MONTPELIER

HIGH

SCHOOL

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

The announcements for the day are read during the teacher advisor period. Announcement forms are located in the main office. If a student wishes to have an announcement made regarding school activities, he/she must have the announcement initialed by a teacher, advisor, or administrator. All announcements should be submitted prior to 8:30 a.m. to the main office. Emergency announcements (as determined by the administration) may be read at the beginning of a class.

APPOINTMENTS (IN-SCHOOL)

Appointments to see your guidance counselor, the Student Assistance Program coordinator, another teacher, or an administrator should be made during your free time or outside the school day. If it is necessary that you make an appointment during a class, you must get an excused slip to show your teacher prior to leaving class. Failure to report to your assigned area prior to leaving for an appointment will result in your being considered unexcused for that class.

ASSEMBLIES

Students are expected to attend all mandatory assemblies, usually held on Tuesdays during student support, and to act in a courteous and respectful manner. Students who cannot act responsibly during assemblies will be assigned to another area.

Students are expected to sit with their teacher advisory in the section assigned to that teacher advisory during an assembly. Students who fail to do so will be considered as having cut the assembly. The consequences for cutting a mandatory assembly are the same as for cutting a class.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

We believe that instructional time is an irreplaceable component of a student's education and that frequent absences adversely affect academic performance. Further, excessive student absenteeism is a class distraction that interferes with the learning process. Considerable teacher and class time is required to help students understand material presented during their absence, thus reducing the time for regular class instruction. For these reasons, we have established procedures that promote regular attendance in class and swift intervention when there appears to be a problem. We have also been guided by District policy and the laws of the State of Vermont in determining ways to deal with attendance issues that are effective and reasonable.

ABSENCES

Regular daily attendance is expected of all students at Montpelier High School. State law requires that each child between the ages of 7 and 16 must attend school or have completed the tenth grade. Absences from school adversely affect academic performance and may be reacted to unfavorably by future employers and college admissions officers.

Students who are going to be absent from school should have their parents/guardians call the high school office between 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at 225-8003. Your parent's/guardian’s cooperation in notifying the school when you are going to be absent is essential if we are to ensure your safety. In the event that you are absent without notification, the school will make every effort to contact your parents/guardians to determine your whereabouts. Eighteen-year-old students may either call in their own absences or have their parents do so.

Excused Absences

By state law and district policy, excused absences are only granted for illness, family emergencies, religious observances, and medical appointments that cannot be scheduled after school hours.

An excused absence allows you to make up any work missed during your absence. However, it is the responsibility of all students to make arrangements with their teachers to complete their assignments. Remember, too, that excessive absence from any given class may result in your failing to meet the minimum academic standard for that course (see Minimum Attendance Policy). It may be necessary, in some cases, for the school to require a note from the student's doctor.

Planned Absences

Planned absences of up to ten (10) days per year for such reasons as family trips, vacations, or college visits may be excused by the administration. Arrangements must be made prior to your absence from school. Students may pick up the planned absence form in the main office.

The planned absence form must be (1) completed by you and signed by your parent/guardian, (2) signed by either the principal or the assistant to the principal, (3) signed by your classroom teachers and (4) turned in at the main office before you leave in order for the absence to be approved. Students are encouraged to complete this form four days in advance of a planned absence.

Students who do not wish to have their college visits count toward minimum attendance may pick up the appropriate form in the main office. Completion of the form, including verification by college personnel, will allow the absence to be exempt from minimum attendance policies.

In planning a trip, students and parents/guardians need to keep in mind that planned absences apply towards the minimum attendance standard. We recommend that absences of this nature not exceed five (5) days per semester since it is often difficult to meet this standard when so many of the permitted number of absences are taken in this way.

Reporting to Your Assigned Area

You must report to your assigned classroom or learning area for attendance before reporting to any other area of the building. This includes leaving class to go to the nurse, reporting to the office, working with another teacher, visiting a counselor, administrator, or Student Assistance Program coordinator. Failure to do so may result in your being unexcused (class cut) from that class regardless of where you were.

Returning to School Following an Absence

If your parents/guardians notified the school concerning the nature of your absence, you need not report to the main office. Instead, report directly to your first period class. If your parents/guardians failed to notify the school concerning the nature of your absence, you must bring a note explaining your absence upon your return to school. The note must be presented to the attendance clerk in the main office. An absence will be recorded as unexcused if no note is given at that time. You will be given a pass to show your teachers.

Unexcused Absence

An absence for any other reason than those outlined above is considered unexcused. An unexcused absence will result in loss of credit for any work due that day. In addition, unexcused absences are counted toward meeting the minimum attendance standard. Further, unexcused absences may be considered class cuts or truancy and result in further disciplinary action by the administration.

Whether an absence or tardiness is excused or unexcused will be judged in each instance by the attendance clerk. The clerk’s decision may be appealed to the principal or the assistant to the principal.

The use of a fraudulent note will result in the absence being treated as a class cut. A note from a parent/guardian does not automatically mean that a student is excused.

Adult (18-Year-Old) and Married Students

Married students and students who have turned eighteen are governed by the same rules as any other Montpelier High School student. In fact, the school expects more from its older students because they have made a choice to be here.

Eighteen-year-old students may write their own notes. However, turning eighteen does not mean you can come to school when you want to or leave school grounds without permission. Being an adult student does not make you exempt from the rules governing school attendance. You must still get approval from the office when you miss a class or need to leave early. If you are frequently absent, the school may ask you to verify that your absence is due to illness by requiring you to get a note from a doctor or your parents. If there is any question concerning the nature of your absence, the school may request verification in the form of a note from your doctor or your parents if you are living at home. Remember, under the law, your parents are still responsible for ensuring your attendance at school.

CLASS CUTS/TARDINESS

It is each student’s responsibility to attend school and all assigned classes.  Montpelier High School will respond to students who cut class or are tardy to school in the following ways:   

School/Class Cut

First cut:

A student not in attendance at school/class who does not have an excuse for being absent will not receive any credit for the class(es) missed. The student will be required to make up work, but may not receive credit for it.

The class cut will count toward minimum attendance. 

Parents will be notified of the cut.

The goal of the meeting is to give the student the opportunity to explain the reasons for cutting school or the class and to discuss whether the student wishes to remain at school/in the class.

Additional goals of the meeting are to review the expectation for attending school/class and the possibility of having to take further action, including dropping a class or classes if there are additional cuts. (If a decision is made to drop a class, the student will report to the planning room during the period the class met for the remainder of the semester or until an alternative plan can be developed.)

Tardy to School/Class

Students who come late to school and/or to class will be marked as tardy by their teacher. They will not be allowed to complete any assignments that were given during the time they were tardy. (Individual teachers may opt to establish their own consequences for tardiness in addition to the school response.)

Three tardies will count as the first class cut and will result in the same consequences as outlined in “First cut” above.

Additional tardies will result in the same consequences as outlined in “After the first cut” above.

Excused Tardiness

Excused tardiness is granted for illness, family emergencies, critical appointments, and religious holidays. Students are allowed to make up any work due that day if their tardiness is excused. 

Note: Teachers may, at their own discretion, assign students detention for a violation of their classroom rules.

MINIMUM ATTENDANCE FOR COURSE CREDIT

The State of Vermont requires regular school attendance. Montpelier High School believes that regular class attendance is necessary to ensure that students adequately understand the instruction and materials presented by its professional staff. Further, we believe that class time has a unique value that cannot be replaced by individual study and make-up work.

We believe that developing good attendance habits is an essential part of each student's academic program. Ideally, we would like each student to be present in school except in the case of periodic illness, religious observance, family emergencies, or doctor/dentist appointments that cannot be scheduled after school hours.

A period unit is defined as a class period approximately forty-four (44) minutes in length. Generally classes are one (1) period unit when all eight (8) periods are held in a day (Monday, Thursday, and Friday). Classes that are held on Tuesday and Wednesday (when only four (4) periods are scheduled classes meet for approximately eighty-seven (87) minutes each) are considered to be two (2) period units and will be counted as such for the purposes of Minimum Attendance.

Procedures

Classroom teachers will meet with students who are having difficulty meeting the minimum attendance standard for that course and make an assessment of the impacts of the absences on academic performance. Each student and the student's parent/guardian will be notified within two (2) absences of reaching the absence limit for a course, although the intervention can take place earlier. Together, the teacher and student will determine the best course of action to address the problem. A Minimum Attendance Conference Form will be sent to the parents/guardians and to the Educational Support Team (EST) and will be filed in the main office.

When absences exceed the requirements of minimum attendance, the teacher will notify the parents/guardians in writing that the student is failing the course, with a copy filed in the main office. In addition, the parent will be notified by telephone if it appears that there is not sufficient time to inform the parent in writing before the end of the semester.

This is the school’s practice. However, individual teachers or departments may have different attendance requirements for their classes.

Alternative Education Plan

Students who fail to meet the minimum attendance standard for a particular course may approach the teacher about creating an Alternative Education Plan to fulfill the attendance requirements of the course. The plan will detail the work that needs to be accomplished and the date by which it needs to be completed, and will be approved by the teacher, the student, and, when appropriate, the student's special education/504 case manager, as well as the EST Team. Copies will be sent to the student's parent/guardian and to the main office. Students may approach their guidance counselor, teacher advisor, or an administrator to assist them in creating an Alternative Education Plan.

AUTOMOBILES/PARKING

Students who drive to school must register their vehicles in the main office. Failure to do so will result in losing the privilege to park at the high school. Students are expected to use their cars safely and to follow the rules governing their use at school.

Students should park in the main parking lot only. The first four parking spaces in the first row are reserved for visitors. There are also handicapped parking spaces near the building. Please do not park in these spaces.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD CARS BE PARKED NEXT TO THE BUILDING AT ANY TIME. This is a fire lane and must be kept open. Violation may result in the car being towed away.

Students are not to loiter in the parking lot or sit in vehicles at any time. If you need to get something from your car during school hours, speak with someone in the office. The speed limit of 15 miles per hour is to be observed at all times.

Failure to abide by the above regulations will result in a first-time loss of parking privileges for one (1) week. Any subsequent violations will result in permanent loss of driving privileges.

In addition, once you arrive at school you may not use your car to transport other students.

Vocational students are not permitted to drive to the Vocational Center. They are required to take school transportation unless special circumstances make driving to the Vocational Center the only way students can attend the program. Students needing to use their cars as part of their educational program must get special permission to do so from their parents/guardians, the high school, and the Vocational Center.

CAFETERIA

The cafeteria serves as both a lunch and a "commons" area. Regular lunches are served during periods 5 and 6. Food may be taken outside to the designated area as long as the trash is picked up. Picnic tables are available for outdoor use. 

Students are expected to help keep the area clean, to take their trays, food waste, recyclables and trash to the proper areas, and to act in a way that contributes to maintaining a calm, pleasant environment. This means helping to clean up around your table even if you are not responsible for the mess.

The privilege to take food and drink from the cafeteria to classrooms may be accorded to the student body based upon the responsible use of the cafeteria and, once the privilege has been granted, upon the continued responsible use of the cafeteria and classrooms for eating. Individual classroom teachers will determine whether or not food and/or drink may be brought into their classrooms.

Students are not allowed to leave the cafeteria during the last five minutes of any period during the school day.

CELL PHONE USE

The administration, faculty and staff have recognized the dramatic increase in students’ use of cellular phones as a means of communication. Advances in technology have resulted in making cell phones a way to stay in touch with family and friends. At the same time, those same advances in technology have transformed cell phones into telephones with the added capabilities of text messaging, playing music, and capturing images. 

One of our goals as a school will continue to be to teach students how to appropriately integrate technology into their lives. Although committed to achieving that goal, the administration, faculty and staff are finding that more and more time is being taken away from engaging students in learning and is instead directed at correcting students’ inappropriate use of cell phones.

As a result, students will only be permitted to use cell phones in the cafeteria, in the space between lobby doors, or outside the building during the school day. Students will be required to turn their cell phones off before entering classes. Parents needing to communicate with their children when they are in classes may continue to contact the main office and leave messages that office staff will relay to students between class periods. Students who are found to be using cell phones in places other than the cafeteria or outside the building will be asked to give them to school personnel and may pick them up at the end of the school day at 2:50 p.m. Students who are repeatedly found to be violating this rule will be required to turn over their phones until a meeting is held with school personnel and the student’s parents. 

THE CENTER

• The development of essential academic and interpersonal skills.
• Increased responsibility and confidence.
• Active engagement in learning.

CLASSROOM

Students are expected to act in a manner that contributes to the general order of the class and that does not disturb or impede the learning of others.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Montpelier High School offers a number of co-curricular activities including clubs and interscholastic sports. Most clubs meet after school and are supervised by a faculty advisor. Students interested in organizing a new club should contact the principal. The following activities are planned for the 2008-2009 school year. See website for advisor names or contact the school’s office.

For more information, students should contact the appropriate faculty advisor or the principal.

Participation: Students participating on an MHS team or in a co-curricular activity must understand that participation in the activity, during the given season, takes precedence over students' involvement on teams or activities organized outside of the school. When a conflict involving a game or practice occurs, the student is required to place the school activity first.

Attendance: In order for students to be eligible to participate daily in co-curricular activities they must be present the entire day. Therefore, students are not eligible to participate if they are tardy, cut classes, or arrive to school late due to sickness or leave school early due to sickness. Students will be eligible to participate if they miss part of the school day due to a medical appointment.

Academics: At the conclusion of the first marking period, to maintain eligibility students must:

•    Carry a minimum of six academic courses per semester unless they are carrying a modified academic plan that has been approved by their EST, 504, or Evaluation and Planning Team.

•    Be passing all courses in which they are enrolled.

•    Be making acceptable progress towards graduation.

1st marking period eligibility is determined by the preceding year's fourth marking period grades and final grades. (If a student is found to be ineligible at the end of the 4th marking period, the student may fully participate in fall activities, but must show evidence of passing grades in each course after the first two weeks of school and must maintain that throughout the quarter in order to be eligible. Failure to accomplish that will result in a two-week probation period and the guidelines listed below.)

2nd marking period eligibility is determined by the first marking period grades.

3rd marking period eligibility is determined by the second marking period grades and first semester grades.

4th marking period eligibility is determined by the third marking period grades.

These eligibility standards apply to all incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Students who become ineligible:

•    will be placed on academic probation.

•    will not be allowed to practice or participate in any contests (including scrimmages with other schools), school productions, or club activities.

•    may regain eligibility after a period of two weeks if they can show that they are passing all their courses and making satisfactory progress toward graduation by submitting a statement from their teachers to their coach and the school’s Athletic Director indicating their current academic status. Note: summer school classes taken to make up courses failed during the previous year may be used by students to regain their eligibility for the fall season.

A student who regains eligibility after two weeks:

•    will remain on academic probation until the next marking period.

•    will be required to submit bi-weekly progress reports from their teachers to their coaches indicating that they are continuing to achieve a passing grade in all their courses.

STUDENTS ON ACADEMIC PROBATION WHOSE BI-WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORTS INDICATE THEY ARE NO LONGER PASSING ALL THEIR COURSES WILL BE DECLARED INELIGIBLE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CURRENT SEASON OR THE COMPLETION OF THEIR CLUB’S OR ACTIVITY’S CURRENT PROJECT OR PRODUCTION.

*Co-curricular activities include all athletics (with the exception of Unified Sports) and other activities that require a daily commitment of time during the event of season such as dramatic productions.

COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING

Montpelier High School, in partnership with the community of Montpelier, offers a number of academic, community service, career exploration and counseling programs to help students plan a successful transition into the world of work and into the life of their community.

Career Exploration

Career exploration activities include career interest surveys, shadowing opportunities, career planning materials, and job information.

In addition, MHS offers a variety of special services to students planning to enter the workforce. For example, the job specialist is available to help special needs students develop their future career plans.

Community Services and Community-Based Learning

Students are encouraged to participate in their community and to apply classroom experiences to community situations in the Community-Based Learning Program. Students engage in activities that range from office aide at the Montpelier High School to business site situations. Many of the experiences center around community service, although internships, supported employment, mentoring, and peer tutoring are also popular. Presently students can receive academic credit for their experience or choose to have it credited as community service toward their Silver "M" award.

CORRIDORS

MHS maintains open corridors so that students can pass to another area of the building without the necessity of carrying a pass. If we are to maintain the relaxed and quiet atmosphere that characterizes our school, students must use this privilege responsibly.

The corridors are not places to hang out or to wander. They are not places to eat and drink, nor are they gathering places before your next class. Students who do not use their free time responsibly will be assigned to a study area.

During your free periods you should plan to take with you any books or materials you will need to study with so that it will not be necessary for you to go to your locker during the middle of the period.

COURSE CHANGES

All changes of schedules must be made in the guidance office. Changes will be made only for sufficient reason and only with the approval of a parent or guardian. Students must continue to attend any course to which they have been assigned until notified by the guidance department that their requested course change has been approved. Failure to do so will result in class cut(s).

Changing a Course or Section

Prior to requesting a change in course or section students should discuss the change with their parents/guardians, teacher, and guidance counselor. Requests for changes in your schedule will be judged on whether they serve to improve the quality of your academic program and whether there is an appropriate course or section available for you to transfer into.

Dropping a Course

Students who elect to drop a course must do so by the end of the second full week of each semester if they do not wish to have the drop noted on their permanent record. Any course dropped after the second full week of each semester, except in unusual circumstances, will be recorded as "withdrawn", with the date noted and with a final grade of "F”.

DISCIPLINE

It is the goal of the discipline procedures at Montpelier High School to teach responsibility and self-discipline, as well as maintaining a safe and orderly educational environment. We expect student behavior to reflect a concern for the rights of everyone involved in the educational process. A positive school climate is a shared responsibility of students, parents/guardians, school staff, and community. Our discipline procedures reflect this shared responsibility by seeking the support of all concerned in correcting student behaviors that disrupt our school. (See “Student Citizenship and Responsibilities”.)

Corporal punishment shall not be used as a disciplinary measure in the Montpelier Public Schools. However, when necessary for the safety and protection of people and/or property, physical restraint may be used by a staff member.

All discipline procedures at Montpelier High School, including suspension and expulsion, shall accord students due process and be in compliance with current law and state regulations. Handicapped students are subject to the same standards of behavior as the rest of the school community. In addition, the disciplinary process will also reflect the rights and protections afforded those students with special student status.

It is important to realize that discipline histories are viewed as a total picture. Individual infractions of the rules are treated more seriously when they are part of a pattern of behavior that regularly disrupts the educational process. The accumulation of several incidents on a discipline record will result in disciplinary action that is more vigorous than what would be called for if an incident were considered in isolation.

Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal any disciplinary action taken by a member of the staff at Montpelier High School. The appeal process begins with the principal or assistant to the principal and moves in turn to the superintendent and the Board of School Commissioners.

The Planning Room

We believe that the most effective means for helping students become productive, contributing members of our school community is by holding them accountable for their actions and by helping them to make better choices.

The planning room is a place for students to confront their behavior. Being sent to the planning room is not a form of punishment. If you are sent to the planning room, the school is saying, "We have to work this out. Your behavior cannot continue. We've got to come up with a plan for you to follow the rules." In short, the school is saying that you cannot act this way and continue to be a part of the school community.

How long you spend in the planning room depends on how long it takes for you to come up with a plan that will work. The plan has to be more than just, "I'll stop it." Your plan must be a specific action plan that helps you work toward meeting your needs in a responsible manner.

The most important part of planning is making a commitment to change. It is a personal value judgment that your current behavior is not helping you to learn and to grow.

During your stay in the planning room, you are expected to work constructively and quietly. The following rules apply:

1.    Students are expected to work quietly on their plan and not talk with other students.

2.    Students are to remain IN their seats.

3.    Courteous, respectful behavior is expected at all times.

4.    Inappropriate language is not permitted and will result in your being sent home immediately.

5.    Students assigned to the planning room are permitted to go to the cafeteria to get lunch, the lavatory, or their lockers at the sole discretion of the planning room supervisor. Frequent breaks should not be expected.

6.    Students assigned to the planning room are not permitted visitors or any kind of communication with other students outside the planning room.

7.      Parents/guardians will be informed of any planning room referral.

Students who are unable to follow these rules may be placed in a more structured setting.

DISCIPLINARY PROBATION

Students are placed on disciplinary probation if they continue to break school rules in spite of repeated attempts to work out plans for better behavior. Putting students on disciplinary probation is a final attempt on the part of the school to get them to work out the problems they are having controlling their behavior at school. Students may be placed on disciplinary probation following their third (3) referral for failing to follow school rules.

The decision to place a student on disciplinary probation will be made by the principal or the assistant to the principal. The school will inform the student and the student's parents/guardians of the placement and its consequences.

Students on Disciplinary Probation:

1.    Will be referred to the Educational Support System for the purpose of developing a specific plan for helping them improve their behavior.

2.    Will lose their right to manage their unscheduled time and be placed in the study area when they are not in class. Students who continue to disrupt the school will be permitted to be on campus only for those activities that are directly a part of their academic program.

3.    Will no longer be able to participate in co-curricular activities.

4.    Will lose their right to attend or participate in school-sponsored social and athletic events.

5.    May be required to have their behavior monitored by means of a Daily Report, have this report signed by a parent, and returned to the main office.

Any school rule violation while on disciplinary probation will result in a minimum one-day suspension.

Students who demonstrate, over time, a consistent pattern of improved behavior will be removed from disciplinary probation. Students who continue to violate school rules will be recommended to the superintendent for expulsion.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

In-School Suspension

If you are given in-school suspension, the school is, in effect, "grounding you”. We are saying that your behavior is interfering not only with your ability to learn, but also with the rights of others to receive an education.

Being on in-school suspension means losing your free time and/or your right to attend classes for a specified period of time. In either case, it is a serious step because it suggests that, unless you make a commitment to change your behavior, you may be asked to leave Montpelier High School.

Students on in-school suspension will be allowed to study and are expected to make up any work due during their absences from classes. Students on in-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in co-curricular activities that afternoon, but they will be responsible for any detention they are required to serve.

During your in-school suspension, before you will be allowed to return to your regular program, you will be asked to develop a plan addressing the behavior that led to your suspension.

Removal from a Course

A student may be removed from a course only by an administrator as a disciplinary action for sufficient reason to include (but not limited to) either of the following:

•    chronic disruptive behavior that compromises the instructional process,

•    chronic and deliberate failure to attend the class and/or unexcused tardiness.

A student removed from a course for disciplinary reasons will receive an "F" as a final grade for that course with a notation on his/her transcript that he/she was "withdrawn”. He/she will be assigned to in-school suspension for that period for the remainder of the semester and will be referred to the Educational Support System.

Out-of-School Suspension

Students who simply cannot control their behavior or who act in a way that seriously disrupts our school community will be sent home. Prior to any suspension, your parents/guardians will be notified and given an opportunity for an informal hearing with an administrator.

Students will be suspended for a minimum of one day for any of the following behaviors:

Students may be suspended for one (1) day at the discretion of the assistant to the principal for the following:

Suspensions of longer than one day may be imposed depending on the nature of the offense, the student’s overall record of behavior, or if the student’s behavior was motivated by malice. Students suspended from school are to leave school grounds immediately. They may not participate in any school function during the period of their suspension and are to remain off school grounds until they are permitted to return to school.

When a student returns to school, he/she will be assigned to the planning room to address the behaviors that led to the suspension. In addition, parents/guardians will be asked to meet with school officials to discuss the problems.

Expulsion

Any student who continues to be unsuccessful in controlling his/her behavior and who acts in ways that seriously undermine the educational process will be recommended to the superintendent for dismissal from school.

The school hopes that this kind of reality will finally jolt the student into examining his/her behavior and into making a serious plan for change. Our hope is that the student will be able to return to school having made a commitment to follow reasonable rules that ensure the rights of all students to an education.

Students who are expelled from school lose their right to attend school during the current academic year.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM*

(see student support flowchart in appendix)

Montpelier High School has many layers in its safety net for students. These include the teams described below. Every one of these teams and/or programs has the ability to reach out to and track students who are showing the first signs of academic or behavioral problems. These teams often receive referrals from the teachers, parents/guardians or teacher advisors.

The Referral

Referral forms are available in the guidance office. There are many ways a student can enter into the support system. Each person or team that makes a referral is, in itself, a point of intervention. Teachers in the classroom are constantly evaluating and assessing a student's academic and behavioral performance. They are using all the tools and experience that they have to meet the student’s needs. When teachers feel that the student has surpassed their realm of experience, they can refer the student in several directions. Where the student goes will depend on the situation and need.

Parents/guardians may also find that they have concerns about their child's performance or experience at school. Where they seek help will depend on the situation and its context.

Teacher advisors may also access the system. Advisors may see a need that was missed by classroom teachers or parents and refer a student into the support system.

Confidentiality and Parent/Guardian Involvement

The school will treat student concerns and communications of a personal nature as confidential unless they reveal that the student is a danger to herself/himself or to others. However, it is the goal of all support programs to encourage students to involve their parents/guardians at the earliest possible time in helping them address their needs and concerns.

Guidance Team

Guidance meetings are often the first place teachers and/or parents/guardians will come together to address issues around academic failure. These meetings are designed to bring together students, parents/guardians and teachers to discuss the issues that are interfering with the student's academic success. Strategies to improve the student's performance are outlined. These meetings are a quick way to solve classroom, schedule, or similar conflicts.

STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Behavioral Support and Discipline Team 

The assistant to the principal, resource officer, and our planning room assistant work with staff and students to maintain a physically and emotionally safe educational environment. Our discipline system is built on a foundation of mutual respect between adults and students. This team works on a day-to-day basis to maintain policy approved by the Board of School Commissioners and the standards and procedures set out within the student handbook. As with the guidance counselors and the Student Assistance Program coordinator, those who are directly involved with discipline in the school are also among the first to hear of problems a student may be having. Therefore, this team acts as an early warning system for students whose behaviors or emotional status is threatening a student's school performance.

Intervention Teams

The Crisis, Focus and Educational Support Teams have two overall functions. The first is to bring a host of supports and attention to students who are in need of emotional and/or academic support. The other provides teachers with supports that maximize the quality of the academic time the teachers spend in the classroom with students.

Crisis Team

The Crisis Team meets as needed. By policy it must meet whenever a student is believed to be in danger. Typical concerns that should go to the Crisis Team include suicide threats, suspicion of child abuse, or other serious events that endanger students. It has a permanent membership made up of administration, the school nurse, the school resource officer, one staff member from Guidance, and the Student Assistance Program coordinator.

The team:

Focus Team

The Focus Team deals with students who are having social, emotional, and/or behavioral problems that may interfere with their day-to-day lives and, as a result, interfere with their education. The team meets weekly to review information on students previously discussed and to discuss any new referrals. It has a permanent membership made up of administration, classroom teachers, the school nurse, the school resource officer, guidance counselors, and the Student Assistance Program coordinator.

The team:

Educational Support Team

The Educational Support Team (EST) works with students who are in danger of academic failure. The team meets weekly to review past students and any new referrals. It has a permanent membership made up of administration, classroom teachers, and the guidance counselors.

The team:

Student-Assistance Program (SAP)

Montpelier High School has established a Student Assistance Program for the purpose of assisting students with problems related to drug and alcohol abuse, as well as other issues affecting their ability to succeed in school. The program counselor is in residence during school hours three days per week.

Students may be referred or refer themselves to the Student Assistance Program counselor and will be seen individually for the purposes of substance abuse screening and consultation. In addition, students may participate in group programs that are educational in nature, designed to increase their awareness of the problem and/or assist them in improving their sense of self-esteem.

Students involved in the program may do so on a confidential basis provided they are not a threat to themselves or others. However, it is the goal of the program to encourage the student to involve his/her parents or guardians at the earliest possible time.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Use of personal electronic devices such as iPods, PDAs, laptop computers and cell phones (see guidelines for cell phone use in school) are permitted, but discouraged. Students who choose to bring electronic devices to school are encouraged to secure them when not in use. The school is not responsible for any devices that are lost or stolen. Individual teachers might have rules for use of electronic devices in classes. Students are required to follow teachers’ rules for their use.

EXAMS (MID-YEAR AND FINAL)

Mid-year and final examinations will be given at the time indicated on the examination schedule. Excused absences will be resolved between the student and teachers involved by rescheduling the exam to another time within examination week or on the make-up day. Students with conflicts or who are scheduled to take more than two (2) exams in a day must arrange whatever rescheduling is necessary before the examination week begins.

If it is not possible to take an examination at the designated time or on the make-up day, the examination will be taken immediately following the student's return.

EXCHANGE STUDENTS

Exchange students are subject to the same rules and procedures as Montpelier High School students. However if, in the view of the administration, the exchange is not working in the best interest of either the student or the school, the exchange privilege may be revoked.

FEES

Occasionally during the school year families are asked to pay a part of the expenses in the support of certain activities. Included would be classes in which personal projects are being made, the cost of admission or travel expense for field trips, deposits for the use of school locks, replacement fines for loss or damage to books and equipment, and fees for the taking of pictures that are to be retained for personal use.

In addition, admission charges are made for attendance at various concerts, plays, and athletic events.

FIELD TRIPS

For field trips in which students will leave the boundaries of the city, parents/guardians are required to sign and return to the teacher involved a form indicating whether or not a student may participate in the trip. The forms provide parents/guardians with details about the trip and secure permission for students to participate.

Students may return with their parents/guardians provided this alternative return transportation request has been approved by the teacher or advisor in advance of the trip. Students may return with another parent/guardian provided written permission has been given.

Each student is responsible for making up any schoolwork or tests missed while on a field trip.

Students are entitled to a refund of any money paid in advance only if the event is cancelled. A student is not entitled to a refund of any advance payments if the student chooses not to participate or is unable to participate in the trip. If the event is cancelled, all funds that were personally contributed by the student and that may be recouped will be refunded.

School rules apply while on a field trip.

FIGHTING/ASSAULT

Montpelier High School does not condone fighting. If you are having a problem with another student, we encourage you to seek the help of an adult or a friend to help solve the problem.

Students who fight will be suspended from school a minimum of one (1) day for the first offense, a minimum of three (3) days for the second offense, and five (5) days for the third offense. Upon return to school, students will be assigned to the planning room in order to develop a plan that will address the issues that led to the fight. This plan will include a repair conference and an assessment with the SAP counselor to address anger and relationship issues. Students who continue to fight with others will be recommended to the superintendent for expulsion.

Students who physically assault another person with a weapon of any kind (including any physical object used to hurt another person) may be suspended for ten (10) days. In addition, the student may be referred to the superintendent for expulsion.

A physical assault against a member of the staff is a clear demonstration of a disregard for authority so extreme as to call into question whether the student may remain at Montpelier High School. Any student assaulting a staff member will be suspended for ten (10) days. In addition, the student may be referred to the superintendent for expulsion. Additionally, assault charges may be pressed.

We believe very strongly that all members of the school community need to feel safe from physical harm. Fear for one's safety is a distraction to learning. For this reason, students who intimidate others or who threaten others or their possessions with harm will be subject to disciplinary action, including the possibility of suspension.

GRADING SCALE AND CREDIT POLICY*

*This chart applies to students starting with the Class of 2007.

If a course is repeated, the grades earned each time will be shown on the student’s transcript. The grade earned in the repeated course is averaged with the previous grade earned, and the cumulative point average will be recalculated. The credit earned for the repeated course will be the only credit granted.

There will be no grade, credit, or recognition on transcripts for an audited course. This information can be included in a letter to a potential employer or college if it is felt important to do so.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible to graduate from Montpelier High School, each student must:

Notes

In the case of students with limiting handicaps, alternative requirements for graduation may be specified in a student's multi-year plan.

Instruction in vocational and other subjects that provide contents, skills, or concepts of the subject areas listed above may be counted in part towards meeting these graduation requirements.

A year is defined as 120 hours of instruction or mastery of course objectives normally covered in that period of time.

Additional Requirements

Science: Students must complete a full-year course in Biology.

Social Studies: Students must complete a full-year course in United States History.

Computers: Students must be able to use current available technology to print a business letter or a short report, locate and run commonly used instructional software, and explain how school-supported technology works and how it impacts on society.

In awarding credit, the high school principal is empowered to interpret, evaluate, and grant credit to students for equivalent educational experiences taken at other state approved and/or regionally accredited educational institutions to satisfy the requirements outlined above.

Minimum Course Requirements

All students must be enrolled in courses (not counting Physical Education) yielding a minimum of six (6) credits at the end of the year. A student taking courses with multiple labs may meet the six-course requirement.

All students will be required to carry a minimum of 3.0 credits per semester (not counting courses in Physical Education) in order to be considered a full-time student and be eligible to participate in co-curricular activities.

GUIDANCE SERVICES

Ms. Carolyn Friberg and Mr. Geoffrey Sather function as guidance counselors and are assigned students alphabetically by last name. Students who need help with academic, personal, or social problems are encouraged to avail themselves of this service.

The guidance assignments are as follows:

College Information

The guidance office maintains an excellent collection of college catalogs, directories, and information bulletins. Many college counselors visit Montpelier High School each year to talk with interested students. The visits are always announced during the teacher advisor period.

Parents and students are encouraged to contact their guidance counselor regarding college selection and placement.

Financial Aid Information

When students apply for financial aid, the bulk of assistance is handled through the post-secondary institution that the student is attending and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation. These forms are available in the guidance office.

The guidance department sponsors a financial aid workshop in conjunction with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation each fall. The evening date of this workshop will be publicized. It is most beneficial for parents, guardians, and students to attend this workshop to better understand the financial aid process.

Job Information

Students seeking part-time jobs during the school year or summer are encouraged to see their guidance counselor or the school's job specialist. When job openings occur, they will be posted in the guidance office and announced during the teacher advisor period.

GYMNASIUM

Students may not use the gymnasium, weight room, training room, or other athletic facility unless supervised by an adult member of the staff who is actually present with them. Whenever possible, the school will try to maintain a number of open gym periods during the school day and provide coverage after school for students to play and work out. If the gym is closed in the afternoon, students are encouraged to use the recreational facilities downtown.

HARASSMENT/BULLYING

•    Occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity,

•    Is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student, and

•    Is repeated over time.

Harassment is any unwelcome conduct directed at another person's race, color, national origin, gender, age, handicap, religion, sexual orientation, or marital or parental status with the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Harassment may be verbal, written, or physical conduct including, but not limited to, demeaning comments or behavior, slurs, mimicking, jokes, gestures, name calling, graffiti, and stalking. Specific examples of harassment include, but are not limited to, the following:

At a minimum, students who are found to be harassing others in any of these ways will be suspended from school.

Students who are found to be bullying others, even though not directed at a specific individual’s race, color, national origin, gender, age, handicap, religion, sexual orientation, or marital or parental status, is also prohibited. Students who do so will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including the possibility of suspension. Part of the discipline response for students who are found to bully or harass others will be the development of a plan to promote improved relationships and stop the behaviors. This plan will include a repair conference between students, further education on the law, a review of school rules, and referral to the school’s Educational Support System.

Individuals who believe that they are being harassed by anyone in the school community should report those concerns immediately to Peter Evan, the school’s principal, Jennifer Wall, assistant to the principal, or any school personnel.

It is unacceptable to single out any student or group of students and force or encourage them to do things that are potentially embarrassing or hurtful. This is a specific form of harassment and will be treated as such. Hazing is considered a serious offense and will result in suspension.

You should remember that the behavior is wrong even if it is agreed to. The disciplinary consequences will be the same as if the student objected. As a school, we should work to encourage productive behaviors, not degrading ones.

HONOR ROLL

To be considered for the honor roll, students must be enrolled in six (6) academic classes, have received no grade below a "C”, and have made up any incomplete(s) within a week after the close of the marking period.

Grades received in physical education or any course that gives a grade of pass/fail are not used in determining one's grade point average for the honor roll.

INDEPENDENT STUDIES

• Independent studies for enrichment,
• Independent studies for academic credit in lieu of existing curriculum,
• Independent studies for academic credit in an area beyond the existing curriculum.

• The study must be supervised by a member of the academic faculty. Supervision may be nominal on the part of the faculty member if a qualified person outside of the school system is providing direct supervision.
• The study, if for academic credit, will be graded on a pass/fail basis. An independent study used to resolve a scheduling conflict that follows the regular class curriculum may be granted a letter grade.
• Requirements for independent study must follow the timelines, documentation, approvals, etc. as developed by the Independent Study Committee (Department Heads).
• If the independent study is for academic credit, then those rules, procedures, and deadlines that apply to regular academic courses will apply.
• Guidelines and forms for independent study are available in the guidance office
• A formal, culminating, public presentation will be required of all independent study programs approved for academic credit.
• The Independent Study Committee has the responsibility to resolve conflicts and address unanticipated concerns related to independent study.

• The student must demonstrate interest and ability in the proposed study area.
• The student must have completed the 9th grade prior to consideration for independent study.
• The student must complete all applicable forms within prescribed timelines.

LANGUAGE

Vulgar, profane, or obscene language is inappropriate in school. This applies to all modes of communication at all times. The school has a responsibility to foster acceptable interaction as part of its job in educating students. In addition, we feel that students, employees, and visitors alike have the right to be in an environment free from foul language.

Students who are unable to communicate properly will be assigned to the planning room to work out a plan for improving their behavior.

As noted in the suspension section, swearing may lead to disciplinary action up to and including suspension. Further prolonged or vehement use of foul language can constitute harassment or sexual harassment, with those consequences applying as well.

LEAVING SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Students are not permitted to leave school grounds at any time during the school day (7:45 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.) without permission of the principal, assistant to the principal, main office personnel, or school nurse regardless of whether or not the student has a note from a parent/guardian.

Appointments/Early Dismissal

Notes requesting that you be excused in the middle of the school day must specify the nature of the appointment, the time you will be leaving, and the time you plan to return to school. Students will be excused to see a doctor and for critical appointments that cannot be made after school hours.

Illness/Emergency

If it becomes necessary to leave the building because of illness or for any other emergency, the student must report to the school nurse or main office. Failure to follow proper procedure will be considered an unexcused absence (Class or Day Cut).

LIBRARY INFORMATION

The library has well over 10,000 books and 30 current magazine subscriptions. The library web site provides easy access to journal and newspaper articles, along with other online research sources. The library is open from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Students are welcome to use the library for reading, research, or studying. Students should come prepared to read or work quietly. Students who are disruptive or distracting will be asked to leave.

Books

Books (other than the Reference and Reserve) circulate for two weeks and may be renewed once.

Reference and Reserve Books

Some reference books are to be used only in the library. Others may be checked out overnight or for one week, at the librarian's discretion. Books that teachers put on reserve will be on shelves behind the circulation desk and can be used only in the library.

Magazines

Current issues of magazines are to be used in the library. Older magazines may be borrowed overnight at the librarian's discretion. Any student defacing or tearing a magazine must pay for it.

Overdue Books

Overdue notices will be sent to students through their teacher advisor. After three months a bill will be sent home to the parents/guardians for the replacement cost of the book. At that point the student will lose the privilege of checking out library books until the overdue book has been returned or paid for. Also, report cards for these students will be held until the books have been returned or paid for.

LIGHTERS and MATCHES

Students found to be in possession of lighters or matches on school grounds will be required to turn them over to a teacher, staff member, or administrator. These items will not be returned to the student.

LOCKERS

Locks and lockers are assigned by the administration. Students must not switch lockers or take an unassigned locker without clearing it with administration. Lockers that are not functioning properly should be reported to the administration.

• There are several things that can be done to avoid losing belongings from a locker. Protect the combination. DO NOT GIVE IT TO ANYONE!
• Do not share lockers with anyone.
• Do not bring large sums of money or valuable possessions to school.
• Label everything.
• Carry anything that is not locked in the locker.
• Make sure the padlock is locked after closing it.

The locker is the only area of reasonable privacy provided by the school. However, students need to remember that lockers remain the property of the school. The school reserves the right to access lockers to collect books and assignments to send home when a student is absent, to clean or fix damaged lockers, to conduct general investigations, or to search individual lockers.

MESSAGES

The use of office personnel to take and deliver personal messages to students diverts significant time and resource away from educational matters. For this reason, we will ask that this privilege be used only when necessary, not as a convenience.

Students will be paged to the main office to receive important personal messages at the end of the day. Announcements regarding messages will not be made during the day except in cases of emergency.

The fact that we deliver a message that asks a student to use a telephone does not automatically entitle that student to use the office telephone.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Junior and senior students are selected to membership in the National Honor Society on the basis of meeting specific requirements and qualification. Initial qualification is based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 utilizing a 4.0 scale. Only juniors and seniors are eligible. Scholastic eligibility will be determined at the end of the sophomore and junior years.

From this initial eligibility base, the remaining criteria of leadership, character, and service are then considered. These areas are evaluated by a five-member Faculty Council, appointed by the principal, based primarily on information supplied by the students and staff.

Final selection is made by the majority vote of the Faculty Council after reviewing all input submitted by both staff and students. If you feel an error has been made in the selection process, you should contact the principal. The students and parents should realize that the selection process must be somewhat subjective. The decision of the Faculty Council is final unless it can be shown that an error in procedure has been made (leaving a name off a list or miscalculating a student's grade point average, for example).

NINTH GRADE TEAM

The purpose of the Ninth Grade Team is to develop an effective model for the 9th grade; this includes improved communication, collaboration and coordination to improve student learning.

All incoming students in ninth grade will benefit from the formation of the Ninth Grade Team. Started at the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year, the team’s primary goal is to provide support to all freshman so that they each will have the opportunity to realize their potential. Your child’s academic teachers will meet periodically to discuss student needs. The goal is to communicate more frequently and more effectively about instruction and support for your child.

The support in place that we want you to be aware of include supervised study during students’ unassigned periods, morning academic support from 7:30-7:50 each morning except Wednesday, and afternoon student support on Tuesdays from 2:15-2:50.

The Team has four goals for the coming school year:

1)    Continue to plan for student success.

2)    Communicate and disseminate information to the high school faculty.

3)    Engage in ongoing work in curriculum and instruction.

4)    Continue to develop linkages to the 8th and 10th grade transitions.

Supervised Study Hall

The primary purpose of the supervised study hall is to provide a structured and quiet space for students to complete work when they are not assigned to a class. It is the goal of Montpelier High School for students to learn to accept responsibility for using their time wisely, studying independently and initiating their own learning.

2)    Students are required to check in with their supervised study teacher for attendance. 

3)    Students are expected to come to the study with assignment book, homework, reading or other work to complete.

4)    Students may sign out to the library to do academic work or meet with a teacher at the discretion of the supervised study teacher.

5)    Students are required to return to the supervised study before the end of the period.

•    Students in grades 10-12 will be released when their work is complete.

•    Students may be reassigned to supervised study at any time.

•    Participation in supervised study may range from full-time to part-time to released based on meeting the stated criteria.

•    Students who are no longer assigned to supervised study have the option to return at any time.

OFFICE AREAS

The school offices at Montpelier High School are particularly busy places. For school business to run effectively and smoothly, all of us need to be considerate of the people who work there. Students should only be in the offices on school business. The offices are not places to visit or hang out.

The following guidelines are designed to help maintain a quiet sense of order in these areas of the school.

•    Students are to remain in front of the counters unless asked to come into the office areas by a member of the staff.

•    Students are expected to behave with courtesy and respect at all times.

•    Office telephones are not to be used by students except in case of emergency. Students must secure permission from a member of the office staff before using the telephone.

Failure to abide by these rules will result in disciplinary action being taken by the administration.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism means trying to gain an unfair advantage over fellow students or attempting to deceive your teacher in coursework or assessments.

Plagiarism is copying someone else's work and trying to pass it off as your own. It might be another student's essay, homework or assessment which is copied, or it might be the extensive use of published material from books or articles.

Students must ensure that they acknowledge the ideas and work of others when submitting coursework.

• Inclusion in a student’s essay of a sentence or phrase (or more) from another person's work without the use of quotation marks and acknowledgement of the sources.
• Summarizing another person's work by simply changing a few words or altering the order of presentation, without acknowledgement.
• Substantial and unauthorized use of ideas of another person without acknowledgement of the source.

• another student's work
• books
• magazines
• newspapers
• journals
• videos
• material on computer disks
• TV and radio programs
• the internet
• any other published source

• author
• article or journal title
• book title
• page number
• publisher
• year of publication

• The consequences for cases of plagiarism that are substantiated by a teacher are that the student will receive a grade of zero (0) for the plagiarized work.
• Parents will be notified of the incident.
• The student will be referred to the school’s Educational Support Team for additional support and intervention.

*Source: Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, England

PROGRAM OF STUDIES

Each year, Montpelier High School publishes its program offerings in the Program of Studies. Parents and students are encouraged to use it when selecting courses for the next academic year. The Program of Studies contains valuable information regarding graduation requirements, required courses, and courses needed for certain careers and schools. The courses are organized in the Program of Studies by departments: English, Foreign Languages, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education/Health, Business, Technology, Fine Arts, Driver Education, and School-to-Work. Each student is required to be enrolled in a minimum of six academic courses each semester unless they are carrying a modified academic plan that has been approved by their EST, 504, or Evaluation and Planning Team.

REPORT CARD PROCEDURES

Report cards will be issued directly to students three times per year at approximately nine-week intervals. The final report card will be mailed to the student's home in late June.

At the end of the first and third marking periods all teachers will issue either computer printed or written comments on all students. Written comments will be mailed directly to the student's home, whereas computer printed comments are printed directly on the report card. During the second and final marking periods, comments are used at the instructor's discretion, except under certain circumstances.

• if the student is receiving a grade of "F”,
• if the student is receiving an incomplete grade, or
• if the student’s grade has dropped significantly (two or more letter grades) from the previous marking period.

The parent/guardian will be notified by telephone if it appears that there is not sufficient time to inform the parent/guardian in writing before the end of the marking period.

SENIOR PRIVILEGES

The form is available in the main office.

1. Agreement

In accepting the privileges of being allowed to come to school at the start of your first class and to leave Montpelier High School and school grounds at the conclusion of your last class, you agree to accept, fully and completely, all related obligations and responsibilities listed below.

2. Conditions

1. In addition to class commitments, the student agrees to attend all class-related obligations (field trips, special speakers, etc.) as well as all senior class meetings and special assemblies.
2. The student agrees to utilize several free time options available to all students of Montpelier High School while in the building during the school day on non-class time, i.e. cafeteria, library (for appropriate purposes), or a quiet study area.
3. The student also agrees to:

1. sign in/out in the office when arriving/leaving for the day.
2. remain out of the corridors and lobbies during school day non-class time.
3. refrain from transporting underclassmen from school prior to the underclassmen's regular dismissal.
4. refrain from bringing food and/or beverages into the building for purposes other than con-sumption in the cafeteria during regular lunch periods.
5. abide by all school regulations.
6. refrain from dropping courses or altering class schedules for the sole purpose of leaving school early.

3. Eligibility

1. have earned at least 17 credits, be carrying at least 6 courses earning a total of 3.0 credits per semester not to include P.E., Tech. Orientation or Study Skills.
2. must have received no grade less than a "C" during the previous marking period.
3. have no outstanding financial obligation to the school.

4. Cancellation of Agreement

1. violation of the conditions of this agreement.
2. repeated absenteeism and/or tardiness.
3. failure to maintain academic eligibility (carry six subjects and maintain a "C" or above in all courses).

Removal of privileges shall continue until such time as the situation is corrected to the satisfaction of the teachers involved, the parents, and the administration.

5. Conditions of Revocation

6. Signatures

Senior Open Campus Privileges

Seniors who are eligible may apply for open campus privileges.

Eligibility

• have earned at least 17 credits, be carrying at least 6 courses earning a total of 3.0 credits per semester, not to include P.E. or Driver Education.
• must have received no grade less than a “C” during the previous marking period.
• must have reached the eligible bench-mark in P.E. points.
• have no outstanding financial obligations to the school.

Cancellation of Agreement

• violation of the conditions of this agreement.
• repeated absenteeism and/or tardiness.
• failure to maintain academic eligibility (PE eligibility, carry 6 subjects and maintain a “C” or above in all classes).

Removal of Open Campus privileges shall continue until such time as the situation is corrected to the satisfaction of the teachers involved, the parents and the administration.

Conditions of Curtailment Status

A senior student whose privileges have been curtailed will be required to remain in a structured situation for the entire school day, and the student shall continue to observe such a structured situation until privileges have been reinstated.

Parent or legal guardian signatures are required for all senior students under 18 years of age.

SILVER "M" AWARD

The Silver "M" award is presented to seniors who have excelled in both scholarship and extra-curricular activities. A total of 17 points (9 scholarship points and 8 extra-curricular points) must be earned in order to receive the Silver “M”. Points must be earned in at least two extra-curricular activities. No more than five points can be counted for sports or any single activity. Silver "M" requirements are computed at the end of three and one-half years.

SOCIAL EVENTS

During the year various clubs and organizations sponsor social events, such as dances and suppers. The same rules of conduct apply at these events as apply during the school day. This includes no smoking and no alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.

A group must complete and submit a Dance Request Form at least one (1) week prior to the planned event. Sponsoring organizations need to comply with the rules outlined on the form.

Once students are in attendance at a dance and leave the immediate area of the dance they may not return.

STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Going to school is both a right and a responsibility. If our school is to fulfill its mission to give each student the best possible education, every member of our school community must help create an orderly and supportive learning environment.

At Montpelier High School, caring means

•    respecting individual differences

•    getting along with others

•    helping out

•    handling conflict through listening and negotiation

•    developing a sense of pride in one’s work

•    supporting the work of others