Sewanhaka Central High School District
Student Handbook

Principal
Mrs. Valerie Angelillo (539-9400)

Assistant Principals
Ms. Sharon Collins (539-9490) - serves students in grades 9 and 12.
Mr. John Kenny (539-9453) - serves students in grades 8 and 11.
Mrs. Lorraine Wright (539-9402) - serves students in grades 7 and 10.

Deans of Students
Mr. Thomas Aiello (539-9468)
Mr. Michael Stanley (539-9468)
Both Deans of Students assist the assistant principals.

Attendance (539-9451 or  539-9452)
The New York State law requires that a student attends school every day it is in session. The law holds parents responsible for enforcement of this requirement. The only reasons for legal absences are: sickness or quarantine, sickness or death in family, medical appointment, impassable roads or weather which makes travel unsafe, religious observance, religious instruction, required presence in court, approved college visits, and approved school activities.

If a call from a parent is not received and/or a note is not brought in upon the student’s return from an absence, the absence will be considered illegal. The district has specific guidelines which will affect course credit. See Board Policy 5502 for details.

Bell Schedule

Bicycles
Students riding bicycles to school must become familiar with bicycle safety rules and the local traffic laws. All bicycles should be securely locked to the racks provided. Bicycles are not to be locked to the fences, trees or any other area where they can be easily stolen. At no time are bicycles permitted in the school building. Students who bring their bicycles to school do so at their own risk.

Cafeteria Rules

1. Lunch should be treated as a class, and students must be on time to lunch.           
2. Students are not to cut into lines. Lunch lines should be single file.
3. Students should not crowd at any one table.
4. Students should talk in a normal tone of voice. Boisterous talking and hollering will not be tolerated.
5. Students are expected to dispose of all trays, papers, and food containers.
6. Throwing of food is prohibited.
7. Students are not permitted to take food out of the cafeteria at any time.
8. Students may not use outside vendors to order food during their lunch periods. Deliveries of lunch will not be permitted.
9. Pushing, hitting, name calling, or writing on cafeteria tables are prohibited.
10. Students should not leave their assigned cafeteria without a pass from the teacher on duty.

Carey Alumni Association
The Carey Alumni Association, established in 1994, is a non-profit organization dedicated to support and improve Carey High School. The organization is comprised of former graduates, whose primary goals are to:

1. Raise funds for academic programs, scholarships, and other student activities.
2. Promote mentor relationships between alumni and students.
3. Establish an alumni network to facilitate social and professional relationships among the alumni.

The Association meets on a regular basis in order to plan activities, implement programs, and review ideas for new projects. We welcome your suggestions, comments, donations, and your support. For more information, please write or call:  Joyce Casale Hupe, President, Carey Alumni Association, H. Frank Carey High School, 230 Poppy Avenue, Franklin Square, NY 11010; (516) 486-0322. Email - ronaldandjoy@aol.com; Website - careyalumni.org.

Co-Curricular Activity Program (539-9458)

1. In September, a Student Activities Club Fair is held to provide an opportunity for students to learn about the school’s various clubs.
2. Student Activities Card Sales - A Student Activities Card (S.A. Card) is offered for sale to all students for $5.00. Students who purchase the S.A. Card gain reduced admission to school plays, musicals, dances, concerts, and other functions. Many local merchants also offer discounts to students holding an S.A. Card. The Student Activities Card sale is held in September.
3. The Constitution and By-Laws for the students of H. Frank Carey High School - see Mrs. Bergbom in the Student Activities Office.

Counselors (539-9463)
Counseling services include academic planning, college counseling, group counseling, and career exploration. The Pupil Personnel Services Office  houses your school psychologist and social worker. Your child should meet with his/her counselor at least once a year.

Dads’ Club
The Dads’ Club assists athletic programs, events, and activities sponsored by the school. The Dads’ Club provides awards for scholastic and athletic achievements. Meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of each month. New members are welcome.

Dismissal
(LEAVING THE SCHOOL BUILDING EARLY) The school is legally responsible for  every student in school for the entire length of his/her school day. Only requests based on reasons for legal absence from school will be considered for releasing a student from school prior to the legal dismissal time. A note from a parent must accompany all such requests. A parent must personally sign out the student in the ATTENDANCE OFFICE. As students complete their school day, they should leave the building. If they are free period 9 and need to remain after school, they should report to Dining Hall South.

Doors Open
Door 4 is open 7:00 a.m. to accommodate students arriving Period 0. Between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. all doors will be opened to accommodate students and faculty to enter the building. Students not having a Period 1 class are directed to Dining Hall South to await the beginning of class. After 8:00 a.m., Door 2 (near Carey Corner) will be the only open entrance to the school.

Eligibility Requirements for Co-Curricular Activities & Sports
1.  Failing two or more courses makes a student ineligible for activities and athletics. After two weeks, a student may meet with the Eligibility Committee for a determination.
2.  Class Attendance - As per Administrative Regulation 5140, each student must attend all classes. Any student not in attendance in any class or extra-help session during a school day is ineligible to participate (i.e., practice, perform, or compete) until the next school day. Students with excuses acceptable to the building principal who sign in before 12 noon will be permitted to participate.
3.  Conduct - As representatives of the school, student participants are expected to display appropriate behavior and good citizenship in and out of the classroom. All participants are subject to the school’s rules and regulations at any school-sponsored functions including dances, banquets, proms, field trips, etc. Any student suspended from school may not practice, compete, perform, nor attend any school-sponsored functions.
4.  Academic Performance - Participation in a co-curricular activity or sport does not exempt a student from academic work. The participant understands that any work missed for participation must be made up.

English as a Second Language
For information, call Ms. DeLuca at 539-9480 or Ms. Ramirez at 539-9437.

Fire Drills
Fires have occurred in schools, and they have caused serious injury. Fire drills are required by law, and they are to be seriously regarded. When the fire drill signal rings (continuous ringing of the fire alarm bell), students are to follow all directions of their teachers. Talking and running are not permitted during a fire drill. Students who talk, run, or show any type of disorderly conduct will be referred to the administration and risk suspension from school. Pulling a false fire alarm is a Class E felony, and the student will face a Superintendent’s Hearing. The incident will be reported to the police, and the student will be suspended from school.

Grading and Report Cards
Each teacher evaluates students on their class activity as well as mastery of subject matter. In September, each student will receive the teacher’s grade expectations for each one of his/her classes. Report cards will be distributed approximately one week after the close of each of the four marking periods. Additional grade assignment information:

1. No student will be assigned a grade of less than 50 for a marking period or as a final grade.
2. In terms of the eligibility policy, an incomplete or a failing grade will be treated the same.
3. The grade of “Incomplete” will be assigned only for extended illness and/or extenuating circumstances. Students receiving the grade of Incomplete have two weeks to make-up required work.
4. The report card will reflect the grouping of the student, i.e. advanced (A) or regular (R), as per present Board Policy 5121, Administrative Regulation 5121 and Administrative Regulation 5122.

Marking Period Dates:
First Marking Period Ends ..................................... November 12, 2010
Second Marking Period Ends .................................... January 28, 2011
Third Marking Period Ends ............................................. April 1, 2011
Fourth Marking Period Ends .......................................... June 24, 2011

Honor Roll
The criteria for the Honor Roll is as follows:

Halls
Unless students have special permission to be in the halls, they should be in the halls only at the beginning and end of the school day and during period changes. Students in the halls during class time must have official passes. Students are asked to be courteous at all times and to keep to the right when moving in the halls and on the stairways. Running and shouting in the halls or sitting on the hallway floors are never permitted. Students who are in the halls without a pass or in an unauthorized area of the school will be subject to disciplinary action.

Health Services (539-9449)
A full time nurse is located in Room 136. Among the services provided are: physical exams, emergency care for accidents and illness, arrangements for medically required transportation, arrangements for use of the elevator for handicapped students, processing of claims under the Accident Insurance Plan, and individual health counseling. The nurse is not authorized to send  students home on their own, even if they are ill. A parent must sign-out their child, or specify an alternate contact on the annual emergency contact card which is mailed in late summer and must be completed and returned each year. A physical exam is required of all 7th and 10th grade students by a family or school physician no later than October 1. Working papers are available from the Health Office during the school year and at summer school.

Homework Policy
Board Policy requires that homework be assigned a minimum of four times per week and that grades for each marking period be influenced by the quality of homework submitted. Such action does not exclude long term assignments. Parents who see little, or no work being done at home are asked to contact the teacher or chairperson. See Board Policy 6145.

Interscholastic Athletic Program
The Interscholastic Athletic Program is an integral part of the Physical Education Program, and it is organized to meet the needs and interests of students with athletic skills. Only those students who are capable of assuming the responsibilities of being official representatives of H. Frank Carey High School by their manners, conduct, appearance, and sportsmanship will be permitted to be members of any athletic squad. All athletes are subject to the eligibility policy discussed under Eligibility Requirements For Co-Curricular Activities & Sports.

Insurance
All interscholastic squad members are insured through the New York State Public High School Pupil Benefits Plan. This plan provides medical and dental service to students injured in athletic activities and games. Our Board of Education provides the insurance for each athlete.

Procedures for Trying Out for a Team
1.         Each candidate is issued an information brochure containing a parent’s consent form that must be signed by the parent or guardian.
2.         Each candidate is issued a health history form. Before the candidate is scheduled for a physical examination, the form must be completed by the parent or guardian and returned to the Health Office.
3.  A student who desires to engage in interscholastic competition will receive a health examination. The student may not practice or participate without written medical approval.
4.  Athletic rules and eligibility regulations provide for a specific period of training in each sports session before actual competition begins.

Squad Selection
The athletic coach of a squad is responsible for choosing the members of that squad.

Regulations of Squad Members
An athletic participant may not overlap squads. For example, a student on a football squad may not play basketball until the football season is over. Without the approval of both coaches and the Athletic Director, an athlete cannot be a member of two athletic squads during the same season. An athlete who has been cut from one squad may apply for another sport within the first two weeks after practice has started. An athlete removed from the team for rules violations will not be considered for any other squad that season.

Library
The library is located on the second floor, and is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students are encouraged to use the library facilities during Study Hall and lunch periods provided they acquire the appropriate passes and have work to accomplish when visiting the library. Visit our virtual library @ sewanhaka.k12.ny.us/~careylibrary.

Lockers
Every student has been assigned a hallway locker. Students use gym lockers during physical education classes. Students must purchase and utilize school locks for hallway and gym lockers. Students should not share combinations or lockers. Non-school locks will be confiscated.

Lost and Found
Lost and found is located in the attendance office (Room 129) as well as the Main Office.

Lunch
The school lunch program is a non-profit, self-sustaining program serving well balanced and nutritious food at a minimum cost as specified by the National School Lunch Act. Parents may utilize the prepaid Debit Lunch Card (Student ID Card) System. Discounted lunch tickets are available for purchase.

Students in grades seven through eleven MAY NOT LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS DURING LUNCH PERIODS. Seniors who have submitted parental permission notes to their assistant principal may leave school grounds upon presentation of their lunch passes. Students who do not have their lunch passes may not leave school grounds.

National Honor Societies
The National Junior High Honor Society and The National Honor Society are organizations which recognize outstanding academic success. Letters of application begin the process for acceptance.

Junior High (Grades 8-9) and Senior High (Grades 11-12): Students qualify for membership based on 90% cumulative average as well as teacher recommendations in the areas of scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Candidates must obtain an application from the advisor or counselor.

Physical Education
Uniforms
Students are required to wear laced sneakers, shorts, T-shirts, sweat pants, and socks. Students will not be allowed to participate unless dressed in proper attire.

PTSA
Parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to join this organization which is dedicated to assisting students in school, home, and the community. Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the month. New members are welcome.

Scheduling of Classes
Each year, students cooperatively plan their next year’s schedules with their teachers, parents, and counselors. This process spans several months. Formal notice is sent home in the spring to verify course selections. We encourage parents to meet with their child’s counselor once a year to discuss the scheduling of appropriate courses.

Any questions regarding the scheduling process should be directed to the student’s counselor. (See Board Policy 5127-”Promotion & Graduation.”)

School Store
The school store is located in Dining Hall South where school supplies,  review books, and other school-related items are sold. The school store is open 15 minutes before and after the school day as well as during Period 9.

Signs and Posters
Any and all signs and/or posters must be approved by the principal or designee. It is imperative that such signs be removed by the club or individual once their purpose has been served.

Skateboards
Skateboards and sneakers with wheels are not permitted on school grounds. Skateboards that are found on school grounds will be confiscated and secured until reclaimed by the student’s parents. Parents of students wearing inappropriate sneakers will be contacted.

Speech Therapist (539-9463)
The Speech Therapist is the school professional who screens students for speech problems and conducts regular sessions for those who have correctable oral communication difficulties.

Study Halls
Grades 7-11 - Students in grades seven through eleven are programmed into study halls when they have an opening in their schedules unless it’s the beginning or end of their school days.

Textbooks
When students are issued textbooks in classes, they are required to complete a book receipt card, which the teacher will keep until the student returns the textbook. Students should make certain that they receive the book card when they return the book. Students will be held accountable for the cost of lost or damaged textbooks.

Transcripts (539-9463)
A student’s transcript is the official report of academic work which will be sent to colleges and  potential employers upon request. Report to the Pupil Personnel Services Office (Guidance Office) to obtain official transcripts.

Transportation
Bus transportation is provided for all students who live 1.5 or more miles from school as determined by the District Survey Map. Each student who is transported by bus will receive a special pass that must be carried at all times. The replacement cost of this pass is $2.00. Abuse of school bus transportation regulations, which includes vandalism, fighting, inappropriate language, smoking, and failure to carry a bus pass, may result in the revocation of transportation privileges. Riding a bus is a privilege, not a right. If it should become necessary to discuss a bus transportation problem, please call Mrs. Wright at 539-9402. (See Board Policy 3545)

Voice Mail (564-5700)
Voice Mail is another means of contacting faculty members. A Voice Mail directory is provided in the back-to-school mailing.

Website
For your convenience, parents and students have access via website sewanhaka.k12.ny.us/policies.htm to the following Board Policies and Administrative Regulations:
•   Academic Requirements for Participation in Extra-curricular Activities (5140)
•   Attendance (5502)
•   Code of Conduct (5500)
•   Homework Policy (6145)
•   Internet Access and Acceptable Use (6105)
•   Placement in Advanced and Regents-level Classes (5121)
•   Recording and Reporting of Classroom Performance (5124)
•   Requirements for Promotion and Graduation (5127)
•   Resident Students (5118)
•   Search and Seizure (5530)
•   Sexual Harassment of Students (5020.1)
•   Special Education Census and Register (5128)
•   Student Transportation (3545)
•   Wellness (5144A)
•   Parental Involvement (1000)
•   Hazing (5020.2)

The Code of Conduct
SPECIFIC RULES AND PENALTIES - Effective school discipline is an integral part of the learning environment. The Code of Conduct has been established to help maintain a safe and orderly environment in school and school-sponsored functions. This Code applies to students while in the school building or on the grounds, while on school buses, while on school sponsored field trips, and while attending extracurricular activities including social functions in which H. Frank Carey High School is a participant. A student may be suspended from school or subjected to other disciplinary action when violating The Code of Conduct.

A.        CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR. Excessive talking, misbehavior, or any other activity which disrupts the learning process, or distracts others from their educational pursuits cannot be tolerated.
B.        CLASS CUTTING AND TRUANCY. Students must attend all classes and study halls. Students are responsible for making up work missed resulting from their absences. First Level: Teacher intervention, Second and Third Levels: Chairperson intervention, Subsequent Levels: Assistant Principal intervention. Truancy will not be tolerated. Parent conference and penalties will result. TARDINESS TO CLASS. Students must attend all classes, study halls, and lunch on time.
C.        SEARCH AND SEIZURE. On any school sponsored overnight fieldtrip, sporting event or other extra-curricular activity, the district shall conduct administrative inspections of luggage and personal property prior to departure. These searches shall be made of all students participating in the event. Student lockers remain under the control of the administrators and custodial staff and are subject to entry and inspection at any time. The district exercises exclusive control over school property and students should not expect privacy with respect to items placed in their lockers. See Board Policy 5530.
D.        ELECTRONIC DEVICES.  Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight during the school day. Texting during the school day is not permitted. Cell phones will be immediately confiscated and must be picked up by a parent or guardian. All other electronic devices including cameras, iPods, MP3 players and portable video games are not permitted in school. If confiscated, these items will be held and returned at the end of the school year. The school district shall not be responsible for loss, theft, or damage to devices. Possessing or using laser pointers is totally prohibited.
E.     IDENTIFICATION OF ONESELF. All students must identify themselves with their ID cards when requested by school personnel.
F.     DEMONSTRATION OF AFFECTION. Excessive displays of physical affection in school are inappropriate.
G.        INSUBORDINATION TOWARD SCHOOL PERSONNEL. All members of the school community should treat each other with respect at all times including off campus. A student must comply with all adult directives even if they do not meet with his/her approval. A student who believes that he/she has been treated unfairly may bring a complaint to the assistant principal or discuss the situation with one’s counselor and/or parent.
H.        USE OF VULGAR, OBSCENE, RACIST LANGUAGE, OR NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION. Use of vulgarities among students is not conducive to the best educational atmosphere. Any vulgar language directed towards a faculty or staff member as well as a fellow student will not be tolerated.
I.      BOMB THREAT/FALSE ALARM. New legislation makes false bomb threats to NYS schools a Class E felony. This includes the false reports of explosions, fire, or the release of hazardous substances.
J.     THEFT . Stealing the property of any person on school property including lockers or attending a school function is prohibited. .
K.        FIGHTING. Disputes between members of the school community should be settled through appropriate channels. All participants in a fight will be equally punished unless there is a clear-cut aggressor.
L.     FORGERY, CHEATING, AND PLAGIARISM. Forgery, cheating, and plagiarism are serious offenses and are not tolerated.
M.   SMOKING. Smoking is NOT permitted anywhere in the school or on school grounds. This includes afternoon, evening, and weekend school-sponsored activities. The school offers a Smoking Cessation Program when appropriate.
N.        ARSON AND POSSESSION OR USE OF EXPLOSIVES, FIREARMS, AND WEAPONS. The physical safety of everyone mandates that the possession or use of potentially dangerous items will result in severe punishment.
0.     USE OF FACILITIES.
1. Loitering is prohibited in any hallway or restroom. Students may not sit on floors in hallways, on radiators, windowsills, or sinks.
2. During unscheduled time students may use the library, cafeteria, or other facilities as scheduled. Equipment in these areas may not be abused.
3. Food and beverages may not be taken from the cafeteria or picnic areas to other parts of the building or grounds. Students must clean their table after eating.
4. At the end of a student’s school day, the student must leave the school grounds unless supervised by a teacher, advisor, or coach.
5. Littering the school building or grounds is prohibited. Students are expected to dispose of litter in containers. This includes the disposal of waste in the cafeteria.
P.     DRESS. An individual’s dress or hair style shall NOT disrupt the educational process. Shoes must be worn for health reasons. No hats or bandannas shall be worn within the school building. Shirts advertising drugs, alcoholic beverages, or those with obscene or questionable print will NOT be permitted. Skimpy summer tee-shirts, shirts revealing bare midriffs, and muscle shirts are NOT to be worn in school. Students may not wear colors or apparel that might indicate gang involvement.
Q.     POSSESSION, USE, OR SALE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. Possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs and substances as well as alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Inappropriately using or sharing prescription and over-the-counter drugs is also prohibited. Severe punishment will result.
R.     PROPERTY DAMAGE/VANDALISM. Writing on desks, walls, lockers, or any other school property is forbidden. Graffiti, in any form, will not be tolerated. Any intentional damage of school property or another person’s personal property is prohibited and may result in monetary compensation.
S      RIGHT TO PRIVACY. At no time may a student take a photograph or a video of a staff member or another student in school and use it in an unauthorized manner. This includes posting it to websites such as My Space, You Tube, Facebook, and others.
T.     HARASSMENT, HAZING AND BULLYING -- See New Board Policy for Details.
U.     LEAVING CAMPUS WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION. Only students in Grade 12 with parental consent may leave school grounds. Students in Grades 7-11 may not leave school property for any reason unless signed out by a parent or guardian. Seniors who assist underclassmen in leaving school property will face disciplinary action.
V.     INTIMIDATION. All students have a right to attend school free from intimidation. Any student who feels he/she is being intimidated, must report this to a staff member.
W.    GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY. Students at all times are expected to be courteous and to use good judgment and common sense. As a member of the Carey Community, it is important to respect the rights and property of our neighbors as well as our school.
X.     SEXUAL HARASSMENT. The Board of Education is committed to safeguarding the right of all students to learn in an environment that is free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature which is either designed to extort sexual favors or has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Sexual harassment can originate from a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex, and from peers as well as teachers. SEXUAL HARASSMENT IS PROHIBITED. If you believe you have been a victim of sexual harassment, please contact a staff member. See Board Policy 5020.
Y.     GAMBLING. Card playing and dice playing or other activities associated with gambling are not permitted in the building or on the school grounds.
Z.     VISITORS. All visitors must sign in at Door 4 when entering the building and retain a Visitor’s Pass. Student visitors are not permitted in the building or on the school grounds without the prior approval of an administrator.
For the complete summary of the Sewanhaka Central High School District Code of Conduct see Board Policy 5500.

rev. 09/08