Student Handbook

The guiding principles of discipline at LWHS are to uphold the integrity of the school, to show students the limits of acceptable behavior, and to provide them with a learning experience that can contribute to their growth as ethical adults. To this end, it is essential that culpable students accept responsibility for their actions and make amends. LWHS respects students’ privacy, and seeks to limit communication about discipline to parents, deans, advisors, and if appropriate, students’ teachers. However, it is important for students and families to realize that public actions in violation of school policies and norms often necessitate some type of public apology or action to make amends for the transgression.

Students suspected of breaching school rules or demonstrating misbehaviors are generally reported to grade level deans or the Dean of Students, initiating the disciplinary process.

Investigation—There is an assumption of innocence unless a preponderance of evidence is established. To this end, the Dean of Students will:

• Examine all evidence, such as potentially plagiarized assignments or social media communications
• Interview all involved parties

LWHS informs informs families whenever a student has been interviewed, including the charge and evidence, working in partnership to uphold the norms of the LWHS community and encourage the ethical growth of students. However, families will not participate in the examination of evidence or the interviewing of students, the judgment of culpability, or the determining of consequences. LWHS reserves the right to establish and administer its own standards of proper conduct towards the goal of maintaining the integrity of the institution.

Judgment—If the student in question admits to the infraction, the Dean of Students recommends the most natural and fair consequence. If the student denies culpability, the Dean will consult with the affected teacher/staff/peer/fellow deans and/or the Head of School to determine if there is a preponderance of evidence proving otherwise. If there is not, the charge is dismissed.

Consequences—In issuing consequences, LWHS strives to balance fairness and consistency with a recognition of the individual circumstances, the nature of the infraction, and the age of the student. To that end, LWHS has a two-tiered system of consequences; during the disciplinary process, the Dean of Students determines if the infraction warrants a warning or moves directly to suspension and/or disciplinary probation.

A student committing a mild offense (as determined by the administration) for the first time will receive a disciplinary warning, which is recorded by the Dean of Students or grade level dean, but not reportable to prospective colleges. Depending on the nature of the infraction, consequences in addition to a warning may be issued, including: 

• A reduced or "zero" grade for a cheating incident
• A letter of apology
• A behavior contract signed by the student, dean, and parents/guardians
• Restricted privileges (such as participation in sports,clubs, attending dances or off campus events)
• A disciplinary warning may include a student being placed on disciplinary probation

The Deans strive to collaborate with the student’s family in making sure the student understands and takes responsibility for the infraction.

If a student who has received a more warning commits a second infraction during their time at LWHS, they will be issued more serious consequences, including suspension, or dismissal.

Disciplinary Probation is designated by the Dean of Students and/or the Grade Level Deans to any student who commits a serious violation of school rules (social or academic), demonstrates exceptionally negative behaviors, or has previously been issued a disciplinary warning. Disciplinary Probation is

• Intended to heighten the student’s awareness of the need to honor school rules
• Often accompanied by other consequences such as school suspension and/or suspension of privileges or exclusion from extracurricular activities in order to emphasize the importance of personal integrity and accountability
• A student will be on disciplinary probation for a semester or one year as determined by the Dean of Students
• Depending on the nature of the infraction, the disciplinary probation may be reportable to prospective colleges

If the student does not change their behavior or commits another infraction during the probationary period, they will receive harsher consequences, which may mean additional school suspension or dismissal. The decision concerning contract renewal may be made at any time during the year. It is also important to note that many colleges ask students and college counselors to report disciplinary actions on their applications for admission, or even after after a student has been admitted to college and/or accepted a college’s offer of admission.

Suspension is designated by the Dean of Students and/or the Head of School when the school deems it necessary to remove a student temporarily from the LWHS community. A suspended student must stay away from the LWHS campus and all school activities—on or off campus—for the duration of their suspension, unless otherwise directed

The length of the suspension will be determined by the nature of the case and a suspended student will receive zero credit on all forms of academic work during their suspension and must write a letter of reflection. Suspension is accompanied by the one-year Disciplinary Probation status and is reportable to colleges.

Dismissal is designated by the Head of School in consultation with the Dean of Students in cases of major disciplinary offenses and/or an accumulation of lesser offenses. An infraction committed while a student is on Disciplinary Probation may also result in dismissal. This step is a last resort and becomes a part of the student’s school record.

LWHS challenges students with a rigorous academic program. When it becomes apparent, generally through report cards, that a student is struggling to achieve success in their classes, they may be placed on Academic Probation. Specifically, a student who receives at least one semester grade of D+ or below, and in some cases, multiple C minuses, will be placed on Academic Probation for the following semester. The primary goal of Academic Probation is to provide additional support until a student can succeed independently. To this end LWHS offers concentrated school resources such as:

• Learning assessments and tutoring
• Study hall
• Monitoring by deans
• Deans may also restrict privileges such as free blocks and participation in athletics, student council, clubs and/or non-class-related performances (this may also be implemented in situations when there are significant outstanding assignments or a significant attendance concern)

If at the end of the probationary semester, the student has improved their performance to the point where they have no grades of D+ or below, they will be removed from probation. If the student is not able to meet these terms, they will be put on an additional semester of probation. Students receiving an F may be in danger of not fulfilling graduation requirements; families should be aware that the UC's and CSU's do not accept transcript grades below a C- for A-G designated classes. Students in these situations or who show a lack of effort and progress while on probation may be denied a contract for continued enrollment.

The final decision concerning contract renewal is usually made at the end of the first grading quarter of the following semester so that the student can begin looking for another school if necessary. In some cases, the school may decide to wait an additional quarter to make a decision about contract renewal. Parents will be notified of the Probation, including the terms and conditions outlined in a letter, and may request a meeting with the Dean of Students or Head of School.

Academic integrity is the cornerstone of education; without it, no true teaching or learning can take place. Teachers must be able to evaluate accurately how much a student has learned, and they cannot do that if one

• Cheats on an exam
• Turns in someone else’s work as their own
• Uses the ideas/language of other sources without appropriate citation
• Helps a friend cheat and/or encourages that person to be dishonest and irresponsible (this will necessitate disciplinary consequences as well)

Cheating of any kind undermines the atmosphere of trust in the classroom and compromises the integrity of the institution and the diploma that represents a LWHS education.


Plagiarism
A specific form of cheating is plagiarism, which involves presenting others’ work as one’s own, whether in writing, lab work, problem sets, visual arts or other media.

Copying all or part of any source—book, internet, radio program, or television program is permissible if one uses quotation marks and identifies the source. However, using another’s words, ideas, or research without proper citation is plagiarism even if one changes the wording. Teachers take time in their curricula to teach the correct use of sources and citations so there is no excuse for improper or insufficient citations; this is plagiarism, even if the student didn’t intend to cheat. 

Other examples of plagiarism or violating academic integrity, include but are not limited to:

• Missing class to avoid a test or assessment due date
• Talking to another student during a test or exam or sharing information with others after the exam
• Having your phone (or any electronic device) out during an exam (without the express permission of a teacher)
• Submitting a document that was the product of group effort/group thinking (e.g. a lab or google doc) as solely your own work
• Submitting an assignment assigned and assessed in one class for credit in another without clear teacher acknowledgment and approval. 

A first act of cheating will receive both academic and disciplinary consequences. The student will receive a “zero” or a significant grade reduction; this depends on the severity of the cheating, to be determined by the teacher, in consultation with the Dean of Students or grade level dean. The student may receive a disciplinary warning, suspension, and/or disciplinary probation depending on: 

• The age of the student
• The gravity of the cheating incident
• Any prior warnings or disciplinary infractions of any kind

A second act of cheating at any time during the student’s time at LWHS is regarded as a serious offense that may result in dismissal. Colleges require students and college counselors to report academic integrity infractions, such as cheating and plagiarism.

It is illegal for minors to use alcohol or illicit drugs. They pose serious risks to physical and mental health, and they interfere with a student’s ability to learn. Providing drugs to other people is a destructive act against the whole community and is also a serious crime. Students caught in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol on or near campus or at any school event (on or off campus) will be suspended and placed on Disciplinary Probation for one year, and in certain cases or with repeated offenses, will be dismissed from school. Additionally, the school may require the student to undergo drug evaluation, rehabilitation and/or counseling. All infractions of this nature are reportable to colleges.

Students concerned about drug or alcohol abuse should seek help from the Counseling Department or the Dean of Students, and will receive counseling, referrals and helpful intervention to the extent that the school is able to provide it.


Tobacco

These objects are wholly inappropriate in a school environment. They create the potential for accidental harm. Students are expected to use good judgment in determining what objects fall under this rule and should always defer to adult expectations of what is appropriate. If any object is used in a threatening way, they would immediately become subject to the rule.

Objects in violation of the rule will be confiscated and families will be notified. Depending on the severity of the event, additional consequences, up to and including dismissal, may be imposed.

Violent acts such as fighting, bullying, using projectiles, or any other act with the intention to injure a member of the community will be strictly punished - from suspension to dismissal.

It is extremely important that all students and employees cooperate with the school in order to minimize this potential threat to our community. Immediately report to a teacher, an administrator, or the Head of School any concerns or information you have which could lead to violence within our community. This includes potential or actual threats by anyone, including fellow students or employees, former students or employees, their relatives, as well as former friends. The school will endeavor to maintain the privacy of any confidential information shared with us. Students and employees may report any incidents or weapons, violence, or threats of violence without fear of reprisal of any kind.


Hazing
A specific form of violence is hazing. LWHS follows the California Code on Hazing to determine culpability and consequences:

Section 32050: As used in this article, “hazing” includes any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any student or other person attending any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions.

Section 32051: No student or other person in attendance at any public, private, parochial, or military school, community college, college, or other educational institution, shall conspire to engage in hazing, participate in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person attending the institution.

The violation of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or both.

LWHS is committed to maintaining a harassment-free environment for all students and employees. As a school that values inclusion and a community built upon trust and honesty, interactions outside of school can affect a student's ability to feel safe and thrive at school. It is important that students think carefully about their actions and the impact their decisions have on others in the LWHS community. Often, what a student considers to be “joking” will have a negative impact on other community members. LWHS is committed to teaching students about offensive behaviors, including but not limited to:

• verbal or online comments or “jokes” of a harassing or intimidating nature
• verbal or online comments that make fun of or demean another based on racial, religious, gender, or sexual identity, class, sexual preference or any other identifiers

LWHS holds students accountable for enacting the prevention of such harassment:

• LWHS prohibits sexual harassment of any student or employee at school by anyone.
• Off campus sexual harassment or any other prohibited harassment of any student or employee by anyone connected with the school is prohibited.
• It is the responsibility of each student and employee to read and abide by this policy.
• Under no circumstance is a student or employee expected to endure any form of sexual harassment or any other kind of prohibited harassment as described below.

No teacher, administrator, other employee or student is allowed to engage in any form of sexual harassment or any other prohibited harassment of a student or employee of the School on or off the campus at any time, in person or through social media.

• Sexual harassment or any other prohibited harassment by a non-employee at the School is likewise prohibited. 
• No teacher, administrator, other employee or adult visitor of the School shall make sexual advances to a student.
• Any harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, cancer, genetic characteristic, autoimmune disorder, marital status or veteran status is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited sexual harassment also includes, but is not limited, to the following types of behavior:

• Verbal conduct such as derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, innuendoes or jokes of a sexual nature, unwanted sexual advances, invitations or comments.
• Visual conduct such as sexually-oriented posters, cartoons, photography, drawings or electronically-generated material.
• Non-verbal conduct, such as leering, staring at sexual body parts, or making sexually suggestive gestures.
• Physical conduct such as unwanted touching, blocking normal movement or assault.
• Threats, demands or requests for sexual favors as a condition of employment or academic status, or in exchange for or to avoid loss of employment or academic status or benefit.
• Retaliation for rejecting sexual advances, for reporting or threatening to report sexual harassment, or for participating in a sexual harassment investigation.

The determination of what constitutes sexual harassment or other forms of other prohibited harassment will depend on specific facts and the context in which the conduct occurs.

Harassment may take many forms. It can be subtle and indirect, or blatant and overt. It can occur between people of either or the same gender, between peers, or between individuals in a hierarchical relationship. A single incident of prohibited harassment could be grounds for dismissal or expulsion, depending upon its severity.


Reporting and Investigation
If you believe that you have been or are being harassed sexually or because of any other prohibited harassment listed above (race, color, ancestry, etc.), you should immediately speak with one of the Committee Members so that the matter can be investigated promptly and appropriate corrective action can be taken. Also, if you have a question or concern about harassment or retaliation, please speak with one of the Committee Members.

Do not tolerate any form of harassment. Tell the harasser to stop and promptly speak with a Committee Member or an alternate person. If you have previously tolerated or permitted the conduct and now you would like it to stop, speak up and tell the harasser to stop and immediately speak with a Committee Member or alternate person. Your communication pursuant to this policy will be handled in a manner that respects the privacy of the parties concerned to the extent permitted by the situation. If a student or employee is not comfortable speaking with one of the Committee Members, you are welcome to speak directly with the Head of School or the President of the Board of Trustees at any time. If you do not feel listened to or you are not satisfied with the action taken by the Committee, please promptly speak directly with the Head of School or the President of the Board of Trustees.

The School prohibits retaliatory behavior or reprisals against anyone who complains or participates in the harassment investigation process. If harassment is established, the offender will be disciplined. If the harasser is an employee, the individual will be disciplined up to and including discharge. If the harasser is a student, the individual will be disciplined up to and including dismissal. If the harasser is a not an employee or student, the individual will be dealt with appropriately, such as permanent prohibition from visiting the School and/or possible prosecution. If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, you should speak immediately with a member of this committee as well as a counselor in the school's counseling office.

LWHS Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Committee Members

• Kate Wiley, Dean of Students 
• Randy Barnett, Assistant Head of School
• Christine Godinez, Director of Student Inclusion and Leadership 
• Tamisha Williams, Dean of Adult Equity and Inclusion
• Cristal Ogletree, Director of Admissions

Students or employees not comfortable speaking with one of the committee members or who are not satisfied with the action taken by the committee should speak directly with the Head of School.

Lick-Wilmerding High School prohibits unlawful discrimination of any kind against its students. If a student feels that a teacher, administrator, fellow student, or anyone else in the LWHS community has discriminated against the student for any reason, the student should promptly report the matter to a member of the school’s Harassment/Discrimination Prevention Committee. Even if the specific conduct is not described in the guidelines of harassment or if the student does not know whether the specific conduct is actually prohibited, the student should still report the concern to a committee member. The committee will investigate any matter reported to one of its members and will take appropriate corrective action. If the student is not comfortable speaking with one of the committee members or is not satisfied with the action taken by the committee, the student is encouraged to speak directly with the Head of School and/or the President of the school’s Board of Trustees.

Both theft and vandalism are destructive acts that promote distrust in the community and which drain resources that could be devoted to improving the school’s program and physical appearance and function. Vandalism is defined as: defacing and/or destroying any school property such as desks, walls, toilets, lockers, tables, floors, or windows, or defacing/destroying the off-campus property of a community member.

Theft may include:

• “Borrowing” or “using” something without the owner’s consent (e.g. a book, a notebook, a laptop, a phone, etc), or keeping things that one “finds” around the school. This particularly applies to taking or using any of your locker-mate's items; a shared locker does not equal shared possessions.
• If a student finds someone’s calculator or other valuable, they must return it to the front office or to the person to whom it belongs (to keep the item is theft).
• Taking or consuming food or drink from the cafeteria without paying for it.
• Going through other students’ possessions, opening their lockers or reading their mail are also all violations of this rule.

In light of the damaging effects of vandalism and theft on a community, and the ease with which vandals and thieves can avoid detection, students are requested to inform an adult about the identity of someone who has been stealing or vandalizing the school. 

Students must also use common sense in protecting their possessions.

• NEVER leave a phone/computer or any device unattended.
• Lock your valuables in your locker or keep the items on your person. Students who share a locker with a peer are expected to responsibly lock the locker when not in use.
• Never leave backpacks, sports bags, or other items unattended if not in your locked locker, bring all items to your sports practice site.
• Don’t assume that the sports locker rooms are safe; the only way to prevent theft is to lock bags into a locker.

Consequences for vandalism or theft may include repair or replacement of the property involved, suspension, Disciplinary Probation and even dismissal. If appropriate, the police may be notified.

LWHS does not exist in isolation, but as part of a larger community. It is the duty of each of the community members to maintain good relations with neighbors so that the school’s presence is not a burden to the community. LWHS trusts students enough to have an open campus policy. In return, students are expected to keep the neighborhood clean and to refrain from all forms of vandalism and graffiti. Students should not loiter or sit on property belonging to others. Students are expected to treat all persons in the neighborhood with courtesy and respect. Students are expected to adhere to all construction zone policies, including areas that are marked off limits.

Upon entering LWHS, each student is assigned to an advising group of approximately twelve students. A faculty-staff advisor usually moderates each group for four years, guiding students from freshman orientation to graduation. The advisor’s most important role is as the principal advocate for each of their individual advisees. Additionally, advisors:

• Build relationships with their advisees through both individual check-ins and group experiences.
• Serve as the school’s first point of contact for student and family concerns, assisting them through advice, goal setting, troubleshooting and/or referrals to the appropriate support staff.
• Hold annual conferences with parents/guardians and advisees to review the fall semester, including feedback from fall quarter narratives and semester 1 final exams.
• Work closely with the Grade Level Deans, Counselors, and the Dean of Students to develop strategies to assist students experiencing personal or academic difficulties.
• Meet with their advising group approximately twice a month, focusing on community building exercises, academic feedback and goalsetting, issues associated with each developmental year of school, and curriculum related to the school’s mission.

From time to time a student may be referred to the Counseling Department for personal needs. If the counselor feels that the student requires further, in-depth counseling, they may refer the student to professionals outside the school.

For more information about the LWHS Advising Program, please see the Advising link on the school website under “Community.”

Monday–Friday | 7:30am–6pm
Classes meet on an eight-day rotation. Each class meets four times each rotation. School begins at 8:30am and ends at 3:20pm. Students with free blocks are permitted to set their own arrival and departure times.

Class periods last 75 minutes, with 5 minutes of passing time between classes. On Mondays at 9:50am, students attend Community Meeting, which will include announcements and community building activities. Tuesday through Friday, the school has a 40-minute period that rotates between Assembly, Advising, and Tutorial. Most of the slots will be Tutorial—a period when students can meet with teachers, study, use the “Homework Café” with tutors available, or participate in class meetings and other co-curricular programs.


After School Hours, Closing Times, and Protocols at LWHS

After school, students are allowed to commune/work in adult supervised spaces per below:

• The Ann Maisel Café will be open until 3:45pm. 
• The Center for Civic Engagement will be open until 6pm.
• Library building open until 5pm. Mac Lab until 5pm.
• The reception desk at the Ocean Avenue entrance will have phone coverage until 6pm.
• The school security guard will lock all classrooms, except classroom 201, at 4pm. This means they are no longer open for student use. Students are advised to leave campus by 6pm daily unless they are involved in athletics, performing arts, or other organized school activities that are supervised by a LWHS adult.
• The security guard is on duty at the main entrance desk until 8pm.

At LWHS learning takes place in multiple ways and in multiple locations. It happens both during class instruction and outside the scheduled class time. Each department within the school determines the kind of learning that serves their students best, which includes work to be completed outside of class. Therefore, in the completion of homework LWHS students are asked to reflect, review, and expand upon what is learned in the classroom, reinforce skills and develop habits of mind, prepare for upcoming lessons, persevere, and take intellectual risks.

To support this philosophy, homework is closely aligned with the learning that occurs within the classroom. It provides opportunities for analytical thinking and practice, and develops time management skills. Students will be asked to demonstrate their learning, often independently. As students move from freshman to senior year, expectations around homework increase both in terms of the kind of work required, and the time that is needed to complete it meaningfully.

Responsibilities and Expectations Regarding Homework:

• Teachers assign homework that balances a rich college preparatory education with an awareness of the full lives of LWHS students and their families.
• Teachers announce the homework that is to be completed for the next class meeting during class. If the work is new or unfamiliar, teachers will set the context and expectations for learning.
• Specifics regarding homework will be posted online by 4:00pm that day and remain unchanged.
• Teachers design assignments that require, on average, up to 60 minutes to complete (in a quiet, study focused space) in order to balance a students’ overall homework load, and up to 75 minutes for all courses with an Honors designation.
• Students will check their homework assignments daily, and develop the habit of contacting the appropriate teacher with clarifying questions about homework at least a day before it is due.
• Students will allocate up to three hours of focused, distraction-free homework time in their daily schedules. A student who consistently spends significantly more time should consult with their teacher, advisor, or the appropriate grade level dean.
• Students should consider that the number and the kind of courses taken often determines homework load.

Two Assessment Policy
No student can be required to take or submit more than two major papers, projects, or tests on one day. A “major” assessment includes tests, papers, projects, and presentations. A major assessment also can be determined if: 1) its grade value is large, or 2) the time it takes to work or study for it is more than a few regular nights homework. Exactitude in determining what is a major assessment might be difficult, but taking into consideration the spirit of the idea might also help.

When teachers announce a test or major assignment, students should enter the test or due date in their day planners. If one or more students already have two such entries on that date, the teacher must accommodate those students, either by changing the date for the entire class, or arranging an alternate test or due date for the students in question.

Final grades are issued at the end of the first and second semesters. Only semester grades are recorded on transcripts. Most courses are graded on an “A” through “F” scale. Incomplete grades are given only in the case of a medical issue, and must be completed and the grade changed within one semester or the Incomplete becomes an “F.”

First and third quarter report cards are a combination of grades in progress and narrative comments. Narrative comments offer teachers’ feedback of student progress and suggestions for improvement. Second and fourth quarter report cards display semester letter grades without narrative comments. Grades are available on our website, and not mailed home.

Freshman, sophomore, and junior family conferences are held at the end of the first semester unless otherwise requested by family or advisor. Senior family conferences with advisors are optional.

LWHS allows students to take courses off campus but the grades earned will not be factored into a student's grade point average and the courses will not appear on the LWHS transcript. Per student request, the College Counseling Department will forward copies of non-LWHS transcripts directly to colleges. A few things to note:

• Once the course has been completed, students should have the institution mail an official transcript directly to Registrar Kelleigh Trowbridge.
• Courses taken outside of LWHS are to complement, not take the place of, LWHS’ graduation requirements.
• Students may use summer school courses in Math to accelerate their program at LWHS or to be placed into an advanced section of a particular course. Students considering this option should consult with Math Department Chair Annie Mehalchick, and indicate in the appropriate section of the April course signup form that summer work is planned.
• Some colleges do consider summer school courses and grades by recalculating a student’s grade point average to reflect all course work completed while in high school.
• Students may take credit recovery summer courses to address a low grade. This is recommended for students wishing to remain UC/CSU eligible as these schools do not accept semester grades lower than a C-.

The Learning Strategies Center provides services for students with diagnosed cognitive differences (including AD/HD). Students who request accommodations at LWHS should contact the Learning Strategies Center Director Winifred Montgomery. Accommodations are based upon current documentation, and are facilitated by the LSC Director. Examples of accommodations available at LWHS include:

• Extended time on examinations
• A separate, quiet, and well-lit room in which to take examinations
• The use of a basic four-function calculator during examinations
• The use of a computer (portable or desktop) during examinations

All students on campus are welcome to speak with the Counselor if they desire. Although trained and licensed as a therapist, LWHS does not offer ongoing psychotherapy. The counselor functions as a faculty member with time dedicated to speaking with and supporting students and will not diagnose or offer ongoing treatment for any specific mental health disorder. If a student needs or wishes to engage formal mental health treatment, or psychotherapy, the Counselor is available to help students and families find a therapist, agency, or program to more fully meet their needs.


Student Support Services Team
The Student Support Services Team (SSS), comprised of administration and counselors, works in conjunction with teachers and advisors to create a fine-mesh net of support for struggling students, whether their issues are social, emotional, academic or behavioral. This team meets approximately every other rotation to discuss students referred to our team, strategize a plan of support, and follow up with students and teachers/advisors. This process allows us to identify any concerns early and address them consistently.

This team solicits internal student referrals/grade updates 4 times throughout the school year: 4 weeks into the fall semester, 4 weeks in advance of fall finals, 4 weeks into the second semester, and 4 weeks in advance of spring final exams. These internal referrals are managed by a member of the SSS team.

It is expected that all students who intend to graduate from LWHS will matriculate at LWHS for eight semesters. As a result, it is the policy of the school to not grant semester or yearlong leaves of absence unless a student can present in writing compelling family reasons for needing to do so. 

Many students long for a variety of enriching experiences in their lives. However, for both LWHS students’ and the community’s well being, it is expected that LWHS students will commit fully to LWHS during their four academic years here. 

LWHS strongly suggests that students opt for Summer alternatives (see College Counselors Krista Klein or Alayne Haggerty for information) to satisfy their desire to further round-out their high school years.

The following procedures apply to leave of absence requests:

• Consistent with the above policy, a student should submit a request for a leave of absence from LWHS only if they have a compelling family reason for doing so. All requests must be made, in writing, to Assistant Head of School Randy Barnett. Any request not supported by a strong “family need” rationale will be automatically denied.
• In the rare circumstance when a leave of absence is granted, the student will not need to reapply to LWHS in order to return, and LWHS will, of course, reserve a space for the student upon their return from an approved leave of absence. However, LWHS will not automatically waive tuition monies due per the enrollment contract, will not necessarily guarantee the courses needed for graduation from LWHS, will not give the student scheduling priority over other LWHS students, and will not waive or alter graduation requirements.
• If a student who has not been formally (in writing) granted a leave of absence chooses to leave LWHS, they will be considered to have withdrawn from the school and will need to reapply formally in order to return. In such a case, LWHS will not waive tuition obligations called for by the family’s enrollment contract. Nor will LWHS assess the program to which the student is going prior to their departure, guarantee the student the courses needed for graduation from LWHS, waive or alter graduation requirements, or reserve a space for the student at LWHS.

Every student is expected to fulfill the requirements of the LWHS Public Purpose Program. Connections to the community through service learning is an integral part of the LWHS curricular experience and is a graduation requirement with expectations for each grade level as follows:

• Freshmen are expected to attend every PPP curricular session and participate in the class service project and spring service fair.
• Sophomores are expected to complete their 40 required service hours during the academic year (not the summer) by the third week of May and participate in the end of year service fair.
• Juniors and seniors are expected to fulfill their requirements through a PPP course, a PPP Independent or Cohort Study, or an independent internship approved by the Public Purpose Program Director Alan Wesson.

Students who need to miss any sessions are expected to complete the anticipated absence form (48 hours in advance) and submit for approval to their Grade Level Dean. Students are required to make up the hours missed to complete the graduation expectations in consultation with Public Purpose Program Director Alan Wesson.

The following are the policies of the LWHS McCullough Library:

• The library is open daily from 7:45am to 5pm.
• The library is intended to be a workspace for students and adults, and not a social space. All class blocks as well as every tutorial period is designated as quiet work time.
• The check-out period for library materials is four weeks.
• LWHS does not charge any overdue fees for materials but does require payment for materials lost or damaged.
• The library will hold a student’s yearbook until all materials borrowed from the library are returned or replaced. 

A public photocopy machine is located in the library. Students may not use the photocopy machine in the Faculty Lounge and should not ask teachers to make personal copies.

The school’s food service program is run by a professional chef and is open for service from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM daily. LWHS offers a daily hot entree, a sandwich and snack selection, and a salad bar.

• Lunch (an entrée, or a sandwich, or a large salad, or a small salad and soup) is included in the cost of tuition for all students.
• Those who wish to purchase other items must set up a prepaid account handled by the Business Office, who will issue an individual PIN.
• Students purchase food by entering their PIN at the cashier station. Updated information about the Food Service Program, including monthly menus and prices, is available through the school website.

In order to provide a nutritious snack for those staying on campus, free fruit is available to students in the cafeteria daily at approximately 1:00 PM daily.

The cafeteria does not sell water in plastic bottles. Students should bring their own reusable water bottle and fill it at one of the water dispensers located in the main building.

Please be aware:

• Every student must enter their own PIN for every item they purchase from the cafeteria. Walking away with food, even with the intention of coming back later to pay, is not acceptable. Such actions are considered stealing and will be reported to the Dean of Students.
• When a student’s account is overdrawn ($75 or more) they will be notified by the business office and will be restricted from further purchases until the balance is paid.
• There is no picking or grazing allowed from the salad bar. This is also a form of theft and compromises food safety.
• No student may cut in front of others in the cafeteria lines or be allowed into the line by a friend.
• Using another student’s PIN, with or without their consent, is never allowed. Doing so is considered a disciplinary infraction and will be addressed by the Dean of Students.

Textbooks are distributed twice a year: a week before school starts in the Fall and then again the week before the second semester begins, usually in early January. Notices will be sent out through the Business Office to inform all students of book pick-up dates. The cost of textbooks is included in the student tuition. Additional books will be given out in class. School textbooks must be returned at the end of the school year—a return bookstore is available during spring final exams.

During the school year students can purchase:

• Additional books, replacement books, BART discount tickets, MUNI Fast Passes, and some limited supplies through the Business Services Office during regular school hours (8 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM–4:30 PM).
• Purchases can be paid with a check, cash, or a credit card.

In addition to an extensive athletic program, LWHS offers a wide range of activity programs such as the Student Council and clubs. Clubs include the Community Action Club, BSU, A.S.I.A., Latinos Unidos, LWOW, and the Environmental Club. Volunteer opportunities include College Hosts, Open House guides, and Shadow visit hosts for 8th graders. Students also have the opportunity to produce publications such as The Paper Tiger, Lit Mag, and Yearbook, or participate in performance opportunities outside of the classroom, including the WAVES or MUSES a capella groups, the One Act plays, the Fall play, and Spring Musical.

For safety, security and equity reasons, non-employee academic coaches and tutors may not meet with LWHS students on-campus. On a case-by-case basis, exceptions will be considered. The Learning Strategies Director in consultation with the Dean Team may grant exceptions.

Because of LWHS’ small size and urban location, the campus is generally open for students to come and go provided they do not miss any classes. Students are required to sign out at the front desk (with Molly French) when they leave campus and sign back in upon their return. Students are responsible for time management when off campus, and as such, a late bus or waiting for a sandwich order are not valid excuses for being late to class.

Students leaving campus during school hours do so at their own risk; the school is not responsible for student safety while they are off campus. LWHS is not immune to urban risks. Common sense and awareness of one’s surroundings are important as one leaves campus. Here are some practical safety suggestions:

• Be careful around traffic. Ocean and Geneva Avenues are busy thoroughfares filled with cars and public transportation. Cross at the light and in the crosswalk. Don’t play or loiter in the street or around the streetcar tracks.
• Don’t wear conspicuous jewelry, watches, iPods, or valuable warm-up jackets, and don’t flash large amounts of cash. If you need money for the MUNI, transfer what you need from your wallet to your pocket before leaving school.
• Walk in groups, especially at night.
• When riding the bus, choose a single seat or an aisle seat near the driver.
• Don’t get boxed into a window seat or a seat in the back. Learn the bus schedules to minimize waiting at bus stops (use nextmuni.com). After late practice or rehearsal, try to get a ride instead of taking public transportation.
• Anticipate problem situations. If you see or are approached by a threatening person or group of people, cross the street, go into a store, or do whatever seems necessary for your safety. Trust your instincts. Do not try to act “tough.”

Parking is a problem in this neighborhood; therefore, we encourage students to use public transportation or car pool. Should you need to drive please adhere to the following rules:

• Do not park in the white zone on Ocean Avenue. If ticketed, students are responsible for paying their own fines.
• At the end of the school day, cars tend to congregate by the front entrance. Please do not block traffic by double parking.
• No student may park in the parking lot without a doctor identified medical reason, approved by the Facilities Director and Dean of Students.
• Students participating in an after school activity—e.g. play practice and sporting events—may park in the school parking lot after 3:30.
• Students may not drive other students to and from school events and field trips during school hours.

If bicycles are ridden to school they should be parked and locked around the perimeter of the school in accordance with SF laws and regulations. Students assume full responsibility for their bicycles and park them at their own risk. Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters may not to be ridden on campus.

The cleanliness of the campus is the responsibility of all students and adults in the community. Because trash and garbage can smell and attract ants and vermin, it is essential that each student be responsible for cleaning up after themself in the halls, gymnasium, cafeteria, and outside.

• Litter should be deposited in trash containers.
• Plates, bowls, and silverware should be scraped clean in the compost bin and be returned to the cafeteria dish bins 5 minutes before lunch ends.
• LWHS is committed to stewardship of the environment. All community members are to recycle and compost. Use the recycling bins for paper, glass, plastic and aluminum. Use composting containers for all food scraps and used napkins.
• During the year, all students are expected to serve on cafeteria clean up duty with their advising groups for one week.

No eating is allowed in the theater, computer rooms, gymnasium, library, or lower hallway classrooms in the main building. Students should not eat in the halls, though an exception will be made during inclement weather or for advising. In addition, teachers may declare their rooms to be a “no eating zone.”

In the main building, there are designated break-out work spaces adjacent to classrooms and offices. These spaces are for both student and adult use. There are defined school-wide norms in these spaces and all community members are expected to embrace and act in accordance with these norms. Community members who violate these norms will be asked to leave the break-out space.

LWHS often has visitors asks that everyone shows them courtesy.

The school asks all visitors to sign in when they arrive on campus, and to wear the school approved security badge. During the school day visitors may come on campus only for school business. Students should not invite friends on campus to socialize, which can be disruptive.

Students who want to bring visitors to school must clear their visit in advance with the deans and have them check in when they arrive. Any individuals who do not check in will be treated as intruders. If there is someone on campus who does not appear to belong here, please inform any administrator or the receptionist. If a guest is on campus without an approved security badge, they will be treated as an intruder.

LWHS sponsors three dances during the school year, each chaperoned by members of the faculty and administration. The purpose of dances is to provide a safe and fun opportunity for students to socialize and relax. Students are expected to behave respectfully in exchange for this privilege. School dances are not house parties or nightclubs. Below are specific rules each LWHS faculty, student, and parent should review prior to attending a school dance:

• All school rules apply. As is the case with all school functions, alcohol, drugs, weapons, and tobacco products are strictly forbidden. Guests also must follow our school rules.
• Any student who comes to a dance intoxicated, is under the influence of drugs, or brings illegal drugs or alcohol to a dance, will face significant disciplinary consequences, which are reportable to colleges. The school may conduct a combination of random and suspicion-based drug and alcohol testing, including the use of breathalyzer testing, and the inspection of personal belongings, both on school property and at venues contracted for LWHS events.
• There are no ins and outs at school dances; once a student leaves a dance, they may not return.
• Appropriate attire is expected at all dances. Students wearing clothing that is inappropriate will be asked to cover up or leave the dance.
• Students who choose to attend a school dance must maintain the same level of respect toward classmates and faculty chaperones that they would show at any other school function. LWHS students and/or guests engaging in sexually explicit styles of dance (i.e. “freaking” or “grinding”) will be warned to desist, and will be asked to leave the dance if they continue. 

LWHS students are limited in the number of guests they can bring to a school-sponsored dance. All guests must complete a Dance Guest Form, available at the Dean of Students’ office. Guests must show a current high school ID card and must be accompanied by the LWHS student who invited them upon entering a dance. Eighth graders are not permitted at LWHS dances nor are guests over the age of 20.

Dance Hours: 8–11pm on campus; 8–11pm off campus.

LWHS students are expected to learn how to live and thrive in a diverse school community, cultivating an attitude of respect towards the self and others in personal interactions, verbal communication, and in dress. There are many reasons to define a dress norm as part of any school community including:

• Respect for the varied cultural and religious beliefs of community members
• Support equity and inclusion specific to access to "styles" and "brands"
• Challenge the societal endorsement of unrealistic body expectations and/or definitions of beauty. 

To this end, LWHS students are expected to refrain from attire that does not reflect a culture and community of respect. This means:

• Clothes displaying images and/or text related to violence, sex, drugs, alcohol, profanity, and hate speech are forbidden.
• Shoes, shirts and bottoms must be worn at all times.
• Underwear/undergarments of any kind should never be visible. Avoid clothing that displays undergarments.
• Students must change clothes in the bathrooms or locker rooms and not in public spaces. 
• Students should always follow particular dress norms for specific classes, for example, protective eye wear in science or closed-toe shoes in in the tech arts.

Students are expected to comply with any LWHS adult’s request to address a violation of the dress code. Those who refuse to comply will be sent to the Dean of Students. Students who repeatedly ignore the dress norms will be required to meet with the Dean of Students.

School information is available on the school website (www.lwhs.org), the telephone switchboard (415.333.4021), the eTiger Sunday newsletter, video screens in the foyer, café, and theatre lobby, and bulletin boards around the school.

LWHS provides technology resources to students, faculty and staff for educational purposes. Use of computer labs, hardware, software and the network is a privilege. LWHS expects that students will exercise good judgment when using the school’s technology resources, recognizing the public nature of the space, and that all school rules apply. Abuse of this privilege will be dealt with on an individual basis by the Director of Technology and/or Dean of Students. Any use of electronic resources, including the internet, is bound by applicable U.S. Federal and California State laws.

Any accident that requires attention should be reported to the Dean of Student’s office immediately.

• First-aid supplies can be obtained at the Front Desk or the Athletic Office.
• The Dean of Students should be notified if a student is ill or needs medical attention.
• Students must not leave campus in such circumstances without the knowledge of someone in the Front Office who will call their parents. 

Student accident and sports insurance coverage, intended only to supplement family policies, is provided for students. The coverage extends to certain injuries sustained by students while engaged in activities at school or in connection with school events. The insurance coverage is subject to a number of definitions, terms, conditions, and expectations which are set forth in the insurance policies. A copy of each of the policies is available for inspection in the Business Office. Claim forms are available in the Business Office or the Athletic Office. The insurance company requires forms be submitted within 20 days of the accident.

The school requests that parents/guardians inform a student’s advisor and Grade Level Dean when they are on medication.

• In the case that a student is taking a medication that alters or impairs their ability to use machinery of any kind, and is enrolled in a Technical Arts class, the parent/guardian must inform the Technical Arts teacher.
• Additionally, the school does not administer pain-reliever or fever-reducer without parental permission.
• The school will hold emergency medications such as an Epi-pen and insulin, when provided by families. Contact the Dean of Students for more information.