High School Student Handbook

Main office:  360-414-2926

To contact a teacher by phone, please call the office.

Breakfast

Students who qualify for Free and/or Reduced Lunch may get breakfast at RA Long or Mark Morris High Schools. Not sure? Get a form at school or go here: https://tinyurl.com/y7472sfc

Lunch Options at Discovery

Options:

• BYO lunch. You may also use our kitchen to cook your own lunch. Of course, we expect people to clean up after themselves.
• go off campus (this is sketchy… be back on time).
• order a box lunch. If you choose this option, be sure to sign up on the board in the hallway. Just put a check next to your name and it will be billed to your account. Lunch will be delivered to the café.

At R.A. Long

Discovery students who want to eat at RAL:

• need approval from Discovery High School Principal.
• may have lunch at RA Long, so long as:
• there are no discipline concerns;
• student has signed up and been approved;
• student has ID;
• must have student ID and sign up for lunch access at other schools.
• must remain in the cafeteria and courtyard;
• may bring their lunch back to the Discovery café.

At Mark Morris

• See details are the same as for RAL, except that Discovery students must have a class at Mark Morris either 4^th or 5^th period.

We can’t end drama in the world, but we can ask that it not interfere with your work and the work of the people around you.

As you can see, this is a small school. Each staff person here is 100% dedicated to your success. In order for us (you included) to do the important work that is ahead, your cooperation is necessary.

Discovery phone rules:

At the start of class, have your phone away. Putting it in a pocket with earbuds out is not away. Put it where you won’t fidget with it.

Use a Yondr if you need help staying off your phone.

The plan…

1. Class is reminded to Yondr the phones.
2. Personal reminder to Yondr your phone. Please let it stop here.
3. This is the point where student-teacher power struggles get worse. We would like to avoid that, because if it gets to this point, two things aren’t happening:

a. You aren’t learning.

b. We aren’t working to help others learn.

4. If you refuse to Yondr the phone, you’ll be asked to put your phone in a locker for the rest of your day here. The locker has a combination that YOU set, so you don’t need a staff person in order to get the phone at lunch or at the end of the day.

5. We tried. From here it will be considered insubordination and we will follow with discipline. See policy 3241 (D-1). Let’s not go there.

We cannot get you graduated if we cannot get your attention.

The dress and appearance of students is the direct responsibility of the parents. (by law)

If in the judgment of school officials dress or appearance is disruptive, the student will be required to change into appropriate clothing or receive another consequence.

• No displays (messages or pictures) that are vulgar, obscene, profane, violent, drug/alcohol/tobacco related, affiliated with gangs, discriminatory or demeaning to any person due to race, religion, ethnic group, gender or sexual orientation (including the Confederate flag or swastikas)
• No underwear showing (including sports bras and bra straps).
• No spaghetti straps, backless, strapless, halter-tops, crop tops, half-shirts, low-cut tops, one-shoulder, off- shoulder, or see-through clothing.
• Skirts/shorts must be finger length with arms fully extended along the legs. Cuts/slashes/fraying must also be no more than 2 inches above the knee.
• No sagging or bagging – pants must be pulled up.
• No pajamas or slippers.
• No masks or face coverings (exceptions for medical or religious reasons).
• No jewelry that could indicate gang affiliation through colors, numbers or design can be visibly worn where it is on display.
• No unsafe jewelry such as spikes, long chains, etc.

Don’t.

There are three things to consider here:

1. The legal age in Washington to vape, smoke, or possess those materials, is 18.
2. Those materials aren’t permitted on school grounds even if you are 18.
3. School Administrators may legally confiscate those materials. That includes searches (see district policy for that).
4. You are not entitled to the return of those materials if they get taken away.

Do not vape or smoke near our neighbors’ houses or garages.

Habitual tardiness may result in a referral to an administrator. When tardy to first period, students need to check in through the attendance office.

Do Your Own Work.

Do not use, accept, or receive aid on class tests or assignments unless specifically authorized by the teacher. Do not take other people’s work and claim it’s yours. Give credit to the source through accepted documentation.

Consequences may include:

• zero or reduced grade on the assignment
• parent/guardian/recruiter/court officer notification
• removal from the course
• administrative action - written referral, etc.

It goes without saying: fighting is extremely disruptive to the school environment. If you see a fight (or hear plans of one) please report it.

Fighting will result in a minimum of a 3 day suspension, regardless of who started the fight.

Specific discipline will be determined by administration.

Some things to keep in mind:

• encouraging a fight (in person or by technology) is subject to discipline
• recording a fight is subject to discipline

People often get permanently hurt in school fights. We don’t want that for our kids – please let us know if a fight is on the way.

The rules about fighting are found in the District Policies section #3330 3b.

Other than water, please do not eat or drink in classrooms. Keep water away from the computers. Students with documented medical concerns can make arrangements with their teacher.

There is a passing period between each class, so once class starts there shouldn’t be many reasons to leave.

Restroom keys are the hall passes.

• Respect classes in session; no loud talking or shouting.
• One earbud only.
• Be reasonable with food and drinks – this building is prone to ant problems

The district is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers, and patrons free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, hazing, and bullying. See policy 3207 (District Information)

Students and staff are to have their school ID’s with them at all times. This is especially true if you regularly eat or attend classes at another school.

For safety reasons, individuals not having a legitimate reason for being on campus will be asked to leave and may be issued a trespassing notice and referred to police. Please do not have non-student friends meet you on campus.

If you are on a short schedule, leave campus at the end of the last class.

Students may leave campus only during their lunch period. If you choose to leave, you do so at your own risk of being late to class. At all other times, students must check in and out of the Main Office.

Truancy from class time will be dealt with disciplinary action.

In a school, or any working environment, it is not appropriate to kiss or excessively embrace.

Prolonged hugging, kissing and touching is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. See policy 3240

The shuttle is for transportation to and from Mark Morris High School for CLASSES ONLY. Students may not ride the shuttle for any other reason, unless cleared with administration.

• Only students with SHUTTLE STICKERS on their IDs will be allowed to leave class at the shuttle bell and board the bus.
• It shall not be used for lunch transportation. IF A STUDENT MISSES THE SHUTTLE, THEY SHOULD REPORT TO THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.
• Students who miss the shuttle will not be excused after the first week of each term.

Skateboards brought to campus should be stored in the Skateboard rack until the leaving school.

Students concerned about theft should bring a padlock for the Skateboard rack.

Teenagers need 9-10 hours of sleep EVERY NIGHT. Why are you asleep here? We’re going to talk to you about that. Just know, sleeping through class is discourteous to the teacher and we won’t let it slide. If it happens day after day, it will be an administration matter.

Please note:

• Must maintain satisfactory progress and clean discipline record in order to stay.
• Boundary permits must be renewed annually.
• Choice forms must be renewed annually.

Students are required to have a signed parent permission slip to attend any school sponsored field trip.

If you have a serious medical condition, please contact the school health office immediately to obtain forms for you to take to your health-care provider. Your health care provider will determine if your child has a life- threatening condition.

Washington State Law requires that schools get information about medications or treatments for their students with life-threatening health conditions – if these conditions might require medical services to be performed at the school. Some of these conditions include: allergies to foods or bee stings, asthma, seizure disorders, etc.

Required information to be provided to the school includes:

• Doctor’s orders for dispensing of medications and/or treatment of illness
• Written parent consent for services.
• Required medication and supplies.

If it is necessary to take medications at school, please inform the Building Secretary. They will keep and administer medication to students with written doctor’s orders and parent permission. Pick up the form in the main office (See policy 3416). THIS INCLUDES OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS SUCH AS TYLENOL AND ADVIL.

The easiest way to find a parking spot is to get here on time. Please park along Harding St. or in the R.A. Long student parking lot.

Grade reports will be issued each semester. Students at Discovery earn credit with each course completion which may occur outside of the traditional report card cycle. All grades and credit earned will be available on Family Access outside of traditional grading periods.

All students at Discovery High School are required to participate in Student–Led conferences in the Winter and Spring. These conferences are designed to help parent/guardians and students evaluate progress toward graduation.

A full program of classes at other accredited secondary schools will be honored by the Longview School District as the equivalent of a full program of classes in this district when evaluating credits for graduation. Official documentation, however, is required from the school so classes and grades can be evaluated appropriately.

Students should not bring items of value to school. Students bringing items of value to school risk having them be lost or stolen. The district is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Parents of students committing malicious damage to school property are liable for expenses of repair or replacement up to $3,000.

Visitors will check in at the main office. Students from other schools, including RA Long, should remain outside unless they have a class at Discovery.

Students may not bring guests or visitors to school.

“Any child 8 years of age and under 18 years of age shall attend a public school.” (the Law)

Parent/Guardian permission is required before a student can be withdrawn. Contact the main office to begin the process. Official Transcript will not be released unless fees & fines are paid.

Classes of 2019 and 2020

CREDITS: A student shall earn a minimum of 22 credits (to be eligible to receive a diploma from Discovery High School. One-half (.5) credit is earned for each passed class.

• English: 4 Credits
• Math: 3 Credits
• Science: 1 Credit +
• Lab Science: 2 Credits
• U. S. History: 1.5 Credits
• Civics: 0.5 Credits
• Contemporary World Problems: 1Credit
• Credit Physical Education: 2 Credits
• Health: 0.5 Credits
• Career & Technical Education: 1 Credit/*2
• Fine Arts: 1 Credit/*2
• World Language: *2 Credits
• Electives: 6 Credits/*2

Total : 22 Credits

*Flexible requirements: 1 art credit, world language credit, career concentration credit, and electives may be substituted according to a student’s High School and Beyond Plan.

STATE ASSESSMENTS: English Language Arts (ELA) and Math SBA, Math EOC and Science EOC must be met by graduation.

HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND PLAN/ASPIRE TO ACHIEVE PORTFOLIO: Completed within Advisory class.

Classes of 2021 and beyond

CREDITS: A student shall earn a minimum of 24 credits (to be eligible to receive a diploma from Discovery High School. One-half (.5) credit is earned for each passed class.

• English: 4 Credits
• Mathematics: 3 Credits
• Science: 3 Credits
• Social Studies: 3 Credits
• Health and Fitness: 2 Credits
• Career & Technical Education: 1 Credit
• Fine Arts: 2 Credits
• World Language or Personalized Pathway Requirement: 2 Credits
• Electives: 4 Credits

Total: 24 Credits

•  Grading expectations will be communicated to all students from their first day, along with communication to parents via progress reports, conferences and report cards. Students are required to meet specific deadlines and course standards to earn full credit.
• A passing grade is 60% on daily work, quizzes and assessments. If a student doesn’t achieve at this level, the student will require additional interventions and or assigned additional time at school to be successful.
• All courses are taken for a grade or credit and become part of the student’s permanent record.
• All tests and final exams must be taken on site. Tests and exams will be locked until teachers allow access.
• Families will receive grade communication/reports for grading periods and will get grade reports at Student-Led conferences. All grades and credit earned are available on Skyward Family Access outside of traditional grading periods.
• Parents will be included as coaches for their students on Odysseyware, to increase communication regarding learning progress.

Waiver of Required Courses - Students have the right to appeal required courses to a building administrator if they desire to have them considered for a waiver. “…individual students may be excused from participating in physical education otherwise required under

this section on account of physical disability, employment or religious belief, or because participation in directed athletics or military science and tactics or for other good cause.” RCW 28A/05.040 Criteria for the waiver must be met before a waiver is granted.

Class Standing - Students will be promoted regardless of credits earned until their senior year. A student will retain junior standing until a minimum of 16 credits are earned. It is advisable to have a minimum of 4 credits at the beginning of the sophomore year, and a minimum of 10 credits at the beginning of the junior year to be in good credit standing for graduation.

Discovery High School offers a comprehensive testing program in combination with the Longview School District. Tests available include:

• ODYSSEYWARE EXAMS -All testing for Odysseyware courses are required to be completed @ Discovery High School.
• Smarter Balance – This is a graduation requirement passing test for all students in the class of 2019 and beyond. Students in the class of 2016, 2017, and 2018 may use the results of this test to meet graduation requirements for state testing. Students will take the English Language Arts test as well as the Math Test.
• Advanced Placement (AP) – AP tests are designed for students to demonstrate college level skills while in high school and they are given in specific areas. Cost of the AP test is about $80 for each test. However, students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch prices also qualify for a reduced rate for the AP tests. Credit may be awarded by colleges or universities depending on results.
• Please check with the institution you plan on attending to see what they offer. AP tests occur in May.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – The purpose of the TOEFL test is to evaluate English language abilities of non-native students for appropriate placement in English Language Learner (ELL) courses.
• Compass – This test is administered to potential Running Start students by Lower Columbia College throughout the year. Please see the LCC website or catalog for more information.
• SAT I and SAT II – The SAT I and SAT II are usually taken in the spring of the junior year or early in fall of the senior year. The SAT I is administered six times a year and may be repeated if necessary. Registration must be done a head of time either through the mail or registering on-line. The SAT II test includes specific subject areas and is required by a few select colleges and universities. Please check with the institution of your choice to find out what they require in testing.
• American College Testing Program (ACT) – The AC T is similar to the SAT because it is offered multiple times nationwide. It is a different test then the SAT. Some colleges recommend the ACT. Again, please check with the institution you want to attend to find out their testing requirements.
• Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) – This test must be taken in October of the junior year to qualify for National Merit Scholarships.

Other programs using this test include the Weyerhaeuser four-year scholarship, ROTC, academies, and other specialized scholarships. Sophomores may take this test for experience in test taking. The PSAT scores are reported in three categories; verbal, mathematics and written language. Scores are reported in the range of 20 (low) to 80 (high). The PSAT scores are not usually used by colleges as admissions criteria. Merit scholars are selected with these test scores. Other selected scholarships may require these scores.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

If a student is absent, it is the expectation for parents or guardians to call the attendance office, 360 575-7026 or Main Office 360 414-2926 and leave a detailed message. The answering machine is turned on all hours and on weekends for parent/guardian use. If no call is made,

the parent/guardian should send the student to school the next day with a signed note detailing the reason for the absence. All absences must be cleared within three school days

from the date of occurrence.

Student Responsibilities

1. Remind your parents to call the school before 10:00 am the day of an absence or to write a note to take to the attendance office the day you return.
2.  Report to the attendance office before first period to take care of absences. a. Students whose parents called and excused the absence the day before do not need to go to the attendance office.
3. Forged notes or phone calls will be considered unexcused absences and will receive disciplinary action.
4. Disciplinary consequences may include the following: Detention, In-School Suspension, Short-Term Suspension and Long-Term Suspension with possible loss of credit.
5. Teachers do not have to give make up work for unexcused absences.
6. Students will have one day for each excused absence to get work completed and turned into the teacher. For example, if you are sick for 2 days, you will have 2 days upon your return to get work turned in if your absence is excused.

Check-Out Procedures

Students leaving campus for any reason other than illness must check out through the main office.

Parents/guardians who are picking students up from school, must have photo ID to remove a student from school or class.

Students who are sick must go to the main office. Parents will need to check students who are sick out at the main office before removing them from school

Leaving campus any time except during lunch without signing out will be considered truancy and will be cause for disciplinary action!

Students enrolled at Discovery High School are able to take part in student activities at R.A. Long and Mark Morris High School under the guidelines and regulations required of all students of the Longview School District.

ASB Cards – must be purchased at the high school of the student’s boundary address. The price of an ASB Card is $45.00. The ASB card entitles the holder to attend home athletic events (excluding league playoff games and district tournaments), receive reduced prices on away games and reduced admission to school dances. Your ASB card must be presented at the activity you are attending. Lists will not be available once ASB cards are issued. ASB cards may be purchased in the ASB Offices at R.A. Long and Mark Morris High School; refunds cannot be made once they are purchased. Replacement cost for a lost ASB card is $5.00.

Assemblies -Students at Discovery High School are not allowed to attend assemblies at R.A. Long or Mark Morris High School unless they are attending class at that building during the period when the assembly is being held.

Publicity - All posters and banners must be approved by the administration prior to posting.

Student Conduct - AKA – Be Cool or Fake It - All students are expected to conduct themselves according to acceptable standards at all school sponsored activities . Any student attending a school district activity, in district or away, will be subject to the building disciplinary code. See Policy 2151.

School Dances

Discovery High School students are allowed to attend a dance at Mark Morris and R.A. Long High School if it is at the high school in the district boundary where they live, and they have completed a Dance Pass with Discovery High School administration and the administration at the other high school. Students are required to follow the rules and regulations for the school dance they are attending. Students are encouraged to learn about the requirements at each building to ensure that they are able to meet and follow all rules and regulations for that high school’s dance. Students failing to follow these regulations may be restricted from attending future dances at the request of the high school administration of the building hosting the dance. Scheduled school dances for each of the other high schools will be posted on the daily electronic bulletin.

Dance Behavior

Dances are sponsored as fundraisers for clubs and classes. Always remember that dances are a privilege to attend. There is to be no aggressive dancing, no bumping and/or grinding. Dancers will be given one warning of a violation. A second violation will result in being removed from the dance.

Dance Passes

Guest passes will be allowed at specific identified dances. Guest passes must be completed and returned to the administration no later than the Friday PRIOR to ticket sales. Guest passes that do not have all information completed (including signatures) will not be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!!!!!

TOLO, Winter Ball, Prom

• Pre-paid ticket list. The sponsoring club determines cost. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
• One member of the couple must be a student in that high school’s boundary, and a guest must have a completed guest pass on file.
• No one admitted after 10:00 pm. Students are not allowed to leave the dance and return.
• All school rules apply.

Guests: For Tolo and Winterball, all guests must be currently attending high school. Prom guests must be 20 years old or younger and meet the criteria below.

• Currently enrolled/in good standing in another high school OR
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent

(MUST MEET WITH ADMINISTRATION PRIOR TO PASS BEING APPROVED) NO EXCEPTIONS!

PROM

Mark Morris, R.A. Long and Discovery High School will be hosting a combined prom. Discovery High School students must complete a dance pass with administration in order to attend according to the rules and regulations for students at the other high schools.

Eligibility: In order to participate as a member of one of the district athletic teams a student must:

• Attend on a regular basis.
• Have an active physical card on file with the ASB Office.
• Abide with rules of the athletic/activity code of conduct. (See Athletic Handbook).
• Have either personal family medical insurance coverage and/or insurance purchased at school.
• Pay the determined Pay-to Play fee per sport ($40 per sport)
• Purchase an ASB Card. ($45)
• Have a signed “Athletic & Medical Emergency Authorization Form” on file in the ASB Office. This includes a signed code of conduct statement and consent of parent.
• Have a signed safety guidelines form on file in ASB office for each sport the athlete participates in.
• Have assigned concussion information form on file in the ASB office.
• Meet state and local scholastic requirements.
• Be enrolled in a minimum of five classes per day.
• Attend “Preparation for Success” after school

Insurance: All athletes are required to be covered by insurance, either through the school or by their family’s policy. Proof of coverage must be on file with the ASB Office.

All students are encouraged to take out accident insurance with the school if they are not covered by a family policy. The school cannot assume financial responsibility for accidents students have at school. If medical insurance changes during the school year, the ASB Office must be informed of the change.

Participation: All students who are interested have equal opportunity to participate in the sport or activity of their choice.

Pay to Participate: Each sport = $60, except football = $75

Physical Exams:  All athletes must have a physical examination prior to the start of a sports season. Physicals are valid for two years from the date of the physical.

Training Rules: Training rules are mandated by the Longview District Athletic Code. These rules will be given to athletes by their coaches at the beginning of each sports season.

Interscholastic: Five schools make up the AA division of the Greater St. Helens League competing in football, cross country, volleyball, swimming, basketball, wrestling, track, baseball, tennis, girls’ bowling, golf, fast pitch, and soccer. The member schools are: R. A. Long, Mark Morris, Washougal, Woodland, Hudson’s Bay, Ridgefield, and Hockinson.

Admission Prices for Home Athletic Events

Family passes are available for some sports, please see the athletic secretary at your boundary high school for information about or to purchase family/individual athletic passes. Family passes admit middle school aged students and younger when accompanied by a parent. Admission prices for tournaments or playoff games may vary from the ticket prices listed below.