New Horizons Regional Education Centers Student Handbook

This Student Handbook is designed to provide you with essential information about New Horizons Regional Education Centers and to help you plan for a successful school year. What you gain from your New Horizons experience is determined by your efforts. It is hoped you will be an active member of the school, participate in school activities and contribute to programs and events that are part of the school. New Horizons welcomes you and urges you to demonstrate the spirit that makes our school outstanding.

This handbook provides information concerning school regulations and procedures, transportation, attendance, and conduct. These regulations and procedures have been established to provide all students with an equal opportunity to gain the maximum educational benefit from their program; therefore, each student is expected to be familiar with and to observe these regulations and procedures. It is essential that the contents of this handbook be shared with parents. It should be understood that this is not a limiting document; not all possible violations have been identified, and not all possible methods of resolution have been listed. As with all situations, charges will be identified, decisions on disposition shall be explained, and such actions may be appealed through procedural due process. Teachers have the initial authority to remove disruptive students from class.

Honor Code

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Student Conduct

Each student is required to accept responsibility for his or her own conduct.  When a violation of the rules of New Horizons Regional Education Centers or a violation of the law occurs, school officials are authorized and obligated to take appropriate action.  In certain cases, restitution may be required. All personnel are responsible for monitoring student conduct. All rules and regulations will be enforced on all New Horizons Regional Education Centers grounds and premises before, during, and after school hours, or at any time when school buildings and/or grounds are being used; or off school grounds at any school activity, function or event; or when students are traveling to or from school. The rules contained in the Student Code of Conduct also apply to bus and bus stop behavior.

Upon reasonable suspicion, any student or student’s property may be searched for stolen property, weapons or other illegal substances.  Random searches may be conducted on school property using metal detectors or dogs capable of detecting drugs, bombs and firearms.  Random dog searches will be conducted by specially trained law enforcement agencies under the supervision of school personnel. School officials may search all persons and items on school property, including personal vehicles and lockers made available for student use.

Grading

The grading policy for The Governor’s School for Science and Technology is unique to the teacher and specific course.  The policy is included in the syllabus provided for each course. 

Student Attendance Policy

All students are expected to attend classes promptly every day and to remain for the entire class period. The following rules shall govern student attendance:

1. Five (5) or more unexcused absences (failure to attend class) in any nine-week grading period will result in a grade of “F”.
2. Twelve (12) or more unexcused absences within a semester will result in a grade of “F” for the
3. Twenty four (24) or more unexcused absences within a year will result in a grade of “F” for the year
4. It is the responsibility of the student to provide documentation for any and all absences. This documentation generally does not include a parent note for absences which may be excused below. It is also the responsibility of the student to request and complete all make-up work within five (5) school days upon returning to school. Competencies and other work must still be accomplished.
5. Three (3) unexcused tardies shall constitute one (1) unexcused absence. The administrator-in-charge may grant exceptions. Students who arrive on school transportation after the bell has rung shall not be marked tardy if they report to class immediately. Students who arrive at New Horizons by any means other than school transportation shall be marked tardy whenever they enter class after the bell has rung.
6. Three (3) early dismissals shall constitute one (1) unexcused absence.
7. To be dismissed early from class, students must have written parental permission. Early dismissals are always verified by telephoning parent(s) or guardian(s) regardless of the student’s age. Remember, students are never to leave school grounds without permission from the appropriate school administrator or his/her designee. New Horizons is a closed campus.

8. Students may be excused for a home school activity that has been pre- approved by the teacher.
9. Students will be excused for religious holidays.
10. Failure to attend class/session for at least one hour shall equal an absence unless approved documentation has been provided for the time missed.
11. Appealed absences: At the end of a quarterly marking period or a semester (within five (5) days of the end of the period during which the absences occurred), students who have incurred absences in excess of the four (4) or twelve (12) absences allowed may appeal in writing to the principal/director for a waiver of the attendance policy. Only absences in the categories listed below may be appealed. The decision of the principal/director is final, and only one waiver per school year per student will be allowed.

 Absences which may be excused and/or appealed:

• Absence due to an illness. A physician’s note must be submitted within the same marking period certifying that the absence was at his/her recommendation.
• Absence due to a court appearance. A copy of the subpoena or other court document must be submitted.
• Absence due to death in the family. Supportive documentation must be submitted.
• Absence due to extenuating or exceptional circumstances may be excused by an administrator. The student must submit supportive documentation, and instructor input may be requested.
• Absence due to attending an approved activity at the student’s home school. Documentation must be provided, signed by a home school official, and approved by a New Horizons instructor.
• Suspension days from home school where exceptional circumstances exist.