Dear Student,
The Lenox Memorial High School Student Handbook provides
you with important information concerning our academic program, Code of
Conduct, student activities, Athletic Code, and a variety of other topics
related to your school experience.
All students are required to sign and return to the
office the last page of the handbook.
Your signature indicates that you have received the handbook and that
you are specifically aware of the rules and regulations outlined in the Code of
Conduct.
We have many reasons to be proud of our students and
their many accomplishments. Our small
size allows us to know one another more closely and to develop a supportive
social atmosphere unique to Lenox.
The pride, dedication, and spirit shown among our
students, teachers, and staff are all ingredients of an excellent school. Let's all work together so that each of us
achieves, is engaged and is recognized as a welcome member of our LMMHS
community. Have a great year. We are thrilled that you are here.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Strong
Principal
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 or masks) 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 stay with their class and teacher. The teacher will take attendance. 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 good 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 31, 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 bookbag. 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.
Computer
System and Internet Rules and Guidelines
The supervised use of
computers and other technologies is available to Lenox Memorial students to
advance education and research in a manner consistent with the philosophy and
goals of our school. Computers are school property and are
subject to search by school officials without warning. No student should have any expectation of
privacy while using LMMHS technology. The school reserves the right to access,
review, copy, delete, monitor, and disclose all messages and files on its
computer system, as well as review, monitor, and disclose internet usage if
necessary and appropriate. All communication, including text and images, can be
disclosed to law enforcement or other third parties without prior consent of the
sender or receiver.
All aspects of the Code of Conduct concerning one’s
personal conduct apply while using computers, the Internet or any other
technology. The Massachusetts Computer Crimes Statute specifies that
unauthorized access to or tampering with computer files is a violation of State
law. Students will also be held financially responsible for the repair of any
damage resulting from the misuse/vandalism of computers.
Lenox Memorial may issue
individual computer/e-mail accounts to students in accordance with the
following rules and guidelines:
·
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.
·
Computer and
e-mail accounts may be used only by the authorized owner of the account to
advance education and research.
·
There is a zero
tolerance policy on physical abuse and vandalism of the computer systems.
·
Sending
annoying, obscene, libelous, or slanderous messages is specifically prohibited.
·
Threats or
harassment sent by e-mail may constitute illegal acts punishable by law.
·
The Internet is
not a secure medium, and you should not assume confidentiality.
·
Students should
check e-mail daily.
·
Computer users
must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to material
entered into and obtained via the computer system.
The following uses of the
computer systems and the Internet are prohibited:
·
Use of the
Internet for commercial purposes, including personal shopping, or advertising.
·
Downloading,
copying, or installing of any files (including music, software, games,
graphics, etc.) is prohibited.
·
Changing any
configuration settings on any school computer
·
Accessing
web-based e-mail/IM services such as Yahoo, MSN, Hotmail, etc.
·
Accessing or
attempting to access internet sites that promote and/or offer a means to cheat
or plagiarize. Such action is also contrary to our expectations for academic
integrity.
After or before school use
of computers (including library computers) is subject to all of the rules
stated above. Additional computer system
and Internet rules and guidelines may be issued from time to time to protect
the computer systems or to enhance effective use. Such rules and guidelines
will become effective upon issuance and notice to the students.
Student-Owned
Computers
Students
may have the privilege of using a personally owned computing device on school
grounds given the following conditions:
- In order to be defined a laptop, a device must
have a 7-inch screen or larger, have an attached keyboard, and be capable
of research and word processing.
- The school is not responsible for any damage,
loss or theft of student-owned equipment.
- The students must submit a student computer
permission form signed by their parent/guardian. See the District
Technology Coordinator (Mr. Jackson) to obtain the required form.
- Student-owned computing devices are not
permitted for use in classrooms except by specific permission of the
teacher on an as-needed basis.
- The privilege of using a student-owned computer/electronic
devices may be revoked at any time by the school administration and/or the
District Technology Coordinator (Mr. Jackson)
- Any student-owned computing device on school
grounds is subject to search and / or confiscation by school officials.
- A student must surrender any passwords to
his/her computer upon request of school officials.
- In order to be granted access to the school
network, a student must register the device with the District Technology
Coordinator (Mr. Jackson). A thorough search of the device may occur at
that time. (Access points will be limited to specific areas, with no
guarantee of service.)
- Rules of acceptable behavior are the same for
both student-owned and school-owned equipment. Non-academic uses are not
allowed.
- Students may not connect to any network other
than one that is designated for student use. These will be identified with
the prefix “Student-AP”.
- The student agrees not to connect to any other
networks or access the internet by any other means.
- To best protect the school and other students,
the student agrees to keep current virus prevention software licensed and
installed on their computer at all times.
Please
refer to page 10 in the Code of Conduct for specific consequences for
misuse/vandalism of computers.
Student Services
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.
At any point, if questions or concerns 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
Most 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 lot 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
systems 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 lots after a parking permit has
been obtained from the school administration.
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
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 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:
A =
Excellent P = Passing
B =
Good WP
= Withdrawn Passing
C = Average WF
= Withdrawn Failing
D =
Poor I =
Incomplete
F =
Failing
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.
Rank in Class
Rank in Class (RIC) is
determined by numerically ranking all* students' Grade Point Averages (GPA) in
descending order with the highest GPA being assigned the RIC of one. 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. Only credits
earned in grades 9-12 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.
The GPA is computed by using
a weighted system. (GPA may also be calculated using a non-weighted system for
those schools or colleges requesting a non-weighted RIC.)
1. WEIGHTED GPA
The weighted GPA uses a
system of quality points. Quality points
earned for a course are equal to the factor from the quality point chart (table
1) times the credits assigned to the course.
For example, an "A" earned in a Level II, one semester, 2.5
credit course equals 9.25 quality points (3.7 x 2.5 = 9.25).
Quality points are then
divided by the total number of credits carried.
The resulting quotient is the GPA.
Formula: Quality Points = GPA
No. of Credits Carried
2. NON-WEIGHTED GPA
The non-weighted GPA does
not consider course level and uses a formula in which the grade of each
credit-awarding course is multiplied by the credit assigned to the course. The products are summed and divided by the
total number of credits carried. The
resulting quotient is the GPA. Letter
grades are assigned numbers according to the chart in table 2.
Formula: Grade x Course Credit =
Course Grade Point
Total of Grade Points = GPA
Total of Credits Carried
*In determining RIC, all
full time students (except foreign exchange students) at a given grade level
are included. Exception to the policy
will be granted when it is so stated in a special needs student's Individual
Education Plan (IEP).
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
(When calculating the GPA, quality points are carried
to 3 decimals.)
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
Levels Program
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.
Grade Point Average/Rank in Class (GPA/RIC) 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.
10. The GPA includes only courses that are graded in the
traditional method of A, B, C, etc.
Courses graded pass/fail or credit/no credit are not included in GPA.
11. RIC is computed at the end of the eleventh grade
(sixth semester) and after the first and second quarter of the senior year.
12. The GPA is found by dividing the sum of the quality
points by the number of credits attempted/carried (not only credits
earned). Thus, a subject failed gets
zero grade point value (quality points), yet the credit assigned to the course
is counted in the total credits for the divisor.
13. In instances when the GPA is calculated before the
end of a school year, the impact on the cumulative GPA will reflect the portion
of the year completed at the time the calculation is made.
14. RIC is determined by assigning the highest GPA a rank
of number one; the second highest the rank of number two; etc. In cases where more than one student has the
same numerical GPA (carried to three places), those students with the same GPA
will share the same rank position.
Example: Student
No. 1 4.18 Rank 1
Student No. 2 4.17
Rank 2
Student No. 3 4.09
Rank 3
Student No. 4 4.09
Rank 3
Student No. 5 4.08
Rank 5
Student No. 5 in the example
would have the rank of fifth in class, indicating that there are four students
who rank higher.
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 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
4. You must not have a suspension (ISS or
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
In 1984, two students in
a nearby high school were killed in an automobile accident during the course of
a senior "skip day." The Lenox
School Committee took immediate action to try to ensure that such a tragedy
would never strike Lenox. A senior class
trip was instituted that would be planned jointly by the seniors and their
advisors, and it would occur during a regularly scheduled day of school. The
School Committee permits the trip with the agreement that the trip occurs in
lieu of a skip day. Consequently, a skip
day will result in the loss of the trip.
It goes without saying
that seniors are expected to maintain good behavior throughout their senior
year. However, if the conduct of the class and/or an individual(s) in the class
demonstrates improper behavior prior to a particular 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.
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 Environmental Quiz
Team
National Honor Society SAVE
SADD Student
Relief Club
Art Club Student
Publications
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
WINTER: Basketball, Cross-Country Skiing, Alpine Skiing, Swimming (with
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.
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
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:
Susan M. Strong, Principal
Lenox Memorial Middle & High School
(413)
637-5560
EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL
EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
SECTION 504
In
compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Lenox Public
Schools affirm that no qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of
handicap, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or
otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored
by the Lenox Public Schools.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
The guidelines regarding
special education are based on state and federal law. The state special education law sets
procedures for identification and assessment of students with special
needs. A student must receive a
complete and comprehensive evaluation to determine if the student has a
disability and is eligible for special education, which includes specialized
instruction. If eligible, the evaluation(s) will assist in determining
appropriate special education supports and services. Parents who have a concern about their
child’s development or have a suspicion about a possible disability may refer
their child for an initial evaluation.
Upon receipt of a request of an initial evaluation, the school district
must send notice to the parent and must receive the parent’s written consent to
conduct the evaluation.
In
Whenever a referral is made,
parents are notified in writing. An
evaluation or assessment will occur only after written parental consent. Following the evaluation period, parents and
members of the evaluation team will meet to discuss the assessments and whether
or not the student is eligible for special education. If services are required, an Individual
Education Plan (IEP) will be developed.
Parents then have the right to accept or reject the IEP (in part, or in
full). If the parents disagree with the
special education program proposed for their child, an appeal process is
available.
Requests for further
information, complaints or inquiries concerning either Section 504 or special
education should be direct to:
Ms. Cynthia Dinan
Director of Special
Education
(413) 637-5571
RELEASE OF STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION
In Lenox, such
information is typically used in the newsletter, in press releases, in sports
coverage in local newspapers, and as part of the college/university application
process. We do not release phone numbers without consent. We also provide names
and addresses to recognized groups supporting school activities such as PTO and
booster clubs. You have the right to request that such information not be
released without your prior consent. If you wish to make such a request, please
do so in a note sent to the attention of the guidance office.
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.
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.
ACCESS OF STUDENT RECORDS BY NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS
HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT
The federal McKinney-Vento
Homeless Education Assistance Act requires school districts to immediately
enroll homeless students in school, even if they don’t have the documents
typically required for enrollment in their immediate possession. The appropriate
guidance counselor will provide assistance to families in obtaining records
from the prior school. A homeless student may also remain in their school of
origin until the end of the school year in which they obtain housing. The school of origin is responsible for
transportation until the end of the school year in which they obtain housing.