South Plaquemines High School

Junior High School

STUDENT HANDBOOK
2020-2021

34121 Hwy. 23
Buras, LA 70041
(504) 595 – 6435
http://sphs.ppsb.org
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It is the goal of South Plaquemines High School to create a learning environment where students can achieve at the highest levels.
The students are provided opportunities to use discovery, inquiry and exploration to learn new concepts, skills and knowledge. The
students and faculty work hard every day to ensure SPHS is one of the best schools in Louisiana. South Plaquemines offers students
a college preparatory curriculum and academically challenging courses. We provide students with experience in career fields like
digital media, carpentry and health sciences. We offer dual enrollment, CLEP and Advanced Placement courses so students can earn
college credit while still in high school. Our school strengthens an already strong and diverse community. The athletic program
enriches the lives of our students by providing coaches that are mentors and leaders. The overall goal is to instill in our academics
and athletics that there is no substitute for hard work. South Plaquemines High is small enough to provide a family like experience
for students and teachers while preparing students for college and their careers. I am a proud member and leader of the Hurricane
family. GO CANES!
Lori Gagnon, Principal

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM PHILOSOPHY

As educators, we believe it is our responsibility to provide our students with an education that will fully prepare them for life in the
ever-changing world of today. We feel there are five priorities that are vital to achieving this task.
1. Provide a safe, clean, physically comfortable environment that is conducive to student learning.
2. Offer an educational program focused on literacy, collaboration amongst teachers, and centered on student learning to
meet the needs of all students.
3. A commitment to continuous improvement by teachers, staff, administration, students, parents, & the community is vital to
enable our students to become lifelong learners.
4. Create an open line of communication that inspires faculty, staff, students, parents, and the community that develops an
active, supportive communication system amongst all parties.
5. Enhance student self-esteem through positive behavior support and mutual respect between students and
staff/faculty/administrative members.

VISION STATEMENT
We will prepare, a community of learners, for post-secondary educational, vocational, and career opportunities.

SCHOOL GOALS
 Improve student achievement
 Enhance professional development
 Increase parental involvement
 Provide meaningful programs for student participation

SCHOOL OBJECTIVES
1. Develop educational programs which will provide for basic skills instruction in all content areas.
2. Develop the total student by fostering intellectual inquiry, personal growth, and emotional maturity.
3. Provide students with a broad range of educational experiences to ensure that classroom settings are culturally rich and
intellectually stimulating.
4. Provide students with understanding and appreciation of the fundamental beliefs inherent to our way of life.
5. Set a framework of acceptable behavior within which students are allowed to develop self-discipline and initiative.
6. Provide a well-rounded approach to education so that the student social, emotional and intellectual needs are met.
7. Understand and provide for individual abilities and capabilities.
8. Aid students in the development of necessary social skills.
9. Provide skills that will enable students to participate in the political processes of a democratic society.
10. Aid students in developing a positive self-concept.
11. Be sensitive to the needs, desires and aspirations of our students, their parents, and the community as a whole.
12. Use community resources, wherever possible, to enhance the student program.
13. Provide vocational training for our students to prepare them for future careers.
14. Maintain a safe and comfortable environment to enhance learning.
 JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULES

JH Regular Bell Schedule JH Exam Day Schedule

Dismissal @ 2:35 Dismissal @ 11:45
7:20 – 7:25 Entry Bell 7:20 – 7:25 Entry Bell
7:25 – 8:29 1st Block 64 mins Exam 1 7:25 – 9:17 112 mins
8:32 – 9:36 2nd Block 64 mins Brunch 9:20 – 9:50 30 mins
9:39 – 10:43 3rd Block 64 mins Exam 2 9:53 – 11:45 112 mins
10:46– 11:50 4th Block 64 mins
11:51 – 12:21 Lunch 30 mins JH Early Dismissal Bell Schedule
12:24 – 1:28 5th Block 64 mins Dismissal @ 11:45
1:31 – 2:35 6th Block 64 mins 7:20 – 7:25 Entry Bell
8:03 – 8:38 2nd Block 35 mins
JH PLC Bell Schedule 8:41 – 9:16 3rd Block 35 mins
Dismissal @ 1:00 9:54 – 10:29 4th Block 35 mins
7:20 – 7:25 Entry Bell 9:54 – 10:29 Lunch 35 mins
7:25 – 8:13 1st Block 48 mins 10:32 – 11:07 5th Block 35 mins
8:16 – 9:04 2nd Block 48 mins 11:10 – 11:45 6th Block 35 mins
9:07 – 9:55 3rd Block 48 mins
9:58 – 10:46 4th Block 48 mins JH C30 Bell Schedule
10:49 – 11:37 5th Block 48 mins Dismissal @ 2:35
11:37 – 12:09 Lunch 32 mins 7:20 – 7:25 Entry Bell
12:12 – 1:00 6 Block
th
48 mins 7:25 – 8:23 1st Block 58 mins
8:26 – 9:24 2nd Block 58 mins
JH Pep Rally Schedule 9:27 – 10:25 3rd Block 58 mins
Dismissal @ 2:35 10:28 – 11:26 4th Block 58 mins
7:20 – 7:25 Entry Bell 60 mins 11:29 – 12:03 Character 30 34 mins
7:25 – 8:25 1st Block 60 mins 12:03 – 12:33 Lunch 30 mins
8:28 – 9:28 2nd Block 60 mins 12:36 – 1:34 5th Block 58 mins
9:31 – 10:31 3 Block
rd
60 mins 1:37 – 2:35 6 Block
th
58 mins
10:34 – 11:34 4th Block 60 mins
11:34 – 12:04 Lunch
12:07 – 1:07 5th Block 60 mins
1:10 – 2:10 6th Block 60 mins
2:10 – 2:35 Pep Rally 25 mins
 POLICES AND PROCEDURES

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING

The Plaquemines Parish School Board prohibits the harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying of a student by another
student. This includes verbal, written, internet (email, facebook, myspace, etc.), text messaging, and phone harassment.

The State of Louisiana defines bullying as:

A pattern of one or more of the following:
(a) Gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures and making faces.
(b) Written, electronic, or verbal communications, including but not limited to calling names, threatening harm,
taunting, malicious teasing, or spreading untrue rumors. Electronic communication includes but is not limited to
a communication or image transmitted by email, instant message, text message, blog, or social networking
website through the use of a telephone, mobile phone, pager, computer, or other electronic device.
(c) Physical acts, including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, choking, damaging personal
property, or unauthorized use of personal property.
(d) Repeatedly and purposefully shunning or excluding from activities.

Any incident of harassment, intimidation, and bullying should be brought to the attention of an administrator
immediately.

Administrators will do a thorough investigation in accordance with due process and necessary disciplinary action will be
taken in compliance with board policy and state law. In some cases, law enforcement will be called to assist in the
investigation.

PROHIBITED ITEMS
Any items that disrupt the educational process are prohibited. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

Radios, stereos, amps, tape players, noise makers, pocket chains, video games, fidget spinners, slime, laser
devices/pointers, game/playing cards, correction fluid/white out, CD’s/players, recording devices, iPods, cell phones, or
anything representative of a beeper. These items will be confiscated and kept until the end of the school year or until
released to a parent. These items should not be brought to school or used on the bus. The school assumes no
responsibility for confiscated items. Selling products on campus, such as candy, chips, etc. is not allowed. ALL printed
literature must be approved by the principal and permission given prior to distribution and/or posting.

Weapons, including, but not limited to firearms, air rifles, air pistols, ammunition, archery bows, arrows, knifes, swords,
tasers, stun guns, cattle prods, or any items designed or appearing to resemble a weapon are strictly prohibited on
campus, in cars parked on campus, at school events, or at school sponsored activities.

South Plaquemines High School is a drug free zone. Alcohol, tobacco, tobacco alternatives, E-cigarettes, vapor devices,
vapor paraphernalia, narcotics, and controlled substances are prohibited on campus, in cars parked on campus, at
school events, or at school sponsored activities. Students are not allowed to carry medication of any type with them on
campus, at school events, or at school sponsored activities. Procedures, rules, and requirements for administering
medication to students are established by school board policy. Special rules, as established by school board policy, may
apply to student use and possession of a rescue inhaler or other device or medication needed to treat emergency
respiratory conditions.

SEARCH OF VEHICLES
The School Board shall require students who bring vehicles on campus to register those vehicles and to provide the
school authorities with a consent to  search of such vehicle signed by the student, parents and/or owner of the
vehicle.  Any vehicle parked on School Board property may be searched without consent at any time by a school
administrator/designee when such school administrator/designee has articulable facts which lead the school
administrator/designee to a reasonable belief that weapons, dangerous substances or elements, illegal drugs, alcohol,
stolen goods, or other materials or objects the possession of which is a violation of law, School Board policy or school
regulations will be found.  Searches may also be conducted to assure compliance with health, safety, and/or security
laws, rules, or regulations.  Such searches shall be conducted in the presence of the student whenever possible.
 
If the automobile is locked, the student shall unlock the automobile.  If the student refuses to unlock the automobile,
proper law enforcement officials shall be summoned and the student shall be subject to disciplinary action and may be
banned from parking any vehicle on school property.  Any student not present during the search shall be informed of
the search immediately thereafter.

CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Plaquemines Parish School Board expressly prohibits the possession, wearing, use, operation of any electronic
telecommunication device by a student. This includes send and receiving text messages as well as talking, sending,
and/or receiving pictures or graphics.

Electronic devices may include: cell phones, iPods, iTouch, MP3 players, blue tooth devices. Students should not be in
possession of any of these devices.

Should an item be found it will be confiscated and the following consequences will apply:

1st offense Parent Pick up of Device Detention

2nd offense Parent Pick up of Device Detention
3rd offense Parent Pick up of Device Suspension

In all cases, a parent must come to the front office in order to recover the electronic device.

DETENTIONS
Afternoon detentions will be held from 2:40p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The location of detention will
be noted on referral form. ALL students must wear full uniform. Detentions will not be rescheduled; failure to attend an
assigned detention will result in an Out of School Suspension.

SUSPENSIONS
Any student who has been SUSPENDED will not be allowed to ride the bus or attend/participate in any school sponsored
activity for that day. Students assigned with a suspension are not permitted on campus. If a student is suspended on a
Friday, the student will not be allowed to attend any school related weekend activities.

EXPULSION
Any student expelled will not be allowed to attend any school-sponsored activity or should not be on campus at any
time.

MAKE-UP WORK
Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. When you and your teacher agree to a date on which work is due or
tests are to be taken, you are bound to that date. The maximum number of days allowed to make-up missed work is
equal to the number of days the student was excused absent. Students with unexcused absences will not be able to
make up assignments. Teachers will make every effort to assist you by providing assignments and offering peer and/or
teacher assistance. Teachers reserve the right to administer alternate assessments for missed tests and assignments.

CHECK IN PROCEDURE
All students arriving to campus after 7:25 must check-in with the front office. A blue slip will be issued to allow student
admittance into class. Failure to check in properly will earn an automatic SUSPENSION.
CHECK OUT PROCEDURE
To check out, the student must have a parent or designee listed on the emergency card come to the front office. Faxed
notes are not acceptable for parental permission to check out. Students who check out must follow the same procedure
for checking back in the next day as one would for being absent (report to the attendance clerk for a blue slip). Doctor’s
notes must be presented upon return to school within 5 school days to validate an excused absence. We ask that you
schedule appointments after lunch so check outs will coordinate with the student’s scheduled lunch time.

SCHOOL ARRIVAL
Students should not arrive before 7:00 a.m. There is no supervision before this time. The school will not be responsible
for students arriving earlier than 7:00 a.m. Students are to use the entrance stairwell to enter the building and not the
stairwells in the front of the school. Students are only allowed in the cafeteria between 7:00am and 7:20 a.m. unless
he/she has a pass from a teacher or is to attend an announced meeting or function.

DESIGNATED DROP OFF/PICK UP

Parents dropping off or picking up students should not drop off in the front of the school. Please do not block parking
spaces that are used by teacher/staff. Parents are to use the carpool lane that runs underneath the building.

SCHOOL DEPARTURE
Students are to leave campus as quickly as possible after dismissal unless detained by a teacher or the administration.
Students scheduled for detention are to report to the respective areas. After school loitering is not permitted.

CLOSED CAMPUS
Students are not permitted to leave the campus after they arrive at school. All outside doors, except the main entrance
door, will be locked to the outside at all times during and after school hours. All parking lots are off limits during school
hours. Parents, relatives, and/or friends who are not enrolled as students at SPHS are not allowed to visit with students
during class period or lunch period.

RESTRICTED AREAS
The exterior stairwells that lead outside are restricted from use. Use of the elevator is only allowed in case of a medical
need or administrative permission. Junior high and high school students are not allowed in the Teacher’s Lounge.
Students are not allowed in the parking lot areas during school hours. Students found in unauthorized areas will be
subjected to out of school suspensions.

HALL REGULATIONS
Any student in a hallway during class time will be required to carry a hall pass (located in each teacher’s room). Hall
passes should be reserved for emergencies only. No passes will be issued in the first ten minutes or the last ten minutes
of the class period. A hall pass does not give the student permission to loiter in the halls or the restrooms. Students are
not allowed to enter a classroom to visit other students. Students who are not in direct route to a specific destination
will be subject to disciplinary action.

The changing of classes must be done in an orderly and quiet manner. Students should not stop near entrances and
exits of classrooms during the changing of classes. There should be no shouting, running, whistling, loud talking or
boisterous conduct in the hallways at any time.
All students are responsible for helping keep SPHS litter free. Use garbage cans to discard trash. Please do not discard
your trash on the ground.

CAFETERIA
Each student and adult customer is assigned a unique meal code for the computer accounting system which keeps track
of any prepayments made and deducts each time the student or adult uses his or her account to purchase a meal or
extra items. Students and/or parents are expected to pay charges within 3 school days of the first charge. It is
considered theft if a student uses another student’s code with the intent to use the money or different pay status of the
other student. If such an incident occurs, the student will be referred for disciplinary action.
No carbonated beverages are allowed in the cafeteria. Beverages such as bottled water, fruit juice and other such
beverages are allowed in the cafeteria ONLY. These are not allowed anywhere else on campus. Beverages in breakable
containers such as glass are not allowed in the cafeteria. Beverages must be in plastic bottles, cans, or paper boxes.

Due to regulations of the lunch program, commercial food (i.e. fast food) is not allowed to be delivered to students or
delivered or dropped off to the office for students.

STUDENT LOCKERS
Any student wishing to be assigned a locker must make a request through their first period teacher, and lockers will be
assigned on a first come, first served basis. Students are only allowed to use their lockers between breakfast and 1 st
period, after lunch, and after school. Students are not allowed to decorate their lockers with anything permanent or
that will affect the overall appearance of the locker. Students are not allowed to hang glass mirrors or any other
breakable materials in their lockers. Students who deface or damage lockers will pay to have them repaired as well as
face disciplinary action.

Lockers are the property of the Plaquemines Parish School Board and can be searched by administration at any time.

OFFICE PHONE
The school telephone are exclusively for school business. Only in extreme emergencies may students call the phone. If
parents need to locate a student due to an emergency, they may call the main office.

School Operations during a Pandemic or Other Health Emergency

A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new virus emerges to infect individuals and,
because there is little to no pre-existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads sustainably. Your child’s school and
district play an essential role, along with the local health department and emergency management agencies, in
protecting the public’s health and safety during a pandemic or other health emergency.

During a pandemic or other health emergency, you will be notified in a timely manner of all changes to the school
environment and schedule that impact your child. Please be assured that even if school is not physically in session, it is
the goal of the school and district to provide your child with the best educational opportunities possible.

Additionally, please note the following:

1.All decisions regarding changes to the school environment and schedule, including a possible interruption of in-person
learning, will be made by the superintendent in consultation with and, if necessary, at the direction of the Governor,
Louisiana Department of Public Health, local health department, emergency management agencies, and/or state Board
of Elementary and Secondary Education.

2.Available learning opportunities may include remote and/or blended learning. Blended learning may require your child
to attend school on a modified schedule.

3.Students will be expected to participate in blended and remote instruction as required by the school and district.
Parents are responsible for assuring the participation of their child. Students who do not participate in blended or
remote learning will be considered truant.

4.All school disciplinary rules remain in effect even during the interruption of in-person learning. Students are subject to
discipline for disrupting the remote learning environment to the same extent that discipline would be imposed for
disruption of the traditional classroom. Students are also expected to follow all student safety protocols. Violations of
school disciplinary rules are subject to disciplinary action as provided by the District Code of Conduct.

5.Students and parents will be required to observe all public health and safety measures implemented by the school and
district in conjunction with state and local requirements.

6.During a pandemic or other health emergency, the school and district will ensure that educational opportunities are
available to all students.

7.School personnel will work closely with students with disabilities and other vulnerable student populations to
minimize the impact of any educational disruption.

8.Students who have a compromised immune system, live with an individual with a compromised immune system, or
have a medical condition that may impact their ability to attend school during a pandemic or other public health
emergency should contact school officials.

9.During a pandemic or other health emergency, teachers and school staff will receive additional training on health and
safety measures.

10.In accordance with school district or state mandates, the school may need to conduct a daily health assessment of
your child. Parents and students will be notified of the exact assessment procedures if this becomes necessary.

11.Parents should not send their child to school if their child exhibits any symptoms consistent with the pandemic or
other health emergency.

12.Please do not hesitate to contact school or district officials if you have any concerns regarding your child’s education,
health or safety.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

PANTS, SHORTS, SKIRTS

1. Must be khaki uniform pants. The standard model for uniform pants will be Dickie brand khakis.
2. Uniform pants are to have traditional khaki pant leg (i.e. Dickies.) No bell bottoms, wide leg, or other non-
traditional leg shapes are allowed.
3. Slit or frayed pant legs are not permitted.
4. Multiple and non-traditional pockets are not allowed. No cargo pockets. No cell phone pockets.
5. Shorts and skirts must be worn at the knee.
6. No hip hugger pants are allowed.
7. Baggy, sagging, or oversized clothes are prohibited.
8. Excessively tight clothing is prohibited.
9. All pants must be worn and belted at the waist.
SHIRTS
1. Must be “polo-style” with collar and SPHS emblem.
2. Shirts must be navy blue or Carolina blue for middle school and high school students. All students must tuck in
shirts. The shirt must remain tucked in while seated.
3. Shirts must be properly sized (not too tight or too short.)
4. Only solid white, black, gray, navy or Carolina blue undershirts may be worn underneath school shirts.
5. Seniors may purchase and wear an optional white button down SPHS Senior shirt.
BELTS
1. Only black, brown, khaki, white, navy, or Carolina blue belts are allowed.
2. Only plain, unadorned belts are allowed.
 3. Oversized belt buckles are prohibited. Belt buckles with any type of writing, pictures, or symbols on them are
not allowed.
SWEATSHIRTS
1. Only school-approved sweatshirts are allowed.
2. Hoods are not allowed.
3. School uniform shirts must be worn under school approved sweatshirt.
JACKETS
1. Only approved school UNIFORM jackets can be worn in the school buildings.
2. Only current members of clubs/teams are permitted to wear team jackets or apparel.
CAPS, HATS, HEAD COVERINGS
1. Caps, hats, bandanas, skull caps or any other head covering are not allowed.
2. On cold weather days, students may wear winter caps outside of the building.
SOCKS/SHOES
1. Only shoes that are closed in and laced-up may be worn.
2. Shoes such as flip-flops, slides, clogs, moccasins, slippers, boots, crocs, slip on tennis shoes, or dress shoes of any
kind are prohibited.
3. All string shoes must be properly laced and tied.
4. Velcro flaps must be properly strapped.
5. Socks must be visible and worn daily.
HAIR/SHAVING
1. Boys’ hair may not extend lower than the top of a school shirt collar.
2. Boys’ hair may not be pinned up, pulled back, or put in a pony tail.
3. Hair cannot be worn to fall below the eyebrow line.
4. Any style of hair that creates a distraction or a safety hazard shall be considered inappropriate.
5. Hair may not be dyed colors other than natural colors.
6. Extreme hairstyles such as mohawks are not allowed.
7. Lines or designs shall not be shaved in the hair.
8. Eyebrows that are shaved to create a decorative design or distraction are prohibited.
9. Boys must be clean-shaven. Beards or goatees are not permitted.
10. Mustaches are permitted, provided they are neatly trimmed and do not extend beyond the corners of the
mouth.
11. Side burns cannot extend past the natural earlobe.
JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES
1. Only one earring per ear is allowed and must be worn in the earlobe.
2. Girls’ hoops are not to exceed one inch (or hoops bigger than the size of a quarter.)
3. Oversized stud earrings are not permitted.
4. Gauges and other devices that are worn in the ear to stretch the lobe or make the pierced hole bigger are
prohibited.
5. Boys are not permitted to wear dangling or hoop earrings; however, boys may wear one stud per ear.
6. Any additional body piercings such as nose rings, tongue rings, lip rings, belly button rings, eyebrow rings, etc.
are prohibited.
7. Body piercings may not be covered or concealed by a band-aid or any other cosmetic covering.
8. Jewelry or clothing that can be hazardous to students or any other persons is prohibited (i.e. pocket chains.)
PURSES/BACKPACKS
1. Shoulder bags knap sacks, and backpacks must be of see-through mesh or clear plastic.
2. Backpacks with extension handles and/or wheels are prohibited.
3. Purses must be modest in size. Over-sized purses, travel bags, portfolios, brief cases, fanny packs etc. are not
allowed. Purses cannot exceed the size of a one inch binder.
OTHER
1. Any clothing, adornment, accessory, or jewelry that displays or symbolizes obscenity, vulgarity, and/or
indecency, and/or that advocates violence, drugs, alcohol, and/or tobacco is prohibited.
2. Fingernails in excess of ½ inch (curling under) will not be allowed.
 3. Students may not DEFACE their uniform.
4. Any garment, hairstyle, adornment, jewelry, or appearance considered inappropriate by the administration will
be prohibited.
SPECIAL DRESS DAYS
On school-appointed dress up days such as “Spirit Days,” the following rules apply:
1. Leggings, stirrup pants and Capri pants are not allowed.
2. Shorts and skirts must be worn at the knee
3. Trench coats, dusters, and/or other long coats are not allowed.
4. Clothing or adornment that is hazardous to the safety of the students is unacceptable. Skull caps and bandanas
are prohibited.
5. Clothing, tattoos and any other items worn or displayed by students must not contain or symbolize obscenity,
vulgarity, and/or indecency.
6. Clothing must not advocate or advertise violence, alcohol, tobacco, and/or drug use.
7. Clothing that exposes the back, chest, or midriff shall not be worn.
8. No sweat suits, wind suits, or jogging suits are to be worn.
9. Any garment, hairstyle, adornment, jewelry, or appearance considered inappropriate by the administration will be
prohibited.
 GRADING POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Fifth-Eighth Grades

Students will receive one English Language Arts (ELA) each quarter for reading, writing, and word work. The
following guidelines must be adhered to for ELA grades:

ELA – First Quarter

 Must be a minimum of 10 grades per quarter.
 At least four (4) of the grades must be 100 point assessments to include –
o Three cumulative reading and responding assessments
o The fourth cumulative reading and responding assessment will be given on exam days.
o One cumulative writing products (well-developed that demonstrate mastery of all steps of the
entire writing process)
 Any other assignment cannot have an individual value of more than 30 points. Possible other
assignments may include reading or writing notebooks, book talk, projects, performance tasks, graphic
organizers.
 Any graded homework assignment cannot have a value of more than five (5) points.
 By interim reports, five (5) grades must be posted. One grade every 10 days/2 weeks should be
entered into PowerTeacher.

ELA – Second and Third Quarter

 Must be a minimum of 11 grades.
 At least five (5) of the grades must be 100 point assessments to include –
o Three cumulative reading and responding assessments
o The third cumulative reading and responding assessment will be given on exam days.
Two cumulative writing products (well-developed that demonstrate mastery of all steps of the entire writing
process

 Any other assignment cannot have an individual value of more than 30 points. Possible other
assignments may include reading or writing notebooks, book talk, projects, performance tasks, graphic
organizers
 Any graded homework assignment cannot have a value of more than 5 points
 By interim reports, five (5) grades must be posted. One grade every 10 days/2 weeks should be
entered into PowerTeacher.

ELA – Fourth Quarter

 Due to a reduced number of instructional days as a result of state mandated assessments, a minimum
of eight (8) grades.
 At least three (3) of the grades must be 100 point assessments to include –
o Two cumulative reading and responding assessments
 o The second cumulative reading and responding assessment will be given on exam day
o One cumulative writing products (well-developed that demonstrate mastery of all steps of the
entire writing process)
 Any other assignment cannot have an individual value of more than 30 points. Possible other
assignments may include reading or writing notebooks, book talk, projects, performance tasks, graphic
organizers.
 Any graded homework assignment cannot have a value of more than 5 points.
 By interim reports four (4) grades must be posted, consisting of one cumulative writing product and
three others.

ALL OTHER SUBJECTS- First, Second, and Third Quarters

 Must be minimum of one grade, per week, per subject, entered into Power Teacher for a total of nine
(9) grades.
 At least four (4) of the grades must be assessments. The value of each being 100 points.
 The final cumulative assessment of the quarter in each subject will be given on exam days.
 Any graded homework assignment cannot have a value of more than 5 points.
 Any other assignment cannot have an individual value of more than 30 points.

ALL OTHER SUBJECTS – Fourth Quarter

 Due to a reduced number of instructional days as a result of state mandated assessments, a minimum
of eight (8) grades per subject, must be entered into Power Teacher.
 At least three (3) of the grades must be assessments. The value of each being 100 points.
 The final cumulative assessment of the quarter in each subject will be given on exam days.
 Any graded homework assignment cannot have a value of more than 5 points.
 Any other assignment cannot have an individual value of more than 30 points.

NOTE: Fifth-eighth grade quarterly exams will be given on quarterly exam days. It is included in the total
points, not to be weighted at any percentage of the grade. Cumulative exams will not be weighted at 25% of
the grade.

PERFORMANCE-BASED SUBJECTS- such as band, art, and physical education will be examined on a case by case
basis.
The use of quality points is required in averaging these symbols. The following scale denotes the quality point scale
values to be used for regular classes:
Letter Grade Numerical Grade Regular Quality Points
A 100 – 93 4 3.5 – 4.0
B 92 – 85 3 2.5 – 3.4
C 84 – 75 2 1.5 – 2.4
D 74 – 67 1 .6 – 1.4
F 66 - 0 0 Below .6

ELEMENTARY STUDENT ABSENCES - MISSED ASSIGNMENTS, GRADES, AND EXAMS

EXCUSED ABSENCES (exempted and non-exempted) - The process to remove incomplete grades must start upon a
student’s return to school. The number of makeup days must correspond with the number of days missed. If student
work is not made up within the required time frame, the student will be awarded a “0” unless extenuating
circumstances can be documented.
A student shall have the right to make up all assignments and tests, excluding the end of quarter exam, for excused
absences. Upon a student’s return to school, he or she must submit verification for approved extenuating circumstances,
such as:

 original signed doctor excuses for student or student's child

 death in the family verified by death notice
 letter from the court system
 letters regarding religious holidays
 letters from parents/guardians and others
 visitation with a parent who is a member of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard and
has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment. (Shall not exceed 5 days per school
year.)

These documents should be presented upon student’s first day of return to school to the appropriate school
administrator to be classified as an excused day. Upon the day of return to school, a student will be given a specified
amount of time to make up the work equal to the number of days the student was absent. It is the student’s
responsibility to get assignments from the teachers, and the student must fully complete the assignments and tests to
receive the grades. If a student makes up work after the prescribed time limit, points will be deducted from the credits
that would be earned, at the discretion of the principal and teachers. After five days without documentation of
absences, the days absent will be considered unexcused absences and no assignments or test will be accepted or
graded.

EXAMS- A student must take a quarterly exam on the regularly scheduled exam date(s), unless there are extenuating
circumstances, which must be approved by the principal, Director Elementary or Secondary education, and
Superintendent. Vacations are NEVER considered extenuating circumstances include death in the family, chronic illness,
religious holiday, surgery, or hospital stay.

EARLY EXITS AND FINAL EXAMS - By local option, students who choose to leave school prior to the end of the academic
school year may do so as their choice or option, but the district prohibits the administration of final exams prior to the
end of the school year. (EXCEPTIONS: 1. physical illness or an injury that is acute or catastrophic in nature; 2. chronic
illness that is acute; 3. protective custody; or 4. death in the immediate family (parents, siblings or grandparents.)

SUSPENDED STUDENTS Any student suspended shall receive full credit earned for school work missed while suspended.
Upon return to school, students will be given a specified amount of time to make up the work equal to the number of
days the pupil was suspended. It is up to the student to get the work from the teachers. If a student makes up work after
the prescribed time limit, points will be deducted from the credits that would be earned at the discretion of the principal
and teachers.

Note: A suspended student shall have an opportunity to make up quarter exams and receive full credit.

NOTE: The exception is if a student is suspended for a very grievous offense, such as assaulting a teacher, drugs,
weapons, rape, etc., the student shall be prohibited from making up the quarterly exams in accordance with Local
Board Policy.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES-is any absence not meeting the requirements set for in the excused absence and extenuating
circumstances definitions. Student shall be given failing grades in those days missed.

NOTE: If a parent note or approved documentation is provided within five days of the absence, the student absences
are then considered excused absences. Each day the student returned then counts as days of opportunity to have
made up the missed work.
High school-If the student has more than 5 days of unexcused absences, his guardians must have a hearing with the child
welfare attendance officer to determine if a passing grade will be received.
Elementary school-If the student has more than 10 days of unexcused absences, his guardians must have a hearing with
the child welfare attendance officer to determine if a passing grade will be received.

NOTE: If students are checked out of school during the day, the missed classes will be considered unexcused absences
unless documentation is presented within five school days. All doctor excuses must be the original document with the
doctor'sItherapist's signature on them. Habitual situations will be evaluated thoroughly and Child Welfare Supervisor
will be contacted immediately.

EXAMS
Principals, or their designee, shall enforce the adopted examination procedures and review exams for adequate rigor.
The principals and central office instructional personnel shall review the grading systems and examination procedures
on a yearly basis.

PROMOTION
A student must earn a total of four quality points, two of which must be earned in the third and fourth quarters. A
student who fails the fourth quarter fails the year regardless of other grades, except in cases of extenuating
circumstances such as illness, death in the family or personal tragedy shall be subject to administrative review jointly by
the principal and the School Building Level Committee. (Board Policy)

A student may be retained whose report card indicates passing grades, but is functioning at placement below grade
level. This action must be approved by the School Building Level Committee (SBLC) and must be part of Administrative
Placement. A parental conference must be part of the process.
A student may be advanced in spite of failing grades for the year average, but records must state clearly Administrative
Placement. All such assignments must have the concurrence of the SBLC.

NOTE: A student may be advanced in spite of failing a part of the state mandated assessment, but the records must
clearly state the student met all appropriate non-discriminatory criteria for a waiver or appeal in grade four or in
grade eight as outlined in the Pupil Progression Plan.
No student shall be retained in the fourth grade more than one time as a result of not passing the state mandated
assessment.

Pupil progression cards for kindergarten- eighth grade (page 43-63) will be used for all students and place in the
students’ cum folders.

QUARTER/FINAL GRADE CHANGES

Incomplete work should be marked with a "0." When work is made up, the teacher must enter the correct grade.

Grade changes should be completed by the teacher and sent to the principal for approval. The principal shall send the
approved request to Central Office for processing.

Any grade change due to an error found after the last day of school must have the approval of the school principal.
Grade change forms must be signed by both the principal and the Director of Elementary education.

All grade change forms must be signed and submitted on the proper grade change form. Otherwise, the Power School
Administrator will not correct the grade error.

Before a grade change shall be considered after the last day of school, grades in the grade book shall be subject to
administrative review. All grades must equate to the new grade without addition and/or deletion of grades.

REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be issued quarterly. They will be given for elementary and high school on the same date. The last
report card for the school year in grades one through twelve will be mailed to the home address five school days after
the last school day of the session.

The issuance of report cards shall be governed by the following:

• NO GRADES SHALL BE CHANGED on any report card without the approval of the principal.
• Report cards, attendance books, and grade books should always be kept in a secure place.
• NO STUDENT should be allowed to grade papers or copy grades for teachers when the grades become a part of
their permanent record.
• NO STUDENT shall have access to other students’ records or grades via computer, hard copy or otherwise that
have become a part of their permanent record.
• Pupil Progression Card recommended changes shall be returned to the SBLC for changes and not solely to the
principal. The principal alone shall not make the changes. The principal shall be only one member of the committee
making changes.

HONOR ROLL REQUIREMENTS

Honor roll requirements shall be as follows:
• Grades 1-5 students must earn all A's and B's to receive Honor Roll recognition on report cards.
• Grades 6-8 students must earn a 3.0 or above and receive no "D's" or "F's" in the average to receive Honor Roll
recognition on report cards.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

All students in the Plaquemines Parish School System are encouraged to work to their fullest potential and strive for
excellence in their pursuit of knowledge. To that aim, students are expected to demonstrate academic honesty in the
completion of all assignments and assessments; this requires that the work be the original of the student and
appropriate credit be given to all sources used.

All members of the school community will accept responsibility for creating a positive school climate that supports and
encourages the spirit of academic honesty.

 The STUDENT will adhere to the spirit and letter of the policy in the completion of all tests, quizzes, exams,
projects, reports, homework, and in-class assignments.
 The PARENT or guardian will review and sign the academic honesty policy and encourage the student to practice
integrity throughout his or her academic career.
 The TEACHER will make the students aware of the principles and consequences of the policy, refer to them on
an ongoing basis, provide safeguards that will discourage cheating, make clear to the students that the policy
will be strictly enforced, and take disciplinary action in every instance of dishonesty according to the process
specified below.
 The ADMINISTRATOR will promote the spirit of academic honesty across the campus, publicize the policy
through the student/teacher handbooks and other means, take action when the code is violated, and enforce
the consequences.

Acts of academic honesty include, but not limited to, the following:
1. Cheating on Tests – any giving or receiving of external help (oral, written, or electronic) on an examination, test,
or quiz, without expressed permission of the teacher.
2. Fabrication – inventing or falsifying data, a citation, or other authority in an academic assignment.
3. Forgery – the signing of another person’s name on any school document.
4. Unauthorized Collaboration – a student and another person working together on an assignment when not
expressly directed to do so by the teacher. Examples include copying another student’s work or allowing one’s
own work to be copied, doing an assignment for another student, or giving/ receiving information from tests
previously given.
 5. Plagiarism – representing another person’s words, ideas, or work as one’s own. Instances include (a) copying
word-for-word or paraphrasing ideas from an article or book without documenting the source (b) cutting and
pasting from the Internet without giving credit, (c) purchasing or borrowing an entire research paper and
passing it off as one’s own, and (d) allowing another student to copy or use one’s original writing, including
homework.
6. Theft or Alteration of Materials – any stealing, concealment, or alteration of student or teacher instructional
equipment or materials, including on-line data.

CONSEQUENCES – Violations of the academic honesty will result in the following:

1. Zero on the entire assignment
2. Behavior referral to Assistant Principal/Disciplinarian
3. Parental contact depending on severity of the offense
 Phone call, and/or
 Conference scheduled with Assistant Principal and teacher
4. One to three days detention
5. In-school or out-of-school suspension for second/further offences or severe first offense
6. Removal from campus leadership roles for the remainder of the school year
7. Record in incident becoming a permanent part of the student’s disciplinary record

RULES FOR BUS RIDERS

1. The driver is in full charge of the bus and the students. Students are expected to abide by rules and
regulations.
2. Students shall occupy the space designated for them by the Bus Driver. Students may converse in
normal tones with other students around them. Students will remain seated facing the front.
3. Students shall be on time. The bus cannot wait for those who are not on time. Students are to have
written permission and be authorized by the principal to get on or off the bus at a stop other than their own.
4. Students shall not mar or deface the bus. Students should not litter the bus, but help keep the bus clean
and sanitary. Any students causing damage to the bus shall not be allowed to ride a school bus until payment in full
has been made for such damages.
5. Students are to avoid causing trouble by teasing, pulling hair, scuffling, etc.
6. Students shall not smoke cigarettes, light matches or carry obscene material on the bus.
7. Students shall not eat or drink on the bus.
8. If the following safety rules are broken, these offenses will fall under:
Category I:
a) No eating or drinking on the bus.
b) Keep arms, feet and head inside the bus windows.
c) Sit and remain seated in assigned seat.
d) Do not leave the bus without permission.
e) Enter the bus and be seated as quickly as possible.
f) Talk quietly with others sitting near them.
g) No glass objects are to be brought on the bus with the exception of eye glasses.
h) Do not disturb the bus driver by violating the rules or creating a disturbance.

Any combination of small incidents that would suggest a pattern of consistent misbehavior would be cause for expulsion
from riding the school bus for the remainder of the school year.
9. The following offences fall under:
Category II:
a) Fighting, pushing or tripping at bus stop or on bus.
b) Throwing missiles (shells, rocks, etc.) on/from the school bus which could cause injury.
c) Use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or dangerous substances in any form while on the school bus.
d) Use of unchaste or profane language.
 e) Immoral or vicious practices.
f) Vandalism, arson, defacing or injures any part of a school bus.
g) Disrespecting or disrupting the bus driver, attendant or passengers.
h) Disobeying, harassing, threatening, or striking bus personnel.
i) Carrying firearms, knives, or other implements, which can be used as a weapon.
j) Committing some “other” undesignated violation.
k) Crossing the 4-lane highway before getting on or after getting off the bus.

ATTENDANCE

STATE ATTENDANCE LAW

The following information is current as of the printing date. Any changes to attendance laws will be sent home with
students for parents and guardians to review.

Elementary students (7-8) are allowed no more than 10 absences per school year. Absences from school will be
categorized according to the Absence Chart on the last page of this handbook.

If your child’s absences exceed ten (10) days for a calendar year, school board policy and bulletin 741 states that
students may be given a failing grade for that school year.

Students who are absent for a 9-week exam must have documentation of a valid, verified reason for the absence in
order to make up the exam. Prior principal approval is required. Vacation and family trips are not a valid reason.

No student with an absence (excused or unexcused) may participate in after school activities including all
practices/performances.

Any exceptions to the attendance policy shall be made only after approval by the Supervisor of Child Welfare and
Attendance. Exceptions will be granted only if one or more of the following conditions are in evidence:
a. Extended personal physical or emotional illness as verified by a physician or dentist
b. Extended hospital stay as verified by a physician or dentist.
c. Extended recuperation from an accident as verified by a physician or dentist.
d. Extended contagious disease within a family as verified by a physician or dentist.
e. Prior school system approval for educational travel.
f. Death in the family (not to exceed 5 days).
g. Natural catastrophe and/or disaster.
h. For any other extenuating circumstances parents must make a formal appeal in accordance with the due process
procedures.

Students who are verified as meeting extenuating circumstances and therefore eligible to receive grades shall not
receive those grades if they are unable to complete makeup work or pass the course.

NOTE: *In accordance to La. R.S. 17:233, you are hereby notified that the school system is required to furnish all truancy
records to the Juvenile Court after a total of 5 unexcused absences, tardiness, and check-outs.

TARDINESS
All students are expected to be punctual to school. Students who arrive to school after 7:25am will be considered tardy.
Students arriving late to school should present a written explanation as to why they are tardy. Please note that written
explanation from home does not automatically mean the tardy will be “excused”. Such reasons as car trouble, personal
business, heavy traffic, needed at home, etc. are considered unexcused. Illness, medical appointments, and appearances
in court will be considered an excused tardy so long as the appropriate documentation (doctor’s note, court papers, etc.)
are provided. Students will receive the following consequences for violating the excessive homeroom unexcused tardy
rule:
 After 3 tardies – detention assigned by homeroom teacher
After 5 tardies – Referred to Director of Child Welfare and Attendance and reported to the District Attorney’s
Office
After 7 tardies – Referred to Twilight School

All students are expected to be on time for each class as they are allowed ample time to change classes. Students
should be seated and ready to begin at the sound of the tardy bell.

Additional consequences for continued excessive Tardy to School infractions will be issued as determined by the
administration and/or Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.

SPHS policy states that a student will receive the following consequences for violating the excessive tardy rule for class
periods.
(All offenses accumulated throughout the year.)
1st Offense – Minor Infraction issued by the classroom teacher
2nd Offense – Detention assigned by the classroom teacher
3rd Offense – OSS assigned by the Disciplinarian

Title IX

The Plaquemines Parish School Board (PPSB) does not condone any type of sexual harassment and will not discriminate
against any student or employee on the basis of sex. PPSB abides by the requirements of Title IX of the Educational
Amendments of 1972 and it’s implementing regulations.

Students, Parents and Employees may report incidents of sexual harassment to your school principal or the district’s
Title IX coordinator:

Mrs. Monica Wertz

557 F. Edward Hebert Blvd.
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
504-595-6303
mwertz@ppsb.org
 PLAQUEMINES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD’S
NOTICE FOR DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law, requires that the Plaquemines Parish
School Board (PPSB), with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally
identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, PPSB may disclose appropriately
designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the PPSB in writing to
the contrary in accordance with PPSB procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow
the PPSB to include information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples
include:

 A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;

 The annual yearbook;
 Honor roll or other recognition lists;
 Graduation programs; and
 Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy
if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside
organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In
addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with
the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that
they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. (20 U.S.C. § 7908;
10 U.S.C. § 503(c))

If you do not want the PPSB to disclose any or all of the types of information designated below as directory
information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the PPSB
in writing by August 26th, 2016. Please send your written notice to:

Jennifer Slavich
Counselor, South Plaquemines High School
34121 Highway 23
Buras, LA 70041
jslavich@

The PPSB has designated the following information as directory information:

 Student's name
 Address
 Telephone listing
 Electronic mail address
 Photograph
 Date and place of birth
 Major field of study
 Dates of attendance
 Grade level
 Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
 Weight and height of members of athletic teams
 Degrees, honors, and awards received

For further information about this notice, please contact:

Ronald Bateman
Director of Student Services
1484 Woodland Hwy.
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
rbateman@ppsb.org