WiHi Student Handbook 2023-2024

2023-2024

2 Wicomico High School 201 Long Ave. Salisbury, Maryland 21804 Dear Students, On behalf of the staff at Wicomico High School, I want to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year. As a staff, we look forward to working with our student body, as well as with one another, to create an exceptional learning environment here at Wicomico High School. The goals of the school remain the same and include: providing students multiple opportunities for success both behaviorally and academically, and building positive relationships with students, parents and the community, all based on respect, responsibility and integrity. The entire faculty at WiHi is committed to responding to individual student needs. As a school, we expect all students to pass every class for the 2023-2024 school year and “Strive for 5”. As a staff, we pledge to do whatever it takes to make sure every student has a successful year and ensure that all students are college, career and workplace ready. The staff at WiHi is dedicated and committed to working together to help each of you reach and maintain your learning goals and to provide the support needed to reach those objectives. For you to achieve your goals of becoming college and career ready, you will need to work hard and dedicate yourself to the process. Part of the process and the high school experience include having fun and getting involved in all the opportunities provided by the school. While you are here, consider taking part in one of the many clubs, activities and sports during the year. We have over 60 clubs, organizations, and athletic experiences from which to choose. Your involvement in extra-curricular activities will enhance your overall high school experience and help with your success. I am excited about the upcoming school year at WiHi and am looking forward to each of you reaching your academic goals. I wish all of you success and remind you that your teachers and I are here to help you every step of the way. Sincerely, Dr. Blake Principal Testing Information School Website Instagram Facebook http://wicomicotesting.weebly.com http://wihi.wcboe.org/ instagram@wihitribe https://www.facebook.com/WicomicoHS/ or https://www.facebook.com/WiHiSports PARENTS. TEACHERS. STUDENTS. ADMINISTRATORS. COMMUNITY…ONE TRIBE! WICOMICO COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS - NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) prohibits illegal discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, family/parental status, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, poverty and socioeconomic status, language, or other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Discrimination undermines our community’s long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity, inclusion, and acceptance for all.

3 School Colors: Blue and Gold School Mascot: Wicomico Indian THE DAILY SCHEDULE Students arriving prior to 7:35 a.m. wait outside until the 7:35 a.m. bell, at which time students are to go to their lockers and report directly to first period. Students are not to enter any other building but the cafeteria building prior to 7:35 a.m. unless written permission has been obtained from a teacher. Students eating breakfast may enter the cafeteria at 7:25 a.m. 7:35 Building open – Teachers in classroom 7:40 Students enter and report to Period 1 7:45 Period 1 begins – Late to school – (students that are late…. please send to café hallway to sign in for their lateness) 9:05 Period 1 ends 9:10 Period 2 begins 10:30 Period 2 ends 10:35 Flex begins 11:20 Flex Ends 90 Minute Delay 11:25 Period 3 begins /1st Lunch begins Period 1 or 2 - 9:15-10:30 11:50 1st Lunch Ends When No 1st – No ATEX, JROTC,VPA 11:55 2nd Lunch Begins When No 2nd – No AM CTE 12:20 2nd Lunch Ends 12:25 3rd Lunch Begins 12:50 3rd Lunch Ends 12:55 4th Lunch Begins 1:20 3rd Period Ends/4th Lunch Ends 1:25 4th Period Begins 2:45 4th Period Ends-students dismissed 3:05 Teachers dismissed IN THE EVENT OF A DELAY OF SCHOOL The Board of Education has created a phone number to call for information on delays or cancellations: 410-677-5100, or you can access the website at: www.wcboe.org When there is a delay, the school schedule will be modified. In the event of a 90 Minute delay, the schedule will be as follows: When 1st period is eliminated there will be no ATEX, JROTC or VPA and AM CTE students go directly to Parkside. When 2nd period is eliminated there will be no AM CTE. 9:15 School begins

4 STUDENT RECOGNITION Wicomico High School formally recognizes students who have displayed outstanding performance in scholarship, citizenship, and athletics during their high school careers. ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAM Students are encouraged to participate in the Advanced Academic Program. Please see your guidance counselor for details regarding the courses required and criteria to earn this award. ATHLETIC RECOGNITION PROGRAMS At the conclusion of each sporting season, a recognition program is held to recognize students who have participated on school athletic teams. GENERAL SCHOOL AWARDS/INCENTIVES PROGRAM A variety of awards and incentives are provided to students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. A General School Awards Program is held each year in May. Recognitions presented during this assembly may include club awards, extracurricular and co-curricular awards, attendance, academic and service awards. School Service Awards are presented to students who have demonstrated outstanding service to the school. Students receiving the school service awards will have participated in school activities, assumed leadership roles, and accepted special responsibilities. PBIS QUARTERLY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS At the conclusion of each academic quarter, an incentive program is held to recognize students with no referrals during that quarter and a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Academic requirements progressively increase in each quarter. OUTSTANDING ATTENDANCE This award is presented to any student who has been present everyday school has been in session during the year. #Strive for 5!

5 SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM During the fourth marking term of each year the school will hold a Scholastic Achievement Awards program at which time qualified students will receive an award. To qualify all students must have a weighted cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above and no grade lower than a C. SENIOR AWARDS PROGRAM A formal awards program is held in May each year to recognize seniors who have excelled in the areas of scholarship, service, athletics, and school citizenship. During this program an outstanding student award is presented in the areas of Math, Science, English, Social Studies and Foreign Language. WIHI SOLID CITIZEN AWARD Students who exhibit good attendance (less than five days absent - excused or unexcused), good behavior and follow school rules and policies (no suspensions and less than two office referrals), no outstanding debt to the school, and who receive average or above grades (no marking period grades less than C) receive the Solid Citizen Award. CAFETERIA We have four lunch shifts. The following criteria must be observed in the cafeteria: 1. Use either serving area in the cafeteria. Line cutting is not permitted. 2. Students are to be seated and not move from table to table. 3. Before leaving your table, please be sure your area is clean. 4. No food or drink is to be removed from the cafeteria, except for bottled water. 5. Outside food and drinks are not permitted to be dropped off to the main office or delivered. 6. Students may not leave campus to go to lunch. 7. When you are dismissed to go to lunch, you are to report directly to the cafeteria. When lunch is over, you are to report directly back to your class.

6 CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICES Use of cell phones and electronic devices is not permitted in classrooms during school without teacher permission. Students may carry cell phones and use before and after school. Students may silently use cell phones in the cafeteria during lunch and hallway exchanges (no talking). Students should refrain from taking pictures or video recording students/ staff during the school day. Inappropriate use of a cell phone/ electronic devices could result in confiscation and/ or suspension from school. LAPTOPS All students will have available Dell Laptops, running the Windows-10 Operating System and Microsoft Office 365. It is expected that all students bring their assigned laptop to school every day. Laptops should be fully charged each night and it is recommended that students bring charging cords each day. DANCE CRITERIA The following criteria will be in place for all Wicomico County Public Schools high schools with regard to attendance at all school dances: GPA - 2.0 requirement per county policy CONDUCT - No OSS days served during the semester in which the dance occurs in addition to county requirements for exclusion based on cumulative OSS days GUESTS - A guest identification form must be submitted prior to purchasing a ticket. Guests must be under the age of 21 and must be in good standing with school of attendance/ employer FUNDRAISING Students engaging in fund-raising activities sponsored by the school will be under the direction of a staff member (usually the sponsor of the club, organization, or class desiring to raise such funds). Students engaged in these activities must adhere to rules and time schedules for payment as set up by the staff member in charge of the activity. Failure to abide by the specified rules of sale and/ or time schedules for money to be turned in can result in suspension from the sponsored activities for which the money is being raised as well as suspension from school.

7 HALL PASSES Students are always required to have a pass with them. Sharing of school passes is not permitted. Hallways Students are expected to be in their assigned classrooms and locations. The hallways should remain clear during the instructional time unless permitted by an adult and provided a hall pass. Change of class time should be used to get to your next assigned class. Always walk to the right and do not congregate in breezeways or intersections. Go directly to class. Ten-Ten Rule Students are not to be out of class during the first and last ten minutes of the class period. Teachers will assess emergency situations that fall within this timeframe. HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION An Honor Roll will be published and publicized in the local newspaper at the end of each marking period. PERMISSION FOR VISITORS All visitors MUST report to the school office and register using a valid ID before going to any location in the building. Failure to do so could result in prosecution under Maryland School Trespass Law. Visitors must secure a visitor’s pass from the office. Please keep in mind that passes will not be issued automatically. This procedure is designed to protect the students and the staff.

8 TRIBE PRIDE Gym & Sporting Events Classroom Hallways & Breezeways Restrooms Cafeteria Auditorium Bus Ramp Media Social Media Respect Interact positively with all students and staff & demonstrate a positive attitude Find a seat on the bleachers Interact positively with all guests Stay positive Use appropriate voice; keep hands to self; support yourself & classmates Walk on right Use appropriate voice Be forgiving for accidental contact Flush toilets & throw away waste appropriately Wait patiently in line as you enter Use appropriate table manners and clean up eating area Wait patiently & listen intently Interact positively with all students and staff & demonstrate a positive attitude Use quiet voices and follow directions What does your social media say about your respect for others? Responsibility Demonstrate learning behaviors in each area of the school Clean up any trash you bring in No food or drink Be polite to other patrons Have materials available & be ready to learn at bell Get materials, use restroom, get water Have need to be there Sit & stay at assigned seat Clean up your area prior to leaving Enter quietly and at staff direction Wait patiently for entry or departure in designated area Return books on time Censor your comments. Leave a positive digital imprint for future use Integrity Support your school through school-day & after-school activities Support teammates in a positive manner Follow directions of staff Attend to instruction, directions & learning and participate in activities; stay in class Keep appropriate personal space Report unsanitary or dangerous conditions Finish eating in timely manner Sit & stay at assigned seat Enjoy your meal in positive, friendly environment Participate, when appropriate Follow directions and instructions of staff Only 3 students between shelves at a time Post only positive comments and be sure they are true

9 Academic Tutoring - Academic tutoring is available after school Monday-Thursday, from 3:004:00pm. The tutoring schedule is available in main office and guidance. Students staying after for tutoring may also stay for an enrichment activity from 4:00-5:00pm. Students wishing to receive a snack and transportation home at 5:00pm must sign up each day in the cafeteria during their lunch shift. Student Advisor - The student advisor is here to facilitate the resolution of conflicts and the development of human relations skills. Students may be referred to this program but are also actively encouraged to contact the conflict resolution teacher whenever he/ she can be of assistance. Guidance Counseling - Each student has been assigned a guidance counselor who can provide services and counseling. Services include: academic planning, career counseling and job placement, college admission preparation, financial aid and scholarship information, MVA verification to receive a driver’s license, maintenance of cumulative records, personal counseling, testing for armed services, college, school and State of Maryland. Health Services - Students becoming ill during the school day should obtain permission to report to the nurse. Students who must take medications during the school day must adhere to the procedures outlined in the Wicomico County Policy for Administration of Medication. Lost and Found - The lost and found is located in the main office. The school is not responsible for lost items. Media Center - All students are encouraged to become lifelong learners through regular use of the media center. Students have access to print and electronic media. Students must meet all requirements and adhere to all policies contained in the Telecommunications Technology Policy. Mentoring - The Wicomico Mentoring Project involves members of the business, agency, and civic communities in nurturing relationships with our students to provide social, emotional and academic encouragement.

10 Transcripts - Students may request a transcript of their academic records to be sent to colleges or employers through the guidance office. Current student transcripts will be reproduced and sent free of charge. Messages - It is our position that classroom instruction should not be interrupted. For this reason, we will only call down students or provide messages if they are from the parent or guardian. Leaving WiHi at Dismissal - Unless you are participating in a scheduled after school activity, all students should arrange to be out of the building by 3:00 pm. Attendance Intervention - As part of the County Attendance Policy, students who accumulate over 5 unexcused absences in a term may make up the days after school from 3:005:00pm in the attendance recovery room (see Attendance Secretary for specific attendance recovery days).

11 Instructional Interventions SPED IEP, 504 Guided Study Hall with SPED & SU Tutor Support, Double English & Algebra, Mentors, Parent Conferences, Guidance Conferences, Assessment Preparation Classes, Graduation Coach, SU Student AP Conference , After School Program, Attendance Recovery PLC’s, Essential Skills, Common Assessments, SLO's, Common Planning, SMART Goals, Differentiated Instruction, Invited to Tutoring, CFIP, Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, Assessment Events Behavioral Interventions IEP, FBA’s, BIP, School Psychologist, School Social Worker, Student Discipline, Outside Agencies SST, FBA’s, BIP, BSP, Conflict Resolution, Guidance, Outside Agencies, Behavior Contracts, Parent Conferences, Discipline Code of Conduct, Cooperative Discipline, Olweus (bullying prevention), Student Celebrations, Increased Privileges, Academic Recovery Room, PBIS Positive Referrals

12 YOUR PARKING TAG MUST BE DISPLAYED 1. Student parking is permitted on school property only for students who possess a valid Maryland Driver’s License, have properly completed the parking permit registration form, paid for the parking tag, agree to display the tag while on school property. 2. Students with parking permits may park only in the student parking lot in front of the main office building. Student parking is not permitted in any other lot. Your car could be towed. 3. Observe speed limit on school property of 15 m.p.h. 4. Immediately upon arrival, lock and leave your car. Take all necessary items with you. Students are not allowed to return to cars during the school day. Special permission may be obtained from an administrator. 5. Wicomico High School is not responsible for articles lost or stolen from automobiles parked on school property or for the physical condition of the automobile left on school property. 6. Upon arrival on school grounds in a vehicle, the driver and passenger(s) are subject to all school rules/ regulations. 7. Failure to observe these regulations or careless/ reckless driving can result in loss of driving privileges on school property, and/or referral to legal authorities. 8. Please complete the parking permit registration form located in the front office for processing. Please do so during your lunch, before school or after school. 9. You must show your license and auto registration at the time you apply for a parking permit. Cost $15.00 – Checks made payable to Wicomico High School.

13 CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS OFFERED AT WICOMICO HIGH SCHOOL Student Government Association: Rebecca Mathews 9th SGA: Candice Shinsky 10th SGA: Brandi Stein 11th SGA: Michele Landolt 12th SGA: Alvin Krueger and Danielle Glenn Art Club: Hyoe Choi/Jessica Pavlekovich Destination Imagination: Rebecca Mathews Environmental Club: Jennifer Pahl Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Kevin Collington French Club: Claire Wilkin Journalism Club: Craig Weaver JRTOC: John McConnell Math Team Varsity/JV: Alaina Vickers/Danielle Glen Mentor Program: Scott Taylor Mu Alpha Theta: Alaina Vickers/Danielle Glen National Honor Society: Rebecca Mathews Spanish Club: Kate Fooks Spanish National Honor Society: Kate Fooks Theater Club: Ken Johnson Webmaster: Karen Scott Yearbook/ Yearbook Pictures: Amanda Ault

14 THE FOLLOWING SPORTS ARE OFFERED AT WICOMICO HIGH SCHOOL FALL WINTER SPRING Football Basketball Baseball Soccer Wrestling Softball Volleyball Indoor Track Lacrosse Golf Cheerleading Track Cross Country Unified Strength/Conditioning Tennis Cheerleading Unified Bocce Ball Unified Tennis Activity Fee Information All athletic fees have currently been waived. Dress Code Information • Head coverings MAY NOT BE WORN in the school buildings. • Bandanas may not be worn or displayed on school grounds. • Tops should: Cover the entire back and shoulders and cover the midriff and back when sitting and standing. • Bottoms are to be worn no lower than the NATURAL WAISTLINE. Young Men “no sagging.” • Skirts, dresses, and jumpers should be no shorter than 3 inches above the top of your knee. • Skorts and shorts should not be shorter than 5 inches above the top of your knee. Tights and leggings may only be worn under another item such as a dress which also meets the minimum length requirement. No tights or leggings may be worn as bottoms. • Please see entire dress code policy for additional details. The dress code policy is located on page 18 in the Student Handbook section.

15 PICTURE OF SCHOOL MAP GOES ON THIS PAGE Same as last year!!!

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