When a student does make a poor choice, we believe we have established a positive climate where he/she may learn from his/her mistake and receive help to change the inappropriate behavior. It is our goal to allow students to make decisions, become accountable for those decisions; and thus, become more responsible adults in our society.

Once again, welcome to Seneca Valley Senior High School. We eagerly anticipate

your success and look forward to your contributions.

Sincerely,

Senior High School Administration

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Seneca Valley School District will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability or any other legally protected classification in the employment or in the administration of any of its educational programs and activities. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with state and federal laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To inquire about, obtain a copy of or to file a complaint relating to this policy, contact Human Resources Coordinator, SVSD, 124 Seneca School Road, Harmony, PA 16037 or call (724) 452-6040, ext. 216.

Seneca Valley Senior High School

Mission Statement

Seneca Valley Senior High School

is committed to the academic

excellence, personal achievement,

and social and complete growth of each student.

The collaborative efforts of a

skilled staff utilizing a dynamic

curriculum, modern facilities and

the resources of a large, growing, and diverse

community will develop lifelong

learners who are prepared

for success in life.

Seneca Valley School District's Mission Statement

The mission of the Seneca Valley School District, the unifying force in a richly diverse and dynamic community, is to provide each student a balanced and comprehensive education.
This will be accomplished through the cooperative effort of a skilled and committed staff utilizing a dynamic curriculum, updated facilities, current technology and all available resources.

Seneca Valley Senior High School

Belief Statements

1. Students are our community’s most valuable asset.

2. All students have a right to an education that recognizes and adapts to their individual needs and abilities.

3. All students have a right to an education that recognizes a variety of beliefs.

4. The parents, the school, and the community are responsible for educating students.

5. Students have the responsibility to actively participate in their own education.

6. The school should be a safe environment where students respect individual and cultural differences.

7. School should not only teach skills and knowledge, but also self-confidence, self-discipline, and individual accountability for their choices.

8. Students should learn positive lessons from their mistakes.

9. Common values, ethical conduct, and social interaction should be part of education.

10. The high school plays a critical role in helping students develop their educational and career goals.

11. Students should take pride in their school and support each other in school related events.

12. Students, parents, and faculty should have a voice in addressing school issues.

13. The success of the future depends on the efforts of today.

Alma Mater

Hail to thee our Alma Mater

Guide us through each precious year

Give us strength that we may always

Praise you with resounding cheer

Let our faith and love shine proudly

As we strive from day to day

And our voices thank you loudly

As you help us on our way.

Thanks to thee, our Alma Mater

For the future and the past

All the happiness you gave us

And our glorious blue and black

Hold us firm and guide us surely

As you have in years before

Loyalty we pledge undying

Seneca Valley evermore.

Emergency Information, School Closings & Delays

The Seneca Valley School District will make every effort to close or delay school by 5:30 a.m. of the affected day. Delays that turn into closures will be made by 7:30 a.m.. Please know that early dismissals will be avoided whenever possible, but if necessary, will be made by 11 a.m..

When Seneca Valley has a closing or delay, the district will first utilize AlertNow, a parent notification system, which will be programmed to call the primary phone number as listed for each child. In an emergency situation or in the event that the district goes from a two-hour delay to a closure, an emergency call will be sent to all provided numbers per student (this is the primary number and up to three additional numbers provided per child) so the information reaches all those affected by the emergency or change in status. AlertNow information will be collected/updated at the beginning of every school year, and parents are encouraged to call the district throughout the year to provide updates when necessary.

Emergency or delay/closure/early dismissal information can also be found on KDKA Radio 1020 AM, KDKA-TV Channel 2, WTAE-TV Channel 4, WPXI-TV Channel 11, SVTV Channel 50 (Digital Channel 208, TV Channel 407 for Consolidated Communications customers) or via a recording on our main campus phone line at (724) 452-6040. District status updates are also posted on the Seneca Valley Web site at www.svsd.net

Two-hour delay:

* NO Vo-Tech classes

* Afternoon and evening activities will be determined on a case-by case basis

Early dismissals and cancellations:

* NO after school activities

* NO home or away evening activities

* NO groups will be permitted to assemble at any school facility

* NO transportation of any kind will be provided after the regular school bus runs

* NO facilities will be used by rental groups

*When an early dismissal is called, all students are expected to board his/her regular bus and return home.

Student Services

Guidance

The Seneca Valley Senior High School guidance department is committed to assisting our students in exploring, developing, and pursuing their goals while maintaining a passion for success in life. Emphasis is directed toward personal, academic, and career growth that will prepare students as they transition into their adult life.

Utilizing individual data identifying ability, aptitude, and skill, the guidance staff employs the BRIDGES internet career program to support students as they investigate options beyond high school. Students may arrange to meet with their counselor by completing an appointment request form available in the guidance office. Parents/guardians may also schedule an appointment by calling the senior high school at 452-6040, Ext: 130 or 457. The guidance staff will conduct small group sessions with all seniors in the fall semester to discuss the application completion process and procedures for releasing official records. Individual Junior Post-Secondary Planning Meetings will be held during the spring semester for all junior students. Parents/guardians will be invited to attend these meetings, as well. The planning meeting for juniors receiving learning support services will be held in conjunction with the student’s Individualized Education Program meeting.

Senior High Counseling Staff

Mrs. McQuiston....... …Ext. 291...... Counselor for Students A-G

Mr. Chrestay............. …Ext. 131...... Counselor for Students H-O

Ms. Ramirez-Hoss.... …Ext. 132...... Counselor for Students P-Z

Mrs. Bergman-Kostlich..Ext. 181...... Gifted and Special Education Students

Mrs. North................ …Ext. 253...... Alternative Education & Student Assistance

Graduation Requirements (as per Seneca Valley policy #217)

Specific requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Seneca Valley School Board mandate that a student by the completion of grade 12 earn a minimum of 24 credits, successfully complete all four components of the Senior Project, and score at a proficient level on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) to be eligible to receive a diploma from Seneca Valley Senior High School.

Minimum credits required for the 2009-2010 graduation year include:

English............................................................................... 4.0 Credits

Speech................................................................................ 0.5 Credits

Social Studies..................................................................... 4.0 Credits

Mathematics*.................................................................... 3.0 Credits

Science**........................................................................... 3.0 Credits

Physical Education............................................................ 2.0 Credits

Health................................................................................ 0.5 Credits

Computer Applications/CHS (TMP)............................... 0.5 Credits

Arts/Humanities................................................................ 2.0 Credits

Electives............................................................................. 4.5 Credits

*The Class of 2011 will require 4 credits in Mathematics and 3.5 Elective credits

**The Class of 2012 will require 3.5 credits in Science, 4 credits in Mathematics, and 3 Elective credits.

Scheduling

During the second semester, students have an opportunity to select courses for the upcoming school year that fulfill required graduation credits and support individual needs in future planning. The Seneca Valley School District Program of Studies booklet, provided to each student during the registration period, highlights course descriptions and requirements for success in all available classes. A section of the program is dedicated to the 16 National Career Clusters to assist students in selecting courses aligned with their post-secondary goals. Butler County Area Vocational Technical School programming is also outlined.

Students are encouraged to involve their parent/guardian in the registration process and a parent/guardian signature is required on the final registration form to verify approval of the selected courses. Students have a three day window of opportunity at the beginning of each semester to request a schedule change. Schedule change requests are considered for the following three reasons:

1) To correct mechanical errors

2) Make up credit deficiencies

3) To add an elective course in place of a study hall

Grading Policy (as per Seneca Valley policy #217)

All marks or grades district-wide shall be designated with the following letters:

W-Withdrawn with a passing grade with no credit towards graduation and not included in Q.P.A. calculations from the point of withdrawal

WF-Withdrawn with a failing grade with no credit towards graduation but
included in Q.P.A. calculations for all marking periods

P-Passing grade with credit toward graduation but not included in Q.P.A.

PD-Pass with Distinction

Final course grades are obtained by averaging the percentage earned for each marking period and exam(s). The final exam or a combination of final exam and mid-term is worth ten percent (10%) of the final grade in all courses that administer final exams. The overall final grade for a course is reported in percentage and letter form. Students who lose credit due to a violation of the attendance policy will continue to receive a grade for the course but will not receive credit towards graduation. In this situation, the course will need to be repeated or taken in summer school in order to earn the graduation credit.

On-Line Grade Access

Teachers are expected to update grades each week into Classroll.com. Parents and students are encouraged to access their grades frequently at www.classroll.com. If you experience problems accessing classroll.com, please call 724-452-6040, extension 455.

Report Cards and Interim Reports/Progress Reports

Report cards are issued four times a year providing students and parents/guardians a formal record of achievement. Midway through each semester, faculty members will also provide “Interim Reports” to alert parents/guardians of accomplishments or problems students may be experiencing in some of their courses. All students will receive an Interim Report which includes a percentage grade from each class. Parents/guardians of students who receive an academic progress or interim report indicating a concern are encouraged to contact the teacher who sent the report to discuss the situation.

Honor Roll

At the end of each grading period students are recognized for outstanding academic achievement by having their names posted on the school’s honor roll. The following guidelines are in effect for each grading period during the academic school year.

Highest Honors 4.0 and above

High Honor Roll 3.75 – 3.99

Honor Roll 3.20 – 3.74

Note: No individual who has “D”, “F”, or an “incomplete” at the end of the grading period will be eligible.

Honor Stoles

Students who attain a grade point average of 3.60 – 3.99 may purchase a blue honor stole at graduation time. Any student who attains a grade point average of 4.0 or above may purchase a white honor stole. The grade point averages for these designations are finalized at the end of the third nine week grading period and will be taken to three decimal places.

Class Rank

A list of all students in a class is compiled according to individual Quality Point Averages (Q.P.A.), beginning with the student having the highest Q.P.A., and then, in descending order down to the lowest Q.P.A. A student’s position on this list then determines the student’s unique Class Rank, with the first student on the list being ranked number 1 in the class. Q.P.A. is computed for each grading period with additional weight accorded to Advanced Placement, College in High School, and Honors courses. Q.P.A. is based on a four (4) point scale: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1. The final exam or a combination of final exam and mid-term is worth ten percent (10%) of the final grade in all courses that administer final exams. Q.P.A. is a cumulative calculation of all earned grades (grading periods and exams) that appear on a student’s report card.

National Honor Society

Juniors and Seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or above and have been a student at Seneca Valley for at least one semester are eligible for consideration to be members in the National Honor Society. Students who are eligible may fill out a student information sheet outlining their accomplishments. Candidates will be evaluated by the faculty committee based on the following criteria: leadership, scholarship, service, and character. There are two induction ceremonies each school year, one is held in the fall and the other in the spring.

Student Records (as per Seneca Valley policy #216)

According to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), non-confidential information can be released to outside agencies without your consent. This directory information consists of name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, honors won and offices held, recognition for achievements, and recognition of graduation.

If you do not want directory information released, please provide written notification to your building principal by September 30.

Policies regarding the distribution of student records are available in the guidance office. This policy requires a signed release form before school records are sent to employers or other schools. The school is not permitted to release the records of any students who have not satisfied obligations with the school district.

Transcripts

When completing college application forms, most schools will require students to submit an official transcript of their high school record. When requesting a transcript for the first time, students will need to complete the following forms:

A. Transcript Release Authorization This form will be completed once and will be kept on file in the guidance office for the senior year - students under 18 years of age will need a parent/guardian signature.

B. Transcript Request Form this form will need to be completed for each transcript requested (official and unofficial.)

C. Student Information Sheet This form will be completed once and kept on file in the guidance office for the senior year.

No transcript will be processed without first completing these forms. All required forms are available in the guidance office and on our website at www2.svsd.net/~shguid.

Students should read the application form BEFORE requesting transcripts in order to know which items are required. If the application has a secondary school report or any section that needs to be completed by the counselor, that portion must be submitted with the transcript request.

Transcript Request Procedures

1) A Transcript Request Form is required for each transcript requested (if asking for 3 transcripts, 3 forms must be submitted.)

2) The name of the school or scholarship program must be listed on the form.

3) An addressed stamped envelope with proper postage must be included if the transcript is to be mailed from the guidance office.

4) The Transcript Request Form needs to have the student’s signature and date of submission – transcripts are processed in the order they are received.

5) Seven (7) school days are required for the guidance office to process the transcript request – students need to account for this in meeting deadlines.

6) The checklist on the request form allows student to indicate how they want their information prepared and all items to be included with the request.

7) The guidance office will process one official transcript per school or scholarship per year. Duplicate transcript requests for the same school/ scholarship will require a $1.00 processing fee. This fee does not apply when the school/institution makes the request for mid-term grade report. In addition, a final official transcript will also be sent to the school/institution the student has decided to attend at no charge.

Senior Project

The Seneca Valley Senior Project was approved by the Seneca Valley School Board in 2000 to fulfill Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 requirements. In order to meet local and state requirements, each student must achieve a minimum score of 65% on each of the four components of the Senior Project: Research Paper, Project, Portfolio and Presentation.

Please refer to all guidelines and procedures in your Senior Project student manual that is distributed in your Senior English class. A Senior Project Manual is provided for each student in September. Additionally, the entire manual and individual forms and instructions are available via the District’s website on the “Senior Project Page”.

Proficiency on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)

Students must attain a score of Advanced or Proficient in the areas of Reading, Mathematics and Writing on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) during his/her eleventh grade year. Students who attain a score of Basic or Below Basic in the areas of Reading, Mathematics or Writing on the PSSA in grade eleven (11) must take the PSSA retest in the fall of his/her Senior year. Students who do not score Proficient or above on the PSSA retest must prove his/her proficiency on an alternative assessment administered by the Seneca Valley School District (SVAA). Students may be selected for placement in a math and/or reading strategies course(s) during his/her Junior year for the opportunity to remediate the course material to meet the graduation requirement.

ATTENDANCE (as per Seneca Valley policy #204)

Regular attendance at school is a must if you are to progress scholastically, be successful in the classroom, and develop a responsible approach to work habits which carry over to your adult life. A summary of school attendance is reported on all individual student transcripts for college placements or job referrals.

The Attendance Policy

A student shall not be granted credit for any semester course if absences from that course total more than ten(10) periods per semester or for any full year courses that total more than twenty (20) periods for the year. Class period absences may include but not be limited to illness, truancy, vacations, parent sponsored educational experiences, college visitations, service related tests or physicals, and doctor appointments.

In addition, student(s) will not receive credit towards graduation for any class(es)from which the student(s) is illegally absent (confirmed truancy or class cut) more than three times during a semester class or more than 6 times during a full year course. The lack of sufficient credits in any particular school year could result in a student being denied promotion to the next grade level/building and/or graduation. If a student loses credit, he/she will remain in the class and the grade earned will impact the students GPA.

Excused Absences

Students must be present and punctual for school and all their classes. Excused absences are proscribed by law in the Pennsylvania State Code and include the following reasons:

1. The student’s own illness

2. Serious illness or a death in the immediate family

3. Urgent personal reasons that are approved by the school administration

4. Authorized religious holidays

When you return to school following an excused absence you should follow these steps:

1. Present an excuse within 5 days of the absence or the absence will be considered unexcused. The computer will automatically change the absence to unexcused and it will be reported this way on the report card and transcript.

2. Have a parent or guardian write an excuse giving your name, the date, days of absence, reason for absence and a telephone number where your parent/guardian may be reached or any clarification purposes.

3. When you return to school following a period of absence, you are required to present to your first period teacher an excuse signed by your parent/guardian.

4. If an excuse is forgotten, your first period teacher may temporarily admit you.

5. If an excuse is not presented within a reasonable time, disciplinary procedures may be instituted. (See Discipline Code for these procedures and for valid and invalid reasons for absence.)

6. Make immediate plans with your teachers to make up all work missed during your absence. This task is your responsibility.

Truancy (Illegal Absence from School)

Regular attendance is necessary to assure your best performance in school and is also required by state law. Each student’s attendance record at school is very important. All instances of truancy will follow Seneca Valley policy #218. Students will not receive credit for any class work that takes place during unexcused class absences.

Class Cuts

The primary responsibility of our school district is to educate each student to his/her fullest potential. If this is to be achieved, regular attendance in class is essential. Students who regularly attend classes tremendously increase their opportunities for success in any academic course. Disciplinary action, as stated in our discipline code, will result when a student cuts a class. Students will not receive credit for any class work that takes place during unexcused class absences. Students who do not complete a course due to class cuts cannot make up a credit through the Seneca Valley Summer School Program.

Tardies

The administration and faculty expect all students to be punctual. We feel that having the self discipline to be on time enhances an orderly learning environment, and will be of value to students in their future endeavors. Repeated violations of tardiness either to school or the start of class periods will result in disciplinary action as stated in our discipline code.

Hall Passes

To maintain a safe environment and a focused educational atmosphere throughout the school and to allow the school district to meet its required supervisory responsibilities for all students, the school must maintain strict student hall pass procedures.

During the time that classes are in session, students are not permitted to be in the halls without a hall pass. These passes entitle a student to be in the halls for a reasonable period of time during that particular teacher’s class period. If this is necessary, make sure to complete the sign-out form provided in each classroom.

Students may be issued wooden hall passes, if they are to remain on the same floor (i.e. to use the restroom).

A student wishing to be excused from a study hall or another teacher’s class must follow this procedure:

1. Obtain a written hall pass prior to the study hall from the teacher who will be supervising you during the time of the pass.

2. Present the pass request to your assigned study hall supervisor or classroom teacher and await their approval. Your assigned classroom teacher or study hall supervisor must grant you permission before you may leave your assigned area.

3. Hall pass requests to attend another teacher’s class or to be assigned to another supervised area during a study hall must be presented at the beginning of the assigned class or study hall period.

A student’s privilege to use a hall pass may be suspended should a student violate these guidelines.

Passes for Leaving School

Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds at any time during the school day without permission from the school office or school nurse. If you must leave the school building for an approved early dismissal, you are required to sign out at the attendance office before leaving school. Students who are ill may not leave the building without the permission of the school nurse. Failure to follow the proper procedure will be considered an unexcused absence. and will result in referral to the school administration for disciplinary action. Students are not permitted in the other school buildings on campus without a pass from their respective school offices.

Early dismissal requests must be presented to the attendance office before first period for approval. Early dismissal requests must include your name, date and time of early dismissal, parent/guardian signature, specific reason for the early dismissal and telephone number of parent/guardian for verification prior to your early dismissal time. “Personal Reasons” is not a valid excuse.

Homework Requests

An absence does not excuse a student from responsibility for school assignments and work. If there is an anticipated absence of three (3) or more days, you may call the office to request that homework be collected and arrange for your parents or a friend to pick up your assignments in the school attendance office. Requests should be placed no later than the close of the second day of your absence, allow for adequate time to gather the information, and be reserved for absences of three (3) or more days. Homework requests should be picked up in the senior high school office twenty-four (24) hours after the request is placed.

Homebound Instruction

If a student is confined to his/her home for a period of more than two weeks, he/she may be eligible to receive homebound instruction. Requests should be presented to the high school office as soon as possible. In submitting requests, a parent/guardian must present a statement from a medical doctor indicating the appropriateness of such a program. All requests will be processed through the School District’s Central Administration.

Make Up Work

When students are legally absent from classes, it is his/her responsibility to arrange with his/her teachers to make up work missed in each class. The amount of time given to make up this work depends on the amount of time that the student was absent, and the circumstances surrounding the absence. For instance, if the student is legally absent for two school days, the student shall receive two school days to make up the work, if necessary. If this work is not completed within the given time period, a student may receive an “incomplete” grade. At the end of the grading period, or at the interim report, the “incomplete” grade is changed to a failing grade for work that has not been completed. Students will not receive credit for any class work that takes place during unexcused class absences. Students are required to make up any missed assignments.

If a student is missing due to a pre-approved vacation/field trip they must follow district policy.

Educational Tours

The Seneca Valley School District recognizes the value and importance of students spending time with his/her parents and participating in family activities and special events. This time may include pre-planned family trips and educational experiences during the regular school year. Pre-approval forms for these types of learning activities are available from the building principal, and must be completed well in advance of the educational tour or trip.

Approval for an excused absence for a family trip or tour will be determined by the building principal on the basis of prior attendance records, previous requests, academic progress to date and the educational value of the requested experience.

No excused absences for family trips and educational tours will be granted during the first or last two weeks of the school year, during state mandated assessments, achievement tests, or the semester change in the secondary schools.

Class/School Field Trips and Tours

The Seneca Valley School District recognizes the value, and encourages the opportunity for students to participate in pre-planned trips and educational experiences during the regular school year. Written permission from a parent or guardian must be obtained. This permission must indicate understanding of the date, time, cost (if applicable), method of travel, and purpose of this trip. Pupil participants are subject to the supervision of the school-approved adults, who may require a dress code for the occasion. At all times the school code of conduct will be enforced.

Students who are absent from any of their regularly scheduled classes because of their involvement in a school sponsored activity or field trip must adhere to the following procedures.

1. Field trip forms must be completed prior to the field trip and returned to the sponsor of the activity. Students who fail to return this completed form may not participate in the activity.

2. Students are responsible for notifying their teachers that they will be missing classes and completing all work that is missed. This should be done prior to the planned absence.

3. If the planned class activities that a student would miss to participate in the field trip can not be completed early or following the trip (ex.: lab experiments, demonstrations, group reports, etc.), the student is to be notified of this type of classroom activity at the time his/her field trip request is presented to the teacher. The student, with the assistance of the sponsor of the activity and the student’s parent/guardian must evaluate the appropriateness of his/her participation in the field trip or special activity based on this information.

4. Parental approval for a student to miss classroom activities to participate in a field trip or special activity is indicated by the signature of the student’s parent or guardian on the bottom of the completed form.

5. A student with excessive absences will not be permitted to attend school sponsored field trips or activities, if the activities require additional absences from regularly scheduled classes.

Post-Secondary School or College Visitations

Students may have permission for excused absence not to exceed three (3) days per school year for post-secondary school visits. The student is required to seek prior approval by the school administration. Approval will not be granted during the first or last two weeks of a semester or the school year.

In order to visit a college, university, or technical school, a note from your parent/guardian is required. This note must include the date(s) of the requested approved absence, and a telephone number where your parent/guardian may be contacted for verification of the request. Permission will not be granted without direct confirmation of the request by your parent/guardian.

A student who is granted permission for an excused absence to visit a school must obtain a “College/School Visitation” form from the attendance office. You must have this form signed by a college admissions office representative and returned to the Seneca Valley Senior High School Attendance office when you return to school.

Vo-Tech

Students who attend the Butler County Vocational-Technical School must also attend classes at the Seneca Valley Senior High School. ALL early dismissals must be coordinated and recorded by the Seneca Valley Senior High School Attendance Office. Students may lose the privilege of attending the Butler County Vo-Tech School if the attendance policies of both schools are not followed. If you are ill, the nurse at Vo-Tech, or the nurse at Seneca Valley must excuse you to return home.

In addition, out of school suspensions are reciprocal between the Butler County Vo-Tech School and the Seneca Valley Senior High School.

Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism is defined as taking or imitating the ideas, thoughts or language of another to represent them as one’s original work. It is imperative that all work submitted by a student be representative of his/her own ideas, thoughts and especially language capability. Therefore, plagiarism is strictly prohibited in all work pertaining to school. A grade of “F” or zero will be awarded for any submitted work which is found to be the work of another (student, author, encyclopedia, internet, etc.) and subsequent offenses will be dealt with accordingly.

If the ideas, thoughts, or language from another source must be used in the work being done, it is the student’s responsibility to cite the information appropriately. Plagiarism detection software will be used in various classes.

The Library

The Seneca Valley Senior High School Library materials have been chosen to support the curriculum, stimulate individual student academic pursuits, and encourage recreational reading. The library program provides a bridge between formal, school-based learning and independent, life-long learning. It is the staff’s hope that through collaborative efforts with the teaching staff, the library will be the hub of learning for the high school students.

The library collection consists of thousands of books, periodicals, and vertical file materials, as well as the Evans City, Zelienople, and Seneca Valley yearbooks. The library computers provide access to the collection, a vast supply of authoritative periodicals, interlibrary loan materials, and Internet usage. Approval for Internet usage is regulated through the High School’s Technology Coordinator. A cooperative lending program for classes or individual needs exists not only with the local campus, but also with the entire state library system. The librarian will make campus or state interlibrary loans per request.

Students must use their school-issued ID to check out materials. They are encouraged to obtain library passes from study hall teachers for academic purposes and/or recreational reading. If students are coming to the library from a study hall, they will be required to remain in the library for the entire period. Students coming from other classes should have passes that indicate whether or not they are expected to return to class.

With the exception of yearbooks, all library materials circulate either on an overnight basis, for five school days, or are restricted to time and place by an individual classroom teacher. Each student is responsible for the on-time return and condition of these materials. Late overnight returns are fined at 25 cents per day; regular checkout fines are 10 cents per day. Payment for non-returned books is based on replacement cost, and the charge for non-returned magazines is $5.00. Students are charged the same fees for any damaged materials. Interlibrary loan fines are determined by the lending library.

Computer/Network Use

There are computers available throughout the building for student use. Students whose teachers use computers in their curriculum use courseware specifically designed for that curriculum during scheduled class times. Students are also permitted to use computers for class or research during study halls as space is available. Additionally, there are computers in the library for research purposes.

All enrolled students have an account on the networked system for file storage and software access. All student accounts are password protected. These passwords are to be kept confidential to protect unauthorized use.

Lab Rules and Regulations

The labs are a privilege provided for the students to enhance the academic curriculum. Games that are not specifically used in the curriculum are not allowed on the system. Individual files are not considered to be personal property. These files may be accessed at any time by teachers, administrators, or the system managers. Students are not permitted access to other students’ files. Tampering with files, copying of copyrighted software, downloading or installing games, password tampering, accessing unauthorized directories or removing equipment, or software will be considered theft. Tampering with any hardware or equipment or violating policies and/or guidelines governing the use of networks, Internet or software programs are also considered offenses and will be dealt with according to the discipline policy. Violators may also be prosecuted under applicable local, state or federal civil or criminal law.

Internet Policy

Several Seneca Valley School District (SVSD) policies, Internet guidelines, and state and federal laws govern the acceptable use of school district computers and accounts. Students must agree to abide by them to obtain and maintain an account. Any student using the Internet must have a computer network user’s agreement signed by both the student and his/her parent/guardian.

Personal accounts are made available to current students to help you learn about computers, networks and related services. Such accounts are not to be used for any activities other than personal learning. Any form of commercial work for profit on these accounts is not permitted. Personal use of the Internet for non-educational purposes is strictly forbidden. You are responsible for what appears in your accounts.

Remember that the District’s Discipline code also applies to your computer and network accounts. Accounts are not to be used for anything that would be inappropriate by our “community standards” or wasteful of computer or network resources.

Specific examples: Downloading and/or viewing of pornographic, illegal or other inappropriate material can result not only in losing your account, but also other disciplinary action by the Board of School Directors as a Level III Offense, or by appropriate law enforcement officials. Chat sites and electronic mail are not to be used to post or relay personal messages, chain letters or any manner of threatening, abusive, unwelcome or unwanted messages.

Network facilities are not to be used to probe or circumvent security systems and measures. Wasting network resources is also prohibited (use of “chat rooms”, email, instant messenger services, for example).

What follows is a complete listing of computer use rules:

1. Sign in at the teacher’s desk if you are not with a classroom teacher. Always sign in at the computer station or indicate the computer station used.

2. Students may never remove disks, software, or hardware from any room. Check the computer station before signing in and alert the monitors of any problems.

3. Students are not permitted access to DOS, the CONTROL PANEL, or SYSTEM FOLDER on any machine. Desktops may not be changed.

4. Students may only access authorized programs that are resident on the desktops or in their accounts.

5. No student may copy personal programs of any type (including games) onto the hard drives or onto the network at any time. Absolutely no game playing!

6. No student is permitted to have access to another student’s account or files.

7. All passwords are to be kept confidential. Any student caught tampering with passwords will be disciplined as per the discipline code.

8. Students are not permitted to use flash drives.

9. Signed Acceptable Use Policies must be on file before a student can use the Internet.

10. The Internet may be used only for genuine research in conjunction with a subject class. An Internet Usage Pass is required to use the Internet in the labs or library during study halls.

11. No food or drink is allowed in the labs at any time.

12. Excess use of printing resources is strictly prohibited. If you need to print from the Internet, use the copy and paste commands and a text processor.

13. Lab monitors are available in the labs for help with file saving and printing. The individual is responsible for knowing his/her password.

14. All jobs must be finished by the end of the period or saved until a later date. No student may remain in the lab unsupervised after the bell. Unprocessed print jobs may be picked up at a later time.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Cafeteria

The dining area is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school. Students are encouraged to eat a balanced lunch for good nutrition. It is a proven fact that good nutrition and the ability to learn are closely linked.

Students are to report directly to the cafeteria at their assigned time for lunch without stopping to loiter in halls or restrooms. Supervised restroom time will be allowed during lunch period. While at lunch, students should enjoy the break from class, but remain mindful that the majority of the school is in class. Tardiness to lunch will receive discipline similar to class tardiness.

The lunchroom supervision, administrators, and your fellow students will appreciate your cooperation in

· Depositing all lunch litter in wastebaskets.

· Leaving both the table and the floor around your place in clean condition for others.

· Not taking any food from the cafeteria.

· Being on your best social behavior while eating – any pushing, throwing of food, or other disruptive behavior will result in disciplinary action.

Students must use their ID cards to purchase food items in the cafeteria.

Care of Books

Each student is entrusted with various supplies for study. These may include textbooks, paperbacks, supplemental reading materials, lab manuals, etc. Because these materials represent a major investment for the school district, students should immediately report lost, stolen, or damaged books to his/her teacher. If books or supplemental materials are damaged or not returned, students will be charged a replacement or rebinding fee at the time of the damage or loss.

Please place covers on your textbooks, handle them with care and assume complete responsibility for those materials assigned to you.

Closed Campus

To ensure the safety of our students, the Seneca Valley Senior High School maintains a closed campus environment. All building exterior entrance doors, except those doors at the main lobby, will be locked from the outside during school hours. Students must remain in areas assigned to them in their schedules. No student is permitted to be in the school building unsupervised or unauthorized. All visitors to the building must immediately report to the main office. Violation of this policy is a serious offense which may require the assistance of local law enforcement agencies.

School Officials reserve the right to use metal detectors (walk-through or hand-held models) or bring in trained bomb or drug sniffing dogs where reasonable suspicion exists that the student(s) may be in possession of drugs, weapons, alcohol or other materials in violation of school policy or state law or any materials that pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of that student or other students.

Driving/Parking

Junior and Senior students who have completed all of the criteria to obtain a parking permit and who have purchased a valid parking permit may drive their vehicles to school. A student parking permit allows students to park in those areas designated for student parking. Students are not permitted to park in other areas of the school campus. The Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code and Act #110 of 1972, authorizing the school district to enforce these Codes, is in full effect for students parking on school grounds. All obligations must be met before a parking permit may be purchased.

Students who intend to drive to school at any time during the school year must purchase a parking permit and register their vehicle(s) and license plate number(s) with the security officer. This will enable school officials to identify all vehicles parked on school property and help ensure a safe school environment. The cost of parking permits is $25.00 before the school year begins or $35.00 after the start of the school year. Parking Permits are not transferable.

Students who drive to school and do not have a parking pass must sign in their vehicles with their driver’s license and license plate number in the main office prior to 8:00 a.m. (or if they have a late arrival, at that time).

Students who accumulate more than $50 in parking tickets could have their cars towed from school property and are subject to fees related to towing and impoundment.

Parking permits must be prominently displayed from the rear view mirror any time a student’s vehicle is parked on school grounds. Failure to obtain or properly display a parking permit will result in a fine and disciplinary action. Unauthorized vehicles will be tagged and may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Parking

Students may park in any spaces identified as student parking and must park their cars in the direction of the arrows Co-Op and Vo-Tech students may park in designated areas.

Students may not go to their cars or leave school grounds during the school day without written authorization from the school administration.

There are two levels of parking tickets, $5.00 and $10.00. The following is a list of reasons for fines. Tickets will include, but not be limited to, the following reasons:

$5.00 $10.00

1. Student driver has purchased permit 1. Student driver has committed a

but did not display from rear view moving violation on campus.

mirror or has blocked permit 2. Student driver has parked in

visibility while on campus. administrative or faculty spaces.

2. Student driver has parked in wrong 3. Student driver has not purchased a

student lot. permit.

3. Student driver has parked in the 4. Student driver has driven with a

wrong direction. suspended permit.

5. Student driver has shared a permit with another student.

6. Student driver has forged permit.

Suspension of Parking Privileges

The school provides parking as a privilege to responsible student drivers. The school district reserves the right to suspend student parking. Infractions that result in lost parking privileges include but are not limited to: driving off campus during the school day, excessive tardiness to school, persistent abuse of parking rules and regulations, and motor vehicle code violations on the way to or from school. Any parking pass that has been revoked also revokes sign-in privileges during that time period.

Students must be aware that persistent abuse of parking rules and regulations could result in towing the vehicle from school grounds at the owner’s expense.

Upon purchase of a parking permit, the student agrees that they will not display any article on their vehicle that may be perceived as intimidating or offensive to others (swastikas, confederate battle flags, etc.). Failure to comply may result in the removal of the student’s parking permit and privileges.

Students are also reminded that they are not permitted to park on public roads near the secondary campus for the purposes of attending a regularly scheduled school day or after school event. Students are not permitted to walk onto the secondary campus.

If there is reasonable suspicion that a student may be in possession of any material that is in violation of school policy or state law, or any material that may pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of that student or other students, school officials will search the student’s vehicle if on campus, and/or personal belongings.

Drug Testing Program

A drug testing program was initiated in the Seneca Valley School District to help deter student athletes, student drivers and students involved in activities from drug usage. After an initial testing, students will be placed in a random testing pool for the remainder of the school year. A weekly random list will be generated and students will be asked to provide a urine sample. Compliance with this policy is mandatory in order for students to continue to participate in their sport, activity, or in student driving.

Fire Drills

Fire exits have been posted throughout the building. When the fire alarm is sounded, students should follow the signs and the directions of your teacher. When out of the building, keep moving to an area designated by your teacher. Return to your classroom when directed by the teacher or principal.

Identification Cards

The school district will issue each student a photo ID card. It is the student’s responsibility to have this card in their possession at all times while on campus. These cards must be used for checking out materials from the library, computer use in the labs and the library, and for purchasing items from the cafeteria. A student must produce this identification upon request from staff or faculty. Replacements must be obtained through the attendance office for a fee.

Lockers and Personal Property (as per Seneca Valley policy #’s 224 and 226)

A locker will be assigned to you at the beginning of the school year for your personal items and books. Please use only the locker assigned to you, keep it locked at all times, and do not share your combination with others. This will help protect the security of your personal belongings.

You should keep your locker neat and clean and avoid keeping valuables in your locker. The school will not assume responsibility for articles that are taken from any lockers. The outside appearance of your locker will add or detract from the general appearance of our school building. Please avoid kicking, marring or marking your locker.

Please be aware that the lockers are the property of the Seneca Valley School District and are provided to you for storing school related items and clothing. The school has an obligation to insure that all lockers are properly used and that no item placed in the lockers jeopardizes the health, safety, and welfare of our students, faculty, school property or the educational process. To fulfill this obligation, school officials are empowered to conduct reasonable searches of a particular student and their personal property (including backpacks, purses, gym bags, cars, etc.) and school property where reasonable suspicion exists that the student may be in possession of drugs, weapons, alcohol or other materials in violation of school policy or state law or any materials that pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of that student or other students. In case of emergency, blanket searches may be made. The district reserves the right to conduct periodic searches employing drug or bomb sniffing dogs.

Gym Lockers

Although you may not place permanent locks on any gym lockers, you are encouraged to place a lock on your gym locker during your physical education classes or practice sessions. This will enable you to secure your valuables in a locked locker during class or practice. However, all locks must be removed at the end of the semester or athletic season. Any locks left on the lockers may be cut and removed.

Gym lockers are the property of the Seneca Valley School District and are subject to the regulations as stated previously (“Lockers”). School officials may conduct searches of gym lockers if there is reasonable suspicion.

Lost and Found

Any person finding articles that someone else may have lost should take the articles to the library. A lost article may be reclaimed after proper identification of the article has been established. All unclaimed items will be discarded after a reasonable length of time.

Lost books that are submitted to the office will be returned to the appropriate subject area teacher.

You are responsible for all materials which are assigned to you and you will be required to make payment for any lost books or other school materials.

Media Release

As part of an on-going process to generate good news about our schools, the Seneca Valley School District often invites the media inside the classroom to learn about our outstanding academic programs and events. If you do not want to appear in either a photograph or to be interviewed for the story, please have your parents provide a written notification to your building principal.

Obligations

Students are responsible for the satisfactory settlement of costs for lost or damaged books and other school property, unpaid fees, parking tickets, school equipment not returned, etc. A student who has incurred this type of debt must satisfy all obligations at the end of each grading period before his/her report card will be issued. Purchase of Homecoming and/or Prom tickets will be prohibited until the obligation is fulfilled.

Final report cards will not be issued and records will be held pending payment of obligations.

Rest Rooms

You may use the rest rooms before and after school, between class periods, and during lunch periods. You are expected to keep them clean. Do not loiter, smoke, write on the walls, or damage the facilities in any way. If you are feeling ill, report to the nurse’s office; do not remain in the rest rooms. Students are to refrain from asking for a rest room pass during class time except for emergencies. If this is necessary, make sure to complete the sign-out form provided in each classroom.

Telephone and Fax

If your parent/guardian telephones the school with an urgent message for you, the office personnel will notify you as quickly as possible and you may return the call. However, students are not to ask for permission to leave a class to use a telephone. Cell phones are not permitted to be used during the school day.

Under no circumstances will faxes be accepted for students nor are students permitted to send faxes from the school offices.

Visitors

Seneca Valley students have always been proud of their school and they enjoy sharing their school and accomplishments with others. They also realize the importance of maintaining a focused and positive learning atmosphere throughout the school. Therefore, any person who intends to visit the Seneca Valley Senior High School must obtain written permission from the principal and register as a visitor in the main office.

Because of possible disruptions to the learning climate in the classrooms, visitors during the school day are discouraged and approval will only be granted for very special reasons. Appropriate forms and registration materials are available in the main office and must be completed one week in advance of the visit. Written approval of all your classroom teachers and your parent/guardian will also be required before you may host a visitor to our school. Students from area schools will not be permitted to visit unless some special educational activity, approved by the administration, would warrant their visit.

Work Permits

The Child Labor Act of Pennsylvania requires all minors 14 to 18 years of age to secure a work permit before engaging in any employment. Work permits are available in the attendance office during school hours.

Procedure:

1. When a minor between 14 and 18 years of age receives a promise of employment, the parent or guardian must apply for the work permit in the attendance office. The parent must present the evidence of age required, i.e. birth certificate. The parent or guardian must sign the application in the presence of the secretary. If this is impossible, the minor may request the application with an Attestation Document, which the parent must then sign in the presence of a Notary Public.

2. The appropriate signatures (employer and physician) are required on the back of the application.

3. The student must return the completed application to the attendance office where the work permit is issued.

HEALTH SERVICES

Certified School Nurses provide health services to promote student wellness and reduce health barriers that may influence a student’s educational program. Some of the services provided include:

1. Assessment of acute illness and injury with appropriate intervention or referral

2. Emergency Care

3. Case management for students with chronic health problems such as broken bones, post-operative recovery, infectious mononucleosis, etc.

4. Implementation of state health and immunization laws

State Mandated Health Screenings

The purpose of the screening program is to identify possible health problems that may require further evaluation and/or treatment. School screenings are not intended to replace periodic examinations by your family health practitioners. The following screenings are done at the Senior High School:

1. 11^th grade – height/weight, vision, hearing, physical exam*

2. 12^th grade – height/weight, vision

It is recommended that physical examinations be conducted by the family physician, with payment being the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Students who do not turn in a completed, private physical exam form will be scheduled for an exam with the school physician.

If your son/daughter does not have health insurance or if the insurance does not cover immunizations, you may contact the Butler County State Health Center at (724) 287-1769. Clinics are on the third Thursday of every month. Please call for an appointment. They are located in the Monarch Building, 100 Brugh Avenue, Suite 201, Butler, PA 16001.

Medication (as per Seneca Valley policy #210)

All medications must be prescribed in writing by a health care professional (physician/dentist/CRNP). The original pharmacy labeled container may also

be accepted as the medication order for medications administered for a period of two weeks or less. All medications administered in the school setting must also be accompanied by a written request from the parent/guardian:

1. A completed long-term medication administration form signed by the doctor must be submitted for both daily and as-needed medication. The medication order will be in effect no longer than the duration of the current school year.

2. A short-term medication form may be submitted for medication required for two weeks or less.

Students are not to carry medications with them during the school day unless otherwise directed by a health care professional. All medications must be delivered to the school nurse for storage. Prescription medications require the original pharmacy labeled container. Over-the-counter medications, e.g. Tylenol and Advil, must be in the original labeled package. Students are responsible for reporting to the nurse’s office at the designated time to receive prescribed medication.

Controlled medications sent to school with the student should include a note from the parent/guardian stating the number of pills being sent. The school nurse will verify the number of pills received and notify the parent/guardian of any discrepancy.

Please refer to the Seneca Valley School District Policy #210, for additional information regarding field trips and/or school-sponsored activities after school hours.

Nurse’s Office

The nurse’s office is located across from the administrative office at the main entrance to the building. Unless it is an obvious emergency, students will not be admitted to the nurse’s office without a pass from your teacher whose class will be missed. Failure to receive permission from the teacher in a non-emergency situation will be considered class cutting.

The school nurse may send students home only after contacting the parent/guardian and receiving permission to do so. If the nurse is not in the nurse’s office, students should report to the main office. Students are not permitted to leave school due to a health issue without authorization from the nurse, school administration and permission from the parent/guardian. Cell phones are not permitted to be used during the school day; students should not call or send text messages to parents in the event of an illness or injury. Students must be seen by the school nurse, phone contact is the responsibility of the nurse to grant permission for early dismissal. If proper procedure is not followed disciplinary action may occur.

Y.E.S.S. Student Assistance Program (as per Seneca Valley Policy #236)

Y.E.S.S., the Youth Education Support Services program is Seneca Valley School District’s Student Assistance Program. Student Assistance is the Commonwealth’s vehicle to identify barriers to a student’s learning and to provide programs to address these barriers thereby enhancing a student’s academic and personal development. Barriers to a student’s learning can be complex and may include things such as a recent move or relocation, sudden grief and loss, attendance issues, use of mind altering substances, being the victim of violence or harassment, poor coping skills, depression and anxiety, poor organization and study skills, and strained relationships.

The goal of Y.E.S.S. is two-fold. First, Y.E.S.S. provides intervention and referral services via existing school programs, the school mental health liaison, and/or outside community resources. Existing school programs may include school based support groups, individual counseling, and mentoring. Second, Y.E.S.S. has a prevention component which promotes healthy lifestyles through student education, leadership programs, and alternative activities. Y.E.S.S. also provides support services and education to school personnel and parents regarding those issues which affect a student’s personal growth and ability to learn.

The Y.E.S.S. Core Team facilitates each building’s programs. The Core Team consists of a coordinator, teachers, counselors, a school nurse, administrators, and liaisons from the community. The Core Team is specially trained and certified by state student assistance providers to work with students.

The Y.E.S.S. program provides ongoing information and resources to students, parents, school personnel and the community on the district website under guidance services. A Y.E.S.S. brochure and a Help card are available in each counseling office on the secondary campus.

POLICIES

Student Rights

Students do have rights. They have the legal rights as persons and citizens. The rights include the right to due process, the right to an education, the right to express their opinions, and the right to be free from discrimination. They also have the human rights as persons and participants in the educational community. The rights include the right to be treated with dignity by other members of the school community and the right to contribute to the educational programs.

Student Responsibilities

Minors are compelled by law to attend school until they are 17 years of age. Student responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientious efforts in classroom work, and conforming to school rules and regulations. Most of all, students share with the administration and faculty the responsibility to develop a school climate that is conducive to wholesome learning and living.

Above and beyond these general responsibilities, students have specific rights and responsibilities in the following areas:

I. Religion

Right: The school may not interfere with your right to observe any religion (or none at all if you wish) by requiring or conducting religious exercises for you.

Responsibility: Each person has his/her own personal beliefs; you have

the responsibility to respect the religious beliefs and observances of

others.

II. Speech and Expression

Right: You have the right to express your views, either orally or symbolically.

Responsibility: When expressing yourself, you must do so in a manner that does not materially or substantially disrupt the instructional environment. You may not, in expressing yourself, violate another person’s rights by using slanderous speech or expressions.

III. Flag Salute and Pledge of Allegiance

Right: You may not be forced to take part in the salute of the flag or pledge of allegiance if doing so violates your beliefs or values.

Responsibility: If you refuse to participate in the salute to the flag or pledge of allegiance, you may not disrupt the activity of others who choose to do so.

IV. Suspension and Expulsion

Right: Before you may be suspended from school for ten days or less the suspending school official will:

a. Tell you what rule you have broken;

b. Explain to you why he/she believes that you broke the rule.

c. Give you a chance to tell your version of what happened.

Responsibility: You have the responsibility to follow school

regulations.

V. Racial Discrimination and Segregated Schools

Right: The state, or any other governmental body, may not establish racially segregated schools, thus depriving you of your right to an education regardless of race. Also, every student has the right to an education without any interference. Any acts of hatred toward the race, color, religion or natural origin of another individual or group of individuals can disrupt the educational atmosphere.

Responsibility: To hold respect, understanding, and appreciation of each person’s worth and individuality, regardless of race.

VI. Sexual Harassment

Right: Every student has the right to an education without any interference. This defines an educational atmosphere free from unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other inappropriate verbal, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Responsibility: To respect and appreciate each person’s worth and individuality regardless of gender or age.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

The Seneca Valley School District has adopted a district-wide unified discipline code. We encourage all students to familiarize themselves with this policy, so that an effective and consistent learning environment may be created and maintained in every classroom and throughout our school. Copies of the discipline code are available in each homeroom, the library, and the high school office.

Discipline (as per Seneca Valley policy #218)

If learning is to prevail, discipline is essential. Discipline procedures and policies must be the product of common understandings and society’s expectations. Our school’s discipline policies and procedures aim to protect and nurture the physical, social, intellectual, and emotional health and growth of our students and staff. In addition, these regulations must limit the opportunity of any individual to interrupt another student’s learning.

These policies and procedures recognize:

· the inherent dignity and rights of each individual;

· our society’s devotion to humanitarian ideals and loyalty to the principles of freedom, justice and equality;

· the need for direction and encouragement in developing a sense of responsibility for one’s actions and decisions; and

· one often has to subjugate one’s personal inclinations to achieve the greater goals of the school and society

The following principles are guides that school personnel follow in the enforcement of these policies and procedures.

1. All students have worth and dignity.

2. All students have the capacity to learn cooperation and respect for others. The school attempts to provide a climate in which mutual respect, trust and communication prevail.

3. Students must understand the reasons for discipline policies and procedures and to foresee the consequences of their behavior and actions.

4. All policies and procedures must be consistently enforced to maintain an attitude of fairness for all students.

5. All students have the right to receive their education in an appropriate learning environment and violations of that right by other students will not be tolerated. Students exhibiting disruptive behavior may be removed from a class with a failing grade for repeatedly interfering with another’s opportunity to learn.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices (as per School Board Policy #237)

Students are not permitted to use pagers, beepers, wireless telephones, television remote controls, laser pointers, etc. Any devices including these that cause an educational disruption will be confiscated and discipline will be issued.

Dress Code (as per Seneca Valley Policy #221)

All students are expected to be appropriately dressed and to maintain personal hygiene. Shoes must be worn at all times throughout the building, except in the gymnasium locker room areas.

Students are not permitted to wear hats, hoods, head gear or bandanas inside the building.

A student may not wear any apparel that reveals or exposes the midriff/lower back or sides of the upper body or torso, and/or undergarments or is disruptive to the educational process.

A student may not wear any apparel or jewelry that by words, signs, pictures or any combination thereof, advocates or promotes sexual activity or violence or the use of alcohol or drugs, or demeans or degrades another because of race, sex, religious persuasion, national origin, or disability.

Fighting (as per Seneca Valley Policy #218)

Fighting will not be tolerated on school property, on the school bus, or at bus stops. Any student involved in a fight will automatically be suspended for a minimum of three days and will also be subject to receive criminal penalties.

Food and Beverages

Food items and beverages are not to be taken out of the cafeteria. You should never store opened food containers or unwrapped food in your locker.

Gambling

Any form of non-school sanctioned activity which may construe, intend or promote “games of chance” will not be permitted within the Seneca Valley Senior High School building at any time. Playing cards are not permitted in the building at any time.

Public Display of Affection

Students are asked to act in a respectful manner and avoid public displays of affection at school, on the bus or at school functions. Flagrant or repeated acts will result in disciplinary action.

Intimidation/Harassment (as per Seneca Valley Policies #248 and 248.1)

We, in the senior high school, constantly stress respect and understanding of each other, and a sensitivity and appreciation of each person’s worth and individuality. This is done and expected without exception, regardless of race, age, gender, religious or political views or sexual orientation. Any employee, staff member, student, aide or volunteer who feels she/he has been a victim of racial or ethnic intimidation shall bring the matter to the immediate attention of any teacher, administrator, principal, counselor or the Superintendent. All reports of conduct from any person regarding a violation of the Racial and Ethnic Intimidation Policy against that person by an employee, a non-employee or a student in the work setting must be sent to the principal within twenty-four (24) hours of the alleged violation. All complaints will be investigated and disciplinary action initiated according to the procedures and appeals set forth in the Seneca Valley Intimidation and Harassment Policy.

Please also be aware that ethnic intimidation is illegal and is in violation of the Ethnic Intimidation and Institutional Vandalism Act of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. These crimes are considered to be more serious when motivated by hatred toward the race, color, religion or national origin of another individual or group of individuals. Vandalism causing this type of damage to a school or educational facility or personal property located within such places, is an offense punishable as a felony. Therefore, any person who is injured or whose property is damaged by such actions can sue for damages, including damages for emotional distress, punitive damages and attorney fees and costs. All confirmed incidents of racial or ethnic intimidation will result in immediate police notification.

Unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors and other inappropriate verbal, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature are against Seneca Valley School District Policy and will not be tolerated. All complaints of sexual harassment will be investigated and disciplinary action initiated according to the procedures and appeals set forth in the Seneca Valley Intimidation/ Harassment Policies.

Hazing (as per School Board Policy # 247)

Hazing is a type of harassment used for the purpose of initiation into a group. Hazing of any type will not be tolerated. Any act of hazing or perceived act of hazing must be reported to your teacher or to the office immediately.

Bullying (as per School Board Policy # 249)

There is no place for bullying in the senior high school. Bullying is defined as an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or a series of acts directed at another student that has the effect of doing any of the following:

1. Substantially interfering with a student's education.

2. Creating a threatening environment.

3. Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Students who act as bullies will be disciplined according to the discipline code.

Responsibility of Student to Remain in Designated Areas

As a matter of safety and welfare, students must report to and remain in areas assigned to them by their schedule. It is especially important that students avoid areas that are “off limits”, such as the parking lots. Likewise, students are never to be off school property unless they have been appropriately dismissed by school authorities. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in assignment of appropriate discipline. Students will be charged with class cutting for being out of their assigned areas.

School Bus Conduct (as per Seneca Valley Policy #810)

Proper behavior is absolutely necessary when traveling on the school bus. Good conduct insures the safety of the driver and all bus passengers. Students who are involved in any bus misconduct may lose their riding privileges. Bus drivers will report all violations to a school administrator for disciplinary action.

Students should be aware that Seneca Valley School busses are equipped with videotaping equipment and all students are subject to being videotaped on a school bus at any time. Video monitoring and reviewing are done through random selection. A particular bus route may be done more extensively, based on misconduct reports or a driver’s request. If disciplinary actions are necessary based on recorded events, the Seneca Valley School District Discipline Policy will be followed. Bus drivers and designated school officials/administrators may also request a review of the videotape to aid in writing conduct referrals.

If a student loses his/her bus riding privileges, attendance at school is still mandatory. Students are expected to be at their bus stop five minutes prior to the bus pickup time.

Substance Use/Abuse Policy (as per Seneca Valley Policy #227)

The Seneca Valley School district recognizes and affirms the individual value and potential of each member of its school community. We recognize that chemical abuse and dependency seriously impairs the ability of individuals to develop to his/her full potential. We also recognize that problems created by chemical abuse and dependency have an adverse effect on the ability of all members of the school community to achieve personal and district educational goals. Our policy is based on the belief that chemical dependency is a life threatening illness that affects individuals in all areas of their lives, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and socially. Because it is also our conviction that chemical dependency is a treatable illness, the Seneca Valley school District has adopted the following policy.

The Seneca Valley School District prohibits the use, misuse, possession of, receiving, selling, being under the influence of or distribution by students of drugs (controlled substance), “look alikes”, drug paraphernalia, and medication not registered with the health office, marijuana or alcohol on school property, school buses, or during activities under school district jurisdiction. Students in violation of this policy will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary action and procedures as defined in the Seneca Valley School District’s Substance Use/Abuse Policy. Students suspected of any illegal activities will be referred to the proper law enforcement agency. Students taking prescription or non-prescription medication should bring only the amount necessary to be taken for the day. All students taking medication should register it with the school nurse at the beginning of the school day.

Smoking or Possession of Tobacco Products (as per Seneca Valley Policy #222)

Possession or use of tobacco products on school property is prohibited. Violation of this policy is outlined in the Student Discipline Code. Smoking or possession of tobacco products is a Level III offense with consequences including suspension, mandated education programs and possibly referral to the district magistrate.

Vandalism and Theft (as per Seneca Valley Policy #218)

Vandalism and theft are classified according to the Student Discipline Code. These acts are clearly criminal and are so serious that they always require administrative actions and may require the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and/or possible action by the Board.

Weapons and Dangerous Instruments (as per Seneca Valley policy #218.1)

To ensure the safety of all persons in the Seneca Valley Schools, no student is permitted to have in his/her possession or on school premises any weapons or dangerous instruments.

For the purpose of this policy, school premises means each school building and grounds, school buses, or any premises, grounds, vehicles or vehicles used for official school purposes. This policy is also in effect for all school sponsored events and activities. Weapons and replicas of weapons are forbidden on all school premises and at school sponsored events and activities.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel are permitted. The superintendent may also authorize other persons to possess weapons in school buildings under prescribed special conditions, or for closely supervised activities, i.e. rifle team, plays, etc.

“Weapons and Dangerous Instruments” shall include, but not be limited to, firearms, knives, cutting instruments, cutting tools, nunchakus, shotgun, rifle, metal knuckles, straight razors, explosives, noxious irritating or poisonous gases, poisons, drugs or other implements capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or items fashioned with the intent to use, sell, harm, threaten or harass students, staff members, parents and patrons.

Any unauthorized loaded or unloaded firearm or dangerous weapon/instrument possessed on or about a person while on district property is subject to seizure or forfeiture.

Violations of this policy will be reported to the student’s parent/guardian. Law enforcement agencies will be notified and intervention requested. The building principal will notify the Superintendent and initiate appropriate disciplinary actions.

Students who are found guilty of violation of the weapons portion of this policy through a formal board expulsion hearing will be expelled from school for a period of not less than one (1) year. The Superintendent shall report such incidents relating to the expulsion to the Department of Education. The Superintendent may also recommend discipline short of expulsion on a case-by-case basis and/or require the student(s) to undergo extensive individual counseling.

Detention

Detention is a place of strict discipline and study. It is assigned by administrators or can be assigned by a staff member after consulting with a building administrator. Students should fully realize that all teachers have the authority to correct them for misconduct. Therefore, it is conceivable that a teacher might recommend detention for a student who is not in any of his/her classes.

Detentions can be issued for violations of minor school rules and regulations. Detentions last one and one half hours and can be served after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Failure to attend an assigned detention will result in a Saturday detention. Seniors must fulfill all obligations prior to graduation.

Saturday School

Saturday School shall be assigned by a building principal or dean of students as an alternative method providing consequences. The Saturday School operates in the Senior High Building from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Students must be on time to the program, must have educational work, and must provide their own transportation. Failure to attend an assigned Saturday School will result in further disciplinary action. The Saturday School is designed as a method to assist students address the issues and behaviors that led to assignment to Saturday School through individual and group counseling and academic support.

Alternative Learning Center

Students may be assigned to the Alternative Learning Center by the building principal, assistant principal or dean of students. Any student who is assigned to the ALC will not be allowed to attend regular classes or participate in extra-curricular activities while assigned to the ALC. Students are responsible for gathering assignments from their teachers, in advance, and completing the assigned class work.

Exclusion from School

Exclusion from school may be effected by temporary suspension, full suspension, or expulsion. Students shall be permitted to make up examinations and work missed while being disciplined through temporary or full suspension. Make-up work will be the student’s responsibility and must be attended to immediately upon his/her return to school.

1. Temporary Suspension – Temporary suspension shall mean exclusion from school for an offense for a period of one, two or three days by the administrator in charge. The student shall be informed of the reasons for the suspension and shall be given an opportunity to respond before the suspension becomes effective. Students assigned to temporary suspension are not permitted to participate in or attend school sponsored activities or athletic events or be on school property during their suspension.

2. Full Suspension – Full suspension shall mean exclusion from school for an offense for a period of four to ten school days. The suspension shall be preceded by an informal hearing before the administrator in charge, and with the student and the student’s parents or guardians. The purpose of the informal hearing will be to enable the student to give his/her side of the case and to encourage the student’s parents or guardians to meet with the principal to discuss ways by which future offenses can be avoided.

At the informal hearing the following due process requirements are to be observed:

A. Notification of the reasons for the suspension in writing, given to the parents or guardians and to the student.

B. Sufficient notice of the time and place of the informal hearing.

C. The right to question any witnesses.

D. The student’s right to speak and produce witnesses on his/her behalf.

Students assigned full suspension are not permitted to participate in or attend school sponsored activities or athletic events or be on school property during their suspension.

3. Expulsion – Expulsion shall mean exclusion from school for a period exceeding ten school days, and may be permanent expulsion from the school rolls. In cases involving a possible expulsion, the student is entitled to a formal hearing, which is a fundamental element of due process. A formal hearing may be held before the entire Board of School Directors or a duly authorized Committee of the Board. A majority vote of the entire Board is required to expel a student.

Discipline Records

Student disciplinary records/files are kept in the Principal/Assistant Principal’s office or the building main office under lock and key. Records and verified reports of students involved in recurrent or serious infractions will be maintained beyond the end of the school year. These records may be referenced and included in determining future disciplinary actions for a student.

ACTIVITIES/ATHLETICS INFORMATION

As part of its total educational program, Seneca Valley offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. Students interested in participating in any activities should contact the organization’s coach or sponsor. Additional information on activities may be obtained from the Activities Coordinator at extension 212. Information regarding the athletic program may be obtained at extension 152.

Extra-Curricular, Athletics and Co-Curricular Activities

Seneca Valley Senior High School has a wide range of athletic, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities intended to both extend and broaden the academic program. Students are encouraged to participate in these programs which will aid them in making their school life more meaningful as well as to prepare them for more rewarding lifetime experiences.

Please remember that when you participate in athletics or school activities, you are observed as a representative of our school, your home, and our community, as well as serving role models for your fellow students, especially those in younger grades. Since limited membership social clubs are not approved or recognized, such organizations are expressly forbidden to use the name of Seneca Valley Senior High School.

All participants involved with co-curricular activities are subject to school district and administrative policies applying to use, possession and distribution of alcohol/drugs. Students will also be provided a student athlete manual that outlines further policies and procedures. All actions by students and the school district with respect to co-curricular activities shall be governed by Seneca Valley Board Policies.

Staying After School

Students are only permitted to be on school grounds outside of school hours if they are involved in a supervised activity and the sponsor of the activity is present. At the conclusion of the activity, students are to promptly leave the school grounds.

Attendance Requirements for Athletics and Extra-Curricular Activities

All Student Athletes are to be in attendance at school the day of a game. Students who are absent from school or tardy after period four will not be eligible to participate in any extra-curricular activities or practices on that day without prior approval from the appropriate building principal on that day. If the game is played on a Saturday, the athlete must attend school on Friday.

Students who have early dismissals are ineligible to participate in practice or games unless they have prior approval from the appropriate building principal to do so. Students that do not receive prior permission from the principal to participate following an early dismissal must return to school prior to the end of eighth period to be eligible for competition or practice on that day.

Guidelines for Student Activities

1. All student activities held in the name of the school must be approved by the Administration and chaperoned by faculty members or approved chaperones.

2. All student activities shall be held in the school building unless otherwise approved by the Administration.

3. Students in attendance are liable for the care of the facilities.

4. Guests are not permitted to attend unless approved by the Administration.

5. All school policies including those relating to drugs and alcohol are in effect at all school activities.

Guidelines for Athletics

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) requires all students participating in a school sports to complete a Comprehensive Initial Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (CIPPE). This form is good for the entire school year. A private physician or the school doctor must complete Section 4 of this form. A parent/guardian completes Sections 1-3. For subsequent sports, a parent/guardian must complete Section 5. No doctor’s signature is required unless a serious illness or injury has occurred. In this case, the doctor must complete Section 6. Wrestlers must complete Section 7 as instructed.

Seneca Valley Senior High is a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association and is subject to the rules and regulations of the Association. In order to be eligible, you must meet the minimum PIAA qualifications. The following requirements:

1. All students in grades seven through twelve who participate in athletic or extra-curricular activities must attain a 2.0 quality point average (QPA) during a weekly academic eligibility report. If a student is ruled ineligible, he/she will not be eligible to participate in games/performances and must attend a mandatory study hall, as assigned by the athletic director or building principal. Once the hour-long study hall is finished, the student will be permitted to attend practice. A student will be reinstated once he/she has achieved a 2.0 QPA or better. In addition, students who are eligible but who are not performing academically to the coach’s satisfaction may also attend the study hall at the direction of the coach. These students will also be permitted to attend practice at the conclusion of the study hall. In cases where a student’s work in the preceding grading period does not meet the standard (a 2.0 Q.P.A.), the student will be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics or their extra-curricular activity for at least fifteen (15) school days of the next grading period.

2. Student athletes that miss study hall will remain ineligible until the missed daters are made up.

3. If you are absent or suspended from school you will not participate in an athletic practice or contest on that day.

4. If you have been absent from school during a semester for a total of twenty (20) or more school days you shall not be eligible to participate in any athletic contest until you have been in attendance for a total of forty-five (45) school days following your twentieth day of absence.

All participants involved in athletics are subject to school district and administrative policies applying to use, possession and distribution of alcohol/drugs. All actions by students and the school district with respect to athletics shall be governed by Seneca Valley Board Policies.

Bulletin Boards and Announcements

Seneca Valley student organizations and activities may use bulletin boards and announcements to communicate with the student body. All posters and announcements must be approved by the building principal or his designee. Posters or signs that are not stamped as approved may not be displayed and will be immediately removed. This procedure also applies to any sign or flyer that is posted outside of the school by a student group or organization.

It is the responsibility of the sponsor or coach of the student activity to have all signs or flyers removed or taken down the day after the advertised event or function.

VARSITY SPORTS

Baseball Soccer, Boys

Basketball, Boys Soccer Girls

Basketball, Girls Softball

Cheerleading Varsity Swimming & Diving

Cross Country, Boys Tennis, Boys

Cross Country, Girls Tennis, Girls

Football Track & Field

Golf, Boys Trainer

Golf, Girls Volleyball, Boys

Lacrosse, Boys Volleyball, Girls

Lacrosse, Girls Wrestling

CLUB SPORTS

Ice Hockey In-Line Hockey

Indoor Track

EXTRA-CURRICULAR CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Academic Games National Honor Society

Art Club Newspaper

Barber/Beauty Shop Quartets Raider Review

Biology Club SADD

Color Guard SAGA/Yearbook

Ecology Club Ski Club

French Club Speech & Debate Forensics

Future Teachers of America Sr. Class Play

Golf Club Step Club

Graphic Arts Student Council

Industrial Technology S.V.T.V.

JROTC Teens & Tots

Key Club Thespians

Light Crew Thespian Play

Madrigals Varsity Club

Majorettes/Pom Pons Zonta Club

Marching Band 11^th Grade Class Officers

Medical Career Club 12^th Grade Class Officers

Musical

** For the names of sponsors please see www.svsd.net web page.**

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY

All faculty and staff email addresses can be found on the Senior High
School webpage.