Attention all Spartans!!! 

We are commited to excellence. Failure is not an option. Please check this section often for news and events. 

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 Inspiring Quotes

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

 --President Barack H. Obama

"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent."  

 --Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 "Nothing ever comes to one that is worth having, except as a result of hard work." --Booker T. Washington

"Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will.  Refuse to be average..." 

--Arthur Helps

Assemblies

School assemblies are planned educational experiences.  Student attendance and good conduct are expected and reflect positively upon the school.  Visitors and school groups who coordinate assemblies exert a tremendous effort in preparing an assembly.  Teachers will monitor student behavior closely. 

Athletic Eligibility

The basic eligibility requirements of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association will be followed exactly and include the following:

1.                    A player must have been in attendance at least 85 percent of the previous semester. 

2.                    A player must have passed at least three courses (at Southern) or at least five courses at a school with a traditional schedule in the previous semester. 

Cafeteria Expectations

Southern High School is a Closed Campus…Students may
not leave campus during their lunch period.

Students going through lunch serving lines must find a seat.  Each student must remain seated and remove all trash and items from their table.  All students will be dismissed.  Students are encouraged to enjoy their lunch in a clean and pleasant environment.  We encourage parents to eat lunch with their child; however, bringing lunch to school is discouraged. 

Class Schedules

All students are required to take eight (8) courses (4 per semester).  No schedule changes will be made unless a student needs a course for graduation, or he/she, the teacher, counselor, and the parent agree that the student is inappropriately placed in a class.  After a term begins, all schedule changes must be requested through the guidance office and approved by the administration. 

Clubs and Activities

Club purposes, constitutions, and requirements are available in the Student Council Center and the administrative offices.  Clubs and activities offered at Southern High School are:

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

FRESHMAN CLASS

SOPHOMORE CLASS

JUNIOR CLASS

SENIOR CLASS

STUDENT BODY

FRATERNITIES

THETA PHI PSI

CHI OMEGA LAMDA

SORORITIES

THETA PHI DELTA

THETA PHI ALPHA

LAMDA ZETA CHI

CLUBS

JOURNALISM CLUB

ANIMAE CLUB

YOUTH ALIVE

LATIN DANCE TEAM

FBLA

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

QUIZ BOWL ACCOUNTING TEAM
NATIONAL ACHIEVERS SOCIETY

Dress

Durham Public Schools Student Dress Code

DPS Policy 4301.11

DPS Board of Education adopted a policy to establish standards of dress that are compatible with an effective learning environment. Students should not wear clothing or other articles of personal appearance which:

• Depict profanity, obscenity, or violence;
• Promote the use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol;
• May create a threat to health, or safety to others;
• Are associated with intimidation or violence, or may be disruptive.

The following specific items are also prohibited:

·         Clothing worn to reveal underwear, cleavage, or bear skin between the upper chest and mid-thigh;

·         Bare feet, bedroom slippers, pajamas;

·         Spaghetti straps, strapless tops, halter tops;

·         See through, mesh garments;

·         Pants worn below the waist level;

·         Excessively baggy or tight clothing;

·         Shorts or skirts shorter than mid-thigh

·         Sunglasses inside school building

·         Hats, hoods, sweat bands and bandannas or other head wear inside school building

·         Any other article of appearance that is physically revealing or provocative

The principal may require a student to change his/her dress or appearance for failure to comply with the dress code. Repeated violations will result in disciplinary actions.

This policy applies to all students at all times on any school property, including buses and other school vehicles. It also includes anytime student represent the school. It does not apply to school sanctioned uniforms and costumes approved by the principal for athletic, choral, or dramatic performances.

Exams

Final exams are required at the end of semester for all courses.  End-of-Course Exams count 25% of the semester grade, while non-EOC Exams count 20%.  As per Durham Public Schools Board Policy, there will be no exam exemptions. 

Testing Windows and Dates

1^st Semester 1^st Benchmark                                     October 6-10, 2008

PSAT                                                                      October 15, 2008

1^st Semester 2^nd Benchmark                                    November 17-21, 2008

1^st Semester Final Exams                                         January 12-16, 2008

2^nd Semester 1^st Benchmark                                    March 2-6, 2009

2^nd Semester 2^nd Benchmark                                   April 20-24, 2009

2^nd Semester Final Exams                                        June 3-8, 2009

Emergency Procedures

In case of an emergency, follow the direction of the teacher.  When a signal is given, teachers are to have their class stand and walk in an orderly manner out the nearest exit.  Before leaving the room, the teacher should check that all windows are closed, all students are out of the room and the classroom door is closed after leaving.  Students should proceed single-file to the designated area and remain together as a class with proper classroom decorum.  Attendance will be verified.  Specific instructions for building evacuation are posted in each classroom.  Throughout the year, we will conduct a variety of emergency procedures.  It is your responsibility to follow the directive given by school personnel immediately. 

Hall Passes

Students are not permitted in the halls during class instructional time unless they have a hall pass from an authorized staff member.  In addition, no student is allowed out of the class in the first or last 20 minutes for any reason.

Interscholastic Sports

Many athletic offerings are sponsored by SHS.  For information concerning sports programs, contact a member of the coaching staff.  Some athletic events and organizations are:

Students must leave campus within 15 minutes of the close of extra-curricular events.  Loitering is not tolerated.  Failure to follow this policy may forfeit eligibility. 

Disruptive behavior potentially threatens the success of any organization.  Southern High School has prepared the following plan for maintaining a proper environment for learning and success. 

Lockers

Each student has the option to purchase a Southern lock and to be given a locker assignment.  Each student is expected to maintain a lock on his/her locker.  Lockers are not to be shared.    Lockers are the property of the Board of Education and, as such, may be inspected from time to time.  Students will purchase a lock from the school for a cost of $5.00.  Do not bring valuables to school!  The school cannot be held liable for money or other valuables that you leave in your locker, clothing, or bookbags.  In addition, the school cannot be responsible for items left in school lockers at the end of the year.

Lost and Found

A lost and found area is maintained in the Main Office and the Custodial office on the 1^st Floor.  Lost items not claimed are donated to charitable community organization agencies. 

Messages

Students are not to use the office phone during class.  Telephones located in the offices and classrooms are for official school business, not personal calls.  Students are to use the office phones only in the event of illness or emergency.  The front office will not page students for rides or pick-up after school or during the day.  School secretaries and other staff members will not take and deliver telephone messages to students during the instructional day.  Messages will only be taken and delivered in a true emergency. 

Media Center

The media center will be open from 7:15am until 4:00pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and from 7:15am until 5:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday, starting in September.  Students using the media center must present a valid hall pass to be allowed entrance into the center.  Books may be checked out of the media center for two (2) weeks and may be renewed unless the book(s) has been reserved.  Reference books may NOT be checked out of the media center.  If a student has an overdue book, he/she may not check out additional books until his/her account is cleared. 

Obligations

All obligations, such as paying for lost or damaged books or equipment and library fines, are to be paid promptly.  Diplomas will not be issued to students who have unfulfilled obligations.  Students who have unfulfilled obligations will not be allowed to participate in graduation. 

Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)

The PTSA seeks the involvement, input, and support of all Spartans.  We believe that strong schools are made by a powerful partnership between parents, teachers, and students.  In order to get involved, call the school at 560-3968.  Membership fees are $5.00 per year. 

Participation in Activities

All students are encouraged to be actively involved in all aspects of the total school program.  Any student absent or under ISS or OSS suspension cannot participate in or attend school activities during that time.  If any monies were paid, especially in the case of ISS and OSS, there will NOT be a refund issued.  A student must be present at least half of the instructional day in order to practice or participate in extracurricular activities, including athletic events, student council events, or chorus activities. 

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Report cards are issued within seven school days after each grading period ends.  Parents will receive a detailed schedule at the opening of school.  Report cards are scheduled to be issued after each marking period.  The final report card in June will be mailed to the address on record.  If you have moved, parents/students must contact your assigned counselor.  Progress reports will be issued at the end of every three weeks. 

School Buses

School bus transportation is a service provided to aid students in getting to and from school.  All students who ride a bus are subject to follow bus safety regulations.  Any misbehavior, which distracts the driver, is a very serious violation, and jeopardizes the safety of everyone.  Under N.C. law, the driver is subject to the direction of the principal and shall have complete authority and responsibility for the operation of the bus and the maintenance of good conduct on the bus.  Disruptive students are subject to the suspension of riding privileges. 

Buses will leave on time.  Buses will depart 6 minutes after the final dismissal bell of the day. 

Duties and Responsibilities of School Bus Passengers

Passengers must:

1.                    Arrive at the bus stop on time; the bus will not wait.

2.                    Wait for the bus in a safe place off the roadway.

3.                    Enter the bus quickly and take a seat once the bus has stopped.

4.                    Stay in their assigned seats when the bus is in route.

5.                    Keep his/her head, arms, and feet and other objects inside the bus.

6.                    Never throw objects from the bus.

7.                    Not shout, wave, or gesture to pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles.

8.                    Never eat or drink on the bus.

9.                    Never pile books, musical instruments, lunch boxes or other objects in the bus aisle.

10.                 Not use profane and indecent language, tobacco or alcoholic beverages while on the bus.

11.                 Not be loud, boisterous or distract the driver’s attention.

12.                 Not talk to the driver when he/she is operating the bus unless there is an emergency.

13.                 Never play, scuffle, or fight on the bus.  This will not be tolerated.

14.                 Never tamper with the emergency door or any other parts of the bus.

15.                 Never mar or deface the bus in any way, especially cutting or damaging seat coverings.

16.                 Ride on the bus to which he/she is assigned, unless he/she is given permission by a principal or assistant principal.

STUDENTS WHO DO NOT DISPLAY APPROPRIATE CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES ARE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION, INCLUDING LOSS OF BUS PRIVILEGES. 

All students must be picked up and dropped off at their designated bus stop.  Should the need arise for a change; the student must bring a note from his/her parent/guardian to the office before 1^st period.  The note will need to have a phone number where the parent can be contacted for verification.   Notes must be verified; therefore, it is imperative to bring the note in a timely manner.

School Nurse

A public health nurse is present on campus seven days a week.  This service is in addition to the Wellness Center. 

Security

Security is provided by full-time School Resource Officers.  While on school campus or working at any school event, the deputies serve in a dual capacity of law enforcement officers and school officials.  Security is a vital part of providing a safe school environment.  Security officers are to be respected and obeyed. 

Smoking and Tobacco Products Prohibited

Durham Public Schools prohibit smoking or the possession of matches, lighters, cigarettes, or other tobacco products on campus at all times including in parking lots, athletic events or in private vehicles while on school campus. 

Soliciting, Selling and Distribution of Materials

Permission from the principal must be obtained prior to selling any items, distributing any materials, or displaying any posters on campus. 

Sound Equipment, Communication Devices, Etc.

Students are not allowed to use cellular phones/two-way radios, CD players, MP3/Ipods, and gaming systems in the classroom or hallway.  These devices will be confiscated and returned only to the parent or guardian. 

Textbooks

There is no rental charge for textbooks in North Carolina public schools.  Students are responsible for textbooks assigned to them and are expected to avoid loss and damage to their books.  Damages for textbooks or lost book fees will be paid by the student by the end of the school year.  Students are encouraged to cover books to prevent damage.  The name of the student, teacher and school year should be marked on the inside cover of each book. 

Visitors

Parents of our students are welcome to visit the school.  Others may visit depending on the purpose of the visit.  All visitors must report to the school office upon arrival.  Student visitors must have prior approval from the administration.  Students are not allowed to have visitors with them at school during the school day. 

Wellness Center

 The Wellness Center, located in room 241, is a comprehensive school-based health clinic sponsored by the Duke Community and Family Health Medicine.  The clinic offers a range of services, including care for students when they are ill, health screening and physicals, personal counseling, health and substance abuse counseling and a variety of school and community education programs.  Any DPS student may enroll in the Wellness Center with parental consent.  Adult students may enroll themselves (age 18 and older).  The clinic services are normally covered by insurance - all insurance claims will be filled for you.  No student will be denied services based on inability to pay.  The Wellness Center also offers annual sports physicals, TB shots and some immunizations for a reduced fee.  The Wellness Center is staffed with a nurse practitioner, back-up physician, C.N.A. and office manager.  The clinic is open all school days.  Students may be seen on a lunch break, after classes or during class with a pass from a teacher.  Visits to the Wellness Center are excused absences from class.  However, students are responsible for making up missed assignments.   Wellness Center information and fee schedules may be obtained by contacting the center at 560-2536.

Student Responsibilities

The administration, faculty, and staff expect you, the student, to assume the responsibilities listed below:

1.                    Set high academic goals and strive to achieve them.

2.                    Attend class regularly and on time.

3.                    Be in your assigned seat with all necessary materials at the ringing of the tardy bell under guidelines set by the classroom teacher.

4.                    Give every assignment your best effort.

5.                    Treat every student and teacher with respect.

6.                    Follow the specific rules in each class.

7.                    Help maintain the building, grounds, all school equipment, and materials. 

8.                    Encourage your peers to maintain an academic environment in order that all students may have an opportunity for success and positive experiences. 

9.                    Remember and promote that Southern High School is the school that will not tolerate violent or disruptive behavior.

Important Durham Public Schools Board Policies are included in the following pages as well as the official school calendars and chart of expected consequences for disciplinary infractions.  It is important that all students, staff and parents be aware of Board Policy related to pertinent student issues.  The Board of Education has provided each student with a handbook explaining these policies.  Policy included in this document is based upon materials and policy statements approved at press time. 

ATTENDANCE ISSUES

Attendance Policy and Procedures

Daily Attendance Laws and Policies

Student Responsibilities and Attendance

It is the responsibility of the student to attend school regularly.  In the event of an absence, the student is responsible for any assignments missed.  In order to be excused, upon returning to school after an absence, the student will submit to his/her teacher a note signed by a parent or guardian.  This note will include the student’s first and last name, the reason and date of absence and a valid telephone number by which the parent or guardian may be contacted during school hours for verification. 

An excused absence is defined by Board Policy as:

1.                    Illness or injury.  An absence is excused when the absence results from illness or injury, which prevents the child from being physically able to attend school. 

2.                    Quarantine.  An absence is excused when isolation of the child is ordered by the local health officer or by the State Board of Health. 

3.                    Death of the immediate family.  An absence is excused when it results from the death of a member of the immediate family of the child.  For purposes of this regulation, the immediate family of a child includes, but is not necessarily limited to grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters. 

4.                    Medical or dental appointments.  An absence is excused when it results from a medical or dental appointment of a child.  A written excuse should be presented with a doctor’s signature. 

5.                    Court or administrative proceedings.  An absence is excused when it results from the attendance of a child at the proceedings of a court or an administrative tribunal if the child is a party to the action or under subpoena as a witness. 

6.                    Religious Observances.  An absence is excused if the tenets of a religion to which a child or his/her parents adhere require or suggest the observance of a religious event.  The approval of such absences is at the discretion of the school principal, but approval should be granted unless the religious observance or the cumulative effect of religious observances is of such duration as to interfere with the education of the child. 

7.                    Educational Opportunity.  An absence may be excused when it is demonstrated that the purpose of the absence is to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity, such as travel.  Approval of such an absence must be gained prior to the absence. 

An unexcused absence is defined as follows:

All absences for reasons other than those identified under the section entitled Excused Absences will be considered unexcused.  Any absence for which the proper school official does not receive valid, written documentation within three (3) days of the student’s return to school shall constitute and unexcused absence.  A student suspended pursuant to G.S. 115-391 shall not be considered unexcused for purposes of the Compulsory Attendance Law.  These absences shall be excused absences for purposes of make-up and co-curricular activity eligibility. 

Excessive Absences

North Carolina State Law requires that any student with ten (10) consecutive days of unexcused absences be dropped from school records.  This results in all official school records showing him/her as W2 or a “dropout” until a conference is held and that student re-enrolled in school. 

Notification of Excessive Absences (Daily Attendance)

The law requires that the school notify parents of excessive unexcused absences under the conditions that follow.

a.                    After a third unexcused absence:

1.        The principal or his designee shall notify the parent/guardian within a period of three school days.

2.        If unable to contact the parent/guardian, the principal shall refer the matter to a school social worker or designee for immediate investigation (legal policy) if the student is a minor. 

b.                   After not more than six unexcused absences, the principal or designee shall notify the parent/guardian of the student’s excessive number of unexcused absences from school.

1.        Notification of the parent shall be by mail and shall state that the parent may be in violation of the North Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law and may be prosecuted if the absences cannot be justified under established attendance policies. 

2.        A copy of the notice will be directed to the social worker, school attendance, counselor, or other appropriate school personnel, who will work with the student and family of a minor child to remedy the problem. 

c.                    If a student has ten (10) accumulated unexcused absences in a school year, the student’s parent/guardian shall be notified by certified mail of the student’s excessive number of unexcused absences.  The principal or designee shall also review any reports of investigation prepared pursuant to G.S. 115C-378 through G.S. 115C-381 and shall confer with the student and his/her parent/guardian if possible to determine whether the parent/guardian received notification pursuant to the requirements of the Compulsory Attendance Law and made a good faith effort to comply with the law.  If the principal determines that the parent/guardian has not, he/she shall notify the district attorney. 

Support to Students with Excessive Absences

The principal and his staff shall take appropriate action to help prevent excessive absences and/or provide counseling for students with a history of excessive absences.  Parents must be notified of their child’s excessive absences, and the teacher and/or counselor shall then work with the student and his family to analyze the causes and to determine the steps to eliminate the problem.  Guidance counselors, teachers, the administration and staff are available to students who are having problems concerning school attendance. 

Course Credit and the Attendance Policy

At Southern High School, any student who is absent from a class more than ten days in a semester may not receive credit for that course unless he/she follows the appropriate procedures for make-up time and appeal.  Each student will receive an attendance contract to be co-signed by students and parents.  The student has the right to appeal this decision to the principal or his designee prior to the course ending.  The student should contact the principal or his designee for the appropriate appeals form. 

Southern High School

Attendance Policy and Procedure

Since a period of 90 minutes is equivalent to approximately two days of the traditional classroom setting, we believe that attendance is of the utmost importance for academic success and the integrity of the curriculum itself.  With this philosophy as a base, the following attendance policy and procedures have been set by the staff:

Any student who has more than ten (10) absences in a semester may forfeit credit for that class. 

A student must be in attendance 46 minutes (51%) of the regular class period in order to be marked present. 

If a student accumulates more than ten absences in a class, he/she must complete the following steps in order to prevent loss of credit:

Step 1:                   Make up the 11^th day of absence by staying after school for 1 ½ hours per class missed.  Time-for-Time.  It is the student’s responsibility to schedule make-up time during a tutorial session with their teacher and return the completed make-up form to the Attendance Aide’s Office.  All time is to be made up and forms returned to the Attendance Aide by the posted deadline. 

Step 2:                    If a student accumulates more than (12) absences, he/she must repeat the above process – This is on-going until the next semester. 

It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the make-up time with the tutorial staff, keep the scheduled make-up time, and bring the signed, dated form to the Attendance Aide by the posted deadlines. 

Southern High School Tardy and Late to School Policy

(Revised effective October 15, 2006)

Statement

Southern High School is committed to providing a comprehensive educational program and a diversity of extracurricular programs within an environment conducive to teaching and learning.

Policy:

If a student is unexcused tardy to class:

                Two times, the teacher will contact the parent by phone and explain his/her policy conditions in the class. A warning is given the first time the student is tardy.

                Three times, the teacher will assign one 30-minute, after school detention. If the student refuses to stay, he/she will serve 2 days of ISS.

                Four times, the teacher will assign two 30-minute, after school detentions. If the student refuses to stay, he/she will serve 4 days of ISS.

                Five times, the student will be referred to the office and the administrator will suspend the student for one school day**

                Six or more times, the student will be referred to the office and a suspension of two days will be given. In addition, the student may lose school privileges (i.e. field trips, attending school dances, attending athletic events, participating in student reward programs and losing parking permit)

*              If a student is late to school in the morning a phone call from our Connect Ed will be made to the parents notifying them of their child’s tardiness. All students arriving to school after 7:30 a.m. must enter through the main entrance. 

**           The suspension after the fifth tardy may be dropped if a parent comes in for a parent conference with a school administrator.

Passes

Students who ride a Durham Public Schools bus to school are issued an excused late bus pass if the bus arrives after the ringing of the bell. Teachers will report any student who comes to class with an unexcused tardy pass or an excused bus pass more than five minutes after the time on the pass. That student will be assigned to ISS for one day. Failure to report to ISS will result in a one day out of school suspension and a conference with the parent.

The tardy count starts over with each semester grading period.

Early Dismissal

A student who must leave school early will present a note from a parent or guardian, regardless of the age of the student.  This note must be turned in to the Attendance Office before 8:00 a.m. on the day of dismissal.  Notes must include the reason for leaving, valid parent/guardian phone number, and parent/guardian signature.  Each note will be verified by the attendance office or an administrator.  No student will be allowed to leave school early without parental contact and documentation or special approval from the administration. 

In the event that a student does not have the appropriate note, but realizes that he/she must leave school early for an appointment, he/she must notify the Attendance Office by 8:00 a.m. and provide the above-mentioned information to the attendance office clerk for verification. 

Students must have a computer generated pass to document early dismissal.  In the event a student returns to school after he/she must check back in and show his/her teacher a computer generated pass. 

Attendance Waivers and Appeal Procedures

Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Southern High School attendance committee.  Appeals may only be submitted after eight (8) days have been missed.  Waiver request must be submitted to the attendance committee with proper documentation for review by the committee. 

Pre-Arranged Absence Form

Family trips and vacations should be planned with the consideration for the school calendar.  In the event that a conflict cannot be avoided, the school should be notified as far in advance as possible, so that make-up work can be completed before the absence (as applicable).  To be considered as unexcused absence, prior approval is required.  Pre-Arranged Absence forms can be obtained from a principal. 

Emergencies will be handled on an individual basis. 

Changing Classes

There will be six (6) minutes between classes.  This is ample time for students to move from one class to another.  Teaches will be on duty to assure that students move in an orderly manner from one class to another.  Running, pushing, or horseplay will not be tolerated.  Disciplinary action will be assigned to those who do not abide by these rules. 

Students are not allowed to enter class late.  Lockout will be assigned to students who are tardy without a note from the office or a teacher. 

Tardies

A.                  Tardies to Class

1.        When the tardy bell rings, teachers will close their classroom door.  Late students will immediately report to the Lockout. 

2.        When a student is late to school, he/she will sign in at the main office. 

3.        If a student does not report directly to Lockout when tardy, he/she will be considered skipping. 

4.        Students who are tardy due to school-related reasons will be sent to class with a pass from Lockout (example – late bus). 

5.        If a student is tardy on test day, the student must take his/her test after school on the same day

B.                  School Bus Tardies

These are tardies created by a late bus.  Students arriving to school on a late bus will be permitted to enter class after signing in at the main office.  Students will not be counted as absent; however, they are responsible for making up any work missed. 

C.                  Medical Tardy Needs

Those students who initially come to school, or return to school for medical reasons, will be permitted to return to class once they have checked in with the main office.  The student must have a note from a medical provider stating that they have received services from their practice. Students will be responsible for making up missed work.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the principal in writing of any medical condition, medication taken or special equipment needed at the school.  The principal and staff will make attempts to speak with the parent/guardian regarding the need for further assessment. 

Southern High School Parking and Traffic Policies

Every vehicle parked on the SHS campus must be registered, bearing a parking sticker, which assigns a specific parking area.  Vehicles must be in their designated area between 7:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.  Violators will be subject to having their vehicle towed at their expense.  The SHS campus starts at Clayton and Freeman Roads.  There will be no parking on either side of the entrance or on the grass areas. 

Traffic infractions which include speeding and/or any form of careless or reckless driving on SHS campus will result in a fine, and the suspension of parking privileges for an indefinite period of time. 

Every student who wishes to park on campus must purchase a parking permit from the front office.  The cost is $75.00.  This permit must be displayed on the center of the dashboard or hanging from the rearview mirror.  Per Durham Public Schools Board Policy 6470, parking fees may be established by the Superintendent or designee. All parking fees collected at the school will be forwarded to the finance department to be budgeted and appropriated for school purposes.   

The driver is responsible for his/her vehicle should it be involved in any violation while on school property. 

If a student is in a car pool, he/she must insist that passengers follow school policies.  Violation of school policies by passengers may cause the driver to lose his/her parking privileges and/or parking permit. 

Once a vehicle comes onto campus, it must be parked.  Students are then to leave their vehicles and may not return to their vehicle until they leave the campus at dismissal time.  Riders must follow the same procedure.  (Only in emergencies will students be allowed to return to their cars.  A student must receive permission from the principal’s office or the SRO.)  Failure to follow these instructions will result in ISS and/or suspension of parking privilege.  If a vehicle is used in an unauthorized absence from a class, or its driver has chronic tardies to school, the driver will receive an unexcused absence and driving privileges may be revoked and/or driver suspended from school. 

Drivers must give school buses the right-of-way on campus.  Vehicles are not to break in line when the buses are moving.  On the highways, it is expected that drivers follow the driving regulations of the state of North Carolina.  Passing of moving vehicles on the school campus is prohibited.  A loss of one’s driving privileges will take place if this rule is violated. 

Students who leave campus at lunch without permission are considered skipping.  Parking privileges may be suspended for two weeks, and the penalty for skipping classes will be enforced. 

Students may not allow others to drive their vehicles.  If a student has lost privileges to drive, he/she may not allow someone else to drive his car onto the campus.  Loss of privilege also means that they student's vehicle may not be on campus.  Another student MAY NOT use the parking space. 

Students should lock and secure their personal property within their vehicles.  Administrators have the right to check the interior of vehicles if there is suspicion of weapons, alcoholic beverages or drugs.  Students who temporarily drive a vehicle, other than their registered vehicle, must report to the office or obtain a temporary sticker that will be placed on the dash.  This sticker will indicate an expiration date.  If change of vehicles lasts more than three days, the student must buy an additional parking sticker.

Fines

1^st Parking Violation             Verbal Warning                    No fine/fee

2^nd Parking Violation            Written warning                   No fine/fee

3^rd Parking Violation            Boot placed on vehicle       $25 fine for removal

4^th Parking Violation             Boot placed on vehicle       $25 fine for removal

Disciplinary Procedures

Disciplinary procedures will be handled as follows for traffic infractions, such as speeding, reckless driving, spinning tires, etc. unless specified otherwise:

1^st violation                            Written Warning

2^nd violation                           Suspended parking privileges for 30 days

3^rd violation                           Vehicles prohibited from SHS campus

**Continued parking infractions will merit having the vehicle towed at the owner’s expense and loss of parking privilege. 

School Wide Classroom Rules

Often we hear the words consistency and structure when we deal with young people.  The importance of everyone following through with all school rules in the handbook will set the stage for positive student behavior.  Students will generally deliver what is expected.  School wide classroom rules are a way to develop both structure and consistency within the school, as well as in the individual classrooms. 

Classroom Rules

Students will:

1.                    Be in their seats and ready to begin work when the bell rings and leave their seat only with the teacher’s permission.

2.                    Come to class prepared.

3.                    Keep hands, feet, objects and inappropriate comments or gestures to themselves.

4.                    Be courteous and respectful to all others.

5.                    Have no food, drinks, or candy in the classroom.

6.                    Work only on assignments for scheduled class unless the teacher permits another activity.

7.                    Not leave the room except in an emergency.

8.                    Not talk without permission from the teacher.

Classroom Discipline by the Teacher

Each teacher is in charge of discipline in his or her own classroom, which should include at least four stated consequences before an office referral.  Once a teacher has gone through these steps, the student is referred to the office for disciplinary action.  A disciplinary referral record will be created for the student and subsequent interventions will be noted.  Students and parents need to realize that referrals to the office are cumulative.  It is of the utmost importance that students behave.

Truancy Court

To help with the increasing problem of truancy and tardiness, Southern High School implemented a Truancy Court Prevention Program in November 2006. The purpose of this program is to assure that every child has access to the best education and educational opportunity our school can provide. Consistent personal contact with an attorney who will work with us, along with a well developed program of school and community based services, and clear understanding of expectations by the family, we hope will result in a marked improvement in our school attendance.

Parents are expected to appear in court, held here at the school, with their child. A judge or attorney will be presiding over the court proceedings. Students will be involved in Truancy Court once they have accumulated six (6) unexcused absences or have been tardy to school more than six (6) times. This can be avoided however, by remembering to submit a written note as to why your child was absent or tardy to school. The excuse must fall into the reasons listed in Durham Public School policy and North Carolina State laws in order for the absence or tardy to be excused. 

Should you decide not to participate in the Truancy Court Prevention Program and your child continues to be truant or tardy, a petition will be filed in the Juvenile Court and a summons/ warrant will be filed for Criminal Court.

Weapons Policy

State Law:

14-269.2                        Weapons on campus or other educational property. 

It shall be deemed unlawful for any person to possess, or carry, whether opening or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, powerful explosive as defined in G.S. 14-284.1, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles or any other weapon of like kind, not used solely for instructional or school sanctioned ceremonial purposes, in any public or private school campus, grounds, recreation area, athletic field, or other property owned, used or operated by any board of education, school, college, or university board of trustees or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution.  For the purpose of this section a self-opening or switchblade knife is defined as a knife containing a blade or blades which open automatically by the release of a spring or similar contrivance, and the above phrase “weapon of like kind” includes razors and razor blades (except solely for personal shaving) and any sharp pointed or edges instrument, except unaltered nail fails and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food instruction and maintenance.  This section shall not apply to the following persons:  Officers are enlisted personnel of the armed forces of the United States when in discharge of their official duties, officers and soldiers of the military and the national guard when called into actual service, officer of the State, or any country, city or town, charged with the execution of the laws of the State, when acting in the discharge of their official duties, any student who are members of the Reserve Officer Training corps and who are required to carry arms or weapons in the discharge of their official class duties and any private police employed by the administration or board of trustees of any public or private institution of higher education when acting in the discharge of their duties. 

Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished in the discretion of the court.  (1971, c241, ss1l2; c.1224;11991, c622,s.l.)

Effect of Amendments.—The 191 amendment, effective October 1, 1991, and applicable to offenses occurring on or after October, 1991, deleted b fine or imprisonment or by both such fine and imprisonment not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) fine or six months imprisonment” following “discretion of the court” in the second paragraph. 

Detention Hall

Classroom After-School Detention

A teacher may opt to hold after school detention of students who have caused minor behavioral problems, arrived late to class, come to class unprepared, etc.  The format or design of classroom detention is up to the discretion of the individual teacher, however, several guidelines must be followed.  The student must be given twenty-four (24) hours notice before being detained after school.  After-school detention should not exceed one (1) hour.  It is suggested that the teacher and student contact the student’s parent by telephone during this detention and discuss the matter resulting in the decision. 

The student is expected to treat teacher-assigned detention seriously.  If a student has detention assigned by two teachers on the same afternoon, the student must make arrangements to serve time for each teacher in a manner acceptable to the faculty members.  Failure to report to classroom detention will result in administrative intervention and parental contact by telephone or by letter.  Classroom teachers should keep a log of students detained, the time, date, and reason for detention. 

In-School Suspension

In-school suspension (ISS) programs have proven to be an effective alternative to out-of-school suspension.  In-school suspension is the most significant intervention available to help reduce out-of-school suspensions.  Any time a student is out of school, learning opportunities are seriously diminished.  Being out of school and under suspension become counter-productive in terms of achievement.  However, any abuse of the ISS procedure forces the school to resort to out-of-school suspension.     

Assignments to ISS clearly tell the student that a particular behavior is unacceptable, will not to tolerated, and that there are significant consequences for negative behaviors.  The student is kept in isolation for the entire day (or several days) including during the lunch period.  The rules of behavior while in ISS are highly restrictive. 

General Guidelines

During the student’s assigned period in ISS, the following guidelines shall be followed:

1.                    The student will remain absolutely quiet.

2.                    The student will remain seated.

3.                    Use of restrooms will be allowed only during times scheduled by the teacher for the group.  The teacher will escort the student group to restroom facilities in a manner similar to that used in the elementary school.  Emergency situations will be handled at the discretion of the monitor.  If a student must leave the center, he/she must be escorted by an administrator or police officer.  Under no circumstances should students be allowed to leave unattended. 

4.                    If it is necessary for a student to address the faculty monitor, the student must raise his/her hand and wait to be called upon by the monitor.  No student shall speak out without express permission. 

5.                    The regular classroom teacher will send assignments to be completed in the center by the student assigned ISS. 

6.                    Each student will have one specific writing assignment during the ISS period.  He/she must write a detailed report explaining the circumstances under which the referral to ISS was made and steps he/she must take to resolve future similar problems.  The ISS monitor shall read documents written by students. 

7.                    No longer than 30 minutes shall be relegated to lunch. 

8.                    Students will not be marked absent from school nor absent from class while assigned to ISS. 

9.                    All work assigned by a classroom teacher and completed is to be given full credit. 

10.                 There is to be no academic penalty for ISS other than the normal loss of specific interaction between student and teacher that occurs during class.

11.                 Students are not eligible to participate or practice in athletics or other extracurricular activities until the day following completion of the ISS assignment.  Such absences from activities are not considered excused and all appropriate consequences or penalties imposed by the coach or sponsor are approved.  If any monies were paid for participation, there WILL NOT be a refund issued.

For ISS to be an effective tool and a viable alternative to suspension, the structure set out for this program will be consistently implemented, monitored, and maintained. 

Student Discipline/ Disciplina De Los Estudiantes

ISS =      In School Suspension / En la suspensión de la escuela

OSS =    Out of School Suspension / Suspensión extraescolar

RLT=     Recommendation for Long-term Suspension / Recomendación para la suspensión de largo plazo

Disclaimer:

Those acts which are not specifically covered in this handbook but which disrupt the learning process will be dealt with appropriately by the administration.  The administration reserves the right to upgrade policies throughout the year.  If necessary, letters and/or may be sent to the address listed in school records.  Disciplinary documents may be sent home with students if a parent contact cannot be made. 
2008-2009 Traditional Calendar

Early Release Dates:  SEP10, OCT15, NOV19, DEC03, FEB11, MAR18, APR22, MAY06