Phone Numbers

 

High School Main Office ...................................................... (717) 691-4530

Attendance Office ............................................................... (717) 691-4542

Counseling & Career Office.................................................. (717) 691-4543

Nurse’s Office....................................................................... (717) 691-4539

District Office ....................................................................... (717) 691-4500

District Business Office ........................................................ (717) 691-4517

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The mission of the Mechanicsburg Area School District is to develop:

 

• Resilient, self-directed learners able to achieve personal goals

 

• Critical and creative thinkers capable of transferring knowledge to new situations

 

• Collaborative team players with effective communication skills

 

• Productive, responsible citizens in a diverse and ever-changing global society

  

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

 

Your high school experiences will serve as a foundation for your dreams and goals. Fortunately, you are attending one of the finest high schools in Pennsylvania, and the opportunities available to you are plentiful. I highly encourage you to take advantage of those opportunities to improve yourself, and to use these opportunities as a way of serving the school community.

 

All the resources you need are readily available to you: teachers, counselors and support staff who are solely concerned about your success; an ambitious and challenging curriculum tailored to your needs; co-curricular and athletic programs to enhance and showcase your talents and abilities; and a rich tradition nurtured by the spirit and collaboration of individuals working to build a school community.

 

Your role as a student is to utilize these resources for your benefit, which will ultimately improve your overall high school experience. Take the time to establish goals, explore new and exciting learning experiences, accept the challenge of leadership in some area, and reflect on the growth that you continue to make as a student and as a person.

 

I hope this is the best year of your school career so far. Good luck! Yours in education,

Mark K. Leidy, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

 

PRINCIPALS’ MESSAGE

High school represents the best days of your life so far.  The staff and administration at MASH will provide you with tremendous opportunities to explore new horizons and reach for your dreams. You can  take advantage of these opportunities by establishing goals for yourself as you prepare with anticipation and excitement for the new school year. The content of this handbook provides the framework of rules and regulations that will guide you toward your goals. You are encouraged to review this handbook with your parents and feel free to ask questions if there is anything you do not understand. The rules will be enforced and you will be accountable for understanding what is expected. As always, changes occur from one school year to the next, and this year will be no different. There will be some new faces and some new procedures; however, the primary focus of academics will still be in place. You, along with all other students at MASH, will be expected to be prompt, prepared, polite, and positive. No individual or group has the right to keep you from getting a quality education, and these expectations are in place to ensure a quality education for all. You are encouraged to challenge yourself through academics and through extra-curricular activities. Set goals that push your limits academically and find ways to get involved in the many school activities.  (Imagine waking up every morning and saying to yourself, “I attend the best high school in Pennsylvania,” then come to school and do something to make it happen). MASH is a great place to be! It is going to be a fantastic school year.

 

Yours in Education, David R. Harris, Principal

Jocelyn M. Valentine, Assistant Principal

Timothy J. Bianchi, Assistant Principal

Jason Geissler, Assistant Principal

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

 

Mechanicsburg Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its activities, programs, or employment practices, as required by Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA.

 

For information regarding civil rights or grievances procedures contact The Superintendent’s Office, 100 East Elmwood Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717-691-4500).

 

WILDCAT CODE

 

Willingness to Serve:  Recognize that there are things in life that are more important than yourself.  At times the welfare of others or the group is more important than the welfare of the individual.  Learn the satisfaction that comes from selflessly helping others without the need for public recognition.

Integrity: Do what is right - legally and morally. The right moral action may not be popular with your peers. You must be strong and confident enough to follow your convictions. Integrity is not lying, cheating or stealing, or tolerating others who do. When you know of someone who has acted improperly, you must take action to correct his/her indiscretion.

Loyalty: You must consistently support those around you if you expect to be part of a group that is unified and successful.

Duty: Fulfill your obligations and accept the consequences, positive or negative, of your actions. Accepting responsibility is a sign of maturity.

Courage: Face up to the fear, danger, and adversity that you are certain to confront in your life. Physical and moral courage is not the absence of fear; it is overcoming that fear and doing what must be done.

Attitude: Be positive and self-confident, and treat others with the respect they deserve as fellow human  beings.  If you do not give others respect, you cannot expect them to give it to you.

Tolerance: Do not allow differences to separate you from others. Another person’s gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, social or economic status, or religion must not cause in you a thoughtless, automatic, and negative reaction. This would deny you the wisdom, joy, companionship, and accomplishments that your open association with those different from you can bring. Do not limit your own potential by denying yourself access to the potential available in the majority of people in this world who do not share your race, religion, and culture.

 

If you are true to the values listed above, you will be a credit to your family, to your peer group, and to every organization with which you are associated. You will be justifiably proud of your actions and accomplishments and will be a personal and professional success at whatever undertakings you should attempt.

 

BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

A nine-member Board of School Directors is responsible for the operation of Mechanicsburg Area Schools. The School Board delegates administrative responsibilities as the proper performance of their duty may require.

Members of the Board of School Directors

Mrs. Dawn Merris, President

Mr. John Rupp, Vice President

Mrs. Tracy L. Morgan, Treasurer

Mr. Richard J. Bradley

Mr. Dennis P. Burkhard

Mrs. Lynda A. Hambright

Dr. Layne Lebo

Mr. Nathan McWilliams

Mr. Brian Sanker

 

Non-Voting Members

Dr. Mark K. Leidy, Superintendent Mr. Greg Longwell, Secretary

Mr. Philip Spare, Esq., Solicitor

 

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS

Dr. Mark K. Leidy……. ..............Superintendent

Mrs. Julie Huff……. ...................Assistant Superintendent for Academics

Dr. Alan Vandrew……. ..............Assistant Superintendent, CFO

Mr. Paul Bigham…….................Director of Student Services

Mr. Jason Baker.......................K-12 Curriculum Supervisor

Mrs. Jaime Bott .......................Special Education Supervisor

 

MASH ADMINISTRATION

Mr. David R. Harris……………….. Principal

Mrs. Jocelyn M. Valentine..….…Assistant Principal

Mr. Timothy J. Bianchi...……..….Assistant Principal

Mr. Jason Geissler……..……………Assistant Principal

Mr. Seth Pehanich……………...…..Athletic Director

Ms. Gail Hiestand……...Grade 9 Counselor

Mr. Joel Covert……….. Grade 10 Counselor

Mrs. Brenda Schmidt..... Grade 11 Counselor

Mrs. Robin Clarke ......... Grade 12 Counselor

Mrs. Gina Daniel ........... Social Worker

Mrs. Leilani Reeder....... School to Career Coordinator

Mrs. Kim Bentz ............. Assistant to the Principal

Mrs. Katrina Collins ...... Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Principals

Mrs. Cristeen Beck ........ Attendance Secretary

Ms. Laura Korot……..... Secretary

Mrs. Dory Wenthe ........Counseling Secretary

 

HEALTH PERSONNEL

Dr. Janet Cincotta ..............................................School Physician Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center...Athletic Physician Mrs. Kathy Pratt……… ........................School Nurse

Mrs. Suzanne Walker ........................................Health Service Coordinator

 

FACULTY DIRECTORY (* = department coordinator)

 

Art Mrs. Lynette Giblin*	124	ESL Mrs. Kristi Brown*	128	Library Media Center Mrs. Kirsten Zelenky	LIB
Mr. Bryan Stough	126
Business Education		Family & Consumer Science Ms. Sarah Berger	125	Mathematics Mrs. Renee Gonder	214
Mr. Brent Brockman	107	Ms. Jennie Mariani	131	Mrs. Mary Hey	205
Mrs. Cathie Culver	109	Mrs. Delsie Zdanowicz*	129	Mr. Jacob June	208
Mr. Robert Strickler	113			Mrs. Katharine Kennedy	218
		Health & Physical Education		Mr. Rick Keshner	206
English		Mrs. Kari Bianchi	Gym	Mr. Lucas Mellinger	204
Mrs. Jessica Atkinson	238	Mr. Sean Cochran*	Gym	Mr. Ben Motter	202
Mrs. Sandra Bohrer	234	Mrs. Jennifer Condon	Gym	Ms. Amanda Reese	203
Mrs. Adrianna Brumbaugh*	233	Mr. Doug Erney	102	Ms. Samantha Snyder	221
Mrs. Leigh Ann Chow	236	Ms. Rebekkah Funk	Gym	Mr. Luke Varner	223
Mrs. Tricia Donley	132	Mr. Jason Minnich	Gym	Mr. Andrew Vriens	201
Mrs. Michelle Heiser	232	Mr. Joseph Reardon	241	Mrs. Tara Wildmann	216
Mrs. Megan Heisler	134	Mr. Sam Woodworth	Pool
Mr. Jeffrey Luttermoser	142			Music
Mrs. Meghan Mathis	136	LEARN		Mr. Ben Goldsborough	024
Mrs. Madhavi Ravi	103	Mr. Jeff Costello – LEARN 2	025	Mr. Dane Hildebrand	024
Mrs. NaTasha Rosenberry	231	Mr. Ben Shea – LEARN 1	025	Mr. Gordon Kaslusky *	022
Mrs. Niki Vriens	144			Mr. James Weaver	024
Mrs. Sarah Williams	140			Mrs. LaShae Willits	024

Science
Mrs. Jennifer Bandura	135	Mr. Mark McManus	244	Technology Education
Mr. Joel Brown	226	Mrs. Jennifer Ray-Budman	210	Mr. David Goss	030
Mr. Nathan Einsig	224	Mr. Joe Reidy	240	Mr. James Statler	027
Mrs. Ashley Holman	227	Mr. Nicholas Sadvari	213
Mr. Nicholas Keith	229	Mr. Matt Stern	212	World Languages
Mr. Steven Laudenslager	225	Mrs. Pamela Weidman	211	Ms. Corine Charrier	108
Mr. Matthew Marshall	237	Mrs. Allison Whitman	242	TBD	105
Mr. Jason Pinos	228			Mrs. Carol Kauffman	146
Ms. Lindsey Porter	222	Special Education		Ms. Sherry Keller	106
Ms. Monica Shirey*	226	Mrs. Kristina Ausherman	138	Mrs. Heather Jamiolkowski*	112
Mr. David Shoemaker	235	Mr. Daniel Bingaman	246	Mrs. Lissy Weirich	110
Mrs. Denise Uzupis	137	Mrs. Karen Diegel	141
		Mrs. Shannon Gay	246
Social Studies		Mr. Joseph Hoover	138
Ms. Katie Earley	209	Mr. Justin Miller	139
Mr. Todd Gayman	207	Mrs. Patricia Richards	238A
TBD	104
Mr. Clay McAllister	239

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS OR DELAYS

On days of inclement weather any cancellation or delay will be announced on the local radio stations. The following plans may be in effect.

One-hour delay – bus schedules and start of school set back one hour.

Two-hour delay – bus schedules and start of school set back two hours.

School cancelled – school will not be held that day. Make-up days are listed on the school calendar

 

IMPORTANT DATES (tentative)

August 21        School Opens

August 29        Back to School Night

Sept 1-4           No School – Labor Day Recess

September 25 Financial Aid Night

October 6        No school; professional activities

October 9        No School

October 14      PSAT/NMSQT

October 26      End of first marking period

October 27      Homecoming

October 28      Homecoming Dance

November 9 & 13    Parent-Teacher conferences

November 14            Academic Awards Program

November 23-27      No School – Thanksgiving

Nov. 22            No School; professional activities

Dec 4-15          Keystone Retakes (Alg and Bio)

Dec 21 – Jan 1    No School; Winter Recess

January 10-12                    Semester Exams/Lit Keystone

January 15            No School; M. L. King Day

January 16       End of second marking period

February 1       Course registration night

February 16-19     No School; Presidents’ Day

March 23                End of third marking period

March 29-April 2   No School; Spring recess

April 28                    Junior/Senior Prom

May 14-25       Keystone exams/Final exams

May 24            Senior Awards Ceremony

May 28            No school; Memorial Day

May 31            Last day of school

WEDNESDAY TEACHER COLLABORATIVE PLANNING

Teachers are committed to professional activities from 3:15PM to 4:15PM on Wednesdays and will not be available to meet with students and parents at that time.

 

INCLEMENT WEATHER MAKE-UP DAYS

1st cancelled day – February 19th

2nd cancelled day – March 29th

3rd cancelled day – June 1st

4th cancelled day – June 4th

5th  cancelled day – June 5th

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM DATES:  May 7th-18th

 

PSAT Test Date: Saturday, October 14th

 

SAT I and SAT II Test Dates:

August 26

December 2

June 2

October 7

March 10

November 4

May 5

 

ACT Test Dates

Septembrer 9

October 28

December 9

February 10

April 14

June 9

 

KEYSTONE EXAMS

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires the school district to take the Keystone Exams. These tests assess all high school students in Literature, Biology and Algebra 1. The results of this test provide comparative data to the school district for use in monitoring the curriculum, planning for appropriate changes in the curriculum, and for informing the public about the status of the school district’s educational programs.

 

A student’s performance on the Keystone tests will result in one of the following performance level ratings in each area tested:

 

Advanced:  Superior  academic performance indicating an in-depth understanding and  exemplary display of  the   skills included in Pennsylvania’s Academic Standards.

Proficient: Satisfactory academic performance indicating a solid understanding and adequate display of the skills included in Pennsylvania’s Academic Standards.

Basic:         Marginal academic performance, work approaching, but not yet reaching satisfactory performance. Performance indicates a partial understanding and limited display of the skills in Pennsylvania’s Academic Standards.

Below Basic: Inadequate academic performance that indicates little understanding and minimal display of the skills included in Pennsylvania’s Academic Standards.

 

Educational Trip and College Visit requests will not be granted for students requesting to be absent on dates they are scheduled to be taking standardized tests.

 

Dates for specific tests will be posted at a later date.

 

RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Federal laws require the school district to release names, addresses, and telephone numbers of secondary school students  to military recruiters. However, students who are 18 years old or older, and the parent/guardian of any student who is less than 18, may opt out of such disclosure if they do not want their directory information to be released to a military recruiter. The opportunity to opt out of this requirement will be provided at the beginning of the year.

 

BUILDING SECURITY

The doors to the high school will be opened for students at 7:00AM. Students are not permitted in the building prior to 7:00AM. Students entering the building prior to 7:45AM must report to the cafeteria or Commons. Students will be excused from the cafeteria at 7:45 AM to go to their first period classes. Prior to 7:45 AM, a properly signed pass from a teacher or administrator is required to be outside of the cafetreria/commons area.

 

Following dismissal it is expected that students will vacate the building unless they have official school business that requires they remain in the building (work in the Library, meet with teachers, participate in extracurriculars, etc.).

 

Students may not prop open any door or entrance or allow any unauthorized person to enter the building. Violation of this rule may lead to disciplinary action. All visitors to the high school must enter the building through the main office (See Visitor Procedure on page 23).

 

PARENT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP

If students are transported to school by parents, they are to be dropped-off in the designated drop-off area. At no time are parents to drop-off or pick-up students in the bus zone.

 BUS CONDUCT

Proper student conduct on school buses is essential to the health and safety of all students. Persistent misbehavior on the part of any student may result in the revocation of the privilege to ride the school bus. Should a student lose the privilege, it becomes the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide transportation.

 

The driver of the bus has the authority to direct students with regard to bus behavior and to assign seats where appropriate. Behavior infractions will be reported to the appropriate administrator. In the event that behavior is such that it is, in the judgment of the driver, unsafe to proceed, the driver can stop the bus in a safe area and request assistance from the police and/or the appropriate school administrator. The following rules regarding bus behavior will apply: 

1. Students must be loaded and unloaded only at school loading stations and designated bus stops approved by the school board and assigned by the Transportation Office.
2. Students should proceed quickly and in an orderly fashion when boarding/disembarking the bus.
3. Students must maintain an acceptable level of noise and refrain from singing, shouting, or cheering so as not to distract the driver.
4. Students must remain seated while the bus is in motion.
5. Students must not extend arms or other body parts out the windows.
6. Students must not throw objects inside the bus or out the windows.
7. The aisle must be kept clear; books and other belongings should be held by the students, or properly stowed out of the way.
8. Students must be on time at bus stop locations at home and school. They should leave home in time to reach the bus stop FIVE to TEN minutes before scheduled pick-ups and avoid playing or loitering on the highway/roadway while waiting for the bus.
9. Students are not permitted to leave the bus except at their regularly assigned stops unless they have written permission from a school administrator.
10. After arriving at school either by school bus or by private transportation, students must remain on school property until dismissed.
11. Students may ride only their assigned bus. Requests for bus passes for visitors or to ride alternate busses will not be granted.
12. Students may not eat, drink or chew gum on the bus.
13. Animals may not be transported on the bus.
14. Skateboards may not be transported on the bus.

 

Pursuant to Board Policy 810.3, students are subject to audio and video recording on school buses and/or vehicles to monitor behavior for security and disciplinary reasons.  Recordings may be used as evidence in student discipline hearings and may  be turned over to law enforcement officials when appropriate.

 

STUDENT VEHICLES (MASD Board Policy #223)

Any student who plans to park on school property must first secure a parking permit—to show that his/her vehicle has been registered with the high school office. Registration applications are available in the office. The registration fee is $25 for the first vehicle and $5 for each additional vehicle. Checks should be made payable to MASD. Students must submit a new registration application each year.

 

All students who drive to school are requested to park on school property and expected to abide by the following regulations:

 

School officials and the local police regularly patrol the student parking lot. Automobiles on school district property are subject to searches. Search and seizure procedures may be assisted with the use of certified scent dogs under the authority of the Mechanicsburg and Upper Allen Police Departments. Objects, materials or substances recovered in a search of a student vehicle may be used as evidence against students in disciplinary, juvenile or criminal proceedings.

Any driver who parks in a designated “No Parking” zone may be fined and/or the vehicle may be towed at the driver’s expense.

Vehicular traffic (except for school buses and other authorized vehicles) is prohibited on the bus ramp.  Drivers must exit  the student parking lot via the Williams Grove Road exit or the Broad Street exit.

 

BICYCLES

If a student rides a bicycle to school, he/she is expected to lock the bike on the bicycle racks that are provided in the front of the building. Bicycles are not to be brought into the building.

Please remember that a bicyclist is considered to be a moving vehicle, not a pedestrian. Bicyclists are expected to ride with the traffic and obey all traffic rules

 

EMERGENCY DRILLS/SITUATIONS

Fire Alarm Bell: Upon the sounding of the fire alarm bell, all occupants should remain in place until instructions are provided via the public address system. If you are instructed to exit the building, then you should exit your classroom in a single file – in a quiet orderly fashion. Quickly proceed through the hallway to the exit designated for your classroom.  Do  not go to your locker! Doors and windows should be closed.

 

Bomb/Terroristic Threat: In the event of a bomb threat you will be directed via the public address system. You may be asked to leave your books, get your coats, leave your locker doors open, and file out of the building using the fire drill procedure. If the building is evacuated, classes will resume only after certified emergency personnel have deemed the  building safe. Instructional time lost as a result of a bomb threat may be made up.

In cooperation with the telephone company, the state and local police will investigate all bomb threats. Anyone found guilty of making such a threat will be prosecuted and subjected to school disciplinary measures as described in the Code of Conduct (pursuant to MASD Board Policy #218.2).

Code Blue: In the event of a medical emergency, an announcement will be made for a “Code Blue” in a given location. All students should remain in place until instructed otherwise.

 

Secure in Place: In the event of a secure in place, students should remain in their locations until instructed otherwise. Teachers will continue with instruction to the fullest extent possible. Students are not permitted to leave without administrative permission. Students will be kept away from doors and windows - students should not be out of their seats attempting to see what is going on in the hallways.

 

Lockdown: In the event of a lockdown, all students will be moved out of sight from the viewpoint of the hallway. Students are to remain quiet and still. Students will remain in a secured position until a school official or police informs them otherwise. If the fire alarm sounds, students are to stay put and not leave the room.

 

Severe Weather Emergencies: Weather emergencies will be announced via the public address system.

In the event of severe weather, students and staff will be instructed, via announcement, to report to areas of the building on the first floor that are relatively safe and free from glass. Students and staff may be instructed to get into a take cover position

• kneeling facing down and head covered with hands

 

WORK PERMITS

A student who is less than eighteen years old and gets a job must have a work permit.  A student can obtain an application for a work permit by bringing a copy of his/her birth certificate, driver’s permit/license, or passport to the high school office. This application consists of sections to be completed by:

• the office personnel
• the student’s parent or guardian

 

The application, when completed by all parties, must be returned to the high school office. Students who are 14 through 17 years of age will receive a Transferable Work Permit (wallet size), which you will carry with you. Students who are 18 years old or older do not need a work permit.

 

LUNCH

The price of a student lunch is $2.50. Applications for free or reduced lunches are available in the nurse’s office.  Students  are encouraged to deposit money into their cafeteria accounts.  This will speed the movement of students through the lines  and reduce the need to carry cash. Students may access only their own account; no student is permitted to use another student’s account to buy food. Students must present their student ID in all serving lines.  If a student does not have his/her  ID on a given day, he/she must wait until all other students with IDs are served.

After you are finished eating, you are expected to dispose of all trash and take your tray to the window at the front of the cafeteria. During the lunch period, you may move freely within the cafeteria. Students may not leave the cafeteria without permission except to use the cafeteria restrooms.  Students desiring to leave the cafeteria must have their agenda book signed by a cafeteria monitor. If the weather is favorable, students may use the adjacent (outside) courtyard. Food and drink are not permitted in the courtyard.

 

Students may purchase food only during their scheduled lunch period, and no food or drinks (except water) may be taken out of the cafeteria.

Students are not permitted to have any food or beverage item delivered to school during the regular school day other than items brought from home that would normally be considered a “bag” lunch. Pizza, hoagies, etc. from commercial establishments are specifically prohibited.

 

TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER BORROWED MATERIALS

 

You are responsible for returning all textbooks, library books, and other instructional materials that you borrow (you must return the same textbook that you are issued, as confirmed by the textbook number recorded on the book receipt). You  should note any damage that exists when you are assigned the book, and record this information on the book receipt. You  will be billed the full replacement cost for any books/materials that you do not return, or that have been damaged beyond repair.  If the book is damaged but still usable, the subject teacher shall determine the amount of the bill based on the extent  of the damage.

 

LOCKERS (HALL LOCKERS & PE LOCKERS)

 

Students will be responsible for the care and maintenance of their assigned lockers. Students are not permitted to use or maintain more than one locker during the school term and may not share lockers with other students. Having lockers is a privilege that can be revoked for misuse (this includes physical education lockers).

 

 

Students are specifically advised that they should have no expectation of privacy with respect to their use of school lockers which are subject to random, periodic, and/or sweeping inspections and searches (including the use of certified scent dogs), consistent with MASD Policy #226 – Searches. Objects, materials or substances recovered during a locker search may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary proceedings.

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY / LOST & FOUND

Students are discouraged from bringing items of value to school (personal value or monetary value). Lost & Found – clothing items turned in are placed in the clothing box in the cafeteria and valuable items turned in are kept in the high school office. Students who find they are missing an item should complete a missing item report in the high school office.  The school district is not responsible for personal property that is damaged, lost, or stolen.

 

CELL PHONES

Students are not permitted to possess cell phones on their persons from 7:55 until 2:55. Cell phones are to be turned-off and put away (in locker or book bag) during that time. If your cell phone is visible, turned-on or is being used during the school day or when otherwise contrary to the directives of school staff, it will be confiscated by school personnel and you will receive disciplinary consequences. Refusal to submit the phone to school personnel is an issue of insubordination and will result in additional consequences (not excluding suspension from school). Your phone will be returned ONLY to your parent or guardian after disciplinary consequences have been served.

Any student who needs to use a telephone during school hours should ask to use the phone in the main office. Students who use the phone must register on the phone log. Parents needing to contact their child must call the high school office. Students will not be called out of class to respond to a telephone call, and only in the case of an emergency will a message be delivered to a student.

***Teachers are permitted to grant leniency at their discretion for educational purposes in their classroom***

 

AUDIO-VISUAL / RECORDING & LISTENING DEVICES (MASD Board Policy #237)

Students are not permitted to use audio-visual or recording devices at any point during the school day or during school- sponsored activities. Audio-Visual / Recording Devices include: digital cameras, camcorders, audio recorders, cell phones, and other devices deemed inappropriate by the administration. Under no circumstances are students permitted to take pictures or make audio and/or video recordings of students or staff without their permission. Students are discouraged from bringing these items to school, and the school is not responsible for theft, loss or damage of such items.

 

***Teachers are permitted to grant leniency at their discretion for educational purposes in their classroom***

 

RUNNING ERRANDS

Students may not leave school (during regular school hours) to run errands for personal or school business.

 

FOOD & DRINK

Students are not permitted to carry or consume food/drink in the hallways and classrooms. Only clear, capped plastic bottles containing water will be permitted in individual classrooms at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Open drink containers are not permitted in the halls, library, auditorium, or gymnasium. Only the administration reserves the right to permit food in the classroom.

 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER

Any time you change your residence, you must notify the Registrar’s Office (691-3431). If you change home telephone number or the work telephone number(s) of your parents/guardians, they are expected to update their contact information on the Sapphire Community Web Portal and inform the MASH office. Instructions for this process may be found at www.mbgsd.org. If you plan to move out of this school district, you should see your counselor immediately.

 

ELEVATOR KEYS

Elevator keys are issued through the Nurse’s office and will be made available to students with a current doctor’s note specifying the present need to use the elevator. Students will be required to submit a deposit of $10 in order to receive a key. The deposit will be refunded when the key is returned.

 

PROJECT DREAMS

Every student is required to complete a career exploration project during his/her high school career. The graduation project focuses on career exploration and the development of responsible citizens to be contributing members of an ever-changing global society. Students will be enrolled in career development class both in their freshman and junior years in order to assist them with project completion. Assistance is also available in the Project DREAMS office. Seniors failing to complete a Graduation Project in accordance to the deadlines established by the Graduation Project Coordinator will be deemed to have failed the requirements for graduation and will not be eligible to receive a diploma until the requirements are satisfactorily met.

 

ADVISORY PERIOD

Every student will be assigned a faculty mentor that will serve as their advisor during their high school years. Advisory will be held approximately twice per month. The specific dates will be communicated via announcements. The bell schedule is a modified schedule with all periods shortened to accommodate the 30-minute advisory period. Advisors will help to mentor students through their high school tenure, offering information related to their graduation project as well as lessons aimed to supply students will tools to successfully enter the work force.

 

During Advisory Periods:

• Student Commons will be closed
• Passes to the Counseling & Career Center and the library will not be provided

 

DANCES

 

STUDY HALLS

Study halls will be maintained as relatively quiet places to read or study. During your study hall period:

1. You may study or read. You may not sleep
2. Prearranged passes must be presented to the study hall monitor if you need to see a teacher in another room
3. You may use the Student Commons, if you have earned that privilege
4. If eligible, you may go directly to the library. You must remain in the library until the end of the period. (Please review the Library procedures in this handbook)

 

LATE ARRIVAL & EARLY DISMISSAL PRIVILEGE FOR SENIORS

Seniors who have a period 1 study hall or a period 7 study hall may be granted the following privilege if they: (1) have a properly-signed parent permission form on file in the office; (2) maintain first or second honors from the previous marking period; (3) have not been suspended in school during the previous or current marking periods, (4) have not been suspended out of school at any point during the current, (5) have no outstanding obligations, and (6) have completed the Graduation Project.

 

Late Arrival – must arrive five minutes prior to the end of 1st period & sign-in with Mrs. Beck in the attendance office  (be mindful and plan accordingly as the schedule varies on days with an Advisory period).

Early Dismissal – must sign-out with their 7th period study hall teacher.

 

You need to submit a permission form only once. The deadline for submitting parent permission forms is September 5th.

The privileges will begin as soon as the paperwork is processed. Please be sure to check with Mrs. Collins in the main office before exercising the privilege.

There will be NO late arrival when period 1 is not the first period of the day There will be NO early dismissal when period 7 is not the final period of the day.

A list of eligible seniors will be published weekly. No changes will be made mid-week.

Any senior who is not in his/her assigned area or who does not leave for home or work within the designated time will lose the early dismissal privilege.

Student schedules will not be changed for the sole purpose of obtaining a period 1 or period 7 study hall.

 

STUDENT COMMONS

Students who qualify are permitted to sign out of a study hall and report directly to the Student Commons. In order to be eligible for Student Commons, a student must:

• Have a signed parent permission slip on file (for the current year). These forms are available in the high school office and will be distributed at the beginning of the year.
• Maintain first or second honors from the previous marking period.
• Eligibility for the fall session is determined by your final grades from last year.
• Have no AEA assignments the current or previous marking period.
• Have no OSS placements, OSS placement will cause this privilege to be forfeited for the remainder of the year.
• Be free of all financial obligations.
• Seniors must have completed their Graduation Project during the first marking period of their senior year to be eligible unless they are a senior year transfer student.
• Be a sophomore, junior, or senior.

 

While visiting the Commons, students must:

1. Stay in the Commons. (Students are not permitted to visit the office or the Counseling & Career Center).  Students in the Commons may use the restrooms near the cafeteria.
2. Follow all of the regular school rules. Students may not play cards, use cell phones, use listening devices, eat, or drink.
3. Wait until the bell rings to leave the Commons, except during Period Seven – when students are expected to report back to study hall by 2:55pm.

 

If the weather is favorable, students may use the adjacent courtyard (the courtyard is off-limits during lunch periods).

 

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips and school trips are a vital part of the learning experience. As such we encourage student participation in these events. Eligibility for participation, however, is at the discretion of the teacher and High School administration. Examples of criteria for eligibility include attendance, academic performance and discipline record. It is possible for students to be excluded from such trips based upon these criteria. Any student who does not participate in a curricular field trip will be given an alternative assignment.

While participating in a field trip, students are expected to abide by the same school rules that apply while they are attending classes in the building. Additional rules and guidelines that are specific to the trip will be outlined by the trip teacher/chaperone. Appropriate dress guidelines for the field trip will be determined by the trip teacher/chaperone.

 

ASSEMBLIES

Since the auditorium cannot accommodate all students and staff at the same time, two separate performances of each assembly presentation will be held. While Group A attends the first assembly performance, Group B will attend class. The two groups will then switch.

 

Assemblies may be educational or entertaining. At any assembly you should be considerate of the performers and of your fellow students. The following regulations apply to assemblies:

1. Go directly to the auditorium when instructed
2. Enter the auditorium as quickly and quietly as possible
3. Treat the performer with the same courtesy and respect you would hope for if you were on the stage. If you are disruptive, your assembly privilege will be revoked and disciplinary action may be taken
4. When you are dismissed, exit the auditorium in an orderly fashion and report directly to your next assignment

 

ILLNESS/INJURY/ACCIDENT

If you become ill (or need to visit the nurse for some other reason), you must get a pass from your teacher then report to the nurse’s office. Do not report to the nurse’s office between classes without a pass.

1. Sign the logbook on the desk when you Sign out when you leave. If the nurse’s office is locked, report to the senior high office.
2. The Health Suite may not be used as a sanctuary for students who desire to skip a class, postpone a test, or sleep. In the event of frequent individual Health Suite visits, the nurse may discuss possible reasons with the parent and make recommendations as may be necessary.
3. If an illness requires you to go home, you must have permission from the nurse. Your parents will be notified and will be responsible for your transportation.
4. If you have driven to school the day you become ill, you may not drive home without the nurse’s permission.
5. When you use the health facilities, please remove your shoes before lying on the cots and replace any equipment or magazines you use.

If you are injured, report the injury to your teacher immediately. Do not hesitate to report even a small injury, because the injury may be more serious than is immediately apparent.

 

If you see an accident, get help immediately from the nearest faculty member. Do not try to move an injured person.

 

SOLICITATIONS

Students are not permitted to sell merchandise for any non-school organization or to solicit monies for any charities from students or staff during school hours, except with the permission of the principal.

 

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS

The school is not an open and public forum for distribution of outside literature and notices. Students are not permitted to distribute outside literature at any time on school property unless they have the consent of the building principal. If consent  to distribute is given, the materials must contain the following statement: “This event, program, or group is not sponsored or endorsed by the Mechanicsburg Area School District.”

 

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

Student firefighters are NOT generally permitted to leave school in order to assist with an emergency. However, if a critical situation would arise – for which student assistance is truly needed – student firefighters may be excused at the request of the fire chief and with the permission of their parents.

 

VISITORS

Student visitors are discouraged. Unique cases will be considered by the administration. Please request permission from an administrator several days in advance if you feel you have a unique situation.

 

 

ANIMALS

With the exception of authorized service animals, animals are not permitted in the building. Students who wish to bring an animal into the building must have administrative approval. The request will only be granted if doing so serves a worthwhile educational purpose.

 

                                                    CURRICULUM                                                             

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for graduation students must earn at least 22 credits: four in English, three in social studies, three in science, three in math, two in arts and humanities, one and one-half in health and physical education, one-half in the Graduation Project, and the remaining five in electives. Proficiency on PA standardized testing is now a graduation requirement.

1. Plan your program of studies on a four-year basis, with your long-range goals in mind.
2. If you fail a course, you may need to make up credits. Your diploma will be issued only upon the completion of all graduation requirements.
3. Keep in touch with your school counselor in order to avoid errors in scheduling and to make the most of your years at MASH. 

CREDITS NECESSARY TO BE ON TRACK FOR GRADUATION

In order for a student to be on track for graduation, the following credit requirements must be met:

 

9th to 10th – a minimum of 4.0 credits earned

10th to 11th – a minimum of 9.75 credits earned

11th  to 12th – a minimum of 14.75 credits earned

 

These credits can include those earned in summer school. A student can earn 2.0 credits in summer school per year, with a maximum of 5.0 during high school. Through earning additional credits via summer school or taking additional courses in the regular schedule, a student could potentially regain status after having been retained.

 

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Only seniors who have completed the necessary credits for graduation may participate in the commencement ceremony. (Any student who has an incomplete grade in a course which is needed to fulfill his/her graduation requirements will not be permitted to participate.) Requests for exceptions for reasons such as severe health problems, family emergencies, and  endorsed  external school activities will be reviewed by the high school principal and senior class counselor, with assistance from the school nurse, class dean and/or classroom teachers. A diploma will be awarded only upon completion of incomplete work (in any course which is needed to fulfill that student’s  graduation  requirements), successful completion of an approved summer school program, and/or the satisfaction of any outstanding obligations (financial, detention, etc.). Seniors have until noon on the last day of school prior to the day of commencement to fulfill any outstanding obligations (academic, financial or otherwise).

 

RANKING

In order to provide an equitable class rank system, students are given two ranks:

1. A class rank, based on grade point average
2. A weighted class rank, based on the subject’s degree of challenge 

(Each major subject has been assigned a numerical value based on a scale of 1.0 to 1.3. A value of 1.3 has been given to advanced courses in each curriculum. The weighted value, in conjunction with the grade, will be used to compile a weighted class rank.) For the specific weight of each course, refer to your Course Registration booklet or see your counselor.

 

Ranking of all students begins in the ninth grade and continues through grade twelve, and is computed using all major

subjects. Official and complete rankings are compiled at the end of each academic quarter and are cumulative.

 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

1. Several course offerings are available for those students who meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines as “gifted.” Students may elect Enrichment Class as a minor subject meeting three times per cycle or students may elect the Independent Project A final option is the combination of the two minors for a Gifted major.

2. Students may enroll in Cooperative Education. An interview with their counselor, the school to career coordinator and recommendations of their teachers are also necessary. Co-op is available to juniors and seniors. 

3. Students in grades 9 through 11 may apply for admission to the Cumberland-Perry Area Vocational-Technical School. Vo-Tech students attend MASH in the morning, eat lunch here, and then are transported to the Vo-Tech for the afternoon. Please see your counselor for more information and an application. 

4. The Senior Career Internship is intended to give seniors who have specific career-related skills an opportunity to utilize those skills in a real world environment. The duration of this course may range from one or two periods for a semester to a school year. Students are interviewed and supervised by the school to career coordinator.

COURSE CHANGES

Students who wish to change their course selections for the following year must make the request in writing to their counselor by the last student day of the current school year. No course change requests will be accepted during the school year in which the course is taken.

 

REPEATING SUBJECTS

A subject for which a student has already earned credit may not be scheduled for additional credit. If a student fails a course, he/she is strongly encouraged to attend summer school and repeat the course. If this is not possible, the failed course may be repeated. All students are reminded to periodically review their graduation credits with their counselor.

 

SUMMER SCHOOL

If you are considering attending summer school, please discuss regulations and credit requirements with your counselor.

The following stipulations apply to summer school:

1. No student who has attained a grade of less than 50% may attend summer school and receive credit toward graduation without the approval of the principal.
2. The maximum number of credits that a student may earn in summer school toward graduation is five (5).
3. When available, students must select summer school courses offered at MASH for credit. Permission to take a course in summer school in another school district may only be granted by the principal if a similar course is not offered at MASH.
4. Students who opt to enroll in summer school do so at their own expense and must enroll in a summer school program approved by the principal.
5. Students may enroll in enrichment courses, however requests for credit for said courses will be determined by the principal.
6. Many special education accommodations cannot be provided in the summer school setting. Please consider this prior to enrolling.
7. Credit may not be earned in summer school for courses that were originally scheduled and then dropped.
8. Credit may not be earned in summer school for subjects that were not previously elected and failed without the approval of the principal.

MODIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS

If your physical condition prohibits you from participating in regular physical education activities, your physical education activities will be modified.

Students need to obtain the appropriate form from their physical education instructor and take the form to a physician. The form asks the physician for a description of the student’s medical condition and a statement of the physical activities that  your medical condition prohibits and those it allows. After submitting the properly completed form, the student will be assigned to an appropriately modified physical education activity.

 

SWIMSUIT POLICY

Students are expected to supply a swimsuit and a towel for the aquatic program. Swimsuits must meet the following guidelines:

1. Girls’ suits must be one-piece, cover the buttocks and breasts, with straps over both shoulders. Bikinis, two-piece suits, and suits with cutouts are not permitted.
2. Boys’ suits shall cover the buttocks. Baggy trunks must have an inner liner or be worn with an athletic supporter. Cut-offs and shorts other than bathing suits are not permitted
3. Swimsuits and towels must be clean.

 

If a student’s suit does not meet the guidelines, the student will be required to wear a suit supplied by the school. Students will not be permitted to store swimsuits and towels in Physical Education lockers.

 

PERFORMANCE-BASED COMPONENT OF FINAL EXAM (FAP)

Teachers may include a performance-based assessment instruments such as projects, speeches, portfolios, interviews, lab practicums, etc. as a portion of their final exam. The performance component shall count as 50% of the final exam grade.

 

SEMESTER EXAMS

Cumulative examinations will be given in every major subject at the end of each semester. The two semester exams administered during a year-long course count as 20% of the yearly average grade in that course. The one semester exam administered at the end of a semester-long course will count as 20% of the semester average grade in that course.

Specific details regarding the administration of semester exams will be announced prior to the exam days.

 

IN DANGER OF FAILING A SUBJECT OR AN INCOMPLETE GRADE

If a student is in danger of failing a subject, he/she should initially meet with his/her teacher who can make suggestions to correct the deficiency. Also the school counselor can refer the student to tutors for assistance.

 

HOMEWORK

Homework is any work planned or approved by the teacher to be completed by the student outside of the regular classroom without the immediate and direct supervision of the teacher.

 

The faculty and administration believe that homework is an essential part of your  total  education because it helps to:

 

 

Students should anticipate the need to complete coursework outside of class for all courses in which they are enrolled. Such work may include preparing for upcoming tests, advanced work on extended assignments (ex. projects, papers, etc.), and/or daily assignments. Please refer to the last page of the course selection booklet which provides homework guidelines for courses and their respective weights. Failure to complete out-of-class assignments will directly impact students’ overall success in the courses in which they are enrolled.

 

HOMEWORK DURING AN ILLNESS

A student who is absent for three consecutive days or less should make arrangements with a classmate to collect books and assignments. If the student will be absent for more than three days, he/she should call the counseling office to request assignments. It may take a day for teachers to be contacted and prepare materials for a family member or a friend to pick up. Also, please keep in mind that students who are absent for three or more consecutive days will need a doctor’s excuse upon return. All students are encouraged to contact their teachers via email or check teacher websites for missed work.

 

MAKE-UP WORK

Permission will be granted by the high school office to make-up work upon receipt of a written excuse that conforms to the excused absence guidelines (see Attendance Guidelines). All make-up work is to be completed within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the teacher. Credit will not be given for work completed outside of the timeframe as established by the teacher.

Any assignments/evaluations that are announced prior to the absence are expected to be completed immediately upon return (or according to the original schedule, as is often the case with extended projects).

 

If you anticipate being absent from class or school (due to a field trip, doctor’s appointment, educational trip, planned hospital admission, etc.), you are expected to consult with your teacher(s) prior to your departure in order to get assignments and/or submit assignments that are due. You are expected to maintain the pace of the class by meeting all announced deadlines for assignments, tests, quizzes, presentations, reports, etc.

Students missing class for a field trip are still required to submit assignments due that day and complete assessments immediately upon return.

 

SENIOR FINAL EXAM REVIEW DAY EXEMPTION

In order to qualify for the “senior final exam review day exemption privilege,” a student must:

 

The “senior final exam exemption privilege” applies only to the two review days (prior to the three final exam days) and entitles the student to:

 

 

Determination of the final exam grade:

Other responsibilities:

1. Students are required to attend all other assignments, except those specifically listed above.
2. Students who take advantage of the “senior final exam exemption privilege” are still responsible for fulfilling all other obligations/expectations (i.e. returning textbooks and other borrowed materials, cleaning out lockers, returning PE lock, ) prior to taking advantage of the privilege.

 

                                               GRADING SYSTEM                                                          

 

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued four times a year at nine-week intervals. All marking period report cards are uploaded to the Community Portal of Sapphire for parents and students to review. If you are unable to view your report card, please contact the Counseling Center for assistance. The marking system below will be used for report cards.

A - 93% to 100% - Excellent

B - 85% to 92% - Above Average

C – 76% to 84%   - Average

D - 70% to 75% - Below Average 

F - Below 70%    - Failing

 

CALCULATING FINAL GRADES

I     - Incomplete

M   - Medical Excuse

P/F   - Pass/Fail

N/G - No Grade

W - Withdrew

WP - Withdrew, passing

WF   - Withdrew, failing

 

In order to pass a course, you must have a minimum final average of 70% in numerically graded subjects or a majority of “H”s and/or “P”s in courses graded “H”, “P”, or “F”. (Final grades for semester courses are averaged at the end of each semester.) For courses in which semester exams are not administered, the final grade is simply an average of the percentage grades from each marking period. For courses in which semester exams are administered, the final grade is calculated by averaging the percentage grades from each marking period and the percentage grade(s) from the semester exam(s) – with  each marking period grade being counted twice and each semester exam grade being counted only once.  The final grade is  an average of five grades for a semester-long course and ten grades for a yearlong course.

 

The following example shows how the final grade is calculated for a yearlong course:

Grade for marking period 1 = 90% x 2 = 180

Grade for marking period 2 = 80% x 2 = 160

Grade for semester 1 exam  = 90% x 1 = 90

Grade for marking period 3 = 85% x 2 = 170

Grade for marking period 4 = 80% x 2 = 160

Grade for semester 2 exam  = 80% x 1 = 80

Total  = 840

Final Grade =840 / 10 grades x 100% = 84%

 

HONOR ROLL

An average of 93% to 100% in all major courses will qualify a student for the First Honor Roll. An average of 85% to 92.99% will qualify a student for the Second Honor Roll. Any grade lower than 76% or an incomplete grade will keep a student from being on the honor roll. If a subject is graded “H”, “P”, or “F”, a grade of “P” or above is required.  A course  that meets every day of the cycle is considered a major. Also included as major subjects are AP Statistics, AP Calculus II,  and AP Government and Politics. Although they meet only three times per six day cycle, they are major subjects and are included in the honor roll calculations.

 

                           COUNSELING & CAREER SERVICES                                                    

 

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

The school counselors at MASH are available to meet the academic, social/emotional and career exploration needs of all students in acquiring and applying the skills and knowledge needed to become life-long learners by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. Counselors are also available to meet the diversity of each student’s needs by developing and fostering relationships built on mutual respect and care in a safe, challenging, and supportive environment that encourages all students to take risks in the learning process that are developmentally appropriate. MASH counselors are advocates for all students to be valued as contributing members of our school community. The department web site (www.mbgsd.org) provides career, college, financial aid, and study skills information.

 

NAVIANCE

MASH utilizes the NAVIANCE online platform to assist students with academic and career development. According to the NAVIANCE home page, “NAVIANCE is a college and career readiness platform that helps connect academic achievement to post-secondary goals. Its comprehensive college and career planning solutions optimize student success, enhance school counselor productivity and track results for school and district administrators (www.naviance.com.” NAVIANCE is the vehicle by which all students explore, identify and apply to post-secondary educational institutions.

 

PASSES TO THE COUNSELING CENTER

Students are encouraged to visit their counselors before school to make an appointment for a time later in the day – during a study hall, lunch or other non-instructional time. Students are not expected to request to see a counselor during a class-- unless a true crisis exists.

If a student wants to visit his/her counselor during a study hall (and did not get a pass in advance), he/she must ask the study hall teacher. The teacher will email or call the counselor to see if he/she is available.  This will be done at the discretion of  the study hall teacher. If the student does not follow these guidelines, the study hall teacher may deny future requests and discipline may be assigned.

When a student visits the Counseling Center:

1. The student must check-in with the secretary.
2. The student must remain in the Counseling Center. He/she may not visit the Student Commons.
3. If the counselor is unexpectedly not available, the student should get a pass signed by the secretary (or another counselor) and return promptly to study  hall. If an emergency exists, the student should inform the secretary.
4. The student must return to study hall before the end of the period with a pass signed by the counselor or the secretary.

 

STUDENT CONFERENCES

The Counseling Center provides many services, such as vocational counseling and placement services. If a student has a concern in scheduling, grading, career choice, college planning, or a personal problem, he/she may get a pass to meet with his/her counselor during a study hall period. If the counselor is unavailable when needed, an appointment may be arranged through the secretary.

 

PARENT CONFERENCES

If parents have a concern they wish to discuss with the counselor, they should telephone the counseling office to make an appointment (691–4543).

 

HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

Homebound instruction is available for students who are physically incapacitated and unable to attend classes, as documented by a licensed physician. For details, contact the student’s counselor.

 

COLLEGE AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Colleges and other post-high school training institutions often send representatives to speak with interested students. College visits will be advertised on NAVIANCE. Students will register for these visits on their individual NAVIANCE accounts. Local jobs are publicized through the School to Career Coordinator and in the Student Commons.

 

COLLEGE PLANNING

In order to properly prepare for entrance into college, it is recommended that students:

• Maintain the best possible academic record in high school.
• Pursue a search for a career direction and level of education needed (a four-year college, two-year college, business school, trade school) using online resources.
• During junior year, begin selecting colleges or schools that fulfill the educational requirements for career goals.
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT. (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) in October of the sophomore and junior years. This will help predict the SAT score and provide an idea concerning which schools the students should consider.

 

It is recommended that you take the SAT Reasoning Test and the ACT in the spring of the junior year and in the fall of the senior year. Students should check which exam is required by the colleges they are interested in attending. Many colleges will take your highest score, so there is no penalty for taking the test several times. See your counselor for dates and further information.

 

Most colleges require application early in the senior year. Students should apply as soon as possible. Students should make sure they are aware of any special application procedures or requirements for each college. As part of this application process, students are to complete all the required information on their NAVIANCE accounts. This includes, but is not limited to, the Brag Sheet, Colleges I am Interested In, and Colleges I have Applied To. In addition to completing the Transcript Request Form found in the Counseling Center for each college application, students must also request their transcripts on NAVIANCE. Letters of Recommendation from teachers are also requested through NAVIANCE. If there are any questions, check with the counselor.

Financial aid may be in the form of a scholarship, grant, loan, or work opportunity. Colleges and other agencies give scholarships and grants. Students may qualify for a scholarship on the basis of high school record, and grants are sometimes awarded for financial need. Applications are available from the colleges. To apply for financial aid, families need to complete a FAFSA or other financial aid applications as required by the college.

 

PERMANENT RECORD

Students who wish to see their permanent records should ask the counselor. If there is a challenge to any information included as part of the permanent record, the counselor will advise as to the appropriate course of action, as outlined in the Privacy Act of 1974.

 

ARRIVAL

Once you come onto school property, you may not leave until the end of the school day, unless the nurse sends you home or you received permission from an administrator. (Even if you arrive at 7:15 a.m., for example, become ill and wish to go home prior to the official beginning of school, you must still receive permission to leave.)

 

TARDY TO SCHOOL

If you are not in first period by 7:55 a.m., you are “tardy.”  You are expected to submit a written excuse signed by your parent or guardian when you check-in. If no excuse is received by the following day or an administrator does not excuse the reason for tardiness, then the tardiness will be marked “unexcused” and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

Penalties for unexcused tardies to school

 

Occurrence	Penalty
First	Warning (if arriving by 8:15)
Second	Detention(s)

 

• Students who are repeatedly tardy will be subject to additional consequences.
• Credit will not be given for work missed as a result of an unexcused tardy to school.
• Anytime you are late getting to school, you are expected to report to the attendance office to check-in. You will be considered “tardy” if you check-in anytime between the beginning of school and the end of Period 2.

 

TRUANCY

A student who is absent from school without the permission of his/her parent or guardian is considered to be “truant.” The absence will be marked “unexcused (or unlawful in the case of students falling within compulsory education limits),” and credit for work missed will be denied. The student will be assigned to one Thursday Night School for each truant day.  Three detentions will be assigned for each half-day of truancy.

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

Any day that a student is unable to attend school, the student’s parent or guardian is expected to phone the attendance secretary (691-4542) before 9:00 a.m. to provide the reason for the absence. If the school does not receive a call when your child is absent, you will receive a phone call via Blackboard Connect indicating the absence on the given date.

Students are encouraged to use the standard excuse blanks that are provided by the school (available through the Attendance Secretary or on the school district’s website at www.mbgsd.org). If students do not use the standard form, the excuse must include:

 

According to Pennsylvania Law, the only excusable reasons for absences from school are: illness, quarantine of the home, death in the immediate family, or urgent and unavoidable family emergency. The following reasons for absence from school are excusable, but must be requested in advance and approved by an administrator: observance of religious holiday, religious instruction, college visits and educational trips, if the trip meets school district criteria.

Students arriving after the start of school and within the first two (2) hours of the school day will be marked as tardy to school. A half day absence is from two (2) hours to four and one-half hours (4½) hours. Students who are absent more than four and one-half hours (4½) hours will be reported as absent for the day.

 

A written excuse (signed by the parent or guardian with whom you reside) must be submitted within three school days of your absence. If an acceptable written excuse is not submitted within three school days, the absence will automatically be marked unexcused, and credit may be denied for work missed—even if that work has already been completed.

 

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Any absence from school that does not conform to the state law and school district policy will be marked unexcused – even if your parents approve of the absence. Note: absence due to driver’s test will be deemed unexcused, and credit may not be given for work missed.

Credit may be denied for all work missed during an unexcused absence.

Additionally, an unexcused absence of a student who is less than 17 years old is illegal, as dictated by Pennsylvania’s Mandatory Attendance Law. If you accumulate three or more illegal absences, your parents will be notified – and will possibly be issued an official attendance warning notice, which would advise them that any additional illegal absence(s) would result in the issuance of a citation.

 

DOCTOR’S EXCUSE REQUIREMENT

Any student who is absent from school for three or more consecutive days is required to submit a doctor’s excuse to confirm the illness. In addition, any student who develops a pattern of poor attendance – for any reason – may be required to submit a doctor’s excuse for all absences and tardies. Failure to submit the required doctor’s excuse will result in the absence/tardy being marked unexcused and credit for work missed may be denied.

 

AUTHORIZATION OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN REQUIRED

No student (regardless of age) will be permitted to sign his/her own excuses, notes, etc. – unless the student can provide proof of legal emancipation.

 

EARLY DISMISSAL REQUEST

You are encouraged to schedule appointments for non-school time. In cases where a medical or dental appointment must be scheduled during school hours, have your parent/guardian sign a note. Be certain that the note includes: the date and time of the appointment, the type of appointment, and the name of the dentist or doctor (if applicable). No early dismissal requests will be granted for driver’s exams or voting.

You should report to the attendance office before 7:45am to get your early dismissal pass. If the reason for your absence does not conform to state law and school district policy, the time out of school will be marked unexcused and disciplinary action will be taken. Additionally, you may not receive credit for work missed.

When possible, you should get your Early Dismissal Request the day before your scheduled appointment.

Before leaving school, you must notify the teachers of those classes that you will miss, that you will not be in class. You must get any assignments that you will miss and submit any assignments that are due.  You are responsible for all work that is done during those class periods and all work that is assigned for the next class session.

As you leave the building, you are expected to checkout with the attendance secretary. Your Early Dismissal Request does NOT need to be confirmed by your doctor’s office.

An Early Dismissal Request is valid for two class periods. Extended time periods will be considered as ½ day of excused absence provided an acceptable note is received from your parent or guardian.

 

ANTICIPATED ABSENCES

Permission to be absent from school for any reason other than illness or immediate family emergency must be requested in advance. Any such absence that is not pre-approved by the administration will be marked unexcused and credit for work missed may be denied (this includes credit for exams).

The maximum number of pre-approved days that a student may miss in one school year for the purpose of college visits and educational trips is ten (10).

We strongly recommend that educational trips do not occur within the first cycle of the school year, during mid-term exams and during the last two cycles of the school year. Please be advised that MASH administration reserves the right to deny requests for extended absence during these times. Educational trips will not be approved for students that are scheduled to take state assessments on the date(s) of the requested trip.

 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLASS WORK

Students who will miss any classes as a result of an anticipated absence, such as a field trip, a medical/dental appointment, an educational trip, a college visit, etc., are responsible for (1) submitting any assignments that are due prior to your leaving, (2)acquiring the information which was presented in class, (3) completing any assignments that were done in class or assigned for homework, and (4) being prepared to participate in the activities which are scheduled for the next day (including any quizzes, tests, presentations,etc.)

 

College visits. Any student who wishes to be excused from school in order to visit a college must have his/her parent/guardian complete a College Visit Request Form. The absence will only be excused for students who are  seriously considering enrolling at that institution or have been accepted and are attending the official orientation session. Confirmation by a college official is required.

 

Educational trips. Any student who wishes to be excused from school in order to participate in an educational trip must have his/her parents or guardian complete an Educational Trip Request. In order for the absence to be “excused”, the trip itinerary must contain significant educational opportunities that could not otherwise be experienced in the school setting or during a time when school is not in session. In other words, the educational benefits of the trip must outweigh the negative effects of a disrupted educational program. For trips with a limited number of educational experiences and/or trips that could be taken on non-school time, the absence will be classified as “unexcused.”

Students must be present during standardized test dates as identified on the district calendar. No trips will be approved during this time period for students who are required to take standardized tests.

Educational trips are highly discouraged during established semester exam days.

 

Job shadowing. Students are required to complete three job shadows.  Forms for approval for absence of this nature  must be submitted according to the specifications on the form. The total number of shadows that will be excused will be one per school year. If a student wishes to participate in “Take Your Son/Daughter to Work Day,” they must do so under the auspices of a job shadow. The forms are available in the office and at www.projectdreams.org.

 

STUDENT ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SAIP)

A Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP) may be initiated when a student has accumulated three (3) or more days without a lawful excuse within one academic year, a student has accumulated fifteen (15) or more absences (excused and/or unexcused) within one academic year, or a student has demonstrated a pattern of habitual truancy (6 or more unlawful absences) or excessive absences (20 or more absences) in the previous academic year.

 

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DAYS ABSENT

If regular attendance becomes an issue, the administration may schedule an attendance review hearing. If a student is absent from school 25 times or more (12 for a semester course) the potential outcome of said hearing could be retention and/or denial of credit.

Mechanicsburg Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Access to educational programs shall be provided without discrimination on the basis of a student’s race, sex, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation or national origin as required by academic standards and assessment of the State Board of Education.

 

For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact the office of the Superintendent. For information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by handicapped persons and for information regarding confidentiality of and the types of education records, contact the Director of Student Services. Both can be reached at 100 E. Elmwood Avenue, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055, 717-691-4500.

 

This Code is printed in English, the predominant language of the majority of the students of the Mechanicsburg Area School District. If English is not your predominant language and you need assistance in translating this document, please contact the Chief Academic Officer at 691-4500. Upon request, the document will be translated to your predominant language.

 

The Mechanicsburg Area School District Code of Student Conduct was developed to inform you of the crucial nature of a positive learning environment that includes clearly defined expectations for student attendance and behavior. The Board of School Directors has approved numerous policies to address areas relating to pupils within the Board’s policy manual. The Code of Student Conduct includes reference to each of these applicable Board approved policies. Copies of these policies are available in the district office, school offices, school libraries and the district web site at http://www.mbgsd.org. These policies contain within them, the legal citations from which they were developed. When student behaviors are inappropriate and impact negatively on a positive learning environment, the disciplinary options that are identified in the Code of Student Conduct will be utilized by the School’s Administrators.

 

This publication meets the federal requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Section 4114 (7)(e) by establishing a code of student conduct that clearly states the responsibilities of students, teachers, and administrators in maintaining a classroom environment that –

• allows a teacher to communicate effectively with all students in the class;
• allows all students in the class to learn;
• has consequences that are fair and developmentally appropriate;
• considers the student and the circumstances of the situation; and
• is enforced accordingly.

 

This Code of Student Conduct also:

• Meets the legal requirements of Section 12.3(c) of the Pennsylvania Code, which requires that the District adopt these provisions and distribute copies to both students and parents/guardians.
• Meets the requirements of Act 26 of 1995 as it relates to possession of weapons and the Safe Schools Initiative.
• Establishes a rational standard of behavior that is expected of all students in achieving the objective of providing a safe environment for the pursuit of knowledge.
• Helps prepare students for life in a democratic society where adopted laws govern and maintain a measure of protection and security for all citizens within the framework of freedom.
• Supports our Mission Statement.

 

This Code of Student Conduct was designed to help to provide a safe school environment that is conducive to learning. The Code outlines the cooperative effort among students, parents and school personnel and defines the essential role of each participant in the process. Please review this Code of Student Conduct to ensure your understanding in this vital approach toward guiding our young people and providing a safe school environment. Thank you for your continuing interest in the educational process.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mark K. Leidy, Ed.D.

Superintendent

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES (from 22 PA Code 12.2)

Student responsibilities include regular attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Most of all, students share with the administration and faculty a responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living. No student has the right to interfere with the education of his or her fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators, and all students who are involved in the educational process. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner. It is the responsibility of the students to conform to the following:

 

1. Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves in accordance with them. Students should assume that until a rule is waived, altered, or repealed in writing, it is in effect.
2. Volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.
3. Dress and groom to meet fair standards of safety and health, and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes.
4. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled therein.
5. Comply with Commonwealth and local laws and regulations.
6. Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment.
7. Attend school daily and arrive on time to all classes and other school functions.
8. Make up work when absent from school.
9. Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by Commonwealth and Mechanicsburg Area School District authorities.
10. Report accurately and do not use indecent or obscene language in student newspapers or publications.
11. Not use obscene language in student media or on school premises.

 

GENERAL RULES

The general rules stated below are not intended to address all behaviors that may result in disciplinary action; however, they are exemplary of the kind of conduct that is subject to punishment under the MASD Board Policy #218. These rules apply to students while at school, while attending school-sponsored activities, while traveling to and from school or traveling to and from school-sponsored activities, regardless of whether students are traveling via school district furnished transportation and while otherwise under the supervision and control of the school.

 

1. Students shall refrain from: (a) using profane or obscene language; (b) openly defying school authorities; (c) endangering the health, safety, or welfare of other students, school district employees, or visitors.
2. Students shall refrain from any conduct that will interfere with the rights of other students to learn or to participate in other curricular, co-curricular, or extracurricular activities.
3. Students may not possess any contraband material that could threaten the health, safety, or welfare of any member of the school community (examples: weapons, controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, etc.).
4. Students shall refrain from illegal conduct.
5. Students shall refrain from circulating gossip with malicious intent.
6. Secret societies shall not be organized.
7. Hazing or equivalent initiation rites shall not be permitted (see MASD Board Policy 247).
8. Students shall refrain from damaging, defacing, or stealing school or personal property (MASD Board Policy #224).
9. Personal music devices may not be used during school hours.
10. Playing cards and electronic and board games are not permitted during regular school hours – unless it is being done as a teacher-directed instructional activity.
11. Parties are not permitted during regular school hours.
12. Students shall refrain from exhibiting inappropriate public displays of affection.
13. Skateboarding on school property is prohibited – at all times.
14. Hackey-sac is not to be played in the school building.
15. Students shall not loiter on any neighborhood private property or sidewalks before or after school. Students shall not leave school property while awaiting the arrival of their buses; nor shall they leave school property once they have arrived unless permission to do so is granted by a school official.
16. Gambling by students is prohibited.
17. Students may not possess, use, or duplicate school keys.

 

DRESS CODE (MASD Board Policy #221)

The Board of School Directors in any school entity may impose limitations on dress and may require students to wear standard dress or uniforms. Dress policies may be applicable throughout the school entity or may be applicable to one or  more school buildings within the school entity (Section 1317.3 of the School Code).

 

Aspects of personal appearance require one’s attire to be neat and not create a health or safety hazard or disrupt the educational process. Students have the responsibility to keep themselves, their hair, and their clothing clean. For the safety and welfare of students, teachers in specific areas – i.e. labs and physical education classes – may require particular modes of dress. Also, teachers or administrators may require or exclude a more specific type of dress for special events such as field trips, concerts, etc.

It is the sincere hope of the school community that a student’s dress will always be within reasonable limits of decency, morality, and propriety, and will reflect pride in the individual student, his/her family, and the Mechanicsburg Area School District. Part of the District’s educational process is to prepare students for eventual employment and to teach  that expectations in attire differ between school/work and recreation. Students who require exemptions to the dress code due to religious or medical reasons should see a building administrator.

 

Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken with students not complying with the dress code; students will not be permitted to attend class until acceptable adjustments are made to their appearance. Although students with dress code violations will be initially asked to make adjustments and may be assigned detention or other outcomes – flagrant or repeated violations of the dress code will result in the assignment of more serious discipline.

The rules outlined below are provided to help students comply with appropriate dress during the school hours. The limitations have been described in order to result in uniform enforcement and to minimize subjective determinations.

 

1. Sleeves will be required on all shirts, dresses, and blouses (sleeves must cover the shoulder). Low-cut tops, front and/or back, are not permitted.
2. Girls may wear skirts and dresses. Dresses that do not meet the above “shirt criteria” may be worn with a shirt underneath or a sweater or coordinating dress jacket to cover the shoulders. Tights and spandex may be worn in conjunction with skirts, shorts, and dresses, but they may not take the place of pants.
3. Transparent, revealing or immodest clothing that attracts undue attention (e.g. very short skirts and shorts, pants with holes above the knees or shorts with holes, sheer blouses, etc.) may not be worn.
4. Midriffs and underwear must be covered. Sagging pants are unacceptable; belt loops on pants must be waist high.
5. Small headbands (roughly 1” in width) and barrettes may be worn for the purpose of restraining hair. Hats, sunglasses, bandanas, or head coverings of any type are not permitted (hats will be permitted on administratively sanctioned “Hat Days”).
6. Shoes must be worn at all times.
7. Clothing that presents a safety hazard, interferes with the educational process, or has the potential to cause a disruption will not be allowed.
8. Coats, gloves, hats, sunglasses and outerwear jackets must be kept in student lockers throughout the day. Exceptions to this rule may be made by the administration.
9. Clothing with slogans/pictures displaying or suggesting the use of tobacco, weapons, alcohol, drugs, obscene language, sexual innuendos, lewd or illegal behavior or which is derogatory to any person/group for reasons of race, religion, disability, age, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation in violation of civil rights laws prohibiting harassment or discrimination is not permitted.
10. Clothing with ornamentation that will scratch or mark furniture or presents possible danger of injury to the wearer or others (chains, spiked wrist bands, studded bracelets or belts, etc.) may not be worn.

 

FLAG SALUTE

 

It is a daily practice that we pledge our allegiance to our country’s flag. Recent court rulings have dictated, however, that the flag salute cannot be mandated. A student who chooses not to participate in the pledge ceremony may remain seated quietly or may stand and face forward. Students that choose to turn around, talk, put their head down, or otherwise be disruptive/disrespectful are subject to disciplinary consequences.

 

STUDENT EXPRESSION (MASD Board Policy #220)

The Board respects the rights of students to express themselves in word or symbol and to distribute materials as a part of that expression, but it also recognizes that the exercise of that right must be limited by the district's responsibility to maintain an orderly school environment and to protect the rights of all members of the school community.

The Board reserves the right to designate and prohibit manifestations of student expression which are not protected by the right of free expression because they violate the rights of others. Such expressions are those which:

1. Libel any specific person or persons.
2. Seek to establish the supremacy of a particular religious denomination, sect or point of view.
3. Advocate the use or advertise the availability of any substance or material which is illegal or may reasonably be believed to constitute a direct and substantial danger to the health of students.
4. Are lewd, vulgar or obscene or contain material deemed to be harmful to impressionable students who may receive them.
5. Incite violence, advocate use of force, or urge violation of law or school regulations.
6. Solicit funds for non-school organizations or institutions when such solicitations have not been approved by the Board.
7. Causes substantial disruption or a well-placed fear of substantive disruption to the school environment.

 

BULLYING/CYBER-BULLYING POLICY (MASD Board Policy #249)

The MASD is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for district students. As such, it recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, bullying by district students is prohibited. Each student shall be  responsible to respect the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free from bullying.

 

Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

1. Substantial interference with a student’s education
2. Creation of a threatening environment
3. Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school

• Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyber-bullying and extortion.
• School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school.
• Students who have been bullied are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to the building administration.

 

A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct, which may include counseling with the school, parental conference, reprimand, loss of school privileges, transfer to another educational setting, classroom or school bus, exclusion from school-sponsored activities, detention, suspension, expulsion, counseling/therapy outside of school, referral to law enforcement officials.

 

HARASSMENT POLICY (MASD Board Policy #248)

It is the policy of the Mechanicsburg Area School District and a provision of the law that all students and employees should enjoy a learning/work environment free from all forms of harassment. No student or employee should be subject to oral, written, graphic, or physical conduct that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the district’s educational programs or activities.

If a student believes that he/she is being harassed, the student should immediately report the situation to an administrator.  The administrator will investigate alleged harassment claims and take corrective action. Disciplinary action will be taken against offending student(s), especially if the behavior is repeated and/or continuous after the offending student is informed of the objectionable and/or inappropriate nature of the behavior.

Given the nature of the type of discrimination, the district also recognizes that false accusations of harassment can have serious effects on innocent young men and women. Therefore, false accusations will result in the same severe disciplinary action applicable to one found guilty of harassment.

 

Harassment of Faculty / Staff

A student commits a violation of this policy when, with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm a member of the school district faculty or staff, whether or not during school hours, when:

 

• A student threatens to strike, shove, kick, or otherwise subject a member of the faculty or staff to physical contact; or
• A student engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy a member of the faculty or staff and which serve no legitimate purpose.

A student who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from school. Additionally, the district will support criminal prosecution of any student violating this policy who may be charged with the crime of harassment under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code.

 

Student-to-Student Harassment

It is against the policies of this district for any student, male or female, to:

1. Make unwelcome sexual advances or request sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature; or create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment by such conduct.
2. Make implied or overt threats of violence toward another student.
3. Damage property belonging to another student.
4. Act aggressively toward another student.
5. In either written, oral, or electronic communication make demeaning jokes, taunts, slurs, nicknames, innuendoes, or other negative or derogatory remarks to any person or group or persons for reasons of race, religion, disability, age, gender, or ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
6. Create graffiti or other visual displays such as cartoons or posters depicting slurs or derogatory sentiments.
7. Use “fighting words” intended to incite individuals to violent action.
8. Conduct or participate in hazing activities.
9. Commit a criminal offense directed at an individual.

 

TARDINESS TO CLASS

Students who are not in their assigned area when the bell rings are considered to be tardy to class. Being tardy is viewed as  an interruption and/or delay of the instructional process and will result in the following disciplinary action:

• First Offense (or a very infrequent offense) – verbal reprimand by teacher
• Second Offense – teacher-assigned detemtion
• Third & Habitual Offenses – a conference with the student, teacher, and administrator to determine an appropriate course of action which could include administrative detention, a parental conference, suspension, or other disciplinary action.

 

SMOKING & USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS (MASD Board Policy #222)

Act 145 of the 1996 session of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania specifically prohibits the use and/or possession of tobacco by students in school building, on school buses, and on school property owned by, leased by, and under the control of the Mechanicsburg Area School District. This includes outdoor school activities and events. To protect the health of the future citizens and to provide role models for the youth of the district, the Mechanicsburg Area School District has enacted by resolution a smoke-free environment in all enclosed areas of the district, and has prohibited smoking by all persons on school property. Portions of this Act and policy are enforceable under civil penalty with a fine not to exceed fifty ($50.00) dollars plus court costs. The consequences for violation of Policy #222 and this Act are outlined under Level III Violations in Appendices of this document.

 

ELECTRONIC VAPING DEVICES

The use and/or possession of electronic vaporing devices (e-cigs, vaping devices, etc.) is prohibited in school buildings, on school buses, and on school property owned by, leased by, and under the control of the Mechanicsburg Area School District. This includes outdoor school activities and events.

 

OPEN FLAME

The production of an open flame (igniting a match or lighter, etc.) produces a safety hazard and is therefore prohibited in a school building, on a school bus, or on property owned by, leased by, or under the control of the school district, and at school-sponsored events and activities. It is also a violation of the borough ordinance known as the Basic Fire Prevention Code (BOCA), Section F-310.

Items that are capable of producing an open flame, such as matches and lighters, are prohibited on school property, on school-provided transportation, and during school-sponsored activities. Violation of this policy will result in school disciplinary action and referral to the local district justice—for the issuance of a fine and court costs up to $300.

 

SEARCHES (Pursuant to MASD Board Policy No.226)

Students or their belongings, including lockers, automobiles, electronic devices, purses, backpacks, clothing and other possessions, may be searched without a warrant when in school, on school grounds or when otherwise under school supervision if there is a reasonable suspicion that the place or thing to be searched contains prohibited contraband, material that would pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the school population, or evidence that there has been a violation of the law, Board policy, or school rules. The scope and extent of searches must be reasonable in relation to the nature of the suspected evidence, contraband or dangerous material and to the grounds for suspecting that it may be found in the place or thing being searched and the age and gender of the student being searched.

 

OFF-SITE OR AFTER-HOURS CONDUCT (pursuant to MASD Board Policy #218)

In some circumstances, off-site or after-hours conduct may subject students to school discipline. School discipline may be imposed when the conduct causes substantial disruption or a well-placed fear or prediction of substantial disruption to school work or to the school community, uses school property or equipment, involves school activities or interactions in the planning, organizing, or advertising of the conduct, or causes the student or other students to violate other school rules, such as illegal absence, being in school or at school activities in possession or under the influence of illegal substances.

 

All facilities (including parking lots) used for school events are covered by school policy. The following are examples, but are not limited to: Memorial Stadium and in the parking lots as well as other facilities/parking areas for such events as the prom, graduation, etc.

 

WEAPONS (MASD Board Policy #218.1)

Students are not permitted to have weapons or other hazardous instruments or materials in their possession in school, on school property, at a school-sponsored event, or on school transportation. Violations of the Weapons Act, explained below, are a serious matter and carry a mandatory consideration of expulsion from school for a period of a full year.

Act 26 of 1995 of the Pennsylvania Legislature provided additional requirements for reporting and required the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the School District and the police departments of jurisdiction. This Memorandum was developed and is available upon request:

• As used in this statement, the term “weapon” shall be identical to the provisions of Section 1317.2 of the Public School Code which reads: “The term ‘weapon’ shall include, but not be limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, and any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury” (this includes paintball guns, air guns and similar devices). This includes replicas and look- alike

 

DRUG USE / ABUSE (MASD Board Policy #227)

The school board finds that the possession, use, sale, distribution, or delivery of controlled substances, "look-alike" drugs, and alcoholic beverages at school, in student lockers, in student vehicles parked on school property, or while engaged in activities subject to the control by the school district is a matter of great concern and potentially injurious to the health, safety, and welfare of students. Students are prohibited from possessing, using, selling, transmitting, manufacturing, or showing evidence of recent consumption of any controlled substance, "look-alike" drug, or alcoholic beverage. Students are also prohibited from having drug-related paraphernalia in their possession.

 

For the purpose of this section, the following definitions will apply:

Controlled Substance - A controlled substance is any substance the possession, use, or delivery of which is regulated by the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 35 P.S. 780-101, et. seq. 4.

"Look-alike" Drug – A "look-alike" drug is a non-controlled substance that has a stimulant or depressant effect on  human beings and/or substantially resembles a controlled substance in appearance. The term “look-alike” means any substance not listed in above-referenced federal or state statute, is not a prescription drug, but which has a stimulant, depressant or mind altering effect on humans, other than a prescription drug, which substantially resembles a controlled substance, or is or has been represented to be a controlled substance, stimulant, depressant or mind altering drug.

 

Alcoholic Beverage – An alcoholic beverage is any intoxicating liquor, wine, or brewed or malt beverage regulated under the Liquor Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

Mood-Altering Substance – Any substance inappropriately used by a student that is intended to alter mood or is a health- endangering compound. Any volatile solvents or inhalants, such as but not limited to glue and aerosol products.

Substances that when ingested cause a physiological effect similar to the effect of a controlled substance as defined by state or federal law, such as but not limited to herbal incense or other products containing synthetic cannabinoids.

 

Anabolic Steroids – Prohibited controlled substances except for a valid medical purpose as prescribed by a PA licensed physician.

 

Transfer – to deliver, sell, pass, give, or share from one person to another or to aid therein.

Drug paraphernalia – all equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance.

 

 

First offense violation of use and/or possession of any of the above substances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will result in an out-of-school suspension of up to 10 days. Additionally, Level IV violations involving substance abuse at  the secondary level require the student to participate in and successfully complete the Student Assistance Program assessment and any recommended counseling and/or interventions.

Evaluation of the offense by the administration will determine if referral to the School Board is appropriate on the first offense.

Transfer of a controlled substance and/or the second and subsequent offenses of drug involvement will result in a  referral to the Board of School Directors with consideration for expulsion.

 

Mechanicsburg Area School District considers the possession, use and/or transmission of any of the above substances on school property or during school-sponsored activities a serious offense. All violations will be referred to the appropriate police departments for their disposition.

 

None of the provisions of this policy shall be construed to prohibit or regulate student's use, possession, or transportation of medication prescribed for the student by a licensed physician. Students using over the counter and prescription medications are required to follow the MASD Medication Policy #210.

Procedure - When a student is suspected of being in possession of or under the influence of a drug/mood altering substance/alcohol, that suspicion should be reported to an administrator. The administrator may then: (a) interview the student, (b) search the student, his/her possessions, and his/her locker, consistent with the Student Searches policy, (c) ask the Nurse to perform a basic medical evaluation. Subsequent action will be dictated by the applicable situation.

 

USE OF COMPUTERS

Students are required to acknowledge that they receive, read, understand and agree to abide by the Acceptable Use of Communications and Information Systems (CIS) Policy #815, and will comply with it and related administrative regulations. This policy is available for review in its entirety on the MASD website. Students are also required to acknowledge that if they violate this Policy, other School District policies, regulations, rules, or procedures they are subject to the School District’s discipline, and could be subject to Internet Service Providers rules, as well as local, state and federal rules and procedures.

 

CHEATING

Cheating is an attempt to gain an unfair academic advantage through dishonest or deceitful means. Examples of cheating include:

 

• Receiving unfair assistance from the following: personal notes, another person, a computer program, or another unauthorized source on an assessment that was meant to be done alone.
• Possession of any unauthorized source of assistance during an assessment (including electronic devices, notes, etc.).
• Copying another student’s work, and submitting it as your own (plagiarism).
• Enabling another student to cheat by giving them your work to copy.
• Conspiring to cheat.
• Supplying information to another student when students are expected to work independently.
• Copying information without properly citing the source (plagiarism).
• Submitting an original paper or project more than once for different classes or assignments.
• Altering grades or records.
• Having prior unauthorized access to an assessment.

 

The classroom teacher will deal with incidents of cheating consistent with this code of student conduct. Teacher and/or administrative consequences may be issued, and credit for the assignment may be denied. If the act of cheating involves a violation of another school rule (such as theft), then the teacher will refer the student to an administrator for appropriate disciplinary action.

 

Plagiarism is a form of cheating. If a student is suspected of plagiarism, his/her teacher may convene a committee of teachers to review the case. The committee would determine whether the work was plagiarized and the appropriate action to be taken. The committee may consist of, but not be limited to, the classroom teacher, the chairperson of the department, and another teacher.

MASH teachers may use an Internet-based plagiarism detection service. This service compares your paper to databases of other papers and to information on the Internet to determine whether you have inappropriately extracted material. The plagiarism detection service can tell if you have downloaded complete papers or parts of papers from the web and if you have failed to properly cite Internet sources that you use in your paper.

 

Plagiarism is the uncredited use, both intentional and unintentional, of somebody else's words or ideas. Section 7324 of the Crimes Code of Pennsylvania makes it a misdemeanor of the third degree to offer for distribution any dissertation, thesis, term paper, essay, report or other written assignment, or to sell or offer for distribution any assistance in the preparation of such assignments for submission to an educational institution to meet the requirements for a degree, diploma, certificate, or course of study. Assignment means a written, recorded, pictorial, artistic, or other academic task. Prepare means to create, write, or in any way produce in whole or substantial part of any such assignment.

Furthermore, according to Writing Research Papers (8th ed.), author James D. Lester defines plagiarism as “purposely using another person’s writing as your own” (138). He further describes plagiarism as “the flagrant, dishonest use of sources without [accurate] documentation…” (140). Because academic integrity is important to the faculty and students of MASH and because plagiarism is a serious and legal issue facing students, the teachers at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School want each student writer to conform to these rules of conduct when presenting another author’s ideas:

1. Acknowledge borrowed material by introducing the quotation or paraphrase with the name of the authority. This practice serves to indicate where the borrowed materials begin.
2. Enclose within quotation marks all quoted materials.
3. Make certain that paraphrased material has been rewritten into your own style and language. A simple rearrangement of sentence patterns is unacceptable.
4. Provide specific, accurate, in-text documentation for each borrowed item. For example, MLA style requires author’s name and page for all in-text references.
5. Provide an accurate bibliographic entry on the Works Cited page for every source cited in the paper.
6. Omit sources consulted but not cited in the text.

 

Students may routinely be required to provide reference materials to verify sources or a computer service may be used to verify the accurate use and citation of source material. Further, a check of sources may also be based on a random selection of students.

 

Students that plagiarize on an assignment (in part or in whole) will receive a zero for the assignment. Please note that it is possible to plagiarize without meaning to do so; therefore, it is essential that students understand what it is.

 

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENT MISCONDUCT

In order to protect the right of all students to receive the best education possible in a safe and orderly learning environment, certain types of behavior are prohibited. Student misconduct is classified in four (4) levels—based upon place of occurrence, frequency of occurrence, and disruptive effect upon the safety and orderliness of the learning environment.

 

Level 1 Violations are those that are considered to be minor discipline infractions and are routinely handled by the classroom teacher.

Each classroom teacher is expected to establish appropriate classroom rules and procedures to allow for the orderly operation of the classroom, as well as appropriate disciplinary consequences for students who do not follow those rules and procedures. Intervention strategies implemented by the teacher may include but are not limited to:

• Conference with student
• Conference with parent or guardian
• Conference with school counselor
• Teacher-assigned detention
• Student behavior contract
• Modified instructional programming
• Change in seating assignment
• Specially designed assignments
• Denial of class privileges
• Confiscation of inappropriate items/materials
• Reduction of grade (for cheating or plagiarism)
• Removal of student from the class for the remainder of the period

 

Level 2 Violations are of a less serious nature than those outlined in Level 3. Level 2 includes persistent violations within the Level 1 category as well as violations that are defined as violations of the attendance policies of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Mechanicsburg Area School District. Level 2 violations are handled by an administrator.

The charts below provide examples of inappropriate student behaviors and offer a guideline for administrators to use in deciding on the most appropriate disciplinary action. The charts do not list all possible cases for which a student might receive disciplinary action, nor is the administrator obligated to apply the specific action listed. The administrator may assign disciplinary action other than (or in addition to) that listed in the chart if the administrator feels that the situation warrants it.

 

Examples of LEVEL II VIOLATIONS

(The seriousness or frequency of the violation may require initiation of discipline at a higher level)

 

Examples of Violations	Procedure	Disciplinary Options
·    Illegal absence, full or partial day – (Student is 16 years of age or younger).   ·    Unexcused absence, full or partial day – (student is 17 years of age or older and absence not recognized by state law, or authorized by the district).	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Appropriate aspects of state law shall be enforced. ·   No credit will be given for work missed.
Truancy, full or partial day – any absence for a student of any age that is either illegal or unexcused and occurs without the consent of the parent or guardian.	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Appropriate aspects of state law shall be enforced. ·   No credit is given for work missed. ·   Detention ·   Thursday Night Detention ·   Alternative Education Assignment
Unexcused or illegal tardiness to school.	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Appropriate aspects of state law shall be enforced. ·   No credit given for work missed. ·   Parent contact ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Detention ·   Thursday Night Detention ·   Alternative Education Assignment
·    Classroom disruption ·    Improper hall behavior ·    Misuse of pass/late to class ·    Public display of affection ·    Consumption of food or beverage outside the cafeteria ·    Failure to report to or remain in an assigned area ·    Misrepresentation of the truth ·    Loitering in lavatories ·    Possession of lighters or other incendiary devices ·    Minor insubordination/defiance ·    Dress code violation ·    Possession of an unauthorized device ·    Inappropriate language ·    Cafeteria misbehavior ·    Leaving the building without permission ·    Skateboarding on school property ·    Unauthorized solicitation	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Parent contact ·   Verbal warning ·   School Counselor referral ·   Behavior contract ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Detention ·   Change or alter clothing to comply with dress code
·    Minor misbehavior on the bus.	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Parental contact ·   Assigned seat ·   Detention ·   Removal from bus
·    Parking in an unauthorized area ·    Unregistered vehicle	School police write the fine notice.	·   Fine ·   Revocation of parking privileges

 

 

 

Level 3 Violations are those that are serious in nature and may result in discipline that includes an alternative education assignment, suspension, and/or expulsion from school. Police may be notified, depending on the seriousness of the violation.

Examples of LEVEL III VIOLATIONS

(Seriousness or frequency of the violation may require initiation of discipline at a higher level)

 

Examples of Violations	Procedure	Disciplinary Options
·    Persistent Level II violations ·    Using profane or obscene language/gestures ·    Violation of the District Medication Policy ·    Possession/use of electronic vaping devices ·    Being in an unauthorized area of the building ·    Leaving school grounds without permission ·    Chronic disruption to the learning environment ·    Harassment: including verbal, physical, racial, ethnic, or sexual harassment ·    Hazing Threatening another student ·    Aiding or abetting in the delinquency of a student ·    Extortion ·    Insubordination, defiance, verbal disrespect (including obscene language and/or gestures) toward any school employee. ·    Disorderly, vicious, illegal or immoral conduct. ·    Reckless operation of a vehicle on school property ·    Theft ·    Gambling ·    Violation of suspension stipulation(s) ·    Fighting ·    Unlawful trespass ·    Failure to serve assigned detentions/Thursday Night DT	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Parent contact ·   Alternative Education Assignment ·   Suspension ·   Restitution for all damage or loss if appropriate. ·   Police notification ·   Revocation of privileges
Behavior on the bus that poses a threat to the health and safety of others by causing a distraction or undermining the authority of the driver.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   AEA ·   Suspension ·   Removal from the bus for a period of time ·   Police notification
Violation of computer, internet access, filtering policy.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Suspension of computer/internet privileges. ·   Alternative Education Assignment ·   Suspension ·   Police notification ·   Revocation of privileges
Possession or use of tobacco products.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   School Counselor referral. ·   Citation to the District Magistrate for a civil offense carrying a penalty of up to $50 plus costs ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Alternative Education Assignment ·   Suspension ·   STAR referral
Violation of the District Medication Policy	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Parent contact ·   School Counselor/IST/ CST referral ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Alternative Education Assignment ·   Suspension ·   STAR referral

 

Level 4 Violations are defined as follows:

• Any acts whose consequences seriously endanger the health or safety of the individual or others in the school.
• Acts that result in violence to another person or his/her property or the property of the school district. Such acts are usually malicious in their motivation and pose a direct threat to the safety of others in the school.
• Possession or use of substances banned by school policy.
• Persistent disregard of school rules.

 

Examples of LEVEL IV VIOLATIONS

 

 

Examples of Violations	Procedure	Disciplinary Options
Persistent violations of Level III	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Referral to the School Board for a hearing.	·   Parent contact ·   School Counselor referral ·   Revocation of privileges ·   STAR referral ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion
Use, possession, or being under the influence of a non-prescribed controlled substance, alcohol, mood- altering substance, or “look-alike drugs”.   Use or possession of drug paraphernalia.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s). Evaluation of offense will determine if referral to the School Board is appropriate on the first offense. Second and subsequent offense – referral for hearing before the School Board.	·   Parent contact ·   STAR referral ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion ·   Police notification ·   School Counselor referral
Sale or distribution of a controlled substance, mood-altering substance, “look-alike drugs,” alcohol, or dangerous drugs or drug related paraphernalia as defined in the “Dangerous Drugs, Device and Cosmetic Act.”	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Referral for hearing before the School Board.	·   Parent contact ·   STAR referral ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion ·   Police notification ·   School Counselor referral
Physical assault directed toward a district employee.   Participation in or responsibility for causing willful defacing, damage, destruction, or vandalism of school property or of personal property of district employees.   Terrorist or bomb threat	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Evaluation by the Superintendent with possible hearing before the School Board.	·   Parent contact ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion ·   Police notification.
Possession, use or distribution of a weapon or fireworks.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Evaluation by the Superintendent with possible hearing before the School Board.	·   Parent contact ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion ·   Police notification
Violation of any federal, state, or local law while on school property or at any school event.	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Evaluation by Superintendent with possible Hearing before the School Board.	·   Parent contact ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion ·   Restitution for all damage or loss if appropriate. ·   Police notification.

 

 

CHRONIC MISBEHAVIOR

A Discipline Review Hearing may be held for any student who exhibits chronic misbehavior. The Discipline Review Committee will consist of the student and his/her parents, the student’s counselor, an assistant principal, and the principal. The committee will convene to discuss the student’s pattern of inappropriate behavior, then to either develop a plan for improvement, to refer the student to an alternate educational program, or to refer the student to the Board of School Directors for an expulsion hearing.

 

REMOVAL FROM CLASS

A student who repeatedly and persistently disrupts a class to the extent that the education of other students is adversely affected may be removed from that class by an administrator for the remainder of the year. The student will not receive academic credit for the course. This disciplinary action will be taken only after other forms of disciplinary action have proven to be ineffective in correcting the student’s inappropriate behavior.

 

TEACHER-ASSIGNED DETENTION

Any teacher may assign a student to detention (monitored by that teacher) – before or after school – as a form of disciplinary action for the student’s inappropriate behavior or failure to follow classroom procedures. The teacher will give the student at least one day’s notice so that the student may make any necessary arrangements for his/her transportation. Teacher detention is recommended to be no longer than 30 minutes. The teacher will provide constant supervision of any students  he/she detains. Any student who serves teacher detention after school is responsible for his/her transportation home.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE DETENTION

An administrator may assign a student to administrative detention as a form of disciplinary action for the student’s inappropriate behavior. The administrator will give the student advance notice so that the student may make any necessary transportation arrangements.

 

• Administrative detention is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 7:10am until 7:50am in Room 27 AND Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 3:05pm until 3:45pm in Room 102.
• No other options for serving assigned detention time are possible. Serving detention during school is also not an option.
• The only excusable reasons for missing detention are: (1) pre-arranged medical/dental appointments; (2) illness; (3) family emergency. The reason for missing detention must be confirmed with a written note from your parent or guardian.
• A student who does not serve administrative detention as assigned may be assigned additional detentions or be assigned to Thursday Night Detention.
• A student who is scheduled to serve both teacher detention and administrative detention at the same time should ask the teacher to re-schedule his/her detention, so the student may attend the administrative detention on the assigned date.
• Students who are assigned more than one detention must serve those detentions on consecutive days.
• Detention will be operated as a quiet study hall with the following rules in effect:
• Students may not talk.
• Students must remain seated.
• Students may not sleep.
• Student may not possess food, drink, cards, games, or portable music devices.
• Students may not use this time to make-up quizzes/tests.

 

Any student who refuses to abide by the rules governing detention will be required to leave without receiving any credit for any time served that day. Additional disciplinary action may be taken.

 

Students who serve detention are responsible for their own transportation to/from school.

 

THURSDAY NIGHT DETENTION

 

Thursday Night Detention is an administrative disciplinary option that requires a student to attend school on Thursday from 3:05pm until 6:05 p.m. Students serving Thursday Night Detention are expected to do homework or other school-related work.

Each student attending Thursday Night Detention is expected to:

 

 

Failure to follow these expectations will result in immediate dismissal from the session, forfeiture of any time served, suspension from classes, enforcement of any other applicable school disciplinary procedures, notification of parent or guardian, and notification of appropriate legal authorities (if appropriate).

Any request to postpone a Thursday Night Detention assignment must be made to the administrator handling the case by the student’s parent or guardian prior to the beginning of the session. No Thursday Night Detention assignment will be postponed more than one time.

 

Absence from Thursday Night Detention as a result of an illness or an emergency will be excused only if an acceptable written excuse (signed by your parent or guardian) is provided to school officials the next school day.

Any student who does not attend (and successfully complete) his/her assigned Thursday Night Detention session will be given an Alternative Education Assignment (AEA) and the session will be rescheduled for the following Thursday.

 

REVOCATION OF PRIVILEGES

The administration reserves the right to revoke privileges for any student that violates school rules, staff directives, or this code of conduct. These privileges include but are not limited to attendance at curricular and extracurricular events.

 

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION ASSIGNMENT (AEA)

Philosophy – Alternative Education Assignment is an administrative disciplinary option, which temporarily removes the student from his/her regular classes. The student is assigned to a highly structured, restrictive educational setting for a period of one to ten days. Credit is given for classroom work completed during this assignment.

 

Responsibilities – During a period of alternative education assignment, the student:

 

1. Must report to Room 104 no later than 7:55am – with all necessary books and materials. Students will remain in the AEA room the entire day. (This includes Vo-Tech and Work Experience students.)
2. Is expected to complete all classroom assignments which have been forwarded to the supervisor by the regular classroom teachers. Assignments from the classroom teachers are to correspond to the work that is currently being missed in class during the alternative education assignment. Alternative education assignments are not the appropriate time to be doing work that is past due.
3. May not talk, move around the room, or leave the room – unless permission is given.
4. May purchase a bag lunch that will be provided by the cafeteria.
5. May not participate in, or attend, any extracurricular and/or co-curricular activities during the term of the alternative education assignment (if a weekend occurs during the assigned dates, the exclusion extends to any events on the weekend as well).
6. Privileges that were restricted as a result of the alternative education assignment are reinstated the afternoon of the last day of the alternative education assignment.
7. Students assigned to an alternative education assignment may be required to complete additional work that is specific to the behavior that led to the alternative education assignment.
8. Failure to abide by AEA rules may result in an out-of-school suspension.

 

SUSPENSION (out of school) – pursuant to MASD Board Policy #233 and 22 Pa. Code 12.6

Philosophy. Suspension is a severe administrative disciplinary action that is taken only when: (1) milder forms  of disciplinary action have been ineffective in correcting the student’s behavior, or (2) the offense is severe enough to warrant this action.

Responsibilities.  During a period of suspension:

 

1. The student may not enter upon school property – at any hour of the day or night, except with prior approval of a school administrator. The student may not enter the building in order to get assignments, books, etc. Assignments must be picked up by the parent or guardian at the Counseling & Career Center.
2. The student must stay at home during regular school hours. The student may not come to school, go to work, or do community service through a school program.
3. The student may not attend or participate in any school-sponsored activity – either curricular or extra-curricular. Exclusions from curricular or extracurricular activities may extend beyond the last day of the OSS as determined by the student’s administrator.
4. The student is expected to complete all assignments to the best of his/her ability. Completed assignments are to be submitted to teachers upon the student’s return to school. Zeroes will be given for any work that is not done.
5. Suspension restrictions are reinstated the morning following the last day of the suspension.

 

CDO STUDENTS & VO-TECH STUDENTS

A CDO student who is excluded from classes (AEA or Suspension) will have his/her early dismissal privilege revoked for the term of the exclusion.

Suspensions (ISS or OSS) from Vo-Tech carry over to MASH. As such, the above terms and conditions apply.

 

STUDENTS’ RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS

Education is a statutory right, and students shall be afforded due process consistent with Board Policy and state regulations if they are to be excluded from school.

 

1. When a report is received that a student may have violated the Code of Student Conduct, the student will be informed of the allegations and offered an opportunity to respond.
2. During the course of an investigation, information may be gathered via student interviews and other means. Statements and evidence gathered by school officials during the course of an investigation may be provided to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
3. If a student refuses to speak to school officials without their parents or guardians present and requests the presence of his/her parent/guardian, an attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian is unavailable or unable to meet with the investigating official within a reasonable amount of time, the administration will proceed with the investigation.  If the student refuses to speak to the administration, with or without the presence of parents/guardians, this behavior shall be considered uncooperative in nature.
4. If the determination is made that a student has violated this Code, the principal or in his/her absence, the assistant principal, will notify the student, parents and/or guardians of the violation and afford the student the opportunity to respond if he/she so chooses. Also at that time, the administrator shall notify the student, parents, and/or guardians of the type of discipline that will be administered, consistent with this Code.
5. In the case that a student and the student’s parent/guardian disagree that a violation of the Code of Student Conduct has occurred, the student and parent/guardian may appeal the punishment to the Superintendent. The right to appeal to the Superintendent is limited to factual disagreements about whether a violation occurred; there is no right to appeal the level or nature of the disciplinary action imposed. The Superintendent shall review the matter as he/she sees fit, with or without meeting with the student and parent/guardian, and notify the student and parent/guardian of his/her decision. There is no right to a formal hearing before the board of school directors. Review by the Superintendent shall be the final and exclusive form of appeal.

 

EXPULSION – pursuant to MASD Board Policy #233

The Board of School Directors may, upon the recommendation of the principal and the superintendent, expel a student; thereby, prohibiting the student from attending MASH for a prescribed period of time.

In cases of expulsion, the student and his/her parent or guardian shall have the right to a formal hearing before a committee of the Board of School Directors. At the formal hearing, the student shall be entitled to the due process requirements outlined in Board Policy #233 and 22 Pa. Code 12.8.

 

A student’s complete school record (grades K through 12) may be considered during an expulsion hearing –  including, his/her records from a different school district.

 

DISCIPLINE RECORDS

School administrators maintain a record of all infractions of school rules for which administrative disciplinary action have been taken. This discipline record does not show teacher actions, such as teacher-assigned detention.

State law (PA Act 20 of 1995) requires that your discipline record be forwarded to your new school if you transfer. This record will list all infractions of school rules for which administrative disciplinary action was taken during your years at MASH (not just the current year).

 

CONTACT WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES (MASD BOARD POLICY #805.1)

The Board of School Directors has established a policy with regard to contact with law enforcement agencies involving discipline as a result of activities occurring on school property or at a school event. Some, but not all examples of law enforcement contact are as follows: Police assistance will be requested when a trespasser fails to respond to a request to leave the premises, when any person is creating a disturbance and fails to respond to requests to cease and desist, or when any action threatens the health, safety, or welfare of any person. The police will also be contacted when any person other than police officers are in possession of a weapon. Police will also be contacted for identification of substances and assistance in the investigation of all violations of the Dangerous Drugs, Device, and Cosmetics Act (Purdon’s Pennsylvania Statutes, 35 sections 780-101 through 780-144) or drugs which fall under the "look alike" category. Police may also be contacted for cases of verbal or physical assault or violation of local, state, or federal law depending on the seriousness of the incident. Victims of violations of local, state, and federal law may choose to file charges under these statutes independent of school disciplinary actions. The school is often asked why they do not file charges in a student disciplinary incident. While the school has broad discretion in student discipline matters, the school does not have jurisdiction to file charges in some incidents. The police and/or the District Attorney make that decision after a report by the school. District contact with law enforcement agencies shall be consistent with the District’s Safe School memorandum of Understanding with local law enforcement.

 

                                             SPECIAL SERVICES                                                           

 

SECTION 504/CHAPTER 15 STUDENT NOTIFICATION

In compliance with the state and federal law, the Mechanicsburg Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student, without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.

 

These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.

 

For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected handicapped students, contact the Director of Special Education Services

 

HEALTH SUITE

The Health Suite provides facilities for all health services rendered by the school nurse. Books and pamphlets about health and health careers are available here. For further information refer to the Mechanicsburg Area School District website under “Student Services” –“Health Services.” If you are in need of forms for physical exams, medication use in school, and/or care plans for asthma, seizures, or allergies, then go to “Parents” on the district website.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Students are not to wear strong fragrances that can be distracting or create ill effects for others in proximity due to allergies or other health conditions.

 

MEDICAL PERSONNEL

The school doctor directs the school medical program as specified by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The school nurse is responsible for all health services. In addition to routine nursing care, she administers hearing screenings for eleventh graders, and annual height, weight, and vision measurements for all students. Students may request hearing screenings, vision screenings, growth measurements, and blood pressure screenings if they feel they need them.

 

11th GRADE PHYSICAL

The Pennsylvania Department of Heath requires a physical examination in Grade 11. These exams will be accepted any time after July 1st leading up Grade 10 to allow parents the ability to acquire the mandated physical at the same time they are obtaining physicals for driving permits and work. It is recommended that the exam be made by your personal physician as this provides for continuity in your child’s care and keeps your child up to date with his/her immunization program. If this procedure is not possible, the school doctor can be scheduled to provide the necessary service.  If the mandated physical is not completed, the student will be excluded from school until a physical is done. Sports physicals done at MASH are NOT permitted to be used for 11th grade physicals.

 

CELL PHONES in the HEALTH ROOM

Students will be required to surrender their cell phones when requesting to rest in the Health Room. Cell phones will be returned when the student is returning to class. Cell phone use may be permitted by the nurse in order to expedite reaching a parent or guardian.

Students should NOT text or call parent/guardian to go home without first seeing the school nurse. Parents/Guardians, please refer your child to the nurse if you receive a text or phone call and wait for a phone call from the nurse before coming to take your child home.

 

MEDICATION POLICY

Any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, will only be administered by order of a licensed prescriber (doctor or medical care provider). An adult should bring the medication to the school nurse. If this is not possible, the parent must notify the school nurse and send the medication in the original package in a sealed envelope accompanied by a note from the parent or guardian giving permission for the medication to be taken in school. The note must have the following information: Student name, name of medication, dosage of medication, time medication is to be taken, name of physician prescribing medication, date medication is to be given, and the number of pills sent.

 

All medication, prescription or over-the-counter, that is brought to school must be taken to the nurse’s office immediately upon arrival to school. If the nurse is not available, the medication is to be taken to the main office. Medication may not be kept in the student’s locker, purse, or on the student’s person. Inhalers and Epinephrine auto-injectors may be carried with permission of the nurse, parent and a licensed prescriber’s order (see MASD Board Policy 210.1).  Students may obtain a  note from the nurse allowing them to use cough drops during the school day.

 

All students are responsible for reporting to the nurse at their designated times to take their medication.

 

Non-prescription or prescription nutritional or herbal supplements, including homeopathic preparations, will not be given in the school or on any school sponsored activity. There are not exceptions to this rule.

 

Any student who possesses, uses, or distributes any medication is in violation of this policy and is subject to disciplinary action. A violation of the Medication Policy will result in a minimum of a one-day assignment to AEA (alternative education assignment).

 

PURCHASING A YEARBOOK

Students will be provided with an opt-out form on the first day of school. If students do not wish to receive information about the yearbook at their house, they must return the form by the specified date. All student names and addresses will be provided to Smart Pay and Balfour publishing after the specified opt-out date. Any student who does not submit an opt-out form will receive communications about ordering a 2018 Artisan Yearbook directly from Balfour Publishing and Smart Pay. Payments may be made by check, money order or credit card via the website www.smart-pay.com or by phone at 1-800-853-1337. Spring supplements are also available to students and cover sports and other activities that occur after the yearbook deadline in March such as, but not limited to, spring sports, prom, and graduation. Underclassmen who order spring supplements will receive them in September. Seniors who order spring supplements and/or senior DVDs can pick them up in the High School office during regular business hours beginning in August.

 

It is not yearbook policy to order extra books for sale in May, but occasionally some extra books are sent along with the full order and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis on yearbook distribution day.

 

THE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

Mechanicsburg High School’s newspaper, The Torch, is written by the students for the students and can be read online. Additionally, at the end of the year. Interested students can apply to be staff members at the beginning of each year. Room 232 is the headquarters for the school newspaper.  Keep informed! Don’t miss out on your student voice!

 

BEHIND THE WHEEL DRIVING INSTRUCTION

Behind the Wheel driving instruction is now being provided through Mechanicsburg Area Parks & Recreation. You may contact them for more information by phone at (717) 691-4572 or e-mail at [email protected] .

 

LIBRARY

The library is a resource center, providing students with a quiet, relaxing place to research, study, or read. The resources available to the students include books, online databases, and periodicals, most of which are available from home, using passwords that can be obtained from the library staff. The online card catalog can also be accessed from home.  ACCESS PA is a program that enables students to borrow books from libraries throughout Pennsylvania.

 

Library Procedures:

The library is open from 7:15am until 3:30pm every day that school is in session.

Students may use the library during their study halls. Students must either have a research pass (issued by the teacher for whom they are doing research) or a library pass (issued by the library before 7:50 am). Students who are on the first or second honor roll are welcome to come directly to the library (prior to the beginning of study hall) without a pass. Students using a research pass will return to their study hall when they have finished the work outlined on that pass. Students using a library pass are welcome to read, work on homework, or use the computers for school work.

Students may not come to the library from commons, as they are expected to remain in commons until the end of the period. The library is available to all students during the lunch periods.

 

STUDENTS MUST

 

Passwords and log-in information:

Your user name for the network (to get on to the school’s computers) is also your user name for the Destiny online card catalog and for the Noodletools program.

Your user name with the addition of @masdstudent.org (for example [email protected]) is your email address to access

Google Drive, your school Gmail account, Turnitin, and to log onto a Chromebook. Your password is the same for all programs.

 

SCHOOL INSURANCE

The Student Accident Insurance Program is a voluntary program and offers you two different types of insurance coverage:

Regular school-time coverage – in effect during regular school hours and during all school-sponsored activities from the date of payment until the end of the current school year.

Around the clock coverage – in effect anytime, anywhere – continuously, from the date of payment until the opening of the next school year. The Board of Education makes this service available on a voluntary basis, although it is strongly recommended that those students who plan to participate in any intramural sport purchase the coverage. The Board of Education purchases insurance for students who participate in interscholastic sports, but the coverage ends at the end of each athletic season.  Additional information – including the price of the coverage and the limits of the policy

– is posted on the school district website at the beginning of the school year.

 

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (STAR)

The student assistance program is a statewide initiative designed to help students who show signs of experiencing serious school-related problems. Through a referral process, students are identified, interviewed, and, if appropriate, referred to an outside agency. Student assistance is an intervention process, not a treatment program.

 

Since all young people must attend school, school personnel have a unique opportunity to identify and help those students whose lives are being adversely affected. Confidentiality between the student and school personnel will be respected and maintained in the best interest of the student.

The members of the MASH STAR team are:

Cristeen Beck

Tim Bianchi

Brent Brockman

Kristi Brown Adrianna

Brumbaugh

Robin Clarke

Jeff Costello

Joel Covert

Cathie Culver

Gina Daniel

David Harris

Megan Heisler

Gail Hiestand

Mark McManus

Lucas Mellinger

Kathy Pratt

Leilani Reeder

Brenda Schmidt

David Shoemaker

Robert Strickler

Pam Weidman

Jocelyn Valentine

Andrew Vriens

Delsie Zdanowicz

 

Any concerned individual may refer a student by contacting the student’s school counselor or any member of the Student Assistance Team. Upon receiving a referral, the team gathers information from staff members who have contact with the student. A team member then volunteers to contact a parent. If the parent agrees, then the team member and the student meet to discuss the reason(s) for the referral.

 

If recommended by the team, formal assessments are offered to the student by trained specialists from county drug and alcohol and / or mental health agencies. These individuals work closely with the team and make recommendations based on the information gathered from all sources. These recommendations may include school-based services, counseling, or a referral for treatment.

 

Any student who violates the school drug and alcohol policy is required to participate in, and successfully complete, the student assistance program.

 

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH PROGRAM

At the end of each month, each academic department will honor one student who has:

• Demonstrated outstanding effort, achievement, or attitude
• Shown a dramatic improvement in effort, achievement, or attitude
• Performed some particularly commendable service for the school or fellow classmates

 

Recipients will be recognized via:

• A letter of congratulations sent to parent or guardian and to the student
• A visual display in the student commons

 

ACADEMIC LETTERS

Students who earn the following weighted GPA point totals will be awarded an academic letter:

 

Grade 9 - 111

Grade 10 - 112

Grade 11 - 113

Grade 12 - 114

 

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS

To reward those students who excel in academics, a special plate will be awarded for a weighted GPA point total of 450 at the end of the senior year.  Cumulative weighted points from grades 9-12 will be added. There will be no rounding of points.

 

MEDALS

Medals will be awarded to students in the senior class who have earned the right to wear the gold stole. The stoles are worn at graduation by those students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 93% and/or are in the top 10% of the class according to their weighted GPA.

 

Extracurricular Activities (MASD Board Policy #122) 

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

All students participating in interscholastic athletics and all other extra-curricular activities must meet the curriculum requirements as established by the PIAA.

The following is a summary of the PIAA requirements and is subject to change in accordance with the PIAA Constitution and By-Laws. In order to be eligible for interscholastic athletics and all extra-curricular activities, a student must meet the minimum academic requirements as stated:

 

• The student must be passing at least four major subjects (courses that meet every day). Eligibility shall be based on cumulative grades for the current grading period. Grades are monitored on a weekly basis. If a student is not passing at least four major subjects, the student will become academically ineligible for one week (Sunday-Saturday). At the end of one week, if the student is still not meeting the minimum standards, he/she will continue to be academically ineligible. When a school is closed on a Friday for any reason, the principal may, at his election, determine whether the student as of that day meets the standards as stated.
• A student must have passed a least four full credit subjects during the previous school year. At the end of the school year, the student’s final credits, rather than the credits of the last grading period, shall be used to determine his/her eligibility for the first grading period of the next school year. A student whose work does not meet the academic eligibility standards, who attends summer school and corrects his/her deficiencies shall be eligible. In cases where a student’s work in the preceding school year does not meet the standards, the student shall be ineligible to participate in any extra-curricular activities from the start of practices through the first fifteen school days of the next school year beginning on the first day of school.
• A student must have passed at least four full credit subjects during the previous grading period. In cases where a student’s work in any preceding grading period does not meet the standards, the student shall be ineligible to participate in any extra-curricular activities for at least fifteen school days of the next grading period beginning on the first day report cards are issued.
• Academic ineligibility means that the student is unable to dress or participate in any event, competition, or performance that is considered an extra-curricular activity. Ineligible students will not be dismissed from school to participate and/or travel with their respective team/organization. The decision as to whether the student may participate in practice sessions will be at the discretion of the coach/advisor of the extra-curricular activity.

 

Extracurricular Behavior Guidelines

The Extracurricular Behavior Guidelines further regulate participant behavior and outline universal penalties to be applied to participants in the extracurricular program who are involved in the use, possession and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, anabolic steroids, or look-alike drugs.

 

Exclusion from school shall include a prohibition for participation in or attendance at any school-sponsored activity during the period of the exclusion. The coach or director of the extracurricular activity may, with approval of the principal, also impose special training rules and reasonable dress requirements that are required for participation in the activity. These rules will be communicated to students and parents/guardians at the beginning of each season.

 

Parents/guardians and students need to be aware that participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege.

 

The rules outlined in the Extracurricular Behavior Guidelines apply to participants in extracurricular activities on a twenty-four hour basis on and off school property during the period of participation. Student and parent/guardian verification of understanding is required and must be on file with the District before participation is allowed (page 15 of this document).

 

MASD Drug, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Steroid Policies are to be followed by all students participating in MASD sponsored organizations.

 

The Board of School Directors, Administration, Faculty, and Staff of the MASD consider participation in school-sponsored organizations to be a privilege. Students participating in school-sponsored organizations are expected to accept the responsibilities granted them by this privilege. As school district representatives who are scrutinized by their peers and the community, students participating in school sponsored organizations are expected to accept a drug, alcohol, tobacco, and steroid-free lifestyle. Possession of Tobacco Products, Use of Tobacco Products, Possession, Use, Transfer, Sale or Aiding  in the Procurement of Drugs, Mood-Altering Substances, Alcohol, Anabolic Steroids (except for a valid medical purpose), and Controlled Substances as defined in the MASD Code of Conduct are prohibited by any student.  Students who violate this policy shall be subject to: (a) the disciplinary action listed below (b) the specific guidelines established by the individual organizations (c) the disciplinary action outlined in the MASD Drug and Alcohol Policy (d) mandated referral (except for tobacco incidents) to the Student Assistance Program with successful completion of the assessment and any recommended counseling and/or interventions, and (e) possible referral to law enforcement.

 

First Offense: The student may be removed for a period of time (up to 45 consecutive school days) from participation as a member in any MASD sponsored organization. Organizations include but are not limited to athletic teams, honor societies, student council, key club, debate team, concerts, band, music performances, musical, play, ski club, etc. The suspension may be carried into the next school year if the term of the suspension does not conclude within the current school year.

 

Second Offense: The student may be removed for a period of time (not to exceed one calendar year from the issuance of disciplinary consequences) from participation as a member in any MASD sponsored organization.

 

While the administrative staff, coaching staff, advisors and faculty cannot observe students seven days a week/twenty-four hours a day, students are expected to abide by all school regulations. Parents/guardians are obligated and expected to support and enforce these regulations. Any violation brought to the attention of the administration shall be investigated.

 

Students have the right to due process. During the due process proceedings, if the allegations are found to be factual, the associated penalty shall be imposed.

 

1. When we receive a report that a student may have violated the Extracurricular Behavior Guidelines, the student will be informed of the allegations, offered an opportunity to respond, and be immediately suspended from participation in the team/activity pending the completion of the investigation. Suspension from the team/activity means the student is still a member of the team/activity, but the student(s) will not be allowed to compete/perform with the team/activity until the investigation has been completed and consequences imposed or no further action is taken.

2. During the course of an investigation, information may be gathered via student interviews and other means. Statements and evidence gathered by school officials during the course of an investigation may be provided to appropriate law enforcement authorities. 

3. If a student refuses to speak to school officials without their parents/guardians present and requests the presence of his/her parent/guardian, an attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian is unavailable or unable to meet with the investigating official within a reasonable amount of time, the administration will proceed with the investigation. If the student refuses to speak to the administration, with or without the presence of parents/guardians, this behavior shall be considered uncooperative in nature. 

4. If the determination is made that a student has violated these guidelines, the principal or in his/her absence, the assistant principal, will notify the student, parents/guardians of the violation and afford the student the opportunity to respond if he/she so chooses. Also at that time, the administrator shall notify the student, parents/guardians of the type of discipline that will be administered, consistent with these guidelines. 

5. In the case that a student and the student’s parent/guardian disagree that a violation of the Extracurricular Behavior Guidelines has occurred, the student and parent/guardian may appeal the punishment to the Superintendent. The right to appeal to the Superintendent is limited to factual disagreements about whether a violation occurred; there is no right to appeal the level or nature of the disciplinary action imposed. The Superintendent shall review the matter as he/she sees fit, with or without meeting with the student and parent/guardian, and notify the student and parent/guardian of his/her decision. There is no right to a formal hearing before the board of school directors. Review by the Superintendent shall be the final and exclusive form of appeal. 

School Attendance and Participation in Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are a valuable component of the school’s educational program and provide opportunities for students to grow and excel beyond the classroom. Although these experiences are valuable, it is essential that the student recognizes the importance of regular daily attendance and academic achievement. With this in mind, the school district has instituted the following daily attendance regulations for all students participating in extracurricular activities. Students participating in any school-sponsored activity (practice, game, competition, concert, production, etc.) occurring on a school day must be in school. Students who arrive tardy to school or are absent from school are subject to consequences limiting their participation in an extracurricular activity.

Tardy to School – If a student arrives to school after the tardy bell and within the first two (2) hours of the school day the following actions will result:

• First Offense: The student will receive a written warning from the coach/advisor with a copy also forwarded to the athletic director or principal’s office that will be mailed to the parents and/or guardians.
• Second Offense and Subsequent Offenses: The student will not participate in his/her scheduled school sponsored activity that day or evening.

 

Absence, Half Day or Full Day - If a student is absent a half day or the entire day, the student will not be allowed to participate in his/her scheduled school-sponsored activity that day or evening (no warnings). If a student is absent from school or sent home by the nurse on a given day, he/she cannot return to participate in his/her activity that day or evening or be a spectator at a school event on that day.

 

Exceptions to this regulation must be approved by an administrator and include a student who has a signed excuse from a doctor stating that he/she is fit to participate that day, school district transportation problems, an unavoidable  family emergency or a pre-approved absence for a doctor’s appointment, field trip, job shadowing, post-secondary institution visit, funeral, or religious observance.

 

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Please refer to the link on the MASH website for information about extracurricular clubs and organizations

 

                               INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS                                                      

 

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible to participate in any athletics a student must:

1. Be less than 19 years of age prior to July 1.
2. Have the consent of his/her parent(s) or guardian(s).
3. Never have played in any sport professionally.
4. Pass a physical examination by a physician.
5. Play no more than four years in any one sport.
6. Not miss more than 20 days of school during any semester.
7. Not attend more than eight semesters of school beyond eighth grade.
8. Maintain a passing grade for the current grading period in at least four major subjects (courses that meet every day of the cycle).
9. Try to maintain a high scholastic standing.
10. Not play for an outside team at the same time he/she plays for a school team, unless waived by the Athletic Department to the PIAA.
11. Abide by rules and regulations of the particular sport in which he/she is participating.
12. Do not use anabolic steroids, except for a valid medical purpose, as prescribed by a medical doctor.
13. Accept a drug, alcohol, tobacco, and steroid-free life style.

NCAA ACADEMIC/ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

Academic eligibility to participate in Division I or Division II college athletics is determined by the NCAA Eligibility Center. To be eligible, a student athlete must meet specific minimum requirements in regard to GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and completion of certain core academic courses as approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center. For detailed information and the materials necessary to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, see your high school counselor. (It is not necessary to register until your junior year, but scheduling the appropriate courses by the student should be a consideration all four years of high school).

 

ATHLETIC AWARDS

The Varsity M letter will be awarded at the completion of the first season the student meets the necessary requirements to earn a varsity letter. The letter M will be a 6” felt and chenille block M. Only one 6” letter will be awarded to an athlete during his/her high school varsity career. After the initial varsity letter has been earned, pins will be awarded to an athlete representing the sport in which the letter was earned. Athletes who earn enough participation time to qualify for a junior varsity letter will be awarded a certificate.

 

VARSITY PIN

If you earn three or more varsity awards in the same sport, you will be awarded a varsity pin. However, you cannot receive more than one varsity pin.

 

SPECIAL AWARDS

The athletic director has the authority to:

• Make special awards for outstanding contributions by individuals or teams.
• Withhold awards for conduct unbecoming a member of a Mechanicsburg Area School District athletic team.

 

HONOR AND HIGH HONOR PLAQUES

If you earn a minimum of 18 points, you will be awarded an honor plaque. If you earn a minimum of 23 points, you will be awarded a high-honor plaque. More than 50% of an athlete’s points must be accrued in a competitive athletic program. Any points you earn will be calculated this way:

High School Certificate of Participation........ 1

Ninth Grade Varsity Award........................... 1

Junior Varsity Award..................................... 2

Varsity Award................................................ 3

 

GUIDELINES:

The athlete must compete in 40 percent of total quarters, matches, or innings in basketball, football, wrestling, soccer, volleyball, hockey, baseball, softball, tennis, or golf.

 

1. Track – a contestant must accumulate 10 points in dual competition. Points are based on 5 points for first place, 3 points for second place, 1 point for third place, and 2 points for each member of the winning relay team.
2. Cross Country – must finish in top ten places in 50 percent of total dual meets.
3. Swimming – a contestant must accumulate the equivalent of 3 points per dual meet.
4. The coach in each sport shall have the opportunity to recommend varsity awards in special cases.
5. The following criteria will be used to determine athletic awards for managers and trainers:
   •     Work hours assigned by the trainers or equipment managers.
   •     Attend practices during the season.
   •     Attend athletic contests.

A manager will be awarded a certificate of participation for the first year of participation, a Junior Varsity award for the second year, and a Varsity award for the third and fourth years. Varsity awards will be awarded to student trainers upon review and recommendation of the training staff.

 

Any cheerleader, student trainer, or manager who has accrued the majority of his/her athletic points as a cheerleader, trainer, or manager shall not be eligible for a high honor athletic award. However, the athletic staff may recommend a student for special recognition for outstanding service to the athletic program. The athletic staff will secure an appropriate award for recognition of a cheerleader, student trainer, or manager.

 

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

Each student-athlete is issued a uniform and equipment for their sport. The school-issued uniform and equipment is on LOAN to the student for the season. Liability for the cost of damage or loss is to be assumed by the student who has been issued the uniform and equipment. All uniforms and equipment are issued in good condition. The uniform and equipment must be returned at any time specified by an Athletic Department official, but no later than two weeks after the season has concluded. At no time during the loan period may a uniform and equipment be used by anyone other than the assigned student. Students will not be issued a uniform or equipment for any subsequent sport until all uniform and equipment has  been returned.

 

USE OF ANABOLIC STEROIDS

The use of anabolic steroids by any student involved in interscholastic athletics (except for a valid medical purpose as prescribed by a medical doctor) is prohibited. Students who violate this policy shall be subject to the provisions of the Code of Conduct. No student suspended for anabolic steroid use shall be eligible to resume participation in school athletics unless there has been a medical determination that no residual evidence of the steroids exists.

 

ATHLETIC TICKET

A student athletic ticket is available for $15. The ticket is good for ten admissions. By purchasing and using this ticket, you save $5.00 since the cost of admission to ten single events would be $20.

The ticket is valid for any home athletic contest where an admission fee is charged. However, the ticket is not valid for admission to tournaments or play-off games.

 

ATHLETIC STAFF

 

Managerial Staff

Athletic Director............................................................. Seth Pehanich

Assistant Athletic Director (MS) .................................... Greg Burrows

Equipment Manager ...................................................... Joe Dominick

Trainer............................................................................ Sandy Zettlemoyer Assistant Trainer (MS) ................................................... Amy Burhans

Weight Training Coach…………................................... Todd Gayman

 

Football

Head Coach……………Billy Furman                               Assistant Coach……..Keith Newkam

Assistant Coach………..Erik Reiser                               Assistant Coach…….Mike Berry

Assistant Coach………..Jeff Costello                            Assistant Coach…….TBD Assistant Coach………..Joe Gazza

 

9th Grade Football

Head Coach……………Anthony Rose Assistant Coach……….Gary Cottingham Assistant Coach……….Bobby Menteer

 

Field Hockey                                                              Field Hockey, MS

Head Coach……………Tonya Brown                             Head Coach…………Julianne Miles

Assistant Coach………..Lauri Blessing                          Assistant Coach…….Elizabeth Verbitsky Assistant Coach………..Sierra Lenker

 

Soccer, Boys                                                               Soccer, Girls

Head Coach…………..Brent Brockman                         Head Coach………..Jacob June

Assistant Coach………Pat Dennis                                 Assistant Coach……Holly Burgard

Assistant Coach………Dil Knott                                    Assistant Coach……Andrew Vriens

 

Cross Country                                                            Cross Country, MS

Head Coach…………Mary Hey                                     Head Coach………..Stacey Blaylock

Assistant Coach……..Mike Rebuck                              Assistant Coach……Lori McKenney

 

Golf                                                                             Tennis

Head Coach…………Doug Erney                                  Head Coach………..Pat Smith

Assistant Coach……..Bob Strickler                              Assistant Coach…….Andrew Irons

 

Volleyball, Girls                                                         Cheerleading, Fall & Winter

Head Coach…………Chris Fabian                                 Head Coach………….Jena Druck

Assistant Coach…….Frank Hoy                                   Assistant Coach……...Amanda Brudowsky

 

Water Polo, Girls & Boys

Head Coach………..Alex Bornman

 

Basketball, Boys                                                         Basketball, MS Boys

Head Coach………..Bob Strickler                                  9th Grade Coach………Andrew Pagel

Assistant Coach……Chris Cowoski                               8th  Grade Coach………Jacob June

Assistant Coach…….Kevin Rutherford                         7th Grade Coach………Broderic Keener

 

Basketball, Girls                                                          Basketball, MS Girls

Head Coach………..Clay McAllister                               9th Grade Coach……..Mike Zito

Assistant Coach……Tonya Brown                                 8th Grade Coach…….Kathy Alvey

Assistant Coach……Katie Earley                                   7th  Grade Coach…….Jody Salsman

 

Wrestling                                                                     Wrestling, 9th Grade

Head Coach……….Greg Budman                                  Head Coach…………Evan Daer

Assistant Coach…...Josh Bressler                                 Assistant Coach……..Steve Ledebohm Assistant Coach…...Curtis Brillhart

 

Swimming

Head Coach……….Mike Glumac Assistant Coach……Lin Nester

 

Baseball                                                                       Softball

Head Coach……….Clay McAllister                                Head Coach…………..Gail Hiestand

Assistant Coach…...Cody Stum                                    Assistant Coach………Michal Chaffnich

Assistant Coach……Jeff Teeter                                     Assistant Coach………Becky Notte

Assistant Coach……Jim Stum                                       Assistant Coach………Rich Pagel

 

Soccer, MS Girls                                                           Soccer, MS Boys

Head Coach………Kirsten Zelenky                                 Head Coach………….Brent Brockman

Assistant Coach…..Brooke Morley                               Assistant Coach………Nathan Rosentruter

Assistant Coach…..Jake June                                        Assistant Coach………Griffin Libhart

 

Track                                                                               Tennis, Boys

Head Coach…………TBD                                                    Head Coach………Pat Smith

Assistant Coach……..Siobhan Steele                                Assistant Coach…..Terry Farley Assistant Coach…….Carole Cremo

Assistant Coach…….Sue Canniff Assistant Coach…….Steve Bishop

 

Volleyball, Boys                                                              Volleyball, MS Girls

Head Coach………..Jake Heck                                            Head Coach……….Chris Fabian

Assistant Coach……Nolan McArdle                                  Assistant Coach……Jessica McWilliams

 

 

ALMA MATER

Mechanicsburg High School

You’re the dearest school to me;

Mechanicsburg High School

True to you we’ll always be.

Fairest colors, Maroon and Steel,

Faith in you we’ll always feel.

Dearest school beneath the sky- Mechanicsburg High!

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

There is a growing concern over unacceptable and un-sportsmanlike fan behavior at athletic contests. While in attendance at after-school events, all school rules are in effect and violations include but are not limited to being evicted from the game/premises; receiving an alternative education assignment, or suspension from school and/or prohibition from attending future events.

When attending or participating in an event to support and cheer for your team, you are there to enjoy the skill and competition, not to intimidate or ridicule the other team, its cheerleaders, or fans.  Actions meant to demean opposing players, team, spectators, and officials are not in the highest ideals of interscholastic education and will not be tolerated. A ticket is a privilege to observe the contest, not a license to verbally assault others and be generally obnoxious. Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.  Respect the integrity and judgment of contest officials and learn the rules of the game so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place. Be a positive role model through your own actions and by censuring those around you whose behavior is unacceptable. Your display of good sportsmanship will show the most