PART III.  ACADEMICS  

The success of our children depends on the joint efforts and involvement of everyone. Ensuring this success will require the following activities for the stakeholders in this process.

A. Parents are expected to:

1. Send their children to school daily, on time and ready to participate and learn.
2. Ensure all absences are for accepted excused reasons and provide written excuses.
3. Insist their children be dressed and groomed in an appropriate manner.
4. Help children understand that rules are required to maintain a safe, orderly environment.
5. Know school rules, help the children understand them and send the message that they are to be obeyed.
6. Communicate regularly with teacher and the school.
7. Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect the student.
8. Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are completed.

B. Teachers are expected to:

1. Maintain an environment which promotes student learning and success.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in teaching and a concern for student achievement.
3. Know school policies and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner.
4. Communicate to students and parents class rules,  expectations and student progress

C. Guidance Counselors are expected to:

1. Assist students in coping with academic, social and emotional problems.
2. Facilitate communication and initiate conferences as necessary.
3. Regularly review with students their educational progress and career plans.
4. Assist students in selecting and scheduling classes and extracurricular programs.

D. The Central Office is expected to:

1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment.
2. Be responsible for fairly and consistently enforcing the code of conduct.
3. Work to create instructional programs that challenge students and prepare them for success after graduation.

E. The Board of Education is expected to:

1. Collaborate with all stakeholders of the school in developing policies to effectively facilitate the many activities of the District.
2. Adopt and review, at least annually, the district’s procedural documents including the student and faculty handbooks.
3. Lead by example by conducting board meetings in a professional, respectful, courteous manner.

 

 

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

Students are expected to come to school properly prepared to participate in the various learning activities that WCS offers. This means that each day students should have proper writing utensils, books, prepared assignments, notebooks, gym clothes, and any other material assigned. It is expected that students will have these various materials in each of the classes in which they are required.
All text books, library resources and school equipment are issued on a loan basis.  It is the student's responsibility to care for these materials and return them in good condition at the end of the year. Materials not returned, or brought back in a deteriorated condition, will lead to parents being billed for their replacement or repair. Writing in or on books is not allowed, they are not to be abused in any way. If required, each textbook should be properly covered. Students who willfully destroy or damage school property will be disciplined and charged for repair or replacement.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty (cheating and plagiarism) is a serious offense which is not be acceptable by any student. Students who are caught cheating will be subject to both academic and disciplinary penalties as described in the disciplinary consequences section.  In addition to general expectations, all students participating in athletics are subject to the term and conditions of the athletic handbook.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

The Willsboro Central School District is happy to be affiliated with the National Honor Society through our William Gilliland Chapter. All students meeting the criteria for membership will be considered beginning with grade ten. The criteria for membership are as follows:

1. Scholarship -A Grade Point Average of 85% or Higher
2. Leadership – Leadership Potential or Activities
3. Character – Honesty, Cooperation, Reliability, Morality, &  Positive Behaviors
4. Service – Voluntary Contribution of One’s Time and Talents to Others in School or the Community, Done Without Compensation

All students qualifying scholastically will be notified of their eligibility and considered by the faculty selection committee for potential induction. Induction may be held in the fall, spring, or at any other time designated by the selection committee in consultation with the school administration. As part of this process, students may be asked to submit a written document in support of their candidacy.

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
The Willsboro Central School District also recognizes and supports a Junior Honor Society for students in grades seven, eight and nine. The criteria and process for membership in the Junior Society will be the same as for the high school Honor Society.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY PRIVILEGE
The NHS privilege will be to leave school during lunch only.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Only members of the National Honor Society are eligible for this privilege. Students must be in good academic standing with an acceptable attendance record (acceptable attitude and effort as determined by the faculty).

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Each NHS member must submit a permission slip from their parent excusing their son/daughter from school lunch and granting permission to drive during lunch hour. This would grant permission for the whole year.
2. Each NHS member must maintain passing grades in all courses.
3. Each NHS member must also sign in and out to leave for lunch.
4. A NHS member using this privilege must leave the building and the school grounds immediately after signing out, unless supervised by a teacher.
5. Each NHS member must possess a privilege card and show it when asked.
6. No bus transportation will be provided other than the regular school bus run.

WITHDRAWAL OF PRIVILEGE
Loss of privilege lasts for the remainder of the 5 week marking period. This is not a "day on/day off" privilege.

1. Not fulfilling NHS responsibilities (see above).
2. Allowing an unauthorized student to accompany them.
3. Failure to maintain a positive attitude/effort in classes.
4. Suspension from school for any reason.
5. Continual disciplinary problems resulting in assignment of after school detention.
6. Tardy when returning from lunch.
7. Roaming the halls during designated dismissal times.
8. Unauthorized absences.
9. A single violation of this policy is sufficient to have the privilege revoked.
10. If a large number of NHS members violate the policy, the privilege will be suspended for everyone.
11. The administration has the right to review all cases of withdrawal of the privilege. 

 

HONOR ROLL

At the end of each quarter students with an overall average of 85 or above will be placed on the school's honor roll.  Students with an average of 90 or above will be placed on the schools high honor roll. To qualify for the honor roll, a student must have a minimum of 5 credits and not have any incomplete or failing grades.  The names of these students will be released to the local media and prominently displayed in the school for recognition. All parents of honor students will receive a letter of congratulations from the superintendent.

Academic letters and pins will be awarded to students who achieve high levels of scholarship. The criteria to receive an academic letter or pin is earning an 85 or higher average during the first three quarters of the school year. In addition, individual teachers will give awards to students they feel deserve to be recognized for their efforts.

Freshmen to Sophomore     6 credits required

Sophomore to Junior          11 credits required

Junior to Senior                 must be scheduled  
                                           for all graduation
                                           requirements

Senior to Graduate            22 credits required

 

MARKING SYSTEM

Grading at Willsboro Central High School is on a percentage basis. Pupils in grades 6-12 are graded in academic subjects with a numerical grade that represents a percentage that is based on class work, tests, quizzes and class participation.  Report cards are sent home four times a year, with interim progress reports provided at 5 week intervals. Please consult the school calendar to determine the dates for this year.

Final exams or projects are required for all semester and year courses.  If the course is a full year course, it should end in a final exam not a project. The final exam in a Regents course should not be the Regents exam. In Regents courses, the final can be given during finals week or the exam can be given during the final week of school and the final exam period can be used for review. Students must take the final exam to successfully complete the course unless excused by the principal.  Students cannot pass a course simply by passing the final exam or the Regents Exam.  Semester or quarterly courses may end in a project. Final exams and quarterly averages all weigh equally when determining a final average.

Students in seventh grade will repeat the grade level if they fail two out of the four core subjects.
Students in eighth grade will repeat, for an entire year, any of the core courses they have failed. Plus, students in eighth grade will repeat the grade level if they fail two out of the four core subjects.
Students that fail nonelective high school courses will have to repeat the course for an entire school year.  Students that have failed courses are encouraged to attend summer school to maintain their progress towards graduation. Students may not take the next course in a sequence at the same time as they are repeating a course. Students may only double up on core courses during their senior year. Permission to attend summer school must be granted by the principal and based on teacher recommendations.

At the end of the Junior and Senior year, the relative rank of each student will be determined. This rank, a straight average of all academic courses, is used in reports to colleges. The determination of class Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be done at the end of the third quarter of the Senior year. Students receiving an grade point average of 90 or higher will be recognized as honors graduates.

Students may add or drop courses during the summer with parental permission. The Guidance Office will be open during designated hours for this purpose. After school has started, there will be an eight day Add/Drop period where students may add or drop courses with written parental permission. After the Add/Drop period, changes in students’ schedules will only be done with a parent or teacher initiated conference involving the principal, guidance counselor, student, parents, and the teacher(s) involved. Courses dropped after this period will remain on the students’ transcript as WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing). Second semester courses will also have an eight day Add/Drop period.  Students must maintain a schedule of at least 6 periods of classes unless otherwise approved by the school counselor or school psychologist.

• English: English 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College English electives.
• Social Studies: Social Studies 7, 8, Grade 9 and 10 Global Studies, US History and Government, Economics and Government
• Math: Math 7, 8, Math Course A, A/B, B, Precalculus, and Calculus.
• Science: Science 7, 8, Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science
• Heath: Health 7, 12
• Physical Education: Physical Education 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
• Home and Careers: Home and Career Skills 7, 8, Introduction to Occupations, Family Science, School-to-Work Internship
• Spanish: Spanish 7/8, Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, College Spanish.
• French: French 7/8, French I, French II, French III, College French
• Technology: Technology 7, 8, Transportation Systems, Design and Drawing for Production, Technical Drawing, Residential Structures, Production Systems, Computer Aided Drawing, Forensics, Biotechnology
• Music: Music 7, 8 
• Art: Art 7, 8, Studio Art, Advanced Art
• Business: Keyboarding, Word Processing, Business Analysis/Business Computer Applications, Business Law, Marketing, Accounting, Desktop Publishing, Yearbook, Personal Finance
• Library: Information Research Skills

Extracurricular activities require a tremendous amount of time and effort. The students academic and/or vocational education is the primary function of our school system. Students will be required to maintain a satisfactory status in their program of instruction before they will be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities. Passing every subject will be the goal of every student.
All employees of the school acting in the capacity of advisor, coach, or supervisor of an extracurricular activity must be familiar with the policy and enforce it.

POLICY

A. After the first five weeks of school a list of all students failing any course will be submitted by the teachers to the main office. A teacher should consider individual limitations and abilities during this step of the process such as being classified by CSE committee.
B. A master list of those students failing two or more subjects or seniors failing a course required for graduation will be compiled.
C. Any student appearing on this list will have 1 week to improve their academic performance. These students will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities during this one week probationary period. The building administrator will notify the parents that their child is on probation. A faculty committee comprised of the school psychologist, high school special ed teacher (chair), and involved teachers will take place during the week probationary period. This committee will make the final determination if a CSE student will be included on the ineligibility list.
D. All students on the list must complete the following procedure: Student picks up an evaluation form on Monday morning. The student will note on the form the activities and/or grades received in each class and each day of the week. On Friday, the student asks each of their teachers to sign the teacher portion of the form. The student takes the form home over the weekend and the parent signs the form. The student will return the completed form to the office and pick up a new blank form. The student will continue this procedure for the entire five week period.
E. If there has not been satisfactory improvement in all failing subjects the student will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities. The building administrator will send a letter to the parents notifying them of their child’s ineligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.
F. When the administrator receives the completed form and if the student has done passing work for the week, the supervisor will issue a "Back on Track" card restoring extra curricular activities.
G. Students failing to complete the procedure stated above will be subject to disciplinary actions.
H. A student cannot circumvent the "two-failure" academic standard by dropping a course he or she is failing. A student must meet with the guidance counselor before a course may be dropped. At the discretion of the guidance counselor a meeting with student, parents, teacher, and extra curricular advisor/coach may be necessary. If a student drops a course without recommendation from their guidance counselor they will be referred to the academic eligibility committee for reinstatement or denial of extra curricular activities.

CONSEQUENCES OF ACADEMIC INELIGIBILITY

A. A student on academic ineligibility will not be allowed to participate in or attend any extracurricular activities (any school sponsored, non credit bearing activity including participation in sports, clubs, organizations and class activities or attendance at dances).
B. A student on academic probation or ineligibility will not be allowed privileges (including driving and lunch release).
C. A student on academic probation or ineligibility will be on pass restriction (passes given for academic reasons only).
D. The decision to deny participation in the senior trip and junior prom will be made by the Superintendent.

 

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE PROCEDURE

The Willsboro School district has actively pursued making advanced technology and increased access to learning opportunities available to our students and staff. We are happy to announce that we now can offer Internet services through the Willsboro Board of Education and Willex.com. The purpose of the Internet is to facilitate communications in support of research and education by providing access to unique resources and an opportunity for collaborative work. We believe this computer technology will help propel today’s students into the information age by allowing students and staff to access and use information sources from distant computers, communicate and share information with individuals or groups of the students and staff, and significantly expand their knowledge base. In as such all students in the district will be afforded equal opportunity to access the internet and related technology. The Internet is a tool for life long learning and only begins to open the door to many other opportunities.

1. In order to access the Internet via district’s network all students and their parent/guardian should read, fill out, and return an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). A copy of the policy can be obtained from the school’s computer lab. Note: the provided access expires at the end of the year, so a new AUP needs to be signed each year.
2. Use of the Internet must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the district.
3. Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state law or regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.
4. Student users must have direct teacher supervision when using the Internet. If there is not a teacher or staff member in the room a student may not access the Internet.
5. Use of the Internet at school for commercial activities is not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.
6. Be polite. Do not swear, use abusive language, or vulgarities in your messages to others.
7. Do not reveal your personal address, phone number or any other personal information.
8. Do not reveal the personal address, phone number or any personal information about any student or staff member.
9. Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
10. Report any security problems on the Internet you discover to a teacher or the network administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users.
11. Do not commit vandalism or harassment. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm, modify, and destroy data of another user, or the Internet in general. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creating of computer viruses. Harassment is defined as the persistent annoyance of another user, or the interference of another user’s work. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, the sending of unwanted mail.
12. Users shall not use the computer resources for nonacademic activities including but not limited to playing games, entering public discussion groups (chat rooms), or visiting web sites for entertainment such as music, sports, or movies.
13. While users may obtain e-mail accounts, they should only use them at school to support an academic activity. Writing and receiving personal e-mail is not permitted.
14. Users shall not waste or take supplies, such as paper, printer ribbons, ink and diskettes, that are provided by the district.
15. Users shall talk softly and work in ways that will not disturb other users.

PENALTIES FOR IMPROPER USE OF THE INTERNET
The use of Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use, including any violation of these conditions and rules, may result in cancellation of the privilege after a due process hearing has been conducted in accordance with the district’s established disciplinary procedures. Until such hearing is concluded internet privileges will be temporarily suspended. The Willsboro Central School Board of Education under this agreement has delegated the authority to determine appropriate use to the faculty and staff and may deny, revoke, or suspend a user’s privileges any time based upon its determination of inappropriate use. In addition, improper use will subject the user to other district disciplinary procedures. The user should also be aware that improper use could expose the user to criminal prosecution under applicable federal or state laws.

NO WARRANTIES
The Willsboro Central School Board of Education and the District make no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. The Willsboro Central School Board of Education, the District, and its staff will not be responsible for any damages a user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, no deliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the Willsboro Central School Board of Education and the District’s negligence or by the user’s errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. The Willsboro Central School Board of Education and the District can not guarantee the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. All users need to consider the source of any information they obtain, and consider how valid that information may be.

MONITORING
All communications and information accessible via the network (including e-mail) should be assumed to be public property. The Willsboro Central School Board of Education and the District reserve the right to review any material on a user’s account and to monitor fileserver space in order for the Willsboro Central School Board of Education to make determinations on whether specific uses of the network are inappropriate. Users may encounter material that is controversial and which users, parents, teachers or administrators may consider inappropriate or offensive. It is the user’s responsibility not to initiate access to such material and to immediately close a connection if such material is accidentally accessed.