Student Handbook

1.    Ethical Behavior – we shall conduct ourselves by virtues such as honesty, trust, integrity, and mutual respect.

2.    Excellence – we will not back down from the expectation that our achievements can reach the highest of standards.

3.    Relationships – we believe that a school functions only when we are here with the purpose to support each other in our common endeavors.

4.    Experience – we want to offer the chance for everyone to engage, set goals, and move forward in experiences that maximize their potential.

5.    Enthusiasm – school spirit can take many forms and we want to embrace an environment defined by friendly, polite, uplifting, and cheerful interactions.

1.    Serve the Students, Families, and Staff who make up our community.

• We want to do our best to meet the needs of a diverse population by including everyone from our community in our process and outcomes.

2.    Achieve excellence in the areas of Academics, Athletics, and Activities. 

• We are focused on a balanced approach that provides opportunities for students to connect and experience success in everything we offer.

3.    Build programs designed to provide Rigor, Relevance, and Results. 

• What we are doing here is preparing students for life beyond high school and the only way to do that is with high expectations that produce results.

4.    Expect Respectful, Responsible, and Accountable behaviors.

• We believe that this commitment can be achieved by following three simple rules.  Know Right from Wrong and Do What's Right!  Always Do Your Best!  Treat People with Respect!

At Eagle Valley High School our commitment is to the idea that education is focused on specific learning targets and the demonstration of student proficiency on the standards in a content area.  Therefore, grades represent the evaluation of student progress towards mastery of the content standards.  In order to accomplish this, the expectation is that teachers are accurately, consistently, and repetitively assessing students on their understanding of the standards.  We want students to have a sense of empowerment to take charge of their own learning and measure their progress against known criteria.  Grades are a reflection of student performance on standards that are in the course syllabus, daily learning targets, and assessments that are aligned to the standards.  The communication of a grade should be clearly understood between the teacher, student, and parents when based on these principles and always focused on demonstrating proficiency.

CURRICULUM

A full listing of courses is available in the EVHS Academic Planning Guide.  These courses may change annually based on student enrollment numbers and teacher certifications.  Currently the following advanced academic programs are offered.

Honors courses are offered in English I, Geometry, Algebra, Algebra II, and Anatomy & Physiology.  Each of these is designated by HON on the transcript. Grades in Honors are not weighted. 

*Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered in: English Literature, English Language & Composition, Art (2D, 3D, Drawing), Statistics, U.S. Government, Spanish Language, Human Geography, Physics.

*Concurrent Enrollment (CE) classes offered in conjunction with CMC and UCCS include: US History I & II, Western Civilization, College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Biology I & II, English Composition I & II, Environmental Science, Natural Disasters, Automotive, Weight Training, and Psychology.

*Based on teacher qualifications and student enrollment numbers, courses may switch between AP and CE status on an annual basis.

FIVE PRINCIPLES OF GRADING 

1. Accurate – Our grading uses calculations that are mathematically sound, easy to understand, and correctly describe a student’s level of academic proficiency. 
2. Based on Academic Proficiency – Grades reflect proficiency of standards as measured by varied assessments and a body of evidence. Homework, behaviors, and essential skills can be recorded in the gradebook to monitor progress and provide feedback, but should not be used to penalize a student’s grade.
3. A Culture of Revision – The way we grade motivates students to achieve academic success, supports a growth mindset, and gives students opportunities for redemption. Achievement is not fixed, but rather a process of learning with consistent feedback and opportunities for growth.
4. Timely and Actionable Feedback with Transparent Reporting – The way we grade is timely,  transparent, and understandable so that every student knows their progress towards mastering standards, and next steps to improve their performance.
5. Build Essential Skills – Our grading practices distinguish and connect the means for learning effectively (the “essential skills,” the practice, the mistakes) from its ends: academic success. Students are active collaborators in their own learning, partnering with teachers to ensure understanding of learning standards in a way that is transparent and responsive. 

Grade Scale for Assessing Standards

Schools report student academic proficiency on a standard by using a 0-4 grading scale to provide accurate and transparent information. Student proficiency is determined by evaluating a student’s knowledge of standards against proficiency scales and rubrics to ensure grades are accurate and fair across grade levels and content areas. 

Students with accommodations on an IEP, 504, or language plan are expected to meet grade level standards with the accommodations outlined on their plan. Utilizing accommodations allows students to independently access grade level content and does not result in lower expectations or alter the grading system. For more information, see “Grading with Accommodations and Modifications” under Principle Two (pg. 8). 

*Proficiency levels of 2 and above are considered passing grades. Updated Dec2022

Grade Scale for Course Grades

Course grades will be calculated by averaging the most recent score for each assessed standard in that course. Credit and grade points will be earned based on the stipulations below.

Unless otherwise stated below, normal math rounding rules apply.

*Weighted grades for college-level courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE).  Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses are assessed in accordance with the ECSD Principles of Grading. Colorado Mountain College courses will continue to report out grades to ECSD through PowerSchool and to CMC in Canvas.

**Eligibility refers to the CHSAA standards for students to participate in after school activities.

Credit-Earning Grades

• A course grade of 2 or higher and will earn credit and the grade points shown below.  
• A course grade may show that a student is halfway between two proficiency levels. This occurs if the average of the standards’ scores mathematically calculates to at least half way between the two proficiency levels. 

Non-Credit Earning Grades

• A Course Grade of 1.5 and below will not earn credit. For these non credit-earning grades, a student will earn grade points equivalent to the course grade, as shown below.
• A course grade may show that a student is halfway between two proficiency levels. This occurs if the average of the standards’ scores mathematically calculates to at least half way between the two proficiency levels. 

The purpose of finals is to show students that learning is a semester long process and finals demonstrate proficiency on the standards in a content area.  Final exams will be administered during the last week of each semester. It is expected that a final assessment occur in ALL classes during the final week of each semester. The final exam can take the form of a subjective/objective assessment or include a performance based criteria.  Any exception MUST be approved in advance by the principal. It is important that content expectations and format are clearly defined for students. It is highly recommended that students are provided review sheets and important topics at least two weeks prior to finals.

NO EARLY FINAL EXAMS- Students will not be allowed to take final exams early. If they are not completed on their scheduled date at the end of a semester, students will be expected to take at a later date.  A zero may be entered onto the standards that were assessed by the final.

In addition to the Academic Honors designations there are nationally recognized honor societies in our building that will be included in graduation ceremonies.  Each of the chartered organizations has their own criteria for student membership.  Based on student participation in these societies and completion in good standing through the end of their Senior year, students will be eligible for recognition at graduation by wearing a designated cord or stoll. Graduation apparel that is not school issued will not be allowed in the ceremony.

ACADEMIC HONORS DESIGNATION

At Eagle Valley High School the intention of academic honors is to be a celebration of achievement by all students who succeed scholastically. Our focus is on the recognition of students who have shown proficiency inclusive of the diverse offerings of our comprehensive academic programs including Math, Science, English, Social Studies, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Consumer Sciences, Business, Foreign Language, Vocational, and Technology courses.  For transcript purposes, the final student’s class ranking will be determined based on a weighted GPA and submitted to college admission offices upon request of the student and parents.

For graduation ceremonies, Eagle Valley High School recognizes students who fall within each of the honor categories listed below. The following designations are determined by cumulative weighted GPA after completion of 8 semesters:

Highest Academic Honors 4.0 or above

High Academic Honors 3.99 - 3.75

Academic Honors 3.74 - 3.50

Valedictorian and Salutatorian are recognized from students who complete 8 whole semesters as full time students.

HONOR ROLL & ACADEMIC LETTERING CRITERIA

-Honor roll designations will be given for each completed semester GPA and categorized by highest academic honors, high honors, and honors status.  A student is eligible for receiving an academic letter after completing two semesters at EVHS. (Transfer students must complete a minimum of two semesters at EVHS before being eligible for academic letter.)  

-An academic letter and pin/bar is awarded to a student that earns a cumulative 3.75 GPA based on the official EVHS grading system.

See https://evhs.eagleschools.net/activities/athletic-retistration for more details

Participants cannot be cleared for practice without the appropriate forms and payment of fees. Athletic fees are separate from other school fees and are collected per season. Fall sports registrations can be turned in on the day of school check-in.

Athletic participation is a privilege, not a right. Those who are interested in participation must seek out needed information. The student is the participant. It is the student who must take responsibility for gathering needed information, completing, and submitting on time to the Athletic Department. If the information is not available in the Athletic Department, you will be referred to the appropriate source.

All students participating in athletics at EVHS, must register prior to participation.

Eagle Valley High School offers the following sports:

·         Fall Season: Boys & Girls Cross Country, Football, Boys Golf, Dance, Boys Soccer, Softball, Volleyball

·         Winter Season: Boys & Girls Basketball, Dance, Boys & Girls Skiing (Nordic & Alpine), Wrestling

·         Spring Season: Baseball, Girls Golf, Boys & Girls Lacrosse, Girls Soccer, Boys & Girls Track

Eagle Valley High School policy states that students will be allowed the amount of time missed plus one day for all excused absences to make up work. For example, a student who misses three days of school would have four days total starting the day they returned.  All teachers should have a copy of this policy in their course syllabus.  Additional considerations and exceptions to the homework makeup policy include…

• Field Trips/Activities/Athletics – students who miss because of a scheduled, school related activity are expected to obtain all homework prior to departure and are responsible for meeting expected deadlines without additional time.
• Out-of-School Suspensions – students who miss school because of suspension are allowed to makeup all work for credit but may not necessarily receive extra time.  These students are expected to communicate via email with their teachers with regards to all missing work and deadlines.
• Advanced Absence Form – students who will be out of school for more than two days due to known, scheduled, family, or personal reason must complete an Advanced Absence Form in the front office.  Teachers will communicate all appropriate deadlines for work based on the circumstances.
• Long term due dates – assignments with a long term due date that have been communicated and occur during an excused student absence are not guaranteed extra time.  If for example a student only misses school on the date an assignment was due or an assessment was given, they would be expected to have the work ready or complete the assessment on the day of their return.
• Unexcused absences – the school may impose academic appropriate penalties that relate directly to classes missed while unexcused.  This shall include receiving no credit for participation, assignments, quizzes, projects, or tests due the day of an unexcused absence.

ECS District policies regarding student absences and makeup work can be found in Policy JH of the ECSD Student Behavior Handbook.

ECSD requires all students to demonstrate academic honesty so teachers have an accurate record of student learning. Academic dishonesty, cheating, or plagiarism involves any attempt by a student to substitute the work of another entity as their own. Teachers have a responsibility to educate students on what academic dishonesty is and how to avoid it so unintentional acts can be minimized. 

A teacher who has evidence that an act of academic dishonesty has occurred shall, after speaking with the student and parent, take one of the following actions:

• The student will re-do the assignment/test for full credit
• The student will do an alternative assignment or test for full credit

For further details on academic honesty and the use of AI, students and parents should refer to the Eagle County School District Policies linked here, ECSD AI Guidelines and ECSD AI Agreements.

24.0 credits are required for graduation with a minimum in the following areas:(One semester equals .5 credits.)  

English...……..…………..4.0 Social Studies..……….. 3.5

Mathematics…….………3.0 Sciences………........... 3.0

Physical Education…… 1.5 Health….………........... 0.5

Practical Skills…………..1.0 Total………………………. 24.0

Competency Requirements will also need to be met. Link to the menu of options for competency requirements: https://www.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/graduationguidelinesmenuofoptionspdf

COURSE CHANGE POLICY

Wise program planning involving discussions with teachers, parent/guardian and your counselor in the spring should mean that course changes are not necessary.  A request for changing classes must be made to the counseling office NO LATER THAN THE 5th SCHOOL DAY OF EACH SEMESTER.  Only in critical situations will any schedule changes be accepted after the 5th SCHOOL DAY OF THE SEMESTER.  Requests will be reviewed provided:

• Credits for graduation are not jeopardized.
• The requested class has room for additional students and major imbalances will not result.
• Major schedule revisions are not required.
• The parent/guardian, teacher and counselor approve and sign all needed paperwork.
• There is sound, documented rationale for change.
• When there is a schedule change requested, a student must appropriately complete the schedule change process.  This includes teacher and parent/guardian signatures indicating approval for change.  

*UNTIL THIS PROCESS IS COMPLETED, A STUDENT WILL REPORT TO THE ORIGINAL SCHEDULED CLASS.

*THE FINAL DECISION FOR ANY SCHEDULE CHANGE IS MADE BY THE COUNSELOR and ADMINISTRATOR, HAVING TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION ALL THE ABOVE FACTORS

WITHDRAWS

Students who want to drop a class after the 10^th day of class will have a F recorded on their transcript for that course.  Additionally, students with 10 or more absences during a semester may not obtain credit.  The only exceptions to this designation of a F for dropping a course are when:

• A teacher-initiated level change in the same subject with administrative approval.  These can be made until the end of the first or third quarter.
• An appeal to the principal can be made for medical or other extenuating circumstances.
• If you officially withdraw from a CMC course prior to the class census date (usually defined as the completion of 15 percent of the course instruction), the class will not appear on your transcript. 

Students may be able to drop a Dual Enrollment course offered through CMC at a date that is later than the EVHS policy and it would follow the above guidelines.  However, if a course is dropped after the EVHS approved 5-day window at the beginning of a semester the student will not be guaranteed placement in another course offered by EVHS.

Eagle County students who have failed a specific course or received a standard grade of a 0-1.5 may be eligible to improve their academic record.  A student can retake a course and submit the new grade on his or her official transcript.  The new grade will be the official mark recorded on the transcript, even if it is lower than the original grade. 

1. Supplemental online course work can be completed through World Academy. EVHS students may not take online courses in place of courses that are offered at EVHS in person. 

2. Once a student registers for an online class, the student does NOT have the option to withdraw from the class. Incomplete coursework will result in an 0 grade on the transcript. There are no exceptions.

3. Grades are assigned by online instructors and cannot be over-ridden by EVHS teachers or faculty.  

4. When online courses are being used for graduation purposes, completion and verification of final grade must be completed by the last day of classes for seniors, which is typically two weeks prior to the graduation ceremony.  If a transcript showing a final passing grade cannot be shown at this time, the student will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Eagle Valley High School offers summer school to students who need to retrieve credit in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and a limited amount of electives.  The program begins the week after finals and extends for two weeks.  Students will be able to take up to 1 credit (2 classes).  Classes are for credit only and will not change a student’s GPA.  Failing grades will remain on the transcript along with a separate line for Summer School.  

There is a charge for tuition for each class taken. Students that do not receive the minimum required score of a “1” in their classes and/or have more than 10 unexcused absences for a class do not meet the criteria for recovering credit in Summer School and will need to take the full course either at EVHS or an approved online program.

EVHS Attendance Policies (ECSD Policy JH - excerpts)

We would like to remind our school community of our Attendance Policies. EVHS has been focusing on improving school attendance, and we request that you read the following communication in its entirety to help us in our efforts to best support this community. 

Attendance is a key factor in student achievement.  Thus, any absence from school represents an educational loss to the student. It is recognized, however, that some absences are unavoidable.  Continuity in the learning process and social adaptation is seriously disrupted by excessive absences.  In most situations, the work missed cannot be made up adequately.  

Calls are accepted day or night on our Main Office and Attendance Lines.  It is the parents’ responsibility to notify the office each and every day of absence unless it is a prearranged absence. Absences not cleared by the end of the day will be listed as unexcused. 

When calling the attendance line, please leave a VOICE MAIL message with your student’s name, SPELLING LAST NAME, your name and phone number where you can be reached, the date and times of the absence, and the reason your student is missing class.

• Absences cannot be excused without a specific date and specific class period given or all day.
• Per EVHS Policy Freshman and Sophomores are not allowed to leave campus for lunch. They may NOT be checked out to leave for lunch either unless a parent signs them out in the main office. 
• As applicable, we may require suitable proof regarding a student's absences, including written statements from medical sources.
• Each student will have a 15 Miscellaneous Excuse threshold per class per semester. Once this exceeds that number, school contact will be initiated. An ME is an absence that does not fall within the other descriptions.
• If there is an error in your child's attendance, you have up to 5 days
• If a student is absent or checked out due to illness they may return the following day as long as they are symptom free for 24 hours.

Excused Absences

The following will be considered excused absences:

1.  A student who is temporarily ill or injured or whose absence is approved by the administrator of the school of attendance on a prearranged basis. Prearranged absences will be approved for appointments or circumstances of a serious nature only which cannot be taken care of outside of school hours.

2.  A student who is absent for an extended period due to a physical disability or a mental or behavioral health disorder .

3.  A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervision of the school.

4.  A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the administration.

5.  A student who is suspended or expelled.

If a student is in out-of-home placement (as that term is defined by C.R.S. 22-32-138 (1)(h)), absences due to court appearances and participation in court-ordered activities will be excused. The student´s assigned social worker must verify the student's absence was for a court appearance or court-ordered activity.

Errors: If you believe your student was marked tardy or absent in error, your student should communicate directly with their teacher to clear up any discrepancies. If any correction needs to be made, your student's teacher will email the attendance office with any corrections needed. Due to call volume, the attendance office cannot contact your student's teacher for you.                     

Our computerized parent notification system will contact you each evening to inform you of unresolved absences. Messages on the attendance line are reviewed daily and every effort is made to update PowerSchool in a timely manner, however, changes may take up to 24 hours to reflect in our student’s record. 

We appreciate your help in following these procedures. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Attendance Office.

Other Attendance Policies

Early Dismissal Procedures

Please call the attendance line to excuse your student from those periods they will miss completely. If you are calling with less than one hour's notice of the required early dismissal, the attendance office can contact the class to notify the teacher to release the student. Due to the size of our campus, requests to release a student from class cannot always be accommodated on short notice – we may not have someone available to deliver the notification in a timely manner.

Parent Notification

Our computerized parent notification system will call your home each evening to inform you of unexcused absences. A call to the Attendance Office to excuse the absence on the day of the absence (before 8:40 a.m.) will prevent the computer from calling you. We appreciate your help in following these procedures. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Attendance Office.

Truancy

● Courtesy Phone Call = 28 UNX or 140 total absences 

● Warning Letter = 42 UNX or 210 total absences 

● Truancy Prevention Plan = 56 UNX or 280 total absences 

● Summons to Court = 70 UNX or 350 total absences 

Athletics/Activities (All) 

● No Unexcused/Unresolved Absences- These must be cleared Friday before next week's eligibility. Ineligible for following weeks worth of competitions. 

● An accumulation of 5 unexcused tardies or one Tardy Absent Unexcused (TAU) = 1 unexcused absence. Ineligible for following weeks worth of competitions. 

Homeroom (All) 

● Pass/Fail Grades = Passing has no impact on GPA, but a credit is earned. Failing carries the weight of a 0.0 calculation into GPA, with no credit earned. 

● Credits = meeting time allows for a 0.25 credit each semester, 0.5 for the year. It does count towards graduation total requirements. 

● Attendance = grading will be based solely on attendance 

○ 30 homeroom periods (Wednesday, Thursday) 

○ 7 or less unexcused absences/Tardy Absent Unexcused = Pass 

○ 8 or more unexcused absences/Tardy Absent Unexcused = Fail 

Graduation (12 grade) 

● Notification of loss of privilege to walk at graduation, Parent/Student meeting = 28 unexcused absences or 140 total absences

Prom (9-12 grade)

• Notification of the loss of the privilege to attend Prom at Eagle Valley High School or as a guest at another school. Parent/Student meeting = 28 unexcused absences or 140 total absences

Tardies - Policy JH 

● Tardiness is defined as the occasion when students are not in their assigned classrooms when a class bell rings but when the student arrives in the class during the first half of the class. If the student arrives after the first 10 minutes of the class period, the student will be counted as absent.

Attendance Codes- 

• TE= Tardy Excused
  • Less than 25 minutes and has a verifiable reason from a legal guardian or staff member
• TU= Tardy Unexcused
  • Student arrives less than 10 minutes late with no verifiable reason
• TAU= Tardy Absent Unexcused- These count as Unexcused absences towards Truancy and sport eligibility
  • Student arrives more than 10 minutes late with no verifiable reason
• TAE= Tardy Absent Excused
  • Student arrives more than 10 minutes late but less than 25 minutes late  with a verifiable reason from a legal guardian or staff member
• CO= Counseling Office
  • With a verifiable pass or excuse from a staff member
• OF= Office
  • With a verifiable pass or excuse from a staff member
• U= Unexcused
  • If an absence is unresolved and does not have contact with a legal guardian, then it becomes unexcused.
• I= Illness or Injured
  • If applicable the school may require suitable proof 
• AE= Appointment Excused 
  • If applicable the school may require suitable proof 
• E= Excused
  • Usually something that can't wait until after hours ie. Court, DMV, etc
• ME= Misc. Excuse
  • an absence that does not fall within the other descriptions.
  • or an excused tardy that goes over 25 minutes
• A= Unresolved
  • Not in class and no contact with a legal guardian as to why the student was absent
• F= Field Trip
  • Off school grounds activity with teacher or coach
• SA= School Activity
  • Not in class but doing an activity within the building for school activity ie Stuco, AVID
• V= College Visitation
• G= Testing (Required state testing)
• N= Nurse
• X= Truancy
• B= Bereavement
• EX= Expelled

NOTIFYING THE SCHOOL OF AN ABSENCE

Calls are accepted day or night on our Main Office and Attendance Lines.  It is the parents’ responsibility to notify the office each and every day of absence unless it is a prearranged absence. Absences not cleared by the end of the day will be listed as unexcused. Parents have 48 hours to call or have their student bring a note to the attendance window to excuse the absence. 

PREARRANGED ABSENCES & EXCUSED TARDIES

Call the attendance line or have student bring a parent note to the attendance office prior to the absence. It is the student’s responsibility to contact teachers before the absence and arrange make up work.  If the absence is going to be longer than 2 days the student must fill out an Advanced Absence form.  Forms can be obtained from the attendance secretary.

• Late arrival to school - call the attendance line by 8:00 am or student can bring a parent note or Dr/Dentist appt. slip with them when they sign in.
• Early Departure from school - students should bring a parent note to the attendance office before school to receive an administrative pass to leave the building.

ABSENCES AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Students who are not in school during the day will not be permitted to attend/participate in after school activities for that day. Students must be in school for a full day to attend/participate in activities/athletic contests. Exceptions must be approved through administration or athletic director.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Administrators will be tracking attendance, and multiple absences for a student will involve a team approach of teachers, guidance counselors, administration, and parents to help get the student back on track.  If the student is participating in extracurricular activities including clubs, sports, and/or after school events, we will include the coach/sponsor in our team approach, and the student could be removed from the activity.

OFF-PERIOD, OFF-SITE, LUNCH CAMPUS POLICY

11th and 12th grade students may have an off-period, ideally 1st or 7th. Students should plan to be off-campus during their off-period. If they must remain on campus, they will need to be in the cafeteria as their designated area. They may also leave campus during lunch, but they are expected to return for class on time. Juniors or Seniors who take underclass students off campus will also be held accountable. Off-campus privileges can be revised on an individual basis if it affects the student’s attendance or punctual return to school. 

9th and 10th do not have off hours, and they are expected to remain on campus for the entire school day. This includes a closed campus lunch. They may not enter cars or leave the school grounds without advanced permission from the school administration. The only exceptions to this policy are a shortened schedule and educational/job related activities off campus that are related to the student's currently scheduled course work.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The philosophy of the Interscholastic Athletic & Activities Programs of this District is an integral part of the school's program of education. The program of education is designed to provide experiences that will help boys and girls develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. Participation in athletics & activities, both as a participant and as a student spectator, is an important part of the student's educational experience. These experiences contribute to the knowledge, skills, and emotional development of students. Participation at both the high school is a privilege, not a right, that carries with it responsibilities to the school, to the team, to the student body, to the community, and to the student. In his/her play, and in his/her conduct, the student is representing all of these groups. In order to enjoy the privilege of extra curricular involvement in both athletics and activities, students must meet the eligibility requirements established by EVHS and the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). These standards are outlined in a handbook provided to each student participating in a specific sport. This includes all athletics, spirit teams, band, choir, speech, student government, e-sports, and any other organization that represents, performs, or competes at the high school level or any activity that is scored, ranked or rated.

ATHLETICS/ACTIVITIES ELIGIBILITY

Participating in interscholastic activities as a part of a school’s educational program is a privilege and not a right.  Students wishing to participate are required to meet standards of personal behavior and academic performance which are related to school purposes. (CHSAA, Article 17, 1710).  

In order to be eligible to participate in athletics and activities at EVHS a student must meet the following these academic standards.

• Passing 2.5 credits during the current semester (5 classes)

*Note: Homeroom does not count.

• Enrolled in 2.5 credits during the previous semester.
• May not have turned 19 prior to Aug 1 of the current school year.
• Participated in no more than 8 consecutive semesters in a 4 year high school (or no more than 4 seasons in any sport).

Academic eligibility is checked weekly.  The determination of eligibility is made on Friday morning, to be enforced the duration of the following week, Monday through Saturday.  Based on a student’s grades at that time the following sanctions are applied. 

• Students who are NOT passing 2.5 credits at the progress grade report will be ineligible for the next reporting period.
• Even if grades are improved during the ineligibility period the student cannot participate until the end of the reporting period.

All EVHS participants in athletics and activities are representatives of the school and ECSD ideals in matters of citizenship, conduct and sportsmanship.  “Training Rules” are outlined in a student/parent contract that is signed by all students who participate in extracurricular activities.  There are specific consequences for violating these rules and will be applied by the principal or designee if it is determined a student has engaged in prohibited behaviors.

SCHOOL CLOSING

In the event of severely inclement weather or mechanical break down, school may be closed or starting time delayed. The same conditions may also necessitate early dismissal. School closing, delayed starting time or early dismissal will be announced on the district webpage and local media outlets. Reports in the morning will be between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. If no report is heard, it can be safely assumed that school will be in session. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. Telephone lines must be kept open for emergencies. When serious storm conditions develop during the day in the area, parents are encouraged to follow media updates with local stations.

EC ALERT is an alert notification system to immediately contact you during urgent or emergency situations with useful information and updates by sending text messages to your devices.  Go to www.ecalert.org to register.

SEVERE WEATHER

When detrimental weather is approaching the school, students and staff members will be informed by a special announcement over the P.A. system. Every one should follow the instructions of their teacher or supervisor immediately and without question. 

If a student becomes ill, he/she should ask permission from his/her teacher to come to the Health Room in the Main Office. The parents will be contacted to give the staff further instructions.  Students can rest for no longer than 10 minutes (with the maximum time they can spend in the Health Room being 30 minutes). After that time, they will return to class or contact a parent to go home. 

EVHS is required by law to have fire drills & lockdown drills. They are conducted to develop an orderly process for the evacuation of the building in case of emergency. ALL ALARMS ARE TREATED AS THE REAL THING. Students are expected to follow the instructions posted in each room or those given by your teacher and move out of the building to your assigned area in a rapid and orderly fashion. All students will remain outside the building with your teacher until the all clear signal is given by the administrator.

All material posted in hallways at EVHS, whether it be student or community activity advertising, must first be approved and signed by an administrator.  If approved, posters and signage must be hung from our message boards.

Eagle Valley High School welcomes visitors to our school community. In order to avoid undue disruptions to the educational process and maintain the safety of our students and staff, all visitors are required to check in with the main office upon arrival. Because of the disruption often created to the educational process, student visitors are not allowed. If there are extenuating circumstances, parents need to contact principal.

In an effort to maintain the learning environment, shadow visit will be limited to students that considering enrolling at EVHS.  Visitors will be allowed to accompany one student for ½ of a day.  Students must have their administrator’s approval of the school they currently attend and parent permission.  EVHS administration has the final approval based on events and timing at school.

Dances are for the benefit and pleasure of the students of EVHS.  If a student wishes to invite someone not enrolled at EVHS to a dance, the student must fill out a guest approval form and turn it in to the office for administrative approval before the day of the dance.  The student then becomes responsible for his/her guest.  (Note: any students younger than 9^th grade or 21 and older will not be admitted to an EVHS dance)

All fundraisers must be pre-approved by the Activities and or Athletic Director.  All fundraising must be for an approved EVHS fundraising account.  Anyone not adhering to this policy will not be allowed to continue and face possible disciplinary actions.

Parking at EVHS is a privilege and students may be restricted from parking on campus.  Students who wish to park on campus must display a school issued parking pass.  Proof of a valid driver’s license will be required to apply for a pass. Priority will be given to Juniors and Seniors.

Students may purchase a school prepared meal or bring a lunch from home.  Students are to:

·         Properly dispose of litter and garbage into the trash barrels.

·         Remain in the commons or patio area with all food and drinks throughout the entire school day.  Building off-limits areas include: hallways, stairways, classrooms/gyms, outside areas including parking lots and athletic fields.

·         Open campus is a privilege and can be taken away from any student who is not in good academic and or attendance standing.

Counseling services are available for every student in the school. These services are designed to meet the educational, vocational and personal needs of each student. This includes assistance with educational planning, occupational and college information, organizational study problems, home, school, social/emotional concerns, ideas for community service or any questions the student would like to discuss with the counselor.

The school recognizes that each child is unique and that his/her learning is affected, not only by economic, cultural and social forces, but by emotions and feelings as well. EVHS maintains a counseling office staffed with full-time certified counselors. A school psychologist and a social worker are also available to assess students referred and recommend appropriate counseling and/or instructional approaches.

The EVHS Library Media Center (LMC) is committed to supporting education through student and teacher services by maintaining a collection aimed at serving the needs of staff, students, and the current curriculum. Access to the library catalog is available from computers throughout the building.  The LMC runs on the same hours as the building bell schedule.  In order for students to access the Library there must be a staff member present to supervise.

Parents who drop off their students early in the morning are reminded that there is no supervision provided until 7:45 a.m.  Students are expected to leave the building no later than 3:30 pm.  Only students working with a staff member are permitted to remain in the academic areas of the building.

Students and their families are expected to maintain accurate records with the school for reporting in PowerSchool.  Any changes in emergency contact information (phone numbers, addresses, email, and guardianship) should be reported to the guidance office.

Eagle Valley High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:  Philip Qualman, Superintendent of Eagle County Schools, 948 Chambers Ave. PO Box 740 Eagle, CO 81631 970-328-6321

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.

Students who have reached the age of 18 and living with parents or guardian and not emancipated or homeless will still be considered to be under the guardianship of their parents or guardian. Parents and guardians will be expected to communicate with the school for absences or other school related permission.

“Homeroom” time at EVHS provides an opportunity for students and teachers to connect and form relationships during non-academic instructional time.  The focus is on providing an internal support network where the community grows through lessons combined with actions.  Homeroom teachers guide students through Advisement teacher support to find their own areas of academic, personal, and community success.

Homeroom also allows for our school to assemble for guest speaker, recognition ceremonies and pep rallies.

Each student has the opportunity and the right to use school as a means for self-improvement and individual growth. In so doing, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the school’s function as an educational facility. Conduct which disrupts or threatens to disrupt the operation of a school, which interferes in any way with the public or private rights of other students or citizens, which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person, or which damages property, will not be tolerated.

It is the intent of the school district to afford vigilant protection of the constitutional freedoms of all school personnel & students, & to guarantee those protections as provided in the constitution, including the rights of free inquiry & expression, the right to freedom of association, & the right to administrative due process.

Of equal importance is the right of school authorities to prescribe and control—consistent with fundamental and constitutional safeguards--student conduct in the schools. In exercising this right, each building principal, working with their staff and with the students, will attempt to achieve the objectives and follow the procedures set forth by Board policies and administrative regulations pertaining to the various aspects of student rights, student conduct, and student discipline.

At Eagle Valley High School, our discipline philosophy begins with the belief that quality learning only occurs in a safe, supportive environment. High standards of conduct will be upheld in a consistent manner, with clear communication to all parties involved. When expectations are not met, students will be disciplined in a manner that fits the offense, educates the student, and respects the person. 

All matters concerning student conduct and discipline will be aligned with school board policy as outlined in the Eagle County School District Student Codes of Conduct and Discipline.

A safe and disciplined learning environment is essential to a quality educational program.  District-wide standards on student attire are intended to help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems and improve school order and safety. Administrators recognize that students have a right to express themselves through dress and personal appearance; however, students shall not wear apparel that is deemed disruptive or potentially disruptive to the classroom environment or to the maintenance of a safe and orderly school.

Any student deemed in violation of the dress code shall be required to change into appropriate clothing or make arrangements to have appropriate clothing brought to school immediately. In this case, there shall be no further consequence.

Expectations for student dress….

1. Shoes must be worn at all times.

2. Acceptable clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, hair coloring, accessories, or body adornments are those that DO NOT:

• Bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body including, but not limited to, the stomach, buttocks, back and breasts
• Refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons
• Are of a sexual nature
• By virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute denote membership in gangs which advocate drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior
• Are obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, or legally libelous
• Threaten the safety or welfare of any person
• Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct
• Students will not be discriminated against for dress code violations based on gender, sexual identity, ethnicity, and/or body type.

STUDENTS, NOT THE SCHOOL, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PERSONAL PROPERTY.

Students are encouraged to check with the Main Office or contact an administrator if it is necessary for such items to be on school property. Students are discouraged from bringing valuable items to school because of the difficulty of providing secure storage for them and the distraction that they pose for other students and staff members.

Cell phones, i-Pods, portable electronic devices of any kind: Students who bring these items to school are solely responsible for them. If stolen, the school will assist students in the investigation and possible recovery of items but is not responsible for them.

Staff members have the right to prohibit or allow the appropriate use of any electronic devices in their classroom. Any unwarranted cell phone use will result in intervention on behalf of a staff member.  Students who do not use cell phones responsibly, violate policy, or inhibit their ability to be in class on time will be subject to disciplinary action as well, up to and including immediate confiscation.  Experience has proven that these items present a disturbance problem, can be used for cheating, and become objects of theft. Students are expected to follow all classroom guidelines established around personal items; surrendering such items upon the request of EVHS staff.

Teachers have the authority based on their discretion to hold students accountable for misusing their electronic devices in the classroom.

Possible Accountability Measures may include but are not limited to:

§  Device can be confiscated by the teacher and held until the end of the day. 

§  Device can be sent to main office where student can retrieve it at the end of the day from an administrator. 

§  Device can be sent to the main office and is held until a parent retrieves the phone and reviews the policy with an administrator.

Some of our students use skateboards, scooters, bicycles, and inline skates as a mode of transportation to and from school.  To ensure the safety of the rider and other pedestrians, students may not use skateboards, wheelies, scooters, bicycles, and inline skates during school hours or during activities while at EVHS

Social media can be an extremely valuable and powerful communication tool for the school and students. The key is to use it appropriately and teach our student proper guidelines for using it. If used inappropriately, it can have a disruptive impact on the school’s educational environment.

Below are the social networking guidelines which provide the following direction for social networking site usage:

·         Everything you post is public information – any text or photo placed online is completely out of your control the moment it is placed online – even if you limit access to your site. Information (including pictures, videos, and comments) may be accessible even after you remove it. Once you post a photo or comment on a social networking site, that photo or comment becomes the property of the site and may be searchable even after you remove it.

·         What you post may affect your future! Carefully consider how you want people to perceive you before you give them a chance to misinterpret your information (including pictures, videos, comments and posters).

·         Any off-campus postings that impact the on-campus educational environment may potentially carry educational and athletic consequences.

Similar to comments made in person, Eagle Valley High School will not tolerate disrespectful comments and behavior online, such as:

·         Derogatory language or remarks that may harm EVHS students or staff.

·         Sexually explicit, profane, lewd indecent or defamatory language.

·         Comments or likes designed to harass or bully students or school personnel.

·         Incriminating photos or statements depicting violence, hazing; sexual harassment; full or partial nudity; inappropriate gestures; vandalism; stalking; underage drinking, selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other inappropriate behavior (including the use of profanity).

·         Nude, sexually oriented, indecent photos or images or altered pictures.

·         Creating a serious danger to the safety of another person or making a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person.

The Discipline Matrix is a tool for administrators to respond appropriately when students have committed behavioral violations, per the Code of Student Conduct.  The Matrix enables school staff to assign consequences consistently.  It is important to note however to note the following.  The matrix does not detail every possible scenario and/or offense.   School administrators have the discretion to either elaborate or deviate from these guidelines by assessing an appropriate consequence other than stated in the matrix if he or she determines there are mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

It is not listed under each conduct and offense but there is the potential for school staff and administration to assign alternative consequences if it is deemed more appropriate or beneficial for the desired outcome to change behaviors.  Examples of this include offering students a drug/alcohol prevention course that would allow their days of suspension reduced if they agree to and complete the class.  School administration will also work to facilitate restorative practices as an alternative to traditional consequences for students who are willing to repair the harm to the relationships between themselves and school community members (students and staff)  who were harmed by their actions.

DEFINITIONS

The following key concepts and ideas are essential to reading and understanding the discipline matrix.  Some elements are not outlined on the matrix itself but need to be understood as supports to the behavior and consequence codes.

• Parental Contact - it is not listed under any of the offense steps or comments; however, efforts will be made to contact parents for any and all code of conduct infractions.
• Detention - could be either before school, during lunch, after school, off periods, Saturday school, or at any other time designated by a school official.
• ISS - in school suspension.  This is not listed as a possible consequence as EVHS does not have either the space or staffing to monitor students who are not in class.
• OSS - out of school suspension.  Students are removed from campus, classes, and all associated activities until set time of return.
• Expulsion - certain violations can lead to mandatory recommendations for expulsion.  This will be followed by a process that includes a hearing to determine if the student will be expelled from school for a duration exceeding 10 school days.
• Powerschool - all incidents that require administrative interaction and/or consequences starting at “level 1 offenses” are documented in a students Powerschool profile.
• Cumulative offenses - some code of conduct violations are notes as being cumulative for a student's entire career.  This means that next offenses are applied whether they occur in the same school year or in future years.  (Denoted by a * in the matrix)
• Habitually disruptive - students who have violations across multiple categories can have their incidents documented to lead to a recommendation for expulsion due to the persistent and disruptive nature of their behaviors.
• Expulsion prevention plan - students who have serious or repeated violations of school code that could lead to further suspension or possible expulsion will be placed on an expulsion prevention plan to communicate expectations for future behaviors.
• Law enforcement - the school resource officer or law enforcement will be brought in to investigate or deal with criminal violations