MISSION STATEMENT: Making positive changes ~ One student at a time

ICHS FIGHT SONG

Three cheers for ICHS
No brag, it’s factual, we are the best
From upper classmen, right on down
We face adversity with never a frown,
We never falter, always stand tall
On the field of competition, or academic hall
We are Wildcats one and all
Oppose us and you will fall

Superintendent: John Mc Farlane
Principal: John Mc Farlane
Counselor: Berta Huffman

Bell Schedule

8:15 – 9:07
11:59 – 12:51
9: 11 – 10:03 Lunch 12:51 – 1:26
10:07 – 10:59 1:30 – 2:22
11:03 – 11:55
2:26 – 3:18

Building Hours

The building office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on days in which school is in session. Students who are not in a club, sport, attending tutoring or sanctioned activity may not stay after school unless working with a teacher. These hours apply regardless of weather conditions.

Your Wildcat Handbook

One can always hope that the coming school year will be still better than the last, that friendships will grow, that your school’s teams will meet with greater success than ever before, and that you will surpass yourself in your classroom successes. These are not just dreams if you plan your personal schedule well, if you are well informed of day-to-day regulations that help keep your school running well, and if you approach challenges with a readiness to learn from them and a determination to succeed. This handbook provides some of the information that will help you do just this. Keep it in a safe place where you can refer to it for information you need. Especially as the school year gets under way, there is much useful information here that will help you get into the flow of things quickly. A good place to begin is to learn the daily schedule well...

Student Fees for 2009-2010

General Supply Fee $20.00

This fee helps to cover expenses for supplies used in conjunction with computers, printers and PE (not to include gym attire), as well as some field trip expenses. Students will also receive a student ID card.

Other Fees

Fees for clubs, art and shop projects are the responsibility of the individual student. Students unable to pay fees may speak to the principal about financial assistance.

Sport Participation Fee

High School: $50 maximum per year ($35 – first sport; $15 – second sport). Middle School: $35 maximum per year ($20 – first sport; $15 – second sport). There will be a $100 maximum family fee per year. The participation fees pays for uniforms and equipment only. It does not cover spirit packs or entry to home games. The fee must be paid to, or arrangements made with, the coach prior to the athlete’s participation in the first regularly scheduled game.

Student Activity Card $25

This card allows admission to home games excluding district, conference and state tournaments. It also allows for discounted admission at away games ($3.00 with activity card, $5.00 without). This card helps pay for athletic equipment and the cost of officials. All students participating in sports are required to have an activity card. Exceptions may be considered in the event of hardship.

Adult Athletic Season Pass $75.00

This pass allows admission to all home athletic events excluding district, conference, and state tournaments. Regular admission is $5.00 per event.

Family Season Pass $125.00

This pass allows admission to all home games but excludes district, conference, and state tournaments. It is for immediate family members, living in the home, only.

Academic Notes

Student Aides
Teacher aide is a for credit class. Student aides will receive one credit per semester for a passing grade. The grade will be pass/fail. To be an aide, a student must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Junior or Senior standing.
2. GPA of 2.5 or better.
3. On track towards graduation.
4. Approval of the teacher or individual for whom you are to be an aide.
5. Exceptions to the above may be made by administration.

Class Assignments and Changes

Students are assigned classes according to their educational needs and the structure of the master schedule. No class changes are allowed after the first nine days of any semester. Students who are removed from a class will receive an “F” for that semester. Students will not be placed in independent study for classes offered on the ICHS schedule unless there has been prior approval by the Principal and the Counselor.

Textbook Care and Replacement

Students are responsible for textbooks issued to them. Loss or destruction of the text will require that the student pay for the book before they are issued a new one.

Grading

The following grading system will be in place at Idaho City High School for the 2009-2010 school year.

GRADE PERCENTAGE

A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 88-89
B 83-87
B- 80-82
C+ 78-79
C 73-77
C- 70-72
D+ 68-69
D 63-67
D- 60-62

Report cards will calculate the GPA including pluses and minuses. An F, I or NC results in no credit. Students must turn in incomplete work within two weeks of the end of the marking period or lose credit. Incompletes are not given for the fourth quarter.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Idaho City High School required credits for graduation 48

Graduates must earn a minimum of 48 credits to graduate from Idaho City High School including the 25 core classes identified by the State Department of Education and pass all four parts of the Idaho Standards Achievement Test (Reading, Math, Language and Science) to receive a diploma.

Reading*

Reading is required. Students who meet proficiency on the reading ISAT may have the reading requirement waived; those not meeting proficiency will be placed in a reading class.

Plagiarism/Cheating

For the first offense, any student caught cheating may receive a zero for that particular assignment/test. A second offense in the same class may result in a failing grade for the semester.

Graduation

Graduation exercises are held each year in May. Only students receiving diplomas may participate. Those students who are graduating early in January may participate in the May exercises.

Honors, Valedictorian/Salutatorian Eligibility

Eligibility for the honor of salutatorian or valedictorian will be determined by the following procedure:

Valedictorian

The valedictorian for the graduating class will be identified as the graduating student who has the highest grade point average through a minimum of 46 semester credits of completed high school work. The student who is identified as the valedictorian must have completed at least three semesters of course work at ICHS and be a full-time student at the time of graduation. Full-time student = a minimum of four class periods. Per School Board request, the counselor will figure Valedictorian/Salutatorian standings.

Salutatorian

The salutatorian for the graduating class will be identified as the graduating student who has the second highest grade point average through a minimum of 46 semester credits of completed high school work. The student who is identified as the salutatorian must have completed at least three semesters of course work at ICHS and be a full-time student at the time of graduation. Full-time student = a minimum of four class periods.

Transfer Credits

Credits obtained from an accredited school in the US or its territories, or from an approved correspondence school shall be accepted at face value when accompanied by an official transcript from that institution. A total of six correspondence courses will be applicable towards an ICHS diploma.

Honor Roll

The honor roll gives recognition to students with high academic achievement at the end of each marking period. Highest Honors is reserved for students with a 3.75 GPA or higher, High Honors is reserved for students with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.74 and Honors is for students with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.49.

Honor Society

Idaho City High School is a member of the National Honor Society. Members are selected on the basis of academic achievement, citizenship, leadership, and faculty recommendations. Transfer students are automatically members if they have proof of membership from their previous school.

Independent Study

Independent study courses are not given at Idaho City High School. Correspondence, dual enrollment, tech prep, video classes, or classes via the Internet receive credit as arranged through the counselor.

Notes on Student Activities

Athletics

ICHS participates in the Western Idaho Conference, 1A Division and offers football, volleyball, basketball, cross-country, cheerleading and track & field. Separate teams for middle school and high school will be offered when numbers permit. All students’ participation is governed by the school activity policy, as well as student code of conduct (see below) and the by-laws of the Idaho High School Activities Association. Copies of the activity policy are available from the Activities Director or individual coaches.

Clubs/ Organizations

Current clubs and organizations include: P.E.A.P.O.D., Youth Alive, National Honor Society, Snowboard Club and the Associated Student Body.

Student Council

Eligibility for office will be open to those students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. ASB elections are held in May for the following year and class officers are elected in the fall.

Student Visitors

Student visitors are allowed only under certain circumstances. Generally, students that attended the Basin schools within the previous year are not allowed to attend as guests. In order to bring a visitor, students must have written permission from all of their teachers and approval of the building principal at least 24 hours in advance.

Student Codes and Regulations

School Attendance, District Policy 522:

It is recognized that attendance is very important in the education of students. Students are required to be in attendance at school at least ninety (90) percent of the time school is in session during each semester. The board may deny a promotion to the next grade or deny credit to any student who does not meet that standard even if he/she has passing grades. Absence from class for any reason (with the exception of school sanctioned activities), including family convenience, shall be counted when the percentage of attendance and consequent eligibility for promotion or credit is being considered.

A parent/guardian who has valid reasons to believe that all or part of the absences are the result of extraordinary circumstances, may file a written request for review by the building attendance committee within five (5) days of receiving notice of denial. The building attendance committee shall review the records and the circumstances and make a determination as to whether or not the student should receive credit. The attendance committee shall consist of the school principal, school counselor, a recording secretary, and three (3) teachers designated by the principal. Extraordinary circumstances may include, but are not limited to, verified illness, medical treatment, death in the family or death of close friends, medical or dental professional appointments, and family emergencies.

The decision of the attendance committee may be appealed to the superintendent. This appeal must be submitted to the superintendent within ten (10) working days after receiving the committee’s decision.

The decision of the superintendent may be appealed to the board for a final decision. The appeal must be filed with the superintendent’s office within ten (10) working days after the superintendent made notification of his/her decision to the student or parents. The board will address the appeal in executive session. The board’s decision will be final.

The student will be allowed to continue to attend classes pending the board’s determination in this matter.

LEGAL REFERENCE
Idaho Code Sections: 33-506 and 67-2344
ADOPTED: December 17, 1996

9-Day Attendance Rule:

District Policy 522 states that students who miss more than nine days per semester, excused or unexcused, whether by periods or entire day, will be denied semester credit in that class or classes. Suspensions will count toward the nine days. Appeals for credit loss may be made to the Attendance committee (see procedure above).

Excused Absence:

Students may have excused absences for doctor/dentist appointments, illness, family emergency, school activities, court appointments or pre-arranged absences. Students have one day for each day of excused absence to make up missing work. No more than a week will be allowed for make-up work unless prior arrangements have been made.

Students who are 18 or older may NOT sign themselves in and out of the building. They may sign themselves out for the day only for court or medical reasons. Students who are 18 or older must follow the same rules for excused absences as all other students.

Unexcused Absence:

Unexcused absences are defined as any absence other than those listed above. Assignments missed due to an unexcused absence may not be made up without teacher approval.

Returning to school after an absence:

1. A parent must call the day of the absence and follow up with a note within 48 hours of the student returning to school.

2. The attendance administrator will enter all absences as unexcused until the parent phone call and/or note has been received. Once received, the absence can be changed to excused.

When a student has absences (excused or unexcused) the following procedure will be followed:

1. 4 absences:

a. A letter is sent home.

b. If necessary, attend study hall after school until all missing work is completed. Failure to comply: May be referred to ICAN/court system

2. 7 absences:

a. A second letter is sent home.

b. Student may be assigned to Saturday school to complete school work, if necessary.

3. 10 absences:

a. Denial of credit (see district policy 522 above for the appeal process).

b. Possible referral to Boise County Prosecutor/ICAN

Truancy:

1. First occurrence:

>Hour for hour detention.

2. Second occurrence

>Letter to parent emphasizing Idaho Statute.
>Copy to county prosecutor and/or ICAN.
>Hour for hour detention or Saturday school.

3. Third occurrence

>Referral to Boise County Prosecutor program.

[Note: Credit for work missed as a result of unexcused absences is awarded at the discretion of the teacher.]

Tardies

A student is tardy if he/she is not in the room when the bell rings. Tardies not resulting from being on school business, as determined by the office, are unexcused. Late buses or related activities are considered school business. Phone calls to parents are not considered school business unless office personnel instruct the student to do so. A second unexcused tardy will result in the student be given a lunch detention. Failure to attend the detention will result in an additional lunch detention. If a student fails to attend either of these, parents may be notified and the student may be assigned to Saturday school, after school detention or in school suspension.

Food and Beverage

School lunches are to remain in the cafeteria. Snacks may be eaten in the academic hallway, provided it is kept clean. Students are not to have food or beverage in the classrooms or library.

BUS BEHAVIOR

Riding the school bus is a privilege. Riders are responsible for maintaining appropriate behavior while loading, riding and unloading. Parents and students will be required to read, sign and return the following list of rules in order to use any bus transportation. Failure to obey the following rules will result in the denial of bus riding privileges.

1. Students will enter the bus with the least possible confusion, be seated and remain seated until the bus stops for students to unload.

2. Students will keep all parts of their bodies inside the bus except when unloading.

3. If necessary to cross the road, do so fifteen (15) feet in front of the bus and wait at the right edge of the roadway for a signal from the bus driver before proceeding into the traffic lanes.

4. Students will stay away from the bus except when loading or unloading.

5. Students will respond to the driver’s requests promptly.

6. Students will wait in an orderly line and avoid “horseplay.”

7. Each student will go directly to an available or assigned seat when entering the bus.

8. Students will not throw or pass objects on, from, or into the bus.

9. Except when prior approval is granted, pupils are to carry on only objects that can be held on their laps.

10. The student will not carry hazardous materials, objects or animals on the bus.

11. The students will only leave or board the bus at their assigned stop. Due to limited space on busses, requests from the parent or guardian regarding their student riding to or from an alternate stop must be received in the school office at least 24 hours prior to the desired change. Requests will not be approved if the alternate bus does not have available space or if requested less than 24 hours in advance.

12. Students are also expected to follow all other school rules listed in this handbook.

Driving

Licensed student drivers are permitted to drive to school and park licensed and insured vehicles on school premises as a matter of privilege, not right. Students may not sit in cars during the day while classes are in session or have lunch in their cars. Failure to comply with these rules will be treated as a disciplinary violation.

Closed Campus

Considering the health, safety, and well being of the students, staff and community, it shall be the policy of this school district that the school grounds shall be considered a closed campus, except provided below in lunch procedure.

Students may not leave the school grounds during the regular school day unless attending a class held under school district auspices in an off-campus setting. The parking lot shall be off-limits during class time. Students wishing to leave school grounds prior to the end of the normal school day must have a note from their parents/guardians and sign out in the school office.

Lunch Procedure

Students in grades nine through twelve may leave the school premises for lunch if they have a signed note (on a form provided by the school) on file with the office.

Students in grades 7-8 may NOT leave campus during lunch unless they can walk to and from home for lunch. Students in grades 7-8 must have required note on file in the high school office for the school year.

Gymnasium

NO STREET SHOES ON THE GYM FLOOR AT ANY TIME. Students taking physical education, participating in sports, etc, must have shoes for that class and/or sport only.

Student Property

The district will not be responsible for any student’s personal property. This includes, but is not limited to, athletic equipment, clothing, music players or other electronic equipment. We suggest that all students use the locks on their hall and P.E. lockers.

Skateboards, Roller Blades, and Skates

Skateboards, roller blades and skates are not permitted on buses or on school property during regular school hours or when there are after school activities.

Snow Throwing, Whitewashing, Rock-Throwing, etc.

Snow is to be left on the ground, trees, buildings, etc. No throwing of rocks or snow in any form will be allowed. Those students caught violating this provision may be assigned a 30 minute detention.

Student Dress Code

Students should be dressed appropriately for the classroom setting and exercise good judgment when dressing for school. In general, the six B’s (boxers, briefs, bras, breasts, bellies, bottoms) should remain covered. Inappropriate or offensive clothing that interferes with the educational process, as determined by the district, is not allowed. Examples include, but are not limited to the following:

First Offense: Warning/Change of Clothing (provided by school if necessary)/Parent Notification
Second Offense: ISS/Parent Notification
Third Offense: Parent Conference to determine uniform type and how long it will be worn.

Lockers

Lockers with locks are provided by the school for each student. Students are responsible for the locker and lock that is assigned to them at the beginning of the year and anything that is stored in that locker. Students are to use only the locker and lock that is assigned to them. Depending on availability, some students may need to share a locker. The larger lockers are assigned to seniors first, followed by juniors.

Lockers are on loan to students for storage purposes and the school makes every effort to insure the security of lockers that are used in the proper manner. Assigned locks are to be returned upon checking out of school. It is also the students’ responsibility to clean the locker out. This includes, but is not limited to, food, beverages, trash, books, personal belongings, writing/markings and adhesives. There will be a $5.00 charge for failure to return the lock. The office will have a listing of all school lock combinations in the event that a student forgets his or her combination.

STUDENT CONDUCT

School Rules for Student Conduct

School officials expect outstanding behavior from the students of Idaho City High School/Middle School. The following rules apply to all students whether in school or participating in school sponsored events:

Major Offenses

1. Possession of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs other than by prescription. This includes drug paraphernalia of any type. For medicine and prescription drugs see policy below.

2. Possession of weapons, or facsimiles thereof, of any type. Weapons are defined as any knife, firearm, laser light, explosive device, substance, animate or inanimate, and/or any object used in a threatening manner or that is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. Cigarette lighters are not allowed.

3. Fighting. No individual should put his/her hands on any other individual in an aggressive manner.

4. Defiance of authority, profanity, insubordination or aggressive actions.

5. Vandalism is the act of defacing or destroying property belonging to others and will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, drawing on, writing on, cutting, tearing or breaking lockers, books, desks, walls, sidewalks, windows, doors, door handles, fire extinguishers or other property.

6. Theft of any type.

7. Actions that disrupt the educational process.

8. Foul, obscene or vulgar language directed to anyone at any time. Racial, religious or ethnic slurs or derogatory sexual remarks. Harassment of others by words or actions.

First Offense: May be referred to the police and/or one to three-day suspension from school or expulsion.

Second Offense: May be referred to the police and/or three to five-day suspension or expulsion from school.

Third Offense: May be referred to the police and/or possible expulsion from school.

Minor Offenses

1. Public display of affection. This includes, but is not limited to hugging, kissing, or unwarranted touching. An inappropriate display of affection is anything beyond holding hands.

2. Violations of the dress code.

3. Spitting or littering in the building or on school property.

4. Truancy (see Attendance Policy).

5. Leaving the school grounds without permission.

First Offense: 1 hour after school detention.

Second Offense: 2 hours after school detention.

Third Offense: 1 day out of school suspension/Saturday school (see Saturday School, page 8).

Subsequent Offenses: Minimum of 3 days out of school suspension

Students kept after school are responsible for their own transportation. They may use the activity bus by obtaining a pass from the office. Students who are under suspension may not be on campus for ANY event during the time of their suspension.

Saturday School

Saturday school will be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on regularly scheduled Saturdays each month (when necessary), with one 5 minute break each hour. Students are to work on academic assignments for the duration. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the school. Students who fail to show up for Saturday school or are removed for behavioral reasons will be assigned 2 days of out of school suspension.

Student Rights

It is the administration’s goal to balance the students’ right to privacy and expression with the educational community’s desire to have a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning. District employees are legally obligated to respect these rights and are expected to encourage students to exercise them responsibly. However, if reasonable suspicion of illegal activity exists, the district is authorized to conduct a search of the person or persons, their belongings, school property, including lockers, and private vehicles parked on school grounds. These searches can be conducted without notice, without consent and without a search warrant.

LEGAL REFERENCE
Idaho Code 18-3302D
New Jersey v. TLO, 469 U.S. 325 (1985)
Tinker v. Des Moines, 393 U.S. 503 (1969)
Morse v. Frederick, U.S. 06-278 (2007)

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, MEDICATION AT SCHOOL, COMMUNICATIONS

Emergency School Cancellation (Before School Begins)

If school is cancelled due to inclement weather (such as too much snow, no electricity, etc.) Please listen to:

Radio: KBOI 670 AM; KQFC 98 FM; KLCI 96.9 FM; KOOL 104 FM.

T.V.: Channel 2; Channel 6; Channel 7

Medication at School

If it is necessary that medication be taken during school hours, a parent or guardian must complete the form requesting that their child be given both prescription and non-prescription medications. All medications shall be provided by the parent or guardian, sent to school in the original container and labeled with student’s name. It will be kept in a secure area of the office. Medications will be dispensed to students as indicated on the form completed by parents or guardians. It is the student’s responsibility to report to the office at the appropriate time for their medication, unless student has a disability and is unable to do so. Each time a student receives his or her medication, it will be logged into the medication log book and available for parents to review during regular office hours.

LEGAL REFERENCE
Idaho Code section 33-506(1)
ADOPTED: December 17, 1996

Computer Use

Computers are available throughout the district for student use. Students have the opportunity to use the internet, Microsoft Office products and other software that is installed on various computers. The use of district computers is a privilege, and parental or guardian permission to use them is required. Use of the district’s computers must be for the appropriate education of students and be consistent with the educational objectives of this district. A parent’s signature on the Computer Use agreement indicates that the parent has given the student his/her permission to use the computers and signifies that he/she supports the school in its acceptable use criteria. Additionally, a student’s signature on this form indicates that he/she will abide by this acceptable use policy. As many Internet sites are inappropriate for student use, the district has implemented a filtering system that eliminates access to many sites; however, eliminating access to every inappropriate site is difficult. The district reserves the right to monitor all computer usage. A student’s computer use privileges may be revoked and he/she might be subject to further disciplinary action for inappropriate use.

Phone Calls

1. Students are permitted to use the office phones only in the case of an emergency or illness.

2. To avoid classroom interruptions, calls received in the office will not be put through to classes.

3. Students will be called to the office to take phone calls that are deemed an emergency by office personnel; otherwise, messages will be taken by office personnel and delivered to the student at the end of the class hour.

A payphone in the cafeteria is available for student use. The payphone number is 392-9809. Cafeteria staff will not be answering that phone.