SECTION III - GENERAL INFORMATION

The following sections of this handbook specifically address the policies relating to student behavior not covered above. All staff members have the authority to direct students in their conduct and behavior while in school and on school grounds.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

The following list defines indisputable ways of cheating, which results in NO CREDIT for the specific piece of work.

Using cheat notes, copying an answer from another student's test/quiz, communicating with another student during a test/quiz about the content of the test/quiz, obtaining the test or answer key in advance (taking material from the teacher's desk, file, etc., or using material handed down from a previous year), copying another student's homework, lab reports, etc., submitting collaborative work as if it were individual work when individual work is required, submitting work from the Internet as if it were an individual's work, copying from a source without giving credit to the author (plagiarism), obtaining answers from someone who has already taken the test/quiz, using materials and/or tools forbidden by the teacher (dictionaries, calculators, notes, etc.), using pre-programmed calculators, altering a corrected test/quiz, changing or adding answers when correcting another student's work, changing or adding answers after finishing a test/quiz, working beyond the time allotted, accessing computer files that are off-limits, printing another's computer file and replacing the name, copying computer files, obtaining e-mail answers, and switching keyboards.

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ACCIDENTS

A student must immediately report an accident to the teacher in whose room the accident occurred. If the accident did not occur in an area under the direct supervision of a teacher, report the accident to the office immediately.

AFTER SCHOOL REGULATIONS

Any student remaining in the building after dismissal must be under the supervision of a teacher or a coach. Teachers will be available after school hours for individual help. The schedule for extra help classes can be found on page 1 of this handbook.

Those students waiting for transportation must remain in the main office lobby only. Students found loitering or wondering in the halls will be subject to the discipline listed in the handbook.

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BOOKS AND OTHER SCHOOL MATERIALS

All books and other school materials are the property of Ludlow High School. As such, it is the responsibility of the student to return all materials in good condition. If a student loses a book or other school materials he/she will have to pay for it. The cost will be the replacement value as determined by the Curriculum Instructional Leader or administrator. Any student who fails to pay for damaged or lost materials will not be allowed to participate in class activities or athletics.

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DAILY BULLETIN

Announcements are read over the public address system each day. Any teacher or student organization desiring to have a notice read must submit the appropriate form available in the office, sign it, and submit it to the administration prior to 7:15AM each morning.

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ELECTRONIC AND OTHER LISTENING DEVICES

Students are not permitted to use CD players or any other listening device during school hours to include detention and extended detention. Use of such devices as, but not limited to, pagers, beepers, cell phones, etc. is banned. Students using any of these devices may have them confiscated and be subject to disciplinary action.

Recording devices may be allowed only by permission of the classroom teacher, and/or as a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability. Listening Devices ("LD")/Cell phones must be out of one's possession, secured in the locker from 7:25a.m.-1:55p.m..

• 1st offence: 1 day extended detention and parent must pick-up device.
• 2nd offense: 1 day external suspension and parent must pick-up the device
• 3rd and subsequent offenses: 2 days external suspension, parents will be notified and phone will be kept for 1 term.

Students refusing to give up the LD/cell phone with battery will be considered "willful disobedient" and the discipline will result in 1-5 days external suspension and lose of phone privileges at the discretion of the principal or his designee.

Allowing your cell phone to be used by another student subjects both students to the above penalties.

Use of video cell phones during school hours including detention and extended detention is prohibited. Video cell phones used to transmit inappropriate pictures of any kind, as determined by the administration, i.e. locker room, exam questions, etc., will be confiscated and must be picked up by the student's parents. The offending student may be subject to suspension.

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FIRE DRILLS

Fire drills are conducted periodically to insure safety in case of fire. Directions for passing will be posted in each room, in a prominent place, and all students should learn these directions. The fire drill signal is given on the school fire alarm system bell.

Students should exit from the building with personal belongings (i.e. backpacks, purses) in an orderly manner as quickly as possible but with no running. The first student to reach the exit doors should hold the doors open until all students have left the building. Students MUST remain with their teacher. All will remain outside until signals return.

GAMBLING

Gambling, games of chance, and card games are absolutely prohibited in the school and on school grounds. Students caught gambling or participating in games of chance will be assigned two hours of detention.

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LOCKERS

Each year all students will be issued a locker. Students also have the option of obtaining a lock for the school year through the main office. Only school issued locks may be used on school lockers. Locks must be returned at the end of the year, or students will be charged five dollars. These lockers are the property of the school system and are not to be defaced or vandalized. Switching lockers is prohibited. Students will be held responsible for the condition both inside and outside of their locker. Any vandalism will result in disciplinary actions. It is recommended that all students obtain a school lock to secure their belongings.

LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES

Any student who finds an article in or near the building and who cannot find the owner should immediately turn the object to House 9/10. Any student losing an article should inquire at House 9/10. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items that are unsecured. LHS provides locks for students' use through the main office.

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FOOD & BEVERAGE/CAFETERIA

No food or drinks (including water bottles) is allowed outside the cafeteria. Any student carrying and/or consuming food or drink outside the cafeteria will be subject to disciplinary action.

NO SCHOOL/DELAY ANNOUNCEMENTS

The superintendent of schools will notify parents of no-school or delays through Connect-Ed as well as through TV and radio announcements. Please do not call any school official, the school, or the police department.

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PARKING PRIVILEGES

Only eligible senior and junior students (if spaces are available) as determined by the administration of Ludlow high School will be allowed to park their automobiles, motorcycles, or any motorized vehicle on school property when school is in session. Each student will be assigned a specific numbered parking space. Parking at the Town Hall is prohibited. All students must be debt free for parking.

Students must submit a copy of their registration and driver's license to obtain authorized parking stickers for their cars. The parking sticker must be attached in the appropriate location on the car.

Parking privileges will be monitored by the Ludlow High School administration.

The administration may inspect and search a student's vehicle if the administration reasonably suspects that drugs, weapons, items stolen from the school or from a member of the staff or student body or other illegal items are likely to be found therein. The items of such search may be turned over to the police for inspection or examination and may be the subject of court prosecution and/or school disciplinary proceedings. At school sponsored functions, student vehicles may be subject to search for alcohol or other illegal substances or weapons.

Eligibility

All seniors are eligible to participate. A fee of $180 is required. This fee will be prorated based upon the time a student becomes eligible for parking or the time he/she loses eligibility. Payment must be made by bank check or money order (no cash or personal checks will be accepted). Registration will take place from 8/1 to 8/31 with seniors given first priority. Juniors will be allowed to register during the same period, and their names will be put on a waiting list in the order that they register. Once all registered seniors have been assigned a space, juniors taken from the waiting list in the order that they registered will be assigned parking spaces based upon availability.

Loss of Eligibility

Parking privileges may be revoked at the discretion of the administration as a consequence to any violation of the Student Handbook that warrants said revocation. In addition, a student may have his parking permit revoked for any of the following violations:

• Failure to stop for any school bus on school property which has its red lights flashing and its stop sign out
• Dangerous and reckless driving while on school property or at school related functions.
• Any unauthorized use of vehicles.
• Any outstanding financial obligations to the school.
• Any students who have their permit revoked will have their space assigned to another student on the waiting list. Students will be refunded their money at the rate of $1 per day. There is no guarantee that there will be a space available to these students at a later date.

NOTE: The no "F" policy does not apply to student parking.

Notice to all students

1. THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE WISHES TO INFORM ALL STUDENTS THAT STUDENTS WHO VIOLATE THE PARKING POLICY WILL WITHOUT WARNING HAVE THEIR CAR TOWED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.
2. ALSO, STUDENTS IN VIOLATION OF THE PARKING POLICY MAY BE ASSIGNED EXTENDED DETENTION AS LISTED ON PAGE 22 OF THE HANDBOOK.
3. IN ADDITION, STUDENTS IN VIOLATION OF THE PARKING POLICY WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE PERMANENT LOSS OF THEIR ELIGIBILITY OF PARKING PRIVILEGES

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PERSONAL PROPERTY

Students are responsible for their own property. It is unwise to leave money or other valuables in open lockers or PE lockers. PE teachers will have lock boxes available for students' valuables during PE classes. The school is not responsible for the loss of personal property due to student negligence. Check all valuables and large sums of money at the office. Keep your locker locked at all times. If the lock does not work, check with the office or the day custodian. Once again, the school is not responsible for losses or theft.

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

Public display of affection is inappropriate in the school setting and student violators may be subject to disciplinary action.

SALES AND DISTRIBUTION

Students or organizations shall not conduct sales or distribution of any articles on school grounds, at any time, without the permission of the student council and the principal. Candy sales are prohibited during school hours.

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SCHOOL ACCIDENT INSURANCE

School accident insurance is available in September for a minimal charge. Since the school department does not provide accident insurance, with the exception of football, for injuries sustained on school property or while involved in school sponsored activities, we strongly recommend the purchase of student accident insurance. Students participating in all sports shall have the student insurance policy specified in force at the time or have a parent or guardian submit a letter to the school department requesting a waiver from this requirement and give evidence of having personal insurance to cover accident or injury to the student.

Parents and guardians should note that they are responsible for costs above the limits of the existing policy.

No student will be permitted to participate in contests or practice sessions until he or she is properly subscribed in the approved insurance plan or the parent or guardian has submitted a letter to the athletic director requesting a waiver from this service and given evidence of having personal insurance to cover accident or injury to the student. In addition, the student must submit proof of a physical exam to the Athletic Director.

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SEARCH AND SEIZURE

Property of the school system assigned to students for their use during the school year is subject to inspection and search by the school personnel at any time for any reason. If an illegal substance/object or evidence of illegal activity, which violates the law or disciplinary code, is found during any inspection or search by school personnel, it will be confiscated and appropriate action will be taken, and the Ludlow Police Department may be notified.

In addition, school personnel may search a student's belongings such as clothes, backpack, handbag, wallet, etc. or search the student when school personnel reasonably believe that the student has or the student's belongings contain an illegal substance/object or evidence of activity which violates the law or disciplinary code. If an illegal substance/object or evidence of illegal activity is found during the search, it will be confiscated and appropriate action will be taken and the Ludlow Police Department may be notified.

In order to promote the goals of keeping drugs out of school and ensuring a safe learning environment, Ludlow High School will conduct canine searches for illegal substances on school premises or at school-sponsored activities in conjunction with the local police department. All such searches will be carried out in accordance with applicable law and will be initiated, conducted and directed by school personnel. State and local police will be present to assist school personnel, to maintain order, and take custody of unauthorized controlled substances. Students may be moved to another area of the building so that the canines can sniff backpacks, book, desks, handbags, and other belongings remaining in the classrooms designated for the canine search. In no event will canines search the person of any student or other individual. In the event that illegal substances are found in any search, in addition to whatever action the school district is permitted or required to take by applicable law, the Ludlow Police Department and the Hampden County District Attorney's office will determine what actions, if any, will be taken by law enforcement.

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STUDENT DEBTS

Failure to return items or pay debts at end of school year will result in nonparticipation of class activities, athletics, and student parking until debts are paid.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Upon request, we are required to provide military recruiters with a school directory, which includes names, addresses and phone numbers. If you do not want your child to be included on this list, you must contact the principal's office in writing by October 1 of each school year.

TELEPHONES

The office telephone is only used by students with permission of the office personnel.

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VISITORS

All visitors on school property during school hours must check in with the main office or be subject to dismissal from the school property. Students from other schools will not be allowed to visit during school hours. The school is secured when in session from 7:25 AM to 1:55 PM. You may enter the front door when you provide your name and destination.

WORK PERMITS

Work permits can be obtained at the Superintendent's office located at 63 Chestnut Street, Ludlow.

Hours:

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