SycamoreHighSchool

Student/ParentHandbook
201516

7400CornellRoad
Cincinnati,OH45242

AdministrativeTeam
DouglasMader,Principal
YejideMack,Ed.D,AssistantPrincipal

DerrickRichardson,AssistantPrincipal
AshleyWarren,AssistantPrincipal
MarkWeigel,AVESAcademy
AshwinCorattiyil,DeanofStudentLife
PhilipPoggi,AthleticDirector

Respect

Responsibility

Opportunity

Welcome
Welcome to the 201516 school year!! We hope that you are looking forward to the many educational opportunities and numerous
extracurricular activities that make Sycamore High School a worldclass learning environment. The faculty and staff are excited that
youarehereandlookforwardtohelpingyoubecomemoresuccessfulinyouracademicstudiesaswellasyourpersonalgrowth.
Your involvement in school is important! Sycamore High Schools reputation has been built on the conduct, participation, and
achievement of individuals like you. Your success will be dependent upon a number of important factors:
daily attendance,paying
attention in class, doing your homework, participating in extracurricular activities, giving 100% effort, and exhibiting
cooperativebehavior
.Withyourhelp,wecanmakeourschoolcommunityadynamicplaceforeveryone.

During youryears at SycamoreHighSchool,youwillmakenumerousdecisions and mayfacepersonalor academicproblems.

Please
seek the assistance of yourteachers,counselors,andprincipals our officesare opentoyou at anytime to discusspersonalstruggles
orcareergoals.Wecareaboutyoursuccessandarewillingtolisten!

ThisStudent/Parent Handbook is a comprehensive collection of information about schoolrulesandregulations,servicesandfacilities,

andpoliciesthatdirectlyaffectstudents.

Itis everystudents responsibility to promote the best educational atmosphere possible by becoming familiar with thecontents ofthe
Student/Parent Handbook. The rules and regulations in this handbook will help to ensurethateachstudentatSycamoreHighSchool
hastheopportunitytosucceed.

It is our sincere hope that you will take advantage of the many opportunities available to you at Sycamore High Schoolso that you
mightfulfillyourcareerdreamsandgoals.Letsworktogethertomakethisawonderfulschoolyear!

VisionStatement
Cultivating a culture that honors a tradition of excellence and diversity wherelearners arerespected,valued,inspired,andempowered
toreachtheirfullpotentialinaneverchangingworld.

MissionStatement
Sycamore Community Schools will provide challenging, inspiring, and engagingeducationalexperiencestoequipstudentswithcritical
skills that promote the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth needed to behighlysuccessfulin collegeandcareersandto
beproductivecitizens.

Prioritiesfor201516

Providerigorousandrelevantlearningandgrowthopportunitiesforstudentsandstaff.
Respectthediversityofourcommnunitythroughculturallyresponsivepractices.
Respecttheinvestmentoftaxpayersanddemonstrateresponsiblemanagementofresources.
Sustainasafe,secureandwelcominglearningcommunityforeveryindividual.

Engageallshareholdersinongoingconversationsaboutourstudentsfutureandthefutureofthedistrict.

Beliefs
Thevision,mission,andprioritiesofSycamoreCommunitySchoolsareguidedbythefollowingBeliefStatements.
Webelievethat
ourstudentsarethefocusofallthatwedo
wemustaddresstheneedsofthetotalpersonteachingthemindandtheheart
wemustbeproactiveinpreparingforachangingworld
thereisapowerinacollaborativerelationshipwithfamiliesinourcommunity
allpersonshaveaninnatedesireandthecapacitytolearn
diversityenrichesthehumanexperience
integrity,respectandopencommunicationpromotetrustingrelationships
we must value the citizens of ourcommunityandseekcollaborativepartnershipswithallcivic,governmental,andeducational
entitiestoimproveoureffectiveness
itisnecessarytosupportandencouragecontinuousprofessionaldevelopmentofouremployees
asafe,secureandwelcominglearningenvironmentsupportssuccess
weattractandemployhighlytalentedstaffwhoareheldtoahighstandardofperformanceandprofessionalismand
wearefiscallyresponsibleandgoodstewardsofourresources.

DailyBellSchedule

Period

Time

7:208:08

8:129:00

9:049:52

9:5610:44

10:4811:36

Lunch/
structuredtime

A:11:3612:06
B:12:0612:36

12:401:28

1:322:20

90MinuteDelaySchedule

Period

Time

8:509:25

9:2910:04

10:0810:43

10:4711:22

Lunch/
structuredtime

A:11:2211:52
B:11:5212:22

12:261:01

1:051:40

1:442:20

StaffInformation:SchoolPhone:6861770
ComprehensiveSchoolCounselorsandStudentAssistance

StudentLastName

Counselor

Extension

ACd+AvesAcademy

Mrs.Brenner

3016

CeF

Mr.BrianSweeney

3003

GI

Mrs.DelehantyKoenig

3067

JL

Mrs.Mitchell

3054

MPn

Mrs.Rose

3193

PoSs

Mrs.Stephenson

3020

StZ

Mrs.WellsKamp

3217

To meetwith your Counselor make an appointment through the Counseling CenterSecretary before orafterschool,betweenperiods,
orduringlunch.

Student Assistance Counselors: Students who are in personal crisis foranyreasonor who wanttoparticipatein asupportgroupmay
also contact our Student Assistance Counselors who are locatedin theCounselingCenterarea. BrendaFisherandMarkMillettserve
ourstudentsinthehighschool.

DepartmentSupervisors
Informationaboutspecificdepartmentscanbedirectedtothefollowingstaffmembers:

Department

Name

Extension

ArtsandTechnology

BradleyWilliams

3133

ComputerScienceandBusiness

JohnRobinson

6633

Counseling

AnnDelehantyKoenig

3067

GlobalLanguage

MikeVeraldo

3034

IMC

TomVillani

3038

LanguageArts

MelissaWolfeIzworski

3025

Mathematics

KeithBrackenridge

3051

Music

LonnieStover

3011

PhysicalEducation

EddieClark

6526

Science

JulieHaverkos

3196

SocialStudies

DrewOstendorf

6684

Adirectoryofallstaffcanbefoundonthedistrictwebsite:

www.sycamoreschools.org

ImportantDistrictPolicies/Procedures

INFORMATIONDISPENSINGMEDICINESATSCHOOL

Sycamore Community Schools has a medication policy that is in compliance withtheOhioRevised Code. Thefollowinginformationis
providedtohelpclarifytheunderstandingofthispolicy.

Medicationshouldnotbegivenatschool
unlessitisabsolutelynecessaryforthehealthandwellbeingofthestudent.

A Physician/Dentist Medication Orders Form

must be on file at school,
signed by a parent/guardian and a physician
,
before prescribed medication or overthecounter medication may be administered. It is also needed for students to carry
inhalersorEpiPens(epinephrineautoinjectors).Thisformisavailableonthedistrictwebsite,

www.sycamoreschools.org
.

Thefollowingmustbeincludedwiththeorderform:
a.Nameandaddressofthestudent.
b.Nameofmedicationanddosagetobegiven.
c.Reasonforadministeringthemedication.
d.Timesatwhichmedicationshouldbegiven.
e.Datestheadministrationofmedicationistobeginandend.
f.Adversereactionsthatshouldbereportedtothephysician.
g.Specialinstructions(i.e.sterileconditions,storage,etc.)
h.AcknowledgementthattheprescriberhasprovidedthestudentwithtrainingintheproperuseoftheEpiPen.

Note:Anychangesinamedicationorderrequirearevisedstatementsignedbythephysician
.

Note:Ifastudentdoesnottakeadailyscheduledmedicationformorethan30days,aneworderisrequired.

Medicationmustbeinthe
originalcontainer
.

Students may not transport

medication to school. (Exception: Inhalers or EpiPens, with a completed Physician/Dentist
Medication Orders Form, may be transported by a student. Parents are requested to provide a backup inhaler, and are
requiredbylawtoprovideabackupdoseofEpiPen.)

Anew Physician/Dentist Medication Orders Form is required each year

for ongoing medication. All medication must be
pickedupbyaparent/guardianattheendoftheschoolyear.Ifitisnotpickedup,itisdiscarded.

Only the school nurse, a substitute nurse, the principal, or a person designated by the principal, are authorized to
administermedicationatschool.
(Note:IfanEpiPenisadministered,emergencyserviceswillbecalled.)

Parents/guardians are not permitted to administer medication

to students on school property without a signed
Physician/DentistMedicationOrdersForm.

HealthConsiderations/Allergies

Animal/Pets in The Classroom:

Due to the large number of children and staff members at risk for illness or allergic reaction to
animals,animals/petswithfurorfeathersarenotallowedinclassrooms.Theexceptiontothisis:
Zoopresentations. (It is felt that theprofessionalcanmanage thissituation,andthatchildrenwith allergiescanbemaintained
atasafedistance.Teacherswillassessthisonanindividualbasis.)
Guidedogs.
Policedrugdogs.

Reptiles,amphibians, and fish may be used foreducational purposeshowever,studentsare to bediscouragedfromhandlingthese.If

contactismade,handwashingshouldberequired.

Balloons:
Rubber balloons that decorate parties, carnivals, proms, etc. can pose a serioushealththreat to latexsensitive individuals.
Peoplewithchronichealthconditions(spinabifida,hydrocephalustreatedwith shunts,etc.) who have beenfrequentlytreatedwithlatex
products are especially predisposed to this severe and, possibly, life threatening allergy. Latex allergy is also reported in healthy
individuals, especially those with common conditions such as asthma and eczema. Routes of exposure include contact with skin,
wounds, mucous membranes, and inhalation of latex laden powder particles from items such as rubber gloves orballoons.Forthese
reasons,latexballoonsarenotpermittedinallschoolbuildings.Mylarballoonsaresuggestedassafesubstitutes.

Classroom Treats:
Many students suffer from severe food allergies and eating, smelling, or touching certain allergens (i.e. peanuts,
nuts, etc.) can be fatal to people who are sensitive. Because of issues such asthese, parents areaskedtocarefullyselectfooditems
when treating a childs class. The teacher should be asked if any students have food allergies or diabetes. Consideration of healthy
food choices that are nutritious and nottoohighin sugar isappreciated.Nonfood alternativessuchascraftactivitiesorprizebagscan
alsobeachoicetomakeclassroompartiesahealthycelebration.

Students with Special Dietary Needs:

At the beginning of each school year, oratthetime of enrollment,parentsareresponsiblefor
communicating any special dietary needs of their child, including food allergies, to the district.Studentswith dietaryneedsthatqualify
asdisabilitiesunderlawwillbeprovidedreasonableaccommodation.

Substitutions to regular school meals provided by the district will be made for students who are unable to eat suchmealsduetoa
qualifying dietary need when that need is certified in writing by the students physician. Such meals will be provided in the most
integratedsettingappropriatetotheneedsofthestudent.

The nature of the students qualifying dietary need, the reason such need prevents the student from eating regular school meals
(including foods to be omitted from the students diet). The specific diet prescription along with the needed substitution must be
specifically statedinthephysiciansstatement.Thedistrict,incompliancewith theUSDA ChildNutrition Division guidelines,will provide
substitutemealstofoodallergicstudentsbaseduponthephysicianssignedstatement.

COMMUNICATION
Positive outreach and interaction are essential elements of a thriving school district. With that inmind,SycamoreCommunitySchools
uses an instant communication system, that enables district and school administrators to record a voice message, schedule the
messagedeliverytime,anddeliverthemessageviaatelephonecall,oremailtoparents.

Parents will receive notification messages regarding school closings or delays (calls made no earlier than 5 a.m.andnolaterthan10
p.m.) The ability to contact parents successfully relies on the school having current parent contact information. To update contact
information,parentscancalltheirchildsschool.

SchoolClosingsInclementWeather
Sycamore Community Schools has two plans for handling inclement weather that mayimpact theabilityofstudentsandemployeesto
gettoschoolandworksafelyandontime,thuscausingaschooldelayorclosing.

Plan A
: All Sycamore schools will be closed for the day, latchkey programs will not operate, and all afterschool activities will be
cancelled,unlessthoseinvolvedareotherwisenotified.

Plan B
: School buses will run on a 90minute delay, and morning preschool and Head Start classes will be cancelled. Morning
kindergarten classes will also be delayed 90 minutes and will dismiss as usual at 12:10 p.m. Afternoon kindergarten, afternoon
preschoolandafternoonHeadStartclasseswilloperateasusual.Dismissalsforallothergradeswilloccurasusual.

When schools are delayedorclosed,thedistrictwillplaceadetailed announcementonthedistrict website,

www.sycamoreschools.org
.
In addition, Sycamore parents can sign up to receive school closing or delay emails or phone messages by creating aParent Portal
account via the district website. For assistance with creating a Parent Portal account or signing up for school closing or delay
messages,parentscancontacttheSycamoreTechnologyDepartmentat6861790.

Sycamore also encourages teen drivers to ride the bus instead of navigating hazardous roadways. If a studentwhodoesnotusually
ride thebus wishes to ride the bus during inclement weather, they should call the Sycamore Transportation Department at 6861785
onehourbeforetheirschoolopens.

ParentPortal

ParentPortalisaportionoftheSycamoreCommunitySchoolswebsitethatallowsparentsto:

haveaccesstoclassassignmentsandnotes

viewastudentsmostcurrentgradesonline

payacademic,athletic,andsummerschoolfeesonlinewithaMasterCardorVisacreditcard
trackschoolexpenses
addfundstoastudentsmealaccountelectronically
accessparentresources/weblinks

Parent Portal also meets the busy schedules of parents and familiesasthe informationonParent Portalis available24hoursaday,7
days aweek! Parentscanalsohavepeaceofmindduringfinancialtransactionsas payments arecredited toastudentsaccountwithin
24hours,creditcardinformationisnotsaved,apasswordisrequired,andtransmissionsaresecure!

For information on creating a Parent Portal account, visit the district website (
www.sycamoreschools.org
) or call the Sycamore
TechnologyDepartmentat6861790.

HazingandBullying
(Harassment,IntimidationandDatingViolence)
TheBoard does not tolerate hazing, harassment,intimidationor bullyingofany studentonDistrictpropertyor atanyschoolsponsored
event,regardless of whether the event occurs on or off Districtproperty(includingon schoolbusesandother schoolrelatedvehicles).
Students who engage in such behavior are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension orexpulsionfromschool. TheBoard's
commitment to addressing such prohibited behavior involves a multifaceted approach,whichincludeseducationandthepromotionof
aschool atmosphere inwhichhazing,harassment,intimidation, datingviolenceand/orbullyingwill notbetoleratedbystudents,staffor
administration.

For purposes of this policy, the term hazing meansdoinganyactor coercinganother,includingthevictim,todoanyactofintimidation

to any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person.
Permission,consentorassumptionofriskbyanindividualsubjectedtohazingdoesnotlessentheprohibitioncontainedinthispolicy.

For purposes of this policy, the term "harassment, intimidation or bullying" means any unprovoked and intentional written, verbal,
electronic or physical act that a student has exhibited toward another particular student more than once and thebehavior both: (1)
causes mental orphysicalharmtotheotherstudentand(2)issufficiently severe,persistentor pervasivethatitcreatesan intimidating,
threatening or abusive educational environment for the other student. Forpurposes of thispolicy,harassmentandintimidationinclude
violencewithinadatingrelationship.

Permission, consent or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing, bullying and/or dating violence does notlessen the
prohibitioncontainedinthispolicy.

TheDistrict includes, withinthehealthcurriculum,ageappropriateinstructionindatingviolencepreventioneducationingrades7to12.

Thisinstructionincludesrecognizingwarningsignsofdatingviolenceandthecharacteristicsofhealthyrelationships.

Prohibited activities of any type, including those engaged in via computer and/or electronic communications devices or electronic
means are inconsistent with the educational process and are prohibited at all times. The District educates minors about appropriate
online behavior including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying
awarenessandresponse.

No administrator, teacher or other employee of the District shall encourage, permit, condone or tolerate any of these activities. No
student,includingleadersofstudentorganizations,mayplan,encourageorengageinhazingand/orbullying.

Administrators, teachers and all other District employees willbeparticularlyalertto possible conditions,circumstances orevents which
might include hazingand/orbullying. Ifhazingand/orbullying orplannedhazingand/orbullyingisdiscovered,involvedstudentswillbe
informed by the discovering school employee of the prohibition contained in this policy and will be required to end all hazing and/or
bullyingactivities immediately. All hazing and/or bullying incidentsmustbereportedpromptlytothe Superintendent/designee. School
administration will ensure the appropriate disciplinary action is administered. The Superintendent/designeemustprovide theBoard

President with a written summary of all reported incidents of harassment, intimidation and/or bullying on a semiannual basis. The
summarywillbepostedontheDistrict'swebsite,totheextentpermittedbylaw.

The administration provides annual training on the District's hazing and bullying policy to District employees who have direct contact
with students. Additional training is provided to elementary employees in child abuse prevention. The District provides training in
dating violence prevention to employees as required by the Ohio Revised Code. The
District provides age appropriateinstructionon
datingviolencepreventioningrades712asrequiredbytheOhioRevisedCode.

Districtemployees, students and volunteershavequalified civilimmunity for damagesarisingfromreporting anincidentofharassment,

intimidation and/or bullying. Administrators, teachers, other employees and students who failtoabide bythispolicymaybesubjectto
disciplinaryactionandmaybeliableforcivilandcriminalpenaltiesincompliancewithStatelaw.

No one is permitted to retaliate against an employee or student because he/she files a grievance or assists or participates in an
investigation,proceedingorhearingregardingthechargeofhazingand/orbullyingofanindividual.

SexualHarassment
It is the policy of the District to provide a learning and working environment for students and employees that is free from sexual
harassmentandintimidation.Sexualharassmentisimproper,illegalandwillnotbetoleratedwithintheDistrict.

Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct which undermines the integrity of the employment relationship and/or teacherstudent or
studentstudent relationship. All employees and students must be allowed to function in an environmentfreefromunwelcomesexual
overturesorinappropriatesexuallabels.

Sexual harassment is behavior which is unwelcome, or which is personally offensive, or which debilitates morale, or which interferes
withtheworkofitsvictimsandtheircoworkersorcreatesanintimidating,hostileoroffensivework/schoolenvironment.

Sexualharassmentmayincludebutisnotlimitedto:

1. unwanted sexual advances, including propositioning, repeatedly asking someoneout for adateafteritisclearthattheperson
isnotinterested
2. submission to sexually based conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of apersons employmentor
educationaldevelopment
3. makingorthreateningreprisalsafteranegativeresponsetosexualadvances
4. nonverbalconduct:leeringmakingsexualgesturesdisplayingsexuallysuggestiveobjects,pictures,cartoonsorposters
5. verbalconduct: making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slursor jokesmaking sexualbasedremarksaboutanother
personsoronesownbody
6. verbalabuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individuals body, sexually degradingwordsused to
describeanindividual,suggestiveorobsceneletters,notesorinvitations
7. physicalconduct:touching,assault,impedingorblockingmovementand
8. computeraccessingofprogramsorinformationinwhichthegraphicsorlanguageisofasexualnature.

In theevent a student alleges thatastaffmemberhasbeen touchingthe studentinappropriatelyinamannerthatisofasexualnature,

theincident shall be referred to the proper authorities to determine whetheraninvestigationby thedepartmentofhumanservices,the
county prosecutor or the police department is warranted based on childabusereportingrequirements. Theproceduresoutlinedinthe
policy on sexual harassment shall not be implemented until the investigation is complete and the matter is turned back overtothe
schoolsforfurtherconsiderationbasedontheoutcomeoftheinvestigation.

Thebuilding administrator or investigator has the authority to involve local law enforcementofficials, if anindividualbelievesdangeris
imminentduetotheallegedharassment.

Sexualmatters,includingtheidentityofboththechargingpartyandtheaccused,arekeptconfidentialtotheextentpossible.

StatementofPurpose

Thepurpose of this handbook is to provide Sycamore Community Schools students and parents withspecificinformationconcerning
majorpolicies,procedures,andregulations.

While every effort is made to present the information accurately,theinformation contained inthis handbookiscontinuallyupdatedand
theactual text of the policy, procedure or law should be consulted astheauthoritativesourceofinformation. Questionsregardingthis
handbookshouldbedirectedtotheschoolprincipal.

SYCAMORECOMMUNITYSCHOOLSSTUDENTCODEOFCONDUCT

Theviolation on the part of a student of any one or more of the following rulesofconductmayresultin disciplinaryactions,including,
but not limited to, suspension, emergency removal and/or expulsion. This Code and its provisions shall be applicable on school
property, including buses and at any school sponsored activity.Studentswith specialneeds maybe subjectedtodisciplinaryactionfor
violationsoftheStudentCodeofConductconsistentwithapplicableFederalandStatestatutes.(orc.3313.661and3312.662)

Alcohol, Drugs, or Narcotics, IncludingCounterfeitDrugs andNarcotics: A student shall not possess,handle,transmit,conceal,

use,smellof, or consume any alcoholic beverage, drug (prescription and overthecounter), inhalant, ornarcoticexceptasprescribed
bya duly licensed medical practitioner andregisteredwiththe schoolnurseorprincipal,norshalla studentpossess,transmit,conceal,
oruseanycounterfeitdrug,rollingpapersorotherdrugparaphernalia,ornarcotic.

AssaultorFighting(Physicaland/orMenacingBehavior),Hazing,Threatening:Astudentshallnotassaultorcausephysicalinjury
ormentalanguish or behave in such a way that could cause physical injury or mental anguish to school personnel,otherstudentsor
visitors.Hazinginanyformisforbidden.Astudentshallnotthreatenviolenceorthreatentouseweapons.

Cheating: A student shall not possess, sell, transmit, or receive any test information or other information that is meant for individual
completionorpreparation.Norshallastudentplagiarizeorpresentanotherpersonsworkashis/herown.

Damage or Destruction of Property: A student while under the jurisdiction of the school shall not deface, damage or destroy, or
attempttodeface,damageordestroy,schoolorprivateproperty.Disciplinaryactionmayincluderestitution.

Dangerous Weapons or Explosives:

A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or conceal any weapon or object capable of
causing injury to another person, including but not limited to chains, guns, knives, ice picks, brass knuckles, objects that propel
projectiles, lighters, matches, firecrackers, smoke bombs,fireworksandchemicalsorotherlook alikeobjectswhichcould beconstrued
ascausingharm.

Disrespect (Profanity andObsceneGestures):Studentsareexpectedtobecourteousandconsideratetowardallstudentsandstaff.

Astudentshallnotuseprofaneorobscenelanguage,motions,signs,electronicorwrittenmessages.

Disruption of School: A studentshall not, byuseofviolence,force,noise,threat,intimidation,or coercioncausethe disruption of any

schoolfunction. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, disorderly conduct, false fire alarms, setting fires,bombthreats,walkouts,
strikes,sitins,incitingtodisrupt,throwingfoodorobjects,shouting,obstructionofentrancesandhallways.

Dress Code: Appropriate attire should ensure the health, welfare and safety of all members of the student body andenhances a
positive image of our students and the schools. Any form of dress or grooming that attracts undue attention, disruptsthe learning
environment,orviolatesthepreviousstatementisunacceptable.

Electronic Equipment: Students arenotpermittedtouseelectronicdevicesthatcausedisruptiontothe educationalprocessorschool

functions.

Extortion:Astudent shall not borrow or attempt to take money orathingofvalue from anotherpersonby usingintimidationorthreat,
realorimplied.

Forgery
: A student shall not write the name of another person or alter the date, time, grade, or other data on anyschool form or on
correspondencedirectedtotheschool.

Gaming:
Astudentshallnotengageinanyactofgambling.

Gangs: A student may not wear, carry, or display gang paraphernalia, or exhibit behavior or gestures which symbolize gang
membership,orcauseand/orparticipateinactivitieswhichintimidateornegativelyaffectotherstudents.

Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, and Dating Violence

: In accordance with policy, a student shall not verbally, nonverbally, or
physicallythreaten,harass,coerceormenaceanotherpersoninanymannerincludingelectronicallytransmittedphotos.

Insubordination:Astudentshallnotfailtocomplywiththedirectiveofauthorizedschoolpersonnelduringany periodoftime whenthe

studentisundertheauthorityoftheschool.

Motor Vehicles: A student shall not operate any motor vehicle in arecklessor dangerousmanneronschoolproperty.Astudentshall
notpark in any area other than the student parking lot. Parking is a privilege offered to students. Should students choose to park on
schoolpropertytheyshouldbeawarethattheBoardreservestherighttosearchforillegalsubstancesinanyandallparkingareas.

PublicDisplayofAffection:
Studentsshouldusegoodjudgmentinshowingaffectiontowardoneanother.

PublicIndecency:
Astudentshallnotuncoverorexposepartsofthebodywhichareregardedasprivate.

Studentand Locker Searches: The right ofinspectionofastudentsschoollockerorarticlescarried uponhis/herperson(bookbags,

purses, etc.)and the interrogation of an individual student is inherentintheauthoritygranted schoolBoards.Allothersearcheswillbe
conducted sparingly and only when such search is reasonably likely to produce anticipated tangible results to aid inthe education
process, preserve discipline and good order, or promote the safety and security of persons and their property within theareaofthe
school's responsibility.Student lockers are the property of the district, and since random searcheshaveapositive impactonreducing
drugs and othercriminalactivity,itisthepolicyoftheBoardtopermitthe buildingadministratortosearchany locker and its contentsas
the administrator believes necessary. Students are advised that the Sycamore Schools Board policy provides for the random,
unannouncedsearchofstudentlockersandfortheuseofcaninesindetectingthepresenceofdrugs.

Theft:
Astudentshallnotremove,haveinhis/herpossession,ortakepropertybelongingeithertotheschooloranotherindividual.

Tobacco Products:
A student shall not use or possess tobacco in any form including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, clove
cigarettes,ecigarettes,chewingtobacco,snuffandanyothertobacco.

Trespassing:
Astudent shall not enter a school building or school grounds where the student is notauthorizedtoattend.Exceptions
would be made if the student is attending a schoolsponsored event in which his/her regularly assignedschoolisinvolvedorwiththe
permission of a building administrator.Studentsarenotpermittedon schoolpropertyafteroperatinghoursunlessthereisasupervised
schoolapprovedactivity.

Truancy: A student shall not be absent from school or from a class except for the reasons provided by Ohio Revised Code and
confirmation by the parent or guardian.Excessiveunexcused absencesmay resultintruancy chargesbeing filedwithHamiltonCounty
JuvenileCourt.

Use of Computer Technology

:Inaccordance with the Acceptable Use Policy for technology,unauthorized, illegaluse of computers,
software, access to computer networks, telecommunications and related technologies or being involved in willful acts that cause
physical,financial,orotherharm,ordisruptionofinformationtechnologyinanymannerbythestudentisprohibited.

Other:
A student shall not engage in any other activity which the pupil knows or should know will disrupt the academic process ora
curricularorextracurricularactivity.

AdoptedbytheSycamoreBoardofEducation:8/76,5/83,4/85,7/88,8/91,5/93,7/97,6/98,5/03,6/13.

DisciplineConsequences
Offenses that Result in Disciplinary Action
Based on severity of the offense, final determination of a disciplinary
consequenceisatthediscretionoftheAdministration.

HighSchoolStatementonDiscipline

Learning communities thatare successfulare thoseinwhichstudents andstaffrespecteachotherand shareacommonpurposetowardexcellence.An

orderly and properly behaved student body is an essential component in order foreveryone to be successful. Clear expectations forbehavior and
consequencesforpoor choices helpto maintaintheenvironmentandour missionof excellence. StudentswhoviolatetheCode ofConductandinfringe
onthe rightsof otherswillbedealtwithusing disciplinethatisprogressiveand cumulative asdescribedinthishandbook. Categoriesofoffensesand
consequenceshavebeen outlinedinorderforstudentsto seeclearly defined boundariesandpossibleconsequencesoftheir actions.
However, based
onseverity of the offense,finaldetermination of a disciplinaryconsequenceisatthediscretionoftheAdministration. Chronic misbehavior
andrepeatedoffensesinanycategoryorcombinationofcategoriescouldresultinsuspension
.

DressCodeGuidelines
Pleasenotethattheseguidelineswillbeemphasizedandstrictlyenforced.Studentsarenotpermittedtowearthefollowing:
a. headcoverings,hats,hoodscoveringthehead,orsunglasses
b. seethrough garments, exposed midriffs or backs, strapless tops, or spaghetti straps. Tank tops or like garments
shouldbeatleastthreefingerswideattheshoulder.
c. clothingthatisintimidatingoradisruptiontoclass.
d. shortsandskirtsshouldbefingertiplengthwhenarmsarefullyextended.
e. clothingthatrevealsundergarments.
f. any potentially dangerous items, such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, or items with sharp or protruding objects
exposedchainsofanykindincludingbutnotlimitedtowalletchains
g. articlesofclothingwhichpromotetheuseofanyalcoholicbeverages,drugs,tobaccoproducts,orviolence/weapons.
h. clothingwhichcontainssexuallysuggestivelanguage,pictures,inappropriatelanguage,organgrelateditems.

BUS CONDUCT
:
Riding to or from school on buses furnished by the Board of Education is a privilege for high school students and also a
convenience. Inorder tomaintainthe safetyofall people onboard a schoolbus,itis imperativethatstudentsmaintaingoodbehavior andfollow allbus
driver rules. The failure of a pupil to follow these rules and regulations may result in administrative discipline and/ or forfeiting the privilege of
transportationbyschoolbus.
SeeDistrictTransportationGuidelines
.

st

Consequences:
1
OffenseBusdriverandAdministrativewarning
nd
2
Offensedisciplinaryactionbasedontheseverityoftheoffense

CategoryIOffenses

TheconsequencesforaviolationofanyruleinCategoryIwillbe:
st
1
OffenseExtendedSchoolDayDetention
nd
2
OffenseSaturdayProbation
rd
3
OffenseInSchoolSuspension
th
4
Offense3DaysOutofSchoolSuspension
Chronic Chronic misbehavior and repeated offenses in any category or combination of categories could result in
suspensionandrecommendationforexpulsion.

TH
FAILURE TO SERVE AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION: (4
Offense 13 days OutofSchool Suspensionpending parent
conference)
FAILURE TO SERVE EXTENDED SCHOOL DAY:
A student who fails to report to Extended School Day will have the
TH
consequence rescheduled and receive an additional Extended School Day. (4
Offense 13 days OutofSchool
Suspensionpendingparentconference)
DRESS CODE: All students are expected to dress and groom themselves neatly in clothes that are suitable for school
activities so as not to create a distraction in the classroom. Modesty, safety, and maintaining the learning environmentas
describedinthedetailedDressCodepolicysectionshouldbefollowed.

HORSEPLAY
:Thisincludespushing,shoving,screaming,etc.
CLASSROOMDISRUPTION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
:
Sycamore High School is not responsible for loss or theft of any electronic equipment or
personal items. The SRO will take a report on a legitimately stolen item once the correct form has beencompleted. These
items are not the responsibility of Sycamore Community Schools or Sycamore High School. Improper usage of electronic
equipment that also violates another section of this Student handbook, for example, academic dishonesty, shall result in
appropriatedisciplinaryaction.
POSSESSIONORUSEOFMATCHESORLIGHTERS:
Objectswillbeconfiscated.
FAILURETOSERVEORCOMPLETEANASSIGNEDTEACHERDETENTION
LEAVING CLASS WITHOUT PERMISSION:
Noexcuse for leaving withoutpermissionwillbeaccepted.Allrestroomswillbe
open before school, during lunchtime and during class exchanges. Students needing to makefrequentrestroomtripsdueto
medicalreasonsshouldbringanotetothateffectfromadoctor.Studentplannersmustbesigned.
PARKING VIOLATION:
No students should drive without permission or park illegally including visitor, administrative or
teacher spots or spot other than the one assigned. Offenders will be fined $30. Sophomores caught driving withoutapermit
will not be permitted to drive the first semester of their Junior year.
Students must display their parking permit during
schoolhours.Failuretodisplaythepermitwillresultina$10fine.
PUBLICDISPLAYSOF AFFECTION:
Students should conductthemselvesinasociallyappropriate mannerandrefrainfrom
excessiveformsofaffection.
LOITERING:
Sycamore High School will open doors for students at 6:30 am. Students
should plan to arrive no earlierthan
thistime andleavetheschoolgroundsby3:00pm
unless theyarestayingforschoolsponsoredactivities
.Studentsneed
to leave the building 30 minutes after their activity ends. They must wait in the area designated by the coachorsupervising
teacher. Students who have been charged with a theft must leave school grounds immediately at schooldismissal orthe
conclusion ofasupervisedactivity. Habitualloitererswillbeservedwithatrespassing warning letterandmaybechargedwith
criminaltrespass.

CategoryIIOffenses

TheconsequencesforaviolationofanyruleinCategoryIIwillbe:

st
1
OffenseSaturdayProbation
nd
2
OffenseInSchoolSuspension
rd
3
Offense3DaysOutofSchoolSuspension
th
4
Offense5DaysOutofSchoolSuspension

Chronic Chronic misbehavior and repeated offenses in any category or combination of categories could result in
suspensionandrecommendationforexpulsion.

BUILDING SECURITY: Students may not prop open any doors or open doors foranyoneduring theschoolday. Allpeople
enteringthebuildingduringschoolhoursmustenterthemainofficedoors.
UNAUTHORIZED LOCATION:Students maynot be in areas of the building that are offlimitstostudents before,duringand
after school without permission of a staff member. These areas include the staff lunchroomatalltimesandlockerbaysand
academicwingsduringlunch.
SKIPPINGACLASS
:Studentsareexpectedtobeintheirassignedclassasindicatedontheirschedule.
FAILURE TO REPORT TO SATURDAY PROBATION: A student who fails to report to Saturday Probation will have the
nd
rd
consequence rescheduled and receive an additional Saturday Probation. (2
Offense 2 days ISS 3
Offense 13 days
th
OutofSchoolSuspensionpendingparentconference4
Offense5daysOutofSchoolSuspension)
DISRESPECT:
Astudent shall not direct toward a school employee or another student words, phrases, or gesturesthatare
vulgar,ordegrading.
INSUBORDINATION: Students shall not disobey reasonable requests from staff. Refusal or failure to report totheoffice,an
administrator or an alternative area is a violation. This includes rude behavior, gestures, profanity and serious classroom
disruptions.Insubordinationmayincludebehaviorintendingtoundermineauthorityordemeanastaffmember.

VERBAL ASSAULT/ABUSE: A student shall not engage in any verbal confrontation that involves using profanity or vulgar
language.Suchactioncouldalsobeconsidereddisorderlyconductorharassmentandcouldresultincriminalcharges.
PARTICIPATIONINORINCITINGASCHOOLDISRUPTION
CREATINGAHAZARDOUSSITUATION
ACADEMICDISHONESTY
a.

CheatingTestingandAssignmentSituations
A student who possesses, provides, uses, or receives exam, test, or quiz information will receive a 0 on the
assignment. Students who plagiarize assignments will receive the same consequence. Alsoawrittenrecordofthe
incidentwillbefiledwiththeappropriateassistantprincipal.
b.

CheatingOther

A student, who illegally obtains test information electronically orfromateachersoffice area,files, classroom, etc.,is
subject to suspension on the first offense. A student who knowingly organizes a means to providetestmaterialsto
otherstudentsissubjecttosuspensiononthefirstoffense.
*Repeated offenses to anyone or any combination of the above areas will result in suspension, parent conference,
andwrittenrecordplacedinthestudentscumulativefolder.

FALSIFYING INFORMATION: A student shall not knowingly provide untrueinformationorwithholdinformationfromaschool

employee. This includes misuse or alteration of school formsornotesandmisrepresentationofselfor parents inphonecalls
ornotes.
LYINGINANINVESTIGATIONRELATEDTOASUSPENSIONHEARING
STALKING
GAMBLING/GAMING
HARASSMENT/BULLYING/INTIMIDATION/DATING VIOLENCE:
A student should never speak, write, wear, or gesture
insults toward another student based on race, religion, sex, handicap, national origin or any other reason.
See District
Harassment,IntimidationandBullyingPolicy
.
MISUSE OF INTERNET/ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
A student may not use school computers or personal devices for the
purpose of viewing inappropriate Internet web sites, altering network settings, removing or adding files. Students may not
make audio recordings, take or transmit pictures or video recordings, make video recordings or make online posts on social
mediaofstudentsorstaffwithoutpermission.Restrictionofnetworkaccountmayalsoapply.
LEAVINGSCHOOLBUILDING/GROUNDSWITHOUTPERMISSION
UNAUTHORIZEDATTENDANCEATASCHOOLFUNCTION
DAMAGE TO SCHOOL PROPERTY AND DAMAGE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY OF ANY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES OR
STUDENTS PRIVATE PROPERTY: Any restitutionwillbeexpectedbystudentand/or parent. Chargesmaybefiledwith the
SchoolResourceOfficerorotherlocalauthorities.

CategoryIIIOffenses

All infractions covered in Category III are subject to 110 day(s) OutofSchool Suspension and may result in a
recommendationofexpulsiondependinguponseverity.

TheconsequencesforaviolationofanyruleinCategoryIIIwillbe:
st
1
Offense35DaysOutofSchoolSuspension
nd
2
Offense510DaysOutofSchoolSuspension
rd
3
Offense510DaysOutofSchoolSuspensionwithpossibleRecommendationforExpulsion

Chronic Chronic misbehavior and repeated offenses in any category or combination of categories could result in
suspensionandrecommendationforexpulsion.

THREATMADETOSCHOOLEMPLOYEE/STUDENT:
Astudentshallnotmakethreateninggestures,comments,orremarks
thatsuggestathreattowardschoolpersonneloranotherstudentinanymanner.
FIGHTING/AGGRESSIVECONTACT:
ChargesmaybefiledthroughtheSchoolResourceOfficerorotherlocalauthorities.
CAUSINGINJURYTOANOTHERSTUDENT,INCLUDINGHAZING,PIERCING,TATTOOING,ETC.
USE OR POSSESSION OF ANY TOBACCO PRODUCT OR DIP ON SCHOOL PROPERTY OR AT A SCHOOL
FUNCTION.
Objectswillbeconfiscated.
DEFACING SCHOOL PROPERTY, STAFF PROPERTY OR STUDENTPROPERTY:Any restitution will be expected by
studentand/orparent.
VIOLATIONOFEMERGENCYPROCEDURES
TRESPASSING
THEFT, KNOWLEDGE OFTHEFT,RECEIPT,SALE,DISTRIBUTIONORPOSSESSIONOFSTOLENPROPERTY:
Objects
willbeconfiscated.ChargesmaybefiledthroughSchoolResourceOfficerorotherlocalauthorities.
EXTORTION:
Thisincludescoercionand/orintimidation.
STUDENTSMAYNOTPOSSESSORTRANSMITSEXUALLYEXPLICITMATERIAL

CategoryIVOffenses

TheconsequencesforaviolationofanyruleinCategoryIVwillbe:

st
1
Offense10daysOutofSchoolSuspensionwitharecommendationforExpulsion.

POSSESSIONAND/OR USE OF A DEADLY WEAPON:Objectwillbeconfiscatedandchargesmaybefiled withthe School

ResourceOfficerorotherlocalauthorities.
PHYSICALASSAULT/SEVERE VERBAL ASSAULT OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEEORFELLOWSTUDENT:SchoolResource
Officerorotherlocalauthoritiesshallbenotified.
INDECENTEXPOSURE
ENGAGINGINSEXUAL/INTIMATEACTIVITYWITHAWILLINGPARTNER
SEXUALCRIMES/UNWANTEDSEXUALCONTACT
This includes but is not limited to forced sexual intercourse, gross sexual imposition, or sexual imposition according to the
OhioRevisedCode.ChargesmaybefiledwiththeSchoolResourceOfficerorotherlocalauthorities.
SALE, DISTRIBUTION, POSSESSION, USE OF OR HAVING CONSUMED DRUGS, ANABOLIC STEROIDS, ALCOHOL,
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, INHALANTS OR COUNTERFEIT DRUGS: This policy also includes the possession of
relatedparaphernalia. Students who are in the company of anindividual(s)whoisinpossessionorundertheinfluenceofthe
above substances will be subject to discipline. Objects will be confiscated and charges shall be filed with the School
ResourceOfficerorotherlocalauthorities.
EXPLODING, IGNITING, SELLING, DISTRIBUTING OR POSSESSING FIREWORKS, SMOKE BOMBS, OR OTHER
SIMILAR DEVICES:
The object(s) will be confiscated and charges may be filed with the School Resource Officer or other
localauthorities.
UNAUTHORIZEDFIRE:
ChargesmaybefiledwiththeSchoolResourceOfficerorotherlocalauthorities.
UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVATION OF AFIRE ALARM/CALLING IN FALSE ALARMS
Charges maybe filed with the School
ResourceOfficerorlocalauthorities.
BOMBTHREAT:
ChargesshallbefiledwiththeSchoolResourceOfficerorlocalauthorities.
CHRONIC MISBEHAVIOR:
Complicity/Compliance:
A student who is in compliance with another student committing
an offense listed in the code of conduct will be subject to punishment one category less than the offender (e.g.
passing on threats or explicit sexual notes from one student to another). Students observing any infraction of the
codeofconductmustreportittoateacheroradministratorortheycouldbeheldincompliance.

DescriptionofConsequences
Teacher Detentions
Teacherassigned detentions are to be served in an area designated and supervised by the teacher.

Teacherassigned detentions take precedence over administrative detentions however, they do not replace the administrative
detentions.

LunchDetentions
Administrative detentions assigned duringastudentslunchperiodtobeservedintheISSroom,mainofficearea
orothersupervisedlocation.Studentswillbepermittedtogettheirlunchpriortoreportingtothedetention.

AfterSchool Detention
Administrative detentions arescheduledfrom2:30p.m.to3:30p.m.on MondayThursday Studentsare
expectedtobeontimeandbringsufficientmaterialsforstudyingorreading.

ExtendedSchool Day
Extended SchoolDay isaconsequenceassignedatthediscretionofanadministrator. Thisdisciplineallows
astudenttoattendhis/herregularclassesandcomplete all workforcreditandthen attendthe requiredafterschoolsessiononMonday
Thursdayfrom2:304:30pm.Anymisbehaviororrefusaltoattendtheextendeddaywillresultinadditionalconsequences.

SaturdayProbation
Saturday Probation is a disciplinary measure given to a student byanadministrator. Itwillbeconducted from
8:0011:00 am each Saturday during the school year. Since Saturday Probation is also considered analternative to suspension in
most cases,anymisbehavioronSaturdayorfailuretoshowforanassignedSaturdaymay resultinsuspension. Studentsshouldenter
theschoolbuildingatthelowerbusrampentrance.

InSchoolSuspension
Inschool suspensionis a disciplinary measure given to a student by an administrator. It willbeheldfrom

7:20 am 2:20 pm each school day and will be supervised by staff. Students are expected to bring their books and willbe able to
completeclassroomassignmentsforcredit. Sinceinschoolsuspensionisconsidered analternativetosuspension,anymisbehavioror
refusaltoattendaninschoolsuspensionmayresultinoutofschoolsuspension.

Suspension
A student may be suspended from school for upto10 days. Asuspendedstudentisnotallowedonschoolgroundsor

permitted to attend or participate in any school activities. In accordance with board policy, a student typically has no makeup
privilege for any work that is missed, however depending on the severity of the offense and the students disciplinary and/or
academicrecord,theschoolprincipalmayapprovemakeupprivileges.(PolicyJGD)

Appealstosuspensionsshouldbedonefirstthroughcontactingthebuildingprincipalandmakinganappointment.

Expulsion
Only the superintendent or designee may expel a student from school. Thelength of anexpulsionmaybeforanylength

of time, up to and including eighty (80) consecutive school days. A student who may have committedaserious offenseorcontinued
and chronic repeated offenses may be recommended for expulsion. An expulsion hearing will then be set up at the Sycamore
CommunitySchools Board of Education office in accordance with student due process procedures. Any studentsexpulsionthathas
been held in abeyance may have their expulsion reinstated if they are involved in any Category IV orCategory V offenses or other
chronicoffensesduringthetimeoftheabeyance.

ExpulsionAppealProcedures:

Suspensionfor10days,withrecommendationforexpulsion,
issuedbyschooladministrator

ExpulsionhearingwithDistrictOfficesadministration,building
principal,andparentswithin10daysofissue

Recommendationmadetosuperintendentonhowtoproceed

Superintendentmakesfinaldecisionbasedonrecommendation

ParentcontactsDistrictOfficesiftheywishtoappeal

AppealhearingwithBoardofEducationandsuperintendent

SuspensionAppealProcedures

Suspensionissuedbyschooladministrator

Parentcontactsbuildingprincipaliftheywishtoappeal

Appealhearingwithbuildingprincipalandparent

ParentcontactsDistrictOfficesiftheywishtoappeal

Appealhearingwithassistantsuperintendent

ParentcontactsDistrictOfficesiftheywishtoappeal

AppealhearingwithBoardofEducationandsuperintendent

Drug/AlcoholProcedures
The Sycamore Board of Education policy concerning drugs and alcohol allows that before a student is expelled,the students prior
disciplinaryrecordandcooperationregardingtheschedulingofachemicaldependencyassessmentwillbetakenintoconsideration.

Consideration to hold expulsion days in abeyance (for a first offense) will be given to a student who undergoes a drug/alcohol
assessment at an adolescent drug/alcohol treatment facility or by a private licensed drug/alcohol counselor, LICDC,approvedbythe
students school administrator or his/her designee. All recommendations must be followed by the student and parent(s)or guardian.
Failuretofollowtherecommendationswillleadtoreinstatementoftheexpulsion. Failuretoprovidewrittenresultsofdrugor
alcoholtests,ifrequested,willleadtoreinstatementoftheexpulsion.
Thefollowingrequirementsmustbemetbeforeastudentmayreturntoschool
:

Completeadrug/alcoholassessmentbyalicensedLICDCcounselororadolescentdrug/alcoholtreatmentfacility.

Send awrittenreportoffindingsandrecommendationstothestudentsschool administrator

and
student assistancecounselor
followingtheassessment.

Provideverification to the Student Assistance Counselor that appointments arescheduledforfollowing throughregardingthe

recommendationsoftheassessment.

(StudentAssistanceCounselor:BrendaFisher6861770ext.3043.)

Sign arelease of information for the school administrator andthestudentassistancecounselortocommunicateopenlywith

thecounselor or treatment facility providing the assessment and treatment. The purposeofthis communicationistoconfirm
resultsoftheassessmentandcompliancewitheducation,counselingortreatmentrecommendations.

A list of resources will be provided to the students parent(s)/guardian. Any costs incurred for assessment or testing are the
responsibilityofthestudentsparent(s).
Copiesofthisletterwillgotothesuperintendent,schooladministrator,andstudentassistancecounselor
.

AttendanceInformation
Regularattendanceisessentialforsuccessfulschoolachievement. Therefore,studentsare expectedtoattendclassonaregularbasis.
Tothisend,thefollowingguidelineswillbefollowedbyallschoolswithintheSycamoreCommunitySchools
:

LegalRequirement
All children between ages six (6) and eighteen (18) are of compulsory school age and must attend school. (
Ohio RevisedCode,
Section3321.01:)

It is the parent/guardians responsibility to ensure their child attends school, therefore, it is the obligation of the parent/guardian to
reportthechildsabsenceortardyeachdaythestudentisabsent.(
OhioRevisedCode,Section3321.03:)

ProcedureforReportingAbsences
1.

On the day of the absence, a parent/guardian should call 513.686.1777 to report the absence before 9:00 a.m. No note is
requirediftheparentcallsoremailsthatthestudentisabsent.

2.

Followingthe absence,thestudentmustreporttotheAttendanceOfficewith anote ortheParentCommunicationFormONLY

IF
NO
PRIORNOTIFICATIONWASMADE.
a.Date(s)ofabsence
b.Reason
c.Phonenumberwhereparent/guardianmaybereached
d.Signatureofparent/guardian
e.Studentswhoareabsentduetoadoctorsappointmentmustprovideanotefromthe
physicianuponreturn

3.

Ifthe student forgets to bringanote,thestudentabsencewill berecordedasanunexcusedabsence. Ifanappropriatenote

ispresentedwithinoneschooldaytheabsencewillbechangedtoanexcusedabsence.

4. Anyunexcusedabsence(s)willberegardedastruancyandmayresultindisciplinaryaction.

*******Repeated truancies may result in: (High School only: loss of driving privileges, loss of senior earlydismissal,and/or)
truancychargeswiththeHamiltonCountyJuvenileCourt.

ExcusedAbsences

A school logged parent/guardian phone call or written notification received by the attendance office (on each day of the students
absence), for any of the excused absences below, is sufficient to excuse the childs absence. After the students tenth (10th) parent
phone call or written notification, upon the students return to school, the parent/guardian shall providedocumentation fromatreating
physician,nursepractitioner,orphysicianassistantstatingtheday(s)absentandreasonforsuchabsence.

Written documentation from the parent/guardian/nondoctor note may be in the form of an email or fax to the proper school
authority or directly from a physicians office, if permitted by the physiciansoffice. Doctorsnotes must specifyperiodoftimefor
whichexcusedabsenceisnecessary.

If written documentation has not beenreceived within 5 school days after returning to school following an absence,theabsence
willbeunexcused.

The parent/guardian (and not the school) maintains responsibility to make certain the telephone call and/or absence note was
submittedtotheproperschoolattendanceauthorityinatimelyfashion.

If the parent/guardian failstocontacttheschoolandschoolpersonnelhavetoinitiatecontactwiththeparent/guardianviaaphone

call and they DO NOT make direct contact with a parent/guardian, the absence will be considered unexcused until a
parent/guardianmakesdirectcontactwiththeattendanceofficetoverifythestudentsabsence.

The school should be notified in advanceby the parent/guardian for any

planned absence that includes 3 or more consecutive
days.

The school administration will make the final decision whether an absence/tardy is excused or unexcused. In general,
excusedabsences/tardiesinclude(butarenotlimitedto):
Personalillnessorinjury.
Medicalordentalappointments(partialdays,inmostcases).
Illnessordeathinthefamily.
Funeralofimmediatefamilymemberorrelative.
Quarantine.
Religiousholiday(notcountedagainsttheten(10)dayrule).
Appointmentsforcourt.
Anyknownabsenceswhereschoolnotificationhasbeenprovidedwillbeincludedintheten(10)days.
Head lice. Children excluded from schoolduetoheadliceareallowedone(1)excusedabsenceon two(2)separate occasionsin
a school year. Absences beyond this number are unexcused unless the additional absences are covered within the ten (10)
parent/guardiannotesoraphysicianetal.excuse.
Emergenciesandotherreasonsdeemedgoodandsufficientbytheprincipal.

Ingeneral,unexcusedabsences/tardiesinclude(butarenotlimitedto):
Missingtheschoolbus.
Experiencingtransportationproblemsathomeoronthewaytoschool,includingtraffic.
Remainingathometocompleteschoolassignments.
Missingschoolwithoutlegitimateillness.
Oversleeping.Alarmclock(studentsorparents)failedtowork.
Mymomdidntgetmeup.
Nothavingsuitableclothingtoweartoschool.
Workingatajobduringtheschooldaywithoutaproperworkpermit.
Babysitting.
Anyformofrecreation(unlessincludedinpriornotificationdays).
Personalbusinessthatcanbedoneafterschooloronweekends.

HelpingathomeorWasneededathome.
Ihadagamelastnight.
Seniorpictures/portraits.

AttendanceAccountingDefinitions:
Arrive7:20a.m8:50a.m=TardyExcusedorUnexcused

Arrivebetween8:50a.m.11:20p.m.=dayA.M.AbsenceExcused/Unexcused

Arrive11:20a.m.2:20p.m.=dayPMAbsenceExcused/Unexcused

Leavingpriorto12:50p.m.=dayPMabsenceExcused/Unexcused

EarlyDismissal=12:50p.m.2:20p.m.Excused/Unexcused(90minutespriortodismissaltime)

DismissalfromtheNurse=ExcusedAM/PMabsencebasedontimeofdismissal

ExcessiveAbsences
A student who has been absent from school more than ten (10) times withinaschool yearwill berequiredtohaveadoctors
notetoexcuseadditionalabsences.
All absences beyond that number (10) without medical verification will be considered unexcused. A student must have a
medical note for absences beyond ten (10) per school year. Doctors notes will be presented to the main/attendanceoffice.
Anystudentwhohasanextendedperiodofillnesswillneedtohaveadoctorsnoteonfileexplainingthechronicillness.
HighSchoolonly Excessive absencesandtardies(10%oftheschoolyear)willresultininabilitytoapply for aparking pass
thefollowingschoolyear.Checkonlineforupdatestothisinformation.

ProceduresforHamiltonCountyTruancyViolations
HabituallyTruantStudenthas:
A)5consecutiveunexcusedabsences
B)7unexcusedabsencesinonemonth
C)12unexcusedabsencesinoneschoolyear
ChronicallyTruantStudenthas:
A)7consecutiveunexcusedabsences
B)10unexcusedabsencesinonemonth
C)15unexcusedabsenceinoneschoolyear

AttendanceViolationConsequencesforUnexcusedAbsences
HighSchoolonly
UnexcusedAbsence/TruancyConsequence(persemester)
1stOffense2daysI.S.S.
2ndOffense2daysI.S.S.
3rdOffense13daysO.S.S.,parentconferenceandnoticetoJuvenileAttendanceOfficer
4thSubsequent5daysO.S.S.andlossofdrivingprivilegeforthesemester

Excessive absence from school may result in the withholding of credit and loss of driving privileges at the secondary level, orthe
retentionofastudentattheelementarylevel.

ExtracurricularActivitiesAttendance
A student may not miss more than 10% of any school year to participate in activities, unless there has been an extended illness.
Students absent from school for more than four periods in one day willnotbepermittedtoparticipate inafterschoolactivities.Special
circumstancesmaybeappealedtothebuildingadministration.


Mandatoryrulesapplyingtostudentsparticipatinginextracurricularactivitiesareasfollows:
1.ParticipatingtheDayofPractice,Meeting,orPerformance
a.Studentsabsentfromschoolformorethanfourperiodsinoneday
willnotbepermittedtoparticipateinafterschoolactivities.
b.Specialcircumstanceshowever,maybeappealedtotheadministration

2. Class Cutting / Truancy When a student who is involved in any extracurricular activity cuts classoris truant, theactivitysponsor
willbe notifiedbytheadministration.Properdisciplinaryactionwillbe inaccordancewiththespecificrulesofthe organizationwitha
minimumofbeingdeniedparticipationfromthenextscheduledpracticeormeeting.

EarlyDismissal

A student must present a note from a parent/guardian to the Attendance Officerequestinganearlydismissalbeforethestart

ofthefirstperiod,
Thenotemustinclude:
a.Date
b.Timeandreasonfordismissal
c.Phonenumberatwhichtheparent/guardianmaybereachedforverificationoftherequest
Ifthestudentleavesschoolandreturnsthesamedayhe/shemustreporttotheAttendanceOfficeuponreturning.

DismissalDuetoIllness
1.
2.
3.

Astudentwhobecomesillduringschoolhours
mustreporttotheschoolnurse.
Permissionwillbegrantedonlyaftera

parent/guardianhasbeen

contacted.
Nostudentistoleavethebuildingwithoutauthorization.

UnexcusedTardiestoClassperSemester
Ifa student is less than five minutes late to class, it is consideredatardy to classmore thanfive minutes latetoclassis
considereda
classcutandthestudentwillbereferredtotheoffice.
st
nd
1
and2
OffensesTeacherwarning,phonecallhome
rd
3OffenseTeacherdetentionandphonecallhome
th
4
OffenseAfterSchoolDetentionteacherassignedandphonecallhome
th
5
OffenseExtendedSchoolDay
th th
6
7
OffensesSaturdayProbation
thth
8
9
OffensesInschoolSuspension
th
10
Offense13DaysO.S.S.,parentconference

CollegeVisits
th
th
Students inthe11
and12
gradeswill begiven reasonabletimetovisitcollegeswheretheyhaveapplied,intendtoapply,orthere isa
validreasonforsuchavisit.

Procedure:
1.Priortotheirvisit,studentsmustpickuptheCollegeVisitationFormfromtheAttendanceOffice.
2. The form must be completed by a college admissions officer, the students counselor and parent, and submitted to the
AttendanceOfficeuponthestudentsreturn.

MakeupPrivilegesintheCaseofIllness
Itis the responsibility of the student with an excused absence to complete makeup work. Students who areillareallowedtwodays
for every one day absent to turn in makeup work, however assignments/tests due the day of the absence are to beturned in or
completedthedaythestudentreturnstoschool.StudentsareencouragedtoutilizeBlackboardtoaccessassignments.

In cases when illness or convalescence results in an extended period of absence (3 or more days), arrangements should bemade
throughtheCounselingCentertosendassignmentshomeorhavethemreadyforparentpickupbycalling
6861770ext.3070.

Students who are suspended outofschool may choose to work onschool worktokeepupwith theirclassesbutasuspendedstudent
willtypicallynotreceivemakeupprivileges,unlessotherwisedecidedbythehighschoolprincipal.

StudentInformation
Students enjoyaclean,attractive,wellkeptfacilityatSycamoreHighSchool. Students have aprimaryrolein maintainingthequalityof
our physical environment. Studentsareaccountableforanyactiontakenthatdamages schoolproperty. Examplesinclude,butarenot
limited to, the following: graffiti, disassembling items, improper disposal of chewing gum, ink, marker, etc. Students defacing or
destroyingschoolfacilitiesinanymannerwillberesponsibleforrestitutionanddisciplinaryactionwillbetaken.

SchoolBuildingHours
6:30am3:00pmMondaythroughFriday
Theschool building is open to students at6:30am. Studentsare nottoloiterin thebuilding afterschoolhoursorpast3:00pm
unless
theyareintheafterschooltutoringprogram,IMC,orwiththeirschoolsponsoredextracurricularsponsor/coach
.Nostudents
may be in the building after school hours, including weekends, unless they are supervised or attending a school event. Students
enteringthebuildingduringunauthorizedtimeswillbesubjecttodisciplinaryconsequences.

AviatorLaunch:BringYourOwnDevice
Students are encouraged to bring theirownelectronic devicestoschool. Formore informationonBYOD, pleaseseetheParentGuide
andStudentGuidelocatedonthedistrictwebpageunder
Resources.

SchoolResourceOfficer
Sycamore High School in conjunction with the Montgomery Police Department has a School Resource Officer assigned to thehigh
schoolonadailybasis.

Commons/LunchExpectations
Students are expected to refrain from loud and disruptive behavior during lunch. In being respectful to fellow classmates, students
should make sure that they throw away all trash items in the appropriate waste cans and follow district guidelines concerning
composting and recycling.
Students are not permitted in the academic wings or locker bays during lunch
. Allfooditemsareto
remain in the Commons during the lunch period. Students are
not
allowed to order food from offcampus restaurantsandhaveit
delivered to school.
Bake sales and other school fundraising activities involving food and beverage items may not be held
duringtheschoollunchperiod.

Nurse/HealthRoom
A licensed nurse attends to the health room at Sycamore High School. The health room is a place provided forthe studentswho
becomeillor injured at school. If a student becomes ill duringtheday, he/she shouldacquirepermissionfromtheclassroomorstudy
hall teacher to go to the health room.
STUDENTS MUST HAVE A PASS TO COME TO THE HEALTH ROOM unless it is an
emergency.

LateArrival/EarlyDismissal
Students with early dismissal are reminded that early dismissal can be revokedatany timeforfailuretopassallclassesand/orfailure
to maintain good behavior and attendance. Students who have early dismissal should exit the buildingpromptlyand should not be
loitering in the hallways. Students who have not passed all sections of the Ohio Graduation Test may noteligibleforearlydismissal.
Late arrival students should not enter building prior to 8:05. Late arrival students should wait in the commons.
Failureto adhere to
theseguidelinesmayresultinEarlyDismissalorLateArrivalbeingrevokedandthestudentassignedtoastudyhallorclass.

StudentLockers
The main office will assign students a locker. The student will be assigned this locker until he/she graduates. The student is
responsibleforthecareandappearanceofthelocker.Damagetothelockerwillbeassessedtothestudent.

While the school makes every effort to solve locker problems, the school is neither responsible nor liable for books or other items of
valuemissing or taken from lockers regardless of the circumstances. Each pupil is responsible for his/her ownpossessions,fortheir
replacement,and/orpayment.Lockersarethepropertyoftheschoolandmaybeenteredbyadministrativepersonnelatanytime.

BusBoardingPass
Anystudent who plans to ride a bus other than the one assigned must present a parent note to theMainOfficeindicatingthereason
andalsoprovidetheappropriatebusnumber.Abusboardingpasswillthenbeissued.

DistrictForms
All district forms includingaccess to the districts onlineformssystem,FinalForms,canbefoundonthe Formspageonthe
districtwebsite.

LostandFound
LostandFoundislocatedonthefirstfloorbythedockarea. If studentshavelost anitem orfind itemsunattended,pleasetakethemto
thethedockarea..

Telephones
Twocourtesy phones are available one at the front office and the other at the attendance office. Pleaselimitusetothreeminutesor
less.

WorkCertificates
Students, ages 1418, are required to have a work certificate on file when employed either parttime or fulltime. Application and
instructionsforthiscertificatemaybeobtainedintheMainOfficefrom7:30am3:30pm.

StatementonStudentVisitors
Due to classroom size constraints and continued national concerns in regards to school safety / emergencyprocedures,studentsare
notallowed to have other students attend classes or visit at lunch during the school day. Prospective students needtoarrangefora
tourthroughtheRegistrarorAssistantPrincipal.

StudentResponsibilityforFieldTrips
Anystudent who participates in a field trip (or is absent from class for anathleticcontest)mustnotify his/her teachers inadvancethat
he/shewillbeoutofclass.Participationinafieldtripdoesnotexcuseastudentfromfulfillinghis/herstudentresponsibilities.
Ifa paper or project is due on the day of the trip, the student must turn it into the appropriate teacher priortoleavingonthe
trip.
If a test or quiz is missed, it must be made up as soon as possible at the teachers convenience. This may be done after
schoolonthesamedayafterthestudentreturnsfromthetrip.
A student is responsible for allworkmissedwhenonatrip. Ifatest,quiz,or project isscheduledforthe dayfollowing thetrip
thestudentwillberequiredtocompletetheworkwiththeclass.

StudentDrivingPrivileges/Code
Onlystudentswithvalidparkingpermitsmaydrivetoschool. Allvehiclesmusthaveacurrentparking permitdisplayed onthe rearview
mirrorandbeparkedintheappropriatespot. Anystudentparkedinan unauthorizedparkingwillbefinedaccordingtothestudentcode
ofconduct.Repeatedoffendersmayhaveabootplacedontheircarorbetowed.

Students must drive safely at all times and adhere to the 10 M.P.H. speed limits. For specific parking information and to make
application,pickuptheparkingbrochureintheFrontOffice.

StudentDrivingCode

DrivingandparkingatSycamoreHighSchoolisaprivilege.
Validdriverslicenseisrequired.

Parkingtags must be current, properlyregisteredtothatvehicle/driver(s),andclearlydisplayed from therearview mirror. Lost

parkingtagsmustbereplacedatafeeof$10.00intheMainOffice.
Vehicles are to be parked in assigned spaces only. Vehicles must beregistered at theFrontOffice. Notificationofachange
mustbefiledwiththisoffice.Failuretonotifymayresultinlossofdrivingprivilegesforoneweek.
There is no parking in reserved areas (faculty, staff, visitor, handicapped, bus lanes, fire lanes). Any authorized
student driver parked in any of the reserved or prohibited areas may receive the Parking Boot, be towed, and/or receive
disciplinary action whichmayresultinthelossofdrivingprivilegesfortheremainderoftheschool year. Ninthortenth graders
parkingatschoolwilllosetheirdrivingprivilegethefirstsemesteroftheyeartheybecomeeligibletodrivetoschool.
Ifsomeone has parked in your space, double park behind the vehicle.
Itisyourresponsibilityto notifyand fill outacard
intheFront Office indicating that someoneparked inyourspace as well as any information you can provide about
thatcar.

DoNotParkInVisitororHandicapParkingSpacesmayresultina$250fineforhandicapspaceviolation.
Recklessoperation of the vehicle is not permitted. Thepostedschoolspeed limitis 10mph. Youmustobeyalltrafficsigns
schoolresourceofficermaybecontacted.
Parking tags are nontransferable. Students found forging, sharing, or selling parking tags will be fined $30 and may be
denieddrivingprivilegesforthebalanceoftheschoolyearandaresubjecttootherdisciplinaryaction.
Vehicles must be parked and locked upon arrival at school. Students are not permitted to returntotheir carsduringtheday
unlessthey have a pass from the Attendance Office. Students are not permitted to hang around in the parking lotsat
any
time. No one is permitted to leave school grounds during the school day without previous early dismissal arrangementsor
throughanadministrator.
You are responsible for the contents in the vehicle parked on school grounds. School boardpolicyallowsforthereasonable
searchofyourvehiclebyanadministratorwhenwarranted.
th
The7
tardy in a quarter by a student driver willresultinlossofdrivingprivilegesasindicatedinthestudenthandbookunder
proceduresfortardiestoschool.
The1st&2nd offense for a student who illegally parkswillbeanassignment of anorangeviolationstickerthatwillbeplaced
onthecarwindowanda$30fineaddedtothestudentfeeaccount.
Students who are failing one or more academic subjects may have driving privileges revoked until they are within good
standing.
Problemsthatariseamongcarpoolersmustbehandledbythose withinthecarpool. Ifproblems withcarpoolerscontinue,they
shouldbebroughttotheattentionoftheadministratorwhowilltakeappropriateaction.
Allstudentfeesmustbepaidbeforeparkingpassformscanbeturnedin.
Student owned or operated automobiles parked on or parked at or used during school activities heldoffschoolgroundsmay
be searched by school if there is reasonable suspicion or reasonable cause to believe that an automobilecontains illegalor
unauthorized contraband or is involved or associated with illegal or unauthorized behavior. Studentvehiclesparkedonorin
close proximity to school property are subject to routine patrol and school officials may look throughvehiclewindowsforany
contrabandlyinginplainview.

UseofSchoolComputersandNetwork
The use of school computers and network is a privilege. Students must make application for an access code in order to usethe
network. Using another students access code, destroying files, changing computer configurations, accessingareasunauthorized on
the network, entering inappropriate Internet sites, and other inappropriate use of the computer, will result in loss of computer and
networkaccess.Studentsmayalsofaceadditionaldisciplinaryaction.

OuttoLunchPasses
Students who receive an outtolunch pass
may use the pass
on Wednesdays. Students are to follow the procedures listed on the
pass
.

GradingInformation
GradingScale

SycamoreHighSchoolusesthefollowinggradingsystem:

90100
A=Excellentoutstanding

4.0


8089
B=Goodaboveaverage.

7079
C=Averagesatisfactory

6069
D=Passingbelowaverage.

Below60
F=Failinginsufficienttopass..

I=Incompletework,unabletoassigngrade
0.0

WF=Withdrawfailing..
0.0

WP=Withdrawpassing
0.0

3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0

HonorRoll
TobeplacedontheHonorRollforeachquarter,astudentmustbetakingfourcoursesormoreandearnthefollowing:

HighHonors
Earnagradepointaverageof3.6orbetter

Honors
Earnagradepointaverageof3.0

HavenoFs

ReceivingCredit
Inordertoreceivecreditforacourse,astudentmustearnanoverallaverageof0.5orbetterand:

SemesterGradedClass
1.
2.

Earnpassingmarksfortwo(2)ofthethree(3)gradesreceivedduringthesemester.
Obtainaqualitypointaverageof0.5orbetter.

InterimReports
Interim reports will be distributed during class time for students carrying Ds and Fs only. All other grades can be viewed on
BlackboardorParentPortal.

ReportCards
Reportcardswillbedistributedinsecondperiodtostudentsapproximatelyoneweekfollowingtheendofeachgradingperiod.

FinalExaminations
Final examinations will be given to all students at the end of each semester. All courses will include a final examination. Thefinal
examination grade will constitute 20% of the semester grade. Each student who is absent from a final examination must have a
parent/guardian telephone the Attendance Office before 10:00 am that day to confirm the absence. Request to change examination
datesshouldbesubmittedtothegradeleveladministratorforreviewandapproval.

GraduationRequirements/SchedulingInformation

ClassificationofStudents
Ninth grade start date (year of entry into high school) is used to determine the grade levelofeachstudent. Thefollowingnumbersof
creditsaresuggestedtobenchmarkstudentsprogressfromgradetograde:
Sophomore
5.5credits
Junior
11.0credits
Senior
16.5credits

RequesttoDropaClass

A drop willnot be permitted if it results in morethan2studyhalls.(Note:Seniordismissalorlatearrivalis consideredastudy

hall.)

Ifthecourseisdropped
before
thefollowingdeadlines,noindicationofthecoursewillappearonthetranscript:

st
th
1
SemesterCourseOctober15
nd
st
2SemesterCourseMarch1

Coursesdropped within the following time periods will be recorded on the transcript as WP or WF,but withnocredit value
andnoeffectontheGPA.
st
th
th
1
SemesterCourseOctober15
November15
nd
st
th
2SemesterCourseMarch1April15

If the course is dropped after the following deadline, a grade of F will be recorded on the transcript. This grade will be
computedintothecumulativeGPA.
st
th
1
SemesterCourseNovember15
nd
th
2SemesterCourseApril15

Foradditionaldetail,pleaseconsulttheSycamoreHighSchoolCoursePlanner.

GraduationRequirements
A minimum of 21.5 credits are required for graduation from Sycamore High School
.
It is the students responsibility to see that
requirements for graduation are met.
The high school will make every effort to keep uptodate records and to inform the student
andparentsaboutthestudentsprogresstowardthecompletionofgraduationrequirements.
(SEECOURSEPLANNER)

EarlyGraduation:ThreeYearandJanuaryGraduates
A pupil may graduate within three years or as a January graduate intheir senioryear and participateincommencementceremoniesif
thefollowingcriteriaaresatisfied:
Thepupil shall have fulfilled all course requirements, earned the minimumnumberoftotal creditsrequiredforgraduationand
metstateofOhiotestingrequirements.
Allcreditsshallhavebeenearnedthroughanaccreditedhighschoolprogram.
Thepupilshallbeinresidenceonesemesterofthegraduationyear.
Thepupilandparent/guardianshallconferwiththecounselorpriortothesubmissionoftheformalrequest.
st
A formal request, in writing, shall be submitted to the counselor and approved by the principal by April 1
intheyearpriorto
graduation.

Diplomas willnot be issueduntilthecommencementceremonyinMay. JanuaryGradsarerequiredtoturnintheir parkingpassbefore

thelastdayofclasses/exams.Threeyeargraduatesareeligibletoparticipateinseniorprivileges.
GraduationAssessmentsRequiredbytheState
OhioGraduationTest(OGT)
Students in the classes of 2016 and 2017 must pass the Ohio Graduation tests
in writing, reading, citizenship, mathematics and
scienceto be eligible to receive a diploma. OGT tests are given twice each year, once inOctober and againinMarchastudentmust
takethe OGT test only in the area that has not been passed.
A student will have up to nine opportunities inhigh schooltopassthe
test. Student must pass the OGT tests by
the end of the senior year. Students who have not passed the tests will beenrolled in
remediation courses offered throughout the year. Since no high school diploma can be
grantedtoa
studentunlessall
sectionsofthe
OhioGraduationtesthavebeenpassed,everyopportunityforremediationshouldbepursued.

Beginningwiththeclassof 2018 there will be new state testing requirements for high school graduates.
Inadditiontocourse
credits, students will earn points toward graduation on seven endofcourse exams. These exams will replace the Ohio Graduation
Tests.The courses in which students take an endofcourse exam will be: English I and II,algebraI orintegrated mathI,geometryor
integrated math II,physicalscienceorbiology,AmericanhistoryandAmericangovernment. Studentscanearnfrom15 pointsforeach
exam,basedontheirperformance.5Advanced4Accelerated3Proficient2Basic1Limited

Students who take biology, American history or American government as part of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate,
college dual credit or Credit Flexibility programs can use their scores from the programs endofcourse exams in place of the state
endofcourseexamscorestoaccumulategraduationpoints.
A student who earned high school credit in any of the above courses before July 1,2015 andarequiredendofcourseexamwasnot
availableautomaticallywillreceiveascoreofthreepointspercourse examtowardthe totalpointsneededforgraduation.Middleschool
students this year who take one of these courses for high school credit must take the corresponding state endofcourseexaminthis
schoolyear.
ExamRetakes
Students that score below proficient on an exam may retake it afterthey receivesome extrahelponthematerial. Studentsthatscore
proficientor higher on an end of course exam can retake exams onlyif,oncetheytake all theexams,they havenotmettheminimum
graduation points to graduate. In this case, a student can retake anyexamafterreceivingsome extrahelponthematerial.Thesame
rulesapplytosubstituteexams,whichmaybeusedinterchangeablywithapprovedtests.
GraduationPoints
With fewexceptions, students must accumulate a minimum of 18 points from scores on their endofcourseexamstobecomeeligible
for adiploma. Students who do not earn the required number of graduation points canstillmeettherequirementsforadiplomaifthey
earn aremediationfree score on a national college admission test. This assessment will begiven to studentsfree ofchargeinthefall
oftheirjunioryearstartingwiththegraduatingclassof2018.
Students also can qualify for a high school diploma by earning 12 points through one or several approved
industryrecognized
credential within a single career field and achieving a workforcereadiness score on the WorkKeys assessment. The State Board of
Educationwillapprovetheworkforcereadinessscoreneededforgraduationthisfall.

HonorCords
rd
Honorcordsatgraduationaregrantedbasedonthecumulativeaveragecalculatedthroughthe3
Quarterofthesenioryear.
GraduatingwithHighHonors
Accumulativegradepointaverageof3.6orhigher
GraduatingWithHonors
Acumulativegradepointaverageof3.0orhigher
SummaCumLaudeQuartergradepointaveragesof3.6orhigher for everyquarterinattendance at Sycamore HighSchool
rd
th
throughthe3
quarterofthe12
grade.

Beginning with theclassof 2018 there will be new state testing requirements for high school graduates. Details of the new
requirementswillbepostedonthedistrictwebsiteandcommunicatedtoparentsandstudents.

ExtracurricularInformation
Getinvolved!!!Acompletelistingofalltheactivitiesandclubsthatstudentscanjoinislocatedintheguidanceoffice.

ExtracurricularActivities
All interested students are encouraged to participate inclubs,activities, and athletics.If astudent needsfinancialaidtoenablehim/her
toparticipateinanyoftheseprograms,thestudentshouldcontacttheclub/activitysponsororcoachtoobtainthatsupport.

ExtracurricularActivitiesAttendanceSeeAttendance

AthleticEligibility
Students at Sycamore High School must meet the eligibility standards as published by the Ohio High SchoolAthleticAssociationand
Sycamore Board of Education. Thus, a student mustbepassing subjects that earn aminimumof5 creditsperyear towardgraduation
at theend of each quarter to continue athletic participationforthe nextquarterandmaintain nolessthana1.0gradepointaverageon
a4.0gradingscale.

Ifa student fails to pass 5 credits in a quarter, the athlete is ineligible for the entire nextquarter SummerSchool creditsdonotaffect
eligibilityrequirements.

A coach, with the approval of the athletic director, has the option of establishing standards higher than those imposed by the state.
Thus,acoachmayrequireanathletetobepassingallcourseworkduringtheterminordertoplayinaninterscholasticcontest.

Specialnote:Physicaleducationclassesandproficiencyclassesarenotusedtodetermineathleticeligibility.

ExpectedStudentBehaviors
Respect:

Respecteachother
Respectyourenvironment
Respectyourself

Responsibility:

Beresponsibleforyourlearning
Beresponsibleforyourchoices
Beresponsibletoyourcommunity

Opportunity:

Takeadvantageofopportunitiesforlearning
Takeadvantageofopportunitiesforenrichment
Takeadvantageofopportunitiesforservice