A.H.S. Student Handbook - Academic Information

Grading
The school shall be guided by the following regulations in the determination and recording of marks.

• If a student fails the two marking periods, the student fails the class and cannot sit for the final.
  • If a student fails the first (third) marking period and earns a grade of 73 or better the second (fourth) marking period, the first (third) marking period grade will be raised to a 57.  In order to pass the class, the student will have to pass the final exam.

Incompletes

These will be given only when the student is absent for a week (5 days) or more, and when the days necessary to make up that work missed overlap the end of a marking period.  Any variances to the above will have to be cleared by the school administration.

All schoolwork, including final exams, must be completed within two weeks of the end of the semester so that final grades can be submitted for computerization.

An incomplete is recorded on the report card as an “E.”  “E” (Conditional Failure/Incomplete).  “E’s” will be given for:

• The use of the “E” may be given at the discretion of the teacher (or department where so desired) when a student has evidenced a maximum effort but has failed to achieve a passing grade.
• “E’s” are used as an “incomplete” when a student has excused absences and has not completed course work or tests.
• “E’s” will be converted to passing grades when, in the opinion of the teacher, additional effort has been evidenced, e.g., extra credit work, re-taking of tests, etc.
• Unless changed by the teacher, all “E’s” will revert to “F’s” at the mid-point of the following marking period.
• “E’s” will not appear on the final report card or in the final averages which appear in the permanent record without administrative approval due to extenuating  circumstances.

Final exams will count twenty percent (20%) of the final grade.  STUDENTS WHO FAIL THE SECOND MARKING PERIOD AND FINAL EXAM IN A SEMESTER WILL RECEIVE A FAILURE GRADE FOR THE COURSE.  STUDENTS WHO FAIL BOTH MARKING PERIODS WILL RECEIVE A FAILING GRADE FOR THE COURSE AND WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO SIT FOR THE FINAL EXAM.

Make-up Work
Students who are absent will be required to make up work missed in each class.  This work should take approximately the same time as the time missed from class.  Only in extreme cases of prolonged absence will more than one week (5 days) be allowed for make-up work to be completed unless permission is granted by the high school administration.  A day's absence does not excuse a student from the responsibility for all recitations on the day of return.  Grades will be withheld in cases where make-up work is not turned in, and lead to failure if the situation is not remedied immediately.  If a student is absent the day before a test or quiz, he/she will be required to take the test/quiz as long as he/she had been previously informed prior to his/her absence.

Students who are absent from class because they have cut the class, been truant, or left school without permission can complete class assignments for content value.  However, the zero grades issued from unexcused absences will remain.

It is the student's responbility to obtain all make-up work from the teachers immediately upon return to school. Failure to obtain make-up work is no excuse for not doing work missed.

Withdrawals
Students will have until the mid-mark date of the 1st and 3rd marking periods to drop a course without any grade report.  These will be reported with a “W” representing “Withdraw” from class.  A “WF” will indicate Withdraw/Failing.  A “WP” Withdraw/Passing.  A “WF” will affect the GPA.

A student will have until the end of the 1st/3rd marking period to drop a course with a "WP/WF." After that period of time, a student is to remain in that class for the remainder of the semester.

A special schedule change form is required for the "WP/WF" designation. Please see your Guidance Counselor.

Schedule Changes
There will be no schedule changes after August 31.  The only exception will be level changes, which will need approval by the teacher and Administration.

Grading Policies
On the first day of class, each teacher will distribute to the students a written explanation of the grading policy for his/her course.  This will include areas that will be taken into account in determining the marking period grades, such as homework assignments, class participation and test grades.  Also included will be an explanation of the weight each category has when the final marking period grade is averaged.

Students who are absent from class because they have cut the class, been truant, or left school without permission will receive zeros on any assignments, quizzes, tests, etc., that are given on that day.  Make-up work can be assigned, but the zero grade will remain.  Students who are absent the day before a previously announced test date must take it on the scheduled date (see Discipline Policy for additional measures).

Students who have unexcused absences on days that they have a mid-term or final exam scheduled will not be permitted to make up the exam unless they have a doctor’s note or an excused absence as per the attendance policy on definition of excused absence.

Students should refer to Part I of this handbook to examine the effect poor attendance can have on credits.

Pass/Fail Option
Allentown High School offers a Pass/Fail grading option to encourage responsible students to enroll in a broad range of challenging courses.  Any sophomore, junior or senior may apply to take one class per year under this grading option.  Students must complete and submit the application to the Director of Guidance within the first week of each semester.

To apply for this Pass/Fail option, sophomores and juniors must be scheduled for six additional courses in that year and three graded courses each semester.  Seniors must have at least two additional graded courses each semester.

The following courses are excluded from the Pass/Fail option:

• Courses required for graduation
• The sixteen college prep units required for college admission
• Honors or Advanced Placement classes 

Students who wish to apply for the Pass/Fail option must complete an application.  All applications will be reviewed and a response from teachers/administration will be given to the student two weeks into the course.

Final Exam Exemption Policy*
Requirements:

• Student must be a senior.
• Student must have received an “A” average for both marking periods in a semester.
• This policy may be used in a maximum of two classes, of a student’s choice, in a given year.

*Note:  Exemption from an exam does not include completion of final projects as part of the final exam grade.

Senior Practicum
This option allows seniors to work independently for credit through one of three (3) different projects.  Instead of taking one or two classes at the high school, students may:

• Investigate a career by serving an unpaid internship
• Make the world a better place by pursuing a community service project
• Demonstrate their ability in an area of interest in an independent project of their own design

Students will need to consult with Mrs. Reeves, complete an application form and, if accepted, meet a variety of requirements such as keeping a journal, completing a series of self-evaluations, obtaining completed evaluations from sponsors, and attending three (3) seminars at the high school.

Students electing to pursue the Senior Practicum may earn up to ten (10) credits by using one or two blocks (120/240 hours) to complete the practicum.  Grades are given as pass/fail.

Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is an integral part of the education at Allentown High School.  The following items are examples of academic dishonesty (cheating).  Any student in grades
9-12 who engages in any of these actions shall be subject to disciplinary action.  (See Discipline Policy for additional measures.)  National Honor Society members who violate academic integrity will be reported to the principal and to the National Honor Society Faculty Council for appropriate action.

• Having notes or other information sources visible or accessible during a testing situation (desks/lab tables should be cleared unless otherwise specified by the teacher).
• Using any restricted source of information during a testing situation.
• Looking at another student’s test or other information sources during a testing situation.
• Assisting or otherwise supplying information to another student who is attempting to cheat during a testing situation.
• Copying and submitting homework, a lab assignment, a research paper or project that was created by another person or group of people including commercial or online sources.
• Plagiarizing or using another person’s words or ideas without proper credit (more detailed information on plagiarism will be provided in English classes.
• Fabricating, changing results, or using the results of other students’ work to complete a lab assignment.
• Submitting the same document for more than one assignment in multiple classes unless each teacher grants approval.
• Any additional action that is designed to create an academic advantage through dishonest or deceptive means.
• Any other means of plagiarizing or taking credit for work that is not the student’s own.
• Plagiarizing speeches

Test Taking
Realizing that any test is an important part of a class, the following appropriate behavior is expected of all students while taking a test.

• No talking or collaboration of any kind.  Any discussion should be directed solely at the teacher.
• No leaving the room unless for an absolute emergency.
• If a test is missed due to an excused absence (see guidelines on what constitutes an excused absence), students have the number of days absent (not to exceed five (5) school days without administrative approval) to make up the test.
• If a student has a pass to be excused from a class in which a test is being given, the student must have the testing teacher’s permission prior to his/her absence.
• If a student misses a test, whether for illness, field trip, etc., it is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher about making up the exam.  The absent student should not seek any information regarding the material covered on the test from other students.
• Students are expected to come to the exam with the necessary materials, e.g., pen, pencil, paper or other things needed for the particular exam.

Graduation Requirements

STUDENTS MUST ALSO PASS THE HIGH SCHOOL PROFICIENCY TEST/ASSESSMENT.

Senior Release
Students NOT on an approved senior release program must carry at least seven courses (35 credits) including Physical Education and English during the course of a year.  Students on Senior Release must take at least two courses each semester.

Work Study
In order to participate in the graduation ceremony, a student must have satisfied all
academic and attendance requirements as well as all financial obligations.

Early Graduation Policy
The Upper Freehold Regional School District Board of Education views the traditional four-year program as essential to secure the high school diploma.            However, it is mindful that a small number of students may profit from an early graduation.  These students usually have well developed plans for careers or for further education.  Individually planned programs for such students may allow for an early graduation after three years of high school study.  Interested students must contact their guidance counselor by April 1st of their sophomore year.  Complete copies of the Board Policy are available in the Guidance Office.

Make-up Work
Students who are absent will be required to make up work missed in each class.  This work should take approximately the same time as the time missed from class.  Only in extreme cases of prolonged absence will more than one week (5 days) be allowed for make-up work to be completed unless permission is granted by the high school administration. 
A day’s absence does not excuse a student from the responsibility for all recitations on the day of return.  Grades will be withheld in cases where make-up work is not turned in, and lead to failure if the situation is not remedied immediately.

Students who are absent from class because they have cut the class, been truant, or left school without permission can complete class assignments for content value.  However, the zero grades issued from unexcused absences will remain.

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all make-up work from the teachers immediately upon return to school.  Failure to obtain make-up work is no excuse for not doing work missed.

Homework Lab
The Lab will be open four days a week from 2:05 p.m. until the 4:30 p.m. late bus.  A teacher will moderate this period and will usually be accompanied by at least one member of the National Honor Society or Gifted and Talented Program.  The purpose of the lab is to assist those students who are assigned by a teacher or who choose to attend voluntarily for assistance.

Report Cards
Report cards are issued at the end of each marking period, or nine-week session.  Letter grades are used to designate a student’s progress.

The final report card is mailed home each semester.  The other report cards are distributed to the student approximately two weeks after the end of each marking period.

Progress Reports
Progress reports will be available via Edline every two weeks.

Parents may request interim reports at any time by contacting the Guidance Office.

Allentown Chapter Bylaws - National Honor Society Selection Process

The National Honor Society Chapter of Allentown High School is a duly chartered and affiliated chapter of this prestigious national organization. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in four areas of evaluation: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Standards for selection are established by the national office of the NHS and have been revised to meet our local chapter needs.

Students are formally selected to be members by a five-member Faculty Council, appointed by the principal, which bestows this honor upon qualified students on behalf of the faculty of our school each November. Students in the eleventh and twelfth grades are eligible for membership. For the Class of 2009, the weighted cumulative grade point average will remain 3.60.  Please note:  For Class of 2010, the weighted cumulative GPA must be 3.65 or better.

Those students who meet this criterion and pass the preliminary discipline check are invited to complete a Student Activity Information Form that provides the Faculty Council with information regarding-the candidate's leadership and service. A history of leadership experiences and participation in school or community service is required. Students should have, at the high school level,  participation in at least two student activity organizations or documented community organizations. These can include, but are not limited to: sports, Show Choir, Jazz & Marching Bands, Student Council, Class activities, Lifesavers, Math League, G &T Academic Competitions, volunteer fire/first aid squads, church activities, Special Olympics, and hospital volunteering.

To evaluate a candidate's character, the Faculty Council uses two forms' of input: first, school disciplinary records are reviewed; second, members of the faculty are solicited for input regarding their professional reflections on the candidate's character and leadership abilities. Any category 4 or above infraction for the preceding and current years, as per the student discipline code, will automatically eliminate a student from qualifying for National Honor Society. Discipline records are examined for each year the student is at the high school.  Students should be mindful that not following rules and regulations may resut in elimination from the National Honor Society.  It is also possible to be eliminated from qualifying for membership due to a pattern of behavior infractions under the one, two and three categories.  Other serious discipline infractions would be evaluated at the discretion of the Faculty council. Candidates, like members, may have no more than 3 tardies to school/class per school year and no more than 5 other demerits per school year. Character is based upon integrity...having no recorded incidents of cheating or intentional dishonesty. It also incorporates positive behavior ... no record of skipping classes or of violating school regulations, and no record of civil offenses in the community.  Character is also measured by cooperation ... willing to assist classmates, faculty, etc. with courtesy and respect for others.  Demonstration of character will include a pledge to be drug and alcohol free.  The Faculty Council has determined that any National Honor Society member who violates this pledge and receives school discipline for the violation will be required to surrender their membership.  Membership card and pin will be returned and the student will be reimbursed.  Lastly, character considers ethics ... wanting to do the "right" thing; having a positive work ethic that is demonstrated over a period of time.

All current and potential NHS members must have a Random Drug Testing Consent form on file. 

School records and the Student Activity Information Forms are carefully reviewed by the Faculty Council to determine membership. A majority vote of the Council is necessary for selection. Candidates are notified regarding selection or non-selection in early November. Following notification, a formal induction ceremony is held at the school to recognize all newly selected members and to install the new officers. Once inducted, new members are required to maintain the same level of performance in all four criteria (or better) that led to their selection.

Membership Obligations
This obligation includes 80% attendance at chapter meetings held monthly during the school year and participation in the chapter service projects. Service commitments are divided into group and individual service hours with a minimum of 3 hours of total service per month, including summer. Individual hours can be compleed through NHS Advisor pre-approved service projects.  Individual service forms must be submitted for credit of service hours.  In addition to individual service hours, members must participate in group service projects such as the scholarship fund-raiser, The Giving Tree, Thanksgiving Basket Project, Clothing Drive and other planned group projects.

Members are required to submit community service hours as per chapter by-laws.  Failure to do so over a three-month period will be interpreted as the student no longer wants to maintain his/her membership and membership can be terminated by the faculty council.

Students must also maintain a 3.6 weighted cumulative GPA for the Class of 2009 and a 3.65 for the Class of 2010 and above as well as Honor Roll Status. Students who go below this criteria will be warned and placed on academic probation. If at the end of the semester the grades have not improved, dismissal may occur.

Member discipline records will be monitored. Any category 4 or above infraction will result in probation, and dismissal proceedings may be initiated. Cases of documented class cutting, leaving school without permission, intentional dishonesty and cheating at any level will be reported by the Administration to the NHS Advisors and will result in a faculty council hearing. A member can have no more than 3 tardies to school/class per school year. In addition, the accumulation of no more than 5 other demerits per year will be permitted. Should members exceed these limits, probation and dismissal procedures may be initiated.

Failure to meet any of the chapter obligations can be used as a reason for dismissal, following the appropriate dismissal procedures. 

Disciplinary Procedures
Members of the National Honor Society may be disciplined or dismissed for failure to maintain standards of scholarship, leadership, character or service that were used as the basis of their selection. When questions are raised regarding these standards, the advisors of the National Honor Society will call a meeting of the NHS Faculty Council. The purpose of the meeting would be to review pertinent information about the failure to maintain National Honor Society standards. The student in question may attend the hearing with a parent. Students may not bring any other staff member with them to the meeting.  At this point the national guidelines indicate that representation by legal counsel is not appropriate. Following the initial discussion, the Faculty Council will be sequestered and reach a decision regarding disciplinary actions, which may include dismissal from the National Honor Society, for the student.  The NHS advisors are non-voting participants but will remain with the Faculty Council for discussion and advisement.

The decision of the Faculty Council may be appealed to the building principal under the same rules for disciplinary appeals in the school district.  If the member is still not satisfied with the decision, student appeals follow the guidelines as for any other disciplinary action used in the school district. The National Council and the National Association of Secondary School Principals will hear no appeals in dismissal cases.
Students or parents who have questions regarding the selection process, membership obligations or dismissal procedures can contact the chapter advisers, Mrs. Boyce and Ms. Mitchell, in rooms 416 and 611 or by phone at (609) 259-2160.     

Honor Roll
At the conclusion of a marking period, students who receive a minimum of a 3.2 Grade Point Average and no grade less than a “B-“ in all of their courses (including Health and Physical Education) will be named to the Honor Roll.  Special recognition will be given to students who earn a 4.0 Grade Point Average and who have no grade lower than a “B-“ in all courses.  To be eligible for honor roll, a student will have to be enrolled in at least two courses for the marking period under consideration.

Honors/Advanced Placement Courses
Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses will be offered as electives to all students who meet the departmental requirements.  Students should be recommended by their teacher.  Whether or not a course will be offered depends upon the number of students electing that course.  Honors and AP class content will be covered in greater depth and at an accelerated pace when compared to a regular course, and more emphasis will be placed on research.  In short, honors and AP courses will be more challenging and enriching.  Summer readings and assignments may be part of the honors/AP curricula.  These courses cannot be taken pass/fail.

Gifted and Talented Program – Project EXPAND
This year Mrs. Briar, Mr. Gessmann, Mr. Fallon, Mr. SooHoo, Mr. Freccia, Mr. Hazlett, and Ms. Koharchik will be working with the students selected for the Gifted and Talented Program to assist them in expanding strengths and interests through seminars, trips, projects and discussions.  In addition, we are seeking students with exceptional ability in any of the following areas:  leadership, visual and performing arts, creativity, psychomotor skills, academic discipline, or general intelligence.

Students who possess leadership skills would be those students who are self-confident, responsible, socially adaptable, influential, enthusiastic, independent, task conscious, and who are members of teams, groups, and/or clubs.

Students with exceptional ability in the visual and performing arts would demonstrate talent in painting and drawing, sculpturing, handicrafts, instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, and/or oral or written expression.

Creative students exhibit curiosity about many things, ask questions others might not think of, seek and find resolutions to problems, express their opinions, and are willing to take risks.

The student with ability in the psychomotor domain might demonstrate unusual athletic ability and/or physical endurance, have unusual dexterity in size, shape, time and part-to-whole relationships, be gifted in the practical arts, have unusual ability in dance, and/or have above average mechanical abilities/aptitude.

Students with gifts in specific academic disciplines would be those who demonstrate remarkable skill in academic pursuits, whether those classes be offered in our school or not.  Some areas in which students might show their talents could include mathematics, physics, biology, sociology, astronomy, paleontology, or metallurgy.

If you feel that you qualify as a student with special talent in any of these areas, or if you know of a student who does, please obtain a nomination form from the Guidance Office.

If you have any questions, contact your guidance counselor or one of the Project Expand teachers listed above.

Science Labs
We would like to make you aware of recent legislation from the Department of Education allowing public school students to choose not to participate in certain experiments involving animals.  Public school pupils from kindergarten through grade 12 may refuse to dissect, vivisect, incubate, capture or otherwise harm or destroy animals or any part thereof as part of a course of instruction.  The law requires schools to provide alternative educational projects for those students who choose to “opt-out” of these activities.

Independent Study
The Independent Study option is available to our most talented juniors and seniors who wish to pursue academic endeavors that go beyond the current high school course of study.  The following guidelines have been established:

• Independent study is available to seniors and exceptional juniors who procure a teacher recommendation.  To be considered, students must demonstrate extraordinary aptitude and achievement in a major academic discipline, visual or performing arts, psychomotor skills, or leadership.
• Students may apply for a maximum of two independent study courses.  However, in most instances, a limit of one course is recommended.
• Independent study courses must extend beyond the current course offerings of the high school.  A student may not opt to take a regularly scheduled course on an independent study basis due to a scheduling conflict.
• An independent study may also take the form of a special project that allows the student to pursue extensive exploration of a selected topic.
• Credit for the course or project will be assigned in accordance with New Jersey Department of Education guidelines.  Students will maintain a portfolio of course activities.  A 120-hour program will be equal to 5 transcript credits; 60 hours will be equal to 2.5 credits.  Portfolio will be graded by the teacher and reviewed by the Administration.
• The Independent Study option will be graded through the Pass/Fail option.  Independent Study students may not choose to earn a letter grade for the program.
• Qualified students may take an independent study course in addition to a full academic schedule.
• College courses taken online or at a campus location are not governed by the Independent Study regulations.
• Independent Study will not receive additional grade point weighting.