handbook

Welcome to Tongue River High School. We pride ourselves in being a school where all students can achieve success in a positive, supportive environment and prepare themselves for success as adults. No set of rules can be all-inclusive. The rules in this handbook are only the most basic and are not meant to limit school personnel in dealing with student-related problems. Wyoming state statutes and Sheridan County School District #1 Board Policies supersede the content of this handbook. ACADEMICS AT-RISK Students who are at-risk of failure in their classes will be referred to the Building Intervention Team that will work with teachers, students, and parents to develop and implement interventions to help the student experience success. ENRICHMENT/REMEDIATION All teachers in all classes will provide standards-based remediation for students who need additional assistance to achieve success in the class. In addition, all teachers in all classes will provide standards-based enrichment for students who could benefit from additional learning opportunities in the class. FRIDAY SCHOOL The purpose of Friday School is to give students additional opportunities to learn and receive assistance. Students failing a core course (math, science, English, or social studies) at the end of the first, second, or third quarter are encouraged to attend Friday School for the following quarter. During the quarter, a teacher may refer a student to attend Friday school if that student is in danger of failing the class. Friday School is scheduled twice a month, calendar permitting, as scheduled by the principal. GRADING SCALE Range Grade GPA Points 100-93 A 4.00 92-91 B+ 3.33 90-85 B 3.00 84 B- 2.67 83-82 C+ 2.33 81-76 C 2.00 75-74 C- 1.67 73 D+ 1.33 72-70 D 1.00 69-0 I or F HONOR ROLL At the end of each nine-week period, an honor roll will be published. To qualify for the “A Honor Roll” a student must be carrying a minimum of five classes, have an average of 3.50 or above and have no grade below a B. To qualify for the “B Honor Roll” a student must be carrying a minimum of five classes, have an average of 3.00 or above and have no grade below a C. Students are expected to carry a full load for all 4 years. A full load is defined as not less than six classes. Students may not include more than one aide period, etc, in this total. STUDY LAB Study Lab is daily from 12:30 – 1:00 pm. Students must check in with their assigned teacher by the time the bell rings for the beginning of Study Lab. Teachers will only write passes for students to go to their classroom. If students need to study with a group, teachers will write passes to study in their rooms. Students may use the library during Study Lab. Teachers will write a pass for the student to go to the library; each class may send students one at a time. EXPECTATIONS ATTENDANCE Students may miss seven days of school per semester with parental permission. Parents are encouraged to call the office when a student is absent. Students are expected to have pre-assigned work ready for teachers on the day they return. Work assigned during the absence should be turned in as soon as possible, but not more than one school day for each day absent. BEHAVIOR Students have the right to learn in a safe and positive environment. They have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. They also have the right to learn in an environment free from intimidation, harassment, and humiliation. Students are expected to treat faculty, staff, and fellow students with respect and civility.
Bullying is deliberate behavior in which someone uses his/her power to hurt or humiliate others. Bullying will not be tolerated in our school. Theft, possession of drugs, and weapons will not be tolerated, and will be punished by suspension or expulsion. Possession of drug paraphernalia is treated as the possession of drugs and will result in out-of-school suspension. Legal authorities will be contacted. Possession of a firearm, as defined by Wyoming state law, while on campus or at any school event will result in a recommendation for expulsion. Legal authorities will be contacted. Tobacco (or tobacco substitutes) will not be used or possessed on campus. Law enforcement will be contacted in the event of a student being in possession of tobacco. Vandalism to school property or the property of students or staff, which occurs on campus, will be dealt with by suspension or community service and payment for repairs. Fighting without weapons will result in suspension unless it can be clearly proven a case of self-defense. The possession of weapons, guns, air guns, knives, stars, etc. will result in a suspension and recommendation to the SCSD #1 Board for expulsion. Pocket knives and lighters are not allowed. BUS CONDUCT Students are expected to conduct themselves on school busses in a manner that is consistent with established standards for behavior in the classroom and school. Offensive language, disruptive or discourteous behavior will not be tolerated. Students are to remain in their seats while the bus is in motion. Failure to maintain appropriate behavior on a school bus may result in a student being suspended from riding the bus for a period of time. CLASS EXPECTATIONS In the so-called “real world,” very few people ever lose a job because they lack the knowledge of how to do the job. Instead, jobs are lost because employees don’t have the proper work skills, interpersonal skills, and work ethic necessary to learn the job and to communicate and cooperate with supervisors and fellow employees. One of the primary goals of TRHS is to help students learn the necessary work skills to be successful after they meet the academic requirements for graduation. Though a significant role of teachers is teaching content knowledge in their subject, an equally essential role is to teach the skills and work habits essential to success outside of high school. Since these skills and work habits are so critical to successful learning and life, they are a component of our grading system. All teachers integrate points for “work skills” into the quarter and semester grades of each student. Each teacher will develop a specific list of work skills based on their class, but a partial list would include many of the following: Attendance and punctuality Respect for everyone in the classroom Exhibiting a positive attitude Being prepared for class (having materials, work completed) Asking for help when needed Offering help when in a position to do so Participating in class activities and discussion (contributing) NOT having to be “chased down” and told when an assignment is due or overdue. Teachers will also provide students with additional classroom rules, which address topics such as pop/candy/snacks in the classroom, use of CD/MP3 players, and the like. Teachers are expected to deal with minor behavior problems within their classrooms. Behavior problems that cannot be dealt with in the classroom will be referred to the principal. CONDUCT AT SCHOOL EVENTS Students are encouraged to attend activities and athletic events that occur outside the regular school day. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and civil manner when in attendance in after school activities. Failure to do so will result in the student being asked to leave. Further disciplinary action may be taken for more serious offenses. CONSEQUENCES OF MISBEHAVIOR 1. DETENTION Detention will be served during the lunch period in the office or the assigning teacher’s room. 2. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION Students will serve in-school suspension on Fridays as scheduled by the principal. Failure to show up for ISS will result in out-of -school suspension. 3. OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION A single out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten days. Suspended students will not be allowed back on campus, nor may they participate in any school activities. Students suspended from school may make up all missed work provided the work is turned in on their first day back. OSS will not count against the seven days of allowable absence under the district attendance policy. 4. COMMUNITY SERVICE Students may be assigned community service as an option to in-school or out-of-school suspension. Students may complete community service during lunch, after school, or on Fridays. Community service work will be coordinated with the principal. 4. EXPULSION Only the Board of Trustees may expel a student. Students will be suspended while awaiting the expulsion hearing. Expulsion may be for up to one year. The principal makes the recommendation to the Board for expulsion. DRESS CODE As a general guideline, students will not be allowed to wear clothing that is materially and substantially disruptive, pervasively vulgar, or harmful to the student or to others. Students are expected to dress appropriately and in good taste. Student dress should reflect respect for learning and safety. Students will not be allowed to attend class if their attire is disruptive. When a student’s choice of dress is inconsistent with this philosophy, the student will be asked to change. Students are not allowed to wear hats or any other head coverings in the building during school hours (8:00 am – 4:00 pm). Shirts that expose a bare midriff are prohibited. Low-cut blouses and dresses are not allowed. Sleeveless dresses or shirts are acceptable if they exceed 3 inches in width at the shoulder. Shirts must be worn as intended by manufacturer. (i.e., no cut-off sleeves, or sleeves tucked into undergarments.) Undergarments are not to be visible. Printing on shirts cannot contain offensive drug, alcohol, tobacco-related or sexual references. Any printing found offensive to a segment of society is prohibited. Students will be asked to leave the classroom and turn the t-shirt inside out or change into something else. Shorts and skirts must be of a reasonable length, arms and fingers down at the side will not be past the length of the shorts or skirt. Pants must ride no lower than the hip area. The student dress code will be in effect during school hours and at school functions, including dances and games. The principal reserves the right to make the final determination regarding appropriate dress. IMPROPER DISPLAY OF AFFECTION  Students are expected to show respect for their fellow students. Any physical contact other than holding hands is inappropriate behavior. SEXUAL HARASSMENT Students have the right and expectation to an education free of racial or sexual harassment. Discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, or national origin will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated and is defined as unwelcome and repeated sexual advances including lewd comments, improper physical contact, whistles, demeaning behavior, dirty jokes, etc. Students should bring any concerns to their teacher, staff, or principal. If a student does not feel his/her concerns are addressed in a timely fashion the student should request a written complaint form from the principal, fill it out, and turn it in to the appropriate administrator. The student is encouraged to share all of his/her concerns with his/her parent or guardian. ACTIVITIES Activities are an extension of the classroom where academic learning is continually emphasized. The purpose of activities is to teach self-understanding, responsible action, character building, and commitment to excellence. Tongue River High School offers students a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. ELIGIBILITY AND CONDUCT FOR ACTIVITIES Students will be eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities as per district policy IGDJ and regulation IGDJ-R. Sponsors will make students and parents aware of this policy and regulation. Conduct on school trips will be in accordance with policy regulation IGD-R2. GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP Through involvement in athletics, students are provided the opportunity to develop both physically and mentally. One of the prime areas of focus in athletics is the development and maintenance of good sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship is demonstrated by the following guidelines: Show respect for all opponents by treating them as guests. Refrain from applauding when an athlete from another team is injured. Show respect for the officials. Understand and appreciate the rules of the contest. Maintain self-control at all times. Applaud opponents’ performances. Cheer for your team. When you see a good sport in action, follow their lead, and then thank them. CAMPUS BACKPACKS/LOCKERS All students are given a locker to store their books, supplies, and coats. Backpacks in the halls, classroom, and cafeteria present a safety hazard. Therefore, students are not allowed to carry backpacks in the halls or classrooms. BREAKFAST & LUNCH Sheridan School District #1 provides a universal free breakfast to all students at the beginning of the school day. Lunch tickets are sold before school and during passing, at the office. Daily charges will be limited. Lunch prices are $2.00 for high school students and $3.00 for adults. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familiar status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communication at (202) 720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD). To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250, or call (202)720-7327 (VOICE) OR (202)720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity employer. CLOSED CAMPUS TRHS operates a closed campus. The parking lot is off limits during school hours except by permission of the office. Students may not leave the campus without permission of the principal or other school official. COMPUTER RULES Computers are the property of Tongue River High School and may not be used contrary to TRHS rules. Students will not be allowed to access the Internet without parental permission. Students may not add or delete items from hard drives. Under no circumstances will students use our computers to access material that is pornographic, racist, or in any other manner inappropriate. Students will not abuse printing privilege by over printing any material. Students will not use teachers’ computers without permission. Chat rooms will not be accessed. E-mail will not be accessed during class time. Students who do not follow these rules will lose the right to use TRHS computers. Further disciplinary action may be taken as needed. DANCES Students attending dances will not be allowed to leave the dance and return. Students are reminded that the school dress code is enforced during school-sponsored dances. Non-TRHS students need the approval of the principal to attend school dances. DISCRIMINATION Sheridan County School District #1 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap in admission or access to the treatment or employment in its educational programs or activities. Inquiries concerning Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 may be referred to the Sheridan County School District #1 Title IX Coordinator (Telephone (307)655-9541) or to the Office of Civil Rights, United States Department of Education, 1961 Stout Street, Denver Colorado 80294. DRIVING The speed limit in the TRHS parking lot is 5 MPH. Bringing a car on campus is a privilege, which may be revoked if it is abused. Students are expected to drive in a responsible fashion on school grounds. Students are not allowed in the parking lot during school hours unless they have received permission from the office. Students are expected to register their car license plate number with the office. Failure to do so will result in receiving a citation from the School Resource Officer EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING The superintendent may close school for any one or a combination of the following conditions: extreme temperatures, high winds, poor visibility, (blowing snow or fog), freezing rain, extreme snow accumulations, and drifting snow. If any of these conditions exist, please listen to the radio (KROE 930 AM, KWYO 1410 AM) for closure information. If no announcements are made, school will operate as normal. If school remains open in conditions you are uncomfortable with, you may keep your child at home. Parents are asked to notify the office if the emergency contact information changes for their student. FIRE AND EMERGENCY DRILLS Fire and other types of emergency drills are conducted on a monthly basis. IMMUNIZATION The Mandatory School Immunization Law requires all k-12 students to be fully immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. An official record of immunization will be required to be on file for all students. Wyoming state law allows medical and religious waivers to vaccination that can be obtained from the State or County Health Officer by submitting written evidence of religious objection or medical contraindication to the administration of any vaccine. LIBRARY The library is open from 7:30 am until 5:30 pm daily.   Students may check out books or magazines for two weeks. Students may check out reference books overnight.   Fines collected from lost or damaged library property are used to purchase new books for the library.   Food and drinks are not allowed near the computer areas of the library. MEDICATION School officials may not dispense medication, including aspirin, without a consent form signed by parents. OFFICE HOURS Our teachers are available before school (by 7:30 am), during their prep times, during lunch, and after school to meet with students. Teachers will have office hours from 4:00-4:30 at least once a week. All teachers post regular office hours in their classrooms. Office hours are listed on the last page of this handbook. PERSONAL BELONGINGS Students are discouraged from bringing valuable personal belongings to school. The school cannot be responsible for the loss of personal items. POWER SCHOOL Power School is the administrative software used by Tongue River High School. By accessing Power School, parents can monitor their students’ grades, attendance, and progress in classes. Parents will receive information regarding how to access their student’s grades and progress. Parents who have any questions regarding accessing Power School should contact the school office for assistance. Teachers are expected to keep grades current (daily or weekly) for parent and student access. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOALS Faculty, staff, parents, students, and community members work together to develop school improvement goals and achieve greater success for all students. Tongue River High School is in year two of its school improvement process. The school improvement plan is available by contacting the principal. SCHOOL NOTES School Notes is a program that improves communication with parents and students by providing teachers with a simple-to-use communication site. Teachers are expected to post their class assignments and course information on School Notes on a weekly basis. http://wyoming.edgate.org/sheridan12/findyourclass.html SEARCHES School officials have the right to search lockers, book bags, and vehicles. School officials have the same right at school events held off the TRHS campus. STUDENT RECORDS Parents can receive copies of student records by submitting a written request to the counselor or principal at least 24 hours prior to the time they need the records. Students over the age of eighteen have legal access to their records and determine whether their parents can have access to their records. TELEPHONES The telephones in the office and classrooms are business phones and may not be used by students except for emergencies. A telephone for student use is located outside the principal’s office. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day, except during lunch. VISITORS Student visitors are allowed during the regular school day only with prior approval by the school principal. All visitors must check in at the office. Sheridan School District #1 Professional Counselor’s Disclosure Statement Introduction Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) are required by Wyoming law to provide students and their parents with certain information. Included in that information is this “disclosure statement.” Public school counselors provide a support service program to help empower each student to function fully in society by assisting all students to reach their potential through a life-long learning process. We use problem-focused and goal-directed strategies to help students resolve problems in their lives. Ethics Regarding a Counseling Relationship We will treat you with respect as a unique individual. We are concerned about your educational, career, emotional, and behavioral needs, and we seek to encourage your development in each of these areas. To do this we will occasionally need to share the information necessary to adequately evaluate, counsel, and assist you with your personal, social, academic, or career development needs. We will abide by all national and state laws pertaining to the ethical treatment of minors. We are governed by the policies, procedures, and standard practices as established by the State of Wyoming Department of Education and Sheridan County School District Number One Board Policy. As Licensed Professional Counselors, we are also governed by the American Counseling Association Ethical Codes and the Wyoming Mental Health Licensing Board. Counselors must maintain ethical, professional, and social relationship boundaries with their students, including those boundaries that agree that sexual intimacies between a counselor and client are never appropriate. Confidentiality We will protect the confidentiality of information received in our counseling relationship as specified by federal and state laws, written policies, and ethical standards. We will also protect the confidentiality of your school records and release personal data only according to prescribed laws and school policies. For any of the following matters, legally and ethically, we may break confidentiality and involve others who can help: A. If disclosure is required to prevent clear and imminent danger to you or others. B. If we are made aware of the potential or actual occurrence(s) of physical or sexual abuse of minors, persons with disabilities, or senior citizens. We will disclose information to an identified third party who is at high risk of contracting a disease from you that is both communicable and fatal, providing that you have not already informed him/her or are not intending to do so. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in group counseling sessions due to their nature and composition. In group counseling, members of the group are always admonished to maintain confidentiality, but this cannot always be ensured. As counselors, we will respect the inherent rights and responsibilities of your parents and may share information with them about you. We are sensitive to the cultural and social diversity among families, and we will adhere to the laws and local guidelines as they pertain to facilitating your maximum development and welfare. We recognize that all parents (custodial and non-custodial) are vested with certain rights and responsibilities for the welfare of their children by virtue of their position and according to the law. Provisions for Complaints If we are not able to help you resolve your concerns, or you wish to obtain further information or report a complaint, you may contact the Sheridan School District #1 Sue Belish, Special Services Director at 655-9541, or the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board, 2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 201, Cheyenne, WY 82002 (Phone: 307-777-7788). *************************** Submitted by: Pete Kilbride LPC #899 BS in Secondary Education: Social Studies from University of North Dakota MS in Counseling from University of Wyoming Holly Marlenee LPC #480 BA in Elementary Education from Eastern Montana College (MSU-Billings) M. Ed. In Counseling & Human Development Services from MSU—Bozeman Tami Mavrakis LPC #118 BSW in Social Work from University of Wyoming MA in Counseling from University of Northern Colorado Rene Arsenault LCSW #328 BA in Social Work, University of Texas, Austin MA in Social Work, University of Texas, Austin
Teacher Office Hours: AM (7:30 – 8:00) PM (4:00 – 4:30) Name, AM, PM Spencer Clark, Tuesday, TRMS Will Ferguson, Monday, Monday Levi Gorzalka, Monday, Monday Bill Hanewald, Monday, Monday Pete Kilbride, Monday, Tuesday Bonnie Klasinski, Tuesday, TRMS PJ Marshall, Wednesday, Tuesday Pat Mischke, Wednesday, Tuesday Dianne Moser, Mon-Thur, Monday Dave Munsick, Tuesday, Tuesday Michelle Nielsen, Tuesday, Tuesday Patrick O’Harra, Monday, Monday Krys Park, Mon-Thur, Monday Maureen Rogers, Wednesday, Tuesday Rachel Schroder, Wednesday, Wednesday Valerie Stroot-Brutlag, Tuesday, Tuesday Jim Will, Monday, Monday Donna McDougall, Wednesday, Tuesday

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