2006-2007

WELCOME

The staff of Westbury High School welcomes each of you and is dedicated to helping you be successful.  Success, however, requires that you accept the responsibilities for setting and reaching your educational goals.

To help you, we have prepared the Westbury High School Agenda.  In it you will find organizational helps, study skills, and departmental information as well as our school policies.

It is your responsibility to use the agenda.  It will be checked in every class.  We are confident that using the agenda will help you become a better learner.

Manuel D. Arias

Principal

Policies and Procedures

The rules, regulations, policies and procedures that follow may be amended in order to comply with future changes in State Education Laws.  Parents, students and staff will be informed, in writing, of these changes.*

*The district Code of Conduct supersedes any conflicting regulation within this agenda.  All students will receive a copy of the Code of Conduct and assemblies will be held to discuss it.

contents

Graduation Requirements

Grading Policy

Admission to Honors Classes

Honor Roll

Guidance Office

Attendance

Arrival/Tardiness/Dismissal

School Nurse

Safety and Security

Lockers

Conduct

Student Disciplinary Actions

Eligibility Policy

Extra-Curricular Functions

Parking

Lost Articles

Lunch

Library

Telephone Usage

Distribution of Information

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

* Students are required to have completed one unit of credit in a

 foreign language by the end of their freshman year or pass the

New York State Proficiency Exam.

** An integrated course in mathematics/science/technology may

be used as the third required unit of credit in mathematics or science.

(a) Students acquiring 5 units of credit in Art, Music, Business,

Technology or Vocational Education may be exempt

(b) Students acquiring 5 units in one of the following may be exempt

from the Language other than English requirement:  Art,  Music, or

Career Technical Education

For the latest information, visit the New York State Education Department website.

GRADING POLICY

1.  District Policy

     Westbury Board of Education policy 445.1 regarding attendance, course credit, and grading states:  “The Superintendent shall require student attendance to be 90% of scheduled class hours.  Absences beyond that point, whether legal or illegal, may be deemed cause for granting an incomplete.  However, a principal may not deny credit solely on the basis of excessive absence.  With administrative approval, teacher discretion may be exercised to develop compensatory time and work assignments.  Furthermore, the policy states that “Assignments due on the day of an absence shall not be awarded zeroes or grade reductions.  Only academic performance shall be sanctioned.

II.  Class Participation

      Pupils should not view the 90% minimum as a license to miss 10% of their classes; rather, since involvement in day to day activities such as board work, discussion, drill, and class projects is weighted heavily in our system of evaluation, students will be subject to a reduction in the class participation grade for each class session missed.  This will then be part of the overall class participation grade and, in turn, may lower their quarterly average.  The class participation grade will count as a minimum of  30% of the quarterly grade.  This requirement applies to all subjects. Additionally, in subjects such as music, art, industrial arts, typing, and physical education, which require extensive class participation, the class participation grade may count for more than 30% of the quarterly grade.

III.  Composition of the Quarterly Grade

    A student's quarterly grade shall reflect both the student's class participation and his/her achievement on class assignments. 

    A.  A minimum of 30% of the student's quarterly grade shall   reflect his/her level of class participation. Class participation shall be evaluated with respect to the following standards:                            

         1.  Being present and punctual                 

     2.  Being prepared with all necessary materials                

               3.  Being "on task" (doing his/her assigned work for the day)

    B.  A maximum of 70% of the student's quarterly grade shall reflect his/her level of achievement on class assignments,   such as:      

                1.  Homework

          2.  Tests

                3.  Quizzes

                4.  Projects and Performances

                5.  Reports

IV. Report Card Grades

Guidelines for assigning report card grades:

Full Year Courses

                                Passing Grades               Failing Grades

1st Quarter                   65 - 100                        55 - 60

2nd, 3rd 4th Quarters    65 - 100                        40 - 60

Final Exams                 65 - 100                         0 – 64

Half year courses

                                 Passing Grades               Failing Grades

1st and 3rd                  65 - 100                          55 - 60

Quarters                     

2nd and 4th                 65 - 100                         40 - 60

Quarters

Final Exams                65 - 100                           0 - 64

ADMISSION TO HONOR CLASSES

     In order to be placed in an honors class in any subject, a student must have the recommendations of his/her teacher, department chairperson and school counselor.

     All students in honors classes are expected to maintain averages of at least 85% in the honors class throughout the year.  Those who do not may be removed from the course at the discretion of the teacher, department chairperson and school counselor. 

HONOR ROLL

    To qualify for the Honor Roll, students must pass all credit bearing subjects for the quarter and must have an overall average of 85% in those subjects.

HIGH HONOR ROLL

     Requirements for the High Honor Roll are the same as for the Honor Roll with the exception that students are to possess an overall average of 90%.

THE GUIDANCE OFFICE

     The function of a school counselor is to help each student develop an understanding of himself/herself and to help students and parents develop educational and occupational goals.  The school counselors work with students individually and in small groups to help resolve personal, social and academic problems.   Counselors  also meet with teachers and parents to help them with problems involving the student.

     Students who wish to see their school counselor during the school day are encouraged to make an appointment.  An appointment can be made by getting a pass in the Guidance Office before or after school, or during the lunch period.  Students are not to come to the Guidance Office when scheduled for class, or without a pass. 

     Parents may make appointments with counselors by calling 516-876-5054.

ATTENDANCE

In order to achieve the maximum from educational opportunities, attendance at all class sessions is required.  The student’s educational growth and development is an evolving, continuous process which is weakened by prolonged or frequent interruptions.

Daily attendance is required in all classes.  By law, you are required to bring in an absence note every time you are absent.  If you are late, you must also bring a note explaining your lateness to be excused.  Excused notes must be given to the Dean of Attendance before attending class.

A student who is absent from school without the knowledge of a parent/guardian is considered to be truant.  Truancy is a violation of state law and legal action will be taken against you.

Arrival

School buses will arrive at the school between 7:00 and 7:25 A.M.  Students must show their ID card to enter the building. The first block/begins at 7:30 A.M. Students who arrive after 7:30 must sign in with the Dean of Attendance.

tardiness

Every effort is to be made by students to arrive to class on time.  Students who are detained by staff members are to bring a pass from the person who detained him/her.  Students who are late due to other factors are to report directly to class and utilize the sign-in book for attendance.  Students are reminded that lateness counts not only against their attendance record which may result in detention and/or mandatory, but also against the participation part of their grade.

dismissal

Dismissal from School:    Students who do not need to remain for mandatory tutorials, special help, disciplinary reason, or sanctioned activities, are dismissed at the end of  Block 4/Period 9.  Teachers may request students to report for makeup or conferences after Block 4/Period 9.  A bus will be provided for those students requested to stay or who remain for a specific activity. Only students attending tutorials, special help sessions, or detention may be in the building between 2 and 3 pm.  Students involved only in club activities or athletics must leave the campus at 2 pm and return at 3 pm for the activity.  All students on campus need to be supervised by a staff member in a designated area.

Early Dismissal:  Students who wish to leave school before dismissal time must first bring in a note from their parent/guardian stating the reason for the request.  This note is to be brought to the Attendance Office at the beginning of the school day.  The Dean of Attendance will determine the validity of the reason and either approve or deny the request.  Only those students whose requests receive the written approval of the administration may leave early.  Students approved for early dismissal must sign out in the attendance office before leaving school.  Every effort should be made to schedule driving tests, physician and dental appointments when school is not in session.  Students leaving the building or school grounds at any time during the school day without official permission are truant and will be dealt with accordingly. Only a parent or legal guardian may request your release from school.  No one else has the authority.

THE SCHOOL NURSE

Physical Examinations: State Education Law states that physical examinations are required for 10th grade students.  Students may have the physical examination completed by their family physician or arrangements can be made for the examination to be completed by the school physician.

Written parental consent is required prior to the school examination.  In either case, the school medical form must be returned school nurse by October 1st.

The school nurse's office is open from 7:10 to 2:00 to assist students with their health needs.  All students must enter the office with a signed pass from their teacher.

In case of illness.......

If students are not well and need to go home the nurse's office will contact a parent or guardian.  Under no circumstances should a student arrange to go home with their cell phone.  Students should also not take it upon themselves to stay in the rest room if they are ill.

In case of accident....

All accidents are to be reported immediately to the teacher in charge and the school nurse.

For athletic clearances.....

Please submit athletic interim reports and physicals as soon as possible to facilitate prompt processing of athletic clearances.

safety and security  

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS: Students must wear their official school ID card during the school day. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. School ID cards are replaced for a fee.

VISITORS: Students are not permitted to have visitors during the school day.

Everyone visiting our campus must:

1. Sign in at the security booth to receive a visitor’s pass

2. Sign-in at the front door

3. Receive authorization to travel in the building

4. Comport themselves in an appropriate manner

Trespassers to this campus are subject to arrest.

SAFETY AND PROTECTION: In order to provide the students, staff and visitors a safe environment at Westbury High School, the premises are under continual video surveillance.

When May Students Be in the Building?    Students are to be in the building only on regular school days or for scheduled events under the direct supervision of staff members. A faculty member must be present in order for students to use any classroom or area in the building.  All activities must have teacher supervision.   Emphasis in this regard is directed to such areas and activities as athletics, locker rooms, stage, and decorating for various social events.

FIRE DRILL PROCEDURES

There are at least twelve fire drills a year.  When the fire alarm sounds, the following procedures are to be followed:

1. Books are to be left in rooms.

2. Under no circumstances are students to go to their lockers.

3. Students are to remain with their class at least 100 feet from the building.

4. When the signal is given to return, all students are to immediately proceed to their assigned classes.

5. SILENCE IS TO BE OBSERVED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE  DRILL AND ALL STUDENTS ARE TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL.  FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES

1. Students must follow instructions given by administration, staff, law enforcement agency.

2. Cell phone use is forbidden at anytime/anywhere on school grounds.  This is in compliance with emergency       evacuation plan and the State Code of Conduct.

3. It is imperative to have active phone numbers for all parents, who will be contacted in cases of emergency evacuation.

Fire Extinguishers and Equipment:  All fire fighting equipment is checked periodically in order to be ready for an emergency.  Students must not handle the equipment unless an emergency has arisen.  False alarms or spent equipment might easily cause panic and/or serious injury.

Snowballs/Water Balloons or Water Guns:  There is no place for throwing snowballs, water balloons or using water guns on our campus.  Accidents and property damage can result from this practice.

Fireworks:  Possession, sale or use of fireworks on school property is absolutely forbidden.

VALUABLES: Large amounts of money and other valuables not needed for school should not be brought to school.

SMOKING:  This is a smoke free campus.  Smoking is not permitted at anytime in the building or on the property, including the athletic fields and cars.

Drugs, Narcotics, Alcohol and Weapons Controlled Substances:  These items are illegal on the school grounds, and in buses, lockers, book bags, gym bags, etcetera.  Anyone carrying, dealing or concealing any of these items will be subject to arrest by the police. 

Care of School Property:  Malicious destruction, defacing, or marring of school property is a serious offense.  Students involved in such incidents will be held financially accountable for damages.  To practice good school citizenship is to refrain at all times from willfully damaging school property.  We are confident that our students have the pride, maturity and self-discipline to regard this regulation as guidance to good citizenship.

Lockers

The high school owns and maintains hall lockers which are loaned to the students for their convenience in storing books, coats, and other items during the school year.  Since the lockers are school property, THE SCHOOL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO JOINT CONTROL OVER THE STUDENTS’ LOCKERS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SEARCH LOCKERS AT ANYTIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.  Students are to use only the locker assigned to them. 

Students are responsible for keeping their lockers clean and free of debris and graffiti and for reporting needed repairs to the principal’s office.  Vandalism to a locker will result in suspension.  Combination locks are installed on all school lockers and it is the responsibility of the student to keep his/her combination confidential. Students may not place their own locks on lockers.

It is the responsibility of each student to protect his/her property. This includes all textbooks, school materials and personal items placed in lockers.  Most loss of property is due to the carelessness of friends who know your locker combination.  The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

SHARING OF LOCKERS IS NOT PERMITTED!  STUDENTS SHARING LOCKERS WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS.

conduct

Please refer to the Code of Conduct.

"RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, AND RESTRAINT"

Respect of Authority:  All students are responsible for respecting the authority of all school personnel.  This includes all Administrators, Teachers, Substitute Teachers, Secretaries, Nurses, Aides, Custodians, and Security Personnel.

School Buses: Students riding school buses are expected to be courteous and considerate, and to follow the same general rules followed in the school building.  Bus privileges maybe suspended for unruly, disruptive behavior.  All students must show their bus passes when boarding the bus.  You are only allowed to ride the bus that you are assigned to.  Those found to be defacing buses will be suspended and be held liable for damages.  Students are to remain seated at all times during travel.

Prohibited Items: Cellular phones, hats, beepers, radios, tape decks, portable CD’s, unauthorized electronic devices, bandannas, du rags, balloons, flowers etc., etc., etc.,!!! These items will be confiscated.

Dress Code: Appropriate dress is expected at all times.  Short shorts, short skirts, or short dresses, low riding baggy pants, exposed back or midriff fashions, open shirts, and shirts with obscene lettering are not appropriate.  Shorts and skirts should be mid-thigh or longer (measured by tips of fingers).  The wearing of “colors”, beads, “du rags” and other gang related paraphernalia is absolutely forbidden.

Honesty and Accountability/RESPECT FOR ALL PROPERTY: of other students, teachers, building personnel is expected.  The act of taking property which is not your own is cause for legal action against you.  In addition, you are financially accountable for the destruction, defacement or other abuse of school property.

CONDUCT IN THE CORRIDORS:

Appropriate Behavior Is Expected At All Times

1. All students are to be out of the corridors and in their classrooms by the ringing of the bell.

2. Loitering in the corridors, vestibules, locker rooms, and lavatories during the day is to be avoided.

3. Eating is not permitted in the halls, gymnasium, or classrooms, and is limited to the cafeteria area.

4. Public display of affection is considered in bad taste and is prohibited in the building, on the buses and on the school grounds.

5. There is no need for running in the halls at any time.  Always remember to walk on the right side. 

6. All students must have a pass when out of class.

CONDUCT IN THE CLASSROOM:

Appropriate Behavior Is Expected At All Times

1. Students are to be seated and prepared to work by the time the bell rings.

2. Each student is to bring the necessary materials to classes each day.

3. The throwing of any object is forbidden.

4. Chalk boards are to be used only under the teacher's supervision.

5. Blinds, drapes, windows and lights are to be adjusted only upon the teacher's request.

6. Students will be held financially responsible for any defacement or destruction of school property and for the loss of  school materials. Students are responsible for all books issued to them. 

7. Classes will not be dismissed before the bell.

student disciplinary actions

Please refer to the Code of Conduct.

Mandatory Letter:  Prior to a formal suspension, a mandatory letter is sent to the parent/guardian.  This notification lists the infraction and requires a parent/guardian conference.

After School Detention:  Students who are late to class without an excuse will be required to attend after school detention.  The length of the detention will be determined by the number of infractions on a given day.

In-School Suspension:  Those infractions that do not warrant an out of school suspension will be assigned to in-school suspension.

Out of School Suspension:  An out of school suspension varies from 1-5 days depending upon the infraction. Any student under suspension is denied admission to school, to class, and all school functions for the specified period of time.

*In-School Suspension and after school detention are held in the high school building.  Failure to attend detention will result in a mandatory letter and a mandated face to face conference with parents.

SCHOOL-APPROVED ACTIVITIES: During the suspension, the student is not permitted to participate in a sport, an after school activity, or a school approved activity on those days.  Such activities will include, but are not limited to: field trips, clubs, dances, attendance at or participation in sporting events, intramurals, rehearsals, performances, stage crew, etc.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

1. Students who fail two or more subjects would be deemed ineligible until the next five-week period.  The next progress report must indicate that the student is now passing the class.

2. June failures must be made up in summer school in order to be eligible in the fall of the following year.

3. Students would be required to attend tutorial to ensure his/her continued eligibility.

4. Academic eligibility will include the following activities:

                                        Plays

                                        Non-academic field trips

                                        Musicals

                                        Sports

AFTER SCHOOL programs, EVENING events, AND ATHLETIC FUNCTIONS

The Code of Conduct is in effect

1. ID is required.

2. Appropriate attire is expected.

3. Appropriate behavior is mandatory.

4. Refreshments and admission are confined to the designated area.

5. Loitering is not permitted.

6. Any breach of these rules will result in ejection from the building and exclusion from future functions.

7. Any student under suspension is not permitted to participate  in these activities.

WESTBURY EVENING SCHOOL STUDENTS: Students enrolled in the Westbury Evening School program are not allowed on school grounds during day school hours including special events (assemblies, ceremonies, etc.), unless authorized by a day or evening school administrator.

STUDENT CARS/PARKING

Seniors who have a New York State Class D driver’s license may be granted the privilege of parking their cars on the campus.  Driver’s permits and Junior licenses are not acceptable.    This privilege is subject to strict administrative control. Students who are granted the privilege of parking their cars on campus must follow established school rules or lose their privilege.

 Student Responsibilities

1. Pick up the forms in the Main Office.  Your Parent/Guardian must sign the form and have it notarized.

2. Park only in the assigned areas of the south lot (corner of Jericho Turnpike).

3. Students must have the official Westbury High School parking sticker properly displayed on their vehicles or be subject to a summons from the Old Westbury Police.

4. Observe 5 m.p.h. speed limit on school grounds.

5. You must keep your car locked at all times.

6. You cannot drive your car off campus during school hours without written and notarized authorization from a parent/guardian.

REMEMBER:

1. No sitting in parked cars.

2. No smoking in cars.

3. No racing or idling car motors

4. No playing loud music.

5. No parking in the North Parking lot.

LOST ARTICLES

 Books or book bags are to be placed in to the cafeteria under the trophy cases.  Any  keys and jewelry should be turned into the main office.  Articles may be claimed by their owner upon presentation of sufficient proof of ownership. 

LUNCH PERIOD

The function of the school cafeteria is to provide healthful food and a pleasant atmosphere in which to eat.  This requires the cooperation of all Westbury High School students.  Students are expected to maintain proper social attitudes and conditions of cleanliness while using this area.  Our dining room decorum should be exemplary.  Everyone is to do his/her part in creating an atmosphere of orderliness and dignity.

Lunch may purchased in the cafeteria or brought from home. Food may not be brought in from outside vendors during the school day. All lunches are to be eaten in the dining room area.

Students are to get up and throw out all garbage in the waste cans. Students who litter will be subject to cafeteria restrictions/disciplinary action.

Students in the cafeteria are not permitted to visit any other section of the building nor go outside without specific written permission during their lunch period. 

CLOSED CAMPUS: Westbury High School has a closed campus policy.  This means that students must remain in the school building and on the grounds at all times.  Students are required to obtain the official permission of a parent/guardian and or an administrator if they plan to leave the campus. Students violating this rule will be considered truant and administrative action will be taken.

Only seniors will be granted the privilege of leaving the school grounds during his lunch period providing the following conditions are met:

1. To secure a notarized parental permission to leave the school grounds during his/her authorized lunch period.

2.  To return to school in ample time for the next class.

3.  Not allowed to bring outside lunch to campus.

Any violation of these policies will result in revocation of this privilege and possible disciplinary action.

LIBRARY/media center

The library is a quiet place to study.  Any cases of  misconduct will lead to loss of library privileges.

The library is open from 7:10 to 2:55 daily for purposes involving the utilization of library materials pending availability.  Computers, books, magazines, newspapers and other reference materials are available for students to use upon request.  ID cards are necessary  to use the library facility.  Students must sign up with the librarian prior to remaining after school in the library.

During the lunch periods all students must report to lunch first, obtain a pass, and then sign-in at the Library circulation desk.

The following policies are in effect:

1. There is no congregating or loitering

2. Eating and drinking is not permitted 

3. The library facilities must be kept clean

4. There is no unauthorized/illegal/misuse of the computers.

Any violation of these policies will result in revocation of library privileges and possible disciplinary action.

Telephone use:

Telephone messages may be delivered to students only in cases of emergency.  Public pay telephones represent a service provided by the telephone company. They have been installed as a courtesy to Westbury High School students and any use made of them merits consideration of this fact.  Office telephones are not to be used by students unless authorized by the administration.

See Code of Conduct regarding cellular/mobile phone usage.