HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL
HCAM
Parent/Student
Handbook
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2016 - 2017
Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School
PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK
CONTENTS
Introduction:
2016 – 2016 School Calendar 4
Questions Answered 5
Student Information
Student Rights 6
Student Responsibilities and Code of Conduct 6
Statement of Academic Integrity 6
HCAM Student Enrollment Policy…..………………………………………8
Bell Schedules 9
Grading Periods 10
Student Fees 10
Counseling Department
Counseling Services 11
Grading Scale, Standardized Transcript, and Weighting 12
Grade Averages and Rank 13
Promotion Requirements 13
Early Graduation 13
Courses of Study 13
Driver Education
Driver Education Information 13
“No Pass, No Drive” 14
School Policies and Procedures
Attendance Policy 14
Check- In/Out 15
Make-Up Work 15
Tardy Policy 16
Hazardous Conditions 16
Health Services 16
Medications at School 17
School Jurisdiction 17
Visitors 17
Conduct and Safety Rules for Bus Riders 18
Student Parking 18
Safe and Orderly Environment 19
Drugs and Alcohol 19
Tobacco Products 20
Reasonable Force 20
Search and Seizure Procedures 20
Weapons 21
Chemical Spray Policy 23
Physical Assault/Personal Injury 23
Fighting 23
Threatening or Abusive Actions 23
Gang Activity 23
Destruction of Property 23
Sexual Harassment 23
Public Displays of Affection……………………………………………23
Stealing 23
Dress Code 24
Consequences Regarding Inappropriate Dress 24
HPS/HCAM Discipline Process and Levels of Consequences 25
Electronic Devices 28
Lockers 28
Book Bags 28
Protection of Personal Property 29
Suspension, Dismissal, and Expulsion…..…………….………………..30
Grievance Procedure 30
Right of Appeal 30
Procedure for Appeal 31
Extracurricular Activities
Eligibility for Extracurricular Participation 31
Appendix
FERPA………..………………………………………………………….32
Technology Guidelines & Policies…………………………..……........ 34
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Questions?
Contact Information
Athletics…………………………School Administrator or David Craft, HHS
Student Attendance …..………………......Kim Canino or Student Services
Bus Transportation………………………Nala Sadler-Sherrill/Renric Pope
Chromebook/Technology Issues………………………………………..Kone Lee
CTE Questions………………………………………………………………Skye Lewis
Driver’s Education………………..HHS or North Carolina Driving School /
828-322-5860 or 828-458-9600
Driver’s License Eligibility…………………………………………..Alice Averitt
Exceptional Children………………………………………………..Laura Saenger
Free/Reduced Lunch……………………………Tina Pottorff / HPS Director
Graduation Ceremony/Procedures ……………………………….Alice Averitt
Lost & Found………………………………………………………April Wesolowski
Parent PowerSchool Portal …………….April Wesolowski or Kim Canino
Parking……………………………………………April Wesolowski/HCAM SRO
Safety Concerns………………………………….School Administrator or SRO
School Nurse……………………………………………………………….Faye Grant
Student Scholarships ……………………………………………….Emily DeVivo
Social Services………….…………………………Robin Dycus or Alice Averitt
Student Fees……………………………………………………….April Wesolowski
Testing Coordinator…………………………………………Nala Sadler-Sherrill
Transcripts………………………………………………………………Emily DeVivo
Yearbook………………………………………………………………..Janet Johnson
504 Plans…………………………………………………………………Emily DeVivo
STUDENT INFORMATION
STUDENT RIGHTS
All students at Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School are entitled to certain rights without regard to age, ethnic background, gender, or socio-economic status. These rights are listed below:
1. to attend school in a climate that is conducive to learning
2. to attend a school that is free of drugs, alcohol, any illegal substance, weapons, and violence
3. to be respected by fellow students and faculty members
4. to attend school without verbal threats or harassment
5. to seek the assistance of an adult (teacher, counselor, administrator, or school resource officer)
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND CODE OF CONDUCT
Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School students are charged with certain responsibilities in order to help create a better learning climate for all students. These responsibilities are listed below:
1. Be prepared daily for class.
2. Be in assigned areas at all times.
3. Respect the rights of one another.
4. Disagree without being disagreeable.
5. Respect and appreciate the culture and background of other students.
6. Report any weapons, illegal substances, vandalism, or violence to an administrator or School Resource Officer (SRO).
7. Help maintain a climate that is conducive to learning by adhering to all guidelines addressed in this handbook.
STATEMENT OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
We, as an academic institution at Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School, believe that cheating, plagiarizing, lying, and stealing are unacceptable. It is the responsibility of every student, parent, teacher, and administrator to foster a love of learning in an environment of diligence, civility, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect. In this endeavor we, as an institution, have outlined below the definitions, responsibilities, and consequences regarding cheating, plagiarism, lying, and stealing.
- Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
1. Willful giving or receiving of an unauthorized, unfair, or dishonest advantage in school work over other students.
2. Attempted cheating.
3. Work that is NOT one’s own.
4. Some examples: deception; the use of communicating, signs, or gestures during a quiz or test; copying or allowing the copying of an individual assignment; passing quiz or test information during a class period or between class periods to students of the same teacher; trying to obtain information from a student even if he/she is unaware; collaboration on an assignment without the teacher’s knowledge or permission; submission of a pre-written assignment when the assignment was supposed to be written in class; illegally exceeding time limits on timed tests, quizzes, or other assignments; unauthorized or attempted use of study aids, cheat sheets, notes, books, technology , data, or other information; computer fraud; sabotaging the projects or experiments of other students.
- Plagiarizing includes, but is not limited to:
1. Presenting, as one’s own, the words or the opinions of someone else without proper acknowledgement.
2. Borrowing or summarizing the sequence of ideas, arrangement of materials, or the pattern of thought of another without proper acknowledgement.
3. Some examples: having someone else write an essay or do a project which is then submitted as one’s own; failing to use proper documentation as directed by teacher; copying phrases, sentences, or paragraphs from another’s work or website without citing.
- Lying includes, but is not limited to:
1. Willful and knowledgeable telling of an untruth or falsehood as well as any form of deceit, attempted deception, or fraud in an oral or written statement.
2. Some examples: lying or failing to give complete information to a teacher; feigning illness to gain extra preparation time for tests, quizzes, or assignments due.
- Stealing includes, but is not limited to:
1. Taking or receiving materials or information without the right or permission to do so, with the intent to keep or make wrongful use of the academic property or materials of another student or the instructional materials of the teacher.
2. Some examples: stealing copies of tests or quizzes; illegitimately accessing the teacher’s answer key for tests or quizzes; stealing the teacher’s edition of the textbook; obtaining a teacher’s edition of a textbook via a purchase; stealing another’s homework, notes, workbook, or lab notebook.
Consequences:
All of the consequences below (daily work AND major assignments) are cumulative for the school year, regardless of the teacher involved. Students disciplined for honor code violations two or more times (regardless of the teacher) will not be eligible for all honor societies, and Student Government, or will be removed from these organizations if currently a member. The student’s name will be placed on the consequences list (regardless of the type of work) along with the number of violations.
Daily work (this includes, but is not limited to, homework, class work, and quizzes):
1. A zero will be given for the assignment.
2. An administrator and/or the teacher will contact parents.
Major assignments (this includes, but is not limited to, research papers, tests, lab work, and projects):
1. 1st offense: Students will be allowed to redo the assignment for ½ credit. An administrator and/or the teacher will contact parents.
2. 2nd (and any further) offense: Students receive a zero on the assignment. An administrator and/or the teacher will contact parents and student. Students will be removed from any academic honor societies and student leadership positions.
Hickory Career and Arts Magnet Student Enrollment Conditions
Hickory Career and Arts Magnet (HCAM) is a magnet school with a specific focus on creative arts and instruction to improve academic performance. At HCAM, students engage in creative learning activities and career academies for success both during high school and after graduation. As a magnet, student enrollment is voluntary and based on application and acceptance rather than based on a student living within a specific school attendance area. Because HCAM is a special interest magnet school, HCAM limits its enrollment to students who meet stated requirements. These requirements include:
• a completed application
• enrollment acceptance based on application
• enrollment in a specific academy of study
• meeting behavioral expectations
• meeting academic expectations
Application:
Students must apply for enrollment at HCAM by completing an application. The application period is during the spring semester for the following academic year. Student selection is competitive in order to fill any open slots in each career/creative academy. Students may list more than one academy on the application in order to increase their enrollment opportunity.
Academy Enrollment:
Students enroll in a specific learning academy when they apply and are accepted at HCAM. A freshman may discover that they have a greater interest in another learning academy. Students are allowed to request a change in learning academy ONE time prior to the beginning of their sophomore year. An academy change will be accommodated only if there is an available seat in the requested academy. In order to remain enrolled in the selected academy, students must meet stated academic and behavioral requirements. A junior or senior may not change their academy. If a student fails to meet the academic requirements of their academy, enrollment at HCAM ends and the student must enroll at their district designated home school.
Academic Expectations:
Academic success must be the focus for each and every student at HCAM. Because HCAM is a magnet school with selective enrollment, students must meet academic standards for continued enrollment. To remain academically eligible as an HCAM student, students must maintain an overall grade point average (gpa) of 2.0 for each semester. (Grade point average is the average of the grades a student receives in all of their courses. A grade point of average of 2.0 is a “C” average in all classes.) Student academic performance will be reviewed at the end of the first 9 weeks grading period. Students who fall below a 2.0 gpa at the end of the first 9 weeks will be placed on probation for the second 9 weeks. At the end of the second 9 weeks, student academic performance will be reviewed again. If a student on probation has not improved their grades to earn an overall 2.0 gpa, they will be dismissed from enrollment at HCAM and the student must enroll at their district designated home school.
Students who meet the 2.0 gpa requirement in the first 9 weeks have demonstrated their ability to meet the academic standard at HCAM. If a student drops below a 2.0 gpa for the second 9 weeks grades, their continued enrollment will be based on their end of the semester grades. These students must meet the 2.0 gpa requirement based on semester final grades.
Students enrolled in a CVCC-based academy must maintain a 2.0 gpa to remain enrolled in that academy. Student performance will be reviewed at the 9 weeks and semester mark, as specified by each CVCC academy. For students enrolled in CVCC-based academies, enrollment at HCAM is dependent on continued enrollment in the CVCC academy.
Behavioral Expectations:
HCAM students are involved in a range of creative and college-level learning experiences. In order to succeed in such an environment, students must demonstrate emotional and behavioral maturity. As a magnet program with selective enrollment, students must meet specific behavioral requirements for continued enrollment.
Any severe and/or ongoing disciplinary problems could result in dismissal from HCAM. This may include a single, violent or very serious disciplinary incident. This may also include a series of disruptive events or an ongoing pattern of behavior that prevents the students or others to access their learning. Each disciplinary incident will be reviewed for severity. In addition, students’ overall disciplinary record will be reviewed at the end of each 9 weeks. Students who do not meet the behavioral expectations at the end of a 9 weeks period will be placed on probation for the following 9 weeks. If students meet probationary requirements, they may continue enrollment at HCAM. If students do not meet the probationary requirements, they will be dismissed and must return to their district-determined home school.
HCAM BELL SCHEDULE
|8:55 |Opening Bell |
|9:00—10:25 |1st Period |
|10:30—12:25 |2nd Period/Lunch |
|Lunch |10:35 |CORE Lunch |
|Schedule | | |
| |10:45 |ISS/ATS Lunch |
| |11:00—11:25 |1st Lunch |
| |11:30—11:55 |2nd Lunch |
| |12:00—12:25 |3rd Lunch |
|12:30—1:00 |Academic Enhancement and/or Homeroom |
|1:05—2:30 |3rd Period |
|2:35—4:00 |4th Period |
|Report Cards and Progress Report Dates 2016-2017 |
| |
|Progress Report 1 |September 19, 2016 |September 22, 2016 |
|Progress Report 2 |October 10, 2016 |October 13, 2016 |
|Report Card 1 |October 28, 2016 |November 4, 2016 |
|Progress Report 1 |November 17, 2016 |November 22, 2016 |
|Progress Report 2 |December 14, 2016 |December 19, 2016 |
|Report Card 2 |January 20, 2017 |January 31, 2017 |
|Progress Report 1 |February 14, 2017 |February 17, 2017 |
|Progress Report 2 |March 6, 2017 |March 9, 2017 |
|Report Card 3 |March 24, 2017 |March 31, 2017 |
|Progress Report 1 |April 24, 2017 |April 27, 2017 |
|Progress Report 2 |May 12, 2017 |May 17, 2017 |
|Report Card 4 |June 9, 2017 |June 9, 2017** |
STUDENT FEES
|Fee |Required |Optional |Waiver (per request and approval) |
|HCAM Senior Fee |$30.00 |X | |x |
|Instructional Fee |$15.00 |X | |x |
|Science Lab |$10.00 |X | |x |
|Yearbook |$40.00 | |x | |
|Pictures |$13 & up | |x | |
|Visual Art I,2,3 |$10.00 |X | |x |
|Calculator Rental Fee Per |$10.00 |X | | |
|semester | | | | |
|PSAT |$14.00 | |x | |
|Technology Fee |$25.00 |X | |x |
|Parking |$10.00 | |X | |
|*Club Fees |$10.00 |*(if required by club) | | |
| | | | | |
-- If a student drives to school, a parking permit is required (see parking regulations/procedures).
--To join a club is optional. However, if a student joins a club that requires a fee, the fee is not optional.
-- ALL student fees should be cleared yearly. Report cards, transcripts, and/or schedules may be held until fees are met each year.
-- All waiver requests for fees are to be turned in by 9-30-16.
-- Seniors must meet all financial obligations in order to graduate.
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
The Counseling Department is designed to meet the needs of students in all areas necessary for the successful completion of high school. Students may make appointments with the counselor throughout the year.
COUNSELING SERVICES
EDUCATIONAL:
Graduation Requirements: Students meet with counselors to review courses completed, those in progress, and those still needed. Since each student’s situation is unique, all questions regarding course requirements should be directed to the student’s counselor. All students will be required to meet the state minimum standards plus Hickory Career & Arts Magnet (HCAM) High School requirements. All financial obligations must be met before a student can participate in any graduation activity or graduation ceremony.
PERSONAL:
Personal problems often prevent a student from doing his/her best work in class. Helping with these personal problems is a main concern of the counselors. Problems with self-concept, friends, dating, sex, drugs, alcohol, family, criminal behavior, etc. will be discussed in strictest confidence. Counselors assume parental consent to personal counseling services but will withhold services upon written request. Counseling will inform parents of formal counseling services; these include group, long-term counseling. The Counseling Office will be glad to make an appointment to see any student. If the problem is of an emergency nature, the counselor will see the student as soon as possible.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
It is the policy of HCAM that all conferences between counselor and student are confidential unless the safety or well-being of the student is at risk. Also, confidentiality of all school records is maintained in compliance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act. In accordance with this act, no records regarding a student, except directory information, will be given to colleges, athletic, and military recruiters; prospective employers; etc. without written consent of the parent of students under 18 years of age or of the student if the student is 18 or older.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Seniors planning to further their education at a college or university should complete applications by the end of November of their senior year. The counselor or principal will write a letter of recommendation upon request. Students are responsible for providing a stamped envelope for mailing each application. Two transcripts will be provided free of charge by the school. Additional transcripts will cost $5.00 each. Seniors are responsible for informing the counselor regarding where to mail final transcripts.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Scholarship information may be obtained from the student’s counselor, morning announcements, or other web resources. In addition, students are encouraged to visit colleges and inquire onsite about college scholarships.
GUIDANCE OFFICE FORMS AND APPLICATIONS
The Guidance Office has applications for SAT, ACT, Financial Aid Forms, local scholarships and loans. College catalogs are available for use in the Guidance Office. Please inquire about additional resources available to you when you meet with your counselor.
CAREER/COLLEGE DAYS
Seniors are allowed two days during the school year to visit prospective colleges. Seniors must make a request prior to the visit to their counselor. The counselor will contact the college and set up the visit. College visits will be made during first semester unless the counselor determines there are extenuating circumstances. A college/Career Day form must be completed at the time of the visit and returned within two days of the visit. All information on the form must be completed before the absence will be approved.
GRADING SCALE, STANDARDIZED TRANSCRIPT, AND WEIGHTING
A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = Any grade below 60
1. Beginning with the graduating class of 1995, all North Carolina Public Schools were required to use a standardized transcript that must meet the standards listed below.
2. All courses are to be included in the QPA (Quality Point Average).
3. Numerical grades will be converted to a 4.0 system and weighted points will be added at the time of conversion in order to determine QPA and class rank.
Courses offered at HCAM that are eligible for 1/2 point of weight include all Honors courses.
*Unweighted numerical grades will appear on the report card and the transcript.
Numerical grades are converted as follows:
|90– 100 = 4.00 |80-89 = 3.00 |70-79 = 2.00 |60-69 = 1.00 |Below 60 = 0.00 |
| | | | | |
GRADE AVERAGES AND RANK
Seniors will be ranked on or before October of their senior year for college application purposes. This will be a cumulative average over six (6) semesters. Exact weighted cumulative numerical rank (0-100) is used to determine the top graduates and junior marshals for the Graduation ceremony at the end of the third nine week grading period. Final rank is computed at the end of the second semester in June (after all final senior grades are submitted).
PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS
In order to be promoted from the present homeroom level to the next grade level, a student must satisfactorily pass the following units:
To Become a To Become an To Become a
10th Grader 11th Grader 12th Grader To Graduate
6 total units 12 total units 20 total units 28 total units
EARLY GRADUATION
1. A student may graduate at the end of the first semester of the senior year if all graduation requirements are met and the candidate has achieved a 95 percent attendance record through seven semesters.
2. The intention to graduate early must be declared as a junior (during the February/March registration for senior year).
3. A diploma will NOT be issued to the early graduate until spring graduation; HOWEVER, the principal or a designee will provide a final transcript and letter certifying graduation requirements have been met in January following the completion of the fall semester.
4. Early graduates are actually withdrawn from HCAM on the school day following the last exam of the first semester. Such students are allowed NO privileges of participation in HCAM activities occurring after their graduation (other than Spring graduation) including, but not limited to, visitation on campus without reporting to main office for permission; attendance at awards and/or athletic banquet;, continued involvement in any club, sports activity, or team; admission to the Prom, etc.
COURSES OF STUDY
North Carolina high school students are expected to meet specific course and credit requirements in order to receive a high school diploma. These requirements differ depending on when students entered ninth grade for the first time. Over the past few years, the State Board of Education has changed graduation requirements to better reflect the skills and knowledge students need for success in the workplace, and in community colleges, colleges and universities. Our goal is for students to be prepared for whatever they want to do after high school graduation.
So, what do students need to do in order to receive a high school diploma from a North Carolina public school? The answer to that question depends entirely on when the student enters high school for the first time as a ninth grader. Depending on when they entered as a ninth grader, students must meet specific course and credit requirements. Some districts and schools require students to successfully complete additional courses and credits and/or a graduation project or other assignment in order to earn a high school diploma.
Please contact the counseling center for detailed information regarding your child’s required course of study.
DRIVER EDUCATION
The Hickory Public Schools has contracted with North Carolina Driving School, Inc. to provide Driver Education at no cost to the student. Students must be at least 14 ½ years old and enrolled in a public, private, or home school. It is very important for students to sign up shortly after they reach 14 ½ years of age. We use the first-come, first-serve method of selecting the oldest applicants to participate in the classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. After class work completion students will be selected by class first and then by age, with the oldest student in each class selected first to drive. Please take advantage of this opportunity to attend driver education classes as early as possible. Each student needs as much driving practice as possible after he/she receives a learner’s permit.
The Driver Education course consists of 30 classroom hours and six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Classes will be scheduled immediately after the regular school day for two hours each day for 16 regular school days. Additional classes are offered during the summer. Saturday and summer class times are from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The behind-the-wheel instruction will be scheduled between 3:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. on school days and between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and during the summer. If you have any questions about Driver Education classes, please contact the driver education coordinator at HHS, Carrie Jones (828) 322-5860.
“NO PASS, NO DRIVE”
A new dropout prevention bill became effective August 1, 1998. This legislation requires public schools, non-public schools, and community colleges to notify the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles when a student drops out of school or is not making adequate academic progress. Upon notification, DMV will revoke the student’s driver permit or license. “Adequate progress” is defined as passing three out of four classes each semester for schools on a “four-by-four” or block program, or five out of six courses for schools on the traditional six-period day. Students who are unable to meet this standard will lose their permit or license. Major points of the legislation include:
1. Hardship rules for special cases. This would be for those students who need a license due to a sick or ailing parent, students who need to pursue work that contributes significantly to the family welfare, or students who have an extended illness.
2. Issuing of Driving Eligibility Certificates. Carrie Jones will issue a Driving Eligibility Certificate when a student gets his/her initial permit or license at DMV. This certificate will verify that the student is making adequate progress in school and is required by DMV to process a permit or license.
For further information, please contact North Carolina Driving School, Inc. at 828-465-9800.
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Note: Any policy contained in this school handbook may not be the complete version of the policy as formally adopted by the Hickory Board of Education. For the complete text of all Board policies that pertain to students, please refer to the district-wide student handbook or the Board of Education's webpage at .
ATTENDANCE POLICY
The Board of Education recognizes that regular, punctual attendance is a significant factor in educational achievement. Students, parents, and school personnel are encouraged to recognize their individual responsibilities in upholding the laws, regulations, and policies governing student attendance at school.
Parents must notify the attendance office to provide the reason for an absence. The North Carolina Administrative Code recognizes the following reasons that shall constitute valid reasons for absences with appropriate documentation:
1. Illness or injury that prevents the student from being physically able to attend school
2. Quarantine ordered by the local health officer or by the State Board of Health
3. Death in the immediate family
4. Medical or dental appointments
5. Court or administrative proceedings
6. Religious observances (The approval of such absences is within the discretion of the local Board of Education, but approval should be granted unless the religious observance is of such duration to interfere with the education of the student.)
7. Educational opportunity (An absence may be lawful when it is demonstrated that the purpose of the absence is to take advantage of valid educational opportunity. Approval from the principal for such an absence must be gained prior to the absence.)
Parents are expected to provide advance notice in writing for absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals due to medical or dental appointments, court or administrative proceedings, religious observances, or educational opportunities.
A letter will be sent home upon the sixth absence. Upon the 6th absence in the semester, a parent conference may be held with the student’s Social Worker to discuss matters to improve the student’s attendance and/or promptness to class. Upon the 11th absence in the semester, no credit will be given. The student and parent will have the opportunity to request an appeal if there is extenuating circumstances they wish to be considered.
If a student misses over 30 minutes during a class, the student will be considered absent for that class.
CHECK IN/OUT PROCEDURES
It is extremely important for students to be in every class, every day in order to be successful.
The following guidelines will be followed without exception:
1) Check in/check out will be done through the main office only.
2) A student checking in late must present a written note from a parent with the following: student’s name, date, the reason for checking in and a home phone number, parent’s work phone number and a parent’s cell phone number if appropriate.
3) A student checking out must present a written note from a parent BEFORE SCHOOL with the following: Student’s name, date, the time the student needs to check out, a home phone number, parent’s work phone number, and parent’s cell phone number if appropriate.
4) A student, who presents a note before school and checks out for a doctor or dentist appointment, court appearance, etc., must bring proper verification to the main office immediately upon return for it to be excused.
5) No student will be allowed to check out without a note submitted before the school day begins, except for verifiable emergencies. If a student is sick, the school nurse will determine the need to go home and contact the parent.
6) The school secretary will issue the appropriate (excused or unexcused) check in or check out slip.
7) Parents will be called to verify all notes to check out. Please make sure parent’s signature and telephone numbers are legible.
8) If someone comes to the school to pick up a student, proper identification, such as a driver’s license, will be required. That person will also have to be listed on our computer system as having authorization to check out that student.
9) A daily log will be kept in the office of ALL students who check out or check in.
10) Checking in and checking out must be done properly to avoid discipline referrals.
11) Parents may not deliver food or personal items to students during the school day, including lunch periods. Articles may be dropped off for the student to pick up after school only.
MAKE-UP WORK
We want to provide your student with every opportunity to be successful. Therefore, all work is expected to be made-up regardless of the reason for absence. Make-up work cannot fully compensate for the total learning experience that is lost when students are absent from school. This is particularly true when absences are excessive.
Schoolwork missed due to absence, late arrival, or early dismissal will be made up on the student’s own time and/or at the convenience of the teacher. The student is responsible for contacting the teacher, completing make-up work, and making arrangements with the teacher for completion upon returning to school. All missed work must be made up within the time period assigned by the teacher. No work will be accepted after the 9 week grading period that the absence occurs.
TARDY POLICY
A “tardy” is defined as not being in the classroom seat or in the classroom when the tardy bell sounds as determined by the teacher. If a student comes to school late or departs early, he/she is required to check in/out with appropriate personnel in the main office. Any student who has six (6) or more tardies in any class will receive disciplinary action. Parking privileges will be lost for any student who has six (6) or more tardies to school.
Students are responsible for making up any work missed when they are tardy for class. A note must accompany all tardies to first period. If a student is detained by a teacher, he/she must produce a note from that teacher to receive an excused tardy to his/her next class. If he/she does not have a teacher note, his/her tardy will be unexcused. Each teacher will explain his/her class tardy policy at the beginning of each semester.
If a student misses over 30 minutes during a class, the student will be considered absent for that class.
DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements will be made at the beginning of first period each day. Students need to be quiet and listen to announcements. Announcements will be limited during scheduled class time in order to protect instructional time.
CAFETERIA, LUNCHES, DRINKS, FOOD, ETC.
• Students are to remain in the cafeteria during lunch.
• Students may not be in a classroom during lunch unless with permission of and supervised by a teacher or staff member.
• Restrooms available to students during lunch are those located on the magnet hall.
• Students may not leave campus during lunch. Any student caught leaving campus during lunch will be disciplined (suspension) for skipping. Student drivers will also lose parking privileges.
• No lunch is to be delivered to students on campus. Students may eat in the cafeteria only. Students will be allowed to have bottled water in the classroom if their classroom teacher allows it or if they have a doctor’s note. A teacher has the right not to allow bottled water in his/her class.
• Students are discouraged from bringing outside beverages of any kind into the school building. All beverages brought from outside of the building are subject to inspection by school administration. The cafeteria provides a nutritious lunch for all students; however students may choose to bring their lunch with them from home.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS
During hazardous weather conditions, natural disaster, or other emergencies, it may be necessary for a decision to be made concerning the closing of schools. The superintendent will determine and announce when schools will be closed, open late, or dismiss early. Please follow these procedures:
1. Consult one of the following media in the late afternoon or early morning for the decision on school closings.
a. AM Radio Stations - WHKY (dial 1290), WNNC (dial 1230), WIRC (dial 630)
b. Television Stations - WHKY (Channel 14), WBTV (Channel 3), WCNC (Channel 36), WSOC (Channel 9)
c. The district website ()
2. The absence of any announcement means that the schools will operate as usual.
3. School officials need uninterrupted telephone service in order to maintain necessary communication with other officials and agencies. If you and hundreds of others attempt to call, vital communication will be delayed.
4. Do not telephone school officials. Please get the information online or by radio, television, or by telephoning a neighbor.
The decision to open or close schools will be made only after much inquiry and consideration. Any action taken will always be made in good faith. When a delay is called and at the time school is scheduled to open, if you feel that conditions remain unsafe for your child to drive, we encourage you to bring your child to school. Since it is impossible to make a decision that would be convenient or agreeable to everyone, we ask for your cooperation and understanding when these situations arise.
HEALTH SERVICES
Students at HCAM have access to a variety of health services. HCAM and HHS share the services of a registered nurse to provide care and consultation for acute and chronic illness and minor injuries.
Immunizations are required by law to attend school in NC. Parents/guardians must provide a Certificate of Immunization from the doctor’s office or clinic where the shots were received within 30 days of enrollment in school. Students not meeting the requirements of this law will be excluded from school. The School Nurse will review your teen’s immunizations and may contact you if additional shots are required.
The following immunizations are required:
DTP/DtaP – 5 doses
Polio – 4 doses
Measles – 2 doses, the first dose MUST be on/after 12 months of age
Mumps – 1 dose
Rubella – 1 dose
Tdap – 1 dose
Hepatitis B – 3 doses for students born after 7/1/94
Varicella – 1 dose for students born after 4/1/01
Medications will be administered by the school nurse or trained school personnel under the following conditions:
1. The medication is required to be given during school hours.
2. The medication is prescribed by the student’s physician.
3. A “Parent/Guardian Request for Medication/Physician’s Authorization” form is completed and signed by the parent and physician. (This form is available in school office)
4. Prescription medication is brought to the school in an original container from the pharmacy. The container must have a current label with the student’s name, doctor’s name, name of medication, and directions for how the medication is to be given. The container must be kept in the main office or nurse’s office. Students may not carry prescription nor non-prescription medications at any time while on campus. Medications may not be kept in bookbags, purses, lockers, or any other container/area.
Students requiring emergency medications and supplies (inhalers, EPI pens, insulin) may carry them as ordered by their physician. All other medication is stored in a locked area in the office. Please see the main office for the required documentation. Students MAY NOT carry prescription or non-prescription medications with them EXCEPT as indicated above.
SCHOOL JURISDICTION
Students become the school’s responsibility when they board the school bus or when they arrive on school property. They remain under the school’s jurisdiction until they exit the bus at the bus stop or leave school grounds after an official dismissal. Any student who leaves campus before the school day begins will be disciplined in the same manner as any student who leaves during the school day without permission. A student is under the jurisdiction of the school while he/she is in attendance at a school-sponsored activity regardless of where the activity takes place.
VISITORS
Regulations regarding visitors apply to all school buildings, buses and all parts of the campus at all times.
1. All visitors must report to the main office to obtain permission to visit before proceeding to any other part of the building or campus. All visitors will be provided with a visitor’s pass that must be displayed while they remain on the HCAM campus. All visitors should check-out with the main office personnel as they leave the building.
2. Permission:
a. Permission will be granted to those persons wishing to see a member of the administrative staff.
b. In the event of an emergency, parents or other family members who find it necessary to see a student will wait in the main office while the student is called.
c. Parents who wish to discuss a student’s work with the teacher should make an appointment.
d. Permission to visit a class session will be granted only by the principal and only in special cases.
e. No visitor will be allowed to ride a school bus.
f. The gymnasium is a classroom during the school day and is not available for unsupervised student or visitor use.
CONDUCT AND SAFETY RULES FOR SCHOOL BUS RIDERS
Riding the school bus is a privilege extended to every student living within the district beyond a radius of a mile and half of the school. This privilege is contingent upon good behavior and observance of the following rules and regulations. The driver will report a student who violates any of these rules to the principal or his designee. Failure to abide by these rules may result in a loss of riding privileges. Additional consequences may apply depending on the severity of the offense.
All regulations for student behavior as outlined in the Handbook apply on any type of school-sponsored transportation.
1. Meeting and Entering Bus
a. Students should select the safest route. If there is no sidewalk, they should walk on the left facing traffic.
b. Passengers must be on time at their assigned bus stop.
c. Passengers should stand off the street or roadway and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop.
2. Once on the Bus
a. Students should board quickly and take their assigned seat. Students are to remain seated throughout the bus ride.
b. Students should not throw objects or try to attract the attention of others outside the bus.
c. A passenger should never eat or drink in the school bus.
d. If personal belongings are carried, they should be kept on the lap or put under the seat. Arms and legs must be kept out of the aisle at all times.
e. Passengers must never use profane or inappropriate language, tobacco, controlled substances, or alcoholic beverages while riding a bus.
f. Passengers should not be loud or boisterous nor should they distract the driver’s attention in any way.
g. Passengers must never tamper with the emergency door or any other part of the bus.
h. Passengers must never damage the bus in any way.
i. No one is permitted on a bus except students assigned to that bus or authorized school system employees. Any contact with the driver from a parent or non-school employee should be made through the principal’s office. Any person boarding a bus without express permission from the principal is subject to prosecution for trespassing.
Reference: G.S. 115C-245; 115C-339.
STUDENT PARKING
It is a privilege to drive a vehicle to school. If a student chooses to drive to school, they must apply and obtain a parking permit. Students must show their driver’s license when purchasing a parking permit. If a student does not have his/her license at the time of completing the application, he/she will not be able to obtain a parking permit.
Any student that does not follow the guidelines for registering, parking a vehicle, or for the safe operation of the vehicle will lose his/her parking privilege and that student’s privileges may be revoked indefinitely.
Parking permits will be sold to seniors then juniors, on a first come, first serve basis. Students must park their cars immediately upon arrival. Cars should be locked, and all necessary books, materials, and supplies for the full school day should be taken out of the vehicle. To ensure the safety of all, students will not be permitted to return to their vehicles during the school day unless an administrator grants permission.
HALLWAYS
Students should stay to their right when moving in the hallways and stairways. There should be no loitering in the hallways between classes. Students are expected to move quickly to class. Students with bathroom passes should go to restrooms closest to their class or be considered out of assigned area.
HALL PASSES
Except during class changes and lunch, students should be in class the entire school day. However, should the occasion arise that a student does need to leave class it is the responsibility of the student to get a written pass from the teacher with the date, time, and destination recorded on the pass. No students will be allowed in the hallways after the tardy bell without an official hall pass. The hall pass will permit the student to go to a designated area(s) only.
SAFE AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT
In order to create an atmosphere that is safe, orderly, and conducive to learning, the following behaviors will not be tolerated. A student who chooses to engage in any of the behaviors listed below will receive consequences from an administrator
1. Disruption of school, riotous action, or disorderly conduct. (G.S. 14-288.4) Disorderly conduct is a public disturbance intentionally caused by any person who disrupts, disturbs, or interferes with the teaching of students at any public or private educational institution or engages in conduct that disturbs the peace, order, or discipline at any public or private educational institution or on the grounds adjacent thereto.
2. Willful, malicious destruction of property (School or Private).
3. Assault or fighting.
4. Misconduct on bus—conduct that distracts the attention of the driver and violates regulations for passengers or causes an accident. Suspension from the bus and suspension or expulsion from school may result.
5. Verbal disrespect, insubordination, disruption of the learning environment, profanity, or physical assault to a teacher or staff member.
6. Possession of weapons and dangerous instruments.
7. Violation of School Board policy (i.e., drugs, alcohol, or tobacco).
8. Leaving campus without permission from proper school official.
9. Repeated violation of school rules and failure to comply with the direction of teachers, staff, and administration of the school.
10. Illegal act.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
No student shall possess, use, transmit, or be under the influence of: 1) any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or other drug defined as a controlled substance pursuant to Chapter 90 of the North Carolina Statutes; 2) any alcoholic beverage or fortified wine or other intoxicating liquor; 3) any inhalant or ingested chemical or product with the intent of bringing about a state of exhilaration or euphoria while in any school building, on any school premises, on any school bus, or off the school grounds at any school activity, function, or event before, during or after school hours, or during any period of time he/she is subject to the authority of school personnel, unless such possession, use, or transmission are authorized by law and school regulations. In addition, the possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited at school or at school-sponsored activities.
Use of a drug authorized by a valid medical prescription from a registered physician shall not be considered a violation of this rule when the person for whom the drug was prescribed takes the drug. Students who require medication to be administered by school personnel during school hours should notify the school nurse or office receptionist (see section on Medication). Students taking prescribed medicine requiring the use of needles should follow the procedures established for administering medication at school.
When a school employee has reasonable suspicion that a student has violated this policy, the employee shall report this information to the principal or assistant principal. The first violation of this policy shall result in expulsion of the student from Hickory Public Schools for the remainder of the school year. An exception may be made only when an alternative to expulsion, designed by the superintendent, has been agreed to in writing by the parent, student, and principal and involves corrective education and/or counseling. This alternative shall apply only to this policy and the first offense of this policy.
TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The possession or smoking of tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, or pipes and the possession or use of smokeless tobacco is prohibited at school and at school sponsored activities. Any types of synthetic tobacco or material and/or e-cigarettes are prohibited at school and at school sponsored events. Smoking and other use of tobacco products shall be strongly discouraged in the Hickory Public Schools through an educational program of instruction focusing on the effects of using tobacco products. The Board of Education encourages students to participate in school and community programs designed to prevent and cure tobacco addiction. In the event of violation by a student of Board Policy JCDAA, as outlined above, the principal or designee of the principal shall enforce the consequences in the Discipline Continuum.
REASONABLE FORCE
North Carolina law (G.S. 115C-391) provides that “school personnel may use reasonable force”…to control behavior or to remove a person from the scene in those situations when necessary
1. To quell a disturbance.
2. To obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects on the person or within the control of a student;
3. For self-defense; or
4. For the protection of persons or property.
5. To maintain order on school property, in the classroom, or at a school-related activity on or off school property.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE PROCEDURES
The school and school facilities are the property of the Hickory Board of Education. No items in violation of the civil laws or school policies should exist on school property (such as drugs, weapons, etc.). North Carolina law (G.S. 115C-398) states that “Students and their parents may be liable for damage to school buildings, furnishings, and textbooks…”
1. Lockers: Lockers are subject to periodic general and random inspections by school administrators. A specific student’s locker may be searched when there is reasonable suspicion of the violation of school regulations or civil law.
2. Automobiles: Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. School administrators may conduct routine patrols of student parking lots and inspections of the exteriors of students’ automobiles. School administrators may inspect the interior of a student vehicle when there is reasonable suspicion that illegal or unauthorized materials are contained inside.
3. Personal Searches: When a principal has reasonable suspicion to believe that a student possesses a dangerous, illegal, or stolen item on his/her person, the principal shall request the student to produce the suspected material. Law enforcement officials and/or parents may be contacted if the student refuses or denies possession.
4. Personal Property Searches: The principal may search, or permit the search of, a student’s personal property (e.g., purse, book bag, etc.) when there is reasonable suspicion to believe the student may possess a dangerous, illegal, or stolen item.
WEAPONS
Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School rules, regulations, and penalties concerning weapons are based on current United States and North Carolina law. Any changes made in either United States or North Carolina law will result in an identical change in our policies effective at the same time the law goes into effect. The list of weapons includes those specifically identified in the law and any object used for other than its original intent.
United States Code 18 USC 922 (q)
(1) (A): It shall be unlawful for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone.
(1) (B): Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the possession of a firearm—
(i) on private property not part of school grounds:
(ii) if the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located or a political subdivision of the State, and the law of the State or political subdivision requires that, before an individual obtain such a license, the
(iii) law enforcement authorities of the State or political subdivision verify that the individual is qualified under law to receive the license;
(iv) which is—
(I) not loaded; and
(II) in a locked container, or a locked firearms rack which is on a motor vehicle;
(iv) by an individual in accordance with a program approved by a school in the school zone;
(v) by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in the school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual;
(vi) by a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity, or;
(vii) that is unloaded and is possessed by an individual while traversing school premises for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting, if the entry on school premises is authorized by school authorities.
(2) (A): Except as provided in subparagraph (B), it shall be unlawful for any person, knowingly or with reckless disregard for the safety of another, to discharge or attempt to discharge a firearm at a place that the person knows is a school zone.
(2) (B) Subparagraph (A) shall apply to the discharge of a firearm—
(i) on a private property not part of school grounds;
(ii) as part of a program approved by a school in the school zone, by an individual who is participating in the program;
(iii) by an individual who in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in a school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual; or
(iv) by a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity.
(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preempting or preventing a State or local government from enacting a statute establishing gun-free school zones as provided in this subsection.
18 USC 921 (a) (25): The term “school zone” means:
(A) in, or on the grounds of, a public, parochial, or private school; or
(B) within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public, parochial, or private school.
(26) The term “school” means a school that provides elementary or secondary education, as determined under State law.
18 USC 924 (a) (4):
Any person who violates section 922 (q) shall be guilty of a felony and shall be fined not more than $250,000 and imprisoned not more than five (5) years. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the term of imprisonment imposed under this paragraph shall not run concurrently with any other term of imprisonment of not more that five (5) years made in this paragraph, for the purpose of any other law a violation of section 922 (q) {18 USCS 9229 (q)} shall be deemed to be a misdemeanor.
§ 14-269.2 Weapons On Campus Or Other Educational Property
1) The following definitions apply to this section:
a) Educational property. – Any school building or bus, school campus, grounds, recreational area, athletic field, or other property owned, used, or operated by any board of education or school board of trustees, or directors for the administration of any school.
i) Employee. – A person employed by a local board of education or school whether the person is an adult or a minor.
ii) School. – A public or private school, community college, college, or university.
b) Student. – A person enrolled in a school or a person who has been suspended or expelled within the last five years from a school, whether the person is an adult or a minor.
i) Switchblade knife. – A knife containing a blade that opens automatically by the release of a spring or a similar contrivance.
ii) Weapon. – Any device enumerated in subsection (b), (b1), or (d) of this section.
2) It shall be a Class I felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind on educational property or to a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by a school. However, this subsection does not apply to a BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, or air pistol.
a) It shall be a Class G felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive as defined in G.S. 14-284.1, on educational property or to a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by a school. This subsection shall not apply to fireworks.
3) It shall be a Class I felony for any person to cause, encourage, or aid a minor who is less than 18 years old to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind on educational property. However, this subsection does not apply to a BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, or air pistol.
a) It shall be a Class G felony for any person to cause, encourage, or aid a minor who is less than 18 years old to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive as defined in G.S. 14-284.1 on educational property. This subsection shall not apply to fireworks.
b) It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades (except solely for personal shaving), firework, or any sharp-pointed or edged instrument except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance, on educational property.
c) It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to cause, encourage, or aid a minor who is less than 18 years old to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades (except solely for personal shaving), firework, or any sharp-pointed or edged instrument except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance, on educational property.
d) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section it shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor rather than a Class I felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind, on educational property or to a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by a school if:
1) The person is not a student attending school on the educational property or an employee employed by the school working on the educational property; and
2) The person is not a student attending a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by the school at which the student is enrolled or an employee attending a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by the school at which the employee is employed; and
3) Repealed by Session Laws 1999-211, s. 1, effective December 1, 1999, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
4) The firearm is not loaded, is in a motor vehicle, and is in a locked container or a locked firearm rack.
5) Repealed by Session Laws 1999-211, s. 1, effective December 1, 1999, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
e) This section shall not apply to any of the following:
f) A weapon used solely for educational or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, or used in a school-approved program conducted under the supervision of an adult whose supervision has been approved by the school authority.
a) A person exempted by the provisions of G.S. 14-269(b).
g) Firefighters, emergency service personnel, and North Carolina Forest Service personnel, and any private police employed by a school, when acting in the discharge of their official duties.
h) No person shall be guilty of a criminal violation of this section with regard to the possession or carrying of a weapon so long as both of the following apply:
1) The person comes into possession of a weapon by taking or receiving the weapon from another person or by finding the weapon.
2) The person delivers the weapon, directly or indirectly, as soon as practical to law enforcement authorities.
CHEMICAL SPRAY POLICY
Displaying or discharging chemical sprays such as mace or pepper spray on the campus of HCAM or on any school bus is prohibited. Possession of chemical sprays such as mace or pepper spray is prohibited on school grounds and at school sponsored events. Discharging of these chemical sprays is potentially harmful to other people and will be treated as a serious offense. No student shall display or discharge chemical sprays such as mace or pepper spray while he/she is in any school building or on any school bus. The administration shall subject any student who violates this regulation to disciplinary action ranging from an Out-of-school suspension to long-term suspension.
PHYSICAL ASSAULT OR CAUSE OF PERSONAL INJURY
No student shall assault, cause, or attempt to cause physical injury to, or intentionally behave in such a manner as could reasonably cause physical injury to any student or school employee on or off campus, on school-sponsored transportation, or any school-sponsored event, including out-of-state trips or work experience supervision.
FIGHTING
No student shall resolve a disagreement or attempt to resolve a disagreement with another student through a struggle or with the use of physical force (i.e., blows, slapping, hair pulling, etc.). Students engaging in aggressive behavior of this type will be suspended from school from one (1) to ten (10) days. The Hickory Police Department may arrest or remove from school any student who is fighting on school property. Additional discipline may be assigned if deemed necessary by school administration.
THREATENING OR ABUSIVE ACTIONS (INTIMIDATION)
No student shall bring materials or take part in actions that disrupt the educational process. Threats, hazing, or harassment will not be tolerated. Students should report any incident to an administrator immediately.
GANG ACTIVITY
The principal will follow established procedures and regulations to ensure that any student exhibiting behavior symbolizing gang membership or causing and/or participating in activities that intimidate or negatively affect the attendance of another student shall be subject to disciplinary action. No bandanas or other items that administration deems inappropriate or disruptive to the learning environment may be worn or carried by any student. School administration has discretion when determining whether items are disruptive to the environment.
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
No student shall destroy or deface property on campus, on school-sponsored transportation, or at any school-sponsored event, including out-of-state trips. If a student damages property, the parent/guardian will receive a payment schedule for making restitution.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Because HCAM recognizes its responsibility to provide a safe learning environment, sexual harassment by any individual will result in legal and/or school imposed penalties. The following are examples of sexual harassment, but are not inclusive: comments, jokes, photos or gestures that have sexual connotations and touching, grabbing, or pinching in a sexual way. School staff will actively investigate all reported sexual harassment complaints.
PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
Public display of affection includes hugging, kissing and any other intimate contact. Each individual should refrain from inappropriate touching of others. Such behavior may result in disciplinary action.
STEALING
No student shall steal or attempt to steal from a fellow student, from a faculty or staff member, or from the school itself. No student shall be in possession of stolen items at school, on school sponsored-transportation, or at school-sponsored activities. The Hickory Police Department may assist in investigations of theft. Laws pertaining to theft will be enforced accordingly.
SELLING OR SOLICITING ON SCHOOL CAMPUS
No student is allowed to sell any items or to solicit business for individuals or any group for any reason without the express written consent of the principal.
STUDENT ACCIDENTS
All accidents must be reported and documented immediately to the office.
DRESS CODE
It is the intent and desire of the School Board, faculty, and administration that students use good judgment in their selection and wearing of clothing. The student dress code is intended to create a positive climate for teaching and learning, reduce the possibility of discipline problems, improve school order and safety, and prevent violations or aggravating circumstances. In three separate court cases, the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that school districts have the right to restrict any form of inappropriate clothing.
Students attending the Hickory Public Schools in grades 6 through 12, commencing with the 2008-2009 school year, will adhere to the following standardized dress code each school day during the entire school day.
All transfer students must be in dress code compliance by the 7th full day of school. Students will adhere to the following standardized dress code each school day during the entire school day.
Tops
• Collared short-sleeve or long-sleeve knit shirts with button-centered plackets
• Collared long-sleeve, buttoned dress shirts
• Turtlenecks
• No logos except school logos for individual/respective schools
• Acceptable colors: white and all solid colors (no stripes, plaids, etc.—ONLY SOLID colors)
• All shirts/tops must be tucked in.
• Jackets with full zippers may be worn
*Sweatshirts without hoods may be worn, but must be worn with collared shirt underneath. No hooded sweatshirts will be allowed.
** Per HPS administration, jackets/coats may have a hood but NO logo other than the school logo. Hoods may not be worn on a student’s head. All hoods must be down at all times while on school grounds.
Bottoms
• Pants, skirts, shorts, skorts, and capris.
• NO cargo pants, jeans or leggings (or jeggings—jean leggings) of any color
• Must be knee length or longer and worn at the waist with a belt that fits the waist.
• Belts must be standard hook and eye, or interlocking rings. Belt tail cannot hang down lower than four (4) inches. Large belt buckles will not be allowed.
• Acceptable colors for bottoms: khaki, black, and navy
Shoes
• No bedroom slippers
Logos
• The only logo permitted on any clothing is the logo of each individual school.
Exceptions
• New or transferring students will be given seven (7) calendar days to be in compliance with the standardized dress code
• Reasonable exceptions will be considered when medically indicated
• Spirit Week dress regulations will be determined and announced by administration
• Each Friday, students may wear t-shirts and/or sweatshirts that have a club, class, or athletic theme associated with HCAM
Hardships
• Upon request and documented need, the school shall assist parents and/or guardians in obtaining the required clothing for students to be in compliance with the standardized dress code.
Non-Compliance
• The penalty for non-compliance to the standardized dress code shall be established by the school’s discipline policy.
Evaluation
• An annual review of the effectiveness of the standardized dress code shall be conducted by the administration and reported to the Hickory Board of Education.
Exemptions
• There are no exemptions from compliance with the standardized dress code.
CONSEQUENCES REGARDING INAPPROPRIATE DRESS
Students in grades 9-12 of Hickory Public Schools System are expected to follow the standard dress code starting the first day of school. The only accepted dress worn by students during the school day is found at . Any student choosing not to wear apparel outlined in the HPS School Board Policy will face the following consequences at Hickory Career and Arts Magnet:
1st offense – Parent contact, opportunity to change clothing or period detention until dressed appropriately.
2nd offense – Parent contact, opportunity to change clothing or period detention until dressed appropriately. .
3rd offense – Parent contact, all day in-school suspension.
4th offense and thereafter – Parent contact, ISS (per discipline rubric)
Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School Discipline Processes and Levels of Consequences
Rationale: Young men and women need structure and discipline to reach their full potential. A continuum, offering different levels of consequences, will provide the necessary deterrents to prevent students from becoming repeat offenders. This plan also provides a wide range of options that administrators and teachers can use to discipline and rehabilitate students, as needed. Because of the desire of the administration to reduce long-term suspension, we need alternatives to out-of –school suspensions.
Level I: Warning (Only if deemed appropriate by administration/a higher level of disciplinary action may be required with some disciplinary offenses)
Level II: In-School-Suspension (ISS)
Purpose: In-School-Suspension (ISS) provides the administration a way of removing a student from the classroom without totally denying a student an education for the day. It mainly removes the social part of the students’ day. Teachers will send assignments in a timely manner, and will visit their students in the ISS room, as needed to provide academic support. It also provides another level in consequences without using OSS.
Procedures: A Student will be assigned ISS by an administrator after proper due process. The scheduled length and timing of the ISS will be given to the student in writing and a phone call to the parent/guardian will be made by administration. Parents or guardians should ensure that the school has updated contact numbers for their student. The administrator contacts the ISS teacher who will in turn contact the student’s teachers.
On the day of the student’s ISS, they will report to the ISS room with their books. Failing to satisfactorily complete the assigned ISS will result in OSS as assigned by the administrator.
Level III: Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
Purpose: Out-of-School Suspension is the one of the most severe levels of punishment on the continuum. It is reserved for those offenses that involve severe disruptions to the learning environment or those actions that jeopardize the safety of students and/or staff. During OSS, the student may not be on campus or at school sponsored events, on or off campus.
Procedure: Once a student has been determined to have committed an offense which calls for OSS, an administrator will make every attempt to contact a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians should ensure that the school has updated contact numbers for their student. It is strongly suggested that the parent or guardian come to the school to pick up the student and meet with the administrator. The student may be given permission to leave campus on their own only if a parent has been contacted and agrees.
Discipline Continuum
The following rubric will provide students and staff with a guide what consequences to expect when infractions are turned in to administration. The exact discipline consequences may vary based on the administrator’s investigation. All variances will be documented accordingly. (HPS discipline rubric below. Note: The HCAM discipline rubric has been created using this document)
|Out of School Suspension |
| |
|The following actions may result in Out-of-School suspension. |
|Out of School Suspension Rubric |
|Infraction |1st Offense |2nd Offense |3rd Offense |
|Fighting/Aggressive Behavior |3-5 days OSS / Possible charges|5-10 days OSS/Charges |Recommendation for Long-Term |
| | | |Suspension |
|Assault |10 days OSS/Charges/ Law |10 days OSS/Charges/Law | |
| |Enforcement |Enforcement/LTS | |
|Bullying/Harassment |1-3 days OSS/Consult Law |3 days OSS/Consult Law |5-10 days OSS/Consult Law |
| |Enforcement |Enforcement |Enforcement |
|Hazing |5-10 days OSS/ Consult Law |10 days OSS/Consult Law |LTS |
| |Enforcement |Enforcement | |
|Threats/False Threats/Acts of |Up to 10 days OSS/Consult Law | | |
|Terror |Enforcement | | |
|Sexual Harassment |5-10 days OSS |5-10 days OSS |10 days OSS/LTS |
|Profanity/Severe Disrespect to |3-5 days OSS |5-10 days OSS |Recommendation for Long-Term |
|staff | | |Suspension |
|Severe misconduct to another |1-2 days OSS |3 days OSS |5 days OSS |
|student | | | |
|Misconduct in ISS |1 day OSS |2 days OSS |3 days OSS |
|Theft |Restitution/3 days OSS |Restitution/5 days OSS |Restitution/10 days OSS or LTS |
|Gang Related |5-10 days OSS or LTS/Consult |LTS/Consult Law Enforcement | |
|Activities/Disruption |Law Enforcement | | |
|Aiding and Abetting |OSS 3-10 days or LTS depending on nature of incident/ Consult | |
| |Law Enforcement | |
|Tampering with safety equipment|1 day OSS/Consult Law |3 days OSS/Consult Law |5 days OSS/Consult Law |
| |Enforcement/Possible Charges |Enforcement/Possible Charges |Enforcement/Possible Charges |
|Possession of or under the |10 days OSS and recommendation |Recommendation for Long-Term | |
|influence of drugs or |for Long-Term Suspension |Suspension for remainder of | |
|alcohol/Consult Law Enforcement| |year | |
| | | | |
|Possession of a weapon |Recommendation for Long-Term | | |
| |Suspension | | |
| |Confiscate weapon | | |
* may include severe harassment, sexual contact or horseplay endangering others.
**may include pulling fire alarms, handling fire extinguishers or mis-handling safety equipment.
Any violation at a school sponsored event (athletic game, school play or concert, etc.), home or away may result in identical consequences as shown above.
In-School Suspension
The following actions may result in In-School suspensions.
|In-School Suspension Rubric |
|Infraction |1st Offense |2nd Offense |3rd Offense |
|Tardy to school |6 Tardies = 1/2 day ISS |10 Tardies = 1 day ISS |Every additional six tardies = 1 |
| | | |adtnl day of ISS |
|Noncompliance with Directives/Insubordination - |I day |2 days |3 days |
|Severe infractions may result in OSS | | | |
|Dress Code |Isolation in ISS until appropriate |1 day |2 days and every additional day |
| |dress / ISS if refusal to change | |following until OSS on 6th offense |
|Disruptive Behavior/Any location on school |1 day |2 days |3 days |
|grounds --Severe infractions may result in OSS | | | |
|Skipping class / leaving school or class w/o |2 days |3 days |5 days or OSS |
|permission | | | |
|Unauthorized area/improper area |1 day |2 days |3 days |
|Profanity/ Note: if directed towards staff |Warning or 1 day ISS |1-2 days ISS |2-3 days ISS / 4th offense and |
|member will be OSS | | |thereafter will be OSS |
|Misuse of parking permit/privileges -- Severe or|Warning or 1 day ISS |1-2 days ISS |3rd offense and thereafter unless |
|repeated infractions will result in removal of | | |parking is revoked / 2-3 days ISS |
|parking privileges | | | |
|Vandalism (minor) |1 day and restitution |3 days and restitution |5 days or OSS and restitution |
|Disrespect/ Inappropriate actions/behavior |1-3 days |2-3 days or OSS 1-3 |OSS 1-5 days |
|towards others -- Severe infractions may result | | | |
|in OSS | | | |
|Possession and/or use of tobacco, E-cigarettes |1 day ISS |2 days ISS |3 days ISS |
|or any other tobacco substitute or device to use| | | |
|a tobacco substitute | | | |
|Electronic Devices/inappropriate or disruptive |Confiscation of device/ Parent |Confiscation of device/ Parent |Confiscation of device/ Parent |
|possession or use |contact/return device at end of |contact/Parent to collect device or|contact/Parent to collect device or|
| |day/1 period of ISS out of class |given to student if parent cannot |given to student if parent cannot |
| |period of infraction |collect/ 1-3 days of ISS out of |collect/ 1 day ISS |
| | |class period of infraction | |
|Misuse of technology -- Severe infractions may |1 day of ISS or multiple days of |1-3 days ISS |3-5 days of ISS |
|result in OSS |ISS from class period of infraction| | |
|NOTE: Repeated offenses after 3 or severe misconduct of any kind may result in an OSS assignment. All disciplinary decisions are at the discretion of HCAM |
|administration. |
** may include sleeping in class, use of electronic devices or interrupting a classroom while in the halls on a teacher pass.
*** may include improper use of a restroom pass, forgery of a teacher note, or attending the wrong lunch period.
When a student accumulates 10 days of ISS or more, the administration may assign OSS for any future offenses in the ISS Rubric.
Any violation at a school sponsored event (athletic game, school play or concert, etc.), home or away may result in identical consequences as shown above.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
HCAM is committed to the use of technology to engage student learning. To that end, students shall use technology on a daily basis during instructional time. There will be times during which teachers direct students to put away all electronic devices (during some tests and other activities). The principal or teacher has discretion to permit or limit student technology use. Students who use or possess electronic devices when directed otherwise will receive disciplinary action including possible confiscation and requirement of parent conference in order to gain possession of the item. A student possessing an electronic device will assume responsibility for its care. At no time will Hickory Public Schools or HCAM be responsible for preventing theft, loss, or damage to electronic devices brought onto its campus.
If a student uses an electronic device when directed otherwise by teacher or principal, the consequences are as follows:
1st offense – Parent contact by teacher and/or administrator; warning; documentation.
2nd offense and thereafter – Parent contact by teacher and/or administrator, disciplinary assignment.
LOCKERS
Students are assigned lockers per request, by their 1st period teacher. Students are encouraged not to share lockers or give their combination to anyone else. Students are cautioned not to keep money and other valuables in their lockers. The administration reserves the right to hold unannounced periodic inspections of any locker. Any items found in a student’s assigned locker will be considered the assigned students’ property.
LOST AND FOUND
Any item that may be lost should be reported to the office as soon as possible, and likewise, any item found should be turned in to the office. Items will be held by the office for identification and picked up by the owner.
BOOK BAGS
In light of increased class sizes at HCAM and for the safety of all, book bags, backpacks, purses, etc., need to fit the space under one’s desk or be put in a locker. Students who chose not to follow this safety precaution will be required to put their oversized items in their locker.
PROTECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students are responsible for labeling personal items for identification and for securing those items to prevent theft. We highly discourage students from bringing valuable items or large sums of money to school.
SUSPENSION, DISMISSAL, AND EXPULSION
The suspension and/or expulsion of a student from school are viewed by the principal as the most serious form of student punishment. The basis for suspension and expulsion of students in the public schools is outlined in G.S. 114C-391. The grounds for suspension and/or expulsion shall be the violation of policies as described in the Code of Conduct.
G.S. 115C-391. The principal of a school or his designee shall have the authority to suspend for a period of ten (10) days or less any student who willfully violates policies of conduct established by the local Board of Education provided that a student suspended pursuant to this subsection shall be provided an opportunity to take any quarterly, semester, or grading period examinations missed during the suspension period.
The principal of a school, with prior approval of the superintendent, shall have the authority to suspend for periods of time in excess of ten (10) days, but not exceeding the time remaining in the school year, any pupil who willfully violates the policies of conduct established by the local Board of Education. If the suspension is for more than ten (10) days, the pupil or his parents may appeal the decision of the principal to the local Board of Education. The Hickory Board of Education reserves the right to authorize appropriate disciplinary action against any student (K-12) for the commission of any act(s) in violation of any civil law, even though such act(s) may not be expressly prohibited in the Code of Conduct or otherwise be addressed in Board policies.
Any suspension by a principal shall be reported to the parent of the student. A suspended student is prohibited from entering any school or any school grounds (except for a pre-arranged conference with an administrator), attending any day or night school functions, including weekend functions, of the Hickory Public Schools, or riding a school bus during the term of the suspension. Violation of this provision shall be cause for additional disciplinary action.
The Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the superintendent, shall have the authority to expel a student from the school system under provisions of G.S. 115C0391 and G.S. 115C-112.
Short-Term Suspension
When a student is suspended for a period of ten (10) days or less,
a. The student shall be given written or oral notice of the charges against him/her.
b. If the student denies the charges, he/she shall be given an explanation of the evidence against him/her and shall be given an opportunity to present his/her side of the story.
c. There need be no delay between the time notice is given and the time of hearing the student’s side of the story.
d. If a student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or is an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process, he/she may be removed immediately from school. In such cases, the necessary notice and hearing shall follow when practical.
e. The principal or his/her agent shall make every effort to hold a conference with the parents before or at the time the student returns to school.
f. The principal or his/her agent shall attempt to secure written statements and keep on file all documents and relevant information received about the student’s misconduct.
Long-Term Suspension
When the student is suspended for a period in excess of ten (10) days, the principal must give written notice of such suspension or dismissal to the parents or guardian of the student as soon as possible. The notice shall include:
a. A statement of the charges against the student.
b. A statement that the student, his/her parents, and their attorney or representative, may request a full hearing before the Board of Education.
c. Notice that the student and his/her parents or their representative may examine all exhibits or other evidence against the student including his/her academic file.
d. Notice that the student has the right at his/her expense to be represented by counsel or other representative at the hearing.
e. Notice that the student or his/her representative has the right to confront and examine witnesses at the hearing.
f. Notice that the student or his/her representative has the right to attend the hearing and to present evidence on the student’s behalf.
g. Notice that the student or his/her representative has the right to make a record of the hearing.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
A student may initiate a grievance proceeding when either the student or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) believe that violation, misapplication, or misinterpretation of Board policy, or state or federal law or regulation has occurred with regard to the student. The proceeding for initiating a grievance proceeding shall be:
Step I – A student, parent, or guardian wishing to invoke the grievance procedure shall make a written request for a conference with the principal to discuss the grievance and seek resolution. The following guidelines shall be observed in Step I:
• A grievance shall be filed as soon as possible, but in no event longer than thirty (30) days after disclosure of the facts giving rise to the grievance.
• The principal shall grant a conference within five (5) school days following receipt of the request.
• The request shall include a statement describing the grievance and naming the specific policy, rule or law believed to be violated.
• The principal will state his/her position on the question in writing to the student within five (5) school days following the conference.
• A parent or guardian or someone acting in place of the parent shall be permitted to join the student in the conference with the principal.
Step II – If the grievance is not resolved at Step I, the student may appeal the principal’s decision in writing to the Superintendent. The appeal must be made within five (5) school days following receipt of the principal’s position statement in Step I.
The Superintendent or his designee shall review the grievance within five (5) school days following receipt of the appeal. A written response shall be made to the student, the parent or guardian, and the principal from the Superintendent or his/her designee within ten (10) school days following the Superintendent’s review.
Step III – If the grievance is not resolved in Step II, the student may appeal the Superintendent’s decision to the Hickory Board of Education in writing within ten (10) school days following the response from the Superintendent at Step II. The Board of Education shall offer a final written decision within thirty (30) days.
RIGHT OF APPEAL
The student or his/her parents or representative shall notify the Board in writing that they desire a hearing to be held before a quorum of the Board within a reasonable time after receiving the notice of the request for a hearing.
Re-Admission Upon Appeal
Upon receipt by the Board of Education of written notice of appeal from a dismissal or suspension for more than ten (10) school days, the principal of a school may, at his/her discretion, upon the determination that such student is not a menace to the school, re-admit the student to classes for the remainder of the dismissal or suspension period pending the determination of the appeal.
PROCEDURE FOR APPEAL
1. The hearing for dismissal of students shall be held in an open public hearing or closed executive session as allowed by law.
2. Students at such hearings may speak in their own defense and may be questioned on their own testimony, but they may choose not to testify. In such case, they shall not be punished for such refusal, and such refusal shall not be held against them.
3. The Board shall provide for the making of a record of any information presented to it at the hearing. The superintendent will keep statements and other written matter presented to the Board on file. At the hearing, the principal, teacher, or other persons involved shall present the evidence against the student, and the Board shall take such evidence into consideration.
4. Members of the Board of Education, the student, his/her parents or their representative, or the Board’s attorney, may question witnesses about any matters logically relevant to the charge against the student and the proper disposition of the matter. The Board has the authority to limit long or irrelevant questioning by non-Board members.
5. If the Board finds it necessary to have a witness appear before it, and the witness refuses after being requested to appear, the Board may authorize the use of the subpoena power granted to it by G.S. 115C-45 to compel the presence of the witness, and the hearing may be continued for the purpose of the exercise of such power. The Board shall reach its decision upon whether the student violated a rule of conduct by a majority vote. The decision must be made solely on the evidence presented at the hearing and should state substantial findings of fact on which the Board’s decision rests. If no misconduct is found, the matter is terminated, and no further action may be taken against the student because of his/her alleged violation.
6. When misconduct is found, the disposition made by the Board and the punishment imposed may range from no action through the entire scope of counseling attempts and possible penalties including expulsion for the remainder of the school year.
7. Minority views should be noted if the minority Board members so request.
8. An adverse decision by the Board of Education may be appealed to a court of law.
9. The decision of the Board shall be in writing.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION
Extracurricular activities are non-credit activities conducted primarily after school. Extracurricular activities include the arts, clubs, student council, and athletics at HCAM & HHS. A student assigned to out-of-school suspension is ineligible for extracurricular participation for the entire period of the suspension.
A student in grades 9-12 must have passed a minimum of three out of four courses during the preceding semester to be eligible for extracurricular participation at any time during the current semester. A student who receives an incomplete in a subject that causes him/her not to meet minimum scholastic requirements may become eligible during the semester if that course is satisfactorily completed and passed.
A student in grades 9-12 who becomes ineligible for extracurricular participation in the second semester of the school year may repeat the course. Summer school work used to make up part of the minimum load must be applied on the most recent semester. The HPS/HCAM attendance policy will be utilized for eligibility purposes.
Acceptable Use of Internet/E-Mail: Hickory Public Schools offers electronic network access for students, teachers and staff within the school system to enhance education and communication through the use of computers. Goals for the use of the electronics networks by students are to support the curriculum and to enhance learning opportunities by focusing on information retrieval, searching strategies, research skills, and critical thinking. Access to e-mail and the internet enables students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with internet users throughout the world. While our intent is to make internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials that may not be considered of educational value in the context of a school setting.
The use of the Hickory Public Schools networks is a privilege and access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner and who abide by the HPS Acceptable Use policy. Inappropriate use will result in possible school disciplinary action and/or limitation or cancellation of user privileges.
Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• Sharing your password
• Attempting to log into the system as any other user
• Violating copyright laws
• Using network resources to commit plagiarism
• Forwarding personal communications without the author’s prior consent
• Using threatening or obscene material
• Distributing material protected by trade secrets
• Utilizing the network for commercial purposes
• Providing political or campaign information
• Mass e-mail distribution
• Installation of software, unless approved by the HPS technology staff
• Using or attempting to use network resources to distribute classroom material inappropriately
• Using or attempting to use network resources to intrude, or hack, into HPS or other networks
Access to the internet and an e-mail account will be provided through individual schools and users should not assume that files stored on district servers and hard drives will be private. Parents may complete and sign a denial form if they do not wish their child to have internet access or an e-mail account.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U. S. Department of Education. The law stipulates that schools may disclose, without parent consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, phone number, date and place of birth, grade level, picture, school activities, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. The law also provides parents with the opportunity to request that the schools not disclose information about their child(ren). Parents may contact the school principal by December 10 if they wish to request that the schools not disclose directory information.
FERPA requires that Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School (HCAM), with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records. However, HCAM may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications, Examples include:
• A playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - name, addresses, and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If you do not want Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School to disclose directory information from your child's education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the school in writing by December 10th. Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School has designated the following information as directory information:
• Student's Name
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• The most recent educational agency or institution attendance
Model Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:
(1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
(2) The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate.
Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Hickory Public Schools
Hickory Career and Arts Magnet
Technology Guidelines & Policies
Dear HCAM Students and Parents/Guardians,
Hickory Public Schools (HPS) is committed to preparing students to be successful citizens in a global economy. Due to remaining grant funds specific to HCAM technology, we had a rare opportunity to transition the entire school to a one-to-one (1:1) digital learning environment. We know that learning is a result of continuous, dynamic interaction among students, educators, parents/guardians, and the extended community. According to studies and school reports, students who use a computing device in a 1:1 educational environment are more organized and engaged learners, attend school more regularly, advance their knowledge and understanding of technology, and become constructors and designers of information and ideas. Google Chromebooks offer this type of digital teaching and learning environment and were selected as the 1:1 device for HCAM.
In order to establish and implement a successful 1:1 digital learning environment, HPS and HCAM have developed the attached handbook, including recently revised school board policies. This handbook provides guidelines and procedures to assure all HPS issued digital devices are properly used as intended, for digital teaching and learning. The handbook also outlines how to properly care for the digital devices. The expectations outlined in this handbook will be further explained to parents and students during mandatory information sessions hosted by HCAM faculty and staff. Please be sure to ask any questions you may have prior to signing the user agreement.
We are excited about the opportunity to provide this type of digital teaching and learning environment for HCAM students and teachers. We believe this approach transforms the “brick and mortar” classroom to a 21st Century digital learning environment where teachers are empowered to facilitate learning and students are empowered to personalize their educational experience.
Sincerely,
HPS Superintendent
Online Access Protection
Hickory Public Schools (HPS) provides access to educational resources while making every effort to restrict access to potentially objectionable material. A technology protection measure is a specific technology that blocks or filters internet access. HPS will implement a filter which protects against access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to students. HPS may monitor student access to the internet. Teachers and staff will personally monitor student activity on school premises as part of their normal oversight of the instructional environment.
Students will be required to access the internet through the HPS web filter on and off school campus. The filter will require students to authenticate using their HPS username and password. This measure is to assist in preventing access to inappropriate content. Additionally:
● Students are prohibited from accessing inappropriate content.
● HPS addresses safety and security of students when using email, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications through a variety of means that include filtering and staff monitoring of activity.
● HPS prohibits unauthorized access including "hacking" and other unlawful activities by students online.
● Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding students by staff are prohibited.
● Measures designed to restrict student access to content harmful to students shall be used by any and all staff and adults working with students.
Although student use outside the school environment is filtered using the HPS web filter, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to monitor online activity for their students. Regardless of the method of monitoring, students are ultimately accountable for the responsible use of computing and network resources.
Education, Supervision, and Monitoring
General access to the internet provides connectivity to some non-educational information and resources which have been deemed unacceptable by law for students to access. Therefore, we provide filtered access that limits this exposure and which aims to protect our students.
Additionally, students and teachers are provided with a means to share information across the internet with others. Posting information which would violate the laws pertaining to access by other students will be treated in the same manner according to the discipline plan for students and the regulations for employee conduct for staff.
Every student participating in the 1:1, and his/her parent/guardian, is expected to adhere to this handbook and the HPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Failure to adhere may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension and may result in a loss of access to HPS digital devices. Additionally, all HPS employees must adhere to the AUP.
HPS issued digital devices are protected by security measures which have been installed on the device. Any tampering or overriding of these measures violates the HSP AUP. Students may only use internet resources for educationally relevant purposes. Social networking for joint participation in projects and other school related activities are valuable experiences which should be used with caution. The following activities are deemed unsafe practices and constitute a violation of the HPS AUP. Using internet resources:
● to bully or threaten another person.
● to cheat on school work.
● for personal business.
● to share personal information (personal or others).
● to communicate false or misleading information.
● to access or demonstrate inappropriate or objectionable materials.
Students are provided internet connectivity to access educationally appropriate content and resources, which may include access to other people, students, teachers and content experts. Policies governing responsible behavior between adults and minors are applicable in online correspondence just as they would be with any in-person correspondence. Applicable policies and legal references are further detailed beginning on page 11.
Deployment
Parents/guardians are required to attend an informational meeting for students receiving HPS-issued digital devices. These meetings are hosted by the school and were designed to further explain expectations, the HPS AUP, answer any questions and/or address any concerns prior to students receiving a digital device. The student user and a parent/guardian must sign the HPS AUP in order for the student to be issued a digital device. Additionally, the follow requirements must be met prior to receiving an HPS digital device:
• Parents/guardians and students must attend a mandatory meeting which provides an opportunity to receive training and orientation concerning these policies and procedures.
• Student and parents/guardians must read, agree to comply, then sign the HPS AUP.
● HPS will send a report of the model and serial numbers of digital devices to local pawn shops and law enforcement agencies to assist in the event of loss or theft.
Terms of Loan
HPS will loan a digital device to students for home use upon compliance with the district’s policies for all participants (students and parents/guardians).
Restrictions
● Legal title to the asset (digital device) is, and all times remains, with HPS. A student’s right of possession and use is limited to, and conditional upon full and complete compliance with the follow HPS school policies: Technology in the Educational Program (policy IFBG), Internet Safety (policy IFBGB), Web Page Development (policy IFBGC), Employee Use of Social Media (policy GAMA)
● Students may be subject to loss of user privileges, fees, disciplinary action and/or legal action in the event of intentional damage and/or violation of policies and guidelines as outlined in this Student and Parent Digital Device User Guide, as well as in the HPS AUP and HPS board policies.
● A student’s permission to use the digital device terminates no later than the last day of the school year unless there is a reason for earlier termination by the HPS (e.g. dropout, expulsion, and/or withdrawal, transfer to another school).
Appropriations
● All students are required to turn in the digital device they were issued by the last day of the academic school year, or when there is a change in school enrollment.
● Failure to return property by designated date may be considered unlawful appropriation of HPS property.
● In the event a student fails to return the HPS owned digital device based on these appropriations, the device will be reported as stolen property to local law enforcement and any associated damage or replacement costs will be assessed.
Loss, Theft, or Damage
• HPS recognizes that the digital device is a valuable asset, entrusted to students for use, care and maintenance.
• Students and families are expected to protect the equipment from damage, loss and theft and to secure the equipment when it is in their possession to prevent damage, loss or theft.
• During the time the equipment is in the possession of the student, the student is responsible for any intentional damage, loss or theft which results from negligent handling.
• Each student who is issued a digital device for at home use is required to pay a yearly usage fee of $25. This fee will offset digital device maintenance costs.
• Theft must be reported to the appropriate authorities within 24 hours of discovery. Failure to report will result in an assessment of the replacement.
• HPS will work with the police department to alert pawn shops and other area law enforcement agencies of lost or stolen digital devices owned by HPS.
Repair and Replacement Fees
Students are required to pay a $50.00(minimum) fee upon first damage to their assigned device, where third party repairs are required. Students will pay full market, as determined by Hickory Public Schools, for any subsequent repairs. Students will pay full replacement cost for a lost or irreparably damaged device, along with any costs associated with, but not limited to, licensing, insurance, case, etc. Fees associated with repair and replacements include but are not limited to: insurance, device management, carrying case, etc. There will be a $25.00 fee to remove stickers.
The best way to avoid repair and replacement fees is to follow the “Proper Care and Use” instructions in this handbook.
Revocation of Permission
HPS reserves the right to revoke permission to use the digital device at any time if the student does not fully comply with all policies and terms in the HPS AUP and this handbook.
Modification to Program
HPS may modify these procedures or terms of use at any time.
Proper Care and Use
Students are responsible for the digital devices they have been issued. Digital devices that are broken or not working properly and in need of repair or replacement must be reported within 24 hours. Students should complete a “Damage Incident Form” which can found on the school and HPS website at
The HPS Technology Department will determine whether to repair devices on site and/or issue loaner devices. A limited number of classroom devices are also available for student use. Classroom and loaned digital devices are also covered by the HPS AUP, board policies and guidelines in this handbook. All associated repair/replacement fees must be paid before receiving a loaner device, if applicable. Failure to pay repair and/or replacement fees may result in disciplinary action. Additionally, students may be restricted to day user access, revoking permission to off-campus use.
Digital devices are property of HPS. Users are required to follow these guidelines,
as well as, information detailed within the HPS AUP.
Proper Care Guidelines
• Always close the lid before moving the digital device.
• For prolonged periods of inactivity, the digital device should be shut down completely before closing the lid. This will help to conserve the battery.
Storage and Carry
• Be aware that overloading the carrying case can cause damage.
• Take precaution when placing the carrying case on a flat surface.
• Never sit on the digital device carrying case.
• When using the digital device, keep it on a flat, solid surface so that air can circulate. For example, using a digital device while it is directly on a bed or carpet can cause damage due to overheating.
• Do not eat or drink while using the digital device.
• Do not keep food or drink (including wrappers) in the carrying case.
• Take extreme caution with the screen. Screens are very susceptible to damage from excessive pressure or weight. In particular, avoid picking up the digital device by the screen or placing your finger directly on the screen with any force.
• When opening the digital device, open from the front center tab and never from the sides.
• Never attempt repair or reconfigure the digital device.
• Never attempt to open or tamper with the internal components.
• Do not remove screws – this will void the warranty.
• Take care when inserting cords, cables and other removable storage devices to avoid damage to ports.
• Do not expose the digital device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight or ultraviolet light for extended periods of time. Extreme heat or cold may cause damage.
• Do not leave inside of an attended vehicle.
• Never close objects between the lid and keyboard.
Cleaning
• Always disconnect from the power outlet before cleaning.
• Never use liquids on the screen or keyboard.
• Clean the screen with a soft, lightly dampened, lint-free cloth or use anti-static screen cleaners or wipes.
• Wash hands frequently when using the digital device to avoid buildup on the touch pad. Hand lotions can affect the functionality of the touchpad. Grease and dirt can cause the cursor to jump around on the screen.
• Clean the touch pad with a lightly dampened cloth.
Charging and General Use
• Students are expected to ring digital devices to school each day with a fully charged battery. Students may be given the use of a loaned digital device if s/he does not bring his/her device to school. Repeated offenses will not be tolerated. Failing to bring digital devices to school may result in completing assignments using alternate means (as determined by the teacher).
• Students should abide by school-based procedures for use during lunch and in areas of the building used for eating and drinking.
• Some storage space may be accessible from several student accounts for the purpose of collaborative work. Students should respect the collaborative nature of this space and not delete or modify content owned by others without permission from the teacher. Students should follow the procedures established in class for making edits and developing jointly created products.
• Digital devices are subject to routine monitoring by teachers, administrators and technology staff.
• Students will provide access to any digital device and/or accessories that they have been assigned upon the request from the school or district. An individual search of the digital device and other stored student files may be conducted if there is suspicion that laws, policies or guidelines have been violated.
There is no expectation of user privacy with devices, content or storage on HPS digital devices.
Electronic messaging and transmitted data stored on servers or in online student accounts established by the HPS shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate use.
Filtering/Internet Access/Virus Protection
As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, a current filtering solution is maintained by HPS for school and home use. However, HPS cannot guarantee that access to all inappropriate sites will be blocked. It is the responsibility of the user to follow guidelines for appropriate use of the network and the internet. It is expected for students to be monitored while using HPS digital devices at on and off school campus.
HPS will not serve as the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for home use. However, HPS will provide filtering of HPS digital devices while connecting to the internet away from school. In order for a student to access the internet, the parent/guardian must contract with an ISP (e.g., Century Link, Charter, etc.) A wireless router or gateway is necessary in order to access the internet.
General Security
• Never leave digital devices unattended or unsecured.
• Store digital devices in a secure location (e.g., locked locker, etc.)
• During after-school activities, students are still expected to maintain the security of digital devices.
• Each digital device and accessories may have several identifying labels (i.e., factory bar-coded serial numbers, medal asset tags, etc.).
• Under no circumstances are should labels be removed or modified.
• If labels or barcodes are removed, students should notify their teacher immediately and submit a Damage Incident Report, located on the HPS and school website.
Login Procedures
School Use: Students will be given a unique HPS username and password. Always abide by HPS requirements for maintaining security of these credentials.
Home Use: HPS login credentials still apply when using HPS digital devices outside the school building. Home router passwords are not managed by HPS and must be managed with the support of the individual’s ISP (e.g., Verizon, Century Link, Charter, etc.).
Students should never share passwords, usernames or other authentication credentials. Students are responsible for activities performed with their HPS username and password.
Copyright
Compliance with federal copyright law is expected of all. "Copyright" is legal protection for creative intellectual works, which is broadly interpreted to cover just about any expression of an idea. Text, graphics, art, photographs, music and software are examples of types of works protected by copyright. Copying, distributing, downloading and uploading information on the internet may infringe the copyright for that information. Even an innocent, unintentional infringement violates the law. More information on copyright laws is available at
Failure to follow the guidelines for use and care of HPS digital devices will be addressed as specified in the HPS Student Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action.
Glossary of Words to Know
1:1 One-to-one (i.e., one digital device per student) each individual has a digital device, such as a laptop or tablet, for mobile learning.
Apps- Applications or programs running software.
Chromebook- A digital device that runs the Chrome operating system.
Cloud Computing- Data and software is being managed and stored using remote servers (web-based). Basically, little or no data is stored on a cloud-based device.
Digital Device- Laptop, tablet, (e.g., Dell laptop, Chromebook, iPad, etc.) In HPS digital devices are issued for digital teaching and learning purposes.
Day User- An individual who only has access to a HPS digital device during the school day. S/he must check out an HPS device each morning and check it back in at the end of the school day.
Sync- Making files, programs, apps, bookmarks, etc. the same on multiple devices.
Web-based- Information (e.g., apps, content, etc.) that are stored on the web and need the web for full functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this initiative being funded? The HPS 1:1 initiative is funded through federal grant funding and the HPS Board of Education.
Do Chromebooks require an internet connection? The Chromebook has full function using a wireless internet connection. However, it can still be used at a limited capacity without an internet connection. Student Wi-Fi access is provided at schools.
What if I don’t have wireless internet (Wi-Fi) at home? If you do not have internet access at home, there are several low cost options available in the area. Also, free Wi-Fi access is available at various areas through the city of Hickory and Catawba County including government building s and local businesses. Keep in mind, the Chromebooks can work in a limited capacity OFFLINE (not connected to the internet). Any work created while offline will automatically sync when connected to Wi-Fi.
What are the parents’/guardians’ responsibilities in respect to replacement or repair costs if the Chromebook is lost, stolen, or damaged? Chromebooks are considered to be comparable to a textbook or any other school-owned educational tool or resource provided to and issued to students. The expectation is that the device, its accessories, and backpack will be returned at the end of each school year (or upon withdrawal, request, or termination of attendance) in good, working condition.
Regardless of circumstances resulting in the damage to the Chromebook, its accessories, and/or backpack, the student and parent/guardian who signed for the device are responsible for repair fees and/or replacement costs of the issued Chromebook and/or its accessories and backpack (see Damage Fees table on page 7).
Will I be issued another Chromebook if mine gets lost, stolen, or damaged? After you pay the associated damage or replacement fees and depending on the length of repair time, you may or may not be issued a “loaner” device.
What if I fail to pay the associated damage or replacement fees if my Chromebook gets lost, stolen, or damaged? The fees will be added on to your account and may affect your graduation ceremony or other disciplinary action may be taken until the fees are paid. In addition, you may not be able to take a digital device home.
Does my student have to take a Chromebook home? No. Students will become day users if they choose not to take a Chromebook home. Teachers and teams will be using Chromebooks within the learning environment and will provide suggestions and alternatives to complete assignments.
How are apps added to the Chromebook? Using Google Apps Store, students can apply apps and shortcuts to their school Google account. Once logged into their account, these changes can be made and applied to their account whenever and wherever they are logged in.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Board of Education Policies and Legal References
Technology in Education Policy HPS BOE Policy: IFGBA
In alliance with state school technology goals, the Board is committed to establishing and supporting 21st century information and communications technology systems to foster globally competitive, healthy and responsible students. The Board recognizes the benefits of digital and technology-enabled teaching and learning resources that provide the ability to easily customize curriculum, provide access to current information and enable access to quality materials at a lower cost than traditional materials. To that end, the Board intends to move to classroom digital and technology-enabled teaching and learning resources that are aligned with the Common Core State and North Carolina Essential Standards as they become available. In addition, to the extent funding permits, the Board will endeavor to ensure that all students have access to personal digital and technology-enabled teaching and learning devices to foster the 21st century skills necessary for future-ready learners.
The Board expects that information and communications technologies will be integrated across the curriculum and used to support student achievement. Such technologies will also be used to support programs and activities that promote safe schools and healthy and responsible students. School administrators and teachers are encouraged to develop additional strategies for integrating technological resources across the curriculum and utilizing the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making more efficient use of resources. The strategies should be included in the school improvement plan if they require the transfer of funds or otherwise relate to any mandatory or optional components of the school improvement plan.
The superintendent shall develop and submit to the Board for approval a local school system technology plan that is aligned with state guidelines and applicable federal rules. The superintendent shall incorporate this plan into school system strategic planning efforts and include various stakeholders such as curriculum leaders, teachers, administrators and representatives from technology services, instructional technology, finance and other departments as required. Once the Board has approved the plan, the superintendent shall ensure expenditures on school information and communications technologies are made in accordance with the technology plan.
The superintendent shall establish relationships with businesses and seek grants and other funding sources in an effort to acquire technological resources for the educational program.
A. Selection of Technological Resources
Technological resources include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) hardware, including both fixed and mobile technologies and devices such as desktop device s, laptops, netbooks, tablets, e-readers, PDAs, smartphones and gaming devices; (2) software; (3) network and telecommunications systems and services; (4) internet access; (5) multimedia equipped classrooms; (6) device classrooms and laboratories; and (7) other existing or emerging mobile communications systems. All technological resources must be purchased and used in a manner consistent with applicable law and Board policy, including laws and policies related to copyright, public records, bidding and other purchase requirements, accessibility for students with disabilities, staff duties and standards for student behavior.
Technological resources must meet or exceed the following standards before they may be considered for implementation.
1. Technological resources must support the Common Core State and North Carolina Essential Standards or the programs of the school system.
2. Technological resources must support the current use of learning and instructional management technologies in the school.
3. Technological resources must be compatible with the condition of the network and other infrastructure resources. The technology director shall set minimum standards for technological resources that are purchased or donated. Upgrading, hardware conditions and similar requirements must be maintained to the highest standards.
4. There must be sufficient staff to operate and maintain the technological equipment, programs and systems.
5. There must be adequate funds budgeted to implement and support the technological resources and to train instructional staff to use the resources to improve educational outcomes.
B. Deployment of Technology to Schools
The superintendent shall oversee the development of the school system’s technology deployment plan. The plan will be designed to ensure organized, effective and efficient means of deploying new information and communications technologies. The superintendent shall develop procedures that outline the strategy of the technology deployment plan.
C. Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Initiative/1:1 INITIATIVE
The superintendent is authorized to investigate and develop a plan to allow staff and students the option to use their personal electronic devices in place of or along with their school system assigned devices. The superintendent is also authorized to develop a plan to allow students to be assigned a personal electronic device for use on and off of the school campus (i.e. 1:1). The plans should address, at a minimum, the instructional use of personal devices, compatibility requirements, access limitations or requirements, content filtering, security and other issues as recommended by the technology director. The plans should assign personal responsibility to the user for repair and replacement of damaged or stolen devices and for any data or other charges arising from use of a personal device. The plans should require a written agreement for the use of personal technology devices from each student and staff member who wishes to participate in the BYOT/1:1 initiative. The plans should ensure that students who are unable to bring in outside technology will be able to access and utilize school equipment so that no student is excluded from instruction due to lack of access to technology.
D. Electronic Communication and Other Collaborative Tools
The superintendent is authorized to permit instructional personnel to incorporate email, social networking sites, blogs, wikis, video sharing sites, podcasts, video conferencing, online collaborations, PDAs, IMing, texting, virtual learning environments and/or other forms of direct electronic communications or Web 2.0 applications for educational purposes to the extent the superintendent deems appropriate and in accordance with policy GAMA, Employee Use of Social Media. The superintendent shall establish parameters and rules for use of these tools and shall require instruction for students in how to use such tools in a safe, effective and appropriate way. Instructional personnel shall make all reasonable attempts to monitor student online activity and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of policy IFBGA Technology Responsible Use, when using these tools.
E. Technology-Related Professional Development
The superintendent shall plan a program of technology-enabled professional development that prepares the instructional staff for utilizing digital tools and resources. Professional development shall emphasize technology integration and continuous improvement, including the use of ongoing technology-integrated, online-learning activities throughout the course of study. Professional development shall also address the ethical, legal and practical issues related to social networking and mobile devices in the classroom and other topics deemed necessary by the superintendent or technology director. School improvement teams should identify any staff development appropriations for technology-related professional development in their school improvement plans. The superintendent and technology director should assist schools in coordinating staff development needs.
Legal References: G.S. 115C-522; 147-33.111; State Board of Education Policy TCS-C-018
Cross References: Technology Responsible Use (policy IFGBA), Internet Safety (policy IFBGB), Employee Use of Social Media (policy GAMA)
Other References: North Carolina State School Technology Plan (Division of Instructional Technology) (current version)
Adopted: December 2, 2013
Technology Responsible Use HPS BOE Policy: IFBGA
The Board provides its students and staff access to a variety of technological resources. These resources provide opportunities to enhance learning and improve communication within the school community and with the larger global community. Through the school system’s technological resources, users can observe events as they occur around the world, interact with others on a variety of subjects, and acquire access to current and in-depth information.
The Board intends that students and employees benefit from these resources while remaining within the bounds of safe, legal and responsible use. Accordingly, the Board establishes this policy to govern student and employee use of school system technological resources. This policy applies regardless of whether such use occurs on or off school system property, and it applies to all school system technological resources, including but not limited to computer networks and connections, the resources, tools and learning environments made available by or on the networks, and all devices that connect to those networks.
Expectations for Use of School Technological Resources
The use of school system technological resources, including access to the internet, is a privilege, not a right. Individual users of the school system’s technological resources are responsible for their behavior and communications when using those resources. Responsible use of school system technological resources is use that is ethical, respectful, academically honest and supportive of student learning. Each user has the responsibility to respect others in the school community and on the internet. Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. General student and employee behavior standards, including those prescribed in applicable Board policies, the Code of Student Conduct and other regulations and school rules, apply to use of the internet and other school technological resources.
Under certain circumstances, the Board may be required to disclose such electronic information to law enforcement or other third parties, for example, as a response to a document production request in a lawsuit against the Board, as a response to a public records request or as evidence of illegal activity in a criminal investigation.
In addition, anyone who uses school system computers or electronic devices or who accesses the school network or the internet using school system resources must comply with the additional rules for responsible use listed in Section B, below. These rules are intended to clarify expectations for conduct but should not be construed as all-inclusive.
Before using the internet, all students must be trained about appropriate online behavior as provided in policy IFBGB, internet Safety.
All students and employees must be informed annually of the requirements of this policy and the methods by which they may obtain a copy of this policy. Before using school system technological resources, students and employees must sign a statement indicating that they understand and will strictly comply with these requirements. Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in disciplinary action, including revocation of user privileges. Willful misuse may result in disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution under applicable state and federal law.
A. Rules for Use of School Technological Resources
1. School system technological resources are provided for school-related purposes only. Acceptable uses of such technological resources are limited to responsible, efficient and legal activities that support learning and teaching. Use of school system technological resources for commercial gain or profit is prohibited. Student personal use of school system technological resources for amusement or entertainment is also prohibited. Because some incidental and occasional personal use by employees is inevitable, the Board permits infrequent and brief personal use by employees so long as it occurs on personal time, does not interfere with school system business and is not otherwise prohibited by Board policy or procedure.
2. Under no circumstance may software purchased by the school system be copied for personal use.
3. Students and employees must comply with all applicable laws, including those relating to copyrights and trademarks, confidential information, and public records. Any use that violates state or federal law is strictly prohibited. Plagiarism of internet resources will be treated in the same manner as any other incidents of plagiarism, as stated in the Code of Student Conduct.
4. No user of technological resources, including a person sending or receiving electronic communications, may engage in creating, intentionally viewing, accessing, downloading, storing, printing or transmitting images, graphics (including still or moving pictures), sound files, text files, documents, messages or other material that is obscene, defamatory, profane, pornographic, harassing, abusive or considered to be harmful to minors.
5. The use of anonymous proxies to circumvent content filtering is prohibited.
6. Users may not install or use any internet-based file sharing program designed to facilitate sharing of copyrighted material.
7. Users of technological resources may not send electronic communications fraudulently (i.e., by misrepresenting the identity of the sender).
8. Users must respect the privacy of others. When using e-mail, chat rooms, blogs or other forms of electronic communication, students must not reveal personal identifying information, or information that is private or confidential, such as the home address or telephone number, credit or checking account information or social security number of themselves or fellow students. In addition, school employees must not disclose on school system websites or web pages or elsewhere on the internet any personally identifiable, private or confidential information concerning students (including names, addresses or pictures) without the written permission of a parent or guardian or an eligible student, except as otherwise permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Users also may not forward or post personal communications without the author’s prior consent.
9. Users may not intentionally or negligently damage device s, computer systems, electronic devices, software, computer networks or data of any user connected to school system technological resources. Users may not knowingly or negligently transmit computer viruses or self-replicating messages or deliberately try to degrade or disrupt system performance. Users must scan any downloaded files for viruses.
10. Users may not create or introduce games, network communications programs or any foreign program or software onto any school system computer, electronic device or network that do not support the educational goals of the school system.
11. Users are prohibited from engaging in unauthorized or unlawful activities, such as “hacking” or using the computer network to gain or attempt to gain unauthorized or unlawful access to other computers, computer systems or accounts.
12. Users are prohibited from using another individual’s ID or password for any technological resource without permission from the individual. Students must also have permission from the teacher or other school official.
13. Users may not read, alter, change, block, execute or delete files or communications belonging to another user without the owner’s express prior permission.
14. Employees shall not use passwords or user IDs for any data system (e.g., Home Base, CECAS, time-keeping software, etc.) for an unauthorized or improper purpose.
15. If a user identifies a security problem on a technological resource, he or she must immediately notify a system administrator. Users must not demonstrate the problem to other users. Any user identified as a security risk will be denied access.
16. Teachers shall make reasonable efforts to supervise students’ use of the internet during instructional time.
17. Views may be expressed on the internet or other technological resources as representing the view of the school system or part of the school system only with prior approval by the superintendent or designee.
B. Restricted Material on the Internet
The internet and electronic communications offer fluid environments in which students may access or be exposed to materials and information from diverse and rapidly changing sources, including some that may be harmful to students. The Board recognizes that it is impossible to predict with certainty what information on the internet students may access or obtain. Nevertheless school system personnel shall take reasonable precautions to prevent students from accessing material and information that is obscene, pornographic or otherwise harmful to minors, including violence, nudity, or graphic language that does not serve a legitimate pedagogical purpose. The superintendent shall ensure that technology protection measures are used as provided in policy IFBGB, Internet Safety, and are disabled or minimized only when permitted by law and Board policy. The Board is not responsible for the content accessed by users who connect to the Internet via their personal mobile telephone technology.
C. Parental Consent
The Board recognizes that parents of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards their children should follow when using media and information sources. Accordingly, before a student may independently access the internet, the student’s parent must be made aware of the possibility that the student could obtain access to objectionable material while engaged in independent use of the internet. The parent and student must consent to the student’s independent access to the internet and to monitoring of the student’s e-mail communication by school personnel. However, students may be required to participate in teacher directed and monitored educational activities that require the use of the internet.
D. Privacy
No right of privacy exists in the use of technological resources. Users should not assume that files or communications created or transmitted using school system technological resources or stored on services or hard drives of individual computers will be private. School system administrators or individuals designated by the superintendent may review files, monitor all communication and intercept e-mail messages to maintain system integrity and to ensure compliance with Board policy and applicable laws and regulations. School system personnel shall monitor online activities of individuals who access the internet via a school-owned computer.
E. Personal Websites
The superintendent may use any means available to request the removal of personal websites that substantially disrupt the school environment or that utilize school system or individual school names, logos or trademarks without permission.
1. Students: Though school personnel generally do not monitor students’ internet activity conducted on non-school system devices during non-school hours, when the student’s online behavior has a direct and immediate effect on school safety or maintaining order and discipline in the schools, the student may be disciplined in accordance with Board policy.
2. Employees: Employees’ personal websites are subject to policy GAMA, Employee Use of Social Media.
3. Volunteers: Volunteers are to maintain an appropriate relationship with students at all times. Volunteers are encouraged to block students from viewing personal information on volunteer personal websites or online networking profiles in order to prevent the possibility that students could view materials that are not age-appropriate. An individual volunteer’s relationship with the school system may be terminated if the volunteer engages in inappropriate online interaction with students.
Legal References: U.S. Const. amend. I; Children’s Internet Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. 254(h)(5); Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2522; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232g; 17 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; 20 U.S.C. 6777; G.S. 115C-325(e)
Cross References: Technology in the Educational Program (policy IFBG), Internet Safety (policy IFBGB), Web Page Development (policy IFBGC), Employee Use of Social Media (policy GAMA)
Adopted: December 2, 2013
OFFICE USE ONLY STUDENT ID SCHOOL NAME SCHOOL CODE
Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School
Release of Student Directory Information
Please complete and return to Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School
Dear Parent(s)
Every school, in order to provide the fairest most efficient/effective service to its students, must have guidelines, rules, and high academic standards. Our school is no exception.
Our school handbook, policies, and building procedures are all designed to organize our building in such a way that we can most effectively deliver the best possible instructional program for your child.
This is your school, a reflection of your community and its standards. Student behavior, willingness to learn and self-improve, and parent, student, and teacher commitment to the highest quality education for our HCAM children make a statement about all of us and our values!
Title I law requires that schools that receive federal financial support must have a signed compact with parents indicating their support of the school academic program, and building procedures. Please, read the information below and lend your support by signing. Thank You.
Student Agreement
• I will come to school on time and prepared to do my best work.
• I will treat others with respect.
• I will follow the rules.
• I will respect the rights of others to learn without distraction and disruption
Student Signature ____________________________________________________________
Parent Agreement
• I will make sure my child attends school regularly and arrives on time.
• I will cooperate and communicate with the school.
• I will support and reinforce school and district rules
• I will share with the teacher important information and concerns regarding my child.
• I have reviewed the HPS district and HCAM Handbook (Copies are available in the school office and on the school website.) and I will support the rules and guidelines with my child.
Parent Signature ______________________________________________________________
Teacher Agreement
• I will provide quality instruction based on the NC Common Core and Essential Standards
• I will provide a safe and caring environment.
• I will communicate progress made in a timely manner to students and parents.
• I will communicate and cooperate with each parent to ensure the best education possible for his/her child.
• I will provide parents reasonable access to staff.
Teacher Signature _____________________________________________
-----------------------
All Students K-12
NO Grant Directory Information Release for the following types of publications:
• A playbill showing your student’s role in a drama production
• Annual yearbook
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members and athletic programs
• For awards recognition, achievements, certificates or Honor Roll
All High School Students
NO Grant Directory Information Release for the following types of graduation related activities:
• Publicized Graduation lists
• Vendors for Class Rings and Photos
• Requests from outside agencies acknowledging Graduates with letters or certificates.
NO Grant Directory Information Release (student contact information) to College/Universities
NO Grant Directory Information Release (student contact information) to Military Recruiters
Student Information: Required fields (*)
*Student Name (Please Print)
*Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print)
*Parent/Guardian Signature
*Signature Date
................
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