Handbook

Attendance, Absence, Athletics, Late Passes, Visitors, Leaving School, Phone, Discipline, Dress Code, Report Cards, Student Driving

ATTENDANCE POLICY

   Students who miss over eight (8) days per semester for each class must meet with a committee to show cause in order to receive credit for those courses. These students must be accompanied by their parents.
1.       Students are to obtain a written admit pass from the office for any class missed except school related absences. Students may obtain the pass from the office from 7:15 until 7:55 the day after the absence. Students will not be allowed into class without the admit pass.   Any documentation related to the absence is to be presented when the student receives the pass. *Please note that after the first two weeks of school, students will be counted tardy for getting an admit pass after 8 a.m.
2. Students who are late to school will receive a pass from the office that will get them into class the next day. These students will not have to get an admit pass from the office the following morning.
3.       Teachers will not allow students into class without an admit pass.
4. All students are encouraged to make up their work for any absence. Too many times poor grades are result of simply not making up work. Make-up work needs to be completed no more than one week after the absence. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher for completing make-up work.

SCHOOL ABSENCES
Students missing class for school activities will be given forms by their coach or sponsor to be signed by each teacher. This form is to be signed two days prior to the absence. Failure to have this form signed will result in the absence being counted.

ATHLETICS

West Point offers a wide variety of athletic opportunities in the fall, winter, and spring. Our coaching staff believes athletics offer chances for growth in areas such as attitude, cooperation, work ethic, and self-discipline that will make a difference throughout a student’s life. Being committed to team goals. . . representing your school and community . . . enjoying the pleasures of competition - that’s what West Point Athletics is all about. Cheerleading, football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, track, and tennis are offered. A student should contact the coach of a particular sport if he or she is interested.

LATE PASSES

Students arriving late to school or class will be given late passes in the office. Detentions will be scheduled for 3rd and 5th unexcused late passes, Saturday School will be assigned for 7th, and alternative school for the 9^th and for each tardy thereafter. All students, arriving late or returning after leaving, must check in with the office.

VISITORS

Outsiders or visitors are NOT allowed on the school grounds or in the buildings unless permission is given by the Principal or Assistant Principal. IN NO CASE will children under school age be allowed to visit during the regular school day without prior written approval of the Principal. All visitors must obtain and wear a visitor's pass.

LEAVING SCHOOL

Students must sign out through the office with permission of parent or guardian. Notes should contain parent's signature, a phone number for verification, and the reason for leaving.

PHONE

Students may only use the school phone in case of an emergency. The pay phone may be used with the permission of the Principal or Assistant Principal. Only phone messages of an emergency nature will be delivered to students.

DISCIPLINE

Rules are necessary for any organization, whether it be a family or a corporation. Respect of self and others demands cooperation. West Point High School is not about students bullying or intimidating other students. Disrespectfulness to teachers, use of drugs, and abuse of facilities are examples of behavior which will not be tolerated. Remember that self-discipline is the highest order of discipline, where individuals impose upon themselves a present code of honor that prepares them for future challenges. Success cannot be obtained without discipline.

A discipline record on each student will be kept by the administration. This record will be used in determining student aides assignments and other such privileges. School rules will be administered fairly and consistently. Consequences for breaking rules could involve one or more of the following: (1) Corporal Punishment, (2) Break/Homeroom detention, (3) Saturday School, (4) Parent Conference, (5) Alternative School, or (6) Suspension.

The following are some of the circumstances that will result in disciplinary action being taken:

   *Being out of class without a pass
   *Being around elementary building without a pass
   *Sitting in cars before or during school
   *Breaking bus rules
   *Creating disturbance in the classroom
   *Being tardy to school or class
   *Breaking the dress code
   *Skipping class
   *Public display of affection
   *Littering
   *Being disrespectful
   *Possession of tobacco products
   *Smoking (suspension)
   *Fighting (suspension)
   *Sale or use of alcohol or drugs (suspension)
   *Possession of a weapon (suspension)

DRESS CODE

West Point High School will abide by the Cullman County dress code. The administration reserves the right to enforce dress code polices not covered in the county dress code. Examples: No "spiked" hair or overlarge, baggy clothes. Students violating the dress code will be given one warning at the opening assembly. Actions will be taken on violations thereafter. No body piercing is allowed. Side burns must not extend below the bottom of the ear.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued at the end of each six-week period. Students are responsible for taking these home. Any report card replacement will cost $2.00.

STUDENT DRIVING

All students who drive to school must be 16 years old or older and have a valid state driver’s license.

At no time will a student operating a car or motorcycle permit any unauthorized student to ride in his/her vehicle.

Cars and motorcycles will be parked in designated areas and not used until time to leave campus.

Vehicles are to be insured for a least liability and proof of insurance can be required.

Failure to comply with the above rules will forfeit the privilege of coming to school by car rather than bus.

Students may purchase parking places for $5.00 for the year.