence.  The number is 444-3050, Extension 109.

 

Ψ      Excessive Parent Contact Absences/Unexcused Absences (U) Absences with “Parent Contact” (PC) only (note or phone call from parent) in excess of 8 will be considered and labeled “Unexcused Absences” (U).   Absences for which there is no documentation or parent contact will be labeled “Unexcused Absences” (U).   Students who accumulate 4 or more “Unexcused Absences” during one semester in any course will be denied credit for the course.

 

Ψ      Documented Absences (DOC) In order to have other absences excused, students must provide some form of written documentation from an official agency. Documentation can be a note from a professional appointment (doctor, dentist, counselor, etc.), notification to appear in court, or other compelling reason for missing class time. These absences will be labeled “Documented Absences” (DOC).   There is no limit to the number of documented absences a student may accumulate.  Parents should call within 24 hours of an absence.  The number is 444-3050, Extension 109.

 

Ψ      Notification to Parents Parents will be notified by letter when a student accumulates 4 Parent Contact (PC) absences, and/or 2 Unexcused (U) absences, and/or 4 Unexcused (U) absences. Parents will be notified by an automated telephone call whenever their student(s) are counted absent unexcused in any class.

 

Denial of Credit Students who accumulate 4 or more “Unexcused Absences” during one semester in any course will be denied credit for the course.  A letter will be sent to parents when a student has been denied credit.  Students may make-up one unexcused absence per semester by serving Saturday School, with prior approval from the principal.

 

Check-in Procedure: Upon their return to campus from an absence, whether for one period or for a full day, students must check-in at the attendance office. Students may present documentation when they check-in. Students may also have their parents/guardians call the attendance office before they check-in. Students who do not have documentation and whose parents/guardians have not called will be given the opportunity to contact their parents/guardians when they check-in. Students who do not check-in upon their return to school from an absence will be subject to disciplinary action according to the Student Handbook.

 

College Visits: Juniors and Seniors may be absent from school up to three (3) days per year for college visits, when approved in advance by the principal.  College visit forms may be picked up in the College and Career Room.  Verification of the visit must be turned in to the Attendance Office upon the return of the student to school.  Any college visit within a 75 mile radius of Fayetteville must be completed within ½ day. 

 
Check-Out: Students may leave campus only after checking out through the Attendance Office.  The Attendance Office will confirm parental permission for the student to leave. If a student becomes ill, he/she must check out with the Attendance Office to obtain permission from a parent to leave.  Students who fail to check out of school properly are considered unexcused even if they have their parent’s permission, because school personnel are responsible for students during the school day.

 

Attendance Codes: The following list may help you to interpret attendance records: PC – Parent contact excused absence; DOC–documented excused absence; U – Unexcused absence/excessive parent contact (PC) absences; SB – any school related absence; ISS – In-school suspension; OSS – Out of school suspension; T – Tardy

 

Participation in Athletics and Activities: In order to participate in activities, a student must be in school for a minimum of four (4) class periods on the day of the activity.  Activities are functions of specific groups or classes that occur and are approved by the Activities Committee.

 

Auto-calling system: Fayetteville High School uses the Phone Messenger Calling System that is directly connected to the teachers’ grade book.  On any day that a student is absent and the absence has not been excused by a parent, the system will automatically call the parent/guardian of that student.  The parent/guardian should then call the Attendance Office (444-3050, extension 109) to verify or correct the absence.  If a parent/guardian cannot verify the absence, the student will be considered truant for that day.  The computer will call the number that the parents provide during registration.  Parents should notify the Attendance Office if this number is incorrect or changes during the school year or if parents would like the call to go to a work number.

 

Make-up Work

Ψ      Students who have an excused absence will be permitted to make up all work missed, including tests and other graded material, no later than the second day following the absence.  (Absences do not affect deadlines for assignments, projects, papers, etc.)

Ψ      Students who are in school when a test, assignment, and/or activity is announced and then miss the regularly scheduled test, assignment, or activity will be expected to take the test, complete the assignment or activity upon the day of their return to class.

Ψ      Students are responsible for obtaining and completing missed work

Ψ      Arrangements for make-up work for field trips or other school-related absences must be made prior to the absence.  Any assignment that is due on the day of an activity must be turned-in in advance or at the discretion of the teacher.  This responsibility is the student’s.  Students should expect to do make up work during Activity Period or at the discretion of the teacher.

Ψ      Students will not be allowed to make up work missed during days of out-of-school suspension or for unexcused absences.

 

Field Trip Procedure: All students missing class for field trips are required to present to the teachers a field trip form.  Prior to a student missing a class because of a field trip, the student must make arrangements with each teacher for assignments and times due.  A form is available to students for this purpose and should be distributed by the field trip sponsor.  If no arrangements are made in advance of the field trip, all work that might be completed will be disallowed for credit by the teacher.

 

Field Trip Request Form

The Field Trip Request Form must be submitted to the Principal two (2) weeks before the 9 weeks in which the event/activity occurs.  Requests that are received after the quarter begins may be considered on a case by case basis. 

Activities that are within two weeks of semester exams will only be approved by exception.

After the field trip request has been approved:

Ψ      A list of students who are taking the trip must be submitted to the Attendance Clerk no less than one day prior to the trip.

Ψ      Before departure, an amended list of those actually in attendance (on bus) must be given to the Attendance Clerk by the sponsor.

Ψ      A detailed itinerary will also be left with the Attendance Clerk listing telephone numbers, and other information, such as where your party can be reached in case of emergency.

Ψ      Students must fill out and return permission forms and medical data forms, which should be kept by the sponsor during the trip at all times.

Ψ      Bus requests must be approved by the Principal in advance.

Ψ      Field trips which take students out of the state of Arkansas must be approved by the Principal and the Board of Education one year in advance.

Ψ      There must be a 20 student to one adult ratio on all field trips.

Ψ      Overnight field trips require a completed health form for each student.

Ψ      Sponsors must stay with their group at all times.

Ψ      Student discipline policy applies to all students engaged in field trips regardless of whether students are on school grounds or not.  Occasionally, a student may need to be sent home; please contact an administrator.

Ψ      Teachers/sponsors/coaches are to inform students that it is their individual responsibility to arrange for makeup work in advance of the absence.  Teachers are not required to accept makeup work that has not been pre-arranged. 

Ψ      Students are to travel only with the group to its destination; no private transportation is allowed. 

Ψ      Students may be released to their parents only.  Permission to leave the group must be secured in writing by the sponsor.

 

 

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES

 

All students are assigned a counselor.  The role of the counselor is to help students better understand themselves, find information, make decisions, and solve problems.  Each student will be encouraged to develop an appropriate post-high school career plan with the assistance of counselors and Career and Academic Planning (CAP) advisors. The Guidance/Counseling Office is centrally located on the second floor.  Students may make appointments with their counselor before and after school, during Study Hall, or during lunch.

 

College/Career Resource Center: Information about virtually every institution of higher learning and technical schools is on file in this center which is located in room 2017 (next to the Teacher Workroom).  Scholarship and financial aid information is also available.  Services are free.  Please see the college and career advisor when you need help--time to begin is your junior year, if not before.                          

 

Career & Academic Planning (CAP):

The current Career and Academic Planning Guide provides detailed information on academic programs and course offerings.  Copies of the planning guide are provided to students through the Counseling Office.  Career and Planning (CAP) is a process of helping students and their parents design and follow a plan to enhance their success both in high school and later on as they transition to careers and college.  Each student has a teacher who acts as the CAP advisor.  Parents and students meet with the CAP advisor during the spring to plan the student’s program of study. The school district has provided helpful information in the current Career & Academic Planning Guide.

 

Class Rank: Class rank is a numerical ranking based upon the cumulative grade point average of each student’s semester grades.  Class rank is figured at the end of the junior year and the fall semester for seniors.

 

Classification of Students: Classification for the entire school year will be determined on the first day of school.

                                    10th Grade – A minimum of 4 units of credit earned

                                    11th Grade – A minimum of 10 units of credit earned

                                    12th Grade – A minimum of 15 units of credit earned

Course Load
  1. The minimum course load for all students is six (6) classes. 
  2. All students will begin their school day at 8:20 a.m. and must take 6 classes.  An optional 7th period class is also available to students.
  3. There can be no gaps in schedules. 

 

Schedule and Schedule Changes: Schedules are generated from the requests made by students and parents during regularly scheduled CAP meetings with students in early spring.  New students to the district may request classes when they register.  They may visit with the counselors from April through August.  A student-initiated schedule change is appropriate only f there is a gap in a student’s schedule, if a course is needed for graduation (seniors only), if a student does not meet the prerequisite for a class, when a student has failed a course, or when a requested class has been cancelled.   Student  schedules will not be changed for any other reason.  Should a change be necessary, the following guidelines must be followed:

 

If a student wishes to drop a class, he/she must follow these steps:

  1. Students should discuss the change with parent(s) and the teacher of the class they want to change or drop.
  2. Forms for dropping a class are in the Counseling Department Office. Once students have properly completed the form as required, they must give the form to the teacher of the class they wish to drop so the teacher can indicate approval/disapproval. (This is a request form.  It does not guarantee the requested change will be approved or can be processed.)
  3. The form should be taken home and the change discussed with parents.  If the parents approve the request to change or drop a class, the form needs to be returned to the Guidance/Counseling Office.  However, at this time, students should keep going to the same classes.  Students will be counted unexcused if they do not continue to attend all classes while wanting for a schedule change.
  4. Students should wait until their counselor calls them for an appointment to discuss the requested change.
  5. Students will get teacher signatures for course change approval between classes or during lunch.
  6. Before the changes become official, students must return all class books and materials to their counselor who will then give the students a “Release to New Placement” form.
  7. Students should then take the Release to New Placement form to their new teacher(s) and begin attending the added class(es).
  8. Schedule change requests after school begins in August must be approved by the principal.

 

***Schedules will be disapproved if students do not follow the designated process.

 

Withdraw Failing (WF): Students must remain in the classes assigned until a schedule request has been processed and a decision is made.  Students dropping a class after two (2) weeks into a semester will receive a “WF”; after nine (9) weeks, it is an “F”.  Exceptions to this require the principal’s approval.  Should a student attempt to alter his/her schedule without approval of the principal, the student will be dropped from the class, placed in a Study Hall, and an “F” will be figured in the student’s GPA.

 

No Credit (NC): An “NC” determination will not have a negative impact upon the student’s GPA when used to address a catastrophic situation.  Students whose absences are excessive may receive an “NC” in the subject where the excessive absences have occurred.

 

Repeated Courses: A failed course may be repeated during Summer School or through Independent Study.  The first grade will be replaced. If a student wishes to repeat a failed course during the school year, permission must be received through the principal. 
Summer School: Summer School is offered only for credit recovery. Permission from the principal is required for acceleration.  A maximum of one (1) credit may be earned each summer.  Summer offerings are limited (see the current Career and Academic Planning Guide).
 
Report Cards: Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter.  A final grade is given at the conclusion of each semester.  Semester grade become part of the student’s permanent record and are used to compute grade point average and class rank.  Report cards are sent home with the students.  Grades may also be viewed on the Grade Viewer End of year report cards will be available for pickup approximately two weeks after the last day of school.

 

Concurrent Classes: Concurrent college classes may be taken at FHS.  These are offered through Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC). (see the current Career & Academic Planning Guide).  Successful completion, with a passing grade, of concurrent classes enables a student to receive credit for both high school graduation and college requirements.

 

Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships are offered to junior and seniors at FHS looking for the opportunity to work in paid positions with a professional mentor who will help them connect classroom instruction and post secondary training opportunities.  Applicants for this program must meet specific grade and attendance criteria.  Students seeking an apprenticeship must be enrolled in a vocational class, which corresponds with the job position in which they are placed.  Applications and information are available in the Guidance/Counseling Office or in the Apprenticeship Office at Bates. Students who participate in the Apprenticeship Program may earn up to two units of credit per year toward graduation requirements.

 

GED: The Graduate Equivalency Diploma is an alternative diploma for students who have serious extenuating circumstances that impact on their success in the regular classroom.  The GED may hinder your post high school plans because some employers view it as less desirable than a high school diploma.  If students are interested in pursuing a GED, they should visit with their counselor.  The principal must approve a GED request.

 

Change of Address: In the event a student should move to another address in the Fayetteville School District, it is the responsibility of the parent to report the change of address to the Guidance/Counseling Office. 

 

Driver's License Forms:

The form to obtain approval to take the driver’s license test is located in the Counselor’s Office.  Students must submit their name to the counselor’s administrative assistant, who will check the student’s GPA (must be at least a 2.0 in order to get the form), attendance, and get an administrator’s signature.  The student may pick up the completed form in 24 hours after making a request.

 

Student Withdrawal from School: Students who wish to withdraw must report to the Guidance/Counseling Office.  When a student must withdraw to transfer to another school, a parent/guardian must meet with the counselor to sign appropriate forms. All books must be turned in to the classroom teachers and all fines and library materials must be taken care of.  All materials must be turned in to the classroom teachers and library and all fines must be paid.

 

Transcripts: Students who have questions about their transcripts, should visit with the counselor.  Students who need a transcript or other records sent to a college or university should see the school registrar in the main office.  A $2.00 fee is required for transcripts.

 

Senior Walk (Participation in graduation ceremony)

Students classified as seniors are eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies under the following conditions:

Ψ      They have fulfilled all requirements for graduation as established by Fayetteville High School, or

Ψ      They are within one (1) unit of fulfilling all of the requirements for graduation as established by Fayetteville High School.  Students in this category may “walk” but will not receive a diploma until all requirements have been met, including but not limited to receipt of all final grades via an official transcript from an AUTHORIZED summer school/correspondent course/independent study program.

Ψ      Students must be full time students to participate in graduation

Ψ       Students must have a 2.0 GPA (8 semesters)

 

Student Records Access: Parents and their children are guaranteed access to the student records maintained by the school system.  Parents or students desiring to see their records should request a building administrator to grant access to the records.  Access will be granted within ten (10) school days.  School personnel will be available to help interpret record contents.