To
the LMMHS Community,
It
is important that you read this booklet carefully to acquaint yourself with the
many rules and regulations at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School. As we, the
school community, embark on a “new” beginning, it is my hope that the student
body will practice a high level of self-discipline that has been characteristic
of Lenox Memorial Middle and High School students. To “value integrity in the
pursuit of excellence” each student must practice some basic principles that
will create an environment where a tradition of excellence can continue. This
handbook is a guideline to follow as we create that environment of excellence.
Along
with the rules and regulations, it is important to understand the Lenox Memorial
Middle and High School expectations. Our mission statement proclaims that we
“cultivate critical and creative thinking, literacy, and social
responsibility”. In order to reach this goal, students must incorporate the
academic and social expectations. In academics we promote six statements you
must familiarize yourself within the following pages of this book. In social
expectations, we promote the triangular code:
- Integrity
- Demonstrate integrity by acting truthfully and honorably
- Responsibly
- Accept responsibility for their decisions and their actions
- Enrichment
- Strive to enrich themselves, the school, and the greater community
These
three character traits all contribute to the fourth social expectation:
RESPECT.
Finally
the handbook was jointly prepared by members of the student body, the faculty,
the administration, parents and is approved by the Lenox School Committee. The
staff at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School hopes that your experience at
LMMHS will be beneficial and constructive and that this handbook will assist
you in that endeavor.
Sincerely,
Michael
Knybel
Principal
Lenox
Memorial Middle and High School
Academic Expectations
- Demonstrate effective communication and reading
skills
- Engage in critical and creative thinking
- Use technology appropriately
- Access, analyze, and critically apply informational
resources
- Examine issues from a global perspective
- Exhibit academic integrity
Social Expectations
- Demonstrate integrity by acting truthfully and
honorably
- Show respect for themselves, others, and property
- Strive to enrich themselves, the school, and the
greater community
- Accept responsibility for their decisions and their
actions
Parent & School Communication
Parents
are encouraged to play an active role in the educational process. Formal events
such as Back to School Night and Parent/Teacher Conferences are excellent
opportunities for parents to become familiar with school routines and to
communicate with your son/daughter’s teachers. If you have a question about the
schedule, career or college planning, or concerns about your daughter/son’s academic,
social or emotional well being, please contact your child’s guidance counselor.
Should any classroom concern or question arise, please contact the appropriate
teacher first. Usually all difficulties can be
resolved in this manner, and our school policy requires that teachers be
contacted first. The department chairs, guidance counselors, Dean of Students,
and principal are available for help if the concerns cannot be resolved.
We
have a ninth grade teaching team similar to the teams in the middle school. Dr.
Ben Weaver is our ninth grade team leader. The team meets twice per month and
is available to meet with parents of ninth graders by appointment. Parents
wishing to meet with the team may do so by calling ninth grade guidance
counselor, Nanette Spoehr.
Report
cards are sent home four times per year.
Progress reports called “Interims” are mailed home on an as-needed basis
mid way between report cards. Parents who wish to have notification that an
interim report is being sent must call the guidance office and provide an
E-mail address. Parents are invited to meet teachers and to go through their
daughter/son’s schedule on Back to School Night, scheduled a few weeks after
the opening of school in September. Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled in
November and are arranged by calling the school for an appointment. You may reach anyone at school by calling
637-5560, and you may access voicemail through the receptionist. E-mail
addresses are available for individual teachers (please see staff directory in
the front of this book). We also use an automated calling system to
inform parents of school closings and other announcements. The Week Ahead,
and View My Schedule are accessed
from our home page (www.lenoxps.org) and
provide up-to-date information on school events.
Appropriate
Attire
Students at LMMHS are expected to dress
appropriately for school and school-sponsored activities. A student’s dress
should show the respect that we encourage for self and others. Therefore, a
student’s clothing is not to expose underwear, buttocks, breasts (or cleavage),
navels; depict violence; gang membership or promotion; promote illegal
activities; contain profanity or pornographic material; or cause disruption or
disorder. Clothing, costumes or make up that obstructs the identity of an
individual (i.e.: hoods, masks, or sunglasses) will not be
allowed.
Students will be asked to change their clothing if
it falls into any of the above categories. A first offense will be considered a
minor infraction of school rules. However, repeated offenses or a refusal to
change inappropriate clothing will result in disciplinary action.
Daily
Schedule
Students
should report to their first period class between 7:35 and 7:40 a.m. First
period class begins at 7:45 a.m. and also serves as a "homeroom"
where attendance is taken and the daily bulletin is read. The school day is
divided into seven periods plus a 30 minute lunch period. The school day ends at 2:24 p.m. School days
rotate in a six-day cycle with days labeled as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Most classes meet daily, some meet every
other day, while others, such as science labs, meet two days in the six-day
cycle. For example, a class scheduled to
meet every other day would meet on “1-3-5” or “2-4-6” days and a lab scheduled
for two days in the six-day cycle might meet on 1 and 5 days.
Homeroom
7:45 – 7:47 (Students have homeroom in
their 1st period class)
Period
A 7:47 –
8:36
Pass 8:36
– 8:40
Period
B 8:40 – 9:29
Pass 9:29
– 9:33
Period
C 9:33 – 10:22
1st Lunch 10:22 – 10:52
Period D 10:56 – 11:45
Period E 11:49 – 12:38
Period D 10:26 – 11:15
2nd Lunch 11:15 – 11:45
Period E 11:49 – 12:38
Period D 10:26 – 11:15
Period E 11:19 – 12:08
3rd Lunch 12:08 – 12:38
Pass 12:38 – 12:42
Period
F 12:42 – 1:31
Pass 1:31
– 1:35
Period
G 1:35 – 2:24
School
Cancellation, Early Dismissal and Delayed Opening
Due
to inclement weather or other emergencies, school may either open after the
normal 7:45 a.m. starting time, may close early or be canceled for the
day. Notice of delayed opening, early
dismissal or cancellation will be announced using the school’s automated
calling system, local TV broadcast stations channels 6, 10, 13, Capital News 9,
most local radio stations including WBEC (105.5 FM), WUPE (95.9 FM, 1110 AM),
WSBS (860 AM), and WBRK (101.7 FM, 1340 AM). Delayed openings count as full
school days; however, cancellations must be made up at the end of the school
year.
School
Safety
Visitors
All
visitors to the school must enter through the main entrance and report to the
main office to sign in and obtain a visitor’s badge, which must be worn at all
times. Visitors who do not report to the main office may be subject to a charge
of illegal trespass.
Student
Guests
Student
guests may be permitted on a limited basis. The guest and their student host must
each have written parental consent and must obtain the consent of the principal
at least two days prior to the visit.
Guests must adhere to all school rules and regulations. Students
applying to Lenox under the provisions of "school choice" must make an
appointment for their visit through the guidance office by calling 637-5560.
Building
Evacuation
From
time to time the building is evacuated either for a practice drill or for an
actual emergency. Students should become
familiar with the fire exit instructions that are posted in every
classroom. The signal for evacuating the
building is a loud alarm that is used only for this purpose. When outside students should remain with their
class and teacher at all times. The
teacher will take attendance and report missing students. Students should walk
with their class to the parking lot and remain clear of fire lanes. Students
should not get into cars unless specifically instructed to do so. Students
using other exits should remain 100 feet from the building. If alternative
evacuation procedures are required, specific instructions will be announced
over the intercom.
For
reasons of safety and communication of instructions, it is very important to
remain quiet and orderly. Failure to
adhere to school rules during building evacuations will be considered a major
infraction of school rules.
Building Lockdown
A
lockdown would be used in the event that a dangerous person has entered the
school or is on school property. While this is not likely to happen, it is important
that we all know how to respond if it should happen. A lockdown would be
announced on the school’s intercom system. A lockdown requires that classrooms
be locked, shades pulled down, and students sitting on the floor away from
windows. Students will also be given specific instructions by the teacher on
what to do when a lockdown is announced.
Attendance/Tardy
Policies
A
clear, positive relationship exists between regular school attendance and high
academic achievement. The learning
experiences that take place in the classroom are a meaningful and essential
part of the educational process. It
simply is not possible to "make up" everything that is lost when a
day of school is missed. Developing good
attendance and work habits are strong components of overall preparation for
employment and higher education. (See also page 30, Federal & State
Regulations)
Parent
Procedure for Student Unplanned Absence
If
your son/daughter is absent from school, please do the following:
1)
Call the school at 637-5560 before 9:00
a.m. An answering machine will be in use
for calls before 7:30 a.m.
2)
Indicate your student's name, grade level, date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. Your call
will be logged and placed in your student's file.
·
If it is an extended illness, please state so
as soon as that is known.
·
Other than a known extended illness, the
school must be contacted each day a student is out of school.
Attendance
Responsibilities
The
compulsory school attendance law in
It
is sometimes unavoidable to be tardy or absent from school. Parents are discouraged from scheduling
vacations while school is in session. Legitimate reasons for being absent or
tardy may include:
illness serious
family emergencies
religious
observances college
visits
required
court appearance
Many
times an absence or tardiness is avoidable. Examples of excuses for being tardy
or absent that are not legitimate
include:
holiday
shopping working
on homework
hair
appointments being
tired
forgetting
books taking
care of a pet
Excused
Absence
An
absence is considered excused when the parent/legal guardian contacts the
school and provides a legitimate excuse for the absence. Contact with the school should be made in
accordance with the "Parent Procedure for Student Absence” stated
previously.
Work Missed
for Excused Absences
Students
whose absences are excused have the right to make up tests and as much
classroom work missed as each teacher
deems essential. It is the student's responsibility to schedule makeup
arrangements with each of his/her teachers.
Work missed due to one or two absences should be made up within two
school days. Work missed due to longer absences should be
made up within five days. With the written consent of the teacher, further
extension may be granted if, in the opinion of the teacher, the complexity
and/or quantity of work missed requires extended time
for completion. Parents should discuss
extenuating circumstances with the nurse and/or guidance counselor. In no case
will an extension exceed 20 school days from the date the student returns to
school.
Arrangements for makeup work will take place either before or after
school or at such time prescribed by individual teachers. While our teachers
try to accommodate extended absences as best they can, they cannot re-teach all
the missed classes. In some cases, missed science labs may not be possible to
make up due to the complexity of the lab set-up required for completion.
The burden of
making up missed school work lies with the student and must be completed within
the allocated time frame. Students
who are absent from school as a result of short-term out-of-school suspension
are responsible for getting assignments, textbooks, and other school supplies
from classmates.
Parents must notify
the Principal in writing at least one week in advance for planned absence(s),
and all work missed must be made up in accordance with the requirements stated
above for work missed due to excused absence(s). Parents are
discouraged from scheduling vacations while school is in session.
Unexcused
Absence
An unexcused
absence is defined as an absence that does not fall within the description of
an excused absence. An unexcused absence
is considered a major infraction of school rules and will result in one or more
days of either in-school or out-of-school suspension. Students missing tests and other classroom
work due to unexcused absence(s) may lose their right to make up work missed as
a result of such absence(s). Repeated unexcused absences of a student under the
age of 16 violates Massachusetts compulsory school attendance laws and, in
addition to school imposed penalties, will result in referral to the
appropriate legal authority.
Morning
Tardiness
Students are
required to arrive to their first period (homeroom) class between 7:35 and 7:40
a.m. Failure to arrive in class by 7:45
a.m. constitutes tardiness. Students who
are tardy must report first to the office to obtain a pass to their scheduled
class. If a student arrives at school
after 7:45 a.m., s/he must have a note from her/his parent/legal
guardian on the same day that provides an acceptable excuse for the
tardiness. Morning emergencies occurring
on the way to school will require a note on the following day. The note must be delivered to the main office
and a pass obtained prior to entering class.
If a student is tardy without a note from his/her
parent/guardian, the tardy is considered unexcused and the student will be
assigned to an after school detention.
A student may
have a maximum of four excused instances of tardiness in any one marking
period. Further instances of tardiness will result in being assigned to after
school detention. Students begin with a
“clean slate” at the start of the next marking period. A student who has a
medical condition supported by a letter from their physician that prevents the
student from arriving to school on time will not be assigned detention.
Classroom
Tardiness
Students
should arrive to class on time. Students who fail to reach their next period
class during the allotted four-minute passing period without a pass are tardy
and subject to either teacher-assigned or office-assigned detention. Students
will be given 24-hour notice of such detention.
Care of
Personal and/or School Property
It
is the student's responsibility at all times and in all situations to protect
his or her property and school property placed in his or her charge. Generally, students should not bring extra
money or other valuables to school. If a
student must have a large sum of money or an item of value while in school,
s/he should deposit such item(s) in the office during school hours. Students should keep their lockers locked at
all times. Carelessness, including that
of friends who know the combination, is the most frequent cause of a loss of
property. All equipment, books, etc.,
should be marked with the student's name. Report all losses to the office
immediately. Students are expected to
treat school property with care and respect. Students will be held responsible
for any damage or vandalism of books, desks, calculators, or other school
property in their care.
Lockers
Lockers
should be used to temporarily store coats, books, and other school supplies,
and provide a good alternative to carrying everything around in a book bag.
Health experts strongly suggest that students not carry more than 10% of their
body weight in backpacks. Students are assigned both hallway lockers and gym
lockers. All lockers have combination locks, and students should keep their
lockers locked at all times. Valuables should not be stored in lockers. Lockers are school property and are subject
to search by school officials without warning.
Student
Services
The
Guidance
The guidance
office plays a very active role in the preparation for the new school year. We
look forward to welcoming our new students, and we wish to help in any way we
can to make the transition period comfortable and happy. As the school year progresses, the guidance
counselor continues to be available to both students and parents for any questions or concerns that arise about the
schedule, career or college planning, or about social/emotional well being. Please feel free to call or come in. The counselor monitors the progress of all
students during the year and will call, write, or E-mail to parents if a
conference is needed.
School
Adjustment Counseling
Students and
parents may request school adjustment counseling services when a student is
experiencing personal, academic, or family distress. The goal of the program is
to support school achievement and positive relationships while encouraging
effective communication, problem solving, and self-esteem. Individual, group, and family counseling is
available at school or referral to community-based social service professionals
can be provided. If a student needs to meet with a school adjustment counselor
more than three times, then parent permission is necessary. However, parents
will be notified immediately in cases where a student’s safety is at risk.
A school
adjustment counselor (SAC) is a licensed independent clinical social worker.
School adjustment counseling may be arranged by speaking with a guidance
counselor or by direct contact with the school adjustment counselor.
Extra Help
Most students
will need extra assistance with one or more of their courses at some time or
another. One of the best ways to get
help is for the student to see a teacher before or after school. The student should first check the teacher’s
posted availability for extra help and then talk with the teacher to select a
specific day to come back for help.
Another good way to get help is from a peer tutor. A peer tutor is usually a high school student
who is volunteering his/her time to help other students with their
schoolwork. Peer tutors are arranged
through the guidance office. National Honor Society students may also be
available for tutoring. Please check with the Guidance Office for more
information.
The Learning
Lab is also available to students who need help organizing their work or
improving their study habits. Students
may make an appointment to drop by the Learning Lab during their study
hall. Students who have a diagnosed
learning disability and who attend the Learning Lab as part of their schedule
have priority over others who drop by during study time. See page 32 for more information about
assistance for students with disabilities.
Health
Services
Students at
Lenox Memorial have a full-time nurse available during the school day for
drop-in visits and emergency first aid.
Regular services include hearing, vision, scoliosis, height and weight
screenings, individual health counseling, and administration of
medications. State law and School
Committee policy requires all seventh and eleventh graders and all students who
wish to try out for an athletic team to have a physical exam.
The
Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires (105 CMR 220.000) the
following immunizations for all students entering grade 7:
- 2nd MMR (measles,
mumps, rubella)
- Hepatitis B (series 3
immunizations in a 6-month period)
- Tetanus Booster (within 5 years)
- Varicella (chicken pox) MD
certification that student has had the disease or vaccination is required.
Under special
circumstances, medical or religious exemptions may be obtained. However,
personal or philosophical exemptions are not acceptable.
At times, a
student may be too ill to attend school.
As a general guideline, students should stay home if they have nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, or an elevated temperature. A student should be free of
such conditions for twenty-four hours before returning to school. A student who is out of school for more than
five consecutive days must have a note from a doctor prior to return. The nurse may excuse a student from
participation in physical education class upon the request of either the
student or parent. The nurse may require
a doctor’s note if the student either has multiple requests for exclusion or
needs extended absence from physical education.
The Lenox
Public School System has a medication policy that insures student safety and
adherence to good nursing practice. In order for the school to administer an
over- the-counter medication (such as aspirin, Tylenol, etc.) a medication
authorization form signed by both the parent and physician must be on file. In order for the school to administer a
prescription medication, both parent and physician, on an annual basis, must
sign a medication authorization form. Medication authorization forms may be
obtained from the nurse. Students are not permitted to carry their own
medications except in special circumstances approved by a physician and
coordinated by the nurse and parent.
Please feel free to contact the nurse with any questions about this
policy.
Substance
Abuse Counselor
A substance
abuse counselor is available on location daily to meet with students and/or
families for assistance with substance abuse or smoking cessation. Students may
make individual appointments through the guidance office or parents may make an
appointment by calling the guidance office at 637-5560.
School
Resource Officer
The School
Resource Officer (SRO) provides assistance to students, parents, and teachers
on legal issues, fosters a positive relationship with the Police Department,
and assists with maintaining a safe school environment. Teachers may use the
Resource Officer for assistance with topics such as law and heath education.
The Resource Officer is also available to meet with parents and students for
advice and counseling on a variety of questions or concerns related to the law.
The School Resource Officer has a mailbox at school.
School Library Media
Center
The
The
library is available to all students during and after school. After school
library hours are considered an extension of the school day and all school
rules will continue to apply to after school hours. Monday through Thursday
the library is open until 3:30. On
Fridays the library closes at 3:00. On
the first Monday of the month the library may close at 2:30 p.m. for faculty
meetings. Students who use the library during class visits or on an individual
basis are expected to remain in the library with work to do. No food or drink is allowed in the
library. The following rules apply:
- Students must remain in the
library for the entire class period.
All needed materials should be brought to the library to avoid hall
passes.
- Students in study halls must have
attendance taken and have their name placed on the library pass before
leaving the study for the library. Students should use the library for
research, reading, or other assigned work in a quiet atmosphere. Students
who use the library for other reasons may be asked to leave.
- Library computers are for school-related
research, and students may not use them to play games. A reasonable time
limit on use may be imposed when computers are in demand.
- First priority is given to class
visits arranged by teachers.
Library closings will be posted.
- Students in grade 12 may sign
into the library after attendance in study. Students must sign in for
themselves only.
- Students may not go to the
library during their lunch period without the specific consent of the
librarian.
- Students who need to leave the
library must inform library staff and place their name on the sign-out
sheet.
Students who
violate library rules will be asked to either return to the assigned study hall
or to the office at the discretion of the librarian. Repeated failure to follow rules will result
in a loss of library privileges.
Because
students and faculty share all library resources, prompt return of all
materials is required. All students are
assigned a patron number that allows for the borrowing of books, vertical file
materials, and audio-visual resources.
All items must be checked out at the circulation desk. Overdue notices will be sent to English
teachers for grades 6 -10. Grades 11 and
12 will have notices sent to their first period academic class. All students are responsible for the return
of materials. Failure to return library
materials will be considered an infraction of school rules and may result in
the loss of school privileges.
Replacement costs for lost or damaged items will be the responsibility
of the student.
Guided Study
Some students in grades 9-12 will have an
assigned guided study as part of their daily schedule. Students are expected to be quiet and
productive in guided study and to use the time to complete assignments, prepare
for tests, etc. Food, music and games
are not allowed at any time for any reason.
Various teachers may be available (depending on their assigned duty
period) to help students with course work.
Students may also use the library if they obtain an appropriate
pass. Students may also use their guided
study time to see a counselor or nurse on an appointment basis.
STUDENT USE
AND PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES
PATROLS, INSPECTION AND SEARCHES
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for
use and parking of motor vehicles by students in the
II. General Statement of Policy
It
is the policy of the Lenox Public Schools to allow limited use and parking of
motor
vehicles by students in school system
locations. It is the position of the
school system
that a fair and equitable system-wide
student motor vehicle policy will contribute to the
quality of the student’s educational experience,
will maintain order and discipline in the
schools, and will protect the health, safety
and welfare of students and school personnel.
This
policy applies to all students in the school system.
III. Definitions
- “Contraband” means any unauthorized
item possession of which is prohibited by school district policy. It includes, but is not limited to
weapons and “look-alikes,” alcoholic beverages, controlled substances and
“look-alikes.”
- “Reasonable suspicion” means that
a school official has grounds to believe that the search will result in
evidence of a violation of school district policy, rules, and/or law. Reasonable suspicion may be based on a
school official’s personal observations, a report from a student, parent
or staff member, a student’s suspicious behavior, a student’s age and past
history or record of conduct both in and out of the school context, or
other reliable sources of information.
- “Reasonable scope” means that the
scope and/or intrusiveness of the search is
reasonably related to the objectives of the search. Factors to consider in determining what
is reasonable include the seriousness of the suspected infraction, the
reliability of the information, the necessity of acting without delay, the
existence of exigent circumstances necessitating an immediate search and
further investigation (e.g. to prevent violence, serious and immediate
risk of harm or destruction of evidence), and the age of the student.
- “School system location” means
property that is owned, rented, leased or borrowed by the school system
for school purposes, as well as property immediately adjacent to such
property that may be used for parking or gaining access to such property.
IV. Student Use of Motor Vehicles in School
System Locations
Students may use motor vehicles on
the high school campus only at times designated by the school administration or
at the end of their school day.
V. Student Parking of Motor Vehicles in
School System Locations
(See map in back of this handbook)
Students are
permitted to park in a school system location as a matter of privilege, not of right.
Students driving a motor vehicle to the high school may park the motor vehicle
in the parking area designated for student parking only. Students will not park vehicles in driveways,
private property, or in other designated areas, e.g. parking lots designed for
use only by staff or by the general public.
VI. Patrols, Inspections and Searches
- Patrols and Inspections:
School officials may conduct routine patrols of student parking lots
and other school district locations and routine inspections of the
exteriors of the motor vehicles of students. Such patrols and inspections may be
conducted without notice, without student consent, and without a search
warrant.
- Search of Interior Student Motor
Vehicle: The interiors of motor vehicles of
students in school system locations, including glove or trunk
compartments, may be searched when school officials have a reasonable
suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of law and/or school
policy or rule. The search will be
reasonable in its scope and intrusiveness.
Such searches may be conducted without notice, without consent and
without a search warrant. A student
will be subject to withdrawal of parking privileges and to discipline if
the student refuses to open a locked motor vehicle under the student’s
control or its compartments upon the request of a school official.
- Prohibition of Contraband and
Interference with Patrols, Inspections, Searches and/or Seizures:
It shall be a violation of this policy for students to store or
carry contraband in motor vehicles in a school system location or to
interfere with patrols, inspections, searches and/or seizures as provided
by this policy.
- Seizure of Contraband:
If a search yields contraband, school officials will seize the item
and may turn it over to legal officials for ultimate disposition when
appropriate.
VII. Directives and Guidelines
The Superintendent of Schools or
his/her designee is granted authority to develop
reasonable
directives and guidelines which address specific needs of the school
system
related to student use and parking of motor vehicles in school system
locations,
such as a permit system and parking regulations.
VIII. Parking Fee/Permit System
Students will be allowed to park
their cars only in designated student parking areas after a parking permit has
been obtained from the school administration (The Dean of Students). The district reserves the right to charge a reasonable
fee for student parking.
IX. Violations
A student found to have violated
this policy and/or the directives and guidelines
implementing
it shall be subject to withdrawal of parking privileges and/or
to discipline in accordance with the school system’s Student
Discipline Policy
which may
include suspension, exclusion, or expulsion. In addition, the student
may be
referred to legal officials when appropriate. Students who engage in
unsafe driving
may lose their parking permit and be subject to police referral.
Academic
Program Information
Graduation
Requirements
Students may
graduate from
|
Subjects |
Credits |
|
|
|
|
English |
20 |
|
Math |
15 |
|
Science |
15 |
|
Social
Studies |
15 |
|
Language |
5 |
|
Arts |
2.5 |
|
Technology |
2.5 |
|
P.E./Health |
10 |
|
|
|
|
Non-Elective |
85 |
|
Elective |
35 |
|
Total Credits Required |
120 |
|
|
|
|
Minimum
Annual Course Load |
30 |
Full Year
Courses:
9 periods per 6 day cycle - 7.5
credits
Science classes with two or more lab periods per 6 day cycle – 7.5
credits
8
periods per 6 day cycle - 7 credits
6 periods per 6 day cycle - 5
credits
4 periods per 6 day cycle - 3
credits
3 periods per 6 day cycle - 2.5
credits
Semester
Course:
One-half the credit awarded for a
full year course.
Course
Requirement Notes
- The Physical Education
requirement may be waived by a doctor’s certificate.
- The Social Studies requirement
must include 5 credits of U.S. History
- The Principal may waive up to a total of 5 credits of the Arts, Technology or Language requirements when unusual circumstances occur due to schedule conflicts, accommodation of transfer students, or a student’s special educational needs (as defined by the student’s Individual Educational Plan). Waiving of a requirement(s) shall not reduce the total credits required for graduation.
Meeting
the Graduation Requirements
The
Technology requirement can be met by earning 2.5 credits in one the following
courses:
- Academic Computer Use
- Word Processing I
- Word Processing II
- Computer Aided Drafting &
Design
- Basic, Intermediate or Advanced
Graphics
- Engineering/Technology
- A+ Certification Program
- Computer Programming
The Arts requirement can be met by earning 2.5 credits in one the
following courses:
- All high school courses listed in
the Art program
- All high school Woodworking
classes
- High school Computer Aided
Drafting & Design classes
- All high school courses listed in
the Music program
The World Language requirement can be met by earning 5 credits in one of the
following courses:
- All high school language courses
- Combination of French 7 & 8
in middle school
- Combination of Spanish 7 & 8
in middle school
Course
Selection Process
Course
selection requires careful thought and should be a collaborative process
between student, parents, and school. Decisions made each year may have
important implications for course selections in subsequent years as well as for
post high school plans. The following steps usually occur from January through
early March:
- Program of Studies distributed to
students. The Program should be brought home so parents and students can
together review course offerings.
- Course counseling day. Teachers
make recommendations to students for the following year.
- Course recommendations mailed to
parents. Parents and students together review recommendations and return
the recommendations to school within three days.
Credit Requirements for Determining Grade Status:
To be a
member of the senior class, you must have earned a minimum of 85 credits by the
start of grade 12. To be a member of the junior class, you must have earned a
minimum of 55 credits by the start of grade 11. To be a member of the sophomore
class, you must have earned a minimum of 22.5 credits by the start of grade 10.
Course
Changes
1)
Student-initiated
course additions/deletions in required courses may not be made after the first
seven days of the class. Changes within
seven days will be made only for valid reason and require written approval of
parent and counselor.
2)
A
student may withdraw from an elective without penalty until the date of the
first interim report of the
year. This may be done by completing a
"Drop/Add" form.
3) A student who wishes to withdraw from
an elective after interims are issued must complete a "Drop/Add"
form. The following conditions will apply: (also see pg.18)
·
If
the student is passing, no credit will be assigned and a “WP” grade for the
course will be assigned;
·
If
the student is failing, a "WF" grade for the course will be assigned.
Enrichment
Courses
A course
taken in excess of the minimum class load may be taken for enrichment
purposes. The student may designate a
course as an enrichment course through written request at any time prior to
receiving the final grade. Courses
designated as enrichment may not be changed back to traditional grading. (Required or prerequisite courses may not be
designated as enrichment.) Performance
in an enrichment course will be recorded in the same manner as a core subject
but reported on a Pass (P) or Fail (F) basis.
Grades of D minus and above are recorded as P, below D minus as F. A course average of P means full credit. An F indicates no credit.
Extension school
credit may be awarded to high school students for study completed outside of
the regular school day. Extension school
study may not be used to meet the minimum course load requirement and is not
used in the calculation of Rank in Class. It is the student's responsibility to
find an instructor for extension study.
Students should be aware that faculty already carry a full teaching load
and are not obligated to agree to an extension school request. Students wishing
to pursue extension study should obtain an extension school contract from the
guidance office. Extension school credit
will not be granted without a completed extension school contract approved by
the principal. Extension school elective
credit will follow the guidelines established for awarding credit within the
regular school curriculum.
Independent
Study
Independent
study may be available to students who wish to undertake a course of study
beyond existing course offerings.
Independent study is to occur generally during the school day and
conform to the regular semester calendar.
Elective credit may be awarded for independent study in accordance with
the guidelines established for awarding credit within the curriculum of the
school. For example, five credits are awarded to a class that meets every day
for one period, has assigned homework, tests, and a final exam. Independent
study may not be used to meet the minimum course load requirement and is not
used in the calculation of Rank in Class. It is the student's responsibility to
find an instructor for independent study.
Students should be aware that faculty already carry a full teaching load
and are not obligated to agree to an independent study request. Students
wishing to pursue independent study should obtain an independent study contract
from the guidance office. Independent
study credit will not be granted without a completed independent study contract
approved by the principal.
Report
Cards & Progress Reports
Report
cards are sent home four times per year.
Progress reports called “Interims” are mailed home on an as-needed basis
midway between report cards. The following grades may be earned:
Honor
Roll
The Honor
Roll at
For the
purposes of the Honor Roll, the weighted grading system will be used. Eligibility will be determined as follows:
Honors:
All
grades for a quarter must average (B) level 2 (2.8 points) with no grade lower
than a (B-) level 2 (2.5 points)
High Honors:
All
grades for a quarter must average (A-) level 2 (3.4 points) with no grade lower
than a (B) level 2 (2.8 points).
In order to
be eligible for Honor Roll, students must take at least half (50%) of their
courses at the school. Outside courses
will not be used to compute Honor Roll eligibility though passing grades must
be obtained. Part time students will not be included in the Honor Roll.
All
graded courses are to be included in computing Honor Roll eligibility. Those subjects not included in the weighted
grading policy (i.e.: art, industrial arts, etc.) will be averaged in as Level
2 courses. For
example, a (B-) in art will be computed as 2.5 points.
An (F) in a
course graded pass/fail, or carrying more than one course graded pass/fail, shall disqualify a
student from the Honor Roll. A (P) will
not be averaged in with graded courses.
Home School
Home school
courses completed through an accredited home schooling agency will be granted
elective credit upon submission of an official transcript. Home school credit
will not be granted in non-elective courses.
Transfer
Student Credit
LMMHS
welcomes and encourages new or returning students and their parents to meet
with a guidance counselor prior to enrolling to determine courses needed for
graduation as well as to review the student’s transcripts. A credit transfer
form will be completed by the counselor and signed by the parent at the time of
enrollment. The form specifically clarifies the courses the student has taken
and how they would be applied to meet the LMMHS graduation requirements.
Academic Levels
The four main
curriculum areas from which graduation requirements emanate -- language arts,
mathematics, science, and social studies -- may be offered in three levels of
difficulty. The appropriate level for a
course is indicated with the course description. Courses with no level
indicated are Level II courses.
LEVEL I (Advanced)
Level I is the most advanced level and all honors courses fall
within this level. Courses at this level
prepare students to meet the demands of the most rigorous colleges and
universities. Level I courses are taught
at an accelerated pace and in greater depth with an increased emphasis on
student independence.
LEVEL II (Standard)
Level II is
the standard level of difficulty at which most subjects are taught. All college preparatory (C.P.) and most
elective courses fall within this level.
Some Level II courses are geared to meet the needs of students preparing
for formal education or training beyond high school while others are more
oriented to the world of work.
LEVEL III (Basic)
Level III
courses are less rigorous than Level II courses and are designed to prepare
students for the world of work or provide remediation in academic skill areas.
Table 1 QUALITY POINT CHART
Grades
A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
I 4.5 4.2 4.0 3.7 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.4 0
Course Levels
II
4.0 3.7 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.1 .85 0
III 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.1 .85 .57 .28 0
Table 2 NON-WEIGHTED
GRADE CONVERSION CHART
Grades
A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
4.0 3.7 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.1 .85 0
Grade Point Average Guidelines
1. Courses taken at other schools by LMHS
students, including Dual Enrollment courses, will be considered Level II
courses. Exceptions may be made in cases where the transcript clearly indicates
that the courses are honors level and approximately equal in academic rigor to
our Level I courses.
2. Courses taken at other schools by LMHS
students, including Dual Enrollment courses, that are
substantially similar in title and/or content to courses at LMHS will not be
awarded LMHS credit.
3. Courses taken by transfer students
prior to enrollment at LMHS, including Dual Enrollment courses, will be
considered Level II courses. Exceptions may be made in cases where the transcript
clearly indicates that the courses are honors level and approximately equal in
academic rigor to our Level I courses.
4. Home study courses will not be
included in the calculation of GPA.
5. The calculation of GPA includes only
those credits earned in grades 9 through 12.
6. Students must be full time at LMHS
(carrying a minimum of 30 credits) for both the junior and senior year to be
eligible for the academic distinctions of Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and
Summa Cum Laude.
7. In cooperation with institutions of
higher education, only those courses emanating from the major subject areas of
English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language are included in
the calculation of the GPA. However, all courses and grades appear on the
student’s transcript that is sent with an application.
8. Courses awarding fewer than 2.5
credits will not be included in the calculation of GPA.
9. Subjects repeated are counted both
times (if credits are attempted/carried) and figured as separate courses.
Incomplete Grades
A grade of
‘I’ (incomplete) may only be issued under extenuating circumstances beyond the
student's control when s/he is unable to submit all work during the normal
course time. This grade may not be awarded simply for missing an important
test. An incomplete must be made up
within two weeks after grades close unless the teacher grants an additional
extension of one week. Any additional extension must receive the written
approval of the Principal. Failure to make up the required work within the
specified time limit will result in a change of grade from ‘I’ to whatever the
adjusted grade is with a zero averaged in for the missing work.
Failed
Courses
A course with
a final grade of ‘F’ will not receive credit. The course may be repeated the
following year or, in certain circumstances, repeated during the summer in an
approved summer school program. A full-year course may be repeated for credit
in an approved summer school program only when a grade of ‘D-’ or higher has be
earned in at least two of the five marking periods (four quarters plus final
exam) of the year. A half-year course may be repeated for credit in an approved
summer school program only when a grade of ‘D-’ or higher has been earned in
one of the two marking periods.
Final
Exams
Grades
9 - 12 will conduct final exams for all classes. Semester courses will have
comparable final exams administered during class time the last week the class
meets. Students with excessive tests in
one day at mid-year can request alternative schedules. All full-year courses
will have exams scheduled during 4 days set aside at the end of the school year
for testing purposes.
Final exams
should assess student mastery of major course content and skills. Exams should be consistent with the goals and
objectives of the course. The value of a
comprehensive exam shall be 20% of the final grade, and the evaluation
procedure should be clearly communicated to the students in each class. School
policy forbids releasing any student in a course having a final exam from
taking that exam regardless of the student's average except for seniors as
noted below.
Students in
courses having final exams who are not present for exams and who do not secure
an excuse from the principal must receive a grade of "F" for the
examination. Written excuses will be
honored where, in the opinion of the principal, an extenuating circumstance
exists. In such cases, an alternative
make up period in July or August under the supervision of the guidance
department will be utilized for exam administration. No students shall be permitted to take an
exam early.
Exemption from a Final Exam for Students in Grade 12
The purpose
of an exemption from a final exam is to reward seniors for high achievement
during their senior year and to provide incentive for seniors to continue their
high achievement after their post graduate plans have been determined. The
exemption is subject to the following criteria:
- The student must have an A-
average (avg. of 4 quarters) in the course with no quarter lower than B+.
- The teacher must agree with the
exemption. If a teacher agrees to an exemption, the exemption applies to
all eligible seniors in that section. Teachers are expected to inform
students at the beginning of the course, as part of the explanation of
their grading policies, whether or not students in the course will be
eligible for an exemption.
- A student who qualifies for an
exemption may still take a final exam for the purpose of improving his/her
grade.
- The exemption only applies to
full-year courses and not to semester-length courses.
The
Massachusetts Higher Education Coordinating Council has implemented minimum
admission standards for admission into any
Students entering 4-year
institutions will be required to complete:
Four years of Level I or
II English
Three years of Level I
or II Mathematics (4 years recommended)
Three years of Level I
or II Science, two with labs
Two years of Social
Studies (including U.S. History)
Two years of a single
Foreign Language (3-4 years recommended)
Students for
whom English is a second language may waive the foreign language
requirement. See your counselor for more
information or to answer questions.
National
Collegiate Athletic Association Eligibility
If you plan
to participate in a college athletic program, you will need to meet the
academic eligibility requirements established by the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA). Each of the three college athletic divisions has
different eligibility requirements that are very specific. Detailed information
regarding eligibility requirements is available in the guidance office. The
NCAA recommends that students begin the process of establishing NCAA
eligibility in grade 11. Students may get additional information at the NCAA
web sites www.ncaa.org and
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Distance
Learning
Coursework
not available at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School can be completed through
Field Trips and
Excursions
Students
participating in a field trip or excursion are representing both our school and
community; and exemplary behavior is expected at all times. Going on a field
trip or excursion is a privilege, and students are required to have an
acceptable record of behavior and achievement (as outlined below) in order to
participate. Parent consent, as
indicated by signature on specific forms provided by the school, is also
required for participation. Some field trips and excursions may require
additional rules.
Field trips are integral parts of the school
program where students investigate or participate in real or lifelike
experiences away from the classroom. The school pays most of the costs for
field trips; and all students in the participating class are expected to
attend. Examples include visits to
museums, historic sites, or nature centers.
Excursions are supplements to the school program
and typically do not require the participation of all students in a group or
class. Examples include trips sponsored by student clubs, student foreign
exchange programs, and travel of special interest groups outside of school
hours. Participating students pay most or all of the cost of excursions.
Minimum standards for behavior and achievement:
1. The teacher(s) sponsoring the fieldtrip may
establish an academic prerequisite as a
condition for
participation on the trip. Any prerequisite
shall be directly related to the
trip and be
assigned at least 10 school days in advance of the trip. A student who
does not complete
the prerequisite shall be so informed by the teacher at least three
school days prior
to the date of the trip. The principal may waive this requirement when
extenuating
circumstances exist that are beyond the student’s control that affect the
student’s ability
to complete the prerequisite.
2. The following discipline record will
exclude you from a field trip or excursion for a period of 90 school days:
2
assignments to
or
3
days resulting from any combination of ISS (In School) and/or
3. If you are assigned to either ISS or
count will begin
again from the date of the suspension.
4. You must not have a suspension (ISS or
trip within the
last twelve months. If an office-assigned detention is assigned as a result
of misbehavior on
a field trip within the last twelve months, it will carry the equivalent
weight of an ISS
toward future field trip eligibility.
5. Standards beyond the minimum standards
stated above may be required for overnight
and/or
international travel. Such standards will be approved by the principal and the
individual(s)
sponsoring the trip and will be stated when the trip is announced.
A student who is ineligible to participate in a field
trip is to attend school on the day of the trip and complete an alternative
assignment in lieu of the work related to the field trip.
Senior
Class Trip
Seniors are
expected to maintain good behavior and attendance throughout their senior year,
particularly in the fourth quarter. The senior trip is a celebration event for
the seniors after classes and finals have been completed. In order to attend,
all detentions must be made up and class dues paid in full. If the conduct of
the class and/or an individual(s) in the class demonstrate improper behavior
prior to a particular to the trip or any other class activity, that individual(s)
or class as a whole may be prevented from attending one or all of the senior
activities up to and including graduation exercises and the senior class trip.
Student
Activities
Participation
in school-sponsored activities such as dances, senior farewell, prom, etc., is
fun and helps build school spirit. Most activities need student help with
organization and planning particularly from members of the sponsoring club or
class. The first priority of every student is academic success. Classroom and
disciplinary obligations always have priority over participation in
co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Some activities may require a
fee.
Clubs and
Organizations
Clubs provide
an excellent opportunity for students to pursue specific interests beyond the
regular school day. While some clubs and
organizations have specific criteria for participation, all students must have
passed 25 credit hours in the preceding marking period. The 25 credit hours
must include a minimum of four major subjects. Also, a student who is suspended
from school (OSS & ISS) is also suspended from club activities for the
entire duration of the suspension. Some examples of clubs/organizations
typically offered at Lenox Memorial:
Peer Education Mock
Trial
Technology Club Destination
Imagination
Student Council/Class Office Yearbook
Evergreen Quiz
Team
National Honor Society SAVE
SADD Student
Relief Club
Cooking Club Quidditch
Art Club
Student Newspapers
In
addition to school organizations, Lenox students also have the opportunity to
take advantage of other programs. An SAT
preparation course is available to Lenox students. This course is scheduled prior to the SAT
exam and gives students assistance toward the improvement of their scores. A
private company frequently offers driver education at the high school, and
information about fees and registration is available in the guidance
department. Driver’s education is not
sponsored or endorsed by the school.
Drama/Musical
- Drama is an after-school,
co-curricular program whose educational objectives are framed within the
English department guidelines.
Students who choose to participate in the drama program may do so
exclusively for reasons of personal growth and enjoyment or they may opt
for extension school credit. In the fall students present a Shakespearean
play and participate in the annual Berkshire County Shakespearean
Festival.
- The annual spring musical
is an after school activity. Students who choose to participate in the
musical also do so exclusively for reasons of personal growth and
enjoyment.
Participation
in the drama/musical program is guided by the Code of Conduct, school
attendance policies, and by maintaining passing grades. To participate in the
drama program, a student must have passed 25 credit hours in the preceding
marking period. The 25 credit hours must include a minimum of four major
subjects. Also, a student who is suspended from school (
Students who
audition for and are cast in the drama/musical production(s) make a commitment
to the time frame set by the director.
National
Honor Society
The
purpose of the National Honor Society (NHS) is to create an enthusiasm for
scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy
leadership, and to encourage the development of character in students of
Membership in
the NHS is based upon Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character; and
candidates shall have spent at least one-half (1/2) year at
Membership in the National Honor
Society is open to juniors and seniors who have a cumulative scholastic rating
of 3.4 in courses used to calculate Honor Roll.
The advisor to the National Honor Society shall notify candidates who
have achieved a scholastic average of 3.4 of their eligibility. It shall be the candidate's responsibility to
obtain from the National Honor Society Advisor the necessary application form
for admission consideration. These forms
must be obtained, completed, and returned to the Advisor to the National Honor
Society within ten (10) school days following their eligibility
notification. The forms shall then be
reviewed by the Faculty Council, which shall be appointed by the
principal. Decisions on induction made
by the Faculty Council are final.
Students
should consult the Constitution of the Lenox Memorial High School Chapter of
the National Honor Society for complete information on membership and other
responsibilities of the NHS. Copies of
the Constitution may be obtained in the principal's office.
Interscholastic
Sports
The athletic
program is an important part of the total school program and is open to
students in grades seven through twelve.
Participation in the athletic program is a privilege and is subject to a
number of requirements outlined in the Athletic Code section of this handbook.
Coaches also have information about the requirements for each particular team.
Students
playing on cooperative teams must adhere to the rules in both schools.
The following
sports teams are typically offered:
FALL: Soccer, Cross-Country Running, Golf, Crew, Volleyball, Football
(with Lee H.S. team.)
WINTER: Basketball, Cross-Country Skiing, Alpine Skiing, Swimming (with
Monument Mountain H.S. Team), Hockey (with Mt Everett H.S. team.)
SPRING: Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track, Lacrosse
(with
Students wishing to request the addition of an
interscholastic sport must see the Athletic Director one year prior to the
requested sport’s season.
SPORTSMANSHIP
"The ideals of good sportsmanship, ethical
behavior and integrity should permeate all interscholastic athletics in our
community. In perception and practice, good sportsmanship shall be
defined as those qualities of behavior which are characterized by generosity
and genuine concern for others. Our athletic fields should be the
laboratory to produce good citizens reflecting "fair play" in every
area of life."
Expectations of Parents, Guests and Other Fans
- Game attendance is a privilege,
not a license to verbally assault others or to be obnoxious.
- Respect the entire playing of the
National Anthem and remove your hat.
- Respect decisions made by contest
officials.
- Be an exemplary role model by
positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including content of
cheers and signs.
- Become aware of the purpose of
the league and rules to keep winning in its proper place.
- Respect fans, coaches and
participants.
- Be a fan....not a fanatic!
- Recognize outstanding
performances on either side of the playing field.
Suggested Positive Behavioral Guides
- Applaud during introduction of
players, coaches and officials.
- Accept all decisions by
officials.
- Handshakes between participants
and coaches at end of contest, regardless of outcome.
- Treat competition as a game, not
a war.
- Search out opposing participants
to recognize them for outstanding performance or coaching.
- Applaud at end of contest for
performances of all participants.
- Demonstrate concern for injured
player, regardless of team.
- Encourage supporting people to
display only sportsmanlike conduct.
Unacceptable Behavior
- Yelling or negative chanting or
gestures toward opponent.
- Booing or heckling an official's
decision.
- Criticizing officials in any way;
displays of temper with an official's call.
- Taunting or, trash talk.
- Refusing to shake hands or to
give recognition for good performances.
- Blaming loss of game on
officials, coaches or participants.
- Laughing or name calling to
distract an opponent.
- Using profanity or displays of
anger that draw attention away from the game.
From MIAA Sportsmanship Committee at www.miaa.net
Dances
Classes,
clubs, and other approved organizations may sponsor dances. The principal must approve all dances. For high school dances, a minimum of five
adult chaperones (including faculty advisors/sponsors) and one Lenox police
officer are required for supervision.
Students must be in attendance by the start of ‘B’ period on the day of
the dance or on the Friday prior to a Saturday dance. An exception may be
permitted for a Saturday night dance when a physician’s note verifies that a
student was ill and unable to attend school on Friday but has recovered sufficiently
to attend the dance on Saturday evening. High school dances are for students in
grades 9 through 12, and a student may bring a high school guest from another
school only if the student signs them in prior to period ‘F’ on the day of the
dance. High school dances will start by
8:00 p.m. and end at 10:30 p.m. except
the high school semi-formal and the prom, which may end at 11:00 p.m. (Mid-week dances may be held by exception.
They will start by 7:00 and end promptly at 10:00 p.m.) The doors will be
secured at 9:00 p.m., and no one will be admitted after this time without
special permission from the principal or supervisor in charge. Individuals leaving the building will not be
readmitted to the dance. Middle school dances are for students in grades 6, 7,
and 8 only and high school students are not permitted to attend.
Student
Government
Holding a
class office or being elected to student council is a privilege. Class officers and council members are
expected to serve as role models and to uphold the standards and ideals of the
school and community. Each class has a
president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer and elects two students to
serve as representatives on the student council. The middle school and high school each have
their own student council. Elections for
all high school class offices will be held in May of each year. Elections
for class office will be held prior to student council elections. There is a standard ballot for each office
that requires five nomination signatures and a paragraph describing the
candidate’s reasons for running for office.
The advisor must then approve the ballot. A description of the duties for each office
is available from the class advisor.
Standards
for Running for Office
Academic –
Must have passed 25 credit hours in the preceding marking period. The 25
credit hours must include a minimum of four major subjects.
Disciplinary – The following discipline record
will exclude you from running for office in the next election:
2
assignments to
or
3
days resulting from any combination of In-School or Out-of-School Suspension
Class Dues - Class dues must be paid in full.
Conditions
for Retaining Office
1.
Any
infraction of school rules that requires three or more consecutive days of
suspension will result in immediate removal from office for the remainder of
the term of office.
2.
Conviction
of a crime will result in permanent expulsion from all class offices.
3.
A
second violation of the school’s tobacco policy will result in removal from
office for the remainder of the term of office.
4.
Passing
grades must be maintained. A student must have passed 25 credit hours in the
preceding marking period. The 25 credit hours must include a minimum of four
major subjects. A student who does not maintain this standard will be removed
from office for the remainder of the term of office.
5.
Loss
of office will not result in new elections. The class advisor may
appoint the runner-up.
6.
Class
advisors and the Dean of Students will serve as a standing advisory board to
discuss issues as necessary.
Class Dues
Class dues
are used to pay for certain student activities including the prom and the
senior class trip. Dues of $15.00 are
payable each year, and failure to pay dues may result in exclusion from certain
class activities. The principal will
grant students experiencing financial hardship a waiver of dues.
FEDERAL & STATE
REGULATIONS
SCHOOL
ATTENDANCE
MGL
Chapter 76, Section 2 indicates that parents will ensure that their children
attend school as required. Failure to do
so, for seven day sessions or fourteen half day sessions within any period of
six months, may result in a fine of not more than 20 dollars.
MGL
Chapter 76, Section 18 requires the school to notify a parent following a
student’s fifteenth absence from school, inviting the student and parent to
meet with school officials within ten days of the notice, for the purpose of
discussing reasons and alternatives for the student permanently leaving school.
STUDENTS
AGED 14 AND OLDER
Students aged
fourteen and older have the right to look at their official school records
housed in the guidance department and have the authority to allow others to see
their file. Fourteen year old students
also have the right to attend their TEAM meetings held in accordance with the
provisions of the Massachusetts Department of Education Special Education
Regulations (603 CMR 28.00).
STUDENTS
AGED 16 AND OLDER
Students aged 16 and older who are contemplating leaving school are
encouraged to meet with school officials to explore opportunities for
alternative educational options. According to Chapter 76 Section 18 of the
TRANSFER OF PARENTAL RIGHTS FOR SPECIAL
EDUCATION DECISION MAKING
The
Lenox School District informs students and families regarding the age of
majority though the TEAM process and by written notice to all special education
students and their parents one year prior to age 18.
STUDENTS
AGED 18 AND OLDER
Students aged
18 and older are subject to the same school rules as all other students. A student aged 18 and older (or a student who
has been legally declared an emancipated minor) must sign all forms where we
normally require the signature of the parent.
A student who signs him or herself out of a class without a note from a
physician or parent will receive a zero for any work missed as a result.
PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
The
Lenox Public School System is committed to ensuring equal educational
opportunities for all students. In accordance with Title IX of the Education
Acts of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Chapter 622 of the
General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Lenox Public Schools
affirm that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion,
national origin, or sexual orientation be excluded from participation in,
denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any education program
or activity it operates, including employment therein, and admission thereto.
See page 15 in the Code of Conduct section for additional information.
Any
complaints or inquiries concerning this policy should be directed as follows:
Michael Knybel, Principal
Lenox
Memorial Middle & High School
(413)
637-5560
TRANSFER OF STUDENT
RECORDS
If
a student transfers to another school, the student’s record will be sent to the
new school without the written consent of the parent or student.
DESTRUCTION
OF STUDENT RECORDS
Notice
is hereby given that the temporary record of a student will be destroyed no
later than seven (7) years after that student transfers, graduates or withdraws
from the school system. When the student
transfers, graduates or withdraws from school, and if the eligible student or
the parent/guardian want the temporary record, they must request, in writing,
prior to the last day of school, that the documents be provided to them. No additional notice, other than this Notice
in the handbook, will be provided to the student or his parent/guardian of such
destruction.
In
addition, each year, the principal and/or teachers and/or other service
providers may destroy the following documents that are considered part of the
student’s temporary record: disciplinary records (other than documentation of
suspension/expulsions/exclusions), any notes from the parent/guardian or other
documents concerning absences, early dismissals, late arrivals, as well as
examples of student work. If the
eligible student or the parent/guardian want those records, they must request,
in writing, prior to the last day of school that the document be provided to
them, rather than be destroyed. No
additional notice, other than this Notice in the handbook, will be provided to
the student or his parent/guardian of such destruction.
ACCESS OF STUDENT RECORDS BY
ARMED FORCES RECRUITERS
The
No Child Left Behind Act of January 8th,
2002, requires schools to provide upon request the names, addresses, and phone
numbers of all students in grades 11 and 12 to armed forces recruiters. A high
school student or parent who does not want the school to provide this
information to recruiters must request in writing that such information may not
be released without signed consent. All such requests should be directed to the
guidance office.