WATONGA
HIGH SCHOOL SONGA NEW SCHOOL YEAR IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!!!!
We at Watonga High School want to welcome you as a student for the school year 2012-2013. Hopefully summer was an enjoyable and restful one and you are ready to begin furthering your education.
This student handbook is your responsibility to read and it contains most of the rules, policies and regulations that you will be required to follow at school and on school-sponsored activities. This handbook does not cover every issue that might arise and other situations will need to be dealt with on a case by case basis as they occur.
If at any time during the year you have a question or a suggestion about our school, please feel free to come to the office and express your concerns. Our main priority is to ensure that all of you have the opportunity to receive the highest quality education.
Let’s all have a great year!
Mr. Grimes
DOES YOUR HIGH SCHOOL RECORD REALLY MEAN ANYTHING?
Every student should remember that he writes his high school record but once, and once written, that record cannot be changed. He should also know that when he seeks employment, enters the armed forces, or studies at a university or vocational school, his record follows him; in fact, it usually precedes him. The importance, therefore, of a good high school record (the best you can do) in scholarship, attendance, citizenship, activities, should be of the utmost importance.
Each school site within the district shall observe one minute of silence each day for the purpose of allowing each student to meditate, pray, or engage in any other silent activity that does not interfere with, distract, or impede other students in the exercise of their choice. All school personnel are to afford these options to all students, who will individually make the selection as to which of these behaviors they will engage in during the moment of silence.
The flag salute and the moment of silence will be each day at the beginning of second hour, which begins at 9:20 a.m. The daily bulletin will be given each day at 11:10 a.m.
PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES:
I. Philosophy--Watonga High School recognizes we live in a changing environment where the amount of information increases daily. We see it as our responsibility to provide all of our students with the opportunity not only to learn, but also to acquire the ability to find information. We see each student as an individual who needs certain life-skills to function in a diverse society without losing their individuality. Each day we strive to see that every individual grows mentally, physically, and aesthetically to the best of his/her ability.
II. Objectives--We accept the responsibility of aiding the development of each student into an adult who can think logically and learn continually and thus be able to participate confidently while contributing meaningfully to our world. It is from this responsibility that we have developed the following goals and objectives.
(a) Ensure that students according to their own ability develop proficiency in the basic academic competencies. These areas include, but are not limited to (1) reading, (2) mathematics, (3) language, (4) science, (5) social studies, (6) business education, both in the regular classroom and vocational, (7) computer skills, and (8) the history and government of the United States.
(b) Ensure all students have the opportunity to develop the capacity to recognize and successfully cope with situations that arise both now and in their futures.
(c) Ensure that all students be given the opportunity to acquire the knowledge of the arts and from that develop their own creativity.
(d) Ensure that all students are exposed to a wide range of career options both in the regular classroom and vocational classroom, whereby they may acquire the ability to make intelligent decisions. Thus, they will become independent and productive citizens and find self-satisfaction in the world of work.
(e) Ensure that all students are aware of their citizenship responsibilities in a democratic society.
WATONGA
HIGH SCHOOL SONG
Fill us with loyalty
So we shall our name proclaim
Happy we, strong and free
So to the far lands our footsteps may wander;
Take, take our fealty
Ever more, rich or poor
Your Praises shall we acclaim.
SCHOOL MASCOT-----EAGLE
SCHOOL COLORS-----RED AND BLACK
Board of Education
Aaron Clewell......................... President
Lane Edsall.............................. Vice-President
Dwight McGee........................ Clerk
Joyce Lucas ………………... Member
Pat Gonzales………………...Member
Administration
Mr. Bill Seitter......................Superintendent
Shannon Grimes……………Principal
Faculty
Kathy Allen....................... Special Education
Jonna Bernhardt ............... Alg. II, Pre Calc, Calculus, NHS
Todd Bonnewell………...Computer App., Athletics
George Ann Bordelon........ Librarian, Media Specialist
Darla Brooks..................... English I, II, Humanities
Kim Coney……………...English III, IV, Speech
Amy Estep………………Yearbook
Connie George.................. Pre-Algebra, Alg. I, Geometry, STUCO
Shannon Grimes................ AP World History
Ty Hussey......................... Science, P. E., Athletics
Christie Lorenz……….....Counselor, Spanish
David Lorenz……………US Hist., World Hist., Athletics
Maryl McCrary................. Anatomy, Biology, AP Biology
Darrel Merkey................... District Computer Technician
Mitch Milliron.................... Agriculture, FFA, Athletics
Dale Ortega....................... OK Gov., US History, Computer App.
Bryan Pope……………...Band, Athletics
Kay Province……………Chemistry, FACS
Hollie Youngbear……….Indian Attendance Counselor, Cheyenne I & II, Indian Club
Support Personnel
Earl Hartfield..................... Head Custodian
Sharon Reiber................... Secretary
Jacque Till………………Secretary
Docia Swearingim………Alternative Education Aide
Page
General Information.............................................. 5
Academic Information.......................................... 19
Student Conduct and Discipline............................. 27
Extra-Curricular Activities.................................... 40
Page
Map................................................................................................. 6
Class Schedule................................................................................. 7
School Year Calendar....................................................... .………..8
Student Council Officers.................................................... .………..9
School Telephone Directory............................................... .………..9
Telephone......................................................................... .………10
School Absences............................................................................ 10
Types of Absences.......................................................................... 10
School Attendance.......................................................................... 11
Right to Appeal............................................................................... 11
Assemblies...................................................................................... 12
Awards/Awards Assembly.............................................................. 12
Family Rights and Privacy Act......................................................... 12
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment………………………….13
Directory Information……………………………………………14
Guidance Services........................................................................... 14
Cafeteria......................................................................................... 15
Hall Passes..................................................................................... 15
Library/Media Center...................................................................... 15
Student Hours................................................................................. 16
Visitors........................................................................................... 16
Withdrawal From School................................................................ 16
Parking Regulations......................................................................... 16
School Lockers............................................................................... 17
Vending Machines........................................................................... 17
Proficiency-based Promotion........................................................... 18
WATONGA HIGH SCHOOL MAP
WATONGA HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE
WATONGA PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2012 – 2013 CALENDAR
Teachers Report................................................................ August 6
Vo-Tech Classes Begin..................................................... August 10
Labor Day Holiday............................................................ September 3
Parent Teacher Conferences…………………………….September 24
Watonga Cheese Festival (no school)..............................October 12
Fall Break......................................................................... October 18-19
ACT Test at Watonga.......................................................
Thanksgiving Break........................................................... November 21-23
Semester Tests.................................................................. December 18-19
End First Semester............................................................ December 19
Semester Break................................................................. December 21 - Jan. 2
Professional Day………………………………………...January 2
School Resumes................................................................ January 3
Martin Luther King Day (Staff Development – no school)...... January 21
ACT Test at Watonga …………………………………
Professional Development………………………………February 18
Parent Teacher Conferences.............................................. March 12/14
No School……………………………………………….March 15
Spring Break..................................................................... March 18-22
Snow Day......................................................................... April 26
ACT Test at Watonga…………………………………...
Snow Day……………………………………………….May 3
Semester Tests.................................................................. May 15-16
End of 2nd Semester/Last School Day................................ May 16
Graduation........................................................................ May 17
Watonga High School Schedule
7:57......................................Teachers Report
7:45......................................Vocational Bus Departs
8:00..................................... First Bell
8:05 8:56.…...............First Period
8:56 9:24...................Activity Period
9:28 10:16...................Second Period
10:20 11:08...................Third Period
11:12 12:00…………...Fourth Period ....
12:00 12:31...................Lunch/Vocational Bus Departs 12:25
12:35 1:26...................Fifth Period
1:30 2:21...................Sixth Period
2:25 3:15...................Seventh Period
Chisholm Trail Technology Center School Schedule
8:05-10:40...........................Morning Classes
12:45-3:20...........................Afternoon Classes
NOTE: As the Watonga Public School Calendar and the Chisholm Trail Technology Center calendars may not be identical; students are required to attend all regular and vocational classes when those classes are in session.
STUDENT BODY OFFICERS
Student Council
President............................................... Ashtyn Widney
Vice President………………………..Shreya Patel
Secretary.............................................. Jayme Kourt
Treasurer.............................................. Bobby Roberts
Public Relations..................................... Letycia Camarena
Senior Class
President............................................... Desiree’ Richey
Vice President....................................... Letycia Camarena
Secretary.............................................. Shreya Patel
Treasurer……………………………..Sheila Beck
Representatives..................................... Destiny Washington, Lara Ross
Junior Class
President............................................... Zak White
Vice President.......................................
Secretary.............................................. Kristy Heitschmidt
Treasurer..............................................
Representatives..................................... Adriana Camarena, Maura Cowan,
Bailey Underwood
Sophomore Class
President............................................... Shelby Sheffield
Vice President.......................................
Secretary..............................................
Treasurer..............................................
Representatives.....................................
Freshman Class
President……………………………..Evan Bruner
Vice President....................................... Caden Parham
Secretary.............................................. Autumn Jones
Treasurer.............................................. LaTara Blakenship
Representative...................................... Kamry Widney, Riley Schenk
School Telephone Directory
OFFICE TELEPHONE:
The office telephone is for emergencies and school business only. Students and teachers will not be called to the school telephone during a class unless an emergency exists. In most circumstances, the office will deliver a message and the student or teacher can return the call at a more convenient time.
ABSENCES:
Parents are requested to communicate with the high school administrative office and notify the school of their child's absence. Absences are not considered as excused or unexcused. In the event a student is absent from school, it becomes that student's responsibility to make up homework or tests. Generally, the work missed must be made up at the rate of one additional school day for each day of absence. For example, if a student were absent for two days, that student would have two days to make up and turn in that work.
However, a long-standing homework assignment must be turned in immediately upon returning to school or a test that was scheduled in advance must be taken immediately upon returning to school. For example, a student who is absent on a Friday can expect to be required to take the test on the first day he/she returns to school. Exceptions may be granted by the instructor and principal. Zeros will be recorded for tests and homework that are not completed properly and in a timely manner.
Types of Absences:
School Activity Absences- This is an absence due to a school-sponsored activity, which is supervised by a school appointed sponsor. This absence is not recorded on the official school attendance registers. Students may not miss any one class more than (10) ten times during the school year for school activities. Activity absences are kept hourly on a separate activity register and may be checked by students and sponsors throughout the school year. Students attending a school activity must secure permission from each teacher whose class is to be missed by the use of a student absent notice.
Students who are academically ineligible, who have or will exceed the (10) ten-day rule, or who have excessive absences, are not permitted to attend the activity. Activity sponsors are required to provide each teacher a list of students that will be participating in the activity as soon as possible, but no later than 8:00 a.m. on the day of the activity. Also, sponsors are required to provide each teacher any and all revised lists not later than 8:00 a.m. on the day of the activity. All paper work pertaining to the student activity absences is to be completed by the sponsor. Missed homework or tests will be made up according to the guidelines found under absences in the student handbook.
Other absences from school, which are known by and approved by the parent/guardian, are neither excused nor unexcused. They are simply recorded on the school register and teacher grade book as an absence. Students shall be afforded the right to make up any homework or tests that are missed due to an absence according to the approved homework makeup policy.
Remember, it is the student's responsibility to correspond with a teacher on makeup work and the work must be completed in the proper time frame. Tests and homework missed may be altered by teachers to insure reliability and validity.
Truancy is an absence from school without the permission/knowledge of the school or the parents/guardians. Absences shall not be considered truancy as a long as the school is notified or contacted by the parent/guardian who will indicate they approved of the absence. Truant students will not be allowed to make up any test or homework and will have a zero recorded for the work that was missed. A conference will be held in the office and the truancy will be reported to the parent/guardians. Students who leave without checking out will be considered truant.
The parent/guardian must notify the school by telephone on the day of the absence or the following day. A student will be considered truant from school IF THE SCHOOL IS NOT OFFICIALLY NOTIFIED. If the parent/guardian does not have access to a telephone, a note will be accepted on the day of the student's return.
School Attendance
COMPULSORY-- P.L. 234, effective October 1, 1979, states that if a student age 5 through 18 years of age is absent from school 15 days of a semester or 4 days or parts of 4 days in any 4 week period without a valid excuse, he must be reported to the district attorney by the principal.
It is unlawful for a parent or guardian not to compel their child to attend school. Any student violating any provision of this law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of no more than $25.00 for the first day, not more than $50.00 the second day, and not more than $100.00 per day the following days. Each day may be considered a separate offense.
It is the duty of the principal to keep a full and complete record of each student's attendance and is the duty of parents or guardians of the student to notify the school about any absences of their child.
If a student does not attend school, the principal, after an investigation, will give warning by letter. If the student still does not attend, then the principal must and will make a complaint against the parent and student in the court of jurisdiction.
WATONGA SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY
A student must be in attendance in each class at least (90) ninety percent of each semester in order to receive semester credit for the class. Since each grading semester consists of usually 85-90 days, a student who misses (10) ten or more times in any class will not pass that course for the semester. Students who have a passing class average during the first semester who do not receive credit for that class due to excessive absences may have this credit restored at the end of the second semester, if they have no attendance problems during the second semester and receive at least a C in the respective class or classes the second semester. No relief will be granted for one semester course or activity course that was failed due to excessive absences.
Right to Appeal
If a student accumulates absences of ten (10) and believes special circumstances exist which should be considered, the student or parent may request a hearing for consideration of granting of credit. Such a request must be made in writing and presented to the building principal.
The student's hearing panel (consisting of the principal, counselor, and each of the student's teachers in the affected classes) will schedule a hearing when classes are not in session on a regular school day.
The student must be allowed a minimum of five (5) school days following notification of the hearing date in order to gather evidence (such as hospital records, doctor reports, etc), contact witnesses, and prepare his case.
The student will be allowed to present his/her case before the hearing panel. Following the presentation of evidence, the hearing panel shall be allowed executive session; each panel member shall cast a ballot for or against the granting of credit. The ballots will be counted in the presence of the student. The granting of credit shall be determined by a majority vote of the panel. In case of a tie vote, credit shall be granted. The decision of the hearing panel shall be final.
Assemblies
In general assemblies, students, by class, will sit in designated areas. Students and teachers will be dismissed for assembly by the classroom and/or hallway. Teachers will accompany their class to the gym. Seniors will sit at the front of the center section, juniors on the left (west), and sophomores on the right (east). Freshmen will sit behind the seniors in the center section. Students will be dismissed from the assembly by classes (Senior, Junior, etc.). All sponsors not supervising a particular group during an assembly will sit with their assigned class so they may effectively supervise their students. Students not complying with school rules and regulations may be suspended from future assemblies.
Awards/Awards Assembly
Many school awards are presented during the school year at Watonga High School. Some are given at specific organizational banquets and others are given at the annual Awards Banquet, which is usually held in May.
Awards received from sources other than Watonga High School may affect student eligibility. A student should check with the principal and/or athletic director before accepting any award not affiliated with the school.
Any award given to a student by a school-sponsored organization from funds raised by that school-sponsored organization should have prior approval for the fund raising activity by the board of education. This is in accordance with school board policy and state statutes.
Furthermore, Watonga Public Schools shall not provide free or at a reduced cost any letter jacket, all-state jacket, patch, trophy, or other athletic award.
Family Rights and Privacy Act (P.L. 93-380)
Rights:
(1) The right of a student's parents and eligible students to inspect and review the student's educational records. (2) The intent of the Watonga School District is to limit the disclosure of information contained in the student's educational records, except: a) by the prior written consent of the student's parent or the eligible student, b) as directory information, or c) under certain limited circumstances as permitted by the FERPA. (3) The right of the student's parent or an eligible student to seek to correct parts of the student's educational records which he or she believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of student rights.
This right includes the right to a hearing to present evidence that the record should be changed if the district decides not to alter it according to the parent or eligible student's request. 4) The right of any person to file a complaint with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare if the Watonga School District violates the FERPA. 5) Parents and eligible students should go to the principal's office to obtain copies of the policy and information as to the correct procedure to follow in requesting action about a student's record. Copies of the policy are located in the high school principal's office and the office of the superintendent. The district will arrange to provide translations of this notice to non-English speaking parents in their native language.
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
Statute: 20 U.S.C. 1232h. Regulations: 34 CFR Part 98.
PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
v Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education-
1. Political affiliations of or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family
relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors,
or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
v Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out-
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information
obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the
information to others.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.
Watonga Public Schools has developed a policy in order to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes. Watonga Public Schools will directly notify parents of these policies in our handbook annually.
Watonga Public Schools will notify parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Watonga Public Schools will allow parents the opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement:
· Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution.
· Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in parts by the Department of Education.
· Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.
The Watonga District proposes to designate the following personally identifiable information contained in a student’s education record, as “directory information,” and it will disclose that information without prior written consent:
1. The student’s name;
2. The names of student’s parents;
3. The student’s date of birth;
4. The student’s class designation (i.e., first grade, tenth grade, ect.);
5. The student’s extracurricular participation;
6. The student’s weight and height if a member of an athletic team;
7. The student’s photograph; and
8. The school or school district the student attended before the student enrolled in this school district.
The Watonga School District will publish the above list, of items of directory information it proposes to designate as directory information. For students enrolling after the notice is published, the list will be given to the student’s parent or the eligible student at the time and place or enrollment.
After the parent or eligible student has been notified, he or she will have two weeks to advise the school district in writing (a letter to the school superintendent’s office) of any or all of the times they refuse to permit the district to designate as directory information about the student.
Guidance Services
The one purpose of an organized guidance service is to assist students. These services are available through the high school office and counselor. A full-time counselor is available to assist students with personal problems, school problems, educational problems, post-secondary school planning, scholarships and grants, and information on various testing and counseling services.
Cafeteria
A cafeteria is available for those who wish to eat at school. Students may purchase and pay for lunches in the high school office. The charge per meal is $2.50 for high school students and $3.75 for faculty. Breakfast prices are $1.55 for students, $2.00 for adults/faculty.
During the lunch hour, students do not need to wander around the school. Students coming back from lunch early will be supervised in the student center lobby and outdoor patio area. Students will be dismissed to go to their fifth hour class when the 5th hour warning bell rings.
Since the high school and middle school share the same cafeteria, high school students need to be reminded that the middle school students are operating under a closed campus. High school students may not associate with or pick up middle school students during the noon period or enter the middle school building.
Students may bring their own lunch or purchase soft drinks and snacks in the student center lobby. Tables are available in the student center lobby and the patio area between the high school and the student center. Please clean up the tables and dispose of your trash appropriately.
Hall Passes
Students are not to be out of their classes during the school day unless they have a hall pass from their respective teacher. Teachers are not to allow students out of a class unless an emergency exits or the students are summoned by the office or are required to visit the library. Students do not need to return to their lockers or make phone calls during classes.
Hall passes should be monitored and required by all personnel. They must be displayed visibly while in the hall.
Each teacher will have a sign out sheet in their classroom for students to sign in or out of the room. The sheet will include time, student name, and destination.
Library/Media Center
The librarian/library assistant is on duty during school hours. Students will be responsible for all materials checked out. If materials are lost, damaged, or stolen, the student whose name is on the checkout list will be required to pay replacement costs.
Students entering the library during the regular class periods are required to have hall passes. Students will not be dismissed from any room to go to the library unless that teacher gives them a pass. Teachers shall make arrangements with the librarian before bringing classes to the library.
The general library checking out privileges are as follows: (1) Books must be checked out by the librarian on the computer, (2) Fiction books may be checked out for two weeks. (3) Dewey decimal books may be checked out for one week, (4) Reference books may be checked out overnight, (5) Library fines are assessed as follows; reference books .10 per day, all others are at .05 per day.
Students are not allowed to check out more than three books at any one time. Students who have overdue books, fines, or who have damaged or lost books will have their library privileges suspended until their financial obligations are met. Students who abuse their library privileges, who use the library as a social event, who are noisy, or who exhibit negative behavior may have library privileges revoked by the librarian, teachers, or principal.
Student Hours
Students need not be in the high school building before the 8:00 A.M. warning bells rings and should exit the building before 3:21 P.M. Students who return early from lunch may stay in the student center where a member of the faculty supervises them. Students in the student center are to stay in the concession area only. Students are not to be on the gym floor, in the classrooms, or the dressing rooms during these times.
Concurrent students not in class or doing library research should not loiter in the school buildings or on campus.
High School students eating in the cafeteria are supervised while on the school site and on the main campus. When they leave school property, they are no longer under the supervision or control of the school.
Visitors
Students are requested not to bring relatives or friends to school as visitors. Any visitors to the high school are to report to the principal's office and state the nature of their business. The office will gladly deliver messages to students; however, students and teachers will not be called out of classes except in emergencies. Students will not be summoned to the office unless requested by a parent or guardian.
Withdrawal from school
A parent or guardian must request withdrawal from school. When that is the case, the student should report to the principal's office on the morning of the last day of attendance. He/she will receive a withdrawal notice to be signed and completed by teachers, coaches, lunchroom secretary, librarian, and the principal. The withdrawal notice must be returned to the office before the student can be dropped and school records can be released.
Parking Regulations
Entrance to the student parking lot is from the West and the exit is to the East. Students may not move their cars during the school day, unless they have properly checked out and are leaving school. No students may drive to the vocational agriculture area or move cars before athletics to the area in front of the field house. However, they may park there when they return from lunch, if they avoid the bus drivers' parking area in front of the bus garage buildings.
The area just north of the wrestling room is a teacher's parking area, as is the small lot East of the main building.
Students will be required to purchase a parking permit for any motorized vehicle they park in the school parking lot. Permits are $15.00 for each vehicle.
Students will not be allowed to drive their vehicles during school hours unless granted permission by the administration. Students must park their vehicles and not use them until school is dismissed. Students will not be permitted to drive their vehicles from the parking lot to or from the vocational agriculture building unless requested by their instructor. Students will be allowed to use their vehicles during the noon period.
Students must park their vehicles in the school parking lot north of the student center. Students are not to park their vehicles in front of the high school, on the streets adjacent to the high school, on the high school grass areas, or the high school teachers' parking lots.
Students enrolled at Watonga High School shall upon their request have a lock assigned to them for their assigned locker. USE THE LOCK!! This lock must be returned to the office at the end of the school year. If it is not returned, there will be a $ 5.00 charge to the student. Locker combinations will be given only to the students to whom the locks are assigned. If you have problems with your lock, please contact the office for assistance.
School administrators must have access to school lockers in order to properly supervise the welfare of students. Students are reminded that lockers are school property. Therefore, students should not keep in their lockers any items, which violate school property rules. Students are responsible for what is in their lockers. Lockers may be opened to find overdue library books , text materials and be examined by school officials at any time.
Lockers are to be left in the same condition at the end of the year, as they are when school begins. That is, there should be no writing, stickers, signs, or materials in the locker at the end of the year. A student whose locker is in need of repair, inspection, or cleaning when school begins should contact the office for assistance since he or she will be responsible for the condition of the locker at the end of the school year.
Equal Educational Opportunities
It is the policy of the Watonga School District to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, qualified handicap, or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. This includes but is not limited to admissions, educational services, financial aid, and employment. Inquiries concerning application of this policy may be referred to the Compliance Coordinator.
In keeping with Board of Education policy in regard to equal educational opportunities for all students, the following regulations are adopted:
(1) All students, regardless of race, sex, or handicapping condition will have equal opportunity to enroll and participate in any educational program or activity sponsored or conducted by the Watonga Public Schools.
(2) No discrimination will be in effect for any students or staff because of marital status or pregnancy.
(3) Any cooperative educational program or agreements with other agencies will require a
statement from cooperative members or agencies regarding their non-discrimination
policy.
Student Council Vending Machines
The student council sponsors five soft drink machines and two candy machines, which are located in the student center lobby. Profits from these machines are used for student council projects and scholarships. These machines may be used before school, during lunch, and after school hours. If the usage times are abused or if trash is not appropriately discarded other than trash-cans, the machines will be temporarily turned off or possibly removed completely. Students will be allowed to go to the machines during class time with the teachers on Friday’s third and sixth hours only. They can be used on Thursday, if out of school on Friday.
These machines are turned off during school activities as various organizations are in charge of the concession stand.
PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR
PROFICIENCY BASED PROMOTION
I. Proficiency Based Promotion
A. Upon the request of a student, parent, guardian, or educator, a student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in one or more areas of the core curriculum.
1. Proficiency will be demonstrated assessment or evaluation appropriate to the curriculum area, for example: portfolio, criterion-referenced test, thesis, project, product or performance. Proficiency in all laboratory sciences will require that students are able to perform relevant laboratory techniques.
2. Students shall have the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the core areas as identified in 70 O.S. 11-103.6:
a. Social Studies
b. Language Arts
c. The Arts
d. Languages
e. Mathematics
f. Science
3. Proficiency for advancing to the next level of study will be demonstrated by a score of 90% or comparable performance on an assessment or demonstration.
4. This opportunity will be provided at least twice each school year.
5. Qualifying students are those who are legally enrolled in the local school district.
6. The district may not require registration for the proficiency assessment more than one month in advance of the assessment date.
7. Students not demonstrating proficiency will be allowed to try again during the next assessment period.
8. Exceptions to standard assessment may be approved by a local district for those students with disabling conditions.
B. Students demonstrating proficiency in a core curriculum area will be given credit for their learning and will be given the opportunity to advance to the next level of study in the appropriate curriculum area.
1. The school will confer with parents in making such promotion/acceleration decisions. Such factors as social and mental growth should be considered.
PAGE
STUDENT CLASSIFICATIONS.................................... ………20
ATHLETICS................................................................................ 20
VIRTUAL SCHOOL……………………………………………20
SELECTION OF VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIAN...... 21
GRADE POINT AVERAGES...................................................... 21
SEMESTER TEST EXEMPTIONS.............................................. 22
GRADUATION CEREMONY.................................................... 22
SENIOR PANEL PICTURES...................................................... 22
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY................................................ 23
OKLAHOMA HONOR SOCIETY............................................. 23
WATONGA HONORS PROGRAM........................................... 23
CORRESPONDENCE WORK................................................... 24
GRADING SCALE...................................................................... 24
HOMEWORK............................................................................. 24
REPORT CARDS........................................................................ 24
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT............................................... 24
OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC SCHOLAR PROGRAM................. 25
ACADEMIC LETTER JACKET PROGRAM.............................. 25
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS..................................................... 26
HS CREDIT FOR COLLEGE COURSE WORK........................ 26
HS CORE CURRIC. REQUIRED FOR HIGHER EDUC............ 27
OK STATE COLLEGE &
UNIV. ADMISSION………………28
WHS STUDENT CLASSIFICATION
Classification Number of Credits
Freshman Less than 4.5 credits
Sophomore 4.5 or more credits
Junior 9.5 or more credits
Senior 17 or more credits
Graduation Requirements 24 or more credits
ATHLETICS
A student may enroll in athletics if he/she enrolled in one or more sports during the previous school year and:
a) finished a sport,
b) participated in a sport (any athlete that did not finish or was removed from a particular sport must receive the coach and principal’s approval to enroll in that particular sport the following year), or
c) received credit for a sport.
A student that cannot enroll will be allowed to come out after school and participate. He/she may gain admittance into athletics if he/she participates after school for one semester. Extenuating circumstances or events beyond the athlete’s control will be taken into consideration.
VIRTUAL SCHOOL
Watonga High School students may take supplemental online courses through Advanced Academics that are deemed academically appropriate by the High School Principal and Counselor. Students wishing to take such a course must fill out the appropriate paperwork and meet the requirements laid out in the Watonga School District’s Online Instruction Policy.
Selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian (non-weighted G.P.A.)
(1) The Student must be a graduating Senior.
(2) The student must have been enrolled and completed the entire senior
year at Watonga High School.
(3) Only solid academic classes as approved by the State Department of Education shall
be used in the computation. For example, physical education, athletics, band,
annual, and any other participatory classes shall not be used in the computation.
(4) A seven (7)-semester transcript shall be used in figuring grade point averages. The
second semester of the senior year shall not be used in the computation.
(5) The student must have met the Oklahoma State Regents College/University Admission
Requirements.
(6) In case of ties, duplicate awards will be presented.
The Valedictorian(s) shall have the highest grade point average on a four-point scale, rounding to the nearest 100th. The Salutatorian(s) shall rank second in grade point average rounded to the nearest 100th.
1) The Valedictorian(s) shall have the highest grade point average on a four-point scale, rounding to the nearest 100th.
a) “Valedictorian of Distinction” will be a Valedictorian who has satisfactorily completed by graduation, eight (8) of the following:
(1) honors courses (which have a weighted semester grade figured by adding four (4) points) or
(2) Advanced Placement (AP) courses
b) The welcoming address will be given by the Valedictorian(s) with the next highest number of honors courses completed by graduation. The Valedictorian address at the graduation will be given by the Valedictorian(s) of Distinction.
2) The Salutatorian(s) shall rank second in grade point average rounded to the nearest 100th.
a) Salutatorian(s) will be recognized.
Watonga High School continues to have high expectations of its students. We encourage students to strive for excellence and to gain as much educational growth as possible. The office of Watonga High School will only recognize the non-weighted GPA in figuring honors or awards.
All students shall have a weighted grade point average figured. Activity classes such as physical education, athletics, band, driver’s education and other participatory classes shall not be used in the computation of either grade point average. The GPA will be placed on the transcript at the end of each semester.
The regular grade point average will be figured using a regular 4.0 scale: A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.
Upper level/honors classes and AP courses will have a semester grade figured by adding 4 points to a student's final grade average each semester and to the semester test in that class. For example, an 87% average would convert to a 91% with the addition of 4 points. A 78% second nine weeks average would convert to an 82% with the 4-point addition. .
Upper level/honors classes are regular physics, chemistry, physiology/anatomy, trig/analysis, calculus, Spanish III & IV, courses titled "Literature/Composition", and any course titled advanced/honor or A.P.
Students who meet the following criteria will be exempt from taking the semester exam in that class. If a student has over 3 absences in any class, they cannot go on the semester exempt trip.
Grade Average Absences
A 3 or fewer
B 2 or fewer
C 1 or Fewer
1. All hours (1st-7th) are included.
2. Two tardies will count as an absence.
3. Anyone who has been assigned ISS, out-of-school suspension or corporal punishment will not be eligible.
4. Any student who has failed a school sponsored drug test during that semester will not be allowed to go on a semester test exemption trip.
5. Students who are not required to take the semester test may take
the test to improve their grade without being penalized. The test
can not lower their grade.
6. All class dues or late fees must be paid or reconciled.
Graduation Ceremony
Students who have not met all graduation requirements and who will not graduate will not be pictured on the senior panel nor will they be allowed to participate in the commencement services at the end of the school year. Students are exempt if they lack no more than 1/2 a unit. In order to participate in commencement services all seniors must have completed 20 credits by the start of the 2nd semester. Seniors moving into Watonga Schools from another district must have been enrolled 45 or more days of the second semester at Watonga Schools and met all guidelines as required by the state department of education in order to participate in commencement ceremonies. Exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Senior Panel Pictures
Students who are seniors on the date the senior panel pictures are due to the printer and will be pictured on the senior panel, if they have had an appropriate picture made with the school-contracted panel photographer. School dress code applies to pictures.
1. Head/Shoulder shot needed-no special lighting, no outdoors, no feather or fabric drapes.
2. Dress requirements follow Watonga dress code rules in the handbook-Tank tops, tube tops, muscle shirts, see-through shirts/blouse, and fishnet tops will not be permitted. Bare midriff blouses/shirts/halter tops will not be permitted. Backless and low-cut blouses/shirts, spaghetti straps are not permitted. Hats, sweatbands, caps, helmets, hoods, bandanas, or other headgear will not be permitted.
3. No facial rings or tattoos will be accepted for the yearbook or panel.
4. Students must be photographed by Blunck’s Studio before October 31 to be in the Watonga yearbook.
5. Students must be photographed by Blunck’s Studio before December 31, to be on the Watonga senior panel.
6. Blunck’s Studios will charge a sitting fee for yearbook and/or panel portraits. Portraits will be taken once on our school site around September or students may drive to Blunck’s studios.
7. Proofs must be returned to Blunck’s Studios within 10 days in order to print a photo for the yearbook or panel. If you want retakes, write RETAKES on your order form. If a senior has not chosen a pose for the yearbook three weeks prior to December 1, Blunck’s will choose a pose for you. After this time, if a senior wants to have a resetting or chose another pose, there will be a fee of $15.00 plus tax.
If students do not follow the above guidelines, they will not appear in the yearbook or on the senior panel.
National Honor Society (non-weighted G.P.A.)
Members of the Watonga High School Chapter of the National Honor Society are chosen on the basis of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Students must have spent at least one semester in the school system before they may be considered for membership.
To be considered, juniors and seniors must have a 3.50 non-weighted grade point average. Sophomores must have a 3.75 grade point average. Members must be active in two school organizations, serve five hours of community service and must demonstrate qualities of integrity, cooperation, courtesy, and concern for others.
Oklahoma Honor Society (non-weighted G.P.A.)
The top ten (10) percent of the student body will be named to the Oklahoma Honor Society. Nominations from the sophomore class, junior class, and senior class are determined by the grade point average during the second semester of the previous year and the first semester of the current year. For freshmen, nomination will be based on the student's grades for first semester of the current year only. Only solid academic classes will be used for figuring grade point averages.
Watonga Honors Program (non-weighted G.P.A.)
The Watonga Board of Education, cognizant of its responsibilities to the promotion of academic excellence in the Watonga Schools, directs the superintendent to implement the following procedure as a method of recognizing and rewarding outstanding students in the academic area.
(1) All students in grades 10-12 who have maintained a 3.00 grade point average for a minimum of three semesters
shall be awarded a chenille school letter.
(2) All students in grades 10-12 who have maintained a 3.00 grade point average for a minimum of five semesters
shall be awarded a Phi Beta Kappa key.
(3) All senior students who have maintained a 3.00 GPA for seven semesters shall be awarded an appropriate
medallion.
Grade point averages will be based on work done during the second semester of the preceding school year and the first semester of the current school year. Only solid academic classes will be used for figuring grade point averages.
State regulations do not permit correspondence work if the school offers the course and it can be scheduled. Students who need to get extra credit or make up course deficiencies for graduation may enroll in correspondence with the school principal's approval. Correspondence work is costly and time-consuming; therefore, it is recommended that students avoid this alternative as much as possible. A maximum of two units of correspondence credit will be permitted toward graduation requirements.
Grading Scale
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 0-59
S Satisfactory (Credit Issued)
U Unsatisfactory (No Credit Issued)
INC Incomplete (Any student not completing all of the class requirements by the time quarterly grades are issued may receive an INC in that class. The student will be allowed the first ten days of the next grading period to complete the deficient class requirements. If the student has an INC at the end of the school year, then that student has five days to complete the requirements. Zeros will be given after this time frame and grades will be figured accordingly.
Homework
Homework that is turned in after a particular due date may or may not be accepted for credit depending on the circumstances. That is, a teacher may use his or her discretion. (See absences for exceptions)
Report Cards
Report cards are mailed at the end of the first and second semesters. Report cards are given to the parents at the end of the first and third nine weeks at scheduled parent/teacher conferences. Progress and/or deficiency notices are mailed to parents during the third week in each nine-week grading period. Report cards may not be given for those students who owe library fines, who have not checked in school owned property, or who have financial or Yearbook obligations that have not been met.
Concurrent Enrollment
Seniors who can meet graduation requirements may be allowed to enroll in college courses during their senior year. Students must have a 19 on the ACT reading sub-test or pass the placement test at Redlands and enroll in both courses both semesters. These students will be given a full (1) high school credit for taking the required class, but it will not be figured on their grade point average. If you are interested see the principal.
Oklahoma Academic Scholar Program
Requirements for Recognition as an Oklahoma Academic Scholar (OSDE)
The purpose of the Oklahoma Academic Scholar program is to recognize the outstanding academic achievement of graduating seniors in compliance with State law which became effective in 1986. Oklahoma Academic Scholars receive a certificate of recognition from the State Board of Education and the local high school, a gold seal affixed to their diploma, and the honor recorded on their official transcript. Graduating seniors who meet all of the requirements listed below shall be recognized by the local school district and the State Board of Education as an Oklahoma Academic Scholar:
• Accumulate over Grades 9, 10, 11 and the first semester of Grade 12, a minimum grade point average of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale or be in the top 10% of their class.
• Complete (or will complete) the curricular requirements for a standard diploma.
• Achieve a 27 composite score on the ACT or 1220 combined reading and mathematics score on the SAT 1. The ACT or SAT 1 must have been taken on a national test date.
Academic Letter Blanket Program
(2) Must be in top 10% of Class (Cumulative GPA)
(3) Must have attended Watonga High School for two consecutive semesters including semester of application.
(4) Must have turned in the Letter-Blanket Application with a typed Biography (excluding name of applicant) by deadline of December 31st of Academic year.
(5) Must meet the College Preparatory Curriculum as defined in Senate Bill 9822.
WHS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to graduate from Watonga High School students must meet the following requirements as laid out by the State Department of Education:
ACE College Preparatory/Work Ready Curriculum for Graduation
Core Curriculum for High School Graduation: (parent must have completed the required ACE Opt-Out form)
Students must also pass the following End of Instruction Tests:
HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT FOR COLLEGE COURSE WORK
Watonga High School will give elective high school credit to a high school student for a summer college course passed that is not taken for college credit. No high school credit will be given if the class appears on a college transcript. The college course must be approved by the college as eligible for high school credit. Watonga High School will not calculate the grade from the college into the students’ high school grade point average, but will transcript the grade given by the college. The college course may not substitute for any regularly required high school course, and may be listed as an elective only. One half high school credit (a semester grade) will be issued by the high school for at least 48 hours of college class time (usually a 3-hour college course number).
HIGH SCHOOL CORE CURRICULAR REQUIREMENT FOR OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGES and UNIVERSITIES
(requirements effective Fall 2010)
§ Math: 3 units are required. Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, math analysis, trigonometry, pre-calculus (must have completed geometry and Algebra II), calculus and Advanced Placement statistics.
§ Laboratory Science: 3 units are required. All science courses must include a laboratory component and be taught at or above the rigor of Biology I. Biology, Chemistry, Physics or any lab science certified by school district; no general sciences.
§ History & Citizenship Skills: 3 units are required. All students must have one unit of American History. Courses must be from one of the following categories: history, economics, geography, government, civics or non-Western culture. Courses in non-Western culture should teach students about a culture other than their own. The majority of the content of a course must match one of these categories.
§ Other: 2 units are required. Courses may come from any of the subjects listed above or from computer science or foreign language.
Suggestion for Success: Colleges and universities also recommend, but do not require, that you take an additional unit in math, an additional unit in lab science and two units in speech or fine arts (music, art, drama).
Note: Requirements may change, and they may be different for independent (private) colleges and universities. Check with your school counselor for full details.
For more information on Oklahoma public college and university admission standards, email gwekke@osrhe.edu or call the Student Information Hotline at (800) 858-1840 (225-9239 in Oklahoma City).
OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR FALL 2011
Research Universities
Oklahoma State University – Score a 24 ACT or 1090 SAT OR have a 3.0 GPA and rank in the top 33 percent of your class OR have a 3.0 GPA1 in the 15-unit core and a 21 ACT or 980 SAT OR score a 22 ACT or 1020 SAT or have an unweighted high school core curriculum GPA of 3.0 plus undergo review of cognitive and non-cognitive factors2.
University of Oklahoma (Resident)3 – Score a 24 ACT or 1090 SAT and have a 3.0 GPA or rank in the top 50 percent of your class OR have a 3.0 GPA and rank in the top 25 percent of your class OR have a 3.0 GPA1 in the 15-unit core and a 22 ACT or 1020 SAT.
University of Oklahoma (Non-resident) – Score a 26 ACT or 1170 SAT and have a 3.0 GPA or rank in the top 50 percent of your class3,4 OR have a 3.5 GPA and rank in the top 25 percent of your class4 OR have a 3.0 GPA1 in the 15-unit core and a 22 ACT or 1020 SAT5.
Regional Universities
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma – Score a 24 ACT or 1090 SAT and have a 3.0 GPA or rank in the top 50 percent of your class OR have a 3.0 GPA and rank in the top 25 percent of your class OR have a 3.0 GPA1 in the 15-unit core and an 22 ACT or 1020 SAT.
All Other Regional Universities – Score a 20 ACT or 940 SAT OR have a 2.7 GPA and rank in the top 50 percent of your class OR have a 2.7 GPA1 in the 15-unit core.
Community Colleges
You don't need to make certain scores, but you should fulfill the following requirements: take required high school classes AND graduate from an accredited high school or have a GED AND take the ACT exam.
1 Additional weighting (1.0) will be added to GPAs of students who take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) and higher-level International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
2 Cognitive factors include noted academic admission standards; quality, quantity and level of coursework throughout the entire high school program; completion of a progressively challenging math sequence, demonstrated by performance; and class rank taken in context with academic rigor and class size of high school attended. Non-cognitive factors include positive self-concept, realistic self-appraisal, long-term goals, leadership experience, community and knowledge in an acquired field. Cognitive factors will be weighted at 60 percent and non-cognitive at 40 percent.
3 Students meeting the following requirements under each admission option will be placed on a waiting list and evaluated according to stated policy: Option 1 - students with the required ACT score but less than a 3.0 GPA and lower than the top 50 percent of the high school class; Option 2 - students in the top 26-30 percent of their high school class with at least a 3.0 GPA; and Option 3 - all students.
4 Non-resident students not meeting these standards but otherwise meeting admission standards for resident students may be placed on a waiting list and evaluated according to stated policy.
5 Non-resident students meeting standards in this category will be placed on a waiting list and evaluated according to stated policy.
Page
Possible Discipline Actions................................................. 30
Detention........................................................................... 31
Student Violations ............................................................. 31
In-School Suspension........................................................ 32
Saturday School………………………………………....32
Corporal Punishment……………………………………33
Cell Phone……………………………………………....33
Dress Code....................................................................... 33
Tardiness........................................................................... 34
Hall/Corridor Abuse.......................................................... 34
Truancy............................................................................. 35
Neglect or Refusal to Compel Child to Attend School........ 35
Leaving School Without Checking Out............................... 36
Disorderly Conduct........................................................... 36
Cheating/Lying................................................................... 36
Disobedience/Disrespect.................................................... 37
Fighting or Assault/Battery................................................. 37
Tobacco Possession/Use................................................... 37
Vandalism/Theft................................................................. 37
Extortion........................................................................... 38
Possession of Weapons/Explosives.................................... 38
Drugs/Alcohol................................................................... 38
Sexual Misconduct............................................................ 38
Harassment....................................................................... 38
Sexual Discrimination/Harassment Grievance Procedure39
Bus Rules.......................................................................... 39
Vo-Tech/High School Reciprocal Agreement..................... 39
Suspension and Expulsion.................................................. 40
Probation.......................................................................... 41
In-School Suspension........................................................ 41
Short-Term Suspension (10 days or less)........................... 41
Long-Term Suspension (Expulsion).................................... 41
Appellate Procedures........................................................ 41
Summary Suspension......................................................... 42
Code of Conduct
All students’ behavior in Watonga Schools is based on respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students have the responsibility to know and respect the rules and regulations of the school. Students have the further responsibility to behave in a manner appropriate to good citizenship everywhere.
It is our belief that the home and school must work together to ensure our young people grow to be law-abiding, productive citizens. If students falter in behavior, we attempt to see that the problems are handled efficiently, sensibly, and justly.
Policy on Discipline and Control of Students
All students enrolled at Watonga High School will be expected to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the administration, teachers, and board of education while in attendance at school, at school-sponsored activities and/or during transportation to or from school or school-sponsored activities. In general, the authority of the school official includes the control of student conduct off school grounds and outside the school hours when students are engaged in a school-sponsored activity. The authority of school officials is the same as if the activity took place on school property.
Any student who is found to be in violation of school rules and regulations or who shows disrespect for any teacher and or school property will be subject to disciplinary action. The discipline imposed will be based on the severity of the violations, the number of prior violations, and the number of demerits that have been accumulated.
The Watonga Board of Education believes that the school’s primary goal is to educate, not discipline. However, when the behavior of an individual student interferes with others, corrective action may be necessary for the benefit of the individual as well as the school.
Oklahoma Law, Title 70, Section 6-114, provides teachers with the same rights as parents to control and discipline school children within local school policies. The following schedule of infractions is provided as an aid to teachers in exercising control and discipline of students. The schedule is not intended to include all possible infractions. Therefore, behavior, which is not included in the following schedule, may warrant appropriate disciplinary measures.
Each student shall be treated in a fair and equitable manner. Disciplinary action will be based on a careful assessment of the circumstances surrounding each infraction. The following are some examples of these circumstances:
1. The student’s attitude;
2. The seriousness of the offense;
3. The effect of the offense on other students;
4. Whether the offense is physically or mentally injurious to other people;
5. Whether the incident is isolated or habitual behavior;
6. Any other circumstances which may be appropriately considered.
Possible Disciplinary Actions
* Student warning (verbal/written/conference)
* Advise parents
* Remove from Class/Group/Bus
* Parental conference
* Parent shadowing child (elementary and middle school only)
* Detention (before school 7:30-8:00 and noon 12:00-12:30)
* Corporal Punishment
* In-School suspension
* Suspension from extra-curricular activities and /or any school sponsored activity
* Refer to counselor
* Confiscation of non-allowed items
* Refer to police or sheriff or district attorney
* Refer to social agencies
* Refer to review committee for recommendation
* Suspension of driving privileges (high school only)
* Financial restitution
* Suspension
* Refer to superintendent/board for expulsion
* Other appropriate actions
The above schedule is a list of alternatives, of which one or more may be used as the principal or designee deems just, given the circumstances of the individual case. Alternatives are not necessarily selected in numerical order, but are to be determined by the principal or teacher according to the severity of the offense.
Additionally, administrators shall have the authority to enforce other reasonable disciplinary action, which they find warranted by situations not covered in the disciplinary policy schedule.
Detention
Students can serve detention from 7:20 a.m. to 8:05 a.m. or from 3:15 to 4:00. Lunch detention is served from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Detention from 7:20 a.m. to 8:05 a.m. is served in the high school library. Students must bring schoolwork with them when they report for detention. Permission to serve detention at lunch may be granted at the discretion of the principal. Detention from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. is served in the principal’s office. Two lunch detentions will serve as the equivalent of one detention before or after school. Students are to work on their school work the entire time while serving detention. Unacceptable behavior such as talking, texting, sleeping, or other misbehavior will result in dismissal from detention and no credit for time served will be given. If a student is dismissed from detention for unacceptable behavior then time served will not count, and Saturday School or Out of School Suspension may be given. If a student is late they will not be allowed to serve detention that day. Missing detention will result in additional days or Saturday School being assigned.
Student Violations
Level 1
1. Dress code (No Warnings)............(see Dress Code, page 31)
2. Tardiness.............................. after the third tardy the student will be assigned detention.
3. Hall/corridor abuse.
4. Possession of non-educational materials
5. Boy/Girl relationships
Level 2
1. Truancy
2. Leaving school without checking out
3. Disorderly conduct/inappropriate language
4. Cheating/lying
5. Driving/parking lot
6. Computer/Internet Abuse 5 Demerits
Level 3 (Serious Violations)
1. Disobedience/disrespect........ 2-5 days ISS or Sat. School
2. Fighting or assault/battery......8 days ISS, Sat. School or Suspension
Second offense will result in additional days in ISS or Suspension, increasing per repeated offense.
3. Tobacco possession/use......... 5 days ISS
4. Vandalism/theft......................ISS or Suspension
5. Extortion................................ ISS or Suspension
6. Possession of weapons/explosives....ISS or Suspension up to one calendar year
7. Drugs/alcohol.........................ISS or Suspension
8. Sexual misconduct.................5 days ISS or Suspension
All incidents regarding student discipline will be reported to the office and detentions may be assigned in addition to any disciplinary action taken by the respective faculty member. Level 1 and 2 violations may result in a conference, a warning, removal from class, a call to parents, a parental conference, or detention. Repeated violations can result in the assignment of Saturday school, ISS, or suspension. In the case that ISS is not an option Saturday school may serve as a substitute punishment. .
A student may accept the punishment, as designated by the administrator or teacher, or he may have the option of being suspended from school until he returns with his parents/guardians for a conference with the administration. If at this conference a mutual agreement cannot be reached, the student will be suspended from school for a time designed to fit the violation, which will not be less than three days.
The parents/guardians may appeal, in writing, to the superintendent of schools according to the policies of the Board of Education.
Saturday School
Saturday school is served from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. in the Middle School cafeteria. Students are to bring school work. Unacceptable behavior such as talking, texting, sleeping, or other misbehavior will result in dismissal from Saturday School and no credit for time served will be given. If a student is dismissed from Saturday School for unacceptable behavior then time served will not count and suspension may be given.
In School Suspension
Students who are assigned in school suspension will report to the assigned room with all their textbooks and appropriate materials Assignments will be provided by the teachers for the students to work on. Assignments will be due at the end of the day, to be collected by the last hour ISS teacher. The students will be allowed a break in the morning and afternoon to go to the restroom. The school will bring lunch to the students from the cafeteria or they may bring their own lunch from home. A student may not participate in any school activities during the ISS assigned dates, including evening activities. Hours for in school suspension are from 8:00am-3:15pm.
Corporal Punishment
In certain cases, when deemed necessary by the building principal, corporal punishment may be enforced. The following procedures will apply before corporal punishment is administered:
1. A note from the parent/guardian and/or telephone conversation
granting permission for the student to receive corporal punishment.
2. The building principal is the only school official who will administer
corporal punishment.
3. The building principal will use another member of the school
faculty as a witness.
4. No more than three (3) swats will be administered at any one time.
5. The student and/or parent/guardian will have the option to
choose another form of punishment if desired.
6. A student may substitute one (1) swat per demerit.
Cell phones are to be put away during the school day. Teachers observing a student using a cell phone during class are to confiscate it and turn it in to the high school office. On the first offense the cell phone will be returned to the student at the end of the school day, and the student will be assigned detention. Each subsequent offense will result in the cell phone being confiscated, and returned only to a parent. Additional detentions or Saturday school will be assigned for repeated violations. Repeated violations over a period of time can be determined to be willful disobedience, and can result in suspension.
1rst Offense – 1 detention and student picks up phone at the end of the day.
2nd Offense – 2 detentions and phone is only returned to a parent or guardian.
3rd Offense – 3 detentions or Saturday school and phone is only returned to a parent or guardian
DRESS CODE (Send to office to put on proper clothes)
One of the primary objectives of a public school education program is to instill in the student proper personal pride and self-respect.
Good standards of dress and appearance reflect good judgment and maturity. Proper grooming is more than just for appearance's sake; it denotes your way of life. It becomes difficult for even the best student to maintain a high level of character, if he/she does not have a neat and clean outward appearance. For this reason, the school takes a personal interest in the student’s appearance and feels that this is an important part of educational training. The personal appearance of any student is primarily the responsibility of the individual and his/her parents or guardians. However, the following standards of dress will be followed during the school day:
(1) Jeans and slacks in good repair/condition are acceptable.
(2) Footwear is required.
(3) Tank tops, tube tops, muscle shirts, see-through shirts/
blouses, and fishnet tops will not be permitted. The straps on
sleeveless shirts must be at least 2 ½” wide at any point and cup
underneath the arm.
(4) Bare midriff blouses/shirts/halter tops will not be permitted.
Backless and low-cut blouses/shirts are not permitted.
(5) Boxers or spandex will not be permitted.
(6) Shorts, dresses, skirts, skorts, etc. must be at least fingertip
length (with arms extended straight).
(7) Hats, sweatbands, caps, helmets, hoods, bandanas, or other
headgear will not be permitted in the school building. Caps/hats
worn for medical reasons may be permitted with the permission of the
principal.
(8) Garments and other accessories with symbols, patches,
letters, numbers, slogans, pictures, advertisements, or
phrases that advertise or promote the use of alcohol, tobacco
products, controlled substances, gang memberships,
inappropriate language, disruptive behavior, or sexual misbehavior
will not be permitted. Garments with sexual or suggestive wordings,
symbols, or connotations will not be permitted.
(9) Button-front shirts/blouses cannot have more than two buttons open
at the top.
(10) Waistbands of pants must ride at the hipbones or higher.
There is a definite relationship among proper dress habits, strong work habits, and appropriate school behavior. When a student's dress causes a distraction from the normal school work or presents a safety or health hazard, immediate disciplinary action will be taken by the teacher and the administrator.
DRESS CODE for Homecoming
Tardiness
A student not in the classroom when the bell rings is tardy. Athletes not out of the main high school or student center are considered tardy when the bell rings. Students who are tardy the 1st and 5th hours shall report to the office. If more than half of the class is missed by the student, it will be counted as an absence for that class. Parents attending the Parent/Teacher Conference day on the first day of school will receive a "Free Tardy" certificate for each of their HS students, to be turned in when used.
Tardies are given on a per class basis:
3rd tardy in any class = ISS
Hall/Corridor Abuse
Students in the hallways are to be attending to business as indicated on their hall pass. Students taking advantage of their hall pass are subject to disciplinary actions.
Possession of Non-Educational Material
Materials without educational merit are not to be brought to school unless so requested by a faculty member. Examples of these materials would be: IPod’s, MP3 Players, radios, stereos, food, drinks, water guns, firecrackers, super glue, pornographic publications, etc. Notes are also considered non-educational material that may be confiscated; therefore, note writing, note passing, and note reading are prohibited. Confiscated materials will be turned over to the Principal and the parent will have to come to the school to pick up.
Electronic signaling devices/pagers are prohibited (as violations of State Law 70 O.S. Sec.24-101.1) except under medical advice and so approved by the superintendent. They will be confiscated and returned to parent/guardian only.
This policy on cell phones includes extra-curricular activity trips while in school transportation. Students are not allowed to use cell phones on the buses or suburban’s unless permission is given by sponsor/coach.
Public Displays of Affection
The public display of affection is not appropriate at school. This includes kissing and hugging.
Truancy
Truancy is an absence from school without the permission/knowledge of the school or the parents/guardians. Students will not be allowed to make up any test or homework and will have a zero recorded for the work that was missed. A conference will be held in the office and truancy will be reported to the parents/guardians. Truancy can result in the assignment of detention, ISS, or OSS.
A. It shall be unlawful for any child who is under the age of eighteen (18) years, and who has not finished four (4) years of high school work, to neglect or refuse to attend and comply with the rules of some public, private or other school, or receive an education by other means for the full term the schools of the district are in session.
Provided, that this section shall not apply:
1. If any such child is prevented from attending school by reason of mental or physical disability, to be determined by the board of education of the district upon a certificate of the school physician, or if no such physician is available, a duly licensed practicing physician;
2. If any such child is excused from attendance at school, due to an emergency, by the principal or teachers of the school in which such child is enrolled, at the request of the parent, guardian, custodian or other person having control of such child;
3. If any such child who has attained his or her sixteenth birthday is excused from attending school by written, joint agreement between:
a. the school administrator of the school district where the child attends school, and
b. the parent, guardian or custodian of the child. Provided, further, that no child shall be excused from attending school by such joint agreement between a school administrator and the parent, guardian or custodian of the child unless and until it has been determined that such action is for the best interest of the child and/or the community, and that said child shall thereafter be under the supervision of the parent, guardian or custodian until the child has reached the age of eighteen (18) years; or
4. If any such child is excused pursuant to subsection C of this section.
B. A school district shall excuse a student from attending school for the purpose of observing religious holy days if before the absence, the parent, guardian or person having custody or control of the student submits a written request for the excused absence. The school district shall excuse a student pursuant to this subsection for the days on which the religious holy days are observed and for the days on which the student must travel to and from the site where the student will observe the holy days.
C. It shall be the duty of the attendance officer to enforce the provisions of this section. Any parent, guardian, custodian, child or other person violating any of the provisions of this section, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine of not less than five dollars ($5.00) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first offense, not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for the second offense, and not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each subsequent offense. Each day the child remains out of school after the oral and documented or written warning has been given to the parent, guardian, custodian, child or other person or the child has been ordered to go to school by the juvenile court may constitute a separate offense. At the trial of any person charged with violating the provisions of this section, the attendance records of the child or ward may be presented in court by any authorized employee of the school district. (70-10-105)
Leaving School Without Checking Out
No student shall leave the school premises during school hours without parent permission and checking out through the main office.
Disorderly Conduct / Inappropriate Language
Students shall not disrupt the education process by their physical or verbal behavior in classes, assemblies, the cafeteria, hallways, buses, playgrounds, the parking lot, or student gathering areas. Students are prohibited from interfering with the ability of other students to travel to and from school safely without harassment.
Cheating/Lying
Cheating/lying at school takes on many forms, including, but not limited to, (1) copying other student's work, (2) copying/cheating on examinations, (3) plagiarizing-stealing and passing off as one's own the ideas or words of someone else, and (4) supplying answers, information, papers, and/or test questions to other students.
The teachers at Watonga High School are knowledgeable, fair, and reasonable. If you
need help, request it from your instructor. The teachers at Watonga High School will take time to help any student who is sincere. Be honest and fair. YOUR INTEGRITY IS WORTH MORE THAN A FEW POINTS ON A TEST OR A LITTLE BETTER GRADE ON A PAPER.
Computer/Internet Abuse
Watonga Schools requires that students and parents sign a computer/Internet access conduct agreement or no student access to the computers will be allowed. See Board Policy approved 11-3-97.
Disobedience/Disrespect
A student shall not fail to comply with the proper direction of any school personnel when said student is properly under the authority of school personnel. A student shall show respect for other students, teachers, administrators, and support personnel by avoiding the use of any type of profanity, name-calling, or vulgar language, including the display of any derogatory racial insignia and/or emblem, or confederate flag while on school property or school activity.
Fighting or Assault/Battery
Fighting (physical abuse) is prohibited on school property or at school sponsored events. The school insists that students avoid confrontations and seek the assistance of teachers, administrators, and counselors in resolving conflicts. A student shall not cause or attempt to cause physical injury to any school employee or student. A school official may use physical force against a student because of unusual circumstances when immediate action is necessary to repeal an attack or protect others.
Students who are fighting at school where anger is evident and punches are thrown, will be severely disciplined.
1st offense = up to 3 days of ISS/OSS and, or, with corporal punishment
2nd offense = up to 5 days of ISS/OSS After second offense a conference will
be held with the parents or guardians before being allowed to
re-enter school.
3rd offense = 10 days of OSS
4th offense = Alternative school or other educational programming.
Tobacco Possession/use
Students shall not possess or use any form of tobacco on school premises during school hours or while at any Watonga School extra-curricular activity.
Vandalism/Theft
Students are prohibited from participating in activities that could lead to damage of school property. If a student damages school property, he or she is financially liable for all damages (including labor for repairs) and may be subject to disciplinary actions. A student shall not willfully cause or attempt to cause damage to private or school property. A student shall not steal or attempt to steal private or school property. Students who possess items that have been lost or stolen may be accused of pilfering. To maintain your reputation, all items found should be turned in to the office and placed in lost and found.
Extortion
Threatening or intimidating other students for the purpose of, or with the intent of receiving money, privileges, property, or anything of value from them is prohibited.
Possession of Weapons/Explosives
Weapons, explosives, firearms, and materials that can be ignited are prohibited on school property or at school sponsored events unless authorized by proper school authorities. The items are also prohibited in vehicles in the parking lot. See Board Policy FNCGA.
Drugs/Alcohol
As per 70 O.S. 1210.229-1 and Public Law 101-226, students are prohibited from consuming, possessing, selling, and distributing any drugs, narcotic, alcohol, or substance purported to be a drug, narcotic, or alcohol at school, on school property, or at a school sponsored event.
Students are prohibited from consuming any substance that would cause them to become intoxicated if consumed in sufficient quantity. They are prohibited from coming to school or to a school sponsored event in an intoxicated state or after any consumption of any substance that could lead to intoxication.
Students found with or under the influence of any prohibited substance at an extra-curricular activity will be excluded from further attendance and/or participation in any or all extra-curricular activities or events.
1st offense = 5 day of Suspension*
2nd offense = 10 days of Suspension*
3rd offense = Remainder of current semester Suspension*
4th offense = Remainder of current semester and following semester Suspension*
*Law enforcement will be involved and counseling will be mandatory.
Sexual Misconduct
Any physical or verbal sexual harassment at Watonga High School or at school-sponsored events is prohibited. Also, any immoral behavior is prohibited.
Harassment
It is the policy of this school district that harassment of students by other students, personnel, or the public will not be tolerated. This policy is in effect while the students are on school grounds, in school transportation, or attending school-sponsored activities, and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the school district.
Harassment is intimidation by threats of or actual physical violence; the creation by whatever means of a climate of hostility or intimidation; or the use of language, conduct, or symbols in such manner as to be commonly understood to convey hatred, contempt, or prejudice or to have the effect of insulting or stigmatizing an individual. Harassment includes but is not limited to harassment on the basis of race, sex, creed, color, national origin, religion, marital status, or disability.
As used in the School Bullying Prevention Act, “harassment, intimidation and bullying” means any gesture, written or verbal expression, or physical act that a reasonable person should know will harm another student, damage another student’s property, place another student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or damage to the student’s property, or insult or demean any student or group of students in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school’s educational mission or the education of any student. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying include, but are not limited to, a gesture or written, verbal, or physical act. Such behavior is specifically prohibited.
Harassment set forth above may include, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Verbal, physical, or written harassment or abuse;
2. Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
3. Implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, achievements, etc.;
4. Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student;
5. Unwelcome physical contact.
Sexual Discrimination/Harassment Grievance Procedure
In accordance with the policy of the board of education, the following regulation governs the processing of student sexual harassment grievances in this school district.
Any student of this school district who wishes to file a sexual harassment grievance against another student or an employee of the district may file a written or oral (recorded, if possible) complaint with the superintendent, principal, or counselor. The administrator taking the complaint will document the time, place, complainant, and incident and immediately forward the complaint to the grievance committee. The grievance committee will appoint a senior administrator to investigate the grievance. The grievance shall set forth the circumstances of the incident and the identity of the student(s) or employee(s) involved.
Bus Rules
A Student can create a dangerous situation by misbehaving on the bus and thus diverting the driver's attention. It is absolutely necessary that every student passenger conduct himself in a manner that will not take the driver's attention away from the road.
Students should be on time at the designated school bus stops and should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter.
Misconduct on a bus will be brought to the principal's attention immediately.
Additional bus rules and regulations:
1. Remain seated at all times when the bus is in motion.
2. Horseplay on the bus will not be tolerated.
3. Students may be required to share seats with others.
4. No objects will be thrown from the bus.
5. Food and drink are prohibited on the bus.
6. Students will enter and exit the bus from the main entrance
except in emergencies.
Watonga High School and Chisholm Trail Technology Center will honor each other's disciplinary suspensions and in-school suspensions for Level 3 Serious Violations, excepting disobedience/disrespect. For example, if a student is suspended/in-school suspended for three days for fighting at the high school, the same suspension applies at the Vo-Tech, and vice versa.
Suspension and Expulsion
Suspension and expulsion are disciplinary measures involving exclusion from school. Suspension is exclusion for a short period of time, usually less than ten days, which under some circumstances may be served at school as an in-school suspension. Expulsion is an exemption from school for a period of time such as the remainder of the semester and cannot extend beyond the succeeding semester.
Students who are suspended from school for short-term, non-violent offense suspensions will be allowed to make up their work, and absences due to that type suspension will not count against them on the 10-day policy. Parents will be responsible for picking up and returning assignments between 3:00 and 3:30pm each day beginning with the first day of suspension, or the work will not count. Work must be returned on a per-next-day basis. No work assigned during the suspension period will be accepted after the day the student returns to school.
Federal legislation has been enacted that requires the expulsion from school FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN ONE YEAR, any student who brings a firearm to school, except that the school's chief administering officer may modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.
Suspension of Students: (regulation)
In accordance with the policy of the Board of Education, the following regulation shall govern the suspension of students from school:
The authority to suspend a student from a school in the school district is delegated to the respective building principals. A student may not participate or represent Watonga High School at any school-sponsored activity while under any form of suspension.
1. Any student may be suspended for acts of immorality, violations of policy or regulations, or for any act which disrupts the academic atmosphere of the school, endangers or threatens fellow students, teachers, or officials, or damages property, or persistent misbehavior, is guilty of misconduct which, in the judgment of school officials, warrants the reasonable belief that substantial disruption of school operations will likely result.
2. A suspension shall not extend beyond the present semester and the succeeding semester, except for violation of the Weapons Free School policy (FNCGA), which provides suspensions for up to one calendar year.
3. Except under circumstances, which require the immediate removal of a student or students, the parent(s) or legal guardian shall be informed before a student is released from school.
4. Make-up work for long-term suspensions due to violent offenses shall not be permitted.
5. Procedural steps to suspension:
A. Probation. A student may be placed on probation with or without additional disciplinary action. If probation is elected by the principal as a suitable alternative to suspension, both the student and the parent(s) shall be notified of the probation and the reasons therefore.
B. In-School Suspension (ISS). This is an alternative to short-term out-of-school suspension. ISS will be imposed by the student's principal. In-School suspension involves certain procedural rules, which do not pertain to other types of suspension. Therefore, a separate regulation, FOD-ISS-R, has been established. That regulation can be found elsewhere in this manual.
C. Short-term suspension. A student may be suspended from school for up to a ten-day period by the principal. Both the student and the parent(s) shall be notified of the suspension, the reason therefore, and the right to appeal the suspension to the Suspension Committee.
D. Long-term suspension. A student may be suspended from school for the remainder of the current semester and the entirety of the succeeding semester. Both the student and the parent(s) shall be notified of the suspension, the grounds therefore, and the right to appeal the suspension to the Superintendent of Schools.
6. Appellate procedures. Any student who has been suspended under the steps listed above, or the student's parent(s), may appeal the suspension to the suspension committee, if the period of suspension is ten days or less, or to the Superintendent of Schools, if the suspension is for more than ten days. The following procedures shall govern the appellate process:
A. The student, or the student's parent(s), shall notify the superintendent as soon as possible following the suspension or the notice of intent to suspend of their intent to appeal the suspension.
B. The suspension committee (short term) or the Superintendent of Schools (long term) shall be advised of a student's or parent's intent to appeal. The appeal shall be heard within ten days from the date the notice of intent is filed. The superintendent, at his/her discretion, may permit the suspended student to attend classes pending the outcome of the appeal.
C. During the hearing of the appeal, the student may be represented by legal counsel or other adult representative; may examine witnesses on the student's own behalf; cross-examine opposing witnesses, and offer other evidence in his/her behalf including the student's own testimony.
7. Appeal for reinstatement. Students, who have been suspended for the remainder of a semester, or more, may petition the superintendent for a reinstatement. The superintendent may, at his/her discretion, schedule an informal hearing with the concerned principal. At the hearing, the student may present evidence of attitude or behavior modification, which would support reinstatement. The superintendent and the principal may reinstate the student or deny reinstatement and submit a written report of the informal hearing to the Board of Education. The Board shall take whatever action it deems appropriate.
NOTE: 70 O.S.24-102 states that a student who has been suspended from a public or private school in the state of Oklahoma or another state for a violent act showing deliberate or reckless disregard for the health or safety of faculty or other students shall not be entitled to enroll in a public or private school of this state until the terms of the suspension have been met or the time of suspension has expired.
Summary Suspension: Summary Suspension from school, without prior notice and hearing, may be imposed when the student's continued presence in school poses a danger to other persons, property, or an ongoing threat of disruption of the academic process. Due process shall be afforded as soon after a summary suspension as is practical.
PAGE
Attendance on day of an Activity........................................ 44
Activities Calendar............................................................. 45
Activities and Trips............................................................ 45
Athletic Conduct Code for Spectators................................ 46
Clubs and Organizations.................................................... 46
Queen Selection and Crowning.......................................... 48
Fund-Raising Activities...................................................... 49
Junior-Senior Prom............................................................ 50
Student Dance Policy......................................................... 50
Cheerleader Guidelines...................................................... 50
Child Find……………………………………………….51
Bullying………………………………………………...51
Attendance on Day of Activity
In order to participate in any extra-curricular or co-curricular activity, including any type of competition, a student will be required to be in attendance the entire day of the activity. Exceptions may be granted by the principal.
Eligibility and Participation
(1) Any participant becomes ineligible if he has not attended school 90% of the semester.
(2) A participant whose conduct or character at school is under discipline, or whose conduct or character outside the school is such as to reflect discredit upon the school shall be ineligible until reinstated by the principal.
(3) Athletic participants are eligible in the public high school district in which their parents are bona fide residents.
(4) Athletes will not be allowed to participate if a physical and parental consent form has not been placed on file in the athletic director's office.
Physicals will be required by of the first day of school for all students enrolled in athletics - boys and girls. Students who do not have a physical within the allotted time will not be allowed to enroll in athletics. Students who enter at mid-year will have 10 days to get a physical or have one sent from their previous school.
(5) The above-mentioned eligibility requirements shall not be in effect for activities such as the junior-senior banquet and prom, school dances which out of school participants are allowed, and all end of school banquets.
(6) OSSAA RULE 3 - SCHOLASTIC ELIGIBILITY
Section 1. Semester Grades
a. A student must have received a passing grade in any five subjects counted for graduation that he/she was enrolled in during the last semester he/she attended fifteen or more days.
b. If a student does not meet the minimum scholastic standard he/she will not be eligible to participate during the first six weeks of the next semester he/she attends.
c. A student who does not meet the above minimum scholarship standard may regain his/her eligibility by achieving passing grades in all subjects he/she is enrolled in at the end of a six-week period.
Section 2. Student Eligibility During a Semester
a. Scholastic eligibility for students will be checked at the end of the third week of a semester and each succeeding week thereafter.
b. A student must be passing in all subjects he/she is enrolled in during a semester. If a student is not passing in all subjects he/she is enrolled in at the end of a week, he/she will be placed on probation for the next one-week period. If a student is still failing one or more classes at the end of his/her probationary one-week period, he/she will be ineligible to participate during the next one-week period. The ineligibility periods will begin on Monday and end on Sunday.
c. A student who has lost eligibility under this provision must achieve the minimum scholastic standard in order to regain eligibility. A student regains eligibility under RULE 3 with the first class of the new week period (Monday through Sunday).
Section 3. Special provisions
a. A 12th grade student may maintain eligibility if he/she is passing the classes required for graduation. The number of classes can be no less than four. A 12th grade student who is concurrently enrolled in high school and college may use the college courses to meet the minimum number of four subjects needed to maintain eligibility.
These may be a combination of high school and college subjects equivalent to four high school units, which are accepted by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (physical education and athletics cannot be in the four requirements).
b. An ineligible student who changes schools during a semester will not be eligible at the new school for a minimum of three weeks. A student may regain his/her eligibility by achieving the scholastic standard in RULE 3, Section 2-b at the end of a three-week period.
c. Incomplete grades will be considered to be the same as failing grades in determining scholastic eligibility. School administrators are authorized to make an exception to this provision (RULE 3, Section 3-c) if the incomplete grade was caused by an unavoidable hardship. (Examples of such hardships would be illness, injury, death in the family and natural disaster).
d. One summer credit earned in an Oklahoma State Department of Education accredited program may be used to meet the requirements of RULE 3, Section 1-a for the end of the spring semester.
e. School may choose to run eligibility checks on any day of the week. The period of ineligibility will always begin Monday following the day eligibility is checked. These are only a few of the rules and regulations of the Board of Education and the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association. Eligibility checks will be done on Thursday. If a question arises during the school year, please feel free to visit with the principal for further, more detailed information.
Activities Calendar
1. All school-sponsored activities shall be submitted for approval by the principal. Those that are approved shall be placed on the school calendar.
2. OSSAA Sponsored activities will take priority over other activities.
3. It is the recommendation of the Board of Education that school activities not be scheduled on Wednesdays or Sundays except on a very limited basis.
4. Activities approved and placed on the calendar first do not necessarily take priority. When a conflict arises between two or more school activities, any student involved in two or more of the activities may be required to make a decision as to which activity he/she will participate in. The student and his parent/guardian will make this decision, and the student will not be penalized in any way for his/her decision. This decision will be made without the pressure or influence from any school employee. When a scheduling conflict occurs, every effort will be made to professionally work out the conflict.
Activities and Trips
The past behavior of Watonga students has left a good impression in other cities as to the quality school and community that we live in. Students going on an activity trip are required to have an approved adult in each vehicle and an approved adult or chaperon with the group. When transportation is arranged for a group, every member of the group is expected to go and return with the group, unless another plan is cleared with the faculty sponsor and parents before the trip.
ATHLETIC CONDUCT CODE FOR SPECTATORS:
Believing that my conduct is an important part of the school's athletic program, I pledge myself to act in accordance with these principles;
(1) Exemplify the highest moral character, behavior, and
leadership, so as to be a worthy example.
(2) Maintain and exhibit poise, self-discipline, and restraint during
and after the contest.
(3) Conduct myself in such a manner that attention is drawn not to me,
but to the participants playing the game.
(4) Regulate my actions at all times so that I will be a credit to the
team I support, knowing the school gets the praise or blame for my
conduct, since I represent the school the same, as does the athlete.
(5) Avoid actions which will offend the individual athlete.
(6) Treat the visiting team and spectators as guests, being courteous
and fair.
(7) Accept the judgment of the coach.
(8) Respect the property of the school.
(9) Display good sportsmanship by being modest in victory and gracious
in defeat.
(10) Pay respect to both teams as they enter for competition.
(11) Appreciate the good play of both teams.
(12) Show sympathy to an injured participant.
(13) Regard the officials as guests and treat them as such.
(14) Direct my actions to encouraging my team.
(15) Believe that the officials are fair and accept their expert
decisions as correct and final.
(16) Learn the rules of the game and become a more intelligent fan.
(17) Consider it a privilege and a duty to encourage everyone to live
up to the spirit of rules of fair play and sportsmanship.
(18) Realize that privileges are invariably associated with great
responsibilities and spectators have great responsibilities.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Band: The "Pride of Watonga" has been a well-established organization second to none in Oklahoma. The chief objective of the organization at the high school level is performance. The organization also wishes to develop a program, which will enhance the total school spirit in all activities.
Cheerleaders: Cheerleaders are chosen on a point basis; those receiving the most points may select what squad they wish to be a part of, by a non-biased committee. Tryouts for the following year are held each spring. The cheerleaders aid the student body in supporting the athletic teams and increasing school spirit. If you wish to be a cheerleader see the faculty sponsor for more specific information.
FBLA: The Future Business Leaders of America is a national organization for all students enrolled or who have been enrolled in business courses. Membership in FBLA indicates an interest not only in preparing for employment in the field of business but also in experiences that strengthen and develop the individual.
FFA: Any student enrolled in agricultural education is eligible for membership in the Future Farmers of America. FFA is a related activity of the vocational agriculture department.
FCCLA: Future Homemakers of America is a national organization of youth enrolled in homemaking and those who have been enrolled in vocational home economics courses. FCCLA members are provided opportunities for self-improvement and preparation for family and community living and for employment.
Heritage Club: All students currently enrolled in Watonga High School are eligible for membership. Our objective is to encourage pride in individual heritage and help students complete their goals.
Indian Club: All Indian students currently enrolled in Watonga Middle School and High School are eligible for membership. The main objective is to foster pride in Indian culture and to encourage members to complete their high school education.
Student Council: Student Council is an organization on campus made up of elected officers and student representatives from each class. Presidents of campus organizations also serve as members. The Student Council is in charge of student campus activities such as hall decorating, homecoming coronation, volleyball tournaments, dances and various service projects. The purpose of student council is to provide students experience and training in leadership skills and public service.
Lettering Information/Requirements
At Watonga High School a student may letter in athletics, band, and scholastic. Any student lettering may purchase at his own expense a letter jacket or letter sweater.
Football: You may letter in football by playing in part of 14 quarters during the season, or by participating and completing a football season your 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, or by being a starter and being injured before you had the opportunity to play in 14 quarters.
Basketball: You may letter in basketball by completing the season and participating in a minimum of ten varsity games. A participant who is injured during the season may letter but that decision will be left up to the respective coach.
Wrestling: You may letter in wrestling by attending all practices and eligible matches and earn 30 varsity points of which 15 must be wrestled and not forfeited. You may also letter in wrestling by placing in the top 3 in a varsity tournament or by qualifying for the State Wrestling Tournament. You may also letter in wrestling by participating and completing wrestling season your 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. A participant who is injured during the season may letter but the decision will be left up to the coach.
Track/Cross Country: You may letter in track/cross country by completing the season and scoring in a meet. You may also letter by participating and completing the season your 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. A participant who is injured during the season may letter but that decision will be left up to the coach.
Baseball: You may letter in baseball by completing the season and participating in a minimum of ten varsity games. A participant who is injured during the season may letter but that decision will be left up to the respective coach.
Spring/Fall Softball: You may letter in softball by completing the season and play in at least one game.
Cheerleading: You may letter in cheerleading by completing the year and cheer for every game in one sport.
Band: You may letter in band by maintaining an "S" grade for both semesters during a school year and by either auditioning for at least one of the honor bands (Southwest, Short grass, All-State), participating in a music contest, or by participating in jazz-band.
Special Olympics: You may letter in Special Olympics if you participate in two of the three available competitions in one year.
Queen Selection and Crowning
(1) No student may be crowned queen of more than one organization per school year.
(2) A queen candidate, attendant, or escort must have resided in the Watonga School District for a minimum of two semesters and have a grade point average of 2.00 or better the preceding semester.
(3) Candidates for the various homecoming coronations shall be selected as follows: The student council under the direction of the faculty sponsor and coach shall supervise the selection and coronation. All voting will be done by secret ballots furnished by the student council. The homecoming queen's identity will be a secret and not released until the actual homecoming coronation.
(4) A girl can only be selected as an attendant once per year for wrestling or football homecoming with a maximum of twice during her freshman, sophomore or junior year.
(5) Candidates will follow guidelines set forth by the student council.
Dress Code for Homecoming
Football Homecoming Queen
(1) The high school football team shall nominate three or more senior girl candidates using a secret ballot procedure. Each candidate must meet queen candidate selection guidelines.
(2) The high school football team shall vote on the senior candidates, and the girl receiving the most votes will be the queen. The two girls receiving the most votes under the queen will also be candidates. Therefore, there shall be 3 senior candidates.
(3) One junior attendant, one sophomore attendant, and one freshman attendant are also selected by the complete high school football team. All members of the high school football team shall write down the name of one junior, one sophomore, and one freshman girl. The junior girl, the sophomore girl, and the freshman girl whose names are written down the most often shall be the junior, sophomore, and freshman attendants.
Basketball Homecoming Queen
(1) The Basketball Queen shall be a Senior.
(2) Every girl's basketball team member who is a senior shall be a Basketball Queen candidate.
(3) The Basketball Queen shall be selected by both the members of the boys and girl's teams.
(4) The method for selection shall be secret ballot.
Wrestling Homecoming Queen
(1) The high school wrestling team shall nominate three or more senior girl candidates using a secret ballot procedure. Each candidate must meet queen candidate selection guidelines.
(2) The high school wrestling team shall vote on the senior candidates, and the girl receiving the most votes will be the queen. The two girls receiving the most votes under the queen will also be candidates. Therefore, there shall be 3 senior candidates.
(3) One junior attendant, one sophomore attendant, and one freshman attendant are also selected by the high school wrestling team. All members of the wrestling team shall write down the name of one junior, one sophomore, and one freshman girl. The junior girl, the sophomore girl, and the freshman girl whose names are written down most often shall be the junior, sophomore, and freshman attendants.
All fund-raising activities must be approved by the principal and scheduled on the school calendar. Money collection of any type for any purpose may not be made in the school without the approval of the sponsor and the principal. Sponsors are encouraged to limit fund-raising projects. All activity account receipts (fund-raisers) and disbursements (purchases) must be approved by the Board of Education in advance and should be presented to the principal for the preceding year. A list of approved fund-raisers and activity purchases are on file in the principal's office. Additional activities must be approved by the Board of education in advance.
Junior-Senior Prom
The junior-senior prom will be financed by class dues. All freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be assessed $10.00 each school year. This money shall be held and used solely for the present school year junior-senior prom. If sufficient funds are not available for the junior-senior prom, the junior sponsors may request one or more fundraisers.
Students who move to Watonga High School from another school shall be assessed dues equal to $10.00 for each year that they attend Watonga High School, with a minimum of $10.00. A junior or senior entering WHS must pay the dues upon entering school if they wish to attend the prom. A freshman or sophomore entering WHS shall be assessed dues due in the 1st-3rd 9-weeks, shortly after enrolling.
The ten dollar ($10.00) dues need to be paid to the office by the end of the first semester. Dues are non-refundable. Dues not paid by the end of the first semester will be doubled to twenty dollars ($20.00). Dues not paid by the end of the third nine weeks will be doubled to forty dollars ($40.00). If dues are not paid by noon (12:00pm) on the day before the prom, the student forfeits their right to attend the junior-senior prom when they become eligible to attend.
The junior-senior prom shall be solely for the juniors, seniors, and the selected sophomore servers. Eligible juniors and seniors may bring one guest each to the prom. Sophomore servers must be academically eligible and be dues-eligible in order to be selected and must be academically eligible at the time of the prom in order to attend. No one younger than a freshman in high school will be allowed to enter the prom.
All class dues must be paid in full before any Watonga student, grades 9-12, can attend the prom. Ninth and 10th graders may not attend as dates if they are academically ineligible.
All junior and senior sponsors are expected to attend the prom and stay until it ends. The juniors and their assigned sponsors are responsible for organizing, decorating, and cleaning up the prom. Those juniors who do not assist will be fined $10.00 if they plan to attend when they are a senior. In order to facilitate security, the prom will be held in a single session, without a break. Students will not be allowed to leave and return to the prom site.
The dress code for the prom is as follows: Dresses need to be in good taste (no bikini tops).
Parents are welcome to come and view the decorations of the prom but will be asked to leave the facility by 8:30p.m. This is a formal event. Parents are asked to dress accordingly for the occasion before they enter. No children younger than freshmen will be allowed to enter the facility at any time before or during the prom.
Student Dance Policy
Watonga High School students and their pre-registered and approved dates may attend school-sponsored dances. Dates cannot have been out of High School more than three years. (Prom and Homecoming dates are the exception). All out-of-school dates are expected to abide by all school rules and regulations and conduct themselves as do Watonga High School students. Students leaving a school-sponsored dance will not be re-admitted. If a student must be asked to leave by the student council sponsor, the student must leave the dance at that time and relinquish their privilege to attend the next Student Council sponsored dance. When invited, the middle school students may also attend dances; however, they may not invite dates. All dances except the prom are under the direction of the Student Council.
CHEERLEADING GUIDELINES
Cheerleading is guided by the Cheerleading Constitution and Rules and by the OSSAA, which is available in the principal's office and from the Sponsor. Cheerleading requires a sizeable commitment of time by the participants and will require payment of costs for meals, camps, camp clothing, some uniforms and equipment. Fundraisers are held, but they do not cover all the expenses incurred. Amounts will vary depending on specifics of the program for the year.
Prospective cheerleaders and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend the informational meeting held before tryouts, at which time rules and expenses will be discussed. A signed permission form acknowledging the rules and costs is required of the girl and her parents before she may try-out.
CHILD FIND
Public law provides that all disabled children ages (0-21) are entitled to free and appropriate education.
Children with specific learning disabilities, deafness or hearing impairment, autism, deaf-blindness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, serious emotional disturbance, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, or developmental delays may qualify for assistance. If you know of a child that needs assistance, contact Watonga Public Schools, P. O. Box 310, Watonga OK 73772, at 580-623-7364. All information is confidential.
BULLYING
On the 30th day of July, 2012, the Watonga Board of Education met at a Special School Board meeting. One of the acts of business at this board meeting was the revision and ultimate adoption of the school district’s policy regarding bullying. The bullying policy is found at FNCD, FNCD-R, FNCD-P, and FNCD-E in the school district’s policy manual. You are entitled to a copy of the policy. If you would like to receive a copy of the policy, please contact Shannon Grimes at the High School Office.