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Student Handbook

[ Assemblies ] [ Attendance Policy ] [ Awards ] [ Behavior ] [ Class Change] [ Dress Code ] [ Drugs, etc ] [Gambling ] [ Hall Passes] [ Hazing ] [ Homework ] [ Inappropriate Items ] [ Internet ] [ Lockers ] [ Lunch ] [ Make-up Work ] [ Media Center ] [ Parking ] [ Participant Eligibility ] [ Report Cards ] [ School Dances ] [ School Safety ] [ Sexual Harassment ] [ Skateboards ] [ Street Passes ] [ Student Conduct ] [ Tardy Policy ] [ Tickets ][ Textbooks ] [Withdrawals ]

Assemblies

Assemblies are for the entire student body. They should be attended out of respect for those performing and in recognition of the time and effort of those organizing the activities. Students should move quickly to the auditorium. Quiet, respectful attention is expected of all Kearns High students. The number of assemblies and activities held will be directly related to students' conduct and behavior.

Attendance Policy

Absences -- Students returning from an absence must check-in at the attendance office and receive an admit slip. Check-in should be completed before school. The attendance office will open at 7:15am. Teachers will require a properly stamped admit slip upon return to class.

Tardies -- Students late to class must obtain a stamped admit slip from the attendance office before being admitted to class if they are 20 or more minutes late.

Excused/Unexcused Admit

The admit slip will indicate whether the student is excused or unexcused. Absent or late students should have a note from a parent of guardian to receive an "excused admit". The note should include the student's name, date of absence or time of tardy, and reason, phone number where parent can be reached, along with the parent's signature.
Students without a note will receive an "unexcused admit". The parent may be contacted if the student does not have an acceptable note.
Unexcused absences are considered a "sluff". Also students who are more than 20 minutes late to class will be marked as a "sluff".

Follow-Up

Teachers will notify counselors when a student has five or more absences. Counselors will arrange parent conferences for students with five or more absences.
Long-term illnesses or absences will be handled by the counselors. Appeals must still be requested when extended or unusual circumstances exist beyond the fourth absence. Counselors may assist in the initiation of an appeal.
Serious attendance problems will be handled by the administrators.

Awards and Student Recognition

The administration and faculty recognize students who have distinguished themselves in class work and activities throughout the year at Kearns High School. The purpose of this recognition is to honor our outstanding students.

Academic letter

Each Spring students in grades 10,11,12, are encouraged to apply for the academic letter. The following criteria are used to determine eligibility: A weighted 3.8 GPA, an outstanding citizenship record with no 0's or 1's, and enrollment in at least 3 solid classes. Information is available from Mrs. Shannon Coon.

Academic Recognition

Each quarter students may be eligible to receive one of the following recognitions:
High Honor Roll:       3.75 - 4.00 GPA
Honor Roll:               3.50 - 3.74 GPA
.5 improvement: Raised GPA at least .50 or more from one quarter to the next.
These students have an opportunity to celebrate with certificates and treats!

Areas of Distinction

Seniors may apply for "Areas of Distinction" diploma recognition in the Spring of their 12th grade year. Each Kearns High School department has criteria which must be met in order to receive a seal of distinction.
Diploma of Merit, requirements include:

27 academic credits including state core Science classes from different areas, 3 full years of Math beyond pre-algebra, and 1 core elective from Math, Science, History, or English.
No more than 3 outside credits from alternative programs.
3.0 cumulative GPA.
2 Areas of Distinction minimum

Student of the Month

Each month one student from each 10th, 11th, and 12th grade level is selected from the entire student body.

Clubs and Organizations

We encourage all students to get involved at KHS! The following are just some of the clubs and organizations.

Chess Club, Dance Company, Chatte's (Drill Team), DECA, VICA, FBLA, K-ettes/Spirit Club, Best Buddies Program, FHA/HERO, French Club, German Club, Spanish Club, HOSA club, Ski/Snow board club, SADD, Water Polo Club

K-Crest & K-Activity Awards Qualifications

At the end of each school year the faculty at Kearns High recognizes full-time students who have participated unselfishly. The purpose of this recognition is to acknowledge students who have distinguished themselves by excelling in class work, citizenship, and activities at Kearns High.

K-Crest Award

The K-Crest Award is the highest honor given by the school to a student. It is an award which reflects service and activity in school for a three-year period. Each senior who receives this award must have served the school in a minimum of two unrelated areas such as sports, leadership, service groups and clubs. The award is based on points accumulated over the three years, not solely on being awarded the K-Activity award in previous years. Good scholarship and citizenship are factors which help determine award recipients. Each student must be enrolled full-time for the entire year. If a student has ever received an "F" or "0" in three years, he/she will be ineligible for this award.

The K-Crest and Senior Activity Awards are presented at the Senior Awards Banquet in the spring. Students must R.S.V.P. or their award will be forfeited. All of these factors contribute to making this an extremely prestigious award.

K-Activity Award

The K-Activity Award is offered to students who have dedicated many extra hours to school service and participation. This award is based on one year's activities and is given to sophomore, junior and senior students who have been enrolled full-time for the entire year.

In order to receive this one-year award, a student must have received strong recommendations from the sponsors of at least two unrelated activities to be considered. Good scholarship and citizenship are additional factors which help determine award recipients. Having ever received an "F" or "0" in the year will automatically disqualify a student for this award.

Areas of Participation

The areas listed below are some of the activities which are considered in determining award recipients. To be eligible, the student must be in good standing for the entire year (no probation, etc.) and receive strong recommendation from the sponsor of the group.

Leadership and Clubs -- Publications groups, performing groups, drill team, spirit club, DECA, VICA, class and studentbody officers, cheerleaders, stage crew, congress, activities committee, participation in Boys/Girls State, and all clubs with a charter on file will receive consideration towards the award.
Athletics -- Credit in this area is by sponsor recommendation and, if credit is toward a K-Crest, the student must have lettered in a varsity sport.
Academics -- Sterling Scholars, those who receive A.P. credit of 3, 4 or 5 during the junior year, composite ACT score of higher than 23, commended, semi-finalists and finalists in National Merit Tests, and Honor or High Honor Roll status for at least two terms in the year if the student has been enrolled in four or more solid courses.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Awards - Seniors

These awards are given on the basis of the highest weighted grade point average. Awards are calculated from the beginning of the ninth grade year to the end of the senior year. Classes designated as honors and A.P. classes will be weighted on a 5 point scale (5 points for "A's", 4 points for "B's", "C's" and below same as traditional grading scale). Other classes are given the traditional 4 point grade scale. One percent of the ACT test score is added to the final weighted grade point average. These awards will be announced at the Senior Awards Banquet.

Behavior Guidelines

Students at Kearns High School are expected to be good citizens and conduct themselves appropriately. Students involved in any of the following behaviors will subject themselves to administrative disciplinary action which may include suspension or expulsion for these serious infractions:

Excessive absences or tardiness
Disruptive, disrespectful, or defiant behavior
Graffiti
Swearing, teasing, or threatening
Refusal to come to the office when requested by a staff member
False name or running from authority
Smoking/chewing tobacco
Possession of use of controlled substance
Theft/possession of stolen property
Fighting/School Safety Violation
Vandalism
Police referral
Inappropriate dress

Class Change & Schedule Correction

To accommodate those students who have incomplete schedules or schedules in which revision is needed, see your Counselor. Counselors will only approve schedule correction for the following reasons:

An incomplete schedule (one or more periods during upcoming semester).
A class needs to be changed to meet graduation requirements.
Inappropriate placement has been made (such as Geometry scheduled without completing Algebra).
Five dollars will be charged for any change that does not qualify in the above three categories.

Dress Code

The public school is a place of learning. Proper dress sets the tone of the school atmosphere as well as its reputation. The Kearns High School dress code stipulates*:

Appearance should not disrupt classroom activity and/or hinder fellow students' participation in class.
Dress should be modes, clean, and safe. Appropriate protective wear must be used for hazardous activities.
Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times. Socks only or bare feet are not acceptable.
Standards of decency and propriety dictate that outer clothing should no be revealing of underwear. (Fishnet type clothing is unacceptable).
Shorts may be worn to school if they are mid-thigh length or longer.
Muscle T's, halters, midriffs, and tank tops are not permitted. All tops worn must cover the naval, extend to the shoulder, and cover the bra.
Bandannas, hairnets, and other distracting clothing are not to be worn in the school during the school day.
Hats of any kind (beanies, baseball caps, visors, etc.) are not to be worn in the school during the school day.
Shirts, clothing, or hats depicting through words or visualization disrespect toward any race, culture, religion , or gender can not be worn at school or sponsored activities.
Shirts, clothing, or hats with drug wording or drug pictures, tobacco, or beer can not be worn at school or school sponsored activity.
Shirts, clothing, or hats depicting vulgarity, profanity, criminal activity, or violence such as pictures of weapons or violent actions can not be worn to school or any sponsored activity.
"Sagging" will not be allowed. Sagging is defined as any clothing worn by any student which gives the obvious appearance where pockets or zippers are seen positioned in the thigh region or below. Pants and shorts must be worn around a student's waist no more than two inches below their navel.
Any items of clothing, or mode of dress that may be interpreted to indicate gang involvement will not be allowed.
Any attire that refers to sexual behavior or displays vulgar and offensive language is prohibited.
No chains allowed. Chains may not be attached to any article of clothing or personal property. Chains, for example, such as those attached to wallets, etc. are prohibited.
Belts must be kept in the belt loops and are not allowed to hang.

*School authorities reserve the right to determine interpretation of all dress code items listed above. Dress code rules may be modified or added at any time as deemed necessary by school officials.

The first violation of the dress code will result in a warning and the student being required to change their clothing. The second violation will result in a one day suspension and a parent conference. The third violation will result in a three day suspension.

Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco

Possession of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs is illegal. Tobacco violators will be issued citation. Students involved in drug and/or alcohol violations will be referred to the Granite School District Office under the District Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Violation of both policies above (Safe School and/or Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco) may include, but is not limited to suspension, probation from activities, enrollment in a treatment program, law enforcement referral, and possible alternative placement. By engaging in these and related activities, a student may relinquish the privilege to attend Kearns High School.

Complete copies of these Board of Education policies and the sequential steps involved are mailed to homes each Fall. Copies are available at the school upon request.

Gambling and Games of Chance

Any activity or games involving wagering, use of dice, playing cards, or other devices as well as "pitching" money are prohibited while at school or at any school related functions.

Hall Passes

Students are not permitted in the halls during class unless they are accompanied by a teacher or have a hall pass from an authorized staff member. The hall pass is issued by teachers, and they are responsible for students to whom they issue hall passes. If a student is in the hall without a pass, it will be assumed the absence from class is unexcused. The hall pass clipboard must have the date, time out of class, and the teachers initials in order to be valid. One student per hall pass! The limit is 10 minutes per hall pass.

Hazing Policy

Hazing or initiation activities on the part of Kearns High School students or organizations sponsored by Kearns High School are strictly forbidden. Student participation in any activities that might be dangerous or construed as hazing and/or physical or sexual harassment may result in one or more of the following consequences:

Immediate suspension from school
Removal from the school sponsored organization/team
Law enforcement referral

Homework Policy

In order to meet the needs and educational requirements of students, teachers can and do assign homework. The amount of this homework varies depending on the type of classes scheduled and the specific needs of each student in the class.

Students can expect to receive homework assignments on a regular basis in the following classes: English, History, Math and Science. Other classes will assign homework as needed.

Inappropriate Items at School

Cellular phones, TV remote controls, stereos, pagers, beepers, or other electronic devices are not allowed to disturb the learning environment at school. Skateboards, roller skates, and roller blades are not to be brought to school. Students should not bring to school any implement or device that may be harmful or disruptive. Some examples are: water guns, fireworks, chemical sprays, balls, Frisbees, or other similar type toys. In addition, felt-tip pens, magic markers, spray paint and tips are not allowed.

Students who bring any of the above items subject themselves to administrative action which may include suspension or expulsion for serious infractions.

Internet Access

All students having access to the computer equipment or Internet must agree to abide by the policies outlined in the Granite School District Use Agreement. Any breach of these policies is a felony and is punishable by law. Students must complete the Use Agreement in order to receive Internet Access privileges. Approved access will be indicated on the I.D. activity card. The I.D. activity card must be displayed at all times while using the computer terminal. Students will not be allowed to talk in chat rooms, use e-mail, or add/delete programs on the computers.

Lockers

Students are responsible for keeping their locker combination confidential. Lockers are school property and may be opened by school authorities. Students are permitted to use lockers as a convenience and courtesy and will be held responsible for their proper use and care. Be sure your locker is locked at all times. The school cannot guarantee the security or assume responsibility for lost or stolen items. Individual students are responsible for any writing appearing on their locker. Violation of these policies will result in forfeiture of locker privileges. Problems involving lockers are to be reported to the office promptly. Students may be fined for not keeping lockers clean.

Lunch

The Kearns High School lunch cost is $1.50. The cost for adults is $2.05.

All policies relating to proper behavior in the classroom are expected during lunch time. contrary to papular belief and practice by some students, Kearns High is a closed campus during lunch. This means that you do not have permission to leave campus during lunch. Violators of this policy assume all risks involved with violation. Parents/guardians may not excuse students to leave school for lunch without properly checking the student out thourgh the attendance office. These rules are for student safety, and liability.

Make-Up Work

Teachers shall allow credit for make-up work for excused absences.
Teachers shall not be required to accept make-up work for unexcused absences or truancy.

Media Center

Media Center will be open at 7:10 am, during lunch and until 3:00 pm. Students must have their activity cards for Media Center use.

Parking and Parking Lots

Student and faculty cars must be registered. Students must purchase a parking decal in the main office for $10.00. The parking decal must be displayed as indicated in the written application. Students must park in the far north parking lot or the west parking lot.

Parking on nearby streets, vacant lots, the driving range, or other unauthorized areas is a violation of the parking privilege and the cars will be ticked by the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department. The parking lot is off limits at all times unless authorized by a street pass from the office. If a student receives a Kearns High Parking Ticket, it must be paid within two weeks at the main office. Unpaid fines will double after two weeks. If additional tickets are issued before your fine is cleared, your car may be towed away at the owner's expense. There is to be no students parking on the east side of the school or around the shop areas.

Participant Eligibility Requirements

School is a place of learning, a place to obtain skills that will allow for productive lifestyles. In order to facilitate learning and have quality learning experiences at school, students must attend classes. The administration at Kearns High feels strongly about this issue and has developed the following policy:

In order for students to participate in school activities (i.e. sports, clubs, and organizations) they must have good attendance records. Excessive absences or unresolved absences will result in parent conferences to clear up the problem or possible suspensions from the team or organization to which they belong if these absences have not been cleared up. In short, students are expected to be in school.

Sluffing or excessive tardies can and will result in a loss of privileges in clubs, organizations, and/or teams to which the student belongs.

Report Cards & Midterms

At the end of each quarter report cards are given to students to take home. The fourth term card is mailed. Students receive a midterm report at school each quarter. Term ends on the following dates:

                       1st Term: November 1
                       2nd Term: January 17
                       3rd Term: March 21
                       4th Term: May 31

Report cards, mid-terms, and progress reports are available through the internet at:
www.granite.k12.ut.us. Information can be accessed using your student I.D. number (as listed on recent report card), birth date, and a pin number that you set up yourself.

School Dance Policy

Kearns High School sponsors two types of dances. They are:

Date Dances -- (Prom, Homecoming, Girls Preference, etc.) Open to non-student dates but participants remain subject to all school conduct regulations.
Stomps -- These are no-date affairs and are held for currently enrolled day-time Kearns High students only. Student ID will be required prior to entry and non-Kearns High students are not admitted. The administration reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone prior to the dances as well as at the door.

Dress Standards: "Casual" and "Semi-Formal" means the Kearns High Dress Code applies. "Formal Dress" means ties, shirts, dress pants, dresses required.

Once In - Once Out -- We do adhere to the policy that once a student or guest has entered the dance, they may not leave and return again during the same event.

All dances are scheduled from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

School Safety Policy

All students have the right to attend school and school sponsored activities without undue concern for their safety. Any student acts of violence, stalking, fighting, physical or sexual assaults or threats, possession of a weapon or facsimile, criminal behavior, or any type of gang activity or involvement will be dealt with as outlined in the Granite School District Safe Schools Policy. Students are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to KHS Administration or the Granite School District Hot Line, 481-7199. All calls are confidential.

Sexual Harassment Policies and Procedures

Any form of sexual harassment by staff or students, including any inappropriate verbal, written, or physical conduct is strictly prohibited. Violators of this policy will subject themselves to investigative and disciplinary procedures. A more extensive definition of what constitutes harassment is outlined in the District mailer sent home each Fall. Copies are available upon request.

Any student who feels that they are being subjected to harassment should report the problem immediately to any teacher, counselor, or administrator at the school. You should not feel embarrassed, intimidated, or reluctant to file a harassment report.

Skateboards, Roller Blades, or Roller Skates, Banned Due To Liability

Students shall not roller blade, roller skate, or skateboard on school grounds at any time, whether during or after school hours, including all outdoor and indoor activities. For purpose of this ban, school gounds shall include all school buildings, parking lots, paths, playgrounds, and stairwells leading to school building entrances. Students on roller blades or roller skates shall remove such equipment before entering school grounds. Students choosing to carry roller blades, roller skates, or skateboards onto school grounds shall promptly stor such equipment in lockers or other approved storage areas.

Street Passes

All Granite School District school are listed as "Closed Campus." This means students are not permitted to leave the school grounds at any time during the school day without a street pass from the attendance office. If you must leave the building because of illness or any other emergency, you must sign out at the attendance office. Students on Work Experience or enrolled in a concurrent program should get a pass from their counselor when approved for the program. Failure to follow the proper procedures will be considered an unexcused absence.

Student Conduct at Sports Events

Student conduct and demeanor at sporting events and dances is clearly outlined by Region and State guidelines. In general, students are encouraged to enthusiastically support their team while displaying good sportsmanship to our opponents. The use of noisemakers, posting signs or banners with a negative connotation, obscene gestures or verbal remarks and cheers taunting others is not permitted. Cheerleaders have been selected as the official group to lead school cheering efforts at these events and individual groups or students conducting cheers is discouraged.

At special events, Kearns High students are to sit in the student section designated for Kearns students. They are not to sit in sections designated for the opposing school.

Tardy Policy

As with avsenteeism, tardiness causes loss of student and teacher instructional time. Students who enter class agter the tardy bell rings and who are less than 20 minutes late will be marked tardy by the teacher. The teacher will give consequences as follows:

1. Mark the student tardy via electronic transmission to the attendance office.
2. Loss of credit for work missed during the time the student is tardy
3. Term citizenship grade as follows:

# of Tardies	Citizenship Grade
0-1	4
2	3
3	2
4	1
5+	0

4. The teacher will notify the parent/guardian whenever a student is in danger of recieving a "0" on citizenship. This may be by phone, mail, or midterm notice.
5. Referal to counselors and/or administrators for excessice tardies (more than per term). Excessive tardiness may also result in referral to Truancy Court.

Tickets for Tardiness

Administrators, deputies, and teachers (who are hall montiors) will be giving Hall Tickets to students who are tardy. The tickets come in triplicate and will be distributed as follows:

To the student who is tardy.
To the deputy (who will run the detention program)
To the front office secretary who will handle receit of fines. When a student receives a Hall Ticket, they may handle it by paying a fine or by serving a detention.

Payment of fines: $3 per ticket received (increased to $4 for fines not paid with 5 school days) paid to the front office secretary (Mrs. Riches).

Serving dententions: A 45 minute detention with the deputy in room #131 either before school on Tuesdays (6:45- 7:30 a.m.) or after school on Thursdays (2:15- 3:00p.m.). Time and place may be changed. Detention not served withing 10 school days are doubled.

Textbooks

The school furnishes books to all students. Damage beyond regular wear, or loss of a textbook will result in a book fine. Lost textbooks must be paid for and replaced immediately. The fines for these must be paid to the office at the time of damage or loss.

Withdrawals

Before a student transfers to another school, the student must meet with the counselor. The student is then sent to the Register to complete a withdrawal form.

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