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Mail: 100 Thunderbird Drive Swanton, VT 05488
Phone: 1-802-868-7311
Fax: 1-802-868-3129
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Student Life
Adult Status | Beverages | Cell Phones | Dress Code | Co-Curricular Activities | Courtesy
Dances | Eligibility For Interscholastic And Co-Curricular Activities | Field Trips | Food
Foreign Exchange Trips | Fund Raising | New Students | Nut Safe Environments
Prohibited Items | Public Displays Of Affection | Spectator Behavior
HS Student Government Association | Transportation To School Activities | Valuables
ADULT STATUS / PRIVILEGES (Conditional)
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Please see the High School Office for more information.
BEVERAGES
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Beverages are available from the cafeteria and the various vending machines located in the school and must be purchased and consumed in the commons. For accessibility of student vending machines see “Food” section under Student life.
The one exception to this rule is students being allowed to bring plain water in clear containers to class. Through the work of our Wellness Committee, we acknowledge and support the need for students to stay hydrated for reasons of health. Students must understand, however, that water may only be carried in clear containers and is subject to inspection at any time for reasons of safety.
Cell phones
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Cell phones will be permitted in common spaces where direct instruction is not underway. They are never to be used when they are considered disruptive, i.e. during assemblies in the theater, during class or study time in the library or in any office area. Students who feel the need to call a parent with concerns about school should go to the appropriate office (High School or Middle School) to ask for assistance. At no time should any student use their cell phone to call for an early dismissal or in case of illness which should always go through the Nurse’s Office.
In instances of safety, information should never be shared with anyone outside the building that has not been given directly by a Safety Team Member. At all times courtesy and good manners should be employed in the use of cell phones.
First offense: student may retrieve their phone at the end of the day.
Second offense: phones may only be retrieved by the student’s parents/guardian.
Third offense: student suspended for a minimum of 2 days for non-compliance.
CLOTHING / APPAREL / ACCESSORIES
The Board of School Directors believes that appropriate dress and grooming contributes to a productive learning environment. The Board recognizes that the personal grooming and dress of students is primarily a matter of concern between students and their parents. It becomes a concern of the school, however, when grooming and dress patterns create a disruptive influence upon the educational program of the school or when the health or safety of the student body is affected.
Students are encouraged to use sound judgment in dress and grooming. Appropriate dress is clothing that covers the body sufficiently so as not to attract excessive attention.
While you and your family are generally free to determine your appearance in school, at school functions, or on school property, there are items of clothing and accessories that are unacceptable.
Examples of clothing considered to be unacceptable include:
• tank tops(with less then 2 inch straps)
• halter or spaghetti strap tops
• tube tops or other off-the-shoulder or low-cut tops
• tops baring midriffs, back area or cleavage
• low-rise pants, shorts or skirts
• shorts or skirts which generally are more than four inches from the middle of the kneecap
• clothing which exposes undergarments
• clothing that exposes large areas of skin- i.e. cut-outs or holes in jeans or shirts
• see-through or fishnet fabrics
• clothing that advertises, promotes or depicts alcohol, tobacco and/or illegal/controlled substances
• items that display vulgar, offensive, or demeaning language
• items that are sexually suggestive or provocative
For health and safety reasons, appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. Students are never to wear clothing with lettering or symbols that are obscene or offensive as defined by the Administration. Likewise, any jewelry or accessories deemed potentially dangerous or disruptive are prohibited. Heely’s are also strictly prohibited in our building and on the school grounds for reasons of safety. Students are encouraged to leave outdoor clothing and coats in their lockers and not wear them during the day.
First offense: student may retrieve their phone at the end of the day.
Second offense: phones may only be retrieved by the student’s parents/guardian.
Third offense: student suspended for a minimum of 2 days for non-compliance.
Hats are permissible to be worn in the hallways, but not in any classroom or office. Likewise, hats will be removed during assemblies or performances in the Paul B. Trahan Memorial Theatre. “Hats” are defined as any head-covering for the purpose of this handbook.
Ultimately, the School reserves the right to determine or decide what clothing is appropriate to be worn in school.
Violations of this dress code are subject to disciplinary actions as defined in Group C of the Code of Conduct.
[A complete copy of the School Dress Code policy is available to the public through the Office of Student Affairs.]
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The Administration, faculty and staff highly encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities to become involved in school sponsored activities outside the classroom here at Missisquoi. The philosophy for co-curricular activities represents an integral part of our school’s educational program and provides an opportunity to support, apply, and extend learning. This includes such things as High School Student Government Association, publications, music, drama, subject-related clubs, and assemblies as well as social, political, and service organizations.
Each and every one of these activities should present an equal opportunity for students to pursue established interests and develop new areas of interest. No student should or will be excluded for social, ethnic, or financial reasons. Co-curricular programs enable students to utilize special talents, use leisure time wisely, develop school spirit, and achieve a measure of excellence based upon individual strengths. Through participation in these activities, students are encouraged to form productive and satisfying relations with others based upon mutual respect and cooperation.
These experiences should also foster leadership and a strong sense of responsibility to peers, school, and the larger community. This must be recognized as an essential preparation for adult citizenship in our democratic society.
All student organizations should operate openly, formally, follow Parliamentary Procedures, and adhere to the boundaries and expectations set forth in the High School student government association constitution.
1. Provide a comprehensive range of opportunities for individuals to develop special talents and skills
2. Promote unity, social cohesion, and spirit among participants and the student body
3. Develop self-discipline, independence, commitment, and a sense of responsibility
4. Represent a source of pride for our school and community
5. Develop leadership qualities and recognize the strength of influence in defining school norms
6. Accept responsibility for representing the activity, school, and community in and out of school
7. Learn to follow Parliamentary Procedures for meetings and decision-making.
We encourage attendance at dances, concerts, athletic events, and performances. This support means a great deal to fellow students and develops a strong sense of spirit and community. The privilege of attendance and participation rests with maintaining good standing. This includes general behavior, attendance, fulfillment of academic responsibilities, etc. [Please consult section on eligibility]
COURTESY
Courtesy to all school employees, other students, and visitors is a tradition at our school. Each of us should strive to be considerate of all others and expect the same in return. Respect the judgment of your teachers. Treat all other adult employees of the school with the same courtesy and follow requests or directions given by them. These include secretaries, cafeteria workers, custodians, instructional assistants and all other personnel. Rude behavior will result in disciplinary action.
DANCES
1. Dances are school-sponsored events that are held to benefit the social life of students. It should be carefully noted that the behavior of students at dances is governed by the same Code of Conduct as that of other school activities. Middle School dances are for middle school students only and High School dances are for high school students only.
2. Any student found drinking, possessing, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be removed from the dance and remanded to the custody of his/her parents. If parents cannot be notified, students will be taken to the police station by a police officer, where parental notification will be carried out by law enforcement. In any event, such behavior will prompt a referral to the ACT 51 team.
3. Students will not be allowed to loiter around the school grounds outside a dance.
4. Advisors and chaperones reserve the right to ask anyone who, at any time, engages in inappropriate behavior, to leave the dance. Parents will be notified that their student(s) are being asked to leave and will be asked to come pick up their student.
5. Guests are not permitted at MVU dances.
6. Middle School dances will be held from 7-9 pm and High School dances from 7:30-10 pm.
7. Any middle or high school student who has been suspended (in or out-of-school) in the month prior a dance is not eligible to attend that dance. Students and advisors sponsoring the dance must leave the facility as they found it.
ELIGIBILITY (Rules for Participation in Interscholastic and Co-curricular Activities)
At Missisquoi Valley Union we consider participating in extra-curricular activities a privilege. With all privileges come certain responsibilities. We expect our students to perform well academically and to exhibit positive behaviors.
1. In order to tryout and participate in extra-curricular activities, a student must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 and may not receive more than one “F” in courses taken during the previous marking period. Students who have not met the eligibility standard will not be allowed to be considered for participation until report cards come out. Progress reports will no longer be used to regain eligibility. Students who have outstanding work at the end of the marking period will receive a grade based on completed work, accompanied by a comment indicating that that grade reflects incomplete work. All incomplete work must be made up within ten (10) school days of the report card being distributed. Ineligible students may not practice, rehearse, or participate in any activity.
2. All incoming 7th and 9th graders will be eligible to participate in all activities during their first marking period. After this, they must comply with all eligibility standards as outlined above.
3. Any student who is ineligible at the close of the 4th marking period may regain eligibility for the fall if they successfully complete the necessary coursework in summer school. This course work must be approved by the Principal and the appropriate grade level administrator.
Students should also be in good standing with respect to regular attendance and are expected to be in attendance on the day of the activity unless excused by the Administration.
[Note: For further information on eligibility regarding athletics, please consult the MVU “Athletics Activities Digest for Students and Parents.” This pamphlet may be obtained from the Athletic Director.]
FIELD TRIPS
Students must return a permission slip signed by a parent/legal guardian no later than twenty-four hours before the trip. In addition, the student must inform and secure permission from every teacher whose classes he/she will miss. If every teacher does not sign the permission form the student cannot participate. A teacher has the right not sign the form if the student has incomplete work in the teacher’s class or is in danger of failing the course that the student will miss.
Please note that all school rules and regulations are in effect on field trips. When on field trips, teachers and students should realize they will be in the public eye. School takes precedence over the age of majority in all school activities. No field trip should be scheduled the week before midterm examinations or two weeks before the final exam date. Exceptions may occasionally be considered and granted by the Principal.
The Administration reserves the right to make decisions regarding any and all participation in school sponsored field trips.
FOOD
Under no circumstances, without permission, is food to be carried into the corridors of the school. Free and reduced cost lunches are available for those families who are eligible. Applications for free or reduced cost meals may be obtained during the first week of school from the Hot Lunch Agent. Any student found throwing food will be assigned to detention, in-school suspension or possible suspension (out-of-school). Students are reminded that they have the responsibility to get to class on time after lunch.
In order to alleviate disruptions to the educational environment, access to student vending machines has been confined within limits deemed appropriate by the Administration. Water, juice and other non-carbonated/non-caffeinated drinks will be made available prior to block 1. In addition, a vending machine offering dairy products is accessible there at this time as well and during the lunch periods. This will allow students plenty of time to purchase and consume beverages prior to the first tone of the day. At 2:45 pm all student vending machines will be accessible including those dispensing soft drinks.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRIPS
MVU is proud of its involvement in study/travel programs to Canada, Europe, and Mexico. Students and their parents should be aware that all school rules apply during these activities. The use of alcohol and other controlled substances and/or violations of the Code of Conduct (including leaving the group without permission) may result in involuntary repatriation at the parents’ expense or other disciplinary action as determined by the advisor and the Administration.
FUND RAISING
All fundraising at MVU for student activities, to include athletics, must be approved by the administration with input, when appropriate, from the Student Government Association and must support the activities of recognized school organizations. The sponsors of any activity which requires fund raising, or any person, group or entity wishing to fund raise on the behalf of a recognized school organization, must seek approval for the fundraiser by completing a fundraising request form, available in both the High School and Middle School Offices. Groups are asked to submit this form to Mrs. Larose in the High School Office at least 3 weeks before the activity is scheduled to take place. Once approved, fundraisers will be added to a master calendar in the high school office.
The administration will approve or deny the request. Organizations in the High School should have all monetary transactions approved following the procedures defined in the Student Government Association constitution. All organizations will receive an update on accounts at the regular Student Government Association meetings. Activities and clubs meet after school. Fundraisers that involve candy and certain other foods as defined by law cannot be sold during lunch periods per established guidelins. (See the Hot Lunch Agent for more information).
NEW STUDENTS
The climate of the classroom is clearly enhanced when students know and accept one another. Students who are new to MVU should be formally introduced and have the opportunity to meet others.
At the start of each yearlong or semester course and whenever a new student joins a class, teachers will initiate a meaningful introduction of students. Established members of this school community are expected to provide a welcoming and supportive environment to all newcomers.
This practice will help to promote mutual respect and utilize a valuable social form. In addition to this general approach, all students will participate in a TSA designed to help foster a caring environment by promoting social and
academic cohesion.
NUT SAFE ENVIRONMENTS
MVU is dedicated to maintaining a nut safe environment. This means that students will be educated with regard to safety plans that have been developed for individual students who have life-threatening allergies to peanuts and/or tree nuts. Certain areas throughout the school will be designated as peanut/tree nut free. Anyone found intentionally violating this policy will be subject to consequences as noted under Group B of the Code of Conduct.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
PAGERS, LASER POINTERS, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS , GAMING DEVICES, WALKIE TALKIES, NOISE MAKING DEVICES, HEELY SHOES, INLINE SKATES or any other such articles deemed inappropriate as they are disruptive to the educational environment.
Accordingly, these items are PROHIBITED. That is, they are not to be brought into school at any time. Students who do so will have them confiscated. Such items will be turned in to the Administration and may be retrieved at the end of the day from either the Middle or High School office at the end of the day. Items confiscated more than once may only be retrieved by the student’s parent/guardian.
[Continued violations will bring consequences as outlined in the Code of Conduct.]
PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
The following forms of public affection are absolutely not permitted: kissing and prolonged embraces. These are not appropriate to the educational environment and make many feel uncomfortable. Holding hands is considered a permissible demonstration of affection.
[Continued violations will bring consequences as outlined in Group B of the Code of Conduct.]
SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR
We encourage and appreciate support for our athletic and co-curricular activities. With strong school spirit goes a responsibility for everyone to maintain good sportsmanship and refrain from anything, which is disrespectful to others. Competition and the desire to win is normal, but not at the expense of healthy attitudes and values. Everyone must recognize our high expectations for maintaining MVU’s reputation as a gracious and hospitable community. Please consult the MVU Athletic Digest for more information.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
Student government at MVUHS is known as the student government association. Among its goals are “to promote student participation within the school and community, promote school spirit within the student body and in the community, promote respect for the property and dignity of others, and increase student autonomy and strengthen and broaden student leadership and opportunities.”
This body consists of an executive council (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and members at large). Each class has a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and representatives. Members are elected each year in the spring and begin a one-year term that fall. Students elected to serve on student government are expected to provide responsible leadership to include being in good standing with respect to academic obligations and personal conduct.
Student government recognizes and oversees clubs and organizations within the school, as they also seek to instill a sense of school pride both in the MVU student body and in the community at large. Students may petition the student government with matters regarding student life at MVU.
Student government recently drafted and adopted a new constitution. A list of current student government members will be posted outside the Office of Student Affairs and on the Student Government bulletin board.
TRANSPORTATION TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Students may not drive private vehicles to off-campus school-sponsored events such as “away” athletic contests, field trips and meetings. The Administration or the athletic director may grant a waiver, if the student has a valid reason. If a student has a detention, and misses the bus, this will not be considered a valid excuse. In such cases, no students outside the immediate family are to be transported, in either direction, without the coach or advisor being in agreement. Any student who accepts other than school transportation to or from a school event without proper permission is subject to immediate suspension from further participation in the activity for which this rule was violated. The length of such suspension will be determined by the school Administration.
VALUABLES
Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money or items of considerable value to school. Students who wear glasses, watches or have musical instruments or calculators need to keep track of them at all times. THE SCHOOL WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY.