PHILOSOPHY
Riverhead High School proudly reflects the multi-racial, multi-ethnic
community of which we are a part. Our staff and students, along
with your parents and community, join together in providing an
educational environment, which fosters the growth of all. As expressed
in the Riverhead Plan for Education Excellence adopted by the
Board of Education in May of 1992, “We hold the following
beliefs about all of our students:
. each is capable of learning
. each can achieve excellence
. each needs the support of a nurturing family, a supportive
community, and an effective school system”.
Our staff has the responsibility to maintain an educational program
of excellence. We attempt to involve the learner - individually,
in small groups, and as a whole class - by providing relevant,
valid hands on activities and by encouraging active participation.
Our students have the responsibility to bring to the educational
setting their attention, their effort, and their willingness to
learn. They are encouraged to share their talents with each other,
with their school and with their community.
Our parents and our community have the responsibility to support
our staff and students individually and collectively – through
their interest, time and resources. They are urged to communicate
their ideas and concerns, and to work with staff members and students
to solve problems and achieve mutual goals.
The growth of each individual into self-fulfilled, successful,
responsible member or our changing society must be the standard
by which our educational efforts are judged.
STUDENT RIGHTS &
RESPONSIBILITIES
The administration of Riverhead High School recognizes that students
are guaranteed certain rights by law and believes that students
are more likely to accept responsibility for following the rules
and regulations of the school when these rights are guaranteed
and students are treated fairly. Students should work with the
administration and the faculty in the development of school policies
and should help with their implementation. The school is a community,
and the students, as well as the faculty and administration, are
responsible for the atmosphere in the school.
With this in mind, the students of Riverhead High School are advised
they have the following rights:
1. All students have the right to be treated
respectfully by everyone in the school community. They, in turn,
have the responsibility to respect the rights of others.
This includes respecting the ethnic, religious and racial backgrounds
of others.
2. All students have the right to an education. Therefore, students
have the responsibility to do their best and not to interfere
with or threaten the education of others.
3. All students have the right to be free from physical harm and
verbal and physical harassment while on school property, while
being transported to and from school and any school-sponsored
function off school property.
4. All students have the right to have the rules and policies
of
the school explained in a written format. Students, in turn, have
the responsibility to learn these rules and abide by them while
on school property, while being transported to and from school
and when they are at any school-sponsored function off school
property.
5. All students have the right to express
their opinions in a proper manner. They, in turn, must not infringe
upon the rights of others to express their opinions and must not
interfere with the educational process.
6. All students have the right to seek change in school policies
and regulations in an orderly manner by using those channels provided
for this purpose (e.g., petition, student government, school publications).
However, this effort must not interfere with the educational process
or the rights of others.
7. All students have the right to assemble peacefully with the
permission of the principal. Such assemblies must not interfere
with the educational process or the operation of the school.
8. All students have the right to protection from unauthorized
disclosure of information in permanent records. Access to transcripts
and permanent student records is limited to authorized school
personnel. Records may be made available to persons or agencies
outside the school only with the permission of the student if
of legal age, with the consent of parents or guardians if the
student is not of legal age, or by court order or subpoena.
9. All students have the right to have their personal possessions
respected. Students, in turn, have the responsibility to respect
the personal possessions of others. If there should be reasonable
cause for school personnel to suspect that the area assigned to,
or items worn by or owned by a student (e.g., locker, shirt, jacket,
pocketbook) contain item which are illegal (e.g., alcohol or other
drugs or weapons) or might be used to disrupt or interfere with
the educational process, then the area, student or property may
be searched and the item seized.
10. All Students have the right to equal access to and responsibility
for the proper use of school facilities, equipment and property.
ATTENDANCE
POLICY & PROCEDURES
Full time daily attendance is essential for ensuring the academic
progress of students. Students must not only be present in class
but also must be actively involved and participate in the learning
activities. By establishing attendance and achievement requirements,
Riverhead High School is affirming that students are to be held
accountable for their individual actions and that tardiness, cutting,
excessive absence and/or truancy will
jeopardize their successful completion of a course of instruction
and their possible graduation.
Classroom sessions involve such diverse activities as teacher
lecture and explanation, question and answer sessions, class discussions,
student presentations and class projects and physical exercises
that cannot, because of the unique nature of a classroom experience,
be recreated or duplicated for a student who is absent. The educational
value of the classroom experience is an important component of
the educational process. Failure to attend classes in a consistent
and prompt manner prevents a student from fully experiencing a
valuable aspect of the educational process. The monitoring of
attendance is a correlation between students, parent and school
district.
The Board of Education recognizes an important relationship between
class attendance and student performance. Consequently, each marking
period, a student’s final grade is based on classroom participation
as well as student’s performance on homework, test, papers,
projects, etc. Students with properly excused absences may make
up work for each excused absence (refer to specific course grading
policy).
I. Goals and objectives
1. Set a minimum attendance requirement of 90% course attendance
(for credit bearing courses grades 8-12).
2. Share responsibility for attendance with students and parents
by encouraging parents to record attendance, to discipline and
to motivate.
3. Provide timely written notification of absences to parents.
4. Provide student with an appeal process for attendance deficiencies
in a reasonable amount of time before denial of credit is decided.
Specific Strategies
To be successful in this endeavor, it is imperative that all members
of the school community are aware of this policy, its purpose,
procedures and the consequences of non-compliance.
To ensure that students, parent, teachers, and administrators
are notified of and understand this policy, the following procedures
shall be implemented:
1. The attendance policy will be included in student handbooks
and will be reviewed with students at the start of the school
year.
2. Parents will receive a plain language summary of this policy
by mail at the start of the school year. Parents will be asked
to sign and return a statement indicating that they have read
and understand the policy.
3. A Back-To-School event will be held at the beginning of each
school year to explain this policy and stress the parent’s
responsibility for their ensuring their children’s attendance.
4. School newsletters and publications will include periodic reminders
of the components of this policy.
5. The district will provide a copy of the attendance policy and
any amendments thereto to faculty and staff. New staff will receive
a copy upon their employment.
6. All faculty and staff will meet at the beginning of each school
year to review the attendance policy to clarify individual roles
in its implementation.
7. Copies of this policy will also be made available to any community
member, upon request.
II. Attendance Requirement
1. Students must attend each class a minimum of 90% of the time.
2. Students must be in attendance a minimum of 4 periods in order
to be considered present for the day and participate in extra-curricular
activities.
a. FULL YEAR COURSE - The minimum
attendance shall be
90% or 162 days per year (.90 x 180 = 162 days) and thus a student
may be absent no more than 17 times per year per class. A student
will be in violation on the 18th absence.
NOTIFICATION SEQUENCE
- 6 absences: letter to inform parent that student has accumulated
6 absences (unexcused).
- 12 absences: letter to inform parent that student has accumulated
12 absences (unexcused). Letter will recommend parent/teacher/counselor
communication.
- 15 absences: letter to inform parent that student has 15
absences (unexcused).
- 18 absences: letter (with copy to teacher, administration and
counselor) to inform parent that student has accumulated 18 absences
(unexcused). Student notified in person by assistant principal
denial of credit unless appealed within one school day of notice
receipt. Parent notified by assistant principal.
b. HALF YEAR COURSE and ALTERNATE DAY
COURSE -
The minimum attendance shall be 90% or 81 days (.90 x 90 = 81
days) and thus a student may be absent no more than 8 times per
semester per class. A student will be in violation on the 9th
absence.
NOTIFICATION SEQUENCE
- 3 absences: letter to inform parent that student has accumulated
3 absences (unexcused).
- 6 absences: letter to inform parent that student has accumulated
6 absences (unexcused). Letter will recommend parent/teacher/counselor
communication.
- 9 absences: letter (with copy to teacher, administrator, and
counselor) to inform parent that student has accumulated 9 absences
(unexcused). Student notified in person by assistant principal
of denial of credit, unless appealed within one school day of
notice receipt. Parent notified by assistant principal.
c. BOCES – The district reserves the right to withdraw students
(applicable to state and federal laws) from vocational courses
at BOCES at any time that they fail to maintain a minimum attendance
rate of 90%.
2. Attendance at a school sponsored activity counts as being “in
class” and not as an absence provided that the class work
is made up to the satisfaction of the teacher. School sponsored
activities shall include but not limited to:
a. School sponsored field trips.
b. Home tutoring, whether due to illness or suspension (includes
5-7 P.M. program).
c. In School Suspension
d. Pre-registered chronic condition.
e. Contacts initiated by or appointment scheduled with school
employees (i.e.: guidance counselor, nurse, administrator, etc.).
3. A student who misses 20 or more minutes of class for any reason
other than a school-sponsored activity is considered truant for
that class. A student who misses less than 20 minutes of a class
for any reason other than a school-sponsored activity will be
assessed a late for that class.
4. There is a penalty for a student who fails to meet the minimum
attendance requirement.
a. No credit will be awarded for the class in which the student
did not meet the attendance requirement.
5. Summer School Eligibility Requirement.
Students may enroll in summer school for the course in which they
were denied credit if they earn a successful appeal and meet the
summer school eligibility requirements.
6. The attendance requirement shall apply to all students enrolled
in Riverhead High School in grades nine through twelve including
students in the Alternative H.S. except those students whose IEP
(individualized education plan) states otherwise. Students entering
the school after the first day shall have their attendance prorated.
If a student enters a class after the first day, the number of
days of attendance will be prorated using 90% as the minimum required.
7. The attendance record of a student making a schedule change
in the same subject area will be forwarded to the new teacher.
8. A student under the age of 17 who is excessively absent may
be referred for a PINS petition. Parents or guardians of excessively
absent children may also be subject to an with educational neglect
petition regardless of the child’s age.
9. A student who has four or more or audited (presently in class,
but has exceeded the attendance policy) courses may be considered
by the building principal for an alternative instructional placement
and taken to a Superintendent’s Hearing.III.
Appeal Process
- Appeal must be based on extenuating circumstances only.
- Appeal will be initiated by the student or parent within a reasonable
amount of time of notice of denial of credit.
- Appeal forms will be available from the assistant principal
and returnable to the same office.
- The Appeal Committee will hear appeals prior to the end of each
semester. Pending appeal hearing, student will remain in class.
Any further unexcused absences from class will result in dismissal
of appeal. The Appeal Committee is an advisory group to the High
School Principal. Final decision regarding appeal will rest with
High School Principal.
- *No grades or final exams or course credit will be given to
students who have been denied course credit.The Committee:
- Three-member committee – one-year term.
- Membership as follows:
- 1 administrator – appointed by building principal
- 1 guidance counselor appropriate to student
- 1 teacher – rotating participation
ATTENDANCE: Lateness to School, Legal and Illegal Absences,
Class Truancy, Class Lates.
Excused absences are defined as absences, tardiness, and early
departures from class or school due to personal illness or death
in the family, religious observance, required court appearances,
pre-approved college visits, or attendance at a medical facility,
participation in approved school activity/function or other such
reason as may be deem excused by building principal. All other
absences are considered unexcused.
I. Late to School
All students are expected to arrive to school on time. Students
arriving late to school must sign in at the attendance office
and present a note from a doctor’s appointment or court
appearance in order for the late to be deemed as legal. All other
excuses will be deemed illegal and a student will receive a late
or class truancy for class time missed in those periods. (Extenuating
circumstances will be brought to the appropriate administrator
by the student or parent/guardian and determined by administration
if the late is excused or unexcused).
II. Full-Day Absences
Upon returning to school after a full day absence or a multiple
day absence, a student must present a doctor’s, court or
parent note to their grade level administrator. This note must
be submitted within a three – five days of the absence.
If the Assistant Principal receives no note, the absence will
be deemed unexcused. The Assistant Principal will review the note
and deem the absence excused or unexcused. The note will then
be forwarded to the attendance clerk, who will adjust the attendance
accordingly and notify the student’s teacher. All unexcused
absences will be counted against the minimum attendance requirement
and will be reported to the parent. This also includes class truancies.
III. Class Truancy
Class truancies will be considered illegal absences from class
and will be so noted on all attendance records. Parents will be
notified of each class truancy as outlined above.
Students accumulating more than three class truancies in a quarter
will be placed in the In-School-Suspension program. If a student
continues to be truant to that class, it will be considered insubordination
and subject to additional penalties at the discretion of the building
principal. These may include, but are not limited to loss of parking
privileges, extended day detention, Saturday detention, loss of
the right to play sports, loss or the right to participate in
extra curricular activities, loss of the right to attend social
functions (prom, dances, dinners, etc…).
Students identified as chronic in class truancies will be monitored.
To insure the success of these students, referrals to the appropriate
forum will be determined by the high school administration and
support staff. (I.e.: LST, CSE, Alternative Placement, Family
Court).
Parents will be notified of class truancies through the same letters
that are sent out for full day absences. (Class truancies also
count toward the total for illegal absences and denial of credit.)
IV. Class Lateness
Students that enter the classroom doorway after the second or
late bell to signify the beginning of the period without a pass,
will be deemed by the classroom teacher to be unexcused.
CHRONIC OR EXTENDED ILLNESS
Students that are absent due to extended illness or a chronic
illness may be entitled to home instruction. Students wishing
to
be considered for chronic or extended illness must contact the
school nurse. Only students under a doctors’ care with a
written
note from that doctor will be considered for placement on the
chronically ill or extended illness list.
Absences occurring prior to placement in the chronic illness must
be directly related to the present condition to be deemed as an
excused absence. Students may be required to provide
periodic documentation from his/her doctor in order to remain
on
the list.
Placement on the chronic/extended illness list does not entitle
students to unlimited absences. In order for students to receive
credit, they must make up instructional time through the
approved home instruction program. Students must also
successfully complete all course requirements and earn a
passing grade.
EARLY DEPARTURE
A note from a parent or guardian is required to leave school before
2:20 p.m. ALL NOTES MUST BE SIGNED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN
AND SUBMITTED TO THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE early on the day
the student is requesting an early departure. Notes will be verified
by telephoning the parent/guardian before the student may leave
school. *Students must be in attendance for four (4) periods in
order to participate in any school activity.
Once a student reports to a class assignment, he/she may not leave
the school building for any reason. Eleventh and twelfth graders
by credit, are allowed to leave school grounds during their lunch
period only. A student who becomes ill during the school day should
report to the nurse who will, if necessary, telephone the parent.
Students who must leave school early for doctor’s appointments,
driving test, or similar obligations must have written parental
permission before leaving school. A student who leaves school
without permission will be considered as having cut those classes
missed, even if a note is submitted upon his/her return to school.
Additionally, a student leaving the building unauthorized will
receive disciplinary action from administration.
ATTENDANCE INCENTIVES
1. An attendance honor roll shall be maintained and posted monthly
identify those students with perfect attendance as well as those
students whose attendance has improved significantly, subject
to parental consent and applicable confidentiality rules.
2. Students with excellent attendance will be eligible for selection
into the Renaissance Program.
LIST OF ATTENDANCE CODES
Code Description
- Unprocessed
U Excused Absence
+ Present
S Suspended Unexcused.Abs.
T Tardy
D In-School Susp. Excused Abs.
L Legal Excused
A Absent Unexcused Abs.
0 5-7 Program Excused Abs.
V Educational
I Illegal Absence Unexcused Abs.
N Truant Unexcused Abs.
J Late - Excused Over 20 Minutes
K Late – Unexcused Over 20 minutes
Z Absence from Exam
R Religious Excused Absence
P Nurse’s Office Excused Absence
B Guidance Office Excused Absence
E Administrative Excused Absence
C Cutting Unexcused Abs.
W Home Teaching In-School
M Chronic Illness In-School
F Early Dismissal
G Late & Cut
Q Late Excused Under 20 Minutes
Y Late Unexcused Under 20 Minutes
GUIDANCE AND ACADEMIC
INFORMATION
Riverhead High School Guidance Department
High School Graduation Requirements
Regents, Local and I.E.P. Diplomas: In order to participate in
the graduation ceremony, the Principal must certify that students
have met the requirements for either a Regents Diploma, Local
Diplomas or an Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) Diploma. To
earn a Regents Diploma, students must pass certain Regents Examinations.
To earn a Local Diploma, students must pass appropriate Regents
Competency Tests (RCTs). Requirements for an I.E.P. Diploma are
determined by the Committee on Special Education. Students are
advised to enroll in courses which are academically challenging
and which will prepare them best for the future. Discussion with
parents, teachers and guidance counselors should precede the selection
of course.
NCAA REQUIREMENTS CORE COURSES
To play sports as a freshman in NCAA Divisions I & II you
must meet specific standards. You must graduate from high school
and make at least 2.0 grade point average (based on 4.0 scale)
in 13 core academic courses.
NCAA DIVISION I CORE ACADEMIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- 4 years English
- 2 years of mathematics courses at the level of algebra I or
above
- 2 years social science
- 2 years natural or physical science (including one lab course,
if offered by your high school)
- 1 year of an additional course in English, math or natural or
physical science.
- 2 additional years of academic courses in any of the above areas,
or in foreign language, computer science *philosophy or comparative
religion.
NCAA DIVISION II CORE ACADEMIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- 3 years English
- 2 years math
- 2 years social science
- 2 years natural or physical science (including one lab course,
if offered by your high school)
- 2 years additional courses in English, math or natural or physical
science
- 2 additional years of academic courses in any of the above areas,
or foreign language, computer science*, philosophy or comparative
religion.
*Note: For students first entering NCAA institutions on or after
August 1, 2005, computer science courses cannot be used to meet
initial eligibility requirements.
Remember: The grade point average requirements are for the 13
core courses, not your overall GPA. Work with your school counselor
and your coach to make certain your class schedule is on track
to meet the NCAA guidelines.
Students should register with the NCAA at www.ncaa.orgCREDITS,
GRADES, HOMEWORK, AND OTHER ACADEMIC POLICIES
ACADEMICS: Academic growth is a primary purpose of attendance
at Riverhead High School. It involves acquiring knowledge and
making wise and worth use of that knowledge. One component of
academic development is the daily classroom interaction among
students and between students and teachers. Students contribute
to and benefit from these interactions through regular attendance
and involvement and participation in classroom activities.
Each marking period is 10 weeks in duration. Your report card
will be mailed home at the end of each marking period. Expect
to receive the report card approximately one week to 10 days after
the close of the marking period. Interim reports are mailed after
five weeks of each marking period.
GRADING POLICY:
a. The minimum passing grade is 65%.
b. Absences from class whether excused or unexcused
may have adverse effect on quarterly grades. Class participation
constitutes a portion of the grade for each quarter therefore,
regular attendance and completion of regular course assignments
will have a significant influence on quarterly grades.
c. Due to the difference in the nature of the various disciplines,
each department has determined a grading policy for their area.
There are, however, standard practices and guidelines, which will
apply to all subject areas. These general practices and guidelines
are as follows:
1. Final grades will be calculated as follows:
Full-Year Course Half-Year Course
Quarter 1…………… 20% Quarter 1 or
3………..40%
Quarter 2…………… 20% Quarter 2 or
4.……….40%
(The Mid-Term Exam will be Regents/Final Exam or
20 % of the 2nd quarter grade) Project*………………
20%
Quarter 3…………… 20% 100%
Quarter 4…………… 20%
Regents/Final Exam 20% 100%
*Projects must receive the approval of the department.
Prior to taking a Regents or final exam, a student must have completed
all course requirements to the satisfaction of the teacher and
department. Students passing all four quarters and the mid-term
with a grade of 90% or better may choose not to take the local
or class final exam. Regents and R.C.T Exams are state requirements
and must be taken.
** AP Courses: In lieu of final exams, a project may be given
which will count no less than 25% of the fourth quarter grade.
2. Students may make up any missed daily evaluation within five
school days following an excused absence. Students may make up
any major evaluations within two school days following an excused
absence unless appropriate documentation is provided. (Appropriate
documentation is a doctor’s note, court appearance, or death
in the family.) Work submitted beyond this time period will not
receive credit. Work specified as a course requirement may be
submitted beyond this time period, but it will receive a grade
of “0” and will only count to fulfill the course requirement.
(See definitions for major and daily evaluations under #5.)
3. Any requirement that is specified by the course must be met
in order to receive credit for the course.
4. Passing the regents examination is no guarantee that a student
will pass the course. Satisfactory completion of the course requirements
must be met if school credit is to be granted.
5. Grades will be based on a variety of factors. There will be
a minimum of (10) grades per student per marking period. These
will be determined as per each department. These can include the
following:
Daily Evaluations: Quizzes, laboratory reports, notebook review,
homework, class work/participation, practical demonstrations (as
utilized in art, music, foreign language, etc.)
Major Evaluations: Unit tests, report (oral or written), research
projects on paper, compositions/journals, projects/programs (as
utilized in a computer course), mid-term exam, and final exam.
6. Class work/participation grades as determined in each department
will be effected by absences, therefore three (3) unexcused class
truancies (cuts) will be applied as a no-grade for the class participation
mark for that quarter. Six lates will be applied as a no-grade
for class participation mark for that quarter. Lates and class
truancies (cuts) are defined in the attendance policy.
7. All local final exams must be completed by the last day of
school. Appropriate documentation must be provided in order to
re-schedule a local final exam. Regents exams can only be made
up as according to the New York State Regents Exam schedule. Local
mid-term exams can be re-scheduled up to ten (10) days after the
exam is issued. Appropriate documentation must be provided in
order to make up a local mid-term exam. (Appropriate documentation:
doctor’s note, court appearance, death in the family. Scheduled
vacations will not be an acceptable excuse for making up an exam.)
8. Syracuse or Adelphi courses will be graded as required by the
university granting credit. Students may not audit these courses
per the university’s requirements.
A grading floor of 50 for the first three quarters will be applied.
For the fourth and final quarter, teachers may issue the actual
grades. Half-year counts – first quarter floor of 50, second
quarter and final quarter will be the actual grade.
If students fail a regents level course, but get an 85 on the
Regents as a final exam, showing that they possess mastery of
the subject, and provided that all basic requirements have been
met in a course, they will receive credit for the course.
If students fail the course – provided that all basic requirements
have been met in a course, but receive an 85 on the final examination,
showing that they possess mastery of the subject, they will pass
the course.
If a student fails a course then retakes the course and passes,
the original course with an “F” will not be counted
or shown in the cumulative average.
If a student retakes a Regents, the higher grade will be entered
on the transcript and all grades will be factored into their grade
point average.
A teacher has the discretion to pass a student (from 61 –
64), provided he/she passes the final examination of the course.
Any exception to this rule where a student does not pass the final
exam, but the teacher still wishes to pass the student, will have
to be reviewed by the appropriate administrator and certified
by the principal.
For the Foreign Language and Mathematics disciplines, which are
sequential courses, if a student fails a course, but passes the
Regents, the Principal of the High School can consider granting
credit upon the student’s successful completion of the next
higher-level course in the second sequence of the discipline.
This is also an option if the student retakes the Regents and
passes it at a later date, for example in August. A grade of 75
will have to be attained in a non-Regents level course, and a
grade of 65 for the year will have to be attained in a Regents
level course. Upon completion of these courses, the previous year’s
course in question will be adjusted to a 65. This will demonstrate
proficiency of the subject matter as prescribed by the Regents
level philosophy of New York State.
Quarter and final grades will be determined by computing an average,
based on the total number of assigned test, quizzes, homework,
etc., and class participation. In addition to the above grading
policy, each department will have their own requirements.
Please note: Quarterly and final grades that calculate to a 64%
will automatically be recorded as a 65%.
EXPLANATION OF MARKS
Numerical grades between 0 and 100 are generally used. “65”
is the minimum passing grade. Where letter symbols are used, they
can be interpreted as follows:
P- Pass WA - WA- Withdrawn; attendance problem
F- Fail WFA- Withdrawn; failing; attendance problem
I – Incomplete W- Withdrawn
WF- Withdrawn; failure
M- Medically excusedClass Standing: A weighted grade policy was
introduced during the 1993-94 school year. Class rank for college
transcripts will be computed early in the senior year. Final class
rank will be computed at the end of the 7th semester. All subjects
graded on a numerical basis, excluding physical education, will
be used to determine the rank.
CLASS RANK
Preliminary class rank is based on three years’ average
of all subjects listed on the high school transcript. Physical
Education and Pass/Fail classes are not included. The transcript
reflects an unweighted grade point average and a weighted class
rank. The following scale will be used for weighting purposes
only:
Courses with no level designation 1.0
Regents 1.04
Honors Bridge Program 1.06
Honors 1.08
College Level/Advanced Placement 1.18
SCHEDULING
Riverhead High School offers its students a comprehensive and
varied curriculum in preparation for college, technical school,
and other types of post-high school education, the armed forces
or employment.
A great deal of time, care, and effort is devoted to assuring
that each student is placed into an educational program that will
best meet his or her individual needs. Input is sought from students,
parents, teachers, and counselors. The scheduling process is a
lengthy one, extending from December through the summer. It is
the goal of the staff, through this process, to insure a smooth
opening of the new school year, one marked by a minimum of disruptions
due to schedule change. All students will be enrolled in a full
schedule including physical education. Counselors are NOT available
during the summer.
Students who are interested in attending occupational
programs at the BOCES H.B. Ward Technical Center, Brookhaven Technical
Center, or the Aviation Center can apply in the
spring of their Sophomore year. Each fall, representatives from
BOCES make a presentation to the sophomore class to describe the
programs offered and to answer any questions. Interested students
must visit and fill out an application, review it with their parents
and guidance counselor, and meet the following criteria for eligibility:
A. Students must be in 11th or 12th grade when beginning
a BOCES program, and be able to fit the occupational programs
into the four-year plan.
B. Students must have and maintain a school attendance
rate
of at least 90% and demonstrate a serious commitment in attending
occupational courses.
C. Students will be dropped in mid October,
or at any other time
during the school year, if he/she fails to satisfy RHS attendance
requirements.
Please talk to your guidance counselor if you have specific questions.
*Due to increased graduation requirements, students may not be
able to attend until their senior year.
SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICY
Program Changes
Students’ course selections for the next year are finalized
in May & June. Counselors are not available during the summer
to make schedule changes. For this reason students may request
that their program be changed only if it will bring about an educational
benefit for him or her and may require administrative an/or parental
permission.Students requesting a change because of a mechanical
error on their schedule, a schedule conflict, or because they
have had the same teacher more than once for the same course,
or a sibling has had the same teacher, can meet with their counselor
to remedy the situation.Time Limit in Regard to Students Withdrawing
from a Course:
Withdrawal from a class will only be considered during the first
five (5) weeks of school and the first five (5) weeks of the second
semester for spring courses. Students may withdraw from a course
only with written parental permission. Another class will be added
in its place where possible and appropriate. A grade level administrator
and/or department supervisor must approve all withdrawals from
courses once the school year has begun.
STUDENTS MUST REPORT TO THEIR ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED CLASSES UNTIL
A CHANGE IS FORMALLY APPROVED. STUDY HALL will not be given.
PRINCIPAL’S
HONOR ROLL
Any student achieving a grade of 90% or better in every subject,
with a passing grade in Physical Education, will be placed on
the Principal’s High Honor Roll.
Any student achieving a grade of 80% through 89% in every subject,
with a passing grade in Physical Education, will be placed on
the Principal’s Honor Roll.
Honor Roll criteria shall include weighting. The above will receive
recognition on the “Wall of Fame”.
FACTS ABOUT RECORDS AND TRANSCRIPTS
1. Your transcript contains only the name of the course weighting
of the course, your final average, the amount of credit, and a
Regents grade if given. (Weighting is used for Rank in Class only,
and is not included on report cards and transcript grades.)
2. If you retake a Regents examination, both grades are recorded
on the permanent record card. However, it does not alter the final
average of the course.
3. If you retake a course (for example, in Summer School) the
new final average is used for average and ranking purposes.
4. Official transcripts and rank in class are usually available
by the end of October of the senior year. Before that time, only
unofficial transcripts of grades are available.
5. Final senior rank will be available/recalculated after the
7th semester.
OFF CAMPUS COURSES
The high school supports any student who wishes to supplement
his/her high school studies with college-level courses. However,
when a student wishes to supplement high school studies with courses
taken outside of the high school, the situation requires careful
consideration and review by the high school principal.
The principal considers requests to grant credit for courses taken
outside of the high school on an individual basis. Guidelines
for this process are:
1. A student MUST get approval from the principal prior to
enrolling in a course he/she wishes to submit for high school
credit.
3. The course taken outside of the high school must have a
course content which closely parallels the high school curriculum.
4. Students must receive a passing grade in the course in order
to receive high school credit. The grade earned will not be placed
on the student’s transcript. A pass (P) or fail (F) will
be placed on the transcript. These marks do not affect class rank.
5. High school credit may be awarded for a 3 or 4 credit college
course, pending Principal’s approval.
6. The principal makes a determination in special
circumstances not covered by these guidelines.
SUMMER SCHOOL
SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION: A student who fails
a course may be eligible to attend summer school to earn credit
or retake a Regents or competency exam. A student can take up
to two academic courses during the six-week summer school program.
In order for a Riverhead High School student to attend summer
school for any course, he/she must pass a minimum of two marking
periods or earn a final average of fifty percent (50%) or better
in that course. Students may go to summer school to make up a
failed course or a failed state examination. If they pass the
course and the Regents however, students may not go to summer
school to improve their course grade but may retake a Regents
exam in August. Transportation is not provided for summer school
if run within Riverhead Central School District, which is run
by BOCES. BOCES is responsible for grading, attendance, and instruction.
* A fee will be applied for transportation if out of the Riverhead
Central School District.
To register, students need parental permission. A processing fee
of $3.00 is charged by BOCES. Fees for Regents exams are higher.
Call 369-6728 for specifics. Summer school information will be
posted in June.
STUDENT SERVICES
Guidance Services are designed to assist all pupils in making
a satisfactory adjustment to school to plan educational programs
and to make sound educational/vocational choices. To achieve these
goals, the guidance staff provides a variety of services, which
include individual and group guidance.
When students enroll in the high school, they are assigned to
a guidance counselor. Parents and students should get in touch
with their counselor to discuss academic concerns, educational
plans, and to plan their schedules.
Guidance counselors are available to meet with students throughout
the school day. Students who wish to speak with their counselors
should try to make appointment in the guidance office. Student
appointments with counselors should be made during, lunch, or
free time. Should the need arise to speak with a counselor during
a regularly scheduled class, prior approval of the classroom teacher
is necessary. Parents may also make
appointments with guidance counselors by calling the guidance
office at 369-6728, 369-6729, or 369-6730.
Parents are encouraged to work with their youngsters and guidance
counselors in the college planning process, and can also use Career
Center materials.
COLLEGE TESTING REGISTRATION
Step 1: Students need to pick up appropriate forms in Guidance.
On line registration is also available at
http://www.collegeboard.com
Step 2: Students need to complete questionnaire and registration
information (can register by phone for SAT if taken test once
before.)
STEP 3: Double check fees and code #s on the form. Be sure to
include HS CEEB Code # 334750 and appropriate test center number.
Riverhead SAT Test Center Code #33-802 and Riverhead ACT Test
Center Code #181430.
STEP 4: Check, money order or fee waiver (if eligible) must be
included.
Students must make sure packet is postmarked at post office by
5 p.m. on the deadline date.
STUDENT
SUPPORT SERVICES
School Social Worker: Students are free to speak
with the social worker if they have concerns about or need help
with a personal or a family problem, or a drug or alcohol concern.
The school administration and faculty will also make appropriate
referrals to the social worker, who is committed to respect the
rules of confidentiality in dealing with students and families.
School Psychologist: Our school psychologist
completes psychological evaluations, when appropriate, and refers
families or students to other professionals in the community for
additional support and/or services. Also, the school psychologist
provides information regarding Special Education programs.
Learning Support Team: The high school has a
Learning Support Team comprised of the administrators, guidance
counselors, social worker, nurse, psychologist and special education
teacher will meet by referral to discuss student/parent concerns
and evaluate students. Any referrals for evaluation, counseling,
or a change of placement go through this committee. Please call
your guidance counselor for more information.
EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
Class examinations are given at the discretion of the individual
teacher throughout the year. Final or Regents examinations are
given in almost all-academic courses. To be admitted to a Regents
examination in a laboratory science course, students have to complete
the required 1200 minutes of laboratory exercises.
Students are responsible for being in their seats 15 minutes prior
to the start of all school-wide Regents examinations. Students
will be told the times of exams and assigned to exam room by their
subject teachers at least one week before the test. Any student
who becomes aware of a conflict (two exams scheduled during the
same period of time) must report this conflict immediately to
both subject teachers. The teachers involved will then resolve
the conflict with the assistance of the administration. In all
cases, the exams will be taken on the scheduled day and in the
presence of a proctor. Once in the examination room, the proctor
will assign seats to students.
Specific entry and departure times are established for all state
and school exams. Students are not permitted to bring papers,
notes, books or other materials into the examination room except
for pens and pencils or mathematical necessities such as a ruler
or compass. After a student enters an examination room, talking
must stop. During the course of the examination, carefully read
and follow all directions. Blue or black ink should be used and
corrections should be made by crossing out an incorrect response
with a single line. A student who gives or receives assistance
during a test will be removed from the examination and his/her
parent(s) will be notified. The academic penalty for cheating
may be a grade of zero for the examination.
Homework and Extra-Help Policy
The level of work required at the high school is rigorous. Parents
can expect that students will have homework on a daily basis,
usually requiring a minimum of 20 minutes per subject area. Homework
reinforces and enhances the knowledge learned during the school
day. Students are responsible for completing these assignments
to the satisfaction of the subject teacher.
Parents are encouraged to provide the time and a conducive environment
in which homework can be effectively completed. A homework recourse
center is located in the library. The enter is open from 2:30
to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays.
Extra Help
Students are encouraged to seek extra help from their teachers
either before or after school or at some mutually convenient time
during the school day. In addition, all teachers have the right
to ask a student to report after school for extra help, provided
that the student is given 24 hours notice.
NJROTC Students: NJROTC supports any cadet who
takes the time to seek extra help from another teacher to improve
their academics. Please try to schedule this help during study
hall, lunch, or after your regular NJROTC class. If you cannot
(especially for 9th period), then you may be excused, but no earlier
than 2:45. The NSI/ANSI requires verification from your teacher
before being excused. Without verification, you will remain in
class until 3:05.
Illness and Homework Requests
If a student is going to be ill for several days, a parent can
call the appropriate Assistant Principal’s office and request
homework from teachers. If it appears that an illness is going
to extend beyond five days, parents are requested to contact their
child’s guidance counselor. Home tutoring may be appropriate,
based upon a doctor’s note stating the expected length of
an illness. Because attendance is so important to performance
in school, please call to inquire about procedures related to
an extended absence.
LIBRARY/MEDIA
CENTER
Hours: Monday and Friday: 7:40 – 2:45
Tuesday – Thursday 7:40 – 3:50
A teacher is on duty in the library after school, Tuesday through
Thursday, to provide homework assistance.
Students are required to present their I.D. card in order to borrow
library materials.
Students and staff are invited to use the library for quiet reading,
writing, or independent research. Students who wish to use the
library during the school day must have a pass. Students are expected
to sign-in upon entering the library and sign-out upon leaving.
Everyone is expected to be quiet and orderly at all times.
CIRCULATION OF MATERIALS - Fiction books may be borrowed
for two weeks. Non-fiction books may be borrowed for one week.
Magazines, pamphlets and any other special reserve materials may
be borrowed over night.
A “reserve” may be placed on library materials not
found on the shelves.
Teachers and students may renew materials if they are needed.
Over night materials are to be returned first period the next
morning. Failure to return materials on time will result in the
restriction of borrowing privileges.
Students are responsible to pay for lost or damaged library materials.
COMPUTER RESOURCES- Computer and Internet use in the
Library/Media Center is for schoolwork and research only.
Students are directed and instructed to use specific electronic
databases, indexes and web sites, when using the library computers.
These resources have been selected and purchased to support the
school curriculum.
Web sites selected by student choice, MUST BE APPROVED by the
respective subject teacher for appropriateness and use.
