VISION STATEMENT

Handbook 2007/2008

DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT

Every student will graduate from Duval County Public Schools with the knowledge and skills to be successful in post-secondary education and/or the work force.

There will be “no achievement gap.”

VISION STATEMENT

Mandarin High School

Our school will develop knowledgeable, responsible, confident, self-reliant individuals who possess skills
necessary to cooperate and function successfully in an increasingly competitive global society.

Goals established by the School Advisory Committee:

Our school will strive to nurture a positive, culturally diverse environment where faculty, staff, students, parents, and community members can interact and develop into a cohesive union fostering an excellent educational environment.

ACADEMICS

The National Honor Society chapter of Mandarin High School is a chartered and affiliated chapter of this prestigious national organization. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in four areas of evaluation: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Standards for selection are established by the NASSP Department of Student Activities and have been revised to meet our local county needs. Students are selected to be members by a five-member Faculty Council, appointed by the principal, which bestows this honor upon qualified students on behalf of the faculty of our school.

Students in the 11th or 12th grades are eligible for membership. For the scholarship criteria, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better and be a student at Mandarin for a full semester before the selection process starts. Those students who meet these criteria are invited to complete a Student Activity Information Form that provides the Faculty Council with information regarding the candidate’s leadership and service. A history of leadership experiences and participation in school or community service is required.

To evaluate a candidate’s character, the faculty council uses two forms of input: first, school disciplinary records are reviewed, along with attendance history; second, all members of the faculty are solicited for input regarding their professional reflections on a candidate’s character and leadership. These forms and the Student Activity Information Forms are carefully reviewed by the Faculty Council to determine membership. A majority vote of the council is necessary for selection. Candidates are notified regarding selection or non-selection according to a predetermined schedule.

Following notification, a formal induction ceremony is held at the school to recognize all the newly selected members. Once inducted, new members are required to maintain the same level of performance in all four criteria that led to their selection. This obligation includes regular attendance at chapter meetings held monthly during the school year and participation in service projects for a total of 16 hours per semester. Tutoring on campus for 4 hours per semester is also required and part of the 16 hours. There is also a yearly fund raiser. Students or parents who have questions regarding the selection process or membership obligations can contact the chapter advisers.

ACTIVITY CALENDAR

Activities during the week are described on the Mustang News, which airs every day during first period. We have a newsletter and also a school website: www.MandarinHigh.org. All other questions concerning activities should be directed to the Student Activities office in Room H-105.

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

The Mustang Athletic Boosters are the envy of the city. No other booster organization supports its teams with the dedication and passion that our boosters do. This level of support has enabled our Mustang teams to win the coveted Gateway Conference All-Sports Trophy the majority of the years of our school’s existence.

The MABC also offers a $500.00 scholarship to 1 male & 1 female athlete. Membership is open to the entire community. Prices range from $25.00 to $1,000.00. For information on how you can become a part of the team, please contact Mrs. Tammie Talley, Mandarin’s Athletic Director at 260–3911 ext.124.

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

The athletic department at Mandarin High welcomes and invites all students to participate in interscholastic athletics. To be eligible to participate in extracurricular student activities (sports, band, chorus, cheerleading) the student must have a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or its equivalent, in all courses taken that are required by s.232.245 (1), Florida Statutes, at the conclusion of each semester to be eligible during the following semester. A student whose cumulative high school grade point average is below a 2.0 on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or their equivalents, in all courses taken that are required by s.232.245 (1), Florida Statutes, at the conclusion of a semester shall not be eligible during the following semester.

A student shall be eligible during the first semester of his/her ninth-grade year provided that it is the student’s first entry into the ninth grade and he/she was regularly promoted from the eighth grade the immediate preceding year.

A student who is ineligible during the second semester of his/her ninth-grade year or during the first semester of his/her 10th grade year because the student’s cumulative high school grade point average was below a 2.0 at the conclusion of the previous semester and continues to be below a 2.0 at the conclusion of the semester of ineligibility may regain his/her eligibility for the following semester provided:

(a) the student signs an academic performance contract with his/her school at the beginning of the semester in which he/she is ineligible that states, at a minimum, that the student will attend summer school, or it’s equivalent, AND

(b) earns a grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or its equivalent, in all courses taken during the semester of ineligibility.

Before a student may practice and/or participate, he or she must present a birth certificate for age verification, a completely filled out and signed physical exam form (available at the school) dated after May 15, 2005, and proof of medical insurance. All questions regarding athletic eligibility should be referred to the athletic director.

SPORTS OFFERED

Fall Sports

JV & Varsity Boys Tackle Football JV & Varsity Girls Volleyball

Boys & Girls Swimming Boys & Girls Cross Country

Boys & Girls Golf Girls Slow Pitch Softball

Winter Sports

Boys & Girls Basketball (JV & V) Boys & Girls Soccer (JV & V)

Boys Wrestling Girls Bowling

Spring Sports

Boys & Girls Tennis Boys & Girls Track

JV & Varsity Boys Baseball JV & Varsity Girls Fast Pitch Softball

JV & Varsity Girls Flag Football Girls Weightlifting

ATTENDANCE POLICY

School attendance is the direct responsibility of parents and students.

All students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time for classes to benefit from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility.

During each grading period, the teacher shall notify parents by phone or in writing on or before the third absence of the student from any class period or school day. Within each grading period parents shall be notified in writing upon the fifth absence of the student from any class period or school day to request their cooperation in preventing further absences.

Any student who misses more than (4) four days on a four-by-four block schedule during one grading period must meet both criteria below to be eligible for a passing grade (A-D) in that course:

1. The student passes the required comprehensive quarter exam or the required comprehensive project in the course. A comprehensive exam or comprehensive project will be given to all students in all courses for each grading period, and

2. The student has an overall passing grade in the course for the grading period.

Students who are absent shall receive a grade of O (Zero) for work missed for the day(s) or class period(s) in which the absence(s) occur. Students shall be responsible for making up missed work for each absence. Students shall receive 100% credit for all make-up work for all absences completed within the allotted time, (i.e. a day of make-up work for each day of absence when appropriate, or as determined by the principal.)

Students with unexcused absences shall be held accountable through provisions in the Code of Student Conduct.

Readmit Procedure:

See - READMITS

BPA (Business Cooperative Education Work Program)

Business Professionals of America is a national student organization composed of state associations and local chapters serving persons pursuing careers in business and office occupations. This organization provides the opportunity for the development of leadership skills, personal and professional growth and career related competencies.

Business Professionals of America will enhance social awareness, civic responsibility and understanding of the business community.

The mission of Business Professionals of America is to contribute to the preparation of a world class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills.

For additional information about this great organization, contact the Business Technology Department at 260-3911 ext.145.

CAFETERIA POLICY

1. Food may be eaten only in the cafeteria. No student is permitted to eat lunch in the plaza.

2. Food may not be taken outside of the cafeteria.

3. The patio areas on either side of the cafeteria are for SENIORS only.

4. Backpacks and bookbags are not permitted in the food serving areas.

5. Students are to remove dinner trays and clear their tables before leaving the cafeteria.

6. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

7. Good manners and courtesy are to be followed.

8. Throwing food or other objects in the cafeteria is a suspension offense.

9. Stealing of food is a suspension offense.

10. Students are restricted to the cafeteria or the plaza during their lunch period. Students are not to be in the halls during lunch and should not go beyond the drawn yellow lines.

CHEATING

Will result in a zero grade on the test or quiz and parent notification. Repeated offenses may result in suspension.

CHECK-IN PROCEDURES

Students are expected to arrive on time. Any student late to school due to a late bus arrival will be issued a pass at the bus-loading zone. This pass will admit them to class.

All students late to school for any other reason should report to the TARDY BOOTH. These students will be given a tardy slip that will allow them to enter class. Students who are late because of doctor or dental appointments must have a verification of their appointment from the doctor’s office at the time they return to school.

Students arriving on campus after 1st period should report to the tardy booth to sign in. These students will be given a pass to class.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES

In order to check out of school, a student must present a note to the appropriate Dean’s office stating the time and reason for the request to leave school, all such notes should be turned in before 9:00 a.m. This note must be from either the parent or legal guardian of the student and must include a telephone number at which the parent or guardian can be reached for verification. No student will be permitted to check out without this verification. The student must sign out in the Dean’s office before leaving campus. Leaving campus without permission is a most serious offense and will subject the student to disciplinary action.

CHEERLEADERS

The primary function of the Mandarin High School cheerleading program is to support interscholastic athletics. The squad has the responsibility to uphold, to reflect and to project the goals and ideals of the school and community.

A Mandarin High School cheerleader’s first responsibility is to his/her academic program. A cheerleader must be enrolled in school, attend class regularly and must maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

The Varsity Squad is 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Junior Varsity is 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. Freshmen may not cheer on Varsity.

CLASS RANK

All students shall be ranked seven times: (1) at the completion of the 9th grade; (2) at the end of September in the 10th grade; (3) at the completion of the 10th grade; (4) at the end of September in the 11th grade; (5) at the completion of the 11th grade; (6) at the end of September in the 12th grade; and (7) three-quarters of the way through the completion of the 12th grade. The grade point average shall be computed by including all classes taken. Advanced classes will be weighted. Note that this weighting of advanced classes is only for the purposes of ranking. It is not included in the determination of eligibility for academic promotion.

CLOSED CAMPUS

Duval County School Board policy does not allow students to leave campus for lunch. We solicit the help of all parents in this matter. Students will be subject to suspension for leaving the school premises without administrative permission.

We ask that parents refrain from bringing fast food from outside sources as it creates a disruption to the normal lunch routine.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Band	BASIC	Best Buddies	BET
BPA	Brain Brawl	Chai Five	Cheerleaders (Varsity & JV)
Chess Club	Chorus	Debate Club	DECA
Drama Club	Earthwatch	Exemplar	Federation Of Ultimate Frisbee
Fellowship Of Christian Athletes	First Down Club	Forensics	French Club
Fresh	Freshman Class	Green Thumb Cub	Interact
International Club	Junior Civitans	Junior Class	Junior Women
Key Club	Lacrosse	Latin Club	Legion Of Gentleman
Magics	Mandarin High Ministries	Medical Careers	National Honor Society
NJROTC	Photo Club	Robotics Club	Senior Class
Senior Women	Sisters Of Elegance	SLICE	SOS
Sophomore Class	Spanish Club	Spanish Club Honor Society	Student Council
Unheard Voices	Women Of Essence

CREDITS TO GRADUATE

English (4)

Mathematics (3)

Science (3)

Soc. Science (3)

Additional Math or Science (1)

Performing Art (1) or 1/2

Practical Art (1) or 1/2

Life Mgmt (1/2)

Pers. Fitness (1/2)

Phys. Ed. (1/2)

Electives (7 ½)

TOTAL 24

Note that a GPA of 2.0 or higher is required for promotion from one grade to the next and to graduate.

DECA

DECA is a national organization designed to prepare students to be successful in Marketing careers and entrepreneurial activities. At Mandarin High School, all juniors and seniors enrolled in one marketing education class are members of DECA. Students also participate in the Marketing work program.

Our students learn marketing principles that prepare them for college and the workplace. They also apply these concepts to entrepreneurial activities, their individual job training situations and various service projects.

DECA students compete in selected marketing topics at the district, state and national levels. These topics include advertising, sales, hospitality services, finance, general marketing and sports/entertainment marketing. For more information, see Mr. Lanny Smith in room C-209.

DELIVERIES

The administrative offices will not accept and/or handle deliveries of flowers, candy, balloons and other presents to students. The offices do not have the staff to accommodate these deliveries and the items have caused distraction and even disruption of classroom and campus activity. We ask for the assistance of all parents and friends of our students in this matter.

DETENTION

Detention is held after school in the cafeteria Monday through Thursday from 2:25 to 3:25. Students late to detention will not be admitted and will face disciplinary action for not serving the assigned detention. Students must bring appropriate study materials. There is no sleeping allowed. Violations of these or any other rules of the detention period will result in the student being dismissed from the detention period. Further disciplinary action will result.

DISCIPLINE ALTERNATIVES FOR STUDENT MISCONDUCT

The administration reserves the right to skip one or more of the options described depending on the severity of the offense and the repeated misconduct of the student.

1. Teacher/Student conference

2. Teacher initiated discipline (such as after-school detention with the teacher)

3. Teacher/Parent conference

4. Teacher/Parent/Dean/Counselor conference

5. Administrative referral (Dean’s)

a. after school detention

b. suspension (When students are suspended, they are not allowed on campus without a parent. If they are caught on campus without a parent, they are subject to arrest for trespassing.)

6. Administration/parent conference

7. Principal involvement

8. Assignment to Student Option for Success classes

9. In-School suspension

10. Loss of Parking pass

11. Police involvement (if appropriate)

12. Recommendation for expulsion.

DRESS CODE

The Duval County School Board Code of Student Conduct provides a general dress code for students in the Duval County public school system. The following items are presented as clarification of those policies and are in addition to the Code of Conduct.

1. I.D.’s MUST be worn at ALL times and visible.

2. Halter-tops, tank-tops, backless tops, tops with thin or no straps, midriff tops, or tops that overexpose the body are not to be worn on campus (shirts or blouses that expose flesh while sitting or when arms are extended are inappropriate). The minimum width of all straps is three (3) inches.

3. See-through or mesh garments are not to be worn on campus.

4. Form-fitting or overly tight clothing shall not be worn on campus.

5. Shorts, skirts, or dresses shall be no shorter than 4” above the top of the knee.

6. Garments such as boxer shorts, traditionally worn as under garments, may not be worn as outer garments. Both legs of trousers and pants should be worn down at all times.

7. Clothing and accessories that display profanity, violence, discriminatory messages, or sexually suggestive phrases are not to be worn on campus. Clothing items that display advertisements for alcohol, tobacco, or drug products are not to be worn on campus.

Clothing items that display satanic images (i.e. pentagram) are not to be worn on campus.

8. Head-coverings, including but not limited to caps, hats, bandannas, hair curlers, and hair picks are not permitted on campus during school hours. Sunglasses may not be worn inside the classrooms.

9. Hair must be neatly and properly groomed at all times. No style or color that is determined by the administration to be disruptive or distractive may be worn. Hair coloring other than natural hair colors is prohibited.

10. The waistband of shorts, slacks, skirts and similar garments must be worn above the hips. If belts, suspenders, or straps are worn, they must be worn in place and fastened.

11. Any article of clothing or jewelry that may cause injury to a student (i.e. chains, spiked dog collars, spiked wrist bracelets) may not be worn on campus.

12. Articles of clothing that have been torn or have holes in them are not to be worn on campus.

13. Any body piercing that is determined (by the administration) to be disruptive or create a distraction to the learning environment is not to be worn on campus. Jewelry worn through the eyebrow, nose, lip, etc. is not permitted on campus. Students need to check with the individual dean in this regard.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

• Cellular telephones may be brought to school, but must be stored in a locker or automobile. The telephone must be kept in an “off” mode while on school property during regular school hours. Any student who chooses to bring a cellular phone to school shall do so at his or her own risk. School personnel shall not be responsible for loss or theft of the telephone. If a cellular telephone is found on the student, or in a purse/book bag, he/she will receive 2 days of After School Detention.

• Lasers, Walkman radios, CD players and any other electronic devices are not permitted on campus during the school day.

• All prohibited devices found on campus will be confiscated and can only be released to a parent or guardian. The student will face disciplinary action.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Emergency drills will be held regularly as specified in School Board Policy and State Board of Education regulations. All students will comply with established evacuation procedures and the specified instructions of staff personnel.

FIGHTING

Fighting is not tolerated for any reason. Both students will be suspended and possibly arrested, and in some cases, recommended to an alternative school.

FIRST AID AND MEDICATION

Minor first aid is provided in the Dean’s office (no Tylenol, Aspirin, etc.) If a student becomes ill, the office will make contact with the parent or guardian and make every effort to check the student out of school. Students must obtain a hall pass from the classroom teacher before coming to the office for this purpose.

Medication: All prescription medications being taken by students must be checked in with the appropriate Dean’s office. All medication should be in the original container with the doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and times that the medication is to be taken. Students who require medication while at school must have a Parent Authorization Form completed by their parent. These forms are available in the office. All medication must be maintained in the Dean’s office for distribution. Students will be given a Medication Hall Pass, which will enable the student to come to the Dean’s office at the proper time.

FREE/REDUCED LUNCH

Students eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch need to fill out the 2005-2006 application form completely. Forms are to be returned to Dean Thomas’ office.

GRADING

In grading a student, the teacher takes into consideration a great many factors. A few of the most important are listed under the respective grades:

Grade A:

1. Student consistently does more than is required.

2. Is always alert and takes an active part in class discussion.

3. Is prompt, neat, and thorough in all work and usually free from teacher’s correction.

4. Has enthusiasm for and interest in his/her work.

Grade B:

1. Frequently does more than is required.

2. Usually alert to the situation at hand.

3. Careful in complying with assignments.

4. Has ability to apply the general principles of the course.

Grade C:

1. Does what is required.

2. Is willing to apply himself during the class time.

3. Does daily preparation with comparative freedom from carelessness.

4. Has ability to retain collectively the general principles of the course.

Grade D:

1. Usually does a little less than is required.

2. Is listless and inattentive in class.

3. Frequently misunderstands assignments.

4. Retains fragments of the general principles of the course.

Grade F:

1. Lacks the above qualities to the extent that he/she cannot or will not do the work.

Grading Scale

A Excellent (90-100)

B Very Good (80-89)

C Satisfactory (70-79)

D Unsatisfactory (60-69)

F Failing (59 or below)

I Incomplete

GRADUATION PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS

Participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege, not a right of the student. It is essential that students attend all practices for the ceremony and that they maintain good behavior during the practices. The criteria, which must be met in order to participate in the ceremony, are distributed in senior homerooms and are discussed at the senior assembly in the spring.

GUIDANCE

A. Guidance Counselors are assigned to students through alphabetical distribution.

B. Appointments – Students wishing an appointment with their guidance counselor should come by the guidance office before 1st period or during lunch and fill out an appointment request form. The counselor will then send an appointment slip to the appropriate classroom teacher for the student. The student will be allowed to come to the guidance office at the appointed time. This appointment slip will also be used as a readmit slip to return to class.

C. Credit Checks

1. Credit Checks are made available to students each year when the cumulative PRC is sent home with the final report card. Students are asked to keep these PRC’s, as they are an official record of all completed course work to date. These PRC’s are printed yearly and therefore repeated requests for updated PRC’s are unnecessary. However, if a student feels there is an error on the PRC, he or she should make an appointment with his/her counselor.

2. Individual credit evaluations are done during registration each year prior to the scheduling of classes for the coming year.

3. Seniors have additional credit checks in the fall of their senior year. This is done to ensure graduation requirements are being met.

HALL PASSES

During class time, students may not be in the halls without a valid hall pass or other written authorization issued by a teacher or administrator. Students are not to leave the classroom the first 15 minutes of class. No hall passes may be issued during the last 30 minutes of the period. ONLY ONE STUDENT WILL BE RELEASED ON A PASS. Students in the hall without a hall pass are considered to be skipping class and will be subject to disciplinary action.

HOLIDAYS

(See SCHOOL CALENDAR)

HOMEWORK

Homework is an important part of the educational process. It not only aids in one’s overall academic programs, but it also teaches responsibility which is an important part of today’s world. A student may expect to spend at least 45 minutes daily outside the class in order to meet success.

Parents requesting homework for students who are ill should contact the Guidance Office. Please allow two school days to complete the request. Assignments may be picked up from the guidance receptionist.

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

All students will have a student identification card (ID). ID cards will be created through the textbook registration office. These cards will contain student picture, student number and student classification (Fr., Soph., Jr., and Sr.). Students are required to wear their ID on either the lanyard provided by Mandarin High or a lanyard deemed acceptable by the administration. Students who do not have their ID cards on campus will be directed to the appropriate Dean’s office. If the student is unable to have the ID brought to campus or if the ID has been lost, the student will face disciplinary actions ranging from after-school detention to suspension from school (for repeated offenses). If the ID is lost, the student will have to purchase a new ID from the textbook registration office. There is a $5.00 charge for this new ID. Student ID’s are required when entering the classroom, tardy office, dean’s office, attendance office, library and cafeteria. The initial ID is provided without cost. As mentioned above, there will be a charge for replacement ID’s.

INTERNET AND COMPUTER ACCESS

Advances in telecommunications and other related technologies have fundamentally altered the ways in which information is accessed, communicated and transferred in our society. The Duval County Public School District (District) is pleased to provide computer technology and networks, including the Internet, to its students while in the educational setting. The District encourages students to utilize these resources in order to promote educational excellence in our schools by providing them with the opportunity to develop the resource sharing, innovation, and communication skills and tools which will be essential to life and work in the 21st century.

With this opportunity comes the responsibility for acceptable use. It is the policy of the District that all technology used will be used in a responsible, legal and ethical manner. Failure to do so will result in the termination of computer and/or network privileges for the user or other disciplinary action. Use of such resources is a privilege, not a right. Students who violate the Computer and Internet Access guidelines will be subject to one or more days suspension from school, plus possible loss of future network and Internet access.

As Internet users, we all must be aware that many issues surround the Internet. Access to the Internet provides opportunities for students to explore thousands of resources throughout the world; however, interspersed within the information lies an abundance of material inappropriate for student use. Access to the Internet will open classrooms and students to electronic information resources that have not been screened by educators for use by students of various ages. It is the responsibility of all users, staff and students alike, to ensure that at all times when in the Duval County Public Schools, the computers, the network and the Internet are being used only for educational purposes. Student use of all computer technology including Internet access will be under the supervision of Duval County Public School staff.

The District may not be able to technologically limit access to services through the District’s Internet connection to only those that have been authorized for the purpose of instruction, study and research related to the curriculum. The District has implemented technology protection measures that filter Internet access to block visual displays that are obscene, pornographic or harmful to minors, but this technology is not 100% effective. The District utilizes software and/or hardware to monitor online activity of students and staff members to restrict access to pornography and other materials that are obscene, objectionable, inappropriate and/or harmful to minors. The Student Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety policy, guidelines and Parent Permission form are available at www.educationcentral.org/intech or are attached. They should be read carefully and understood by all computer users. As the parents/guardians of a Duval County Public School student, you are asked to review this information and go over it in detail with your child so that everyone understands. If you have any questions about the Policy, please direct them to Division of Technology Instructional Technology at 4019 Boulevard Center Drive, Jacksonville, Fl 32207, and (904) 348-7100.

In order for your child to gain access to the computers and the Internet, he/she must have a current signed parent permission form on file. This permission WILL NOT be given unless parents return the form to their school each year. It is anticipated that most parents will want their children to have access to both the computer technology and the Internet. It is possible, however, that some parents might object and would not want their children to utilize computers and/or to access the Internet at school. Duval County Public Schools WILL NOT assume that parents give their permission for access to computers and the Internet unless the form is returned to the school indicating a desire to grant student access to computers and/or the Internet. Parents and guardians assume risk by consenting to allow their child to participate in the use of computers and the Internet. The Duval County Public Schools support and respect each family’s right to decide whether to apply for independent individual student access to computers and the Internet.

Form letters will be distributed during orientation. They are also distributed through Guidance to new registering students. Forms should be turned in A.S.A.P. since permission is required for any Internet usage in the classrooms and on campus. INTERNET PERMISSION CARDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH BOOKLAND AFTER PERMISSION LETTERS ARE PROCESSED.

LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER POLICIES

The Mandarin High Media Center is an outstanding research facility featuring a collection of over 24,000 books, online data bases and Internet access computers. The Center also encourages leisure reading through programs and annual celebrations, such as Teen Read Week. Our outstanding readers are recognized at the MHS annual award ceremony at the end of the year.

All students must abide by the policies and decisions set forth by the library staff and administration. Students are required to have a visible ID for entry, use a quiet voice in the facility and have an official pass when coming from the classroom. Eating, drinking and chewing gum are not permitted. Students must abide by the Code of Conduct in regard to behavior and dress.

Official library passes will be required for students out of class. Passes will be presented and stamped upon entry into the center. Students will return to class before the end of the period.

Internet usage in the media center requires “Internet Granted” on the student ID. Students must turn in a signed parent permission letter, annually, to Bookland. Failure to follow rules concerning usage of the Internet may result in loss of Internet privileges and disciplinary action from the appropriate Dean’s office.

The Media Center is open from 6:40 AM to 3:00 pm Monday – Thursday and 2:30pm on Friday. Extended hours will be posted. Extended hours are provided to enable students to attend after-school tutoring, and to provide resources for research projects.

LOCKS AND LOCKERS

Locks are the property of the school. The fee for rental of a lock is $5.00. The student has the use of that lock for the year. Lockers are selected/assigned at the beginning of the school year during registration. Difficulties with locks and/or lockers during the school year should be reported to the Main Office. All locks will be turned in at the end of the school year. If the lock is lost, the student will be charged for the cost of the lock.

LOST OR STOLEN PROPERTY

Items of personal property found on campus should be taken to the Dean’s office. Lost or stolen items should be reported to the teacher immediately. The teacher will most likely direct the student to the appropriate Dean’s office to report the loss. Articles left unclaimed at the end of the school year will be donated to charity or similar organization.

MAKE-UP WORK

It is the responsibility of the student, upon return to school from an absence, to determine all work missed and arrange any make-up session needed. Students will have as many days as were missed to complete/turn in missed assignments and take missed exams. Note that teachers may establish absolute deadlines for project work to be turned in. Students not meeting this deadline due to absence may (at the prerogative of the individual teacher) be given a grade of zero on the project.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE

Parent/teacher conferences can be arranged through the guidance office by calling 260-3911 (ext. 111). Please allow at least 2 days for a conference to be arranged. Parents are encouraged to set up a conference whenever there is a need.

PARKING REGULATIONS

Upon arriving at school, students should park their vehicle in the designated area for student parking. Parking passes can be purchased for $20.00 during registration and in Mr. McCandless’ office once the school year has started. The following parking regulations will apply:

1. All private vehicles parked on school grounds must be registered with the school and must display a current parking pass.

2. All students must be licensed and covered by insurance. THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE OR ITS CONTENTS.

3. There shall be no loitering or visitation in the parking lot. Students are not allowed in the student parking lot between classes unless given permission by the appropriate dean.

a. Student parking lot is off limits after 7:15

4. There will be no driving at excessive speed or any form of reckless driving on school grounds.

5. Student vehicles may be subject to search if there are reasonable grounds to believe that drugs, alcohol, stolen property, or other contraband might be present in the vehicle.

6. Students taking other students off campus who have not “checked out” will lose their driving privilege and face suspension from school. Any student leaving campus without permission will forfeit his or her parking pass for the next grading period.

7. A set of parking regulations will be given to each student purchasing a parking pass. These regulations will be strictly enforced. Parking on school grounds is a privilege.

A. PROCEDURES ON ENTERING AND LEAVING STUDENT PARKING LOT

1. After entering student drive, parents dropping off students need to proceed in the right hand lane for drop area in student parking lot.

2. Students with parking passes will proceed in middle lane to student parking lot to designated parking spot.

3. Students should not be dropped off in front of school entrance.

B. STUDENT PICK UP AREA (students will be picked up daily in the area of the pool). Maps will be issued with parking pass

C. PARKING PERMITS

1. All permits need to be attached to rear view mirror and visible at all times.

2. If parking decal is lost, student will fabricate a decal using block numbers. The materials used should be cardboard and the Assistant Principal (male) must sign off on it.

3. Students with permits cannot lend decals to other students. This practice could result in the loss of parking permit for the remainder of the semester.

4. Failure to display decal may result in the towing of your vehicle.

5. Students are required to park in their assigned spot only. Failure to do so may result in the towing of your vehicle.

6. Vehicles towed can be picked up at A&B Body Shop (9401 Old Kings Rd. South, Phone Number, 268-1234).

7. Students will police the area around their assigned parking space for trash and debris (keep the student parking lot free of trash).

D. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS (citation may be issued)

1. Seat Belts not in use

2. Speeding (posted speed limit on campus is 5 MPH).

3. Careless driving

4. Reckless Driving

5. Loud Music

6. Blocking Traffic Lanes (stopping in driving lane)

7. Hanging out of windows, students being pulled on skateboards or bikes, etc.

8. Smoking on campus (tobacco products are not allowed on campus)

E. PENALTIES FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS (any traffic violation may result in a citation being issued by the S.R.O. depending upon the severity).

1st OFFENSE-WRITTEN WARNING

2nd OFFENSE-LOSS OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES FOR TWO WEEKS

3rd OFFENSE-CITATION ISSUED BY S.R.O. OR LOSS OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES FOR ONE MONTH

4th OFFENSE-STUDENT WILL LOSE PARKING PRIVILEGES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEMESTER

• ALL students found guilty of traffic violations will be required to attend Mandarin High School Traffic Court (students will be notified by security).

• Permits will be taken upon violation; refusal to relinquish permit will result in loss of permit for a period of not less than 2 weeks and could result in school discipline.

8. Suspension of driving privileges, having your vehicle towed and/or suspension from school may result for repeated violations of parking policies.

9. Any student failing one or more class(es) in a grading period will forfeit his or her parking pass for the next grading period. If the student passes all classes in that next grading period, he or she will be eligible to purchase a new pass.

10. Note that a student’s parking pass may be forfeited for violations of other school policies.

11. Upon 5th tardy, parking decal will be confiscated and driving privilege revoked for the remainder of the quarter.

12. More than 10 absences to any class during a quarter will result in decal revocation for one quarter.

PROGRESS REPORTS

A progress report will be issued to the student to be taken to his/her parent(s) at the mid-point of each grading period. A parent may request a weekly progress report by contacting guidance.

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

Public display of affection is in poor taste and students should refrain from kissing, embracing, or engaging in similar behavior on campus. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in being sent to the Dean. Repeat offenses will result in notification of parents and possible 1-2 day suspension.

READMITS

Students are required to bring a note from their parent/guardian whenever they miss any part of the school day. These notes are to be given to each teacher to sign and are to be left with the 4th period teacher to turn in. All 4th period teachers must turn in all notes daily to the Attendance Office. All notes will be kept on file in the Attendance Office. READMIT NOTES MUST BE TURNED IN WITHIN 2 DAYS OF THE STUDENT’S RETURN TO SCHOOL FOLLOWING AN ABSENCE; OTHERWISE, THE ABSENCE IS UNEXCUSED.

REFERRALS

Students written on referral MUST report to the appropriate Dean’s office immediately. Continued disruption of class and/or failure to report to the office compound the infraction and results in more serious disciplinary action being taken. Students will receive a copy of the referral, which should be kept as a readmit back into the class.

REPORT CARDS

Students are issued reports cards at the end of each grading period. In addition, a progress report will be issued at approximately the mid-point of each term. Parents are urged to contact the classroom teacher and/or the guidance office for information regarding their child’s progress. If a student is failing, or if their grades are below satisfactory, a parent/teacher conference is recommended and can be scheduled through the guidance office secretary.

SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICY

Students will receive a copy of their course selection sheet during registration. Students are given until mid-June to change their course selection provided that the change is possible. Once classes have started, the only changes will be for the purpose of leveling classes. There will be NO OTHER SCHEDULE CHANGES.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Labor Day September 5, 2005

Planning Day October 14, 2005

Veterans’ Day November 11, 2005

Thanksgiving November 24-25, 2005

Winter Break December 19, 2005 – January 2, 2006

Planning Day January 3, 2006

Weather Day January 13, 2006

Martin L. King’s Birthday January 16, 2006

Weather Day January 27, 2006

President’s Day February 20, 2006

Planning Day March 17, 2006

Spring Break March 20-24, 2006

Spring Holidays April 14 , 17, 2006

Last Day of School May 25, 2006

In the event school days are missed due to severe weather, such as last fall’s three hurricanes, school officials will convert up to six days in the calendar to “make-up” days in order to meet state requirements of 180 days. If needed, the following days would be used in the following order:

Number of days to be converted Dates to be converted

1 1/ 27

2 1/ 27, 1/ 13

3 12/ 19, 12/ 20, 12/ 21

4 12/ 19, 12/ 20, 12/ 21, 1/ 27

5 12/ 19, 12/ 20, 12/ 21, 1/ 27, 1/ 13

6 12/ 19, 12/ 20, 12/ 21, 1/ 27, 1/ 13, 5/ 26

SCHOOL INSURANCE

The Duval County School Board has made it possible for students and/or parents to purchase student accident insurance. The cost of this policy is nominal and the policy covers accidents and injuries both on and off campus. Those students and parents interested in obtaining student insurance through this plan should obtain an application from the main office.

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT

Mandarin High School is no longer accepting students on Special Assignment due to our current large enrollment. However, current Special Assignment status is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress, good attendance and good behavior. Academic progress is defined as: enrolling in and completing with a passing grade the recommended courses for that program of study. Good attendance is defined as: not receiving a failing grade due to attendance alone. Good behavior is defined as: no Class III/IV code infractions; additionally no more than 7 Class II code violations. A violation of the Student Code of Conduct with either a Class III or Class IV may result in the immediate revocation of a student’s Special Assignment.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE STATEMENT

For reasonable suspicion, student lockers, cars, book bags, purses and persons are subject to search and seizure of prohibited or illegally possessed substances or objects. (Florida Statute 232.256).

The administration will conduct regular unscheduled security classroom checks.

SICKNESS

Students who become ill during the school day must report to the Dean’s office immediately for assistance.

SKIPPING CLASSES

Every student is expected to attend all classes after arrival at the MHS campus. Students who fail to comply with this regulation will be subject to disciplinary action. The following table details the consequences of skipping class.

1st offense: Parent notification

2nd offense: 4 days after school detention

3rd offense: 8 days after school detention

4th offense: 3 days ISSP

5th offense: 3 days suspension

6th offense: 5 days suspension

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Mandarin High features 13 service clubs. There is truly something for everyone. Students are encouraged to participate in a school activity. Note that students attending or participating in a school activity must abide by all policies of the school including the Duval County Student Code of Conduct. A club fair will be held early in the school year so that students may obtain information about the different organizations on campus. Membership in all service clubs is open to all students at Mandarin High.

STUDENT SERVICES

Student services personnel include guidance counselors and deans. These faculty members are at Mandarin to help students achieve success in their school activities. Appointments to see a counselor may be made in the guidance office before school and during the student’s lunch period. Appointment slips are sent to the student stating the date and time of the appointment.

The teacher has the authority to reject the appointment if a test or some other activity in which the student’s presence is needed has been scheduled. Do not come to the dean’s or guidance office without an appointment or hall pass.

TARDY

Definition of “TARDY”: If a student is not in the classroom when the late bell rings, he/she is considered “TARDY.”

Tardy sweeps occur every 1^st and 4^th period, all year long. We encourage all students to be on time to all classes. In the event a student is late 1^st and/ or 4^th period, a call to a parent is made. The purpose is to keep parents informed regarding their student’s tardiness during these periods.

Procedure:

1. When the tardy bell rings, teachers will close and lock classroom doors.

2. All students late to class will report to the tardy office located at the window of the attendance office, which is located just past the entrance to the Dean’s offices.

3. Students will present their ID badge and will be recorded as tardy. They will be given a tardy admit enabling them to enter the class.

4. The following table details the consequences of excessive tardiness:

Consequences:

1st and 2nd Tardy: Warning

3rd Tardy: After school detention

4th Tardy: 3 days ASD and parent notification

5th Tardy: 2 days ISSP and loss of parking privilege

6th + Tardy: Suspension

TELEPHONE USE AND MESSAGES

We do not have personnel to deliver telephone messages.

1. Use of school telephone is provided in STUDENT ILLNESS EMERGENCY cases only. You may secure permission and use of the phone in the dean’s offices. The dean will determine the emergency. All calls will be limited to two (2) minutes for illness and getting picked up.

2. We will be unable to deliver messages to students, except in cases of EMERGENCY.

3. The nature of the emergency MUST be specified to a school official in order for the message to be delivered.

4. Arrangements for routine matters such as rides to and from school, car and house key delivery and pick-up, job times, meeting places, etc. should be made before students arrive at school. Otherwise, there will not be any use of the office telephones by students.

TESTS

Students are required to take the following tests:

All 9th and 10th graders will take the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in both their freshman and sophomore years. The Grade 10 FCAT must be passed (Reading and Mathematics) in order for a student to receive a diploma from high school.

Science FCAT is administered in Grade 11.

Other tests may include FCAT Benchmark & FCAT Writes.

TEXTBOOKS

Mandarin High will issue textbooks from a central location. This distribution will occur during registration and will utilize the barcode on the student’s ID card to check out books to students. Textbooks are the property of the Duval County School Board and students are charged with maintaining them in good condition. Students are reminded that they are responsible for all damages to any book checked out to them. All lost, stolen, or damaged texts must be paid for in cash or money order before another book can be issued. Note that no student who is on a debt list will be issued textbooks until the debt has been cleared.

TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts will be sent free of charge to post secondary institutions or scholarship granting agencies. Transcript requests should be made to the guidance department. During the school year, students can fill out transcript request forms before or after school, and during the lunch period.

TRUANCY

The State of Florida Statutes define a habitual truant as a child who has at least 15 unexcused absences within a 90-day period, with or without the knowledge or justifiable consent of the parent or legal guardian.

Any student 15 years and younger accumulating excessive unexcused absences will be referred to the school board administration as well as the State Attorney’s Office.

The State of Florida has established a policy that requires the school to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles whenever a student reaches 15 unexcused absences in a school year. The State has determined that any student who has 15 or more unexcused absences from school will face forfeiture of his or her driver’s license.

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES

Any student wishing to withdraw from school for any reason will follow these required procedures:

1. A student wishing to withdraw from school must bring their parent/guardian to the Guidance Office to sign the withdrawal form.

2. Once withdrawal information is obtained, the student will be given the appropriate withdrawal form, which must be signed by all of the student’s teachers, thus verifying that teachers have been notified and textbooks have been turned in. When the form is completed, it is to be returned to the Guidance Office.

3. Magnet withdrawals must be approved by the principal and the district magnet office prior to withdrawal.