LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Principal’s Greeting_______________________________________________

Mission Statement_______________________________________________

Statement of Purpose____________________________________________

Important Places_________________________________________________

Access to Student Records_______________________________________

Afternoon Session_______________________________________________

AP Exam Dates_________________________________________________

AP Enrollment__________________________________________________

Bell Schedule___________________________________________________

Class Schedule_________________________________________________

Dropout Prevention Procedures_________________________________

Graduation Requirements______________________________________

Guidance Services______________________________________________

Registration Information________________________________________

Teen Health Center_____________________________________________

Homework Policy_______________________________________________

Honor Roll Requirements________________________________________

Library/Media Center___________________________________________

MCAS Tests_____________________________________________________

National Honor Society____________________________________________

Personal Tragedy________________________________________________

Plagiarism and Cheating___________________________________________

School Calendar________________________________________________

Midterm Reports_________________________________________________

Uncleared Accounts_____________________________________________

Rules___________________________________________________________

MIAA Rules_____________________________________________________

Clubs and Organizations________________________________________

Community Involvement________________________________________

Lynn Classical Volunteer Service Program_______________________

Discipline Code_________________________________________________

Appeal of Disciplinary Actions___________________________________

Attendance-Dismissal________________________________

Student Attendance Policy______________________________________

College Visitation Policy_________________________________________

Bus Privileges__________________________________________________

Cafeteria Responsibilities_______________________________________

Classroom Attitudes____________________________________________

Corporal Punishment___________________________________________

Discipline of SPED Students_____________________________________

Due Process_____________________________________________________

Emancipated Students__________________________________________

Fire Drills_______________________________________________________

Freedom of Speech_______________________________________________

Harassment_____________________________________________________

No School Announcements_______________________________________

Parking Regulations______________________________________________

Protection of Valuables___________________________________________

Pupil Pass Procedures____________________________________________

Search and Seizure_______________________________________________

Student Appearance______________________________________________

Student Appearance Policy________________________________________

Telephone________________________________________________________

Vending Machine_________________________________________________

Visitor Pass Procedure____________________________________________

City of Lynn Disciplinary Code_____________________________________

Parents’ Liability for Willful Acts of Minor Children_________________

At Classical High School, our student body is our strength. We are a diverse institution whose goal it is to prepare students to become lifelong learners, and, as stated in our Mission Statement, we encourage "respectful interaction for all students in a safe, supportive environment." Classical subscribes to the concept of public education as the foundation of the community. Our goal is to provide all students with a frontline education, which will enable them to become productive members of society.

We believe that the keys to success here at Classical are hard work, self-respect, self-discipline, a positive attitude, and teamwork. You, as students, must learn to pay attention to detail. Meet your academic requirements first. Arrive at school on time prepared to work. I urge students to contemplate their reason for entering our hollowed halls- that they seek a rewarding educational experience. Take pride in yourself, your family, and your community. Leave here a better person ready to make the world a better place. No goal is impossible for you to attain.

Sincerely,

We believe that every student has a right to the best educational opportunities and that everyone has a capacity to learn. In conjunction with this, we further believe that students should take responsibility for their education by being active learners.

We believe that the faculty should encourage all students to reach their potential by serving as role models for the students, by setting high academic standards, by updating methodology to meet changing times and changing demographics, and by updating course offerings through a continuous process of assessment.

We believe that the education of our students is a shared responsibility involving all segments of the community. We encourage parents, alumni, the business community, and civic organizations to actively support our academic goals, and we encourage our students and staff to take an active interest in the civic and social concerns of the community.

We believe that the community should support education by providing the necessary resources. These resources should include sufficient funding for school staff, building maintenance, academic programs, and necessary supplies. In addition the community should encourage educational programs both in and out of school and foster personal and academic excellence in all.

* * *

IV. SCHOOL PERFORMANCE:

It is the responsibility of the school to:

• Provide a safe environment in which students can learn.
• Encourage participation in school activities by all members of the school: students, faculty, parents, and community.
• Foster good parent-school communication.
• Provide a variety of educational opportunities to each student.
• Emphasize the importance of regular school attendance and participation.

You may want to know some details about the school. A study of the floor plan will help, but a description of some of the important places in the school should assist you during your first days at Classical.

In January 1975, the Massachusetts Board of Education adopted the regulations pertaining to student records. These regulations apply to all public elementary and secondary schools. They are designed to insure parents' and students' rights of confidentiality, inspection, amendment, and timely destruction of student records. The regulations apply to all information kept by a school system from which a student may be individually identified. The regulations divide the student record into two sections: the transcript and the temporary record.

The transcript contains only basic information necessary to record the student's educational progress:

Name and Address Grades

Course Titles Grade Level Completed

The transcript is kept for at least 60 years after the student leaves the school system.

 

The temporary record contains the majority of information kept by the school about the student:

Standardized Test Results Extra-Curricular Activities

Class Rank Evaluations and Comments

Temporary records are destroyed five years after the student leaves the school system.

 

Lynn Classical High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

2. Every teacher has a special afternoon session for make-up and extra help.

Students at Classical High School who have completed the requisite coursework, receive the recommendation of their teacher, and approval of the appropriate department head may enroll in AP courses. Curriculum requirements will include more demanding classroom assignments, longer home preparation periods, and independent study. The rigorous courses begin with assignments that must be completed during the summer prior to the start of the academic year. Students who enroll in AP classes are required to pay the College Board testing fees associated with the year end test administration by the end of the second marking period. ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE AP PROGRAM ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE AP EXAMS. Dates are listed in the school calendar.

1. IN SCHOOL

Student Conferences

Parent Conferences

Student Study Team Conferences

Program Modification

Referral to Chapter 766 or 504

Tutoring - G.E. Personnel

Peer Tutoring

Teachers' Night Back (Contractual: 1 hour per week)

2. REFERRAL TO ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS

L.E.E.P- Lynn Evening Enrichment Program

C.D.C.- Students earn actual credits toward their Lynn Classical Diploma

LYNN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL (SPED) - Students earn actual credits toward their Lynn Classical Diploma

BAY RIDGE HOSPITAL(SPED) - Students earn actual credits toward their Lynn Classical Diploma

MAST – Alternative High school program; joint effort between DYS and LPS

NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Preparation and short-term placement

HOME CLASS - LYNN SCHOOLS - Offers one on one tutoring for students with documented medical reasons

 

 

Graduation from the Lynn Public Schools signifies that a student has satisfactorily completed the prescribed courses as established by the Lynn School Committee in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students are required to accrue 100 credits, 25 of which must be earned each year. In addition, in order to participate in graduation ceremonies, senior students must have:

1. Successfully completed all academic requirements for graduation by the last school day for seniors.

2. Satisfied all financial obligations to the Lynn Public Schools no later than five calendar days after the last day for seniors.

  3. All students must score a minimum of "needs improvement" on the ELA and Math sections of the MCAS exam.

4.Uncleared Accounts

Seniors will not be allowed to participate in any senior activities including but not limited to graduation rehearsals, the senior outing, and graduation unless ALL academic and financial obligations are met.

The Lynn Classical High School Guidance Program stresses the worth of the student as a unique individual. It is purposely designed to assist each individual to develop and use his/her abilities, interests, and potentialities to his/her greatest level of success. It is concerned with stimulating self-development and preparation to meet the increasing demand for better-educated and skilled persons.

At Classical, individual growth can best be accomplished through the guidance functions of personal counseling, educational counseling, career counseling, consultation, student appraisal, and referral.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the college search computer program, college catalogs, and scholarship information available in the Guidance office.

In order to maintain communication between school and students, it is imperative that we collect accurate contact information from our students. This information is provided by you and the student in a registration form and emergency form at the beginning of each school year. In addition, please update this information if it changes during the school year.

Please be sure that your student provides accurate information upon request. Also, be sure to fill out completely (front and back) and return the EMERGENCY FORM right away. By providing this information, and updating it when it changes, you are helping to improve communication between our school and your home.

The goal of the School Based Health Center is to assist students to achieve better health habits and ensure that students are both physically and emotionally prepared to take advantage of their daily educational opportunities. Signed consent from the parent of guardian is needed for the student to be treated by the School Based Health Center (except for emergency first aid and an initial consultation).

The School Based Health Center will provide the following comprehensive health services: physicals, sick and injury visits, lab tests, screening tests, health education, behavioral health counseling, nutrition and weight reduction, pregnancy prevention, and family planning (contraceptives will not be dispensed at the School Based Health Center). The School Based Health Center is located in Corridor D and is open when school is in session.

Major subjects at the secondary level (grades 7-12) are: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Instructional Technology, and Foreign Language.

Homework shall be given in major subjects every day and in all other subjects a minimum of three days per week. Specific assignments of major subjects on a given day shall be determined by the teacher(s).

Homework may be assigned over the weekend, recess periods, and holidays at the discretion of the teacher. It is encouraged that homework be assigned on the weekend and, to some extent, during long recess periods.

The average time allotment for assigned homework is:

It is anticipated that time allotments will vary depending upon the educational program and goals of each student and the judgment of individual teachers, about how much homework shall be required in a given subject matter area on a particular day. Some students or classes may require more time; others slightly less.

It is required, however, that the time allotted per week (MINUTES/WEEK) for homework as stated above be adhered to as closely as possible.

Indeed, it is the expectation at the secondary level for advanced placement and honors students and a majority of the students enrolled in college courses and some technology courses that these time allotments will be exceeded more often than not.

An A in at least one major subject. A mark of B- or better in all other subjects and all marks shall represent good school citizenship.

The Library of Lynn Classical High School is designed primarily for reference work by the student body. A core of basic reference and general reading materials is readily available. Supplementing these are various contemporary periodicals and twenty internet-connected computers. The library is a member of the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System. Students have computer access to all NMRLS databases. The student body has the daily privilege of utilizing the facilities of the library during directed study periods and most lunch periods. When a class is using the library during a lunch period, a sign will be posted. Students may borrow most books, with the exception of material of great value, for a period of two weeks. The library is open from 8:00 A.M. to 2:45 P.M.

State mandated MCAS exams are administered, and passing the MCAS ELA and Math exam is a prerequisite for obtaining a Lynn Classical High School diploma. Dates are listed on the school calendar.

The information worksheet requires that the students provide documentation that substantiates his/her qualities in leadership, service, and character. Students must get appropriate signatures from various people both inside of school and out of school to verify he/she has demonstrated the qualities of leadership, service, and character. It may be helpful that as students go through their underclass years at Classical, they keep a record of all community service projects and clubs to help them through their selection process in the future.

While the students are collecting their information, all LCHS teachers will receive a list of eligible students based on their GPA and are asked to evaluate them on Service, Leadership, and Character.

Selection into the Mary Bemis Chapter of the National Honor Society will be decided by the Faculty Council, a five-member team of teachers from various disciplines. The advisor will act as a liaison to the Faculty Council, parents, and principal. The Faculty Council will review the information worksheet, teacher evaluations, and documented discipline records (including detention lists, suspension lists, report card comments, misconduct reports, midterm report comments, attendance listings, tardy listings, and the like) to assist them in making a decision as to selection or non-selection.

The following are examples of what the Faculty Council uses as a guide during the selection process.

• Volunteers and provides dependable and well organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance
• Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities
• Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school
• Is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition
• Does committee and staff work without complaint
• Participates in some activity outside of school, for example, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church group, volunteer services for the elderly, poor, or disadvantaged
• Mentors persons in the community or students at other schools
• Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students
• Has completed at least 40 hours of community service from the beginning of freshman year until the packet is submitted

The Student of Character demonstrates the following six qualities: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

 

In addition, it can also be said that the student of character :

• Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
• Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)
• Upholds principles of morality and ethics
• Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
• Regularly shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others
• Observes instructions and rules, is punctual, and faithful both inside and outside of the classroom
• Has powers of concentration, self-discipline, and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and applications to studies
• Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others
• Has never been involved in any documented disciplinary or cheating incidents
• Does not have excessive tardies
• Does not have excessive absences

The Lynn Public School administration has established a team of professionals who are available to help members of the school community deal with personal and/or community tragedies. If you are involved in such a situation, please contact guidance, the school nurse or an administrator with the information.

Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses that will not be tolerated in the Lynn Public Schools. Since plagiarism is considered a form of cheating, it is addressed in the Lynn Public School’s Discipline Code. With expanding student use of the Internet and other electronic sources of information, plagiarism has become a growing concern at both local and national levels.

Plagiarism may be defined as, but not limited to, situations in which students engage in the following actions:

1. Copying part or all of the work of another student.
2. Allowing work to be copied by another student.
3. Quoting directly without properly citing a source, including the Internet.
4. Claiming the work of another as his/her own.

Any student judged guilty of plagiarism may receive a zero for his/her work. The teacher(s) involved will contact the parent/guardian and students may be subject to additional consequences. For example, students must be aware that plagiarism and/or cheating may adversely affect their standing in the National and Junior National Honor Societies and negatively impact student participation in extracurricular, eligibility for scholarships, and consideration for recommendations.

Notices regarding substandard or incomplete work are given out in all classes midway through each of the quarters of the school year.

Students are responsible for all uncleared accounts with regard to books, library books, athletic equipment, class dues, and fundraiser merchandise and/or money. Students are responsible for all lost books. Report cards and diplomas will be held until all accounts are cleared.

Classical High School has a full interscholastic sports program including: Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Lacrosse, Golf, Hockey, Powderpuff Football, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, and Track (both indoor and outdoor).

**Second Violation: Penalty - The student shall lose eligibility for the next twelve consecutive interscholastic events or twelve consecutive weeks, whichever is greater, in which the student is a participant.

 

6. Practice and Game Limitations: A student may play or practice only once in any one day. Such practice may include double sessions for the high school team on days when school is not in session.

Art Club____________________________________________P. Hayward

Asian American Club                                                                               Mr. Harutunian

Bowling Club________________________________________P. Pension

Chess Club__________________________________________J. Walsh

Class of 2008________________________________________Averback and Moriarty

Class of 2009________________________________________Maillis and Guerriero

Class of 2010________________________________________McDormand and Upton

College Bowl________________________________________

Computer Club_______________________________________S. Brass

Craft Club___________________________________________C. Brown-Breckenridge

Drama Club____________________________________ _____E. Tolley

French Club _________________________________________ Mr. Elbousty

International Club_____________________________________P. Spiliakos

Student Gay -Straight Alliance___________________________E. Zuberek

Guidance Aides_______________________________________

History Club_________________________________________Mr. Washington

Intramural Athletic____________________________________Hayward, Warren, and McDormand

Jobs For Bay State Graduates____________________________B. Greer

Key Club____________________________________________Mr. Currier

Math Club___________________________________________M. Johnston

Music Club__________________________________________M. Smith

Mock Trial__________________________________________Mr. Grealish

National Honor Society________________________________Y. Story

Peer Mediator________________________________________

Peer Tutors__________________________________________Ms. Fila and Mr. McQueen

Political Science Activities______________________________Mr. Stanley

Ram Readers_________________________________________D. Deegan

School Newspaper_____________________________________C. Duryea

Science Club_________________________________________A. Curtis

Spanish Club_________________________________________ F. Lyle

Student Council_______________________________________B. Dube

Student Government ___________________________________TBA

Thumbprints_________________________________________TBA

TV Production_______________________________________Mr. DeNunzio

Yearbook____________________________________________G. Richardson/F. Hazelton

To provide the best possible experience for all of our students, Classical High School encourages parents to participate on a number of levels. Parents who have an interest in playing an active role may participate in one of the following groups or organizations:

If you are interested in any of these committees or organizations, please call Classical High School at

#477-7404.

The Lynn Classical Guidance Department sponsors a volunteer community service program. We believe community service will enhance the high school experience for our students. In order to complete the program, a student must serve thirty hours of volunteer work over the course of the school year. This amounts to about four hours a month and can be adjusted to meet the student’s schedule. Once completed, the student will receive a Certificate of Community Service award. Many scholarships and colleges look for extra curricular activities in the college acceptance process. This LCVS program will be explained in letters of recommendation and resumes at the student’s request. Lynn Classical High School is fortunate to have many Greater Lynn organizations that will take part in our volunteer program. Please see Mr. Constantino or Ms. Taylor in the Guidance Office to sign up for this service program.

Discipline at Classical High School is founded on the notion that mutual respect exists among all students and staff. Three basics are expected of students: first, that they be in school, second, that they be on time and, third, that they conduct themselves as mature, young adults at all times. These basic expectations extend to all school-sponsored extracurricular activities as well as within the regular school day.

Students are subject to the rules and regulations as defined in the school committee approved discipline code distributed to all students at the beginning of each academic year. It should, however, be noted that the discipline code serves as a guide and is subject to interpretation by school administrators acting in the best interests of Classical High School, its faculty, staff, and students.

An example of the administrators’ right of interpretation would be Section 6.5 (Swearing at a School Employee) which will be an automatic suspension rather than detention, as called for in the discipline code. Such disrespect toward faculty or staff will not be tolerated.

In summary, the discipline code as printed serves as a guide only and school administrators reserve the right to interpret it in such ways as to provide a safe and secure learning environment for the entire student body.

I. Tardiness to School -

A. Students not in class at 8: a.m. are considered late and must sign in at the tardy desk located in the café at the designated student entrance. Late slips will be issued and must be presented to the teacher upon arrival in class. Failure to do so is a suspendable offense. 

2. Students arriving after 9:03 a.m. must sign in at the Attendance Office. Failure to do so is a suspendable offense.
3. Any student arriving unexcused after the first period will be assigned detention, regardless of how many times the student has been tardy.
4. Students are allowed no more than three excused tardy days per quarter. The fourth tardiness in a quarter will result in automatic detention, as will each successive tardy until the Vice Principal decides suspension is warranted. 
5. Students tardy to school are ineligible to participate in any sporting/extracurricular activity

including field trips on the day they are late. Permission must be obtained directly from the

Principal to be eligible for any activity. Failure to attend detention on the day assigned makes

a student ineligible until the obligation is met.

 

 

II. Tardiness to Class-

Passing to Class- Students have three minutes to pass between classes. Students are allowed to enter

their lockers before school, before lunch, or after school, providing hallways with a minimum of

obstructions. Classes will begin sharply at the bell.

3. Dismissals - All dismissals will be through the Nurse and Main Office. Students eighteen years of age or older may sign themselves out with the permission of the principal, vice-principal or nurse. Students will not be dismissed without an Emergency Information Sheet on file in the Main Office. All other dismissals will be handled as outlined in the discipline code. Exceptions to the dismissal policy may be approved by the above-mentioned trio.

VI. Responsibilities –

1. The vice principal and the teacher are responsible for the routine discipline of the school. This responsibility covers all places, all occasions, and all times.
2. Each teacher and administrator should consider himself/herself on permanent duty in the corridors, auditorium, cafeteria, anywhere inside the school and on the school grounds, wherever there are pupils. We all share the responsibility for the conduct of the pupils of Classical High School. Only through constant vigilance and the cooperation can we maintain the best possible school environment.
3. The vice principal, dean, and monitors are available to intervene in the process whenever and wherever necessary. Department heads and guidance counselors may also be utilized.
4. The vice- principals are the school’s chief disciplinarian officers and have overall responsibility for all discipline- related matters including full suspensions.

Only the Principal or vice-principal may suspend students and only those two or their designees (usually monitors) may assign students to after-school detention in Room B106. The sole exceptions are those faculty members assigned to the Tardy Desk.

V. Teachers’ Responsibilities –The maintenance of good school-wide discipline begins with the individual teachers and their ability to maintain good classroom discipline. Classroom teachers should exercise the many options available to them including but not limited to teacher-student conference, after school sessions, and teacher-parent conferences either via phone or in person.

VI. Detention- Room B106.

Detention is a penalty for violations of school or classroom rules. Failure to serve detention on the date issued makes the student ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activities until the detention is completely served. Detention is Monday through Friday 2:40 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students assigned to detention must bring academic work. Detention is a learning environment similar to that of a quiet directed study.

1. Suspension will begin at 2:30 p.m. the day it is issued. When conditions dictate, suspension will begin immediately.
2. Students on suspension are not allowed in school or on school grounds for the duration of their suspension.
3. Students on suspension will not be allowed to represent the school in athletic or extracurricular activities.

Any student suspended a 3^rd time during the school year shall lose the privilege of participating in as well as attending any school sponsored co-curricular activities for the remainder of the school year including athletics, dances, and proms. The privilege to drive an automobile on school grounds will also be revoked.

VIII. Expulsion - Expulsion is the most severe form of discipline available to school administrators. At Classical High School, as at all other Massachusetts public schools, expulsion is the sole province of the principal. The Education Reform Act of 1993 bestows the power of expulsion solely upon building principals. There are two aspects of this as spelled out in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 37H and 37H1/2.

 

A. Chapter 71, Section 37H gives the principal the power of expulsion in three broadly defined areas.

1. Possession of a dangerous weapon.

2. Possession of a controlled substance.

3. Assault on a staff member.

 

It should be noted that the principal’s power of expulsion is not limited to school grounds but rather extends to all school-sponsored or school-related events including athletic contests.

 

B. Chapter 71, Section 37H1/2 gives the principal the power to indefinitely suspend students charged with felonies. If convicted of said felonies, the principal may exercise his power of expulsion.

 

As headlined, this is merely a discipline overview. The discipline code and the Ed Reform Law of 1993 remain the guidelines for Classical’s administrators to effectively maintain order and provide a safe and secure learning environment for all members of the Classical community.

All expulsion appeals must be made in accordance with Mass. General Laws Chapter 71 Section 37H and 37H1/2. No appeals will be allowed for disciplinary action of suspensions of less than 10 days.

According to the School Committee rules, "Legitimate causes for absence, tardiness, or dismissal are personal illness, serious illness or death of a member of the immediate family coming at such a time as to make attendance at school impossible, danger of serious or imprudent exposure to health, and holy days which may be approved by the School Committee."

Whenever a parent finds it necessary to keep a student out of school for any reason s/he should notify the school beforehand. (477-7404)

A student who is absent from school with the knowledge of the parent but for a reason not recognized as legitimate by the School Committee is unexcused. In either case a note is due to the appropriate vice principal on the first day the pupil returns to school. This note is the student's ticket of admission to school after any absence. Notes from home should be written in ink or ballpoint. Teachers have every right to be suspicious of notes written in pencil and on school paper. Notes should be dated. The dates of all absences for which the excuse is written should also be indicated as well as the reason. It is the duty of the student to remind the parent of all of this.

 NOTE: Chapter 76 (Sec. 1 & 2) of the General Laws of Massachusetts pertaining to education requires us to demand a doctor's certificate for absences of seven or more days within any period of six months. Each absence thereafter shall require a doctor's certificate for readmittance.

Doctor's notes that are undated, vague, or not filed at the time the illness was incurred will not be accepted for the purpose of excusing absence. Students who have a chronic condition which causes frequent absences should file a doctor's note in the vice principal's office.

On the day a student is absent from school s/he cannot attend or take part in a dance, athletic contest, theatrical program or any other school activity without first obtaining permission from the principal. If this absence occurs on a Friday or the day preceding a holiday, this rule will remain in effect until the following school day.

 There should be no loitering in the corridors after school. Pupils having appointments with teachers should go directly to them.

1. Daily attendance of all who are enrolled in the Lynn Public Schools is required in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth and the School Committee rules.

 

2. It is the responsibility of the administrator and teachers to know which students are either absent from school or missing from assigned classes.

 

3. Chapter 766 regulations shall be considered and applied in all instances involving students with special education needs.

 

4. Attendance at school is mandated by state law, subject to the following:

1. All school absences require a note explaining the absence. School absences are defined as follows:

 

a. Documented Absence (JUSTIFIED):

 

Illness covered by a doctor’s note, a note regarding illness from the parent or guardian, death in the family, religious holiday, school sponsored activities as approved by administration, college or military recruiter visits with approval from the administration, absence occurring when student is in custody of court or law enforcement authorities, and absence resulting from participation in a work-study program under the supervision of the public school. The administration reserves the right to request a doctor’s note. In case of an emergency, a waiver may be granted by a school administrator.

 

1. Documented Absence (NON-JUSTIFIED) and Undocumented Absence (NON-JUSTIFIED):

Seven (7) documented absences (non-justified) and seven (7) undocumented absences (non-justified) will result in an "F". All other absences not covered above, including truancy, class cuts, suspensions, and family vacations are not considered legitimate reasons for class absences in a given quarter.

 

1. The school administration should make every effort to ensure attendance by careful daily and quarterly monitoring of attendance records. After five (5) undocumented absences, a parent will be notified by phone call and letter indicating excessive absences from class. Copies of the letter will be sent to the student’s guidance counselor and vice-principal responsible for student attendance. Parents are urged to contact the vice-principal’s office when they become aware that their child has accumulated five (5) undocumented absences from class.

 

2. Upon returning to school after and absence, a student is required to present a signed note of explanation from the parent or guardian stating the reason and date of the absence. This note must be presented to all classroom teachers. A physician’s note will be required for absences of five (5) days or more in any one school quarter, or in the case of prolonged illness which may result in an absence of five (5) or more consecutive days. School officials reserve the right to investigate the authenticity of parental notes.

 

3. Pupils may not attend or participate in school events of the same day of the absence, unless permission has been granted by the school principal or designee prior to the specific event or function.

 

4. To insure fairness, a Review Board of administrators will meet to evaluate extenuating circumstances pertaining to absences prior to final marks being recorded. The appeal should be initiated within five (5) days of the receipt of report card.

 

5. In accordance with section 315.1 (c) of Chapter 766 Regulations, "Any child who has been absent without a medical excuse more than fifteen (15) days in any quarter" may be referred by the principal to the 766 chairperson for evaluation.

 

6. The school department does not condone family or students scheduling vacations while school is in session. Student absence because of a family vacation is not considered a "DOCUMENTED" absence and therefore the school is not required to provide assignments or make-up work for students who go on vacations while school is in session.

E. Religious holidays will not count against a student’s perfect attendance record.

F. All students who participate in school-sponsored activities or field trips will be responsible

for all missed school assignments.

 

1. The previous policy relative to grade point reduction for undocumented absences is void.

1. Seniors will be allowed three (3) days per year for college visitations. Additional visits require approval by the Principal.
2. The Visitation Request Form must be completed by the day prior to the visitation. Parent/ guardian, counselor, and administration approval are required.
3. Verification of the student’s attendance at this appointment must be submitted to his/her Assistant Principal the next school day.

Student I.D. bus badges are issued to pupils living at least 2 miles from Classical. Each student must carry his/her pass at all times. The badge must be clearly displayed in order to allow the student to travel at the reduced cash fare between the student's home and school. The reduced fare will be effective on days when school is in session until 6:00 P.M. The bus pass may be withdrawn by the driver or Vice Principal for reasons of misbehavior. Students should realize that they remain under the supervision of the school until they leave the bus and their behavior reflects on the school. This includes transportation for any and all school functions.

The Cafeteria is operated during the LI, L2, L3 periods to provide students with hot lunches in a pleasant atmosphere. There is also a special breakfast program. Talking is permitted and encouraged as this is your leisure period. Every student should assume the responsibility for maintaining an orderly, neat, and clean cafeteria.

Corporal Punishment in public schools is illegal in Massachusetts. School staff may not hit, spank, or physically punish students. School staff members may, however, use reasonable force if necessary to protect students, other persons, or themselves from an assault by a student.

Special Needs students are entitled to an oral or written notice of the charges against him/her, an explanation of the basis for the accusation(s), and an opportunity to present his/her version of the facts. Notice and hearing must be provided in advance of the suspension except where the student’s continued presence at school endangers persons or property or "threatens disruption of the academic process." In the exceptional cases where immediate suspension is justified, the notice and hearing must follow as soon as practicable. Finally, where the school seeks to suspend a student for more than ten cumulative days, or expel a student, greeter due process protections may be required (for example, a formal hearing).

General Requirements (Department of Education) for Disciplining of Students with Special Needs.

Students who attain the age of 18 may choose to write their own notes and sign in place of parents.

Notes and requests for excused absences, tardiness, and dismissal will undergo the same scrutiny as any note received from a parent. The administration will reserve the right to determine whether or not to honor the request.

 Fire drill procedures are posted in each classroom. Follow these procedures and the instructions of your tea