2006 - 2007

STUDENT INFORMATION HANDBOOK 

 

 

 

 

This Agenda Book belongs to:

 

 

NAME ________________________________________

(please print)

SHOP _________________________________________

 

GRADE _______________________________________

 

 

STUDENT AND PARENT

 

INFORMATION

 

BOOKLET

 

 

I have received a copy of the Student Information Handbook and I understand I am responsible for its contents.

 

 

 

______________________________________________

Student Signature                                  Grade/Shop      Date

 

 

______________________________________________

Student Printed Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student and Parent

 

Information Booklet

 

Each parent, guardian or the student him/herself (if over 18 years old) must sign the acknowledgment form below, indicating that he/she has received and read a copy of the handbook.  If the signed acknowledgment form is not received by September 15, then Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School will nonetheless presume that the parent, guardian or student him/herself (if over 18 years of age) has received and read the handbook.

 

 

 

 

Student’s Signature (if over 18)

 

______________________________________________

Student’s Name (Print)

 

______________________________________________

Parent's Signature                                       Date

 

 

NOTICE OF POSSIBLE PUBLICATION OF

CERTAIN STUDENT INFORMATION

DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

 

Under Department of Education Regulations, the school may release for publication certain information concerning your child from time to time without first obtaining your consent, unless you indicate by returning the enclosed form (Notice of Publication) that the school should not do so.  The following information is considered directory information: students name, address, listed telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, weight and height if a member of an athletic team, class participation in officially recognized activities in sports, degrees, honors and awards and post-high school plans.   Such information may be disclosed at the discretion of the school system to responsible persons and/or organizations without the consent of the parent or the student unless the parent and student have informed the school system that they do not want this information released without their prior consent.  This notice applies not only to printed material, but also applies to photographs, videotaping and news films.

If you do not wish information concerning your child to be released for publication without your consent during the school year, please complete the form on page ix and return it to the Guidance Office at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, 80 Locust Street, Northampton, MA  01060 by September 16.

 

 

Notice of Possible Publication of Certain Student Information

 

The Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School has designated certain information contained in the education records of its students as directory information for purposes of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Student Record Regulations at 603 CMR 23.00 et seq.

 

The following information regarding students is considered directory information:  (1) name, (2) address, (3) telephone number, (4) date and place of birth, (5) major field of study, (6) participation in officially recognized activities and sports, (7) weight and height of members of athletic teams, (8) dates of attendance, (9) degrees, honors and awards received, and (10) post high school plans of the student.

 

Directory information may be disclosed for any purpose at the discretion of the school system, without the consent of a parent of a student or an eligible student.  Parents of students and eligible students have the right, however, to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the above information as directory information.  In that case, this information will not be disclosed except with the consent of a parent or student, or as otherwise allowed by FERPA and 603 CMR 23.00 et seq.

 

Any parent or student over the age of 18 refusing to have any or all of the designated directory information disclosed must file written notification to this effect with the principal on or before the 15th day of each September. See page IX

 

In the event that a refusal is not filed, it is assumed that neither a parent of a student or eligible student objects to the release of the directory information designated.

 

In addition under the No Child Left Behind Act, as well as the Defense Reauthorization Act, parents and eligible students are hereby given notice that Smith Vocational School routinely provides names, addresses and telephone numbers of students matriculating at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School to military recruiters or an institution of higher education for secondary students upon their request. You must specifically advise Mrs. Carroll, Principal, in writing that you do not want this information released to military recruiters without your written request. Please do so prior to October 1. (Please see page x)

 

 

I do not wish the information considered to be directory information concerning my child to be released for publication without my consent while my child is in attendance at the Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School.

 

___________________________________________________

Student Name                                      

Shop                                                                 Grade

 

___________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature                                 Date                                                                                                    

Please return this form to the Guidance Department only if you do not wish your son/daughter’s name released for publication, example honor roll, sports, etc. Please return by September 15.

 

 

 

To:                          Parents

From:                     Veronica Carroll, Principal

Date:                      September, 2006

 

The federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) contains a provision regarding the disclosure of high school students’ names, addresses and telephone listings to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning.

 

As a school receiving federal funds under the NCLB act we must provide, at request, the above information unless you, as a parent or a student 18 or older, object in writing to such release.

 

If you do not want the above information released please sign below and return to Mrs. Tauscher, Main Office prior to October 1, 2006.

 

I do not wish the disclosure of my child’s name, address, or telephone listing released to military recruiters and institutions of higher education without my consent while my child is in attendance at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School.

 

 

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

 

 

 

___________________________          _______________      ______

    Student Name                                           Shop                               Grade     

 

__________________________        ________________

Parent/Guardian Signature                         Date

(or student if 18 years of age or older)                                            

 

 

 

 

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School

Acceptable Network Use Policy

                  

The Internet is an electronic communications network which provides access to vast, diverse and unique resources in a global community.  Our goal in providing Internet access to teachers, staff and students is to promote educational excellence in the school by facilitating resource sharing and communications.  Staff and students are encouraged to use the Internet to pursue intellectual activities, seek resources, access libraries and engage in learning activities.

 

The intent of this policy is that students will use computer networks only for purposes consistent with our approved curriculum.  All school computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner.  The code of conduct as stated in the Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Student Handbook applies to Internet activities, and this acceptable use policy should therefore be considered an extension of the behavior codes contained in the Code of Student Conduct.

 

Individuals who log on to the Internet at school are responsible for all activities while using their account.  Therefore, users should not share passwords and should change their passwords frequently.  Users should also exercise caution when revealing personal information.  To insure personal safety and the safety of others, users should not publish their home address or phone number over the Internet.  If students experience any concerns over communications they have received from others over the Internet, they should seek assistance from staff or parents immediately.

 

In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), passed by the US Congress in January, 2001 (Public Law 106-554), our school  employs filtering software to block access to inappropriate content on all computers with Internet access.  Users will be restricted from accessing visual depictions of subject matter that is obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors.  Users should furthermore be aware that filtering software will not block ALL inappropriate web sites (e.g. new sites that have not yet been added to the filter lists).  Members of the school community shall report all inappropriate sites not blocked by the filters to a technology administrator for appropriate action.  Filtering software may be disabled for users 18 and over by a technology administrator for legitimate research purposes.

 

Our school has software and systems in place that monitor and record all Internet usage.  The District will intermittently monitor Internet traffic and other usage of electronic resources, for instance, by tracking destination URLs of individual users.  Users should have no expectation of privacy when browsing the web, sending or receiving e-mail, or using other electronic resources. 

 

Unethical or illegal use of school computers, or use for other than legitimate educational use, will be cause for disciplinary action, including revocation of network access privileges, suspension and/or referral to police.  Examples of such inappropriate uses include unauthorized access into school accounts or private files, destruction of another person’s files, harassment of students or staff, introduction of computer viruses, unauthorized downloading of programs or content, commercial use of the school networks, violation of copyright laws, use of inappropriate language, and transmission of or searches for obscene material.

 

 

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School

Acceptable Network Use Policy Agreement

 

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School recognizes that knowledg­eable use of computer technology is an increasingly important skill in every aspect of modern day society.  In order for the school district to provide network and Internet services to all students, the district is obligated to have an Acceptable Use Policy and a contract form signed by students and their parent/guardian agreeing to comply with the school district's policy and code of conduct as stated in the student handbook. Once this form has been signed and returned, a login ID and password will be issued to the student.  Access to these services may be limited, suspended or terminated for violation of any of the terms of the Acceptable Use Policy and related school regu­lations.  Additional disciplinary measures as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy may also be implemented.

 

Students using school district computer technology agree to:

 

·         Abide by the school’s “Acceptable Network Use Policy (Internet)” as delineated in the Student Handbook.

·         Use only their own login and password and not share these with anyone else.

·         Use only those applications or files assigned to the User.

·         Not trespass into menus, applications, or files not given specific access to, such as system administration or school accounts.

·         Not use/load/run disks that are not from Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School including all personal disks, programs, files from home or other non-school agencies, thereby eliminating the potential of infecting the school system with a virus.

·         Not do anything that might jeopardize the integrity of the school’s network.

·         Not do anything which may violate the copyright or trademark laws of the United States and Massachusetts

·         Treat all computer equipment with the utmost care and respect and not willfully cause damage to said equipment.

·         Not waste electronic storage space by saving unnecessary or frivolous files or programs.

·         Not use the network or Internet for commercial, obscene, or illegal purposes.

·         Respect commonly accepted practices on Internet etiquette

·         Not use inappropriate, offensive, foul, or abusive language

·         Not harass by sending annoying, obscene, libelous, threatening or anonymous messages

·         Respect other user’s rights to privacy

·         Be aware of potential security risks at all times and take all reasonable steps to minimize risks such as logging off the network when a computer is to be left unattended.

 

PENALTIES

Penalties for violations of the Acceptable Use Policy and/or the Code of Conduct may include suspension or termination of access to computer use, networks or the Internet.  Should vandalism occur, the student responsible may be held accountable for the cost of damages, repairs, or necessary replacement.  Additionally, if deemed appropriate, the rules and regulations set forth in the student handbook may also be applied.

 

Students and their parents/guardians should review this information and return this form (page xvi) to school, appropriately signed, as soon as possible. Students will not have access to school computers until this form has been signed and returned, with no changes or modifications to the wording on the form.

 

Thank you for your cooperation in helping assure the responsible access and use of these very important services.

 

 

 

 

I/We have read and agree to comply with the school district's Acceptable Use Policy and regulations as set forth in the student handbook.

 

Print Student Name:                                    ______________

 

Department:                                                Grade:­               

 

Student Signature:                                                          ____

 

Date:                                       

 

Print Parent/Guardian name:                                          _____

 

Parent/Guardian Signature:                                                                _____

 

Date:                                                      

 

 

Please return this page to the school librarian.

 

 

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

Based on our proud heritage of both experimental and practical education, as established in 1844 by the Vision and Will of Oliver Smith, the mission of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School is to educate students in an integrated program in the art and science of agriculture and other technical careers, and to provide experiential learning opportunities that will enable students to function proficiently within the parameters of the workplace and post-secondary education.

 

VALUES AND BELIEFS

 

As a school community we believe that we must:

 

·                    foster an understanding of the value of education so that students become lifelong

learners

 

·                    model an attitude of personal, professional, and institutional excellence

 

·                    respect the diversity of our multi-cultural society by recognizing and affirming the

inherent worth and dignity of all people

 

·                    encourage non-traditional career path choices by actively working to eliminate racial,

cultural, and gender biases

 

·                    continually develop curricula that nurture students’ self-esteem and inspire them to

strive to reach their full potential

 

·                    promote a positive, safe, structured, and challenging climate in which all students can

      succeed

 

GOALS

 

·        High Expectations                                                            To raise both technical and academic

            achievement of all students through

            core standards and project-based

            curricula.

 

·        Working Together                                                           To adopt a culture of unified purpose

            through active participation in school

            related activities such as program

            advisory committees, school council,

            sports, after school clubs, team

            meetings, and special events.

 

·        Guidance and Support                                                     To bring all students, parents, and

            educators together to work toward

            a common purpose of assisting each

            student in setting and attaining

            academic and career goals.

 

·        Learning Environment                                                     To instill a conscious sense of owner-

ship and pride in the school environment

            through regular systematic upgrading and

            maintenance of the grounds, physical

            plant, equipment, and instructional

            resources.

 

·        Public Relations                                                               To increase public awareness of the

            value of Smith Vocational and

            Agricultural High School to the

            communities it serves, through a stepped-                      up use of the traditional methods of

            communication and creative visual

            displays of students’ successes.

 

·        Technology                                                                       To provide a comprehensive

            professional development program

            to assist the staff in becoming

            proficient in the use of advanced

            technological tools to improve 

            instruction, to reflect industry

            standards, and to increase student

                achievement.  

 

 

HIGH SCHOOLS THAT WORK

 

      High Schools That Work is the nation’s first large-scale effort to engage state, district and school leaders and teachers in partnerships with students, parents and the community to improve the way all high school students are prepared for work and further education.

HSTW provides a framework of goals, key practices and key conditions for accelerating learning and setting high standards.  It recommends actions that provide direction to schools as they work to improve academic and vocational-technical instruction at school and the work site.  These recommendations meet the criteria for comprehensive school reform.

The HSTW effort is based on the belief that, in the right school environment, most students can learn complex academic and technical concepts.  The initiative targets high school students who seldom are challenged to meet high academic standards.

As our nation seeks to maintain its competitiveness in the world economy, HSTW offers school systems a unique opportunity to prepare more students to communicate, solve problems, perform tasks and produce products – on the job and in a lifetime of learning.  To help schools customize site action plans in order to reach their improvement goals, HSTW provides intensive technical assistance, focused staff development, targeted assessment services and ongoing communication and networking opportunities.

HSTW began with 28 sites in 13 states when it was started in 1987 by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) State Vocational Education Consortium.  Since then it has grown to more than 1300 sites in 26 states.

 

Goals

§         To increase the mathematics, science, and communication achievement and the application of learning for career-bound students to the national average of all students.

§         To integrate the essential content of traditional college preparatory studies – math, science, and language arts – with vocational and technical studies, by creating conditions that support school leaders and teachers in carrying out certain key practices.

 

Key Practices

§         High Expectations – setting higher expectations and getting more students to meet them.

§         Vocational Studies – Increasing access to intellectually challenging vocational and technical studies, with a major emphasis on using high-level mathematics, science, language arts and problem-solving skills in the modern workplace and in preparation for continued learning.

§         Academic Studies – Increasing access to academic studies that teach the essential concepts from the college preparatory curriculum by encouraging students to use academic content and skills to address real-world projects and problems.

§         Program of Studies – Having students complete a challenging program of study with an upgraded academic core and a major.

§         Work-Based Learning – Giving students and their parents the choice of a system that integrates school-based and work-based learning.  The system should span high school and post-secondary studies and should be planned by educators, employers, and employees.

§         Teachers Working Together – Having an organization, structure, and schedule that gives academic and vocational teachers the time to plan and deliver integrated instruction aimed at teaching high-level academic and technical content.

§         Students Actively Engaged – Getting every student involved in rigorous and challenging learning.

§         Guidance – Involving each student and his or her parents in a guidance and advising system that ensures the completion of an accelerated program of study with an in-depth academic or vocational-technical major.

§         Extra Help – Providing a structured system of extra help to enable students who may lack adequate preparation to complete an accelerated program of study that includes high-level academic and technical content.

§         Keeping Score – Using student assessment and program evaluation data to improve continuously the school climate, organization, management curricula and instruction to advance student learning and to recognize students who meet both curriculum and performance goals.

 

 

SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

 

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School does not discriminate against any student, employee, applicant or any invitee on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability, in any aspects of employment and education.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

Parents have a moral and legal obligation to require their child to attend school when it is in session.  Students selecting Smith Vocational have made a decision that they want to learn how to work in a trade.  It is essential to show up every day and on time.  Success at Smith Vocational requires reliability and promptness; and more importantly, success on the job is impossible without them.  It is for these reasons that we must pay extra attention to student absences, tardiness and dismissals.  The rules below and their consequences are necessary to teach our students these essential work traits.

 

Any student who misses more than ten (10) class periods in one school year will not receive credit for that course.  The course must be retaken in order to obtain credit. In order to be eligible to gain credit for an academic course in a summer program or its equivalent, such student must receive a passing grade in at least two (2) or more quarters during the school year.  All summer school requirements must be met.  Prior to enrollment, staff in the Guidance Department must approve any summer school program.  Any student who misses more than ten (10) shop days in one school year and has not been granted an appeal will not receive credit for that shop.

 

 

 

 

Students in grade 9, 10, 11 - Shop

Any student who loses shop credit due to the lack of attendance, will have to repeat the year if space is available and the sending school district approves funding.

Students in grade 12 - Shop

Any senior losing shop credit due to lack of attendance must make up a minimum of 20 shop days following the guidelines of a contract drawn up between the Guidance Counselor and the Department Head of the student's shop.  If the days are not made up as per contract, no diploma will be issued.  All days in excess of ten (10) for which an appeal has not been awarded will have to be made up the following school year.

 

It is the responsibility of the parent to track his/her child’s attendance record.  Absences and tardies are recorded on every report card.  The parent will be notified in writing when the student is in jeopardy of losing credit.   Upon notification parents may appeal any absence within two (2) weeks of notification.  Students under the age of sixteen may be referred to the School Attendance Officer from his/her city or town after missing eight days.  Parent/guardian, or student if 18 or over, have the right to request a meeting with the Dean of Students.  On the eleventh class absence or shop day absence, parent/guardian, or student if 18 or over, will be notified by certified mail that his/her child will not receive credit for the course and/or shop.

 

Appeals for exemptions of the Attendance Policy must be made within two weeks of the time of absence or the receipt of a certified letter.  You may see your counselor if you have questions.  The Appeals MUST BE TURNED INTO the Dean of Students. The administration reserves the right to verify any requests for appeals for exemptions. Examples of absences that may be appealed are:  (see Appeal Form)

 

1.         Significant or chronic illness/or injury: serious with a doctor's note. 

2.         Religious observance;

3.         School sponsored activities; 

4.         Death of a member of the immediate family; and

5.         Extraordinary circumstances.

 

If a student over the age of 16 is absent for ten consecutive days a letter will be sent indicating that upon the fifteenth consecutive day of absence the student will be withdrawn from the school roster. The letter will be sent regular and certified mail to the parent or guardian of the student. There is a ten-day waiting period after the fifteen-day notice before the student is permanently dropped.

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY EXEMPTION FORM

;

1. _______________________  __________      _______

    Student Name                       Grade/Dept.      Age

 

2. Date(s) of absence(s):___________________________

             or

   Hours of absence if not full day:___________________

 

3. Reason for absence:   _____injury      ___illness

(Description of illness does not have to be on this form)

_____other (please specify below)

 

  (continue on back of form if more space is needed)

 

I, the parent/guardian or student, if at least 18 years of age, am requesting the above absence(s) from school not be counted under the school’s Attendance Policy.

 

I understand that requests for exemption due to illness, injury, or legal proceedings must be accompanied by a note from a licensed health care provider, or a legal representative, as appropriate.  This note must state that the student was unable to attend school during the time specified, and day(s) or hours excused must be specified.

 

 

 

______________________________________________     

 Signature                                                         Date

(over)
MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE DEAN OF 

STUDENTS WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF DATES

OF ABSENCE  OR WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF

 RECEIPT OF CERTIFIED LETTER.

 

***************************************************

REMINDER - Note from health care provider/legal representative accompanying this form must contain the following information:

 

·         Student’s Name

·         Days/Hours student is excused from school

·         States specifically that student was unable to attend school during the excused days/hours.

 

NOTE:  DIAGNOSIS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE INCLUDED ON REQUEST FORM.

THIS INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL.

 

***************************************************

Your request has been granted   ______ 

 

has not been granted _____

 

If you disagree with the above please contact the Principal

at 587-1414 X100.

Absences

If a student is not going to attend school it is the parent's/ guardian's responsibility to contact the school BEFORE FIRST PERIOD (7:50 a.m.).  In order to report an absence, please use the following procedure:

 

1.         Call the school at 587-1414 any time between midnight and 7:00 A.M. on the day of the absence and leave a message on the ATTENDANCE answering machine.  The message must include:

a.       Student's name, grade, shop;

b.       Reason for absence; and

c.       Parent's/Guardian's name and daytime phone (needed to verify calls and/or check with parent/ guardian if necessary)

 

All absences may be checked by the Dean of  Students or his/her designee by calling the parent/guardian at home or work.

 

Students under the age of sixteen may be referred to the school attendance officer from his/her city or town after 8 unexcused absences.

 

If a student is absent from school he/she may not attend a school function on that day/evening.

 

In the event of a prolonged illness or injury, the School Nurse must be notified to ensure that a determination of possible home tutoring be considered and what accommodations should be considered not only for the shop experience but the classroom as well.

 

Tardiness

1.       The student is expected to be in his/her first period class at 7:50 a.m. Any student who arrives after this time, must report to the Dean of Students’ office for an office tardy slip.

2.       Penalties/Consequences

Students who arrive between 7:50 and 8:10 a.m.:

a)      1st and 2nd offense – verbal warning;

b.)    On the third offense, the student will be assigned a thirty (30) minute Central Office Detention. Students will be required to stay at the designated time and day. Students who work after school or have appointments should make sure they are in school on time, as arrangements will not be made to reschedule a detention for being tardy. Students who do not stay for the Central Office Detention will be placed in the Interim Support Setting.

c.)    The cycle begins again.

3.        Beginning with the 15th tardy in a year, students will be suspended out of school for that day.

4.   After six (6) tardies in a quarter students who drive will lose their parking privileges for 30 days.

 

Classroom Tardiness – Students entering a class should have a pass.  Teachers will impose a detention for 4^th and subsequent tardiness.  If a student is 20 minutes or later for class, the unexcused tardiness will be considered a class absence.

 

Shop Tardiness

Any student who is absent for 11 shop days or 66 hours will lose credit for the year. Shop tardies will accumulate by the hour. Time less than one hour will accumulate using the rule, every 30 to 59 minutes, counts as an hour.

 

Dismissal

Pupils are not to leave the school during regular hours without permission FROM A STAFF MEMBER OF THE ADMINIS-TRATIVE   OFFICE.  

 

Please keep in mind that the school hours are 7:47 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.  Medical, dental and other appointments should be made AFTER SCHOOL HOURS.

 

Request for dismissal must be made in writing, signed by a parent/or guardian, not withstanding the student’s age, and should be turned into the Dean of Students’ office BEFORE THE BEGINNING of FIRST PERIOD (7:50 am).  The note must contain the time of dismissal, the reason for dismissal, the provision for transportation to the student's destination and a phone number where the parent can be reached for verification and estimated time of return.

 

Students who have their own cars and parking permits will be allowed to provide transportation for themselves, BUT NOT FOR FELLOW STUDENTS WHO ARE DISMISSED. 

 

All dismissals are subject to verification by phone from a staff person from the Main Office or the Office of the Dean of Students.  If verification is not possible, the dismissal may be denied.  

 

Students who are eighteen (18) years of age or over must follow the dismissal process and must provide all the information requested of the dismissal process.  Failure to complete the dismissal form may lead to denial of the dismissal request.

 

The Administration has the right to deny requests for dis-missals of a student who is eighteen (18) years of age or older.                     

 

Policy For Class Absence

When a student is absent from class, the student must assume the responsibility of contacting his/her teachers to receive make-up work assignments. Credit will not be given for truancy or skipping a class. Time needed for completion of make-up work for students who have been absent will be determined by the teacher.

 

Students absent for three (3) consecutive days should contact the GUIDANCE OFFICE (587-1414 x113) during the absence to make arrangements for make-up assignments. ATTENDANCE POLICY APPLIES

 

There will be no loss of credit for academic/related/shop classes while attending authorized school activities if work missed is made up.

 

ID POLICY

As a means of promoting a safe and secure school environment that continues to be conducive for the educational process, all students in grades 9 – 12 must have in their possession an ID badge. The ID badge must be carried during school hours  and at all school-sponsored functions, including field trips that take place during the regular school day.

 

Students must show their ID to any school personnel upon request. Students failing to have their IDs will face the following consequences:

 

1^st offense                                 - central detention – 1 hour

2^nd offense                                - central detention – 1 hour

3^rd offense                                - central detention – 1 hour

4^th and subsequent offenses       - placed in the Interim Support Setting     

 

Students who lose their identification badge may replace the

badge by choosing one of the following methods: 

1)      Pay a fee of $5 for a new badge

2)      Perform school service after school as determined by the Dean of Students or his designee

 

A student who needs to replace his/her badge should see the Dean of Students when he/she becomes aware of the lost badge.

·         A student always has the right to call home for the ID badge.

·         A student may purchase a new badge to avoid consequences.

                                   

DRESS CODE

In order to create a positive and safe learning environment students are to be properly, appropriately and neatly dressed based on current and acceptable work ethic standards as determined by the administrative staff. In order to ensure that clothing not be disruptive or distracting and promote respect and the health and safety of all students, the following dress code is established. However, each shop has the right to institute appropriate footwear, dress, uniform, hair and jewelry standards as prescribed through a written policy.

 

The following items will not be worn at Smith Vocational:

1.       Any clothing that displays advertisements promoting illegal substances or activities,  obscene words or pictures, slurs or derogatory images of individuals based upon his/her sex, religion, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, etc., disruptive images or words, gang related symbols i.e., bandanas hanging out of the pocket; profanity, sexually suggestive words.

2.       Clothing that fails to cover the entire abdominal region, front and back or reveals undergarments. No bare midriff. Shirts/blouses should hang to the belt area of the pants or be tucked in. Pants/trousers and shirts will cover undergarments, to include muscle shirts and bras.

3.       Sheer fabrics that can be seen through.

4.       Shorts or skirts that are more than 5” above the knee (patella).

5.       Tube tops, tank tops, halter tops and backless shirts or dresses.

6.       Low cut blouses or off the shoulder clothing.

7.       Hats, sweatbands, waist chains, bandanas, do-rags, headbands, sunglasses or visors (unless ordered by a doctor) or religious headgear (unless approved by the administration). The only exception is shop uniform hats may be worn in shop.

8.       Hooded shirts allowed only if the hood is off the head while in buildings.

9.       Pajamas or slippers.

10.   Spiked jewelry.

 

Consequence – Student must remove, change or cover the inappropriate clothing. The student will not be allowed in class until this is adequately completed.

 

1. Parents will be notified.
2. T-shirts from lost and found can be worn.
3. Smocks from shop can be worn.
4. Continued violations may result in placement in the Interim Support Setting.

 

Perfume/Cologne

Students are not allowed to have perfume or cologne on campus. If students are spraying other students this could be lethal. The presence of cologne/or perfume would be considered as a Section A offense as indicated in the Student Handbook.

 

Agenda Books

Students have assignment study guides referred to as Agenda Books.  The Agenda Books are issued to students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.  Students are required to put class/shop assign-ments in their Agenda Books.  This will be incorporated into the student's quarterly grades.  The purpose of the Agenda Book is to enhance the students’ organizational skills, provide tactile/memory closure to each daily lesson and give support personnel (parents, other teachers) a communication channel into the classroom.  To accomplish these important goals, it is recommended that teachers give students time at the end of each class to write a brief description of the day’s lesson.  Homework assignments should be copied from the board into the Agenda Book.  Shop Instructors should give students time at the end of the day to write this descriptor.  Agenda Books will be checked in all classes and at the Advisor/Advisee meetings. Agenda books should remain intact at all times.

 

Any student who fails to bring the Agenda Book to class may be subject to the following:

First offense  - verbal warning

Second offense - notation in teacher’s record book

Third and subsequent offenses - home notification via deficiency form. Teachers have the option of giving teacher detention.

 

School Breakfast/Lunch Program

;The school cafeteria service provides breakfast and lunch for each student at a nominal fee.  All students should partake of some nourishment during the lunch periods. Payment for breakfasts and lunches will be through cash or through a computerized system utilizing identification badges (Lunch $2.25, Breakfast $1.00).

 

Cafeteria Procedures

In order that each pupil may do his/her part to maintain a pleasant atmosphere and a well‑organized system in the cafeteria: 

1.       Food and beverages are not to be taken from the cafeteria by students at breakfast or lunch.

2.       Students must clear the table after they have finished eating.  Remove trays and dishes to the proper area, and place waste materials from the table in proper containers provided for this purpose.

3.       Students should remain seated while eating.  Students should not wander around the cafeteria during the breakfast or lunch times.

4.       Students are to enter the cafeteria through the hallway double doors and leave through the double doors adjacent to the back parking lot during lunch periods.

5.      Designated areas during lunch time: cafetorium   (lunch room) and the library.  There will be a limited number of students allowed in the library. Library passes are provided by the librarian before school. 

6.       Bathrooms in A Building only are to be used during the lunch period recess with permission from a staff member. 

7.      Food and beverages are not allowed in the classroom.

 

Open Containers

No open containers are allowed on campus. This includes coffee cups in the morning as well as juice bottles, water bottles or any other liquid containers. Teachers must confiscate immediately when seen. Students may carry sealed containers for lunch or after school.

 

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION RULES

 

Students

 

 

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION RULES

; riding the school buses, vans, etc. or at school bus stops shall observe the following rules:

1.       Conduct of Students on School Buses, Vans, etc.:

• Remain seated while the bus is in motion;
• No loud conversation, boisterous conduct, unnecessary

      noise, or profanity;  

• Keep all parts of the body inside the vehicle;
• No eating;
• No smoking or use of tobacco products;
• No possession of drugs or alcohol or use of such;
• No bodily injury to other students;
• No littering and /or defacing of the bus, van etc; 
• No hazing; no harassment;
• No opening or closing windows.

2.       Student Misconduct Warranting Discipline.  Students on school buses, vans, etc. or at school bus stops may be disciplined for:

• Refusal to comply with the above rules;
• Any action endangering the safety of the bus/van and students;
• Refusal to comply with authority of the driver;

• Offenses which tend to distract the driver's attention;
• Any offense which seriously disturbs the driver's attention.

3.       In case of any misconduct on the bus/van, the incident will be reported in writing to the Dean of Students. The incident will be reported to the parent by the Dean of Students.

4.       Special Trips:

a.   A teacher or coach must accompany each group of students;

b.   Students shall be appropriately dressed when making special trips.

5.       Penalties/consequences will reflect sending school districts or Smith Vocational policies.

 

Other behavior not specifically covered in the preceding rules and regulations will be considered on an individual basis. Parents will be held responsible for any defacing or damaging of busses/vans. Parents and students will be informed of these regulations at the beginning of each school year.

 

Field Trip and Overnight Policy: See policy located in the Main Office.

 

Student Vehicles

All vehicles must be registered with the Dean of Students. After proper registration, the student will receive an assigned parking space and a school parking sticker that must be displayed on the left side of the rear window of the vehicle.

 

Upon arrival to school, students must go directly to a parking space and park. Students are not allowed to remain in their vehicles or leave school grounds without permission of a school administrator (see section E Code of Student Conduct).

 

Students are not allowed to go to their vehicles during school hours, including lunch, unless written permission is given by the administration.  (see Section F, Code of Student Conduct).  It is recommended that vehicles be locked at all times. When utilizing the parking areas at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School students are doing so at his/her own risk. Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School is not responsible for any damage or theft to or in a student’s motor vehicle.

 

The vehicle is to be driven in a reasonable manner, not to exceed 10 mph on school grounds, meeting safety and motor vehicle requirements of good driving as required by the Registry of Motor vehicles and the school.

 

Students observed driving a vehicle improperly will lose the privilege of having a vehicle on school grounds. Violations will be reported to parent/guardian and if necessary the police.  School officials reserve the right to inspect and search vehicles when deemed necessary and when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the vehicle has evidence that a student has committed a violation of the Schools Code of Conduct and/or criminal statutes. 

 

STUDENT LOCKER POLICY SEARCHES OR ACCESS BY ADMINISTRATORS TO STUDENT LOCKERS

 

Lockers are the property of the Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School and are provided as a privilege for convenience only.  The locker in its entirety, including the space within the locker, shall be the property of the school.  Students are cautioned that they may use the locker subject to the right of the school to open said locker at any time for inspection and search, and therefore, the student has no expectation of privacy in the locker assigned to him/her.

 

Only locks issued by the school may be used and the combination of the student’s lock is maintained by the Department Head and the administration.

 

Lockers may be opened and inspected during scheduled clean ups, during reassignment of student lockers, or for reasonable administrative purposes necessary for administration and management of the school.  In addition, lockers may be searched at anytime by the administration when the administration deems it appropriate.

 

Student Searches

Searches can be conducted on individual persons, possessions, lockers, or vehicles parked on school grounds.  Searches are conducted for safety or health reasons.  In addition, searches are conducted when the staff has reasonable cause to believe that a student has committed a violation of the disciplinary policy or the criminal statutes, or the student has in his/her possession or in his/her personal belongings, including his/her vehicle, evidence that the student has committed a violation of the disciplinary policy or criminal statutes.

 

Periodic searches during the school year may be conducted by school administration and/or state or local police, including the use of the police canine corps trained to sniff out drugs and/or alcohol.

 

Safety

All students are responsible for following general safety practices during the school day, whether they are in shop or in the classroom. Students who violate safety procedures in any class or shop area will be assigned, by the classroom/or shop instructor, a safety procedure unit to complete as part of the class or shop grade where the infraction took place.

 

;A State Law requires that all students working in shop or labs wear approved occupational safety glasses.  Safety glasses will be issued to students in grade 9 for pre-exploratory/exploratory programs.  Upon entrance into the student’s final shop, safety glasses must be purchased by the student.  If your child wears glasses, a signed statement from his/her eye doctor confirming the occupational safety of your child's glasses is required.  Goggles must be worn by students who wear other than approved safety lenses. This should be on file with the school nurse.

 

School Property

;Each student is responsible for the desks that he/she uses, and will be required to pay for refinishing a desk if it is defaced.

Students are not to touch windows or window blinds without permission.

 

Each student is asked to respect school property and to display pride in keeping the corridors, rooms, and grounds free from litter and refuse.

 

Textbook And Tools

;Textbooks are loaned to students and are issued by teachers.  When a student returns his/her textbook, he/she must pay for any damage to it or for excessive wear.  If a textbook is lost, the student must pay the cost of replacement.  If the lost text is found, the fine will be refunded.

 

When tools, instruments, or materials are removed from the tool crib or dispensary, the student to whom issuance was made is held responsible for return of such item(s).  If a student loses or damages a tool, the student must pay the cost of replacement.

 

Students are not permitted to borrow tools to take home.  A student who does so may be disciplined for theft under the code of student conduct.

 

Registering To Vote

;Massachusetts’ voter registration forms are available in the Main Office for Northampton students who are interested and are eligible to become registered voters in Massachusetts.  Voter registration forms can either be completed in the Main Office or taken and completed at the student's convenience.

 

Passes

;Students not in a class or shop during the school day must have a signed pass on his/her person.  A pass is a permit allowing the student to be out of a teaching area.  At no time should a student be out of a room without a signed pass including visits to the counselors, school nurse, and to the Main Office etc.

 

Telephone

Phones in the Main Office or the Guidance Office are for business use only.  Students are not to leave class to use these telephones unless permission is granted by the administration.

 

Outside calls to students during the school day:

1.       Emergency calls will be processed via the Main Office or through the Office of the Dean of Students.

2.       Outside calls will be screened by the Main Office Staff  to determine appropriateness for forwarding information.

 

Fire Drills

Fire drills at regular intervals are required by law and are an important safety precaution.  It is essential that when the first signal is given, everyone obeys orders promptly and clears the building by the prescribed route as quickly as possible.  The teacher in each classroom will give the students instructions.  Teachers must take roll call while in the properly designated areas.

 

Fund Raisers

No organization or student is allowed to sell tickets, products, or to solicit funds without prior permission from the Dean of Students.

 

Visitors/Vendors

;Only those visitors/vendors who have legitimate business to attend to at the school will be allowed on the school campus.  Although parents and other visitors are welcome, they should obtain approval from the Main Office staff prior to their visit to the school. Upon entrance to the school, such persons shall register in the office and obtain a pass.  It is understood that no visitor, vendor or parent shall disrupt or interfere with the conduct of any class or educational activity. Too frequent visitations, by either a parent or visitor can disrupt or interfere with the conduct of any class or educational activity, and therefore, may be prohibited by the principal.

 

Age of Majority

Although t

AGE OF MAJORITY

;he age of majority in Massachusetts is 18 years old, which means that a student 18 years or older may assume adult rights and responsibilities, Smith School still feels a responsi-bility to the parents of all undergraduate students to keep them informed of student progress.  Massachusetts law requires that a parent continue to be informed about a student’s activities even after he/she turns 18 if the student is still living at home.  Once a student is 18 years of age or older, the student and his or her parent/guardian may exercise these rights jointly unless the student has specifically and in writing limited the rights of his or her parents.  However, a parent shall continue to have the right to receive copies of the student transcript and relevant academic information.

 

Tape Recording

Tape recording of meetings is not permitted unless tape recording of a meeting is necessary to accommodate a documented disability of the parent/guardian/educational surrogate; the limited English proficiency of the parent/guardian/educational surrogate; or an impediment of the parent/guardian/educational surrogate that prevents that person from fully understanding the process without the use of a tape recording. Parents must contact the TEAM Chairperson prior to a Special Education meeting or Principal or Dean of Students prior to any other meeting two (2) school days prior to the meeting to request the accommodation. Documentation must be provided at that time.

 

 

 

 

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN

This notification is required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA, 40 CFR Part 763 of Title II of the Toxic Substances Control Act).  An Asbestos Manage-ment Plan has been developed for our education facility which has asbestos containing materials.  The plan is available in the Office of the Superintendent and accessible for review by the public.

 

CHILD ABUSE

PROTECTION AND CARE OF CHILDREN

 

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School has a School Child Abuse Neglect (S.C.A.N.) team whereby a student may speak to any faculty member regarding a concern of child abuse and neglect.  The faculty member will report this information to a member of the S.C.A.N. team who will follow up with the student.  Information will be treated confidentially.